diff --git a/Ascension Day, May 9, 2024_summary.txt b/Ascension Day, May 9, 2024_summary.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000000000000000000000000000000000000..e6d1e32dd45f203f8ea3490458bcb45e00d341b6 --- /dev/null +++ b/Ascension Day, May 9, 2024_summary.txt @@ -0,0 +1,78 @@ +• Discussion about being alone and going back to a place +• Mention of people's presence everywhere +• Reference to reading in a book and thanking someone +• Discussion about memory and something beautiful +• Comment about not believing something +• Talk about clouds and birds +• Discussion about relationships and being happy +• Rehearsal of the story of Ascension without amplification or screens +• The story of Jesus' Ascension as recorded in Acts +• The apostolic benediction and its components (grace, peace, blessing from God and Christ) +• Inviting congregants to worship with a greeting and response +• Repeated declarations of praise and adoration to God through Alleluia chants +• A prayer for the presence of God's Spirit in their lives and drawing closer to Jesus Christ +• Singing hymns that declare the power and majesty of Jesus Christ as King and Lord +• Worship and praise to Jesus Christ as King of Kings +• Repentance for putting other things ahead of God +• Asking for forgiveness and humility +• Desire to be like Jesus in heart and spirit +• Gratitude and thanksgiving to God +• Expression of love and adoration through song and worship +• Recognition that human words fall short in expressing gratitude +• Acknowledgment of God's love and humility +• Invitation to come before God with humble hearts and offer praise +• The speaker prays for a deeper connection with Jesus and asks Him to speak directly to their hearts. +• The church has been rehearsing the story of Jesus through various services, including Palm Sunday, Good Friday, and Easter Sunday. +• Ascension Day is not as well-attended or popular as other Christian holidays like Easter or Christmas. +• The Reformed Church places great importance on Ascension Day, considering it to be a day of equal or greater significance than Easter. +• A theologian named Herman Bavinck discussed the theme of Jesus' humiliation and exaltation in his work. +• John Calvin emphasized the importance of the ascension for our Christian faith and life together, citing three reasons: + • The constant intercession and advocacy of Jesus in the presence of God + • The turning away of God's wrath due to Jesus' standing before the Father + • The opening up of access to the heavenly kingdom +• The significance of Jesus' ascension and its benefits for believers +• Calvin's interpretation of Ephesians 4:8-10, specifically "he led captivity captive" +• The relationship between Christ's ascension and the Holy Spirit's presence on earth +• The Heidelberg Catechism's teaching on the benefits of Christ's ascension +• Augustine's views on the connection between Christ's ascension and his presence with believers through the Spirit +• Jesus' own statement that his ascension is necessary for the believer's good +• The importance of establishing roots and purpose in life, especially in uncertain times +• The significance of the church's history and tradition as a source of grounding and identity +• The connection between the incarnation (Christmas) and the church's mission to proclaim God's presence and promise +• Jesus' role as the obedient one, perfectly righteous one, and fulfilling of the law +• The meaning of Jesus' death on the cross: payment for human failings and rebellion +• The significance of Jesus' resurrection: victory over death and God's triumph +• The ascension of Jesus: declaration of his kingship and authority +• The importance of understanding and following God's plan +• Jesus' temptation by Satan in Matthew 4, specifically the third temptation +• A personal experience visiting a mountain lookout and its connection to Jesus' experience +• The concept that each person has their own path to follow and achieve their goals +• Hebrews 1 and the role of Jesus as the radiance of God's glory +• The ascension of Jesus is a necessary part of his journey to heaven and authority +• Jesus' road to the throne above all thrones had to go through the cross +• Kingship belongs to Jesus, but the means of his being exalted as king cannot be cut short or shortcut +• The Ascension of Jesus is a deep hope for believers, a necessary gospel reality available to them +• The promise of God to believers is a future reward, including heaven and a crown of glory +• Various Bible references support this promise, including 1 Peter and Revelation +• The ascension of Jesus is a guarantee of this promised future reality +• To achieve this future, one must go through the cross and face opposition and persecution as a disciple of Jesus +• Self-denial and taking up one's cross daily are necessary for following Jesus +• The way to glory with Jesus is through daily taking up your cross and following him. +• Living a cruciform life means dying to self and rising with Jesus Christ every day. +• The two greatest temptations are comfort and power, but true comfort comes from Jesus' presence in weakness, not from worldly pursuits. +• True power is found in Jesus, who says that the greatest must become the least. +• Following Jesus as King means living a life that looks different from everyone else's. +• Rehearsing the story of Jesus helps us see him as our crown of glory and enables us to press towards him. +• Prayer for the Holy Spirit to move in believers +• Request for newness of life and power to face death +• Call to go forth nourished and sustained in faith +• Reference to taking up one's cross and following Jesus +• Promise of reigning with Jesus if enduring with Him +• Invocation to draw near to Christ's victor's crown +• Reflection on the love and sacrifice of Jesus +• Reading of a hymn extolling God's love and redemption +• Scripture reading from Acts 1:9-11, describing Jesus' ascension +• Benediction asking for God's presence and protection +• Praise to the King +• References to the "only white child" +• Repeated invocations of glory and honor for the King \ No newline at end of file diff --git a/Ascension Day, May 9, 2024_transcript.txt b/Ascension Day, May 9, 2024_transcript.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000000000000000000000000000000000000..bd96d18b59d6fd02432b14b7d35e0d6c92d2dee4 --- /dev/null +++ b/Ascension Day, May 9, 2024_transcript.txt @@ -0,0 +1,1202 @@ +[0.00 --> 8.60] In my opinion, the day of the day, the sun will be me, and I'm just going to be me. +[8.60 --> 14.20] You know what, then I would suggest you go back there. I will never go back. +[14.80 --> 15.86] You said it for a while. +[15.86 --> 17.60] I'm sure that I'm going to go back. +[19.74 --> 22.54] The truth you get, some people are going to be everywhere. +[22.54 --> 25.52] You're sucking the bass every month I read in the book. +[25.52 --> 26.76] It's right. You're not a friend. +[26.92 --> 27.66] It's a total thing. +[27.66 --> 28.80] I'm just paying thanks for everything. +[28.80 --> 30.80] In my opinion, the other person wat +[30.80 --> 32.12] executive secretary is on top of the board. +[32.12 --> 33.96] So if I let the horn out, we'll end up here. +[33.96 --> 34.66] I need a memory. +[34.66 --> 35.02] Imay. +[35.02 --> 36.72] To it's a beautiful north and north began. +[36.72 --> 38.10] No pictures of their heads. +[38.10 --> 40.10] It broke me so I don't believe it. +[40.10 --> 41.02] It's a beautiful north. +[41.02 --> 43.22] To it… +[48.58 --> 49.80] Thank you and everyone. +[49.80 --> 52.46] When you're in Example, +[52.46 --> 55.18] if Sal 준비's dealing with the best. +[55.18 --> 56.58] 복 years to help. +[56.58 --> 58.58] Is that what it looks like? +[58.58 --> 60.58] It's a bird cloud. +[60.58 --> 62.58] Yeah, you can see it. +[62.58 --> 64.58] Oh, there's one hiding. +[64.58 --> 66.58] Oh, yeah, there's one hiding. +[66.58 --> 68.58] There's one hiding in the back. +[68.58 --> 70.58] You can move it. +[70.58 --> 72.58] There's a little E-tease. +[72.58 --> 74.58] You're glowing. +[74.58 --> 76.58] I mean, I'm going to show you how to side it. +[76.58 --> 78.58] That's your girlfriend. +[78.58 --> 80.58] I don't know. +[80.58 --> 82.58] It's others. +[82.58 --> 84.58] I don't know if you're close. +[84.58 --> 86.58] I'm very happy. +[86.58 --> 88.58] Very good. +[88.58 --> 90.58] Everyone with you. +[90.58 --> 92.58] Oh, boy. +[92.58 --> 94.58] Oh, boy. +[94.58 --> 96.58] Oh, well. +[96.58 --> 98.58] There it is. +[98.58 --> 100.58] Yeah. +[100.58 --> 102.58] All right, then. +[102.58 --> 104.58] Good. +[104.58 --> 106.58] Okay. +[106.58 --> 108.58] Good. +[108.58 --> 110.58] And I'd like to be down. +[110.58 --> 112.58] You can move that. +[112.58 --> 114.58] Don't worry. +[114.58 --> 116.58] Thanks, sir. +[116.58 --> 118.58] It's ours. +[118.58 --> 120.58] . +[120.58 --> 122.58] They used it. +[122.58 --> 124.58] . +[124.58 --> 126.58] Yeah, I'm just getting . +[126.58 --> 156.56] Thank you. +[156.58 --> 186.56] Thank you. +[186.58 --> 216.56] Thank you. +[216.58 --> 218.58] Thank you. +[246.58 --> 248.58] Thank you. +[276.58 --> 278.58] Thank you. +[306.58 --> 308.58] Thank you. +[336.58 --> 338.58] Thank you. +[366.58 --> 368.58] Thank you. +[396.58 --> 398.58] Thank you. +[426.58 --> 428.58] Thank you. +[456.58 --> 458.58] Thank you. +[486.58 --> 488.58] Thank you. +[488.58 --> 490.58] Thank you. +[490.58 --> 492.58] Thank you. +[492.58 --> 522.56] Thank you. +[522.58 --> 552.56] Thank you. +[552.58 --> 582.56] Thank you. +[582.58 --> 584.58] Thank you. +[584.58 --> 588.80] and also welcome if you are joining us online. +[589.94 --> 593.30] Tonight, as I trust you've seen, our format is a little bit different. +[594.44 --> 597.40] It's always interesting to me that when you make changes, +[597.62 --> 600.68] old habits die hard and the first people here sit in the back. +[601.80 --> 603.06] Yeah, mom and dad, that was you. +[605.70 --> 609.48] So the reason we wanted to gather in this more intimate way, +[609.80 --> 612.44] in part is because we knew there would be fewer of us here, +[612.44 --> 622.96] but also because we wanted to try and live into our rehearsing of the story of Ascension in a different way. +[623.40 --> 626.06] And so we're unplugging our worship. +[626.42 --> 630.38] There's no amplification for any of the musicians, just your voices. +[630.84 --> 633.26] Your voices are the amplification. +[634.28 --> 637.88] And so Karis, I'm requiring you to sing extra loud tonight. +[639.78 --> 641.54] And we have no screen. +[641.54 --> 645.42] And so we're going to move through the liturgy in the book that you have, +[645.54 --> 647.22] and it's going to go page by page. +[647.94 --> 652.48] And so if you didn't get one, there's many more available at the back. +[653.16 --> 655.64] So go ahead and grab one of those. +[657.24 --> 659.82] And then as we go, we will move. +[660.98 --> 664.78] Pretty much the only announcement will be turning your page. +[664.78 --> 671.60] And so follow along as we go in our worship this evening together. +[672.10 --> 673.76] I'm going to invite you to stand. +[674.40 --> 678.42] And we're going to begin our worship with a communal call. +[680.06 --> 684.86] Following the call, I will welcome us in God's name. +[684.86 --> 692.32] As mentioned, we are rehearsing together the story of the Ascension of Jesus. +[692.50 --> 697.78] And so we start as our call with the story of the Ascension, +[698.22 --> 700.48] recorded by Luke in the book of Acts. +[700.48 --> 730.46] And after he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, +[730.48 --> 733.74] and a cloud hid him from their sight. +[735.06 --> 737.52] Receive the greeting of our God. +[738.84 --> 745.52] Grace and peace to you from him who is and who was and who is to come, +[745.88 --> 748.26] and from the seven spirits before his throne, +[748.40 --> 751.34] and from Jesus Christ who is the faithful witness, +[751.52 --> 755.72] the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth. +[756.16 --> 758.38] And all God's people said, amen. +[758.38 --> 762.62] I invite you to welcome those around you in worship by saying, +[762.70 --> 766.06] the Lord be with you, and then respond with and also with you. +[766.06 --> 781.28] I'll just go let you say it first. +[783.74 --> 784.14] Amen. +[784.14 --> 784.46] Amen. +[784.46 --> 785.02] Amen. +[785.38 --> 785.58] Amen. +[785.58 --> 787.34] Amen. +[791.50 --> 793.74] Amen. +[793.74 --> 795.34] Amen. +[795.34 --> 795.84] Amen. +[795.84 --> 818.74] Alleluia, Alleluia, O Lord of mighty praise. +[818.74 --> 838.74] Alleluia, Alleluia, O Lord of mighty praise. +[838.74 --> 853.74] Alleluia, Alleluia, O Lord of mighty praise. +[853.74 --> 860.74] Alleluia, Alleluia, O Lord of mighty praise. +[860.74 --> 868.74] Alleluia, O Lord of mighty praise. +[868.74 --> 875.74] Alleluia, O Lord of mighty praise. +[875.74 --> 883.74] Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia, O Lord of mighty praise. +[883.74 --> 887.74] Alleluia, O Lord of mighty praise. +[887.74 --> 902.74] Alleluia, Alleluia, O Lord of mighty praise. +[902.74 --> 921.74] Alleluia, Alleluia, O Lord of mighty praise. +[921.74 --> 936.74] Alleluia, Alleluia, O Lord of mighty praise. +[936.74 --> 942.74] Alleluia, O Lord of mighty praise. +[942.74 --> 949.74] Alleluia, O Lord of mighty praise. +[949.74 --> 951.74] Alleluia, O Lord of mighty praise. +[951.74 --> 955.74] Alleluia, O Lord of mighty praise. +[955.74 --> 960.74] Alleluia, O Lord of mighty Lautiēs. +[960.74 --> 965.74] Alleluia, O Lord of mighty praise. +[965.74 --> 995.54] Lord Jesus, we come to you tonight to worship you. +[995.54 --> 996.54] We come to you as King. +[996.54 --> 1002.54] You reign on high in heaven, Lord, and we fully await your return. +[1002.54 --> 1007.94] Jesus, our Savior, tonight as we celebrate your Ascension to heaven where you are seated +[1007.94 --> 1014.94] in all your glory on the throne of thrones, advocating on our behalf to our Heavenly Father, +[1014.94 --> 1017.94] we can do nothing but give you glory. +[1017.94 --> 1024.30] May we be affirmed tonight that we are your people and that one day we will be with you +[1024.30 --> 1026.30] as co-heirs to all your kingdom. +[1026.30 --> 1032.10] Christ, our King, send your Spirit here tonight to be with us and press on our hearts the things +[1032.10 --> 1035.30] that are not of this world but are of your kingdom. +[1035.30 --> 1038.30] Draw us closer to you, Christ, our King. +[1038.30 --> 1039.30] We pray. +[1039.30 --> 1040.30] Amen. +[1040.30 --> 1041.30] Amen. +[1041.30 --> 1042.30] Amen. +[1042.30 --> 1043.30] Amen. +[1043.30 --> 1044.30] Amen. +[1044.30 --> 1045.30] Amen. +[1045.30 --> 1046.30] Amen. +[1046.30 --> 1047.30] Amen. +[1047.30 --> 1048.30] Amen. +[1048.30 --> 1060.30] All hail the power of Jesus, when red angels prospered fall. +[1060.30 --> 1069.50] The power of Jesus did, let angels cross the call. +[1069.50 --> 1084.06] Bring forth the royal diadem and crown him Lord of all. +[1084.06 --> 1099.06] Bring forth the royal diadem and crown him Lord of all. +[1099.06 --> 1112.06] O seed of Israel's chosen ways, now ransomed from the fall. +[1112.06 --> 1126.06] Hail him who saved you by his grace and crown him Lord of all. +[1126.06 --> 1141.06] Hail him who saved you by his grace and crown him Lord of all. +[1141.06 --> 1155.06] Let every tongue and every tribe responsive to his call. +[1155.06 --> 1169.06] To him all majesty asprung and crown him Lord of all. +[1169.06 --> 1183.06] To him all majesty asprung and crown him Lord of all. +[1183.06 --> 1197.06] Oh that with all the sacred cross we at his feet may call. +[1197.06 --> 1211.06] We'll join the everlasting song and crown him Lord of all. +[1211.06 --> 1223.06] We'll join the everlasting song and crown him Lord of all. +[1223.06 --> 1225.06] To him all majesty asprung and crown him Lord of all. +[1225.06 --> 1229.06] To him all majesty asprung and crown him Lord of all. +[1229.06 --> 1235.06] as prayer asprung and crown him Lord of all. +[1235.06 --> 1240.06] To him the Lord of all. +[1240.06 --> 1244.06] To him the senate and crown him Lord of all. +[1244.06 --> 1254.64] Awake my soul and sing of Him who died to me, +[1254.64 --> 1264.14] Your Savior and Your matchless King through all eternity. +[1264.14 --> 1279.26] Crown Him the Lord of life, triumphant o'er the grave, +[1279.26 --> 1290.14] Who rose victorious from the strife for those He came to save. +[1290.14 --> 1300.14] His glories now we sing, Who died and reigns on high, +[1300.14 --> 1312.14] He died eternal life to bring, And lives that death may die. +[1312.14 --> 1324.14] Crown Him the Lord of peace, His kingdom is at hand. +[1324.14 --> 1334.14] Crown Gold to Poland, War-Ferr-Seas, And Christ rules every land. +[1334.14 --> 1346.14] All hail, Redeemer, hail, For You have died for me. +[1346.14 --> 1358.14] Your praise shall never, never kill Throughout eternity. +[1358.14 --> 1364.14] We bow again once more. +[1364.14 --> 1368.14] King of kings, who is crowned in glory, we praise Your name. +[1368.14 --> 1373.14] So often, though, Lord, we put other things ahead of You. +[1373.14 --> 1380.14] We worship idols of our own making, Of our own following, of our own desiring. +[1380.14 --> 1385.14] As we humbly come before You, Lord, we pray for forgiveness. +[1385.14 --> 1390.14] May we come to know and serve and love You more, Lord Jesus our King. +[1390.14 --> 1392.14] Amen. +[1392.14 --> 1406.14] May we come back again, Here at Your knees. +[1406.14 --> 1418.14] May we come back again, Here at Your knees. +[1418.14 --> 1429.14] Show me how much You love, You better teach. +[1429.14 --> 1454.14] Lord, Spirit, lead us, come And lead me to The humble heart of love, I see in You. +[1454.14 --> 1476.14] I'm the God of the broken, The friend of the weak, You wash the feet of the weary, Embrace the ones in me. +[1476.14 --> 1487.14] I want to be like You, Jesus, To have this heart in me. +[1487.14 --> 1500.14] You are the God of the humble, You are the humble King. +[1500.14 --> 1512.14] O kneel me down again, Here at Your feet. +[1512.14 --> 1523.14] Show me how much You love, Humility. +[1523.14 --> 1546.14] O Spirit, be the star, That leads me to The humble heart of love, I see in You. +[1546.14 --> 1568.14] You are the God of the broken, The friend of the weak, You wash the feet of the weary, Embrace the ones in me. +[1568.14 --> 1579.14] I want to be like You, Jesus, To have this heart in me. +[1579.14 --> 1590.14] You are the God of the humble, You are the humble King. +[1590.14 --> 1602.14] You are the God of the humble, You are the humble King. +[1602.14 --> 1625.14] And I want to be like You, Jesus. +[1625.14 --> 1632.32] All my words fall short +[1632.32 --> 1637.24] I've got nothing new +[1637.24 --> 1640.64] How could I express +[1640.64 --> 1645.04] All my gratitude +[1645.04 --> 1650.64] I could sing these songs +[1650.64 --> 1654.64] As I often do +[1654.64 --> 1659.84] Every song I stand +[1659.84 --> 1664.24] And you never hear +[1664.24 --> 1668.42] So I throw up my hands +[1668.42 --> 1670.52] Praise you again +[1670.52 --> 1675.42] All that I have is +[1675.42 --> 1679.70] Alleluia +[1679.70 --> 1683.94] Alleluia +[1683.94 --> 1686.18] And the noise of us +[1686.18 --> 1687.90] Our love in us +[1687.90 --> 1689.14] We've got nothing new +[1689.14 --> 1692.82] Stand for our hearts +[1692.82 --> 1693.54] Singing +[1693.54 --> 1697.54] Alleluia +[1697.54 --> 1702.74] Alleluia +[1702.74 --> 1709.94] I've got one response +[1709.94 --> 1713.46] I've got just one proof +[1713.46 --> 1717.94] With my arms stretched wide +[1717.94 --> 1722.42] I will worship you +[1722.42 --> 1725.66] So I throw up my hands +[1725.66 --> 1729.90] Praise you again and again +[1729.90 --> 1733.14] So I throw up my hands +[1733.14 --> 1737.36] Alleluia +[1737.36 --> 1741.52] Alleluia +[1741.52 --> 1743.16] And I know it's not eaten +[1743.16 --> 1743.78] I know it's not flashed +[1743.78 --> 1744.10] I know it's notWS +[1744.10 --> 1746.18] I know it's Doch +[1746.18 --> 1746.96] Can I possibly ask for a key +[1746.96 --> 1750.26] Step for our hearts +[1750.26 --> 1750.38] Singing +[1750.38 --> 1752.38] in +[1752.38 --> 1754.38] hallelujah +[1754.38 --> 1758.38] hallelujah +[1764.38 --> 1766.38] my soul +[1766.38 --> 1768.38] don't you dare shine +[1768.38 --> 1770.38] lift up your soul +[1770.38 --> 1772.38] that you've got a lion +[1772.38 --> 1774.38] inside those ones +[1774.38 --> 1780.38] get up and praise the Lord +[1780.38 --> 1782.38] oh come on my soul +[1782.38 --> 1784.38] oh don't you dare shine +[1784.38 --> 1786.38] lift up your soul +[1786.38 --> 1788.38] you've got a lion +[1788.38 --> 1790.38] inside those bones +[1790.38 --> 1794.38] get up and praise the Lord +[1794.38 --> 1796.38] oh come on my soul +[1796.38 --> 1798.38] oh don't you dare shine +[1798.38 --> 1800.38] lift up your soul +[1800.38 --> 1802.38] oh don't you dare shine +[1802.38 --> 1804.38] shine on him +[1804.38 --> 1806.38] is that good song +[1806.38 --> 1808.38] shine a lion +[1808.38 --> 1810.38] inside those songs +[1810.38 --> 1814.38] give up and praise the Lord +[1824.38 --> 1826.38] so I've brought my hands +[1826.38 --> 1830.38] and praised you again and again +[1830.38 --> 1834.38] cause all that I have is a +[1834.38 --> 1836.38] hallelujah +[1836.38 --> 1840.38] hallelujah +[1840.38 --> 1844.38] and I know it's not much +[1844.38 --> 1846.38] but I'm nothing else +[1846.38 --> 1848.38] before me +[1848.38 --> 1852.38] except for a heart singing +[1852.38 --> 1854.38] hallelujah +[1854.38 --> 1858.38] hallelujah +[1858.38 --> 1860.38] hallelujah +[1864.38 --> 1868.38] oh +[1872.38 --> 1874.38] As you take a seat +[1874.38 --> 1876.38] let's come to God +[1876.38 --> 1891.94] Jesus, you are our king. +[1893.76 --> 1897.00] And so with humble hearts, we offer you all that we can. +[1897.00 --> 1902.76] And maybe right now, all that that is, is hallelujah. +[1906.38 --> 1920.36] Maybe right now, all that that is, is our presence here with you. +[1924.86 --> 1935.78] Maybe right now, all that that is, is a crying heart longing to see more of you. +[1936.38 --> 1942.70] So as we come to your word, may we hear your voice. +[1943.90 --> 1949.54] As we come to these eternal truths, may we see in them your face. +[1949.54 --> 1961.22] And as we reflect on the story of your ascension, as we reflect on the truth of your kingship, +[1963.06 --> 1967.88] may our hearts be stirred to give you a more profound hallelujah. +[1968.82 --> 1975.56] May our hearts be stirred to give you greater and more comprehensive praise in all that we do. +[1975.56 --> 1984.16] May our hearts be stirred that our tears of sorrow might be turned to tears of joy. +[1985.12 --> 1991.20] Because tonight we see you, Lord Jesus, on the throne of your grace as king. +[1991.20 --> 2000.74] Speak now, we pray, Lord Jesus, directly to our hearts. +[2002.30 --> 2007.70] That it might be applicable directly to our lives. +[2008.58 --> 2010.16] In your name we pray. +[2011.06 --> 2011.44] Amen. +[2011.44 --> 2011.54] Amen. +[2011.54 --> 2024.14] I don't know if you remember Easter or Palm Sunday or Good Friday, in between those two. +[2024.74 --> 2030.56] But when we were here, every one of those services, we were looking at the story of Jesus in the gospel of Matthew. +[2030.56 --> 2034.74] And we said that we were rehearsing the narrative. +[2035.50 --> 2038.64] We were rehearsing the truths of Palm Sunday. +[2038.86 --> 2043.84] And so when crowds of people walked with palm branches in our midst, they lived that out. +[2044.36 --> 2051.76] On Good Friday, when we came and we spent time in silence and in that dark night of the soul in worship, +[2051.76 --> 2056.50] we were rehearsing those who cried out at the death of Jesus. +[2056.50 --> 2063.98] And on Easter Sunday, when we came, hundreds upon hundreds of voices joyfully singing praise to the Lord, +[2064.04 --> 2068.42] we were shouting the empty tomb like those first disciples did. +[2070.02 --> 2076.96] And tonight, we continue that act of rehearsing in our worship and for our worship +[2076.96 --> 2082.38] in the themes and ideas of the ascension of Jesus. +[2082.38 --> 2098.18] Now, Ascension Day in the Christian church isn't new, but very clearly, it's not as popular as Easter. +[2099.44 --> 2102.08] It's not as well attended as Good Friday. +[2102.94 --> 2105.80] And maybe it pales in comparison to Christmas. +[2106.94 --> 2108.32] But why is that? +[2108.92 --> 2111.76] And more importantly, should it? +[2112.38 --> 2125.50] The Reformed Church has always held up Ascension Day as the day. +[2126.18 --> 2131.10] On par, maybe even greater than Easter itself. +[2132.58 --> 2138.16] What I want to do is just going to give you a quick little history of theology for a few seconds. +[2138.16 --> 2142.38] But the reason I do that is because I'm going to quote from a few people here. +[2142.48 --> 2148.96] But as I do that, please note that I get further and further back in history with these people that I talk about. +[2150.16 --> 2155.16] And so, the first is a theologian named Herman Bavinck. +[2155.84 --> 2158.64] He's a Dutch theologian in the late 19th century. +[2158.64 --> 2160.64] And he said, +[2160.64 --> 2178.34] And that idea of the humiliation of Jesus, the condescending of Jesus, the coming down in the incarnation, +[2178.70 --> 2184.02] and his learning obedience, and his death on the cross being the road to his exaltation, +[2184.02 --> 2188.26] is the theme that's going to run right through everything you hear from me tonight. +[2189.70 --> 2197.02] Let's jump back 400 years before Herman Bavinck to a theologian named John Calvin, +[2197.82 --> 2202.38] a Frenchman who lived and pastored in Geneva at the time of the Reformation. +[2202.38 --> 2211.60] He says that our redemption was fully complete and finished then when Christ did ascend unto his Father. +[2215.02 --> 2222.58] Without the ascension, our redemption, according to Calvin at least, is not yet fully complete and finished. +[2224.04 --> 2229.10] And Calvin actually, he goes on in quite a voluminous manner to give us three reasons +[2229.10 --> 2235.82] why the ascension of Jesus is vital for our Christian faith and for our life together. +[2236.48 --> 2238.98] He says in his Institutes, +[2239.10 --> 2241.24] Having entered the temple not made with hands, +[2241.34 --> 2246.34] he constantly appears as our advocate and intercessor in the presence of the Father. +[2247.32 --> 2251.74] So, if Jesus did not leave, we would not have a constant intercessor, +[2252.22 --> 2253.38] like the book of Hebrews says. +[2253.38 --> 2254.38] Right? +[2255.18 --> 2260.80] We have a constant advocate in the presence of God our Father. +[2261.88 --> 2262.06] Right? +[2262.08 --> 2265.30] That the wrath of God for my sin is turned away +[2265.30 --> 2270.18] because Jesus, right now in heaven, is standing front of the Father saying, +[2270.58 --> 2272.18] Don't look at him, look at me. +[2273.36 --> 2275.56] See me when you see her. +[2276.70 --> 2279.96] See me and my perfection when you see his sin. +[2280.86 --> 2282.26] That's what Jesus is doing. +[2283.38 --> 2286.30] On your behalf, in front of the Father, +[2287.10 --> 2289.66] with you on his mind and you in his heart, +[2290.64 --> 2293.64] saying, Look at my perfection, +[2294.40 --> 2296.78] not at their sin. +[2297.92 --> 2299.14] Calvin goes on and he says, +[2299.56 --> 2303.26] By his ascension, Jesus opened up access to the heavenly kingdom, +[2303.78 --> 2305.14] which Adam had shut. +[2306.12 --> 2308.34] And what Calvin means there, as he goes on to explain, +[2308.34 --> 2313.10] is that Jesus is in heaven as a man. +[2313.60 --> 2313.86] Right? +[2313.94 --> 2314.96] As a human. +[2315.24 --> 2316.16] Fully human. +[2316.16 --> 2316.70] Right? +[2316.78 --> 2320.38] We, as humans, people here and now on this earth and in this life, +[2320.74 --> 2323.02] don't only have the hope of heaven, +[2323.18 --> 2327.62] but in some way, part of us is already in heaven. +[2327.94 --> 2330.66] Because if we belong to Jesus, we are part of his body. +[2330.66 --> 2334.22] And as you know, Jesus is the head of the body. +[2334.38 --> 2338.12] And so already now, your head is in heaven. +[2339.30 --> 2344.72] Already now, a piece of who you are is in heaven. +[2344.72 --> 2350.00] Without the ascension, that doesn't happen. +[2351.16 --> 2352.30] That's not possible. +[2353.80 --> 2357.30] Calvin goes on to say, he paraphrases Ephesians 4, +[2357.66 --> 2358.02] he says, +[2358.22 --> 2361.50] When he ascended on high, he led captivity captive. +[2362.48 --> 2364.24] And I love that phrase. +[2364.34 --> 2366.36] He led captivity captive. +[2366.80 --> 2367.00] Right? +[2367.08 --> 2368.74] Because Christ has ascended, +[2369.24 --> 2370.72] we have been redeemed, +[2370.72 --> 2375.70] and death has been given victory over, +[2375.70 --> 2378.16] and he, by the Holy Spirit, +[2378.30 --> 2380.38] now makes us alive. +[2381.64 --> 2386.16] And so captivity, our slavery and deathliness in sin, +[2386.52 --> 2389.70] has been made captive, has been killed. +[2389.92 --> 2393.02] Death is dead because Jesus ascended. +[2393.26 --> 2395.28] The Spirit is able to come, +[2395.36 --> 2397.50] and we are made alive. +[2397.50 --> 2400.98] Jesus himself says, +[2401.72 --> 2405.24] Unless I go, I cannot send the Spirit. +[2406.36 --> 2407.66] So your faith, +[2408.22 --> 2410.36] any modicum of faith that you have +[2410.36 --> 2412.00] as a gift from God +[2412.00 --> 2414.34] is granted to you by the Holy Spirit +[2414.34 --> 2418.04] that came precisely and only because +[2418.04 --> 2420.76] Jesus was ascended. +[2420.76 --> 2425.84] This actually perfectly paraphrases +[2425.84 --> 2428.60] the teaching of the Heidelberg Catechism. +[2429.12 --> 2430.74] And so when Kevin prayed earlier, +[2430.86 --> 2432.06] you saw it in your booklets. +[2432.72 --> 2435.32] Heidelberg Catechism question and answer 49 +[2435.32 --> 2440.48] says that the reason the ascension benefits us +[2440.48 --> 2443.20] is because we have an advocate in heaven +[2443.20 --> 2444.44] in the presence of our Father. +[2445.44 --> 2446.78] It's exactly what Calvin taught. +[2447.42 --> 2449.32] Second, we have our own flesh in heaven +[2449.32 --> 2451.30] as a sure pledge that Christ, our head, +[2451.38 --> 2454.04] will also take us, his members, up to himself. +[2454.34 --> 2456.78] And third, he sends his Spirit to us on earth +[2456.78 --> 2458.16] as a corresponding pledge. +[2458.52 --> 2460.30] By the Spirit's power, +[2460.46 --> 2461.96] we seek not earthly things, +[2462.24 --> 2463.20] but the things above, +[2463.32 --> 2464.38] where Christ is, +[2464.82 --> 2466.70] seated at the right hand of God. +[2466.70 --> 2474.98] Now, go a thousand years further back in history, +[2475.66 --> 2477.52] into the fifth century, +[2478.04 --> 2481.08] and you have a church father by the name of Augustine. +[2481.66 --> 2483.94] Augustine is a church father from North Africa. +[2484.92 --> 2486.50] He's named Bishop of Hippo, +[2486.92 --> 2489.58] which is near the Mediterranean coast, +[2489.68 --> 2492.88] a little bit west of Alexandria or Egypt. +[2492.88 --> 2500.06] Augustine, in a sermon on Ascension Day, +[2500.14 --> 2501.90] in one of his Ascension Day sermons, +[2502.08 --> 2502.38] said, +[2502.76 --> 2504.70] He, while he is there, +[2504.84 --> 2506.06] is also with us, +[2506.14 --> 2507.76] and we, while we are here, +[2508.16 --> 2509.68] are also with him. +[2510.72 --> 2513.10] And again, that's that beautiful exchange. +[2513.94 --> 2515.88] That Jesus, though he is there, +[2515.98 --> 2517.62] is here with us by the Spirit, +[2517.62 --> 2519.82] and that we, though we are here, +[2520.14 --> 2520.86] are with him, +[2521.00 --> 2522.56] because as our head, +[2522.92 --> 2525.44] he gathers us up into himself +[2525.44 --> 2530.28] and brings us into the heavenly places. +[2532.38 --> 2535.70] And go back even 500 years before that, +[2536.38 --> 2538.34] and Jesus himself says, +[2538.88 --> 2540.62] I must go. +[2541.14 --> 2543.24] It is for your good, he says, +[2543.44 --> 2544.38] that I go. +[2547.62 --> 2550.64] So we've gone all the way back to Jesus. +[2551.94 --> 2553.24] In preparing for this, +[2553.38 --> 2556.00] I spent a little while +[2556.00 --> 2557.74] digging through sermons +[2557.74 --> 2560.62] from the third century on Ascension Day. +[2561.66 --> 2563.04] And the reason I do that, +[2563.08 --> 2564.54] and the reason I name that here, +[2565.10 --> 2566.72] is because that means +[2566.72 --> 2570.16] for at least 1,800 years, +[2571.00 --> 2572.16] the Christian church +[2572.16 --> 2574.16] has been gathering on this day, +[2574.16 --> 2576.20] marking this truth +[2576.20 --> 2577.92] of who Jesus is. +[2579.44 --> 2580.90] What we do here +[2580.90 --> 2582.18] is no small thing. +[2583.38 --> 2584.60] What we do here +[2584.60 --> 2585.58] is participating +[2585.58 --> 2587.84] in the line of faith +[2587.84 --> 2589.18] that has come before us, +[2589.26 --> 2590.38] that great cloud of witnesses, +[2590.74 --> 2592.48] and standing on that +[2592.48 --> 2594.66] practice and truth. +[2596.02 --> 2597.32] What we do here +[2597.32 --> 2598.92] is not only rehearse +[2598.92 --> 2600.66] the story of Jesus' life, +[2600.66 --> 2602.48] but we participate +[2602.48 --> 2604.04] in the rehearsing +[2604.04 --> 2606.08] of the church's history. +[2608.18 --> 2610.82] Make no small thing about it. +[2610.82 --> 2614.90] This is a practice +[2614.90 --> 2616.20] of the church +[2616.20 --> 2618.22] that is deeply rooted +[2618.22 --> 2620.04] and purposeful, +[2620.56 --> 2623.06] and so gives us roots +[2623.06 --> 2625.34] and purpose in life, +[2625.54 --> 2626.94] especially in a time +[2626.94 --> 2628.32] and a place in the world +[2628.32 --> 2629.68] where everything is shaky. +[2629.68 --> 2630.76] Right? +[2630.80 --> 2632.26] Where the ground beneath us +[2632.26 --> 2633.44] seems to move +[2633.44 --> 2634.40] and flutter +[2634.40 --> 2635.46] and shift +[2635.46 --> 2637.04] even as we try to stand. +[2637.28 --> 2638.30] Where we try to reach out +[2638.30 --> 2638.94] and grab hold +[2638.94 --> 2639.78] of something firm +[2639.78 --> 2641.12] only to open our hands +[2641.12 --> 2642.04] and like the teacher says +[2642.04 --> 2642.72] in Ecclesiastes, +[2642.94 --> 2643.70] to realize +[2643.70 --> 2645.02] it's a chasing after the wind. +[2646.90 --> 2647.42] This, +[2647.82 --> 2648.92] what you do, +[2649.28 --> 2649.76] here, +[2650.64 --> 2652.66] is an established +[2652.66 --> 2654.48] history. +[2655.56 --> 2656.18] And my prayer +[2656.18 --> 2657.72] is that it is part of God +[2657.72 --> 2658.62] establishing +[2658.62 --> 2658.64] establishing +[2658.64 --> 2660.50] your faith. +[2661.62 --> 2662.60] This is no +[2662.60 --> 2664.22] small thing. +[2664.88 --> 2665.68] And as we rehearse +[2665.68 --> 2666.34] this story, +[2666.70 --> 2667.16] know that +[2667.16 --> 2668.18] in the incarnation +[2668.18 --> 2669.60] and in Christmas, +[2669.88 --> 2670.10] right, +[2670.18 --> 2670.90] we proclaim +[2670.90 --> 2671.98] that God has +[2671.98 --> 2673.32] remembered his people, +[2673.64 --> 2674.42] he has remembered +[2674.42 --> 2675.18] his promise, +[2675.38 --> 2676.14] and God, +[2676.22 --> 2676.82] Emmanuel, +[2677.36 --> 2678.48] has now come +[2678.48 --> 2679.88] to be with us. +[2680.84 --> 2681.68] And in the life +[2681.68 --> 2682.30] of Jesus, +[2682.30 --> 2683.54] we rehearse the story +[2683.54 --> 2684.80] and we proclaim +[2684.80 --> 2685.96] with Jesus +[2685.96 --> 2686.90] that he is +[2686.90 --> 2688.10] the obedient one, +[2688.22 --> 2689.90] he is the perfectly +[2689.90 --> 2691.18] righteous one, +[2691.24 --> 2692.26] and that he is +[2692.26 --> 2692.86] the fulfilling +[2692.86 --> 2693.96] of the law +[2693.96 --> 2694.98] that we could never +[2694.98 --> 2695.74] keep. +[2696.68 --> 2697.72] And in the death +[2697.72 --> 2698.40] of Jesus, +[2698.78 --> 2699.86] he proclaims, +[2700.00 --> 2701.08] I have paid +[2701.08 --> 2701.70] the penalty +[2701.70 --> 2703.18] for all of your failings. +[2703.40 --> 2704.22] I have lived +[2704.22 --> 2705.46] the life you should have lived +[2705.46 --> 2706.34] and died the death +[2706.34 --> 2707.28] that you deserved. +[2707.50 --> 2708.34] I have paid +[2708.34 --> 2709.68] for your rebellion. +[2709.82 --> 2710.34] The punishment +[2710.34 --> 2711.54] that brought you peace +[2711.54 --> 2712.72] is on my shoulders. +[2712.72 --> 2715.76] And in the resurrection, +[2716.08 --> 2717.20] Jesus proclaims, +[2717.56 --> 2718.50] I have won. +[2719.10 --> 2720.38] Death is dead. +[2720.56 --> 2721.88] God is victorious. +[2722.16 --> 2722.80] And then tonight, +[2723.20 --> 2724.06] in the ascension, +[2724.22 --> 2725.56] this same Jesus says, +[2726.02 --> 2727.64] I am king. +[2728.68 --> 2730.18] Come to me, +[2730.56 --> 2731.66] all who are weary +[2731.66 --> 2732.44] and heavy laden, +[2732.48 --> 2733.90] and I will give you rest. +[2734.28 --> 2734.80] Jesus says, +[2734.92 --> 2735.92] I am king. +[2736.06 --> 2736.94] All authority +[2736.94 --> 2737.86] in heaven +[2737.86 --> 2738.38] and on earth +[2738.38 --> 2739.48] has been given to me. +[2739.88 --> 2741.06] Jesus proclaims +[2741.06 --> 2741.76] in the ascension, +[2741.76 --> 2743.14] mine is the name +[2743.14 --> 2744.20] above all names. +[2744.56 --> 2745.52] Jesus proclaims +[2745.52 --> 2746.10] in the ascension, +[2746.28 --> 2747.20] I am the one +[2747.20 --> 2748.56] to whom every knee +[2748.56 --> 2749.08] will bow +[2749.08 --> 2750.00] and tongue confess +[2750.00 --> 2750.46] in heaven +[2750.46 --> 2751.00] and on earth +[2751.00 --> 2751.84] and under the earth +[2751.84 --> 2756.18] that I am the one +[2756.18 --> 2758.16] to the glory +[2758.16 --> 2760.30] of God the Father. +[2762.08 --> 2763.42] There is a road +[2763.42 --> 2764.80] for each +[2764.80 --> 2766.74] and we rehearse those +[2766.74 --> 2768.08] in the lives of faith, +[2768.20 --> 2769.20] firmly rooting ourselves +[2769.20 --> 2769.88] in the history +[2769.88 --> 2771.12] of the church. +[2771.76 --> 2774.98] But what we have +[2774.98 --> 2776.38] to see tonight +[2776.38 --> 2779.94] is that there is +[2779.94 --> 2780.60] a road +[2780.60 --> 2781.92] for each +[2781.92 --> 2784.14] that cannot be +[2784.14 --> 2785.26] shortcut. +[2787.14 --> 2788.78] So in Matthew 4, +[2789.02 --> 2789.88] it's in your books, +[2790.72 --> 2792.76] Jesus has gone +[2792.76 --> 2793.48] into the wilderness +[2793.48 --> 2794.72] after the baptism +[2794.72 --> 2796.18] and he is tempted +[2796.18 --> 2797.32] by the devil. +[2797.32 --> 2799.20] right? +[2799.26 --> 2800.18] The devil tempts him +[2800.18 --> 2800.64] twice +[2800.64 --> 2801.46] and in the third +[2801.46 --> 2802.10] temptation +[2802.10 --> 2803.22] we read +[2803.22 --> 2804.14] in verses 8 +[2804.14 --> 2804.92] and 9, +[2804.92 --> 2805.92] again, +[2810.06 --> 2810.90] the devil took him +[2810.90 --> 2812.06] to a very high mountain +[2812.06 --> 2812.78] and showed him +[2812.78 --> 2813.62] all the kingdoms +[2813.62 --> 2814.66] of the world +[2814.66 --> 2815.72] and their splendor. +[2816.22 --> 2816.82] All this +[2816.82 --> 2817.68] I will give you, +[2817.74 --> 2818.24] he said, +[2818.32 --> 2819.82] if you bow down +[2819.82 --> 2821.16] and worship +[2821.16 --> 2822.42] me. +[2822.42 --> 2826.28] today, +[2826.64 --> 2828.96] I had the chance +[2828.96 --> 2829.84] to go with +[2829.84 --> 2830.62] a friend of mine +[2830.62 --> 2831.10] who's visiting +[2831.10 --> 2831.76] from Ontario +[2831.76 --> 2834.54] to Seymour Mountain +[2834.54 --> 2836.44] and then took the trail +[2836.44 --> 2837.56] to the Dog Mountain +[2837.56 --> 2837.94] lookout. +[2838.50 --> 2839.12] I don't know if any +[2839.12 --> 2839.68] of you have ever +[2839.68 --> 2841.08] done that trail, +[2841.54 --> 2842.64] but as you stand +[2842.64 --> 2843.40] on the Dog Mountain +[2843.40 --> 2843.74] lookout, +[2843.88 --> 2844.86] you're north of Vancouver +[2844.86 --> 2845.80] looking south +[2845.80 --> 2847.26] and you can see +[2847.26 --> 2848.78] today was crystal clear. +[2848.92 --> 2849.68] We could see +[2849.68 --> 2851.18] the Olympic +[2851.18 --> 2852.80] Peninsula Mountains +[2852.80 --> 2854.30] as far +[2854.30 --> 2855.32] as that +[2855.32 --> 2856.28] and so we could see +[2856.28 --> 2857.16] everything +[2857.16 --> 2858.88] and we could see +[2858.88 --> 2859.38] Vancouver +[2859.38 --> 2860.72] laid out before us. +[2861.42 --> 2862.34] Knowing that I was +[2862.34 --> 2863.40] preaching on this text, +[2863.48 --> 2863.98] I kind of thought +[2863.98 --> 2865.12] this is what Jesus +[2865.12 --> 2865.98] would have experienced. +[2866.12 --> 2866.56] He stood +[2866.56 --> 2867.66] at the high place +[2867.66 --> 2868.58] and he saw +[2868.58 --> 2869.30] the kingdoms +[2869.30 --> 2869.94] laid out +[2869.94 --> 2871.00] before him +[2871.00 --> 2873.08] and the devil said, +[2873.38 --> 2873.86] all this +[2873.86 --> 2874.76] I will give you +[2874.76 --> 2876.42] if you bow down +[2876.42 --> 2877.12] and worship me. +[2878.10 --> 2879.24] But Jesus knows, +[2879.98 --> 2880.32] right? +[2880.38 --> 2881.04] He knows. +[2881.24 --> 2881.92] He knows +[2881.92 --> 2883.00] that he will get there, +[2883.48 --> 2884.24] right? +[2884.26 --> 2885.12] We've already heard it +[2885.12 --> 2885.98] from Matthew 28, +[2886.10 --> 2886.80] all authority +[2886.80 --> 2887.72] in heaven and on earth +[2887.72 --> 2888.74] has been given to me, +[2889.12 --> 2891.12] but Jesus knows +[2891.12 --> 2892.26] there is a road +[2892.26 --> 2893.36] for each. +[2894.58 --> 2896.20] There is a right path +[2896.20 --> 2897.58] to get there. +[2898.54 --> 2899.42] The second text +[2899.42 --> 2900.22] that's in your books, +[2900.42 --> 2901.08] Hebrews 1, +[2901.86 --> 2902.20] says, +[2902.32 --> 2902.50] again, +[2902.64 --> 2903.36] he will get there. +[2903.46 --> 2903.92] The sun +[2903.92 --> 2904.92] is the radiance +[2904.92 --> 2905.84] of God's glory +[2905.84 --> 2906.62] and the exact +[2906.62 --> 2907.16] representation +[2907.16 --> 2908.12] of his being, +[2908.26 --> 2909.52] sustaining all things +[2909.52 --> 2910.74] by his powerful word. +[2911.64 --> 2913.12] And after he had provided +[2913.12 --> 2914.92] purification for sins, +[2915.02 --> 2915.98] he sat down +[2915.98 --> 2916.96] at the right hand +[2916.96 --> 2918.02] of the majesty +[2918.02 --> 2918.96] in heaven. +[2919.74 --> 2920.70] And so he became +[2920.70 --> 2921.52] much superior +[2921.52 --> 2922.30] to the angels +[2922.30 --> 2922.92] as the name +[2922.92 --> 2923.90] he has inherited +[2923.90 --> 2924.98] is superior +[2924.98 --> 2926.06] to theirs. +[2927.96 --> 2928.48] Right? +[2928.52 --> 2929.22] He gets there, +[2929.88 --> 2931.82] but there's a road +[2931.82 --> 2933.12] for each. +[2933.12 --> 2935.46] And after he provided +[2935.46 --> 2936.16] purification +[2936.16 --> 2937.08] for sins, +[2937.22 --> 2938.10] he sat down +[2938.10 --> 2939.36] at the right hand +[2939.36 --> 2940.34] of the Father. +[2941.20 --> 2942.36] I don't think +[2942.36 --> 2943.26] the author of Hebrews +[2943.26 --> 2944.80] has only in mind +[2944.80 --> 2945.16] there +[2945.16 --> 2946.28] a chronology +[2946.28 --> 2947.12] of events. +[2948.02 --> 2949.44] I think the author +[2949.44 --> 2949.96] of Hebrews +[2949.96 --> 2951.16] has a necessary +[2951.16 --> 2951.82] order +[2951.82 --> 2953.28] in mind. +[2954.28 --> 2955.26] Such that +[2955.26 --> 2956.02] the road +[2956.02 --> 2957.80] to heaven, +[2958.40 --> 2959.36] the road +[2959.36 --> 2960.28] to the right hand +[2960.28 --> 2960.96] of the Father, +[2961.28 --> 2961.72] the road +[2961.72 --> 2962.26] for Jesus +[2962.26 --> 2963.14] to that throne +[2963.14 --> 2964.28] above all thrones, +[2964.62 --> 2965.12] the road +[2965.12 --> 2965.58] for Jesus +[2965.58 --> 2966.70] to all authority +[2966.70 --> 2968.18] in heaven +[2968.18 --> 2968.84] and on earth +[2968.84 --> 2970.12] had to go +[2970.12 --> 2971.88] through the cross. +[2974.78 --> 2975.72] What the devil +[2975.72 --> 2976.36] offered him +[2976.36 --> 2976.84] as he stood +[2976.84 --> 2977.50] on that peak +[2977.50 --> 2978.20] and looked out +[2978.20 --> 2979.80] over the world +[2979.80 --> 2981.34] was his. +[2982.56 --> 2982.78] Right? +[2982.82 --> 2983.64] The irony is that +[2983.64 --> 2984.50] not only did +[2984.50 --> 2986.26] he create it, +[2986.72 --> 2987.00] right, +[2987.12 --> 2988.20] for by him +[2988.20 --> 2988.90] and through him +[2988.90 --> 2990.10] are all things, +[2990.26 --> 2991.62] like by the word +[2991.62 --> 2992.26] of Jesus +[2992.26 --> 2992.96] all things +[2992.96 --> 2993.60] are created. +[2993.74 --> 2994.52] The devil says +[2994.52 --> 2995.28] to the one +[2995.28 --> 2996.04] who created it, +[2996.24 --> 2996.60] hey man, +[2996.64 --> 2997.52] I'll give you this +[2997.52 --> 2999.38] if you worship me +[2999.38 --> 3001.42] and I can't imagine, +[3001.90 --> 3002.96] I can only imagine +[3002.96 --> 3003.62] Jesus going, +[3004.20 --> 3005.14] you know I spoke +[3005.14 --> 3006.04] this into being, +[3006.58 --> 3006.92] right? +[3009.74 --> 3011.22] But Jesus knows +[3011.22 --> 3013.40] that the way +[3013.40 --> 3014.80] to this +[3014.80 --> 3016.52] all authority +[3016.52 --> 3017.82] to this throne +[3017.82 --> 3019.20] has to be +[3019.20 --> 3021.28] through the cross. +[3022.92 --> 3023.58] Kingship +[3023.58 --> 3025.20] rightly belongs +[3025.20 --> 3025.76] to Jesus. +[3026.22 --> 3027.14] That's what we proclaim +[3027.14 --> 3028.00] on Ascension Day, +[3028.12 --> 3030.08] that Jesus is king, +[3030.22 --> 3031.50] but the means +[3031.50 --> 3032.54] of his being +[3032.54 --> 3033.14] exalted +[3033.14 --> 3033.98] and named +[3033.98 --> 3034.90] as king +[3034.90 --> 3036.72] cannot be +[3036.72 --> 3037.46] cut short +[3037.46 --> 3038.32] or shortcut. +[3040.64 --> 3042.00] It has to go +[3042.00 --> 3042.72] through the cross. +[3042.72 --> 3045.36] And so, +[3045.74 --> 3047.06] as we have seen +[3047.06 --> 3048.40] and as the history +[3048.40 --> 3049.06] of the church +[3049.06 --> 3049.86] has affirmed +[3049.86 --> 3050.66] and as the very +[3050.66 --> 3051.84] liturgical practices +[3051.84 --> 3053.04] that we have lived +[3053.04 --> 3054.54] into and rehearsed +[3054.54 --> 3054.94] tonight +[3054.94 --> 3056.34] say over and over +[3056.34 --> 3056.72] again, +[3057.02 --> 3058.28] the Ascension of Jesus +[3058.28 --> 3059.84] is a deep hope +[3059.84 --> 3060.66] for you +[3060.66 --> 3061.58] and for me. +[3061.82 --> 3062.76] The Ascension of Jesus +[3062.76 --> 3063.82] is a necessary, +[3064.28 --> 3064.80] beautiful, +[3064.94 --> 3065.90] gospel reality +[3065.90 --> 3067.34] available to us. +[3067.34 --> 3070.22] but I want to suggest +[3070.22 --> 3071.84] that the Ascension +[3071.84 --> 3072.34] of Jesus +[3072.34 --> 3073.30] is also +[3073.30 --> 3074.26] a pattern +[3074.26 --> 3075.76] for us. +[3080.40 --> 3081.24] Here's the promise +[3081.24 --> 3081.74] of God +[3081.74 --> 3082.50] for those of us +[3082.50 --> 3082.98] who believe. +[3084.16 --> 3084.72] That you will be +[3084.72 --> 3085.30] granted heaven, +[3085.86 --> 3086.72] that you will be +[3086.72 --> 3087.52] given a reward +[3087.52 --> 3088.76] and that you will know +[3088.76 --> 3090.60] amazing glory +[3090.60 --> 3091.78] and the infinite +[3091.78 --> 3092.84] beauty of God +[3092.84 --> 3093.48] our Father. +[3094.82 --> 3095.72] In 1 Peter, +[3095.72 --> 3096.30] we are told +[3096.30 --> 3097.58] that we will receive +[3097.58 --> 3098.92] a crown of glory +[3098.92 --> 3100.22] that will never fade away. +[3101.36 --> 3102.64] In Revelation 2, +[3102.72 --> 3103.24] verse 10, +[3103.50 --> 3104.44] the letter to the church, +[3104.84 --> 3105.90] they are praised +[3105.90 --> 3107.14] and they are promised +[3107.14 --> 3108.28] that if they are faithful +[3108.28 --> 3108.90] to the end, +[3108.98 --> 3109.76] they will receive +[3109.76 --> 3111.00] the victor's crown. +[3112.08 --> 3112.48] James, +[3112.64 --> 3113.66] talking about the same thing, +[3113.74 --> 3115.30] calls it the crown of life. +[3115.66 --> 3116.72] Timothy refers to this +[3116.72 --> 3118.22] as the crown of righteousness. +[3119.74 --> 3121.34] The truth of the gospel +[3121.34 --> 3122.30] and the truth +[3122.30 --> 3123.46] of what Jesus has done +[3123.46 --> 3123.94] and the truth +[3123.94 --> 3124.64] of his ascension +[3124.64 --> 3126.40] is as 2 Timothy 2 says, +[3126.68 --> 3127.72] if we died with him, +[3127.78 --> 3128.94] we will also live with him. +[3129.14 --> 3130.00] If we endure, +[3130.40 --> 3132.14] we will also reign +[3132.14 --> 3133.42] with him. +[3135.02 --> 3136.12] The Bible ends, +[3136.16 --> 3136.68] for those of you +[3136.68 --> 3137.22] who haven't got +[3137.22 --> 3137.98] to the end yet, +[3138.24 --> 3138.96] the Bible ends +[3138.96 --> 3140.06] in Revelation 20, +[3140.12 --> 3141.02] 21, and 22 +[3141.02 --> 3143.00] with all of those +[3143.00 --> 3143.56] who believe, +[3143.66 --> 3144.54] the bride of Christ, +[3144.82 --> 3145.28] it says, +[3145.48 --> 3146.94] reigning with Christ +[3146.94 --> 3147.92] forever. +[3150.56 --> 3151.64] The ascension +[3151.64 --> 3153.16] is a guarantee +[3153.16 --> 3155.24] of that future reality. +[3155.24 --> 3156.38] The ascension +[3156.38 --> 3157.18] is a guarantee +[3157.18 --> 3158.88] of that crown of glory. +[3159.24 --> 3159.76] The ascension +[3159.76 --> 3160.54] is a guarantee +[3160.54 --> 3162.96] of that promised future. +[3165.28 --> 3166.74] But there is a road +[3166.74 --> 3168.36] for each. +[3169.96 --> 3171.00] And so even as +[3171.00 --> 3171.96] the ascension of Jesus +[3171.96 --> 3173.44] is a guarantee for us, +[3173.44 --> 3175.66] we also have to see +[3175.66 --> 3177.36] that just like for Jesus, +[3177.36 --> 3181.00] we have to go through +[3181.00 --> 3182.72] the cross. +[3184.10 --> 3185.52] Jesus himself promised +[3185.52 --> 3186.44] that in this world +[3186.44 --> 3187.40] you will have trouble. +[3189.38 --> 3189.74] Jesus, +[3190.14 --> 3191.74] or 1 Peter says, +[3192.14 --> 3192.68] dear friends, +[3192.82 --> 3193.92] do not be surprised +[3193.92 --> 3195.24] at the fiery ordeal +[3195.24 --> 3196.10] that has come on you +[3196.10 --> 3196.90] to test you +[3196.90 --> 3197.98] as though something strange +[3197.98 --> 3198.86] were happening to you. +[3199.66 --> 3200.48] Peter's point there +[3200.48 --> 3201.68] is this is normal. +[3202.40 --> 3203.72] Don't be surprised. +[3204.60 --> 3205.46] Over and over again, +[3205.52 --> 3205.88] the Bible says, +[3205.88 --> 3206.74] anyone who wants +[3206.74 --> 3208.18] to follow after God +[3208.18 --> 3209.74] is going to face opposition. +[3209.96 --> 3210.50] Anyone who wants +[3210.50 --> 3211.18] to be holy +[3211.18 --> 3212.70] is going to face persecution. +[3213.60 --> 3214.28] This is the truth +[3214.28 --> 3214.90] of what it means +[3214.90 --> 3216.48] to be a disciple of Jesus. +[3216.66 --> 3217.90] Jesus himself said +[3217.90 --> 3218.58] in Luke 9, +[3218.70 --> 3219.34] whoever wants +[3219.34 --> 3220.26] to be my disciple +[3220.26 --> 3221.82] must deny themselves, +[3222.04 --> 3223.68] take up their cross daily +[3223.68 --> 3225.32] and follow me. +[3225.44 --> 3225.88] Whoever wants +[3225.88 --> 3226.92] to save their life +[3226.92 --> 3227.46] will lose it, +[3227.54 --> 3228.32] but whoever loses +[3228.32 --> 3230.14] his life for my sake +[3230.14 --> 3231.86] will save it. +[3231.86 --> 3236.20] the end of the journey +[3236.20 --> 3237.20] for the Christian +[3237.20 --> 3239.66] is reigning in glory +[3239.66 --> 3240.80] with Jesus. +[3242.48 --> 3243.74] But the way there +[3243.74 --> 3245.86] is to daily take up +[3245.86 --> 3246.44] your cross +[3246.44 --> 3248.26] and follow him. +[3250.20 --> 3251.68] And so don't be surprised +[3251.68 --> 3253.48] when this world +[3253.48 --> 3254.74] challenges you +[3254.74 --> 3256.20] or don't be surprised +[3256.20 --> 3257.64] when this world +[3257.64 --> 3258.74] offers you +[3258.74 --> 3259.76] a way to shortcut +[3259.76 --> 3261.76] that hardship. +[3263.06 --> 3264.28] But it won't do. +[3265.44 --> 3266.38] It can't do. +[3267.30 --> 3268.66] The way to the crown +[3268.66 --> 3269.26] of glory +[3269.26 --> 3270.04] is only +[3270.04 --> 3271.98] through the cruciform +[3271.98 --> 3272.92] life. +[3273.82 --> 3274.86] It's only through +[3274.86 --> 3275.62] the dying +[3275.62 --> 3276.70] to self +[3276.70 --> 3278.02] and the daily +[3278.02 --> 3278.68] rising +[3278.68 --> 3281.02] with Jesus Christ. +[3281.02 --> 3283.20] we live in a world +[3283.20 --> 3284.14] and we live in a place +[3284.14 --> 3285.38] where the two +[3285.38 --> 3286.82] seemingly greatest +[3286.82 --> 3287.74] temptations +[3287.74 --> 3289.24] are comfort +[3289.24 --> 3291.82] and power. +[3293.32 --> 3294.08] Now those might +[3294.08 --> 3294.60] look differently +[3294.60 --> 3295.04] for you. +[3295.14 --> 3295.54] You might have +[3295.54 --> 3296.26] a different definition +[3296.26 --> 3296.82] of comfort +[3296.82 --> 3297.88] than is over here +[3297.88 --> 3298.42] and you might have +[3298.42 --> 3299.44] a definition of power +[3299.44 --> 3300.14] or accomplishment +[3300.14 --> 3300.76] or status +[3300.76 --> 3301.94] than what's over here +[3301.94 --> 3302.82] but ultimately +[3302.82 --> 3304.16] comfort and power +[3304.16 --> 3305.02] are on offer +[3305.02 --> 3306.46] and Jesus says +[3306.46 --> 3308.84] I will make you +[3308.84 --> 3309.52] uncomfortable +[3309.52 --> 3313.40] and Jesus says +[3313.40 --> 3314.16] power isn't +[3314.16 --> 3314.74] what you think +[3314.74 --> 3315.20] it is. +[3315.92 --> 3316.74] It doesn't look +[3316.74 --> 3317.68] like what you +[3317.68 --> 3318.74] think it looks like. +[3321.10 --> 3322.10] My power +[3322.10 --> 3322.88] is made perfect +[3322.88 --> 3323.72] in weakness +[3323.72 --> 3325.30] says God. +[3326.30 --> 3327.22] The greatest +[3327.22 --> 3328.10] of these +[3328.10 --> 3329.10] must become +[3329.10 --> 3329.72] the least +[3329.72 --> 3331.16] says Jesus. +[3333.56 --> 3334.60] My prayer +[3334.60 --> 3335.68] for us all +[3335.68 --> 3337.18] as we rehearse +[3337.18 --> 3338.10] this story +[3338.10 --> 3339.16] is that we will +[3339.16 --> 3341.08] see that crown +[3341.08 --> 3341.82] of glory +[3341.82 --> 3342.80] and that we will +[3342.80 --> 3343.68] see the Lord +[3343.68 --> 3344.48] Jesus Christ +[3344.48 --> 3345.20] that risen +[3345.20 --> 3345.96] lamb +[3345.96 --> 3347.18] and we will +[3347.18 --> 3348.74] press towards him +[3348.74 --> 3349.78] come what may +[3349.78 --> 3350.98] as we daily +[3350.98 --> 3352.34] take up our +[3352.34 --> 3353.12] cross +[3353.12 --> 3353.82] and follow +[3353.82 --> 3354.74] him. +[3356.42 --> 3356.96] Kingship +[3356.96 --> 3358.04] rightly belongs +[3358.04 --> 3359.00] to Jesus +[3359.00 --> 3361.52] but having Jesus +[3361.52 --> 3362.20] as your king +[3362.20 --> 3363.64] means your life +[3363.64 --> 3364.24] is going to look +[3364.24 --> 3365.14] a little bit different +[3365.14 --> 3366.78] than everyone else +[3366.78 --> 3368.10] who doesn't +[3368.10 --> 3368.60] yet know +[3368.60 --> 3369.46] who Jesus +[3369.46 --> 3369.88] is. +[3370.92 --> 3371.50] And that's +[3371.50 --> 3372.30] why we enter +[3372.30 --> 3373.28] into this +[3373.28 --> 3374.04] story +[3374.04 --> 3374.88] again +[3374.88 --> 3375.82] and again +[3375.82 --> 3376.68] and again +[3376.68 --> 3377.94] so that we +[3377.94 --> 3378.74] can be grounded +[3378.74 --> 3379.96] in the truth +[3379.96 --> 3381.30] and in the person +[3381.30 --> 3382.08] of Jesus +[3382.08 --> 3382.96] and so that we +[3382.96 --> 3383.90] together can be +[3383.90 --> 3385.30] filled with his +[3385.30 --> 3386.04] Holy Spirit +[3386.04 --> 3386.86] so that we +[3386.86 --> 3388.34] may endure. +[3389.40 --> 3390.34] I pray +[3390.34 --> 3391.04] that you +[3391.04 --> 3392.20] will endure +[3392.20 --> 3393.24] together. +[3393.98 --> 3394.26] Amen? +[3394.26 --> 3394.40] Amen. +[3396.32 --> 3396.92] Let's stand +[3396.92 --> 3397.70] as we pray. +[3402.34 --> 3403.38] Lord Jesus +[3403.38 --> 3405.06] move in +[3405.06 --> 3405.60] us +[3405.60 --> 3406.38] by your +[3406.38 --> 3406.86] spirit. +[3407.98 --> 3408.94] Move in +[3408.94 --> 3409.34] us +[3409.34 --> 3409.70] with +[3409.70 --> 3410.58] your +[3410.58 --> 3411.44] Holy Spirit +[3411.44 --> 3412.10] power +[3412.10 --> 3413.06] comforting +[3413.06 --> 3413.84] us +[3413.84 --> 3415.14] even as +[3415.14 --> 3415.58] you make +[3415.58 --> 3415.82] us +[3415.82 --> 3416.46] uncomfortable. +[3418.86 --> 3419.58] Move +[3419.58 --> 3420.48] in us +[3420.48 --> 3421.80] with a +[3421.80 --> 3422.32] newness +[3422.32 --> 3423.04] of life +[3423.04 --> 3424.06] even as +[3424.06 --> 3425.36] we face +[3425.36 --> 3426.04] death +[3426.04 --> 3427.10] all day. +[3428.60 --> 3429.18] Move in +[3429.18 --> 3429.54] us +[3429.54 --> 3430.02] with a +[3430.02 --> 3430.86] power +[3430.86 --> 3432.08] unimaginable +[3432.08 --> 3432.70] and a +[3432.70 --> 3433.18] love +[3433.18 --> 3434.40] incomprehensible +[3434.40 --> 3436.26] so that as +[3436.26 --> 3436.90] we go +[3436.90 --> 3437.94] from this +[3437.94 --> 3438.42] place +[3438.42 --> 3439.04] we might +[3439.04 --> 3439.46] go +[3439.46 --> 3440.70] nourished +[3440.70 --> 3441.44] and sustained +[3441.44 --> 3441.90] that we +[3441.90 --> 3442.42] might go +[3442.42 --> 3443.24] buoyed +[3443.24 --> 3443.82] in our +[3443.82 --> 3444.38] lives +[3444.38 --> 3444.96] of faith +[3444.96 --> 3446.30] that we +[3446.30 --> 3446.86] might go +[3446.86 --> 3447.56] such that +[3447.56 --> 3447.98] we can +[3447.98 --> 3448.42] daily +[3448.42 --> 3449.08] take up +[3449.08 --> 3449.74] our cross +[3449.74 --> 3450.62] and follow +[3450.62 --> 3451.70] after you. +[3453.04 --> 3455.16] if we +[3455.16 --> 3455.52] endure +[3455.52 --> 3456.10] with him +[3456.10 --> 3456.94] we will +[3456.94 --> 3457.38] also +[3457.38 --> 3457.98] reign +[3457.98 --> 3458.76] with him. +[3460.46 --> 3461.20] And so +[3461.20 --> 3461.76] Lord Jesus +[3461.76 --> 3463.58] draw us +[3463.58 --> 3464.48] to your +[3464.48 --> 3465.54] victor's +[3465.54 --> 3466.12] crown. +[3466.12 --> 3467.62] Amen. +[3483.04 --> 3495.20] death +[3495.20 --> 3496.62] and +[3496.62 --> 3499.04] remember +[3499.04 --> 3499.38] I +[3499.38 --> 3507.38] I've spent the day with the presence of Jesus as a ring. +[3507.38 --> 3517.38] And wonder how he could love me, a sinner that loved me. +[3517.38 --> 3527.38] Sing, how marvelous, how wonderful that my song shall ever be. +[3527.38 --> 3538.38] How marvelous, how wonderful is my Savior's love for me. +[3538.38 --> 3550.38] He took my sins and my sorrows, He made them very whole. +[3550.38 --> 3560.38] And he poured the word into Calvary, Unsuffered and died alone. +[3560.38 --> 3570.38] Sing, how marvelous, how wonderful that my song shall ever be. +[3570.38 --> 3581.38] How marvelous, how wonderful is my Savior's love for me. +[3581.38 --> 3593.38] And in the ransomed in glory, His face that I shall see. +[3593.38 --> 3602.38] And will be my Lord in the angels to sing of His love for me. +[3602.38 --> 3612.38] Sing, how marvelous, how wonderful that my song shall ever be. +[3612.38 --> 3621.38] Sing, how marvelous, how wonderful is my Savior's love for me. +[3621.38 --> 3633.38] Sing, how marvelous, how wonderful that my song shall ever be. +[3633.38 --> 3645.38] How marvelous, how wonderful is my Savior's love for me. +[3651.38 --> 3661.38] They were looking up intently into the sky as He was going, +[3661.38 --> 3665.38] when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them. +[3665.38 --> 3669.38] Men of Galilee, they said, why do you stand here looking into the sky? +[3669.38 --> 3675.38] This same Jesus who has been taken from you into heaven will come back +[3675.38 --> 3680.38] in the same way that you have seen Him go into heaven. +[3680.38 --> 3685.38] This is our greatest hope yet. +[3685.38 --> 3689.38] That this same Jesus will come back. +[3689.38 --> 3695.38] Until that day we go from here with God and so receive His blessing. +[3695.38 --> 3699.38] May God go before you to prepare a way for you. +[3699.38 --> 3701.38] May God go behind you to protect you. +[3701.38 --> 3704.38] May God go beneath you to support you. +[3704.38 --> 3707.38] And may God go beside you to befriend you. +[3707.38 --> 3709.38] Do not be afraid. +[3709.38 --> 3711.38] Let the blessing of God come upon you today. +[3711.38 --> 3713.38] Do not be afraid. +[3713.38 --> 3718.38] Go in peace to love and serve your King. +[3718.38 --> 3720.38] All God's people said, Amen. +[3720.38 --> 3721.38] Amen. +[3721.38 --> 3722.38] Amen. +[3722.38 --> 3723.38] Amen. +[3723.38 --> 3736.38] Amen. +[3736.38 --> 3761.38] Unto the King eternal, unto the King immortal, unto the King invisible, the only white child. +[3761.38 --> 3768.38] The only white child. +[3771.38 --> 3789.38] Now unto the King eternal, unto the King immortal, unto the King immortal, unto the King invisible, +[3789.38 --> 3796.38] the only white child. +[3796.38 --> 3802.38] The only white child. +[3802.38 --> 3817.38] Now unto the King, be glory and honor, unto the King forever. +[3817.38 --> 3824.38] Unto the King be glory and honor forever. +[3824.38 --> 3826.38] Amen. +[3826.38 --> 3827.38] Amen. +[3827.38 --> 3829.38] Amen. +[3829.38 --> 3839.38] Amen. +[3839.38 --> 3844.38] Amen. +[3844.38 --> 3849.38] Amen. +[3849.38 --> 3852.18] Amen. +[3879.38 --> 3880.38] Yes. +[3909.38 --> 3910.38] Amen. diff --git a/Christmas Day, December 25, 2024_summary.txt b/Christmas Day, December 25, 2024_summary.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000000000000000000000000000000000000..d6210d8d17aab7330060035fcd44ce969babaaec --- /dev/null +++ b/Christmas Day, December 25, 2024_summary.txt @@ -0,0 +1,86 @@ +• A person singing about being away from home on Christmas +• A song about a baby sent from heaven to save the world (Jesus) +• Announcements for a church service, including a welcome message, seating instructions, and an invitation to a church family skate event at Canlan Arena +• A poster on the door and rolling announcements provide details about the service +• The pastor invites attendees to stand, receive God's greeting, and welcome each other in worship +• The Christmas candle is lit together as a symbol of celebration +• The pastor leads a prayer invoking God's blessing, peace, and presence +• The congregation sings "O Come All Ye Faithful" +• A biblical passage or hymn is sung with lyrics referencing Jesus, the King of angels, and praise to God +• Messiah's birth and worship of Christ the new born King +• Emmanuel, God who saves us, worthy of all praise +• Welcome and worship Lord Jesus +• The birth of Christ: fragile, defenseless, entrusted to human care +• Creator becomes creation, God's word in human form +• Sin pierces Christ's flesh, curtain tears apart +• Rebirth and relationship with God through Christ +• Christmas tradition song "Glory to God" sung in English and Dutch +• Introduction to a worship service, including praise and hymns +• Announcement of an offering for budget and benevolence +• Discussion on generosity and giving +• Storytelling about Jesus' birth and gift of love +• Explanation of why people open presents on Christmas +• Connection between opening presents and the gift of Jesus +• Discussion about activities for children during worship time +• Prayer led by a speaker, thanking God for Christmas Day and celebrating Jesus' birth +• Explanation of the importance of Jesus taking on human form as a servant +• Church family prayer led by an elder, Dave +• Confession of sinfulness and need for reconciliation with God through Jesus +• Thanks given for various aspects of the church community, including leadership, ministries, and members +• Prayers for safe travels, comfort, peace, and presence for those experiencing hardship or loneliness +• Specific prayers for individuals and their health struggles +• The speaker discusses the impermanence of life and how people often become numb to the miracle of Christmas. +• Many people view Christmas as a time for physical indulgence (food, rest) rather than spiritual reflection. +• The speaker acknowledges that Christmas is "strange" and "impossible" in its true nature, which is often lost amidst cultural influences and traditions. +• Some attendees may be distracted by personal struggles or circumstances such as disease, death, worry, or work. +• The speaker aims to help the audience re-discover the marvel of Christmas Day. +• The speaker sets the stage for a discussion of Isaiah, specifically chapter 7. +• King Ahaz, king of Judah, is presented with a choice between trusting God or making a deal with the Assyrian Empire. +• Ahaz chooses to make a deal with the Assyrians, which ultimately leads to his downfall due to his misplaced trust in human power rather than divine guidance. +• The speaker highlights the importance of distinguishing between what is passing (immediate threats) and what is significant (the deeper reality and God's perspective). +• John Oswalt's quote emphasizes the danger of paying too much attention to surface-level issues and neglecting more important, underlying truths. +• Ahaz's lack of trust in God leads to a cycle of panic, fear, poor decision-making, and consequences +• Isaiah challenges Ahaz to ask God for a sign, but Ahaz refuses out of willful ignorance or pride +• Ahaz's response is feigned piety, using spiritual language to avoid acknowledging his own mistakes +• The only way to break the cycle of panic and fear is to trust in God's sovereignty and goodness +• The relationship between evidence and faith +• Evidence cannot create faith through argument or persuasion +• Faith is necessary to understand and interpret evidence +• Without shared faith, evidence can be easily explained away +• A strict naturalist's inability to believe in a creation account parallels the believer's inability not to believe in one +• The idea that with God, anything is possible +• Critique of Ahaz's lack of faith and his refusal to try the patience of God +• Isaiah's prophecy of a sign from God: the birth of Emmanuel, a son born of the virgin Mary +• The concept of a virgin birth being impossible in the text +• The possibility of God creating something from nothing +• The idea that God can do anything in the physical world, citing examples such as creation and resurrection +• The role of faith in understanding God's sovereign rule +• The need for those who disbelieve to explain away the evidence supporting a virgin birth +• The birth of Jesus, the Messiah, is described in Matthew 1:18-23 +• Mary's pregnancy through the Holy Spirit and Joseph's initial desire to divorce her quietly +• An angel appears to Joseph in a dream, instructing him to take Mary as his wife and name their son Jesus +• The significance of Jesus' birth as fulfilling prophecy and indicating God is with us (Emmanuel) +• The conception and birth of Jesus through the Holy Spirit +• The significance of Jesus being called "God with us" (Emmanuel) +• The impossible nature of God becoming human in Christ +• The majesty and wonder of the Christmas miracle +• The choice to either dismiss or worship the true meaning of Christmas +• The impossibility of Christmas and how it is made possible by Emmanuel (God with us) +• Seeing the world in a new way due to faith, changing everything about the world +• God's presence and love being available to everyone regardless of circumstances or success +• Faith is necessary to see God's goodness and gifts +• Praying for eyes of faith to be shared during Christmas +• Eyes of faith looking to God +• Praying for a deeper understanding of the incarnation +• Repeating phrases such as "Glory to God in the highest" and "Peace to man on earth" +• Inviting listeners to come and adore Christ with wonder +• Sharing about the return of the Lord +• Discussing receiving God's blessing and going on mission +• Inviting prayers and connections for those present +• Recalling key Bible verses and hymns +• Repeat the sounding joy of Jesus +• No more sin and sorrow +• God's blessings extend far as the curse is found +• He rules the world with truth and grace +• Glories of His righteousness, love, and redemption +• Repeated expression of gratitude ("Thank you") \ No newline at end of file diff --git a/Christmas Day, December 25, 2024_transcript.txt b/Christmas Day, December 25, 2024_transcript.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000000000000000000000000000000000000..5a09a8c4bf52652281d0903590004d8b8ce12b61 --- /dev/null +++ b/Christmas Day, December 25, 2024_transcript.txt @@ -0,0 +1,1686 @@ +[0.00 --> 2.76] . +[30.00 --> 33.90] Jasmine +[33.90 --> 48.66] Jasmine +[48.66 --> 52.94] Jasmine +[52.94 --> 65.90] I'm dreaming tonight of a place I love +[65.90 --> 72.20] Even more than I usually do +[72.20 --> 82.92] And although I know it's a long road back +[82.92 --> 88.50] I promise you +[88.50 --> 99.00] I'll be home for Christmas +[99.00 --> 109.06] You can land on me +[112.92 --> 122.50] Please have snow and mistletoe +[122.50 --> 132.08] And presents around the tree +[132.08 --> 137.66] Christmas Eve +[137.66 --> 143.24] Will find me +[143.24 --> 155.34] Where the love light gleams +[155.34 --> 162.92] I'll be home for Christmas +[162.92 --> 172.50] And what if only in my dreams +[172.50 --> 182.08] I'll be home for Christmas +[182.08 --> 184.08] I'll be home for Christmas +[184.08 --> 189.08] You can plan on me +[189.08 --> 197.66] Please have snow and mistletoe +[197.66 --> 202.66] And presents around the tree +[202.66 --> 208.24] Christmas Eve +[208.24 --> 210.82] Will find me +[210.82 --> 218.82] Where the love light gleams +[218.82 --> 223.82] I'll be home for Christmas +[223.82 --> 231.40] If only in my dreams +[231.40 --> 247.98] Please have snow and mistletoe +[247.98 --> 251.56] And presents around the tree +[251.56 --> 255.56] And presents around the tree +[255.56 --> 257.56] And presents around the tree +[257.56 --> 260.56] Christmas Eve +[260.56 --> 264.56] Will find me +[264.56 --> 270.14] Where the love light gleams +[270.14 --> 274.14] Where the love light gleams +[274.14 --> 276.14] I'll be home for Christmas +[276.14 --> 278.72] I'll be home for Christmas +[278.72 --> 283.72] If only in my dreams +[283.72 --> 290.72] If only in my dreams +[290.72 --> 308.96] If only in my dreams +[320.72 --> 339.16] And now on +[339.16 --> 349.34] My baby, heaven sent you to me. +[349.34 --> 355.48] All the world's been praying. +[357.10 --> 362.34] Who will save? +[362.34 --> 392.32] But who am I that here tonight I hold the one who'll bring this light? +[392.34 --> 398.26] Hallelujah, we've been found. +[398.68 --> 405.84] A child is born to save us now, Jesus. +[407.10 --> 411.82] Hallelujah, light has come. +[412.24 --> 418.36] A Savior who will set us free. +[418.36 --> 426.28] The promise for those who believe. +[426.28 --> 446.28] Do you hear the angels sing for you, my baby? +[446.28 --> 460.28] Men and kings have come to bow to you. +[460.28 --> 474.62] But here in my arms, so close to me. +[474.62 --> 480.62] The Son of God. +[482.54 --> 488.12] Now all can see. +[488.12 --> 496.04] Hallelujah, we've been found. +[496.04 --> 503.96] A child is born to save us now, Jesus. +[504.96 --> 509.48] Hallelujah, light has come. +[509.96 --> 514.12] A Savior set us free. +[514.12 --> 520.12] So praise to God on high. +[521.08 --> 525.04] He has heard our cry. +[527.04 --> 531.64] So praise to God on high. +[531.64 --> 536.66] He has heard our cry. +[536.66 --> 539.58] He has heard our cry. +[543.32 --> 553.42] Hallelujah, we've been found. +[553.42 --> 555.42] Amen. +[583.42 --> 586.46] Set us free. +[587.00 --> 594.22] The promise for those who believe. +[602.22 --> 604.22] Amen. +[604.22 --> 605.22] Amen. +[609.22 --> 610.06] Good. +[611.68 --> 613.26] We'll wait for that to land. +[613.26 --> 614.18] Good morning. +[615.36 --> 616.60] Merry Christmas. +[617.80 --> 620.52] Welcome to church this morning. +[620.72 --> 622.14] A very special welcome. +[622.14 --> 625.92] If you are a guest with us, we are so glad that you are here. +[626.30 --> 630.50] As you can see, people are looking for places and spaces to sit. +[631.10 --> 633.80] And so there is a few empty seats up here, +[633.88 --> 636.50] although I think the Alchemists have put seat chairs down there. +[636.72 --> 638.96] But I want to encourage you, if you can, +[638.96 --> 643.18] maybe move to the middle of your row so that, +[643.42 --> 644.20] oh, the Alchemists are there. +[644.28 --> 644.96] Whose coat is that? +[646.56 --> 647.20] Oh, there. +[647.32 --> 647.76] There you go. +[648.34 --> 649.40] We're figuring it out. +[649.70 --> 650.78] If you can move to the middle, +[650.88 --> 654.34] that helps everybody come in and find a space together. +[654.34 --> 662.12] We are excited to share in this Christmas worship with you this morning. +[662.12 --> 666.82] Before we begin, just one reminder that on Saturday, +[667.10 --> 669.86] this coming Saturday at 1.15, +[670.22 --> 674.92] we have booked the ice sheet at Canlan Arena, +[675.80 --> 677.10] formerly Twin Rinks. +[677.10 --> 681.34] And so if you want to come and join us for a church family skate, +[681.42 --> 682.74] we would love to see you there. +[682.96 --> 684.84] They have some rentals there, +[684.98 --> 686.42] and so you can keep that in mind. +[686.52 --> 689.90] But if you would like to guarantee that you can get on the ice, +[690.16 --> 691.00] bring your own skates. +[691.16 --> 693.72] That will help facilitate that. +[694.22 --> 697.12] At about 2 o'clock until about 3 o'clock, +[697.22 --> 699.18] we have the room there booked as well, +[699.20 --> 703.06] so we can have some hot chocolate afterwards and hang out in that time. +[703.08 --> 704.44] If you have any questions about that, +[704.44 --> 707.68] there's a poster on the door on the way out, +[707.76 --> 710.70] and in the screen, the rolling announcements as well. +[710.80 --> 711.62] There are details there, +[711.70 --> 714.30] or you can grab me or Pastor Kevin or someone else +[714.30 --> 715.46] who looks like they know what they're doing, +[715.56 --> 716.34] and they'll answer you. +[717.72 --> 721.48] We're going to gather this morning in song and in prayer and in word +[721.48 --> 724.20] in the presence of our God. +[724.28 --> 726.56] And so I'm going to invite you, as you are able to stand, +[728.06 --> 730.00] we're going to receive God's greeting together. +[730.00 --> 733.74] So I invite you to take a posture of receipt +[733.74 --> 735.96] as God welcomes us into this place. +[736.44 --> 739.26] And following that, I'm just going to invite you to turn to those around you, +[739.40 --> 741.16] welcome them into worship. +[742.18 --> 744.62] After we have welcomed each other in worship, +[744.62 --> 746.84] I invite you just to take a seat for a moment, +[746.84 --> 749.44] and we will light the Christmas candle together. +[750.06 --> 752.78] Receive the greeting of our God this morning. +[752.78 --> 758.28] The Lord bless you and keep you. +[759.10 --> 762.60] The Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you. +[763.54 --> 768.58] The Lord turn his face toward you and give you his peace. +[769.66 --> 769.98] Amen. +[782.78 --> 783.78] Amen. +[788.40 --> 789.04] Amen. +[789.20 --> 789.56] Amen. +[790.18 --> 790.42] Amen. +[790.52 --> 791.34] Amen. +[791.36 --> 791.84] Amen. +[791.86 --> 792.10] Amen. +[792.10 --> 792.28] Amen. +[792.74 --> 792.80] Amen. +[792.90 --> 792.94] Amen. +[793.10 --> 794.02] Amen. +[794.22 --> 795.04] Amen. +[795.24 --> 795.48] Amen. +[795.50 --> 796.00] Amen. +[800.46 --> 800.66] Amen. +[802.80 --> 807.44] Amen. +[807.62 --> 809.54] Amen. +[809.54 --> 809.60] Amen. +[809.78 --> 810.82] Amen. +[810.82 --> 810.92] Amen. +[810.92 --> 811.00] Amen. +[811.00 --> 811.42] Amen. +[811.42 --> 811.92] Amen. +[811.92 --> 812.56] Amen. +[812.56 --> 832.16] Good morning, Church. +[833.10 --> 836.92] On Christmas Day, we celebrate the arrival of the promised Savior, +[837.72 --> 839.80] the culmination of our Advent waiting. +[839.80 --> 844.26] Grant that as we eagerly await the coming of your only Son, +[844.80 --> 848.92] we may be found ready like shiny lamps prepared for his arrival. +[850.32 --> 852.76] The light of Christ has come into the world, +[853.66 --> 858.30] dispelling the darkness of sin and bringing the gift of eternal life. +[859.48 --> 861.74] Today we celebrate the joy of Christ's birth, +[862.34 --> 865.78] knowing that in him God's promises are fulfilled. +[866.18 --> 869.42] Let us join with all creation in exultant praise, +[869.80 --> 871.88] for our Savior is born today. +[871.88 --> 871.94] Amen. +[871.94 --> 896.42] Please join us in singing, O come all ye faithful. +[896.92 --> 898.00] Please stand with us. +[898.00 --> 906.00] O come all ye faithful, +[906.00 --> 913.08] joyful and triumph, +[913.08 --> 921.08] O come all ye faithful, +[921.08 --> 926.08] joyful and triumph, +[926.08 --> 935.08] O come ye, O come ye to Bethlehem. +[935.08 --> 941.08] come and behold him, +[941.08 --> 945.08] for the King of angels, +[945.08 --> 949.08] O come let us adore him, +[949.08 --> 953.08] O come let us adore him, +[953.08 --> 955.08] O come let us adore him, +[955.08 --> 959.08] O come let us adore him, +[959.08 --> 961.08] word� colorful and proclaim, +[961.08 --> 965.08] O come let us reunion bow. +[965.08 --> 967.08] Shoot the tom. +[967.08 --> 969.08] The exactly Yeshua Tyno Debbie +[969.08 --> 969.96] printed us of Jesus, +[969.96 --> 971.08] irish, +[971.08 --> 971.92] Yang of the F metropolitan +[971.92 --> 973.08] to the body sin +[973.08 --> 975.10] always have been +[975.10 --> 976.08] holy Adam també ben查 lets her +[976.12 --> 979.90] Rodman thành +[979.90 --> 986.46] glory to God +[986.46 --> 991.00] glory in the highest +[991.00 --> 995.28] O come let us adore him +[995.28 --> 999.54] O come let us adore him +[999.54 --> 1004.14] O come let us adore him +[1004.14 --> 1008.58] in Christ the Lord +[1008.58 --> 1015.30] May Lord be briefly +[1015.30 --> 1019.78] Lord this happy morning +[1019.78 --> 1023.42] Jesus to thee +[1023.42 --> 1027.30] be all glory +[1027.30 --> 1033.10] Word of the Father +[1033.10 --> 1036.94] now in flesh I'll be +[1036.94 --> 1041.66] O come let us adore him +[1041.66 --> 1045.66] O come let us adore him +[1045.66 --> 1049.66] O come let us adore him +[1049.66 --> 1055.66] in Christ the Lord +[1055.66 --> 1073.72] angels from the realms of glory +[1073.72 --> 1078.44] wing your flight o'er all the earth +[1078.44 --> 1082.44] ye who sang creation story +[1082.44 --> 1086.44] now proclaim Messiah's birth +[1086.44 --> 1088.16] come and worship +[1088.16 --> 1091.16] come and worship +[1091.16 --> 1095.88] worship Christ the new born King +[1095.88 --> 1100.60] come and worship +[1100.60 --> 1104.60] come and worship +[1104.60 --> 1108.60] come and worship +[1108.60 --> 1121.32] loved Christ the new born King +[1121.32 --> 1127.62] Come and worship, worship Christ the newborn King. +[1131.18 --> 1145.88] Emmanuel, Emmanuel, you are the God who saves us, worthy of all our praise and praise. +[1145.88 --> 1157.76] Emmanuel, Emmanuel, come and your way among us. +[1157.76 --> 1161.28] We welcome you here, Lord Jesus. +[1162.20 --> 1165.88] Come and your way among us. +[1166.26 --> 1169.42] We welcome you here, Lord Jesus. +[1169.42 --> 1171.42] Amen. +[1199.42 --> 1201.42] Amen. +[1229.42 --> 1231.42] Amen. +[1259.42 --> 1261.42] Amen. +[1264.86 --> 1268.88] Come and your way among us. +[1269.22 --> 1273.92] We welcome you here, Lord Jesus. +[1273.92 --> 1277.42] Emmanuel, Emmanuel. +[1277.42 --> 1291.42] Emmanuel, Emmanuel, Emmanuel, Emmanuel. +[1293.92 --> 1295.30] You may have a seat. +[1307.42 --> 1315.96] God with us, fragile, defenseless, entrusted to our care. +[1316.92 --> 1322.44] The breath of life drew his first breath, heaven's earthly air. +[1323.60 --> 1329.28] Creator becomes creation, God's word in human form. +[1329.54 --> 1334.84] The breath of life in human flesh, God with us. +[1334.84 --> 1337.34] He is born. +[1338.48 --> 1346.76] In the dark, a shining light, a solitary voice announcing his coming to blind and deaf. +[1347.86 --> 1350.10] A precious few rejoiced. +[1351.00 --> 1359.54] So, the royal retinue ripped through heaven's seams, proclaiming glory, shouting praise. +[1360.38 --> 1363.58] This one should be esteemed. +[1363.58 --> 1367.02] Creator become creation. +[1367.86 --> 1370.72] God's word in human form. +[1371.64 --> 1373.92] The breath of life in human flesh. +[1375.00 --> 1376.52] God with us. +[1377.50 --> 1378.92] He is born. +[1380.12 --> 1384.50] Years later, in our arrogance, we broke that baby's trust. +[1385.50 --> 1387.40] Sin pierced his flesh. +[1387.40 --> 1392.68] The curtain tore and blew in breath's last gust. +[1393.74 --> 1398.36] Fragile, defenseless, entrusted to his care. +[1398.36 --> 1404.92] The breath of life expelled to make us heaven's earthly heirs. +[1404.92 --> 1406.92] Creator become creation. +[1406.92 --> 1408.80] Creator become creation. +[1409.60 --> 1411.66] God's word in human form. +[1412.50 --> 1415.04] The breath of life returned to flesh. +[1416.14 --> 1417.22] God with us. +[1417.94 --> 1419.96] We are reborn. +[1419.96 --> 1427.76] God with us as we sing infant holy, infant lowly. +[1427.76 --> 1428.76] Let mới be даже. +[1428.76 --> 1429.76] Ope. +[1429.76 --> 1430.22] Amen. +[1432.64 --> 1435.26] Reason for heaven. +[1435.26 --> 1437.36] God with us. +[1437.44 --> 1438.08] Man above. +[1438.46 --> 1439.32] Someone above. +[1439.32 --> 1439.82] Amen. +[1440.10 --> 1440.34] Nummer. +[1440.42 --> 1441.46] Someone above. +[1441.92 --> 1442.66] Wasidan fame. +[1443.10 --> 1443.80] アーモepsั� rends it. +[1443.80 --> 1444.54] Son above. +[1445.02 --> 1445.66] God with us. +[1445.68 --> 1446.22] Ope. +[1446.54 --> 1447.22] 때도egt聾. +[1447.22 --> 1447.60] S comun�y. +[1447.64 --> 1448.60] To be och education in human form. +[1448.80 --> 1449.16] mondy. +[1449.32 --> 1449.70] memorizedemente。 +[1449.98 --> 1450.68] Person without him. +[1450.68 --> 1452.00] prechen行了 governance home. +[1452.00 --> 1453.04] Bلة acosts outは lens discussion alkaline. +[1453.04 --> 1454.02] I agree with guidance. +[1454.02 --> 1455.02] Bagcause From the wheel. +[1455.02 --> 1485.00] . . . +[1485.00 --> 1514.98] . . . +[1515.00 --> 1517.00] . . . +[1545.00 --> 1547.00] . . . +[1547.00 --> 1549.00] . . . +[1549.00 --> 1551.00] . . . +[1551.00 --> 1553.00] . . . +[1553.00 --> 1555.00] . . . +[1555.00 --> 1569.00] was born for you christ +[1569.00 --> 1583.00] is +[1585.00 --> 1594.28] our next song is a christmas tradition in our church reflective of for some of us our dutch +[1594.28 --> 1602.60] heritage the song is glory to god and we will have it on the screen in the english words but +[1602.60 --> 1613.00] if you'd love to sing it in dutch please join us +[1615.00 --> 1624.28] glory to god +[1624.28 --> 1630.28] glory to God +[1630.28 --> 1632.28] in the highest +[1632.28 --> 1634.28] in the highest +[1634.28 --> 1638.28] in the highest +[1638.28 --> 1640.28] in the highest +[1640.28 --> 1646.28] please be on earth +[1646.28 --> 1650.28] please be on earth +[1650.28 --> 1652.28] to the people +[1652.28 --> 1654.28] whom God +[1654.28 --> 1660.28] delights in +[1660.28 --> 1664.28] glory to God +[1664.28 --> 1668.28] in the highest +[1668.28 --> 1672.28] glory to God +[1672.28 --> 1676.28] in the highest +[1676.28 --> 1682.28] please be on earth +[1682.28 --> 1686.28] please be on earth +[1686.28 --> 1690.28] please be on earth +[1690.28 --> 1692.28] please be on earth +[1692.28 --> 1696.28] please be on earth +[1696.28 --> 1704.92] To the peace of, to the peace of, who God delights in. +[1704.92 --> 1714.44] To the peace of, who God delights in, who God delights in. +[1714.44 --> 1731.58] Glory to God, glory to God, in the highest, in the highest, in the highest. +[1731.58 --> 1751.66] Praise the honor, praise the honor, to the peace of, who God delights in. +[1751.66 --> 1755.86] Amen. +[1757.86 --> 1761.42] Amen. +[1761.58 --> 1762.58] Amen. +[1762.58 --> 1764.58] Amen. +[1779.40 --> 1782.58] Good morning and Merry Christmas to everybody. +[1782.72 --> 1783.94] Merry Christmas from the Deacons. +[1784.08 --> 1791.06] This morning we are having our offering and it will be for the budget as well as for benevolence. +[1791.06 --> 1797.86] And we thank this congregation for the generous donations that have been given throughout this year. +[1798.42 --> 1803.06] We pray that, we know that God has blessed us and we pray that that will continue. +[1803.66 --> 1805.50] Please give as God has given to you. +[1805.50 --> 1813.68] all fine with us and we pray that the Lord has done and must be no means of blessing God. +[1813.68 --> 1817.64] We pray that Godは破綻. +[1817.64 --> 1835.72] Over the skies of Bethlehem appeared a star +[1835.72 --> 1842.24] While angels sent to holy shepherds +[1842.24 --> 1850.00] Realizement seeking truth traveled from afar +[1850.00 --> 1856.14] Hoping to find the child from heaven +[1856.14 --> 1861.28] Following on at ease +[1861.28 --> 1868.88] They bow before the humble Prince of Peace +[1868.88 --> 1874.88] We bring an offering of worship to our King +[1874.88 --> 1881.88] No one on earth deserves the praises that we sing +[1882.44 --> 1888.88] Jesus, may you receive the honor that you're due +[1889.44 --> 1896.88] O Lord, we bring an offering to you +[1898.88 --> 1916.64] The sun cannot compare to the glory of your love +[1916.64 --> 1921.88] There is no shadow in your presence +[1921.88 --> 1929.88] No more to let we dare to stand before your throne +[1929.88 --> 1935.88] We know you're the Holy One of Heaven +[1935.88 --> 1941.88] It's only by your blood +[1941.88 --> 1945.88] And it's only through your mercy +[1945.88 --> 1949.88] Lord, I come +[1949.88 --> 1955.88] I bring an offering of worship to my King +[1955.88 --> 1961.88] No one on earth deserves the praises that I sing +[1961.88 --> 1969.88] Jesus, may you receive the honor that you're due +[1969.88 --> 1975.88] O Lord, I bring an offering to you +[1975.88 --> 1976.88] O Lord, I bring an offering to you +[1976.88 --> 1981.88] I bring an offering of worship to my King +[1981.88 --> 1987.88] No one on earth deserves the praises that I sing +[1987.88 --> 1997.88] Jesus, may you receive the honor that you're due +[1997.88 --> 2001.88] O Lord, I bring an offering to you +[2001.88 --> 2005.88] O Lord, I bring an offering to you +[2005.88 --> 2012.88] O Lord, I bring an offering to you +[2012.88 --> 2030.88] O Lord, I bring an offering to you +[2030.88 --> 2046.56] I would love to invite all the kids to come forward if you are willing. +[2046.92 --> 2048.44] Come meet me up here just for a minute. +[2049.04 --> 2050.98] We'll have a quick chat here for a second. +[2050.98 --> 2055.44] On this Christmas day, here comes a bunch. +[2060.88 --> 2070.08] Merry Christmas, everyone. +[2070.08 --> 2073.18] Oh, you know what? +[2073.22 --> 2075.94] You guys are way louder when I have a dog puppet up here. +[2077.02 --> 2078.42] Merry Christmas, everyone. +[2079.10 --> 2080.18] Merry Christmas. +[2080.70 --> 2082.38] Now, I have a quick question for you all. +[2084.56 --> 2086.96] Did any of you open any presents this morning? +[2087.72 --> 2087.94] Yeah? +[2088.14 --> 2089.80] How many of you opened presents already? +[2089.80 --> 2092.56] How many of you are going to open presents soon? +[2093.60 --> 2095.70] Now, why do we open presents on Christmas? +[2096.20 --> 2099.42] That's a normal thing, but why do we do that? +[2109.78 --> 2110.18] Yeah? +[2111.58 --> 2113.02] Oh, we're going to get a whole rundown. +[2114.24 --> 2115.18] Oh, wow. +[2115.40 --> 2116.18] That's exciting. +[2117.60 --> 2118.16] I know. +[2118.16 --> 2120.22] Oh, so some people open at Christmas, presents Christmas Eve. +[2120.28 --> 2121.16] Some open Christmas Day. +[2121.36 --> 2122.52] Why do we open them at all? +[2124.28 --> 2126.32] Because, oh, you are so good, Haley. +[2126.50 --> 2131.02] We open presents because Christmas is the day that we got the gift of Jesus. +[2131.66 --> 2133.82] Do you remember some of you were in children's worship time on Sunday, +[2133.88 --> 2136.78] and we talked about how Jesus is our forever king. +[2137.26 --> 2138.20] Do you know what Jesus did? +[2139.20 --> 2140.34] Jesus came. +[2140.46 --> 2142.66] He was already our king before he was born. +[2142.66 --> 2147.22] He came down from a throne in heaven, the Bible says, to become a baby. +[2147.94 --> 2148.72] Isn't that something? +[2148.80 --> 2150.92] And he did that to save us all from our sins. +[2151.12 --> 2155.40] So he was a king, and then he came down to earth to be a baby king. +[2155.96 --> 2160.64] And then he died on the cross and rose again and went back to heaven to continue to be our king. +[2160.94 --> 2163.04] So he's not just our forever king going forward. +[2163.14 --> 2164.44] He was our forever king forever. +[2164.44 --> 2168.50] And then he came, and he became a baby for us. +[2168.54 --> 2169.22] Isn't that something? +[2169.98 --> 2170.54] Isn't that something? +[2170.64 --> 2175.32] So that's what we're celebrating today, and that's what we're going to hear Pastor Chris talk about in his message. +[2175.40 --> 2178.48] So I'm going to pray, and then today we're going to sit back with our parents, +[2178.56 --> 2182.30] and we're going to listen to Pastor Chris talk about the meaning of Christmas for us today, okay? +[2182.48 --> 2186.50] If you didn't, there are some activities at the children's worship time booth that you can do. +[2186.70 --> 2188.32] I think there's some stickers and stuff like that. +[2188.38 --> 2191.40] So you can go grab those as well after we pray if you want, okay? +[2191.78 --> 2192.30] Let me pray. +[2192.30 --> 2194.56] Dear God, thank you so much for this day. +[2194.66 --> 2199.68] Thank you that we could be here today on Christmas Day, so excited to celebrate your birth, God. +[2199.72 --> 2203.22] And we just, we pray that you'll help us remember that you are our forever king, +[2203.28 --> 2206.30] that you came down from the throne of heaven to become a baby for us, +[2206.78 --> 2212.70] to eventually grow up to a man, to die on the cross, and to rise again for all of our sins. +[2212.80 --> 2216.42] And God, may we remember that this is the day that you are the greatest gift that we could receive. +[2216.76 --> 2217.78] We pray this in your name. +[2218.44 --> 2218.80] Amen. +[2218.80 --> 2219.00] Amen. +[2219.66 --> 2220.08] All right. +[2220.74 --> 2221.28] You know what? +[2221.38 --> 2221.80] Let's do it. +[2221.80 --> 2223.48] We do this at our church all the time. +[2223.56 --> 2224.14] Let's do it anyways. +[2224.20 --> 2225.78] We're not going anywhere, but let's all stand up. +[2225.86 --> 2229.06] We're going to do the blessing because there's some guests here that I think need to be blessed by the kids. +[2229.54 --> 2230.78] So we're going to stand here. +[2230.86 --> 2233.08] We're going to put our hands like this, and I'm going to count to three, +[2233.14 --> 2235.64] and we're going to say together, the Lord be with you, okay? +[2235.74 --> 2236.22] Are you ready? +[2236.52 --> 2237.64] We're going to say this to the church. +[2237.92 --> 2239.10] One, two, three. +[2239.48 --> 2241.46] The Lord be with you. +[2242.18 --> 2243.50] All right. +[2243.50 --> 2244.78] You can go back to your parents' seats. +[2244.78 --> 2246.38] All right. +[2251.80 --> 2264.28] Good morning. +[2264.82 --> 2265.36] Good morning. +[2265.48 --> 2266.18] My name is Dave. +[2267.14 --> 2271.54] I am an elder at this church, and I get to lead you in our church family prayer. +[2271.54 --> 2272.96] Will you pray with me? +[2272.96 --> 2281.70] Father, it is with great joy that we gather on this Christmas day. +[2282.10 --> 2285.72] It is a time that we join with Christians of all times and of all ages, +[2285.96 --> 2288.40] and we celebrate the profound importance of this day, +[2288.90 --> 2292.96] that Jesus chose to take on human form, taking on the very nature of a servant. +[2292.96 --> 2298.50] It is a marvelous thought that the word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. +[2299.18 --> 2301.38] Like the shepherds, we hear the message from the angels. +[2301.74 --> 2304.70] I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. +[2305.22 --> 2307.76] Today in the town of David, a Savior has been born to you. +[2308.12 --> 2309.36] He is Christ the Lord. +[2310.26 --> 2313.26] And because of this good news, we sing with the angels, +[2313.84 --> 2318.22] glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests. +[2318.22 --> 2323.68] Father, even with the joy of Christmas, we need to confess that we are sinful people. +[2324.48 --> 2328.84] It is because of human sin and human rebellion that we need to be reconciled to you, +[2329.18 --> 2330.94] and that Jesus needed to come down, +[2331.50 --> 2336.74] and that the child in the manger needed to grow, live a humble life, and die on a cross. +[2337.66 --> 2342.82] We confess that we get caught up in the many distractions and the excess of this season. +[2343.54 --> 2345.56] Help us to remember the real purpose of Christmas, +[2345.56 --> 2349.36] to celebrate the very humble beginnings of our faith in a stable. +[2350.66 --> 2353.64] Father, we come to you because we have many reasons to be thankful. +[2354.22 --> 2358.06] We thank you for the joy and celebration that we felt in this time of Advent. +[2358.72 --> 2362.08] We thank you for this church family and everyone who has gathered here. +[2362.86 --> 2364.82] We thank you for the leadership of this church, +[2365.10 --> 2368.54] with Pastor Chris, Pastor Kevin, and Josh. +[2368.84 --> 2370.36] We thank you for members of the council. +[2370.36 --> 2376.70] We pray for wisdom for them, that they may provide good leadership and decisions for us. +[2377.22 --> 2379.60] We thank you for the many ministries of this church, +[2379.98 --> 2384.66] the nursery, children's worship time, gems, cadets, youth, young adults, +[2384.98 --> 2388.58] the Mexico team, coffee break, care groups, seniors ministry. +[2389.14 --> 2391.12] We ask that you bless the work that they do, +[2391.36 --> 2395.42] that they may meet the spiritual and physical needs that we see around us. +[2395.42 --> 2401.70] Father, as a church community, we think of the joys and needs that we have as a Christian community. +[2402.24 --> 2405.54] We pray for those who use this time to travel, to be with extended family. +[2406.02 --> 2408.42] We pray for safe travels and a meaningful time together. +[2409.90 --> 2412.12] Father, in the midst of all the joy and celebration, +[2412.38 --> 2414.70] we realize that this may be a time that is difficult. +[2415.36 --> 2417.80] We pray for those who experience hardship or loneliness, +[2418.28 --> 2420.38] and for those who grieve the loss of a loved one. +[2420.80 --> 2424.28] We pray that they may feel your comfort, your peace, and your presence. +[2424.28 --> 2428.22] And we pray that all of us may be a source of light and compassion. +[2429.10 --> 2432.74] We pray for Elise Wagenau's father, Doug, as he continues his health struggles +[2432.74 --> 2434.56] and the news of a tumor on his spine. +[2435.08 --> 2438.50] We pray for patience and strength as the family takes this journey together. +[2439.16 --> 2443.04] We pray for Amanda Hogan's sister and Klaus Tessamacher's daughter, Tanya, +[2443.58 --> 2446.62] who is experiencing stage 4 breast cancer that has spread. +[2447.24 --> 2449.20] We pray for her and her family, +[2449.54 --> 2453.40] that they may feel your comfort, peace, healing, and hope. +[2453.40 --> 2460.18] And Father, we pray for Pastor Chris as he leads us again in the study of our word +[2460.18 --> 2462.62] as revealed to the prophet Isaiah. +[2463.26 --> 2467.94] We thank you that, unlike Isaiah, we don't have to wait for the coming of the Messiah +[2467.94 --> 2473.62] because he has already come, the word made flesh, Emmanuel, God with us. +[2474.40 --> 2477.28] May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God +[2477.28 --> 2480.28] and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with us all. +[2481.04 --> 2481.30] Amen. +[2481.30 --> 2481.38] Amen. +[2483.40 --> 2513.36] As we begin this morning here in a reflection on God's word on Christmas Day, +[2513.36 --> 2516.50] I just want to take a moment right at the outset +[2516.50 --> 2519.94] and acknowledge something with you this morning. +[2520.02 --> 2523.84] Something strange, weird, and mysterious. +[2523.84 --> 2529.34] Because when you get right down to it, Christmas is weird. +[2530.58 --> 2531.64] Christmas is strange. +[2532.70 --> 2537.54] Honestly, pull back all the 21st century dressings, +[2537.54 --> 2539.68] the music and the malls and the parties, +[2539.68 --> 2542.20] the lights and the turkey dinners. +[2542.20 --> 2545.52] Most of the time, good things, depending on who's cooking. +[2546.32 --> 2548.06] Pull all of that back, right? +[2548.14 --> 2551.58] Pull the history of Christian cultural influence. +[2552.08 --> 2557.74] Pull back pop Christmas music and music specials, Christmas specials. +[2558.00 --> 2560.96] Pull back the sleigh bells and the Christmas trees. +[2560.96 --> 2564.10] Look behind that curtain of cultural Christmas. +[2564.10 --> 2568.10] And Christmas should be impossible. +[2568.10 --> 2568.66] Impossible. +[2568.66 --> 2577.70] Now, very aware of the fact that enough of you here this morning +[2577.70 --> 2582.74] have grown up in the church or are at least church adjacent. +[2582.74 --> 2587.56] And what I mean by that is that we have family or friends +[2587.56 --> 2590.06] who invited us to come here this morning +[2590.06 --> 2591.98] and we came because we love them +[2591.98 --> 2596.30] or because it was a condition for opening presents later on in the day +[2596.30 --> 2598.64] or for eating Christmas dinner, and so we're here. +[2600.32 --> 2604.94] Most of us here this morning have been around long enough +[2604.94 --> 2608.48] for this truth that Christmas is strange +[2608.48 --> 2611.12] is easy to miss. +[2612.66 --> 2617.22] It's easy to miss the impossible nature of this day. +[2617.52 --> 2619.68] We can become numb to the miracle +[2619.68 --> 2624.02] or we can take for granted the majesty of this mystery. +[2625.82 --> 2631.94] Or maybe you're not even sure what you believe about this Jesus guy, +[2632.12 --> 2635.24] but you still like Christmas, right? +[2635.24 --> 2639.02] For so many people today, Christmas has become a reason +[2639.02 --> 2640.76] to take a few days off of work, +[2641.08 --> 2644.58] to give a couple presents, maybe even to give one or two. +[2645.02 --> 2648.14] Christmas has become a time where you can go up the mountains +[2648.14 --> 2649.78] to ski or snowboard, +[2649.86 --> 2653.28] or maybe you're lucky enough to go off to Mexico or to Hawaii. +[2654.92 --> 2658.12] Christmas, for so many, is about family traditions, +[2658.34 --> 2660.62] about peppermint lattes and eggnog. +[2660.98 --> 2663.06] It's about palm dauphine if you're French +[2663.06 --> 2665.48] or malva pudding if you're from South Africa +[2665.48 --> 2667.36] or panettone if you're Italian +[2667.36 --> 2670.08] or peppernotin if you're Dutch. +[2671.56 --> 2673.78] For so many of us, Christmas isn't spiritual, +[2674.06 --> 2674.72] it's physical. +[2675.48 --> 2677.60] It's about good food and good rest. +[2679.78 --> 2682.92] Now, I suspect that if you're here this morning, +[2683.58 --> 2688.42] you're somewhere in the middle of this range of possibilities. +[2688.42 --> 2688.98] Right? +[2690.50 --> 2692.74] Christmas comes, and we love it, +[2693.32 --> 2696.06] but life goes on to the next thing. +[2697.42 --> 2698.24] All right, after today, +[2698.34 --> 2701.06] we're pretty quickly counting down to New Year's Eve parties, +[2701.46 --> 2704.20] and then it's back to school or back to work, +[2704.92 --> 2707.64] back to life as usual. +[2708.60 --> 2710.64] Life as it was a few weeks ago +[2710.64 --> 2712.86] and as it will be a few weeks from now. +[2712.86 --> 2716.48] Christmas, the impossibility of it all, +[2716.88 --> 2719.66] can easily be missed. +[2721.60 --> 2724.34] And it's easy to miss in the midst of all that. +[2726.70 --> 2730.46] We haven't even talked about the very real circumstances +[2730.46 --> 2732.34] that some of you are in, right? +[2732.36 --> 2733.54] Of disease and death. +[2734.56 --> 2736.00] Of worry and work. +[2736.94 --> 2738.76] Of what if and how come. +[2738.76 --> 2740.76] And in the midst of all of that, +[2740.88 --> 2743.48] this easily just becomes another season, +[2743.66 --> 2744.68] another day, another week +[2744.68 --> 2746.18] that we just need to get through. +[2749.64 --> 2751.00] And if you're anywhere +[2751.00 --> 2755.32] in those ranges of possibilities this morning, +[2755.90 --> 2758.58] I want to take just a few minutes of our time +[2758.58 --> 2763.54] and stoke the marvel of Christmas Day. +[2764.78 --> 2766.42] All right, let's pause for a moment +[2766.42 --> 2769.22] and to gander at the impossible, +[2770.00 --> 2774.08] to lift the veil and to peer into the mystery. +[2775.34 --> 2777.90] Now to do that, let me set the stage for you this morning. +[2778.70 --> 2781.04] Whether or not you've been with us throughout Advent, +[2781.54 --> 2783.64] that's the season leading up to Christmas, +[2784.20 --> 2787.02] it won't matter as I'll give you the context here. +[2787.82 --> 2791.10] We have been looking at the book of Isaiah, +[2791.30 --> 2792.84] waiting with Isaiah. +[2792.84 --> 2793.24] Isaiah. +[2793.92 --> 2798.86] Now Isaiah is a prophet in the Jewish tradition +[2798.86 --> 2800.94] to the people of Judah +[2800.94 --> 2804.86] in the 8th century before Christ. +[2805.78 --> 2808.32] He speaks the word of God to kings +[2808.32 --> 2809.78] who have forgotten God. +[2810.42 --> 2813.52] He speaks of the expectation of the Messiah, +[2813.94 --> 2815.34] which means the anointed one, +[2815.44 --> 2816.88] the true king, right? +[2816.92 --> 2819.14] He brings a word from God to people +[2819.14 --> 2821.88] as a division reigns in the land, +[2821.88 --> 2823.72] as exile approaches, +[2823.72 --> 2826.50] and as two major nation states +[2826.50 --> 2829.34] loom large over Israel and Judah, +[2829.48 --> 2832.72] the empire of Assyria and eventually Babylon. +[2833.78 --> 2835.66] And where I want us to look this morning +[2835.66 --> 2838.64] with Isaiah is in Isaiah 7. +[2839.70 --> 2841.68] And we're going to jump into the story +[2841.68 --> 2844.04] as King Ahaz, +[2844.36 --> 2845.98] who's the king of Judah, +[2845.98 --> 2847.50] has a choice to make. +[2848.72 --> 2850.30] The background to this story +[2850.30 --> 2852.18] is recorded for us in the Bible +[2852.18 --> 2853.92] in 2 Kings 16. +[2855.18 --> 2858.00] Northern Israel and Aram +[2858.00 --> 2861.80] are threatening Judah and King Ahaz. +[2862.34 --> 2864.60] They both want to pull Ahaz, +[2865.00 --> 2866.04] the king of Judah, +[2866.20 --> 2867.60] into an alliance +[2867.60 --> 2870.90] because of the nearing and looming threat +[2870.90 --> 2872.32] of the Assyrian Empire. +[2872.32 --> 2875.46] Short of pulling him into an alliance, +[2876.00 --> 2877.98] they could also topple the kingdom +[2877.98 --> 2880.26] and annex it back. +[2881.52 --> 2884.14] Now Ahaz instead decides +[2884.14 --> 2885.52] he's going to approach +[2885.52 --> 2888.12] the king of the Assyrian Empire +[2888.12 --> 2889.66] and make a deal with him. +[2890.90 --> 2893.28] Now, read between the lines +[2893.28 --> 2894.36] in this story. +[2895.52 --> 2895.64] Right? +[2895.78 --> 2896.52] Simply put, +[2896.92 --> 2899.40] Ahaz has a choice to make, +[2899.40 --> 2901.36] and that choice isn't between +[2901.36 --> 2903.64] Assyria on the one hand +[2903.64 --> 2905.88] or Israel and Aram on the other. +[2906.14 --> 2908.70] It's a choice between trusting God +[2908.70 --> 2910.10] or not. +[2912.26 --> 2913.70] And going to Assyria +[2913.70 --> 2915.04] and making a deal with them, +[2915.14 --> 2917.32] he took matters into his own hands +[2917.32 --> 2920.18] and he ends up picking sides +[2920.18 --> 2921.94] with what becomes an even greater threat +[2921.94 --> 2923.06] to their destruction. +[2924.52 --> 2925.64] Here's the problem +[2925.64 --> 2926.92] that we step into. +[2926.92 --> 2931.44] Ahaz is letting his perspective +[2931.44 --> 2934.36] dictate reality. +[2935.80 --> 2937.66] Ahaz is letting his perspective +[2937.66 --> 2938.98] dictate reality. +[2939.14 --> 2940.54] And from his point of view, +[2941.02 --> 2943.22] the northern Israel and Aram +[2943.22 --> 2944.84] are the major threat. +[2945.70 --> 2947.18] But from God's point of view, +[2947.48 --> 2948.22] those are nothing. +[2948.64 --> 2949.46] It's not them. +[2949.60 --> 2950.70] It's actually him. +[2950.92 --> 2952.46] It's his heart. +[2953.82 --> 2956.86] Ahaz missed the deeper reality +[2956.86 --> 2958.48] of what was going on. +[2959.56 --> 2960.68] Does that sound familiar? +[2963.16 --> 2964.36] John Oswalt, +[2964.48 --> 2966.30] who is a Bible scholar, +[2967.04 --> 2968.62] is part of the translation team +[2968.62 --> 2970.24] for the Bible version +[2970.24 --> 2972.20] that we read here at Emmanuel. +[2972.88 --> 2973.76] He writes, +[2974.84 --> 2975.42] he says, +[2975.54 --> 2977.10] we are always in danger +[2977.10 --> 2978.64] of paying too much attention +[2978.64 --> 2979.64] to the passing +[2979.64 --> 2981.96] and paying too little attention +[2981.96 --> 2983.52] to the significant. +[2987.10 --> 2988.42] Paying too much attention +[2988.42 --> 2989.20] to the passing +[2989.20 --> 2991.28] and paying too little attention +[2991.28 --> 2992.92] to the significant. +[2994.38 --> 2996.52] If all you ever focus on +[2996.52 --> 2998.74] is that thing right in front of you, +[2998.74 --> 3001.18] you might miss the important thing +[3001.18 --> 3002.74] going on around you. +[3005.22 --> 3006.08] Ahaz's choice +[3006.08 --> 3007.64] between trusting God +[3007.64 --> 3009.56] or trusting himself +[3009.56 --> 3011.74] has impacts down the line +[3011.74 --> 3012.52] for his life +[3012.52 --> 3013.64] and for his rule. +[3014.40 --> 3015.98] And unless he gets to a point +[3015.98 --> 3016.94] where he can trust +[3016.94 --> 3018.20] in a sovereign God +[3018.20 --> 3019.06] who is good, +[3019.38 --> 3021.16] unless he can give himself up +[3021.16 --> 3022.26] to God's rule +[3022.26 --> 3023.42] and reign in his life, +[3023.86 --> 3024.92] he will continue +[3024.92 --> 3026.10] to be stuck +[3026.10 --> 3027.36] in this loop +[3027.36 --> 3028.26] of panic, +[3028.72 --> 3029.08] fear, +[3029.38 --> 3029.90] poor decision, +[3030.28 --> 3030.72] consequence. +[3031.42 --> 3031.92] Panic, +[3032.28 --> 3032.60] fear, +[3032.94 --> 3033.40] poor decision, +[3033.72 --> 3034.14] consequence. +[3034.14 --> 3039.06] It's a loop, +[3039.12 --> 3039.76] I can keep going. +[3042.68 --> 3043.02] Right? +[3043.06 --> 3044.38] It's only entrusting +[3044.38 --> 3046.32] in the real present +[3046.32 --> 3048.26] and really present +[3048.26 --> 3049.90] ultimate truthfulness +[3049.90 --> 3051.26] and ultimate truth +[3051.26 --> 3052.28] of God. +[3052.52 --> 3054.42] Is there any real security +[3054.42 --> 3055.66] for him +[3055.66 --> 3057.46] in this present life? +[3057.62 --> 3059.66] The only trusting in God +[3059.66 --> 3061.14] breaks that loop. +[3062.60 --> 3063.80] And so Isaiah comes +[3063.80 --> 3066.18] and issues a challenge +[3066.18 --> 3067.14] to Ahaz. +[3067.52 --> 3068.40] He comes +[3068.40 --> 3069.02] and he says +[3069.02 --> 3070.06] to ask God +[3070.06 --> 3070.82] for a sign. +[3070.94 --> 3072.16] Let's look at Isaiah 10 +[3072.16 --> 3073.28] together. +[3075.44 --> 3076.00] Again, +[3076.20 --> 3077.24] the Lord spoke +[3077.24 --> 3078.22] to Ahaz. +[3080.60 --> 3081.74] Ask the Lord +[3081.74 --> 3082.28] your God +[3082.28 --> 3083.02] for a sign, +[3083.66 --> 3085.32] whether in the deepest depths +[3085.32 --> 3087.38] or in the highest heights. +[3088.80 --> 3090.26] Ask him for anything +[3090.26 --> 3091.96] is what Isaiah is saying. +[3092.10 --> 3093.08] Ask for a sign +[3093.08 --> 3093.90] to prove +[3093.90 --> 3095.24] that your decision +[3095.24 --> 3096.64] was a good one. +[3097.96 --> 3098.84] But Ahaz +[3098.84 --> 3099.66] doesn't want +[3099.66 --> 3100.40] to be found out. +[3101.74 --> 3102.26] Or, +[3102.46 --> 3103.84] maybe at this point, +[3104.40 --> 3105.22] he's choosing +[3105.22 --> 3107.08] willful ignorance. +[3108.30 --> 3108.88] Do you know +[3108.88 --> 3109.54] what I mean by that? +[3110.54 --> 3110.80] Right? +[3110.88 --> 3112.38] He's committed himself +[3112.38 --> 3113.24] to this course +[3113.24 --> 3113.90] of action +[3113.90 --> 3115.14] and he refuses +[3115.14 --> 3116.30] to be dissuaded +[3116.30 --> 3117.64] because that would mean +[3117.64 --> 3118.80] admitting a mistake +[3118.80 --> 3119.62] or admitting +[3119.62 --> 3120.58] that he did something +[3120.58 --> 3121.20] wrong +[3121.20 --> 3122.34] or said something wrong. +[3122.52 --> 3122.78] Right? +[3122.82 --> 3123.60] You've never done that. +[3124.34 --> 3125.26] You've never stuck +[3125.26 --> 3126.10] to a story +[3126.10 --> 3127.06] because you've already +[3127.06 --> 3128.44] argued for 10 minutes straight +[3128.44 --> 3129.14] even though +[3129.14 --> 3129.96] eight minutes ago +[3129.96 --> 3130.78] in your heart of hearts +[3130.78 --> 3131.34] you admitted +[3131.34 --> 3132.12] that you were wrong +[3132.12 --> 3132.82] but you're not going +[3132.82 --> 3133.46] to give in +[3133.46 --> 3134.26] because you're not +[3134.26 --> 3134.80] going to give her +[3134.80 --> 3135.48] the satisfaction +[3135.48 --> 3136.26] of knowing +[3136.26 --> 3136.98] that she was right. +[3137.08 --> 3137.56] You don't do that, +[3137.60 --> 3137.72] right? +[3138.86 --> 3139.46] Just me? +[3140.18 --> 3141.12] Pronouns are intentional +[3141.12 --> 3141.64] there, folks. +[3141.64 --> 3148.36] Instead, Ahaz's response +[3148.36 --> 3150.80] is feigned piety. +[3151.00 --> 3151.88] Let's continue +[3151.88 --> 3153.22] in that text. +[3154.00 --> 3154.64] Verse 12, +[3154.78 --> 3155.56] Ahaz said, +[3156.24 --> 3157.12] I will not ask, +[3157.56 --> 3158.30] I will not put +[3158.30 --> 3159.80] the Lord to the test. +[3161.82 --> 3162.80] Isaiah's challenge +[3162.80 --> 3163.52] to him is +[3163.52 --> 3164.56] ask for evidence +[3164.56 --> 3167.00] and Ahaz's response +[3167.00 --> 3168.44] is to bury his head +[3168.44 --> 3169.10] in the sand +[3169.10 --> 3169.92] into clouded +[3169.92 --> 3171.06] and spiritual language. +[3171.64 --> 3173.24] Now look, +[3173.80 --> 3176.40] at this point, +[3177.64 --> 3178.90] even the most +[3178.90 --> 3180.20] compelling evidence +[3180.20 --> 3182.26] will be dismissed +[3182.26 --> 3184.12] and explained away. +[3187.38 --> 3187.60] Okay, +[3188.60 --> 3189.36] zoom out +[3189.36 --> 3190.14] for a moment. +[3192.56 --> 3193.50] Evidence +[3193.50 --> 3195.20] does not +[3195.20 --> 3196.20] create +[3196.20 --> 3197.22] faith. +[3199.96 --> 3200.52] Right? +[3200.52 --> 3201.00] Isaiah +[3201.00 --> 3201.96] wouldn't be able +[3201.96 --> 3202.68] to argue +[3202.68 --> 3203.36] Ahaz +[3203.36 --> 3204.08] into right +[3204.08 --> 3204.54] belief. +[3205.66 --> 3206.66] Just like +[3206.66 --> 3207.72] you can't argue +[3207.72 --> 3208.40] your friend +[3208.40 --> 3209.10] into right +[3209.10 --> 3209.50] belief, +[3209.54 --> 3210.02] no matter +[3210.02 --> 3210.58] how hard +[3210.58 --> 3211.18] you try. +[3212.02 --> 3212.34] But, +[3213.08 --> 3213.84] evidence +[3213.84 --> 3215.10] confirms +[3215.10 --> 3216.20] faith. +[3217.48 --> 3218.36] That is, +[3218.42 --> 3218.94] if you have +[3218.94 --> 3219.64] the eyes +[3219.64 --> 3220.48] to see it, +[3221.20 --> 3222.30] you will get it. +[3222.70 --> 3223.86] And it will be +[3223.86 --> 3224.52] a confirmation +[3224.52 --> 3225.98] for you. +[3226.84 --> 3227.24] Right? +[3227.24 --> 3227.70] where there +[3227.70 --> 3228.86] is no faith, +[3229.12 --> 3229.54] at least +[3229.54 --> 3230.26] not faith +[3230.26 --> 3231.02] in God +[3231.02 --> 3231.80] and his word +[3231.80 --> 3232.34] to us, +[3232.34 --> 3232.96] where there +[3232.96 --> 3233.68] is no faith, +[3234.02 --> 3234.38] evidence +[3234.38 --> 3235.12] will just +[3235.12 --> 3235.72] have to be +[3235.72 --> 3236.68] explained away. +[3237.78 --> 3238.34] Evidence +[3238.34 --> 3239.06] isn't welcome +[3239.06 --> 3241.16] and therefore, +[3241.80 --> 3242.10] evidence +[3242.10 --> 3243.06] isn't seen. +[3245.68 --> 3246.38] That's why +[3246.38 --> 3246.88] some of you +[3246.88 --> 3247.82] get so frustrated +[3247.82 --> 3248.92] trying to convince +[3248.92 --> 3249.42] your kids +[3249.42 --> 3249.94] to believe +[3249.94 --> 3250.60] like you do. +[3250.60 --> 3253.66] because without +[3253.66 --> 3254.16] the shared +[3254.16 --> 3254.64] faith, +[3254.82 --> 3255.66] it's really +[3255.66 --> 3256.24] easy to +[3256.24 --> 3256.88] explain that +[3256.88 --> 3257.62] evidence away. +[3258.34 --> 3258.62] One, +[3258.82 --> 3259.76] because it's +[3259.76 --> 3260.70] necessary to +[3260.70 --> 3261.32] explain that +[3261.32 --> 3262.02] evidence away +[3262.02 --> 3263.56] and two, +[3264.28 --> 3265.08] the evidence +[3265.08 --> 3266.38] requires faith +[3266.38 --> 3267.24] to make sense +[3267.24 --> 3267.58] of it. +[3268.70 --> 3269.30] Let's flip the +[3269.30 --> 3269.96] coin for a second, +[3270.04 --> 3270.14] right? +[3270.38 --> 3271.44] The very same +[3271.44 --> 3273.14] reason a strict +[3273.14 --> 3274.40] naturalist finds +[3274.40 --> 3274.92] it impossible +[3274.92 --> 3275.78] to believe +[3275.78 --> 3276.86] in a creation +[3276.86 --> 3278.34] account is +[3278.34 --> 3279.40] why you find +[3279.40 --> 3280.02] it impossible +[3280.02 --> 3280.96] not to believe +[3280.96 --> 3281.36] in one. +[3282.88 --> 3283.44] Or to put it +[3283.44 --> 3283.94] another way, +[3284.28 --> 3285.08] the very same +[3285.08 --> 3285.92] reason so many +[3285.92 --> 3286.70] people miss +[3286.70 --> 3288.02] the impossibility +[3288.02 --> 3288.70] of Christmas +[3288.70 --> 3289.82] is precisely +[3289.82 --> 3290.50] the reason +[3290.50 --> 3291.84] why you can't +[3291.84 --> 3292.82] help but see +[3292.82 --> 3293.54] it sitting here +[3293.54 --> 3294.06] this morning. +[3295.00 --> 3295.42] At least, +[3295.76 --> 3296.50] I hope you see +[3296.50 --> 3297.62] it or you're +[3297.62 --> 3298.32] beginning to see +[3298.32 --> 3298.54] it. +[3298.86 --> 3299.18] You're getting +[3299.18 --> 3299.68] a glimpse +[3299.68 --> 3300.88] of it. +[3302.06 --> 3302.46] And I know +[3302.46 --> 3302.82] it seems +[3302.82 --> 3303.92] convoluted +[3303.92 --> 3304.24] perhaps. +[3304.38 --> 3305.18] Let's try it +[3305.18 --> 3306.14] this way. +[3308.44 --> 3309.34] Where you +[3309.34 --> 3310.56] start with +[3310.56 --> 3311.18] your faith, +[3311.34 --> 3311.74] where you +[3311.74 --> 3312.28] are starting +[3312.28 --> 3312.86] from, +[3313.48 --> 3313.94] determines +[3313.94 --> 3315.28] where you +[3315.28 --> 3315.68] will end +[3315.68 --> 3316.00] at. +[3317.76 --> 3317.98] Right? +[3318.02 --> 3318.34] If you +[3318.34 --> 3319.06] believe in +[3319.06 --> 3319.44] a God +[3319.44 --> 3320.00] who says +[3320.00 --> 3320.92] something like, +[3321.32 --> 3321.88] with man +[3321.88 --> 3322.36] this is +[3322.36 --> 3322.84] impossible, +[3323.30 --> 3323.70] but with +[3323.70 --> 3324.48] God all +[3324.48 --> 3325.38] things are +[3325.38 --> 3325.86] possible. +[3326.98 --> 3327.24] If you +[3327.24 --> 3327.56] believe in +[3327.56 --> 3327.82] a God +[3327.82 --> 3328.20] who says +[3328.20 --> 3328.58] that, +[3328.86 --> 3329.40] then what +[3329.40 --> 3330.40] you assume +[3330.40 --> 3331.18] to be true +[3331.18 --> 3332.16] will be +[3332.16 --> 3332.62] changed, +[3332.90 --> 3333.28] will be +[3333.28 --> 3333.78] transformed. +[3335.22 --> 3335.64] If you +[3335.64 --> 3336.20] don't yet +[3336.20 --> 3336.82] believe in +[3336.82 --> 3337.32] this kind +[3337.32 --> 3337.78] of God, +[3338.32 --> 3338.84] then it +[3338.84 --> 3339.14] remains +[3339.14 --> 3339.66] impossible. +[3340.60 --> 3340.90] And in +[3340.90 --> 3341.18] a sense, +[3341.26 --> 3341.46] you're not +[3341.46 --> 3341.72] wrong, +[3341.80 --> 3342.56] because for +[3342.56 --> 3342.88] you, +[3342.96 --> 3343.62] from your +[3343.62 --> 3344.16] perspective, +[3345.16 --> 3345.74] it is +[3345.74 --> 3346.62] impossible. +[3349.02 --> 3349.38] But, +[3349.88 --> 3351.70] but, +[3351.76 --> 3352.32] look at +[3352.32 --> 3353.72] how Isaiah +[3353.72 --> 3355.00] responds. +[3358.52 --> 3359.54] Verse 13, +[3360.92 --> 3361.94] Isaiah said, +[3361.94 --> 3363.10] here, +[3363.10 --> 3363.12] here, +[3363.52 --> 3364.06] now, +[3364.36 --> 3364.60] you, +[3364.86 --> 3365.78] house of +[3365.78 --> 3366.22] David, +[3366.36 --> 3366.86] is it not +[3366.86 --> 3367.46] enough to +[3367.46 --> 3367.94] try the +[3367.94 --> 3368.46] patience of +[3368.46 --> 3368.84] humans? +[3369.26 --> 3369.68] Will you +[3369.68 --> 3370.32] try the +[3370.32 --> 3371.12] patience of +[3371.12 --> 3371.84] my God +[3371.84 --> 3372.54] also? +[3373.42 --> 3373.74] Now, +[3373.86 --> 3374.50] don't sleep +[3374.50 --> 3375.02] on that +[3375.02 --> 3375.62] my God +[3375.62 --> 3376.40] line there. +[3377.12 --> 3377.26] Right? +[3377.36 --> 3378.02] Isaiah is +[3378.02 --> 3379.00] saying that +[3379.00 --> 3380.02] God isn't +[3380.02 --> 3381.16] Ahaz's God +[3381.16 --> 3381.70] anymore. +[3381.92 --> 3382.52] Ahaz has +[3382.52 --> 3383.70] chosen something +[3383.70 --> 3384.18] different. +[3384.32 --> 3384.86] His face, +[3385.24 --> 3385.90] his faith +[3385.90 --> 3387.10] is elsewhere, +[3387.10 --> 3388.10] and because of +[3388.10 --> 3388.24] that, +[3388.28 --> 3388.90] he's burying +[3388.90 --> 3389.50] his face +[3389.50 --> 3390.30] into the +[3390.30 --> 3390.58] sand. +[3390.58 --> 3391.38] He's hiding +[3391.38 --> 3392.76] the reality +[3392.76 --> 3393.50] of his +[3393.50 --> 3394.02] lack of +[3394.02 --> 3394.86] faith behind +[3394.86 --> 3395.56] a false +[3395.56 --> 3396.20] sense of +[3396.20 --> 3396.64] piety. +[3398.56 --> 3398.88] And so +[3398.88 --> 3399.32] Isaiah +[3399.32 --> 3401.00] says, +[3401.70 --> 3402.04] therefore, +[3402.96 --> 3403.74] the Lord +[3403.74 --> 3404.84] himself will +[3404.84 --> 3405.42] give you +[3405.42 --> 3406.20] a sign. +[3406.74 --> 3407.40] The virgin +[3407.40 --> 3408.30] will conceive +[3408.30 --> 3408.88] and give +[3408.88 --> 3409.78] birth to a +[3409.78 --> 3410.72] son and +[3410.72 --> 3412.12] will call +[3412.12 --> 3412.66] him +[3412.66 --> 3414.04] Emmanuel. +[3418.10 --> 3419.06] That's the +[3419.06 --> 3419.86] impossibility +[3419.86 --> 3420.50] of Christmas. +[3420.58 --> 3422.92] Now, +[3422.96 --> 3423.14] look, +[3423.20 --> 3423.56] some of you +[3423.56 --> 3424.06] heard me +[3424.06 --> 3424.56] say that, +[3424.64 --> 3424.88] and you're +[3424.88 --> 3425.18] thinking, +[3425.32 --> 3425.50] yep, +[3425.76 --> 3426.32] the virgin +[3426.32 --> 3426.90] will conceive +[3426.90 --> 3427.26] and give +[3427.26 --> 3427.70] birth to +[3427.70 --> 3428.08] a son. +[3428.28 --> 3428.72] That's +[3428.72 --> 3429.24] impossible. +[3429.86 --> 3430.26] And yeah, +[3430.42 --> 3430.90] you're right, +[3431.04 --> 3431.58] that's an +[3431.58 --> 3432.64] impossibility +[3432.64 --> 3433.68] in this +[3433.68 --> 3434.06] text. +[3434.46 --> 3435.20] We know +[3435.20 --> 3436.00] better now, +[3436.14 --> 3436.50] virgins +[3436.50 --> 3437.16] don't have +[3437.16 --> 3437.92] babies, +[3438.22 --> 3438.64] unless, +[3438.76 --> 3439.28] of course, +[3440.44 --> 3441.38] unless you +[3441.38 --> 3442.24] believe in +[3442.24 --> 3443.08] a God who +[3443.08 --> 3443.86] looks at the +[3443.86 --> 3444.62] impossible and +[3444.62 --> 3444.80] says, +[3444.90 --> 3445.16] boom, +[3445.32 --> 3445.68] possible. +[3446.90 --> 3447.30] Unless, +[3447.44 --> 3447.70] of course, +[3447.76 --> 3448.38] you believe in +[3448.38 --> 3448.94] a God who +[3448.94 --> 3449.98] could create +[3449.98 --> 3450.98] everything that +[3450.98 --> 3452.36] you see out +[3452.36 --> 3453.12] of nothing with +[3453.12 --> 3453.76] just a word, +[3454.02 --> 3454.56] a God who +[3454.56 --> 3454.80] said, +[3455.02 --> 3455.38] let there be +[3455.38 --> 3455.68] light, +[3455.76 --> 3456.52] and then bang, +[3456.68 --> 3457.28] there's an +[3457.28 --> 3458.08] explosion of +[3458.08 --> 3458.38] light. +[3459.42 --> 3459.84] And if that's +[3459.84 --> 3460.06] what you +[3460.06 --> 3460.52] believe, +[3460.72 --> 3461.38] the only +[3461.38 --> 3461.94] reasonable +[3461.94 --> 3463.06] conclusion is +[3463.06 --> 3463.72] that God +[3463.72 --> 3464.44] who formed +[3464.44 --> 3465.62] man out of +[3465.62 --> 3466.44] dust and dirt +[3466.44 --> 3467.20] and breathed +[3467.20 --> 3467.86] life into +[3467.86 --> 3468.16] them, +[3468.40 --> 3468.94] the only +[3468.94 --> 3469.44] reasonable +[3469.44 --> 3470.24] conclusion that +[3470.24 --> 3470.80] God who +[3470.80 --> 3472.20] raised a man +[3472.20 --> 3473.00] from the dead, +[3473.00 --> 3473.84] the only +[3473.84 --> 3474.30] reasonable +[3474.30 --> 3475.12] conclusion is +[3475.12 --> 3475.60] that God +[3475.60 --> 3476.00] can do +[3476.00 --> 3477.02] anything in +[3477.02 --> 3477.52] this physical +[3477.52 --> 3477.92] world. +[3479.20 --> 3479.38] Right? +[3479.40 --> 3479.80] If you have +[3479.80 --> 3480.46] the eyes of +[3480.46 --> 3481.26] faith to see +[3481.26 --> 3481.46] it, +[3482.02 --> 3482.74] it's just +[3482.74 --> 3483.92] another evidence +[3483.92 --> 3484.92] of God's +[3484.92 --> 3486.12] sovereign rule +[3486.12 --> 3486.90] that only +[3486.90 --> 3487.58] makes sense, +[3487.86 --> 3488.38] that speaks +[3488.38 --> 3489.76] cogently to +[3489.76 --> 3490.30] your heart. +[3491.66 --> 3492.50] And if you +[3492.50 --> 3492.86] don't, +[3494.00 --> 3494.48] well, +[3494.50 --> 3494.68] then it +[3494.68 --> 3495.00] doesn't. +[3497.56 --> 3498.26] And you +[3498.26 --> 3498.52] need to +[3498.52 --> 3498.96] explain it +[3498.96 --> 3499.22] away. +[3500.82 --> 3501.66] You need to +[3501.66 --> 3502.40] find a reason, +[3502.84 --> 3503.08] right, +[3503.14 --> 3503.88] why all of +[3503.88 --> 3504.78] these rational, +[3505.34 --> 3505.86] reasonable, +[3506.44 --> 3506.94] averagely +[3506.94 --> 3507.98] intelligent people +[3507.98 --> 3509.04] and billions +[3509.04 --> 3510.06] throughout the +[3510.06 --> 3510.66] world and +[3510.66 --> 3511.40] throughout history +[3511.40 --> 3512.22] believe this +[3512.22 --> 3512.80] to be true. +[3514.80 --> 3515.38] Right? +[3515.42 --> 3516.02] When you try to +[3516.02 --> 3516.74] explain that +[3516.74 --> 3517.12] away, +[3517.36 --> 3518.00] don't just +[3518.00 --> 3518.62] bury your head +[3518.62 --> 3519.20] in the sand +[3519.20 --> 3520.10] and feign some +[3520.10 --> 3520.74] sense of +[3520.74 --> 3521.52] piety, +[3522.24 --> 3522.88] assuming that +[3522.88 --> 3523.34] you know +[3523.34 --> 3524.18] best. +[3526.52 --> 3526.72] Right? +[3526.76 --> 3527.16] The virgin +[3527.16 --> 3528.46] birth is +[3528.46 --> 3530.26] an impossibility +[3530.26 --> 3531.66] made possible +[3531.66 --> 3532.36] at Christmas. +[3532.52 --> 3533.08] Don't miss +[3533.08 --> 3533.42] that. +[3533.88 --> 3534.58] Instead, +[3535.58 --> 3536.72] marvel at +[3536.72 --> 3536.94] it. +[3538.16 --> 3539.28] But that's +[3539.28 --> 3539.80] not the +[3539.80 --> 3540.32] impossible +[3540.32 --> 3540.92] Christmas +[3540.92 --> 3541.68] that I'm +[3541.68 --> 3542.22] talking about. +[3543.60 --> 3544.52] That's just +[3544.52 --> 3545.00] step one. +[3546.32 --> 3547.22] To get +[3547.22 --> 3547.40] there, +[3547.50 --> 3548.08] let's read +[3548.08 --> 3549.86] Matthew 1, +[3550.20 --> 3551.36] 18 to +[3551.36 --> 3551.90] 23 +[3551.90 --> 3553.06] together. +[3555.66 --> 3556.42] This +[3556.42 --> 3557.38] is how +[3557.38 --> 3557.84] the birth +[3557.84 --> 3558.40] of Jesus, +[3558.56 --> 3559.04] the Messiah, +[3559.18 --> 3559.64] came about. +[3559.64 --> 3561.70] his mother +[3561.70 --> 3562.40] Mary was +[3562.40 --> 3563.04] pledged to +[3563.04 --> 3563.50] be married +[3563.50 --> 3564.12] to Joseph, +[3564.12 --> 3565.08] but before +[3565.08 --> 3565.66] they came +[3565.66 --> 3566.18] together, +[3566.58 --> 3566.94] she was +[3566.94 --> 3567.38] found to +[3567.38 --> 3567.86] be pregnant +[3567.86 --> 3568.30] through the +[3568.30 --> 3568.98] Holy Spirit. +[3569.86 --> 3570.36] Because +[3570.36 --> 3570.80] Joseph, +[3570.92 --> 3571.36] her husband, +[3571.48 --> 3572.06] was faithful +[3572.06 --> 3572.72] to the law +[3572.72 --> 3573.36] and yet did +[3573.36 --> 3573.90] not want to +[3573.90 --> 3574.72] expose her to +[3574.72 --> 3575.60] public disgrace, +[3575.98 --> 3576.68] he had in +[3576.68 --> 3577.28] mind to +[3577.28 --> 3577.92] divorce her +[3577.92 --> 3578.34] quietly. +[3578.34 --> 3580.30] But after +[3580.30 --> 3580.64] he had +[3580.64 --> 3581.02] considered +[3581.02 --> 3581.42] this, +[3581.50 --> 3582.00] an angel +[3582.00 --> 3582.30] of the +[3582.30 --> 3582.92] Lord appeared +[3582.92 --> 3583.30] to him +[3583.30 --> 3583.82] in a dream +[3583.82 --> 3584.24] and said, +[3584.38 --> 3584.70] Joseph, +[3585.18 --> 3585.86] son of +[3585.86 --> 3586.22] David, +[3586.38 --> 3587.00] do not be +[3587.00 --> 3587.66] afraid to +[3587.66 --> 3588.20] take Mary +[3588.20 --> 3588.76] home as +[3588.76 --> 3589.16] your wife, +[3589.52 --> 3590.06] because what +[3590.06 --> 3590.72] is conceived +[3590.72 --> 3591.86] in her is +[3591.86 --> 3592.40] from the +[3592.40 --> 3593.16] Holy Spirit. +[3593.72 --> 3594.20] She will +[3594.20 --> 3594.72] give birth +[3594.72 --> 3595.44] to a son +[3595.44 --> 3595.96] and you +[3595.96 --> 3596.38] are to +[3596.38 --> 3596.80] give him +[3596.80 --> 3597.30] the name +[3597.30 --> 3597.90] Jesus, +[3597.90 --> 3598.76] because he +[3598.76 --> 3599.42] will save +[3599.42 --> 3600.30] his people +[3600.30 --> 3601.00] from all +[3601.00 --> 3602.20] their sins. +[3602.20 --> 3603.96] all this +[3603.96 --> 3604.68] took place +[3604.68 --> 3605.34] to fulfill +[3605.34 --> 3605.74] what the +[3605.74 --> 3606.24] Lord had +[3606.24 --> 3606.84] said through +[3606.84 --> 3607.40] the prophet. +[3608.30 --> 3608.82] The virgin +[3608.82 --> 3609.62] will conceive +[3609.62 --> 3610.22] and give +[3610.22 --> 3611.16] birth to +[3611.16 --> 3611.68] a son +[3611.68 --> 3612.80] and they +[3612.80 --> 3613.42] will call +[3613.42 --> 3613.80] him +[3613.80 --> 3614.90] Emmanuel, +[3615.50 --> 3616.44] which means +[3616.44 --> 3617.46] God +[3617.46 --> 3619.04] with us. +[3622.04 --> 3622.96] This is +[3622.96 --> 3623.52] how the +[3623.52 --> 3624.14] birth of +[3624.14 --> 3624.82] Jesus the +[3624.82 --> 3625.32] Messiah +[3625.32 --> 3626.60] came about, +[3626.70 --> 3626.84] right? +[3626.88 --> 3627.52] The anointed +[3627.52 --> 3628.00] one, +[3628.36 --> 3628.94] the servant +[3628.94 --> 3629.88] who is king, +[3630.00 --> 3630.58] the servant +[3630.58 --> 3631.68] who is God's +[3631.68 --> 3632.30] son, +[3632.46 --> 3633.12] the servant +[3633.12 --> 3634.78] who is God. +[3636.32 --> 3637.04] She was +[3637.04 --> 3637.80] found to be +[3637.80 --> 3638.88] pregnant through +[3638.88 --> 3640.04] the Holy Spirit. +[3640.18 --> 3640.80] What is +[3640.80 --> 3641.76] conceived in +[3641.76 --> 3642.86] her is from +[3642.86 --> 3643.94] the Holy Spirit. +[3644.24 --> 3644.58] God, +[3644.64 --> 3645.56] God the Spirit +[3645.56 --> 3646.74] causes Mary +[3646.74 --> 3647.98] to be with +[3647.98 --> 3648.60] child. +[3648.78 --> 3649.58] God is +[3649.58 --> 3650.78] his father. +[3650.94 --> 3651.50] This ain't +[3651.50 --> 3652.30] no ordinary +[3652.30 --> 3652.88] son. +[3653.14 --> 3654.06] Don't miss +[3654.06 --> 3654.42] that. +[3655.56 --> 3656.10] She will +[3656.10 --> 3656.58] give birth +[3656.58 --> 3657.26] to a son +[3657.26 --> 3657.82] and you are +[3657.82 --> 3658.36] to give him +[3658.36 --> 3658.78] the name +[3658.78 --> 3659.46] Jesus, +[3659.64 --> 3660.06] because he +[3660.06 --> 3660.60] will save +[3660.60 --> 3661.14] his people +[3661.14 --> 3661.60] from their +[3661.60 --> 3662.00] sins. +[3662.48 --> 3663.06] Jesus, +[3663.38 --> 3663.88] Yeshua, +[3664.30 --> 3665.18] means the +[3665.18 --> 3666.14] Lord saves. +[3667.68 --> 3668.14] And all +[3668.14 --> 3668.52] of this +[3668.52 --> 3669.12] took place +[3669.12 --> 3669.68] to fulfill +[3669.68 --> 3670.04] what the +[3670.04 --> 3670.46] Lord had +[3670.46 --> 3670.88] said through +[3670.88 --> 3671.36] the prophet. +[3672.10 --> 3672.66] The virgin +[3672.66 --> 3673.34] will conceive +[3673.34 --> 3673.86] and give +[3673.86 --> 3674.38] birth to +[3674.38 --> 3674.90] a son +[3674.90 --> 3675.68] and they +[3675.68 --> 3676.26] will call +[3676.26 --> 3676.54] him +[3676.54 --> 3677.26] Emmanuel, +[3677.76 --> 3678.48] which means +[3678.48 --> 3679.16] God +[3679.16 --> 3680.70] with us. +[3681.98 --> 3682.58] God +[3682.58 --> 3683.54] with +[3683.54 --> 3684.74] us. +[3685.92 --> 3686.56] That +[3686.56 --> 3687.48] is the +[3687.48 --> 3688.50] impossibility +[3688.50 --> 3689.70] of Christmas. +[3689.70 --> 3690.56] God +[3690.56 --> 3691.62] with us. +[3692.28 --> 3693.20] The eternal +[3693.20 --> 3693.88] enters +[3693.88 --> 3694.42] time. +[3695.82 --> 3696.46] The infinite +[3696.46 --> 3697.52] limits himself +[3697.52 --> 3698.30] into the +[3698.30 --> 3698.68] finite. +[3699.06 --> 3699.98] The transcendent +[3699.98 --> 3700.84] condescends +[3700.84 --> 3701.52] and becomes +[3701.52 --> 3702.14] imminent. +[3702.52 --> 3702.74] In the +[3702.74 --> 3703.16] Christ +[3703.16 --> 3703.64] child, +[3703.76 --> 3704.30] the fullness +[3704.30 --> 3705.48] of God +[3705.48 --> 3706.40] dwells. +[3707.48 --> 3707.84] Oh man, +[3707.94 --> 3708.44] don't be +[3708.44 --> 3708.98] numb +[3708.98 --> 3709.78] to this +[3709.78 --> 3710.30] miracle +[3710.30 --> 3711.04] or take +[3711.04 --> 3711.60] for granted +[3711.60 --> 3712.48] the majesty +[3712.48 --> 3713.14] of this +[3713.14 --> 3713.82] mystery. +[3713.96 --> 3714.32] This is +[3714.32 --> 3714.70] Christmas. +[3714.70 --> 3716.70] right? +[3716.76 --> 3716.94] And you +[3716.94 --> 3717.58] can choose +[3717.58 --> 3718.06] to bury +[3718.06 --> 3718.46] your head +[3718.46 --> 3718.78] in the +[3718.78 --> 3719.08] sand +[3719.08 --> 3719.60] and explain +[3719.60 --> 3719.96] it away. +[3721.16 --> 3721.60] But +[3721.60 --> 3721.92] instead, +[3723.02 --> 3724.74] instead I +[3724.74 --> 3725.22] hope you +[3725.22 --> 3725.94] begin to +[3725.94 --> 3726.40] wonder. +[3727.48 --> 3727.80] And I +[3727.80 --> 3728.18] pray, +[3728.28 --> 3728.72] I pray +[3728.72 --> 3729.08] that your +[3729.08 --> 3729.58] wonder +[3729.58 --> 3731.16] turns to +[3731.16 --> 3731.60] worship +[3731.60 --> 3732.76] as you +[3732.76 --> 3733.28] approach +[3733.28 --> 3733.68] this +[3733.68 --> 3734.48] Christ +[3734.48 --> 3734.82] child. +[3735.72 --> 3736.18] Don't be +[3736.18 --> 3736.74] distracted +[3736.74 --> 3737.28] by the +[3737.28 --> 3737.76] busyness +[3737.76 --> 3738.12] of the +[3738.12 --> 3738.50] season +[3738.50 --> 3738.86] around. +[3739.32 --> 3739.98] Don't let +[3739.98 --> 3740.34] what is +[3740.34 --> 3740.78] right in +[3740.78 --> 3741.28] front of +[3741.28 --> 3742.26] you rob +[3742.26 --> 3743.28] you of +[3743.28 --> 3743.98] the God +[3743.98 --> 3744.30] who's +[3744.30 --> 3744.60] all +[3744.60 --> 3745.06] around +[3745.06 --> 3745.30] you, +[3745.40 --> 3745.84] the God +[3745.84 --> 3746.48] who came +[3746.48 --> 3747.40] into the +[3747.40 --> 3747.88] world to +[3747.88 --> 3748.34] live the +[3748.34 --> 3748.74] life I +[3748.74 --> 3749.04] should have +[3749.04 --> 3749.38] lived and +[3749.38 --> 3750.08] who died +[3750.08 --> 3750.54] the death +[3750.54 --> 3750.96] that I +[3750.96 --> 3751.74] deserved. +[3752.28 --> 3753.02] That's the +[3753.02 --> 3753.86] impossibility +[3753.86 --> 3754.54] of Christmas +[3754.54 --> 3755.52] made possible +[3755.52 --> 3756.84] by Emmanuel, +[3757.24 --> 3758.20] God with +[3758.20 --> 3758.68] us. +[3759.08 --> 3759.74] And seeing +[3759.74 --> 3760.36] the world +[3760.36 --> 3761.00] in this +[3761.00 --> 3761.92] way changes +[3761.92 --> 3762.86] everything +[3762.86 --> 3764.24] about the +[3764.24 --> 3764.56] world. +[3767.06 --> 3768.22] So now, +[3769.00 --> 3769.58] no matter +[3769.58 --> 3770.48] what you +[3770.48 --> 3771.80] are facing, +[3772.92 --> 3773.40] no matter +[3773.40 --> 3774.42] how deep +[3774.42 --> 3775.54] the darkness +[3775.54 --> 3776.18] and the +[3776.18 --> 3776.80] depths of +[3776.80 --> 3777.40] despair +[3777.40 --> 3778.86] might feel, +[3780.48 --> 3782.56] God is +[3782.56 --> 3784.38] with us. +[3785.42 --> 3786.40] No matter +[3786.40 --> 3787.52] how impossible +[3787.52 --> 3788.88] your circumstance +[3788.88 --> 3790.20] might seem, +[3790.38 --> 3791.36] God is +[3791.36 --> 3792.38] with us. +[3792.96 --> 3793.44] No matter +[3793.44 --> 3794.06] how great +[3794.06 --> 3795.08] or successful +[3795.08 --> 3796.06] you think +[3796.06 --> 3796.84] yourself to +[3796.84 --> 3797.48] have been +[3797.48 --> 3798.18] and become, +[3798.52 --> 3799.34] God is +[3799.34 --> 3800.28] with us +[3800.28 --> 3800.64] and it's +[3800.64 --> 3801.28] from him +[3801.28 --> 3801.62] and him +[3801.62 --> 3802.06] alone +[3802.06 --> 3802.86] that all +[3802.86 --> 3803.70] good gifts +[3803.70 --> 3804.26] come. +[3806.86 --> 3807.90] And all +[3807.90 --> 3808.60] of this, +[3809.44 --> 3811.00] all of +[3811.00 --> 3811.52] this +[3811.52 --> 3812.84] comes +[3812.84 --> 3814.24] with the +[3814.24 --> 3814.86] eyes of +[3814.86 --> 3815.24] faith +[3815.24 --> 3816.66] to see it. +[3818.30 --> 3819.22] I pray +[3819.22 --> 3819.62] that this +[3819.62 --> 3820.04] Christmas +[3820.04 --> 3821.84] you share +[3821.84 --> 3822.60] those eyes +[3822.60 --> 3823.80] of faith +[3823.80 --> 3824.96] with me. +[3824.96 --> 3827.86] and so +[3827.86 --> 3828.62] this +[3828.62 --> 3829.22] Christmas +[3829.22 --> 3830.70] marveling +[3830.70 --> 3830.96] at the +[3830.96 --> 3831.38] majesty +[3831.38 --> 3832.12] of God +[3832.12 --> 3833.22] with us, +[3833.52 --> 3834.22] all of +[3834.22 --> 3835.02] those gathered +[3835.02 --> 3835.76] here who +[3835.76 --> 3836.56] have these +[3836.56 --> 3837.30] eyes of +[3837.30 --> 3837.66] faith +[3837.66 --> 3838.46] together +[3838.46 --> 3839.06] said, +[3840.14 --> 3840.44] amen. +[3841.44 --> 3842.02] Let's +[3842.02 --> 3842.22] pray. +[3842.22 --> 3848.78] Lord +[3848.78 --> 3850.12] Jesus +[3850.12 --> 3851.50] Christ, +[3853.72 --> 3854.30] Yeshua +[3854.30 --> 3855.64] Messiah, +[3856.26 --> 3856.62] Jesus +[3856.62 --> 3858.04] Messiah, +[3861.38 --> 3861.86] Jesus +[3861.86 --> 3863.56] Christos, +[3865.50 --> 3865.94] you +[3865.94 --> 3866.62] are +[3866.62 --> 3867.28] God +[3867.28 --> 3868.58] with us, +[3868.58 --> 3869.24] Emmanuel. +[3869.24 --> 3873.64] may this +[3873.64 --> 3874.56] truth +[3874.56 --> 3875.88] transform +[3875.88 --> 3876.90] how we +[3876.90 --> 3877.56] see +[3877.56 --> 3878.46] the world. +[3880.84 --> 3881.66] Give +[3881.66 --> 3882.20] us +[3882.20 --> 3882.80] today +[3882.80 --> 3883.40] these +[3883.40 --> 3884.04] eyes +[3884.04 --> 3885.12] of faith +[3885.12 --> 3885.88] that in +[3885.88 --> 3886.32] you, +[3886.60 --> 3887.34] from you, +[3887.42 --> 3888.02] and with +[3888.02 --> 3888.38] you, +[3888.54 --> 3889.24] we might +[3889.24 --> 3889.88] see +[3889.88 --> 3890.66] you. +[3892.98 --> 3894.14] Draw us +[3894.14 --> 3894.50] near +[3894.50 --> 3895.38] to you, +[3895.58 --> 3896.14] we pray +[3896.14 --> 3896.94] today, +[3896.94 --> 3899.06] that we +[3899.06 --> 3899.32] might +[3899.32 --> 3899.78] marvel +[3899.78 --> 3900.64] at the +[3900.64 --> 3901.12] mystery +[3901.12 --> 3902.20] of the +[3902.20 --> 3902.80] incarnation. +[3903.84 --> 3904.32] In +[3904.32 --> 3904.62] Jesus' +[3904.80 --> 3905.20] name we +[3905.20 --> 3905.50] pray. +[3906.36 --> 3906.80] Amen. +[3907.82 --> 3908.22] Amen. +[3908.22 --> 3908.28] Amen. +[3918.34 --> 3918.60] Amen. +[3918.60 --> 3919.26] Amen. +[3919.26 --> 3919.38] Amen. +[3919.38 --> 3919.76] Amen. +[3919.76 --> 3919.86] Amen. +[3919.86 --> 3919.98] Amen. +[3919.98 --> 3920.20] Amen. +[3920.20 --> 3921.32] Amen. +[3921.32 --> 3922.02] Amen. +[3922.02 --> 3922.38] Amen. +[3922.38 --> 3922.46] Amen. +[3922.46 --> 3922.54] Amen. +[3926.94 --> 3927.94] 数学术 +[3929.50 --> 3934.32] 文字幕志愿者 倫直 +[3935.86 --> 3940.54] mgrim +[3940.54 --> 3954.54] is +[3959.50 --> 3968.54] with their wondrous +[3970.54 --> 3977.02] the +[3981.82 --> 3982.06] is +[3982.62 --> 3984.62] is +[3984.62 --> 4003.66] To the calling of glory, glory to God in the highest, +[4003.66 --> 4008.74] Peace to man on earth +[4008.74 --> 4015.74] Come and adore him with wonder +[4015.74 --> 4020.66] Christ, Lord of heaven and earth +[4021.22 --> 4031.56] There is a day all creation has longed for +[4031.56 --> 4035.60] When all of time has been spent +[4035.60 --> 4038.92] And the Lord returns +[4038.92 --> 4041.90] His song will repeat +[4041.90 --> 4044.90] As heaven completes +[4044.90 --> 4049.90] Promise peace that will fill the nations +[4049.90 --> 4055.56] Glory to God in the highest +[4055.56 --> 4060.72] Peace to man on earth +[4060.72 --> 4067.08] Come and adore him with wonder +[4067.08 --> 4072.92] Christ, Lord of heaven and earth +[4072.92 --> 4080.18] Glory to God in the highest +[4080.18 --> 4085.66] Peace to man on earth +[4085.66 --> 4092.02] Come and adore him with wonder +[4092.02 --> 4098.38] Christ, Lord of heaven and earth +[4098.38 --> 4104.74] Glory to God in the highest +[4104.74 --> 4109.74] Peace to man on earth +[4109.74 --> 4116.68] Come and adore him with wonder +[4116.68 --> 4122.04] Christ, Lord of heaven and earth +[4122.04 --> 4140.34] As we go this Christmas day +[4140.34 --> 4144.78] Know that God himself goes with you +[4144.78 --> 4146.98] As you receive God's blessing +[4146.98 --> 4150.72] I invite you to go also with an invitation +[4150.72 --> 4153.04] If you are looking for prayer +[4153.04 --> 4155.18] Or would like to connect with someone to pray +[4155.18 --> 4157.44] About whatever it is that God has laid on your heart +[4157.44 --> 4158.44] There will be someone here +[4158.44 --> 4159.14] There will be someone here up front +[4159.14 --> 4160.74] With a yellow name tag on +[4160.74 --> 4161.70] They'd love to meet you +[4161.70 --> 4163.54] To pray with you in that moment +[4163.54 --> 4164.70] You can find myself +[4164.70 --> 4167.10] Or really anyone here as well +[4167.10 --> 4168.84] Would love to pray with you +[4168.84 --> 4172.12] Receive the blessing of God +[4172.12 --> 4173.84] As we are sent from this place +[4173.84 --> 4176.98] Joining him in his mission +[4176.98 --> 4180.28] To declare the wonderful glory +[4180.28 --> 4181.26] Of God +[4181.26 --> 4183.20] Receive his blessing +[4183.20 --> 4185.78] God, go before you +[4185.78 --> 4186.60] To lead you +[4186.60 --> 4188.54] God, go behind you +[4188.54 --> 4189.36] To protect you +[4189.36 --> 4191.28] God, go beneath you +[4191.28 --> 4192.30] To support you +[4192.30 --> 4193.90] And God, go beside you +[4193.90 --> 4194.98] To befriend you +[4194.98 --> 4197.02] Do not be afraid +[4197.02 --> 4199.06] Let the blessing of God +[4199.06 --> 4200.02] Come upon you today +[4200.02 --> 4201.74] Do not be afraid +[4201.74 --> 4204.04] But go in peace +[4204.04 --> 4206.96] To love and serve the Lord +[4206.96 --> 4208.52] Amen +[4208.52 --> 4229.08] Joy to the world +[4229.08 --> 4232.60] The Lord is come +[4232.60 --> 4236.68] And earth we sing +[4236.68 --> 4263.58] If you are +[4263.58 --> 4285.56] Joy to the earth, our Savior reigns, and all their songs and songs, while fields and floods, rocks, hills and plains, +[4285.56 --> 4299.82] Repeat the sounding joy, repeat the sounding joy, repeat the sounding joy. +[4299.82 --> 4314.82] No more let sin and sorrow grow, your thorns infest the ground. +[4315.56 --> 4337.24] He comes to make His blessings flow, far as the curse is found, far as, far as the curse is found. +[4337.24 --> 4351.24] He rules the world with truth and grace, and makes the nations prove. +[4351.24 --> 4369.24] The glories of His righteousness, and wonders of His love, and wonders of His love. +[4369.24 --> 4375.24] The glories of His love. +[4375.24 --> 4380.24] The glories of His love. +[4380.24 --> 4385.24] The glories of His love. +[4385.24 --> 4415.22] Thank you. +[4415.24 --> 4445.22] Thank you. +[4445.24 --> 4475.22] Thank you. +[4475.24 --> 4505.22] Thank you. +[4505.24 --> 4535.22] Thank you. +[4535.24 --> 4537.24] Thank you. +[4565.24 --> 4567.24] Thank you. +[4595.24 --> 4597.24] Thank you. +[4625.24 --> 4627.24] Thank you. +[4655.24 --> 4657.24] Thank you. +[4685.24 --> 4687.24] Thank you. diff --git a/Easter Sunday, March 31, 2024_summary.txt b/Easter Sunday, March 31, 2024_summary.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000000000000000000000000000000000000..b058b809cf25abfad6c7501fb97c2bef38319ca4 --- /dev/null +++ b/Easter Sunday, March 31, 2024_summary.txt @@ -0,0 +1,115 @@ +• The speaker mentions that it's Easter Sunday or Resurrection Sunday. +• The speaker invites the audience to open their Bibles and read from Matthew 28:1-10 together. +• The speaker shares their personal preference for Easter Sunday as a favorite day of the year. +• The speaker notes the change in seasons and the beauty of nature on this day. +• Discussion of the current season's lovely weather +• The importance of rehearsing the resurrection story every Sunday +• Matthew 28:1-10 is read, describing Jesus' resurrection +• Explanation that if God is not dead, there is nothing to fear +• Reflection on the significance of the women in the Easter story and their role in witnessing the resurrection +• The role of women in the story of Jesus' Resurrection +• The absence of male disciples during key moments (Good Friday, Burial) +• The faithfulness and perseverance of the women who served Jesus +• Their reward: being the first to see Jesus after his Resurrection +• Jesus' greeting to the women: "Greetings. Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers." +• Matthew's intention to highlight the inclusion and pride of place given to women in the story +• Criticism of male disciples, specifically Peter, James, and John, for their failed devotion +• Deprecation of male disciples through contrast with the faithful women +• Questions about the whereabouts and actions of male disciples during significant events (Peter's denial, Jesus' transfiguration) +• The speaker discusses the biblical account of Eve and Adam in the Garden of Eden +• Eve's offspring, Jesus, has defeated sin and death +• Women are refusing to hide their faithfulness and devotion +• Men in the congregation need to hear this message and consider their own roles and expectations +• Statistically, women do most of the work in churches, including faith formation +• Men between 30-60 are the hardest demographic to get involved in church activities +• The importance of understanding Matthew's account as historical fact +• Matthew's focus on mentioning women present at the event +• The significance of Jesus appearing first to two women +• Christianity's rootedness in history and its connection to the Bible +• Archaeological evidence supporting biblical events, despite perceived gaps or contradictions +• Christianity's gospel writers created myths to bolster their social power +• Early church created stories of great power and influence to support their new reality +• This was done to keep social capital and maintain influence +• The Gospels were written before the early Christian community had any significant social influence or power +• The creation of these stories did not protect the Christians' power, but rather made them more vulnerable +• The power of the day, with the Roman Empire +• Problem with argument is biased in favor of characters who come out better than they do +• Jewish and Roman legal traditions require testimony from at least two people, making women unreliable witnesses +• In a court of law, women don't count as reliable witnesses +• Matthew's inclusion of women as eyewitnesses suggests he prioritizes telling history accurately +• The resurrection of Jesus is supported by multiple eyewitness accounts +• Paul had a vision of Jesus on the Damascus road and believed in his resurrection +• Belief in the resurrection is based on history, evidence, and reason +• The resurrection is both a historical claim and a theological statement about God's victory over sin and death +• Resurrection of Jesus +• Not fearing death due to resurrection +• Death's loss of power and sting +• Satan defeated, no reason to fear him +• Rehearsal of the resurrection every Sunday +• Christian perspective on death +• The worst thing that could happen has already occurred (death with Christ) +• Discussion of Romans 6 and Colossians 2 +• The idea that we died with Christ through the gospel +• Union with Christ through the cross and resurrection +• Death no longer having mastery over believers due to Christ's sacrifice +• Fearlessness in death because of spiritual union with Christ +• Materialization of spiritual union, eliminating fear +• Paul's writings in Romans 6 and Colossians on this topic +• Being raised with Christ +• Spiritual truth and the resurrection of Jesus +• Seated at God's right hand in heavenly realms +• Already raised with Christ, regardless of circumstances +• The gospel and church have proclaimed this message for millennia +• The claim of the resurrection is that because God is not dead, we do not need to fear death. +• Resurrected people have a mission to tell others about Jesus and declare his redemption. +• Our purpose now is to be used by God in all areas of life to proclaim his truth. +• The tomb is empty and we are not afraid +• But fear can come back in everyday life +• God gives provision for these situations through the Holy Spirit's power +• We come to the Lord's table for nourishment and sustenance on our journeys of faith +• We rehearse the resurrection story and receive the resurrected Jesus in power +• The Lord is present with us and sends us out in his name +• The liturgy being described on the screen +• Opening hymn "Glory to you, O Lord our God" and its repetition with slight variations +• Prayer for the Holy Spirit to be poured out upon them +• Communion prayer asking God to make them one with Christ through his body and blood +• Reflections on sharing in the body and blood of Christ through bread and cup +• Gratitude and participation in the blood of Christ through drinking the cup +• The prayer of thanks for Jesus Christ's sacrifice and resurrection +• The presentation of oneself as a living sacrifice to the Lord +• Proclamation of Christ's death, affirmation with joy of his resurrection, and anticipation of his coming +• Invitation to come to Christ for rest and guidance +• Emphasis on coming to Christ out of penitence and weakness rather than strength or righteousness +• Invitation to all who are laboring and heavy laden to come to Christ for rest +• Introduction to a modified communion ceremony +• Instructions for receiving the elements with a changed phrase +• Invitation of worship volunteers and elders for ushering +• Accommodations for those unable to come forward +• Reminder about gluten-free bread availability +• Serving volunteers invitation to come forward +• Repeated expression of gratitude (approximately 13 times) +• Praise and worship +• The cross of Calvary and redemption +• Jesus as King and Lord +• Victory and triumph over sin and death +• The sacrifice of Christ +• Praise to God's holy name +• Eternality of God's reign +• Confession of faith in the name of Jesus +• References to God and Jesus Christ +• Discussion of the power and glory of Jesus' name +• Mention of sin, death, and grave +• Description of Jesus' sacrifice and resurrection +• Expression of gratitude for salvation +• Reference to the Bible verse "Thy strength indeed is small" +• Mention of singing a song called "Jesus Messiah" +• Jesus, Messiah, and Lord of all +• Cancer and healing +• Rescue for sinners and ransom of heaven +• Hope in Jesus +• Invitation to pray with someone or receive prayer +• Going out as a community with God's blessing and protection +• Spreading the message of the risen Savior +• Hallelujah songs and celebration of Jesus' victory over death +• Repeating phrases of devotion and worship ("He is our God", "We have his hope", "In Jesus Christ") +• Repetitive expression of gratitude ("Thank you") \ No newline at end of file diff --git a/Easter Sunday, March 31, 2024_transcript.txt b/Easter Sunday, March 31, 2024_transcript.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000000000000000000000000000000000000..d9261ca840efc7a3ff9c071c57bcbb6c39198db1 --- /dev/null +++ b/Easter Sunday, March 31, 2024_transcript.txt @@ -0,0 +1,2415 @@ +[0.00 --> 29.98] Thank you. +[30.00 --> 59.98] Thank you. +[60.00 --> 89.98] Thank you. +[90.00 --> 119.98] Thank you. +[120.00 --> 149.98] Thank you. +[150.00 --> 179.98] Thank you. +[180.00 --> 209.98] Thank you. +[210.00 --> 239.98] Thank you. +[240.00 --> 269.98] Thank you. +[270.00 --> 299.98] Thank you. +[300.00 --> 329.98] Thank you. +[330.00 --> 359.98] Thank you. +[360.00 --> 389.98] Thank you. +[390.00 --> 419.98] Thank you. +[420.00 --> 449.98] Thank you. +[450.00 --> 479.98] Thank you. +[480.00 --> 509.98] Thank you. +[510.00 --> 539.98] Thank you. +[540.00 --> 569.98] Thank you. +[570.00 --> 599.96] Thank you. +[599.98 --> 629.94] Thank you. +[629.94 --> 659.92] And I will connect with you. +[659.92 --> 689.90] Thank you. +[689.94 --> 719.90] Thank you. +[719.90 --> 719.92] Thank you. +[749.90 --> 779.88] Thank you. +[779.90 --> 779.92] Thank you. +[809.90 --> 839.88] Thank you. +[839.90 --> 869.88] Thank you. +[869.88 --> 899.88] Thank you. +[899.88 --> 929.86] Thank you. +[929.86 --> 959.84] All right, children, +[959.86 --> 989.84] Thank you. +[989.86 --> 1019.84] Thank you. +[1019.86 --> 1049.84] Thank you. +[1049.86 --> 1079.84] Thank you. +[1079.86 --> 1109.84] Thank you. +[1109.86 --> 1139.84] Thank you. +[1139.86 --> 1169.84] Thank you. +[1169.86 --> 1199.84] Thank you. +[1199.86 --> 1229.84] Thank you. +[1229.86 --> 1259.84] Thank you. +[1259.84 --> 1289.82] Thank you. +[1289.84 --> 1319.82] Thank you. +[1319.84 --> 1349.82] Alleluia. +[1349.84 --> 1379.82] Thank you. +[1379.84 --> 1409.82] Thank you. +[1409.84 --> 1439.82] Thank you. +[1439.84 --> 1469.82] Thank you. +[1469.84 --> 1499.82] Thank you. +[1499.82 --> 1529.80] Thank you. +[1529.82 --> 1559.80] Thank you. +[1559.82 --> 1589.80] Thank you. +[1589.82 --> 1619.80] Thank you. +[1619.82 --> 1649.80] Thank you. +[1649.82 --> 1679.80] Thank you. +[1679.82 --> 1709.80] hear these words. +[1709.80 --> 1739.78] Thank you. +[1739.78 --> 1769.76] Thank you. +[1769.78 --> 1799.76] Thank you. +[1799.76 --> 1829.74] Thank you. +[1829.76 --> 1859.74] Thank you. +[1859.76 --> 1889.74] Thank you. +[1889.76 --> 1919.74] Thank you. +[1919.76 --> 1949.74] Thank you. +[1949.76 --> 1979.74] Thank you. +[1979.76 --> 2009.74] Thank you. +[2009.76 --> 2039.74] Thank you. +[2039.74 --> 2069.72] Thank you. +[2069.72 --> 2099.72] Thank you. +[2099.72 --> 2129.70] Thank you. +[2129.70 --> 2159.68] Thank you. +[2159.70 --> 2189.68] Thank you. +[2189.70 --> 2219.68] Thank you. +[2219.70 --> 2249.68] Thank you. +[2249.68 --> 2279.66] Thank you. +[2279.66 --> 2309.64] Thank you. +[2309.66 --> 2339.64] Thank you. +[2339.66 --> 2369.64] Thank you. +[2369.66 --> 2399.64] Thank you. +[2399.66 --> 2429.64] Thank you. +[2429.66 --> 2459.64] Thank you. +[2459.66 --> 2489.64] Thank you. +[2489.64 --> 2519.62] Thank you. +[2519.62 --> 2549.60] Thank you. +[2549.60 --> 2579.58] Thank you. +[2579.60 --> 2609.58] And each one. +[2609.58 --> 2639.56] Thank you. +[2639.56 --> 2641.56] And you guys are ready. +[2669.56 --> 2699.54] Thank you. +[2699.56 --> 2729.54] Thank you. +[2729.54 --> 2759.52] Father, it's a good day. +[2759.52 --> 2789.52] Thank you. +[2789.52 --> 2819.50] Sunday. +[2819.52 --> 2849.50] Thank you. +[2849.50 --> 2879.48] Father, we pray. +[2879.48 --> 2909.46] We also give you, +[2909.46 --> 2939.44] Eli's off they and you Just like, +[2939.44 --> 2941.50] Jesus' love and sacrifice for us. +[2943.28 --> 2945.84] Now to you who is able to keep us from falling, +[2946.10 --> 2948.78] be glory, majesty, power, and authority +[2948.78 --> 2950.72] through Jesus Christ our Lord +[2950.72 --> 2953.62] before all ages, now, and forevermore. +[2954.36 --> 2954.66] Amen. +[2969.44 --> 2974.96] If you have a Bible, +[2975.42 --> 2978.26] or if you have a device on which you read your Bible, +[2978.32 --> 2981.88] I'm going to invite you to open that up or turn that on. +[2981.88 --> 2985.18] We're going to read from Matthew 28, +[2985.50 --> 2988.30] verse 1 through 10 together this morning. +[2990.32 --> 2992.02] Before we do that, +[2994.42 --> 2997.82] Easter Sunday, Resurrection Sunday, +[2997.82 --> 3000.66] is, I say this every year, I think, +[3000.76 --> 3003.50] my favorite Sunday of the year. +[3003.82 --> 3005.50] My favorite day of the year. +[3006.08 --> 3009.66] It is a beautiful time to gather +[3009.66 --> 3012.00] and to celebrate and to remember, +[3012.36 --> 3015.58] and it's also the seasons changing, +[3015.98 --> 3019.18] and the sun is shining just a little bit brightened, +[3019.40 --> 3021.38] even if there was frost this morning. +[3022.46 --> 3025.20] It's not like in Ontario, where I used to live, +[3025.24 --> 3026.80] where there was snow this week. +[3027.82 --> 3030.42] Here we have cherry blossoms blooming +[3030.42 --> 3032.10] and flowers coming up. +[3032.16 --> 3034.12] It is just a lovely season. +[3034.32 --> 3036.62] And on this Sunday, of all Sundays, +[3036.74 --> 3039.28] the bright colors come out again +[3039.28 --> 3041.70] as everyone wears that to church. +[3041.78 --> 3045.00] It is just a good time to be here. +[3045.70 --> 3046.68] And on Easter Sunday, +[3047.16 --> 3051.88] we once again rehearse the story of our faith. +[3051.88 --> 3056.88] We rehearse the story of the whole drama of redemption. +[3058.02 --> 3059.34] Now, the truth is, of course, +[3059.48 --> 3062.68] every Sunday, that's what we're doing in our worship. +[3063.44 --> 3067.62] Every Sunday, we are rehearsing Resurrection Sunday. +[3068.16 --> 3068.62] Right? +[3068.70 --> 3071.46] We come in our darkness and need. +[3071.72 --> 3074.08] We come confessing our sin to God +[3074.08 --> 3076.22] who invites us into his presence, +[3076.22 --> 3080.38] and we receive from him a word of hope +[3080.38 --> 3081.68] and a word of life. +[3081.82 --> 3084.98] We receive from him newness in spirit. +[3085.18 --> 3087.42] We are raised up with him +[3087.42 --> 3091.00] and then sent out on mission to proclaim this truth. +[3091.16 --> 3092.96] That's what we do every Sunday +[3092.96 --> 3096.40] because of what happens today, +[3097.24 --> 3101.32] because of what we remember and reflect on today. +[3101.32 --> 3105.32] And so today, explicitly and intentionally, +[3105.76 --> 3110.38] we are going to rehearse the resurrection story. +[3112.24 --> 3116.00] I'm going to read Matthew 28 for you. +[3118.82 --> 3122.84] After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, +[3123.08 --> 3125.12] Mary Magdalene and the other Mary +[3125.12 --> 3126.84] went to look at the tomb. +[3128.00 --> 3129.46] There was a violent earthquake, +[3129.46 --> 3131.88] for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven +[3131.88 --> 3133.42] and going to the tomb, +[3133.60 --> 3135.90] rolled back the stone and sat on it. +[3136.78 --> 3138.52] His appearance was like lightning +[3138.52 --> 3140.30] and his clothes were white as snow. +[3140.66 --> 3142.48] The guards were so afraid of him +[3142.48 --> 3144.90] that they shook and became like dead men. +[3146.04 --> 3147.56] The angel said to the women, +[3148.80 --> 3149.86] Do not be afraid, +[3150.28 --> 3152.08] for I know that you are looking for Jesus +[3152.08 --> 3153.00] who was crucified. +[3153.46 --> 3154.76] He is not here. +[3155.14 --> 3156.88] He has risen just as he said. +[3157.20 --> 3159.32] Come and see the place where he lay. +[3159.46 --> 3161.84] Then go quickly and tell his disciples, +[3162.00 --> 3163.24] He has risen from the dead +[3163.24 --> 3165.42] and is going ahead of you into Galilee. +[3165.84 --> 3166.94] There you will see him. +[3167.92 --> 3169.12] Now I have told you. +[3170.18 --> 3172.64] And so the women hurried away from the tomb, +[3172.80 --> 3175.18] afraid and yet filled with joy, +[3175.64 --> 3177.34] and ran to tell his disciples. +[3178.92 --> 3181.04] Suddenly, Jesus met them. +[3181.04 --> 3182.04] Greetings, he said. +[3182.04 --> 3183.98] Greetings, he said. +[3184.98 --> 3186.32] They came to him, +[3186.92 --> 3188.16] clasped his feet, +[3188.30 --> 3189.96] and worshipped him. +[3190.84 --> 3192.40] And then Jesus said to them, +[3192.58 --> 3194.98] Do not be afraid. +[3195.92 --> 3199.32] Go, tell my brothers to go to Galilee. +[3200.06 --> 3202.14] There they will see me. +[3202.82 --> 3204.06] This is the word of the Lord. +[3204.06 --> 3215.08] The reason why we rehearse Resurrection Sunday, +[3215.34 --> 3216.48] every Sunday, +[3217.06 --> 3220.82] is because of the truth that says, +[3221.32 --> 3223.28] If God is not dead, +[3224.08 --> 3226.28] there is nothing to fear. +[3226.28 --> 3230.72] Dave made note that on Good Friday, +[3230.92 --> 3231.66] when we gathered, +[3232.28 --> 3234.60] we heard and lived into the truth +[3234.60 --> 3236.00] that God is dead, +[3236.08 --> 3237.96] and we have killed him. +[3238.08 --> 3239.66] But Sunday has come, +[3239.72 --> 3242.64] and something has changed. +[3243.90 --> 3245.62] And that thing that has changed +[3245.62 --> 3247.58] is that the God who died +[3247.58 --> 3251.44] has been raised to new life again. +[3251.44 --> 3254.16] And if God's not dead, +[3254.74 --> 3257.34] there's nothing to fear. +[3258.86 --> 3260.50] Now, as we rehearse this story, +[3261.12 --> 3262.86] I want to get at that +[3262.86 --> 3266.20] in a way different +[3266.20 --> 3267.76] than I have ever done before +[3267.76 --> 3269.54] in Easter Reflections, +[3270.02 --> 3272.04] because I want to look +[3272.04 --> 3274.58] at the women in this story. +[3275.68 --> 3276.92] It's the third day +[3276.92 --> 3279.66] since Jesus has been crucified. +[3279.66 --> 3280.66] It's Sunday, +[3280.84 --> 3282.12] the day after the Sabbath, +[3282.40 --> 3283.74] and we read that +[3283.74 --> 3285.86] at dawn of the first day of the week, +[3286.14 --> 3288.00] Mary Magdalene and the other Mary +[3288.00 --> 3289.52] went to look at the tomb. +[3290.96 --> 3292.16] Now, what I want us to see +[3292.16 --> 3294.42] is to notice the presence +[3294.42 --> 3297.04] and the role of these women +[3297.04 --> 3298.60] in the story. +[3299.38 --> 3299.60] Right? +[3299.66 --> 3301.60] At dawn on the first day of the week, +[3301.72 --> 3304.06] the first thing these two do +[3304.06 --> 3306.66] is go to Jesus. +[3307.38 --> 3309.20] But it's not just this day. +[3309.20 --> 3311.52] It's not just Resurrection Sunday +[3311.52 --> 3313.20] that they did not yet know +[3313.20 --> 3313.84] was coming. +[3314.28 --> 3314.42] Right? +[3314.46 --> 3315.84] It's been all along. +[3316.38 --> 3317.64] If you have your Bible open, +[3317.70 --> 3318.26] you can see it. +[3318.30 --> 3319.74] Look back on Good Friday, +[3320.66 --> 3321.98] the death of Jesus. +[3322.82 --> 3325.08] In chapter 27, verse 55, +[3325.46 --> 3325.96] we read, +[3325.96 --> 3344.34] The male disciples in this story +[3344.34 --> 3346.34] are nowhere to be found. +[3346.34 --> 3347.34] Right? +[3349.30 --> 3350.34] In the story of Jesus' death, +[3350.38 --> 3351.20] we looked at on Friday, +[3351.34 --> 3353.10] it takes a Roman centurion +[3353.10 --> 3355.06] to announce what these women +[3355.06 --> 3356.06] have seen all along. +[3357.34 --> 3358.90] In the story that follows +[3358.90 --> 3359.96] after the death of Jesus, +[3360.10 --> 3361.80] the story that my Bible anyway +[3361.80 --> 3363.48] titles The Burial of Jesus, +[3364.34 --> 3365.52] in verse 57, +[3366.52 --> 3368.40] you have Joseph of Arimathea +[3368.40 --> 3371.12] who asks Pilate for Jesus' body +[3371.12 --> 3372.20] that he may take him. +[3372.20 --> 3374.40] Pilate says yes, +[3374.60 --> 3375.74] and then Jesus' body +[3375.74 --> 3377.10] is placed in a tomb +[3377.10 --> 3379.24] with a circular stone in front. +[3379.34 --> 3380.54] I have a picture of that, +[3380.60 --> 3380.96] I think. +[3382.22 --> 3383.16] This is a picture +[3383.16 --> 3385.58] from when I was visiting Israel, +[3385.58 --> 3387.12] and these tombs are dotted +[3387.12 --> 3388.16] throughout the land. +[3388.22 --> 3390.26] This is what it would have looked like +[3390.26 --> 3391.54] for Joseph's tomb +[3391.54 --> 3393.20] in that area, +[3393.28 --> 3394.20] although where it is now +[3394.20 --> 3396.26] is the metropolis of Jerusalem. +[3396.88 --> 3398.24] This is outside of Jerusalem. +[3398.24 --> 3401.56] And so the women go to the tomb, +[3401.64 --> 3403.06] and we're told in verse 61, +[3404.02 --> 3406.66] Mary Magdalene and the other Mary +[3406.66 --> 3409.76] were sitting there opposite the tomb. +[3411.04 --> 3413.94] The only two disciples left +[3413.94 --> 3416.16] are these women. +[3418.24 --> 3419.92] And as I was preparing for Sunday, +[3421.48 --> 3422.50] I just want to say, +[3422.66 --> 3424.34] can we praise God +[3424.34 --> 3425.82] for faithful women? +[3425.82 --> 3428.38] It's the testimony +[3428.38 --> 3429.82] of faithful women +[3429.82 --> 3430.82] who serve +[3431.34 --> 3432.56] after everyone else +[3432.56 --> 3433.14] has run away. +[3434.60 --> 3435.98] It's faithful mothers +[3435.98 --> 3436.92] and aunts +[3436.92 --> 3437.70] and friends +[3437.70 --> 3439.16] who persevere +[3439.16 --> 3439.88] day in +[3439.88 --> 3441.02] and day out, +[3441.40 --> 3441.82] laboring +[3441.82 --> 3443.30] in often unsung +[3443.30 --> 3444.70] and unlauded ways, +[3444.78 --> 3446.00] and it's their faithfulness, +[3446.84 --> 3448.98] and because of their faithfulness, +[3449.08 --> 3449.72] these women +[3449.72 --> 3450.88] are called upon +[3450.88 --> 3451.66] by our Lord +[3451.66 --> 3452.96] to be heralds +[3452.96 --> 3453.96] of his coming back +[3453.96 --> 3454.46] from death. +[3454.46 --> 3456.18] Their perseverance +[3456.18 --> 3457.14] is rewarded +[3457.14 --> 3458.16] by being the first +[3458.16 --> 3459.44] to see Jesus. +[3459.94 --> 3460.64] And so they hear +[3460.64 --> 3461.68] the lovely words, +[3462.08 --> 3462.42] greetings. +[3464.02 --> 3464.74] Can you imagine +[3464.74 --> 3465.98] hearing those words? +[3466.12 --> 3466.50] Greetings. +[3466.78 --> 3468.76] Imagine hearing that voice. +[3469.16 --> 3469.50] Greetings. +[3469.82 --> 3471.40] Imagine seeing his feet +[3471.40 --> 3473.02] and clasping them, +[3473.44 --> 3474.50] seeing his face +[3474.50 --> 3476.08] and taking it in your hands. +[3476.20 --> 3476.72] Greetings, +[3476.94 --> 3477.34] he says. +[3477.58 --> 3478.94] Do not be afraid. +[3479.62 --> 3482.10] Go and tell my brothers. +[3482.10 --> 3485.10] These women disciples +[3485.10 --> 3486.68] who serve Jesus +[3486.68 --> 3489.24] are worth emulating. +[3489.94 --> 3491.00] They're worth celebrating. +[3491.66 --> 3492.86] And Matthew +[3492.86 --> 3494.66] is at pains +[3494.66 --> 3495.24] in the way +[3495.24 --> 3496.48] he writes this story +[3496.48 --> 3498.22] to show their inclusion, +[3498.38 --> 3499.22] to highlight it, +[3499.28 --> 3500.46] and the pride of place +[3500.46 --> 3501.34] that they have +[3501.34 --> 3501.90] in the story. +[3502.64 --> 3503.42] And I don't want you +[3503.42 --> 3503.88] to miss it. +[3503.92 --> 3504.74] I need you to hear it +[3504.74 --> 3505.52] and to note it +[3505.52 --> 3506.78] and to recognize +[3506.78 --> 3507.88] that we can emulate +[3507.88 --> 3510.04] these faithful women. +[3510.04 --> 3515.16] But in that, +[3516.36 --> 3517.54] there's also +[3517.54 --> 3520.72] a not-so-implicit +[3520.72 --> 3522.02] deprecation +[3522.02 --> 3523.16] going on +[3523.16 --> 3524.02] by Matthew +[3524.02 --> 3525.82] as he's constantly +[3525.82 --> 3526.90] drawing the eyes +[3526.90 --> 3527.60] of his readers +[3527.60 --> 3529.26] to see these women +[3529.26 --> 3529.88] present +[3529.88 --> 3531.62] and not the other disciples. +[3533.04 --> 3534.58] There's a criticism here +[3534.58 --> 3536.12] of the male disciples +[3536.12 --> 3537.18] and their failed +[3537.18 --> 3538.24] devotion. +[3538.24 --> 3540.44] Let me ask you, +[3540.50 --> 3541.18] where is Peter? +[3542.44 --> 3542.92] Peter, +[3543.12 --> 3543.96] who once said, +[3544.34 --> 3545.34] you are the Christ, +[3545.52 --> 3546.94] the Son of the living God. +[3547.36 --> 3547.62] Peter, +[3547.74 --> 3548.12] who said, +[3548.24 --> 3549.28] you have the words +[3549.28 --> 3550.24] of eternal life. +[3550.66 --> 3550.88] Peter, +[3551.02 --> 3552.48] to whom Jesus said, +[3552.84 --> 3553.62] on this rock +[3553.62 --> 3554.76] I will build my church +[3554.76 --> 3555.78] and the gates of hell +[3555.78 --> 3557.18] will not prevail over it. +[3557.34 --> 3558.14] Where is he now? +[3560.64 --> 3561.08] What we know +[3561.08 --> 3561.94] from Peter's story +[3561.94 --> 3562.82] is that he denied +[3562.82 --> 3563.88] Jesus three times +[3563.88 --> 3564.60] and he left him +[3564.60 --> 3565.52] in his time of need. +[3565.52 --> 3568.52] Where are James and John, +[3568.86 --> 3569.90] the sons of Zebedee, +[3570.64 --> 3571.50] who told Jesus +[3571.50 --> 3572.54] that they could +[3572.54 --> 3573.28] and they should +[3573.28 --> 3574.34] sit at his right +[3574.34 --> 3575.16] and left hand +[3575.16 --> 3576.28] when he comes into glory, +[3576.48 --> 3577.34] who confidently +[3577.34 --> 3578.12] told Jesus +[3578.12 --> 3579.10] that they could, +[3579.26 --> 3579.48] in fact, +[3579.56 --> 3580.26] drink the cup +[3580.26 --> 3581.36] that was reserved to him, +[3581.40 --> 3581.86] that they could, +[3582.02 --> 3582.20] in fact, +[3582.26 --> 3582.80] be baptized +[3582.80 --> 3583.90] with the baptism +[3583.90 --> 3584.74] of God's wrath +[3584.74 --> 3585.40] that was going to +[3585.40 --> 3586.14] pour out on him. +[3586.30 --> 3587.06] They confidently +[3587.06 --> 3587.88] stood in front of him +[3587.88 --> 3588.12] and said, +[3588.20 --> 3588.42] yes, +[3588.52 --> 3589.12] we can. +[3590.12 --> 3591.34] They stood with Peter +[3591.34 --> 3591.94] on the mountain +[3591.94 --> 3593.06] of the transfiguration +[3593.06 --> 3593.90] and they heard +[3593.90 --> 3594.90] God's voice say, +[3595.26 --> 3596.80] this is my son +[3596.80 --> 3598.02] whom I love +[3598.02 --> 3598.52] with him. +[3598.60 --> 3599.58] I am well pleased. +[3599.74 --> 3600.56] Listen to him. +[3601.32 --> 3602.14] They saw Moses +[3602.14 --> 3602.76] and Elijah +[3602.76 --> 3604.44] appear beside Jesus, +[3604.62 --> 3605.82] but where are they now? +[3607.56 --> 3608.50] They're not here. +[3609.92 --> 3610.74] You know who is? +[3611.54 --> 3612.38] Their mom. +[3614.30 --> 3614.98] There's something +[3614.98 --> 3615.62] going on there. +[3616.76 --> 3617.84] Maybe they're hiding. +[3618.74 --> 3619.80] They're probably scared. +[3621.16 --> 3621.34] You know, +[3621.34 --> 3622.24] as I was preparing +[3622.24 --> 3622.92] for today, +[3623.70 --> 3624.76] I wonder, +[3625.30 --> 3626.54] and it struck me, +[3627.46 --> 3628.86] I wonder if part +[3628.86 --> 3630.50] of what we're seeing here, +[3630.58 --> 3631.54] part of what Matthew +[3631.54 --> 3633.36] is drawing our eyes to +[3633.36 --> 3636.30] is that in this moment, +[3636.64 --> 3638.60] the defeat of the curse +[3638.60 --> 3639.76] that was first spoken +[3639.76 --> 3641.16] in the Garden of Eden +[3641.16 --> 3642.88] is being undone +[3642.88 --> 3644.56] by this new telling +[3644.56 --> 3645.26] of the story. +[3646.18 --> 3646.38] Right? +[3646.44 --> 3647.76] In the Garden of Eden, +[3648.18 --> 3649.84] Eve ate from the fruit +[3649.84 --> 3650.44] given to her +[3650.44 --> 3651.12] by the serpent +[3651.12 --> 3651.92] and then she gave it +[3651.92 --> 3652.32] to Adam +[3652.32 --> 3653.86] and then they both hid +[3653.86 --> 3654.88] when God came +[3654.88 --> 3655.98] walking through the garden +[3655.98 --> 3656.84] looking for them. +[3656.92 --> 3658.14] They hid in their shame +[3658.14 --> 3658.92] and they fled. +[3660.04 --> 3660.90] But now, +[3661.60 --> 3662.86] Eve's offspring, +[3663.64 --> 3663.96] Jesus, +[3664.22 --> 3664.84] has crushed +[3664.84 --> 3666.06] the head of the serpent. +[3667.08 --> 3667.94] Sin and death +[3667.94 --> 3668.64] have been defeated +[3668.64 --> 3669.38] by the true +[3669.38 --> 3670.44] and better Adam +[3670.44 --> 3671.58] and these women +[3671.58 --> 3672.94] refuse to hide. +[3674.28 --> 3674.44] Right? +[3674.48 --> 3675.72] Where the sons of Adam +[3675.72 --> 3676.84] failed and hid +[3676.84 --> 3678.20] because of the true +[3678.20 --> 3678.88] and better Adam, +[3679.02 --> 3680.86] these daughters of Eve +[3680.86 --> 3682.68] will not hide. +[3682.92 --> 3683.58] Not again. +[3683.92 --> 3684.84] Not this time. +[3686.10 --> 3687.22] Their faithfulness +[3687.22 --> 3688.30] and their devotion, +[3688.78 --> 3689.60] their commitment, +[3690.08 --> 3690.28] right, +[3690.34 --> 3691.70] is something for us +[3691.70 --> 3692.36] to emulate +[3692.36 --> 3693.92] but at the same time +[3693.92 --> 3696.00] it is heaping +[3696.00 --> 3696.80] burning coals +[3696.80 --> 3697.42] of conviction +[3697.42 --> 3698.24] on the heads +[3698.24 --> 3699.38] of the male disciples. +[3699.38 --> 3704.78] And I don't want +[3704.78 --> 3705.74] to overstate this +[3705.74 --> 3706.22] and I'm not going +[3706.22 --> 3706.66] to live here +[3706.66 --> 3707.40] for too long +[3707.40 --> 3708.98] but for us +[3708.98 --> 3710.36] men here today, +[3711.04 --> 3712.48] I can't help +[3712.48 --> 3712.86] but wonder +[3712.86 --> 3713.60] if maybe we need +[3713.60 --> 3714.20] to hear this. +[3717.14 --> 3717.54] Right? +[3717.58 --> 3718.00] I'm not going to, +[3718.18 --> 3718.64] like I said, +[3718.66 --> 3719.12] I'm not going to beat +[3719.12 --> 3719.62] this point +[3719.62 --> 3720.96] but statistically, +[3721.90 --> 3722.32] churches, +[3722.80 --> 3724.18] especially volunteer churches +[3724.18 --> 3724.90] like ours, +[3725.20 --> 3726.56] run on the backs +[3726.56 --> 3727.82] of the often quiet, +[3728.20 --> 3728.52] faithful, +[3728.52 --> 3729.40] devoted, +[3729.68 --> 3730.40] committed work +[3730.40 --> 3731.46] of women. +[3733.38 --> 3733.94] Statistically, +[3734.22 --> 3735.32] in most homes, +[3735.74 --> 3737.32] it is the woman +[3737.32 --> 3738.42] who does +[3738.42 --> 3739.34] faith formation. +[3740.80 --> 3740.94] Right? +[3740.94 --> 3741.60] Even in churches +[3741.60 --> 3742.46] with predominantly +[3742.46 --> 3743.50] male leadership, +[3744.10 --> 3745.50] the hardest demographic +[3745.50 --> 3746.44] to get involved +[3746.44 --> 3747.40] and to get connected +[3747.40 --> 3748.38] is men +[3748.38 --> 3749.38] between the ages +[3749.38 --> 3750.32] of 30 and 60. +[3752.04 --> 3752.28] Now, +[3752.68 --> 3753.82] don't hear what +[3753.82 --> 3754.32] I'm not saying. +[3754.90 --> 3755.82] I praise God +[3755.82 --> 3756.86] for the reality +[3756.86 --> 3757.88] that those statistics +[3757.88 --> 3758.88] don't bear themselves +[3758.88 --> 3760.12] out in our congregation +[3760.12 --> 3760.98] in the same way +[3760.98 --> 3761.46] as they do +[3761.46 --> 3762.08] in other places. +[3764.60 --> 3765.32] And yet, +[3765.88 --> 3767.42] don't just dismiss +[3767.42 --> 3768.16] what I said either. +[3769.30 --> 3769.70] Now, +[3769.70 --> 3770.04] I know there's +[3770.04 --> 3770.86] all sorts of reasons, +[3771.20 --> 3771.74] there's all sorts +[3771.74 --> 3772.38] of expectations, +[3772.76 --> 3773.34] there's all sorts +[3773.34 --> 3773.96] of excuses, +[3774.88 --> 3776.18] but I just wonder +[3776.18 --> 3776.98] if maybe +[3776.98 --> 3778.88] as we are rehearsing +[3778.88 --> 3779.70] this story, +[3780.28 --> 3781.88] if as men +[3781.88 --> 3783.58] in the church +[3783.58 --> 3784.56] and in this church, +[3784.56 --> 3785.44] the reason +[3785.44 --> 3786.34] for Matthew's +[3786.34 --> 3787.16] pointing that out, +[3787.26 --> 3787.90] we might still +[3787.90 --> 3788.70] need to hear today. +[3789.82 --> 3790.50] But I'll just +[3790.50 --> 3791.14] leave that with you +[3791.14 --> 3792.48] to ruminate on +[3792.48 --> 3793.60] for a moment. +[3795.08 --> 3796.34] I also think +[3796.34 --> 3797.50] there's another reason +[3797.50 --> 3798.42] why Matthew +[3798.42 --> 3800.12] labors to mention +[3800.12 --> 3801.90] all the women +[3801.90 --> 3802.78] who are present +[3802.78 --> 3804.56] and that it is +[3804.56 --> 3805.32] two women +[3805.32 --> 3806.14] to whom +[3806.14 --> 3807.24] Jesus first appears. +[3808.20 --> 3809.02] And this is where +[3809.02 --> 3809.34] we'll spend +[3809.34 --> 3810.04] the rest of our time. +[3810.84 --> 3811.76] I think Matthew +[3811.76 --> 3812.52] is at pains +[3812.52 --> 3813.68] to make this point +[3813.68 --> 3815.16] because that's +[3815.16 --> 3816.46] what actually happened. +[3818.30 --> 3819.78] Quite matter-of-factly, +[3820.16 --> 3821.46] Matthew is concerned +[3821.46 --> 3822.84] with writing history. +[3823.88 --> 3824.38] Now, +[3824.44 --> 3824.94] it's history +[3824.94 --> 3826.52] with a theological focus, +[3826.64 --> 3827.10] absolutely, +[3827.40 --> 3828.46] but it's still history. +[3829.64 --> 3830.72] And one of the amazing +[3830.72 --> 3832.00] things about Christianity +[3832.00 --> 3835.36] is our historical rootedness. +[3835.48 --> 3837.18] It is the groundedness +[3837.18 --> 3838.16] of our faith +[3838.16 --> 3840.22] in a story, +[3840.40 --> 3841.50] in history. +[3841.50 --> 3842.88] what we call +[3842.88 --> 3843.32] the Bible. +[3844.48 --> 3844.62] So, +[3844.70 --> 3845.52] just quickly, +[3845.68 --> 3846.08] to date, +[3846.76 --> 3847.70] there has been +[3847.70 --> 3848.76] zero +[3848.76 --> 3850.50] archaeological findings +[3850.50 --> 3851.70] that contradict +[3851.70 --> 3852.62] what the Bible +[3852.62 --> 3853.18] declares +[3853.18 --> 3853.78] has happened. +[3855.02 --> 3855.20] Now, +[3855.22 --> 3855.52] there's been +[3855.52 --> 3856.66] periods of time +[3856.66 --> 3857.38] where there +[3857.38 --> 3858.96] seems to be +[3858.96 --> 3859.60] an absence +[3859.60 --> 3860.84] of evidence, +[3861.00 --> 3861.82] but the absence +[3861.82 --> 3862.30] of evidence +[3862.30 --> 3863.10] is not the evidence +[3863.10 --> 3863.56] of absence. +[3864.04 --> 3865.38] There seems to be +[3865.38 --> 3866.94] some missing +[3866.94 --> 3867.94] stories, +[3868.22 --> 3868.62] and yet, +[3868.72 --> 3869.38] over time, +[3869.50 --> 3869.92] those things +[3869.92 --> 3870.44] are found. +[3871.50 --> 3872.62] Even when there's +[3872.62 --> 3874.16] confusion about something, +[3874.42 --> 3875.16] and there doesn't seem +[3875.16 --> 3875.86] to be archaeological +[3875.86 --> 3877.18] evidence to support it, +[3877.44 --> 3878.68] more often than not, +[3879.02 --> 3879.60] it's found. +[3880.60 --> 3881.30] This has happened +[3881.30 --> 3882.66] over and over and over, +[3882.78 --> 3883.86] especially in the last +[3883.86 --> 3884.96] 300 years +[3884.96 --> 3885.84] as the science +[3885.84 --> 3886.60] of archaeology +[3886.60 --> 3887.20] has become +[3887.20 --> 3888.20] more and more +[3888.20 --> 3888.92] predominant. +[3889.92 --> 3890.90] Point is, +[3891.74 --> 3892.46] Matthew +[3892.46 --> 3895.34] tells this story +[3895.34 --> 3897.52] in this way +[3897.52 --> 3899.30] because this is +[3899.30 --> 3900.32] how it actually +[3900.32 --> 3900.82] happened. +[3901.38 --> 3902.36] And he's more +[3902.36 --> 3903.08] concerned +[3903.08 --> 3904.38] with the truth +[3904.38 --> 3905.48] of the event +[3905.48 --> 3906.46] than with +[3906.46 --> 3907.52] himself looking +[3907.52 --> 3908.52] good or with +[3908.52 --> 3909.12] him making +[3909.12 --> 3909.66] the other +[3909.66 --> 3910.20] disciples +[3910.20 --> 3911.48] look good. +[3912.64 --> 3913.58] And that's +[3913.58 --> 3914.52] really important +[3914.52 --> 3915.50] for us to hear. +[3916.28 --> 3917.36] Because sometimes +[3917.36 --> 3917.76] people, +[3917.88 --> 3918.64] very intelligent +[3918.64 --> 3920.48] and otherwise +[3920.48 --> 3921.30] well-meaning +[3921.30 --> 3921.78] people, +[3921.78 --> 3923.90] when wanting +[3923.90 --> 3925.00] to disprove +[3925.00 --> 3925.90] Christianity, +[3926.54 --> 3927.56] say something +[3927.56 --> 3928.24] like, +[3928.58 --> 3929.38] the gospel +[3929.38 --> 3930.72] writers wrote +[3930.72 --> 3931.34] the things +[3931.34 --> 3932.00] that they did +[3932.00 --> 3932.60] in the ways +[3932.60 --> 3933.24] that they did +[3933.24 --> 3934.62] to bolster +[3934.62 --> 3935.44] their position +[3935.44 --> 3936.28] in society. +[3937.10 --> 3937.22] Right? +[3937.22 --> 3938.56] They made up +[3938.56 --> 3939.58] stories to +[3939.58 --> 3940.40] undergird +[3940.40 --> 3941.18] their social +[3941.18 --> 3941.74] power. +[3943.96 --> 3944.20] Right? +[3944.26 --> 3944.84] That the early +[3944.84 --> 3945.62] church was +[3945.62 --> 3947.30] garnering influence +[3947.30 --> 3948.20] in society +[3948.20 --> 3948.76] and so +[3948.76 --> 3949.62] what they did +[3949.62 --> 3950.54] is they created +[3950.54 --> 3951.38] these myths +[3951.38 --> 3952.22] to support +[3952.22 --> 3953.42] their new +[3953.42 --> 3954.08] reality. +[3955.36 --> 3955.82] In short, +[3955.94 --> 3956.34] the argument +[3956.34 --> 3956.62] goes, +[3956.84 --> 3957.50] they made up +[3957.50 --> 3958.26] stories of +[3958.26 --> 3959.08] great power +[3959.08 --> 3960.06] and of people +[3960.06 --> 3960.66] with great +[3960.66 --> 3961.38] power and +[3961.38 --> 3962.02] influence +[3962.02 --> 3962.94] of resurrection +[3962.94 --> 3964.24] in order to +[3964.24 --> 3964.86] keep their +[3964.86 --> 3965.68] social capital, +[3966.02 --> 3966.46] in order to +[3966.46 --> 3966.90] keep their +[3966.90 --> 3967.54] influence. +[3969.28 --> 3969.44] And +[3969.44 --> 3971.38] charitably, +[3971.54 --> 3971.68] right, +[3971.74 --> 3972.78] to be fair, +[3973.26 --> 3974.20] by the +[3974.20 --> 3975.10] analogy of +[3975.10 --> 3975.98] human experience, +[3976.20 --> 3976.86] this is a +[3976.86 --> 3977.82] reasonable argument. +[3979.04 --> 3979.54] People do +[3979.54 --> 3979.94] this. +[3980.48 --> 3980.96] We've seen +[3980.96 --> 3981.48] people do +[3981.48 --> 3982.52] this regularly +[3982.52 --> 3983.16] throughout +[3983.16 --> 3983.64] history. +[3985.40 --> 3986.08] However, +[3986.76 --> 3988.40] I don't +[3988.40 --> 3988.86] think that's +[3988.86 --> 3989.48] the case +[3989.48 --> 3990.74] in this +[3990.74 --> 3991.74] story. +[3992.00 --> 3992.28] I don't +[3992.28 --> 3992.60] think that's +[3992.60 --> 3993.12] the case +[3993.12 --> 3994.18] in this +[3994.18 --> 3994.58] account. +[3994.72 --> 3995.20] And for +[3995.20 --> 3995.64] at least +[3995.64 --> 3996.40] two reasons, +[3996.50 --> 3996.76] there are +[3996.76 --> 3996.98] more, +[3997.06 --> 3997.28] but I'll +[3997.28 --> 3997.84] focus on +[3997.84 --> 3998.18] two this +[3998.18 --> 3998.40] morning. +[3999.62 --> 4000.18] First, +[4001.46 --> 4002.86] the Gospels +[4002.86 --> 4003.82] were written +[4003.82 --> 4005.44] probably sometime +[4005.44 --> 4006.24] between +[4006.24 --> 4006.80] A.D. +[4006.90 --> 4007.58] 60 and +[4007.58 --> 4008.06] A.D. +[4008.06 --> 4008.66] 80, +[4008.86 --> 4009.36] in the case +[4009.36 --> 4009.84] of Matthew, +[4010.10 --> 4010.30] Mark, +[4010.42 --> 4011.10] and Luke, +[4011.48 --> 4012.40] and John +[4012.40 --> 4012.90] sometime +[4012.90 --> 4013.98] probably between +[4013.98 --> 4014.26] A.D. +[4014.34 --> 4015.06] 90 and +[4015.06 --> 4015.44] 100. +[4016.36 --> 4016.86] And to be +[4016.86 --> 4017.18] clear, +[4018.02 --> 4019.42] this is long +[4019.42 --> 4020.96] before Christians +[4020.96 --> 4021.76] or Christian +[4021.76 --> 4022.72] groups have +[4022.72 --> 4024.82] any social +[4024.82 --> 4026.16] influence or +[4026.16 --> 4027.46] any power. +[4028.50 --> 4029.38] This is when +[4029.38 --> 4029.90] they're still +[4029.90 --> 4030.76] being killed +[4030.76 --> 4031.94] just for the +[4031.94 --> 4033.20] name Christian. +[4035.06 --> 4035.98] The telling +[4035.98 --> 4036.42] of these +[4036.42 --> 4037.24] stories doesn't +[4037.24 --> 4037.94] protect their +[4037.94 --> 4038.44] power. +[4038.86 --> 4039.26] The telling +[4039.26 --> 4039.64] of these +[4039.64 --> 4040.84] stories actually +[4040.84 --> 4041.44] brings them +[4041.44 --> 4042.34] into direct +[4042.34 --> 4043.08] and deadly +[4043.08 --> 4044.28] conflict with +[4044.28 --> 4044.90] the power of +[4044.90 --> 4045.24] the day, +[4045.32 --> 4045.62] with the +[4045.62 --> 4046.20] Roman Empire. +[4046.20 --> 4046.28] power. +[4048.36 --> 4049.22] The second +[4049.22 --> 4050.24] problem with +[4050.24 --> 4051.32] this argument +[4051.32 --> 4052.76] is that if +[4052.76 --> 4053.68] you are writing +[4053.68 --> 4054.96] these stories +[4054.96 --> 4055.62] to gain +[4055.62 --> 4056.42] influence or +[4056.42 --> 4056.80] to keep +[4056.80 --> 4057.70] any power, +[4058.54 --> 4059.42] you would +[4059.42 --> 4060.28] probably make +[4060.28 --> 4060.70] your main +[4060.70 --> 4062.26] characters come +[4062.26 --> 4062.74] out better +[4062.74 --> 4063.68] than they do. +[4064.60 --> 4065.04] If you're +[4065.04 --> 4065.44] trying to +[4065.44 --> 4066.06] fabricate a +[4066.06 --> 4066.98] story about +[4066.98 --> 4067.54] a rabbi +[4067.54 --> 4067.96] who was +[4067.96 --> 4068.56] resurrected, +[4068.88 --> 4069.34] for instance, +[4069.46 --> 4070.06] you simply +[4070.06 --> 4070.74] wouldn't use +[4070.74 --> 4071.50] women as +[4071.50 --> 4072.84] the eyewitnesses. +[4073.80 --> 4074.32] In both +[4074.32 --> 4075.22] Jewish and +[4075.22 --> 4076.14] Roman legal +[4076.14 --> 4076.80] traditions, +[4077.30 --> 4078.14] a testimony +[4078.14 --> 4079.00] is only +[4079.00 --> 4079.74] valid if +[4079.74 --> 4080.26] it's brought +[4080.26 --> 4080.98] forward by +[4080.98 --> 4082.22] two people, +[4082.38 --> 4082.78] by two +[4082.78 --> 4083.62] eyewitnesses. +[4083.82 --> 4084.12] Now Matthew +[4084.12 --> 4084.54] got that +[4084.54 --> 4085.02] part right, +[4085.86 --> 4087.68] but in +[4087.68 --> 4088.02] the law +[4088.02 --> 4088.36] court, +[4089.14 --> 4090.28] women don't +[4090.28 --> 4091.00] count. +[4092.00 --> 4092.46] They can't +[4092.46 --> 4092.96] be witnesses. +[4093.44 --> 4093.92] They aren't +[4093.92 --> 4094.48] reliable, +[4094.84 --> 4095.54] so we are +[4095.54 --> 4095.80] told. +[4096.50 --> 4097.02] It's not my +[4097.02 --> 4097.30] words, +[4097.80 --> 4098.32] it's their +[4098.32 --> 4098.58] words. +[4100.00 --> 4100.38] In fact, +[4100.66 --> 4101.70] non-Jewish +[4101.70 --> 4103.04] slaves who +[4103.04 --> 4103.70] are men +[4103.70 --> 4104.92] ranked higher +[4104.92 --> 4105.72] in the law +[4105.72 --> 4106.68] court than +[4106.68 --> 4107.14] any women +[4107.14 --> 4107.38] did. +[4108.86 --> 4109.34] And if +[4109.34 --> 4110.24] Matthew is +[4110.24 --> 4110.90] making up +[4110.90 --> 4111.74] this story, +[4111.96 --> 4112.64] it would be +[4112.64 --> 4114.00] ludicrous for +[4114.00 --> 4114.72] him to name +[4114.72 --> 4115.80] a woman as +[4115.80 --> 4116.16] a first +[4116.16 --> 4116.74] eyewitness, +[4117.70 --> 4119.78] unless Matthew +[4119.78 --> 4120.54] is concerned +[4120.54 --> 4121.04] with getting +[4121.04 --> 4121.84] it right, +[4122.86 --> 4124.00] unless Matthew's +[4124.00 --> 4125.16] priority is +[4125.16 --> 4126.80] telling history. +[4126.80 --> 4134.64] women are +[4134.64 --> 4135.20] the first +[4135.20 --> 4136.86] eyewitnesses, +[4137.14 --> 4138.54] precisely because +[4138.54 --> 4139.52] such an idea +[4139.52 --> 4139.98] would be +[4139.98 --> 4140.70] incredulous +[4140.70 --> 4141.46] unless it +[4141.46 --> 4142.00] were true, +[4142.54 --> 4143.74] actually makes +[4143.74 --> 4144.66] their inclusion +[4144.66 --> 4145.86] in the story +[4145.86 --> 4147.00] an argument +[4147.00 --> 4148.32] in favor of +[4148.32 --> 4149.06] the resurrection +[4149.06 --> 4150.12] actually +[4150.12 --> 4151.04] happening. +[4151.04 --> 4154.44] now, +[4154.80 --> 4156.30] if you are +[4156.30 --> 4156.94] skeptical, +[4157.66 --> 4157.88] right, +[4158.40 --> 4159.26] that's fair, +[4159.50 --> 4160.14] this is a lot, +[4160.30 --> 4160.72] I'll give you +[4160.72 --> 4160.96] that, +[4161.96 --> 4162.68] but at the +[4162.68 --> 4163.58] very least, +[4163.72 --> 4164.28] it seems to +[4164.28 --> 4164.48] me, +[4165.26 --> 4165.94] you have to +[4165.94 --> 4166.90] concede that +[4166.90 --> 4167.80] Mary and +[4167.80 --> 4168.22] the other +[4168.22 --> 4168.60] Mary, +[4169.04 --> 4169.52] that eventually +[4169.52 --> 4170.20] the rest of +[4170.20 --> 4170.76] the disciples, +[4171.28 --> 4171.96] eventually the +[4171.96 --> 4173.20] other eyewitnesses, +[4173.36 --> 4174.18] we can read in +[4174.18 --> 4175.04] Paul that at +[4175.04 --> 4176.72] one time there +[4176.72 --> 4177.12] was up to +[4177.12 --> 4178.58] 500 eyewitnesses +[4178.58 --> 4179.22] in a single +[4179.22 --> 4179.74] encounter, +[4179.74 --> 4180.48] all who saw +[4180.48 --> 4181.10] the resurrected +[4181.10 --> 4181.62] Jesus, +[4182.28 --> 4182.40] right, +[4182.44 --> 4183.08] that Paul, +[4183.44 --> 4184.26] who had a +[4184.26 --> 4185.04] vision of him +[4185.04 --> 4185.98] on the Damascus +[4185.98 --> 4186.24] road, +[4186.32 --> 4186.82] you have to +[4186.82 --> 4187.52] concede at +[4187.52 --> 4188.64] the very least +[4188.64 --> 4189.60] that they +[4189.60 --> 4190.60] believed that +[4190.60 --> 4191.34] they saw, +[4191.74 --> 4192.16] talked, +[4192.34 --> 4193.16] and ate with +[4193.16 --> 4193.84] the resurrected +[4193.84 --> 4194.76] Jesus. +[4196.48 --> 4197.04] Right, +[4197.08 --> 4197.78] as miraculous +[4197.78 --> 4199.14] as this story +[4199.14 --> 4199.80] is, +[4200.34 --> 4201.32] on balance, +[4201.76 --> 4202.50] these people +[4202.50 --> 4203.48] really believed +[4203.48 --> 4204.02] it's true. +[4205.26 --> 4205.94] And that also +[4205.94 --> 4206.62] means on +[4206.62 --> 4207.24] balance, +[4207.44 --> 4208.42] it is not +[4208.42 --> 4209.36] irrational +[4209.36 --> 4210.32] for you +[4210.32 --> 4211.02] and I +[4211.02 --> 4211.92] to also +[4211.92 --> 4212.84] believe +[4212.84 --> 4213.48] that it's +[4213.48 --> 4213.72] true. +[4214.96 --> 4215.08] Right, +[4215.14 --> 4215.82] believing in +[4215.82 --> 4216.30] the resurrection +[4216.30 --> 4217.04] is the +[4217.04 --> 4217.94] cogent and +[4217.94 --> 4218.42] compelling +[4218.42 --> 4219.12] conclusion +[4219.12 --> 4219.96] of the +[4219.96 --> 4220.48] gospels, +[4220.56 --> 4220.80] of the +[4220.80 --> 4221.32] claims of +[4221.32 --> 4221.64] Jesus, +[4221.64 --> 4222.28] of the +[4222.28 --> 4222.70] revelation +[4222.70 --> 4223.00] of the +[4223.00 --> 4223.30] Bible. +[4224.78 --> 4225.06] Right, +[4225.12 --> 4225.94] our shared +[4225.94 --> 4226.70] belief in +[4226.70 --> 4227.34] the resurrection +[4227.34 --> 4228.60] rests on +[4228.60 --> 4229.46] history, +[4229.90 --> 4230.56] it rests on +[4230.56 --> 4231.50] evidence and +[4231.50 --> 4231.86] reason, +[4232.00 --> 4232.48] and it is +[4232.48 --> 4233.04] logical. +[4234.48 --> 4235.50] Our Christian +[4235.50 --> 4236.08] beliefs, +[4236.62 --> 4237.60] even of the +[4237.60 --> 4238.18] resurrection, +[4238.56 --> 4239.84] are warranted +[4239.84 --> 4240.74] based on the +[4240.74 --> 4241.46] evidence given. +[4242.14 --> 4242.74] The resurrection +[4242.74 --> 4243.36] is, +[4243.36 --> 4243.90] first, +[4244.24 --> 4245.16] a historical +[4245.16 --> 4245.96] claim. +[4248.16 --> 4248.42] Now, +[4249.42 --> 4251.10] make sure you +[4251.10 --> 4251.64] hear this next +[4251.64 --> 4251.88] part. +[4253.16 --> 4253.96] The resurrection +[4253.96 --> 4254.88] is a historical +[4254.88 --> 4255.28] claim, +[4256.28 --> 4257.84] and yet, +[4258.20 --> 4259.16] that the +[4259.16 --> 4259.68] resurrection +[4259.68 --> 4261.52] benefits me. +[4262.16 --> 4263.04] That the +[4263.04 --> 4264.04] resurrection is +[4264.04 --> 4264.76] God's victory +[4264.76 --> 4265.56] over sin +[4265.56 --> 4266.16] and death. +[4266.54 --> 4268.12] That is a +[4268.12 --> 4268.76] theological +[4268.76 --> 4271.00] claim about +[4271.00 --> 4271.62] a historical +[4271.62 --> 4272.04] event. +[4273.36 --> 4274.18] And that's +[4274.18 --> 4274.56] where I want +[4274.56 --> 4275.02] to spend +[4275.02 --> 4275.92] the rest of +[4275.92 --> 4276.30] our time, +[4276.36 --> 4276.68] where I will +[4276.68 --> 4277.36] end this +[4277.36 --> 4277.62] morning, +[4277.62 --> 4277.98] with the +[4277.98 --> 4278.78] theological +[4278.78 --> 4279.72] implications +[4279.72 --> 4281.18] for the +[4281.18 --> 4281.90] historical +[4281.90 --> 4283.78] event that +[4283.78 --> 4284.44] actually took +[4284.44 --> 4284.94] place, +[4285.12 --> 4285.90] that is the +[4285.90 --> 4286.32] resurrection +[4286.32 --> 4287.66] of Jesus. +[4289.26 --> 4290.22] After greeting +[4290.22 --> 4290.62] them, +[4291.04 --> 4291.66] Jesus said +[4291.66 --> 4292.06] to the +[4292.06 --> 4292.28] women, +[4292.28 --> 4293.36] do not +[4293.36 --> 4294.74] be afraid. +[4296.06 --> 4296.56] This is the +[4296.56 --> 4297.42] first theological +[4297.42 --> 4298.46] claim for +[4298.46 --> 4299.02] Resurrection +[4299.02 --> 4299.56] Sunday. +[4300.50 --> 4301.20] Since the +[4301.20 --> 4302.20] resurrection is +[4302.20 --> 4302.54] true, +[4302.72 --> 4303.42] since God +[4303.42 --> 4304.00] is not +[4304.00 --> 4304.38] dead, +[4304.82 --> 4305.80] we fear +[4305.80 --> 4306.92] nothing. +[4308.42 --> 4309.02] Nothing. +[4309.28 --> 4310.06] Not even +[4310.06 --> 4311.14] death itself +[4311.14 --> 4312.08] has a sting +[4312.08 --> 4312.94] anymore. +[4314.10 --> 4314.42] And whether +[4314.42 --> 4314.78] it's the +[4314.78 --> 4315.42] threat of +[4315.42 --> 4316.30] death and +[4316.30 --> 4316.84] persecution, +[4317.14 --> 4317.46] or the +[4317.46 --> 4318.22] imminence of +[4318.22 --> 4319.02] death because +[4319.02 --> 4319.98] of disease or +[4319.98 --> 4320.64] illness or +[4320.64 --> 4321.00] age, +[4321.28 --> 4322.04] the resurrection +[4322.04 --> 4323.74] transforms your +[4323.74 --> 4324.30] and my +[4324.30 --> 4325.66] experience of +[4325.66 --> 4326.56] death and +[4326.56 --> 4326.98] dying. +[4328.20 --> 4329.56] In the +[4329.56 --> 4329.88] Bible, +[4330.28 --> 4330.82] death is +[4330.82 --> 4331.92] described as +[4331.92 --> 4332.70] the last +[4332.70 --> 4333.52] and great +[4333.52 --> 4334.30] enemy, +[4334.60 --> 4335.38] and if that +[4335.38 --> 4336.04] enemy is +[4336.04 --> 4336.48] defeated, +[4337.54 --> 4338.16] what else in +[4338.16 --> 4338.72] life do you +[4338.72 --> 4339.10] need to be +[4339.10 --> 4339.68] afraid of? +[4340.88 --> 4341.44] On the +[4341.44 --> 4342.10] cross and +[4342.10 --> 4342.64] in the +[4342.64 --> 4343.14] resurrection, +[4343.40 --> 4344.16] Jesus crushed +[4344.16 --> 4344.88] the head of +[4344.88 --> 4345.40] the serpent, +[4345.72 --> 4346.22] that great +[4346.22 --> 4346.88] adversary, +[4347.14 --> 4347.68] the Satan, +[4347.84 --> 4348.42] the deceiver, +[4348.64 --> 4349.32] and if he +[4349.32 --> 4349.98] has been +[4349.98 --> 4350.62] defeated, +[4350.98 --> 4351.58] what is +[4351.58 --> 4352.16] left for +[4352.16 --> 4352.60] you to +[4352.60 --> 4353.08] be afraid +[4353.08 --> 4353.38] of? +[4355.64 --> 4356.06] And remember, +[4356.14 --> 4356.56] this is what we +[4356.56 --> 4357.28] rehearse every +[4357.28 --> 4358.10] single Sunday, +[4358.32 --> 4358.96] so when I'm +[4358.96 --> 4359.70] standing up here +[4359.70 --> 4360.18] at the end of +[4360.18 --> 4360.86] our services on +[4360.86 --> 4361.32] Sunday and I +[4361.32 --> 4361.52] say, +[4361.76 --> 4362.34] do not be +[4362.34 --> 4362.82] afraid, +[4363.82 --> 4364.44] it's because +[4364.44 --> 4365.84] of this. +[4367.20 --> 4367.86] It's because +[4367.86 --> 4368.14] of the +[4368.14 --> 4368.66] resurrection. +[4370.40 --> 4371.10] Right here is +[4371.10 --> 4371.38] what the +[4371.38 --> 4372.06] resurrection in +[4372.06 --> 4372.60] the cross +[4372.60 --> 4373.44] means for the +[4373.44 --> 4373.88] Christian. +[4375.00 --> 4375.96] The worst +[4375.96 --> 4376.92] thing that +[4376.92 --> 4377.48] could ever +[4377.48 --> 4378.12] happen to +[4378.12 --> 4379.36] us already +[4379.36 --> 4379.82] has. +[4381.08 --> 4381.72] Let me say +[4381.72 --> 4381.96] that again, +[4382.02 --> 4382.46] the worst +[4382.46 --> 4382.88] thing that +[4382.88 --> 4383.80] could ever +[4383.80 --> 4384.26] happen to +[4384.26 --> 4385.06] us already +[4385.06 --> 4385.86] has because +[4385.86 --> 4387.10] we died +[4387.10 --> 4387.78] with Christ. +[4389.04 --> 4389.70] And then +[4389.70 --> 4390.12] also, +[4390.32 --> 4390.72] the best +[4390.72 --> 4391.28] thing that +[4391.28 --> 4391.76] could ever +[4391.76 --> 4392.34] happen to +[4392.34 --> 4393.84] us already +[4393.84 --> 4395.76] has because +[4395.76 --> 4396.62] we have been +[4396.62 --> 4397.82] raised with +[4397.82 --> 4398.44] him. +[4400.34 --> 4401.22] Paul says +[4401.22 --> 4402.04] in Romans 6 +[4402.04 --> 4402.52] and in +[4402.52 --> 4403.18] Colossians 2, +[4403.26 --> 4403.58] he says, +[4403.98 --> 4404.82] we died +[4404.82 --> 4405.82] with Christ. +[4405.82 --> 4405.90] Christ. +[4406.90 --> 4407.20] And so +[4407.20 --> 4407.40] in the +[4407.40 --> 4408.24] great exchange +[4408.24 --> 4408.64] of the +[4408.64 --> 4408.96] gospel, +[4409.14 --> 4409.56] we have +[4409.56 --> 4410.28] died with +[4410.28 --> 4410.74] Christ. +[4411.14 --> 4411.88] The punishment +[4411.88 --> 4412.80] that he paid +[4412.80 --> 4413.58] that was on +[4413.58 --> 4414.42] him for our +[4414.42 --> 4415.84] sins is +[4415.84 --> 4417.58] union with +[4417.58 --> 4418.30] us in +[4418.30 --> 4420.90] becoming sin +[4420.90 --> 4421.46] for us. +[4421.58 --> 4422.34] It means that +[4422.34 --> 4422.80] the death +[4422.80 --> 4423.94] that he died +[4423.94 --> 4424.74] for us +[4424.74 --> 4425.88] and in the +[4425.88 --> 4426.46] death that +[4426.46 --> 4427.12] he died, +[4427.36 --> 4428.16] we died +[4428.16 --> 4429.92] with him. +[4431.14 --> 4431.96] This is the +[4431.96 --> 4432.74] power of the +[4432.74 --> 4433.84] cross and of +[4433.84 --> 4434.54] the resurrection, +[4434.54 --> 4435.54] of our +[4435.54 --> 4436.30] union by +[4436.30 --> 4437.24] grace through +[4437.24 --> 4438.36] faith with +[4438.36 --> 4439.50] Jesus Christ. +[4439.94 --> 4440.52] Death no +[4440.52 --> 4441.34] longer has +[4441.34 --> 4442.94] mastery over +[4442.94 --> 4443.68] you because +[4443.68 --> 4444.50] of Christ. +[4445.54 --> 4446.26] We've already +[4446.26 --> 4446.82] died it. +[4447.54 --> 4448.14] We've already +[4448.14 --> 4448.96] died to it. +[4449.90 --> 4450.64] Death holds +[4450.64 --> 4451.54] no fear +[4451.54 --> 4452.66] because for +[4452.66 --> 4453.40] those of us +[4453.40 --> 4454.20] who die, +[4454.34 --> 4454.88] we go to +[4454.88 --> 4455.38] be with +[4455.38 --> 4455.90] Christ. +[4457.12 --> 4457.92] The spiritual +[4457.92 --> 4458.70] union we +[4458.70 --> 4459.36] have with +[4459.36 --> 4460.42] him becomes +[4460.42 --> 4461.12] a material +[4461.12 --> 4461.64] union. +[4462.48 --> 4462.78] And so +[4462.78 --> 4463.14] there's nothing +[4463.14 --> 4463.72] to be afraid +[4463.72 --> 4464.02] of. +[4465.16 --> 4465.98] The worst +[4465.98 --> 4466.40] thing that +[4466.40 --> 4466.72] could ever +[4466.72 --> 4467.24] happen to +[4467.24 --> 4467.92] us already +[4467.92 --> 4468.40] has. +[4469.34 --> 4469.58] And so +[4469.58 --> 4469.88] you don't +[4469.88 --> 4470.28] need to be +[4470.28 --> 4470.84] afraid of +[4470.84 --> 4471.70] death or +[4471.70 --> 4472.56] dying or +[4472.56 --> 4473.46] anything else +[4473.46 --> 4474.08] in all of +[4474.08 --> 4474.66] creation +[4474.66 --> 4476.64] because he's +[4476.64 --> 4477.02] done it. +[4477.66 --> 4478.28] That's the +[4478.28 --> 4478.94] power of the +[4478.94 --> 4479.98] cross because +[4479.98 --> 4480.46] of the +[4480.46 --> 4480.96] resurrection. +[4482.72 --> 4483.36] But there's +[4483.36 --> 4483.70] more. +[4484.52 --> 4485.20] Paul goes on +[4485.20 --> 4485.82] in Romans 6. +[4485.90 --> 4486.10] He says, +[4486.10 --> 4486.74] For we, +[4487.04 --> 4487.56] if we have +[4487.56 --> 4488.20] been united +[4488.20 --> 4488.74] with him +[4488.74 --> 4489.28] in a death +[4489.28 --> 4489.96] like his, +[4490.08 --> 4490.52] we will +[4490.52 --> 4491.34] certainly also +[4491.34 --> 4492.02] be united +[4492.02 --> 4492.70] with him +[4492.70 --> 4492.98] in a +[4492.98 --> 4493.32] resurrection +[4493.32 --> 4494.12] like his. +[4494.52 --> 4494.92] Or he +[4494.92 --> 4495.34] says in +[4495.34 --> 4495.92] Colossians, +[4496.36 --> 4497.10] Since then +[4497.10 --> 4497.96] you have +[4497.96 --> 4498.46] been, +[4498.50 --> 4499.10] notice the +[4499.10 --> 4499.50] tense of +[4499.50 --> 4499.68] that, +[4499.78 --> 4500.28] you have +[4500.28 --> 4501.52] been raised +[4501.52 --> 4502.22] with Christ. +[4502.90 --> 4503.30] It's already +[4503.30 --> 4505.00] happened in +[4505.00 --> 4505.58] the spiritual +[4505.58 --> 4506.94] truth of this. +[4507.06 --> 4507.52] Set your +[4507.52 --> 4508.14] hearts on +[4508.14 --> 4509.02] things above +[4509.02 --> 4509.74] where Christ +[4509.74 --> 4510.12] is, +[4510.40 --> 4511.04] seated at +[4511.04 --> 4511.40] the right +[4511.40 --> 4511.84] hand of +[4511.84 --> 4512.18] God. +[4512.80 --> 4513.36] You have +[4513.36 --> 4514.14] been raised. +[4514.14 --> 4515.04] He makes +[4515.04 --> 4515.38] the same +[4515.38 --> 4516.04] point in +[4516.04 --> 4516.52] Ephesians. +[4516.84 --> 4517.30] And God +[4517.30 --> 4518.22] raised us +[4518.22 --> 4518.88] up with +[4518.88 --> 4519.56] Christ and +[4519.56 --> 4520.18] seated us +[4520.18 --> 4520.78] with him +[4520.78 --> 4521.26] in the +[4521.26 --> 4522.04] heavenly realms +[4522.04 --> 4523.52] in Jesus. +[4524.16 --> 4525.08] In some +[4525.08 --> 4525.52] way, +[4525.68 --> 4525.92] yes, +[4526.02 --> 4526.30] in a +[4526.30 --> 4526.68] spiritual +[4526.68 --> 4527.20] way, +[4527.32 --> 4527.58] but a +[4527.58 --> 4528.12] very real +[4528.12 --> 4528.42] way, +[4528.50 --> 4528.90] nonetheless, +[4529.42 --> 4529.94] you are +[4529.94 --> 4530.62] already +[4530.62 --> 4531.32] raised +[4531.32 --> 4531.96] with +[4531.96 --> 4532.56] Christ. +[4533.84 --> 4534.40] That's +[4534.40 --> 4534.66] what it +[4534.66 --> 4535.12] means when +[4535.12 --> 4535.36] I say +[4535.36 --> 4535.64] that the +[4535.64 --> 4536.26] best thing +[4536.26 --> 4536.58] that could +[4536.58 --> 4537.10] ever happen +[4537.10 --> 4537.62] to us +[4537.62 --> 4538.24] already +[4538.24 --> 4539.08] has. +[4540.10 --> 4540.38] Because +[4540.38 --> 4540.56] we're +[4540.56 --> 4541.12] already +[4541.12 --> 4541.80] raised +[4541.80 --> 4542.14] with him. +[4542.20 --> 4542.58] Because +[4542.58 --> 4543.16] of the +[4543.16 --> 4543.64] resurrection +[4543.64 --> 4544.40] of Jesus, +[4544.76 --> 4545.20] the very +[4545.20 --> 4545.96] order of +[4545.96 --> 4546.72] things has +[4546.72 --> 4547.52] changed. +[4550.08 --> 4550.98] In fact, +[4552.02 --> 4553.68] this has +[4553.68 --> 4553.94] been the +[4553.94 --> 4554.96] message of +[4554.96 --> 4555.36] the gospel +[4555.36 --> 4555.80] and of +[4555.80 --> 4556.26] the church +[4556.26 --> 4557.94] for millennia. +[4558.56 --> 4559.06] This is the +[4559.06 --> 4559.56] message we +[4559.56 --> 4560.00] rehearse +[4560.00 --> 4561.60] every Sunday. +[4562.88 --> 4563.32] There's a +[4563.32 --> 4564.64] quote from +[4564.64 --> 4566.08] a gentleman. +[4566.28 --> 4566.64] His name +[4566.64 --> 4567.32] is Peter +[4567.32 --> 4568.54] Chrysologos. +[4569.02 --> 4569.62] He was +[4569.62 --> 4570.18] known in +[4570.18 --> 4570.88] history as +[4570.88 --> 4571.48] the doctor +[4571.48 --> 4572.32] of homilies. +[4572.32 --> 4573.52] apparently +[4573.52 --> 4573.86] he was +[4573.86 --> 4574.28] quite a +[4574.28 --> 4574.56] preacher. +[4575.26 --> 4575.62] He's +[4575.62 --> 4576.34] a 5th +[4576.34 --> 4576.96] century, +[4577.28 --> 4578.02] so he +[4578.02 --> 4578.50] died in +[4578.50 --> 4579.56] 450 AD, +[4579.96 --> 4580.82] 5th century +[4580.82 --> 4581.48] Christian +[4581.48 --> 4582.32] bishop in +[4582.32 --> 4582.86] the Italian +[4582.86 --> 4583.88] city of +[4583.88 --> 4584.36] Ravenna, +[4584.46 --> 4584.88] which is a +[4584.88 --> 4585.56] northern city. +[4586.34 --> 4586.74] At the +[4586.74 --> 4587.42] time when +[4587.42 --> 4587.86] he is +[4587.86 --> 4588.50] bishop there, +[4588.86 --> 4589.08] this is +[4589.08 --> 4589.60] actually, +[4590.04 --> 4590.68] Ravenna is +[4590.68 --> 4591.42] the capital +[4591.42 --> 4592.66] of the +[4592.66 --> 4593.58] western +[4593.58 --> 4594.48] holy +[4594.48 --> 4594.80] Roman +[4594.80 --> 4595.30] empire. +[4596.04 --> 4596.42] So he's, +[4596.96 --> 4597.28] it's a +[4597.28 --> 4597.74] significant +[4597.74 --> 4598.20] position. +[4598.20 --> 4598.74] he says +[4598.74 --> 4599.66] powerfully, +[4600.66 --> 4601.24] the order +[4601.24 --> 4602.00] of things +[4602.00 --> 4603.18] has changed. +[4604.02 --> 4604.82] The tomb +[4604.82 --> 4605.66] devours +[4605.66 --> 4606.34] death +[4606.34 --> 4607.30] and not +[4607.30 --> 4607.70] the dead. +[4608.72 --> 4609.48] The house +[4609.48 --> 4610.16] of death +[4610.16 --> 4611.24] becomes the +[4611.24 --> 4611.74] mansion +[4611.74 --> 4613.58] of life. +[4615.04 --> 4615.84] Did you +[4615.84 --> 4616.24] hear that? +[4617.32 --> 4618.50] The tomb +[4618.50 --> 4619.10] devours +[4619.10 --> 4619.74] death +[4619.74 --> 4620.70] and not +[4620.70 --> 4621.60] those +[4621.60 --> 4622.44] within it. +[4623.26 --> 4624.12] Because the +[4624.12 --> 4624.88] tomb is +[4624.88 --> 4625.70] empty, +[4626.16 --> 4626.88] death is +[4626.88 --> 4627.68] now defeated +[4627.68 --> 4628.48] and you +[4628.48 --> 4629.54] are set +[4629.54 --> 4630.44] free to +[4630.44 --> 4631.58] live life +[4631.58 --> 4632.60] in Jesus +[4632.60 --> 4633.32] Christ +[4633.32 --> 4634.16] abundantly. +[4636.20 --> 4637.08] This is +[4637.08 --> 4638.40] the claim +[4638.40 --> 4639.04] of the +[4639.04 --> 4639.52] resurrection +[4639.52 --> 4640.40] that because +[4640.40 --> 4641.50] God is +[4641.50 --> 4642.54] not dead, +[4642.66 --> 4643.56] because Jesus +[4643.56 --> 4644.44] has been +[4644.44 --> 4645.04] raised, +[4645.32 --> 4645.84] you do +[4645.84 --> 4646.44] not need +[4646.44 --> 4647.12] to fear +[4647.12 --> 4648.52] not even +[4648.52 --> 4649.42] death. +[4652.42 --> 4653.24] And the +[4653.24 --> 4653.94] second claim +[4653.94 --> 4654.98] of the +[4654.98 --> 4655.48] resurrection, +[4655.98 --> 4656.32] the second +[4656.32 --> 4656.80] claim of +[4656.80 --> 4657.26] resurrection +[4657.26 --> 4658.68] Sunday, +[4659.26 --> 4659.80] the second +[4659.80 --> 4660.30] claim that +[4660.30 --> 4660.90] we rehearse +[4660.90 --> 4661.86] every week +[4661.86 --> 4662.76] is that +[4662.76 --> 4663.40] resurrected +[4663.40 --> 4664.74] people have +[4664.74 --> 4666.18] a mission. +[4667.06 --> 4667.48] Do not +[4667.48 --> 4668.18] be afraid, +[4668.36 --> 4668.98] Jesus says, +[4669.08 --> 4669.72] go and +[4669.72 --> 4670.82] tell my +[4670.82 --> 4671.58] brothers. +[4671.84 --> 4673.18] Go and +[4673.18 --> 4674.06] tell. +[4674.86 --> 4675.50] This is +[4675.50 --> 4676.38] our purpose +[4676.38 --> 4677.16] now, +[4677.44 --> 4678.12] to tell +[4678.12 --> 4678.80] of this +[4678.80 --> 4679.52] resurrected +[4679.52 --> 4680.42] Jesus, +[4680.64 --> 4680.94] to be +[4680.94 --> 4681.84] used by +[4681.84 --> 4683.08] God in +[4683.08 --> 4683.58] all the +[4683.58 --> 4684.38] corners and +[4684.38 --> 4685.38] spheres of +[4685.38 --> 4685.98] our lives, +[4686.06 --> 4687.00] to proclaim +[4687.00 --> 4687.76] his +[4687.76 --> 4688.58] redemption, +[4688.96 --> 4689.32] to be +[4689.32 --> 4690.08] used of +[4690.08 --> 4690.42] God, +[4690.52 --> 4691.42] to declare +[4691.42 --> 4692.06] his kingdom +[4692.06 --> 4692.68] come and +[4692.68 --> 4693.14] his kingdom +[4693.14 --> 4693.58] coming. +[4694.50 --> 4694.78] And so +[4694.78 --> 4695.48] whether you +[4695.48 --> 4696.82] preach +[4696.82 --> 4698.06] every Sunday +[4698.06 --> 4699.12] or whether +[4699.12 --> 4700.68] you work +[4700.68 --> 4701.40] construction +[4701.40 --> 4702.48] every day, +[4702.70 --> 4703.36] you are +[4703.36 --> 4703.96] preaching +[4703.96 --> 4705.16] the resurrection +[4705.16 --> 4705.74] Sunday, +[4706.22 --> 4707.06] truth of +[4707.06 --> 4707.42] who God +[4707.42 --> 4707.70] is. +[4708.70 --> 4709.62] This is +[4709.62 --> 4710.16] what we do. +[4710.16 --> 4710.88] this is +[4710.88 --> 4712.42] our mission +[4712.42 --> 4713.20] together, +[4713.36 --> 4713.98] to go +[4713.98 --> 4715.64] and tell, +[4715.84 --> 4716.86] to declare +[4716.86 --> 4717.98] the truth +[4717.98 --> 4719.10] that the +[4719.10 --> 4719.56] tomb +[4719.56 --> 4721.20] is empty. +[4721.90 --> 4722.60] And because +[4722.60 --> 4723.50] that tomb +[4723.50 --> 4724.74] is empty, +[4725.18 --> 4726.26] we are +[4726.26 --> 4726.66] not +[4726.66 --> 4727.72] afraid. +[4729.38 --> 4730.26] But the +[4730.26 --> 4730.86] great reality +[4730.86 --> 4731.34] for most +[4731.34 --> 4732.04] of us is +[4732.04 --> 4733.98] that we +[4733.98 --> 4734.34] can sit +[4734.34 --> 4735.50] here on +[4735.50 --> 4735.86] Sunday +[4735.86 --> 4736.68] and say, +[4736.78 --> 4737.00] yes, +[4737.00 --> 4737.54] I am not +[4737.54 --> 4738.00] afraid. +[4739.30 --> 4739.68] But then +[4739.68 --> 4740.44] Monday comes, +[4741.20 --> 4742.06] or that +[4742.06 --> 4742.64] conversation +[4742.64 --> 4743.76] happens, +[4744.48 --> 4745.16] or that +[4745.16 --> 4745.68] person +[4745.68 --> 4746.68] shows up, +[4747.14 --> 4747.84] and then we +[4747.84 --> 4748.06] don't know +[4748.06 --> 4748.50] what to do, +[4748.96 --> 4749.42] and we +[4749.42 --> 4749.64] don't know +[4749.64 --> 4749.88] what to +[4749.88 --> 4750.08] say. +[4751.64 --> 4752.12] And our +[4752.12 --> 4752.70] God gives +[4752.70 --> 4753.58] us provision +[4753.58 --> 4754.28] for that +[4754.28 --> 4754.98] too. +[4755.66 --> 4756.12] Not only +[4756.12 --> 4756.44] does he +[4756.44 --> 4757.00] promise to +[4757.00 --> 4757.30] give us +[4757.30 --> 4757.88] words in +[4757.88 --> 4758.26] the power +[4758.26 --> 4758.50] of the +[4758.50 --> 4759.04] Holy Spirit, +[4759.34 --> 4759.66] but he +[4759.66 --> 4760.82] promises to +[4760.82 --> 4761.86] nourish and +[4761.86 --> 4762.88] sustain us +[4762.88 --> 4763.38] for these +[4763.38 --> 4763.92] journeys of +[4763.92 --> 4764.14] faith. +[4764.60 --> 4764.96] And that's +[4764.96 --> 4765.40] why we come +[4765.40 --> 4765.68] to this +[4765.68 --> 4766.94] table after +[4766.94 --> 4767.34] the word. +[4768.30 --> 4768.78] As we +[4768.78 --> 4769.58] rehearse the +[4769.58 --> 4770.04] resurrection +[4770.04 --> 4770.76] story, +[4770.98 --> 4771.60] we come +[4771.60 --> 4772.06] to this +[4772.06 --> 4772.82] table to +[4772.82 --> 4774.10] receive the +[4774.10 --> 4774.66] resurrected +[4774.66 --> 4775.78] Jesus in +[4775.78 --> 4776.74] power and +[4776.74 --> 4777.62] to be filled +[4777.62 --> 4778.66] with his +[4778.66 --> 4779.34] presence so +[4779.34 --> 4779.60] that it +[4779.60 --> 4780.34] might overflow +[4780.34 --> 4781.90] through us +[4781.90 --> 4782.60] to those +[4782.60 --> 4783.36] around us. +[4783.42 --> 4784.16] And so we +[4784.16 --> 4784.68] come to +[4784.68 --> 4785.44] this table +[4785.44 --> 4786.76] because he +[4786.76 --> 4787.56] first came +[4787.56 --> 4788.12] to us. +[4788.28 --> 4788.68] We come +[4788.68 --> 4789.14] to this +[4789.14 --> 4790.28] table because +[4790.28 --> 4792.20] he is +[4792.20 --> 4793.02] resurrected. +[4793.64 --> 4794.16] We come +[4794.16 --> 4794.62] to this +[4794.62 --> 4795.70] table because +[4795.70 --> 4796.76] he sends +[4796.76 --> 4797.50] us out +[4797.50 --> 4798.12] in the +[4798.12 --> 4798.82] power of +[4798.82 --> 4799.32] his name +[4799.32 --> 4799.74] with the +[4799.74 --> 4800.48] message of +[4800.48 --> 4801.50] his gospel +[4801.50 --> 4802.22] and he +[4802.22 --> 4803.00] gives us +[4803.00 --> 4803.78] these as +[4803.78 --> 4804.26] both an +[4804.26 --> 4805.06] image of +[4805.06 --> 4805.84] what that +[4805.84 --> 4806.52] looks like +[4806.52 --> 4807.24] but also +[4807.24 --> 4808.50] as a sign +[4808.50 --> 4809.26] and a +[4809.26 --> 4810.20] seal of +[4810.20 --> 4811.10] its truth +[4811.10 --> 4812.50] in your +[4812.50 --> 4813.22] life. +[4814.06 --> 4814.86] As we +[4814.86 --> 4815.30] come to +[4815.30 --> 4815.94] this table +[4815.94 --> 4817.66] to be fed +[4817.66 --> 4818.10] by our +[4818.10 --> 4818.38] Lord, +[4818.82 --> 4819.26] we will +[4819.26 --> 4819.84] do so +[4819.84 --> 4820.74] in a +[4820.74 --> 4821.22] special +[4821.22 --> 4821.90] Easter +[4821.90 --> 4822.90] liturgy. +[4822.90 --> 4823.44] So I +[4823.44 --> 4823.86] invite you +[4823.86 --> 4824.40] to follow +[4824.40 --> 4825.08] along +[4825.08 --> 4826.34] as we +[4826.34 --> 4827.42] see this +[4827.42 --> 4828.50] liturgy +[4828.50 --> 4828.94] on the +[4828.94 --> 4829.32] screen +[4829.32 --> 4830.26] behind us. +[4830.34 --> 4830.62] And the +[4830.62 --> 4831.70] first words +[4831.70 --> 4832.88] are yours. +[4834.18 --> 4835.10] Glory to +[4835.10 --> 4835.46] you, +[4835.78 --> 4836.16] O Lord +[4836.16 --> 4836.60] our God. +[4837.26 --> 4837.94] On this +[4837.94 --> 4838.48] day you +[4838.48 --> 4839.36] won victory +[4839.36 --> 4840.28] over death, +[4840.48 --> 4841.30] raising Jesus +[4841.30 --> 4841.82] from the +[4841.82 --> 4842.64] grave and +[4842.64 --> 4843.30] giving us +[4843.30 --> 4844.28] eternal life. +[4845.42 --> 4846.28] Glory to +[4846.28 --> 4846.62] you, +[4846.86 --> 4847.04] O Lord +[4847.04 --> 4847.36] Christ. +[4847.36 --> 4848.80] us and +[4848.80 --> 4849.30] for our +[4849.30 --> 4849.88] salvation +[4849.88 --> 4850.40] you +[4850.40 --> 4851.20] overcame +[4851.20 --> 4851.88] death and +[4851.88 --> 4853.08] opened the +[4853.08 --> 4853.86] gate to +[4853.86 --> 4854.54] everlasting +[4854.54 --> 4855.20] life. +[4856.44 --> 4857.42] Glory to +[4857.42 --> 4857.76] you, +[4857.88 --> 4858.40] O Lord +[4858.40 --> 4858.82] Spirit. +[4859.46 --> 4860.50] You lead +[4860.50 --> 4861.66] us into +[4861.66 --> 4862.70] the truth. +[4863.74 --> 4864.58] Glory to +[4864.58 --> 4864.94] you, +[4865.12 --> 4865.68] O blessed +[4865.68 --> 4866.22] Trinity, +[4866.82 --> 4867.60] now and +[4867.60 --> 4868.08] forever. +[4868.52 --> 4868.98] Amen. +[4869.48 --> 4870.04] Let's +[4870.04 --> 4870.26] pray. +[4873.92 --> 4874.86] Gracious +[4874.86 --> 4875.24] God, +[4875.92 --> 4876.66] pour out +[4876.66 --> 4877.46] your Holy +[4877.46 --> 4878.44] Spirit upon +[4878.44 --> 4879.00] us that +[4879.00 --> 4879.44] the bread +[4879.44 --> 4880.06] we break +[4880.06 --> 4880.40] and the +[4880.40 --> 4880.92] cup we +[4880.92 --> 4881.88] bless may +[4881.88 --> 4882.58] be the +[4882.58 --> 4883.54] communion of +[4883.54 --> 4884.04] the body +[4884.04 --> 4884.68] and blood +[4884.68 --> 4885.46] of Christ. +[4886.38 --> 4887.20] By your +[4887.20 --> 4887.88] Spirit make +[4887.88 --> 4888.66] us one with +[4888.66 --> 4889.32] Christ that +[4889.32 --> 4889.96] we may be +[4889.96 --> 4890.46] one with +[4890.46 --> 4890.96] all who +[4890.96 --> 4891.62] share this +[4891.62 --> 4891.96] feast, +[4892.34 --> 4893.04] united in +[4893.04 --> 4893.72] ministry in +[4893.72 --> 4894.60] every place. +[4895.86 --> 4896.44] As this +[4896.44 --> 4897.08] bread is +[4897.08 --> 4897.96] Christ's body +[4897.96 --> 4898.68] for us, +[4898.88 --> 4899.72] send us out +[4899.72 --> 4900.52] to be the +[4900.52 --> 4901.10] body of +[4901.10 --> 4902.32] Christ in +[4902.32 --> 4902.74] the world. +[4903.54 --> 4903.88] Amen. +[4906.66 --> 4908.30] Is not +[4908.30 --> 4908.80] the bread +[4908.80 --> 4909.24] that we +[4909.24 --> 4910.36] break a +[4910.36 --> 4911.50] sharing in +[4911.50 --> 4911.98] the body +[4911.98 --> 4912.72] of Christ? +[4914.50 --> 4914.90] We +[4914.90 --> 4915.16] need +[4915.16 --> 4915.40] the +[4915.40 --> 4915.64] bread +[4915.64 --> 4916.84] of our +[4916.84 --> 4917.32] body, +[4917.72 --> 4918.26] for we +[4918.26 --> 4918.94] all care +[4918.94 --> 4919.56] in the +[4919.56 --> 4919.88] moment. +[4924.68 --> 4925.54] Is not +[4925.54 --> 4926.00] the cup +[4926.00 --> 4926.50] for which +[4926.50 --> 4926.92] we give +[4926.92 --> 4927.76] thanks a +[4927.76 --> 4928.60] sharing in +[4928.60 --> 4929.14] the blood +[4929.14 --> 4929.88] of Christ? +[4929.88 --> 4931.54] The +[4931.54 --> 4931.96] cup +[4931.96 --> 4932.38] that we +[4932.38 --> 4933.14] drink is +[4933.14 --> 4933.44] our +[4933.44 --> 4934.28] participation +[4934.28 --> 4934.96] in the +[4934.96 --> 4935.42] blood of +[4935.42 --> 4935.84] Christ. +[4937.48 --> 4938.20] Together +[4938.20 --> 4939.26] we pray. +[4940.80 --> 4941.50] Holy +[4941.50 --> 4941.98] Father, +[4942.62 --> 4943.28] in thanks +[4943.28 --> 4943.68] for the +[4943.68 --> 4944.20] sacrifice +[4944.20 --> 4944.98] of Jesus +[4944.98 --> 4945.54] Christ, +[4946.20 --> 4946.62] in the +[4946.62 --> 4947.22] joy of +[4947.22 --> 4947.42] his +[4947.42 --> 4948.02] resurrection, +[4948.62 --> 4949.16] in the +[4949.16 --> 4949.76] hope of +[4949.76 --> 4950.30] his coming +[4950.30 --> 4950.82] again, +[4951.28 --> 4952.16] we present +[4952.16 --> 4953.26] ourselves a +[4953.26 --> 4954.16] living sacrifice +[4954.16 --> 4955.42] and come +[4955.42 --> 4955.86] to the +[4955.86 --> 4956.72] table of +[4956.72 --> 4957.22] our Lord. +[4958.06 --> 4959.20] This is +[4959.20 --> 4959.98] the mystery +[4959.98 --> 4960.92] of our +[4960.92 --> 4961.30] faith. +[4962.16 --> 4962.70] Your +[4962.70 --> 4963.06] death, +[4963.26 --> 4963.84] O Christ, +[4963.84 --> 4964.64] we proclaim. +[4965.26 --> 4965.60] Your +[4965.60 --> 4966.24] resurrection, +[4966.68 --> 4967.20] we affirm +[4967.20 --> 4967.86] with joy. +[4968.54 --> 4968.78] Your +[4968.78 --> 4969.32] coming, +[4969.54 --> 4970.08] we await +[4970.08 --> 4970.70] with hope. +[4971.42 --> 4972.18] Glory be +[4972.18 --> 4972.74] to you, +[4972.88 --> 4973.54] Lord Jesus. +[4974.98 --> 4975.82] Hear the +[4975.82 --> 4976.76] words of +[4976.76 --> 4977.28] our Savior. +[4977.98 --> 4978.52] Come to +[4978.52 --> 4978.90] me, +[4979.10 --> 4979.96] all who +[4979.96 --> 4981.40] labor and +[4981.40 --> 4982.08] are heavy +[4982.08 --> 4982.56] laden, +[4982.70 --> 4983.18] and I +[4983.18 --> 4983.80] will give +[4983.80 --> 4984.86] you rest. +[4985.30 --> 4985.86] Take my +[4985.86 --> 4986.48] yoke upon +[4986.48 --> 4986.90] you and +[4986.90 --> 4987.48] learn from +[4987.48 --> 4987.68] me, +[4987.84 --> 4988.42] for I am +[4988.42 --> 4989.10] gentle and +[4989.10 --> 4989.60] humble in +[4989.60 --> 4989.86] heart, +[4990.02 --> 4990.50] and you +[4990.50 --> 4991.08] will find +[4991.08 --> 4992.12] rest for +[4992.12 --> 4992.66] your souls. +[4992.66 --> 4994.40] come, +[4994.82 --> 4995.08] then, +[4995.52 --> 4996.14] for all +[4996.14 --> 4996.74] is ready. +[4997.38 --> 4997.86] We come +[4997.86 --> 4998.66] not because +[4998.66 --> 4999.28] we ought, +[4999.42 --> 5000.02] but because +[5000.02 --> 5000.52] we may. +[5000.88 --> 5001.50] Not because +[5001.50 --> 5001.82] we are +[5001.82 --> 5002.12] righteous, +[5002.38 --> 5002.92] but because +[5002.92 --> 5003.44] we are +[5003.44 --> 5004.30] penitent. +[5004.52 --> 5005.28] Not because +[5005.28 --> 5005.60] we are +[5005.60 --> 5006.10] strong, +[5006.26 --> 5006.90] but because +[5006.90 --> 5007.66] we are +[5007.66 --> 5007.98] weak. +[5008.14 --> 5008.78] Not because +[5008.78 --> 5009.20] we are +[5009.20 --> 5009.62] whole, +[5009.76 --> 5010.38] but because +[5010.38 --> 5011.74] we are +[5011.74 --> 5012.50] broken. +[5013.36 --> 5013.70] Come. +[5014.08 --> 5014.62] If you +[5014.62 --> 5015.06] are here +[5015.06 --> 5015.82] with us +[5015.82 --> 5016.62] this morning, +[5016.70 --> 5017.06] or if you +[5017.06 --> 5017.32] are at +[5017.32 --> 5017.86] home and +[5017.86 --> 5018.34] online, +[5018.76 --> 5019.08] come, +[5019.08 --> 5019.46] because +[5019.46 --> 5019.80] it is +[5019.80 --> 5020.28] Christ +[5020.28 --> 5020.56] who +[5020.56 --> 5021.02] invites +[5021.02 --> 5021.32] us +[5021.32 --> 5021.76] to +[5021.76 --> 5022.04] meet +[5022.04 --> 5022.28] him +[5022.28 --> 5022.70] here, +[5022.70 --> 5023.16] and +[5023.16 --> 5023.46] because +[5023.46 --> 5024.02] Christ +[5024.02 --> 5025.06] is +[5025.06 --> 5025.88] risen. +[5026.96 --> 5027.54] The gifts +[5027.54 --> 5028.06] of God +[5028.06 --> 5029.06] for the +[5029.06 --> 5029.54] people of +[5029.54 --> 5029.80] God. +[5030.84 --> 5031.54] As we +[5031.54 --> 5031.90] come to +[5031.90 --> 5032.42] this table, +[5033.22 --> 5033.58] we will +[5033.58 --> 5034.18] come up +[5034.18 --> 5034.98] in groups, +[5035.66 --> 5036.32] and there +[5036.32 --> 5036.60] will be +[5036.60 --> 5037.28] elders who +[5037.28 --> 5038.32] will usher +[5038.32 --> 5038.66] you to +[5038.66 --> 5039.10] the front +[5039.10 --> 5039.68] and gather +[5039.68 --> 5040.38] around in +[5040.38 --> 5040.78] a circle +[5040.78 --> 5041.12] here. +[5042.06 --> 5042.74] We will +[5042.74 --> 5043.28] pass the +[5043.28 --> 5043.72] elements +[5043.72 --> 5044.38] to the +[5044.38 --> 5044.66] person +[5044.66 --> 5045.42] beside us. +[5046.24 --> 5046.38] Now, +[5046.46 --> 5047.16] ordinarily, +[5047.60 --> 5048.72] what we +[5048.72 --> 5049.24] do when +[5049.24 --> 5049.68] we pass +[5049.68 --> 5049.86] the +[5049.86 --> 5050.26] elements +[5050.26 --> 5050.74] is we +[5050.74 --> 5051.22] say the +[5051.22 --> 5051.72] body of +[5051.72 --> 5052.18] Christ +[5052.18 --> 5053.02] given for +[5053.02 --> 5053.34] you. +[5053.58 --> 5053.90] This +[5053.90 --> 5054.26] morning, +[5054.46 --> 5054.86] I would +[5054.86 --> 5055.26] like you +[5055.26 --> 5055.78] to say +[5055.78 --> 5056.32] Christ +[5056.32 --> 5057.00] is risen, +[5057.68 --> 5057.96] and then +[5057.96 --> 5058.30] as you +[5058.30 --> 5058.94] receive the +[5058.94 --> 5059.40] elements, +[5059.62 --> 5059.90] say, +[5060.26 --> 5060.58] he is +[5060.58 --> 5060.92] risen +[5060.92 --> 5061.46] indeed. +[5062.38 --> 5062.82] Okay, +[5062.88 --> 5063.08] so it's +[5063.08 --> 5063.20] going to +[5063.20 --> 5063.50] sound a +[5063.50 --> 5063.70] little bit +[5063.70 --> 5064.00] different. +[5064.82 --> 5065.12] Christ +[5065.12 --> 5065.72] is risen, +[5066.54 --> 5066.92] he is +[5066.92 --> 5067.18] risen +[5067.18 --> 5067.58] indeed. +[5068.30 --> 5068.92] For the +[5068.92 --> 5069.48] first table, +[5069.62 --> 5069.92] I'm going +[5069.92 --> 5070.36] to invite +[5070.36 --> 5071.12] the worship +[5071.12 --> 5072.06] volunteers and +[5072.06 --> 5072.66] the elders +[5072.66 --> 5072.98] who are +[5072.98 --> 5073.30] going to do +[5073.30 --> 5073.92] the ushering +[5073.92 --> 5074.26] up to +[5074.26 --> 5074.68] the front +[5074.68 --> 5075.42] that they +[5075.42 --> 5076.04] might receive +[5076.04 --> 5076.70] and then +[5076.70 --> 5077.26] facilitate +[5077.26 --> 5078.06] our +[5078.06 --> 5078.54] receiving. +[5078.94 --> 5079.40] If you +[5079.40 --> 5080.00] are unable +[5080.00 --> 5080.46] to come +[5080.46 --> 5080.74] up to +[5080.74 --> 5081.10] the front +[5081.10 --> 5081.42] but would +[5081.42 --> 5081.80] like to +[5081.80 --> 5082.32] receive the +[5082.32 --> 5082.64] elements, +[5082.78 --> 5083.24] please just +[5083.24 --> 5083.98] indicate that +[5083.98 --> 5084.60] to the +[5084.60 --> 5085.38] serving elder +[5085.38 --> 5085.82] and they +[5085.82 --> 5086.18] will meet +[5086.18 --> 5087.00] you in +[5087.00 --> 5087.46] your spot +[5087.46 --> 5088.04] and serve +[5088.04 --> 5088.50] you there. +[5089.88 --> 5090.66] And if +[5090.66 --> 5091.86] you require +[5091.86 --> 5092.62] gluten-free +[5092.62 --> 5093.02] bread, +[5093.24 --> 5093.66] there's little +[5093.66 --> 5094.26] cups in +[5094.26 --> 5094.68] the middle +[5094.68 --> 5095.76] that have +[5095.76 --> 5096.32] gluten-free +[5096.32 --> 5097.64] bread there +[5097.64 --> 5098.12] as well +[5098.12 --> 5098.56] for you. +[5099.92 --> 5100.64] I invite +[5100.64 --> 5101.40] those who +[5101.40 --> 5101.78] are serving +[5101.78 --> 5102.12] to come +[5102.12 --> 5102.38] forward. +[5104.68 --> 5105.14] Edwards +[5134.68 --> 5164.66] Thank you. +[5164.68 --> 5194.66] Thank you. +[5194.68 --> 5224.66] Thank you. +[5224.68 --> 5254.66] Thank you. +[5254.68 --> 5284.66] Thank you. +[5284.66 --> 5286.66] Thank you. +[5314.66 --> 5316.66] Thank you. +[5344.66 --> 5346.66] Thank you. +[5346.66 --> 5348.66] Thank you. +[5348.66 --> 5350.66] Thank you. +[5350.66 --> 5352.66] Thank you. +[5380.66 --> 5382.66] Thank you. +[5410.66 --> 5412.66] Thank you. +[5440.66 --> 5442.66] Thank you. +[5442.66 --> 5444.66] Thank you. +[5444.66 --> 5446.66] Thank you. +[5446.66 --> 5448.66] Thank you. +[5448.66 --> 5450.66] Thank you. +[5450.66 --> 5452.66] Thank you. +[5452.66 --> 5454.66] Thank you. +[5482.66 --> 5484.66] Thank you. +[5484.66 --> 5486.66] Thank you. +[5486.66 --> 5488.66] Thank you. +[5488.66 --> 5490.66] Thank you. +[5490.66 --> 5492.66] Thank you. +[5492.66 --> 5494.66] Thank you. +[5494.66 --> 5496.66] Thank you. +[5496.66 --> 5498.66] Thank you. +[5498.66 --> 5500.66] Thank you. +[5500.66 --> 5502.66] Amen. +[5530.66 --> 5540.74] A great I Am, a crown of gold upon His head. +[5541.48 --> 5548.66] The Father's heart displayed for us. +[5548.66 --> 5555.66] O God, we thank You for the cross. +[5555.66 --> 5569.66] Lifted up on Calvary's hill, we curse Your name. +[5569.66 --> 5580.66] And even still, You bore our shame and paid the cost. +[5580.66 --> 5587.66] O God, we thank You for the cross. +[5591.66 --> 5601.66] Behold the Lamb, the story of redemption written on His hand. +[5601.66 --> 5606.66] Jesus, You will reign forevermore. +[5606.66 --> 5611.66] The victory is Yours. +[5611.66 --> 5616.66] We sing Your praise. +[5616.66 --> 5622.66] Endless hallelujah to Your holy name. +[5622.66 --> 5627.66] Jesus, You will reign forevermore. +[5627.66 --> 5632.66] The victory is Yours. +[5632.66 --> 5645.66] Offer God, this sacrifice for every sin. +[5645.66 --> 5648.66] Our Savior died. +[5648.66 --> 5655.66] The Lord of life can be contained. +[5655.66 --> 5662.66] Our God has risen from the grave. +[5662.66 --> 5669.66] O God has risen from the grave. +[5669.66 --> 5680.66] Behold the Lamb, the story of redemption written on His hand. +[5680.66 --> 5681.66] Jesus, You will reign forevermore. +[5681.66 --> 5682.66] Jesus, You will reign forevermore. +[5682.66 --> 5685.66] Jesus, You will reign forevermore. +[5685.66 --> 5686.66] Tagescles,омеijah these grace and glory, +[5686.66 --> 5692.66] The victory is yours. +[5692.66 --> 5694.66] Peter and Stephen, Vine, 켜 volta. +[5694.66 --> 5695.66] Yes, He will reign forevermore. +[5695.66 --> 5696.66] Jesus, You will reign for evermore. +[5696.66 --> 5698.66] Pinch alsgie,pentless hallelujahs to Your holy name. +[5698.66 --> 5700.66] Jesus, You will reign forevermore. +[5700.66 --> 5701.66] After everything is yours. +[5701.66 --> 5702.66] 121, Poinch alsgreets and46ie and"; +[5702.66 --> 5703.66] Jesus, Which was rejoice and deliver yet Yours. +[5703.66 --> 5705.66] Jesus, You will reign forevermore. +[5705.66 --> 5706.66] The victory is yours. +[5706.66 --> 5707.66] The victory is yours. +[5707.66 --> 5708.66] After everything is yours. +[5708.66 --> 5710.66] All agora in the Lord is yours. +[5710.66 --> 5712.66] Thanks, Christ in the Lord Satan, +[5712.66 --> 5721.40] When the age of death is done +[5721.40 --> 5728.50] We'll see your face bright as the sun +[5728.50 --> 5736.08] We'll bow before the King of Kings +[5736.08 --> 5743.08] O God, forever we will see +[5743.08 --> 5751.98] Behold the Lamb +[5751.98 --> 5759.44] The story of redemption written on His hands +[5759.44 --> 5764.08] Jesus, you will reign forevermore +[5764.08 --> 5769.08] The victory is yours +[5769.08 --> 5773.08] We sing your praise +[5773.08 --> 5779.08] Endless hallelujahs to your holy name +[5779.08 --> 5784.08] Jesus, you will reign forevermore +[5784.08 --> 5787.08] The victory is yours +[5787.08 --> 5791.08] You reign forevermore +[5791.08 --> 5794.08] The victory is yours +[5794.08 --> 5797.08] You reign forevermore +[5797.08 --> 5801.08] The victory is yours +[5801.08 --> 5804.08] You reign forever +[5804.08 --> 5808.08] You reign forever +[5808.08 --> 5819.08] You reign forever +[5819.08 --> 5821.08] You reign forever +[5821.08 --> 5825.08] You reign forever +[5825.08 --> 5827.08] One with God +[5827.08 --> 5832.08] The Lord most high +[5832.08 --> 5835.08] You reign forever +[5835.08 --> 5837.08] You reign forever +[5837.08 --> 5840.08] You reign forever +[5840.08 --> 5842.08] You reign forever +[5842.08 --> 5844.08] You reign forever +[5844.08 --> 5847.08] You reign forever +[5847.08 --> 5849.08] You reign forever +[5849.08 --> 5851.08] You reign forever +[5851.08 --> 5852.08] What a beautiful name +[5852.08 --> 5854.08] What a beautiful name it is +[5854.08 --> 5860.08] The name of Jesus Christ my King +[5860.08 --> 5864.08] What a beautiful name it is +[5864.08 --> 5868.08] Now we confess to this +[5868.08 --> 5871.08] What a beautiful name it is +[5871.08 --> 5872.08] What a beautiful name it is +[5872.08 --> 5873.08] The name of Jesus +[5873.08 --> 5875.08] What a beautiful name it is +[5875.08 --> 5877.08] The name of Jesus +[5877.08 --> 5883.08] And your honor +[5883.08 --> 5886.08] You reign forever +[5886.08 --> 5888.38] You reign forever +[5888.38 --> 5894.08] You reign forever +[5894.08 --> 5897.08] A beautiful name it is +[5897.08 --> 5897.58] The Français, thealubs, thei Assembly +[5898.08 --> 5899.08] God my grant +[5899.08 --> 5900.08] You reign forever +[5900.08 --> 5902.08] In the old fathers +[5902.08 --> 5904.08] When you mourned +[5904.08 --> 5907.58] God reign us now. +[5907.58 --> 5911.32] What a wonderful name it is. +[5911.48 --> 5914.82] What a wonderful name it is. +[5915.04 --> 5921.00] The name of Jesus Christ my friend. +[5922.12 --> 5925.72] What a wonderful name it is. +[5926.08 --> 5927.74] Now become precious. +[5929.20 --> 5931.96] What a wonderful name it is. +[5931.96 --> 5935.44] The name of Jesus. +[5935.44 --> 5938.94] What a wonderful name it is. +[5939.16 --> 5942.40] The name of Jesus. +[5961.96 --> 5973.84] Death could not hold you. +[5974.24 --> 5977.12] The veil tore before you. +[5977.12 --> 5984.00] To silence the ghosts of sin and grave. +[5984.66 --> 5987.30] The heavens are roaring. +[5988.14 --> 5990.76] The praise of your glory. +[5991.60 --> 5996.94] For you are raised to life again. +[5996.94 --> 6000.42] You have no rival. +[6000.42 --> 6004.42] You have no evil. +[6005.42 --> 6010.42] Now and forever God you reign. +[6012.22 --> 6014.66] Yours is the kingdom. +[6015.66 --> 6018.10] Yours is the glory. +[6018.10 --> 6025.08] Yours is the name above all names. +[6025.08 --> 6028.56] What a powerful name it is. +[6028.56 --> 6032.06] What a powerful name it is. +[6032.06 --> 6037.54] The name of Jesus Christ my friend. +[6037.54 --> 6042.16] What a powerful name it is. +[6042.16 --> 6045.38] Nothing can stand against. +[6045.38 --> 6048.54] What a powerful name it is. +[6048.54 --> 6052.02] The name of Jesus Christ my friend. +[6052.02 --> 6054.02] The name of Jesus Christ my friend. +[6054.02 --> 6055.20] You have no rival. +[6055.88 --> 6058.68] You have no evil. +[6059.48 --> 6065.14] Now and forever God you reign. +[6066.02 --> 6068.36] Yours is the kingdom. +[6069.36 --> 6071.74] Yours is the glory. +[6071.74 --> 6072.30] Your glory. +[6072.30 --> 6078.12] Yours is the name above all names. +[6078.90 --> 6081.78] What a powerful name it is. +[6082.12 --> 6085.06] What a powerful name it is. +[6085.06 --> 6090.72] The name of Jesus Christ my friend. +[6091.56 --> 6094.80] What a powerful name it is. +[6095.56 --> 6097.94] Nothing can stand against. +[6098.56 --> 6101.14] What a powerful name it is. +[6101.14 --> 6104.52] The name of Jesus +[6104.52 --> 6107.82] What a wonderful name it is +[6107.82 --> 6111.02] The name of Jesus +[6111.02 --> 6114.30] What a beautiful name it is +[6114.30 --> 6117.78] The name of Jesus +[6131.14 --> 6143.64] Thank you +[6161.14 --> 6168.52] And I hear the Savior say, +[6168.52 --> 6173.90] Thy strength indeed is small. +[6174.44 --> 6179.00] Child of weakness, watch and pray. +[6179.80 --> 6184.76] Find in me, thine all in all. +[6186.12 --> 6189.62] Jesus, faith it all. +[6191.14 --> 6195.48] All to hear my own. +[6195.48 --> 6200.40] Sin that left a presence still, +[6200.74 --> 6204.96] He watched in blood and snow. +[6208.00 --> 6212.48] Lord, now indeed I find, +[6213.54 --> 6217.80] Thy power and Thine alone. +[6217.80 --> 6223.14] Can't change the number of stars, +[6223.14 --> 6227.90] And that will harvest all. +[6229.18 --> 6233.80] Jesus made it all, +[6234.14 --> 6238.06] All to Him I owe. +[6238.06 --> 6243.40] And when before the throne, +[6243.40 --> 6247.06] I stand in Him complete, +[6247.06 --> 6253.40] Jesus died my soul to save. +[6253.40 --> 6258.74] Now my lips shall still repeat. +[6258.74 --> 6264.74] Jesus died my soul to save. +[6264.74 --> 6269.74] Now my lips shall still repeat. +[6269.74 --> 6275.08] Jesus made it all, +[6275.08 --> 6281.08] All to Him I owe. +[6281.08 --> 6286.08] Sin that left a prison stay, +[6286.42 --> 6290.38] He washed it white as snow. +[6290.38 --> 6295.86] Sin that left a prison stay, +[6296.42 --> 6300.30] He washed it white as snow. +[6300.30 --> 6305.64] He washed it white as snow. +[6305.64 --> 6310.64] He washed it white as snow. +[6310.64 --> 6316.60] Forty Schedulein. +[6316.98 --> 6333.24] It thôi 이제 InvaniItalius +[6333.24 --> 6335.24] Oh +[6363.24 --> 6365.24] Oh +[6365.24 --> 6367.24] Oh +[6387.24 --> 6390.74] You're church this is one of those songs you just need to sing on Easter Sunday +[6390.74 --> 6392.74] So please join us as we sing Jesus Messiah +[6420.74 --> 6422.74] Oh +[6450.74 --> 6452.74] Jesus +[6452.74 --> 6454.74] Messiah +[6454.74 --> 6458.74] In the +[6458.74 --> 6460.74] Holy +[6460.74 --> 6464.74] Blessed +[6464.74 --> 6466.74] Jesus +[6466.74 --> 6468.74] Jesus +[6468.74 --> 6470.74] Messiah +[6470.74 --> 6472.74] Lord of all +[6472.74 --> 6474.74] Jesus +[6474.74 --> 6476.74] Jesus +[6476.74 --> 6478.74] Messiah +[6478.74 --> 6480.74] Lord of all +[6480.74 --> 6482.74] Jesus +[6482.74 --> 6484.74] Messiah +[6484.74 --> 6486.74] Jesus +[6486.74 --> 6488.74] Messiah +[6488.74 --> 6490.74] Jesus +[6490.74 --> 6492.74] Messiah +[6492.74 --> 6494.74] Lord of all +[6494.74 --> 6496.74] Jesus +[6496.74 --> 6498.74] Messiah +[6498.74 --> 6500.74] Jesus +[6500.74 --> 6502.74] Messiah +[6502.74 --> 6504.74] Jesus +[6504.74 --> 6506.74] Messiah +[6506.74 --> 6508.74] Jesus +[6508.74 --> 6510.74] Messiah +[6510.74 --> 6512.74] Jesus +[6512.74 --> 6514.74] Jesus +[6514.74 --> 6516.74] Messiah +[6516.74 --> 6518.74] Jesus +[6518.74 --> 6526.74] Zh- +[6526.74 --> 6528.74] cancer +[6528.74 --> 6534.74] Jesus Messiah +[6534.74 --> 6540.74] Gave her the walking +[6540.74 --> 6546.74] As every leader +[6546.74 --> 6552.74] Anywhere +[6552.74 --> 6558.74] The rescue for sinners +[6558.74 --> 6564.74] The ransom of heaven +[6564.74 --> 6568.74] Jesus Messiah +[6568.74 --> 6574.74] Gave her the walking +[6574.74 --> 6580.74] All our hope +[6580.74 --> 6584.74] In you +[6584.74 --> 6586.74] All our hope +[6586.74 --> 6588.74] In you +[6588.74 --> 6592.74] All our hope +[6592.74 --> 6594.74] In you +[6594.74 --> 6596.74] And +[6596.74 --> 6600.74] The flame of the fire +[6600.74 --> 6604.74] Jesus Messiah +[6604.74 --> 6620.64] Messiah, King of the Holy, Blessed Redeemer, +[6620.64 --> 6633.84] In any land, the rescue of our sinners, +[6633.84 --> 6649.64] The rescue of our sinners, Jesus Messiah, Lord of all. +[6649.64 --> 6661.64] Jesus Messiah, Lord of all. +[6668.64 --> 6670.64] Is now okay? +[6670.64 --> 6671.64] Yes. +[6671.64 --> 6672.64] Amen. +[6672.64 --> 6673.64] Amen. +[6673.64 --> 6675.64] Amen. +[6675.64 --> 6682.64] As you go, know that our resurrected God goes with you. +[6682.64 --> 6689.64] As you go, know that you do not go alone, but you go in the power of the one who has defeated death. +[6689.64 --> 6693.64] And so hear his words, do not be afraid. +[6693.64 --> 6696.64] As you go, go with the blessing of our God. +[6696.64 --> 6701.64] Go with the invitation to gather together in fellowship after the service. +[6701.64 --> 6706.64] Go with the invitation if you would like to pray with someone to meet them up here, +[6706.64 --> 6713.64] to receive prayer, to prayer of celebration and thanksgiving, a prayer of need and supplication, +[6713.64 --> 6715.64] whatever it is, they will meet you here. +[6715.64 --> 6716.64] And go as well. +[6716.64 --> 6720.64] I would love to meet with you if you are a guest here especially. +[6720.64 --> 6725.64] And so eventually, after I'm able to make it back there, I will be at the Connect booth as well. +[6725.64 --> 6727.64] I'd love to grab you. +[6727.64 --> 6729.64] Receive God's greeting. +[6729.64 --> 6730.64] Or God's blessing. +[6730.64 --> 6735.64] God, go before you to lead you. +[6735.64 --> 6738.64] God, go behind you to protect you. +[6738.64 --> 6741.64] God, go beneath you to support you. +[6741.64 --> 6744.64] And God, go beside you to befriend you. +[6744.64 --> 6747.64] Do not be afraid. +[6747.64 --> 6750.64] Let the blessing of God come upon you today. +[6750.64 --> 6752.64] Do not be afraid. +[6752.64 --> 6757.64] But go and tell the world of our risen Savior. +[6757.64 --> 6758.64] Amen. +[6760.64 --> 6786.64] As the Lord has been to death, +[6786.64 --> 6788.64] Hallelujah +[6788.64 --> 6794.64] Sometimes angels sing +[6794.64 --> 6798.64] Hallelujah +[6798.64 --> 6802.64] There's your joy and joy of song +[6802.64 --> 6806.64] Hallelujah +[6806.64 --> 6810.64] Singing and to the divine +[6810.64 --> 6814.64] Hallelujah +[6816.64 --> 6824.64] This earth get our glorious King +[6824.64 --> 6828.64] Hallelujah +[6828.64 --> 6832.64] There of death is now I sing +[6832.64 --> 6836.64] Hallelujah +[6836.64 --> 6840.64] Dying on sea all the same +[6840.64 --> 6844.64] Hallelujah +[6844.64 --> 6846.64] There I pray to be +[6846.64 --> 6848.64] O great Lord +[6848.64 --> 6850.64] Hallelujah +[6850.64 --> 6854.64] He is our death +[6854.64 --> 6856.64] He is our God +[6856.64 --> 6858.64] He is our God +[6858.64 --> 6862.64] We have his hope +[6862.64 --> 6864.64] In Jesus Christ +[6864.64 --> 6866.64] In Jesus Christ +[6866.64 --> 6872.64] The sweet evil work is done +[6872.64 --> 6874.64] Hallelujah +[6874.64 --> 6878.64] On the rise of battle hall +[6878.64 --> 6882.64] Hallelujah +[6882.64 --> 6884.64] Death in faith for his surprise +[6884.64 --> 6886.64] Hallelujah +[6886.64 --> 6888.64] Hallelujah +[6888.64 --> 6892.64] Hallelujah +[6892.64 --> 6896.64] I am the one who will never die +[6896.64 --> 6898.64] Hallelujah +[6898.64 --> 6900.64] He is our God +[6900.64 --> 6902.64] He is our God +[6902.64 --> 6904.64] He is our God +[6904.64 --> 6906.64] He is our God +[6906.64 --> 6908.64] He is our God +[6908.64 --> 6912.64] Who will never die +[6912.64 --> 6914.64] He is our God +[6914.64 --> 6916.64] He is our God +[6916.64 --> 6918.64] We have his hope +[6918.64 --> 6922.64] We have his hope +[6922.64 --> 6924.64] In Jesus Christ +[6924.64 --> 6926.64] Lord +[6926.64 --> 6928.64] Jesus Christ +[6928.64 --> 6943.64] Oh +[6950.10 --> 6956.18] oh +[6958.64 --> 6960.64] Oh +[6988.64 --> 6990.64] Oh +[7018.64 --> 7020.64] Oh +[7048.64 --> 7050.64] Oh +[7078.64 --> 7080.64] Oh +[7108.64 --> 7110.64] Oh +[7138.64 --> 7140.64] Oh +[7140.64 --> 7142.64] Oh +[7142.64 --> 7144.64] Oh +[7144.64 --> 7146.64] Oh +[7146.64 --> 7148.64] Oh +[7150.64 --> 7152.64] Oh +[7154.64 --> 7156.64] Oh +[7158.64 --> 7160.64] Oh +[7162.64 --> 7164.64] Oh +[7168.64 --> 7170.64] Oh +[7170.64 --> 7172.64] Oh +[7174.64 --> 7176.64] Oh +[7176.64 --> 7178.64] Oh +[7178.64 --> 7180.64] Oh +[7180.64 --> 7182.64] Oh +[7182.64 --> 7184.64] Oh +[7188.64 --> 7190.64] Oh +[7194.64 --> 7196.64] Oh +[7196.64 --> 7198.64] Oh +[7198.64 --> 7228.62] Thank you. +[7228.64 --> 7258.62] Thank you. +[7258.64 --> 7288.62] Thank you. +[7288.64 --> 7318.62] Thank you. +[7318.64 --> 7348.62] Thank you. +[7348.64 --> 7378.62] Thank you. +[7378.64 --> 7408.62] Thank you. +[7408.64 --> 7410.64] Thank you. diff --git a/Good Friday, March 29, 2024_summary.txt b/Good Friday, March 29, 2024_summary.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000000000000000000000000000000000000..89ae11f946aa34e9a5bf96d93e4ddca10ba9123b --- /dev/null +++ b/Good Friday, March 29, 2024_summary.txt @@ -0,0 +1,96 @@ +• The leader plans to worship differently tonight, rehearsing the drama of scripture +• The focus will be on Jesus' death and how it is the death of God +• The congregation will read Matthew 27:45-56 together throughout the service +• The aim is for attendees to leave unsatisfied, with the story continuing Sunday +• The leader invites them to "live in Friday" before Sunday's resurrection +• The speaker describes Jesus' death as a cosmic event that affects all of creation +• The world's best religion (Judaism) and government (Roman Empire) combined to kill Jesus +• Jesus' death is not just about salvation for sinners, but has far-reaching consequences for the entire universe +• All of creation groans, mourns, and waits for what comes next after Jesus' death +• Jesus' last words are a question ("Why have you forsaken me?") rather than a declaration or command +• Jesus's experience in the Garden of Gethsemane +• The concept of spiritual pain and relational pain on the cross +• Comparison to personal experiences of loss, abandonment, and loneliness +• Allusion to Jesus experiencing hell in his crucifixion +• Reference to 2nd Corinthians 5, stating God made Jesus sinless to bear sin for us +• The meaning of Jesus' cry "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" +• The concept that Jesus, being sinless, did not deserve to be abandoned by God +• The idea that sin is essentially rejecting God's presence and love +• The significance of Jesus experiencing the full effect of rejection on the cross +• The theme of God's wrath and curse for sin, which Jesus bore +• Jesus' descent into hell +• The sword going all the way into the sheath, referring to Jesus' crucifixion +• The concept of hell and its implications +• The idea that we should stand in silence before the verb and wonder what it means +• The experience of abandonment by God (Psalm 22) +• Friday and hopes for Sunday and the people gathered around the cross +• Misinterpretation of Jesus' cry as a call to Elijah, and scoffing at Jesus +• People took a passage from scripture as a marker for the Messiah's coming +• They used Elijah's reappearance before the Messiah as a sign to be watched +• Jesus was mocked and ridiculed, with some saying Elijah would save him +• Many people missed the transfiguration of Jesus with Moses and Elijah +• The connection between John the Baptist and Jesus as prophets was not made +• People were fixated on physical realities rather than spiritual ones +• The limitations of perceiving reality through physical senses +• The impact of fixation on physical realities and feelings of pain +• Overcoming emotional blind spots to access spiritual truth +• Understanding the role of doctrine, hurt, and hardship in shaping perception +• The invitation to see the world through a spiritual lens, specifically that of Jesus Christ +• The importance of seeing Jesus in one's deepest fears and anxieties +• Recognizing the presence of Jesus in moments of personal struggles and hell +• The significance of saying "yes" to God, despite difficult circumstances (Friday) knowing that Sunday (victory and resurrection) is coming +• Acknowledging those who have missed or been absent from faith and the opportunity for them to reconnect +• Emphasizing the importance of attending church and spiritual practices throughout one's life +• Coming to church for one's entire life +• Possibility that heart is not converted to Christ yet +• Need to hear the message and convert +• Laissez-faire attitude towards sin in one's life +• Sin and its persistence in one's life +• First time attending church in years or ever listening at church +• Jesus is standing at the door of your heart and knocking +• He's asking if you'll see him, let him in, and be your Messiah, King, and Savior +• Jesus loves all people, even those who may have missed seeing God's love through his life on earth +• A Roman centurion saw Jesus and understood the significance of what he did, unlike the disciples or religious officials +• Roman soldier's testimony about Jesus +• John Calvin's commentary on the story of Jesus +• Comparison of the soldier's judgment to that of others who witnessed Jesus' death and resurrection +• Criticism of those who failed to understand the significance of Jesus' actions +• Explanation of the tearing of the temple curtain in two during Jesus' crucifixion +• The end of sacrifice and need for it +• Access to God through Jesus' sacrifice +• Jesus' resurrection and its effects on people in tombs +• Isaiah's prophecy about mountains and hills breaking forth before people +• Holy people being raised from the dead after Jesus' resurrection +• The Greek grammar of a sentence is clarified to show that Jesus and the apostles emerged from tombs after his resurrection +• Matthew's account parallels Paul's statement in 1 Corinthians 15:20 about Jesus as the firstfruits of the resurrection +• This point connects back to a prophecy in Daniel 12:2 about multitudes being awakened at the Messiah's coming +• Isaiah 53 describes the suffering and rejection of the Messiah, emphasizing his despised and lowly status +• The verse says "surely he took up our pain and bore our suffering" +• Punishment and suffering of Christ +• Healing through Christ's wounds +• Centurion's recognition of Christ as the Son of God +• Death and burial of Christ +• Reflection on the meaning and significance of Christ's sacrifice +• Request to stand and prepare for a story +• Instructions on how to take a prayerful posture and listen +• Explanation of the worship team's plan to lead into silence and song +• Description of the setting: from noon until three in the afternoon, darkness falls +• Jesus' cry out to God during this time +• Jesus' cry for Elijah +• Anointing of a sponge with wine and vinegar offered to Jesus +• Jesus' death and crucifixion +• The curtain of the temple torn at the moment of Jesus' death +• Earthquake and natural phenomenon at Jesus' death +• Resurrection of holy people from tombs, appearing in the city +• Description of the guards at Jesus' tomb witnessing an earthquake +• Women watching from a distance as Jesus was taken care of by followers +• Mary Magdalene and other women were among those caring for Jesus' needs +• The gospel account of Jesus' crucifixion and emotions in the Garden of Gethsemane +• Reflections on the Savior's pain and sacrifice, including His words from the cross +• Expressions of awe and reverence for God's love and forgiveness +• Expressions of hope and trust in God +• Desires for comfort, guidance, and rebirth through suffering and resurrection +• Requests for knowledge and understanding +• Acknowledgment of God's presence in all aspects of life +• Reflections on humility and the true nature of God +• References to Jesus Christ \ No newline at end of file diff --git a/Good Friday, March 29, 2024_transcript.txt b/Good Friday, March 29, 2024_transcript.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000000000000000000000000000000000000..2570f48238afc8706c46b8264a364a1bc8cb64a4 --- /dev/null +++ b/Good Friday, March 29, 2024_transcript.txt @@ -0,0 +1,2294 @@ +[0.00 --> 29.98] Thank you. +[30.00 --> 59.98] Thank you. +[60.00 --> 89.98] Thank you. +[90.00 --> 119.98] Thank you. +[120.00 --> 149.98] Thank you. +[150.00 --> 179.98] Thank you. +[180.00 --> 209.98] Thank you. +[210.00 --> 239.98] Thank you. +[240.00 --> 269.98] Thank you. +[270.00 --> 299.98] Thank you. +[300.00 --> 329.98] Thank you. +[330.00 --> 359.98] Thank you. +[360.00 --> 389.98] Thank you. +[390.00 --> 419.98] Thank you. +[420.00 --> 449.98] Thank you. +[450.00 --> 479.98] Thank you. +[480.00 --> 509.98] Thank you. +[510.00 --> 539.98] Thank you. +[540.00 --> 569.98] Thank you. +[570.00 --> 599.98] Thank you. +[600.00 --> 629.98] Thank you. +[630.02 --> 659.98] Thank you. +[659.98 --> 689.96] Thank you. +[690.00 --> 719.96] Thank you. +[719.96 --> 749.94] Thank you. +[749.94 --> 779.92] We remember Christ's words. +[779.92 --> 809.90] Thank you. +[809.90 --> 839.88] Thank you. +[839.90 --> 869.88] Thank you. +[869.88 --> 899.86] Thank you. +[899.88 --> 929.86] Thank you. +[929.88 --> 959.86] Thank you. +[959.88 --> 989.86] Thank you. +[989.86 --> 1019.84] Thank you. +[1019.84 --> 1049.82] Thank you. +[1049.84 --> 1079.82] Thank you. +[1079.82 --> 1109.80] Thank you. +[1109.82 --> 1139.80] Thank you. +[1139.80 --> 1169.78] Thank you. +[1169.80 --> 1199.78] Thank you. +[1199.78 --> 1229.76] Thank you. +[1229.78 --> 1259.76] Thank you. +[1259.78 --> 1289.76] See you. +[1289.78 --> 1319.76] Thank you. +[1319.78 --> 1349.76] Thank you. +[1349.78 --> 1379.76] Thank you. +[1379.78 --> 1409.76] Thank you. +[1409.78 --> 1439.76] Thank you. +[1439.78 --> 1469.76] Thank you. +[1469.76 --> 1499.74] Thank you. +[1499.76 --> 1529.74] Thank you. +[1529.76 --> 1559.74] Thank you. +[1559.76 --> 1589.74] Thank you. +[1589.76 --> 1619.74] Thank you. +[1619.76 --> 1649.74] Thank you. +[1649.76 --> 1679.74] Thank you. +[1679.76 --> 1709.74] Thank you. +[1709.74 --> 1739.72] Thank you. +[1739.74 --> 1769.72] Thank you. +[1769.74 --> 1799.72] Thank you. +[1799.74 --> 1829.72] Thank you. +[1829.74 --> 1859.72] Thank you. +[1859.72 --> 1889.70] Thank you. +[1889.72 --> 1919.70] Thank you. +[1919.72 --> 1949.70] Thank you. +[1949.72 --> 1979.70] Thank you. +[1979.72 --> 2009.70] Thank you. +[2009.72 --> 2039.70] Thank you. +[2039.72 --> 2069.70] Thank you. +[2069.72 --> 2099.70] Thank you. +[2099.72 --> 2129.70] Thank you. +[2129.72 --> 2159.70] Thank you. +[2159.72 --> 2189.70] Thank you. +[2189.72 --> 2219.70] Thank you. +[2219.72 --> 2249.70] Thank you. +[2249.72 --> 2279.70] Thank you. +[2279.72 --> 2309.70] I will sing. +[2309.72 --> 2339.70] I will sing. +[2339.72 --> 2369.70] Thank you. +[2369.70 --> 2399.68] Thank you. +[2399.70 --> 2429.68] As we come to hear you. +[2429.68 --> 2459.66] Thank you. +[2459.66 --> 2489.66] +[2489.66 --> 2496.64] I' Indigenous. +[2496.64 --> 2503.22] what wondrous love is this +[2503.22 --> 2509.36] we pray in Jesus name amen +[2509.36 --> 2520.26] tonight for our time here I'm going to do things just a little bit +[2520.26 --> 2524.52] differently than how we normally do in our worship together +[2524.52 --> 2530.60] tonight as we sort of rehearse the drama of scripture +[2530.60 --> 2538.82] I'm going to invite you to live into the narrative of Jesus death +[2538.82 --> 2545.06] and so unlike we ordinarily do I'm not going to read the text at the beginning +[2545.06 --> 2552.88] but we're going to read it and hear it together throughout our time +[2552.88 --> 2556.64] and so if you have a bible I do encourage you to +[2556.64 --> 2560.58] open it up or if it's on your phone to turn that on to get that out and to have +[2560.58 --> 2564.96] Matthew 27 verse 45 to 56 in front of you +[2564.96 --> 2569.28] but we're going to move through it slowly together +[2569.28 --> 2578.48] here in this time through this text in this particular moment +[2578.48 --> 2586.80] I hope that you will see that the death of Jesus is the death of God +[2586.80 --> 2592.90] and I hope that you will see how it is that we killed him +[2592.90 --> 2597.62] now to temper your expectations a little bit +[2597.62 --> 2602.56] I am very confident that you're going to leave tonight unsatisfied +[2602.56 --> 2606.96] but that is our aim +[2606.96 --> 2612.54] because we're going to carry this story to Sunday +[2612.54 --> 2614.84] it's Friday +[2614.84 --> 2617.48] but Sunday's coming +[2617.48 --> 2619.96] but for right now +[2619.96 --> 2622.58] let's live in Friday +[2622.58 --> 2627.04] and so the stage is set for us +[2627.04 --> 2632.18] from noon until three in the afternoon +[2632.18 --> 2635.98] darkness came all over the land +[2635.98 --> 2646.26] 750 years before this event took place +[2646.26 --> 2651.92] the prophet Amos had a vision of the Lord +[2651.92 --> 2653.80] and in his vision +[2653.80 --> 2655.26] the Lord says +[2655.26 --> 2658.98] in that day I will make the sun go down at noon +[2658.98 --> 2661.16] and darken the earth in broad daylight +[2661.16 --> 2665.96] I will make that time like morning for an only sun +[2665.96 --> 2669.14] in the end of it like a bitter day +[2669.14 --> 2673.86] in this moment with Jesus +[2673.86 --> 2680.50] the whole of creation portends this momentous moment +[2680.50 --> 2685.32] Dale Bruner describes this +[2685.32 --> 2689.50] as the world putting on mourners cloths +[2689.50 --> 2690.60] dark clothing +[2690.60 --> 2695.28] for the death of God's son is happening +[2695.28 --> 2697.48] he writes +[2697.48 --> 2700.40] the son of God came into the world +[2700.40 --> 2703.02] and in response the world's best religion +[2703.02 --> 2703.66] Judaism +[2703.66 --> 2706.18] and its most advanced government +[2706.18 --> 2707.88] the Roman Empire +[2707.88 --> 2710.12] combined together to kill him +[2710.12 --> 2712.52] and in great sympathy +[2712.52 --> 2716.34] the earth plunges into darkness +[2716.34 --> 2720.08] see the scope of Jesus' death +[2720.08 --> 2721.78] isn't just on that hill +[2721.78 --> 2723.02] over in Judea +[2723.02 --> 2724.40] outside of Jerusalem +[2724.40 --> 2725.94] even though it is there +[2725.94 --> 2727.18] and I've stood in that place +[2727.18 --> 2728.06] right +[2728.06 --> 2729.52] the scope of Jesus' death +[2729.52 --> 2731.36] isn't even just salvation +[2731.36 --> 2732.66] for sinners +[2732.66 --> 2733.92] from the wrath of God +[2733.92 --> 2734.42] for sin +[2734.42 --> 2736.08] even though I know that truth +[2736.08 --> 2738.10] and I celebrate it daily +[2738.10 --> 2740.60] the scope of Jesus' death +[2740.60 --> 2741.80] of what is happening here +[2741.80 --> 2742.62] in this text +[2742.62 --> 2745.18] is cosmic in its spread +[2745.18 --> 2747.84] and so all of creation groans +[2747.84 --> 2750.24] all of creation mourns +[2750.24 --> 2752.22] and all of creation waits +[2752.22 --> 2753.66] for what's next +[2753.66 --> 2755.26] it's Friday +[2755.26 --> 2757.58] but Sunday's coming +[2757.58 --> 2761.60] now this darkness ends +[2761.60 --> 2764.20] as Jesus' inner experience +[2764.20 --> 2765.48] of darkness reaches +[2765.48 --> 2768.00] its fever pitch +[2768.00 --> 2770.30] and about three in the afternoon +[2770.30 --> 2772.24] Jesus cried out in a loud voice +[2772.24 --> 2775.46] Eli, Eli, Lammoth, Tabathconee +[2775.46 --> 2777.08] which means +[2777.08 --> 2778.12] my God +[2778.12 --> 2779.28] my God +[2779.28 --> 2780.80] why have you +[2780.80 --> 2782.30] forsaken me? +[2782.30 --> 2785.18] these are the very same words +[2785.18 --> 2786.20] that we began +[2786.20 --> 2787.48] our worship with +[2787.48 --> 2788.86] and this sentence +[2788.86 --> 2790.10] this sentence +[2790.10 --> 2791.90] is the gospel +[2791.90 --> 2793.78] at its deepest +[2793.78 --> 2797.60] but as I was preparing +[2797.60 --> 2799.26] to share this with you +[2799.26 --> 2799.86] and to lead +[2799.86 --> 2800.34] and this +[2800.34 --> 2801.60] kept coming back +[2801.60 --> 2802.82] to this idea +[2802.82 --> 2803.58] and what I find +[2803.58 --> 2804.66] so amazing +[2804.66 --> 2805.80] right now +[2805.80 --> 2806.54] and right here +[2806.54 --> 2807.04] is that +[2807.04 --> 2810.24] Jesus' +[2811.20 --> 2812.56] last words +[2812.56 --> 2815.02] are a question +[2815.02 --> 2818.88] have you ever thought about that? +[2819.70 --> 2819.80] right +[2819.80 --> 2820.80] it's not a declaration +[2820.80 --> 2822.72] it's not a command +[2822.72 --> 2824.44] it's not an invitation +[2824.44 --> 2825.70] right +[2825.70 --> 2826.22] think about it +[2826.22 --> 2827.70] it's supposed to be +[2827.70 --> 2828.74] a moment of victory +[2828.74 --> 2829.94] and maybe +[2829.94 --> 2831.20] you come into this story +[2831.20 --> 2831.52] thinking +[2831.52 --> 2831.84] you know what +[2831.84 --> 2833.12] it shouldn't have even had to happen +[2833.12 --> 2834.08] in the way that it did +[2834.08 --> 2834.96] right +[2834.96 --> 2836.02] maybe you want Jesus +[2836.02 --> 2837.14] on the cross +[2837.14 --> 2838.16] to say something like +[2838.16 --> 2838.58] this +[2838.58 --> 2840.14] this is love +[2840.14 --> 2841.84] or maybe +[2841.84 --> 2842.72] for him to +[2842.72 --> 2843.98] to stand there +[2843.98 --> 2844.72] and to look +[2844.72 --> 2845.40] at the +[2845.40 --> 2846.00] the women +[2846.00 --> 2846.98] who are close +[2846.98 --> 2847.94] and the disciples +[2847.94 --> 2848.82] who have led +[2848.82 --> 2849.52] left +[2849.52 --> 2850.82] and for him to say +[2850.82 --> 2852.32] love one another +[2852.32 --> 2854.08] right +[2854.08 --> 2855.46] we want his final words +[2855.46 --> 2856.52] to be triumphant +[2856.52 --> 2857.86] we want his final words +[2857.86 --> 2858.98] to be an invitation +[2858.98 --> 2860.92] to join in the triumph +[2860.92 --> 2861.86] of what is to come +[2861.86 --> 2863.84] but questions +[2863.84 --> 2867.80] why questions +[2867.80 --> 2870.70] and yeah +[2870.70 --> 2871.64] I don't know about you +[2871.64 --> 2871.88] but +[2871.88 --> 2873.16] but there's something +[2873.16 --> 2876.14] there's something more real +[2876.14 --> 2878.20] about questions +[2878.20 --> 2879.90] right +[2879.90 --> 2880.86] in this moment +[2880.86 --> 2881.92] like in the moment +[2881.92 --> 2883.40] in the garden of Gethsemane +[2883.40 --> 2884.30] when he prayed +[2884.30 --> 2885.02] and he was +[2885.02 --> 2886.98] sweating drops of blood +[2886.98 --> 2888.14] and he asked for the cup +[2888.14 --> 2889.26] to be removed from him +[2889.26 --> 2889.64] right +[2889.64 --> 2890.56] in this moment +[2890.56 --> 2891.60] we see Jesus +[2891.60 --> 2893.42] not only taking on +[2893.42 --> 2894.10] flesh +[2894.10 --> 2895.20] in the incarnation +[2895.20 --> 2896.70] but we see Jesus +[2896.70 --> 2898.84] taking on our anxieties +[2898.84 --> 2899.94] and our fears +[2899.94 --> 2900.72] we see Jesus +[2900.72 --> 2901.96] taking on our feelings +[2901.96 --> 2903.00] and our nerves +[2903.00 --> 2904.56] right +[2904.56 --> 2905.82] all throughout the gospel story +[2905.82 --> 2906.24] of Jesus +[2906.24 --> 2907.16] in his life +[2907.16 --> 2907.90] he's given us +[2907.90 --> 2909.02] so many answers +[2909.02 --> 2911.00] and he's still answering +[2911.00 --> 2911.98] questions for us +[2911.98 --> 2913.36] but in this moment +[2913.36 --> 2914.32] right now +[2914.32 --> 2915.40] he's asking +[2915.40 --> 2916.76] my questions +[2916.76 --> 2918.24] he's asking +[2918.24 --> 2919.52] your questions +[2919.52 --> 2920.70] he's asking our +[2920.70 --> 2921.54] questions +[2921.54 --> 2922.06] God +[2922.06 --> 2923.80] why have you forsaken me +[2923.80 --> 2925.96] why have you abandoned me +[2925.96 --> 2928.86] this question tells us +[2928.86 --> 2929.68] that the cross +[2929.68 --> 2930.78] isn't only about +[2930.78 --> 2931.62] physical pain +[2931.62 --> 2933.58] but there's a very real +[2933.58 --> 2934.40] and a very deep +[2934.40 --> 2935.48] spiritual pain +[2935.48 --> 2936.56] there's a very real +[2936.56 --> 2937.18] and a very deep +[2937.18 --> 2938.56] relational pain +[2938.56 --> 2939.72] there's an anguish +[2939.72 --> 2941.14] and an alienation +[2941.14 --> 2943.22] that Jesus is experiencing here +[2943.22 --> 2944.16] and the cry +[2944.16 --> 2945.20] into the darkness +[2945.20 --> 2946.10] why me +[2946.10 --> 2951.30] is only +[2951.30 --> 2953.42] echoed back to him +[2953.42 --> 2955.12] in his agony +[2955.12 --> 2958.40] for no answer is given +[2958.40 --> 2961.32] sometimes +[2961.32 --> 2963.88] we taste +[2963.88 --> 2965.26] this same +[2965.26 --> 2966.54] agony +[2966.54 --> 2970.40] sometimes +[2970.40 --> 2972.16] we taste +[2972.16 --> 2972.98] this same +[2972.98 --> 2973.74] agony +[2973.74 --> 2974.68] the hole +[2974.68 --> 2975.28] that's left +[2975.28 --> 2975.82] behind +[2975.82 --> 2976.54] when someone +[2976.54 --> 2977.16] we love +[2977.16 --> 2978.00] dies +[2978.00 --> 2979.26] that's this +[2979.26 --> 2979.62] agony +[2979.62 --> 2981.98] the abandonment +[2981.98 --> 2982.52] we feel +[2982.52 --> 2983.48] when a spouse +[2983.48 --> 2984.08] leaves +[2984.08 --> 2985.00] that's this +[2985.00 --> 2985.40] agony +[2985.40 --> 2986.98] the loneliness +[2986.98 --> 2987.74] we experience +[2987.74 --> 2988.28] when a parent +[2988.28 --> 2989.32] runs away +[2989.32 --> 2991.80] when a dear +[2991.80 --> 2992.32] friend +[2992.32 --> 2993.72] is taken over +[2993.72 --> 2994.44] into addiction +[2994.44 --> 2996.58] all of these +[2996.58 --> 2997.84] little experiences +[2997.84 --> 2998.52] of hell +[2998.52 --> 2999.38] are a taste +[2999.38 --> 3000.38] of what Jesus +[3000.38 --> 3001.10] goes through +[3001.10 --> 3001.76] on the cross +[3001.76 --> 3003.16] death +[3003.16 --> 3004.46] and abandonment +[3004.46 --> 3005.10] loneliness +[3005.10 --> 3006.04] and rejection +[3006.04 --> 3007.12] desertion +[3007.12 --> 3007.80] Jesus +[3007.80 --> 3008.98] is in that +[3008.98 --> 3009.50] hell +[3009.50 --> 3010.08] too +[3010.08 --> 3012.82] later +[3012.82 --> 3014.24] in 2nd +[3014.24 --> 3015.04] Corinthians 5 +[3015.04 --> 3015.94] we read +[3015.94 --> 3018.34] God made him +[3018.34 --> 3019.10] who had +[3019.10 --> 3019.92] no sin +[3019.92 --> 3020.68] to be +[3020.68 --> 3021.24] sin +[3021.24 --> 3022.52] for us +[3022.52 --> 3025.60] God made +[3025.60 --> 3026.32] him +[3026.32 --> 3026.90] Jesus +[3026.90 --> 3027.78] who had +[3027.78 --> 3029.02] no sin +[3029.02 --> 3029.46] and so +[3029.46 --> 3029.96] when Jesus +[3029.96 --> 3030.52] asks +[3030.52 --> 3031.22] why have +[3031.22 --> 3031.96] you forsaken +[3031.96 --> 3032.50] me +[3032.50 --> 3033.86] that's why +[3033.86 --> 3034.42] this question +[3034.42 --> 3035.20] is so poignant +[3035.20 --> 3036.60] because Jesus +[3036.60 --> 3037.58] had no sin +[3037.58 --> 3039.38] if ever +[3039.38 --> 3039.80] there was +[3039.80 --> 3040.16] someone +[3040.16 --> 3040.84] who didn't +[3040.84 --> 3041.20] deserve +[3041.20 --> 3041.98] to be +[3041.98 --> 3042.44] abandoned +[3042.44 --> 3043.00] it's him +[3043.00 --> 3044.26] if ever +[3044.26 --> 3044.80] there's someone +[3044.80 --> 3045.32] who didn't +[3045.32 --> 3045.68] deserve +[3045.68 --> 3046.28] to feel +[3046.28 --> 3047.16] alienation +[3047.16 --> 3048.06] it's Jesus +[3048.06 --> 3049.10] and yet +[3049.10 --> 3049.72] in that +[3049.72 --> 3050.14] moment +[3050.14 --> 3051.08] he enters +[3051.08 --> 3051.68] the hell +[3051.68 --> 3052.66] of abandonment +[3052.66 --> 3054.06] in that +[3054.06 --> 3054.36] moment +[3054.36 --> 3054.98] he enters +[3054.98 --> 3055.88] the agony +[3055.88 --> 3057.00] of alienation +[3057.00 --> 3057.74] from his +[3057.74 --> 3058.14] father +[3058.14 --> 3059.14] this is +[3059.14 --> 3059.66] the cup +[3059.66 --> 3060.34] of God's +[3060.34 --> 3060.66] wrath +[3060.66 --> 3061.20] for sin +[3061.20 --> 3061.82] he did +[3061.82 --> 3062.52] not commit +[3062.52 --> 3063.80] and he +[3063.80 --> 3064.60] bore the curse +[3064.60 --> 3065.44] by becoming +[3065.44 --> 3066.02] cursed +[3066.02 --> 3067.78] so by being +[3067.78 --> 3068.46] cut off +[3068.46 --> 3069.00] from the +[3069.00 --> 3069.32] father +[3069.32 --> 3070.02] he is +[3070.02 --> 3070.82] experiencing +[3070.82 --> 3072.18] unfathomable +[3072.18 --> 3073.22] alienation +[3073.22 --> 3074.02] and rejection +[3074.02 --> 3075.14] and loneliness +[3075.14 --> 3076.06] and he cries +[3076.06 --> 3076.34] out +[3076.34 --> 3076.92] my God +[3076.92 --> 3077.60] my God +[3077.60 --> 3078.22] why have +[3078.22 --> 3079.22] you forsaken +[3079.22 --> 3079.50] me +[3079.50 --> 3081.08] because that's +[3081.08 --> 3081.80] the curse +[3081.80 --> 3082.66] of sin +[3082.66 --> 3084.16] sin +[3084.16 --> 3084.58] in its +[3084.58 --> 3085.50] most basic +[3085.50 --> 3085.98] form +[3085.98 --> 3087.62] is rejecting +[3087.62 --> 3088.10] God +[3088.10 --> 3088.82] it's removing +[3088.82 --> 3089.40] ourselves +[3089.40 --> 3090.02] from him +[3090.02 --> 3090.76] that's what +[3090.76 --> 3091.40] sin does +[3091.40 --> 3092.18] and on the +[3092.18 --> 3092.60] cross +[3092.60 --> 3093.40] Jesus is +[3093.40 --> 3094.10] experiencing +[3094.10 --> 3094.74] the full +[3094.74 --> 3095.22] effect +[3095.22 --> 3095.98] of that +[3095.98 --> 3096.60] reality +[3096.60 --> 3097.98] it's as if +[3097.98 --> 3098.54] God were +[3098.54 --> 3098.90] saying +[3098.90 --> 3099.88] this is what +[3099.88 --> 3100.26] it looks +[3100.26 --> 3100.56] like +[3100.56 --> 3100.80] and what +[3100.80 --> 3101.28] it feels +[3101.28 --> 3101.58] like +[3101.58 --> 3102.04] to have +[3102.04 --> 3102.88] my presence +[3102.88 --> 3103.32] to have +[3103.32 --> 3104.04] my face +[3104.04 --> 3104.92] turned away +[3104.92 --> 3105.38] from you +[3105.38 --> 3106.42] in choosing +[3106.42 --> 3107.32] sin over +[3107.32 --> 3107.80] me +[3107.80 --> 3108.40] this is +[3108.40 --> 3108.88] what you +[3108.88 --> 3109.62] asked for +[3109.62 --> 3112.06] on the +[3112.06 --> 3112.46] cross +[3112.46 --> 3114.32] Jesus +[3114.32 --> 3114.84] God +[3114.84 --> 3115.72] what we +[3115.72 --> 3116.08] asked +[3116.08 --> 3116.44] for +[3116.44 --> 3117.94] what we +[3117.94 --> 3118.42] deserved +[3118.42 --> 3122.16] I love +[3122.16 --> 3123.70] love the +[3123.70 --> 3124.08] poetry +[3124.08 --> 3124.52] again +[3124.52 --> 3125.72] with which +[3125.72 --> 3126.76] Bruner +[3126.76 --> 3127.64] puts this +[3127.64 --> 3128.04] he says +[3128.04 --> 3129.14] Jesus +[3129.14 --> 3129.98] drained +[3129.98 --> 3130.78] the dregs +[3130.78 --> 3131.10] of our +[3131.10 --> 3131.44] cup +[3131.44 --> 3132.42] and experienced +[3132.42 --> 3132.86] hell +[3132.86 --> 3134.62] in Jesus +[3134.62 --> 3135.40] the sword +[3135.40 --> 3135.92] went all +[3135.92 --> 3136.28] the way +[3136.28 --> 3136.82] into the +[3136.82 --> 3137.16] sheath +[3137.16 --> 3137.98] he came +[3137.98 --> 3138.46] all the +[3138.46 --> 3138.72] way +[3138.72 --> 3139.14] into +[3139.14 --> 3139.46] our +[3139.46 --> 3139.86] human +[3139.86 --> 3140.68] experience +[3140.68 --> 3141.18] this +[3141.18 --> 3141.54] is +[3141.54 --> 3141.96] Jesus +[3141.96 --> 3142.48] descent +[3142.48 --> 3142.76] into +[3142.76 --> 3143.06] hell +[3143.06 --> 3144.08] and we +[3144.08 --> 3144.24] should +[3144.24 --> 3144.64] simply +[3144.64 --> 3145.16] stand +[3145.16 --> 3145.54] back +[3145.54 --> 3145.82] in +[3145.82 --> 3146.48] silence +[3146.48 --> 3146.86] before +[3146.86 --> 3147.16] the +[3147.16 --> 3147.58] awful +[3147.58 --> 3148.00] verb +[3148.00 --> 3148.46] and +[3148.46 --> 3148.90] wonder +[3148.90 --> 3149.76] what +[3149.76 --> 3149.88] it +[3149.88 --> 3150.28] means +[3150.28 --> 3153.48] my +[3153.48 --> 3153.92] God +[3153.92 --> 3154.72] my +[3154.72 --> 3155.18] God +[3155.18 --> 3156.26] why +[3156.26 --> 3156.62] have +[3156.62 --> 3156.98] you +[3156.98 --> 3158.34] forsaken +[3158.34 --> 3158.70] me +[3158.70 --> 3162.98] it's +[3162.98 --> 3163.32] Friday +[3163.32 --> 3167.26] and I +[3167.26 --> 3167.62] really +[3167.62 --> 3167.96] hope +[3167.96 --> 3168.30] Sunday +[3168.30 --> 3168.46] is +[3168.46 --> 3168.76] coming +[3168.76 --> 3173.02] some +[3173.02 --> 3173.30] of those +[3173.30 --> 3173.62] people +[3173.62 --> 3173.96] who are +[3173.96 --> 3174.30] gathered +[3174.30 --> 3174.76] around +[3174.76 --> 3174.98] the +[3174.98 --> 3175.46] cross +[3175.46 --> 3176.04] they +[3176.04 --> 3176.34] hear +[3176.34 --> 3176.78] Jesus +[3176.78 --> 3177.20] cry +[3177.20 --> 3177.64] out +[3177.64 --> 3178.06] Eli +[3178.06 --> 3178.56] Eli +[3178.56 --> 3179.18] and they +[3179.18 --> 3179.70] think +[3179.70 --> 3180.26] he's +[3180.26 --> 3180.60] calling +[3180.60 --> 3180.88] to +[3180.88 --> 3181.32] Elijah +[3181.32 --> 3182.46] and +[3182.46 --> 3182.76] maybe +[3182.76 --> 3183.30] because +[3183.30 --> 3183.78] in that +[3183.78 --> 3184.38] guttural +[3184.38 --> 3184.96] scream +[3184.96 --> 3185.18] of +[3185.18 --> 3185.50] Eli +[3185.50 --> 3185.82] Eli +[3185.82 --> 3186.18] it +[3186.18 --> 3186.56] sounds +[3186.56 --> 3186.90] like +[3186.90 --> 3187.48] Elijah +[3187.48 --> 3188.18] Elijah +[3188.18 --> 3188.96] and +[3188.96 --> 3189.42] the +[3189.42 --> 3189.78] people +[3189.78 --> 3190.28] turn +[3190.28 --> 3190.72] this +[3190.72 --> 3191.18] into +[3191.18 --> 3191.64] another +[3191.64 --> 3192.12] chance +[3192.12 --> 3192.34] to +[3192.34 --> 3192.88] scoff +[3192.88 --> 3193.50] at +[3193.50 --> 3194.08] Jesus +[3194.08 --> 3195.40] because +[3195.40 --> 3196.20] in +[3196.20 --> 3196.50] the +[3196.50 --> 3196.86] last +[3196.86 --> 3197.26] words +[3197.26 --> 3197.54] of the +[3197.54 --> 3197.84] Hebrew +[3197.84 --> 3198.20] Bible +[3198.20 --> 3198.46] in +[3198.46 --> 3198.62] the +[3198.62 --> 3200.18] book +[3200.18 --> 3200.46] of +[3200.46 --> 3200.94] Malachi +[3200.94 --> 3202.38] we +[3202.38 --> 3202.80] read +[3202.80 --> 3204.32] see +[3204.32 --> 3205.02] I +[3205.02 --> 3205.22] will +[3205.22 --> 3205.58] send +[3205.58 --> 3205.80] the +[3205.80 --> 3206.16] prophet +[3206.16 --> 3206.70] Elijah +[3206.70 --> 3206.96] to +[3206.96 --> 3207.20] you +[3207.20 --> 3207.62] before +[3207.62 --> 3207.88] the +[3207.88 --> 3208.24] great +[3208.24 --> 3208.56] and +[3208.56 --> 3209.00] dreadful +[3209.00 --> 3209.36] day +[3209.36 --> 3209.88] of +[3209.88 --> 3210.04] the +[3210.04 --> 3210.24] Lord +[3210.24 --> 3210.74] comes +[3210.74 --> 3212.20] and +[3212.20 --> 3212.42] so +[3212.42 --> 3212.66] the +[3212.66 --> 3212.94] people +[3212.94 --> 3213.28] took +[3213.28 --> 3213.64] that +[3213.64 --> 3213.88] and +[3213.88 --> 3214.84] they +[3214.84 --> 3215.56] began +[3215.56 --> 3216.02] to +[3216.02 --> 3216.80] use +[3216.80 --> 3217.20] this +[3217.20 --> 3217.68] as a +[3217.68 --> 3218.00] marker +[3218.00 --> 3218.38] of +[3218.38 --> 3218.58] the +[3218.58 --> 3218.96] Messiah +[3218.96 --> 3219.22] who +[3219.22 --> 3219.50] would +[3219.50 --> 3219.90] come +[3219.90 --> 3220.04] and +[3220.04 --> 3220.14] they +[3220.14 --> 3220.26] would +[3220.26 --> 3220.40] say +[3220.40 --> 3220.56] that +[3220.56 --> 3221.02] Elijah +[3221.02 --> 3221.50] would +[3221.50 --> 3222.16] reappear +[3222.16 --> 3222.78] before +[3222.78 --> 3223.34] the +[3223.34 --> 3223.70] Messiah +[3223.70 --> 3224.22] appears +[3224.22 --> 3224.62] and +[3224.62 --> 3224.80] so +[3224.80 --> 3225.00] they +[3225.00 --> 3225.40] mock +[3225.40 --> 3225.98] Jesus +[3225.98 --> 3226.44] right +[3226.44 --> 3226.90] they add +[3226.90 --> 3227.44] to his +[3227.44 --> 3227.98] shame +[3227.98 --> 3228.28] and they +[3228.28 --> 3228.40] say +[3228.40 --> 3228.88] leave him +[3228.88 --> 3229.18] alone +[3229.18 --> 3229.56] let's +[3229.56 --> 3230.02] see if +[3230.02 --> 3230.52] Elijah +[3230.52 --> 3231.22] comes +[3231.22 --> 3231.68] to save +[3231.68 --> 3231.78] him +[3231.78 --> 3232.30] he thinks +[3232.30 --> 3232.52] he's +[3232.52 --> 3232.68] the +[3232.68 --> 3233.08] Messiah +[3233.08 --> 3233.60] they +[3233.60 --> 3234.04] scorn +[3234.04 --> 3234.52] and they +[3234.52 --> 3234.88] scoff +[3234.88 --> 3235.20] at him +[3235.20 --> 3236.06] leave him +[3236.06 --> 3236.60] then in +[3236.60 --> 3236.84] that +[3236.84 --> 3237.32] delusion +[3237.32 --> 3239.52] now of +[3239.52 --> 3239.80] course +[3239.80 --> 3240.58] most of +[3240.58 --> 3240.76] these +[3240.76 --> 3241.22] people +[3241.22 --> 3242.00] missed the +[3242.00 --> 3242.88] transfiguration +[3242.88 --> 3243.30] right +[3243.30 --> 3243.88] where Moses +[3243.88 --> 3244.44] and +[3244.44 --> 3245.40] Elijah +[3245.40 --> 3246.16] did +[3246.16 --> 3246.62] appear +[3246.62 --> 3247.42] with him +[3247.42 --> 3248.80] most of +[3248.80 --> 3249.02] these +[3249.02 --> 3249.44] people +[3249.44 --> 3250.10] hadn't yet +[3250.10 --> 3250.44] made the +[3250.44 --> 3250.82] connection +[3250.82 --> 3251.36] that John +[3251.36 --> 3251.80] the Baptist +[3251.80 --> 3252.54] comes as a +[3252.54 --> 3252.80] prophet +[3252.80 --> 3253.58] like Messiah +[3253.58 --> 3254.62] to announce +[3254.62 --> 3255.50] behold the +[3255.50 --> 3256.04] Lamb of +[3256.04 --> 3256.36] God +[3256.36 --> 3256.90] who takes +[3256.90 --> 3257.28] away +[3257.28 --> 3257.90] the sin +[3257.90 --> 3258.16] of the +[3258.16 --> 3258.46] world +[3258.46 --> 3260.16] instead +[3260.16 --> 3261.86] they continue +[3261.86 --> 3262.46] his +[3262.46 --> 3263.98] humiliation +[3263.98 --> 3265.86] adding +[3265.86 --> 3266.50] to the +[3266.50 --> 3266.86] depth +[3266.86 --> 3268.28] of his +[3268.28 --> 3268.60] shame +[3268.60 --> 3271.94] they missed +[3271.94 --> 3273.68] the spiritual +[3273.68 --> 3274.92] reality +[3274.92 --> 3275.68] happening +[3275.68 --> 3276.76] for them +[3276.76 --> 3277.50] because +[3277.50 --> 3278.28] they were +[3278.28 --> 3278.96] fixated +[3278.96 --> 3279.52] on the +[3279.52 --> 3280.00] physical +[3280.00 --> 3280.84] reality +[3280.84 --> 3281.30] happening +[3281.30 --> 3281.84] in front +[3281.84 --> 3282.30] of them +[3282.30 --> 3284.28] let me +[3284.28 --> 3284.56] say that +[3284.56 --> 3284.76] again +[3284.76 --> 3285.52] they missed +[3285.52 --> 3285.76] the +[3285.76 --> 3286.16] spiritual +[3286.16 --> 3286.72] reality +[3286.72 --> 3287.12] happening +[3287.12 --> 3287.80] for them +[3287.80 --> 3288.14] on the +[3288.14 --> 3288.46] cross +[3288.46 --> 3288.72] because +[3288.72 --> 3289.08] they were +[3289.08 --> 3289.60] fixated +[3289.60 --> 3290.18] on the +[3290.18 --> 3290.54] physical +[3290.54 --> 3291.04] reality +[3291.04 --> 3291.62] happening +[3291.62 --> 3292.10] in front +[3292.10 --> 3292.48] of them +[3292.48 --> 3294.02] and how +[3294.02 --> 3294.50] many times +[3294.50 --> 3294.70] are we +[3294.70 --> 3295.02] not the +[3295.02 --> 3295.22] same +[3295.22 --> 3296.78] right +[3296.78 --> 3297.28] how often +[3297.28 --> 3297.58] are we +[3297.58 --> 3297.94] blind +[3297.94 --> 3298.48] or closed +[3298.48 --> 3298.92] off to +[3298.92 --> 3299.12] the +[3299.12 --> 3299.46] spiritual +[3299.46 --> 3300.02] reality +[3300.02 --> 3300.56] of our +[3300.56 --> 3301.08] circumstances +[3301.08 --> 3301.40] because +[3301.40 --> 3301.66] we're +[3301.66 --> 3302.14] fixated +[3302.14 --> 3302.48] on the +[3302.48 --> 3302.86] physical +[3302.86 --> 3303.44] reality +[3303.44 --> 3304.14] in front +[3304.14 --> 3304.40] of us +[3304.40 --> 3304.56] right +[3304.56 --> 3304.70] when +[3304.70 --> 3305.38] feelings +[3305.38 --> 3306.02] of pain +[3306.02 --> 3306.48] blind +[3306.48 --> 3306.74] us +[3306.74 --> 3307.04] to the +[3307.04 --> 3307.38] truth +[3307.38 --> 3307.82] of +[3307.82 --> 3308.24] doctrine +[3308.24 --> 3308.66] when +[3308.66 --> 3308.90] the +[3308.90 --> 3309.40] feelings +[3309.40 --> 3309.92] of hurt +[3309.92 --> 3310.84] overwhelm +[3310.84 --> 3311.18] what we +[3311.18 --> 3311.48] know +[3311.48 --> 3311.84] to be +[3311.84 --> 3312.16] true +[3312.16 --> 3312.60] when +[3312.60 --> 3313.02] the +[3313.02 --> 3313.46] hardships +[3313.46 --> 3313.76] we +[3313.76 --> 3314.24] experience +[3314.24 --> 3314.54] whatever +[3314.54 --> 3314.98] they may +[3314.98 --> 3315.24] be +[3315.24 --> 3316.00] cut us +[3316.00 --> 3316.36] off +[3316.36 --> 3316.54] from +[3316.54 --> 3316.70] the +[3316.70 --> 3316.94] hope +[3316.94 --> 3317.44] of +[3317.44 --> 3317.86] comfort +[3317.86 --> 3319.18] and +[3319.18 --> 3319.32] for +[3319.32 --> 3319.62] just +[3319.62 --> 3319.80] a +[3319.80 --> 3320.10] moment +[3320.10 --> 3320.46] right +[3320.46 --> 3320.78] now +[3320.78 --> 3321.24] you +[3321.24 --> 3321.54] are +[3321.54 --> 3321.84] being +[3321.84 --> 3322.30] invited +[3322.30 --> 3322.54] to +[3322.54 --> 3322.82] see +[3322.82 --> 3323.08] the +[3323.08 --> 3323.54] world +[3323.54 --> 3324.10] not +[3324.10 --> 3324.36] through +[3324.36 --> 3324.58] the +[3324.58 --> 3325.02] lens +[3325.02 --> 3325.24] of +[3325.24 --> 3325.48] these +[3325.48 --> 3325.94] physical +[3325.94 --> 3326.52] realities +[3326.52 --> 3327.08] but +[3327.08 --> 3327.32] through +[3327.32 --> 3327.52] the +[3327.52 --> 3327.90] lens +[3327.90 --> 3328.26] of +[3328.26 --> 3328.64] the +[3328.64 --> 3329.30] spiritual +[3329.30 --> 3329.78] truth +[3329.78 --> 3330.04] of +[3330.04 --> 3330.22] the +[3330.22 --> 3330.60] cross +[3330.60 --> 3331.08] of +[3331.08 --> 3331.40] Jesus +[3331.40 --> 3331.80] Christ +[3331.80 --> 3332.20] and +[3332.20 --> 3332.76] let +[3332.76 --> 3332.90] me +[3332.90 --> 3333.06] be +[3333.06 --> 3333.58] really +[3333.58 --> 3333.98] clear +[3333.98 --> 3335.70] this +[3335.70 --> 3335.86] is +[3335.86 --> 3336.06] not +[3336.06 --> 3336.24] an +[3336.24 --> 3336.66] erasure +[3336.66 --> 3337.08] of +[3337.08 --> 3337.24] your +[3337.24 --> 3337.62] physical +[3337.62 --> 3338.22] realities +[3338.22 --> 3338.78] this +[3338.78 --> 3338.94] is +[3338.94 --> 3339.14] not +[3339.14 --> 3339.48] you +[3339.48 --> 3340.12] ignoring +[3340.12 --> 3340.44] the +[3340.44 --> 3340.80] truth +[3340.80 --> 3341.16] of +[3341.16 --> 3341.28] the +[3341.28 --> 3341.58] hurt +[3341.58 --> 3341.80] and +[3341.80 --> 3341.94] the +[3341.94 --> 3342.30] hardship +[3342.30 --> 3342.62] in +[3342.62 --> 3342.80] this +[3342.80 --> 3343.00] world +[3343.00 --> 3343.82] instead +[3343.82 --> 3344.60] this +[3344.60 --> 3344.92] is +[3344.92 --> 3345.34] you +[3345.34 --> 3346.16] framing +[3346.16 --> 3346.52] your +[3346.52 --> 3347.30] experience +[3347.30 --> 3347.54] of +[3347.54 --> 3347.78] those +[3347.78 --> 3348.14] things +[3348.14 --> 3348.60] in +[3348.60 --> 3348.78] the +[3348.78 --> 3349.30] context +[3349.30 --> 3349.58] of +[3349.58 --> 3349.78] the +[3349.78 --> 3350.26] cross +[3350.26 --> 3350.96] in +[3350.96 --> 3351.38] relation +[3351.38 --> 3351.64] to +[3351.64 --> 3351.80] the +[3351.80 --> 3352.10] cross +[3352.10 --> 3352.32] in +[3352.32 --> 3352.66] light +[3352.66 --> 3353.06] of +[3353.06 --> 3353.20] the +[3353.20 --> 3353.60] gospel +[3353.60 --> 3354.56] and +[3354.56 --> 3354.96] framing +[3354.96 --> 3355.34] these +[3355.34 --> 3355.72] things +[3355.72 --> 3355.94] in +[3355.94 --> 3356.10] the +[3356.10 --> 3356.54] context +[3356.54 --> 3356.76] of +[3356.76 --> 3356.90] the +[3356.90 --> 3357.22] cross +[3357.22 --> 3357.42] in +[3357.42 --> 3357.64] light +[3357.64 --> 3357.78] of +[3357.78 --> 3357.90] the +[3357.90 --> 3358.22] gospel +[3358.22 --> 3358.70] is +[3358.70 --> 3358.88] to +[3358.88 --> 3359.36] see +[3359.36 --> 3359.74] in +[3359.74 --> 3360.26] them +[3360.26 --> 3360.74] and +[3360.74 --> 3361.02] in +[3361.02 --> 3361.34] those +[3361.34 --> 3361.94] moments +[3361.94 --> 3362.48] the +[3362.48 --> 3362.70] Lord +[3362.70 --> 3363.08] Jesus +[3363.08 --> 3363.68] himself +[3363.68 --> 3365.12] it's +[3365.12 --> 3365.24] to +[3365.24 --> 3365.54] see +[3365.54 --> 3365.82] in +[3365.82 --> 3366.00] your +[3366.00 --> 3366.42] deepest +[3366.42 --> 3366.94] fears +[3366.94 --> 3367.42] Jesus +[3367.42 --> 3367.98] right +[3367.98 --> 3368.38] there +[3368.38 --> 3368.90] with +[3368.90 --> 3369.16] you +[3369.16 --> 3370.24] it's +[3370.24 --> 3370.38] to +[3370.38 --> 3370.68] see +[3370.68 --> 3370.90] in +[3370.90 --> 3371.04] your +[3371.04 --> 3371.30] most +[3371.30 --> 3371.94] heightened +[3371.94 --> 3372.78] anxieties +[3372.78 --> 3373.28] Jesus +[3373.28 --> 3373.82] right +[3373.82 --> 3374.20] there +[3374.20 --> 3374.86] alongside +[3374.86 --> 3375.22] of +[3375.22 --> 3375.40] you +[3375.40 --> 3376.30] it's +[3376.30 --> 3376.44] to +[3376.44 --> 3376.82] see +[3376.82 --> 3377.08] in +[3377.08 --> 3377.26] the +[3377.26 --> 3377.66] depths +[3377.66 --> 3377.90] of +[3377.90 --> 3378.04] your +[3378.04 --> 3378.60] personal +[3378.60 --> 3379.48] experiences +[3379.48 --> 3379.90] of +[3379.90 --> 3380.42] hell +[3380.42 --> 3381.12] the +[3381.12 --> 3381.38] Lord +[3381.38 --> 3381.84] Jesus +[3381.84 --> 3382.40] who +[3382.40 --> 3383.26] descended +[3383.26 --> 3384.32] to be +[3384.32 --> 3384.66] there +[3384.66 --> 3385.12] with +[3385.12 --> 3385.46] you +[3385.46 --> 3389.08] this +[3389.08 --> 3389.40] is +[3389.40 --> 3389.64] our +[3389.64 --> 3390.06] chance +[3390.06 --> 3390.30] to +[3390.30 --> 3390.60] say +[3390.60 --> 3391.02] yes +[3391.02 --> 3391.42] it's +[3391.42 --> 3391.80] Friday +[3391.80 --> 3392.84] but +[3392.84 --> 3393.28] Sunday +[3393.28 --> 3394.14] is +[3394.14 --> 3395.14] coming +[3395.14 --> 3398.28] and +[3398.28 --> 3398.56] look +[3398.56 --> 3400.56] so +[3400.56 --> 3400.90] many +[3400.90 --> 3401.12] of +[3401.12 --> 3401.36] those +[3401.36 --> 3401.86] people +[3401.86 --> 3402.74] missed +[3402.74 --> 3402.92] it +[3402.92 --> 3403.14] so +[3403.14 --> 3403.38] many +[3403.38 --> 3403.54] of +[3403.54 --> 3403.72] those +[3403.72 --> 3404.08] people +[3404.08 --> 3404.46] missed +[3404.46 --> 3404.82] him +[3404.82 --> 3405.78] and +[3405.78 --> 3406.04] here's +[3406.04 --> 3406.20] the +[3406.20 --> 3406.48] thing +[3406.48 --> 3408.72] here's +[3408.72 --> 3408.84] the +[3408.84 --> 3409.06] thing +[3409.06 --> 3410.94] you +[3410.94 --> 3411.56] may +[3411.56 --> 3412.02] have +[3412.02 --> 3412.54] been +[3412.54 --> 3413.24] coming +[3413.24 --> 3413.54] to +[3413.54 --> 3414.02] church +[3414.02 --> 3414.68] your +[3414.68 --> 3415.08] entire +[3415.08 --> 3415.48] life +[3415.48 --> 3415.64] and +[3415.64 --> 3415.80] for +[3415.80 --> 3416.00] most +[3416.00 --> 3416.12] of +[3416.12 --> 3416.26] us +[3416.26 --> 3416.42] here +[3416.42 --> 3416.64] this +[3416.64 --> 3416.78] is +[3416.78 --> 3416.92] our +[3416.92 --> 3417.20] truth +[3417.20 --> 3418.42] you +[3418.42 --> 3418.62] may +[3418.62 --> 3418.80] have +[3418.80 --> 3418.98] been +[3418.98 --> 3419.22] coming +[3419.22 --> 3419.40] to +[3419.40 --> 3419.62] church +[3419.62 --> 3419.78] your +[3419.78 --> 3420.12] entire +[3420.12 --> 3420.44] life +[3420.44 --> 3420.88] but +[3420.88 --> 3421.02] it +[3421.02 --> 3421.20] is +[3421.20 --> 3421.74] possible +[3421.74 --> 3422.40] that +[3422.40 --> 3422.60] your +[3422.60 --> 3423.00] heart +[3423.00 --> 3423.30] is +[3423.30 --> 3423.50] not +[3423.50 --> 3423.70] yet +[3423.70 --> 3424.12] converted +[3424.12 --> 3424.36] to +[3424.36 --> 3424.74] Christ +[3424.74 --> 3426.66] so +[3426.66 --> 3426.80] you +[3426.80 --> 3426.94] need +[3426.94 --> 3427.04] to +[3427.04 --> 3427.16] hear +[3427.16 --> 3427.56] this +[3427.56 --> 3428.96] so +[3428.96 --> 3429.14] for +[3429.14 --> 3429.56] instance +[3429.56 --> 3429.82] if +[3429.82 --> 3430.00] you +[3430.00 --> 3430.30] have +[3430.30 --> 3430.64] a +[3430.64 --> 3431.24] laissez-faire +[3431.24 --> 3431.64] attitude +[3431.64 --> 3432.16] towards +[3432.16 --> 3432.42] the +[3432.42 --> 3432.64] sin +[3432.64 --> 3432.88] in +[3432.88 --> 3433.00] your +[3433.00 --> 3433.28] life +[3433.28 --> 3433.46] the +[3433.46 --> 3433.62] sin +[3433.62 --> 3433.80] that +[3433.80 --> 3434.24] consists +[3434.24 --> 3434.72] and +[3434.72 --> 3435.10] persists +[3435.10 --> 3435.30] in +[3435.30 --> 3435.40] your +[3435.40 --> 3435.56] life +[3435.56 --> 3436.04] this +[3436.04 --> 3436.32] may +[3436.32 --> 3436.52] be +[3436.52 --> 3436.78] you +[3436.78 --> 3437.18] you +[3437.18 --> 3437.46] need +[3437.46 --> 3437.64] to +[3437.64 --> 3437.92] hear +[3437.92 --> 3438.44] be +[3438.44 --> 3438.88] converted +[3438.88 --> 3439.08] to +[3439.08 --> 3439.54] Christ +[3439.54 --> 3441.68] this +[3441.68 --> 3441.96] may +[3441.96 --> 3442.24] be +[3442.24 --> 3442.46] the +[3442.46 --> 3442.70] first +[3442.70 --> 3443.00] time +[3443.00 --> 3443.24] you've +[3443.24 --> 3443.38] come +[3443.38 --> 3443.52] to +[3443.52 --> 3443.74] church +[3443.74 --> 3443.88] in +[3443.88 --> 3444.32] years +[3444.32 --> 3445.82] right +[3445.82 --> 3446.28] you +[3446.28 --> 3447.24] might +[3447.24 --> 3447.66] think +[3447.66 --> 3447.94] you're +[3447.94 --> 3448.26] here +[3448.26 --> 3448.64] because +[3448.64 --> 3449.02] mom +[3449.02 --> 3449.50] invited +[3449.50 --> 3449.80] you +[3449.80 --> 3450.00] or +[3450.00 --> 3450.30] because +[3450.30 --> 3450.52] your +[3450.52 --> 3450.80] neighbor +[3450.80 --> 3451.16] said +[3451.16 --> 3451.38] hey +[3451.38 --> 3451.68] you should +[3451.68 --> 3451.96] come to +[3451.96 --> 3452.22] church +[3452.22 --> 3452.62] tonight +[3452.62 --> 3453.30] but +[3453.30 --> 3453.54] the +[3453.54 --> 3453.98] spiritual +[3453.98 --> 3454.58] reality +[3454.58 --> 3455.02] is +[3455.02 --> 3455.32] you +[3455.32 --> 3455.62] are +[3455.62 --> 3456.06] here +[3456.06 --> 3456.58] to +[3456.58 --> 3457.02] soften +[3457.02 --> 3457.30] your +[3457.30 --> 3457.50] heart +[3457.50 --> 3457.66] to +[3457.66 --> 3458.08] Christ +[3458.08 --> 3460.60] and +[3460.60 --> 3461.14] maybe +[3461.14 --> 3462.08] this is +[3462.08 --> 3462.52] the first +[3462.52 --> 3462.88] time +[3462.88 --> 3463.52] you have +[3463.52 --> 3463.90] ever +[3463.90 --> 3464.20] come +[3464.20 --> 3464.38] to +[3464.38 --> 3464.72] church +[3464.72 --> 3466.40] or +[3466.40 --> 3466.56] maybe +[3466.56 --> 3466.82] this is +[3466.82 --> 3467.12] the first +[3467.12 --> 3467.30] time +[3467.30 --> 3467.48] you've +[3467.48 --> 3467.66] ever +[3467.66 --> 3467.92] actually +[3467.92 --> 3468.40] listened +[3468.40 --> 3469.54] at +[3469.54 --> 3469.90] church +[3469.90 --> 3471.42] can I +[3471.42 --> 3471.54] be +[3471.54 --> 3471.80] bold +[3471.80 --> 3472.02] with +[3472.02 --> 3472.24] you +[3472.24 --> 3473.82] the +[3473.82 --> 3474.06] Lord +[3474.06 --> 3474.34] Jesus +[3474.34 --> 3474.68] is +[3474.68 --> 3475.18] standing +[3475.18 --> 3475.50] in +[3475.50 --> 3475.80] front +[3475.80 --> 3476.02] of +[3476.02 --> 3476.14] you +[3476.14 --> 3476.34] he +[3476.34 --> 3476.58] is +[3476.58 --> 3477.02] standing +[3477.02 --> 3477.28] at +[3477.28 --> 3477.44] the +[3477.44 --> 3477.68] door +[3477.68 --> 3477.86] of +[3477.86 --> 3477.98] your +[3477.98 --> 3478.24] heart +[3478.24 --> 3478.58] and he +[3478.58 --> 3478.86] is +[3478.86 --> 3479.54] knocking +[3479.54 --> 3479.84] he +[3479.84 --> 3480.08] is +[3480.08 --> 3480.46] asking +[3480.46 --> 3480.96] will +[3480.96 --> 3481.20] you +[3481.20 --> 3481.62] see +[3481.62 --> 3482.02] me +[3482.02 --> 3482.96] will +[3482.96 --> 3483.24] you +[3483.24 --> 3483.82] let +[3483.82 --> 3484.02] me +[3484.02 --> 3484.32] in +[3484.32 --> 3484.58] will +[3484.58 --> 3484.80] you +[3484.80 --> 3485.08] let +[3485.08 --> 3485.22] me +[3485.22 --> 3485.48] be +[3485.48 --> 3485.70] your +[3485.70 --> 3486.10] Messiah +[3486.10 --> 3486.52] King +[3486.52 --> 3486.72] will +[3486.72 --> 3486.90] you +[3486.90 --> 3487.44] let +[3487.44 --> 3487.62] me +[3487.62 --> 3487.90] be +[3487.90 --> 3488.18] your +[3488.18 --> 3488.70] Savior +[3488.70 --> 3489.08] will +[3489.08 --> 3489.30] you +[3489.30 --> 3489.78] see +[3489.78 --> 3490.10] in +[3490.10 --> 3490.48] me +[3490.48 --> 3490.76] the +[3490.76 --> 3491.14] love +[3491.14 --> 3491.56] of +[3491.56 --> 3491.98] God +[3491.98 --> 3492.66] taken +[3492.66 --> 3493.02] on +[3493.02 --> 3493.62] flesh +[3493.62 --> 3494.10] for +[3494.10 --> 3494.46] you +[3494.46 --> 3499.64] don't +[3499.64 --> 3499.90] miss +[3499.90 --> 3500.30] what so +[3500.30 --> 3500.50] many +[3500.50 --> 3500.82] people +[3500.82 --> 3501.22] have +[3501.22 --> 3502.22] love +[3502.22 --> 3504.22] in +[3504.22 --> 3504.28] the +[3504.28 --> 3504.58] story +[3504.58 --> 3504.74] that +[3504.74 --> 3504.88] we +[3504.88 --> 3505.02] are +[3505.02 --> 3505.40] reading +[3505.40 --> 3506.48] that +[3506.48 --> 3506.58] we +[3506.58 --> 3506.70] are +[3506.70 --> 3507.30] rehearsing +[3507.30 --> 3508.44] there's +[3508.44 --> 3508.68] one +[3508.68 --> 3509.08] man +[3509.08 --> 3509.56] in a +[3509.56 --> 3509.80] group +[3509.80 --> 3510.14] with +[3510.14 --> 3510.42] him +[3510.42 --> 3511.04] who +[3511.04 --> 3511.50] saw +[3511.50 --> 3512.00] Jesus +[3512.00 --> 3512.38] who +[3512.38 --> 3512.78] saw +[3512.78 --> 3513.40] all +[3513.40 --> 3513.60] that +[3513.60 --> 3513.80] has +[3513.80 --> 3514.26] happened +[3514.26 --> 3515.72] and +[3515.72 --> 3515.92] made +[3515.92 --> 3516.24] sense +[3516.24 --> 3516.40] of +[3516.40 --> 3516.58] it +[3516.58 --> 3517.52] and +[3517.52 --> 3517.68] it's +[3517.68 --> 3517.80] a +[3517.80 --> 3518.06] Roman +[3518.06 --> 3518.88] centurion +[3518.88 --> 3519.76] and +[3519.76 --> 3519.98] those +[3519.98 --> 3520.20] with +[3520.20 --> 3520.42] him +[3520.42 --> 3522.18] it's +[3522.18 --> 3522.30] not +[3522.30 --> 3522.44] the +[3522.44 --> 3522.86] disciples +[3522.86 --> 3523.72] we +[3523.72 --> 3523.84] have +[3523.84 --> 3523.98] no +[3523.98 --> 3524.22] idea +[3524.22 --> 3524.38] where +[3524.38 --> 3524.52] they +[3524.52 --> 3524.76] are +[3524.76 --> 3526.00] it's +[3526.00 --> 3526.12] not +[3526.12 --> 3526.26] the +[3526.26 --> 3526.58] religious +[3526.58 --> 3527.12] officials +[3527.12 --> 3528.00] it's +[3528.00 --> 3528.12] not +[3528.12 --> 3528.28] the +[3528.28 --> 3528.70] crowds +[3528.70 --> 3528.90] who +[3528.90 --> 3529.12] just +[3529.12 --> 3529.24] a +[3529.24 --> 3529.40] week +[3529.40 --> 3529.64] ago +[3529.64 --> 3530.02] cheered +[3530.02 --> 3530.24] him +[3530.24 --> 3530.56] into +[3530.56 --> 3531.10] Jerusalem +[3531.10 --> 3531.58] it +[3531.58 --> 3531.70] is +[3531.70 --> 3531.88] a +[3531.88 --> 3532.12] Roman +[3532.12 --> 3532.60] soldier +[3532.60 --> 3532.88] who +[3532.88 --> 3533.20] says +[3533.20 --> 3533.84] surely +[3533.84 --> 3534.90] he +[3534.90 --> 3535.68] was +[3535.68 --> 3535.84] the +[3535.84 --> 3536.14] son +[3536.14 --> 3536.98] of +[3536.98 --> 3537.38] God +[3537.38 --> 3540.28] John +[3540.28 --> 3540.64] Calvin +[3540.64 --> 3541.08] in his +[3541.08 --> 3541.44] commentary +[3541.44 --> 3542.36] on this +[3542.36 --> 3542.76] story +[3542.76 --> 3543.00] he +[3543.00 --> 3543.42] says +[3543.42 --> 3544.98] it +[3544.98 --> 3545.16] is +[3545.16 --> 3546.00] wonderful +[3546.00 --> 3546.74] that +[3546.74 --> 3546.92] an +[3546.92 --> 3547.64] irreligious +[3547.64 --> 3548.12] man +[3548.12 --> 3548.52] who +[3548.52 --> 3548.66] has +[3548.66 --> 3548.90] not +[3548.90 --> 3549.06] been +[3549.06 --> 3549.44] instructed +[3549.44 --> 3549.66] in +[3549.66 --> 3549.76] the +[3549.76 --> 3550.04] law +[3550.04 --> 3550.48] and +[3550.48 --> 3550.66] was +[3550.66 --> 3551.00] ignorant +[3551.00 --> 3551.24] of +[3551.24 --> 3551.46] true +[3551.46 --> 3551.86] religion +[3551.86 --> 3552.24] should +[3552.24 --> 3552.68] form +[3552.68 --> 3553.06] so +[3553.06 --> 3553.66] correct +[3553.66 --> 3553.96] a +[3553.96 --> 3554.30] judgment +[3554.30 --> 3554.62] from +[3554.62 --> 3554.80] the +[3554.80 --> 3555.24] signs +[3555.24 --> 3555.52] which +[3555.52 --> 3555.70] he +[3555.70 --> 3556.10] beheld +[3556.10 --> 3557.36] and +[3557.36 --> 3557.60] Calvin +[3557.60 --> 3557.82] goes +[3557.82 --> 3558.06] on +[3558.06 --> 3558.22] to +[3558.22 --> 3558.62] contrast +[3558.62 --> 3559.16] that +[3559.16 --> 3559.56] with +[3559.56 --> 3559.74] the +[3559.74 --> 3560.14] shocking +[3560.14 --> 3560.72] madness +[3560.72 --> 3561.06] and +[3561.06 --> 3561.20] the +[3561.20 --> 3561.48] gross +[3561.48 --> 3562.08] blindness +[3562.08 --> 3562.46] and +[3562.46 --> 3562.64] the +[3562.64 --> 3563.36] condemnable +[3563.36 --> 3564.48] stupidity +[3564.48 --> 3565.18] that's +[3565.18 --> 3565.36] his +[3565.36 --> 3565.64] word +[3565.64 --> 3566.12] of +[3566.12 --> 3566.30] the +[3566.30 --> 3566.64] people +[3566.64 --> 3566.92] who +[3566.92 --> 3567.18] should +[3567.18 --> 3567.34] have +[3567.34 --> 3567.56] known +[3567.56 --> 3567.86] better +[3567.86 --> 3569.90] now +[3569.90 --> 3570.38] I +[3570.38 --> 3570.52] don't +[3570.52 --> 3570.74] think +[3570.74 --> 3570.94] any +[3570.94 --> 3571.10] of +[3571.10 --> 3571.22] you +[3571.22 --> 3571.38] are +[3571.38 --> 3571.80] stupid +[3571.80 --> 3572.94] or +[3572.94 --> 3573.38] blind +[3573.38 --> 3574.18] or +[3574.18 --> 3574.56] mad +[3574.56 --> 3575.64] or +[3575.64 --> 3575.76] if +[3575.76 --> 3575.88] I +[3575.88 --> 3576.00] do +[3576.00 --> 3576.12] I +[3576.12 --> 3576.30] wouldn't +[3576.30 --> 3576.50] tell +[3576.50 --> 3576.74] you +[3576.74 --> 3577.74] at +[3577.74 --> 3577.86] least +[3577.86 --> 3578.04] not +[3578.04 --> 3578.16] in +[3578.16 --> 3578.32] this +[3578.32 --> 3578.60] setting +[3578.60 --> 3580.60] but +[3580.60 --> 3580.72] I +[3580.72 --> 3581.00] really +[3581.00 --> 3581.20] do +[3581.20 --> 3581.58] believe +[3581.58 --> 3581.82] that +[3581.82 --> 3582.08] leaves +[3582.08 --> 3582.32] us +[3582.32 --> 3582.64] without +[3582.64 --> 3583.30] excuse +[3583.30 --> 3585.32] in +[3585.32 --> 3585.46] the +[3585.46 --> 3585.74] story +[3585.74 --> 3585.94] the +[3585.94 --> 3586.28] temple +[3586.28 --> 3586.72] curtain +[3586.72 --> 3587.02] is +[3587.02 --> 3587.40] torn +[3587.40 --> 3587.74] in +[3587.74 --> 3588.08] two +[3588.08 --> 3588.68] when +[3588.68 --> 3589.08] Jesus +[3589.08 --> 3589.72] breathes +[3589.72 --> 3589.94] his +[3589.94 --> 3590.38] last +[3590.38 --> 3590.96] one +[3590.96 --> 3591.56] final +[3591.56 --> 3592.24] sacrifice +[3592.24 --> 3592.66] once +[3592.66 --> 3592.90] for +[3592.90 --> 3593.18] all +[3593.18 --> 3593.44] has +[3593.44 --> 3594.60] ended +[3594.60 --> 3595.00] the +[3595.00 --> 3595.30] need +[3595.30 --> 3595.52] for +[3595.52 --> 3595.78] all +[3595.78 --> 3596.50] sacrifices +[3596.50 --> 3597.50] and +[3597.50 --> 3598.02] also +[3598.02 --> 3598.38] has +[3598.38 --> 3598.88] opened +[3598.88 --> 3599.24] up +[3599.24 --> 3599.52] to +[3599.52 --> 3599.94] us +[3599.94 --> 3600.42] the +[3600.42 --> 3600.80] way +[3600.80 --> 3601.30] into +[3601.30 --> 3601.56] the +[3601.56 --> 3601.88] presence +[3601.88 --> 3602.08] of +[3602.08 --> 3602.28] God +[3602.28 --> 3602.68] quite +[3602.68 --> 3603.10] literally +[3603.10 --> 3603.94] in +[3603.94 --> 3604.08] the +[3604.08 --> 3604.40] tearing +[3604.40 --> 3604.64] of +[3604.64 --> 3604.78] the +[3604.78 --> 3605.02] temple +[3605.02 --> 3605.34] curtain +[3605.34 --> 3605.56] the +[3605.56 --> 3605.92] holy +[3605.92 --> 3606.16] of +[3606.16 --> 3606.60] holies +[3606.60 --> 3606.82] is +[3606.82 --> 3607.36] pouring +[3607.36 --> 3607.82] out +[3607.82 --> 3608.30] into +[3608.30 --> 3608.64] the +[3608.64 --> 3609.04] world +[3609.04 --> 3609.70] around +[3609.70 --> 3609.86] it +[3609.86 --> 3610.40] access +[3610.40 --> 3610.74] to +[3610.74 --> 3611.12] God +[3611.12 --> 3611.58] and +[3611.58 --> 3611.96] God's +[3611.96 --> 3612.40] presence +[3612.40 --> 3612.82] is +[3612.82 --> 3613.76] mediated +[3613.76 --> 3614.18] through +[3614.18 --> 3614.54] the +[3614.54 --> 3615.10] sacrifice +[3615.10 --> 3615.62] of +[3615.62 --> 3616.36] Jesus +[3616.36 --> 3617.22] we +[3617.22 --> 3617.46] read +[3617.46 --> 3617.92] that +[3617.92 --> 3618.10] the +[3618.10 --> 3618.50] earth +[3618.50 --> 3619.10] shook +[3619.10 --> 3619.68] and +[3619.68 --> 3619.86] the +[3619.86 --> 3620.22] rocks +[3620.22 --> 3620.94] split +[3620.94 --> 3625.80] Isaiah +[3625.80 --> 3626.30] 55 +[3626.30 --> 3627.00] says +[3627.00 --> 3627.62] the +[3627.62 --> 3628.14] mountains +[3628.14 --> 3628.54] and +[3628.54 --> 3628.70] the +[3628.70 --> 3629.12] hills +[3629.12 --> 3629.42] will +[3629.42 --> 3629.84] break +[3629.84 --> 3630.42] forth +[3630.42 --> 3631.16] before +[3631.16 --> 3631.54] you +[3631.54 --> 3634.00] tombs +[3634.00 --> 3634.34] broke +[3634.34 --> 3634.82] open +[3634.82 --> 3635.04] and +[3635.04 --> 3635.18] the +[3635.18 --> 3635.54] bodies +[3635.54 --> 3635.84] of +[3635.84 --> 3636.16] many +[3636.16 --> 3636.84] holy +[3636.84 --> 3637.40] people +[3637.40 --> 3638.72] who +[3638.72 --> 3638.92] had +[3638.92 --> 3639.32] died +[3639.32 --> 3639.56] were +[3639.56 --> 3639.94] raised +[3639.94 --> 3640.16] to +[3640.16 --> 3640.50] life +[3640.50 --> 3641.00] they +[3641.00 --> 3641.22] came +[3641.22 --> 3641.38] out +[3641.38 --> 3641.46] of +[3641.46 --> 3641.60] the +[3641.60 --> 3641.88] tombs +[3641.88 --> 3642.12] after +[3642.12 --> 3642.42] Jesus +[3642.42 --> 3643.20] resurrection +[3643.20 --> 3643.96] and +[3643.96 --> 3644.16] went +[3644.16 --> 3644.46] into +[3644.46 --> 3644.62] the +[3644.62 --> 3644.84] holy +[3644.84 --> 3645.26] city +[3645.26 --> 3645.76] and +[3645.76 --> 3646.08] appeared +[3646.08 --> 3646.28] to +[3646.28 --> 3646.50] many +[3646.50 --> 3646.94] people +[3646.94 --> 3648.88] it's +[3648.88 --> 3649.02] hard +[3649.02 --> 3649.18] to +[3649.18 --> 3649.44] see +[3649.44 --> 3649.64] in +[3649.64 --> 3649.76] the +[3649.76 --> 3650.02] English +[3650.02 --> 3650.60] translation +[3650.60 --> 3651.74] but +[3651.74 --> 3651.92] while +[3651.92 --> 3652.08] the +[3652.08 --> 3652.48] tombs +[3652.48 --> 3652.70] may +[3652.70 --> 3652.92] have +[3652.92 --> 3653.32] broken +[3653.32 --> 3653.90] open +[3653.90 --> 3654.30] during +[3654.30 --> 3654.50] the +[3654.50 --> 3654.82] earthquake +[3654.82 --> 3655.08] that +[3655.08 --> 3655.28] took +[3655.28 --> 3655.62] place +[3655.62 --> 3655.82] the +[3655.82 --> 3656.10] Greek +[3656.10 --> 3656.44] grammar +[3656.44 --> 3656.68] of +[3656.68 --> 3656.88] this +[3656.88 --> 3657.32] sentence +[3657.32 --> 3658.46] clarifies +[3658.46 --> 3658.66] for +[3658.66 --> 3658.86] us +[3658.86 --> 3659.02] that +[3659.02 --> 3659.16] they +[3659.16 --> 3659.42] came +[3659.42 --> 3659.62] out +[3659.62 --> 3659.70] of +[3659.70 --> 3659.84] the +[3659.84 --> 3660.14] tombs +[3660.14 --> 3660.52] after +[3660.52 --> 3660.88] Jesus +[3660.88 --> 3661.48] resurrection +[3661.48 --> 3662.16] and +[3662.16 --> 3662.64] Matthew +[3662.64 --> 3663.30] is +[3663.30 --> 3663.54] very +[3663.54 --> 3664.62] particularly +[3664.62 --> 3665.34] making +[3665.34 --> 3666.00] a point +[3666.00 --> 3666.46] that +[3666.46 --> 3667.28] the parallels +[3667.28 --> 3667.78] a point +[3667.78 --> 3668.26] that Paul +[3668.26 --> 3668.62] makes +[3668.62 --> 3669.62] in 1 Corinthians +[3669.62 --> 3670.62] 15 +[3670.62 --> 3671.30] verse 20 +[3671.30 --> 3671.72] when he +[3671.72 --> 3672.04] calls +[3672.04 --> 3672.48] Jesus +[3672.48 --> 3672.86] the +[3672.86 --> 3673.48] first fruits +[3673.48 --> 3674.02] of the +[3674.02 --> 3674.42] resurrection +[3674.42 --> 3674.86] of all +[3674.86 --> 3675.22] people +[3675.22 --> 3676.10] and +[3676.10 --> 3676.56] both +[3676.56 --> 3677.04] of those +[3677.04 --> 3677.44] points +[3677.44 --> 3677.72] to be +[3677.72 --> 3678.00] made +[3678.00 --> 3678.18] are +[3678.18 --> 3678.52] connected +[3678.52 --> 3678.76] back +[3678.76 --> 3679.08] to a +[3679.08 --> 3679.48] prophecy +[3679.48 --> 3679.90] that's +[3679.90 --> 3680.22] spoken +[3680.22 --> 3680.56] about +[3680.56 --> 3680.72] the +[3680.72 --> 3681.14] Messiah +[3681.14 --> 3681.78] in +[3681.78 --> 3682.10] Daniel +[3682.10 --> 3682.52] 12 +[3682.52 --> 3683.08] verse 2 +[3683.08 --> 3683.80] it says +[3683.80 --> 3684.38] multitudes +[3684.38 --> 3684.94] who sleep +[3684.94 --> 3685.20] in the +[3685.20 --> 3685.42] dust +[3685.42 --> 3685.66] of the +[3685.66 --> 3685.86] earth +[3685.86 --> 3686.06] will +[3686.06 --> 3686.42] awake +[3686.42 --> 3687.40] but +[3687.40 --> 3687.58] in +[3687.58 --> 3687.92] short +[3687.92 --> 3688.60] the point +[3688.60 --> 3688.80] that's +[3688.80 --> 3689.04] being +[3689.04 --> 3689.32] made +[3689.32 --> 3689.66] here +[3689.66 --> 3690.38] is +[3690.38 --> 3690.52] that +[3690.52 --> 3690.78] yes +[3690.78 --> 3691.06] it's +[3691.06 --> 3691.46] Friday +[3691.46 --> 3694.58] Sunday's +[3694.58 --> 3694.96] coming +[3694.96 --> 3696.46] you're +[3696.46 --> 3696.62] getting +[3696.62 --> 3696.80] it +[3696.80 --> 3697.24] slowly +[3697.24 --> 3700.40] Isaiah +[3700.40 --> 3700.94] 53 +[3700.94 --> 3702.12] says +[3702.12 --> 3702.52] he was +[3702.52 --> 3703.28] despised +[3703.28 --> 3704.02] and rejected +[3704.02 --> 3704.82] by mankind +[3704.82 --> 3705.50] a man +[3705.50 --> 3706.46] of suffering +[3706.46 --> 3707.04] and familiar +[3707.04 --> 3707.62] with pain +[3707.62 --> 3708.30] like one +[3708.30 --> 3708.70] from whom +[3708.70 --> 3709.02] people +[3709.02 --> 3710.04] hide their +[3710.04 --> 3710.46] faces +[3710.46 --> 3710.92] he was +[3710.92 --> 3711.64] despised +[3711.64 --> 3712.28] and we +[3712.28 --> 3712.80] held him +[3712.80 --> 3713.24] in low +[3713.24 --> 3713.82] esteem +[3713.82 --> 3714.82] surely +[3714.82 --> 3715.62] remember that +[3715.62 --> 3715.90] word +[3715.90 --> 3716.46] surely +[3716.46 --> 3717.32] he took +[3717.32 --> 3717.82] up our +[3717.82 --> 3718.24] pain +[3718.24 --> 3718.72] and bore +[3718.72 --> 3718.94] our +[3718.94 --> 3719.46] suffering +[3719.46 --> 3720.12] yet we +[3720.12 --> 3720.58] considered +[3720.58 --> 3720.86] him +[3720.86 --> 3721.30] punished +[3721.30 --> 3721.92] by God +[3721.92 --> 3722.36] stricken +[3722.36 --> 3722.82] by him +[3722.82 --> 3723.54] and afflicted +[3723.54 --> 3724.22] he was +[3724.22 --> 3724.80] pierced +[3724.80 --> 3725.34] for our +[3725.34 --> 3726.18] transgressions +[3726.18 --> 3726.54] he was +[3726.54 --> 3726.96] crushed +[3726.96 --> 3727.74] for our +[3727.74 --> 3728.36] iniquities +[3728.36 --> 3728.74] and the +[3728.74 --> 3729.12] punishment +[3729.12 --> 3729.62] that brought +[3729.62 --> 3730.34] us peace +[3730.34 --> 3731.10] was on +[3731.10 --> 3731.38] him +[3731.38 --> 3732.46] by his +[3732.46 --> 3733.14] wounds +[3733.14 --> 3733.90] we +[3733.90 --> 3734.76] are +[3734.76 --> 3735.66] healed +[3735.66 --> 3737.80] the +[3737.80 --> 3738.28] centurion +[3738.28 --> 3738.56] said +[3738.56 --> 3739.08] surely +[3739.08 --> 3740.04] this man +[3740.04 --> 3740.56] was the +[3740.56 --> 3740.88] son +[3740.88 --> 3741.84] of God +[3741.84 --> 3742.44] surely +[3742.44 --> 3743.28] he is +[3743.28 --> 3744.18] the son +[3744.18 --> 3744.92] of +[3744.92 --> 3745.74] God +[3745.74 --> 3746.56] God +[3746.56 --> 3747.12] is +[3747.12 --> 3747.86] dead +[3747.86 --> 3749.88] he +[3749.88 --> 3750.18] saw +[3750.18 --> 3750.88] it +[3750.88 --> 3752.82] do you +[3752.82 --> 3756.40] surely +[3756.40 --> 3756.94] he +[3756.94 --> 3757.32] took +[3757.32 --> 3757.80] up +[3757.80 --> 3758.56] our +[3758.56 --> 3759.22] pain +[3759.22 --> 3760.06] surely +[3760.06 --> 3760.42] he +[3760.42 --> 3760.82] bore +[3760.82 --> 3761.22] our +[3761.22 --> 3761.82] suffering +[3761.82 --> 3762.26] surely +[3762.26 --> 3762.58] he +[3762.58 --> 3762.80] was +[3762.80 --> 3763.20] pierced +[3763.20 --> 3763.86] for our +[3763.86 --> 3764.66] transgressions +[3764.66 --> 3765.02] crushed +[3765.02 --> 3765.62] for our +[3765.62 --> 3766.38] iniquities +[3766.38 --> 3766.92] surely +[3766.92 --> 3767.84] by his +[3767.84 --> 3768.36] wounds +[3768.36 --> 3769.02] we +[3769.02 --> 3769.42] are +[3769.42 --> 3769.80] healed +[3769.80 --> 3770.50] God +[3770.50 --> 3770.94] is +[3770.94 --> 3771.54] dead +[3771.54 --> 3773.24] and +[3773.24 --> 3773.64] we +[3773.64 --> 3774.76] have +[3774.76 --> 3775.04] killed +[3775.04 --> 3775.36] him +[3775.36 --> 3780.82] earlier +[3780.82 --> 3782.84] quoting +[3782.84 --> 3783.40] Bruner +[3783.40 --> 3783.96] I said +[3783.96 --> 3784.30] that we +[3784.30 --> 3784.52] should +[3784.52 --> 3784.96] simply +[3784.96 --> 3785.50] stand +[3785.50 --> 3785.94] back +[3785.94 --> 3786.28] in +[3786.28 --> 3786.78] silence +[3786.78 --> 3787.16] before +[3787.16 --> 3787.62] the +[3787.62 --> 3788.04] awful +[3788.04 --> 3788.52] verb +[3788.52 --> 3788.80] and +[3788.80 --> 3789.24] wonder +[3789.24 --> 3789.60] what +[3789.60 --> 3789.76] it +[3789.76 --> 3790.20] means +[3790.20 --> 3792.38] we've +[3792.38 --> 3792.52] looked +[3792.52 --> 3792.88] at some +[3792.88 --> 3793.20] of those +[3793.20 --> 3793.62] meanings +[3793.62 --> 3794.74] tonight +[3794.74 --> 3795.70] we've +[3795.70 --> 3795.86] only +[3795.86 --> 3796.18] scratched +[3796.18 --> 3796.38] the +[3796.38 --> 3796.68] surface +[3796.68 --> 3796.94] on +[3796.94 --> 3797.30] most +[3797.30 --> 3797.46] of +[3797.46 --> 3797.66] them +[3797.66 --> 3797.88] and +[3797.88 --> 3798.84] we've +[3798.84 --> 3799.06] left +[3799.06 --> 3799.36] many +[3799.36 --> 3799.62] for +[3799.62 --> 3799.80] your +[3799.80 --> 3800.10] own +[3800.10 --> 3800.78] reflection +[3800.78 --> 3803.04] but +[3803.04 --> 3803.20] we're +[3803.20 --> 3803.38] going +[3803.38 --> 3803.56] to +[3803.56 --> 3804.00] end +[3804.00 --> 3806.90] we're +[3806.90 --> 3807.04] going +[3807.04 --> 3807.22] to +[3807.22 --> 3807.52] end +[3807.52 --> 3808.10] in +[3808.10 --> 3808.54] this +[3808.54 --> 3809.08] moment +[3809.08 --> 3809.38] of +[3809.38 --> 3810.00] silence +[3810.00 --> 3811.08] and +[3811.08 --> 3811.46] song +[3811.46 --> 3812.38] in +[3812.38 --> 3812.52] just +[3812.52 --> 3812.64] a +[3812.64 --> 3812.84] moment +[3812.84 --> 3813.08] I'm +[3813.08 --> 3813.16] going +[3813.16 --> 3813.26] to +[3813.26 --> 3813.50] ask +[3813.50 --> 3813.62] you +[3813.62 --> 3813.78] to +[3813.78 --> 3814.18] stand +[3814.18 --> 3815.58] and +[3815.58 --> 3816.08] now +[3816.08 --> 3816.40] I +[3816.40 --> 3816.60] will +[3816.60 --> 3817.04] read +[3817.04 --> 3817.30] the +[3817.30 --> 3817.76] story +[3817.76 --> 3818.08] in +[3818.08 --> 3818.38] full +[3818.38 --> 3819.82] and +[3819.82 --> 3819.96] so +[3819.96 --> 3820.18] as +[3820.18 --> 3820.36] you +[3820.36 --> 3820.92] stand +[3820.92 --> 3821.76] take +[3821.76 --> 3821.98] a +[3821.98 --> 3822.32] prayer +[3822.32 --> 3822.80] a +[3822.80 --> 3823.16] posture +[3823.16 --> 3823.40] of +[3823.40 --> 3823.76] prayer +[3823.76 --> 3824.22] and +[3824.22 --> 3824.36] of +[3824.36 --> 3824.66] listening +[3824.66 --> 3824.94] maybe +[3824.94 --> 3825.28] close +[3825.28 --> 3825.44] your +[3825.44 --> 3825.74] eyes +[3825.74 --> 3825.98] however +[3825.98 --> 3826.24] it +[3826.24 --> 3826.42] is +[3826.42 --> 3826.52] you +[3826.52 --> 3826.72] need +[3826.72 --> 3826.84] to +[3826.84 --> 3827.02] but +[3827.02 --> 3827.50] stand +[3827.50 --> 3828.22] close +[3828.22 --> 3828.40] your +[3828.40 --> 3828.76] eyes +[3828.76 --> 3829.20] together +[3829.20 --> 3829.74] we +[3829.74 --> 3829.92] will +[3829.92 --> 3830.22] hear +[3830.22 --> 3830.54] this +[3830.54 --> 3830.96] story +[3830.96 --> 3831.22] and +[3831.22 --> 3831.38] we +[3831.38 --> 3831.66] will +[3831.66 --> 3832.60] enter +[3832.60 --> 3833.42] into +[3833.42 --> 3834.42] silence +[3834.42 --> 3836.04] and +[3836.04 --> 3836.14] then +[3836.14 --> 3836.34] after +[3836.34 --> 3836.52] a +[3836.52 --> 3836.72] period +[3836.72 --> 3836.86] of +[3836.86 --> 3837.16] time +[3837.16 --> 3837.36] the +[3837.36 --> 3837.64] worship +[3837.64 --> 3838.12] team +[3838.12 --> 3838.52] is +[3838.52 --> 3838.64] going +[3838.64 --> 3838.76] to +[3838.76 --> 3838.92] pull +[3838.92 --> 3839.08] us +[3839.08 --> 3839.24] out +[3839.24 --> 3839.34] of +[3839.34 --> 3839.52] that +[3839.52 --> 3840.06] silence +[3840.06 --> 3841.26] back +[3841.26 --> 3841.48] into +[3841.48 --> 3841.82] song +[3841.82 --> 3842.54] would +[3842.54 --> 3842.68] you +[3842.68 --> 3843.18] stand +[3843.18 --> 3844.24] together +[3860.54 --> 3861.72] eyes +[3861.72 --> 3861.74] eyes +[3861.74 --> 3861.76] eyes +[3861.76 --> 3861.78] eyes +[3861.78 --> 3862.36] closed +[3862.36 --> 3863.10] heart +[3863.10 --> 3864.32] open +[3864.32 --> 3864.56] to +[3864.56 --> 3864.98] God +[3864.98 --> 3865.92] hear +[3865.92 --> 3866.44] this +[3866.44 --> 3867.42] story +[3867.42 --> 3870.80] from +[3870.80 --> 3871.20] noon +[3871.20 --> 3871.68] until +[3871.68 --> 3872.20] three +[3872.20 --> 3872.56] in the +[3872.56 --> 3873.10] afternoon +[3873.10 --> 3873.72] darkness +[3873.72 --> 3874.38] came +[3874.38 --> 3874.76] over +[3874.76 --> 3875.08] all +[3875.08 --> 3875.24] the +[3875.24 --> 3875.60] land +[3875.60 --> 3877.68] after +[3877.68 --> 3878.04] three +[3878.04 --> 3878.36] in the +[3878.36 --> 3878.84] afternoon +[3878.84 --> 3879.24] Jesus +[3879.24 --> 3879.66] cried +[3879.66 --> 3879.92] out +[3879.92 --> 3880.20] in a +[3880.20 --> 3880.42] loud +[3880.42 --> 3880.94] voice +[3880.94 --> 3882.06] Eli +[3882.06 --> 3882.90] Eli +[3882.90 --> 3883.62] Lema +[3883.62 --> 3884.36] Sabathcani +[3884.36 --> 3886.16] which +[3886.16 --> 3886.66] means +[3886.66 --> 3887.08] my +[3887.08 --> 3887.52] God +[3887.52 --> 3888.04] my +[3888.04 --> 3888.44] God +[3888.44 --> 3888.98] why +[3888.98 --> 3889.30] have +[3889.30 --> 3889.46] you +[3889.46 --> 3889.92] forsaken +[3889.92 --> 3890.22] me +[3890.22 --> 3892.38] and +[3892.38 --> 3892.50] when +[3892.50 --> 3892.68] some +[3892.68 --> 3892.80] of +[3892.80 --> 3893.22] those +[3893.22 --> 3893.72] standing +[3893.72 --> 3894.00] there +[3894.00 --> 3894.32] heard +[3894.32 --> 3894.66] this +[3894.66 --> 3894.86] they +[3894.86 --> 3895.20] said +[3895.20 --> 3895.74] he's +[3895.74 --> 3896.10] calling +[3896.10 --> 3896.62] Elijah +[3896.62 --> 3898.68] immediately +[3898.68 --> 3899.20] one of +[3899.20 --> 3899.34] them +[3899.34 --> 3899.60] ran +[3899.60 --> 3899.86] and got +[3899.86 --> 3900.02] a +[3900.02 --> 3900.42] sponge +[3900.42 --> 3900.86] he +[3900.86 --> 3901.14] filled +[3901.14 --> 3901.28] it +[3901.28 --> 3901.42] with +[3901.42 --> 3901.68] wine +[3901.68 --> 3901.98] vinegar +[3901.98 --> 3902.26] put +[3902.26 --> 3902.36] it +[3902.36 --> 3902.46] on +[3902.46 --> 3902.62] a +[3902.62 --> 3902.92] staff +[3902.92 --> 3903.06] and +[3903.06 --> 3903.36] offered +[3903.36 --> 3903.52] it +[3903.52 --> 3903.66] to +[3903.66 --> 3903.94] Jesus +[3903.94 --> 3904.18] to +[3904.18 --> 3904.42] drink +[3904.42 --> 3904.66] the +[3904.66 --> 3905.04] rest +[3905.04 --> 3905.56] said +[3905.56 --> 3906.36] now +[3906.36 --> 3906.80] leave +[3906.80 --> 3907.00] him +[3907.00 --> 3907.44] alone +[3907.44 --> 3908.16] let's +[3908.16 --> 3908.44] see +[3908.44 --> 3908.68] if +[3908.68 --> 3909.18] Elijah +[3909.18 --> 3909.64] comes +[3909.64 --> 3909.88] to +[3909.88 --> 3910.18] save +[3910.18 --> 3910.42] him +[3910.42 --> 3913.60] and +[3913.60 --> 3913.76] when +[3913.76 --> 3914.10] Jesus +[3914.10 --> 3914.38] had +[3914.38 --> 3914.90] cried +[3914.90 --> 3915.28] out +[3915.28 --> 3915.74] again +[3915.74 --> 3916.20] in a +[3916.20 --> 3916.44] loud +[3916.44 --> 3917.00] voice +[3917.00 --> 3917.84] he +[3917.84 --> 3918.18] gave +[3918.18 --> 3918.46] up +[3918.46 --> 3919.38] his +[3919.38 --> 3919.84] spirit +[3919.84 --> 3922.80] at +[3922.80 --> 3922.98] that +[3922.98 --> 3923.32] moment +[3923.32 --> 3923.58] the +[3923.58 --> 3923.90] curtain +[3923.90 --> 3924.12] of +[3924.12 --> 3924.28] the +[3924.28 --> 3924.50] temple +[3924.50 --> 3924.76] was +[3924.76 --> 3925.06] torn +[3925.06 --> 3925.34] in +[3925.34 --> 3925.58] two +[3925.58 --> 3925.82] from +[3925.82 --> 3926.18] top +[3926.18 --> 3926.60] to +[3926.60 --> 3926.86] bottom +[3926.86 --> 3927.06] the +[3927.06 --> 3927.32] earth +[3927.32 --> 3927.68] shook +[3927.68 --> 3927.90] the +[3927.90 --> 3928.20] rocks +[3928.20 --> 3928.52] split +[3928.52 --> 3928.90] and +[3928.90 --> 3929.04] the +[3929.04 --> 3929.40] tombs +[3929.40 --> 3929.68] broke +[3929.68 --> 3930.06] open +[3930.06 --> 3930.44] the +[3930.44 --> 3930.72] body +[3930.72 --> 3930.92] of +[3930.92 --> 3931.18] many +[3931.18 --> 3931.50] holy +[3931.50 --> 3931.88] people +[3931.88 --> 3932.08] who +[3932.08 --> 3932.26] had +[3932.26 --> 3932.58] died +[3932.58 --> 3932.80] were +[3932.80 --> 3933.18] raised +[3933.18 --> 3933.48] to +[3933.48 --> 3933.84] life +[3933.84 --> 3934.24] and +[3934.24 --> 3934.38] they +[3934.38 --> 3934.64] came +[3934.64 --> 3934.90] out +[3934.90 --> 3935.10] of +[3935.10 --> 3935.26] the +[3935.26 --> 3935.64] tombs +[3935.64 --> 3936.10] after +[3936.10 --> 3936.44] Jesus +[3936.44 --> 3937.02] resurrection +[3937.02 --> 3937.54] and +[3937.54 --> 3937.78] went +[3937.78 --> 3938.18] into +[3938.18 --> 3938.40] the +[3938.40 --> 3938.70] holy +[3938.70 --> 3939.06] city +[3939.06 --> 3939.30] and +[3939.30 --> 3939.80] appeared +[3939.80 --> 3940.28] to +[3940.28 --> 3940.52] many +[3940.52 --> 3940.92] people +[3940.92 --> 3943.28] when +[3943.28 --> 3943.44] the +[3943.44 --> 3944.04] centurion +[3944.04 --> 3944.34] and +[3944.34 --> 3944.64] those +[3944.64 --> 3944.92] with +[3944.92 --> 3945.26] him +[3945.26 --> 3945.72] who +[3945.72 --> 3945.86] were +[3945.86 --> 3946.24] guarding +[3946.24 --> 3946.68] Jesus +[3946.68 --> 3947.08] saw +[3947.08 --> 3947.30] the +[3947.30 --> 3947.68] earthquake +[3947.68 --> 3948.00] and +[3948.00 --> 3948.18] all +[3948.18 --> 3948.34] that +[3948.34 --> 3948.48] had +[3948.48 --> 3948.84] happened +[3948.84 --> 3949.40] they +[3949.40 --> 3949.60] were +[3949.60 --> 3950.16] terrified +[3950.16 --> 3951.08] and +[3951.08 --> 3951.86] exclaimed +[3951.86 --> 3953.18] surely +[3953.18 --> 3954.32] he +[3954.32 --> 3955.32] was +[3955.32 --> 3955.54] the +[3955.54 --> 3955.94] son +[3955.94 --> 3957.04] of +[3957.04 --> 3957.50] God +[3957.50 --> 3961.02] many +[3961.02 --> 3961.30] women +[3961.30 --> 3961.76] were there +[3961.76 --> 3962.80] watching +[3962.80 --> 3963.24] from a +[3963.24 --> 3963.68] distance +[3963.68 --> 3964.92] they +[3964.92 --> 3965.32] followed +[3965.32 --> 3965.66] Jesus +[3965.66 --> 3965.92] from +[3965.92 --> 3966.34] Galilee +[3966.34 --> 3966.56] to +[3966.56 --> 3966.78] care +[3966.78 --> 3966.98] for +[3966.98 --> 3967.14] his +[3967.14 --> 3967.52] needs +[3967.52 --> 3968.42] and +[3968.42 --> 3968.68] among +[3968.68 --> 3968.96] them +[3968.96 --> 3969.12] were +[3969.12 --> 3969.40] Mary +[3969.40 --> 3970.06] Magdalene +[3970.06 --> 3970.74] Mary +[3970.74 --> 3970.94] the +[3970.94 --> 3971.16] mother +[3971.16 --> 3971.38] of +[3971.38 --> 3971.70] James +[3971.70 --> 3971.96] and +[3971.96 --> 3972.26] Joseph +[3972.26 --> 3973.38] and +[3973.38 --> 3973.54] the +[3973.54 --> 3973.76] mother +[3973.76 --> 3974.06] of +[3974.06 --> 3974.74] Zebedee's +[3974.74 --> 3975.72] sons +[3975.72 --> 3977.46] this +[3977.46 --> 3978.08] is +[3978.08 --> 3978.26] the +[3978.26 --> 3978.68] word +[3978.68 --> 3979.38] of +[3979.38 --> 3979.50] the +[3979.50 --> 3979.78] Lord +[3993.68 --> 3995.20] evangelism +[3995.20 --> 3995.34] the +[3995.34 --> 4011.54] 하고 +[4011.66 --> 4013.08] to +[4013.28 --> 4013.66] God +[4013.66 --> 4015.16] to +[4015.16 --> 4045.14] Thank you. +[4045.16 --> 4075.14] Thank you. +[4075.16 --> 4086.50] To see the King of Heaven fall in anguish to His knees. +[4086.50 --> 4098.50] The light and hope of all the world, now overwhelmed with grief. +[4098.50 --> 4110.94] What nameless horrors must He see to cry out in the garden? +[4110.94 --> 4122.94] Oh, take this cup away from me, yet not my will but Yours. +[4122.94 --> 4128.94] Yet not my will but Yours. +[4128.94 --> 4155.94] To know each friend will fall away. +[4155.94 --> 4160.94] And Heaven's voice be still. +[4160.94 --> 4172.94] For hell to have its vengeful day, among all the thoughts still. +[4172.94 --> 4180.16] No words describe the Savior's plight. +[4180.16 --> 4185.16] To be by God forsaken. +[4185.16 --> 4191.16] Till from the young are satisfied. +[4191.16 --> 4196.16] Then every sin is pain. +[4196.16 --> 4198.16] Then every sin is pain. +[4198.16 --> 4203.16] Then every sin is pain. +[4203.16 --> 4224.16] I took Him to this wretched place. +[4224.16 --> 4236.16] What kept Him on His throne. +[4236.16 --> 4242.16] There's love for Adam's curse and grace. +[4242.16 --> 4248.16] For every broken soul. +[4248.16 --> 4249.16] No sin to spite. +[4249.16 --> 4254.16] No sin to spite, to overlook. +[4254.16 --> 4260.16] No crime too great to carry. +[4260.16 --> 4265.16] All people live in His voice and cup. +[4265.16 --> 4271.16] And that He drank it all. +[4271.16 --> 4277.16] The Savior drank it all. +[4277.16 --> 4284.16] The Savior drank it all. +[4284.16 --> 4285.16] Lord God befriientras Jai vegetables. +[4285.16 --> 4287.16] The Savior nella Limba... +[4287.16 --> 4289.16] The Savior吗... +[4289.16 --> 4292.16] The Savior dramoto iodworks. +[4292.16 --> 4297.16] Where Only разрешit diome. +[4297.16 --> 4299.16] No pitcos подrivitas. +[4299.16 --> 4302.16] No�를 ng enlivena puedeรbeat. +[4302.16 --> 4303.16] Amen. +[4332.16 --> 4333.16] Amen. +[4362.16 --> 4369.16] Truly my heart is in you. +[4372.16 --> 4379.16] O light of light, Thine only hope and glory, +[4379.16 --> 4387.16] Your ring is shining, may I look to you. +[4387.16 --> 4394.16] And I the heart of all who dark in shadow. +[4402.16 --> 4409.16] For you, O Lord, my soul in stoneless ways, +[4409.16 --> 4416.16] Truly my hope is in you. +[4417.16 --> 4425.16] O spring of joy, bring down upon us, we lift, +[4425.16 --> 4432.16] Our thirsty waters are yearning for your word. +[4432.16 --> 4440.16] Come, make us whole, bring comfort to our hearts. +[4440.16 --> 4454.16] For you, O Lord, my soul in stoneless ways, +[4454.16 --> 4464.16] Truly my hope is in you. +[4464.16 --> 4466.16] O Lord, my soul in stoneless ways, +[4466.16 --> 4470.16] O Lord, my soul in stoneless ways, +[4470.16 --> 4478.16] And in your suffering draw us all to you. +[4478.16 --> 4480.16] Our hope reborn, our hope reborn, +[4480.16 --> 4485.16] Our hope reborn, in dying and in rising. +[4485.16 --> 4488.16] For you, O Lord, my soul in stoneless ways, +[4488.16 --> 4492.16] Truly my hope is in you. +[4492.16 --> 4500.16] For you, O Lord, my soul in stoneless ways, +[4500.16 --> 4506.16] Truly my hope is in you. +[4506.16 --> 4516.16] O key of knowledge, guide us in your pilgrimage, +[4516.16 --> 4522.16] We ever seek an unfulfilled remain. +[4522.16 --> 4532.16] O pray to us, O Lord, my soul in stoneless ways, +[4532.16 --> 4542.16] For you, O Lord, my soul in stoneless ways, +[4542.16 --> 4544.16] Truly my hope is in you. +[4544.16 --> 4546.16] O Lord, my soul in stoneless ways, +[4546.16 --> 4552.16] Truly my hope is in you. +[4552.16 --> 4560.16] O Lord, my soul in stoneless ways, +[4560.16 --> 4574.16] Truly my hope is in you. +[4582.16 --> 4586.16] O Lord, my and this is the part, +[4586.16 --> 4588.16] I is a inner place, +[4588.16 --> 4590.16] Thank God my기는. +[4590.16 --> 4592.18] Look Canyon, +[4592.18 --> 4594.16] Vie Thank food Amen! +[4595.16 --> 4595.54] Halemotion Eine from the advancing staff +[4595.54 --> 4598.14] And I know that our soul in stoneless years, +[4598.14 --> 4600.10] For you. +[4600.10 --> 4602.86] humility +[4603.16 --> 4605.10] I know that the fact of God can be dry. +[4605.12 --> 4606.16] Look remote, +[4606.16 --> 4608.10] I know about this good. +[4608.10 --> 4610.10] He's genuine B West-Lay one. +[4610.10 --> 4612.10] Jesus he is the people that have done you. diff --git a/Sunday Evening Worship, April 28, 2024_summary.txt b/Sunday Evening Worship, April 28, 2024_summary.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000000000000000000000000000000000000..7527b131a8d819ad89ea1e41ace77b456ad8e55e --- /dev/null +++ b/Sunday Evening Worship, April 28, 2024_summary.txt @@ -0,0 +1,22 @@ +• Repeated phrases of "Thank you" +• No other topics mentioned +• References to the Bible and Christian theology +• Themes of salvation, redemption, and worship +• Praise for God as Father, Son, and Spirit +• Description of Jesus' resurrection and its impact +• Yearning to be close to God and experience divine presence +• Use of repetitive phrases and chants ("Hallelujah", "Holy, holy, God almighty") +• Declaration of God's sovereignty and uniqueness +• Worship and praise to God as the King of kings +• Acknowledging the Holy Spirit's presence and power in believers' lives +• Warning against a form of "atheistic Christianity" where God's power is not believed or sought +• Encouragement to recognize and respond to the Holy Spirit's work in one's life +• Invitation to receive the blessing of God and be empowered for service +• Conclusion with worship music, specifically singing about God's greatness. +• The song "How Great Is Our God" is sung +• References to the Godhead: Father, Spirit, Son +• Jesus as the Lion and Lamb +• Singing with praise and worship +• Praise to God's name and greatness +• Repetition of "how great is our God" +• Worship song structure: repetition of lyrics and melodies \ No newline at end of file diff --git a/Sunday Evening Worship, April 28, 2024_transcript.txt b/Sunday Evening Worship, April 28, 2024_transcript.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000000000000000000000000000000000000..8f7e6770a670652a7e028cb64264ab9bd7129e96 --- /dev/null +++ b/Sunday Evening Worship, April 28, 2024_transcript.txt @@ -0,0 +1,351 @@ +[0.00 --> 29.98] Thank you. +[30.00 --> 59.98] Thank you. +[60.00 --> 89.98] Thank you. +[90.00 --> 119.98] Thank you. +[120.00 --> 149.98] Thank you. +[150.00 --> 179.98] Thank you. +[180.00 --> 209.98] Thank you. +[210.00 --> 239.98] Thank you. +[240.00 --> 269.98] Thank you. +[270.00 --> 299.98] Thank you. +[300.00 --> 329.98] Thank you. +[330.00 --> 359.98] Thank you. +[360.00 --> 389.98] Thank you. +[390.00 --> 419.98] Thank you. +[420.00 --> 449.98] Thank you. +[450.00 --> 479.98] Thank you. +[480.00 --> 509.98] Thank you. +[509.98 --> 539.96] Thank you. +[539.98 --> 569.96] Thank you. +[569.98 --> 599.96] Thank you. +[599.96 --> 629.94] Thank you. +[629.96 --> 659.94] Thank you. +[659.94 --> 689.92] Thank you. +[689.94 --> 719.92] Thank you. +[719.94 --> 749.92] Thank you. +[749.92 --> 779.90] Thank you. +[779.90 --> 809.88] Thank you. +[809.90 --> 839.88] Thank you. +[839.88 --> 869.86] Thank you. +[869.88 --> 899.86] Thank you. +[899.86 --> 929.84] Thank you. +[929.84 --> 959.82] Thank you. +[959.82 --> 989.80] Thank you. +[989.82 --> 1019.80] Thank you. +[1019.80 --> 1049.78] Thank you. +[1049.80 --> 1079.78] Thank you. +[1079.80 --> 1109.78] Thank you. +[1109.80 --> 1139.78] Thank you. +[1139.80 --> 1169.78] Thank you. +[1169.78 --> 1199.76] Thank you. +[1199.76 --> 1229.74] Thank you. +[1229.74 --> 1259.72] Thank you. +[1259.74 --> 1289.72] through reading. +[1289.72 --> 1319.72] Thank you. +[1319.72 --> 1349.72] Thank you. +[1349.72 --> 1379.72] Thank you. +[1379.72 --> 1409.70] Thank you. +[1409.72 --> 1439.70] And so, +[1439.72 --> 1469.70] Thank you. +[1469.70 --> 1499.68] Thank you. +[1499.68 --> 1529.66] Thank you. +[1529.68 --> 1559.66] Thank you. +[1559.68 --> 1589.66] Thank you. +[1589.68 --> 1619.66] Thank you. +[1619.68 --> 1649.66] Thank you. +[1649.66 --> 1679.64] Thank you. +[1679.64 --> 1709.62] Thank you. +[1709.64 --> 1739.62] Thank you. +[1739.64 --> 1769.62] Thank you. +[1769.62 --> 1799.60] Thank you. +[1799.62 --> 1829.60] Thank you. +[1829.62 --> 1859.60] Thank you. +[1859.62 --> 1889.60] Thank you. +[1889.62 --> 1919.60] Thank you. +[1919.60 --> 1949.58] Thank you. +[1949.58 --> 1979.56] He's a part of the +[1979.56 --> 2009.54] Thank you. +[2009.54 --> 2039.52] Thank you. +[2039.54 --> 2069.52] Thank you. +[2069.54 --> 2099.52] Thank you. +[2099.54 --> 2129.52] Thank you. +[2129.54 --> 2159.52] Thank you. +[2159.54 --> 2189.52] Thank you. +[2189.54 --> 2219.52] Thank you. +[2219.54 --> 2249.52] Thank you. +[2249.54 --> 2279.52] Thank you. +[2279.54 --> 2309.52] Thank you. +[2309.54 --> 2339.52] Thank you. +[2339.54 --> 2369.52] Thank you. +[2369.54 --> 2399.52] Thank you. +[2399.54 --> 2429.52] Thank you. +[2429.52 --> 2459.50] Thank you. +[2459.50 --> 2489.48] Thank you. +[2489.48 --> 2519.46] Thank you. +[2519.46 --> 2549.44] Thank you. +[2549.44 --> 2579.42] Thank you. +[2579.42 --> 2609.42] Thank you. +[2609.42 --> 2639.40] Thank you. +[2639.42 --> 2669.42] Thank you. +[2669.42 --> 2699.40] Thank you. +[2699.40 --> 2729.38] Thank you. +[2729.40 --> 2759.38] God, you see you. +[2759.40 --> 2789.38] Thank you. +[2789.38 --> 2819.36] Thank you. +[2819.36 --> 2849.36] Thank you. +[2849.36 --> 2879.36] Thank you. +[2879.36 --> 2909.34] Thank you. +[2909.36 --> 2939.34] Thank you. +[2939.36 --> 2969.34] Thank you. +[2969.36 --> 2999.34] Thank you. +[2999.36 --> 3029.34] Thank you. +[3029.36 --> 3059.34] Take you. +[3059.36 --> 3089.34] Thank you. +[3089.36 --> 3119.34] Thank you. +[3119.36 --> 3149.34] Thank you. +[3149.36 --> 3179.34] Thank you. +[3179.36 --> 3209.34] Thank you. +[3209.34 --> 3239.32] Thank you. +[3239.34 --> 3269.32] Thank you. +[3269.34 --> 3299.32] Thank you. +[3299.34 --> 3329.32] Thank you. +[3329.34 --> 3359.32] Thank you. +[3359.34 --> 3389.32] Thank you. +[3389.34 --> 3419.32] Thank you. +[3419.34 --> 3449.32] Take me. +[3449.34 --> 3479.32] Thank you. +[3479.34 --> 3509.32] Thank you. +[3509.34 --> 3539.32] Thank you. +[3539.32 --> 3569.30] Thank you. +[3569.32 --> 3599.32] Thank you. +[3599.32 --> 3629.30] Thank you. +[3629.32 --> 3659.30] Thank you. +[3659.32 --> 3689.30] Thank you. +[3689.30 --> 3719.28] Thank you. +[3719.30 --> 3749.28] Thank you. +[3749.28 --> 3779.26] Thank you. +[3779.28 --> 3809.26] Thank you. +[3809.28 --> 3839.26] Thank you. +[3839.26 --> 3869.24] Thank you. +[3869.26 --> 3899.24] Thank you. +[3899.26 --> 3929.24] Thank you. +[3929.26 --> 3959.24] Thank you. +[3959.26 --> 3989.24] Thank you. +[3989.26 --> 4019.24] Thank you. +[4019.24 --> 4049.22] from Genesis 1. +[4049.22 --> 4079.20] And you're in the +[4079.20 --> 4109.18] work in the world, +[4109.18 --> 4139.16] Ezeze, +[4139.16 --> 4169.14] have been in the +[4169.14 --> 4199.12] among scorpions. +[4199.12 --> 4229.10] the spirit of the spirit of the +[4229.10 --> 4259.08] and the day of the day, +[4259.08 --> 4289.06] they were all together, +[4289.06 --> 4319.04] and the day, +[4319.04 --> 4349.02] and the day, +[4349.02 --> 4379.00] and the day, +[4379.00 --> 4408.98] joy, peace, +[4408.98 --> 4438.96] but very, +[4438.96 --> 4468.94] and the day, +[4468.94 --> 4498.92] that he will receive, +[4498.92 --> 4528.92] and the world, and the world, +[4528.92 --> 4558.90] has set you free, +[4558.90 --> 4588.90] and the world, and the world, +[4588.90 --> 4618.90] into his and people, and the love of the love, +[4618.90 --> 4633.00] In the darkness we were waiting, without hope, without light, +[4633.00 --> 4640.18] till from heaven you came running, there was mercy in your eyes. +[4640.48 --> 4646.78] To fulfill the law and promise, to burden me the world, +[4646.78 --> 4653.78] from a throne in this glory to the great in the earth. +[4659.28 --> 4672.78] Praise the Father, praise the Son, praise the Spirit, three in one. +[4672.78 --> 4687.78] God of glory, majesty, praise forever to the King of kings. +[4687.78 --> 4699.02] To reveal the need of coming, and to reconcile the lost, +[4699.02 --> 4706.02] to redeem the whole creation, you've begun despise the promise. +[4706.44 --> 4712.90] For even in your suffering, his fall to the other side. +[4712.90 --> 4719.90] Knowing this world's our salvation, chaste for our Savior, God. +[4719.90 --> 4737.90] Praise the Father, praise the Son, praise the Spirit, three in one. +[4737.90 --> 4752.90] God of glory, majesty, praise forever to the King of kings. +[4752.90 --> 4753.90] Amen. +[4753.90 --> 4764.02] In the morning that you rose, all of heaven held its breath, +[4764.40 --> 4771.18] till that stone was moved for good, for the lamb had conquered death. +[4771.72 --> 4777.90] And the dead rose from their tomes, and the angels stood in awe, +[4777.90 --> 4784.90] From the souls of all who come, to the Father I restore. +[4785.66 --> 4792.10] And the church of Christ was born, and the Spirit lived the flame. +[4792.52 --> 4798.82] And the song from truth I hold, shall not be or shall not be. +[4799.36 --> 4805.54] Like His blood and in His name, in His freedom I am free. +[4805.54 --> 4812.54] For the love of Jesus Christ, who has resurrected me. +[4817.94 --> 4831.54] Praise the Father, praise the Son, praise the Spirit, free in one. +[4831.54 --> 4844.54] God of glory, majesty, praise forever to the King of kings. +[4844.54 --> 4851.54] Praise forever to the King of kings. +[4874.54 --> 4891.28] I want to be close, close to your Son +[4891.28 --> 4897.42] So heaven is free and death is alive +[4897.42 --> 4904.30] I want to hear voices, angels of love +[4904.30 --> 4910.54] Sing as one, hallelujah +[4910.54 --> 4917.28] Holy, holy, God almighty +[4917.28 --> 4921.04] The great I am +[4921.04 --> 4927.96] Who is worthy, none beside me +[4927.96 --> 4934.20] God almighty, the great I am +[4934.20 --> 4944.28] I want to be near, near to your heart +[4944.28 --> 4949.96] Loving the world, hating the dark +[4949.96 --> 4954.44] I want to see dry bones +[4954.44 --> 4959.96] Living again, singing as one +[4960.52 --> 4966.20] Hallelujah, holy, holy +[4966.20 --> 4972.96] God almighty, the great I am +[4972.96 --> 4979.96] Who is worthy, none beside me +[4980.72 --> 4986.96] God almighty, the great I am +[4986.96 --> 5005.72] The mountains shake before you +[5005.72 --> 5009.20] The demons run and flee +[5009.20 --> 5013.20] At the mention of your name +[5013.20 --> 5014.96] King of majesty +[5014.96 --> 5018.88] There is no power in hell +[5018.88 --> 5022.20] Nor any who can stand +[5022.20 --> 5026.08] Pray for the power and the presence +[5026.08 --> 5029.58] Of the great I am +[5029.58 --> 5033.20] Great I am +[5033.20 --> 5043.20] The great I am +[5043.20 --> 5044.94] The great I am +[5044.94 --> 5045.24] Pretty I am +[5045.24 --> 5053.84] The great I am +[5053.84 --> 5063.84] oh +[5063.84 --> 5077.84] Who is worthy, none beside Thee, God Almighty, the great I Am. +[5077.84 --> 5091.10] Hallelujah, holy, holy, God Almighty, the great I Am. +[5091.10 --> 5105.10] Who is worthy, none beside Thee, God Almighty, the great I Am. +[5107.84 --> 5109.84] Amen. +[5137.84 --> 5139.84] Amen. +[5139.84 --> 5141.84] Amen. +[5141.84 --> 5143.84] Amen. +[5143.84 --> 5145.84] Amen. +[5145.84 --> 5147.84] Amen. +[5147.84 --> 5149.84] Amen. +[5149.84 --> 5151.84] Amen. +[5151.84 --> 5153.84] Amen. +[5153.84 --> 5162.20] That who are saved, holy, holy is He. +[5164.90 --> 5176.20] Sing a new song to Him who sits on heaven's mercy seat. +[5176.20 --> 5191.20] Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come. +[5191.20 --> 5201.20] With all creation I sing praise to the King of kings. +[5201.20 --> 5208.20] You are my everything and I will adore You. +[5208.20 --> 5238.18] I sing praise to the King of kings. +[5238.18 --> 5249.18] I sing in honor, strength and glory and power be to You, the only God of kings. +[5252.18 --> 5262.18] Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come. +[5262.18 --> 5274.18] Holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is and is to come. +[5274.18 --> 5276.18] I sing this Lord foreign nations and will atoms and the earth again join in our hearts. +[5276.18 --> 5283.18] Holy, holy is the Lord Almighty, who bent from Him in Portuguese andоньれ Euh— +[5283.18 --> 5287.32] Holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, who berserk我 amb gere a meeting to them. +[5287.32 --> 5288.64] Holy is the Lord God Almighty, whose life is God Almighty awaits us as the amen of Jesus. +[5288.64 --> 5291.18] Amen! +[5291.18 --> 5292.18] Son James Chenniker andəs, 구 qu McCannsli Magna. +[5292.18 --> 5307.18] Filled with wonder, awestruck wonder, at the mention of your name. +[5307.18 --> 5322.18] Filled with wonder, awestruck wonder, at the mention of your name. +[5322.18 --> 5336.18] Jesus, your name is power, strength of living on earth, from to love and mystery. +[5336.18 --> 5349.18] Glory, glory, glory, Son of God Almighty, who was and is and is to come. +[5349.18 --> 5365.18] In all creation I sing, praise to the King of kings, you are my everything, and I will adore you. +[5365.18 --> 5378.18] Holy, glory, glory, Son of God Almighty, who was and is and is to come. +[5378.18 --> 5395.18] In all creation I sing, praise to the King of kings, you are my everything, and I will adore you. +[5395.18 --> 5408.18] In all creation I sing, praise to the King of kings, you are my everything, and I will adore you. +[5408.18 --> 5421.18] In all creation I sing, praise to the King of kings, you are my everything, and I will adore you. +[5421.18 --> 5423.18] I have my phone up here. +[5423.18 --> 5430.18] Okay, so I wasn't going to do this, but now I feel like, compelled to do this. +[5430.18 --> 5433.18] So please take a seat for just a moment. +[5433.18 --> 5442.18] As you take a seat, some of you are going to think this is weird, just close your eyes, and listen. +[5442.18 --> 5449.18] We've been in this space together, praying and singing, come Holy Spirit. +[5449.18 --> 5457.18] We've been in this time, this hour and a bit of worship, inviting the Holy Spirit to come, +[5457.18 --> 5468.18] and we've heard scriptures affirming over and over and over again that the Holy Spirit has come, that he is here. +[5468.18 --> 5476.18] We are two or three gathered in the name of the Lord, and so he is here. +[5476.18 --> 5500.18] And as we have come, as we have heard his presence, we are now invited to go, to go in the power of the Holy Spirit. +[5500.18 --> 5507.18] But there is a great tragedy in the life of the Christian disciple. +[5507.18 --> 5522.18] There is a great tragedy in the life of the church today that is functionally an atheistic Christianity. +[5522.18 --> 5532.18] Someone who believes in Jesus and professes to believe in Jesus, and yet does not believe that God works in power by the Spirit. +[5535.18 --> 5539.18] And doesn't ask God to work in that power. +[5540.18 --> 5543.18] So here's the word I want you to hear. +[5543.18 --> 5554.18] If you profess that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, that's the Spirit working in you, that belief. +[5554.18 --> 5566.18] If you have experienced, even in a small measure, a growth in the fruit of the Spirit, of love and challenging and otherwise impossible situations, that's the Spirit at work. +[5566.18 --> 5575.18] If you have experienced a sense of peace in the face of chaos and anxiety, that's the Spirit at work. +[5577.18 --> 5586.18] If you have grown in patience when you are tried and under pressure, that's the Spirit at work. +[5586.18 --> 5589.18] Church of God, the Spirit is still at work. +[5589.18 --> 5605.18] And so as you go, go knowing that his power is real and his power is working in you and through you and for you to bring glory to God our Father. +[5605.18 --> 5606.18] Amen? +[5606.18 --> 5607.18] Amen. +[5608.18 --> 5612.18] And so we go with the blessing of God. +[5612.18 --> 5613.18] I invite you to stand. +[5613.18 --> 5614.18] I invite you to stand. +[5614.18 --> 5615.18] Hold out your hands. +[5615.18 --> 5616.18] Open your heart. +[5616.18 --> 5620.18] And receive the blessing of God. +[5620.18 --> 5627.18] As we have invited the Holy Spirit to come, we are now invited by the Holy Spirit to go. +[5628.18 --> 5639.18] And may the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God the Father, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be and abide with you always. +[5639.18 --> 5642.18] God's people said, Amen. +[5642.18 --> 5643.18] Amen. +[5643.18 --> 5646.18] Amen. +[5655.18 --> 5661.18] Yea, above all names +[5661.18 --> 5669.88] Worthy of all praise +[5669.88 --> 5673.84] My heart will sing +[5673.84 --> 5681.76] Great is our God +[5681.76 --> 5691.76] The splendor of the King +[5691.76 --> 5696.64] Bold in majesty +[5696.64 --> 5700.76] Let all the earth rejoice +[5700.76 --> 5704.76] All the earth rejoice +[5704.76 --> 5711.76] He roused himself with eyes +[5711.76 --> 5717.76] And darkness strives to hide +[5717.76 --> 5721.76] And trembles at His voice +[5721.76 --> 5725.76] And trembles at His voice +[5725.76 --> 5731.76] How great is our God +[5731.76 --> 5733.76] Sing with me +[5733.76 --> 5738.76] How great is our God +[5738.76 --> 5740.76] And all will see +[5740.76 --> 5742.76] How great +[5742.76 --> 5750.76] How great is our God +[5750.76 --> 5758.76] Age to age He stands +[5758.76 --> 5765.76] When time is in His hands +[5765.76 --> 5768.76] Beginning at the end +[5768.76 --> 5772.76] Beginning at the end +[5772.76 --> 5779.76] The God that free in one +[5779.76 --> 5784.76] Father, Spirit, Son +[5784.76 --> 5788.76] The Lion and the Lamb +[5788.76 --> 5792.76] The Lion and the Lamb +[5792.76 --> 5797.76] How great is our God +[5797.76 --> 5799.76] Sing with me +[5799.76 --> 5804.76] How great is our God +[5804.76 --> 5806.76] Thou will see +[5806.76 --> 5814.76] How great is our God +[5814.76 --> 5825.76] Name above all names +[5825.76 --> 5829.76] Worthy of all praise +[5829.76 --> 5831.76] My heart will sing +[5831.76 --> 5834.76] My heart will sing +[5834.76 --> 5838.76] How great is our God +[5838.76 --> 5839.76] My heart will sing +[5839.76 --> 5840.76] How great is our God +[5840.76 --> 5843.76] How great is our God +[5843.76 --> 5846.76] Name above all names +[5846.76 --> 5848.76] How great is our God +[5848.76 --> 5866.76] Worthy of our grace, my heart will sing, how great is our God. +[5866.76 --> 5881.76] How great is our God, sing with me how great is our God. +[5881.76 --> 5894.76] All will see how great, how great is our God. +[5896.76 --> 5908.76] How great is our God, sing with me how great is our God. +[5908.76 --> 5919.76] And all will see how great, how great is our God. +[5919.76 --> 5931.76] Sing my soul, my Savior God to thee. +[5931.76 --> 5945.76] How great thou art, how great thou art. +[5945.76 --> 5959.76] Then sings my soul, my Savior God to thee. +[5959.76 --> 5963.76] How great thou art. +[5963.76 --> 5971.76] How great thou art. +[5971.76 --> 5975.76] How great thou art. +[5975.76 --> 5977.76] How great thou art. +[5977.76 --> 5979.76] How great thou art. +[5979.76 --> 5981.76] How great thou art. +[5981.76 --> 5983.76] How great thou art. +[5985.76 --> 5987.76] How great thou art. +[5987.76 --> 5989.76] How great thou art. +[5989.76 --> 5991.76] How great thou art. +[5992.76 --> 5993.76] How great thou art. +[5993.76 --> 5995.76] Whether thy thy soul. +[5995.76 --> 5997.76] Mul tis by the help of minute. +[5997.76 --> 6027.74] Thank you. +[6027.76 --> 6057.74] Thank you. +[6057.76 --> 6087.74] Thank you. +[6087.76 --> 6117.74] Thank you. +[6117.76 --> 6147.74] Thank you. +[6147.76 --> 6177.74] Thank you. +[6177.76 --> 6207.74] Thank you. +[6207.76 --> 6237.74] Thank you. +[6237.76 --> 6267.74] Thank you. +[6267.76 --> 6297.74] Thank you. +[6297.76 --> 6327.74] Thank you. +[6327.76 --> 6357.74] Thank you. diff --git a/Sunday Morning Worship, May 5, 2024_summary.txt b/Sunday Morning Worship, May 5, 2024_summary.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000000000000000000000000000000000000..1dc2e28b9a66671ee1a1713e80c2bae56106b4f1 --- /dev/null +++ b/Sunday Morning Worship, May 5, 2024_summary.txt @@ -0,0 +1,187 @@ +• The importance of being accepted and loved as one is +• Overcoming shame and guilt through forgiveness +• Understanding the depth and width of God's love +• Recognizing one's value and worth in God's eyes +• Living a life free from fear and doubt, and instead living with freedom and confidence +• Embracing one's identity and purpose as created by God +• Miracles and hope in difficult circumstances +• A broken heart and soul can be restored and reborn +• Greater things are still in store for us +• Pastoral announcements: + + Youth coffee at the Verhoof home + + Registration open for youth camp + + Baby blessing gathering for five baby girls born in the community +• Announcements about upcoming events +• Ascension Day worship service on Thursday at 7 p.m. +• Call to stand and receive the greeting of God +• Worship and adoration offered to God's holy name +• Song lyrics referencing God's greatness, power, and faithfulness +• Lamentation hymn expressing gratitude for God's unchanging nature +• Prayer and worship +• Faithfulness and provision of God +• Confession and seeking forgiveness +• Longing for God's presence and restoration +• Reflection on life as an altar to God +• Praise and adoration of God's greatness +• Biblical references and scripture reading +• Worship and prayer in community +• Prayer or worship song with repeated phrases of devotion and praise to a higher power +• Introduction by Mike, deacon at the church, mentioning his name and role +• Discussion of New Ground Ministries and its mission to support new ministries and provide coaching +• Mention of two congregation members serving on the National Committee for New Ground +• Financial giving opportunity mentioned +• Recitation of the Apostles' Creed +• The speaker leads a worship service and mentions the importance of believing in God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit. +• The speaker invites children aged three to grade four to join them at the front for "Kids Corner". +• Some girls are absent because they're attending Gems Camp. +• The speaker shares about a play they saw over the weekend, which was a musical adaptation of Frozen. +• They ask the audience if anyone has seen the movie Frozen and if they have favorite characters. +• Hans is mentioned as a character who does something mean in the story and is booed by the audience when he reveals he doesn't actually love Anna. +• Discussion of a character named Hans and how he is hard to love +• The concept of loving people who are difficult to love +• The children's blessing and prayer time in worship +• God's desire for humans to be reconciled with Him before being able to reconcile with others +• The Holy Spirit's role in shaping believers through life's circumstances and their own resistance to it. +• Expressing gratitude for God's love, blessings, and sufficiency in their lives +• Asking for forgiveness and openness to God's plan and purpose +• Requesting guidance, wisdom, and discernment for leaders and those affected by poverty and hunger +• Praying for healing and comfort for those suffering from illness, loss, and grief (including John Koenig, Judy Dykstra, Ryland and Laura Benny, and Grace Vanderdeen) +• Seeking help to be living examples of kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control +• Discussion of prayer for families in mourning +• Request for healing and restoration for those suffering +• Nomination process for new office bearers +• Prayer for Pastor Chris' message +• Reading from Romans 15:1-13 +• Reflection on disunity and fostering arguments in groups +• Romans chapter 15 is being read and discussed +• The text picks up mid-story or mid-stream, referencing previous conversations +• Community is encouraged to bear with the weaknesses of others and not seek their own pleasure +• Examples from scripture are used to illustrate this point, including Christ's own humility +• The goal is for believers to have one mind and voice in glorifying God +• Christ accepted by God to bring praise to Him +• Christ's role as a servant of the Jews on behalf of God's truth +• Fulfillment of promises made to patriarchs and confirmation for Gentiles +• Praise and glorification of God among Gentiles +• Isaiah's prophecy of the root of Jesse and hope for nations +• Joy, peace, and overflow with hope through trust in Christ +• Maturity in the gospel builds unity around the gospel +• Chapters 14 and 15 discuss what it looks like to mature in the gospel +• Contrasting language of weaker or stronger brother/sister used by Paul +• Definition of maturity as allowing the scope of the gospel to pervade every aspect of life +• The gospel changes everything, including perception and experience of reality +• Paul has been discussing "disputable matters" with the listeners +• The conversation is based on 1 Corinthians 14:1 and Romans 14 +• Disputable matters include food, holy days, wine, marriage, celibacy, circumcision, baptism (infant vs believer), women in church office +• These are not necessarily controversial conversations, but rather areas where scripture appears to offer multiple interpretations +• Paul's advice is to accept those who hold weaker faith without quarreling over disputable matters. +• The concept of unity and its relationship to maturity +• Unity is not just about being at the same spot or having the same opinion, but about moving together towards a common goal +• Maturity is a journey, not a destination, and it involves growing and learning together +• Unity in the gospel is built around the teachings of Jesus and is not defined by agreement on everything +• A clear understanding of what gospel unity looks like is needed to navigate the path towards maturity +• Discussing the importance of unity in a community +• Explaining that gospel unity is key to transforming lives +• Mentioning four things about gospel unity: it bears up the less mature, grows towards hope, glorifies the road map together, and should be prioritized by strong individuals +• Addressing technical issues with audio feedback and gain levels +• Returning to the discussion of gospel unity and its significance +• Unity is built through bearing and building each other up +• The word "edification" means to build one another up in Greek +• Connections between words and their meanings can be found in the original language of the text (Greek) +• Mutual edification is a key concept, referring to the act of building one another up in peace and mutual support +• The word "edifice" and its meaning as a large building or structure +• Building someone up, edifying them, and growing in strength and faith +• Responsibility of more mature individuals to grow in their faith and help others +• Every individual's responsibility to be a disciple and make disciples +• Maturing Christians helping other Christians mature +• Youth leader experience with 30-year catechism teacher +• Gospel unity and community growing in faith +• Young girls at Gems camp being counseled, volunteering, and leading +• Helping others mature in their faith +• Maturity in a short period of time +• Infants and faith development +• Promise of helping children grow in faith +• Physical growth vs spiritual growth +• Adult faith development and discipline +• Maturity as a Christian through discipling others +• Church growth through gospel unity and discipleship +• Discipleship +• Mentoring vs coaching +• Faith maturity levels and development +• Example of older man studying Bible in McDonald's with younger person +• Church maturing towards faith +• Relationship between mature and immature believers +• The importance of bearing with the weaknesses of others +• Growing in maturity through relationships and community +• The role of the Holy Spirit in growth and unity +• Serving others, especially those who are less mature +• Unity in the gospel and looking out for one another's needs +• The Bible refers to "neighbors" in various contexts, often emphasizing a broader definition beyond just people who share the same faith +• Jesus' story of the Good Samaritan illustrates an example of neighborly love towards those outside one's own community or faith +• The gospel can change relationships with people who believe the same as you and with those who do not yet believe +• Being united in the gospel demonstrates what it means to be neighbors, showing love and compassion to all +• Living for those outside the reach of the gospel +• Paul's statement about living to please others +• The importance of wanting good for others and their joy +• Motives for doing good, with emphasis on not having ulterior motives +• Supporting Newground ministries, but emphasizing that it is not just about supporting a specific organization +• The true reason for doing good, which is simply pursuing the other person's well-being +• maturity involves knowing what is hard but good +• discipline and correction are necessary for growth +• faith in one's life often requires difficult decisions +• maturity comes from having a holy discontent with present reality and being motivated through hardship or trial +• The importance of following Jesus and living a good life +• Christ's example in enduring suffering and bearing insults +• The concept that Jesus took on human failings, sin, and punishment for us on the cross +• The idea that we are healed through Jesus' wounds and death +• Reference to Hebrews 12:2 and its mention of joy being set before Jesus during his suffering +• The joy of the Christian life is found in doing good, even when it's hard +• A gospel unity is achieved by a group of people working together to pursue what God defines as good +• Sacrificing for others and putting them first is a key aspect of this unity +• True believers will mourn alongside those who mourn and come alongside each other in times of darkness +• Gospel unity is built on maturity +• Maturity in the gospel requires growth and development +• Gospel maturity involves being taught and instructed by God's word +• The life of gospel unity is one of constant maturing and growing +• Constantly seeking to be in God's word and searching the scriptures is essential for this process +• The Berean church's method of testing scripture to verify its truth +• Importance of enduring and persevering as Christians +• Connection between spiritual discipline and discipleship +• Difficulty of being a Christian in today's world +• Need to reclaim the identity of spiritual discipline and discipleship. +• The scriptures provide encouragement and show the power of God and His victory +• Even when things seem against us, God is for us +• Reading the Bible teaches that joy comes in the morning after weeping has passed +• It also teaches us to trust in God's word spoken directly to our hearts and imagination +• This provides hope and encouragement even in hard times +• The speaker uses a personal experience from a church baseball game to illustrate this point +• Encouragement through scripture +• Saturating oneself with scriptures for growth +• Unity glorifies God, but can be misused as a hammer to force conformity +• True unity is made visible in how we experience disagreement, showing willingness to suffer for others' good. +• Jesus prays for unity in John 17, a kind that gives witness to who God is and brings glory to Him. +• The church should be one as the Father and He are one, demonstrating trinitarian theology. +• Trinitarian theology emphasizes oneness while maintaining differentiation within the persons of the Trinity. +• Our unity transcends disunity and distinctives, including them and making it more beautiful. +• God is glorified by this kind of unity. +• Additionally, there's an imminent sense in which God is glorified by unity that takes a form of praising Him. +• The scripture verse in Romans chapter 15 indicates the goal for unity among people is to bring praise to God. +• This goal has been present throughout history, as evident from various scriptures mentioned. +• The unity of different groups, including Gentiles and Jews, glorifies God by making much of His greatness and what He has done. +• Gospel unity also brings glory to God in the sense that His people are united together in praising Him. +• Maturity in the gospel builds unity around it, leading to all people everywhere praising the Lord. +• Joy, peace, and hope come from trusting in God +• Maturity brings joy and peace through righteousness +• Unity is hopeful and expressed in our unity +• The work of God and the Holy Spirit changes everything +• Praying together as a unified community +• The concept of Jesus Christ as a living hope +• Desperation and turning to heaven for help +• Experience of forgiveness and salvation through Jesus Christ +• Victory over death and the grave through Jesus' resurrection +• Praise and thanksgiving to God for redemption and freedom +• Encouragement and blessing for those embarking on a journey of faith +• Blessings of God +• Do not be afraid +• Go in peace and unity +• Love and serve the Lord +• Prayer repetition with "Amen" \ No newline at end of file diff --git a/Sunday Morning Worship, May 5, 2024_transcript.txt b/Sunday Morning Worship, May 5, 2024_transcript.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000000000000000000000000000000000000..6591b66e0344ab0fafe0476b3e828a2f336105ac --- /dev/null +++ b/Sunday Morning Worship, May 5, 2024_transcript.txt @@ -0,0 +1,4322 @@ +[0.00 --> 8.42] I want you as you are, not as you ought to be. +[9.68 --> 13.32] Won't you lay down your guard and come to me? +[15.22 --> 19.02] The shame that grips you now is crippling. +[20.94 --> 24.36] It breaks my heart to see you suffering. +[25.70 --> 27.82] Cause I am for you. +[27.82 --> 31.82] I'm not against you. +[33.32 --> 40.72] If you wanna know how far my love can go, just how deep, just how wide. +[41.04 --> 47.82] If you wanna see how much you mean to me, look at my hands, look at my side. +[48.60 --> 53.64] If you could count the times I'd say you are forgiven. +[53.64 --> 57.10] It's more than the drops in the ocean. +[57.82 --> 68.78] Don't think you need to settle for a substitute. +[70.34 --> 74.26] When I'm the only love that changes you. +[74.26 --> 76.26] And I am for you. +[76.26 --> 80.26] I'm not against you. +[80.26 --> 82.26] I'm not against you. +[82.26 --> 84.26] I am for you. +[84.26 --> 87.22] I'm not against you. +[87.22 --> 91.22] If you wanna know how far my love can go, just how deep, just how wide. +[91.22 --> 105.18] If you wanna see how much you mean to me, look at my hands, look at my side. +[105.18 --> 110.22] If you could count the times I'd say you are forgiven. +[110.22 --> 112.22] It's more than the drops in the ocean. +[112.22 --> 114.34] It's more than the drops in the ocean. +[119.24 --> 121.18] Drops in the ocean. +[121.18 --> 125.66] Open your heart, it's time that we start again +[125.66 --> 133.26] Open your heart, it's time that we start again +[133.26 --> 139.20] If you wanna know how far my love can go +[139.20 --> 142.46] Just how deep, just how wide +[142.46 --> 146.68] If you wanna see how much you mean to me +[146.68 --> 149.98] Look at my hands, look at my soul +[149.98 --> 155.66] If you can count the times, the day you are forgiven +[155.66 --> 159.16] It's more than the drops in the ocean +[159.16 --> 166.56] The drops in the ocean +[166.56 --> 175.26] Oh, I'm fighting for you +[175.26 --> 179.26] I'm not against you +[179.26 --> 182.94] I am for you +[182.94 --> 187.00] I'm not against you +[187.00 --> 209.18] You're not the only one who feels like this +[209.18 --> 212.86] Feeling like you lose more than you win +[212.86 --> 216.54] Like life is just an endless hill you climb +[216.54 --> 222.22] You try and try, but never arrive +[222.22 --> 224.28] I'm telling you something +[224.28 --> 227.96] This racing, this racing, this running +[227.96 --> 229.96] Oh, you're working way too hard +[229.96 --> 231.96] You're working way too hard +[231.96 --> 237.64] I'm not against you, I'm not against you +[237.64 --> 241.32] So go ahead and live like you're in the ocean +[241.32 --> 243.32] So go ahead and live like you're loved +[243.32 --> 245.32] Live like you're loved +[245.32 --> 247.00] Live like you're loved +[247.00 --> 249.00] Live like you're loved +[249.00 --> 252.68] Live like you're loved +[252.68 --> 256.36] Live like you're loved +[256.36 --> 258.36] Live like you're loved +[258.36 --> 265.36] Live like you're loved. +[265.36 --> 269.36] Live like you're loved. +[269.36 --> 273.36] And live like you know you're valuable. +[273.36 --> 277.36] Like you know the one that holds your soul. +[277.36 --> 281.36] Cause mercy has called you by your name. +[281.36 --> 285.36] Don't be afraid to live in that grace. +[285.36 --> 288.36] Oh, I'm telling you something. +[288.36 --> 290.36] This God we believe in. +[290.36 --> 293.36] Yeah, he changed everything. +[293.36 --> 296.36] No more guilt, no more shame. +[296.36 --> 298.36] He took all that away. +[298.36 --> 301.36] Gave us a reason to sing. +[301.36 --> 305.36] So go ahead and live like you're loved. +[305.36 --> 309.36] It's okay to act like you've been set free. +[309.36 --> 313.36] His love has made you more than enough. +[313.36 --> 317.36] So go ahead and be who we made you to be. +[317.36 --> 321.36] And live like you're loved. +[321.36 --> 325.36] Live like you're loved. +[325.36 --> 329.36] Live like you're loved. +[329.36 --> 333.36] Live like you're loved. +[333.36 --> 335.36] Live like you're loved. +[335.36 --> 337.36] Walk like you're free. +[337.36 --> 341.36] Sail like you know who we made you to be. +[341.36 --> 343.36] Live like you're loved. +[343.36 --> 344.36] Live like you're loved. +[344.36 --> 345.36] Live like you're loved. +[345.36 --> 348.36] Live like you're loved. +[348.36 --> 349.36] His love is all that you'll ever need. +[349.36 --> 352.36] So go ahead and live like you're loved. +[352.36 --> 356.36] His love has made you more than enough. +[356.36 --> 360.70] His love has made you more than enough +[360.70 --> 368.68] So go ahead and live like your love +[368.68 --> 373.32] It's okay to act like you've been set free +[373.32 --> 377.00] His love has made you more than enough +[377.00 --> 381.54] So go ahead and be who he made you to be +[381.54 --> 384.32] And live like your love +[384.32 --> 387.42] Live like your love +[387.42 --> 391.40] Live like your love +[391.40 --> 393.46] Live like your love +[393.46 --> 395.48] Live like your love +[395.48 --> 399.50] Live like your love +[399.50 --> 401.48] Walk like you're free +[401.48 --> 405.48] Steal like you know who he made you to be +[405.48 --> 407.58] Live like your love +[407.58 --> 409.54] Like you believe +[409.54 --> 413.54] His love is all that you'll ever need +[413.54 --> 416.64] Live like your love +[416.64 --> 418.64] Live like your love +[418.64 --> 421.74] Live like your love +[421.74 --> 423.74] Live like your love +[423.74 --> 427.78] And you're not the one that you would have chosen +[427.78 --> 438.40] When you're at the end of the road +[438.40 --> 442.88] And it's not the one that you would have chosen +[442.88 --> 446.38] When you're at the end of your road +[446.38 --> 447.94] And you're holding on +[447.94 --> 450.70] But feel like you're falling +[450.70 --> 452.80] With every option +[452.80 --> 453.80] With every option exhausted +[453.80 --> 455.80] With every option exhausted +[455.80 --> 457.80] You tried everything you know +[457.80 --> 462.84] You saw light then you lost it +[462.84 --> 465.80] But there is still hope +[465.80 --> 468.90] Like the fire in the night +[468.90 --> 472.90] Like the ocean parted wide +[472.90 --> 476.94] Like the grave empty inside +[476.94 --> 478.90] You will see +[478.90 --> 480.90] He still does +[480.90 --> 483.00] Miracles +[483.00 --> 484.00] Miracles +[484.00 --> 485.00] Miracles +[485.00 --> 486.00] Miracles +[486.00 --> 487.00] Miracles +[487.00 --> 489.00] Miracles +[489.00 --> 493.12] Even if you don't see it now +[493.12 --> 494.82] Without a doubt +[494.82 --> 497.00] He's already moving +[497.00 --> 501.04] There is not a pain that you hold +[501.04 --> 502.64] He doesn't know +[502.64 --> 505.48] And he isn't using +[505.48 --> 508.78] With every option exhausted +[508.78 --> 513.02] You tried everything you know +[513.02 --> 517.62] So reach for something beyond it +[517.62 --> 520.54] Cause he is our hope +[520.54 --> 524.46] Like the fire in the night +[524.46 --> 528.42] Like the ocean parted wide +[528.42 --> 532.28] Like the grave empty inside +[532.28 --> 534.14] You will see +[534.14 --> 536.28] He still does +[536.28 --> 537.68] Miracles +[537.68 --> 539.48] Miracles +[539.48 --> 541.48] Miracles +[541.48 --> 543.38] Miracles +[543.38 --> 545.38] Miracles +[545.38 --> 547.38] Miracles +[547.38 --> 549.38] Miracles +[549.38 --> 551.38] Miracles +[551.38 --> 556.02] A broken heart can be restored +[556.02 --> 559.98] A broken soul can be reborn +[559.98 --> 563.88] And greater things are still in store +[563.88 --> 566.04] For us +[566.04 --> 568.10] For us +[568.10 --> 573.24] Like the fire in the night +[573.24 --> 577.18] Like the ocean parted wide +[577.18 --> 581.02] Like the grave empty inside +[581.02 --> 582.96] You will see +[582.96 --> 585.08] He still does +[585.08 --> 586.48] Miracles +[586.48 --> 588.48] Miracles +[588.48 --> 590.48] Miracles +[590.48 --> 592.48] Miracles +[592.48 --> 594.48] Miracles +[594.48 --> 595.48] Miracles +[595.48 --> 596.48] Miracles +[596.48 --> 597.48] He's still there +[597.48 --> 599.48] He's still there +[599.48 --> 601.48] Miracles +[601.48 --> 603.48] You're the new kid +[603.48 --> 604.48] I'm dreaming +[604.48 --> 606.48] More than you +[606.48 --> 607.48] I'm not +[607.48 --> 609.48] Miracles +[609.48 --> 611.48] This is my +[611.48 --> 613.48] This is my +[613.48 --> 614.48] Miracles +[614.48 --> 615.48] Miracles +[615.48 --> 628.48] Miracles +[628.48 --> 658.46] I keep fighting voices in my mind that say I'm not enough. +[658.48 --> 688.46] I keep fighting voices in my mind that say I'm not enough. +[688.50 --> 690.46] And that we get to worship together. +[690.66 --> 691.66] My name is Chris. +[692.12 --> 695.04] I'm one of the pastors here at Langley Emanuel. +[695.30 --> 700.00] And it's my privilege this morning, along with these others, to lead in our shared worship together. +[700.62 --> 702.60] As I mentioned, we have a couple announcements. +[702.60 --> 714.92] First, immediately following worship today, well, I shouldn't say immediately, after our fellowship time and the like, youth coffee is going to happen. +[715.06 --> 716.96] And that's at the Verhoof home. +[716.96 --> 722.76] And so if you would need to know where that is, youth or parents of youth, you can talk to Pastor Kevin here. +[723.18 --> 725.08] Or Warren and Mel, who are over there. +[725.30 --> 727.72] They will let you know how to get to their house. +[727.72 --> 737.44] Additionally, Pastor Kevin asked me to remind all of you youth that registration for youth camp is open and active. +[738.22 --> 744.64] And so please do that quickly and get that done so that they can plan that weekend for you. +[744.64 --> 757.24] As well, today, this afternoon, at 2 p.m., a bunch of the women from our church are going to gather together for a baby blessing. +[757.24 --> 760.62] Is it the babies who are being blessed? +[760.70 --> 762.56] Are the parents of the babies who are being blessed? +[762.90 --> 768.22] Either way, there's a bit of a gathering, a party that's happening at 2 p.m. +[768.22 --> 769.20] That will be here. +[769.70 --> 775.48] And that's for five different baby girls that have born in our community in the last number of months. +[775.68 --> 781.14] And so please, if you have any questions about that, Wendy has answers. +[781.26 --> 782.02] Wendy, where are you? +[782.52 --> 783.42] Wendy is back there. +[783.54 --> 784.32] She has answers. +[784.32 --> 790.38] You can get her or grab me at the Connect booth, and I will connect you to Wendy or someone else with that. +[791.62 --> 793.28] Lastly, final announcement. +[793.66 --> 797.26] This coming Thursday is Ascension Day. +[798.10 --> 806.20] Ascension Day is the day that we remember Jesus ascending back to heaven after his resurrection. +[806.40 --> 812.06] So 40 days after the resurrection, Jesus ascended to the right hand of the Father. +[812.06 --> 816.62] And from there, he will come to judge the living and the dead, says the Apostles' Creed. +[817.44 --> 822.20] We're going to have a worship service to commemorate and celebrate that together. +[822.78 --> 824.78] And we're going to do that service a little bit differently. +[825.56 --> 827.02] And so we encourage you to come. +[827.44 --> 836.56] We're going to set up in this space here and kind of do it in the round in our worship together with a bit of an acoustic worship set. +[836.56 --> 838.54] And it's going to look a little different. +[838.64 --> 845.56] And so we encourage you to come, and we'd love to have you participate at 7 p.m. on Thursday together. +[846.34 --> 851.14] If you have any questions about that, you can also get me at the Connect booth following our worship. +[851.66 --> 853.34] I think that's it for announcements. +[854.20 --> 857.14] And so I'm going to invite you, as you're able, to stand. +[857.14 --> 865.16] And we can be ushered into the presence of our good God in worship by receiving his greeting. +[865.86 --> 872.46] After the greeting of God, I invite you to turn to those around you and welcome them into worship in whatever way you are comfortable. +[872.70 --> 881.10] With a fist bump or a head nod or a hug or a holy kiss, which is biblical, but also mind people's boundaries. +[881.10 --> 886.48] In our worship together, receive the greeting of God. +[887.76 --> 895.58] Grace, mercy, and peace to you from God our Father, from the Lord Jesus Christ, Son, and our Savior, +[896.18 --> 898.64] through the presence and power of the Holy Spirit. +[899.54 --> 899.88] Amen. +[911.10 --> 912.10] Amen. +[913.86 --> 915.72] Amen. +[915.72 --> 920.26] Amen. +[920.26 --> 943.72] Good morning. +[943.72 --> 943.76] Good morning. +[943.76 --> 973.74] Good morning. +[974.20 --> 978.44] Lord, we are grateful to be gathered together today to worship your holy name. +[979.06 --> 984.76] We offer our worship and our adoration to you, for only you are worthy to be praised. +[985.48 --> 991.26] We lift up our voices together, united as one community, to offer you all that you are due. +[992.10 --> 995.34] Thank you for bringing us together today to worship in this place. +[996.24 --> 996.52] Amen. +[997.18 --> 998.44] Please join us in worship. +[998.44 --> 998.56] Amen. +[1003.76 --> 1004.76] Amen. +[1004.76 --> 1005.76] Amen. +[1005.76 --> 1006.76] Amen. +[1006.76 --> 1007.76] Amen. +[1007.76 --> 1008.76] Amen. +[1008.76 --> 1009.76] Amen. +[1009.76 --> 1010.76] Amen. +[1010.76 --> 1011.76] Amen. +[1011.76 --> 1027.90] He has held the oceans in His hands, +[1027.90 --> 1033.20] He has no burdening grain of sand. +[1033.72 --> 1038.72] Kings and nations tremble at His voice, +[1038.72 --> 1045.16] All creation has to rejoice. +[1045.16 --> 1052.36] Behold our God, sing it on His song, +[1052.36 --> 1056.28] Come let us adore Him. +[1056.28 --> 1063.08] Behold our King, nothing can compare, +[1063.08 --> 1069.52] Come let us adore Him. +[1069.52 --> 1077.96] Who has given counsel to the Lord? +[1077.96 --> 1082.96] Who can question any of His words? +[1082.96 --> 1087.96] Who can teach the one who knows all things? +[1087.96 --> 1094.40] Who can follow all His wondrous deeds? +[1094.40 --> 1102.40] Behold our God, sing it on His throne, +[1102.40 --> 1106.40] Come let us adore Him. +[1106.40 --> 1112.84] Behold our King, nothing can compare, +[1112.84 --> 1119.28] Come let us adore Him. +[1119.28 --> 1133.72] Who has felt the nails upon His hands, +[1133.72 --> 1138.72] Bearing all the guilt of sinful men, +[1138.72 --> 1145.16] God eternal, helpful to the grave, +[1145.16 --> 1151.16] Jesus, Savior, risen now to reign. +[1151.16 --> 1157.60] Behold our King, nothing can compare, +[1157.60 --> 1161.60] Come let us adore Him. +[1161.60 --> 1167.60] Behold our King, nothing can compare, +[1167.60 --> 1173.60] Come let us adore Him. +[1173.60 --> 1186.04] Come let us adore Him. +[1186.04 --> 1190.04] Behold our King, nothing can compare, +[1190.04 --> 1193.04] Come let us adore Him. +[1193.04 --> 1196.04] Come let us adore Him. +[1196.04 --> 1200.04] Come let us adore Him. +[1200.04 --> 1224.10] Behold our King, nothing can compare, +[1224.10 --> 1236.24] Oh, darling, nothing can compare, come let us adore Him. +[1254.10 --> 1256.10] Amen. +[1284.10 --> 1296.28] Oh, God, my Father, there is no shadow of turning with me. +[1296.28 --> 1304.28] Thou changest not, but no passions may fail now. +[1304.80 --> 1311.36] The sound has been, but forever will be. +[1311.36 --> 1319.36] Great is Thy faithfulness, great is Thy faithfulness. +[1320.70 --> 1327.36] Morning by morning new mercies I see. +[1328.76 --> 1335.36] All I have needed, Thy hand hath provided. +[1335.36 --> 1344.36] Praise the faithfulness, Lord, unto me. +[1344.36 --> 1353.36] Summer and winter and springtime and harvest. +[1353.36 --> 1362.26] Sun, moon, and stars again, for saints of love. +[1362.36 --> 1369.36] Joyed with all nature and beautiful witness. +[1369.36 --> 1377.36] To Thy great faithfulness, mercy and love. +[1377.36 --> 1386.50] Great is Thy faithfulness, great is Thy faithfulness. +[1386.70 --> 1393.36] Morning by morning new mercies I see. +[1393.36 --> 1402.36] All I have needed, Thy hand hath provided. +[1402.36 --> 1410.36] Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me. +[1410.36 --> 1427.36] God, O dear, praise us each year and tonight. +[1427.36 --> 1436.36] Straight or today and bright hope for tomorrow. +[1436.36 --> 1437.36] God, O dear, praise us each year and tonight. +[1437.36 --> 1438.36] Blessings, O Lord, to me. +[1438.36 --> 1441.36] Blessings, O Lord, unto me. +[1441.36 --> 1442.36] Father, Christ and Splatid. +[1442.36 --> 1444.36] All I have needed, мол, sc Philosophy all alone, +[1444.36 --> 1446.36] Justiona and earth and grace the ziemlichaya muy decent allí with 코co. +[1446.36 --> 1447.36] And with my kingdom,�� and miroed with fears, +[1447.36 --> 1450.36] All I have needed, and joyless rodzإ Movieones. +[1450.36 --> 1451.36] Its Espero, of course, is your voice again, 2070 òern f Indiana. +[1451.36 --> 1452.36] Maker, of course, is your Dios. +[1452.36 --> 1453.36] Yológito�ban 해. +[1453.36 --> 1456.36] Of course if you are Heeолет第1 Maiden, +[1456.36 --> 1457.36] tuition and shove. +[1457.36 --> 1458.36] взять some hope for商 Justinas дело. +[1458.36 --> 1462.36] defined by Ведьhu? +[1462.36 --> 1468.00] Be in thy hand and from thy hand. +[1468.46 --> 1474.90] Great is thy faithfulness for the two. +[1480.08 --> 1485.02] As we go into a time of confession this morning, we're going to do that through two songs. +[1485.02 --> 1489.62] And so at this time, I invite you to either sit through them or stand through them, +[1489.62 --> 1496.26] worship and confess and be assured in whichever way is most comfortable for you. +[1496.26 --> 1496.30] Thank you. +[1496.30 --> 1526.28] Thank you. +[1526.30 --> 1541.44] Take me back to where it all began, where all I ever wanted was your presence. +[1541.44 --> 1549.44] How I long to be there once again. +[1549.44 --> 1562.44] I don't know that the world can't burn and fan the flame, till nothing between us remains. +[1562.44 --> 1567.44] My life is an altar to you. +[1567.44 --> 1575.44] Breathe again, all the apers that burn in my heart. +[1575.44 --> 1579.44] Love, take me back to the storm. +[1579.44 --> 1584.44] My life is an altar to you. +[1584.44 --> 1594.44] Renew in me a pure and willing spirit. +[1594.44 --> 1609.44] Take me back to where it all began, before it all became so complicated. +[1609.44 --> 1616.44] I don't know that the world can't burn and fan the flame, till nothing between us remains. +[1616.44 --> 1618.44] My life is an altar to you. +[1618.44 --> 1622.44] I don't know that the world can burn and flame, till nothing between us remains. +[1622.44 --> 1623.44] My life is an altar to you. +[1623.44 --> 1629.44] My life is an altar to you. +[1629.44 --> 1630.44] Breathe again, all the apers that burn in my heart. +[1630.44 --> 1631.44] My life is an altar to you. +[1631.44 --> 1632.44] My life is an altar to you. +[1632.44 --> 1636.44] My life is an altar to you. +[1636.44 --> 1641.44] Breathe again, all the apers that burn in my heart. +[1641.44 --> 1645.44] Breathe again, all the apers that burn in my heart. +[1645.44 --> 1649.44] Love, take you back to the storm. +[1649.44 --> 1654.44] My life is an altar to you. +[1654.44 --> 1660.44] Lord, I'm sorry. +[1660.44 --> 1664.44] Please forgive me. +[1664.44 --> 1669.44] For when I've gone home, +[1669.44 --> 1674.44] Lord, I need you. +[1674.44 --> 1678.44] How I need you. +[1678.44 --> 1683.44] To awake my soul. +[1684.44 --> 1694.44] I don't know that the world can't burn and fan the flame, till nothing between us remains. +[1694.44 --> 1699.44] My life is an altar to you. +[1699.44 --> 1706.44] Breathe again, all the apers that burn in my heart. +[1706.44 --> 1708.44] A love taken back to the start. +[1708.44 --> 1710.44] My life is an altar to you. +[1710.44 --> 1712.44] My life is an altar to you. +[1712.44 --> 1714.44] My life is an altar to you. +[1714.44 --> 1716.44] My life is an altar to you. +[1716.44 --> 1717.44] surely a life can bear in your-, +[1717.44 --> 1726.44] what face, +[1726.44 --> 1727.44] how I... +[1727.44 --> 1729.44] or how You don't come with me. +[1729.44 --> 1731.44] I., youn, you, you, you, you, you, you. +[1731.44 --> 1733.44] I don't trust another much today, +[1733.44 --> 1735.44] so much as I feel for you. +[1735.44 --> 1744.08] And all the earth will shout your praise, our hearts will cry, these bones will sing, +[1744.08 --> 1749.96] Great are you, Lord? +[1752.46 --> 1761.38] And all the earth will shout your praise, our hearts will cry, these bones will sing, +[1761.38 --> 1768.94] Great are you, Lord? +[1769.60 --> 1778.36] And all the earth will shout your praise, our hearts will cry, these bones will sing, +[1778.74 --> 1784.10] Great are you, Lord? +[1784.10 --> 1791.94] Bless your eyes, your hands will let you pray, these bones worth gone, +[1792.32 --> 1794.32] Banzar is your name, we are you, Lord? +[1794.32 --> 1797.54] And all the earth will Saint, Bible says, +[1797.54 --> 1797.82] Our hearts will tell you, Lord, I will Heil who is and I will show you what you're doing here, +[1797.82 --> 1801.34] Amen. +[1801.80 --> 1803.98] Our hearts will classify, these bones will show you what you're doing here, +[1803.98 --> 1808.94] Whoseominions and the whole world have done? +[1808.94 --> 1812.10] Great are you, Lord, we pray, these God's good, I will say, theseため we pray, these mujer is worth six seconds, +[1812.10 --> 1820.98] Praise is your breath in our lungs, so we pour out our praise to you only. +[1820.98 --> 1845.98] I'm sorry, please forgive me, for when I'm gone cold, Lord I need you. +[1845.98 --> 1855.98] How I need you to awake my soul. +[1875.98 --> 1885.98] How I need you to awake my soul. +[1885.98 --> 1891.98] How I need you to awake my soul. +[1891.98 --> 1897.98] How I need you to awake my soul. +[1897.98 --> 1899.98] Thank you, amen. +[1899.98 --> 1901.98] Thank you. +[1901.98 --> 1911.98] Hope the goodness to do things you'reρη知 at them today. +[1911.98 --> 1927.98] My Savior lives, because He lives, I can face tomorrow, because He lives, all fear is known. +[1927.98 --> 1940.98] Because I know He knows the future, and life is worth the living just because He lives. +[1940.98 --> 1965.32] I'll speak to home, a newborn baby, and feel the pride and joy He gives, but greater still, the calm assurance, this child can face uncertain days. +[1965.32 --> 1980.32] Because I live, because He lives, I can face tomorrow, because He lives, all fear is known. +[1981.32 --> 1993.32] Because I know He knows the future, and life is worth the living just because He lives. +[1993.32 --> 2006.32] And then one day, I'll cross that river, I'll fight life's final war with pain. +[2006.32 --> 2020.32] And then as death gives way to victory, I'll see the lights of glory, and I'll know He lives. +[2020.32 --> 2034.32] Because He lives, I can face tomorrow, because He lives, all fear is known. +[2034.32 --> 2047.32] Because I know He holds the future, and life is worth the living just because He lives. +[2047.32 --> 2051.32] And life is worth the living just because He lives. +[2051.32 --> 2065.32] And life is worth the living just because He lives, all fear is worth the living just because He lives. +[2065.32 --> 2068.32] Good morning, my name is Mike, and I'm a deacon here at the church. +[2068.32 --> 2071.32] And we have an opportunity now to give of our financial gifts. +[2071.32 --> 2074.32] So today we're giving to New Ground Ministries. +[2074.32 --> 2080.32] It's actually a ministry of the CRC church, and it's tied to the Diaconal Ministries of Canada. +[2080.32 --> 2089.32] But what makes them especially special is their model is they help fund new ministries +[2089.32 --> 2093.32] and help come alongside like grassroots ministries that are kind of community focused. +[2093.32 --> 2100.32] So it's a national sort of little sub-organization that really helps get good new ministries off the ground. +[2100.32 --> 2107.32] But the piece that's really cool about them, I was involved with them for a couple of years, is they also offer coaching. +[2107.32 --> 2114.32] So they'll coach a new ministry or a new organization for about three years as they also provide funds to help them get started. +[2114.32 --> 2121.32] So look them up. You can look at the list of organizations they have helped get off the ground and are healthy today. +[2121.32 --> 2127.32] And we also actually have two members of our congregation that are committee members for the National Committee, +[2127.32 --> 2129.32] and that's Kim Prins and Ali Stam. +[2129.32 --> 2133.32] So if you have other questions about New Ground, I'm sure they'd love to fill you in. +[2133.32 --> 2135.32] Thank you for giving this morning. +[2151.32 --> 2158.32] Thank you. +[2158.32 --> 2163.32] Thank you. +[2163.32 --> 2166.32] Thank you. +[2166.32 --> 2171.14] Through your Holy Spirit +[2171.14 --> 2175.04] Conceiving Christ the Son +[2175.04 --> 2177.72] Jesus our Savior +[2177.72 --> 2183.14] I believe in all the water +[2183.14 --> 2186.40] I believe in Christ the Son +[2186.40 --> 2189.54] I believe in the Holy Spirit +[2189.54 --> 2192.64] For God is three in one +[2192.64 --> 2195.32] I believe in the resurrection +[2195.32 --> 2198.70] That we will rise again +[2198.70 --> 2204.30] For I believe in the name of Jesus +[2204.30 --> 2220.32] Our judge and our defender +[2220.32 --> 2223.40] Suffered and crucified +[2223.40 --> 2228.78] Forgiveness is in you +[2228.78 --> 2232.38] Descended into darkness +[2232.38 --> 2236.38] You rose in glorious light +[2236.78 --> 2240.78] Forever seated high +[2240.78 --> 2246.16] I believe in God our Father +[2246.16 --> 2248.76] I believe in Christ the Son +[2248.76 --> 2251.76] I believe in the Holy Spirit +[2251.76 --> 2255.16] Our God is three in one +[2255.16 --> 2258.16] I believe in the resurrection +[2258.16 --> 2263.54] That we will rise again +[2263.54 --> 2267.14] I believe in the name of Jesus +[2267.14 --> 2274.54] I believe in you +[2274.54 --> 2283.52] I believe in you +[2283.52 --> 2288.52] I believe in you +[2288.52 --> 2291.52] I believe in you +[2291.52 --> 2299.50] I believe in your soul +[2299.50 --> 2300.34] I believe in you +[2300.34 --> 2303.90] I believe in you +[2303.90 --> 2304.50] I believe in you +[2304.50 --> 2307.90] I believe in you +[2307.90 --> 2308.74] I believe in, you rose again +[2308.74 --> 2310.58] I believe in you +[2310.58 --> 2311.00] I believe in you +[2311.00 --> 2311.78] I believe in you +[2311.78 --> 2312.54] I believe in you +[2312.54 --> 2312.68] I believe in you +[2312.68 --> 2314.92] Christ is +[2314.92 --> 2315.98] Lord +[2315.98 --> 2322.96] I believe in +[2322.96 --> 2324.36] life eternal +[2324.36 --> 2326.78] I believe in the virgin +[2326.78 --> 2328.80] birth I believe +[2328.80 --> 2330.76] in the saints communion +[2330.76 --> 2332.64] and in your +[2332.64 --> 2334.26] holy church +[2334.26 --> 2336.96] I believe in the resurrection +[2336.96 --> 2338.66] when Jesus +[2338.66 --> 2340.42] comes again +[2340.42 --> 2342.42] for I believe +[2342.42 --> 2345.12] in the name of +[2345.12 --> 2346.04] Jesus +[2346.04 --> 2349.02] I believe in God our +[2349.02 --> 2350.98] Father I believe +[2350.98 --> 2352.82] in Christ the Son +[2352.82 --> 2354.94] I believe in the Holy +[2354.94 --> 2357.20] Spirit our God +[2357.20 --> 2359.10] is three and one +[2359.10 --> 2361.82] I believe in the resurrection +[2361.82 --> 2363.28] that we +[2363.28 --> 2365.28] will rise again +[2365.28 --> 2367.10] for I believe +[2367.10 --> 2369.20] in the name +[2369.20 --> 2370.96] of Jesus +[2370.96 --> 2373.58] for I believe +[2373.58 --> 2375.58] in the name +[2375.58 --> 2377.56] of Jesus +[2377.56 --> 2381.34] I believe in the Lord +[2381.34 --> 2383.12] I believe in the Holy +[2383.12 --> 2383.18] God +[2383.18 --> 2383.94] is three and one +[2383.94 --> 2385.26] I believe in the Holy +[2385.26 --> 2386.18] Spirit our God +[2386.18 --> 2387.04] is three and one +[2387.04 --> 2388.78] of the Holy +[2388.78 --> 2389.76] and one +[2389.76 --> 2390.32] of the Holy +[2390.32 --> 2390.94] good morning +[2390.94 --> 2391.88] I'd like to invite +[2391.88 --> 2392.96] any kids forward +[2392.96 --> 2394.32] who are age three +[2394.32 --> 2394.90] all the way up +[2394.90 --> 2395.80] to grade four +[2395.80 --> 2396.64] to join us +[2396.64 --> 2397.46] at the front here +[2397.46 --> 2398.18] for Kids Corner +[2398.18 --> 2399.44] and then we'll be +[2399.44 --> 2400.24] heading off +[2400.24 --> 2401.52] to continue our +[2401.52 --> 2402.76] worship and learning +[2402.76 --> 2403.98] in children's worship time +[2403.98 --> 2409.46] we're missing some +[2409.46 --> 2411.04] of our older girls +[2411.04 --> 2411.60] today because +[2411.60 --> 2412.80] they're at Gems Camp +[2412.80 --> 2413.40] for the weekend +[2413.40 --> 2414.02] maybe some of your +[2414.02 --> 2415.64] sisters or you notice +[2415.64 --> 2416.42] that they're not here +[2416.42 --> 2418.08] so I'm going to tell you +[2418.08 --> 2418.68] about something +[2418.68 --> 2420.02] that I did +[2420.02 --> 2420.58] on the weekend +[2420.58 --> 2422.32] I went to see +[2422.32 --> 2423.02] a play +[2423.02 --> 2424.18] and the play +[2424.18 --> 2425.46] was a musical +[2425.46 --> 2426.60] of Frozen +[2426.60 --> 2427.82] has anyone here +[2427.82 --> 2428.56] seen the movie +[2428.56 --> 2429.06] Frozen? +[2430.10 --> 2430.40] yeah? +[2430.68 --> 2431.32] you know a little bit +[2431.32 --> 2431.74] about Frozen? +[2431.74 --> 2432.20] great +[2432.20 --> 2433.04] I'm wondering +[2433.04 --> 2433.58] who are some +[2433.58 --> 2434.32] of your favorite +[2434.32 --> 2436.12] characters in Frozen +[2436.12 --> 2436.84] who do you really +[2436.84 --> 2437.80] like watching? +[2439.08 --> 2439.60] Elsa +[2439.60 --> 2441.94] Kristoff +[2441.94 --> 2444.02] Olaf +[2444.02 --> 2445.80] Elsa +[2445.80 --> 2446.82] Everly +[2446.82 --> 2447.98] Elsa +[2447.98 --> 2448.98] those are really +[2448.98 --> 2449.98] lovable people +[2449.98 --> 2450.16] right? +[2450.22 --> 2450.98] those are the characters +[2450.98 --> 2451.76] that we all like +[2451.76 --> 2452.82] Olaf's so funny +[2452.82 --> 2453.90] of course we like him +[2453.90 --> 2454.94] I really like Sven +[2454.94 --> 2456.06] and the way he talks +[2456.06 --> 2457.96] but yesterday +[2457.96 --> 2458.56] when we were +[2458.56 --> 2459.60] at this musical +[2459.60 --> 2460.92] when Elsa was +[2460.92 --> 2462.06] singing her song +[2462.06 --> 2463.06] and when Anna +[2463.06 --> 2464.76] was being herself +[2464.76 --> 2465.76] and Olaf was doing +[2465.76 --> 2466.58] his little jokes +[2466.58 --> 2467.48] everyone laughed +[2467.48 --> 2468.56] but there was +[2468.56 --> 2469.14] someone else +[2469.14 --> 2470.30] in the play +[2470.30 --> 2471.92] and toward the end +[2471.92 --> 2472.24] of the movie +[2472.24 --> 2472.94] he did something +[2472.94 --> 2474.10] that was really mean +[2474.10 --> 2475.82] Hans +[2475.82 --> 2476.60] yeah +[2476.60 --> 2477.92] and do you know +[2477.92 --> 2478.68] what people did +[2478.68 --> 2479.54] when Hans +[2479.54 --> 2481.16] was at the +[2481.16 --> 2482.00] kind of at the end +[2482.00 --> 2482.80] when he was saying +[2482.80 --> 2483.78] that he didn't +[2483.78 --> 2484.86] actually love Anna +[2484.86 --> 2485.24] do you know +[2485.24 --> 2485.78] what they did? +[2486.36 --> 2487.38] the whole audience +[2487.38 --> 2487.82] went +[2487.82 --> 2488.92] boo +[2488.92 --> 2492.96] they booed him +[2492.96 --> 2493.38] do you know +[2493.38 --> 2494.20] why they booed him? +[2495.00 --> 2495.80] well because he's +[2495.80 --> 2497.02] kind of hard to like +[2497.02 --> 2497.60] right? +[2497.72 --> 2498.74] he's not very nice +[2498.74 --> 2500.78] he doesn't do +[2500.78 --> 2501.50] kind things +[2501.50 --> 2502.12] to other people +[2502.12 --> 2503.04] and he tricks Anna +[2503.04 --> 2503.30] right? +[2503.36 --> 2504.32] and it's hard to like him +[2504.32 --> 2505.66] so today +[2505.66 --> 2506.54] in children's worship +[2506.54 --> 2507.26] what we're going to +[2507.26 --> 2507.78] talk about +[2507.78 --> 2508.74] is that God +[2508.74 --> 2509.62] wants us to love +[2509.62 --> 2510.66] people who are +[2510.66 --> 2511.68] hard to love +[2511.68 --> 2513.52] people like Hans +[2513.52 --> 2514.70] who might be hard to love +[2514.70 --> 2515.56] so we're going to +[2515.56 --> 2515.92] think about +[2515.92 --> 2516.54] what that means +[2516.54 --> 2517.20] for us +[2517.20 --> 2518.00] and our life +[2518.00 --> 2518.76] and how we love +[2518.76 --> 2519.70] those around us +[2519.70 --> 2520.98] so I'd like to +[2520.98 --> 2522.20] invite you to stand up +[2522.20 --> 2522.82] and we're going to +[2522.82 --> 2523.66] do the children's +[2523.66 --> 2524.00] blessing +[2524.00 --> 2525.42] and then head off +[2547.20 --> 2563.40] good morning +[2563.40 --> 2564.64] I'm Steve +[2564.64 --> 2565.22] an elder here +[2565.22 --> 2566.36] and I have the pleasure +[2566.36 --> 2567.48] of leading +[2567.48 --> 2569.02] prayer this morning +[2569.02 --> 2570.56] let's pray +[2570.56 --> 2573.54] ever faithful +[2573.54 --> 2575.20] resurrecting God +[2575.20 --> 2575.64] and Father +[2575.64 --> 2577.12] we thank you +[2577.12 --> 2578.32] for being our God +[2578.32 --> 2579.30] and calling us +[2579.30 --> 2579.88] into communion +[2579.88 --> 2580.38] with you +[2580.38 --> 2582.32] thank you for giving us +[2582.32 --> 2583.04] prayer +[2583.04 --> 2584.18] as a way to communicate +[2584.18 --> 2585.38] a way to praise +[2585.38 --> 2586.26] praise you +[2586.26 --> 2588.06] to confess our shortcomings +[2588.06 --> 2589.72] to give you thanks +[2589.72 --> 2591.00] a way to petition +[2591.00 --> 2591.66] and claim +[2591.66 --> 2592.48] your promises +[2592.48 --> 2594.40] and a way to ask you +[2594.40 --> 2595.00] to intercede +[2595.00 --> 2595.60] in our lives +[2595.60 --> 2596.50] in the lives +[2596.50 --> 2596.98] of others +[2596.98 --> 2598.40] you are the one +[2598.40 --> 2599.36] constant in life +[2599.36 --> 2601.82] Lord you are the creator +[2601.82 --> 2602.94] the one who shapes +[2602.94 --> 2604.14] and molds all things +[2604.14 --> 2605.56] and the one who gives us +[2605.56 --> 2606.56] purpose and meaning +[2606.56 --> 2608.26] help us to recognize +[2608.26 --> 2609.80] that we need to be +[2609.80 --> 2610.82] reconciled with you +[2610.82 --> 2611.54] before we are +[2611.54 --> 2613.28] able to fully reconcile +[2613.28 --> 2614.14] with one another +[2614.14 --> 2616.40] work in our hearts +[2616.40 --> 2617.18] and shape us +[2617.18 --> 2618.02] through the work +[2618.02 --> 2618.94] of the Holy Spirit +[2618.94 --> 2620.02] a shaping +[2620.02 --> 2620.86] that never seems +[2620.86 --> 2621.92] to be easy +[2621.92 --> 2622.46] to endure +[2622.46 --> 2623.64] or understand +[2623.64 --> 2625.46] Lord we confess +[2625.46 --> 2626.38] that we resist +[2626.38 --> 2627.10] being shaped +[2627.10 --> 2628.32] through life's +[2628.32 --> 2628.96] circumstances +[2628.96 --> 2629.74] and the works +[2629.74 --> 2630.14] and gifts +[2630.14 --> 2631.00] of the Holy Spirit +[2631.00 --> 2632.72] instead we allow +[2632.72 --> 2633.56] our egos to get +[2633.56 --> 2633.96] in the way +[2633.96 --> 2635.08] and allow ourselves +[2635.08 --> 2635.68] to be shaped +[2635.68 --> 2637.14] by the many external +[2637.14 --> 2638.14] influences of the world +[2638.14 --> 2638.76] around us +[2638.76 --> 2640.28] we confess +[2640.28 --> 2641.38] that rather being shaped +[2641.38 --> 2642.12] by your teachings +[2642.12 --> 2642.88] and instructions +[2642.88 --> 2644.22] and by the gifts +[2644.22 --> 2644.78] and talents +[2644.78 --> 2645.84] that you give each of us +[2645.84 --> 2647.14] we look to the world +[2647.14 --> 2647.68] around us +[2647.68 --> 2648.46] for affirmation +[2648.46 --> 2648.88] and meaning +[2648.88 --> 2650.72] we often aimlessly +[2650.72 --> 2652.28] follow each new trend +[2652.28 --> 2653.50] we confess +[2653.50 --> 2654.32] that we would rather +[2654.32 --> 2655.64] walk the smooth path +[2655.64 --> 2656.40] than to endure +[2656.40 --> 2657.66] struggles and temptations +[2657.66 --> 2658.96] we confess +[2658.96 --> 2660.18] that we easily +[2660.18 --> 2660.74] complain +[2660.74 --> 2661.60] when faced +[2661.60 --> 2662.22] with difficulties +[2662.22 --> 2663.32] rather than +[2663.32 --> 2664.20] follow the example +[2664.20 --> 2665.10] set by your son +[2665.10 --> 2666.36] we confess +[2666.36 --> 2667.20] that we often +[2667.20 --> 2667.74] lose sight +[2667.74 --> 2668.32] of what is really +[2668.32 --> 2668.78] important +[2668.78 --> 2669.90] forgive us father +[2669.90 --> 2671.52] open our eyes +[2671.52 --> 2672.06] and our hearts +[2672.06 --> 2672.76] to your plan +[2672.76 --> 2673.22] and purpose +[2673.22 --> 2673.80] in our lives +[2673.80 --> 2674.64] fill us with +[2674.64 --> 2675.22] your blessings +[2675.22 --> 2678.06] thank you for love +[2678.06 --> 2679.26] for not only +[2679.26 --> 2679.92] the outpouring +[2679.92 --> 2680.56] of your love +[2680.56 --> 2681.42] but also the love +[2681.42 --> 2682.40] of family and friends +[2682.40 --> 2683.10] and the acts +[2683.10 --> 2683.50] of love +[2683.50 --> 2684.54] and kindness +[2684.54 --> 2685.20] shown to +[2685.20 --> 2686.80] and by others +[2686.80 --> 2687.80] thank you +[2687.80 --> 2688.86] for your all sufficient +[2688.86 --> 2690.00] grace in our lives +[2690.00 --> 2690.90] help us to be +[2690.90 --> 2691.76] living examples +[2691.76 --> 2693.44] showing kindness +[2693.44 --> 2694.00] goodness +[2694.00 --> 2694.72] faithfulness +[2694.72 --> 2695.28] gentleness +[2695.28 --> 2696.36] and self-control +[2696.36 --> 2698.64] lord we know +[2698.64 --> 2699.40] that we are called +[2699.40 --> 2699.96] to action +[2699.96 --> 2701.20] to express our faith +[2701.20 --> 2702.00] in all we do +[2702.00 --> 2704.04] we do not fully +[2704.04 --> 2705.48] know or understand +[2705.48 --> 2706.02] your will +[2706.02 --> 2706.62] and our plan +[2706.62 --> 2707.46] for our lives +[2707.46 --> 2708.46] but teach us +[2708.46 --> 2708.92] to trust +[2708.92 --> 2709.56] and obey you +[2709.56 --> 2710.96] help us to hear +[2710.96 --> 2711.74] your call +[2711.74 --> 2713.72] for our lives +[2713.72 --> 2714.48] and move forward +[2714.48 --> 2715.00] in faith +[2715.00 --> 2716.96] lord we thank you +[2716.96 --> 2717.46] for allowing +[2717.46 --> 2718.12] to bring us +[2718.12 --> 2719.56] our petitions +[2719.56 --> 2719.96] to you +[2719.96 --> 2720.58] we pray +[2720.58 --> 2721.94] for the ongoing +[2721.94 --> 2722.70] issues +[2722.70 --> 2723.62] around our globe +[2723.62 --> 2724.68] we think of wars +[2724.68 --> 2725.38] and conflicts +[2725.38 --> 2726.92] in many regions +[2726.92 --> 2728.86] we pray for our leaders +[2728.86 --> 2730.34] provide them wisdom +[2730.34 --> 2731.20] and discernment +[2731.20 --> 2733.04] we pray for those +[2733.04 --> 2734.10] affected by poverty +[2734.10 --> 2734.62] and hungry +[2734.62 --> 2736.36] and the hungry +[2736.36 --> 2738.08] in both the poor nations +[2738.08 --> 2739.16] and the rich nations +[2739.16 --> 2739.80] of our world +[2739.80 --> 2741.42] help us +[2741.42 --> 2742.94] who are +[2742.94 --> 2744.52] who are more fortunate +[2744.52 --> 2745.68] not to close our eyes +[2745.68 --> 2746.12] or ears +[2746.12 --> 2746.74] to the calls +[2746.74 --> 2747.18] for help +[2747.18 --> 2750.72] in our own church +[2750.72 --> 2751.18] community +[2751.18 --> 2752.50] we pray for the +[2752.50 --> 2753.20] GEMS ministry +[2753.20 --> 2753.94] and the leaders +[2753.94 --> 2754.46] and the girls +[2754.46 --> 2755.08] that are at camp +[2755.08 --> 2755.60] this weekend +[2755.60 --> 2756.62] we pray they've had +[2756.62 --> 2757.28] a great time +[2757.28 --> 2757.90] of fellowship +[2757.90 --> 2758.40] and fun +[2758.40 --> 2760.56] with much gratitude +[2760.56 --> 2761.34] we thank God +[2761.34 --> 2761.80] for the healing +[2761.80 --> 2762.56] of John Koenig +[2762.56 --> 2764.20] from stage 4 melanoma +[2764.20 --> 2764.88] we pray that +[2764.88 --> 2765.74] for John +[2765.74 --> 2766.44] as he adjusts +[2766.44 --> 2767.32] for all the side effects +[2767.32 --> 2767.96] of the treatment +[2767.96 --> 2769.72] he just endured +[2769.72 --> 2770.76] and works towards +[2770.76 --> 2771.20] regaining +[2771.20 --> 2772.28] his overall health +[2772.28 --> 2774.36] we are thankful +[2774.36 --> 2775.56] that Judy Dykstra +[2775.56 --> 2776.24] is back home +[2776.24 --> 2776.80] and recovering +[2776.80 --> 2780.08] we pray for Ryland +[2780.08 --> 2781.44] and Laura Benny +[2781.44 --> 2782.20] as they lost +[2782.20 --> 2783.22] their young baby boy +[2783.22 --> 2783.84] Jack +[2783.84 --> 2785.66] we pray for comfort +[2785.66 --> 2786.46] for this family +[2786.46 --> 2787.58] during this time +[2787.58 --> 2788.52] of immense loss +[2788.52 --> 2790.92] we pray for comfort +[2790.92 --> 2792.06] for Grace Vanderdeen +[2792.06 --> 2792.68] as her mom +[2792.68 --> 2793.70] passed away +[2793.70 --> 2795.20] this past week +[2795.20 --> 2796.38] and we pray +[2796.38 --> 2797.02] for the family +[2797.02 --> 2797.78] of Amy Kahn +[2797.78 --> 2799.10] who passed away +[2799.10 --> 2799.98] several weeks ago +[2799.98 --> 2802.00] may the peace of Christ +[2802.00 --> 2802.98] be near these families +[2802.98 --> 2803.70] during this time +[2803.70 --> 2804.20] of loss +[2804.20 --> 2808.26] be with all those +[2808.26 --> 2808.88] that are suffering +[2808.88 --> 2809.42] and struggling +[2809.42 --> 2810.18] and help us +[2810.18 --> 2810.84] to reach out +[2810.84 --> 2812.66] to provide assistance +[2812.66 --> 2813.60] and a listening ear +[2813.60 --> 2814.76] we pray for healing +[2814.76 --> 2815.34] and restoration +[2815.34 --> 2816.44] for those we know +[2816.44 --> 2817.12] about +[2817.12 --> 2817.94] and those who are +[2817.94 --> 2818.94] suffering in silence +[2818.94 --> 2820.80] and we pray +[2820.80 --> 2821.38] for the wisdom +[2821.38 --> 2821.92] and guidance +[2821.92 --> 2823.20] as we finalize +[2823.20 --> 2824.16] our nominations +[2824.16 --> 2825.50] for our new +[2825.50 --> 2826.18] office bearers +[2826.18 --> 2826.88] for the coming year +[2826.88 --> 2829.16] this morning +[2829.16 --> 2829.64] we pray +[2829.64 --> 2830.38] that you be with +[2830.38 --> 2830.98] Pastor Chris +[2830.98 --> 2831.90] as he leads us +[2831.90 --> 2834.02] Lord we thank you +[2834.02 --> 2834.66] for his willingness +[2834.66 --> 2835.64] to share his gifts +[2835.64 --> 2836.88] with us here at Emmanuel +[2836.88 --> 2837.60] and we ask that you +[2837.60 --> 2838.00] bless him +[2838.00 --> 2838.52] in his message +[2838.52 --> 2839.06] this morning +[2839.06 --> 2840.72] we pray all this +[2840.72 --> 2842.46] in the name of Jesus Christ +[2842.46 --> 2844.08] your son +[2844.08 --> 2845.18] our Lord and Savior +[2845.18 --> 2846.24] Amen +[2846.24 --> 2865.98] to pick up +[2865.98 --> 2867.84] in essence +[2867.84 --> 2868.36] from where +[2868.36 --> 2869.62] Nikki brought us +[2869.62 --> 2870.86] I'll do my best +[2870.86 --> 2871.62] this morning +[2871.62 --> 2873.44] to leave +[2873.44 --> 2874.48] where you're +[2874.48 --> 2875.16] you're not +[2875.16 --> 2875.78] booing me +[2875.78 --> 2876.38] off stage +[2876.38 --> 2880.54] as we dig +[2880.54 --> 2881.22] into our text +[2881.22 --> 2881.68] this morning +[2881.68 --> 2882.78] we're going to read +[2882.78 --> 2884.34] from Romans 15 +[2884.34 --> 2885.84] 1 through 13 +[2885.84 --> 2888.08] and let me just +[2888.08 --> 2888.68] sort of set +[2888.68 --> 2889.74] the stage +[2889.74 --> 2890.16] because +[2890.16 --> 2892.16] we come into +[2892.16 --> 2892.70] this +[2892.70 --> 2893.60] recognizing +[2893.60 --> 2895.84] that we all +[2895.84 --> 2896.80] know people +[2896.80 --> 2897.92] but none of us +[2897.92 --> 2898.88] are those people +[2898.88 --> 2900.72] who are +[2900.72 --> 2902.04] disagreeable +[2902.04 --> 2904.94] someone got it +[2904.94 --> 2905.46] over there +[2905.46 --> 2907.04] right +[2907.04 --> 2907.52] we all know +[2907.52 --> 2908.36] people who +[2908.36 --> 2909.44] seems like +[2909.44 --> 2910.32] they want to +[2910.32 --> 2911.62] argue everything +[2911.62 --> 2912.04] you say +[2912.04 --> 2912.94] just for the sake +[2912.94 --> 2913.42] of arguing +[2913.42 --> 2914.34] everything you say +[2914.34 --> 2916.60] and I'll be honest +[2916.60 --> 2919.06] it's kind of fun +[2919.06 --> 2920.96] I'm kind of that +[2920.96 --> 2921.72] guy sometimes +[2921.72 --> 2922.60] I enjoy +[2922.60 --> 2923.74] a good argument +[2923.74 --> 2925.46] I enjoy +[2925.46 --> 2926.54] a hard +[2926.54 --> 2927.44] discussion +[2927.44 --> 2931.00] but what +[2931.00 --> 2931.98] happens +[2931.98 --> 2933.26] and again +[2933.26 --> 2933.84] this doesn't +[2933.84 --> 2934.38] happen here +[2934.38 --> 2936.10] when there are +[2936.10 --> 2936.58] people +[2936.58 --> 2938.06] who +[2938.06 --> 2939.62] seem to +[2939.62 --> 2940.28] thrive +[2940.28 --> 2941.92] in fostering +[2941.92 --> 2942.70] disunity +[2942.70 --> 2946.12] what happens +[2946.12 --> 2947.18] when there's +[2947.18 --> 2947.92] a group +[2947.92 --> 2948.78] that is +[2948.78 --> 2949.26] being +[2949.26 --> 2950.18] torn apart +[2950.18 --> 2952.12] by +[2952.12 --> 2952.74] people +[2952.74 --> 2953.38] who +[2953.38 --> 2954.86] for one +[2954.86 --> 2955.28] reason +[2955.28 --> 2955.98] or another +[2955.98 --> 2956.72] sometimes +[2956.72 --> 2958.08] more legitimate +[2958.08 --> 2958.70] than other +[2958.70 --> 2959.28] times +[2959.28 --> 2960.80] want to +[2960.80 --> 2961.22] tear that +[2961.22 --> 2961.60] community +[2961.60 --> 2962.00] apart +[2962.00 --> 2964.60] this text +[2964.60 --> 2964.98] is the +[2964.98 --> 2965.40] answer +[2965.40 --> 2966.56] I believe +[2966.56 --> 2967.46] to that +[2967.46 --> 2969.02] so I'm +[2969.02 --> 2969.48] going to read +[2969.48 --> 2971.24] Romans 15 +[2971.24 --> 2972.38] verses 1 +[2972.38 --> 2973.24] through 13 +[2973.24 --> 2974.32] together +[2974.32 --> 2975.74] now in many +[2975.74 --> 2976.04] ways +[2976.04 --> 2977.02] if you are +[2977.02 --> 2977.34] a guest +[2977.34 --> 2977.78] with us +[2977.78 --> 2978.42] this text +[2978.42 --> 2979.12] picks up +[2979.12 --> 2979.56] in a +[2979.56 --> 2980.28] longer +[2980.28 --> 2981.04] conversation +[2981.04 --> 2981.48] we've been +[2981.48 --> 2981.96] having for +[2981.96 --> 2982.32] the last +[2982.32 --> 2982.94] few weeks +[2982.94 --> 2983.78] I'll do +[2983.78 --> 2984.06] a little +[2984.06 --> 2984.46] bit to +[2984.46 --> 2984.92] recap +[2984.92 --> 2986.80] but +[2986.80 --> 2987.38] just +[2987.38 --> 2987.82] recognize +[2987.82 --> 2988.16] that we're +[2988.16 --> 2988.42] starting +[2988.42 --> 2991.64] mid story +[2991.64 --> 2992.16] or mid +[2992.16 --> 2992.58] stream +[2992.58 --> 2993.82] in chapter +[2993.82 --> 2994.30] 15 +[2994.30 --> 2994.90] you might +[2994.90 --> 2995.16] even be +[2995.16 --> 2995.42] able to +[2995.42 --> 2995.96] see that +[2995.96 --> 2996.94] based on +[2996.94 --> 2997.50] the translation +[2997.50 --> 2997.98] you're reading +[2997.98 --> 2998.24] from +[2998.24 --> 2998.54] that there's +[2998.54 --> 2998.92] no new +[2998.92 --> 2999.24] heading +[2999.24 --> 3000.08] there +[3000.08 --> 3000.54] so +[3000.54 --> 3001.04] here we +[3001.04 --> 3001.28] go +[3001.28 --> 3003.52] we who +[3003.52 --> 3004.30] are strong +[3004.30 --> 3004.96] ought to +[3004.96 --> 3005.44] bear with +[3005.44 --> 3006.08] the failings +[3006.08 --> 3006.40] of the +[3006.40 --> 3006.78] weak +[3006.78 --> 3007.66] and not +[3007.66 --> 3008.28] please +[3008.28 --> 3008.74] ourselves +[3008.74 --> 3010.62] each of +[3010.62 --> 3011.16] us should +[3011.16 --> 3011.74] please our +[3011.74 --> 3012.08] neighbors +[3012.08 --> 3013.04] for their +[3013.04 --> 3013.54] good +[3013.54 --> 3014.46] to build +[3014.46 --> 3014.90] them +[3014.90 --> 3015.22] up +[3015.22 --> 3017.12] for even +[3017.12 --> 3017.66] Christ +[3017.66 --> 3018.26] did not +[3018.26 --> 3018.64] please +[3018.64 --> 3019.18] himself +[3019.18 --> 3020.06] but as +[3020.06 --> 3020.42] it is +[3020.42 --> 3020.66] written +[3020.66 --> 3021.90] the insults +[3021.90 --> 3022.44] of those +[3022.44 --> 3023.14] who insult +[3023.14 --> 3023.48] you +[3023.48 --> 3024.20] have fallen +[3024.20 --> 3024.88] on me +[3024.88 --> 3026.88] for everything +[3026.88 --> 3027.40] that was +[3027.40 --> 3027.88] written in +[3027.88 --> 3028.40] the past +[3028.40 --> 3028.88] was written +[3028.88 --> 3029.46] to teach +[3029.46 --> 3029.84] us +[3029.84 --> 3030.60] so that +[3030.60 --> 3031.24] through the +[3031.24 --> 3031.82] endurance +[3031.82 --> 3032.40] taught in +[3032.40 --> 3032.88] the scriptures +[3032.88 --> 3033.62] and the +[3033.62 --> 3034.16] encouragement +[3034.16 --> 3035.02] they provide +[3035.02 --> 3035.86] we might +[3035.86 --> 3036.40] have +[3036.40 --> 3037.14] hope +[3037.14 --> 3039.82] may the +[3039.82 --> 3040.34] God who +[3040.34 --> 3040.80] gives +[3040.80 --> 3041.36] endurance +[3041.36 --> 3041.92] and +[3041.92 --> 3042.60] encouragement +[3042.60 --> 3043.58] give you +[3043.58 --> 3044.20] the same +[3044.20 --> 3044.72] attitude +[3044.72 --> 3045.62] of mind +[3045.62 --> 3046.48] toward each +[3046.48 --> 3046.82] other +[3046.82 --> 3047.80] that Christ +[3047.80 --> 3048.72] Jesus had +[3048.72 --> 3049.70] so that +[3049.70 --> 3050.28] with one +[3050.28 --> 3050.78] mind +[3050.78 --> 3051.34] and one +[3051.34 --> 3051.80] voice +[3051.80 --> 3052.26] you may +[3052.26 --> 3053.12] glorify +[3053.12 --> 3053.84] the God +[3053.84 --> 3054.42] and Father +[3054.42 --> 3055.08] of our +[3055.08 --> 3055.46] Lord +[3055.46 --> 3055.90] Jesus +[3055.90 --> 3056.48] Christ +[3056.48 --> 3058.82] accept +[3058.82 --> 3059.54] one another +[3059.54 --> 3060.06] then +[3060.06 --> 3061.04] just as +[3061.04 --> 3061.40] Christ +[3061.40 --> 3061.94] accepted +[3061.94 --> 3062.32] you +[3062.32 --> 3063.00] in order +[3063.00 --> 3063.40] to bring +[3063.40 --> 3063.92] praise +[3063.92 --> 3064.48] to God +[3064.48 --> 3065.80] for I +[3065.80 --> 3066.26] tell you +[3066.26 --> 3066.82] that Christ +[3066.82 --> 3067.44] has become +[3067.44 --> 3067.98] a servant +[3067.98 --> 3068.70] of the Jews +[3068.70 --> 3069.32] on behalf +[3069.32 --> 3069.90] of God's +[3069.90 --> 3070.18] truth +[3070.18 --> 3070.84] so that +[3070.84 --> 3071.42] the promises +[3071.42 --> 3071.96] made +[3071.96 --> 3072.34] to the +[3072.34 --> 3073.10] patriarchs +[3073.10 --> 3073.84] might be +[3073.84 --> 3074.40] confirmed +[3074.40 --> 3075.66] and moreover +[3075.66 --> 3076.24] that the +[3076.24 --> 3076.92] Gentiles +[3076.92 --> 3077.94] might glorify +[3077.94 --> 3078.42] God +[3078.42 --> 3078.88] for his +[3078.88 --> 3079.26] mercy +[3079.26 --> 3080.54] as it +[3080.54 --> 3080.90] is written +[3080.90 --> 3081.92] therefore +[3081.92 --> 3082.50] I will +[3082.50 --> 3083.26] praise you +[3083.26 --> 3083.72] among +[3083.72 --> 3084.52] the Gentiles +[3084.52 --> 3085.14] I will +[3085.14 --> 3085.56] sing the +[3085.56 --> 3085.90] praises +[3085.90 --> 3086.40] of your +[3086.40 --> 3086.70] name +[3086.70 --> 3087.90] again +[3087.90 --> 3088.38] it says +[3088.38 --> 3088.86] rejoice +[3088.86 --> 3089.80] you Gentiles +[3089.80 --> 3090.28] with his +[3090.28 --> 3090.70] people +[3090.70 --> 3091.48] and again +[3091.48 --> 3092.10] praise the +[3092.10 --> 3092.42] Lord +[3092.42 --> 3092.98] all you +[3092.98 --> 3093.52] Gentiles +[3093.52 --> 3093.96] let all +[3093.96 --> 3094.54] the peoples +[3094.54 --> 3095.68] extol him +[3095.68 --> 3096.20] and again +[3096.20 --> 3097.08] Isaiah says +[3097.08 --> 3097.82] the root +[3097.82 --> 3098.38] of Jesse +[3098.38 --> 3099.10] will spring +[3099.10 --> 3099.32] up +[3099.32 --> 3099.94] one who +[3099.94 --> 3100.72] will arise +[3100.72 --> 3101.28] to rule +[3101.28 --> 3101.78] over the +[3101.78 --> 3102.20] nations +[3102.20 --> 3103.12] in him +[3103.12 --> 3104.20] the Gentiles +[3104.20 --> 3104.94] will hope +[3104.94 --> 3107.32] may the +[3107.32 --> 3107.96] God of +[3107.96 --> 3108.38] hope +[3108.38 --> 3109.28] fill you +[3109.28 --> 3109.80] with all +[3109.80 --> 3110.28] joy +[3110.28 --> 3111.02] and peace +[3111.02 --> 3111.46] as you +[3111.46 --> 3111.94] trust +[3111.94 --> 3113.28] in him +[3113.28 --> 3113.88] so that +[3113.88 --> 3114.28] you may +[3114.28 --> 3114.90] overflow +[3114.90 --> 3116.02] with hope +[3116.02 --> 3116.70] by the +[3116.70 --> 3117.14] power +[3117.14 --> 3117.96] of the +[3117.96 --> 3118.32] Holy +[3118.32 --> 3119.02] Spirit +[3119.02 --> 3120.58] this is +[3120.58 --> 3120.86] the word +[3120.86 --> 3121.06] of the +[3121.06 --> 3121.30] Lord +[3121.30 --> 3128.42] and so +[3128.42 --> 3129.02] I hope +[3129.02 --> 3129.60] that it +[3129.60 --> 3130.26] is +[3130.26 --> 3131.16] abundantly +[3131.16 --> 3131.56] clear +[3131.56 --> 3132.28] even on +[3132.28 --> 3132.94] the first +[3132.94 --> 3133.76] reading +[3133.76 --> 3135.52] but this +[3135.52 --> 3136.16] text +[3136.16 --> 3137.74] is about +[3137.74 --> 3138.48] what our +[3138.48 --> 3139.16] unity +[3139.16 --> 3139.92] together +[3139.92 --> 3141.30] looks like +[3141.30 --> 3141.68] and how +[3141.68 --> 3142.16] it is +[3142.16 --> 3143.12] expressed +[3143.12 --> 3144.90] and what I +[3144.90 --> 3145.12] want to +[3145.12 --> 3145.78] suggest to +[3145.78 --> 3146.18] you +[3146.18 --> 3146.80] out of +[3146.80 --> 3147.60] chapter 15 +[3147.60 --> 3148.26] in connection +[3148.26 --> 3148.74] to this +[3148.74 --> 3149.66] larger story +[3149.66 --> 3151.14] that we've +[3151.14 --> 3151.54] been living +[3151.54 --> 3151.92] in +[3151.92 --> 3153.46] that maturity +[3153.46 --> 3154.62] in the +[3154.62 --> 3155.12] gospel +[3155.12 --> 3156.28] builds +[3156.28 --> 3157.14] unity +[3157.14 --> 3158.02] around +[3158.02 --> 3158.76] the gospel +[3158.76 --> 3160.96] that's the +[3160.96 --> 3161.84] big idea +[3161.84 --> 3162.28] or the +[3162.28 --> 3162.90] theme +[3162.90 --> 3163.54] for this +[3163.54 --> 3163.80] morning +[3163.80 --> 3164.32] maturity +[3164.32 --> 3165.18] in the +[3165.18 --> 3165.56] gospel +[3165.56 --> 3166.04] builds +[3166.04 --> 3166.68] unity +[3166.68 --> 3167.80] around +[3167.80 --> 3168.80] the gospel +[3168.80 --> 3170.92] chapters +[3170.92 --> 3171.88] 14 +[3171.88 --> 3172.72] this +[3172.72 --> 3173.16] first +[3173.16 --> 3173.50] part +[3173.50 --> 3173.72] of +[3173.72 --> 3174.08] chapter +[3174.08 --> 3174.62] 15 +[3174.62 --> 3176.26] about +[3176.26 --> 3177.00] what it +[3177.00 --> 3177.78] looks like +[3177.78 --> 3178.60] to +[3178.60 --> 3179.58] mature +[3179.58 --> 3180.64] in the +[3180.64 --> 3181.06] gospel +[3181.06 --> 3182.56] right +[3182.56 --> 3182.94] Paul +[3182.94 --> 3183.54] has been +[3183.54 --> 3184.50] contrasting +[3184.50 --> 3185.22] his language +[3185.22 --> 3185.80] is the +[3185.80 --> 3186.14] weaker +[3186.14 --> 3186.60] brother +[3186.60 --> 3187.26] or sister +[3187.26 --> 3188.42] with the +[3188.42 --> 3189.22] stronger +[3189.22 --> 3189.76] brother +[3189.76 --> 3190.48] or sister +[3190.48 --> 3191.62] and what +[3191.62 --> 3192.14] we've said +[3192.14 --> 3192.62] is what that +[3192.62 --> 3193.32] really means +[3193.32 --> 3194.04] those who +[3194.04 --> 3194.88] are less +[3194.88 --> 3195.42] mature +[3195.42 --> 3196.34] in faith +[3196.34 --> 3196.92] and those +[3196.92 --> 3197.24] who are +[3197.24 --> 3197.66] more +[3197.66 --> 3198.18] mature +[3198.18 --> 3198.94] in the +[3198.94 --> 3199.28] faith +[3199.28 --> 3200.74] and we've +[3200.74 --> 3201.18] defined +[3201.18 --> 3201.60] this +[3201.60 --> 3202.30] maturity +[3202.30 --> 3203.46] as +[3203.46 --> 3204.16] allowing +[3204.16 --> 3205.08] the +[3205.08 --> 3205.78] scope +[3205.78 --> 3206.32] of the +[3206.32 --> 3206.74] gospel +[3206.74 --> 3207.18] to +[3207.18 --> 3208.12] pervade +[3208.12 --> 3208.70] every +[3208.70 --> 3209.32] corner +[3209.32 --> 3209.94] of +[3209.94 --> 3210.74] our +[3210.74 --> 3211.34] hearts +[3211.34 --> 3212.28] and lives +[3212.28 --> 3214.26] that +[3214.26 --> 3214.72] means +[3214.72 --> 3215.10] then +[3215.10 --> 3215.28] that +[3215.28 --> 3215.52] the +[3215.52 --> 3216.18] truths +[3216.18 --> 3216.74] of who +[3216.74 --> 3217.04] God +[3217.04 --> 3217.56] is +[3217.56 --> 3218.08] the +[3218.08 --> 3218.58] truth +[3218.58 --> 3218.88] about +[3218.88 --> 3219.12] what +[3219.12 --> 3219.28] he +[3219.28 --> 3219.46] has +[3219.46 --> 3219.84] done +[3219.84 --> 3220.10] in +[3220.10 --> 3220.54] Christ +[3220.54 --> 3221.00] Jesus +[3221.00 --> 3221.56] and +[3221.56 --> 3221.76] how +[3221.76 --> 3222.04] we +[3222.04 --> 3222.26] have +[3222.26 --> 3222.44] been +[3222.44 --> 3223.26] reconciled +[3223.26 --> 3223.42] to +[3223.42 --> 3223.82] God +[3223.82 --> 3224.22] through +[3224.22 --> 3224.70] Jesus +[3224.70 --> 3225.24] life +[3225.24 --> 3225.86] death +[3225.86 --> 3226.14] and +[3226.14 --> 3226.68] resurrection +[3226.68 --> 3227.68] those +[3227.68 --> 3229.02] realities +[3229.02 --> 3229.62] have +[3229.62 --> 3230.34] changed +[3230.34 --> 3231.06] everything +[3231.06 --> 3231.66] about +[3231.66 --> 3231.90] our +[3231.90 --> 3232.42] perception +[3232.42 --> 3232.88] of +[3232.88 --> 3233.08] and +[3233.08 --> 3233.58] experience +[3233.58 --> 3234.14] of +[3234.14 --> 3235.04] reality +[3235.04 --> 3235.76] in the +[3235.76 --> 3236.08] way that +[3236.08 --> 3236.60] we live +[3236.60 --> 3237.36] and work +[3237.36 --> 3238.16] and worship +[3238.16 --> 3240.18] and in short +[3240.18 --> 3240.90] that the gospel +[3240.90 --> 3242.22] changes everything +[3242.22 --> 3244.26] and we let +[3244.26 --> 3244.82] the gospel +[3244.82 --> 3245.84] change everything +[3245.84 --> 3246.82] about our +[3246.82 --> 3247.40] lives +[3247.40 --> 3247.78] and how we +[3247.78 --> 3248.38] live together +[3248.38 --> 3249.68] that is +[3249.68 --> 3250.02] what it +[3250.02 --> 3250.80] means to +[3250.80 --> 3251.60] mature +[3251.60 --> 3253.92] now the +[3253.92 --> 3254.48] particular +[3254.48 --> 3255.66] locus +[3255.66 --> 3256.14] of the +[3256.14 --> 3256.76] conversation +[3256.76 --> 3257.62] for Paul +[3257.62 --> 3258.24] has been +[3258.24 --> 3258.80] around +[3258.80 --> 3259.64] what he +[3259.64 --> 3260.42] has called +[3260.42 --> 3261.46] disputable +[3261.46 --> 3262.20] matters +[3262.20 --> 3263.36] if your +[3263.36 --> 3263.78] bibles are +[3263.78 --> 3264.16] open +[3264.16 --> 3264.90] you can +[3264.90 --> 3265.32] see in +[3265.32 --> 3267.16] chapter 14 +[3267.16 --> 3268.34] verse 1 +[3268.34 --> 3269.24] this conversation +[3269.24 --> 3270.06] started with +[3270.06 --> 3270.86] Paul writing +[3270.86 --> 3272.06] accept the +[3272.06 --> 3272.72] one whose +[3272.72 --> 3273.34] faith is +[3273.34 --> 3273.72] weak +[3273.72 --> 3274.24] without +[3274.24 --> 3274.98] quarreling +[3274.98 --> 3275.46] over +[3275.46 --> 3276.36] disputable +[3276.36 --> 3277.46] matters +[3277.46 --> 3279.00] so accept +[3279.00 --> 3279.54] the one +[3279.54 --> 3280.54] who is +[3280.54 --> 3281.24] less mature +[3281.24 --> 3281.74] in their +[3281.74 --> 3282.12] faith +[3282.12 --> 3282.52] without +[3282.52 --> 3283.12] quarreling +[3283.12 --> 3283.48] over +[3283.48 --> 3284.48] disputable +[3284.48 --> 3285.20] matters +[3285.20 --> 3285.66] and we've +[3285.66 --> 3285.80] been +[3285.80 --> 3286.56] careful +[3286.56 --> 3287.32] in this +[3287.32 --> 3287.76] time +[3287.76 --> 3288.76] to define +[3288.76 --> 3289.28] those +[3289.28 --> 3290.30] disputable +[3290.30 --> 3290.86] matters +[3290.86 --> 3292.16] as things +[3292.16 --> 3293.00] about which +[3293.00 --> 3293.84] scripture +[3293.84 --> 3294.86] seems to +[3294.86 --> 3295.92] see two +[3295.92 --> 3296.62] ways +[3296.62 --> 3296.98] either +[3296.98 --> 3297.70] explicitly +[3297.70 --> 3299.68] or implicitly +[3299.68 --> 3300.22] through a +[3300.22 --> 3300.98] contrasting +[3300.98 --> 3301.98] of experience +[3301.98 --> 3303.52] the big +[3303.52 --> 3303.88] three +[3303.88 --> 3304.74] in these +[3304.74 --> 3305.18] chapters +[3305.18 --> 3305.70] have been +[3305.70 --> 3306.38] the eating +[3306.38 --> 3306.88] of meat +[3306.88 --> 3307.28] versus +[3307.28 --> 3307.80] vegetables +[3307.80 --> 3308.92] or celebrating +[3308.92 --> 3309.76] holy days +[3309.76 --> 3310.22] or drinking +[3310.22 --> 3310.70] wine +[3310.70 --> 3311.84] others +[3311.84 --> 3312.68] in scripture +[3312.68 --> 3313.40] pop up as +[3313.40 --> 3314.22] meat sacrifice +[3314.22 --> 3314.84] to idols +[3314.84 --> 3315.62] or the +[3315.62 --> 3316.18] conversation +[3316.18 --> 3316.84] about marriage +[3316.84 --> 3317.68] or celibacy +[3317.68 --> 3318.48] even +[3318.48 --> 3319.28] circumcision +[3319.28 --> 3321.36] and in the +[3321.36 --> 3321.96] contrast of +[3321.96 --> 3322.54] experience +[3322.54 --> 3323.14] we've talked +[3323.14 --> 3323.98] about baptism +[3323.98 --> 3324.76] particularly +[3324.76 --> 3325.72] infant baptism +[3325.72 --> 3325.96] versus +[3325.96 --> 3326.32] believers +[3326.32 --> 3326.72] baptism +[3326.72 --> 3328.00] or even +[3328.00 --> 3328.96] the debatable +[3328.96 --> 3329.64] matter of +[3329.64 --> 3330.40] women in +[3330.40 --> 3331.12] church office +[3331.12 --> 3333.32] now of course +[3333.32 --> 3333.78] these aren't +[3333.78 --> 3334.58] any controversial +[3334.58 --> 3335.24] conversations +[3335.24 --> 3335.80] at all +[3335.80 --> 3339.00] but I think +[3339.00 --> 3339.38] you can see +[3339.38 --> 3339.78] why Paul +[3339.78 --> 3340.34] calls them +[3340.34 --> 3341.12] disputable +[3341.12 --> 3342.16] matters +[3342.16 --> 3344.42] and in all +[3344.42 --> 3344.90] of these +[3344.90 --> 3345.56] things +[3345.56 --> 3346.42] there is +[3346.42 --> 3348.22] an experienced +[3348.22 --> 3349.12] movement +[3349.12 --> 3350.70] towards maturity +[3350.70 --> 3351.34] that is +[3351.34 --> 3352.34] an experienced +[3352.34 --> 3352.90] movement +[3352.90 --> 3353.68] towards the +[3353.68 --> 3355.36] increasing scope +[3355.36 --> 3356.18] of the effect +[3356.18 --> 3357.12] of the gospel +[3357.12 --> 3358.16] in our everyday +[3358.16 --> 3358.68] lives +[3358.68 --> 3361.00] as we round +[3361.00 --> 3361.66] out this +[3361.66 --> 3362.18] discussion +[3362.18 --> 3362.92] now in +[3362.92 --> 3363.72] chapter 15 +[3363.72 --> 3364.94] here's what I +[3364.94 --> 3365.26] hope we +[3365.26 --> 3365.66] begin to +[3365.66 --> 3365.98] see +[3365.98 --> 3368.02] that it +[3368.02 --> 3368.50] is in +[3368.50 --> 3369.38] the movement +[3369.38 --> 3370.42] towards +[3370.42 --> 3371.34] maturity +[3371.34 --> 3372.78] around the +[3372.78 --> 3373.30] gospel +[3373.30 --> 3374.58] that unity +[3374.58 --> 3375.50] is built +[3375.50 --> 3378.40] and I want +[3378.40 --> 3378.74] you to hear +[3378.74 --> 3379.16] that really +[3379.16 --> 3379.56] carefully +[3379.56 --> 3379.90] right +[3379.90 --> 3381.64] because unity +[3381.64 --> 3382.94] is not +[3382.94 --> 3384.26] in maturity +[3384.26 --> 3386.52] unity +[3386.52 --> 3387.56] is in +[3387.56 --> 3388.46] maturing +[3388.46 --> 3390.92] right +[3390.92 --> 3391.32] unity +[3391.32 --> 3392.04] isn't in +[3392.04 --> 3392.96] all being +[3392.96 --> 3393.52] at the same +[3393.52 --> 3394.34] spot at the +[3394.34 --> 3394.64] end +[3394.64 --> 3394.94] and all +[3394.94 --> 3395.38] agreeing +[3395.38 --> 3395.84] and being +[3395.84 --> 3396.20] of one +[3396.20 --> 3396.66] mind +[3396.66 --> 3397.44] unity +[3397.44 --> 3398.64] is how +[3398.64 --> 3399.64] we move +[3399.64 --> 3400.20] together +[3400.20 --> 3401.86] to that +[3401.86 --> 3402.30] place +[3402.30 --> 3402.86] how we +[3402.86 --> 3403.48] are grown +[3403.48 --> 3404.04] and how +[3404.04 --> 3405.12] we grow +[3405.12 --> 3406.38] because +[3406.38 --> 3406.94] sometimes +[3406.94 --> 3407.38] right +[3407.38 --> 3408.06] in our +[3408.06 --> 3408.48] world +[3408.48 --> 3409.02] today +[3409.02 --> 3410.88] and in +[3410.88 --> 3411.10] our +[3411.10 --> 3411.56] churches +[3411.56 --> 3412.02] today +[3412.02 --> 3413.12] unity +[3413.12 --> 3414.70] is defined +[3414.70 --> 3415.34] as +[3415.34 --> 3416.06] or is +[3416.06 --> 3416.56] required +[3416.56 --> 3417.52] to have +[3417.52 --> 3418.46] the same +[3418.46 --> 3418.92] opinion +[3418.92 --> 3419.86] on everything +[3419.86 --> 3422.50] instead +[3422.50 --> 3424.00] unity +[3424.00 --> 3425.70] is expressed +[3425.70 --> 3426.46] in the +[3426.46 --> 3427.00] journey +[3427.00 --> 3427.82] of +[3427.82 --> 3428.56] maturity +[3428.56 --> 3429.92] and so +[3429.92 --> 3430.22] of course +[3430.22 --> 3430.66] there's still +[3430.66 --> 3431.24] a goal +[3431.24 --> 3431.70] right +[3431.70 --> 3432.08] there's still +[3432.08 --> 3432.66] a movement +[3432.66 --> 3433.18] towards +[3433.18 --> 3434.94] which we are +[3434.94 --> 3435.48] directing +[3435.48 --> 3436.10] that +[3436.10 --> 3436.48] maturity +[3436.48 --> 3437.86] but how +[3437.86 --> 3438.74] we act +[3438.74 --> 3439.32] on the +[3439.32 --> 3439.76] path +[3439.76 --> 3440.30] of that +[3440.30 --> 3440.92] direction +[3440.92 --> 3441.84] is what +[3441.84 --> 3442.54] determines +[3442.54 --> 3443.06] our +[3443.06 --> 3443.58] unity +[3443.58 --> 3446.18] not the +[3446.18 --> 3446.36] goal +[3446.36 --> 3446.82] itself +[3446.82 --> 3449.50] maturity +[3449.50 --> 3450.72] in the +[3450.72 --> 3451.26] gospel +[3451.26 --> 3452.40] builds +[3452.40 --> 3453.08] unity +[3453.08 --> 3453.98] around +[3453.98 --> 3454.40] the +[3454.40 --> 3454.86] gospel +[3454.86 --> 3455.70] and so +[3455.70 --> 3455.88] then +[3455.88 --> 3456.66] the core +[3456.66 --> 3457.20] of our +[3457.20 --> 3457.60] unity +[3457.60 --> 3458.28] is the +[3458.28 --> 3458.54] gospel +[3458.54 --> 3459.14] of Jesus +[3459.14 --> 3460.00] not the +[3460.00 --> 3460.38] end +[3460.38 --> 3460.96] of our +[3460.96 --> 3461.52] community +[3461.52 --> 3462.06] together +[3462.06 --> 3464.28] I'm suggesting +[3464.94 --> 3469.14] provide for +[3469.14 --> 3469.54] us +[3469.54 --> 3470.76] a road +[3470.76 --> 3471.24] map +[3471.24 --> 3471.62] for +[3471.62 --> 3471.94] what +[3471.94 --> 3472.46] gospel +[3472.46 --> 3473.14] unity +[3473.14 --> 3474.54] looks like +[3474.54 --> 3476.48] as we +[3476.48 --> 3476.92] together +[3476.92 --> 3477.62] pursue +[3477.62 --> 3478.94] maturity +[3478.94 --> 3480.42] in that +[3480.42 --> 3480.84] gospel +[3480.84 --> 3482.58] so in +[3482.58 --> 3482.90] summary +[3482.90 --> 3483.28] what I +[3483.28 --> 3484.48] say +[3484.48 --> 3486.42] we don't +[3486.42 --> 3487.06] all have +[3487.06 --> 3487.68] to be +[3487.68 --> 3488.72] like-minded +[3488.72 --> 3489.76] to be +[3489.76 --> 3490.32] unified +[3490.32 --> 3492.20] we have +[3492.20 --> 3492.74] to build +[3492.74 --> 3493.00] our +[3493.00 --> 3493.46] unity +[3493.46 --> 3494.76] around +[3494.76 --> 3495.34] the +[3495.34 --> 3495.76] gospel +[3495.76 --> 3496.56] and it's +[3496.56 --> 3497.36] transforming +[3497.36 --> 3498.02] our +[3498.02 --> 3498.82] lives +[3498.82 --> 3499.66] unity +[3499.66 --> 3500.62] I'm going +[3500.62 --> 3501.04] to say +[3501.04 --> 3501.96] looks like +[3501.96 --> 3502.62] four +[3502.62 --> 3503.64] things +[3503.64 --> 3506.14] unity +[3506.14 --> 3507.96] a gospel +[3507.96 --> 3508.50] unity +[3508.50 --> 3510.14] bears up +[3510.14 --> 3511.08] the less +[3511.08 --> 3511.64] mature +[3511.64 --> 3513.72] a gospel +[3513.72 --> 3514.20] unity +[3514.20 --> 3515.36] to others +[3515.36 --> 3516.08] first +[3516.08 --> 3517.86] unity +[3517.86 --> 3518.68] grows +[3518.68 --> 3519.36] towards +[3519.36 --> 3519.94] hope +[3519.94 --> 3521.44] and gospel +[3521.44 --> 3521.98] unity +[3521.98 --> 3523.00] glorifies +[3523.00 --> 3524.94] our +[3524.94 --> 3525.16] road +[3525.16 --> 3525.42] map +[3525.42 --> 3526.16] together +[3526.16 --> 3526.80] let's +[3526.80 --> 3527.02] start +[3527.02 --> 3527.38] with this +[3527.38 --> 3528.02] first +[3528.02 --> 3528.34] one +[3528.34 --> 3529.72] gospel +[3529.72 --> 3530.34] unity +[3530.34 --> 3531.06] bears +[3531.06 --> 3531.60] up +[3531.60 --> 3532.02] the +[3532.02 --> 3532.40] less +[3532.40 --> 3533.18] mature +[3533.18 --> 3534.76] we +[3534.76 --> 3537.16] who +[3537.16 --> 3537.36] are +[3537.36 --> 3537.92] strong +[3537.92 --> 3539.12] is it +[3539.12 --> 3539.28] that +[3539.28 --> 3539.58] bad +[3539.58 --> 3543.26] okay +[3543.26 --> 3543.44] we're +[3543.44 --> 3543.74] switching +[3543.74 --> 3545.66] okay +[3545.66 --> 3550.66] good +[3550.66 --> 3552.28] I'm hearing +[3552.28 --> 3552.68] feedback +[3552.68 --> 3553.10] now +[3553.10 --> 3555.56] I'm going +[3555.56 --> 3555.82] to turn +[3555.82 --> 3556.24] off this +[3556.24 --> 3556.56] one +[3556.56 --> 3561.68] okay +[3561.68 --> 3563.62] I'm still +[3563.62 --> 3564.06] hearing a +[3564.06 --> 3564.38] little bit +[3564.38 --> 3565.82] of buzz +[3565.82 --> 3566.42] and echo +[3566.42 --> 3569.04] okay +[3569.04 --> 3570.02] yep +[3570.02 --> 3570.52] it's definitely +[3570.52 --> 3570.82] there +[3570.82 --> 3572.32] turn my +[3572.32 --> 3572.60] gain +[3572.60 --> 3572.96] down +[3572.96 --> 3579.72] here +[3579.72 --> 3581.50] okay +[3581.50 --> 3582.68] here +[3582.68 --> 3583.06] we go +[3583.06 --> 3585.32] thanks for +[3585.32 --> 3585.84] being unified +[3585.84 --> 3586.18] in your +[3586.18 --> 3586.56] patience +[3586.56 --> 3588.94] let's +[3588.94 --> 3589.32] start +[3589.32 --> 3589.86] with +[3589.86 --> 3590.44] the +[3590.44 --> 3590.80] first +[3590.80 --> 3591.46] gospel +[3591.46 --> 3592.06] unity +[3592.06 --> 3593.08] bears +[3593.08 --> 3593.56] up +[3593.56 --> 3593.92] the +[3593.92 --> 3594.30] less +[3594.30 --> 3595.30] mature +[3595.30 --> 3596.42] right +[3596.42 --> 3596.60] Paul +[3596.60 --> 3597.06] starts +[3597.06 --> 3597.64] by saying +[3597.64 --> 3598.00] we who +[3598.00 --> 3598.12] are +[3598.12 --> 3598.46] strong +[3598.46 --> 3598.72] ought +[3598.72 --> 3598.92] to +[3598.92 --> 3599.16] bear +[3599.16 --> 3599.60] with +[3599.60 --> 3599.74] the +[3599.74 --> 3600.14] failings +[3600.14 --> 3600.30] of +[3600.30 --> 3600.44] the +[3600.44 --> 3600.76] weak +[3600.76 --> 3600.98] and +[3600.98 --> 3601.24] not +[3601.24 --> 3601.48] to +[3601.48 --> 3601.92] please +[3601.92 --> 3602.78] ourselves +[3602.78 --> 3604.38] each +[3604.38 --> 3604.96] of +[3604.96 --> 3605.24] us +[3605.24 --> 3605.54] should +[3605.54 --> 3605.94] please +[3605.94 --> 3606.20] our +[3606.20 --> 3606.64] neighbors +[3606.64 --> 3607.40] for +[3607.40 --> 3607.64] their +[3607.64 --> 3608.04] good +[3608.04 --> 3608.36] to +[3608.36 --> 3608.72] build +[3608.72 --> 3609.08] them +[3609.08 --> 3609.66] up +[3609.66 --> 3610.78] right +[3610.78 --> 3610.96] we +[3610.96 --> 3611.38] bear +[3611.38 --> 3611.62] the +[3611.62 --> 3612.34] failings +[3612.34 --> 3613.46] and +[3613.46 --> 3613.64] we +[3613.64 --> 3613.96] build +[3613.96 --> 3614.20] each +[3614.20 --> 3614.52] other +[3614.52 --> 3615.58] up +[3615.58 --> 3617.06] a +[3617.06 --> 3617.46] gospel +[3617.46 --> 3617.98] unity +[3617.98 --> 3619.02] is +[3619.02 --> 3619.64] bearing +[3619.64 --> 3620.26] each +[3620.26 --> 3620.56] other +[3620.56 --> 3620.88] and +[3620.88 --> 3621.26] building +[3621.26 --> 3621.64] each +[3621.64 --> 3621.94] other +[3621.94 --> 3622.58] up +[3622.58 --> 3622.82] that +[3622.82 --> 3623.36] word +[3623.36 --> 3623.92] building +[3623.92 --> 3624.30] each +[3624.30 --> 3624.54] other +[3624.54 --> 3624.86] up +[3624.86 --> 3625.12] has +[3625.12 --> 3625.62] already +[3625.62 --> 3625.92] been +[3625.92 --> 3626.40] used +[3626.40 --> 3626.66] in +[3626.66 --> 3626.92] this +[3626.92 --> 3627.46] section +[3627.46 --> 3627.98] before +[3627.98 --> 3629.74] pastor +[3629.74 --> 3630.10] Kevin +[3630.10 --> 3630.44] read +[3630.44 --> 3630.58] it +[3630.58 --> 3630.90] last +[3630.90 --> 3631.18] week +[3631.18 --> 3631.34] when +[3631.34 --> 3631.48] we +[3631.48 --> 3631.76] looked +[3631.76 --> 3632.42] at +[3632.42 --> 3632.74] chapter +[3632.74 --> 3633.54] 14 +[3633.54 --> 3633.90] verse +[3633.90 --> 3634.42] 19 +[3634.42 --> 3635.40] says +[3635.40 --> 3635.68] what +[3635.68 --> 3636.54] does +[3636.54 --> 3637.04] therefore +[3637.04 --> 3637.74] do +[3637.74 --> 3639.24] I should +[3639.24 --> 3639.58] find it +[3639.58 --> 3639.92] and actually +[3639.92 --> 3640.28] read it +[3640.28 --> 3640.42] hey +[3640.42 --> 3643.20] let us +[3643.20 --> 3643.60] therefore +[3643.60 --> 3643.94] make +[3643.94 --> 3644.34] every +[3644.34 --> 3644.66] effort +[3644.66 --> 3645.08] to do +[3645.08 --> 3645.30] what +[3645.30 --> 3645.60] leads +[3645.60 --> 3645.84] to +[3645.84 --> 3646.24] peace +[3646.24 --> 3646.56] and +[3646.56 --> 3647.30] mutual +[3647.30 --> 3648.50] edification +[3648.50 --> 3650.56] mutual +[3650.56 --> 3651.20] edification +[3651.20 --> 3652.04] is the +[3652.04 --> 3652.38] same +[3652.38 --> 3652.90] word +[3652.90 --> 3653.42] in +[3653.42 --> 3653.82] Greek +[3653.82 --> 3654.20] as +[3654.20 --> 3654.50] build +[3654.50 --> 3654.70] each +[3654.70 --> 3654.90] other +[3654.90 --> 3655.24] up +[3655.24 --> 3656.50] if you +[3656.50 --> 3656.70] don't +[3656.70 --> 3656.98] know +[3656.98 --> 3657.24] the +[3657.24 --> 3657.56] Bible +[3657.56 --> 3657.86] was +[3657.86 --> 3658.14] first +[3658.14 --> 3658.42] written +[3658.42 --> 3658.68] in +[3658.68 --> 3659.10] Greek +[3659.10 --> 3659.96] and +[3659.96 --> 3660.08] so +[3660.08 --> 3660.24] we +[3660.24 --> 3660.44] look +[3660.44 --> 3660.58] to +[3660.58 --> 3660.72] the +[3660.72 --> 3660.96] Greek +[3660.96 --> 3661.16] to +[3661.16 --> 3661.34] see +[3661.34 --> 3661.52] where +[3661.52 --> 3661.68] there +[3661.68 --> 3661.82] are +[3661.82 --> 3662.32] connections +[3662.32 --> 3662.98] this +[3662.98 --> 3663.20] is +[3663.20 --> 3663.44] one +[3663.44 --> 3663.58] of +[3663.58 --> 3663.78] those +[3663.78 --> 3664.42] connections +[3664.42 --> 3665.30] that +[3665.30 --> 3665.78] word +[3665.78 --> 3666.46] edification +[3666.46 --> 3667.56] means +[3667.56 --> 3667.84] to +[3667.84 --> 3668.26] build +[3668.26 --> 3668.58] one +[3668.58 --> 3668.96] another +[3668.96 --> 3669.74] up +[3669.74 --> 3670.72] it +[3670.72 --> 3671.00] comes +[3671.00 --> 3671.18] to +[3671.18 --> 3671.54] English +[3671.54 --> 3671.86] through +[3671.86 --> 3672.06] the +[3672.06 --> 3672.34] Latin +[3672.34 --> 3672.56] for +[3672.56 --> 3672.76] those +[3672.76 --> 3672.86] of +[3672.86 --> 3672.92] you +[3672.92 --> 3673.02] who +[3673.02 --> 3673.14] are +[3673.14 --> 3673.46] interested +[3673.46 --> 3673.68] in +[3673.68 --> 3673.90] this +[3673.90 --> 3674.54] and +[3674.54 --> 3674.74] it's +[3674.74 --> 3675.04] the +[3675.04 --> 3675.34] same +[3675.34 --> 3675.76] root +[3675.76 --> 3676.08] out +[3676.08 --> 3676.18] of +[3676.18 --> 3676.36] which +[3676.36 --> 3676.50] we +[3676.50 --> 3676.66] get +[3676.66 --> 3676.80] the +[3676.80 --> 3677.04] word +[3677.04 --> 3677.58] edifice +[3677.58 --> 3678.68] which +[3678.68 --> 3678.94] means +[3678.94 --> 3679.36] large +[3679.36 --> 3679.86] building +[3679.86 --> 3680.34] or +[3680.34 --> 3680.84] structure +[3680.84 --> 3682.24] and +[3682.24 --> 3682.36] so +[3682.36 --> 3682.54] to +[3682.54 --> 3682.98] build +[3682.98 --> 3683.38] someone +[3683.38 --> 3683.76] up +[3683.76 --> 3684.06] is +[3684.06 --> 3684.34] to +[3684.34 --> 3685.02] edify +[3685.02 --> 3685.40] them +[3685.40 --> 3685.56] or +[3685.56 --> 3685.78] to +[3685.78 --> 3686.36] build +[3686.36 --> 3686.60] them +[3686.60 --> 3686.82] up +[3686.82 --> 3687.00] in +[3687.00 --> 3687.76] strength +[3687.76 --> 3688.16] to +[3688.16 --> 3689.12] undergird +[3689.12 --> 3689.60] them +[3689.60 --> 3690.04] in +[3690.04 --> 3690.54] the +[3690.54 --> 3690.84] faith +[3690.84 --> 3691.00] it +[3691.00 --> 3691.14] is +[3691.14 --> 3691.32] to +[3691.32 --> 3691.70] grow +[3691.70 --> 3692.28] them +[3692.28 --> 3692.98] in +[3692.98 --> 3693.72] faith +[3693.72 --> 3696.32] this +[3696.32 --> 3696.96] is +[3696.96 --> 3697.48] the +[3697.48 --> 3698.12] responsibility +[3698.12 --> 3699.22] of +[3699.22 --> 3699.58] those +[3699.58 --> 3699.82] who +[3699.82 --> 3700.06] are +[3700.06 --> 3700.40] more +[3700.40 --> 3700.88] mature +[3700.88 --> 3701.38] then +[3701.38 --> 3702.40] right +[3702.40 --> 3702.64] is +[3702.64 --> 3702.86] to +[3702.86 --> 3703.30] grow +[3703.30 --> 3704.14] in +[3704.14 --> 3704.40] their +[3704.40 --> 3704.84] faith +[3704.84 --> 3705.20] those +[3705.20 --> 3705.40] who +[3705.40 --> 3705.64] are +[3705.64 --> 3706.26] less +[3706.26 --> 3706.74] mature +[3706.74 --> 3706.96] who +[3706.96 --> 3707.14] are +[3707.14 --> 3707.46] newer +[3707.46 --> 3708.10] to +[3708.10 --> 3708.26] the +[3708.26 --> 3708.54] faith +[3708.54 --> 3708.94] and +[3708.94 --> 3709.40] every +[3709.40 --> 3709.86] single +[3709.86 --> 3710.14] one +[3710.14 --> 3710.28] of +[3710.28 --> 3710.52] us +[3710.52 --> 3711.12] shares +[3711.12 --> 3711.64] this +[3711.64 --> 3712.30] calling +[3712.30 --> 3713.52] every +[3713.52 --> 3713.88] single +[3713.88 --> 3714.12] one +[3714.12 --> 3714.24] of +[3714.24 --> 3714.38] us +[3714.38 --> 3714.58] has +[3714.58 --> 3714.74] the +[3714.74 --> 3715.26] responsibility +[3715.26 --> 3716.12] to +[3716.12 --> 3716.36] be +[3716.36 --> 3716.56] a +[3716.56 --> 3717.04] disciple +[3717.04 --> 3717.40] who +[3717.40 --> 3717.70] is +[3717.70 --> 3718.24] making +[3718.24 --> 3719.12] disciples +[3719.12 --> 3721.38] and +[3721.38 --> 3721.56] whether +[3721.56 --> 3721.86] that's +[3721.86 --> 3722.06] a +[3722.06 --> 3722.28] mother +[3722.28 --> 3722.66] or +[3722.66 --> 3723.10] father +[3723.10 --> 3723.50] to +[3723.50 --> 3723.80] their +[3723.80 --> 3724.28] children +[3724.28 --> 3725.32] whether +[3725.32 --> 3725.72] that's +[3725.72 --> 3726.06] the +[3726.06 --> 3726.36] Sunday +[3726.36 --> 3726.70] school +[3726.70 --> 3727.14] teacher +[3727.14 --> 3728.32] or +[3728.32 --> 3728.58] the +[3728.58 --> 3729.34] youth +[3729.34 --> 3729.78] leader +[3729.78 --> 3730.60] whether +[3730.60 --> 3730.86] that's +[3730.86 --> 3731.02] the +[3731.02 --> 3731.46] catechism 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--> 3750.08] like +[3750.08 --> 3751.76] right +[3751.76 --> 3752.08] now +[3752.08 --> 3752.44] we've +[3752.44 --> 3752.58] already +[3752.58 --> 3752.78] said +[3752.78 --> 3753.08] we have +[3753.08 --> 3753.44] a bunch +[3753.44 --> 3753.68] of +[3753.68 --> 3753.98] young +[3753.98 --> 3754.30] girls +[3754.30 --> 3754.60] who are +[3754.60 --> 3754.78] at +[3754.78 --> 3755.06] gems +[3755.06 --> 3755.46] camp +[3755.46 --> 3756.26] who've +[3756.26 --> 3756.40] been +[3756.40 --> 3756.60] there +[3756.60 --> 3756.82] all +[3756.82 --> 3757.32] weekend +[3757.32 --> 3758.06] right +[3758.06 --> 3758.30] and who +[3758.30 --> 3758.46] are +[3758.46 --> 3758.98] with +[3758.98 --> 3759.50] a group +[3759.50 --> 3759.86] of +[3759.86 --> 3760.22] other +[3760.22 --> 3760.62] women +[3760.62 --> 3760.92] who +[3760.92 --> 3761.38] have +[3761.38 --> 3761.60] been +[3761.60 --> 3762.12] counseling +[3762.12 --> 3762.48] and +[3762.48 --> 3762.98] volunteering +[3762.98 --> 3763.36] and +[3763.36 --> 3763.74] leading +[3763.74 --> 3764.26] them +[3764.26 --> 3764.86] through +[3764.86 --> 3765.16] this +[3765.16 --> 3765.44] whole +[3765.44 --> 3765.76] year +[3765.76 --> 3766.36] helping +[3766.36 --> 3766.78] them +[3766.78 --> 3767.06] to +[3767.06 --> 3767.58] mature +[3767.58 --> 3768.10] in +[3768.10 --> 3768.64] their +[3768.64 --> 3769.34] faith +[3769.34 --> 3770.08] helping +[3770.08 --> 3770.46] those +[3770.46 --> 3770.60] who +[3770.60 --> 3770.74] are +[3770.74 --> 3771.02] less +[3771.02 --> 3771.44] mature +[3771.44 --> 3771.70] to +[3771.70 --> 3771.98] grow +[3771.98 --> 3772.38] into +[3772.38 --> 3773.22] maturity +[3773.22 --> 3773.68] in a +[3773.68 --> 3773.86] couple +[3773.86 --> 3774.22] weeks +[3774.22 --> 3774.42] the +[3774.42 --> 3774.84] cadets +[3774.84 --> 3775.04] are +[3775.04 --> 3775.16] going +[3775.16 --> 3775.24] to +[3775.24 --> 3775.34] do +[3775.34 --> 3775.52] the +[3775.52 --> 3775.94] same +[3775.94 --> 3776.40] at +[3776.40 --> 3776.60] their +[3776.60 --> 3776.92] camp +[3776.92 --> 3777.08] and +[3777.08 --> 3777.24] the +[3777.24 --> 3777.62] youth +[3777.62 --> 3777.80] are +[3777.80 --> 3777.92] going +[3777.92 --> 3777.98] to +[3777.98 --> 3778.16] have +[3778.16 --> 3778.40] their +[3778.40 --> 3778.76] camp +[3778.76 --> 3779.16] and +[3779.16 --> 3779.26] do +[3779.26 --> 3779.44] the +[3779.44 --> 3779.78] same +[3779.78 --> 3780.94] right +[3780.94 --> 3781.38] when +[3781.38 --> 3781.62] we +[3781.62 --> 3782.34] baptize +[3782.34 --> 3783.04] people +[3783.04 --> 3783.28] whether +[3783.28 --> 3783.62] we do +[3783.62 --> 3783.82] so +[3783.82 --> 3784.02] as +[3784.02 --> 3784.48] infants +[3784.48 --> 3784.84] or +[3784.84 --> 3785.20] as +[3785.20 --> 3786.04] believers +[3786.04 --> 3786.34] as +[3786.34 --> 3787.14] adults +[3787.14 --> 3787.74] converting +[3787.74 --> 3788.04] to +[3788.04 --> 3788.30] faith +[3788.30 --> 3788.56] we +[3788.56 --> 3789.04] promise +[3789.04 --> 3789.38] we +[3789.38 --> 3790.32] covenant +[3790.32 --> 3791.00] together +[3791.00 --> 3791.60] that +[3791.60 --> 3791.78] we +[3791.78 --> 3792.36] will help +[3792.36 --> 3792.78] them +[3792.78 --> 3793.28] grow +[3793.28 --> 3793.76] in +[3793.76 --> 3794.06] their +[3794.06 --> 3794.68] faith +[3794.68 --> 3794.94] to +[3794.94 --> 3795.38] raise +[3795.38 --> 3795.68] them +[3795.68 --> 3796.00] up +[3796.00 --> 3796.48] in +[3796.48 --> 3796.60] the +[3796.60 --> 3796.88] Lord +[3796.88 --> 3797.24] and +[3797.24 --> 3797.36] now +[3797.36 --> 3797.52] in +[3797.52 --> 3797.64] the +[3797.64 --> 3797.92] case +[3797.92 --> 3798.20] of +[3798.20 --> 3798.74] infants +[3798.74 --> 3799.24] that +[3799.24 --> 3799.68] maybe +[3799.68 --> 3800.10] looks +[3800.10 --> 3800.48] a little +[3800.48 --> 3800.70] bit +[3800.70 --> 3800.92] more +[3800.92 --> 3801.38] obvious +[3801.38 --> 3801.72] as +[3801.72 --> 3801.92] they +[3801.92 --> 3802.58] physically +[3802.58 --> 3803.10] grow +[3803.10 --> 3803.42] up +[3803.42 --> 3803.68] in +[3803.68 --> 3803.98] our +[3803.98 --> 3804.46] midst +[3804.46 --> 3805.46] but +[3805.46 --> 3805.58] it +[3805.58 --> 3805.90] also +[3805.90 --> 3806.48] shouldn't +[3806.48 --> 3806.74] look +[3806.74 --> 3807.14] less +[3807.14 --> 3807.58] obvious +[3807.58 --> 3808.26] in +[3808.26 --> 3808.40] the +[3808.40 --> 3808.66] lives +[3808.66 --> 3808.80] of +[3808.80 --> 3809.22] adults +[3809.22 --> 3810.28] right +[3810.28 --> 3810.42] we +[3810.42 --> 3810.62] should +[3810.62 --> 3811.00] see +[3811.00 --> 3811.30] that +[3811.30 --> 3811.78] growing +[3811.78 --> 3812.24] taking +[3812.24 --> 3812.74] place +[3812.74 --> 3813.38] even +[3813.38 --> 3813.84] if +[3813.84 --> 3814.08] you're +[3814.08 --> 3814.58] 96 +[3814.58 --> 3815.04] years +[3815.04 --> 3815.44] old +[3815.44 --> 3815.86] you +[3815.86 --> 3816.10] should +[3816.10 --> 3816.46] see +[3816.46 --> 3816.74] that +[3816.74 --> 3817.16] growing +[3817.16 --> 3817.82] happening +[3817.82 --> 3818.40] in +[3818.40 --> 3818.64] you +[3818.64 --> 3818.88] and +[3818.88 --> 3819.14] through +[3819.14 --> 3819.32] you +[3819.32 --> 3819.48] and +[3819.48 --> 3819.74] be +[3819.74 --> 3820.16] part +[3820.16 --> 3820.46] of +[3823.28 --> 3823.60] others +[3823.60 --> 3825.16] it +[3825.16 --> 3825.28] is +[3825.28 --> 3825.44] a +[3825.44 --> 3825.86] beautiful +[3825.86 --> 3826.42] joy +[3826.42 --> 3826.74] of +[3826.74 --> 3827.34] my +[3827.34 --> 3827.74] position +[3827.74 --> 3827.96] as +[3827.96 --> 3828.36] pastor +[3828.36 --> 3828.62] to +[3828.62 --> 3829.08] see +[3829.08 --> 3829.72] more +[3829.72 --> 3830.20] mature +[3830.20 --> 3830.90] Christians +[3830.90 --> 3831.94] discipling +[3831.94 --> 3832.42] others +[3832.42 --> 3833.10] in +[3833.10 --> 3833.32] their +[3833.32 --> 3833.68] faith +[3833.68 --> 3833.84] and +[3833.84 --> 3834.04] into +[3834.04 --> 3834.20] a +[3834.20 --> 3834.44] greater +[3834.44 --> 3835.12] experience +[3835.12 --> 3835.60] of +[3835.60 --> 3835.76] the +[3835.76 --> 3836.16] gospel +[3836.16 --> 3838.00] this +[3838.00 --> 3838.64] is +[3838.64 --> 3839.02] how +[3839.02 --> 3839.30] the +[3839.30 --> 3839.64] church +[3839.64 --> 3840.62] grows +[3840.62 --> 3842.64] gospel +[3842.64 --> 3843.14] unity +[3843.14 --> 3843.70] grows +[3843.70 --> 3843.94] the +[3843.94 --> 3844.30] church +[3844.30 --> 3844.66] because +[3844.66 --> 3844.98] we're +[3844.98 --> 3845.88] discipling +[3845.88 --> 3846.32] one +[3846.32 --> 3846.54] another +[3846.54 --> 3846.86] we're +[3846.86 --> 3847.58] building +[3847.58 --> 3848.12] one +[3848.12 --> 3848.48] another +[3848.48 --> 3849.16] up +[3849.16 --> 3849.40] we +[3849.40 --> 3849.64] are +[3849.64 --> 3850.26] bearing +[3850.26 --> 3850.74] the +[3850.74 --> 3851.36] less +[3851.36 --> 3852.04] mature +[3852.04 --> 3853.22] and +[3853.22 --> 3853.40] this +[3853.40 --> 3853.68] kind +[3853.68 --> 3853.82] of 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+[3872.22 --> 3872.48] time +[3872.48 --> 3873.86] seeing +[3873.86 --> 3874.96] this +[3874.96 --> 3875.48] older +[3875.48 --> 3875.90] gentleman +[3875.90 --> 3876.76] in +[3876.76 --> 3877.60] McDonald's +[3877.60 --> 3877.76] with +[3877.76 --> 3877.94] his +[3877.94 --> 3878.28] Bible +[3878.28 --> 3878.78] open +[3878.78 --> 3879.90] and I +[3879.90 --> 3880.04] thought +[3880.04 --> 3880.18] oh +[3880.18 --> 3880.40] that's +[3880.40 --> 3880.84] beautiful +[3880.84 --> 3881.50] here's +[3881.50 --> 3881.80] a man +[3881.80 --> 3882.20] studying +[3882.20 --> 3882.38] the +[3882.38 --> 3882.68] Bible +[3882.68 --> 3883.08] while +[3883.08 --> 3883.32] he's +[3883.32 --> 3883.58] eating +[3883.58 --> 3884.00] his +[3884.00 --> 3884.46] lunch +[3884.46 --> 3885.40] and +[3885.40 --> 3885.58] then +[3885.58 --> 3885.86] in +[3885.86 --> 3886.06] about +[3886.06 --> 3886.38] four +[3886.38 --> 3886.80] minutes +[3886.80 --> 3887.38] a +[3887.38 --> 3887.60] young +[3887.60 --> 3888.00] person +[3888.00 --> 3888.34] walked +[3888.34 --> 3888.50] in +[3888.50 --> 3888.80] could have +[3888.80 --> 3889.02] like +[3889.02 --> 3889.70] 23 +[3889.70 --> 3890.24] 24 +[3890.24 --> 3890.84] years +[3890.84 --> 3891.16] old +[3891.16 --> 3891.78] sat +[3891.78 --> 3892.00] down +[3892.00 --> 3892.36] across +[3892.36 --> 3892.56] from +[3892.56 --> 3892.76] him +[3892.76 --> 3893.20] pulled +[3893.20 --> 3893.36] out +[3893.36 --> 3893.60] his +[3893.60 --> 3893.94] Bible +[3893.94 --> 3894.08] and +[3894.08 --> 3894.18] they +[3894.18 --> 3894.28] did +[3894.28 --> 3894.40] a +[3894.40 --> 3894.66] Bible +[3894.66 --> 3895.02] study +[3895.02 --> 3895.68] right +[3895.68 --> 3896.00] there +[3896.00 --> 3896.36] in +[3896.36 --> 3897.40] McDonald's +[3897.40 --> 3897.54] it +[3897.54 --> 3897.64] was +[3897.64 --> 3898.16] amazing +[3898.16 --> 3899.36] that +[3899.36 --> 3899.92] is +[3899.92 --> 3900.20] the +[3900.20 --> 3900.66] church +[3900.66 --> 3901.80] maturing +[3901.80 --> 3902.50] one +[3902.50 --> 3902.90] another +[3902.90 --> 3903.84] towards +[3903.84 --> 3904.70] faith +[3904.70 --> 3906.76] now +[3906.76 --> 3906.96] it's +[3906.96 --> 3907.22] important +[3907.22 --> 3907.46] to +[3907.46 --> 3907.94] realize +[3907.94 --> 3908.38] right +[3908.38 --> 3908.78] that +[3908.78 --> 3909.42] in +[3909.42 --> 3909.76] this +[3909.76 --> 3910.58] relationship +[3910.58 --> 3911.76] of discipleship +[3911.76 --> 3912.08] and of +[3912.08 --> 3912.64] maturing +[3912.64 --> 3912.94] of +[3912.94 --> 3914.02] bearing +[3914.02 --> 3914.46] up +[3914.46 --> 3914.66] the +[3914.66 --> 3914.90] less +[3914.90 --> 3915.32] mature +[3915.32 --> 3915.58] there +[3915.58 --> 3916.00] has +[3916.00 --> 3916.62] to be +[3916.62 --> 3916.90] a +[3916.90 --> 3917.22] measure +[3917.22 --> 3917.50] of +[3917.50 --> 3918.00] grace +[3918.00 --> 3918.58] to +[3918.58 --> 3918.92] that +[3918.92 --> 3920.14] notice +[3920.14 --> 3920.50] Paul +[3920.50 --> 3920.86] says +[3920.86 --> 3921.84] that +[3921.84 --> 3922.38] we +[3922.38 --> 3922.78] who are +[3922.78 --> 3923.20] strong +[3923.20 --> 3923.70] ought to +[3923.70 --> 3923.90] bear +[3923.90 --> 3924.26] with +[3924.26 --> 3924.92] the +[3924.92 --> 3925.62] failings +[3925.62 --> 3926.70] of the +[3926.70 --> 3926.98] weak +[3926.98 --> 3929.46] right +[3929.46 --> 3930.00] there's going +[3930.00 --> 3930.38] to be +[3930.38 --> 3930.80] failure +[3930.80 --> 3932.36] there's going +[3932.36 --> 3932.62] to be +[3932.62 --> 3933.36] backsliding +[3933.36 --> 3933.98] there's going +[3933.98 --> 3934.22] to be +[3934.22 --> 3935.06] disobediences +[3935.06 --> 3935.54] and +[3935.54 --> 3935.78] your +[3935.78 --> 3936.28] call +[3936.28 --> 3936.60] as +[3936.60 --> 3936.80] the +[3936.80 --> 3937.08] more +[3937.08 --> 3937.52] mature +[3937.52 --> 3938.12] in +[3938.12 --> 3938.26] the +[3938.26 --> 3938.78] relationship +[3938.78 --> 3939.12] is +[3939.12 --> 3939.30] to +[3939.30 --> 3939.66] bear +[3939.66 --> 3939.92] them +[3939.92 --> 3940.16] up +[3940.16 --> 3940.34] is +[3940.34 --> 3940.50] to +[3940.50 --> 3940.94] build +[3940.94 --> 3941.18] them +[3941.18 --> 3941.40] up +[3941.40 --> 3941.60] and +[3941.60 --> 3942.04] endure +[3942.04 --> 3942.40] with +[3942.40 --> 3942.60] them +[3942.60 --> 3943.06] be +[3943.06 --> 3943.58] gracious +[3943.58 --> 3944.20] and +[3944.20 --> 3944.72] patient +[3944.72 --> 3945.54] trusting +[3945.54 --> 3945.92] that +[3945.92 --> 3946.04] it +[3946.04 --> 3946.16] is +[3946.16 --> 3946.32] the +[3946.32 --> 3946.58] Holy +[3946.58 --> 3946.98] Spirit +[3946.98 --> 3947.24] at +[3947.24 --> 3947.54] work +[3947.54 --> 3947.70] and +[3947.70 --> 3947.82] that +[3947.82 --> 3947.92] it +[3947.92 --> 3948.06] is +[3948.06 --> 3948.42] God +[3948.42 --> 3948.82] who +[3948.82 --> 3949.08] gives +[3949.08 --> 3949.24] the +[3949.24 --> 3949.60] growth +[3949.60 --> 3951.28] gospel +[3951.28 --> 3951.88] unity +[3951.88 --> 3952.90] bears +[3952.90 --> 3953.34] up +[3953.34 --> 3953.62] the +[3953.62 --> 3953.98] less +[3953.98 --> 3954.64] mature +[3954.64 --> 3958.26] now +[3958.26 --> 3958.38] the +[3958.38 --> 3958.56] second +[3958.56 --> 3958.94] thing +[3958.94 --> 3959.92] that +[3959.92 --> 3960.04] we +[3960.04 --> 3960.32] see +[3960.32 --> 3960.48] in +[3960.48 --> 3960.68] this +[3960.68 --> 3961.10] text +[3961.10 --> 3962.64] is +[3962.64 --> 3962.82] that +[3962.82 --> 3963.32] gospel +[3963.32 --> 3963.94] unity +[3963.94 --> 3965.16] looks +[3965.16 --> 3965.62] to +[3965.62 --> 3966.20] others +[3966.20 --> 3967.28] first +[3967.28 --> 3968.80] this +[3968.80 --> 3968.92] is +[3968.92 --> 3969.16] also +[3969.16 --> 3969.54] from +[3969.54 --> 3969.88] verse +[3969.88 --> 3970.20] two +[3970.20 --> 3971.30] each +[3971.30 --> 3971.46] of +[3971.46 --> 3971.70] us +[3971.70 --> 3972.26] should +[3972.26 --> 3972.72] please +[3972.72 --> 3973.02] our +[3973.02 --> 3973.46] neighbors +[3973.46 --> 3974.18] for +[3974.18 --> 3974.78] their +[3974.78 --> 3975.64] good +[3975.64 --> 3977.22] now +[3977.22 --> 3977.34] the +[3977.34 --> 3977.54] first +[3977.54 --> 3977.68] thing +[3977.68 --> 3977.82] to +[3977.82 --> 3978.00] note +[3978.00 --> 3978.18] here +[3978.18 --> 3978.32] is +[3978.32 --> 3978.46] that +[3978.46 --> 3978.82] this +[3978.82 --> 3979.20] isn't +[3979.20 --> 3979.56] only +[3979.56 --> 3980.00] about +[3980.00 --> 3980.80] relationships +[3980.80 --> 3981.30] kind +[3981.30 --> 3981.40] of +[3981.40 --> 3981.74] within +[3981.74 --> 3981.98] the +[3981.98 --> 3982.38] gospel +[3982.38 --> 3982.68] or +[3982.68 --> 3983.20] within +[3983.20 --> 3983.44] the +[3983.44 --> 3983.74] church +[3983.74 --> 3983.92] that +[3983.92 --> 3984.06] is +[3984.06 --> 3984.20] with +[3984.20 --> 3984.78] people +[3984.78 --> 3984.98] who +[3984.98 --> 3985.14] are +[3985.14 --> 3985.60] Christian +[3985.60 --> 3986.66] right +[3986.66 --> 3986.88] whenever +[3986.88 --> 3987.14] the +[3987.14 --> 3987.42] Bible +[3987.42 --> 3987.94] refers +[3987.94 --> 3988.20] to +[3988.20 --> 3988.70] neighbors +[3988.70 --> 3989.92] it +[3989.92 --> 3990.46] most +[3990.46 --> 3991.06] often +[3991.06 --> 3991.30] and +[3991.30 --> 3991.78] especially +[3991.78 --> 3992.06] in +[3992.06 --> 3992.16] the +[3992.16 --> 3992.36] words +[3992.36 --> 3992.50] of +[3992.50 --> 3992.72] Jesus +[3992.72 --> 3993.20] himself +[3993.20 --> 3994.06] includes +[3994.06 --> 3994.90] more +[3994.90 --> 3995.30] than +[3995.30 --> 3995.68] people +[3995.68 --> 3995.86] who +[3995.86 --> 3996.20] believe +[3996.20 --> 3996.38] the +[3996.38 --> 3996.56] same +[3996.56 --> 3996.70] as +[3996.70 --> 3996.92] you +[3996.92 --> 3998.08] right +[3998.08 --> 3998.50] famously +[3998.50 --> 3998.88] Jesus +[3998.88 --> 3999.18] tells +[3999.18 --> 3999.36] the +[3999.36 --> 3999.74] story +[3999.74 --> 4000.20] of +[4000.20 --> 4000.32] the +[4000.32 --> 4000.52] good +[4000.52 --> 4001.18] Samaritan +[4001.18 --> 4001.64] who +[4001.64 --> 4001.92] are +[4001.92 --> 4002.10] the +[4002.10 --> 4002.84] historic +[4002.84 --> 4003.44] religious +[4003.44 --> 4003.86] and +[4003.86 --> 4005.18] ethnic +[4005.18 --> 4005.68] enemy +[4005.68 --> 4006.02] of +[4006.02 --> 4006.20] the +[4006.20 --> 4006.50] Jews +[4006.50 --> 4006.70] of +[4006.70 --> 4007.20] Judea +[4007.20 --> 4007.66] and +[4007.66 --> 4007.82] he +[4007.82 --> 4008.30] asks +[4008.30 --> 4008.64] who +[4008.64 --> 4009.10] acted +[4009.10 --> 4009.76] neighborly +[4009.76 --> 4010.46] and +[4010.46 --> 4010.54] the +[4010.54 --> 4010.74] answer +[4010.74 --> 4010.88] is +[4010.88 --> 4011.00] the +[4011.00 --> 4011.52] Samaritan +[4011.52 --> 4012.42] the +[4012.42 --> 4012.66] point +[4012.66 --> 4012.90] here +[4012.90 --> 4013.12] right +[4013.12 --> 4013.24] is +[4013.24 --> 4013.38] that +[4013.38 --> 4013.80] not +[4013.80 --> 4014.18] only +[4014.18 --> 4014.48] does +[4014.48 --> 4014.70] the +[4014.70 --> 4015.12] gospel +[4015.12 --> 4015.70] change +[4015.70 --> 4015.90] your +[4015.90 --> 4016.46] relationships +[4016.46 --> 4016.76] with +[4016.76 --> 4016.96] other +[4016.96 --> 4017.26] people +[4017.26 --> 4017.40] who +[4017.40 --> 4017.80] believe +[4021.06 --> 4021.20] it +[4021.20 --> 4021.66] changes +[4021.66 --> 4022.08] your +[4022.08 --> 4022.84] relationships +[4022.84 --> 4023.54] with +[4023.54 --> 4024.14] people +[4024.14 --> 4024.74] who +[4024.74 --> 4025.60] don't +[4025.60 --> 4026.40] yet +[4026.40 --> 4027.40] believe +[4027.40 --> 4028.78] changes +[4028.78 --> 4029.00] your +[4029.00 --> 4029.54] relationships +[4029.54 --> 4030.26] in the +[4030.26 --> 4030.44] world +[4030.44 --> 4030.78] around +[4030.78 --> 4031.08] you +[4031.08 --> 4031.84] right +[4031.84 --> 4032.14] people +[4032.14 --> 4032.36] who +[4032.36 --> 4032.50] are +[4032.50 --> 4032.96] united +[4032.96 --> 4033.28] in +[4033.28 --> 4033.44] the +[4033.44 --> 4033.82] gospel +[4033.82 --> 4034.26] show +[4034.26 --> 4034.60] that +[4034.60 --> 4035.00] unity +[4035.00 --> 4035.40] as +[4035.40 --> 4035.60] we +[4035.60 --> 4036.16] live +[4036.16 --> 4036.76] for +[4036.76 --> 4037.36] those +[4037.36 --> 4037.82] who +[4037.82 --> 4038.02] are +[4038.02 --> 4038.34] as +[4038.34 --> 4038.66] yet +[4038.66 --> 4039.24] outside +[4039.24 --> 4039.74] the +[4039.74 --> 4040.08] reach +[4040.08 --> 4040.46] of +[4040.46 --> 4040.58] the +[4040.58 --> 4040.96] gospel +[4040.96 --> 4042.36] now +[4042.36 --> 4042.62] part +[4042.62 --> 4042.72] of +[4042.72 --> 4042.84] what +[4042.84 --> 4043.04] that +[4043.04 --> 4043.44] means +[4043.44 --> 4044.54] Paul +[4044.54 --> 4044.92] says +[4044.92 --> 4045.08] is +[4045.08 --> 4045.24] that +[4045.24 --> 4045.38] we +[4045.38 --> 4046.22] please +[4046.22 --> 4046.90] them +[4046.90 --> 4048.20] that +[4048.20 --> 4048.34] is +[4048.34 --> 4048.74] we +[4048.74 --> 4049.22] want +[4049.22 --> 4049.74] their +[4049.74 --> 4050.44] good +[4050.44 --> 4051.12] we +[4051.12 --> 4051.64] long +[4051.64 --> 4051.96] for +[4051.96 --> 4052.26] their +[4052.26 --> 4053.14] joy +[4053.14 --> 4053.60] and +[4053.60 --> 4053.76] the +[4053.76 --> 4054.04] reason +[4054.04 --> 4054.26] we +[4054.26 --> 4054.50] do +[4054.50 --> 4054.74] that +[4054.74 --> 4054.90] is +[4054.90 --> 4055.08] not +[4055.08 --> 4055.36] because +[4055.36 --> 4055.52] of +[4055.52 --> 4055.96] ulterior +[4055.96 --> 4056.46] motives +[4056.46 --> 4056.70] it's +[4056.70 --> 4056.84] not +[4056.84 --> 4057.12] because +[4057.12 --> 4057.32] we're +[4057.32 --> 4057.66] secretly +[4057.66 --> 4057.98] trying +[4057.98 --> 4058.10] to +[4058.10 --> 4058.22] get +[4058.22 --> 4058.36] them +[4058.36 --> 4058.48] to +[4058.48 --> 4058.62] come +[4058.62 --> 4058.78] to +[4058.78 --> 4059.06] church +[4059.06 --> 4059.54] on +[4059.54 --> 4059.86] Sunday +[4059.86 --> 4060.14] and +[4060.14 --> 4060.78] donate +[4060.78 --> 4061.02] to +[4061.02 --> 4061.50] Newground +[4061.50 --> 4061.84] because +[4061.84 --> 4062.18] Newground +[4062.18 --> 4062.38] is +[4062.38 --> 4062.76] awesome +[4062.76 --> 4063.30] although +[4063.30 --> 4063.74] all of +[4063.74 --> 4063.88] that +[4063.88 --> 4064.04] is +[4064.04 --> 4064.30] kind +[4064.30 --> 4064.42] of +[4064.42 --> 4064.74] true +[4064.74 --> 4065.56] right +[4065.56 --> 4065.70] we +[4065.70 --> 4065.92] do +[4065.92 --> 4066.18] want +[4066.18 --> 4066.34] them +[4066.34 --> 4066.58] here +[4066.58 --> 4066.76] we +[4066.76 --> 4066.94] do +[4066.94 --> 4067.14] want +[4067.14 --> 4067.26] them +[4067.26 --> 4067.38] to +[4067.38 --> 4067.66] support +[4067.66 --> 4067.86] these +[4067.86 --> 4068.24] amazing +[4068.24 --> 4068.72] ministries +[4068.72 --> 4069.34] but +[4069.34 --> 4069.64] that's +[4069.64 --> 4069.84] not +[4069.84 --> 4070.04] the +[4070.04 --> 4070.54] reason +[4070.54 --> 4071.26] the +[4071.26 --> 4071.58] reason +[4071.58 --> 4071.92] is +[4071.92 --> 4072.40] simply +[4072.40 --> 4073.06] because +[4073.06 --> 4073.40] it +[4073.40 --> 4073.88] is +[4073.88 --> 4074.48] their +[4074.48 --> 4075.22] good +[4075.22 --> 4076.24] that +[4076.24 --> 4076.36] we +[4076.36 --> 4076.50] are +[4076.50 --> 4076.90] pursuing +[4076.90 --> 4079.16] but +[4079.16 --> 4079.34] here's +[4079.34 --> 4079.56] the thing +[4079.56 --> 4079.74] about +[4079.74 --> 4079.94] that +[4079.94 --> 4080.14] right +[4080.14 --> 4081.68] and +[4081.68 --> 4081.76] if +[4081.76 --> 4081.86] you +[4081.86 --> 4081.94] are +[4081.94 --> 4082.06] a +[4082.06 --> 4082.30] parent +[4082.30 --> 4082.50] of +[4082.50 --> 4083.16] a +[4083.16 --> 4083.72] young +[4083.72 --> 4084.10] child +[4084.10 --> 4084.30] or +[4084.30 --> 4084.82] a +[4084.82 --> 4085.08] teenage +[4085.08 --> 4085.54] child +[4085.54 --> 4085.68] or +[4085.68 --> 4085.84] maybe +[4085.84 --> 4086.04] this +[4086.04 --> 4086.16] is +[4086.16 --> 4086.40] true +[4086.40 --> 4086.70] of +[4086.70 --> 4087.08] parents +[4087.08 --> 4087.34] and +[4087.34 --> 4087.58] children +[4087.58 --> 4087.82] of +[4087.82 --> 4088.06] all +[4088.06 --> 4088.42] ages +[4088.42 --> 4088.94] you +[4088.94 --> 4089.14] know +[4089.14 --> 4089.36] this +[4089.36 --> 4089.54] is +[4089.54 --> 4089.94] true +[4089.94 --> 4090.40] right +[4090.40 --> 4091.20] sometimes +[4091.20 --> 4092.26] maturity +[4092.26 --> 4092.98] is +[4092.98 --> 4093.40] knowing +[4093.40 --> 4093.78] that +[4093.78 --> 4093.98] the +[4093.98 --> 4094.52] hard +[4094.52 --> 4095.02] thing +[4095.02 --> 4095.60] is +[4095.60 --> 4095.88] for +[4095.88 --> 4096.12] your +[4096.12 --> 4096.60] good +[4096.60 --> 4097.02] rather +[4097.02 --> 4097.40] than +[4097.40 --> 4097.60] the +[4097.60 --> 4098.38] expedient +[4098.38 --> 4098.82] thing +[4098.82 --> 4100.76] right +[4100.76 --> 4100.88] have +[4100.88 --> 4100.98] you +[4100.98 --> 4101.20] ever +[4101.20 --> 4101.44] heard +[4101.44 --> 4101.60] your +[4101.60 --> 4101.94] parents +[4101.94 --> 4102.38] say +[4102.38 --> 4103.16] this +[4103.16 --> 4103.36] is +[4103.36 --> 4103.52] for +[4103.52 --> 4103.72] your +[4103.72 --> 4103.92] own +[4103.92 --> 4104.22] good +[4104.22 --> 4105.26] and +[4105.26 --> 4105.38] then +[4105.38 --> 4105.52] they +[4105.52 --> 4105.74] take +[4105.74 --> 4106.00] away +[4106.00 --> 4106.18] your +[4106.18 --> 4106.52] Nintendo +[4106.52 --> 4106.94] Switch +[4106.94 --> 4107.18] or +[4107.18 --> 4107.44] something +[4107.44 --> 4107.68] like +[4107.68 --> 4107.94] that +[4107.94 --> 4109.60] now +[4109.60 --> 4109.70] in +[4109.70 --> 4109.84] that +[4109.84 --> 4110.06] case +[4110.06 --> 4110.28] maybe +[4110.28 --> 4110.46] they +[4110.46 --> 4110.64] mean +[4110.64 --> 4110.78] it's +[4110.78 --> 4110.94] for +[4110.94 --> 4111.18] my +[4111.18 --> 4111.44] good +[4111.44 --> 4111.72] because +[4111.72 --> 4111.90] it'll +[4111.90 --> 4112.04] get +[4112.04 --> 4112.36] quieter +[4112.36 --> 4112.54] in +[4112.54 --> 4112.62] the +[4112.62 --> 4112.84] house +[4112.84 --> 4113.08] but +[4113.08 --> 4115.14] it +[4115.14 --> 4115.44] takes +[4115.44 --> 4115.98] maturity +[4115.98 --> 4116.98] to +[4116.98 --> 4117.50] see +[4117.50 --> 4117.84] that +[4117.84 --> 4118.80] discipline +[4118.80 --> 4119.46] and +[4119.46 --> 4120.12] correction +[4120.12 --> 4120.66] are +[4120.66 --> 4121.22] also +[4121.22 --> 4121.86] for +[4121.86 --> 4122.66] good +[4122.66 --> 4124.68] now +[4124.68 --> 4124.84] in +[4124.84 --> 4125.34] faith +[4125.34 --> 4125.56] in +[4125.56 --> 4125.70] the +[4125.70 --> 4125.94] life +[4125.94 --> 4126.20] of +[4126.20 --> 4126.54] faith +[4126.54 --> 4127.46] oftentimes +[4127.46 --> 4128.14] it +[4128.14 --> 4128.30] is +[4128.30 --> 4128.50] the +[4128.50 --> 4128.98] hard +[4128.98 --> 4129.48] way +[4129.48 --> 4130.10] that +[4130.10 --> 4130.28] is +[4130.28 --> 4130.62] good +[4130.62 --> 4132.28] maturity +[4132.28 --> 4132.98] comes +[4132.98 --> 4133.74] when we +[4133.74 --> 4134.02] have +[4134.02 --> 4134.46] a +[4134.46 --> 4135.34] holy +[4135.34 --> 4136.52] discontent +[4136.52 --> 4137.10] with the +[4137.10 --> 4137.44] present +[4137.44 --> 4138.10] reality +[4138.10 --> 4138.76] that +[4138.76 --> 4139.30] motivates +[4139.30 --> 4139.76] us +[4139.76 --> 4140.08] through +[4140.08 --> 4140.64] hardship +[4140.64 --> 4141.26] or +[4141.26 --> 4141.70] trial +[4141.70 --> 4143.28] and it +[4143.28 --> 4143.60] seems +[4143.60 --> 4144.54] counterintuitive +[4144.54 --> 4145.08] to the +[4145.08 --> 4145.96] messaging +[4145.96 --> 4146.68] of this +[4146.68 --> 4147.16] world +[4147.16 --> 4147.46] but +[4147.46 --> 4148.10] really +[4148.10 --> 4148.54] it is +[4148.54 --> 4148.76] the +[4148.76 --> 4149.38] cruciform +[4149.38 --> 4150.28] life +[4150.28 --> 4150.60] it is +[4150.60 --> 4150.80] the +[4150.80 --> 4151.24] daily +[4151.24 --> 4151.94] dying +[4151.94 --> 4152.66] and rising +[4152.66 --> 4153.26] of self +[4153.26 --> 4153.80] and taking +[4153.80 --> 4154.18] up your +[4154.18 --> 4154.54] cross +[4154.54 --> 4155.10] and following +[4155.10 --> 4155.88] after Jesus +[4155.88 --> 4156.52] that is +[4156.52 --> 4157.02] the good +[4157.02 --> 4157.54] life +[4157.54 --> 4159.50] and +[4159.50 --> 4159.84] Christ +[4159.84 --> 4160.32] actually +[4160.32 --> 4160.56] is +[4160.56 --> 4160.70] our +[4160.70 --> 4161.16] example +[4161.16 --> 4161.42] of +[4161.42 --> 4161.66] this +[4161.66 --> 4161.82] and +[4161.82 --> 4162.36] Paul +[4162.36 --> 4162.74] makes +[4162.74 --> 4163.04] this +[4163.04 --> 4163.38] point +[4163.38 --> 4163.68] look at +[4163.68 --> 4163.88] verse +[4163.88 --> 4164.24] three +[4164.24 --> 4165.84] for +[4165.84 --> 4166.12] even +[4166.12 --> 4166.64] Christ +[4166.64 --> 4167.00] did +[4167.00 --> 4167.22] not +[4167.22 --> 4167.60] please +[4167.60 --> 4168.18] himself +[4168.18 --> 4169.04] but +[4169.04 --> 4169.44] as +[4169.44 --> 4169.56] it +[4169.56 --> 4169.72] is +[4169.72 --> 4169.98] written +[4169.98 --> 4170.50] the +[4170.50 --> 4171.10] insults +[4171.10 --> 4171.24] of +[4171.24 --> 4171.56] those +[4171.56 --> 4171.76] who +[4171.76 --> 4172.20] insult +[4172.20 --> 4172.54] you +[4172.54 --> 4172.84] have +[4172.84 --> 4173.26] fallen +[4173.26 --> 4173.90] on +[4173.90 --> 4174.64] me +[4174.64 --> 4175.64] right +[4175.64 --> 4176.16] Christ +[4176.16 --> 4176.70] bore +[4176.70 --> 4177.00] the +[4177.00 --> 4177.68] failings +[4177.68 --> 4178.24] of +[4178.24 --> 4178.48] the +[4178.48 --> 4178.74] weak +[4178.74 --> 4179.18] Christ +[4179.18 --> 4179.54] took +[4179.54 --> 4179.76] our +[4179.76 --> 4180.18] sin +[4180.18 --> 4180.58] and +[4180.58 --> 4180.76] our +[4180.76 --> 4181.18] flesh +[4181.18 --> 4181.52] he +[4181.52 --> 4181.70] took +[4181.70 --> 4181.84] our +[4181.84 --> 4182.28] punishment +[4182.28 --> 4182.58] for +[4182.58 --> 4182.88] sin +[4182.88 --> 4183.26] and +[4183.26 --> 4183.60] on +[4183.60 --> 4183.78] the +[4183.78 --> 4184.14] cross +[4184.14 --> 4184.38] he +[4184.38 --> 4184.70] bore +[4184.70 --> 4185.10] our +[4185.10 --> 4185.80] pain +[4185.80 --> 4186.50] by his +[4186.50 --> 4186.98] wounds +[4186.98 --> 4187.28] we +[4187.28 --> 4187.74] are +[4187.74 --> 4188.18] healed +[4188.18 --> 4188.88] he +[4188.88 --> 4189.28] died +[4189.28 --> 4189.50] the +[4189.50 --> 4189.78] death +[4189.78 --> 4189.98] that +[4189.98 --> 4190.24] we +[4190.24 --> 4191.18] deserve +[4191.18 --> 4192.56] Hebrews +[4192.56 --> 4193.00] 12 +[4193.00 --> 4193.24] verse +[4193.24 --> 4193.50] 2 +[4193.50 --> 4193.88] says +[4193.88 --> 4194.14] that +[4194.14 --> 4194.74] for +[4194.74 --> 4194.92] the +[4194.92 --> 4195.36] joy +[4195.36 --> 4195.78] set +[4195.78 --> 4196.40] before +[4196.40 --> 4196.74] him +[4196.74 --> 4197.06] he +[4197.06 --> 4197.80] endured +[4197.80 --> 4198.08] the +[4198.08 --> 4198.60] cross +[4198.60 --> 4199.50] scorning +[4199.50 --> 4199.72] its +[4199.72 --> 4200.08] shame +[4200.08 --> 4201.50] right +[4201.50 --> 4201.74] for +[4201.74 --> 4201.94] the +[4201.94 --> 4202.28] greater +[4202.28 --> 4202.80] good +[4202.80 --> 4203.24] the +[4203.24 --> 4203.60] greater +[4203.60 --> 4204.18] joy +[4204.18 --> 4204.68] Jesus +[4204.68 --> 4205.30] endured +[4205.30 --> 4205.86] the +[4205.86 --> 4206.32] cross +[4206.32 --> 4207.26] and +[4207.26 --> 4207.40] in +[4207.40 --> 4207.68] Jesus +[4207.68 --> 4208.12] case +[4208.12 --> 4208.36] just +[4208.36 --> 4208.50] so +[4208.50 --> 4208.60] you +[4208.60 --> 4208.84] know +[4208.84 --> 4209.20] the +[4209.20 --> 4209.48] greater +[4209.48 --> 4209.86] good +[4209.86 --> 4210.06] that +[4210.06 --> 4210.34] greater +[4210.34 --> 4210.84] joy +[4210.84 --> 4211.44] is +[4211.44 --> 4211.68] you +[4211.68 --> 4211.86] and +[4211.86 --> 4212.12] me +[4212.12 --> 4213.08] it's +[4213.08 --> 4213.26] his +[4213.26 --> 4213.76] bride +[4213.76 --> 4214.66] right +[4214.66 --> 4214.86] it's +[4214.86 --> 4215.34] his bride +[4215.34 --> 4215.62] being +[4215.62 --> 4216.44] reconciled +[4216.44 --> 4216.82] to the +[4216.82 --> 4217.16] father +[4217.16 --> 4217.66] it's +[4217.66 --> 4217.84] for +[4217.84 --> 4218.22] your +[4218.22 --> 4218.58] sake +[4218.58 --> 4218.76] that +[4218.76 --> 4219.00] he +[4219.00 --> 4219.74] endured +[4219.74 --> 4220.02] the +[4220.02 --> 4220.40] cross +[4220.40 --> 4220.84] you +[4220.84 --> 4221.18] are +[4221.18 --> 4221.46] his +[4221.46 --> 4221.78] greater +[4221.78 --> 4222.14] good +[4222.14 --> 4222.32] and +[4222.32 --> 4222.50] by +[4222.50 --> 4223.36] reclaiming +[4223.36 --> 4223.54] you +[4223.54 --> 4223.76] by +[4223.76 --> 4224.46] reconciling +[4224.46 --> 4224.68] you +[4224.68 --> 4225.10] he +[4225.10 --> 4225.88] glorifies +[4225.88 --> 4226.12] the +[4226.12 --> 4226.54] father +[4226.54 --> 4227.96] that's +[4227.96 --> 4228.16] his +[4228.16 --> 4228.46] greater +[4228.46 --> 4228.78] good +[4228.78 --> 4230.42] but it +[4230.42 --> 4230.56] was +[4230.56 --> 4230.74] through +[4230.74 --> 4230.88] the +[4230.88 --> 4231.26] cross +[4231.26 --> 4232.34] the +[4232.34 --> 4232.74] Christian +[4232.74 --> 4233.16] life +[4233.16 --> 4233.42] is +[4233.42 --> 4234.06] about +[4234.06 --> 4234.44] doing +[4234.44 --> 4234.88] good +[4234.88 --> 4235.26] even +[4235.26 --> 4235.54] when +[4235.54 --> 4235.70] it +[4235.70 --> 4236.32] requires +[4236.32 --> 4237.34] you +[4237.34 --> 4237.86] taking +[4237.86 --> 4238.26] up +[4238.26 --> 4238.50] your +[4238.50 --> 4239.00] cross +[4239.00 --> 4239.44] even +[4239.44 --> 4239.60] when +[4239.60 --> 4239.78] it's +[4239.78 --> 4240.10] hard +[4240.10 --> 4240.66] it's +[4240.66 --> 4240.88] about +[4240.88 --> 4241.40] allowing +[4241.40 --> 4241.90] God +[4241.90 --> 4242.08] to +[4242.08 --> 4242.66] define +[4242.66 --> 4242.96] what +[4242.96 --> 4243.14] is +[4243.14 --> 4243.48] good +[4243.48 --> 4244.04] even +[4244.04 --> 4244.26] if +[4244.26 --> 4244.50] that +[4244.50 --> 4245.16] contradicts +[4245.16 --> 4245.34] my +[4245.34 --> 4246.00] desires +[4246.00 --> 4247.00] or my +[4247.00 --> 4247.16] own +[4247.16 --> 4247.68] ideas +[4247.68 --> 4249.86] but a +[4249.86 --> 4250.42] gospel +[4250.42 --> 4251.04] unity +[4251.04 --> 4252.32] then is a +[4252.32 --> 4252.90] group of +[4252.90 --> 4254.14] people doing +[4254.14 --> 4254.80] this and +[4254.80 --> 4255.80] pursuing this +[4255.80 --> 4256.34] together +[4256.34 --> 4257.24] and again +[4257.24 --> 4257.90] right there's +[4257.90 --> 4259.06] something incredibly +[4259.06 --> 4259.68] compelling +[4259.68 --> 4261.12] about people +[4261.12 --> 4261.80] who witness +[4261.80 --> 4262.76] this truth +[4262.76 --> 4263.36] in their +[4263.36 --> 4264.46] life together +[4264.46 --> 4265.30] people who +[4265.30 --> 4266.48] will sacrifice +[4266.48 --> 4267.48] for their +[4267.48 --> 4267.82] neighbor +[4267.82 --> 4268.32] who will +[4268.32 --> 4269.12] put others +[4269.12 --> 4269.54] first +[4269.54 --> 4270.08] people who +[4270.08 --> 4270.86] will mourn +[4270.86 --> 4271.40] alongside +[4271.40 --> 4272.26] of those +[4272.26 --> 4272.92] who mourn +[4272.92 --> 4273.46] who will +[4273.46 --> 4273.68] come +[4273.68 --> 4274.12] alongside +[4274.12 --> 4274.60] you +[4274.60 --> 4275.14] in the +[4275.14 --> 4275.40] dark +[4275.40 --> 4275.66] night +[4275.66 --> 4275.96] of the +[4275.96 --> 4276.24] soul +[4276.24 --> 4276.60] when you +[4276.60 --> 4277.02] can no +[4277.02 --> 4277.32] longer +[4277.32 --> 4277.74] carry +[4277.74 --> 4278.02] that +[4278.02 --> 4278.36] cross +[4278.36 --> 4278.50] that +[4278.50 --> 4278.58] you +[4278.58 --> 4278.70] have +[4278.70 --> 4278.80] been +[4278.80 --> 4279.02] given +[4279.02 --> 4279.68] and like +[4279.68 --> 4280.02] Simon +[4280.02 --> 4280.38] they will +[4280.38 --> 4280.76] say let +[4280.76 --> 4281.24] me pick +[4281.24 --> 4281.54] it up +[4281.54 --> 4282.24] and carry +[4282.24 --> 4282.62] it for +[4282.62 --> 4282.94] you +[4282.94 --> 4284.32] right that's +[4284.32 --> 4284.74] a picture +[4284.74 --> 4285.62] of the +[4285.62 --> 4286.04] gospel +[4286.04 --> 4287.54] that unity +[4287.54 --> 4288.68] can be +[4288.68 --> 4289.26] built on +[4289.26 --> 4291.66] now the +[4291.66 --> 4292.18] third thing +[4292.18 --> 4293.44] about gospel +[4293.44 --> 4293.84] unity +[4293.84 --> 4295.06] is that it +[4295.06 --> 4295.70] grows +[4295.70 --> 4296.48] towards +[4296.48 --> 4297.44] hope +[4297.44 --> 4297.86] and here's +[4297.86 --> 4298.38] verse 4 +[4298.38 --> 4301.10] everything +[4301.10 --> 4301.74] that was +[4301.74 --> 4302.28] written in +[4302.28 --> 4302.90] the past +[4302.90 --> 4303.36] was written +[4303.36 --> 4303.90] to teach +[4303.90 --> 4304.24] us +[4304.24 --> 4304.98] so that +[4304.98 --> 4305.28] through +[4305.28 --> 4305.54] the +[4305.54 --> 4306.02] endurance +[4306.02 --> 4306.38] taught +[4306.38 --> 4306.68] in the +[4306.68 --> 4307.02] scriptures +[4307.02 --> 4307.76] and the +[4307.76 --> 4308.26] encouragement +[4308.26 --> 4309.00] they provide +[4309.00 --> 4309.86] we might +[4309.86 --> 4310.44] have +[4310.44 --> 4311.56] hope +[4311.56 --> 4314.18] now remember +[4314.18 --> 4314.94] our big +[4314.94 --> 4315.58] idea this +[4315.58 --> 4316.08] morning is +[4316.08 --> 4317.22] that maturity +[4317.22 --> 4318.06] in the +[4318.06 --> 4318.98] gospel builds +[4318.98 --> 4320.36] unity around +[4320.36 --> 4321.28] the gospel +[4321.28 --> 4322.24] and so +[4322.24 --> 4323.30] inherent in +[4323.30 --> 4324.04] the idea +[4324.04 --> 4324.56] is that +[4324.56 --> 4325.16] maturity +[4325.16 --> 4326.36] requires +[4326.36 --> 4327.12] growth +[4327.12 --> 4328.24] maturity +[4328.24 --> 4329.32] in the +[4329.32 --> 4329.82] gospel +[4329.82 --> 4330.80] is a +[4330.80 --> 4331.18] building +[4331.18 --> 4332.24] you up +[4332.24 --> 4334.36] and part +[4334.36 --> 4335.24] of what +[4335.24 --> 4336.26] we read +[4336.26 --> 4337.20] then is +[4337.20 --> 4338.28] how we +[4338.28 --> 4339.06] are built +[4339.06 --> 4339.90] up +[4339.90 --> 4341.02] everything +[4341.02 --> 4341.90] that was +[4341.90 --> 4342.38] written in +[4342.38 --> 4342.90] the past +[4342.90 --> 4343.36] was written +[4343.36 --> 4344.04] to teach +[4344.04 --> 4344.48] us +[4344.48 --> 4345.32] Paul writes +[4345.32 --> 4346.88] and so +[4346.88 --> 4347.66] our building +[4347.66 --> 4348.74] our mutual +[4348.74 --> 4349.76] edification +[4349.76 --> 4350.86] our maturing +[4350.86 --> 4352.26] comes by +[4352.26 --> 4353.22] being taught +[4353.22 --> 4354.54] of and in +[4354.54 --> 4355.44] and by +[4355.44 --> 4356.36] the scriptures +[4356.36 --> 4357.18] by the +[4357.18 --> 4357.46] word of +[4357.46 --> 4357.80] God +[4357.80 --> 4359.08] the life +[4359.08 --> 4359.64] of gospel +[4359.64 --> 4360.20] unity +[4360.20 --> 4361.78] isn't one +[4361.78 --> 4362.56] of accomplishment +[4362.56 --> 4363.16] it's one +[4363.16 --> 4363.82] of growing +[4363.82 --> 4364.90] one of being +[4364.90 --> 4365.38] taught +[4365.38 --> 4365.72] one of +[4365.72 --> 4366.34] constantly +[4366.34 --> 4367.22] maturing +[4367.22 --> 4368.06] and constantly +[4368.06 --> 4368.80] growing +[4368.80 --> 4369.36] and so +[4369.36 --> 4370.16] that means +[4370.16 --> 4370.82] we must +[4370.82 --> 4371.90] constantly +[4371.90 --> 4372.44] be +[4372.44 --> 4373.26] in +[4373.26 --> 4373.94] God's +[4373.94 --> 4374.48] word +[4374.48 --> 4375.58] we must +[4375.58 --> 4376.16] constantly +[4376.16 --> 4376.88] be searching +[4376.88 --> 4377.86] the scriptures +[4377.86 --> 4378.40] we must +[4378.40 --> 4379.08] be like +[4379.08 --> 4379.88] the Berean +[4379.88 --> 4380.28] church +[4380.28 --> 4380.80] in Acts +[4380.80 --> 4381.34] 17 +[4381.34 --> 4382.40] that tests +[4382.40 --> 4383.28] to see +[4383.28 --> 4383.88] that what +[4383.88 --> 4384.48] the apostles +[4384.48 --> 4384.98] taught +[4384.98 --> 4385.64] was true +[4385.64 --> 4387.62] right +[4387.62 --> 4388.12] they dug +[4388.12 --> 4388.64] deep +[4388.64 --> 4389.76] into the +[4389.76 --> 4390.10] word +[4390.10 --> 4392.80] and so +[4392.80 --> 4393.04] let me +[4393.04 --> 4393.64] ask you +[4393.64 --> 4395.26] when was +[4395.26 --> 4395.58] the last +[4395.58 --> 4396.02] time you +[4396.02 --> 4396.30] opened +[4396.30 --> 4396.48] your +[4396.48 --> 4396.82] bible +[4396.82 --> 4400.92] and if +[4400.92 --> 4401.20] it's been +[4401.20 --> 4401.66] a while +[4401.66 --> 4402.90] can I +[4402.90 --> 4403.34] encourage +[4403.34 --> 4403.54] you +[4403.54 --> 4403.80] can I +[4403.80 --> 4404.24] challenge +[4404.24 --> 4404.62] you +[4404.62 --> 4405.12] right +[4405.12 --> 4405.40] make +[4405.40 --> 4405.82] today +[4405.82 --> 4406.12] day +[4406.12 --> 4406.54] one +[4406.54 --> 4407.94] of a +[4407.94 --> 4408.08] new +[4408.08 --> 4408.68] practice +[4408.68 --> 4409.70] of a +[4409.70 --> 4409.98] new way +[4409.98 --> 4410.48] of being +[4410.48 --> 4412.54] and let's +[4412.54 --> 4413.04] be clear +[4413.04 --> 4413.26] right +[4413.26 --> 4413.94] Paul tells +[4413.94 --> 4414.76] us exactly +[4414.76 --> 4415.46] why this +[4415.46 --> 4416.40] important +[4416.40 --> 4416.66] right +[4416.66 --> 4416.98] we are +[4416.98 --> 4417.42] taught +[4417.42 --> 4418.02] in the +[4418.02 --> 4418.42] scriptures +[4418.42 --> 4419.74] so that +[4419.74 --> 4420.36] we might +[4420.36 --> 4420.96] endure +[4420.96 --> 4422.88] and it's +[4422.88 --> 4423.44] an endurance +[4423.44 --> 4424.18] that is +[4424.18 --> 4424.66] taught +[4424.66 --> 4425.14] in the +[4425.14 --> 4425.46] scriptures +[4425.46 --> 4426.30] and so +[4426.30 --> 4426.84] we read +[4426.84 --> 4427.32] about how +[4427.32 --> 4428.14] they endured +[4428.14 --> 4428.80] and how +[4428.80 --> 4429.28] we might +[4429.28 --> 4429.74] then apply +[4429.74 --> 4430.12] that to +[4430.12 --> 4430.64] ourselves +[4430.64 --> 4431.88] and if +[4431.88 --> 4432.42] it's true +[4432.42 --> 4433.16] that Christians +[4433.16 --> 4433.86] are called +[4433.86 --> 4434.52] to do +[4434.52 --> 4435.30] the good +[4435.30 --> 4435.70] thing +[4435.70 --> 4436.12] and not +[4436.12 --> 4437.06] the expedient +[4437.06 --> 4437.42] thing +[4437.42 --> 4437.72] to do +[4437.72 --> 4438.12] the right +[4438.12 --> 4438.48] thing +[4438.48 --> 4439.06] and not +[4439.06 --> 4439.52] the easy +[4439.52 --> 4439.96] thing +[4439.96 --> 4440.68] Christians +[4440.68 --> 4441.20] are going +[4441.20 --> 4441.52] to have +[4441.52 --> 4442.04] to learn +[4442.04 --> 4442.76] endurance +[4442.76 --> 4444.48] we're going +[4444.48 --> 4444.70] to have +[4444.70 --> 4445.12] to learn +[4445.12 --> 4445.74] perseverance +[4445.74 --> 4447.36] and if +[4447.36 --> 4447.98] it's true +[4447.98 --> 4448.62] as I've +[4448.62 --> 4449.00] said in +[4449.00 --> 4449.54] the past +[4449.54 --> 4450.06] and would +[4450.06 --> 4450.50] contend +[4450.50 --> 4451.10] that it +[4451.10 --> 4451.78] is only +[4451.78 --> 4452.44] going to +[4452.44 --> 4453.06] get more +[4453.06 --> 4453.42] and more +[4453.42 --> 4453.86] difficult +[4453.86 --> 4454.28] to be +[4454.28 --> 4454.66] Christian +[4454.66 --> 4455.28] in the +[4455.28 --> 4455.46] world +[4455.46 --> 4455.82] today +[4455.82 --> 4456.50] I think +[4456.50 --> 4456.88] we really +[4456.88 --> 4457.32] need to +[4457.32 --> 4457.90] reclaim +[4457.90 --> 4458.92] this identity +[4458.92 --> 4460.00] of practice +[4460.00 --> 4460.86] of spiritual +[4460.86 --> 4461.32] discipline +[4461.32 --> 4461.80] we need +[4461.80 --> 4462.44] to reclaim +[4462.44 --> 4462.76] this +[4462.76 --> 4463.84] discipleship +[4463.84 --> 4464.22] this way +[4464.22 --> 4464.78] of being +[4464.78 --> 4465.46] in the +[4465.46 --> 4465.80] world +[4465.80 --> 4467.10] because you +[4467.10 --> 4467.24] see +[4467.24 --> 4468.08] in the +[4468.08 --> 4468.50] scriptures +[4468.50 --> 4469.26] there's +[4469.26 --> 4469.94] encouragement +[4469.94 --> 4471.44] in the +[4471.44 --> 4471.70] scriptures +[4471.70 --> 4472.34] we read +[4472.34 --> 4472.70] about the +[4472.70 --> 4473.26] power of +[4473.26 --> 4473.54] God +[4473.54 --> 4474.08] and the +[4474.08 --> 4474.40] victory +[4474.40 --> 4474.82] of God +[4474.82 --> 4475.08] in the +[4475.08 --> 4475.38] scriptures +[4475.38 --> 4476.20] we read +[4476.20 --> 4476.70] about how +[4476.70 --> 4477.58] even when +[4477.58 --> 4478.72] everything seems +[4478.72 --> 4479.52] to be against +[4479.52 --> 4479.90] us +[4479.90 --> 4480.68] God is +[4480.68 --> 4481.60] for us +[4481.60 --> 4482.40] even though +[4482.40 --> 4483.26] weeping may +[4483.26 --> 4484.10] last for the +[4484.10 --> 4484.38] night +[4484.38 --> 4485.24] reading the +[4485.24 --> 4486.00] Bible teaches +[4486.00 --> 4486.98] us that joy +[4486.98 --> 4488.08] comes in the +[4488.08 --> 4488.42] morning +[4488.42 --> 4489.10] right +[4489.10 --> 4489.60] reading the +[4489.60 --> 4490.28] Bible as +[4490.28 --> 4491.20] God's very +[4491.20 --> 4492.34] word spoken +[4492.34 --> 4493.20] directly to +[4493.20 --> 4493.86] your heart +[4493.86 --> 4494.90] directly to +[4494.90 --> 4495.88] your imagination +[4495.88 --> 4497.10] teaches you +[4497.10 --> 4497.98] that even +[4497.98 --> 4498.52] when we are +[4498.52 --> 4499.26] hard pressed +[4499.26 --> 4499.82] on every +[4499.82 --> 4500.38] side we +[4500.38 --> 4500.70] are not +[4500.70 --> 4501.30] crushed +[4501.30 --> 4502.50] that even +[4502.50 --> 4503.02] when we are +[4503.02 --> 4503.98] perplexed +[4503.98 --> 4504.54] we're not +[4504.54 --> 4505.04] in despair +[4505.04 --> 4505.78] even when we +[4505.78 --> 4506.60] are persecuted +[4506.60 --> 4507.46] we're never +[4507.46 --> 4507.92] abandoned +[4507.92 --> 4508.78] even when we +[4508.78 --> 4509.28] are struck +[4509.28 --> 4510.18] down we +[4510.18 --> 4510.80] are not +[4510.80 --> 4511.66] destroyed +[4511.66 --> 4514.88] and I don't +[4514.88 --> 4515.24] know about +[4515.24 --> 4516.90] you but +[4516.90 --> 4517.46] that comes +[4517.46 --> 4518.74] together to +[4518.74 --> 4519.54] give me +[4519.54 --> 4520.24] hope +[4520.24 --> 4521.50] that comes +[4521.50 --> 4522.06] together to +[4522.06 --> 4522.54] give me +[4522.54 --> 4523.56] encouragement +[4523.56 --> 4525.84] I was +[4525.84 --> 4526.24] thinking about +[4526.24 --> 4526.58] a way to +[4526.58 --> 4527.16] illustrate this +[4527.16 --> 4527.54] point and +[4527.54 --> 4527.80] actually +[4527.80 --> 4529.74] Josh did +[4529.74 --> 4530.40] it for us +[4530.40 --> 4531.58] yesterday at +[4531.58 --> 4532.06] our baseball +[4532.06 --> 4533.08] game so the +[4533.08 --> 4534.02] isotopes is our +[4534.02 --> 4534.64] church baseball +[4534.64 --> 4535.84] team we had +[4535.84 --> 4536.32] two games +[4536.32 --> 4537.60] yesterday and +[4537.60 --> 4538.80] Josh has a +[4538.80 --> 4539.50] cheer that he +[4539.50 --> 4540.30] likes to do +[4540.30 --> 4541.42] when someone +[4541.42 --> 4542.14] goes up into a +[4542.14 --> 4542.90] hard situation +[4542.90 --> 4544.12] Josh says +[4544.12 --> 4545.70] the joy of the +[4545.70 --> 4546.14] Lord is your +[4546.14 --> 4546.64] strength +[4546.64 --> 4550.22] he's quoting +[4550.22 --> 4550.74] scripture +[4550.74 --> 4552.62] he's encouraging +[4552.62 --> 4553.00] you with +[4553.00 --> 4553.38] scripture +[4553.38 --> 4554.54] but then I +[4554.54 --> 4555.02] went up to +[4555.02 --> 4556.40] bat and +[4556.40 --> 4557.36] Josh shouted +[4557.36 --> 4558.52] I don't have +[4558.52 --> 4558.94] to quote the +[4558.94 --> 4559.48] Bible to you +[4559.48 --> 4559.92] because you +[4559.92 --> 4560.46] know it +[4560.46 --> 4563.52] and he's not +[4563.52 --> 4564.98] wrong he +[4564.98 --> 4565.54] doesn't have to +[4565.54 --> 4565.98] quote it to me +[4565.98 --> 4566.88] because in that +[4566.88 --> 4567.58] moment literally +[4567.58 --> 4568.42] like in my brain +[4568.42 --> 4569.40] was a rolodex of +[4569.40 --> 4569.96] scripture verses +[4569.96 --> 4570.36] that was like +[4570.36 --> 4570.78] encouragement +[4570.78 --> 4571.24] encouragement +[4571.24 --> 4571.72] encouragement +[4571.72 --> 4572.34] hope good +[4572.34 --> 4573.22] cheer be +[4573.22 --> 4574.20] excited run +[4574.20 --> 4575.10] the race with +[4575.10 --> 4575.42] the Lord +[4575.42 --> 4576.24] so round second +[4576.24 --> 4576.78] base really +[4576.78 --> 4577.46] fast that's how +[4577.46 --> 4577.92] I made that +[4577.92 --> 4578.40] mean in that +[4578.40 --> 4580.14] moment point +[4580.14 --> 4581.36] was because my +[4581.36 --> 4582.44] life is saturated +[4582.44 --> 4583.00] with the +[4583.00 --> 4584.00] scriptures and +[4584.00 --> 4584.76] Josh could say +[4584.76 --> 4585.16] that and +[4585.16 --> 4585.70] know that +[4585.70 --> 4586.76] I was +[4586.76 --> 4587.32] encouraged +[4587.32 --> 4588.20] and had +[4588.20 --> 4588.62] hope +[4588.62 --> 4591.90] and so +[4591.90 --> 4592.58] saturate +[4592.58 --> 4593.18] yourselves +[4593.18 --> 4594.20] with the +[4594.20 --> 4594.56] scriptures +[4594.56 --> 4596.06] and let +[4596.06 --> 4596.80] that be +[4596.80 --> 4597.86] a mark +[4597.86 --> 4598.64] of your +[4598.64 --> 4599.60] growing +[4599.60 --> 4600.50] maturity +[4600.50 --> 4602.56] now the +[4602.56 --> 4603.10] last thing +[4603.10 --> 4604.54] about unity +[4604.54 --> 4605.98] is that it +[4605.98 --> 4606.82] glorifies +[4606.82 --> 4607.50] God +[4607.50 --> 4608.82] gospel unity +[4608.82 --> 4609.72] glorifies +[4609.72 --> 4610.44] God +[4610.44 --> 4611.16] verses 5 +[4611.16 --> 4612.64] and 6 +[4612.64 --> 4613.76] may the +[4613.76 --> 4614.16] God who +[4614.16 --> 4614.44] gives +[4614.44 --> 4614.98] endurance +[4614.98 --> 4615.68] and encouragement +[4615.68 --> 4616.34] give you the +[4616.34 --> 4617.04] same attitude +[4617.04 --> 4617.60] of mind +[4617.60 --> 4618.34] toward each +[4618.34 --> 4618.72] other that +[4618.72 --> 4619.42] Christ Jesus +[4619.42 --> 4620.60] had so +[4620.60 --> 4621.48] that with +[4621.48 --> 4622.34] one mind +[4622.34 --> 4622.94] and one +[4622.94 --> 4623.48] voice +[4623.48 --> 4624.40] you may +[4624.40 --> 4625.64] glorify +[4625.64 --> 4626.36] the God +[4626.36 --> 4627.14] and Father +[4627.14 --> 4627.68] of our +[4627.68 --> 4628.06] Lord +[4628.06 --> 4628.60] Jesus +[4628.60 --> 4629.72] Christ +[4629.72 --> 4631.56] now that +[4631.56 --> 4632.12] attitude of +[4632.12 --> 4632.68] mind that +[4632.68 --> 4633.26] we share +[4633.26 --> 4633.66] with +[4633.66 --> 4634.90] Jesus Christ +[4634.90 --> 4635.50] is one +[4635.50 --> 4636.26] that willingly +[4636.26 --> 4636.86] suffers +[4636.86 --> 4638.00] for a +[4638.00 --> 4638.46] brother or +[4638.46 --> 4639.42] sister or +[4639.42 --> 4639.80] a neighbor +[4639.80 --> 4640.72] one that +[4640.72 --> 4641.64] enters into +[4641.64 --> 4642.64] the struggle +[4642.64 --> 4643.22] of our +[4643.22 --> 4644.06] neighbors for +[4644.06 --> 4644.80] their good +[4644.80 --> 4645.70] that's what +[4645.70 --> 4646.28] our unity +[4646.28 --> 4646.76] is +[4646.76 --> 4647.70] it's not +[4647.70 --> 4648.34] requiring +[4648.34 --> 4649.44] agreement on +[4649.44 --> 4650.16] disputable +[4650.16 --> 4650.74] matters +[4650.74 --> 4651.54] it's agreeing +[4651.54 --> 4652.14] on how +[4652.14 --> 4652.48] we're going +[4652.48 --> 4652.90] to dispute +[4652.90 --> 4653.54] these matters +[4653.54 --> 4656.72] our unity +[4656.72 --> 4657.50] is made +[4657.50 --> 4658.28] visible in +[4658.28 --> 4658.62] how we +[4658.62 --> 4659.60] experience +[4659.60 --> 4660.54] disagreement +[4660.54 --> 4662.66] and anyone +[4662.66 --> 4663.56] who uses +[4663.56 --> 4664.38] this text +[4664.38 --> 4665.12] as a hammer +[4665.12 --> 4665.90] to make +[4665.90 --> 4666.62] people think +[4666.62 --> 4667.24] like them +[4667.24 --> 4668.04] is abusing +[4668.04 --> 4668.88] this text +[4668.88 --> 4671.90] and this +[4671.90 --> 4672.38] is the kind +[4672.38 --> 4672.94] of unity +[4672.94 --> 4673.92] that brings +[4673.92 --> 4674.50] glory to +[4674.50 --> 4674.84] God +[4674.84 --> 4675.96] and I +[4675.96 --> 4676.46] believe that +[4676.46 --> 4676.94] this is the +[4676.94 --> 4677.62] kind of unity +[4677.62 --> 4678.28] that Jesus +[4678.28 --> 4678.98] prays for +[4678.98 --> 4679.86] in John 17 +[4679.86 --> 4681.62] right this +[4681.62 --> 4682.04] is the kind +[4682.04 --> 4682.46] of unity +[4682.46 --> 4682.96] that gives +[4682.96 --> 4683.76] witness to +[4683.76 --> 4684.46] who God +[4684.46 --> 4685.60] is and +[4685.60 --> 4686.10] that's how +[4686.10 --> 4686.52] it brings +[4686.52 --> 4687.10] glory to +[4687.10 --> 4687.36] God +[4687.36 --> 4687.88] right Jesus +[4687.88 --> 4688.86] in John 17 +[4688.86 --> 4689.96] prayed that +[4689.96 --> 4690.46] the church +[4690.46 --> 4691.26] would be one +[4691.26 --> 4692.40] as the +[4692.40 --> 4693.52] father and +[4693.52 --> 4694.86] he are +[4694.86 --> 4695.66] one +[4695.66 --> 4697.44] here's a +[4697.44 --> 4697.66] little bit +[4697.66 --> 4698.00] of cool +[4698.00 --> 4698.56] trinitarian +[4698.56 --> 4699.54] theology for +[4699.54 --> 4699.96] you right +[4699.96 --> 4700.88] because in +[4700.88 --> 4701.30] trinitarian +[4701.30 --> 4702.10] theology we +[4702.10 --> 4702.68] say yes +[4702.68 --> 4703.50] the father +[4703.50 --> 4703.88] and the +[4703.88 --> 4704.38] son are +[4704.38 --> 4704.92] and the +[4704.92 --> 4705.44] holy spirit +[4705.44 --> 4706.00] are one +[4706.00 --> 4706.46] God +[4706.46 --> 4707.56] but the +[4707.56 --> 4708.20] father is +[4708.20 --> 4708.56] not the +[4708.56 --> 4709.80] son and +[4709.80 --> 4710.20] the son +[4710.20 --> 4710.56] is not +[4710.56 --> 4711.08] the father +[4711.08 --> 4711.90] and neither +[4711.90 --> 4712.44] the son +[4712.44 --> 4712.82] nor the +[4712.82 --> 4713.24] father are +[4713.24 --> 4713.54] the holy +[4713.54 --> 4713.94] spirit +[4713.94 --> 4714.86] and around +[4714.86 --> 4715.56] this triangle +[4715.56 --> 4716.18] it goes +[4716.18 --> 4719.56] that they +[4719.56 --> 4721.22] are one +[4721.22 --> 4722.10] does not +[4722.10 --> 4723.16] erase the +[4723.16 --> 4723.66] differentiation +[4723.66 --> 4725.08] of persons +[4725.08 --> 4726.08] within +[4726.08 --> 4727.14] their +[4727.14 --> 4728.04] oneness +[4728.04 --> 4728.60] it doesn't +[4728.60 --> 4729.14] erase the +[4729.14 --> 4729.74] distinction +[4729.74 --> 4730.54] of father +[4730.54 --> 4731.28] son and +[4731.28 --> 4732.02] holy spirit +[4732.02 --> 4733.08] within their +[4733.08 --> 4733.92] oneness +[4733.92 --> 4735.16] likewise then +[4735.16 --> 4736.92] our unity +[4736.92 --> 4738.12] transcends +[4738.12 --> 4739.48] our disunity +[4739.48 --> 4740.82] our distinctives +[4740.82 --> 4742.80] and it +[4742.80 --> 4743.48] includes them +[4743.48 --> 4744.96] and I think +[4744.96 --> 4745.52] that makes +[4745.52 --> 4746.46] it all the +[4746.46 --> 4746.82] more +[4746.82 --> 4747.84] beautiful +[4747.84 --> 4749.64] and that's +[4749.64 --> 4750.00] the kind +[4750.00 --> 4750.54] of unity +[4750.54 --> 4751.08] that God +[4751.08 --> 4752.26] is glorified +[4752.26 --> 4752.62] by +[4752.62 --> 4755.64] but then +[4755.64 --> 4756.22] there's also +[4756.22 --> 4757.46] a more +[4757.46 --> 4757.94] imminent +[4757.94 --> 4758.68] sense +[4758.68 --> 4759.36] in which +[4759.36 --> 4759.86] God is +[4759.86 --> 4760.56] glorified +[4760.56 --> 4761.00] by that +[4761.00 --> 4761.72] kind of +[4761.72 --> 4762.04] unity +[4762.04 --> 4763.22] in the +[4763.22 --> 4763.52] sense +[4763.52 --> 4764.02] that this +[4764.02 --> 4764.38] sort +[4764.38 --> 4765.02] of unity +[4765.02 --> 4765.76] is a +[4765.76 --> 4766.20] form +[4766.20 --> 4766.64] of +[4766.64 --> 4767.22] praising +[4767.22 --> 4768.18] God +[4768.18 --> 4768.72] right +[4768.72 --> 4769.46] or the +[4769.46 --> 4769.84] purpose +[4769.84 --> 4770.46] of this +[4770.46 --> 4770.84] unity +[4770.84 --> 4771.44] is to +[4771.44 --> 4771.84] lead +[4771.84 --> 4772.30] more +[4772.30 --> 4772.80] and more +[4772.80 --> 4773.28] people +[4773.28 --> 4774.64] to praise +[4774.64 --> 4775.12] him +[4775.12 --> 4775.82] with one +[4775.82 --> 4776.30] voice +[4776.30 --> 4777.26] as Paul +[4777.26 --> 4777.52] said +[4777.52 --> 4778.30] to praise +[4778.30 --> 4778.84] him for +[4778.84 --> 4779.56] who he +[4779.56 --> 4779.92] is +[4779.92 --> 4781.30] verse +[4781.30 --> 4781.62] seven +[4781.62 --> 4782.26] right +[4782.26 --> 4782.56] it says +[4782.56 --> 4782.96] accept +[4782.96 --> 4783.48] one another +[4783.48 --> 4784.02] then just +[4784.02 --> 4784.54] as Christ +[4784.54 --> 4785.08] accepted +[4785.08 --> 4785.70] you in +[4785.70 --> 4786.40] order to +[4786.40 --> 4787.26] bring praise +[4787.26 --> 4788.42] to God +[4788.42 --> 4788.72] and then +[4788.72 --> 4789.28] verse nine +[4789.28 --> 4790.30] Christ came +[4790.30 --> 4790.92] to confirm +[4790.92 --> 4791.46] the promises +[4791.46 --> 4791.82] that were +[4791.82 --> 4792.16] made +[4792.16 --> 4793.32] and that +[4793.32 --> 4794.26] the Gentiles +[4794.26 --> 4795.50] might glorify +[4795.50 --> 4796.02] God +[4796.02 --> 4796.54] for his +[4796.54 --> 4796.92] mercy +[4796.92 --> 4798.00] and then +[4798.00 --> 4798.34] there's this +[4798.34 --> 4798.96] huge list +[4798.96 --> 4799.90] of scriptures +[4799.90 --> 4800.64] that indicate +[4800.64 --> 4801.14] that this +[4801.14 --> 4801.66] is the +[4801.66 --> 4801.96] goal +[4801.96 --> 4802.80] for your +[4802.80 --> 4803.18] unity +[4803.18 --> 4803.66] that this +[4803.66 --> 4803.98] has been +[4803.98 --> 4804.36] the goal +[4804.36 --> 4805.08] all along +[4805.08 --> 4805.38] I will +[4805.38 --> 4805.92] praise you +[4805.92 --> 4806.36] among the +[4806.36 --> 4806.84] Gentiles +[4806.84 --> 4807.16] I will +[4807.16 --> 4807.56] sing the +[4807.56 --> 4807.94] praises +[4807.94 --> 4808.66] of your +[4808.66 --> 4808.90] name +[4808.90 --> 4809.40] rejoice +[4809.40 --> 4809.74] you +[4809.74 --> 4810.30] Gentiles +[4810.30 --> 4811.04] with his +[4811.04 --> 4811.36] people +[4811.36 --> 4812.16] praise the +[4812.16 --> 4812.44] Lord +[4812.44 --> 4812.90] all you +[4812.90 --> 4813.40] Gentiles +[4813.40 --> 4813.96] let all +[4813.96 --> 4814.14] the +[4814.14 --> 4814.48] peoples +[4814.48 --> 4815.00] extol +[4815.00 --> 4815.26] him +[4815.26 --> 4816.06] the +[4816.06 --> 4816.26] root +[4816.26 --> 4816.40] of +[4816.40 --> 4816.68] Jesse +[4816.68 --> 4816.94] will +[4816.94 --> 4817.24] spring +[4817.24 --> 4817.54] up +[4817.54 --> 4819.06] one +[4819.06 --> 4819.24] who +[4819.24 --> 4819.40] will +[4819.40 --> 4819.86] arise +[4819.86 --> 4820.38] to rule +[4820.38 --> 4820.80] over the +[4820.80 --> 4821.20] nations +[4821.20 --> 4821.82] in him +[4821.82 --> 4822.08] the +[4822.08 --> 4822.82] Gentiles +[4822.82 --> 4823.96] will hope +[4823.96 --> 4825.20] a gospel +[4825.20 --> 4825.70] unity +[4825.70 --> 4826.88] glorifies God +[4826.88 --> 4827.52] in the sense +[4827.52 --> 4828.26] that it brings +[4828.26 --> 4829.42] him glory +[4829.42 --> 4830.22] it makes +[4830.22 --> 4831.18] much of his +[4831.18 --> 4831.72] greatness +[4831.72 --> 4832.74] of who he +[4832.74 --> 4833.48] is and what +[4833.48 --> 4834.18] he has done +[4834.18 --> 4835.06] and gospel +[4835.06 --> 4835.56] unity +[4835.56 --> 4837.40] also glorifies +[4837.40 --> 4837.80] God +[4837.80 --> 4838.32] in his +[4838.32 --> 4839.10] in the sense +[4839.10 --> 4839.80] that his +[4839.80 --> 4840.66] people are +[4840.66 --> 4841.30] united +[4841.30 --> 4842.02] together +[4842.02 --> 4842.86] in their +[4842.86 --> 4843.48] praising +[4843.48 --> 4844.58] of him +[4844.58 --> 4846.12] maturity +[4846.12 --> 4847.24] in the gospel +[4847.24 --> 4848.18] builds unity +[4848.18 --> 4849.34] around the +[4849.34 --> 4849.70] gospel +[4849.70 --> 4850.18] and so +[4850.18 --> 4851.20] all people +[4851.20 --> 4852.04] everywhere +[4852.04 --> 4853.00] praise +[4853.00 --> 4854.02] the Lord +[4854.02 --> 4860.48] may the +[4860.48 --> 4860.82] God of +[4860.82 --> 4861.16] hope +[4861.16 --> 4862.90] fill you +[4862.90 --> 4863.28] with all +[4863.28 --> 4863.68] joy +[4863.68 --> 4864.38] and peace +[4864.38 --> 4864.92] as you +[4864.92 --> 4865.38] trust +[4865.38 --> 4866.06] in him +[4866.06 --> 4866.74] so that +[4866.74 --> 4867.02] you may +[4867.02 --> 4867.62] overflow +[4867.62 --> 4868.50] with hope +[4868.50 --> 4869.10] by the +[4869.10 --> 4869.56] power +[4869.56 --> 4870.44] of the +[4870.44 --> 4870.68] Holy +[4870.68 --> 4871.10] Spirit +[4871.10 --> 4872.66] you see +[4872.66 --> 4873.16] maturity +[4873.16 --> 4873.84] in the +[4873.84 --> 4874.24] gospel +[4874.24 --> 4874.72] builds +[4874.72 --> 4875.10] unity +[4875.10 --> 4875.68] around +[4875.68 --> 4875.90] the +[4875.90 --> 4876.28] gospel +[4876.28 --> 4876.94] or +[4876.94 --> 4877.32] to put +[4877.32 --> 4877.44] it +[4877.44 --> 4877.74] another +[4877.74 --> 4878.08] way +[4878.08 --> 4879.00] maturity +[4879.00 --> 4880.00] brings +[4880.00 --> 4880.50] joy +[4880.50 --> 4881.14] and +[4881.14 --> 4881.64] peace +[4881.64 --> 4882.28] and +[4882.28 --> 4882.78] righteousness +[4882.78 --> 4884.16] so that +[4884.16 --> 4884.32] you +[4884.32 --> 4885.10] overflow +[4885.10 --> 4886.34] with +[4886.34 --> 4887.38] hope +[4887.38 --> 4889.58] unity +[4889.58 --> 4891.64] is +[4891.64 --> 4893.16] hopeful +[4893.16 --> 4895.22] and +[4895.22 --> 4895.54] our +[4895.54 --> 4896.16] hope +[4896.16 --> 4896.92] is +[4896.92 --> 4897.62] expressed +[4897.62 --> 4898.52] in +[4898.52 --> 4898.92] our +[4898.92 --> 4899.82] unity +[4899.82 --> 4901.36] and +[4901.36 --> 4901.96] all +[4901.96 --> 4902.28] of +[4902.28 --> 4902.76] this +[4902.76 --> 4903.72] all +[4903.72 --> 4903.90] of +[4903.90 --> 4904.28] this +[4904.28 --> 4905.32] is +[4905.32 --> 4905.52] the +[4905.52 --> 4905.94] work +[4905.94 --> 4906.62] of +[4906.62 --> 4907.08] God +[4907.08 --> 4907.46] and +[4907.46 --> 4907.64] the +[4907.64 --> 4908.10] power +[4908.10 --> 4908.80] of +[4908.80 --> 4908.96] the +[4908.96 --> 4909.28] Holy +[4909.28 --> 4910.06] Spirit +[4910.06 --> 4911.86] and +[4911.86 --> 4912.40] that +[4912.40 --> 4914.00] changes +[4914.00 --> 4915.76] everything +[4915.76 --> 4916.72] amen +[4916.72 --> 4918.06] let's +[4918.06 --> 4918.22] pray +[4918.22 --> 4918.64] together +[4918.64 --> 4925.82] holy +[4925.82 --> 4926.52] holy +[4926.52 --> 4927.30] God +[4927.30 --> 4928.36] we +[4928.36 --> 4928.82] are +[4928.82 --> 4929.68] here +[4929.68 --> 4930.48] born +[4930.48 --> 4931.02] again +[4931.02 --> 4931.58] into +[4931.58 --> 4932.02] a +[4932.02 --> 4932.38] living +[4932.38 --> 4933.26] hope +[4933.26 --> 4934.58] and +[4934.58 --> 4934.84] so +[4934.84 --> 4935.46] send us +[4935.46 --> 4935.74] out +[4935.74 --> 4936.04] in the +[4936.04 --> 4936.40] power +[4936.40 --> 4937.22] of the +[4937.22 --> 4937.48] Holy +[4937.48 --> 4937.86] Spirit +[4937.86 --> 4938.60] send us +[4938.60 --> 4938.86] out +[4938.86 --> 4939.40] that we +[4939.40 --> 4939.66] might +[4939.66 --> 4940.14] declare +[4940.14 --> 4940.44] the +[4940.44 --> 4940.94] praises +[4940.94 --> 4941.68] of +[4941.68 --> 4941.98] him +[4941.98 --> 4942.32] who +[4942.32 --> 4942.84] called +[4942.84 --> 4943.18] us +[4943.18 --> 4943.48] out +[4943.48 --> 4943.64] of +[4943.64 --> 4944.00] darkness +[4944.00 --> 4944.64] into +[4944.64 --> 4945.24] your +[4945.24 --> 4946.00] glorious +[4946.00 --> 4946.40] light +[4946.40 --> 4947.16] send us +[4947.16 --> 4947.58] out +[4947.58 --> 4949.04] unified +[4949.04 --> 4949.62] in +[4949.62 --> 4950.20] purpose +[4950.20 --> 4951.12] and +[4951.12 --> 4951.46] mission +[4951.46 --> 4952.98] send +[4952.98 --> 4953.24] us +[4953.24 --> 4953.60] out +[4953.60 --> 4954.66] having +[4954.66 --> 4955.18] grown +[4955.18 --> 4955.70] in +[4955.70 --> 4956.04] our +[4956.04 --> 4956.50] faith +[4956.50 --> 4957.26] maturing +[4957.26 --> 4958.00] towards +[4958.00 --> 4959.08] the goal +[4959.08 --> 4959.86] of being +[4959.86 --> 4960.40] more +[4960.40 --> 4960.96] and more +[4960.96 --> 4961.42] made +[4961.42 --> 4961.92] into the +[4961.92 --> 4962.32] image +[4962.32 --> 4962.90] of Jesus +[4962.90 --> 4963.46] Christ +[4963.46 --> 4964.16] our +[4964.16 --> 4964.54] Savior +[4964.54 --> 4966.54] send us +[4966.54 --> 4966.82] out +[4966.82 --> 4968.26] that we +[4968.26 --> 4968.44] might +[4968.44 --> 4968.86] overflow +[4968.86 --> 4969.76] with +[4969.76 --> 4970.12] hope +[4970.12 --> 4972.16] that we +[4972.16 --> 4972.42] might +[4972.42 --> 4973.30] exude +[4973.30 --> 4974.00] peace +[4974.00 --> 4975.24] and joy +[4975.24 --> 4976.18] and +[4976.18 --> 4976.74] righteousness +[4976.74 --> 4979.24] send us +[4979.24 --> 4979.54] out +[4979.54 --> 4981.04] that by +[4981.04 --> 4981.62] our +[4981.62 --> 4982.36] faithful +[4982.36 --> 4983.28] living +[4983.28 --> 4984.24] your +[4984.24 --> 4985.76] transforming +[4985.76 --> 4986.52] power +[4986.52 --> 4987.20] would be +[4987.20 --> 4987.98] made known +[4987.98 --> 4988.70] to the +[4988.70 --> 4989.02] world +[4989.02 --> 4991.16] in +[4991.16 --> 4991.56] Jesus +[4991.56 --> 4992.08] name +[4992.08 --> 4992.34] we +[4992.34 --> 4992.74] pray +[4992.74 --> 4994.06] amen +[4996.82 --> 4998.52] seen +[4998.58 --> 5009.22] our +[5009.22 --> 5010.52] Lord +[5010.52 --> 5011.22] peace +[5011.22 --> 5011.32] even +[5011.32 --> 5011.78] him +[5011.78 --> 5012.20] to the +[5012.20 --> 5012.48] end +[5012.48 --> 5012.58] the +[5012.58 --> 5013.30] this +[5013.30 --> 5014.30] is +[5014.30 --> 5014.42] the +[5014.42 --> 5016.16] close +[5016.16 --> 5016.90] he +[5016.90 --> 5018.64] 背 +[5018.64 --> 5019.82] hills +[5019.82 --> 5020.38] we +[5020.38 --> 5020.78] heard +[5020.88 --> 5021.16] less than +[5021.16 --> 5022.28] he +[5022.28 --> 5034.16] How great the chasm that lay between us, how high the mountain I could not climb. +[5034.16 --> 5046.96] In desperation I turned to heaven and spoke your name into the night. +[5046.96 --> 5059.34] Then through the darkness your loving kindness tore through the shadows of my soul. +[5059.34 --> 5071.70] The work is finished, the end is written, Jesus Christ my living hope. +[5071.70 --> 5080.78] Who could imagine so great a mercy? +[5080.78 --> 5087.26] What heart could follow such boundless grace? +[5087.90 --> 5099.50] The God of ages stepped down for glory to wear my sin and bear my shame. +[5099.50 --> 5105.90] The cross has spoken, I am forgiven. +[5106.94 --> 5112.58] The King of kings calls me his own. +[5113.12 --> 5118.84] Beautiful Savior, I'm yours forever. +[5120.28 --> 5125.50] Jesus Christ my living hope. +[5125.50 --> 5132.74] Hallelujah, praise the one who set me free. +[5135.24 --> 5139.22] Hallelujah, death has lost his grip on me. +[5139.58 --> 5142.52] You have broken every chain. +[5142.88 --> 5145.66] There's salvation in your name. +[5145.66 --> 5151.40] Jesus Christ my living hope. +[5151.40 --> 5157.14] Jesus Christ my living hope. +[5157.14 --> 5159.14] Jesus Christ my living hope. +[5159.14 --> 5169.98] When came the morning that sealed the promise, your buried body began to breathe. +[5169.98 --> 5182.72] Out of the silence, the roaring lion declared the grave had no claim on me. +[5182.72 --> 5195.46] Then came the morning that sealed the promise, your buried body began to breathe. +[5195.46 --> 5208.52] Out of the silence, the roaring lion declared the grave has no claim on me. +[5208.52 --> 5209.52] Jesus Christ my living hope. +[5209.52 --> 5211.52] Jesus Christ my living hope. +[5211.52 --> 5213.52] Jesus Christ my living hope. +[5213.52 --> 5222.66] Hallelujah, praise the one who set me free +[5222.66 --> 5229.22] Hallelujah, death has lost its grip on me +[5229.22 --> 5232.56] You have broken every chain +[5232.56 --> 5235.76] There's salvation in your name +[5235.76 --> 5241.82] Jesus Christ, my living heart +[5241.82 --> 5248.84] Hallelujah, praise the one who set me free +[5248.84 --> 5255.32] Hallelujah, death has lost its grip on me +[5255.32 --> 5258.82] You have broken every chain +[5258.82 --> 5261.78] There's salvation in your name +[5261.78 --> 5267.90] Jesus Christ, my living hope +[5267.90 --> 5273.92] Jesus Christ, my living hope +[5273.92 --> 5280.92] Oh God, you are my living hope +[5280.92 --> 5305.68] As we go, we go unified in the power of God, in the gospel of Jesus Christ, and we go with his blessing. +[5305.68 --> 5310.26] And so receive the blessing of our God for the journey of faith ahead. +[5310.26 --> 5315.24] God, go before you to lead you +[5315.24 --> 5318.28] God, go behind you to protect you +[5318.28 --> 5320.88] God, go beneath you to support you +[5320.88 --> 5323.46] God, go beside you to befriend you +[5323.46 --> 5325.86] Do not be afraid +[5325.86 --> 5328.42] Let the blessing of God come upon you today +[5328.42 --> 5329.88] Do not be afraid +[5329.88 --> 5332.94] But go in peace and unity +[5332.94 --> 5335.72] To love and serve the Lord +[5335.72 --> 5337.36] Amen +[5337.90 --> 5340.76] Amen +[5340.76 --> 5343.80] Amen +[5343.80 --> 5344.94] You +[5344.94 --> 5345.04] Good +[5345.04 --> 5345.36] Amen +[5345.36 --> 5346.26] Jesus +[5346.26 --> 5346.28] Amen +[5346.30 --> 5346.82] Amen +[5346.82 --> 5354.48] Amen +[5354.48 --> 5359.40] Amen +[5359.40 --> 5360.04] Amen +[5360.04 --> 5365.54] Amen +[5365.54 --> 5366.48] Amen +[5366.48 --> 5368.48] Amen. +[5396.48 --> 5398.48] Amen. +[5426.48 --> 5428.48] Amen. +[5456.48 --> 5458.48] Amen. +[5486.48 --> 5488.48] Amen. +[5516.48 --> 5518.48] Amen. +[5546.48 --> 5548.48] Amen. +[5576.48 --> 5578.48] Amen. +[5606.48 --> 5608.48] Amen. +[5636.48 --> 5638.48] Amen. +[5666.48 --> 5668.48] Amen. +[5696.48 --> 5698.48] Amen. +[5726.48 --> 5728.48] Amen. +[5756.48 --> 5758.48] Amen. +[5786.48 --> 5788.48] Amen. +[5816.48 --> 5818.48] Amen. +[5846.48 --> 5848.48] Amen. +[5876.48 --> 5878.48] Amen. +[5906.48 --> 5908.48] Amen. +[5936.48 --> 5938.48] Amen. +[5966.48 --> 5968.48] Amen. +[5996.48 --> 5998.48] Amen. +[6026.48 --> 6028.48] Amen. +[6056.48 --> 6058.48] Amen. +[6086.48 --> 6088.48] Amen. +[6116.48 --> 6118.48] Amen. +[6146.48 --> 6148.48] Amen. +[6176.48 --> 6178.48] Amen. diff --git a/Sunday Worship, February 11, 2024_summary.txt b/Sunday Worship, February 11, 2024_summary.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000000000000000000000000000000000000..87b253be121aa22110115f811052abe35d2ad6ee --- /dev/null +++ b/Sunday Worship, February 11, 2024_summary.txt @@ -0,0 +1,87 @@ +• Struggling with negative self-talk and finding worth in God's love +• Lent season preparations and Ash Wednesday service +• Fundraising event for Gateway of Hope called Coldest Night of the Year +• Church announcements, including youth activities and a member's 50th anniversary celebration +• Reading from Revelation 1 as a greeting to God +• Worshiping together as a community in Christ +• The nature of God, specifically the Holy Trinity +• Christ's birth, life, suffering, crucifixion, and resurrection +• The Holy Spirit and its role in faith +• Belief in the resurrection and eternal life +• Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior +• The relationship between God the Father, Christ the Son, and the Holy Spirit +• References to 1 Corinthians 2:9-12 +• The Holy Spirit's role in revealing God's plans and intentions +• Invocation of the Holy Spirit for guidance, power, and comfort +• Song lyrics asking the Holy Spirit to reign and have power over the church and individuals +• Testimony about the gift of Jesus as redemption and joy +• Declaration of hope and faith in Jesus as the source of peace and strength +• The speaker sings a hymn about the hope and freedom found in Jesus Christ +• A deacon introduces an offering for Night Shift Ministries, which helps the less fortunate in Surrey and Langley +• The congregation gives their gifts to support Night Shift Ministries +• The speaker leads the congregation in giving thanks and worshiping God with offerings and hymns +• Trying to guess who the speaker is imitating +• Clues given: blue jeans, bright plaid shirt, rubber boots, and a toque with a bobble +• The speaker's dad is revealed as the person being imitated, a farmer and construction worker +• Discussion of dressing like God by wearing certain items +• Introduction to the church family prayer, led by Haley +• Thanking God for the birth of baby Jake and praying for his well-being +• Praying for those who are grieving and struggling with mental health issues +• Recalling a personal experience of being small as a child but growing taller, leading to humility +• Discussing Romans 12:3-8, emphasizing the importance of thinking of oneself with sober judgment and using one's gifts according to faith +• Explaining that everyone has different gifts according to God's grace and should use them accordingly +• Giving everything over to God leads to humility +• Humility is a natural outcome of surrendering to God, resulting in service to others and the church +• The Holy Spirit's work in our lives leads to humility and service as we acknowledge our dependence on God for salvation +• True humility is not self-loathing or self-deprivation but rather self-awareness that recognizes God's role in our accomplishments and salvation +• The speaker discusses the importance of humility and self-awareness in understanding God's love +• Comparing oneself to others can be a hindrance to true humility, as it often involves comparing one's faith to that of others rather than their own unique distribution from God +• Social media has exacerbated this issue, making comparisons to others' lives easily accessible and creating unrealistic expectations +• Comparing oneself to others on social media can lead to depression, loneliness, and jealousy +• Social media presents a curated version of others' lives, fueling envy and regret +• Anonymous says comparing oneself to others leads to either pride or anxiety/depression +• The data shows that people get high on comparing themselves to others, but this is not a healthy way to think about oneself +• Definition of faith: a tangible thing vs. a feeling +• Faith as sound doctrine, based on scripture +• Faith as a feeling of certainty and assurance granted by God +• True faith is both sure knowledge of God's revelation in scripture and wholehearted trust in God's salvation work +• Faith leads to humility and a deep-rooted assurance of being loved, saved, and sent out by God. +• The importance of living out humble faith in everyday life +• Using God-given gifts to serve and bless the church +• The distinction between serving out of duty and serving because it's all one can do +• The necessity of being part of the body of believers (the church) to give oneself to it +• A list of specific spiritual gifts mentioned in Romans 12, including prophesying, serving, teaching, encouraging, giving, leading, and showing mercy +• Comparison between Romans 12 and 1 Corinthians 12 +• Analogy of the body used by Paul to describe the church +• Importance of love for one another in living out the body +• Need for corporate Christianity, not individualistic faith +• Using gifts within the community of the church +• The importance of church membership and involvement in a local body +• The connection between loving Christ and loving the church +• Using spiritual gifts for the benefit of others, not personal gain +• Identifying and utilizing one's unique gifts to edify the church community +• Recognizing that all gifts are given by God through His grace, not earned by individuals +• The importance of using gifts to love and serve the body of Christ +• Asking "what can I give to God" instead of "what do I get from church" +• Serving the body through giving time, talent, or treasure +• A personal testimony from Stephen Foster about finding purpose in serving others at church +• A story about Pastor's own experience of being asked to run the coffee team and discovering love for those he was serving. +• Serving at a church, specifically making coffee for people +• Realizing the importance of the church as God's plan for salvation +• Embracing the imperfections and humanity of the church +• Identifying one's gifts and serving in various capacities within the church +• Humility and gratitude in serving others through Jesus' example +• Prayer for the church to grow and serve the community +• Confession of sin and asking for mercy +• Thirst for spiritual revival and restoration +• Request for the Holy Spirit to send a revival to the nation +• Celebration of an anniversary and encouragement to live humbly +• Parting blessing from Numbers 6:24-26 +• Declaration of hope in life and death through Christ alone +• Affirmation of faith and trust in God's goodness and love +• Hymn singing +• Christ as hope in life and death +• Confession of faith +• Hope springs eternal +• Joy and feasting in endless joy +• Praise to God through hallelujahs \ No newline at end of file diff --git a/Sunday Worship, February 11, 2024_transcript.txt b/Sunday Worship, February 11, 2024_transcript.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000000000000000000000000000000000000..6d9fb776febf1391368233922e8fa6bbb0640d82 --- /dev/null +++ b/Sunday Worship, February 11, 2024_transcript.txt @@ -0,0 +1,1649 @@ +[0.00 --> 18.96] I keep fighting voices in my mind that say I'm not enough +[18.96 --> 30.96] Every single lie that tells me I will never measure +[30.96 --> 44.80] Am I more than just the sum of every heart and every love +[48.96 --> 57.84] Remind me once again just who I am because I need to know +[57.84 --> 67.86] You say I'm loved when I can't feel a thing +[67.86 --> 74.38] You say I'm strong when I think I'm weak +[74.38 --> 80.88] And you say I am held when I am falling short +[80.88 --> 87.56] And when I don't belong, oh, you say I am yours +[87.56 --> 93.94] And I believe, oh, I believe +[93.94 --> 100.44] What you say of me, I believe +[100.44 --> 110.24] The only thing that matters now is everything you think of me +[110.24 --> 122.14] In you I find my worth, in you I find my identity +[122.14 --> 132.56] You say I'm loved when I can't feel a thing +[132.56 --> 139.22] You say I'm strong when I think I'm weak +[139.22 --> 145.84] And you say I am held when I am falling short +[145.84 --> 152.34] When I don't belong, oh, you say I am yours +[152.34 --> 158.84] And I believe, oh, I believe +[158.84 --> 165.34] What you say of me, oh, I believe +[165.34 --> 177.84] Taking all I have and now I'm laying it at your feet +[177.84 --> 186.88] You have every failure, God +[186.88 --> 190.34] You have every victory +[190.34 --> 200.80] Oh, you say I am loved when I can't feel a thing +[200.80 --> 207.30] You say I am strong when I think I'm weak +[207.30 --> 213.86] You say I am held when I am falling short +[213.86 --> 220.50] When I don't belong, oh, you say I'm yours. +[221.50 --> 230.30] And I believe, oh, I believe what you say of me. +[230.30 --> 243.70] I believe, oh, I believe, yes, I believe what you say of me. +[243.86 --> 273.84] I believe, oh, I believe what you say of me. +[273.84 --> 276.04] Welcome to Langley Emanuel CRC. +[276.12 --> 277.02] My name is Kevin Lowbert. +[277.44 --> 283.42] I'm the youth pastor here at this church, and it's great to be able to gather in God's presence together this morning. +[283.92 --> 286.34] A few announcements this morning before we get underway. +[286.48 --> 298.54] The first is that Lent starts this week, and to kick Lent off, we will be having an Ash Wednesday service this coming Wednesday at a fairly unique time. +[298.66 --> 301.82] So the Ash Wednesday service this week will be at 7 a.m. +[301.82 --> 308.82] So the first thing we can do on Wednesday here at church before work, before school, before whatever you're doing is to come together. +[309.24 --> 314.50] It'll be 30 minutes, and we'll worship God and get into the right posture for the Lent season. +[314.60 --> 317.76] So hopefully you can come on out this Wednesday at 7 a.m. for that service. +[318.64 --> 327.18] Later this month, our congregation is joining with a number of other churches to raise money for Gateway of Hope in an event called Coldest Night of the Year. +[327.18 --> 328.66] So thank you, Linda. +[329.06 --> 330.74] And so a team of us are getting together. +[331.08 --> 334.46] We are going to walk a five-kilometer walk on the 24th. +[334.50 --> 337.92] It starts at Gateway of Hope, and it's a loop, and it'll end at Gateway of Hope. +[338.58 --> 340.64] And you are all invited to join this team. +[341.10 --> 342.92] You can do so by checking out the bulletin. +[342.98 --> 345.30] You can come talk to myself or any of the other staff. +[345.76 --> 354.28] And we encourage you to join the team, see if you can raise any money, and then come on out on the 24th to go for this walk to raise money and awareness for the Gateway of Hope. +[354.28 --> 357.32] Finally, a couple of in-house things. +[357.40 --> 360.08] Youth, we have HCBC today. +[360.40 --> 361.50] Again, it's at a weird time. +[361.56 --> 363.32] We're going to do that right after the service today. +[363.42 --> 368.06] So from noon until 1, grade 9s to 12s, you're invited to come out for HCBC. +[368.76 --> 371.54] As always, grade 9s and 10s are going to be doing the Catechism. +[371.66 --> 373.96] Grade 11s and 12s, you'll be with me doing the Belgian Confession. +[374.06 --> 375.88] So we'll see you after the service for that. +[376.16 --> 380.16] I've got a tiny little, like, a Gateway lunch for you. +[380.24 --> 382.26] So something small, but it'll get you through the hour, I promise. +[382.26 --> 388.44] And then finally, after the service, we are celebrating with a couple of members of our church today. +[388.54 --> 394.36] Maybe they can stand up because John and Helen Van Bergeyke celebrated their 50th anniversary this week. +[400.36 --> 403.34] And there is cake after the service to celebrate that. +[403.44 --> 407.48] So please stick around, enjoy us for some cake, and congratulate them in person. +[407.48 --> 413.00] I'd love to invite you all to rise now and receive God's greeting this morning. +[417.68 --> 420.56] God's greeting this morning comes from Revelation 1. +[420.56 --> 427.48] Grace and peace to you from him who is and who was and who is to come, +[427.84 --> 430.74] and from the seven spirits that are before his throne, +[430.84 --> 433.86] and from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, +[434.36 --> 438.00] the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth. +[438.70 --> 440.80] All God's people said, amen. +[441.08 --> 444.74] As God has greeted us this morning, please take a moment to greet those around you as well. +[444.74 --> 474.04] As we gather, +[474.04 --> 476.80] this morning to worship our God. +[477.32 --> 481.22] We gather as a community of one body in Christ. +[481.72 --> 485.50] We come from different backgrounds, different life experiences, +[486.28 --> 489.34] different ages, different current circumstances, +[489.76 --> 493.94] but we come as one people, holy and dearly loved. +[494.80 --> 499.32] Let's confess our common belief together with the words of the Apostles' Creed. +[499.32 --> 504.10] I believe in God, Father Almighty, +[504.78 --> 506.60] the creator of heaven and earth. +[507.22 --> 511.12] I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, +[511.64 --> 513.94] who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, +[514.48 --> 516.14] and born of the Virgin Mary. +[516.78 --> 518.82] He suffered and haunt his life, +[519.32 --> 521.82] so crucified, died, and was buried. +[522.38 --> 523.74] He descended to hell. +[523.74 --> 526.94] The third day he rose again from the dead. +[527.46 --> 528.90] He ascended to heaven, +[529.34 --> 532.60] and he seated at the right hand of God the Father Almighty. +[533.26 --> 536.62] From there he will come to judge the living and the dead. +[537.38 --> 539.38] I believe in the Holy Spirit, +[539.80 --> 541.48] of the Holy Catholic Church, +[542.02 --> 543.40] the communion of saints, +[543.96 --> 545.40] the forgiveness of saints, +[545.96 --> 547.60] the resurrection of the body, +[548.08 --> 549.50] and the life everlasting. +[549.50 --> 550.28] Amen. +[550.28 --> 550.50] Amen. +[551.18 --> 551.22] Amen. +[551.22 --> 581.20] piano plays softly +[581.20 --> 586.54] The all-creating One +[586.54 --> 589.56] God Almighty +[589.56 --> 595.20] Through Your Holy Spirit +[595.84 --> 599.20] Conceiving Christ the Son +[600.00 --> 603.30] Jesus our Savior +[603.30 --> 609.32] I believe in God our Father +[609.32 --> 613.06] I believe in Christ the Son +[613.06 --> 616.34] I believe in the Holy Spirit +[616.34 --> 620.12] Our God is three in one +[620.12 --> 623.16] I believe in the resurrection +[623.16 --> 626.32] That we will rise again +[627.02 --> 633.32] For I believe in the name of Jesus +[633.32 --> 651.06] Our judge and our defender +[651.06 --> 654.44] Suffered and crucified +[654.44 --> 660.18] Forgiveness is in you +[660.18 --> 665.20] Descended into darkness +[665.20 --> 669.44] Who rose in glorious light +[669.44 --> 673.18] Forever standing high +[673.18 --> 678.56] I believe in God our Father +[678.56 --> 682.04] I believe in Christ the Son +[682.04 --> 685.42] I believe in the Holy Spirit +[685.42 --> 689.04] Our God is three in one +[689.04 --> 692.02] I believe in the resurrection +[692.02 --> 695.76] That we will rise again +[695.76 --> 701.90] For I believe in the name of Jesus +[701.90 --> 709.64] I believe in you +[709.64 --> 710.64] I believe in you +[710.64 --> 716.22] I believe you rose again +[716.22 --> 721.64] I believe in you +[721.64 --> 727.38] That Jesus Christ is Lord +[727.38 --> 735.38] I believe in you +[735.38 --> 739.38] I believe in you +[739.38 --> 740.38] I believe in you +[740.38 --> 741.38] I believe in you +[741.38 --> 743.38] I believe in you +[743.38 --> 749.12] I believe in you +[749.12 --> 750.06] I believe in you +[754.12 --> 760.18] I believe in you +[760.18 --> 760.52] God is three in blood +[760.52 --> 760.68] I believe in you +[760.68 --> 761.74] I believe in you +[761.74 --> 761.96] I believe in you +[761.96 --> 769.00] I believe in Jesus Christ is Lord +[769.00 --> 782.20] in your holy church i believe in the resurrection when jesus comes again for i believe in the name +[782.20 --> 794.12] of jesus i believe in god our father i believe in christ the son i believe in the holy spirit +[794.12 --> 804.44] our god is free in god i believe in the resurrection when we will rise again +[804.44 --> 810.44] for i believe in the name of jesus +[810.92 --> 820.44] for i believe in the name of jesus +[824.12 --> 850.44] be thou my vision +[850.44 --> 854.44] lord of my heart +[854.44 --> 858.44] not be all else to be saved +[858.44 --> 862.44] that thou art +[862.44 --> 864.44] thou might not +[864.44 --> 868.44] by day or by night +[869.40 --> 872.44] waking or sleeping +[872.44 --> 874.44] thy presence +[874.44 --> 878.44] my life +[878.44 --> 888.44] be thou my wisdom and thou my true word +[888.44 --> 896.44] i ever with thee and thou with me lord +[896.44 --> 900.44] thou my great father +[900.44 --> 904.44] i thy true son +[904.44 --> 906.44] thou with me dwelling +[906.44 --> 910.44] and i with thee one +[910.44 --> 912.44] thou +[912.44 --> 916.44] my +[916.44 --> 918.44] riches +[918.44 --> 920.44] i +[920.44 --> 922.44] not your man's empty praise +[922.44 --> 924.44] thou +[924.44 --> 926.44] my +[926.44 --> 928.44] inheritance +[928.44 --> 930.44] now and always +[930.44 --> 932.44] now and +[932.44 --> 934.44] thou only +[934.44 --> 936.44] thou +[936.44 --> 938.44] only +[938.44 --> 940.44] first +[940.44 --> 942.44] in my heart +[942.44 --> 944.44] my +[944.44 --> 946.44] my +[946.44 --> 948.44] my +[948.44 --> 950.44] my +[950.44 --> 952.44] my +[952.44 --> 954.44] my +[954.44 --> 956.44] my +[956.44 --> 962.44] my +[962.44 --> 976.44] my +[976.44 --> 978.44] my +[978.44 --> 982.44] my +[982.44 --> 984.44] my +[984.44 --> 986.44] my +[986.44 --> 988.44] my +[988.44 --> 990.44] my +[990.44 --> 992.44] my +[992.44 --> 994.44] my +[994.44 --> 996.44] my +[996.44 --> 998.44] my +[998.44 --> 1020.44] my +[1020.44 --> 1024.44] my +[1024.44 --> 1044.06] Hear our prayer, Lord. Amen. +[1047.98 --> 1052.92] Our words of assurance come from 1 Corinthians 2, verses 9 through 12. +[1052.92 --> 1056.10] However, as it is written, +[1057.32 --> 1068.66] The things God has prepared for those who love him, +[1069.38 --> 1073.50] these are the things God has revealed to us by his Spirit. +[1074.54 --> 1078.94] The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God. +[1078.94 --> 1084.78] For who knows a person's thoughts except their own spirit within them? +[1085.66 --> 1090.50] In the same way, no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. +[1091.62 --> 1095.20] What we have received is not the Spirit of the world, +[1095.78 --> 1098.06] but the Spirit who is from God, +[1098.56 --> 1103.06] so that we may understand what God has freely given us. +[1103.06 --> 1106.16] Please rise and join us in song. +[1106.16 --> 1111.16] Holy Spirit, reign now, +[1111.16 --> 1123.54] Holy Spirit, reign now, +[1123.54 --> 1128.16] reign now, +[1128.16 --> 1132.16] reign now, +[1132.16 --> 1137.16] reign now, +[1137.16 --> 1142.16] reign now, +[1142.16 --> 1144.16] reign now, +[1144.16 --> 1148.16] oh, comforter and friend, +[1148.16 --> 1153.16] how we need your touch again, +[1153.16 --> 1155.16] holy spirit, +[1155.16 --> 1156.16] holy spirit, +[1156.16 --> 1157.16] holy spirit, +[1157.16 --> 1160.16] reign now, +[1160.16 --> 1162.16] reign now, +[1162.16 --> 1166.16] reign now, +[1166.16 --> 1169.16] let your power fall, +[1169.16 --> 1172.16] let your voice be heard, +[1172.16 --> 1175.16] come and change our hearts, +[1175.16 --> 1176.16] as we stand on your words, +[1176.16 --> 1178.16] as we stand on your word, +[1178.16 --> 1179.16] Holy Spirit, +[1179.16 --> 1182.16] reign now, +[1182.16 --> 1188.16] reign now, +[1188.16 --> 1190.16] holy spirit, +[1190.16 --> 1192.16] reign now, +[1192.16 --> 1193.16] reign now, +[1193.16 --> 1195.16] oh, comforter, +[1195.16 --> 1196.16] reign now, +[1196.16 --> 1198.16] reign now, +[1198.16 --> 1200.16] oh, comforter, +[1200.16 --> 1202.16] reign now, +[1202.16 --> 1206.16] oh, comforter and friend, +[1206.16 --> 1212.16] how we need your touch again, +[1212.16 --> 1214.16] holy spirit, +[1214.16 --> 1219.16] reign now, +[1219.16 --> 1224.16] reign now, +[1224.16 --> 1227.16] let your power fall, +[1227.16 --> 1230.16] let your voice be heard, +[1230.16 --> 1233.16] come and change our hearts, +[1233.16 --> 1236.16] as we stand on your word, +[1236.16 --> 1241.16] holy spirit, +[1241.16 --> 1247.16] reign now, +[1247.16 --> 1249.16] oh, comforter and friend, +[1249.16 --> 1251.16] no eye has seen, +[1251.16 --> 1254.16] no ear has heard, +[1254.16 --> 1257.16] no mind can know, +[1257.16 --> 1260.16] what God has in store, +[1260.16 --> 1263.16] so open up heaven, +[1263.16 --> 1266.16] open it wide, +[1266.16 --> 1269.16] over your church, +[1269.16 --> 1273.16] and over our lives, +[1273.16 --> 1275.16] Holy Spirit, +[1275.16 --> 1279.16] reign now, +[1279.16 --> 1281.16] reign now, +[1281.16 --> 1284.16] reign now, +[1284.16 --> 1286.16] reign now, +[1286.16 --> 1291.16] oh, comforter and friend, +[1291.16 --> 1296.16] how we need your touch again, +[1296.16 --> 1298.16] holy spirit, +[1298.16 --> 1302.16] reign now, +[1302.16 --> 1304.16] reign now, +[1304.16 --> 1308.16] reign now, +[1308.16 --> 1311.16] let your power fall, +[1311.16 --> 1312.16] let your power fall, +[1312.16 --> 1315.16] let your voice be heard, +[1315.16 --> 1318.16] come and change our hearts, +[1318.16 --> 1321.16] as we stand on your word, +[1321.16 --> 1323.16] holy spirit, +[1323.16 --> 1325.16] reign now, +[1325.16 --> 1329.16] cai nå, +[1329.16 --> 1340.16] let your rose, +[1340.16 --> 1353.16] join me, +[1353.16 --> 1358.42] The gift of grace is Jesus my Redeemer. +[1359.44 --> 1365.56] There is no more for heaven now to give. +[1366.22 --> 1371.90] He is my joy, my righteousness and freedom, +[1373.02 --> 1379.00] my steadfast love and deep and boundless peace. +[1379.00 --> 1385.46] To this I hold, my hope is only Jesus, +[1386.66 --> 1392.84] for my life is wholly bound to His. +[1393.58 --> 1398.00] Oh, how strange and divine I can sing, +[1398.62 --> 1405.12] all is mine, yet not I, but through Christ in me. +[1409.00 --> 1421.92] The night is dark, but I am not forsaken, +[1422.72 --> 1428.46] for by my side the Savior He will stay. +[1428.46 --> 1435.78] I labor on in weakness and rejoicing, +[1436.34 --> 1442.18] for in my need His power is to slay. +[1442.86 --> 1449.12] To this I hold, my shepherd will defend me, +[1449.12 --> 1455.12] through the deepest valley He will lead. +[1456.50 --> 1459.52] Oh, the night has been won, +[1459.88 --> 1462.42] and I shall overcome, +[1463.16 --> 1467.94] yet not I, but through Christ in me. +[1467.94 --> 1484.34] No fate I dread, I know I am forgiven. +[1485.40 --> 1490.94] The future's sure, the price it has been paid. +[1490.94 --> 1497.52] For Jesus bled and suffered for my pardon, +[1498.14 --> 1503.72] and He was raised to overthrow the grave. +[1504.78 --> 1510.32] To this I hold, my sin has been defeated. +[1510.32 --> 1517.32] Jesus now and ever, my King. +[1517.32 --> 1521.20] Oh, the chains are released, +[1521.20 --> 1524.50] I can sing, I am free, +[1524.88 --> 1529.32] yet not I, but through Christ in me. +[1529.32 --> 1546.22] With every breath I long to follow Jesus, +[1547.06 --> 1553.48] for He has said that He will bring me home, +[1553.48 --> 1559.48] and day by day I know He will renew me, +[1559.48 --> 1566.48] until I stand with joy before the throne. +[1566.48 --> 1572.62] To this I hold, my hope is only Jesus, +[1572.62 --> 1578.92] all the glory evermore to Him. +[1578.92 --> 1582.92] When the race is complete, +[1582.92 --> 1584.92] when the race is complete, +[1584.92 --> 1586.92] still my lips shall repeat, +[1586.92 --> 1591.92] yet not I, but through Christ in me. +[1591.92 --> 1597.92] To this I hold, my hope is only Jesus, +[1597.92 --> 1604.92] all the glory evermore to Him. +[1604.92 --> 1608.92] When the race is complete, +[1608.92 --> 1611.92] still my lips shall repeat, +[1611.92 --> 1617.92] yet not I, but through Christ in me. +[1617.92 --> 1620.92] Yet not I, but through Christ in me. +[1621.92 --> 1633.92] Yet not I, but through Christ in me. +[1633.92 --> 1641.74] Yet not I, but through Christ in me. +[1645.84 --> 1660.20] Good morning, my name is Mike and I'm a deacon here at the church. +[1660.20 --> 1665.14] And we have an opportunity now to give of our blessings and worship God in this way. +[1665.54 --> 1668.66] So today we've designated the offering to Night Shift Ministries. +[1669.30 --> 1674.14] And Night Shift is a ministry that I think this church has been involved with almost since it started. +[1674.58 --> 1678.64] They've been serving the less fortunate for over 20 years in Surrey. +[1678.78 --> 1682.16] And they actually do spend some nights helping out in Langley. +[1682.60 --> 1684.80] And it is 365 days a year. +[1684.80 --> 1690.94] There are staff and volunteers and churches connecting with people that have some pretty immediate needs. +[1691.38 --> 1697.74] They deal with meals, clothing, crisis care, basic nursing, prayer, drop-in services, Bible studies. +[1698.16 --> 1700.42] A whole gambit of really awesome things. +[1700.68 --> 1703.72] So thank you for giving of your gifts today. +[1703.72 --> 1733.70] Thank you. +[1733.70 --> 1735.70] Thank you. +[1735.70 --> 1736.70] Thank you. +[1736.70 --> 1737.70] Thank you. +[1737.70 --> 1740.70] Thank you. +[1740.70 --> 1741.70] Thank you. +[1741.70 --> 1745.70] Thank you. +[1770.70 --> 1773.72] Your will is what I want. +[1774.12 --> 1776.78] Jesus, have it all. +[1779.74 --> 1782.98] Jesus, have it all. +[1783.40 --> 1786.02] Jesus, have it all. +[1786.34 --> 1789.04] To you belongs the glory, +[1789.50 --> 1792.00] the praise of all the world. +[1792.74 --> 1794.78] Jesus, have it all. +[1795.78 --> 1797.78] Jesus, have it all. +[1797.78 --> 1800.78] A blessing and all honor, +[1801.92 --> 1804.70] a majesty and all. +[1805.12 --> 1807.78] Jesus, have it all. +[1810.68 --> 1813.90] Jesus, have your church, +[1814.02 --> 1816.84] your love, your pride, +[1817.24 --> 1821.22] the joy for which you freely gave. +[1821.64 --> 1825.90] Your life, radiant in white, +[1825.90 --> 1829.24] washed and pure in white. +[1829.66 --> 1831.94] Jesus, have it all. +[1835.20 --> 1837.90] Jesus, have your worth, +[1838.56 --> 1841.24] your due, your sound. +[1841.78 --> 1843.90] The praise of every nation, +[1845.10 --> 1847.40] tribe and town. +[1847.40 --> 1850.48] And all that has been made, +[1850.48 --> 1853.86] glorify your name. +[1853.86 --> 1857.40] Jesus, have it all. +[1857.40 --> 1862.40] Jesus, have it all. +[1862.40 --> 1864.40] Jesus, have it all. +[1864.40 --> 1866.20] Jesus, have it all. +[1866.40 --> 1868.40] To you belongs the glory, +[1869.74 --> 1872.16] the praise of all the world. +[1872.90 --> 1875.58] Jesus, have it all. +[1875.82 --> 1878.56] Jesus, have it all. +[1878.56 --> 1881.56] All blessing and all honor, +[1881.56 --> 1884.80] all majesty and all. +[1884.80 --> 1887.80] Jesus, have it all. +[1887.86 --> 1890.56] Jesus, have it all. +[1890.56 --> 1893.98] To you belongs the glory, +[1894.44 --> 1896.86] the praise of all the world. +[1897.40 --> 1899.56] Jesus, have it all. +[1900.62 --> 1902.98] Jesus, have it all. +[1902.98 --> 1906.28] All blessing and all honor, +[1906.28 --> 1909.52] all majesty and all. +[1909.52 --> 1913.00] Jesus, have it all. +[1932.98 --> 1944.42] All my days, all my life, have it all. +[1944.42 --> 1957.28] All my days, all my life, have it all. +[1957.28 --> 1969.06] All my days, all my life, have it all. +[1969.06 --> 1981.56] All my days, all my life, have it all. +[1987.28 --> 1995.88] Good morning, if I could invite all the three-year-olds to grade four to the front to join me for just +[1995.88 --> 1999.12] a little highlight of our lesson today and our children's blessing. +[2002.46 --> 2004.16] Right, right nice and close. +[2005.34 --> 2006.20] Hi, everybody. +[2006.86 --> 2007.34] Hi. +[2007.74 --> 2011.84] Hey, do you guys ever try to be like somebody else? +[2012.48 --> 2012.92] No. +[2013.18 --> 2013.36] No? +[2013.52 --> 2015.14] We're pretty happy with who we are? +[2015.14 --> 2018.88] Well, I'm going to try to be like somebody else right now. +[2018.98 --> 2019.78] Well, kind of. +[2020.10 --> 2024.28] And you have to try and guess who am I trying to be like. +[2025.02 --> 2026.66] This is going to be a little bit hard, actually. +[2026.82 --> 2029.04] But you probably guess what this person is. +[2029.08 --> 2029.70] So I'm going to start. +[2029.88 --> 2032.68] I'm starting with, I'm wearing jeans, blue jeans. +[2032.78 --> 2035.12] This person always wears blue jeans. +[2037.12 --> 2041.02] And I'm going to put on a bright plaid shirt. +[2041.02 --> 2045.04] This person always wears a bright plaid shirt. +[2045.14 --> 2045.66] What did you get? +[2045.98 --> 2047.04] A farmer. +[2047.48 --> 2048.58] That's a good clue. +[2049.12 --> 2049.36] All right. +[2049.42 --> 2056.64] Well, then let's just finish the farmer attire. +[2057.58 --> 2057.70] Huh? +[2057.84 --> 2058.94] Do farmers wear rubber boots? +[2059.36 --> 2059.80] Yeah. +[2060.20 --> 2063.84] This person, I always saw them in a plaid shirt and rubber boots. +[2065.34 --> 2066.12] A farmer. +[2066.12 --> 2066.60] A farmer. +[2067.00 --> 2069.40] Who do you think I know that's a farmer? +[2069.76 --> 2069.98] Who? +[2070.54 --> 2070.80] Who? +[2071.60 --> 2072.64] Oh, my gosh. +[2072.76 --> 2072.92] Yeah. +[2073.08 --> 2077.98] His favorite toy was a bobcat for most of my life. +[2078.60 --> 2079.28] Do you have a guess, Gary? +[2080.38 --> 2081.64] Oh, a construction man. +[2081.74 --> 2083.14] This guy also worked in construction. +[2083.54 --> 2086.28] You might not know who this is, but there are clues. +[2086.28 --> 2092.96] Every morning when I would go to the school bus, there's a clue, when I was a kid, I would +[2092.96 --> 2098.52] see him standing at the edge of the barn in rubber boots and a plaid shirt and a toque +[2098.52 --> 2101.80] that he never really put on. +[2102.34 --> 2105.80] Like, it was always pooping up like this with his little bobble. +[2106.60 --> 2109.76] And he would wave as we were getting onto the school bus. +[2110.22 --> 2111.54] Who do you think that would be? +[2112.00 --> 2115.08] Who would wave at me before getting onto the school bus every morning? +[2115.08 --> 2116.32] The driver? +[2117.58 --> 2118.12] Not quite. +[2119.50 --> 2120.66] You guys don't know this guy. +[2120.76 --> 2121.60] This is my dad. +[2122.04 --> 2123.48] My dad is a farmer. +[2123.88 --> 2125.32] And he was also a construction worker. +[2125.52 --> 2129.74] And this is pretty much what he wore every day of his life, including a toque just like +[2129.74 --> 2130.02] this. +[2130.60 --> 2131.30] Kind of funny. +[2132.30 --> 2134.12] And his favorite toy was a bobcat. +[2134.86 --> 2141.12] And I think if some of my other siblings were here, they would know for sure that I was +[2141.12 --> 2142.64] pretending to be my dad right now. +[2143.06 --> 2143.36] Yeah? +[2143.36 --> 2143.46] Yeah? +[2145.08 --> 2145.44] Yeah. +[2147.68 --> 2148.02] Totally. +[2148.50 --> 2153.88] So, today we've been talking about, or in Children's Worship Time, we've been talking +[2153.88 --> 2154.98] about the book of Matthew. +[2155.16 --> 2161.56] And today's lesson is now a section in the book of Matthew that gives us instructions +[2161.56 --> 2165.10] on how to be a little bit more like God. +[2165.10 --> 2167.22] So, what are the things we would wear? +[2167.30 --> 2172.34] What are the things we would do that would help people know that we believe in God and +[2172.34 --> 2173.20] we're pointing to him? +[2173.70 --> 2173.94] Okay? +[2174.02 --> 2176.18] So, we're going to talk about that more in Children's Worship Time today. +[2176.38 --> 2180.82] And I want to hear a little bit more from you guys who you maybe try to be like sometimes. +[2181.14 --> 2181.34] Yeah? +[2181.34 --> 2187.38] Okay, let's stand with the congregation and we will do our children's blessing. +[2188.90 --> 2190.22] We'll lift our hands. +[2192.02 --> 2193.42] And together say, +[2193.92 --> 2195.68] The Lord be with you. +[2196.02 --> 2197.20] And also with you. +[2197.20 --> 2198.72] All right, we'll see you in worship time. +[2198.72 --> 2200.96] Thank you. +[2200.96 --> 2225.30] Good morning. +[2225.30 --> 2225.38] Good morning. +[2225.66 --> 2230.14] My name is Haley and I will be leading us in our church family prayer this morning. +[2230.96 --> 2233.40] Please join me in prayer. +[2235.32 --> 2240.24] Dear Heavenly Father, we gather before you in this morning hour as your people and we +[2240.24 --> 2242.46] praise you for the many blessings you have given us. +[2242.98 --> 2246.70] We are so blessed to live where we do, surrounded by the beauty of your creation. +[2247.54 --> 2251.30] Thank you for the rain and the wind and the glorious sunshine when it's here. +[2251.58 --> 2255.32] Thank you for our families and friends, for we babies and grandparents. +[2256.08 --> 2258.38] Thank you for the gift of your son, our Savior. +[2258.38 --> 2265.58] In these dark and dreary February days, help us to remember the good news of great joy that is for all people. +[2267.02 --> 2273.86] Forgive us for forgetting when the world around us fills our minds and hearts with worry, despair, and ourselves. +[2274.76 --> 2278.00] Thank you that your love never changes and never fades. +[2278.00 --> 2285.98] Thank you for coming to save us from our sinful condition and for giving us eternal life and the joy of a personal relationship with you, our Lord. +[2286.64 --> 2291.10] Thank you for the promise of your birth and the power of your death and resurrection. +[2291.10 --> 2298.70] We praise you and thank you that John and Helen celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary this week. +[2299.44 --> 2302.88] We pray that you will bless them in their 51st year of marriage. +[2303.60 --> 2307.86] We thank you alongside the Fulkerts and Kunst families for the birth of baby Jake. +[2308.44 --> 2309.90] Please bless him and keep him. +[2309.90 --> 2313.50] Lord, we pray for all those who are grieving. +[2313.98 --> 2315.68] Comfort them and be near to them. +[2316.36 --> 2320.14] We pray for those who struggle with their mental health and other invisible illnesses. +[2321.02 --> 2325.54] Remind us as a church to surround them and comfort them, for we are your hands and feet. +[2326.98 --> 2327.98] The Lord reigns. +[2328.30 --> 2329.48] He is roped in majesty. +[2330.10 --> 2332.98] The Lord is roped in majesty and armed with strength. +[2333.60 --> 2337.34] Indeed, the world is established, firm, and secure. +[2337.34 --> 2339.70] Your throne was established long ago. +[2340.30 --> 2341.68] You are from all eternity. +[2342.40 --> 2343.74] In Jesus' name we pray. +[2344.12 --> 2344.40] Amen. +[2361.48 --> 2365.74] Growing up, I was actually a fairly little child. +[2365.74 --> 2371.36] For years, actually, people thought that me and my brother, who was two years younger than I, were twins. +[2371.82 --> 2375.86] Mostly because I was fairly small and my brother was a little bit of a chunkster when he was young. +[2376.58 --> 2380.98] There should be a picture actually coming up on the screen behind me and I'll have you guess which one I was. +[2382.40 --> 2383.24] See, it's hard to tell. +[2384.28 --> 2386.20] Anyways, I was the runt in school. +[2386.44 --> 2393.68] But all of that changed in a glorious summer between grade five and grade six where I just shot up like a rocket. +[2393.68 --> 2397.10] Instantly, I was one of the tallest people in my grade. +[2397.66 --> 2405.74] I was the starting center of our school's basketball team and rebounding the basketball became what I thought God's calling for my life was. +[2406.18 --> 2411.84] I considered myself a blander, blonder, maybe more civil Dennis Rodman. +[2411.84 --> 2422.14] But I remember one day, back then, after that summer, just towering over my little brother, looking down on him and just saying, +[2422.76 --> 2424.44] Remember how people thought we were twins? +[2424.80 --> 2426.56] You will never be taller than me. +[2426.56 --> 2432.74] The Lord taught me a lot of humility over those next few years because I have never grown taller than that moment. +[2432.94 --> 2440.06] And my brother, who again is two years younger than me, in the next five years, actually about five years after I considered him obsolete, +[2440.40 --> 2442.48] he grew to a whopping six foot seven. +[2442.48 --> 2453.00] And so now, when we play basketball together, between his height advantage and the fact that I've got the vertical of a walrus, +[2453.10 --> 2456.20] there's just no competition anymore when we play ball. +[2457.70 --> 2463.36] Now, I tell you that little bit of family history because today we're going to be looking at humility. +[2463.36 --> 2473.24] We're going to see that humility is something that becomes a piece of who we are once we are transformed by the renewing of our minds in Jesus Christ. +[2473.34 --> 2479.98] And while that rarely has anything to do with how tall you are, it does have to do with the gifts that God has given us. +[2480.82 --> 2484.78] So if you're joining us today for the first time, we've been working our way through Romans. +[2485.02 --> 2489.64] And today we find ourselves at Romans chapter 12, verses 3 to 8. +[2489.64 --> 2492.52] So if you have your Bibles with you, I encourage you, please open those up. +[2492.52 --> 2494.84] You can grab one from the back if you wish. +[2495.58 --> 2499.08] And at the beginning here, the words will be on this screen. +[2499.16 --> 2501.00] But I do encourage you, keep those Bibles open. +[2501.08 --> 2506.14] Or if you have the Bible on your phone, you can open up your app and keep those beside you +[2506.14 --> 2509.10] because we will be going back to this text throughout this message. +[2509.50 --> 2514.20] So please follow along here as we read Romans 12, verses 3 to 8. +[2515.80 --> 2519.80] For by the grace given to me, I say to every one of you, +[2519.80 --> 2526.62] Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, +[2527.06 --> 2530.00] in according with the faith God has distributed to each of you. +[2530.48 --> 2536.22] For just as each of you has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, +[2536.22 --> 2543.36] so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. +[2543.96 --> 2547.78] We have different gifts according to the grace given to each of us. +[2547.98 --> 2552.02] If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith. +[2552.20 --> 2554.06] If it is serving, then serve. +[2554.32 --> 2556.16] If it is teaching, then teach. +[2556.66 --> 2559.22] If it is to encourage, then... +[2559.22 --> 2560.74] I've lost my spot there. +[2560.74 --> 2563.18] If it is to encourage, then give encouragement. +[2563.44 --> 2565.50] If it is giving, then give generously. +[2565.88 --> 2568.08] If it is to lead, do it diligently. +[2569.18 --> 2572.38] If it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully. +[2573.32 --> 2574.46] The word of the Lord. +[2577.04 --> 2582.48] Now last week, Pastor Chris led us through the first two verses in Romans 12, +[2582.48 --> 2587.34] which is likely the biggest transitionary verse in this entire letter. +[2587.34 --> 2591.40] The whole letter up until that point, Romans 1 to Romans 11, +[2591.84 --> 2595.86] was about how due to human sin, the only way to be justified, +[2596.20 --> 2597.70] or the only way to be saved, +[2598.30 --> 2601.44] is by grace alone, through faith alone, +[2601.74 --> 2603.96] because of Christ alone. +[2604.98 --> 2606.70] Then Romans 12 starts, +[2606.78 --> 2609.54] and last week we learned that once we understand that truth, +[2609.82 --> 2613.42] once we understand the magnitude of that reality, +[2613.42 --> 2616.84] once we really grasp how God's grace and mercy +[2616.84 --> 2619.42] sets into our lives and our minds, +[2619.78 --> 2622.42] the only thing that makes sense +[2622.42 --> 2624.68] is to give it all to God. +[2625.38 --> 2626.48] All of ourselves. +[2626.86 --> 2629.42] Our lives, our joys, our griefs, +[2630.16 --> 2631.50] our doubts, our everything. +[2632.48 --> 2635.48] That is our new spiritual reality. +[2635.60 --> 2638.18] That's what the renewing of our minds looks like. +[2639.22 --> 2642.56] Today, this text continues down that same vein. +[2643.30 --> 2647.44] Our text today is very much connected to our text from last week. +[2647.54 --> 2650.60] And we know this because our text today starts with the word for. +[2651.12 --> 2653.16] For, which means that everything afterwards, +[2653.32 --> 2654.46] everything after the word for, +[2654.54 --> 2656.02] is connected to the words before it. +[2657.12 --> 2657.38] All right? +[2657.44 --> 2658.46] So in light of that, +[2658.84 --> 2661.42] the big idea, which is connected to last week, is this. +[2661.84 --> 2663.94] By giving everything we have to God, +[2664.12 --> 2664.90] two things happen. +[2665.64 --> 2667.26] First, we humble ourselves. +[2667.26 --> 2670.82] And then second, in that humility, +[2671.20 --> 2673.02] we give of ourselves to the church. +[2673.98 --> 2675.62] So we humble ourselves, +[2675.82 --> 2677.96] and we give ourselves to the church. +[2679.14 --> 2682.40] Last week was our new spiritual reality. +[2682.92 --> 2685.02] This week, we look at the practical reality +[2685.02 --> 2686.08] that comes out of that, +[2686.14 --> 2688.78] that is birthed out of our new spiritual reality. +[2688.90 --> 2691.00] And so we're going to take a look at why that is. +[2691.00 --> 2693.84] So knowing where we have come from, +[2694.14 --> 2695.68] that because of God's grace and mercy, +[2695.80 --> 2697.20] we're to give everything over to God, +[2697.28 --> 2698.70] our text tells us +[2698.70 --> 2703.16] what our natural or practical outcome for our lives is, +[2703.26 --> 2705.28] what our reaction will be. +[2706.18 --> 2707.72] Now, please hear that. +[2708.52 --> 2711.90] Because today's text is not like an optional thing. +[2711.98 --> 2713.34] It's not an optional outcome. +[2713.44 --> 2714.48] It's not saying that, +[2714.78 --> 2715.88] hey, your mind is renewed, +[2715.88 --> 2717.86] so now maybe try these things. +[2718.84 --> 2720.00] That's not what it's saying. +[2720.48 --> 2723.06] The consequence or the ramifications, +[2723.42 --> 2724.76] or really to speak positively, +[2724.84 --> 2726.34] because this is a positive outcome, +[2726.74 --> 2730.40] the natural work of the Holy Spirit in our lives, +[2730.42 --> 2731.46] once we've done that, +[2732.10 --> 2734.36] is humility and service. +[2736.50 --> 2737.50] Well, take a look at this. +[2739.22 --> 2741.76] Humility is the default response +[2741.76 --> 2742.90] to an understanding +[2742.90 --> 2746.08] that the only thing that we contribute +[2746.08 --> 2747.24] to our salvation +[2747.24 --> 2750.38] is the sin that we need saving from. +[2752.12 --> 2754.92] Humility becomes the default response +[2754.92 --> 2756.38] to an understanding +[2756.38 --> 2761.28] that once grace and faith +[2761.28 --> 2764.12] have entered the narrative of our lives, +[2764.42 --> 2766.54] the only thing we can do +[2766.54 --> 2768.78] is be grateful and be humble. +[2771.32 --> 2772.48] Verse 3 says that. +[2772.48 --> 2774.38] Now, it may not be as obvious in English +[2774.38 --> 2775.98] as it is in Greek in verse 3. +[2776.30 --> 2777.36] Paul actually starts using +[2777.36 --> 2779.28] very poetic language here in the Greek. +[2779.76 --> 2781.60] And without wanting to Greek out too much, +[2782.02 --> 2783.36] Paul interchanges two words. +[2783.46 --> 2786.24] He interchanges the word phronio, +[2786.84 --> 2788.72] which means to reason or to think, +[2789.04 --> 2790.82] with the word huberphronio, +[2790.92 --> 2792.78] which means to be proud or to be arrogant. +[2793.16 --> 2794.68] And I say this just for one reason. +[2795.12 --> 2796.72] When authors of letters like this +[2796.72 --> 2798.64] start using poetry and wordplay +[2798.64 --> 2799.40] and stuff like that, +[2799.40 --> 2801.10] it's because they're honing in on a point. +[2801.10 --> 2803.48] They're trying to emphasize something. +[2804.50 --> 2805.88] And Paul here is saying, +[2806.38 --> 2807.44] don't be proud and arrogant. +[2807.60 --> 2808.96] That's not who you are anymore. +[2810.00 --> 2810.92] Because of the faith +[2810.92 --> 2812.54] that God has distributed to you, +[2812.90 --> 2814.46] don't think too highly of yourself. +[2814.84 --> 2816.22] Acknowledge that it's all God. +[2816.60 --> 2818.24] Give yourself over to him. +[2818.70 --> 2820.68] Humility follows faith. +[2822.86 --> 2824.84] Now, remember, humility is not, +[2824.90 --> 2825.90] being humble humility, +[2825.90 --> 2828.00] it's not the same as self-loathing +[2828.00 --> 2830.00] or self-deprivation. +[2830.12 --> 2831.98] That's far too deep a dive, +[2832.04 --> 2832.74] far too negative. +[2833.26 --> 2836.10] But humility is self-awareness. +[2837.30 --> 2839.20] Self-awareness to the fact +[2839.20 --> 2841.32] that God created you. +[2841.86 --> 2843.36] So anything you accomplish +[2843.36 --> 2845.16] is because of God and God alone. +[2846.70 --> 2848.02] It's self-awareness to the fact +[2848.02 --> 2849.94] that Jesus saved you. +[2850.48 --> 2852.98] And so anything you hope to do going forward +[2852.98 --> 2854.20] is only possible +[2854.20 --> 2857.18] because Jesus intervened in your life. +[2858.52 --> 2859.86] Self-awareness to the fact +[2859.86 --> 2861.16] that the triune God +[2861.16 --> 2863.36] loves you so much, +[2863.62 --> 2864.36] no matter what. +[2864.44 --> 2865.60] So even if pride +[2865.60 --> 2867.24] isn't an issue in your life, +[2867.30 --> 2869.10] but maybe the other end of the spectrum is, +[2869.30 --> 2870.54] maybe low self-worth +[2870.54 --> 2871.92] or low self-esteem is, +[2872.94 --> 2874.50] God is with you +[2874.50 --> 2875.54] and he loves you more +[2875.54 --> 2876.50] than you will ever know. +[2876.50 --> 2879.48] That's the humility, +[2879.62 --> 2880.46] the self-awareness +[2880.46 --> 2881.84] that he is calling us to today. +[2882.04 --> 2883.74] We live out this humility +[2883.74 --> 2885.50] by accepting the fact +[2885.50 --> 2887.34] that we are to be made less +[2887.34 --> 2888.94] and Christ is to be made more. +[2891.00 --> 2892.58] And so, as verse 3 says, +[2892.68 --> 2894.02] we are to think of ourselves +[2894.02 --> 2895.36] with sober judgment +[2895.36 --> 2898.36] in accordance with the faith +[2898.36 --> 2899.90] that God has distributed +[2899.90 --> 2900.72] to each of you. +[2902.24 --> 2903.54] Notice the barometer +[2903.54 --> 2905.74] that we use to check our humility +[2905.74 --> 2906.62] is the faith +[2906.62 --> 2908.92] that God has distributed to you. +[2908.96 --> 2909.64] Now, this is important +[2909.64 --> 2910.32] for two reasons. +[2911.88 --> 2912.96] The first is, +[2913.06 --> 2913.58] oftentimes, +[2914.10 --> 2914.80] when we are trying +[2914.80 --> 2916.14] to check our self-worth, +[2916.62 --> 2917.74] we compare ourselves +[2917.74 --> 2918.98] not to the faith +[2918.98 --> 2920.56] that's been distributed to us, +[2920.94 --> 2922.28] but we compare ourselves +[2922.28 --> 2923.04] to the community +[2923.04 --> 2924.46] that we find ourselves in. +[2925.98 --> 2927.46] Now, this is extremely, +[2927.64 --> 2928.52] extremely prevalent +[2928.52 --> 2929.54] in our world, isn't it? +[2930.22 --> 2932.24] We are always measuring ourselves +[2932.24 --> 2933.32] against other people. +[2933.42 --> 2934.52] We compare ourselves +[2934.52 --> 2935.46] to one another +[2935.46 --> 2936.94] in schools for decades. +[2937.48 --> 2938.28] If you want to climb +[2938.28 --> 2939.06] the social ladder, +[2939.34 --> 2939.84] you make sure +[2939.84 --> 2940.72] to do shoulder checks. +[2940.80 --> 2941.64] You place yourselves +[2941.64 --> 2942.64] in the right friend groups, +[2942.92 --> 2943.72] you put yourselves +[2943.72 --> 2945.02] doing the right activities, +[2945.40 --> 2946.68] signing up for the right clubs, +[2946.76 --> 2947.84] only attending things +[2947.84 --> 2949.70] if certain people are there. +[2950.42 --> 2952.30] Whether this is a conscious thing +[2952.30 --> 2953.70] or a subconscious thing, +[2953.94 --> 2954.76] we believe that +[2954.76 --> 2955.96] our social standing +[2955.96 --> 2957.70] depends on constant +[2957.70 --> 2958.36] shoulder checking +[2958.36 --> 2959.24] on who's around me +[2959.24 --> 2960.36] and who am I fitting in with. +[2960.36 --> 2963.40] Now, this concept, +[2963.58 --> 2964.22] which has been true +[2964.22 --> 2964.92] in real life +[2964.92 --> 2965.70] for a long time, +[2965.78 --> 2967.08] has only been magnified +[2967.08 --> 2968.22] recently online. +[2969.68 --> 2971.24] While real life comparisons +[2971.24 --> 2972.42] are still everywhere, +[2972.96 --> 2973.84] they have become +[2973.84 --> 2975.88] just ringing gongs +[2975.88 --> 2976.90] right now +[2976.90 --> 2978.76] because of social media platforms. +[2979.62 --> 2981.34] Now, social media platforms, +[2981.46 --> 2982.28] they've predominantly +[2982.28 --> 2983.48] become one of two things. +[2984.02 --> 2986.04] First, they're just a cesspool +[2986.04 --> 2987.16] of false headlines +[2987.16 --> 2988.36] and biased information, +[2988.50 --> 2989.06] so be careful +[2989.06 --> 2989.90] what you read out there, +[2989.96 --> 2990.52] but that's a sermon +[2990.52 --> 2991.08] for another day. +[2991.62 --> 2992.26] Number two, +[2994.28 --> 2995.26] social media platforms +[2995.26 --> 2996.18] have become a place +[2996.18 --> 2997.84] where everyone's life +[2997.84 --> 2999.02] becomes so easily +[2999.02 --> 3000.02] compared with yours. +[3002.42 --> 3003.62] I don't think this news +[3003.62 --> 3004.40] is necessarily +[3004.40 --> 3006.16] that surprising to us today. +[3006.50 --> 3007.06] Many of us +[3007.06 --> 3008.12] have heard this before. +[3008.40 --> 3008.98] Many of us maybe +[3008.98 --> 3009.96] even understand this +[3009.96 --> 3010.60] to some degree, +[3011.00 --> 3011.88] but the fact that +[3011.88 --> 3013.28] we compare our lives +[3013.28 --> 3014.28] to illusions +[3014.28 --> 3015.70] that we see online +[3015.70 --> 3016.72] is information +[3016.72 --> 3017.24] that honestly +[3017.24 --> 3017.96] goes in one ear +[3017.96 --> 3018.74] and comes out the other, +[3019.74 --> 3020.26] and that happens +[3020.26 --> 3021.30] far too often. +[3022.44 --> 3024.72] We need to stop +[3024.72 --> 3026.14] comparing ourselves +[3026.14 --> 3026.78] to each other. +[3026.88 --> 3027.76] We need to. +[3029.24 --> 3030.90] Voices with far more influence +[3030.90 --> 3031.36] than mine +[3031.36 --> 3032.38] are saying the same thing. +[3032.96 --> 3034.24] Speaking about posting +[3034.24 --> 3035.94] to social media platforms, +[3036.52 --> 3037.92] musical artist +[3037.92 --> 3039.56] Hosier says this. +[3039.62 --> 3039.90] He says, +[3039.90 --> 3040.66] social media +[3040.66 --> 3042.12] is an advertisement +[3042.12 --> 3043.28] for the superficial +[3043.28 --> 3044.56] extroverted self. +[3045.78 --> 3046.54] Germany Kent, +[3046.72 --> 3047.66] she's a journalist, +[3047.80 --> 3048.54] a philanthropist, +[3048.54 --> 3049.72] and she wrote a book +[3049.72 --> 3050.78] in 2015 called +[3050.78 --> 3051.70] You Are What You Tweet. +[3051.80 --> 3052.42] She says this, +[3052.74 --> 3054.00] there is a valid reason +[3054.00 --> 3055.30] social media is linked +[3055.30 --> 3056.34] to depression and loneliness. +[3056.88 --> 3057.72] We live in a time +[3057.72 --> 3058.48] where many people +[3058.48 --> 3059.90] spend countless hours +[3059.90 --> 3060.98] a day online +[3060.98 --> 3062.32] strolling through +[3062.32 --> 3063.44] the timeline of others +[3063.44 --> 3064.94] with envy, regret, +[3065.10 --> 3066.50] and little appreciation +[3066.50 --> 3067.36] for their own life. +[3068.50 --> 3069.30] And finally, +[3069.40 --> 3070.20] perhaps the most quoted +[3070.20 --> 3071.06] individual of all +[3071.06 --> 3071.50] of history +[3071.50 --> 3072.40] who goes by the name +[3072.40 --> 3072.86] anonymous +[3072.86 --> 3075.22] has this to say. +[3075.78 --> 3076.36] Social media +[3076.36 --> 3077.04] has created +[3077.04 --> 3078.06] jealous behavior +[3078.06 --> 3079.36] over illusions. +[3080.32 --> 3080.62] Sadly, +[3080.76 --> 3081.44] some are envious +[3081.44 --> 3082.12] of things, +[3082.54 --> 3083.02] relationships, +[3083.38 --> 3084.32] and lifestyles +[3084.32 --> 3085.82] that don't even exist. +[3087.56 --> 3088.34] I don't need to +[3088.34 --> 3089.68] berate this point anymore, +[3089.80 --> 3090.72] but so many of us +[3090.72 --> 3091.86] compare our self-worth +[3091.86 --> 3093.70] to the social media universe +[3093.70 --> 3094.80] or to the community +[3094.80 --> 3095.58] in which we live, +[3095.74 --> 3096.72] and it just doesn't +[3096.72 --> 3097.32] make sense. +[3098.16 --> 3099.36] What's posted online +[3099.36 --> 3100.00] isn't real, +[3100.00 --> 3100.74] it's a highlight, +[3100.86 --> 3101.60] and yet we compare +[3101.60 --> 3102.90] ourselves and our lives +[3102.90 --> 3103.74] and what we have +[3103.74 --> 3104.90] to that all the time. +[3105.18 --> 3106.56] We compare ourselves +[3106.56 --> 3108.42] to the best snapshots +[3108.42 --> 3109.88] people have to offer +[3109.88 --> 3112.30] all the time. +[3112.76 --> 3114.22] And when we compare +[3114.22 --> 3116.00] ourselves to other people, +[3116.54 --> 3117.44] whether it's for +[3117.44 --> 3118.42] personal reasons +[3118.42 --> 3119.66] or social reasons +[3119.66 --> 3121.10] or even corporate reasons, +[3122.00 --> 3123.18] only one of two things +[3123.18 --> 3123.58] happens. +[3125.12 --> 3126.84] We either see ourselves +[3126.84 --> 3128.40] as better than the other, +[3128.40 --> 3129.80] which fills up +[3129.80 --> 3130.86] our prideful hearts, +[3131.12 --> 3133.16] or we see ourselves +[3133.16 --> 3134.30] as worse than the other, +[3134.56 --> 3136.70] which fuels our anxiety +[3136.70 --> 3137.42] and our depression +[3137.42 --> 3138.06] even more. +[3139.70 --> 3140.82] When we compare +[3140.82 --> 3141.78] ourselves to others, +[3141.86 --> 3143.02] we increase our pride +[3143.02 --> 3143.60] and arrogance +[3143.60 --> 3144.70] or we increase +[3144.70 --> 3145.38] our anxiety +[3145.38 --> 3145.98] and depression, +[3146.12 --> 3148.64] and yet the data +[3148.64 --> 3149.36] is showing that +[3149.36 --> 3150.44] we get high +[3150.44 --> 3152.68] on comparing ourselves +[3152.68 --> 3153.30] to each other, +[3154.02 --> 3155.52] and we stop thinking +[3155.52 --> 3156.06] of ourselves +[3156.06 --> 3157.36] with sober judgment. +[3158.40 --> 3161.78] But Paul here says +[3161.78 --> 3162.52] there's a better way. +[3163.92 --> 3164.80] Renewed minds +[3164.80 --> 3165.62] call us to measure +[3165.62 --> 3166.56] ourselves not against +[3166.56 --> 3167.06] others, +[3168.02 --> 3169.64] but with sober judgment +[3169.64 --> 3170.88] in accordance +[3170.88 --> 3172.12] with the faith +[3172.12 --> 3173.22] God has given us. +[3174.58 --> 3175.60] So what is this faith? +[3175.76 --> 3177.08] This faith that we're +[3177.08 --> 3178.32] to measure ourselves with? +[3178.48 --> 3179.36] Is this faith +[3179.36 --> 3180.42] a tangible thing? +[3180.64 --> 3182.50] Or is this a feeling +[3182.50 --> 3183.10] of something +[3183.10 --> 3183.72] that we're supposed +[3183.72 --> 3184.28] to have? +[3185.62 --> 3186.36] When I looked into +[3186.36 --> 3187.56] this question this week, +[3187.56 --> 3188.88] some commentaries +[3188.88 --> 3189.62] I read said that +[3189.62 --> 3190.54] this faith is +[3190.54 --> 3191.62] sound doctrine. +[3192.28 --> 3193.08] That when we want +[3193.08 --> 3193.98] to measure ourselves +[3193.98 --> 3194.74] in accordance with +[3194.74 --> 3195.58] the faith that we've +[3195.58 --> 3196.04] been given, +[3196.26 --> 3197.18] we can open up +[3197.18 --> 3197.52] scripture, +[3197.88 --> 3198.54] and we can hold +[3198.54 --> 3199.56] ourselves to scripture +[3199.56 --> 3200.84] on what the word +[3200.84 --> 3201.24] says. +[3202.32 --> 3203.40] Now other commentaries +[3203.40 --> 3204.18] said that this faith +[3204.18 --> 3205.48] that has been given +[3205.48 --> 3207.04] to us is a feeling +[3207.04 --> 3207.94] of certainty. +[3208.14 --> 3208.98] It's an assurance. +[3209.48 --> 3210.18] It's something that +[3210.18 --> 3211.44] we can be humbly +[3211.44 --> 3212.30] certain for. +[3212.38 --> 3213.10] We can be humbly +[3213.10 --> 3214.70] certain of who we are +[3214.70 --> 3215.82] because of the gifts +[3215.82 --> 3216.52] that God has given +[3216.52 --> 3216.82] us. +[3218.26 --> 3219.52] And I think when I +[3219.52 --> 3220.36] hold up those two +[3220.36 --> 3222.00] options, the answer +[3222.00 --> 3222.60] is yes. +[3224.38 --> 3225.56] Lord's Day 7 of the +[3225.56 --> 3226.50] Heidelberg Catechism, +[3226.60 --> 3227.38] which is, it's a +[3227.38 --> 3228.34] question and answer +[3228.34 --> 3229.60] that works through +[3229.60 --> 3231.06] scripture and answers +[3231.06 --> 3231.54] a lot of these +[3231.54 --> 3232.32] questions for us. +[3232.38 --> 3233.24] It dives into this. +[3233.58 --> 3234.30] Lord's Day 7, +[3234.38 --> 3234.88] question and answer +[3234.88 --> 3235.72] 20 says this. +[3236.14 --> 3237.18] What is true faith? +[3237.84 --> 3238.92] True faith is not +[3238.92 --> 3240.34] only a sure knowledge +[3240.34 --> 3241.60] by which I hold as +[3241.60 --> 3243.38] true, that all God +[3243.38 --> 3244.64] has revealed to us +[3244.64 --> 3245.28] in scripture. +[3246.24 --> 3247.42] It is also a +[3247.42 --> 3248.30] wholehearted trust +[3248.30 --> 3249.56] which the Holy Spirit +[3249.56 --> 3250.70] creates in me by the +[3250.70 --> 3252.08] gospel that God has +[3252.08 --> 3253.10] freely granted, not +[3253.10 --> 3254.16] only to others, but +[3254.16 --> 3255.76] to me also, forgiveness +[3255.76 --> 3256.82] of sins, eternal +[3256.82 --> 3257.68] righteousness, and +[3257.68 --> 3258.10] salvation. +[3259.68 --> 3261.10] Faith is both a sure +[3261.10 --> 3261.96] knowledge that God +[3261.96 --> 3262.82] has revealed himself +[3262.82 --> 3263.64] as truth in +[3263.64 --> 3265.60] scriptures and a +[3265.60 --> 3267.24] wholehearted trust, a +[3267.24 --> 3268.36] deep-rooted assurance +[3268.36 --> 3269.50] that we are loved, +[3269.88 --> 3270.80] saved, and sent out +[3270.80 --> 3271.22] by God. +[3273.38 --> 3274.80] So as we stop +[3274.80 --> 3275.96] conforming to the +[3275.96 --> 3276.82] patterns of this +[3276.82 --> 3278.02] world, and as we +[3278.02 --> 3279.14] now live out our +[3279.14 --> 3280.08] lives with renewed +[3280.08 --> 3282.72] minds, we humble +[3282.72 --> 3284.90] ourselves because we +[3284.90 --> 3285.44] have been given +[3285.44 --> 3285.92] faith. +[3286.76 --> 3288.26] Faith that God has +[3288.26 --> 3289.06] given a sound +[3289.06 --> 3290.20] doctrine in his word +[3290.20 --> 3290.98] in which we can learn +[3290.98 --> 3292.10] about him and his +[3292.10 --> 3293.34] salvation work in us. +[3294.04 --> 3294.82] Faith that grants us +[3294.82 --> 3296.10] a deep-rooted assurance +[3296.10 --> 3297.10] that we are saved +[3297.10 --> 3298.18] because of him, and +[3298.18 --> 3300.04] faith that he is who +[3300.04 --> 3302.14] he says he is, so we +[3302.14 --> 3303.44] are who he says we +[3303.44 --> 3303.82] are. +[3306.26 --> 3307.26] Which then leads us +[3307.26 --> 3308.14] to the next question, +[3308.26 --> 3308.80] who are we? +[3310.12 --> 3311.16] What does that look +[3311.16 --> 3311.48] like? +[3313.70 --> 3314.84] Well, if verse 3 was +[3314.84 --> 3316.16] about humility in our +[3316.16 --> 3317.04] lives and the working +[3317.04 --> 3317.98] of that out, then +[3317.98 --> 3319.38] verses 4 through 8 of +[3319.38 --> 3320.48] our text talk about +[3320.48 --> 3321.70] how we are to live +[3321.70 --> 3322.90] out that humble faith +[3322.90 --> 3323.84] in the world around +[3323.84 --> 3324.24] us. +[3324.68 --> 3326.84] In our humility, we +[3326.84 --> 3327.86] are to use the gifts +[3327.86 --> 3329.52] God has given us to +[3329.52 --> 3331.42] serve and bless the +[3331.42 --> 3331.76] church. +[3332.36 --> 3333.14] And that is the next +[3333.14 --> 3333.92] course of action. +[3334.02 --> 3335.22] And again, like I said +[3335.22 --> 3336.12] off the top, this isn't +[3336.12 --> 3337.30] like an option thing. +[3337.92 --> 3340.04] This isn't me or Paul +[3340.04 --> 3340.96] encouraging us, being +[3340.96 --> 3342.22] like, hey, try that +[3342.22 --> 3342.44] out. +[3342.58 --> 3343.24] That's what that would +[3343.24 --> 3343.48] lead to. +[3343.58 --> 3344.92] Paul is saying, if we +[3344.92 --> 3345.96] submit to God, if we +[3345.96 --> 3347.06] give God our everything, +[3347.46 --> 3348.90] if we stop conforming to +[3348.90 --> 3350.22] the world around us, we +[3350.22 --> 3351.94] gain a renewed mind +[3351.94 --> 3352.98] where we give our +[3352.98 --> 3354.06] everything to God. +[3354.24 --> 3357.14] And as we do that, we +[3357.14 --> 3357.96] become humble. +[3357.96 --> 3359.98] And we start serving +[3359.98 --> 3360.64] the body. +[3360.76 --> 3361.92] We start serving the +[3361.92 --> 3363.04] church with the gifts +[3363.04 --> 3364.08] that we have, not out +[3364.08 --> 3366.64] of duty, but because +[3366.64 --> 3367.78] that's all we can do. +[3370.84 --> 3373.78] Now, of course, the only +[3373.78 --> 3375.62] way to give of ourselves +[3375.62 --> 3378.06] to the church is to be a +[3378.06 --> 3379.00] part of the church. +[3380.00 --> 3381.38] You cannot give yourself +[3381.38 --> 3382.34] to the church if you are +[3382.34 --> 3383.90] not a part of the body of +[3383.90 --> 3385.00] believers that is the +[3385.00 --> 3385.28] church. +[3385.28 --> 3385.32] church. +[3385.76 --> 3386.66] And while many of you +[3386.66 --> 3387.56] sitting here right now +[3387.56 --> 3388.50] are probably thinking, +[3389.00 --> 3389.86] yeah, I'm here today. +[3389.96 --> 3390.22] Check. +[3390.44 --> 3391.06] Like, we're good. +[3391.38 --> 3392.94] I cannot help but believe +[3392.94 --> 3394.16] that there is someone +[3394.16 --> 3395.16] out there right now who +[3395.16 --> 3396.04] needs to hear this. +[3396.36 --> 3397.30] Perhaps in this room, +[3397.40 --> 3398.78] perhaps online right now. +[3399.42 --> 3401.46] And I know sure well that +[3401.46 --> 3402.40] there are people in all +[3402.40 --> 3403.78] of our lives that we +[3403.78 --> 3404.74] know need to hear this. +[3404.92 --> 3406.12] So let's listen to Paul's +[3406.12 --> 3407.30] inspired words here. +[3408.54 --> 3410.24] Our passage in Romans 12 +[3410.24 --> 3411.74] here lists a bunch of +[3411.74 --> 3412.04] gifts. +[3412.54 --> 3413.50] Seven to be exact. +[3413.50 --> 3414.68] They are prophesying, +[3415.12 --> 3416.36] serving, teaching, +[3416.90 --> 3418.16] encouraging, giving, +[3418.94 --> 3420.04] leading, and showing +[3420.04 --> 3420.36] mercy. +[3421.28 --> 3422.10] Now, this is important. +[3422.50 --> 3423.64] We are not going to +[3423.64 --> 3424.64] dissect those seven +[3424.64 --> 3425.86] gifts this morning +[3425.86 --> 3427.60] because this list of +[3427.60 --> 3428.44] gifts is not an +[3428.44 --> 3429.20] exhaustive one. +[3429.40 --> 3430.32] This is not all of the +[3430.32 --> 3431.40] gifts that God gives us. +[3431.66 --> 3432.90] There are lists throughout +[3432.90 --> 3434.40] the New Testament from +[3434.40 --> 3435.40] Paul as well as other +[3435.40 --> 3436.56] writers that tell us +[3436.56 --> 3436.72] this. +[3436.78 --> 3437.52] In 1 Corinthians +[3437.52 --> 3438.80] chapter 12, Paul +[3438.80 --> 3439.72] actually gives us a list +[3439.72 --> 3441.32] of 13 more gifts. +[3441.32 --> 3442.42] And only two of them +[3442.42 --> 3443.24] are duplicates from +[3443.24 --> 3444.14] this morning's text. +[3444.54 --> 3445.14] And in Ephesians +[3445.14 --> 3446.16] chapter 4, there's another +[3446.16 --> 3447.56] list of five where there's +[3447.56 --> 3448.52] only three duplicates. +[3448.60 --> 3449.64] And then there's many +[3449.64 --> 3450.60] other spots in the New +[3450.60 --> 3451.60] Testament that list +[3451.60 --> 3453.50] specific gifts that the +[3453.50 --> 3454.52] Holy Spirit grants to +[3454.52 --> 3456.84] those who believe. +[3457.10 --> 3457.98] And the point is this. +[3458.94 --> 3459.74] While we could go into +[3459.74 --> 3460.90] detail about these gifts, +[3461.28 --> 3462.62] the point of the passage +[3462.62 --> 3464.10] is not to exhaust these +[3464.10 --> 3465.52] specific ones necessarily, +[3465.92 --> 3467.88] but to use this list of +[3467.88 --> 3470.06] seven gifts as an example +[3470.06 --> 3471.66] of how we are called to +[3471.66 --> 3473.10] use our gifts in the +[3473.10 --> 3474.66] world, which is, as we've +[3474.66 --> 3476.26] been saying, with humility +[3476.26 --> 3478.04] and for the church. +[3480.22 --> 3481.48] Scripture beyond this +[3481.48 --> 3482.84] passage tells us this as +[3482.84 --> 3483.04] well. +[3483.42 --> 3484.74] If you want to compare +[3484.74 --> 3486.20] verses 4 to 8 from our +[3486.20 --> 3487.52] text with the 1 Corinthians +[3487.52 --> 3489.10] chapter 12 text, you'll +[3489.10 --> 3490.12] see some very obvious +[3490.12 --> 3490.62] similarities. +[3491.08 --> 3492.66] First, Paul uses the same +[3492.66 --> 3494.26] analogy of the body. +[3494.60 --> 3496.14] In verses 4 to 5 of our +[3496.14 --> 3497.78] text today, Paul says this. +[3497.78 --> 3499.50] He says, for each of us has +[3499.50 --> 3500.98] one body with many members, +[3501.38 --> 3502.38] and these members do not +[3502.38 --> 3503.52] all have the same function. +[3503.94 --> 3505.78] So in Christ we, though +[3505.78 --> 3507.90] many, form one body, and +[3507.90 --> 3509.16] each member belongs to all +[3509.16 --> 3509.60] the others. +[3510.42 --> 3511.90] In 1 Corinthians 12, Paul +[3511.90 --> 3513.24] says much the same thing. +[3514.00 --> 3515.84] He says, just as a body, +[3516.14 --> 3517.74] though one has many parts, +[3518.42 --> 3520.14] but all its many parts form +[3520.14 --> 3520.66] one body. +[3520.74 --> 3521.62] So it is with Christ. +[3521.74 --> 3523.84] The body is not made up of +[3523.84 --> 3525.30] one part, but of many. +[3525.64 --> 3526.96] And then in that passage in +[3526.96 --> 3528.04] Corinthians, Paul goes on to +[3528.04 --> 3529.22] say how silly it would be +[3529.22 --> 3531.04] for a foot or an ear to say +[3531.04 --> 3531.88] that they were less a part +[3531.88 --> 3532.90] of the body because they +[3532.90 --> 3534.12] are not a hand or an eye. +[3534.54 --> 3535.34] But you get the point. +[3535.98 --> 3538.22] In both passages, Paul is +[3538.22 --> 3539.38] pointing out that although +[3539.38 --> 3540.72] we are all gifted in +[3540.72 --> 3542.38] different ways, we are all +[3542.38 --> 3544.16] part of the body of Christ. +[3545.30 --> 3548.24] With Christ as the head, we +[3548.24 --> 3549.12] make up the body. +[3549.26 --> 3550.30] We are the church. +[3550.30 --> 3553.44] Now secondly, comparing those +[3553.44 --> 3555.24] two passages, Paul describes +[3555.24 --> 3557.24] how love for one another +[3557.24 --> 3558.88] plays a massive role in all +[3558.88 --> 3559.26] of this. +[3559.72 --> 3561.00] Next week, Pastor Chris is +[3561.00 --> 3562.62] going to dig into Romans 12, +[3562.76 --> 3564.80] 9 to 21, where Paul talks +[3564.80 --> 3566.16] extensively about how we are +[3566.16 --> 3566.94] to love all people. +[3567.32 --> 3568.60] That's how this living out the +[3568.60 --> 3569.56] body looks like. +[3570.34 --> 3572.88] In chapter 12 of 1 Corinthians, +[3573.16 --> 3575.42] Paul follows his passage on +[3575.42 --> 3576.58] the body with 1 Corinthians +[3576.58 --> 3578.52] chapter 13, which is one of +[3578.52 --> 3579.90] the most famous passages on +[3579.90 --> 3581.04] love that exists in the +[3581.04 --> 3582.58] entire Bible. +[3583.22 --> 3583.96] Love is patient. +[3584.10 --> 3584.70] Love is kind. +[3584.78 --> 3585.52] It does not envy. +[3585.64 --> 3586.44] It does not boast. +[3586.78 --> 3587.72] Many of you know this +[3587.72 --> 3588.06] passage. +[3588.50 --> 3589.72] Many non-Christians know +[3589.72 --> 3590.24] this passage. +[3590.40 --> 3591.88] This is like infamously +[3591.88 --> 3594.96] wedding, infamously famous +[3594.96 --> 3596.16] at weddings of all shapes +[3596.16 --> 3596.66] and sizes. +[3597.48 --> 3600.02] All of this to say, in both +[3600.02 --> 3601.18] texts, this is the point. +[3602.62 --> 3606.22] In both texts, we see how +[3606.22 --> 3608.66] corporate Christianity is. +[3610.32 --> 3611.24] Now, sure, our faith is +[3611.24 --> 3613.14] personal, but it is not +[3613.14 --> 3614.14] individualistic. +[3615.40 --> 3617.36] Paul is urging those who +[3617.36 --> 3619.52] believe that we need to be +[3619.52 --> 3620.94] operating in community. +[3621.50 --> 3623.08] We need to be a part of the +[3623.08 --> 3624.80] body of Christ, not separate +[3624.80 --> 3625.58] from the church. +[3625.94 --> 3628.32] Using our gifts must happen +[3628.32 --> 3629.22] within the church. +[3629.22 --> 3633.14] This quote from Kevin DeYoung, +[3633.20 --> 3633.86] I think it's awesome. +[3633.94 --> 3635.04] It's from his book titled +[3635.04 --> 3636.54] The Hole in Our Holiness, and +[3636.54 --> 3637.98] it sums it up perfectly and +[3637.98 --> 3638.78] quite pointedly. +[3638.94 --> 3639.52] It says this, +[3640.22 --> 3643.00] We cannot live as Christians +[3643.00 --> 3644.06] without the church. +[3644.78 --> 3647.42] We cannot love Christ and not +[3647.42 --> 3648.06] love the church. +[3648.56 --> 3651.50] We cannot embrace Christ and +[3651.50 --> 3653.76] not embrace those for whom +[3653.76 --> 3654.52] Christ died. +[3654.52 --> 3658.02] We cannot trust Christ for +[3658.02 --> 3660.74] salvation and then refuse to +[3660.74 --> 3662.14] trust those whom Christ has +[3662.14 --> 3664.08] given spiritual oversight. +[3664.98 --> 3667.58] We cannot love Christ and +[3667.58 --> 3669.66] ignore the gifts of Christ. +[3669.78 --> 3671.58] We cannot be devoted to Christ +[3671.58 --> 3673.52] but be detached from Christ's +[3673.52 --> 3673.80] bride. +[3675.08 --> 3677.80] To divorce our love for Christ +[3677.80 --> 3680.40] from our love for the church is +[3680.40 --> 3682.76] to decapitate the head from the +[3682.76 --> 3685.44] body, a decorpsified Christ. +[3689.22 --> 3690.62] We are the body. +[3690.82 --> 3693.44] We are to be edified by each +[3693.44 --> 3693.62] other. +[3693.72 --> 3695.52] Edified simply means improved, +[3695.68 --> 3697.02] informed, built up, encouraged. +[3697.72 --> 3699.82] We need to be part of a local +[3699.82 --> 3701.82] church to be edified by the +[3701.82 --> 3702.76] gifts of others. +[3703.84 --> 3705.74] Or more directly and more +[3705.74 --> 3708.94] specifically, you need to be part +[3708.94 --> 3711.66] of a local church because others +[3711.66 --> 3713.68] need to be edified by your +[3713.68 --> 3714.14] gifts. +[3716.16 --> 3717.86] Gifts are not given to us by +[3717.86 --> 3719.32] God for our own enjoyment or +[3719.32 --> 3721.96] for our own self-exaltation or +[3721.96 --> 3723.70] to build up our own brands or +[3723.70 --> 3724.28] platforms. +[3724.46 --> 3726.62] God has given us these gifts, be +[3726.62 --> 3728.84] it teaching or giving or +[3728.84 --> 3730.50] encouragement or showing mercy or +[3730.50 --> 3731.74] one of the dozens of other +[3731.74 --> 3733.52] gifts he lists in his word. +[3733.80 --> 3734.94] He gives them for one reason. +[3736.24 --> 3739.08] Because Christ loves the church +[3739.08 --> 3741.36] church and we are to use our +[3741.36 --> 3743.28] gifts for the good of our +[3743.28 --> 3745.60] brothers and sisters in Christ. +[3745.60 --> 3751.36] Now God gives us all gifts. +[3752.66 --> 3754.02] And some of you here sitting +[3754.02 --> 3756.56] today know very well what gifts +[3756.56 --> 3758.08] God has given you, what gifts you +[3758.08 --> 3758.38] possess. +[3759.02 --> 3760.48] And some of you are using your +[3760.48 --> 3761.92] gifts so well in this community +[3761.92 --> 3763.88] and we thank you for that. +[3764.56 --> 3765.86] Others of you know the gifts you +[3765.86 --> 3767.02] have and you need to be encouraged +[3767.02 --> 3768.72] to go and give of those gifts to +[3768.72 --> 3769.20] this community. +[3769.30 --> 3770.28] So please do that. +[3771.64 --> 3773.24] Others of you might be struggling to +[3773.24 --> 3774.76] figure out what your gifts actually +[3774.76 --> 3775.10] are. +[3776.44 --> 3777.98] And if that's true, can I please +[3777.98 --> 3779.92] just encourage you, go talk to +[3779.92 --> 3780.28] someone. +[3780.92 --> 3782.00] Someone who knows you well. +[3782.12 --> 3783.22] Talk to a friend. +[3783.54 --> 3785.10] Talk to a spiritual mentor, a +[3785.10 --> 3786.32] pastor, a parent, an elder. +[3786.62 --> 3788.02] Talk to someone who knows you. +[3788.76 --> 3789.46] They can help. +[3789.56 --> 3790.52] They know your gifts. +[3791.30 --> 3792.94] They will see what your role can +[3792.94 --> 3794.16] be in the body of Christ. +[3796.08 --> 3797.48] We've all been given gifts. +[3797.48 --> 3799.84] Every one of us because of +[3799.84 --> 3800.20] Christ. +[3801.20 --> 3802.64] None of us have earned these +[3802.64 --> 3802.96] gifts. +[3802.96 --> 3805.46] We have not received them because +[3805.46 --> 3806.34] we deserve them. +[3808.38 --> 3810.04] We've received them because God +[3810.04 --> 3811.86] drew us to faith by his grace. +[3812.78 --> 3814.40] And now we are called to give of +[3814.40 --> 3815.70] those gifts back to the church. +[3816.62 --> 3821.14] Remember, Jesus came to this earth +[3821.14 --> 3823.36] and he lived the life that you and +[3823.36 --> 3824.92] I have been called to live and yet +[3824.92 --> 3827.00] he died a death that you and I +[3827.00 --> 3827.98] deserve to die. +[3828.42 --> 3830.34] He then, three days later, rose from +[3830.34 --> 3832.70] the dead, revealed himself to many +[3832.70 --> 3834.62] people and then rose up to heaven +[3834.62 --> 3836.14] where now he sits at the right hand +[3836.14 --> 3837.16] of God the Father Almighty. +[3837.92 --> 3840.96] The gifts he gives us are meant to +[3840.96 --> 3843.28] be used for the betterment of the +[3843.28 --> 3844.98] church, to help the church, to grow +[3844.98 --> 3848.22] the church, to spread the gospel +[3848.22 --> 3851.10] truth of Jesus' life, death, and +[3851.10 --> 3851.72] resurrection. +[3851.72 --> 3857.66] When we use our gifts to love and +[3857.66 --> 3860.78] serve the body, we love what Jesus +[3860.78 --> 3863.68] loves, which is the body of Christ. +[3864.52 --> 3865.98] So be a part of the church and +[3865.98 --> 3868.00] humbly give yourself to it. +[3868.00 --> 3872.28] Pastor Chris said a few weeks back +[3872.28 --> 3873.50] that instead of saying, I don't get +[3873.50 --> 3875.16] anything out of church, we should be +[3875.16 --> 3877.60] asking, what can I give to God today +[3877.60 --> 3878.82] as I enter this place? +[3879.06 --> 3880.22] And that is so important. +[3880.34 --> 3882.78] That frames what our posture should be +[3882.78 --> 3884.52] like as we enter this place each and +[3884.52 --> 3884.98] every week. +[3886.22 --> 3888.28] But Paul is adding another layer here. +[3889.54 --> 3891.16] And he's saying, instead of asking, +[3891.48 --> 3892.82] what do I get from church? +[3894.06 --> 3896.22] We need to be asking, what am I giving +[3896.22 --> 3899.26] to church in order to serve the body? +[3901.16 --> 3902.98] And so those are the questions to ask +[3902.98 --> 3903.40] you today. +[3905.24 --> 3906.64] Am I a part of the body? +[3908.36 --> 3910.60] How can I best serve it more? +[3913.16 --> 3915.02] In conclusion today, I want to share a +[3915.02 --> 3915.70] little bit of story. +[3915.80 --> 3917.48] My dad actually sent me a video this +[3917.48 --> 3919.14] week with no idea that I was preaching, +[3919.36 --> 3921.08] let alone what I was preaching on. +[3921.50 --> 3924.50] But the story in this video fits this +[3924.50 --> 3926.14] text so well and fits what Paul +[3926.14 --> 3926.84] is saying here. +[3926.98 --> 3928.78] It's a testimony from a man named +[3928.78 --> 3930.20] Stephen Foster. +[3930.88 --> 3932.34] And honestly, it makes way more sense +[3932.34 --> 3933.90] for him to tell his story than for me. +[3934.00 --> 3935.24] So it's going to be on the screen in +[3935.24 --> 3935.82] just a second. +[3936.22 --> 3938.34] Please watch this two-minute testimony. +[3940.40 --> 3942.60] If I'm honest, I never really liked the +[3942.60 --> 3942.92] church. +[3943.08 --> 3945.12] I didn't even really like Christians that +[3945.12 --> 3945.42] much. +[3945.50 --> 3946.76] I used to think of it like a package +[3946.76 --> 3947.10] deal. +[3947.58 --> 3950.34] Like, you get Jesus, and so you get the +[3950.34 --> 3951.50] church and Christians thrown. +[3951.58 --> 3952.54] It's just part of the package. +[3952.92 --> 3954.52] And there are some bits you like Jesus, +[3954.52 --> 3955.98] some bits you don't like so much. +[3956.06 --> 3957.32] It's like the church and Christians. +[3957.62 --> 3959.00] I used to find that a bit annoying. +[3959.14 --> 3960.18] But I turned up to the church and +[3960.18 --> 3960.80] go through it. +[3961.10 --> 3962.46] I don't really enjoy going to the +[3962.46 --> 3962.62] church. +[3962.72 --> 3965.52] And then one day, I was at the back of +[3965.52 --> 3968.06] our church in East London, and someone +[3968.06 --> 3972.44] said to me, oh, we need help to run the +[3972.44 --> 3973.04] coffee team. +[3973.30 --> 3975.44] Last night, I was like working like 70, +[3975.52 --> 3976.12] 80 hour a week. +[3976.22 --> 3976.82] I'm like, what? +[3976.82 --> 3978.48] And they were like, yeah, Steve, we +[3978.48 --> 3980.32] really enjoy how running the coffee +[3980.32 --> 3981.40] team on a Sunday. +[3981.62 --> 3982.88] And I was like, I'm a pastor. +[3983.08 --> 3983.92] I'm not a barista. +[3984.10 --> 3984.96] Like, I've got a job. +[3985.04 --> 3986.04] I don't even know a job to run the +[3986.04 --> 3986.38] coffee team. +[3986.68 --> 3988.16] I just, you know, sometimes you just +[3988.16 --> 3989.18] can't even think of what to say. +[3989.26 --> 3990.92] So I was like, okay, I'll do it. +[3990.96 --> 3991.32] I'll do it. +[3991.36 --> 3991.58] Okay. +[3991.94 --> 3993.40] And I said, why did I do that? +[3993.42 --> 3995.20] So I turn up next week, like, you +[3995.20 --> 3996.88] know, trying to get the cups and +[3996.88 --> 3998.12] everything, get the coffee right. +[3998.24 --> 4000.18] As I handed these cups to people, +[4000.54 --> 4003.14] something really changed in me. +[4003.14 --> 4005.34] I found myself as I handed coffee +[4005.34 --> 4007.60] to these people, growing in love +[4007.60 --> 4007.98] for them. +[4008.10 --> 4008.86] I was like, these people are +[4008.86 --> 4009.42] amazing. +[4010.32 --> 4011.52] Like, this is this extraordinarily +[4011.52 --> 4012.78] diverse community. +[4013.54 --> 4015.00] It's been gathered from across the +[4015.00 --> 4017.30] area, probably not another place +[4017.30 --> 4019.42] that looks as diverse and +[4019.42 --> 4020.38] integrated as this. +[4020.52 --> 4021.28] This is a miracle. +[4021.58 --> 4023.16] And then even people I found a +[4023.16 --> 4024.46] little bit more frustrating and +[4024.46 --> 4026.42] complicated, as I handed them their +[4026.42 --> 4027.78] coffee, I kind of grew in love +[4027.78 --> 4028.14] for them. +[4028.24 --> 4029.94] And I kind of basically fell in love +[4029.94 --> 4031.10] with the church. +[4031.58 --> 4032.62] And then I kind of went back to the +[4032.62 --> 4033.72] person who'd asked me to, I said, +[4033.90 --> 4034.96] we need a new coffee machine. +[4035.26 --> 4036.20] We need better beans. +[4036.52 --> 4037.48] We need better mugs. +[4037.62 --> 4039.02] Like, come on, these are amazing +[4039.02 --> 4039.30] people. +[4039.40 --> 4040.78] I want this to be the best coffee +[4040.78 --> 4041.40] that they get. +[4041.54 --> 4042.88] You know, they're coming to church +[4042.88 --> 4043.72] on a Sunday morning. +[4043.80 --> 4044.98] I got more and more passionate. +[4045.12 --> 4046.50] I started to build a team to serve +[4046.50 --> 4047.60] coffee on a Sunday morning. +[4047.72 --> 4048.44] I was sometimes sick. +[4048.84 --> 4050.56] Making coffee changed my life +[4050.56 --> 4052.66] because I fell in love with the +[4052.66 --> 4053.60] church of Jesus Christ. +[4053.72 --> 4055.80] I didn't realize why it was +[4055.80 --> 4056.02] special. +[4056.10 --> 4057.86] I didn't realize why it mattered. +[4059.00 --> 4061.10] And as I made coffee for people, +[4061.10 --> 4063.10] I suddenly realized, oh, the church +[4063.10 --> 4065.16] is like the bride of Jesus Christ. +[4065.22 --> 4067.10] It's like the thing he gave himself +[4067.10 --> 4067.54] for. +[4068.12 --> 4071.84] Like, the church is God's plan for the +[4071.84 --> 4072.90] salvation of the world. +[4073.28 --> 4074.34] There's no plan B. +[4074.62 --> 4076.18] And God is going to build his church. +[4076.58 --> 4078.16] And the gates of hell will not prevail +[4078.16 --> 4078.94] against it. +[4079.50 --> 4081.90] So, like, God is putting all his eggs +[4081.90 --> 4083.08] in the church basket. +[4083.08 --> 4086.72] And I realized, over those few weeks, +[4086.90 --> 4088.28] there's a beautiful thing here. +[4088.46 --> 4089.92] Yes, it messes up. +[4090.18 --> 4091.26] Yes, it makes mistakes. +[4091.76 --> 4093.38] You'll never find a perfect church. +[4094.00 --> 4095.26] But it's a beautiful thing. +[4096.22 --> 4098.20] And I thought, that's what I want to +[4098.20 --> 4099.12] spend my life building. +[4099.12 --> 4099.22] Amen. +[4104.56 --> 4107.40] Stephen Foster is actually now a vicar +[4107.40 --> 4110.72] at St. Aldate's Church in Oxford, +[4110.92 --> 4113.56] England, all because he decided to use +[4113.56 --> 4116.22] his gifts and humbly serve his church, +[4116.36 --> 4118.70] even if he started doing so begrudgingly. +[4119.68 --> 4120.70] And so what are your gifts? +[4121.44 --> 4122.58] How are you serving? +[4123.60 --> 4125.90] We can always use coffee volunteers here +[4125.90 --> 4128.16] or more prayer ministry people +[4128.16 --> 4130.76] or people to serve in GEMS or cadets, +[4130.90 --> 4132.32] men's ministry, coffee break, +[4132.60 --> 4134.32] connect teams, mission teams, +[4134.70 --> 4137.02] IT team, social media crew. +[4137.12 --> 4138.06] I was saying team a lot. +[4138.32 --> 4139.74] There's a running of the soundboard +[4139.74 --> 4141.30] or the pro presenter in the back. +[4141.62 --> 4142.54] There's a kitchen group, +[4142.62 --> 4143.54] a refugee committee. +[4143.76 --> 4144.62] There's a board of stewards +[4144.62 --> 4145.68] who helps maintain the grounds. +[4145.76 --> 4146.32] I could go on. +[4149.26 --> 4153.60] Are you a part of the body of Christ? +[4155.14 --> 4157.90] How can you best serve the body +[4157.90 --> 4159.80] with the gifts God has given you? +[4161.20 --> 4164.30] Can we do so humbly because of who Jesus is? +[4165.80 --> 4167.58] If you do, if we do, +[4168.30 --> 4172.58] you may just come to love Jesus and his body even more. +[4172.64 --> 4175.26] And maybe you'll even become a vicar. +[4175.26 --> 4177.08] Let's pray. +[4178.92 --> 4180.18] Father in heaven, +[4180.28 --> 4182.20] we thank you for this text. +[4182.38 --> 4184.82] We thank you that you have lived +[4184.82 --> 4188.08] the perfect life that none of us can live +[4188.08 --> 4190.08] and that you died a death that we all deserve. +[4190.76 --> 4192.84] And by grace, you rose again three days later, +[4192.94 --> 4194.16] giving grace to all of us, +[4194.28 --> 4196.72] forgiveness of sins and life eternal, God. +[4196.72 --> 4202.54] And there is nothing that we did to deserve that. +[4204.08 --> 4206.72] May we live out this life +[4206.72 --> 4209.36] in that humble reality. +[4210.24 --> 4213.00] May we give of ourselves to the church, +[4213.50 --> 4217.72] not because we can, +[4218.36 --> 4219.32] but because you did. +[4219.32 --> 4224.52] And may we serve our brothers and sisters in Christ. +[4224.64 --> 4226.34] May we grow this community. +[4226.48 --> 4228.20] May we grow the church of Christ +[4228.20 --> 4230.28] because you have given us these gifts. +[4230.42 --> 4233.74] May we go out and serve our community well +[4233.74 --> 4237.14] because that is what we are to do +[4237.14 --> 4238.70] with a renewed mind +[4238.70 --> 4241.04] and a knowledge of the grace and mercy +[4241.04 --> 4243.04] that is found in our salvation because of you. +[4243.74 --> 4245.40] God, we thank you for these gifts. +[4245.40 --> 4248.64] May we go and use them for your glory. +[4249.00 --> 4250.20] In your name, amen. +[4275.40 --> 4284.88] O Lord, hear. +[4284.88 --> 4286.96] O Lord, hear. +[4286.96 --> 4293.38] O Lord, forgive us. +[4293.96 --> 4299.80] We have lost the awe of you. +[4299.80 --> 4303.36] Have mercy. +[4303.36 --> 4303.42] Have mercy. +[4303.42 --> 4305.42] Have mercy. +[4305.42 --> 4306.70] Have mercy. +[4308.70 --> 4314.90] O Lord, bless. +[4315.58 --> 4320.70] Our hearts which are divided +[4320.70 --> 4327.64] stir the faith that we once knew. +[4327.64 --> 4331.26] We're thirsty. +[4331.26 --> 4332.26] We're thirsty. +[4332.26 --> 4333.26] We're thirsty. +[4333.26 --> 4335.26] We're thirsty. +[4337.26 --> 4341.26] O Lord, restore. +[4343.76 --> 4350.66] The church that is your name. +[4350.66 --> 4356.04] O Spirit, send. +[4356.04 --> 4386.02] O Lord, hear. +[4386.02 --> 4393.02] O Lord, forgive us. +[4393.02 --> 4399.64] We have lost the awe of you. +[4399.64 --> 4402.64] Have mercy. +[4402.64 --> 4406.64] Have mercy. +[4406.64 --> 4407.64] We have mercy. +[4407.64 --> 4413.64] O Lord, bless. +[4413.64 --> 4420.40] Our hearts which are divided +[4420.40 --> 4427.64] stir the faith that we once knew. +[4427.64 --> 4429.64] We're thirsty. +[4429.64 --> 4430.64] We're thirsty. +[4430.64 --> 4431.46] We're thirsty. +[4434.64 --> 4434.88] We're thirsty. +[4436.64 --> 4442.64] No Fighting. +[4443.08 --> 4444.08] We're thirsty. +[4444.08 --> 4444.70] We're thirsty. +[4444.70 --> 4446.86] We're thirsty. +[4446.86 --> 4449.86] your name +[4449.86 --> 4451.86] Oh +[4451.86 --> 4454.08] Spirit +[4454.08 --> 4455.86] send +[4456.98 --> 4459.86] a revival +[4459.86 --> 4461.96] to this +[4461.96 --> 4463.86] nation +[4463.86 --> 4465.86] breathe +[4465.86 --> 4467.86] on us +[4468.62 --> 4469.86] again +[4469.86 --> 4472.86] breathe +[4472.86 --> 4475.78] on us +[4475.78 --> 4481.78] O Lord +[4482.50 --> 4483.78] restore +[4483.78 --> 4487.78] the church +[4488.52 --> 4489.92] that bears +[4489.92 --> 4491.78] your name +[4493.30 --> 4495.78] O +[4495.78 --> 4497.42] Spirit +[4497.42 --> 4499.78] send +[4500.34 --> 4501.78] a revival +[4503.36 --> 4504.78] to this +[4504.78 --> 4506.78] nation +[4506.78 --> 4508.78] breathe +[4508.78 --> 4510.78] on us +[4510.78 --> 4512.78] again +[4512.78 --> 4514.78] breathe +[4514.78 --> 4516.78] on us +[4516.78 --> 4518.78] again +[4518.78 --> 4520.78] breathe on us +[4520.78 --> 4522.78] again +[4522.78 --> 4540.78] if you are in need of prayer this morning there will be prayer prayer person available here at the front and I believe in the back they'll be having a yellow name tag so please approach them if you are needing prayer or honestly approach anybody in this church we'd be happy to pray for you. +[4540.78 --> 4558.78] Also remember we have a celebratory cake in the back so make sure to shake John and Helen's hand give them a hug congratulate them on their anniversary and as we go from this place let's remember to live our lives humbly because of who Christ is and let's remember to serve the body of Christ with the gifts that he has given us. +[4558.78 --> 4579.78] Please receive the parting blessing from numbers chapter 6 the Lord bless you and keep you the Lord make his face shine upon you and be present and be gracious to you the Lord turn his face toward you and give you his peace and all God's people said. +[4579.78 --> 4580.78] Amen. +[4580.78 --> 4581.78] Amen. +[4581.78 --> 4583.78] Amen. +[4583.78 --> 4604.70] What is our hope in life and death? +[4604.70 --> 4609.06] Christ alone, Christ alone +[4609.06 --> 4613.20] What is our only confidence? +[4614.66 --> 4618.70] That our souls to Him belong +[4618.70 --> 4623.60] Who holds our days within His hand? +[4624.00 --> 4627.70] What comes apart from His command? +[4627.70 --> 4632.70] And what will keep us to the end? +[4633.70 --> 4638.88] The love of Christ in which we stand +[4638.88 --> 4645.30] Oh, sing hallelujah +[4645.30 --> 4650.16] Our hope springs eternal +[4650.16 --> 4654.96] Oh, sing hallelujah +[4654.96 --> 4659.00] Now and ever we confess +[4659.00 --> 4662.88] Christ our hope in life and death +[4662.88 --> 4674.48] What truth can calm the troubled soul? +[4674.48 --> 4679.26] God is good, God is good +[4679.26 --> 4683.92] Where is His grace and goodness known? +[4683.92 --> 4688.84] Give our great Redeemer's love +[4688.84 --> 4693.76] Who holds our faith where fears arise +[4693.76 --> 4698.66] Who stands above the storm in trial? +[4698.66 --> 4703.22] Who sends the waves that bring us die +[4703.22 --> 4709.64] Unto the shore, the rock of Christ +[4709.64 --> 4714.54] Oh, sing hallelujah +[4714.54 --> 4719.18] Our hope springs eternal +[4719.18 --> 4723.10] Oh, sing hallelujah +[4723.10 --> 4728.02] Now and ever we confess +[4728.02 --> 4730.94] Christ our hope in life and death +[4730.94 --> 4731.94] Christ our hope in life and death +[4731.94 --> 4734.86] Christ our hope in life and death +[4734.86 --> 4736.86] Christ our hope in life and death +[4736.86 --> 4766.84] Christ our hope in life and death +[4766.86 --> 4768.18] Christ our hope in life and death +[4768.18 --> 4768.36] Christ our hope in joy +[4768.36 --> 4772.24] And we will feast in endless joy +[4772.24 --> 4777.82] When Christ in our hearts forevermore +[4777.82 --> 4783.86] Oh, sing hallelujah +[4783.86 --> 4788.68] Our hope springs eternal +[4788.68 --> 4800.90] Oh, sing hallelujah, now and ever we confess, Christ our hope in life and life. +[4800.90 --> 4809.78] Oh, sing hallelujah, our hope's praise eternal. +[4809.78 --> 4830.04] Oh, sing hallelujah, now and ever we confess, Christ our hope in life and life. +[4839.78 --> 4869.76] Oh, sing hallelujah, now and ever we confess, Christ our hope in life and life. +[4869.78 --> 4899.76] Oh, sing hallelujah, now and ever we confess, Christ our hope in life and life. +[4900.62 --> 4929.76] O sing hallelujah, now and ever we confess, Christ our hope in life andí. +[4929.76 --> 4959.74] Thank you. +[4959.76 --> 4989.74] Thank you. +[4989.76 --> 5019.74] Thank you. +[5019.76 --> 5021.76] Thank you. +[5049.76 --> 5079.74] Thank you. +[5079.76 --> 5109.74] Thank you. +[5109.76 --> 5139.74] Thank you. +[5139.76 --> 5169.74] Thank you. +[5169.76 --> 5171.76] Thank you. +[5199.76 --> 5201.76] Thank you. +[5229.76 --> 5231.76] Thank you. diff --git a/Sunday Worship, February 18, 2024_summary.txt b/Sunday Worship, February 18, 2024_summary.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000000000000000000000000000000000000..272d827911ab19d3ad64dcf7cef5071d1e0e3334 --- /dev/null +++ b/Sunday Worship, February 18, 2024_summary.txt @@ -0,0 +1,108 @@ +• Troubles and wars +• Asking to raise voice against storm clouds +• Surrender and thunder +• Questioning what the lightning asks +• Leaving a channel for a torrent +• Sprouting forests in deserts +• Filling wilderness with provisions +• Hunting prey for young lions +• Losing course of all lions +• Busyness of the world +• Trusting one's will +• Smoking unknown substances +• Wonder at God's power +• Inaction and sitting still +• Comparing creatures' lives +• Perspective on the present +• Worshiping God as the Lion and Lamb +• The Lord Almighty's power +• Looking for a permanent volunteer to cover two Thursdays per month during the school year +• Upcoming events: Mexico dinner on March 2nd, Cadet Sunday on February 25th, Coldest Night of the Year event on February 24th +• Opportunities to sign up and participate in Coldest Night of the Year event and support those already participating with donations +• Worship service from Psalm 63 +• Lyrics to various worship songs +• Prayers for guidance, love, and hope in God +• Confession of sin and need for forgiveness +• Invitation to quiet hearts in prayer +• Confession of sin +• Assurance of forgiveness through confession +• Worship and praise of Jesus +• Baptism as a sacrament that symbolizes Jesus' life, death, and resurrection +• Explanation of infant baptism in the context of covenant children and God's promise to Abraham +• Covenant privileges and responsibilities for those baptized +• Baptism ceremony for Sadie Brook Muller +• Parents and congregation promise to love, encourage, and support Sadie in her faith journey +• Invitation for all children to come forward and participate +• Explanation of baptism as a picture of Jesus' blood washing away sin +• Daryl Wind presents a gift and certificate to the family +• Congregation prays a blessing over Sadie +• Jesus as Lord and Redeemer +• Diversity in faith +• Prayer for the homeless and those in need +• Worship and praise of God +• Hope and trust in Jesus +• Church business and offerings (specifically for the Gateway of Hope) +• Prayer or worship song is sung by the speaker +• The kids are asked to welcome guests on "Kids Corner" +• Discussion about camping and flashlights, including examples of things that give off light in the dark +• Explanation of why light was being discussed: to relate it to being a light for Jesus +• Introduction to prayer and acknowledgment of fish +• Reference to Psalm 139 and God's knowledge of individuals' lives +• Prayer for Sadie, her family, and local church community +• Request for God's blessing and call on those who have not yet acknowledged it +• Prayers for various groups including teachers, leaders, municipality, and the world at large +• Romans chapter 12 verses 9-21 are discussed +• The importance of sincere love, honor, and devotion to one another is emphasized +• The passage encourages living in harmony, sharing with those in need, and practicing hospitality +• Overcoming evil with good is a central theme +• A personal testimony from the speaker's grandfather being removed from office due to disagreement with church leaders is shared +• Abuse within church contexts +• Author's negative experiences of church at a young age +• Transition from hurtful church experiences to renewed faith in Jesus +• Redefining relationships, including between God and individuals, among people, and with the world +• The relational nature of God (Father, Son, Holy Spirit) and the call to live into that inner Trinitarian union +• Sin as a broken relationship with God and its effects on everything else +• Redemption through union with Christ and being restored to the inner Trinitarian union +• Personal covenantal relationships with God, which are communal in nature +• The role of baptism in marking individuals as children of the covenant and welcoming them into the community of faith +• The transition from Romans 1-11 to Romans 12, which builds upon the reality of being justified and saved through grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone +• Relationships within the body (among one another), including relationships among Christians in the church +• Relationships outside of the body or with the world +• Criticisms of Christianity as being hypocritical +• Preaching love and honor while acting in contradictory ways +• Danger of becoming a Pharisee through hypocrisy +• Acknowledgment of personal hypocrisy despite grace of God +• Importance of authentic, genuine love without hypocrisy +• Example of loving unhypocritically through vulnerability and honesty in relationships +• Dangers of presenting a "mask" or false self to others in Christian communities +• The risk and difficulty of being vulnerable +• The difference between hypocritical love and genuine, unhypocritical love +• The importance of hating what is evil and clinging to what is good +• Real love requires confrontation and speaking truth in relationships +• The distinction between loving unbelieving friends and fellow Christians within the body +• The importance of humility and its relationship to the foundation of Christian living +• Being set on fire by the Spirit, or having a passion for God and others +• Critique of Christians who are often described as stoic and lacking in zeal +• The need for a real relationship with God and the body of Christ +• The futility of pursuing things that bring temporary satisfaction and joy +• The importance of practicing hospitality, which is not considered a gift in Scripture +• Pursuing and being devoted to one another in the body +• The use of multiple Greek words for love (agape, philos, storgoi) and their meanings +• Agape love as a reflection of God's love in Jesus Christ and spilling over through believers to the body +• The concept of brotherly love (philadelphia) and being made into brothers due to agape love +• Adoption into sonship and being co-heirs with Christ +• The church is described as having familial relationships, with members being loved and referred to as brothers and sisters. +• Hospitality in the church is defined as loving strangers into family. +• The Bible uses four metaphors for the church: body, family, bride, and hospitality (love of strangers). +• Christianity redefines relationships between people and God, making them new families through Jesus Christ. +• In interacting with non-Christians, Christians should not expect others to behave Christianly, but rather aim to live a life that reflects their faith in the face of adversity. +• Angry neighbor next door and offering to pray for him +• Relationship changes through faithfulness and loving those who treat us poorly +• Paul quotes Proverbs 25:21-22 and its application in restoring people to relationship with God +• Personal relationship with God changes relationships with others, including strangers becoming family +• Prayer for guidance and blessings as people go out into the world +• Request for God's presence and protection +• Reiteration of not being afraid and going in peace to love and serve the Lord +• Expression of love and trust in a higher power, with emphasis on faithfulness and unchanging nature +• Repetition of phrases "I love you" and "breathe in my deep air" +• Finalization with multiple instances of the word "Amen" \ No newline at end of file diff --git a/Sunday Worship, February 18, 2024_transcript.txt b/Sunday Worship, February 18, 2024_transcript.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000000000000000000000000000000000000..3b68b1f1cd5e4cf30960e6b807c5ac4d3a62a9d6 --- /dev/null +++ b/Sunday Worship, February 18, 2024_transcript.txt @@ -0,0 +1,1701 @@ +[0.00 --> 4.00] Times of trouble and war and strife +[4.00 --> 12.40] Can you raise your voice to the storm cloud? +[12.72 --> 16.56] Put the thunder and surrender ring out +[16.56 --> 21.48] Does the lightning ask you if it's right? +[25.12 --> 29.62] Who has left the channel for a torrent? +[30.00 --> 34.00] Rain to sprout the desert with forests +[34.00 --> 39.00] In the wilderness that my hand has filled +[43.00 --> 47.00] Can you hunt the prey for young lions? +[47.00 --> 51.00] Can you lose the course of all lions? +[51.00 --> 54.00] Is this whole world busy? +[54.00 --> 56.00] Believe your will! +[56.00 --> 65.00] I smoked things I did not understand +[65.00 --> 69.00] Things too wonderful for me +[69.00 --> 74.00] Although I have no back to action +[74.00 --> 78.00] I've got nothing to do +[78.00 --> 87.00] There's reason to sit here +[87.00 --> 89.00] Why the creatures lives similar ? +[89.00 --> 92.00] So the question here +[92.00 --> 93.00] No, it's the opposite +[93.00 --> 96.00] It's how it seems because it's the present +[96.00 --> 125.98] Thank you. +[126.00 --> 155.98] Thank you. +[156.00 --> 158.00] Thank you. +[186.00 --> 188.00] Thank you. +[216.00 --> 218.00] Thank you. +[218.00 --> 220.00] Thank you. +[220.00 --> 222.00] Thank you. +[222.00 --> 224.00] Thank you. +[224.00 --> 228.26] Who can stop the Lord Almighty? +[229.88 --> 234.80] Our God is the Lion, the Lion of Judah. +[234.80 --> 239.80] He's roaring with power and fighting our battles. +[240.86 --> 245.20] And every need will bow before Him. +[245.94 --> 250.80] Our God is the Lamb, the Lamb that was slain. +[250.80 --> 256.76] For the sin of the world, His blood breaks the chains. +[257.18 --> 262.02] In every need will bow before the Lion and the Lamb. +[262.60 --> 267.74] In every need will bow before the Lion and the Lamb. +[267.74 --> 274.12] In every need will bow before the Lion and the Lamb. +[274.12 --> 278.12] In every need will bow before the Lion and the Lamb. +[278.12 --> 281.96] Who can stop the Lord Almighty? +[281.96 --> 286.06] Who can stop the Lord Almighty? +[286.06 --> 289.12] Who can stop the Lord Almighty? +[289.12 --> 301.34] Who can stop the Lord Almighty? +[301.34 --> 306.26] Who can stop the Lord Almighty? +[306.26 --> 310.10] Who can stop the Lord Almighty? +[311.64 --> 315.54] Oh, who can stop the Lord Almighty? +[317.12 --> 319.90] Who can stop the Lord? +[322.04 --> 327.52] I got him a lion, the lion of Judah +[327.52 --> 333.28] Roaring with power and fighting my battles +[333.28 --> 337.78] Every knee will bow before him +[337.78 --> 344.04] Our God is the Lamb, the Lamb that was slain +[344.04 --> 349.50] For the sin of the world, his blood breaks the chains +[349.50 --> 354.86] In every knee will bow before the lion and the lamb +[354.86 --> 361.98] Every knee will bow before the lion and the lamb +[361.98 --> 372.86] Oh, and every knee will bow before the lion and the lamb +[372.86 --> 382.74] Oh, and every knee will bow before the lion and the lamb +[382.74 --> 410.88] Good morning +[410.88 --> 411.84] There we go +[411.84 --> 415.32] Welcome to Emanuel Church +[415.32 --> 419.70] A special welcome if you are a guest with us this morning +[419.70 --> 423.68] We are really excited to gather together to worship our God +[423.68 --> 425.54] If you are a guest, my name is Chris +[425.54 --> 428.66] And I'm one of the pastors here at Emanuel +[428.66 --> 432.00] And it's my privilege to lead in worship this morning +[432.00 --> 433.42] With these others on stage +[433.42 --> 436.56] And a few that we haven't yet seen up here +[436.56 --> 439.32] If you would like to connect with us +[439.32 --> 442.08] I want to encourage you to do that at the Connect booth +[442.08 --> 443.24] Following our worship +[443.24 --> 445.00] Or there's cards in your seats +[445.00 --> 447.96] You can fill those out and put them in the collection bag +[447.96 --> 448.82] As they go by +[448.82 --> 451.42] Or there's a QR code you can scan with your phone +[451.42 --> 453.40] We'd love to connect with you +[453.40 --> 455.34] And see how we can meet together +[455.34 --> 457.18] Before we begin +[457.18 --> 459.62] We have a couple announcements to make +[459.62 --> 461.86] I'm going to invite Clem to the front +[461.86 --> 463.34] He's going to get ready for his +[463.34 --> 466.56] The first announcement I want to make is that +[466.56 --> 469.96] Young adults, there's a Bible study after service +[469.96 --> 473.24] Today that starts at 1 o'clock +[473.24 --> 476.22] And so if you're interested in attending that +[476.22 --> 478.16] And you consider yourself a young adult +[478.16 --> 480.12] I'll let you determine that for yourselves +[480.12 --> 484.00] You can talk to me after I can give you details +[484.00 --> 487.16] Or you can connect with Josh who's not here yet +[487.16 --> 489.14] But you can connect with him and reach out +[489.14 --> 490.16] And get details for that +[490.16 --> 491.58] Why don't you go ahead +[491.58 --> 498.34] This looks on +[498.34 --> 499.06] Oh, there we go +[499.06 --> 502.52] Okay, so I'm sure everyone here +[502.52 --> 504.36] Follows our online bulletin +[504.36 --> 505.84] And midweek memo +[505.84 --> 508.02] But just in case you missed it +[508.02 --> 511.24] The HD Stafford Breakfast Program team +[511.24 --> 512.88] Is looking for more volunteers +[512.88 --> 514.94] We've had a few retire +[514.94 --> 516.66] And some health issues +[516.66 --> 519.12] So we need two alternates +[519.12 --> 521.36] People who can fill in for sickness +[521.36 --> 523.20] And in health holidays +[523.20 --> 526.84] And that was lame, I know +[526.84 --> 531.46] And we're also looking for a permanent volunteer +[531.46 --> 533.82] To cover two Thursdays a month +[533.82 --> 535.14] During the school year +[535.14 --> 537.54] So you can reach out to either +[537.54 --> 538.38] Faye Shonet +[538.38 --> 539.70] I don't know if she's here +[539.70 --> 544.34] Or myself, Clem Molenkamp +[544.34 --> 546.22] Thanks in advance +[546.22 --> 547.84] And look forward to working with you +[547.84 --> 553.18] Thanks, Clem +[553.18 --> 559.14] Additionally, I want to let you know +[559.14 --> 561.72] That on March 2nd +[561.72 --> 563.08] We are going to be hosting +[563.08 --> 565.38] Our annual Mexico dinner +[565.38 --> 566.80] And so every year +[566.80 --> 567.68] We send a group +[567.68 --> 569.28] Down to Mexico +[569.28 --> 571.56] A group primarily of youth +[571.56 --> 572.34] Young people +[572.34 --> 574.56] Although not exclusively so +[574.56 --> 576.08] And we have a dinner +[576.08 --> 577.14] In support of that +[577.14 --> 579.00] And so on March 2nd +[579.00 --> 580.10] That dinner will be happening +[580.10 --> 581.58] You can sign up for that +[581.58 --> 582.92] At the Connect table as well +[582.92 --> 583.62] After service +[583.62 --> 585.12] Also there are links +[585.12 --> 587.02] To the digital sign up +[587.02 --> 588.04] In the e-bulletin +[588.04 --> 588.56] And the like +[588.56 --> 590.48] Brandon, who's right up front here +[590.48 --> 591.66] He can answer your questions +[591.66 --> 593.56] And give you the details on that +[593.56 --> 596.22] And then we also wanted +[596.22 --> 597.60] Everyone to know +[597.60 --> 599.80] And remember that next Sunday +[599.80 --> 601.40] Is Cadet Sunday +[601.40 --> 602.96] And so February 25 +[602.96 --> 604.72] We're going to be worshipping +[604.72 --> 606.40] And the cadets are going to help us do that +[606.40 --> 608.16] That's a boys group ministry +[608.16 --> 609.34] We're going to hear about +[609.34 --> 610.14] What they've been up to +[610.14 --> 611.20] This year as well +[611.20 --> 613.12] And lastly +[613.12 --> 615.10] This coming Saturday +[615.10 --> 616.62] February 24 +[616.62 --> 618.56] Is Coldest Night of the Year +[618.56 --> 621.48] That's an event that takes place +[621.48 --> 622.82] It's organized by +[622.82 --> 624.20] Coldest Night of the Year +[624.20 --> 625.14] In partnership with +[625.14 --> 626.04] Gateway of Hope +[626.04 --> 627.64] In supporting homelessness +[627.64 --> 629.08] And poverty issues +[629.08 --> 629.88] In our community +[629.88 --> 631.00] We have a team +[631.00 --> 632.78] That's walking in that event +[632.78 --> 634.58] And so there's still time +[634.58 --> 635.16] To sign up +[635.16 --> 636.10] To join the team +[636.10 --> 637.66] And if you join the team +[637.66 --> 638.80] That means you can walk +[638.80 --> 639.68] And participate +[639.68 --> 640.86] And be with us +[640.86 --> 642.58] Meeting at Gateway of Hope +[642.58 --> 644.62] Or you can support the team +[644.62 --> 646.02] And that means give a donation +[646.02 --> 647.36] In support +[647.36 --> 650.42] There are a number of us +[650.42 --> 651.14] On the team +[651.14 --> 652.28] Who have not yet met +[652.28 --> 653.38] Their donation goals +[653.38 --> 654.72] And so I encourage you +[654.72 --> 656.02] To look at the list +[656.02 --> 656.78] And support those +[656.78 --> 657.42] Who are trying to meet +[657.42 --> 658.06] Their targets +[658.06 --> 660.74] I won't say who that is +[660.74 --> 662.32] But I'll look at my family +[662.32 --> 663.06] Just to be sure +[663.06 --> 665.28] Also the Lobert family +[665.28 --> 666.30] Has a big goal to meet +[666.30 --> 667.70] And I think everyone else +[667.70 --> 668.20] Yet anyway +[668.20 --> 668.84] Point is +[668.84 --> 669.88] Please support that +[669.88 --> 670.70] By either joining +[670.70 --> 672.62] Or donating together +[672.62 --> 675.44] I think that's all +[675.44 --> 676.18] For our announcements +[676.18 --> 677.36] I'm going to invite you +[677.36 --> 677.90] To stand +[677.90 --> 678.98] As you're able +[678.98 --> 679.82] And where you are +[679.82 --> 681.36] As we are ushered +[681.36 --> 682.84] Into the presence of God +[682.84 --> 684.10] In worship together +[684.10 --> 687.36] Receive then +[687.36 --> 687.96] The greeting +[687.96 --> 690.12] Of our good God +[690.12 --> 692.24] Grace +[692.24 --> 693.50] Mercy +[693.50 --> 694.72] And peace to you +[694.72 --> 695.90] From God our Father +[695.90 --> 697.68] From the Lord Jesus Christ +[697.68 --> 698.18] His Son +[698.18 --> 698.88] And our Savior +[698.88 --> 700.02] Through the presence +[700.02 --> 700.60] And power +[700.60 --> 701.78] Of the Holy Spirit +[701.78 --> 703.10] All God's people said +[703.10 --> 704.24] Amen +[704.24 --> 705.44] Let's worship God +[705.44 --> 705.82] This morning +[705.82 --> 712.92] Our call to worship +[712.92 --> 715.82] Comes from Psalm 63 +[715.82 --> 717.28] Verse 1 to 4 +[717.28 --> 720.10] O God you are my God +[720.10 --> 721.94] Earnestly I seek you +[721.94 --> 724.20] My soul thirsts for you +[724.20 --> 726.64] My flesh faints for you +[726.64 --> 728.20] As in a dry +[728.20 --> 729.16] And weary land +[729.16 --> 730.44] Where there is no water +[730.44 --> 732.76] So I have looked upon you +[732.76 --> 733.70] In the sanctuary +[733.70 --> 735.36] Beholding your power +[735.36 --> 736.08] And your glory +[736.08 --> 738.22] Because your steadfast love +[738.22 --> 739.22] Is better than life +[739.22 --> 741.22] My lips will praise you +[741.22 --> 743.00] So I will bless you +[743.00 --> 745.10] As long as I live +[745.10 --> 746.32] In your name +[746.32 --> 747.98] I will lift up my hands +[747.98 --> 750.14] Let's worship God together +[750.14 --> 777.94] Thank you +[777.94 --> 789.56] Light of the world, you step down into darkness. Open my eyes, let me see. +[790.56 --> 801.56] Beauty that made it is hard to adore you. Hope of all lives within you. +[801.56 --> 815.56] Here I am to worship and here I am to bow and here I am to sing and you are the one. +[816.32 --> 826.78] Thoughts you never love me, thoughts you never love me, thoughts you never want me, thoughts you never want me, come to me. +[831.56 --> 842.56] King of all days are so highly exalted, glorious in heaven and above. +[843.56 --> 853.56] Come be a king to the earth you created, all for the sake you gave me. +[853.56 --> 867.56] Here I am to worship and here I am to bow and here I am to sing and you are the one. +[867.56 --> 879.56] All together, all together worthy, all together wonderful to live. +[879.56 --> 886.56] Here I am to worship and here I am to worship. +[886.56 --> 892.74] To see the sin of water go. +[893.14 --> 898.54] To be the Lord, how much it goes. +[898.98 --> 904.50] To see the sin of water go. +[906.92 --> 912.46] Here I am to worship, here I am to help. +[912.46 --> 918.18] Here I am to save and for I know. +[918.78 --> 924.28] All together loving, all together perfect. +[924.90 --> 929.34] All together wonderful to be. +[930.76 --> 936.40] Here I am to worship, here I am to bow down. +[936.40 --> 941.40] Here I am to save and for I know. +[942.46 --> 947.84] All together loving, all together worthy. +[948.36 --> 952.82] All together wonderful to be. +[953.00 --> 957.50] While all together loving, all together well and yeah. +[958.72 --> 960.68] Quit that secret. +[960.80 --> 962.40] Huh. +[962.60 --> 964.02] Fuck. +[964.28 --> 964.84] Oh. +[964.84 --> 992.40] I pray for one +[992.40 --> 997.88] so unchanging +[997.88 --> 1003.16] Ageless Father +[1003.16 --> 1006.70] You're my love +[1006.70 --> 1009.76] You're peace +[1009.76 --> 1013.90] Born upon +[1013.90 --> 1018.64] I depend on You +[1018.64 --> 1025.08] I call up to You +[1025.08 --> 1030.64] Again and again +[1030.64 --> 1036.64] I call up to You +[1036.64 --> 1040.64] Again and again +[1040.64 --> 1047.08] You are my love +[1047.08 --> 1052.64] You die so strong +[1052.64 --> 1058.64] You lift me up +[1058.64 --> 1063.08] When I fall down +[1063.08 --> 1067.86] All through the storm +[1067.86 --> 1073.08] Your love is +[1073.08 --> 1077.08] The anchor +[1077.08 --> 1084.52] My hope is in You +[1084.52 --> 1092.96] In Your life +[1092.96 --> 1096.96] So unchanging +[1096.96 --> 1103.96] Ageless Father +[1103.96 --> 1107.40] You're my love +[1107.40 --> 1108.40] You're my love +[1108.40 --> 1110.40] You're my love +[1110.40 --> 1112.40] You're my love +[1112.40 --> 1114.84] Lord of all +[1114.84 --> 1118.84] I depend on You +[1118.84 --> 1125.40] I call up to You +[1125.40 --> 1130.84] Again and again +[1130.84 --> 1137.28] I call up to You +[1137.28 --> 1140.84] Again and again +[1140.84 --> 1147.34] You are my love +[1147.34 --> 1151.28] Every time is my trouble +[1151.28 --> 1153.72] You're my love +[1153.72 --> 1154.72] You're my love +[1154.72 --> 1155.72] You're my love +[1155.72 --> 1156.72] You're my love +[1156.72 --> 1157.72] You're my love +[1157.72 --> 1159.72] You're my love +[1159.72 --> 1162.72] When I fall down +[1162.72 --> 1166.72] All through the storm +[1166.72 --> 1172.78] Your love is +[1172.78 --> 1177.22] The anchor +[1177.22 --> 1178.22] My hope is +[1178.22 --> 1181.22] The anchor +[1181.22 --> 1182.22] My hope is +[1182.22 --> 1188.22] The anchor +[1188.22 --> 1193.22] My hope is +[1193.22 --> 1209.94] My love is the anchor, my hope is in you alone. +[1212.06 --> 1213.22] You may be seated. +[1223.22 --> 1225.82] Please join me as we quiet our hearts in prayer. +[1230.58 --> 1237.30] Almighty, holy, and perfect God, we confess and admit that each of us needs your forgiveness +[1237.30 --> 1238.76] over and over. +[1239.30 --> 1239.98] We have sinned. +[1240.58 --> 1244.74] We have not always been the salt and light in this world that you want us to be. +[1246.02 --> 1250.98] Lord, some of our sins may have been obvious to those around us, and some may have been +[1250.98 --> 1254.84] the sins of the heart, kept secret from everyone except you. +[1256.10 --> 1260.46] Lord, hear our prayers now as we take a moment in personal silent confession. +[1280.98 --> 1281.46] Amen. +[1286.10 --> 1286.70] Amen. +[1286.70 --> 1287.08] Amen. +[1287.10 --> 1287.14] Amen. +[1287.14 --> 1287.70] Amen. +[1287.70 --> 1293.16] Jesus Christ, we thank you for your forgiveness and are thankful that in 1 John you assure us +[1293.16 --> 1299.22] that if we confess our sins, you are faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify +[1299.22 --> 1301.14] us from all unrighteousness. +[1301.46 --> 1305.72] We thank you, Jesus, for your sacrifice, and in your name alone we pray. +[1306.14 --> 1306.42] Amen. +[1306.42 --> 1306.52] Amen. +[1306.52 --> 1306.58] Amen. +[1310.98 --> 1334.34] I love you, Lord. +[1334.34 --> 1339.56] I am the Lord. +[1339.56 --> 1349.70] To worship you, oh, my soul rejoice. +[1349.70 --> 1360.32] Take joy, my dear, in what you feel. +[1360.32 --> 1369.32] Make me a sweet, sweet song in your ear. +[1369.32 --> 1376.32] I love you, Lord. +[1376.32 --> 1382.64] And I love my voice. +[1382.64 --> 1384.64] I love you, Lord. +[1384.64 --> 1386.64] I love you, Lord. +[1386.64 --> 1389.64] I love you, Lord. +[1389.64 --> 1391.64] I love you, Lord. +[1391.64 --> 1396.78] Take joy, my dear. +[1396.78 --> 1403.78] Take joy, my dear. +[1403.78 --> 1406.92] Give me a sweet season. +[1406.92 --> 1411.92] In your healing +[1411.92 --> 1417.92] I exalt thee +[1417.92 --> 1423.92] I exalt thee +[1423.92 --> 1429.92] I exalt thee +[1429.92 --> 1432.92] Oh Lord +[1432.92 --> 1440.92] I exalt thee +[1440.92 --> 1445.92] I exalt thee +[1445.92 --> 1451.92] I exalt thee +[1451.92 --> 1455.92] Oh Lord +[1455.92 --> 1461.92] If the Lord I come +[1461.92 --> 1467.92] And all the earth +[1467.92 --> 1471.92] I exalt thee +[1471.92 --> 1473.92] Oh Lord +[1473.92 --> 1479.92] When thou +[1479.92 --> 1481.92] Are you +[1481.92 --> 1483.92] Lord +[1483.92 --> 1485.92] Lord +[1485.92 --> 1491.92] Thou are you +[1491.92 --> 1497.92] Lord +[1497.92 --> 1501.92] I exalt thee +[1501.92 --> 1503.92] I exalt thee +[1503.92 --> 1509.92] I exalt thee +[1509.92 --> 1513.92] I exalt thee +[1513.92 --> 1515.92] Oh Lord +[1515.92 --> 1517.92] I exalt thee +[1517.92 --> 1527.92] I exalt thee +[1527.92 --> 1529.92] I exalt thee +[1529.92 --> 1531.92] I exalt thee +[1531.92 --> 1535.92] I exalt thee +[1535.92 --> 1537.92] Oh Lord +[1537.92 --> 1547.92] I exalt thee +[1547.92 --> 1549.92] I exalt thee +[1549.92 --> 1551.92] I exalt thee +[1551.92 --> 1553.92] I exalt thee +[1553.92 --> 1555.92] I exalt thee +[1555.92 --> 1557.92] I exalt thee +[1557.92 --> 1558.92] In our worship +[1558.92 --> 1559.92] This morning +[1559.92 --> 1561.92] We get to administer +[1561.92 --> 1563.92] And participate +[1563.92 --> 1565.92] In the sacrament of baptism +[1565.92 --> 1567.92] For one of the little children +[1567.92 --> 1568.92] Among us +[1568.92 --> 1569.92] For safety +[1569.92 --> 1572.92] We believe that the water itself +[1572.92 --> 1575.92] Does not cleanse from sin +[1575.92 --> 1577.92] But rather that it symbolizes for us +[1577.92 --> 1579.92] Jesus life death and resurrection +[1579.92 --> 1584.92] And that this child born with a sinful nature +[1584.92 --> 1589.92] Is offered the promises of God for forgiveness and life in the Holy Spirit +[1589.92 --> 1595.92] And so in our reformed tradition we baptize infants not out of superstition +[1595.92 --> 1599.92] But because they are covenant children +[1599.92 --> 1608.92] Now this idea of covenant is rooted in God's promise to Abraham that was sealed in the sign of circumcision +[1608.92 --> 1615.92] And in baptism now the triune God seals the promise of our adoption as his children +[1615.92 --> 1619.92] Marking for us a new identity in Christ Jesus +[1619.92 --> 1624.92] And so we baptize in obedience to Christ's command +[1624.92 --> 1629.92] We baptize in line with the history of the Christian church and the teaching of the Bible +[1629.92 --> 1632.92] Throughout God's redemptive work in the world +[1632.92 --> 1637.92] Baptism signifies and seals inclusion in the covenant community +[1637.92 --> 1639.92] And cleansing from sin +[1639.92 --> 1644.92] And this morning we pray that Sadie embraces her covenant privileges +[1644.92 --> 1648.92] That she acknowledges her Lord throughout her life +[1648.92 --> 1653.92] To do that we have a bit of a liturgy that will have questions for Brandon and Sav +[1653.92 --> 1656.92] And also for you in participation +[1656.92 --> 1660.92] So this time I'm going to invite Brandon, Sav and your family up to the front +[1660.92 --> 1688.92] To begin I'm going to ask you guys two questions and at the end I will invite you to respond by saying we do with God's help +[1688.92 --> 1699.92] First, do you believe that your children, though sinful by nature, are received by God in Christ as members of his covenant and therefore ought to be baptized? +[1699.92 --> 1703.92] Second, I appreciate your eagerness +[1703.92 --> 1714.92] Do you promise in reliance on the Holy Spirit and with the help of the Christian community to do all in your power to instruct Sadie and all your children in the Christian faith +[1714.92 --> 1718.92] And lead them by your example into the life of Christian discipleship? +[1718.92 --> 1720.92] What is your answer? +[1720.92 --> 1721.92] Amen +[1721.92 --> 1731.92] Our Lord Jesus said, let the little children come to me and do not hinder them for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these +[1731.92 --> 1738.92] And so to mark that and participate in that we're going to invite all the little children and the young at heart to come forward +[1738.92 --> 1745.92] And just sit up here so that you can see and engage, participate, remember your own baptisms for some of you +[1745.92 --> 1750.92] And so you can get a good look at beautiful Sadie +[1750.92 --> 1760.92] Awesome +[1760.92 --> 1763.92] Look at this, they're coming in waves +[1763.92 --> 1769.92] All right +[1769.92 --> 1777.92] Guys, in just a moment we're going to take this water and we're going to pour it over Sadie's head +[1777.92 --> 1785.92] This water is a picture for us of the promise for Jesus' blood to wash us and make us new +[1785.92 --> 1786.92] New +[1786.92 --> 1796.92] That's why we pour it on her head, that's why we mark the cleanliness of God's gift of faith and new life in him with this water +[1797.92 --> 1799.92] I'm going to present her +[1800.92 --> 1803.92] Sadie Brook Muller +[1803.92 --> 1806.92] I baptize you in the name of the Father +[1806.92 --> 1808.92] And of the Son +[1809.92 --> 1811.92] And of the Holy Spirit +[1811.92 --> 1812.92] Amen +[1815.92 --> 1819.92] Good job +[1819.92 --> 1820.92] Hey +[1825.92 --> 1826.92] Congregation +[1826.92 --> 1830.92] We have an opportunity to share in this moment together +[1830.92 --> 1833.92] And so I'm going to invite you also to stand +[1833.92 --> 1836.92] And kids, you guys can stand as well +[1836.92 --> 1842.92] And then after this question, after we answer it together, you can go back to your parents and to your seats, okay? +[1842.92 --> 1851.92] And so, family of God, do you promise to love, encourage, and support Brandon, Sav, Hayden, and now Sadie? +[1852.92 --> 1865.92] By welcoming them into our church family, by teaching the gospel of God's love, by being an example of Christian faith and character, and by giving the strong support of God's family in fellowship, prayer, and service? +[1865.92 --> 1866.92] What is your answer? +[1866.92 --> 1867.92] We do, and God's help us +[1867.92 --> 1869.92] We do, and God's help us +[1869.92 --> 1870.92] Amen +[1870.92 --> 1871.92] You may be seated +[1871.92 --> 1875.92] May I take her for a moment? +[1875.92 --> 1880.92] Yeah, you guys can just come down, no? +[1881.92 --> 1883.92] Oh, I know +[1883.92 --> 1884.92] I know +[1884.92 --> 1886.92] Hey, beautiful +[1886.92 --> 1896.92] Feels like I've been making this journey a lot in the last little month +[1896.92 --> 1907.92] Today, in baptism, we mark what we hope and pray will be the beginning of Sadie's journey of faith among us +[1907.92 --> 1914.92] That this won't be the last time we see her come up to the front as she runs up for the front for children's worship +[1914.92 --> 1917.92] And as she races out to the back for children's worship time +[1917.92 --> 1920.92] As she joins with the other girls in gems +[1920.92 --> 1923.92] As she gathers in worship +[1923.92 --> 1926.92] As maybe even one day she goes on the Mexico mission trip +[1926.92 --> 1929.92] And probably one day sooner than everyone else her age +[1929.92 --> 1932.92] Because Brandon and Sav go together often +[1932.92 --> 1935.92] But it is our prayer and our firm hope +[1935.92 --> 1939.92] That what begins today continues in her life +[1939.92 --> 1946.92] Continues as she grows in the faith and in the knowledge of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ +[1946.92 --> 1950.92] And we all together pray that one day +[1951.92 --> 1952.92] Hey? +[1952.92 --> 1954.92] Sorry, she just smiled at me, it was really cute +[1955.92 --> 1959.92] That one day she will stand in front of us and profess her faith +[1959.92 --> 1965.92] That she will take the promises offered to her here and claim them as her own +[1965.92 --> 1969.92] This is our prayer together +[1969.92 --> 1970.92] Hey +[1970.92 --> 1976.92] I know, I know +[1976.92 --> 1977.92] Which one? +[1978.92 --> 1985.92] We want to mark this occasion for you guys with a gift +[1985.92 --> 1990.92] And so I'm going to invite Daryl Wind, who's their elder, to come forward +[1990.92 --> 1994.92] Share a gift and a certificate with you marking this occasion +[2004.92 --> 2006.92] And before you sit together +[2006.92 --> 2008.92] We're going to pray for Sadie and for you +[2008.92 --> 2010.92] And I'm going to invite all of you as you're sitting +[2010.92 --> 2011.92] If you are so moved +[2011.92 --> 2013.92] Just to hold out your hand +[2013.92 --> 2017.92] As we pray a blessing over her this morning +[2017.92 --> 2018.92] Let's pray together +[2021.92 --> 2022.92] Holy God +[2022.92 --> 2025.92] We are moved by your grace +[2026.92 --> 2029.92] And we are compelled by your work in the world +[2029.92 --> 2032.92] To offer this promise to Sadie today +[2032.92 --> 2040.92] We are so moved by the covenantal inclusion that you have granted upon her as a child of faith +[2041.92 --> 2044.92] And we pray that today and every day going forward, Lord +[2044.92 --> 2046.92] That you would bless her and keep her +[2047.92 --> 2050.92] That you would make your face to shine upon her and be gracious to her +[2051.92 --> 2053.92] That you would turn your face towards her +[2054.92 --> 2056.92] And that she would know your peace +[2056.92 --> 2061.92] In this way, Lord God, write your name on her forehead +[2062.92 --> 2063.92] And may she know you +[2064.92 --> 2065.92] In Christ Jesus we pray +[2066.92 --> 2067.92] Amen +[2068.92 --> 2069.92] Amen +[2070.92 --> 2071.92] Thank you guys, you may have a seat +[2072.92 --> 2077.92] We're going to stand and sing together a song that Brandon and Sav have picked for us +[2078.92 --> 2079.92] In recognition and celebration of this +[2080.92 --> 2082.92] Yet not I, but through Christ in me +[2083.92 --> 2084.92] We can stand together +[2086.92 --> 2087.92] Yep +[2087.92 --> 2089.92] Amen +[2091.92 --> 2093.92] Amen +[2094.92 --> 2095.92] Diversity +[2095.92 --> 2102.92] Jesus, Lord, I am here. +[2115.92 --> 2122.00] What kind of grace to Jesus, my Redeemer? +[2122.00 --> 2127.62] There is no more than for heaven now to give. +[2128.70 --> 2133.88] He is my Lord, my righteousness and freedom. +[2134.60 --> 2139.88] My steadfast love, my kingdom now is peace. +[2140.62 --> 2145.76] To this I hold, my hope is only Jesus. +[2145.76 --> 2151.54] For my life is only now to give. +[2152.90 --> 2157.34] Oh, how strange and divine I can sing. +[2157.54 --> 2163.46] All is mine, if not I, but when Christ is me. +[2163.46 --> 2193.46] +[2193.46 --> 2198.80] His power is only Jesus. +[2198.80 --> 2204.14] Oh, my steadfast love, my strength and divine I can sing. +[2204.14 --> 2209.48] Oh, my steadfast love, my strength and divine I can sing. +[2209.48 --> 2214.82] For the night has been on and I shall overcome. +[2214.82 --> 2244.82] +[2244.82 --> 2250.16] Oh, my steadfast love, my strength and divine I can sing. +[2250.16 --> 2254.16] Oh, my steadfast love, my strength and divine I can sing. +[2254.16 --> 2259.50] Oh, my steadfast love, my strength and divine I can sing. +[2259.50 --> 2264.84] Jesus, how and my strength and divine I can sing. +[2264.84 --> 2270.18] Oh, my steadfast love, my strength and divine I can sing. +[2270.18 --> 2274.18] Oh, my steadfast love, my strength and divine I can sing. +[2274.18 --> 2286.52] Oh, my steadfast love, my strength and divine I can sing. +[2286.52 --> 2288.90] Oh, my steadfast love, my strength and divine I can sing. +[2288.90 --> 2289.62] Oh, my steadfast love, my strength and divine I can sing. +[2289.62 --> 2293.00] Oh, my steadfast love, my strength and divine I can sing. +[2293.00 --> 2298.74] For He has said that He will bring me home. +[2298.74 --> 2305.22] And day by day I know He will renew me +[2305.22 --> 2311.64] Until I stand with joy before the throne +[2311.64 --> 2318.46] To this I hold, my hope is only Jesus +[2318.46 --> 2324.26] All the glory evermore to Him +[2324.26 --> 2331.08] When the race is complete, still my lips shall be me +[2331.08 --> 2335.74] Yet not I, a new Christ in me +[2335.74 --> 2342.42] To this I hold, my hope is only Jesus +[2342.42 --> 2349.32] All the glory evermore to Him +[2349.32 --> 2356.14] When the race is complete, still my lips shall repeat +[2356.14 --> 2362.32] Yet not I, a new Christ in me +[2362.32 --> 2369.14] When the race is complete, still my lips shall repeat +[2369.14 --> 2375.14] Yet not I, a new Christ in me +[2375.14 --> 2383.14] Yet not I, a new Christ in me +[2383.14 --> 2387.04] Let me see you +[2387.04 --> 2411.86] Hello +[2411.86 --> 2413.34] Good morning +[2413.34 --> 2416.42] My name is Clem and I'm one of the deacons here at Emmanuel +[2416.42 --> 2419.54] The first offering is for our church budget +[2419.54 --> 2422.88] The special offering is for the Gateway of Hope +[2422.88 --> 2425.82] Which is located on the bypass by +[2425.82 --> 2429.50] Quantlin College +[2429.50 --> 2433.16] They are a ministry of the Salvation Army +[2433.16 --> 2436.40] And they serve the city and township of Langley +[2436.40 --> 2443.08] The Gateway of Hope raises awareness for the hurt, hungry, and homeless in our communities +[2443.08 --> 2452.38] Also, an emergency shelter, basic medical services, resources for transitional support, and much more +[2452.38 --> 2456.70] Let's pray for these people +[2456.70 --> 2460.66] Benevolent Father, thank you for your love +[2460.66 --> 2463.76] Which is a wellspring of life to us all +[2463.76 --> 2467.48] Thank you for preserving the lives of the homeless +[2467.48 --> 2472.72] You are a shelter and a strong tower for those who need refuge +[2472.72 --> 2478.70] We thank you for your enduring grace that covers those who cannot take care of themselves +[2478.70 --> 2482.10] We will praise you at all times +[2482.10 --> 2484.64] We will constantly speak your praises +[2484.64 --> 2487.14] We will boast only in you +[2487.14 --> 2491.26] Let all who are helpless take heart +[2491.26 --> 2493.48] We will tell of your greatness +[2493.48 --> 2495.64] And exalt your name together +[2495.64 --> 2496.22] Amen +[2496.22 --> 2498.24] Amen +[2498.24 --> 2498.54] Amen +[2500.16 --> 2501.04] Amen +[2501.04 --> 2501.64] Amen +[2501.64 --> 2501.76] Amen +[2501.76 --> 2502.54] Amen +[2502.54 --> 2503.12] Amen +[2503.12 --> 2505.16] Amen +[2505.16 --> 2516.68] Amen +[2516.68 --> 2517.92] Amen +[2517.92 --> 2518.94] Amen +[2518.94 --> 2519.22] Amen +[2519.22 --> 2519.42] Amen +[2519.42 --> 2520.06] Amen +[2520.06 --> 2521.16] Yes +[2521.16 --> 2521.54] Amen +[2521.54 --> 2521.64] Amen +[2521.64 --> 2521.98] Amen +[2521.98 --> 2522.16] Amen +[2522.16 --> 2524.06] Amen +[2524.06 --> 2524.40] Amen +[2524.40 --> 2525.46] Amen +[2525.46 --> 2525.88] Amen +[2525.88 --> 2531.16] To let my heart be changed +[2531.16 --> 2536.32] For you, your love with grace +[2536.32 --> 2541.16] And your love with you +[2541.16 --> 2549.00] Going down to go +[2549.00 --> 2552.16] The ruthless things I see +[2552.16 --> 2558.16] In me, we'll be stripped away +[2558.16 --> 2563.52] By the power of the Lord +[2563.52 --> 2576.16] Holy Ghost, let your love surround me +[2576.16 --> 2582.16] Bring in, bring in +[2582.16 --> 2586.16] Glory to your Son +[2586.16 --> 2592.16] For now, as I will be +[2592.16 --> 2596.16] A love that I believe +[2596.16 --> 2600.16] And I will soar with you +[2600.16 --> 2602.16] Rest here in the old +[2602.16 --> 2606.16] The power of the Lord +[2606.16 --> 2612.16] And I will soar with you +[2612.16 --> 2614.16] For now, as I will show you +[2614.16 --> 2616.16] And I will soar with you +[2616.16 --> 2618.16] The Lord +[2618.16 --> 2624.16] The heart of your heart is living +[2624.16 --> 2634.16] Lord, I will come, my Lord +[2635.06 --> 2640.30] Nothing will unfolds in my heart +[2640.30 --> 2644.16] Be living every day +[2644.16 --> 2650.26] The heart of your love +[2650.26 --> 2662.16] Lord, we are left to love surround me +[2662.16 --> 2672.16] Bring me glory to your side +[2672.16 --> 2678.16] And as a way of life +[2678.16 --> 2684.16] I will soar with you +[2684.16 --> 2688.16] Your spirit leads me on +[2688.16 --> 2692.16] In the power of your love +[2692.16 --> 2696.16] And I will soar with you +[2696.16 --> 2698.16] Your spirit leads me on +[2698.16 --> 2702.16] In the power of your love +[2702.16 --> 2716.16] I'd like to welcome all the kids up here for Kids Corner +[2718.16 --> 2720.16] Hey, can you guys back up a little bit? +[2720.16 --> 2730.16] We got some real eager ones and then some stragglers +[2730.16 --> 2734.16] Alright, I'm going to say good morning to you guys +[2734.16 --> 2736.16] But I want you to say it really loud +[2736.16 --> 2738.16] So everybody in the back can hear your response +[2738.16 --> 2740.16] Does that work? +[2740.16 --> 2742.16] Good morning +[2742.16 --> 2744.16] Morning +[2744.16 --> 2745.16] Excellent +[2745.16 --> 2746.16] I want to ask you guys a question +[2746.16 --> 2748.16] Does anybody in this group ever go camping? +[2748.16 --> 2752.16] Everybody, almost +[2752.16 --> 2754.16] Some parents maybe don't like camping +[2754.16 --> 2756.16] They like glamping maybe more +[2756.16 --> 2758.16] Is that what's going on? +[2758.16 --> 2760.16] What's one of the cool things about camping +[2760.16 --> 2762.16] When I was a kid is +[2762.16 --> 2764.16] Did you ever get a flashlight when you get to go camping? +[2764.16 --> 2768.16] Do your parents give you a flashlight to play with in the dark? +[2768.16 --> 2769.16] Yeah? +[2769.16 --> 2770.16] It's fun to play +[2770.16 --> 2772.16] Do you like to play flashlight tag and stuff like that? +[2772.16 --> 2774.16] And sit in your tent or in your camper +[2774.16 --> 2776.16] And just play with the flashlight on the ceiling? +[2780.16 --> 2782.16] A three room or tent? +[2782.16 --> 2783.16] Nice +[2783.16 --> 2784.16] What's the thing about flashlights? +[2784.16 --> 2786.16] What's cool about them Malachi? +[2786.16 --> 2788.16] They have light +[2788.16 --> 2790.16] And when it's dark it's great to have +[2790.16 --> 2794.16] Can anybody think of some other examples of things that give off light in the dark? +[2794.16 --> 2796.16] Give me one +[2800.16 --> 2802.16] Headlights, headlamp +[2802.16 --> 2804.16] The Holy Spirit gives off light in the dark? +[2804.16 --> 2806.16] Good answer +[2806.16 --> 2808.16] A lamp +[2808.16 --> 2810.16] How about you? +[2810.16 --> 2812.16] A glow worm +[2812.16 --> 2814.16] Okay, I've got some pictures up here +[2814.16 --> 2816.16] See I've got some examples of light in the dark +[2816.16 --> 2818.16] Let's see the first one +[2818.16 --> 2819.16] Did somebody say candle? +[2819.16 --> 2820.16] That's a good one eh? +[2820.16 --> 2822.16] When the power goes out sometimes the candles come out at home +[2822.16 --> 2824.16] Next one +[2824.16 --> 2826.16] Ooh +[2826.16 --> 2828.16] Is there such thing as a glow in the +[2828.16 --> 2832.16] Is there such thing as glow in the dark jellyfish out there? +[2832.16 --> 2834.16] Alright, next +[2834.16 --> 2836.16] What's that? +[2836.16 --> 2838.16] Ooh, those are kind of good +[2838.16 --> 2839.16] We kind of need those +[2839.16 --> 2840.16] Next +[2840.16 --> 2842.16] Christmas lights +[2842.16 --> 2844.16] And the last one +[2844.16 --> 2846.16] Does anybody know what that is? +[2846.16 --> 2847.16] Yes +[2847.16 --> 2848.16] They're so cool +[2848.16 --> 2850.16] When I was a kid we used to collect them and put them in a jar +[2850.16 --> 2853.16] And run around with these fireflies in the jar +[2853.16 --> 2854.16] It was really cool +[2854.16 --> 2858.16] What's the story about why are we talking about light? +[2858.16 --> 2862.16] The story today in the back we're going to talk about being a light for Jesus +[2862.16 --> 2868.16] We're going to go into the world and be a light for Jesus and be how Jesus would like us to be +[2868.16 --> 2869.16] Sound good? +[2869.16 --> 2872.16] Can I get all you guys to stand up and face that way? +[2872.16 --> 2874.16] We're going to do the blessing +[2874.16 --> 2876.16] Ready? +[2876.16 --> 2879.16] Lord be with you +[2879.16 --> 2881.16] And also with you +[2906.16 --> 2907.16] Morning, my name is Dick +[2907.16 --> 2909.16] And I'm leading us in +[2909.16 --> 2910.16] Contraditional prayer +[2910.16 --> 2911.16] But before I do +[2911.16 --> 2913.16] I just want to acknowledge the fish +[2913.16 --> 2915.16] Pretty awesome +[2915.16 --> 2917.16] I didn't see the ones on that side +[2917.16 --> 2919.16] I saw the ones on the back +[2919.16 --> 2921.16] From the thing when I came in +[2921.16 --> 2922.16] But +[2922.16 --> 2923.16] You think about it +[2923.16 --> 2924.16] Each one +[2924.16 --> 2925.16] Swims through life +[2926.16 --> 2928.16] And then when they come into contact with Jesus +[2928.16 --> 2929.16] And his word and his +[2929.16 --> 2931.16] Gift for all of us +[2932.16 --> 2934.16] And then we have probably some that are not on here +[2934.16 --> 2936.16] That he's already called home +[2937.16 --> 2939.16] Anyway, let's pray +[2939.16 --> 2941.16] Father of art in heaven, Lord +[2941.16 --> 2942.16] Thank you +[2943.16 --> 2944.16] Thank you for today +[2944.16 --> 2945.16] Thank you for Sadie +[2945.16 --> 2947.16] Thank you for her family, Lord +[2947.16 --> 2950.16] We pray will you bless her +[2950.16 --> 2952.16] Will you bless her family through her +[2952.16 --> 2954.16] And will you bless her through them +[2954.16 --> 2957.16] Lord as we +[2957.16 --> 2958.16] Lord as we +[2958.16 --> 2959.16] Think about +[2959.16 --> 2960.16] Psalm 139 +[2960.16 --> 2962.16] We realize that +[2962.16 --> 2964.16] You knew Sadie +[2964.16 --> 2965.16] Before she was Sadie +[2966.16 --> 2968.16] You've got all her days +[2969.16 --> 2970.16] Arranged for her +[2971.16 --> 2973.16] Just like the rest of us, Lord +[2973.16 --> 2974.16] You know exactly +[2975.16 --> 2976.16] Where we're at +[2976.16 --> 2977.16] You know exactly +[2978.16 --> 2979.16] What we think +[2979.16 --> 2981.16] And Lord +[2981.16 --> 2982.16] You call each one of us +[2982.16 --> 2985.16] And you sent your son +[2985.16 --> 2986.16] For each one of us +[2986.16 --> 2989.16] And we are so thankful, Lord +[2990.16 --> 2992.16] And if we don't think about that enough +[2992.16 --> 2993.16] Lord, convict us +[2994.16 --> 2995.16] So that we do +[2996.16 --> 2997.16] And then when we think of these fish +[2998.16 --> 2999.16] On the walls up here +[3000.16 --> 3002.16] We see many that have been affected by +[3003.16 --> 3005.16] Your gift on the cross +[3005.16 --> 3008.16] And then we see a whole bunch more that haven't yet +[3009.16 --> 3010.16] Lord, will you call each one +[3011.16 --> 3012.16] Even the ones that are +[3013.16 --> 3014.16] Quite a ways away +[3015.16 --> 3016.16] Away in this world +[3016.16 --> 3017.16] Just swimming about +[3018.16 --> 3019.16] Doing whatever +[3020.16 --> 3022.16] Lord, will you convict each one +[3023.16 --> 3024.16] Lord, we pray for our local +[3025.16 --> 3026.16] Church +[3027.16 --> 3028.16] For everyone here +[3029.16 --> 3030.16] Lord, there's so many people +[3030.16 --> 3031.16] You've already called home +[3031.16 --> 3032.16] In the last little while +[3032.16 --> 3035.16] And we want to pray for +[3036.16 --> 3038.16] The people that are left behind, Lord +[3039.16 --> 3041.16] Lord, we know you called them home +[3042.16 --> 3043.16] But they left us +[3044.16 --> 3045.16] There's an empty spot +[3046.16 --> 3049.16] Help us to manage day to day +[3050.16 --> 3051.16] Help us to +[3052.16 --> 3053.16] Trust and obey, Lord +[3054.16 --> 3056.16] Lord, we pray for each one of us +[3057.16 --> 3059.16] Whether we are at home working +[3059.16 --> 3061.16] Working in an office +[3062.16 --> 3063.16] Working wherever +[3064.16 --> 3065.16] Going to school +[3065.16 --> 3066.16] Pray for the teachers, Lord +[3067.16 --> 3068.16] Lord, we pray for +[3069.16 --> 3070.16] Our municipality +[3071.16 --> 3072.16] Our leaders +[3072.16 --> 3073.16] Whether they be local, provincial +[3074.16 --> 3075.16] Or federal +[3076.16 --> 3077.16] And then we pray for the bigger world, Lord +[3078.16 --> 3079.16] There's so much stuff +[3080.16 --> 3081.16] That's happening +[3082.16 --> 3083.16] Lord, we know and acknowledge you +[3083.16 --> 3084.16] We're in total control +[3085.16 --> 3086.16] Sometimes we don't understand why +[3086.16 --> 3088.16] Things happen as they do +[3089.16 --> 3091.16] Lord, we pray that you come back +[3092.16 --> 3093.16] Soon +[3093.16 --> 3094.16] And you call each one +[3095.16 --> 3096.16] Who has not +[3097.16 --> 3098.16] Acknowledged your call yet +[3099.16 --> 3100.16] We pray, Lord, will you be with +[3101.16 --> 3102.16] Pastor Chris as he +[3103.16 --> 3104.16] Shures your word +[3105.16 --> 3106.16] We pray that you give each one of us +[3107.16 --> 3109.16] An open ear, mind and heart +[3110.16 --> 3111.16] And not only that we listen +[3111.16 --> 3112.16] But that we +[3113.16 --> 3114.16] Leave here and live it +[3114.16 --> 3116.16] Thank you, Lord +[3116.16 --> 3117.16] In Jesus' name we pray +[3117.16 --> 3118.16] Amen +[3137.16 --> 3142.16] We have been in an ongoing series in the book of Romans +[3142.16 --> 3146.16] We continue that this morning in Romans 12 +[3147.16 --> 3149.16] Verses 9 through 21 +[3150.16 --> 3152.16] That will be on the screen behind me +[3153.16 --> 3154.16] The first time we go through it +[3155.16 --> 3156.16] But as always, I encourage you to +[3157.16 --> 3158.16] Have a Bible in your hands +[3158.16 --> 3159.16] Whether it's on your device +[3160.16 --> 3161.16] Or if you brought one +[3162.16 --> 3163.16] Great, there are a few at the back as well +[3164.16 --> 3165.16] There's some large print and some other +[3166.16 --> 3167.16] Bibles back there +[3167.16 --> 3168.16] You can grab one from there +[3169.16 --> 3171.16] To help you in following along +[3172.16 --> 3176.16] Let's begin by reading God's word together +[3177.16 --> 3178.16] To us, Romans 12 +[3179.16 --> 3180.16] Starting at verse 9 +[3183.16 --> 3185.16] Love must be sincere +[3186.16 --> 3187.16] Hate what is evil +[3188.16 --> 3189.16] Cling to what is good +[3190.16 --> 3192.16] Be devoted to one another in love +[3193.16 --> 3194.16] Honor one another above yourselves +[3195.16 --> 3196.16] Never be lacking in zeal +[3196.16 --> 3197.16] Be lacking in zeal +[3197.16 --> 3199.16] But keep your spiritual fervor +[3200.16 --> 3201.16] Serving the Lord +[3203.16 --> 3204.16] Be joyful in hope +[3205.16 --> 3207.16] Patient in affliction +[3208.16 --> 3209.16] Faithful in prayer +[3210.16 --> 3212.16] Share with the Lord's people who are in need +[3213.16 --> 3214.16] Practice hospitality +[3215.16 --> 3217.16] Bless those who persecute you +[3218.16 --> 3219.16] Bless and do not curse +[3220.16 --> 3221.16] Rejoice with those who rejoice +[3221.16 --> 3223.16] Mourn with those who mourn +[3224.16 --> 3225.16] Live in harmony with one another +[3226.16 --> 3227.16] Do not be proud +[3228.16 --> 3230.16] But be willing to associate with people of low position +[3231.16 --> 3232.16] Do not be conceited +[3233.16 --> 3236.16] Do not repay anyone evil for evil +[3237.16 --> 3240.16] Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone +[3240.16 --> 3243.16] If it is possible, as far as it depends on you +[3244.16 --> 3246.16] Live at peace with everyone +[3247.16 --> 3249.16] Do not take revenge, my dear friends +[3250.16 --> 3251.16] But leave room for God's wrath +[3252.16 --> 3254.16] For it is written, it is mine to avenge +[3255.16 --> 3256.16] I will repay, says the Lord +[3257.16 --> 3260.16] On the contrary, if your enemy is hungry, feed him +[3261.16 --> 3263.16] If he is thirsty, give him something to drink +[3264.16 --> 3266.16] In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head +[3266.16 --> 3269.16] Do not be overcome by evil +[3270.16 --> 3273.16] But overcome evil with good +[3274.16 --> 3275.16] This is the word of the Lord +[3276.16 --> 3288.16] I debated this week if I was going to start this way +[3289.16 --> 3291.16] But I am sensing that we must +[3291.16 --> 3292.16] That we must +[3294.16 --> 3297.16] This chapter, I hope you will see +[3298.16 --> 3299.16] Paints a compelling picture +[3300.16 --> 3302.16] Of what it means to be part of the Christian community +[3303.16 --> 3305.16] What it means to belong to the church +[3306.16 --> 3307.16] To the body of Christ +[3308.16 --> 3309.16] But the reality is +[3310.16 --> 3312.16] That so many of us +[3313.16 --> 3315.16] Don't see that picture +[3316.16 --> 3319.16] Or don't start from that place of compelling comparison +[3319.16 --> 3325.16] And so I want to share a little bit of my own story +[3326.16 --> 3327.16] My own testimony +[3327.16 --> 3329.16] And some of you have heard bits and pieces of it +[3330.16 --> 3334.16] But my very first memory of church +[3335.16 --> 3337.16] Is from when I was five years old +[3338.16 --> 3340.16] So there is little Chris +[3341.16 --> 3343.16] Five years old, sitting beside his mom and dad +[3344.16 --> 3346.16] Who are not here today, so they don't know I am telling this story +[3346.16 --> 3348.16] But, and on the other side of my mom and dad +[3349.16 --> 3351.16] Are my grandpa and my grandma +[3352.16 --> 3353.16] And my grandfather +[3354.16 --> 3357.16] A stalwart man of faith +[3358.16 --> 3359.16] If ever there was one +[3360.16 --> 3361.16] He could be contrarian +[3362.16 --> 3363.16] We all knew that +[3364.16 --> 3367.16] But, that Sunday morning +[3368.16 --> 3369.16] And I remember this clearly +[3370.16 --> 3371.16] The pastor stood up in that church +[3372.16 --> 3373.16] Behind the pulpit +[3373.16 --> 3374.16] Behind the pulpit +[3375.16 --> 3377.16] And with all his bravado +[3378.16 --> 3379.16] Said +[3380.16 --> 3381.16] Harold Campin +[3382.16 --> 3383.16] That's my grandpa +[3384.16 --> 3386.16] Has disagreed with the decision of our church council +[3387.16 --> 3391.16] And has been kicked out of office +[3392.16 --> 3397.16] The church was going through some pretty hard times +[3398.16 --> 3399.16] This is the mid-80s +[3399.16 --> 3403.16] And there were some pretty significant conversations happening in that church +[3404.16 --> 3406.16] My grandfather didn't agree with the pastor +[3407.16 --> 3409.16] My grandfather was on council +[3410.16 --> 3412.16] And my grandfather was a man of integrity +[3413.16 --> 3414.16] And so he let the pastor know +[3415.16 --> 3418.16] The pastor didn't like that he was disagreed with +[3419.16 --> 3421.16] And so that Sunday he stood in the pulpit +[3422.16 --> 3423.16] And he called him out by name +[3424.16 --> 3426.16] And what I remember is my grandfather standing up +[3427.16 --> 3429.16] Nodding his head to the pastor +[3430.16 --> 3432.16] My grandmother standing up beside him +[3433.16 --> 3434.16] Weeping +[3435.16 --> 3436.16] And walking out of church +[3437.16 --> 3438.16] They never went back to that church +[3439.16 --> 3443.16] My first memory of church +[3444.16 --> 3446.16] Is an instance +[3447.16 --> 3448.16] Of pastoral abuse +[3448.16 --> 3449.16] My first memory of church +[3449.16 --> 3452.16] My first memory of church is not this compelling image of love being sincere +[3453.16 --> 3454.16] But a broken one +[3455.16 --> 3456.16] Fast forward three years +[3457.16 --> 3458.16] My second memory of church +[3459.16 --> 3460.16] We have now moved to churches as well +[3461.16 --> 3462.16] I'm in the cadet program at this church +[3463.16 --> 3465.16] So I'm eight years old +[3465.16 --> 3466.16] First year in cadets +[3466.16 --> 3467.16] First year in cadets +[3468.16 --> 3469.16] We're going to Alliston, Ontario +[3469.16 --> 3470.16] Where there's a Honda production facility +[3471.16 --> 3472.16] So a bunch of boys, 30, 40 of us +[3473.16 --> 3474.16] Being wrangled by seven or eight men +[3475.16 --> 3476.16] To go on this tour of the production line +[3477.16 --> 3478.16] At Honda +[3479.16 --> 3480.16] And so I'm in the cadet program +[3481.16 --> 3482.16] And so I'm in the cadet program +[3482.16 --> 3483.16] And so I'm in the cadet program at this church +[3484.16 --> 3485.16] So I'm in the cadet program at this church +[3486.16 --> 3487.16] So I'm eight years old +[3488.16 --> 3489.16] First year in cadets +[3490.16 --> 3491.16] We're going to Alliston, Ontario +[3491.16 --> 3494.16] To go on this tour of the production line +[3494.16 --> 3495.16] At Honda Alliston +[3496.16 --> 3498.16] As we were approaching the doors +[3498.16 --> 3499.16] The counselors there +[3499.16 --> 3500.16] One of them turned around +[3500.16 --> 3501.16] And said, okay boys +[3501.16 --> 3502.16] When we get in the building +[3503.16 --> 3504.16] Stop talking +[3504.16 --> 3505.16] Start listening +[3506.16 --> 3507.16] Before we got to the door +[3508.16 --> 3509.16] I hadn't yet walked in +[3510.16 --> 3511.16] I was still talking +[3511.16 --> 3512.16] The counselor turned around +[3512.16 --> 3513.16] And he smacked me across the face +[3514.16 --> 3519.16] My second memory of church +[3519.16 --> 3522.16] Is an instance of abuse +[3523.16 --> 3527.16] And so +[3528.16 --> 3529.16] In a moment +[3530.16 --> 3532.16] When we dig into this really beautiful picture +[3533.16 --> 3536.16] When we cast for us +[3537.16 --> 3538.16] What God has possible +[3539.16 --> 3540.16] And for us in display +[3541.16 --> 3543.16] Please don't hear that from me +[3544.16 --> 3545.16] With my head in the clouds +[3545.16 --> 3548.16] Or ignorant of the realities +[3549.16 --> 3550.16] That all of us in some way shape or form +[3551.16 --> 3552.16] Have faced and experienced +[3553.16 --> 3554.16] If you know my story +[3555.16 --> 3556.16] I took a long circuitous route +[3557.16 --> 3559.16] Back to an experience of faith and Jesus +[3560.16 --> 3561.16] In part because of those two images +[3562.16 --> 3563.16] No doubt +[3564.16 --> 3565.16] Those two stories +[3568.16 --> 3571.16] But it is my deep prayer this morning +[3571.16 --> 3574.16] That as we look at what is possible +[3575.16 --> 3578.16] As we look at what God has available for us +[3579.16 --> 3580.16] We would do so +[3581.16 --> 3583.16] With the reality of everything we have experienced +[3584.16 --> 3585.16] And the hurt that we bring +[3586.16 --> 3588.16] But also with hope for what's possible +[3589.16 --> 3592.16] Now my prayer continues +[3593.16 --> 3596.16] That what we will see +[3596.16 --> 3598.16] And what we have been seeing +[3599.16 --> 3600.16] These last few weeks together +[3601.16 --> 3602.16] Is that one of the things +[3603.16 --> 3605.16] That Christianity is all about +[3606.16 --> 3607.16] And I mean really about +[3608.16 --> 3610.16] Is redefining relationships +[3611.16 --> 3612.16] Right? Christianity is about +[3613.16 --> 3614.16] Redefining relationships +[3615.16 --> 3617.16] First, it's about redefining your relationship to God +[3618.16 --> 3619.16] In Christ Jesus +[3620.16 --> 3622.16] And then it's about redefining your relationships +[3622.16 --> 3623.16] To those people around you +[3623.16 --> 3624.16] Who are part of the body +[3625.16 --> 3626.16] For us here today +[3627.16 --> 3628.16] And then lastly +[3629.16 --> 3631.16] It's about redefining our relationships +[3632.16 --> 3633.16] To the world +[3634.16 --> 3636.16] And to those who do not yet know Christ +[3639.16 --> 3640.16] Now this idea +[3641.16 --> 3642.16] Right? This process +[3643.16 --> 3644.16] Builds off of what Pastor Kevin talked about +[3645.16 --> 3646.16] Last week about being part of the body +[3647.16 --> 3650.16] Right? Christianity at its core +[3650.16 --> 3653.16] Is a relational religion +[3654.16 --> 3657.16] Right? Everything that God has done in the world +[3658.16 --> 3659.16] Both in creating and redeeming it +[3660.16 --> 3664.16] Is to have relationship with his creatures +[3665.16 --> 3668.16] And that is because God is within himself +[3669.16 --> 3670.16] A relational God +[3671.16 --> 3674.16] Right? The Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit +[3675.16 --> 3676.16] Have lived eternally together +[3676.16 --> 3679.16] In a relationship of mutual recognition +[3680.16 --> 3681.16] And support and submission +[3682.16 --> 3683.16] A relationship of self-giving love +[3684.16 --> 3686.16] A relationship of other-raising worship +[3687.16 --> 3689.16] And we now as created in his image +[3690.16 --> 3694.16] Are called to live into that inner Trinitarian union +[3695.16 --> 3696.16] That inner Trinitarian relationship +[3697.16 --> 3699.16] That's what redemption from sin is +[3700.16 --> 3701.16] When we talk about sin in the church +[3701.16 --> 3704.16] At root we are talking about a broken relationship +[3704.16 --> 3705.16] To God, our Creator +[3706.16 --> 3709.16] And the way that that affects everything else +[3710.16 --> 3713.16] Right? Sin is a destroying of a relationship to God +[3714.16 --> 3716.16] A breaking of a relationship to God +[3717.16 --> 3718.16] And redemption then +[3719.16 --> 3720.16] Is union with Christ +[3721.16 --> 3722.16] And in union with Christ +[3723.16 --> 3726.16] Being restored to that inner Trinitarian union +[3726.16 --> 3729.16] And fellowship that we were created to be part of +[3730.16 --> 3732.16] To image to the world +[3733.16 --> 3735.16] And in many ways +[3736.16 --> 3737.16] That first half of the book of Romans +[3738.16 --> 3744.16] Is about how we are restored to personal covenantal relationship to God +[3745.16 --> 3747.16] Right? Chapters 1 through 11 +[3748.16 --> 3749.16] It's important to note +[3750.16 --> 3753.16] Right? That this is about how we come back to God +[3753.16 --> 3756.16] By God coming down to us +[3757.16 --> 3761.16] And this relationship is personal and covenantal +[3762.16 --> 3766.16] Right? So covenantal relationships are always communal +[3767.16 --> 3770.16] And we saw that particularly in baptism this morning +[3771.16 --> 3772.16] Right? In Sadie's baptism +[3773.16 --> 3774.16] We mark her as a child of the covenant +[3775.16 --> 3776.16] And we, the community of faith +[3777.16 --> 3780.16] Both acknowledge that truth and welcome her into it +[3780.16 --> 3784.16] And we raise her up together as part of us +[3785.16 --> 3787.16] She needs us and we need her +[3788.16 --> 3791.16] And this redefining of relationship in the body +[3792.16 --> 3795.16] Is now where Paul picks up in Romans 12 +[3796.16 --> 3804.16] Right? Remember Romans 12 is following and is built upon the reality of Romans 1 through 11 +[3804.16 --> 3808.16] It's built upon the truth that we are justified +[3809.16 --> 3810.16] That we are saved +[3811.16 --> 3813.16] That salvation comes only by grace alone +[3814.16 --> 3815.16] Through faith alone in Christ alone +[3816.16 --> 3818.16] So that we are now no longer alone +[3819.16 --> 3820.16] Because of our union with Christ +[3821.16 --> 3822.16] And our relationship to God +[3823.16 --> 3824.16] And our communion with the body +[3825.16 --> 3826.16] With each other +[3827.16 --> 3829.16] Now in the section that we read +[3829.16 --> 3830.16] This morning +[3830.16 --> 3833.16] There are loosely two sections +[3834.16 --> 3836.16] And there's some overlapping and transitional words +[3837.16 --> 3839.16] But for the sake of our teaching this morning +[3840.16 --> 3841.16] There's two sections +[3842.16 --> 3844.16] The first section is verse 9 through 16 +[3845.16 --> 3849.16] And that refers primarily to relationships within the body +[3850.16 --> 3854.16] Relationships among the language that defines these two things together +[3854.16 --> 3855.16] Is among one another +[3856.16 --> 3858.16] You will see that repeated through those sections +[3859.16 --> 3860.16] One another +[3861.16 --> 3864.16] The second section is 17 to the end +[3865.16 --> 3868.16] And that generally is held together by the use of the phrase everyone +[3869.16 --> 3873.16] And refers to relationships outside of this body +[3874.16 --> 3875.16] Or to the relationships to the world +[3876.16 --> 3877.16] Now like I said these distinctions aren't perfect +[3878.16 --> 3880.16] But we're going to hold them +[3880.16 --> 3883.16] And recognize that even though they're porous +[3884.16 --> 3885.16] And there's some shifting +[3886.16 --> 3889.16] That's going to help us frame our discussion together this morning +[3890.16 --> 3892.16] And so track with me, right? +[3893.16 --> 3894.16] First is your relationship to God +[3895.16 --> 3896.16] That's the foundation of Romans 1-11 +[3897.16 --> 3900.16] That's summarized here at the beginning of chapter 12 +[3901.16 --> 3903.16] With the phrase, therefore, in view of God's mercy +[3904.16 --> 3907.16] Right? And then, out of that relationship with God +[3907.16 --> 3910.16] There are your relationships to others around you in the body +[3911.16 --> 3915.16] And then three, your relationships to everyone else +[3916.16 --> 3918.16] And so first, in the body +[3919.16 --> 3921.16] Paul starts by saying +[3922.16 --> 3924.16] Love must be sincere +[3925.16 --> 3927.16] Hate what is evil +[3928.16 --> 3930.16] Cling to what is good +[3931.16 --> 3934.16] First we're told that love must be sincere +[3934.16 --> 3936.16] Now literally in the Greek +[3937.16 --> 3938.16] The original language this was written in +[3939.16 --> 3942.16] It says, love unhypocritically +[3943.16 --> 3945.16] Now one of the challenges of this verse +[3946.16 --> 3948.16] Is that loving unhypocritically +[3949.16 --> 3952.16] At least to me, seems really hard to do +[3953.16 --> 3954.16] Maybe even impossible +[3955.16 --> 3956.16] In fact, right? +[3957.16 --> 3958.16] One of the biggest criticisms +[3959.16 --> 3961.16] And the most regularly lobbed criticisms +[3961.16 --> 3963.16] Towards Christians +[3964.16 --> 3965.16] Is that we are hypocrites +[3966.16 --> 3967.16] Right? +[3968.16 --> 3969.16] We preach love +[3970.16 --> 3973.16] And yet, we call out an individual by name +[3974.16 --> 3975.16] When they disagree with us +[3976.16 --> 3978.16] We preach honor and respect +[3979.16 --> 3981.16] And yet, we smack a kid +[3982.16 --> 3983.16] When he doesn't listen +[3983.16 --> 3984.16] As you're going into the Honda plant +[3984.16 --> 3985.16] We preach obedience to Christ +[3985.16 --> 3986.16] And we act disobediently +[3987.16 --> 3988.16] We profess to be content +[3989.16 --> 3990.16] Whatever the circumstances +[3991.16 --> 3993.16] And yet, our anxieties and our idolatries +[3994.16 --> 3997.16] Are just as prevalent and high as everyone else's +[3998.16 --> 4002.16] It's easy to become a Pharisee +[4003.16 --> 4006.16] And if you know what I mean when I say that +[4007.16 --> 4009.16] You're in danger of becoming a Pharisee +[4009.16 --> 4011.16] Because that's the reality +[4012.16 --> 4013.16] For those of us who are familiar +[4014.16 --> 4018.16] With this way of being in the world +[4019.16 --> 4022.16] Now let me hear it +[4023.16 --> 4024.16] Let me say it very clearly +[4025.16 --> 4026.16] I am a hypocrite +[4027.16 --> 4029.16] Or let me put it more accurately +[4030.16 --> 4031.16] I act hypocritically +[4032.16 --> 4034.16] But by the grace of God +[4035.16 --> 4036.16] I am not a hypocrite +[4036.16 --> 4038.16] At least not any longer +[4039.16 --> 4041.16] I'm no longer defined by my hypocrisy +[4042.16 --> 4043.16] Right? It's still there +[4043.16 --> 4044.16] It's still part of me +[4044.16 --> 4045.16] And I'm waging war against it +[4046.16 --> 4047.16] But by the grace of God +[4048.16 --> 4049.16] Right? That ought to be the difference +[4050.16 --> 4052.16] For all of us who profess to believe +[4053.16 --> 4055.16] Yes, we still act hypocritically +[4056.16 --> 4059.16] But we're trying +[4060.16 --> 4061.16] By the grace of God +[4062.16 --> 4063.16] To be transformed +[4063.16 --> 4064.16] And so then +[4064.16 --> 4065.16] What does it mean +[4065.16 --> 4067.16] To love unhypocritically? +[4069.16 --> 4070.16] I think the best way to put this +[4071.16 --> 4072.16] And to understand it +[4072.16 --> 4073.16] Is to love genuinely +[4074.16 --> 4075.16] Or authentically +[4076.16 --> 4077.16] And even as I say that +[4077.16 --> 4078.16] I know some of you are like +[4079.16 --> 4080.16] I hate those words +[4081.16 --> 4082.16] Right? Like they're buzz words +[4083.16 --> 4084.16] What does that even mean? +[4084.16 --> 4085.16] And so let me give you an example +[4086.16 --> 4088.16] To love unhypocritically +[4089.16 --> 4091.16] Means that when I have a conversation +[4091.16 --> 4092.16] With someone +[4092.16 --> 4094.16] They walk away from that conversation +[4095.16 --> 4096.16] Feeling like they got the real me +[4097.16 --> 4099.16] Like I wasn't wearing a mask +[4100.16 --> 4102.16] Like I wasn't putting my best self forward +[4103.16 --> 4104.16] Or like I wasn't holding things back +[4105.16 --> 4106.16] That I truly genuinely believe +[4107.16 --> 4108.16] But I'm compromising on +[4109.16 --> 4110.16] Because I'm risking the +[4111.16 --> 4112.16] I'm at risk of the relationship +[4113.16 --> 4114.16] Right? When someone engages with me +[4114.16 --> 4116.16] I want them to walk away +[4117.16 --> 4119.16] Feeling like they were seen by me +[4120.16 --> 4123.16] Right? All of who you are +[4124.16 --> 4127.16] Even as we lay ourselves open +[4128.16 --> 4129.16] And honestly bare before each other +[4130.16 --> 4131.16] I want there to be a sense of safety +[4132.16 --> 4133.16] In the midst of that +[4134.16 --> 4135.16] Even as we talk about things +[4136.16 --> 4137.16] That make us uncomfortable +[4138.16 --> 4139.16] Even as I ask you hard questions +[4140.16 --> 4141.16] Or you ask me hard questions +[4141.16 --> 4142.16] I want you to leave going +[4142.16 --> 4143.16] You know what? +[4143.16 --> 4145.16] I think he really is for me +[4146.16 --> 4148.16] I think that's what it means to love +[4149.16 --> 4150.16] Unhypocritically +[4151.16 --> 4153.16] And I'm going to stress this point to you +[4154.16 --> 4156.16] Because it's really easy in our churches +[4157.16 --> 4158.16] And in our Christian communities +[4159.16 --> 4160.16] For there to be a sense +[4161.16 --> 4162.16] Or a veneer that develops +[4163.16 --> 4165.16] Right? A cover over the reality +[4165.16 --> 4168.16] Sometimes we present our best selves to each other +[4169.16 --> 4172.16] And we hide the truth of who we are +[4173.16 --> 4175.16] Sometimes in churches +[4176.16 --> 4177.16] Right? There's a culture of niceness +[4178.16 --> 4179.16] Or politeness that develops +[4180.16 --> 4181.16] That actually becomes a wall +[4182.16 --> 4183.16] Or a barrier around the truth of our hearts +[4184.16 --> 4185.16] And the struggles of our circumstances +[4186.16 --> 4188.16] And we pretend to be okay +[4189.16 --> 4192.16] Because risking being vulnerable is just too much +[4192.16 --> 4196.16] And again, remember my story from the beginning +[4197.16 --> 4200.16] To be fair, some of us have been burned by the church +[4201.16 --> 4203.16] Have been burned by being vulnerable +[4208.16 --> 4209.16] Sometimes +[4210.16 --> 4213.16] We are really good at being pleasant to someone's face +[4214.16 --> 4215.16] And then venomous +[4216.16 --> 4218.16] In the other corner of the foyer +[4219.16 --> 4220.16] With our gossip +[4220.16 --> 4225.16] An unhypocritical love +[4226.16 --> 4227.16] A sincere love +[4228.16 --> 4230.16] Calls us to be vulnerable +[4231.16 --> 4233.16] It's risky +[4234.16 --> 4235.16] You better believe it +[4235.16 --> 4236.16] It's risky +[4236.16 --> 4237.16] But when you experience it +[4238.16 --> 4239.16] Oh my goodness +[4240.16 --> 4241.16] It is good +[4242.16 --> 4244.16] It is so good +[4245.16 --> 4246.16] And not only then +[4247.16 --> 4248.16] Must we love unhypocritically +[4248.16 --> 4249.16] But +[4249.16 --> 4250.16] Paul continues +[4251.16 --> 4252.16] One of the ways we do that +[4252.16 --> 4253.16] Is by hating what is evil +[4254.16 --> 4256.16] And clinging to what is good +[4257.16 --> 4260.16] And this is a really important thing for us to hear +[4261.16 --> 4262.16] Because often times +[4263.16 --> 4265.16] Love in our world today +[4266.16 --> 4270.16] Is characterized as just affirming everything about everyone +[4271.16 --> 4274.16] And let me be really, really clear here +[4274.16 --> 4275.16] That's not real love +[4276.16 --> 4277.16] That's not real love +[4278.16 --> 4279.16] Right? +[4279.16 --> 4280.16] Real love requires that we hate +[4281.16 --> 4285.16] That we are horrified by what God calls evil +[4286.16 --> 4290.16] Real love calls us to cling to what is good +[4291.16 --> 4294.16] And look, there is a temptation that when you love someone +[4294.16 --> 4295.16] Right? +[4295.16 --> 4297.16] You want to just give them what makes them feel happy +[4297.16 --> 4300.16] You want to feed or fill their emotional joy +[4301.16 --> 4303.16] Rather than give them what's best +[4304.16 --> 4308.16] And in part, that's because it's easier +[4309.16 --> 4310.16] Right? +[4310.16 --> 4311.16] It keeps the peace in our relationship +[4312.16 --> 4315.16] But also because like we genuinely do want them to feel best +[4316.16 --> 4317.16] Right? +[4317.16 --> 4318.16] We should +[4319.16 --> 4320.16] But here's the thing, right? +[4320.16 --> 4321.16] True love +[4322.16 --> 4325.16] Is built upon the truth of God's word +[4326.16 --> 4329.16] And God's word reveals how we were designed to live +[4330.16 --> 4331.16] And the truth is then +[4332.16 --> 4335.16] That God himself gets to define love +[4336.16 --> 4337.16] Right? +[4337.16 --> 4338.16] When we say God is love +[4339.16 --> 4341.16] Part of what that means is he gets to tell us what real love is +[4342.16 --> 4346.16] And it's our best response to listen first +[4348.16 --> 4351.16] Right? To disobey God's design for our life together +[4352.16 --> 4355.16] Is always going to be bad for the people we love +[4356.16 --> 4359.16] Real love is concerned for the truth +[4360.16 --> 4364.16] And any love that is unwilling to confront a lie +[4365.16 --> 4366.16] Is not real love +[4367.16 --> 4369.16] But instead, I'm going to name it as a selfish desire to keep the peace +[4370.16 --> 4371.16] Because it's easier +[4371.16 --> 4372.16] Because it's easier +[4375.16 --> 4379.16] But when you see someone who's hurting because of the choices they're making +[4380.16 --> 4382.16] Real love requires you to confront them +[4384.16 --> 4390.16] Now, if you do, remember, you act hypocritically +[4390.16 --> 4391.16] And so confront them +[4392.16 --> 4393.16] Out of your own sincerity +[4394.16 --> 4402.16] Confront them out of your own journey into truth +[4403.16 --> 4406.16] And also, I want to name this point +[4407.16 --> 4408.16] Because it's important to pause +[4409.16 --> 4411.16] And to remember that what we are talking about here +[4412.16 --> 4414.16] Is relationships within the body +[4414.16 --> 4418.16] We're talking about Christian to Christian here +[4419.16 --> 4423.16] Right? This isn't a call for you to go out to your unbelieving friends +[4424.16 --> 4428.16] And point out the truth of the untruth of their lives +[4429.16 --> 4432.16] Right? This isn't a call for you to go stand on a soapbox somewhere +[4432.16 --> 4434.16] And expect unbelieving people +[4435.16 --> 4436.16] Unconverted to Christ people +[4437.16 --> 4439.16] To behave like converted to Christ people +[4440.16 --> 4441.16] They're two different things +[4442.16 --> 4443.16] Two different categories +[4444.16 --> 4450.16] Right? We need the Holy Spirit to make us able to live as God has called us to live +[4451.16 --> 4455.16] And so this part of the conversation is body member to body member +[4456.16 --> 4457.16] Christian to Christian +[4457.16 --> 4465.16] All of this presumes a profession of faith based and in response to the grace of God given +[4472.16 --> 4474.16] Paul continues talking to the body +[4475.16 --> 4478.16] And he says, be devoted to one another in love +[4479.16 --> 4480.16] Honor one another above yourselves +[4481.16 --> 4485.16] This is the foundation of humility that shapes the body that Pastor Kevin talked about +[4485.16 --> 4489.16] And that we continue to talking about in our podcast this past week +[4490.16 --> 4493.16] Shameless plug available every Wednesday at 5 a.m. +[4494.16 --> 4495.16] Welcome to the narthex +[4496.16 --> 4500.16] That foundation of humility leads into the body +[4501.16 --> 4504.16] And then Paul goes, never be lacking in zeal +[4505.16 --> 4507.16] But keep your spiritual fervor serving the Lord +[4508.16 --> 4512.16] Literally there in Greek it says, be set on fire by the Spirit +[4512.16 --> 4518.16] And I think what that means is that Christians ought to be a people of passion +[4519.16 --> 4521.16] Right? I will never understand the Christian +[4522.16 --> 4524.16] And I'm going to be honest, it's usually a man, right? +[4525.16 --> 4526.16] Who is stoic +[4527.16 --> 4528.16] And borderline slightly angry all the time +[4529.16 --> 4531.16] Keeping their hands firmly placed in their pockets +[4532.16 --> 4534.16] While the people around them are singing with joy on their faces +[4535.16 --> 4537.16] Right? Or when the preacher is up at the front +[4537.16 --> 4539.16] Sitting back with their arms crossed +[4540.16 --> 4541.16] Like, no, you haven't won me over yet +[4542.16 --> 4543.16] I saw a few of you uncross your arms right there +[4544.16 --> 4545.16] Yup +[4548.16 --> 4549.16] Where is your zeal? +[4550.16 --> 4552.16] And let me be really clear +[4553.16 --> 4556.16] When I say zeal, I don't mean happy, clappy, and excited +[4557.16 --> 4558.16] Right? I'm not asking everyone to look the same +[4559.16 --> 4562.16] And to paint the same brush in our worshiping life +[4562.16 --> 4567.16] What I'm saying is, right? Your zeal means you need to have a real relationship to God +[4568.16 --> 4569.16] And to the body +[4570.16 --> 4572.16] Right? Don't settle for anything less than what's real +[4573.16 --> 4577.16] And let's be honest too, right? Without a real relationship +[4578.16 --> 4579.16] All of this is meaningless +[4582.16 --> 4584.16] And I think we can say pretty confidently on the truth of the Bible +[4584.16 --> 4587.16] That without a real relationship to God and to the body +[4588.16 --> 4591.16] All of life, in fact, is meaningless +[4592.16 --> 4594.16] And what I mean by that is that it's fleeting +[4595.16 --> 4596.16] It's a chasing after the wind +[4597.16 --> 4598.16] It's a grasping after breath +[4599.16 --> 4600.16] And the moment you finally lay hold to something +[4601.16 --> 4603.16] You open your hands to look at it and you realize that it's gone +[4604.16 --> 4606.16] And that it wasn't worth what you thought it was +[4607.16 --> 4610.16] And it didn't satisfy in the way that you hoped it would +[4610.16 --> 4612.16] Instead +[4613.16 --> 4615.16] Be joyful in hope +[4616.16 --> 4618.16] Patient in affliction +[4619.16 --> 4620.16] And faithful in prayer +[4621.16 --> 4623.16] Share with the Lord's people who are in need +[4624.16 --> 4625.16] Practice hospitality +[4628.16 --> 4633.16] Now, I want to pause for a second +[4634.16 --> 4636.16] And I want to ask you to dig deep +[4636.16 --> 4641.16] There's a thing going on in this text that I think is absolutely fascinating +[4642.16 --> 4645.16] And I hope I can communicate it well enough so that you can see it +[4646.16 --> 4650.16] But on this phrase, practice hospitality +[4651.16 --> 4654.16] And so let's dig here for just a moment +[4655.16 --> 4659.16] The word translated practice means something more like pursue +[4660.16 --> 4663.16] Or it means to honestly and earnestly endeavor +[4663.16 --> 4664.16] Ever +[4665.16 --> 4667.16] Right? And so sometimes you will hear people talking about +[4668.16 --> 4669.16] The gift of hospitality +[4670.16 --> 4672.16] Right? And what we mean by that usually +[4673.16 --> 4674.16] Is that there are people who are just good at it +[4675.16 --> 4677.16] Right? Who seem to love hosting +[4678.16 --> 4680.16] Who seem to love cooking for people +[4681.16 --> 4683.16] And sharing with them is their love language +[4684.16 --> 4687.16] In fact, I love cooking for people +[4687.16 --> 4692.16] I love preparing elaborate and exorbitant meals for people +[4693.16 --> 4696.16] But I want to be really clear +[4697.16 --> 4700.16] Because who is Paul talking to in this text? +[4701.16 --> 4706.16] Because it's not the quote, gift of hospitality people +[4707.16 --> 4712.16] In fact, hospitality isn't even a gift +[4712.16 --> 4717.16] Right? It's not in any of the gift lists in Scripture +[4718.16 --> 4720.16] Right? There's gift lists here in Romans 12 +[4721.16 --> 4722.16] Kevin read them last week +[4723.16 --> 4724.16] They include things like prophesying and serving +[4725.16 --> 4727.16] Teaching, encouraging, giving, leading, and showing mercy +[4728.16 --> 4730.16] There's another gift list in 1 Corinthians 12 +[4731.16 --> 4732.16] Where Paul adds to that list +[4733.16 --> 4735.16] Gifts of wisdom and knowledge, faith, miraculous powers +[4736.16 --> 4738.16] Gifts of healing, identifying spirits +[4738.16 --> 4740.16] Gift of tongues and the gift of interpreting tongues +[4741.16 --> 4742.16] Which are two different things +[4743.16 --> 4744.16] In verse 28 of that chapter +[4744.16 --> 4746.16] He adds the gift of helping and of guidance +[4747.16 --> 4748.16] Now that last one +[4748.16 --> 4750.16] That seems to be about administration +[4751.16 --> 4754.16] And organizational gifts for the running of a church community +[4755.16 --> 4759.16] But in all of those places where we get gift lists in Scripture +[4760.16 --> 4763.16] Can I tell you what's conspicuously absent? +[4764.16 --> 4765.16] Hospitality +[4765.16 --> 4766.16] Hospitality +[4767.16 --> 4770.16] And I think that's why it says we have to pursue it +[4771.16 --> 4774.16] Right? We have to earnestly run after it +[4775.16 --> 4776.16] We have to run it down +[4777.16 --> 4780.16] Even when it's not part of our natural way of being in the world +[4781.16 --> 4784.16] And I think the reason why that is the case +[4785.16 --> 4787.16] And this is what I want you to see and dig deep into with me +[4788.16 --> 4791.16] If you have a Bible in front of you +[4791.16 --> 4794.16] This is a good time to look but it will be on the screen there +[4795.16 --> 4796.16] Although if you have a Bible in front of you +[4797.16 --> 4798.16] I'm going to be honest with you, it's not going to help you +[4798.16 --> 4800.16] Because you would never see this in your English translation +[4801.16 --> 4806.16] This little paragraph uses four different words for love +[4807.16 --> 4809.16] To describe the way the body interacts together +[4810.16 --> 4814.16] The first word for love that is used is in verse 9 +[4814.16 --> 4816.16] Love must be sincere +[4817.16 --> 4818.16] That's agape +[4819.16 --> 4820.16] Right? +[4820.16 --> 4823.16] That's the word for love there is agape +[4824.16 --> 4826.16] That's the same word that Paul uses to describe +[4827.16 --> 4829.16] The love agape of Christ +[4830.16 --> 4832.16] In Romans 8 verse 35 +[4833.16 --> 4834.16] And following he says +[4834.16 --> 4838.16] Who shall separate us from the love agape of Christ +[4839.16 --> 4840.16] And then he continues +[4841.16 --> 4843.16] Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword +[4844.16 --> 4845.16] He goes on +[4846.16 --> 4848.16] For I am convinced that neither death nor life +[4849.16 --> 4850.16] Neither angels nor demons +[4850.16 --> 4851.16] Neither the present nor the future +[4852.16 --> 4854.16] Nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else +[4855.16 --> 4856.16] In all of creation +[4857.16 --> 4860.16] Will be able to separate us from the love agape of God +[4860.16 --> 4863.16] That is in Christ Jesus our Lord +[4864.16 --> 4867.16] Right? It's the same word that Paul uses in Romans 5 verse 8 +[4867.16 --> 4872.16] When he says God demonstrates his own agape for us in this +[4873.16 --> 4876.16] While we were still sinners, Christ died for us +[4877.16 --> 4880.16] So sincere love in the body +[4881.16 --> 4885.16] Is a reflection of the love of God in Jesus Christ +[4886.16 --> 4889.16] For us spilling over through us to the body +[4890.16 --> 4892.16] That's the first word +[4893.16 --> 4895.16] The second word is in verse 10 +[4896.16 --> 4899.16] It says be devoted to one another in love +[4900.16 --> 4901.16] Now did you see it? +[4902.16 --> 4904.16] Now I bet you didn't +[4905.16 --> 4906.16] Because it's not actually the phrase in love +[4909.16 --> 4911.16] The word translated be devoted +[4912.16 --> 4914.16] Is Philadelphia +[4915.16 --> 4917.16] That's the compound of the word philos +[4917.16 --> 4918.16] Which means love +[4918.16 --> 4919.16] And adelphoi +[4920.16 --> 4921.16] Which means brothers +[4921.16 --> 4922.16] Love of brothers +[4922.16 --> 4923.16] Or brotherly love +[4923.16 --> 4925.16] That's why the city of Philadelphia +[4926.16 --> 4927.16] Is called the city of brotherly love +[4928.16 --> 4929.16] Because that's what the word means +[4930.16 --> 4933.16] And so because of the agape love of Jesus +[4934.16 --> 4936.16] We are made into brothers +[4937.16 --> 4938.16] Right? First me to him +[4939.16 --> 4940.16] And then you to him +[4941.16 --> 4944.16] And then me to you +[4944.16 --> 4946.16] And you to each other +[4947.16 --> 4950.16] The body that Kevin talked about last week +[4951.16 --> 4952.16] Is also called a family +[4953.16 --> 4956.16] And remember this is back in Romans 8 again +[4957.16 --> 4958.16] In verse 14 +[4959.16 --> 4960.16] And following +[4960.16 --> 4961.16] Where Paul writes +[4961.16 --> 4963.16] For those who are led by the Spirit of God +[4963.16 --> 4964.16] Are children of God +[4965.16 --> 4966.16] And the Spirit you received +[4966.16 --> 4968.16] Brought about your adoption to sonship +[4969.16 --> 4970.16] And by him we cry +[4971.16 --> 4972.16] Abba, Father +[4973.16 --> 4974.16] The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit +[4975.16 --> 4976.16] That we are God's children +[4977.16 --> 4978.16] Now if we are children +[4978.16 --> 4979.16] Then we are heirs +[4979.16 --> 4980.16] Heirs of God +[4980.16 --> 4982.16] And co-heirs with Christ +[4983.16 --> 4984.16] You see what's happening +[4985.16 --> 4988.16] Agape love makes us brotherly love +[4988.16 --> 4993.16] Right? Agape love makes us to be devoted to one another +[4994.16 --> 4995.16] And then Paul continues in verse 10 +[4996.16 --> 4997.16] He finishes and says in love +[4998.16 --> 4999.16] Be devoted to one another in love +[5000.16 --> 5001.16] Now we can pick up that word in love +[5002.16 --> 5004.16] But that's also another unique word +[5005.16 --> 5006.16] Right? In the New Testament +[5007.16 --> 5008.16] That word is +[5009.16 --> 5010.16] Philos storgoi +[5011.16 --> 5012.16] Philos meaning love +[5013.16 --> 5015.16] Storgoi meaning love of family +[5015.16 --> 5017.16] Right? Another compound +[5018.16 --> 5019.16] It's a natural affection +[5019.16 --> 5020.16] A family affection +[5021.16 --> 5022.16] Like a mother for her child +[5025.16 --> 5026.16] Now that means there's probably +[5027.16 --> 5030.16] A sort of ferocity and ferocity to it +[5031.16 --> 5034.16] Or think of a mother lion protecting her cubs +[5036.16 --> 5039.16] Our new natural familial affection +[5040.16 --> 5042.16] Is devoted to brotherly affection +[5042.16 --> 5044.16] Because of the affections of Jesus +[5045.16 --> 5046.16] For his bride +[5047.16 --> 5049.16] Which is the third metaphor that the Bible uses for the church +[5050.16 --> 5052.16] A body, a family, and a bride +[5053.16 --> 5055.16] But it doesn't end there +[5058.16 --> 5060.16] Verse 13 uses one more word for love +[5061.16 --> 5063.16] It says, share with the Lord's people who are in need +[5064.16 --> 5067.16] Practice or pursue, as we've said, hospitality +[5067.16 --> 5069.16] Now look at that sentence +[5070.16 --> 5071.16] What word do you think it is? +[5072.16 --> 5073.16] Hospitality +[5074.16 --> 5075.16] Hospitality +[5078.16 --> 5081.16] Hospitality is the fourth type of love used +[5082.16 --> 5086.16] Right? It's used only here and in Hebrews 13 verse 2 +[5087.16 --> 5091.16] And the word translated hospitality literally means love of stranger +[5091.16 --> 5096.16] Philos, love, xenos, stranger +[5097.16 --> 5101.16] Now this is the opposite of a word you might be more familiar with +[5102.16 --> 5104.16] You might have heard the word xenophobia +[5105.16 --> 5107.16] Right? Xenophobia literally means fear of strangers +[5108.16 --> 5112.16] We use it to mean a prejudice against people from other countries +[5113.16 --> 5115.16] And it's usually connected to racism +[5115.16 --> 5122.16] The Bible says that you, body, do the opposite of that +[5123.16 --> 5124.16] You love strangers +[5125.16 --> 5127.16] That's what hospitality in the church is +[5128.16 --> 5131.16] Right? Hospitality is loving strangers into family +[5132.16 --> 5133.16] Because of the love of Christ +[5134.16 --> 5137.16] Right? That's what these stacking of four words gets us to +[5138.16 --> 5142.16] Loving strangers into family, loved brothers and sisters +[5142.16 --> 5145.16] Because of Jesus' love +[5146.16 --> 5147.16] That's how the church grows +[5148.16 --> 5152.16] Hospitality is literally strangers becoming brothers and sisters +[5153.16 --> 5154.16] Because of Christ +[5155.16 --> 5156.16] And we're all supposed to pursue it +[5157.16 --> 5158.16] Every one of us, it's on all of us +[5159.16 --> 5160.16] As part of our purpose and mission here +[5161.16 --> 5162.16] And when I look out at you +[5163.16 --> 5165.16] I see a whole bunch of strangers +[5166.16 --> 5169.16] Who have become brothers and sisters to me +[5169.16 --> 5170.16] When I look out at you +[5172.16 --> 5177.16] I see people who are in the journey of moving from stranger to beloved family member +[5178.16 --> 5182.16] And there's something beautiful and compelling about a group of people +[5183.16 --> 5187.16] Who then in this journey rejoice with those who rejoice +[5188.16 --> 5191.16] Who in this journey of moving from stranger to brother or sister +[5192.16 --> 5193.16] Mourn with those who mourn +[5193.16 --> 5195.16] There's something compelling about a community +[5196.16 --> 5203.16] Where the chief virtue for leadership is a willingness to serve even the lowest among us +[5206.16 --> 5209.16] Christianity is all about redefining relationships +[5210.16 --> 5214.16] Relationships to God and relationships to each other as new families +[5215.16 --> 5218.16] Strangers made brothers and sisters because of Jesus +[5218.16 --> 5224.16] And as all of that is true +[5225.16 --> 5229.16] It changes our relationships to the world around us +[5230.16 --> 5239.16] Now, for those of you who are looking at your phones to see what time it is +[5240.16 --> 5242.16] Don't worry, the second half is much shorter than the first half +[5242.16 --> 5247.16] But here's what I want you to see from this section +[5248.16 --> 5251.16] In your relationships to the world +[5252.16 --> 5257.16] In your relationships to people who are not yet converted to Christ +[5258.16 --> 5263.16] Know that you are not responsible for how they behave +[5264.16 --> 5270.16] But don't think that's a get out of jail free card +[5270.16 --> 5275.16] Because you are responsible for how you carry yourself +[5276.16 --> 5280.16] How you hold yourself in the face of their behavior +[5281.16 --> 5284.16] Whatever it is, whether it's evil or persecution +[5285.16 --> 5288.16] Be careful, Paul says, to do what is right in the eyes of everyone +[5289.16 --> 5291.16] As far as it depends on you +[5292.16 --> 5293.16] Live at peace with everyone +[5294.16 --> 5296.16] Here's a hard truth for some of you +[5296.16 --> 5298.16] You cannot change the people around you +[5299.16 --> 5305.16] And to have expectations of the people around you who are not Christian +[5306.16 --> 5308.16] To behave Christianly is impossible for them +[5309.16 --> 5319.16] But you must have the expectation on yourself to behave Christianly in front of them +[5319.16 --> 5324.16] And only the Holy Spirit can change hearts and minds +[5325.16 --> 5334.16] But we also know that the Holy Spirit uses our lives to transform those same hearts and minds for Christ +[5335.16 --> 5340.16] And so do your utmost to be a willing and useful tool to the Holy Spirit +[5340.16 --> 5344.16] Much rather he works with you than in spite of you +[5345.16 --> 5346.16] Amen? +[5347.16 --> 5350.16] This is part of what it means when Paul says +[5351.16 --> 5355.16] Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good +[5356.16 --> 5358.16] And if your enemy is hungry +[5359.16 --> 5360.16] Give him something to eat +[5360.16 --> 5361.16] If he's thirsty +[5361.16 --> 5362.16] Give him something to drink +[5363.16 --> 5366.16] Or I'll put it a little bit more close to home for myself +[5367.16 --> 5369.16] If he's the angry neighbor next door +[5370.16 --> 5372.16] Who complains all the time about the bush on your property line +[5373.16 --> 5374.16] That seems to infringe on his side +[5375.16 --> 5376.16] Offer to pray for him +[5377.16 --> 5379.16] When he tells you that he's been having a rough year +[5380.16 --> 5382.16] After a cancer diagnosis and treatment +[5383.16 --> 5384.16] And he says, oh, but I'm not a prayer +[5385.16 --> 5387.16] I said, that's okay, you don't have to be, I am +[5387.16 --> 5393.16] And maybe he'll show up the next day with a gift of thanks +[5394.16 --> 5396.16] And that relationship has changed +[5397.16 --> 5398.16] All of a sudden +[5399.16 --> 5401.16] Now it's not about the gift, let me be really clear +[5402.16 --> 5403.16] But there's an impact on behavior +[5404.16 --> 5407.16] When I choose to be faithful, even when it's awkward +[5408.16 --> 5410.16] Even when it's hard, even when it's weird +[5411.16 --> 5415.16] That's part, I believe, of what Paul is getting at when he quotes Proverbs 25 +[5415.16 --> 5419.16] Right, you're doing good to those who do evil to you +[5419.16 --> 5420.16] Or who treat you poorly +[5421.16 --> 5423.16] You're loving them because Christ first loved you +[5424.16 --> 5429.16] Can be used by God to lead to their repentance and their profession of faith in God +[5430.16 --> 5434.16] Your relationship to God and to each other and to the world +[5435.16 --> 5438.16] Is used by God to restore people in relationship to him +[5438.16 --> 5441.16] And so we've come full circle, haven't we? +[5442.16 --> 5445.16] Your real and personal relationship to God +[5446.16 --> 5447.16] Changes your relationships to other Christians +[5448.16 --> 5449.16] Making them like family +[5450.16 --> 5453.16] Brothers and sisters in Christ Jesus +[5454.16 --> 5456.16] Strangers into family +[5457.16 --> 5461.16] That's a miracle that keeps on happening in the world today +[5461.16 --> 5465.16] And your relationship to God, your relationship to the body +[5466.16 --> 5469.16] Changes how you have relationships in the world +[5470.16 --> 5474.16] It changes your posture into service and humility +[5478.16 --> 5480.16] And yes, and amen +[5481.16 --> 5484.16] Of course it is true that only God changes the world +[5484.16 --> 5487.16] And He does that through you and through me +[5488.16 --> 5489.16] And so as we go today +[5490.16 --> 5494.16] Will you be part of painting this picture of God's people? +[5495.16 --> 5499.16] Will you be part of painting this picture of God's people? +[5500.16 --> 5511.16] Will you be part of God using your life and your relationship to him and to others to draw people to himself? +[5511.16 --> 5513.16] And that through you and to himself +[5514.16 --> 5516.16] I have seen it among you +[5517.16 --> 5521.16] And again, I see some of you sitting here +[5522.16 --> 5523.16] Precisely because this is your story +[5524.16 --> 5526.16] And for that I praise God +[5527.16 --> 5529.16] For that I give Him thanks +[5530.16 --> 5532.16] And for that I say amen +[5533.16 --> 5534.16] Let's pray together +[5537.16 --> 5538.16] Holy God +[5538.16 --> 5544.66] Holy God, you are so amazing among us. +[5545.68 --> 5549.32] Even as you restore us to relationships with you, +[5549.48 --> 5553.34] send us out now step by step to walk with you. +[5554.00 --> 5557.24] Send us out now step by step to walk with each other. +[5558.34 --> 5563.26] Send us out now step by step that we might declare your praises. +[5563.26 --> 5567.90] And that in so declaring your praises, Lord God, +[5568.08 --> 5577.34] that others may come to see and know that you are good and that you are God. +[5578.66 --> 5585.72] Fill us to overflowing, that as we spill out, it might be your love that guides our steps. +[5586.36 --> 5588.86] In Jesus' name we pray. Amen. +[5593.26 --> 5607.28] Let's stand together. +[5623.26 --> 5625.26] Amen. +[5625.26 --> 5626.26] Amen. +[5653.26 --> 5660.10] And I will leave him for me, and I will learn to walk in your ways. +[5661.88 --> 5671.56] Step by step you'll lead me, and I will follow you all on my days. +[5672.84 --> 5681.60] Oh God, you are my God, and I will praise you. +[5681.60 --> 5691.56] Oh God, you are my God, and I will never praise you. +[5692.54 --> 5702.64] I will seek you in the morning, and I will learn to walk in your ways. +[5702.64 --> 5711.54] Then step by step you'll be here, and I will follow you all the Friday. +[5724.38 --> 5732.30] As we go into this week, we go with the blessing of God, and you go right now with two invitations. +[5732.64 --> 5740.66] First, following our worship, we have a time of gathering and fellowship at the back, and so please stick around for that. +[5740.66 --> 5745.86] Assuming everything worked well, there's coffee and refreshments available to you. +[5746.04 --> 5752.62] But more importantly, there's brothers and sisters who want to be present with you together. +[5753.52 --> 5757.78] Second invitation, there is people available for prayer. +[5758.38 --> 5761.02] One of them has a yellow name tag on. +[5761.02 --> 5765.84] That's Dick, who was already up, although he did say he is also on coffee service. +[5765.94 --> 5770.30] And so if you need prayer, go to the kitchen, and he'll pray with you there while making coffee. +[5771.28 --> 5772.08] Right, Dick? +[5772.68 --> 5773.58] There it is. +[5775.58 --> 5778.52] Go with the blessing of God. +[5778.52 --> 5782.56] God, go before you to lead you. +[5783.22 --> 5785.04] God, go behind you to protect you. +[5785.38 --> 5787.28] God, go beneath you to support you. +[5787.62 --> 5791.90] And God, go beside you to befriend you and make you a brother. +[5792.80 --> 5794.02] Do not be afraid. +[5794.46 --> 5796.42] Let the blessing of God come upon you today. +[5796.56 --> 5802.32] Do not be afraid, but go in peace to love and serve the Lord. +[5802.32 --> 5803.86] Amen. +[5803.86 --> 5805.86] Amen. +[5833.86 --> 5840.86] I want your trust in you, and in all I'm doing in water and water. +[5842.86 --> 5850.86] Oh, I love you, breathe in my deep air. +[5850.86 --> 5860.86] You are faithful, through the ages you never change. +[5863.86 --> 5871.86] But though I live in the dark of night, set up here to fight you, our love and truth. +[5871.86 --> 5879.86] I want your trust in you, and in all I do bring you water and peace. +[5880.86 --> 5889.86] Oh, I love you, breathe in my deep air. +[5889.86 --> 5897.86] You are faithful, through the ages you never change. +[5897.86 --> 5901.86] Oh, I love you, breathe in my deep air. +[5901.86 --> 5903.86] Oh, I love you, breathe in my deep air. +[5903.86 --> 5909.86] Oh, I love you, breathe in my deep air. +[5909.86 --> 5913.86] Oh, I love you, breathe in my deep air. +[5913.86 --> 5915.86] You are faithful, through the ages you never change. +[5915.86 --> 5917.86] Oh, I love you, breathe in my deep air. +[5917.86 --> 5921.86] You are faithful, through the ages you never change. +[5921.86 --> 5925.86] Oh, I love you, breathe in my deep air. +[5925.86 --> 5927.86] You are faithful, through the ages you never change. +[5927.86 --> 5937.86] You are faithful, through the ages you never change. +[5937.86 --> 5942.86] Oh, I love you, breathe in my deep air. +[5942.86 --> 5951.86] You are faithful, through the ages you never change. +[5951.86 --> 5973.86] You are faithful, through the ages you never change. +[5973.86 --> 5975.86] Amen. +[6003.86 --> 6005.86] Amen. +[6033.86 --> 6035.86] Amen. +[6063.86 --> 6065.86] Amen. +[6093.86 --> 6095.86] Amen. +[6123.86 --> 6125.86] Amen. +[6153.86 --> 6155.86] Amen. +[6183.86 --> 6185.86] Amen. +[6213.86 --> 6215.86] Amen. +[6243.86 --> 6245.86] Amen. +[6273.86 --> 6275.86] Amen. +[6303.86 --> 6305.86] Amen. +[6333.86 --> 6335.86] Amen. +[6363.86 --> 6365.86] Amen. +[6393.86 --> 6395.86] Amen. +[6423.86 --> 6425.86] Amen. +[6453.86 --> 6455.86] Amen. +[6483.86 --> 6485.86] Amen. +[6513.86 --> 6515.86] Amen. +[6543.86 --> 6545.86] Amen. diff --git a/Sunday Worship, February 25, 2024_summary.txt b/Sunday Worship, February 25, 2024_summary.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000000000000000000000000000000000000..c7999e9bdf9f926c52d5a448d1b1cd039bd4ee51 --- /dev/null +++ b/Sunday Worship, February 25, 2024_summary.txt @@ -0,0 +1,139 @@ +• Introduction of a cadet's code +• Explanation of the singing of "Living for Jesus" as a congregation, with cadets leading a cappella and others joining in +• Lyrics to the song "Living for Jesus" +• Invitation for all men in the congregation to stand and sing along with the cadets +• A woman prays and gives herself to Jesus +• Brenda introduces herself as a deacon at Emmanuel and continues worship with the offering +• The cadet program is discussed, including its goal to provide Christian men with structure and materials for spiritual growth +• A slideshow of pictures from the past year's cadets is played during the offering +• Music and worship continue, with songs such as "Bless the Lord" and "10,000 Reasons" +• Kids from preschool to grade four are invited to come up to the front +• An interactive activity is done with popcorn kernels +• Discussion about popcorn kernels and their transformation when heated +• Comparison of hard, tasteless kernels to closed hearts +• The process of having a "seed" planted in one's heart, leading to softening and peace +• Announcements and prayer requests for the church community +• Reflection on the bulletin from the previous year and remembering those who are no longer with them +• Prayer and praise to God for His wisdom, knowledge, and glory +• Material blessings and things that bring enjoyment +• Creativity, talents, and gifts of those present +• Service, teaching, encouragement, mercy, leadership, giving, and hospitality +• Technology and the internet +• Social media and relationships +• Prayer for continued providence and abundance beyond human understanding +• Specific individuals and their needs (Ellen White's health, families affected by loss) +• Life trials and requests to surrender them to God +• Various church ministries and teams (Mexico team, cadet program) +• Requests for blessings on activities, wisdom, and time for leaders +• Introductions to reading Ephesians 3:14-21 +• Invitation to find a Bible or access it on device +• Reading from Ephesians 3:14-21 begins +• Exposition of Ephesians 3:14-21 continues +• Reflections by the speaker on his own experiences as a cadet +• The speaker discusses a song called "Living for Jesus" that hasn't changed in 40 years. +• The focus of the sermon is on experiencing the love of Jesus and living for Him. +• The speaker references Ephesians, specifically Paul's prayer for the young believers at the church in Ephesus. +• The passage mentions God's glorious riches strengthening those who believe with power through His spirit. +• The phrase "God's glorious riches" and its connection to Christ +• Ephesians and Colossians scriptures referencing God's glorious riches among the Gentiles +• The presence of Christ living in believers through the Spirit +• Transformation into Christ's image through the Spirit +• Being part of a deep and real relationship with Jesus +• God seeing believers as being clothed in Christ +• Being a Christian is not just about going to church and listening to sermons +• A true relationship with God through Jesus means trusting Him more than oneself +• Faith is the key to being brought into union with Jesus and God +• Faith involves believing, trusting, and having assurance in God's promises +• It is something received, believed, and then achieved +• Faith as a gift from God +• Faith and its relation to action and deeds +• Faith as something you believe, receive, and achieve +• Importance of content and doctrine in faith +• Role of good teaching and ministering in nourishing faith +• Order of faith: receiving, believing, and then achieving through action +• The importance of faith preceding obedience in the lives of children +• The distinction between obedience and faith, and how to teach them correctly +• Starting with talking to children about faith rather than rules +• Showing children the vitality of a received and believed faith +• Being rooted and grounded in love to achieve transformed lives through Christ's dwelling in their hearts by faith +• The image of a tree with deep roots is used to convey strength and stability. +• A similar concept, "grounded", is also discussed as being firm and established. +• A foundation or base is mentioned as providing support and stability for something. +• The idea of building on a rock instead of sand is brought up as a metaphor for building on strong foundations. +• The importance of being rooted and grounded in faith +• Relationship to the Holy Spirit and Christ +• Planting spiritual foundation for stability +• Withstanding devil's lies and enduring life's challenges +• Biosphere as an enclosed habitat +• Functioning ecosystem within the biosphere +• Experiment from 1991 to 1993 testing life in an enclosed space +• Purpose of experiment: to inform building habitats on other planets +• Observations inside the biosphere, including trees and flowing water +• Soil conditions +• Carbon requirements +• Nitrate levels +• Growth of trees +• Effects of wind and bad weather on tree growth +• Stress caused by environmental factors +• Root development in response to stress +• Importance of strong root systems for tree survival +• Trees growing on mountaintops and their competition for sunlight +• Tree trunks bending to create stress, leading to the formation of two types of wood +• The benefits of this process in helping trees remain strong +• Comparison to human lives and relationships with God, facing stress and pressure +• Reference to the Bible making it clear that this phenomenon occurs repeatedly +• God uses stresses, pressures, and trials to deepen one's roots in a relationship with Him +• The purpose of hardship in the Christian life is to establish a stronger connection with God +• Hardships can be used by God to make us stronger and help us endure until the end +• The ultimate purpose of adversity is to teach us who we are in relationship with Jesus +• The love of Christ is wide, long, high, and deep +• Love of Christ covers us in hard times +• The love of Jesus is bigger than our sins +• The list of doubts and questions we have is longer than our arms can hold +• The love of God in Christ is higher, deeper, and more profound +• The speaker mentions a relationship that will be explored +• The Holy Spirit strengthens the inner being and Christ dwells within +• Being rooted and grounded in love allows for deep understanding of God's love +• This understanding leads to seeing the width, length, height, and depth of God's love +• Knowing this allows one to see the arrow (of faith) go forward again +• The love of Christ helps us to see the Holy Spirit strengthening us +• Seeing more of Jesus dwelling in us leads to being deeply rooted and grounded in Him +• Being deeply rooted and grounded in who He is allows us to know more about His deep, long, high, and wide love for us +• This knowledge empowers us to keep moving forward in life +• A 25-minute teaching on the depth of God's love is shared. +• Discussion about someone needing to be smaller in size +• Malachi cannot participate due to possibly broken wrist +• Warning about potential trouble if the person falls +• Statement that no one is right, but a decision needs to be made +• Reference to using Tyus or another alternative +• Explanation of being rooted and established in truth +• Mention of reaching forward for a prize +• Request for a high-five +• Comment on watching someone be unable to do something +• Something is missing in the person's life +• The importance of being rooted and established in love +• Being held or supported by others in faith +• The picture of Christian life as discipleship and community +• How these aspects interact with each other for personal growth +• Tying someone up +• Concern for mother's reaction to using child in a picture +• Not doing things alone, but together as a community +• Expanding relationship with God and understanding love of Christ +• Love surpassing knowledge +• References to Bible verses (19 and 20) +• Singing about faith and giving God glory +• Community of faith living together and experiencing truth +• Giving God glory through songs and daily life +• Holding onto the hand of faith and leaning into relationship with God +• Stretching, growing, and deepening in faith and relationship with God +• Purpose of gathering +• Importance of faith and trust in God's love +• Transformation through Holy Spirit +• Rootedness and establishment in God's presence +• Unity and connection with others through Jesus' name +• Worship and praise through singing and prayer +• Worship and praise for God's love and grace +• Description of God's attributes (high, deep, long, sweet, strong) +• References to scripture and biblical themes +• Invitation to receive prayer or meet with someone at the front +• Blessing and farewell message, with emphasis on God's presence and protection \ No newline at end of file diff --git a/Sunday Worship, February 25, 2024_transcript.txt b/Sunday Worship, February 25, 2024_transcript.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000000000000000000000000000000000000..ead76476afa49a19f466383b583f55f76093bec4 --- /dev/null +++ b/Sunday Worship, February 25, 2024_transcript.txt @@ -0,0 +1,3121 @@ +[0.00 --> 2.26] Make it back on your Ой +[2.88 --> 3.96] two +[7.22 --> 8.22] uh +[12.00 --> 13.04] Uh +[30.00 --> 59.98] Thank you. +[60.00 --> 89.98] Thank you. +[90.00 --> 119.98] Thank you. +[120.00 --> 149.98] Thank you. +[150.00 --> 179.98] Thank you. +[180.00 --> 209.98] Thank you. +[210.00 --> 239.98] Thank you. +[240.00 --> 269.98] Thank you. +[270.00 --> 299.98] Thank you. +[300.00 --> 329.98] Thank you. +[330.00 --> 359.98] Thank you. +[360.00 --> 389.98] Thank you. +[390.00 --> 419.98] Thank you. +[420.00 --> 449.98] Thank you. +[450.00 --> 479.98] Thank you. +[480.00 --> 509.98] Thank you. +[510.00 --> 539.98] Thank you. +[540.00 --> 569.98] Thank you. +[569.98 --> 599.96] Thank you. +[599.98 --> 629.96] Thank you. +[629.96 --> 659.94] Thank you. +[659.94 --> 689.92] Thank you. +[689.94 --> 719.92] Thank you. +[719.92 --> 749.90] Thank you. +[749.92 --> 779.90] Thank you. +[779.90 --> 809.88] Thank you. +[809.90 --> 839.88] Thank you. +[839.90 --> 869.88] Thank you. +[869.88 --> 899.86] Thank you. +[899.88 --> 929.86] Thank you. +[929.88 --> 959.86] Thank you. +[959.88 --> 989.86] Thank you. +[989.88 --> 1019.86] Good. +[1019.86 --> 1049.84] Thank you. +[1049.84 --> 1079.82] Thank you. +[1079.84 --> 1109.82] Thank you. +[1109.84 --> 1139.82] Thank you. +[1139.82 --> 1169.80] Thank you. +[1169.82 --> 1199.82] Maybe. +[1199.82 --> 1229.82] Thank you. +[1229.82 --> 1259.82] Thank you. +[1259.82 --> 1289.82] Thank you. +[1289.82 --> 1319.80] Thank you. +[1319.80 --> 1349.80] Thank you. +[1349.80 --> 1379.78] Thank you. +[1379.78 --> 1409.76] Thank you. +[1409.78 --> 1439.76] Thank you. +[1439.78 --> 1469.76] Thank you. +[1469.78 --> 1499.76] Thank you. +[1499.78 --> 1529.76] Thank you. +[1529.78 --> 1559.76] Thank you. +[1559.78 --> 1589.76] Thank you. +[1589.78 --> 1619.76] Thank you. +[1619.78 --> 1649.76] Thank you. +[1649.78 --> 1679.76] Thank you. +[1679.78 --> 1709.76] Thank you. +[1709.78 --> 1739.76] Thank you. +[1739.76 --> 1769.74] Thank you. +[1769.74 --> 1799.72] Thank you. +[1799.72 --> 1829.70] Thank you. +[1829.70 --> 1859.70] Thank you. +[1859.70 --> 1889.70] +[1889.70 --> 1919.68] Thank you. +[1919.68 --> 1949.66] Thank you. +[1949.66 --> 1979.64] Thank you. +[1979.66 --> 2009.64] Thank you. +[2009.66 --> 2039.64] Thank you. +[2039.66 --> 2069.64] Thank you. +[2069.64 --> 2099.62] Thank you. +[2099.64 --> 2129.62] Thank you. +[2129.64 --> 2159.62] Thank you. +[2159.64 --> 2189.62] Thank you. +[2189.62 --> 2219.60] One of the +[2219.60 --> 2249.58] Cadets, what is your code. +[2249.58 --> 2279.56] And I'm going to say, +[2279.56 --> 2309.56] the real cadet, +[2309.56 --> 2339.54] and you're in the +[2339.54 --> 2346.44] Once the cadets in the shop say time is up, we get back in our age category and sing Living for Jesus. +[2347.04 --> 2349.54] Sometimes we sing it louder for the parents to hear. +[2349.94 --> 2351.26] That's a fun cadet night. +[2360.64 --> 2363.88] We are going to sing Living for Jesus right now as a congregation. +[2363.88 --> 2373.84] The way we're going to do this today is we're going to invite the cadets and all of the men in cadets or not are going to stand for the first verse and chorus. +[2374.32 --> 2378.32] They are going to lead us a cappella like they do in cadets every week. +[2378.98 --> 2383.76] Then the rest of the congregation, you're invited to stand and join us for verses 2 and 3 as well. +[2384.62 --> 2389.04] Cadets and any men who want to join them who've been in cadets in the past, please rise. +[2389.24 --> 2393.00] You'll hear the piano with their note and we will start Living for Jesus together. +[2393.88 --> 2404.84] Living for Jesus, a life that is true +[2404.84 --> 2411.94] Striving to please Him in all that I do +[2411.94 --> 2418.72] Yielding allegiance, glad-hearted and free +[2418.72 --> 2425.68] This is a pathway of blessing for me +[2425.68 --> 2429.68] O Jesus, Lord and Savior +[2429.68 --> 2433.68] I give myself to Thee +[2433.68 --> 2437.68] For Thou in Thine atonement +[2437.68 --> 2441.68] Didst give Thyself for me +[2441.68 --> 2444.64] I owe no other master +[2444.64 --> 2448.64] My heart shall be Thy throne +[2448.64 --> 2453.64] My life I give henceforth to live +[2453.64 --> 2457.64] O Christ for Thee alone +[2457.64 --> 2459.64] Please join us and rise +[2459.64 --> 2464.60] Living for Jesus +[2464.60 --> 2468.60] Living for Jesus who died in my place +[2468.60 --> 2474.60] Bearing on Calvary my sin and disgrace +[2474.60 --> 2482.60] Such love constraints me to answer His call +[2482.60 --> 2483.56] For all His name and grace +[2483.56 --> 2485.56] The Lord is leading +[2485.56 --> 2489.56] And give Him my all +[2489.56 --> 2492.56] My Jesus, Lord and Savior +[2492.56 --> 2496.56] I give myself to Thee +[2496.56 --> 2499.56] For Thou in my atonement +[2499.56 --> 2503.56] Didst give Thyself for me +[2503.56 --> 2506.52] I owe no other master +[2506.52 --> 2507.52] I owe no other master +[2507.52 --> 2510.52] My heart shall be Thy throne +[2510.52 --> 2514.52] My life I give henceforth to live +[2514.52 --> 2519.52] O Christ for Thee alone +[2519.52 --> 2528.52] Living for Jesus wherever I am +[2528.52 --> 2532.48] Doing each to Thee +[2532.48 --> 2536.48] In His holy name +[2536.48 --> 2539.48] Seeking the lost ones +[2539.48 --> 2542.48] He died to redeem +[2542.48 --> 2546.48] Bringing the weary +[2546.48 --> 2549.48] To find rest in Him +[2549.48 --> 2553.48] O Jesus, Lord and Savior +[2553.48 --> 2556.48] I give myself to Thee +[2556.48 --> 2560.44] For Thou in my atonement +[2560.44 --> 2563.44] Didst give Thyself for me +[2563.44 --> 2567.44] I owe no other master +[2567.44 --> 2571.44] My heart shall be Thy throne +[2571.44 --> 2576.44] My life I give henceforth to live +[2576.44 --> 2581.44] O Christ for Thee alone +[2581.44 --> 2584.00] Please be seated +[2584.00 --> 2601.96] Good morning +[2601.96 --> 2605.70] Good morning, my name is Brenda +[2605.70 --> 2607.64] And I'm a deacon here at Emmanuel +[2607.64 --> 2610.90] And we can continue our worship +[2610.90 --> 2612.06] With the giving of our gifts +[2612.06 --> 2614.84] And first for the budget +[2614.84 --> 2617.10] That covers the administration here +[2617.10 --> 2619.44] And then for cadets +[2619.44 --> 2624.88] And Andrew is going to just give us a little +[2624.88 --> 2626.24] Update on that +[2626.24 --> 2636.20] All right, so the special offering this morning is for the cadet program +[2636.20 --> 2639.94] This year for our cadet program here at Emmanuel +[2639.94 --> 2641.76] We've got 28 boys registered +[2641.76 --> 2646.48] With 15 of them coming from outside of our church family here +[2646.48 --> 2650.44] So I think a little bit less than half of them are here today +[2650.44 --> 2652.14] So normally we have a much bigger group +[2652.14 --> 2655.96] The goal of the cadet program is to provide Christian men +[2655.96 --> 2659.84] With a structure, program, and materials that are uniquely designed +[2659.84 --> 2662.64] To help boys grow spiritually in all areas of their life +[2662.64 --> 2666.26] Devotional, mental, physical, and social +[2666.26 --> 2671.26] Please pray for us as we help boys learn what it means to embody our motto +[2671.26 --> 2672.34] Living for Jesus +[2672.34 --> 2675.00] During the offering this morning +[2675.00 --> 2676.88] A short slideshow we'll play +[2676.88 --> 2679.86] With some of our pictures from the past year from cadets +[2679.86 --> 2689.42] Bless the Lord, oh my soul +[2689.42 --> 2692.50] Oh my soul +[2692.50 --> 2697.46] Worship his holy name +[2697.46 --> 2701.86] Sing like never before +[2701.86 --> 2704.52] Oh my soul +[2704.52 --> 2705.68] Oh my soul +[2705.68 --> 2711.02] I worship your holy name +[2711.02 --> 2718.56] The sun comes up +[2718.56 --> 2722.60] It's a new day dawning +[2722.60 --> 2728.32] It's time to sing your song again +[2728.32 --> 2736.50] Whatever may pass and whatever lies before me +[2736.50 --> 2736.52] Whatever may pass and whatever lies before me +[2736.52 --> 2744.40] Let me be singing when the evening comes +[2744.40 --> 2745.06] Bless the Lord, oh my soul +[2745.06 --> 2750.06] Bless the Lord, oh my soul +[2750.06 --> 2751.06] I worship your holy name +[2751.06 --> 2757.06] I worship your holy name +[2757.06 --> 2761.06] Sing like never before +[2761.06 --> 2764.72] Oh my soul +[2764.72 --> 2765.72] I worship your holy name +[2765.72 --> 2769.72] I worship your holy name +[2769.72 --> 2770.72] Your holy name +[2770.72 --> 2770.96] Your holy name +[2770.96 --> 2773.94] Your holy name is great +[2773.94 --> 2778.10] And we're so to anger +[2778.10 --> 2784.22] Your name is great and your heart is kind +[2784.22 --> 2791.48] For all your goodness I will keep on singing +[2791.48 --> 2800.10] Ten thousand reasons for my heart to find +[2800.10 --> 2807.62] Bless the Lord, oh my soul, oh my soul +[2807.62 --> 2812.56] Worship His holy name +[2812.56 --> 2820.10] Since I've never been born, oh my soul +[2820.76 --> 2826.90] Worship Your holy name, bless the Lord +[2826.90 --> 2834.42] Bless the Lord, oh my soul, oh my soul +[2834.42 --> 2839.42] Worship His holy name +[2839.42 --> 2844.26] Can't sing like never before +[2844.26 --> 2852.74] Oh my soul, I'll worship Your holy name +[2856.90 --> 2863.86] And on that day when my strength is failing +[2863.86 --> 2869.80] The end drives near and my time has come +[2869.80 --> 2876.80] Still my soul will sing Your praise all ending +[2876.80 --> 2897.26] Good morning, everybody. +[2897.44 --> 2903.12] Can I have the kids from preschool all the way up to grade four come up to the front? +[2903.12 --> 2915.14] What do I have here, guys? +[2915.60 --> 2917.64] Popcorn kernels +[2917.64 --> 2919.46] The kernels, right? +[2919.70 --> 2921.86] And what shape are they? +[2922.64 --> 2923.20] Here +[2923.20 --> 2935.76] I'm going to ask you guys, if you have to feel it, how does it feel? +[2936.90 --> 2937.30] Hard +[2937.30 --> 2938.10] Harder +[2938.10 --> 2941.72] Crunchy +[2941.72 --> 2944.68] How does it feel? +[2947.00 --> 2951.52] If you had to taste the kernels, what do you think they would taste like? +[2951.52 --> 2954.82] Do they taste good? +[2955.34 --> 2955.92] No +[2955.92 --> 2956.70] No +[2956.70 --> 2961.90] What happens to the kernels when we heat them up? +[2962.14 --> 2964.00] Meat, meat, meat, meat, meat +[2964.00 --> 2968.56] They pop, and what does it look like? +[2972.88 --> 2973.36] Popcorn +[2973.36 --> 2976.32] Popcorn, and is it something to eat? +[2976.66 --> 2977.04] Yeah +[2977.04 --> 2979.70] Does it look nicer than a kernel? +[2980.26 --> 2980.66] Yeah +[2980.66 --> 2984.66] Like it looks more, I guess, beautiful, you could say, if you could say that about popcorn? +[2984.84 --> 2985.30] More appetizing +[2985.30 --> 2986.70] More appetizing? +[2986.92 --> 2987.84] Yeah, you're right +[2987.84 --> 2995.30] So the kernels, when we look at it, we can think of it as our hearts +[2995.30 --> 3005.92] The kernels are hard, and they're tasteless, and you don't want to be around a person when they have a closed heart +[3005.92 --> 3013.72] Because sometimes they're grumpy and grouchy, but when we heat up or we get a seed planted in our hearts +[3013.72 --> 3020.18] It comes out beautiful, and it softens our hearts, and we're at a little bit more peace +[3020.18 --> 3027.06] And we're able to help other people, because other people will look at us and be like, ooh, I like that +[3027.06 --> 3033.10] And we're able to help other people and tell them about what Jesus has done in our hearts +[3033.10 --> 3033.66] Yeah +[3033.66 --> 3040.16] So today in Children's Worship Time, we're going to talk about when we are at peace, or our hearts are softened +[3040.16 --> 3043.74] We are able to help other people be at peace +[3043.74 --> 3044.96] Okay? +[3045.54 --> 3047.84] So can I have a person to stand up +[3047.84 --> 3052.94] Look at the conversation +[3052.94 --> 3055.82] And we're saying +[3055.82 --> 3058.78] The Lord be with you +[3058.78 --> 3060.76] And also with you +[3060.76 --> 3087.00] Good morning +[3087.00 --> 3088.38] My name is Rob +[3088.38 --> 3089.42] I'm a member here +[3089.42 --> 3091.20] And a former cadet +[3091.20 --> 3100.72] As I was walking up, I wondered if perhaps that leaving for Children's Worship is good preparation for tag at cadets +[3100.72 --> 3107.22] As we march through our series of Romans +[3107.22 --> 3111.40] One of the things that was, for me, that was hidden in plain sight +[3111.40 --> 3116.20] Was that interlude between chapters 11 and chapters 12 +[3116.20 --> 3120.30] And it also marks a hinge point in the book of Romans +[3120.30 --> 3124.04] Between that dense theology and the practical living +[3124.04 --> 3128.14] And I really appreciate that doxology sandwiched in there +[3128.14 --> 3132.24] And I'd like to use that in our prayer as we pray today +[3132.24 --> 3135.76] A couple of things to note from our bulletin +[3135.76 --> 3139.02] Ellen White is in the hospital with a broken hip +[3139.02 --> 3142.48] And also, I understand it is her birthday today +[3142.48 --> 3143.52] She is 76 +[3143.52 --> 3148.78] We also want to pray for our Mexico missions team +[3148.78 --> 3151.26] With their upcoming trip, of course +[3151.26 --> 3154.58] And the dinner, which is on the 2nd +[3154.58 --> 3156.06] Do I have that correct? +[3156.06 --> 3156.62] Okay +[3156.62 --> 3163.56] And also, I thought it would be interesting to look at our bulletin from a year ago +[3163.56 --> 3170.04] And in that bulletin, we noted that Leanne's father had passed away +[3170.04 --> 3174.04] Cy Visser was starting his treatments +[3174.04 --> 3178.66] And Jackie Birkenpass was in the last days of her life +[3178.66 --> 3182.56] These things are no longer on our current list +[3182.56 --> 3184.18] But they're not forgotten +[3184.18 --> 3187.40] And we remember these families, too, in their grief +[3187.40 --> 3191.76] Let's turn together in prayer +[3191.76 --> 3197.60] Oh, how great are God's riches in wisdom and knowledge +[3197.60 --> 3200.76] How impossible it is for us to understand +[3200.76 --> 3203.46] His decisions and His ways +[3203.46 --> 3206.04] Who can know the Lord's thoughts? +[3206.68 --> 3208.64] Who knows enough to give Him advice? +[3209.32 --> 3212.90] And who has given Him so much that He needs to pay it back? +[3213.72 --> 3216.66] For everything comes from Him and exists by His power +[3216.66 --> 3218.58] And is intended for His glory +[3218.58 --> 3221.02] All glory to Him forever +[3221.02 --> 3225.30] We begin and end with these words to praise you +[3225.30 --> 3227.92] And to remind ourselves of who you are +[3227.92 --> 3230.64] How vast the love of Christ +[3230.64 --> 3233.88] May we as your church, through all times and places +[3233.88 --> 3239.72] With the cadets, grasp how wide, how long, how high, how deep +[3239.72 --> 3242.34] And that we may know it, too +[3242.34 --> 3246.82] Without you, assuming we could actually exist without you +[3246.82 --> 3248.76] How much worse things would be +[3248.76 --> 3250.66] All glory to you forever +[3250.66 --> 3254.32] And yet, we seek our own glory +[3254.32 --> 3255.28] Our own knowledge +[3255.28 --> 3258.60] Sometimes we tend to preserve what we have +[3258.60 --> 3261.50] Rather than giving to you what is yours +[3261.50 --> 3264.04] Forgive us, Lord, as individuals +[3264.04 --> 3265.34] For the endless times +[3265.34 --> 3267.92] We've done this throughout this past week +[3267.92 --> 3270.02] Forgive us as families +[3270.02 --> 3273.04] For the repeated times that we've put our family first +[3273.04 --> 3275.90] Forgive us, Lord, as our church family +[3275.90 --> 3278.44] For the repeated times we've put ourselves first +[3278.44 --> 3282.16] Through our wrong, may we see your right +[3282.16 --> 3284.92] We have much to give thanks +[3284.92 --> 3287.18] We thank you for all that comes from you +[3287.18 --> 3288.82] For the material blessings +[3288.82 --> 3291.26] For things, activities that we can enjoy +[3291.26 --> 3294.26] For the creativity that you've given us +[3294.26 --> 3296.94] Just in our midst here, we have the artist +[3296.94 --> 3299.70] The academic, the quilter, the athlete, the fixer +[3299.70 --> 3302.18] May those bring you glory, too +[3302.18 --> 3305.00] Thank you for those in our midst +[3305.00 --> 3306.80] Who have that gift of serving +[3306.80 --> 3308.86] Of teaching, of encouragement +[3308.86 --> 3310.94] Of mercy, of leadership +[3310.94 --> 3313.26] Of giving, of hospitality +[3313.26 --> 3317.44] Thank you for the technology we live in in this age +[3317.44 --> 3319.42] For the vastness of the internet +[3319.42 --> 3321.86] Which is just a mere speck of information +[3321.86 --> 3323.26] In contrast to you +[3323.26 --> 3326.58] For podcasts that can engage our mind +[3326.58 --> 3328.84] Which is just a mere start of +[3328.84 --> 3331.58] In comparison to your knowledge +[3331.58 --> 3333.68] For the social media +[3333.68 --> 3335.10] That connects us in ways +[3335.10 --> 3336.46] It's just a mere shadow +[3336.46 --> 3338.32] Of the relationship we can have in you +[3338.32 --> 3341.56] We ask for your continued providence +[3341.56 --> 3343.24] You do immeasurably more +[3343.24 --> 3344.90] Than we ask or imagine +[3344.90 --> 3347.72] Father, we think of those things +[3347.72 --> 3348.96] That we highlight +[3348.96 --> 3351.78] In our bulletin +[3351.78 --> 3353.12] We think of Ellen White +[3353.12 --> 3354.44] In the hospital, Lord +[3354.44 --> 3355.92] We pray that you'll give her healing +[3355.92 --> 3359.40] And thank you for the years of her life +[3359.40 --> 3361.32] That she could celebrate a birthday today +[3361.32 --> 3365.02] Father, we pray for the individuals +[3365.02 --> 3366.66] And families who've been impacted +[3366.66 --> 3369.92] By people passing away +[3369.92 --> 3373.44] We pray that even though +[3373.44 --> 3374.84] We don't mention them by week +[3374.84 --> 3379.10] That you will continue to grant them peace +[3379.10 --> 3382.36] And as they go through that grieving process +[3382.36 --> 3383.62] Remember them +[3383.62 --> 3387.70] Father, we pray for each of us +[3387.70 --> 3390.64] As we go through our own particular life trials +[3390.64 --> 3391.86] Whatever they may be +[3391.86 --> 3394.08] And we pray that we will be able to +[3394.08 --> 3395.42] To give them over to you +[3395.42 --> 3396.66] And through our pain +[3396.66 --> 3398.16] That we might see you clearly +[3398.16 --> 3401.28] We think also of the Mexico team +[3401.28 --> 3402.90] We thank you for the dinner upcoming +[3402.90 --> 3405.58] We pray that they will be able to prepare well +[3405.58 --> 3407.04] We pray for Brandon +[3407.04 --> 3408.32] As he leads this trip +[3408.32 --> 3410.20] Give him the wisdom and grace +[3410.20 --> 3413.36] Even just giving him time and space +[3413.36 --> 3414.22] To be able to prepare +[3414.22 --> 3415.98] And spend time with his family +[3415.98 --> 3419.80] We pray that the team will be able to make good connections there +[3419.80 --> 3422.76] And reconnect with people from before +[3422.76 --> 3426.02] In Mexico, we think of Jody and Ariel +[3426.02 --> 3429.12] As they minister there +[3429.12 --> 3430.28] We pray for the men +[3430.28 --> 3432.22] That come to their addiction recovery home +[3432.22 --> 3434.82] Sometimes over and over again +[3434.82 --> 3437.14] Perhaps not a subtle reminder +[3437.14 --> 3439.16] Of our own addictions to sin +[3439.16 --> 3441.42] And the grace that you lavish on us +[3441.42 --> 3442.76] Over and over again +[3442.76 --> 3445.68] We thank you for all the ministries +[3445.68 --> 3447.48] And the teams of this church +[3447.48 --> 3449.96] Today we highlight the cadet program +[3449.96 --> 3451.50] We pray that you bless the cadets +[3451.50 --> 3452.50] And their leaders +[3452.50 --> 3453.58] Bless their activities +[3453.58 --> 3455.56] Whether that be racing cub cars +[3455.56 --> 3457.28] Or spending time in devotions +[3457.28 --> 3458.54] Or just hanging out +[3458.54 --> 3462.16] We ask that in our time here today +[3462.16 --> 3463.28] That you will be praised +[3463.28 --> 3465.92] And that we will be filled with your spirit +[3465.92 --> 3468.26] May we dig into your word today +[3468.26 --> 3469.14] This week +[3469.14 --> 3471.18] And this week +[3471.18 --> 3473.44] And reflect on the message +[3473.44 --> 3475.18] We hear this morning from Ephesians +[3475.18 --> 3478.48] Oh how great are God's riches +[3478.48 --> 3480.20] In wisdom +[3480.20 --> 3481.44] In knowledge +[3481.44 --> 3482.90] How impossible it is +[3482.90 --> 3484.76] For us to understand his decisions +[3484.76 --> 3485.72] And his ways +[3485.72 --> 3488.14] For who can know +[3488.14 --> 3489.18] The Lord's thoughts +[3489.18 --> 3490.52] Who knows enough +[3490.52 --> 3491.54] To give him advice +[3491.54 --> 3493.64] And who has given him +[3493.64 --> 3494.44] So much +[3494.44 --> 3496.10] That he needs to pay it back +[3496.10 --> 3498.72] For everything comes from him +[3498.72 --> 3500.12] And exists by his power +[3500.12 --> 3501.28] And is intended +[3501.28 --> 3502.56] For his glory +[3502.56 --> 3504.20] All glory to him +[3504.20 --> 3505.16] Forever +[3505.16 --> 3505.76] Amen +[3505.76 --> 3506.32] Amen +[3506.32 --> 3514.50] Thanks Rob +[3514.50 --> 3520.20] We're gonna +[3520.20 --> 3522.56] Read together +[3522.56 --> 3524.14] I'm gonna let you find it +[3524.14 --> 3524.60] There +[3524.60 --> 3525.24] Yeah +[3525.24 --> 3526.06] There +[3526.06 --> 3527.88] We're gonna read together +[3527.88 --> 3529.34] From Ephesians 3 +[3529.34 --> 3531.66] It's gonna be read by a couple cadets +[3531.66 --> 3532.26] And so +[3532.26 --> 3533.38] I invite you to +[3533.38 --> 3534.66] Find a Bible +[3534.66 --> 3535.76] Open it up +[3535.76 --> 3537.22] Turn to Ephesians 3 +[3537.22 --> 3538.76] Our first time through +[3538.76 --> 3540.56] Will be on the screen behind us +[3540.56 --> 3542.40] If you +[3542.40 --> 3544.18] Are looking for Bibles +[3544.18 --> 3545.42] There's some at the back there +[3545.42 --> 3546.82] We can invite you to grab one of those +[3546.82 --> 3548.78] Or you can turn your device on +[3548.78 --> 3549.66] And find it there +[3549.66 --> 3551.00] Boys +[3551.00 --> 3551.56] Go ahead +[3551.56 --> 3553.18] Reading this morning +[3553.18 --> 3554.44] Comes from Ephesians 3 +[3554.44 --> 3555.80] Verses 14 to 21 +[3555.80 --> 3557.54] My prayer for the Ephesians +[3557.54 --> 3558.62] For this reason +[3558.62 --> 3559.82] I kneel before the Father +[3559.82 --> 3561.10] From whom every family +[3561.10 --> 3561.66] In heaven +[3561.66 --> 3562.54] On earth +[3562.54 --> 3563.50] Devives its name +[3563.50 --> 3565.28] I pray that out of +[3565.28 --> 3566.28] His glorious riches +[3566.28 --> 3567.50] He may strengthen you +[3567.50 --> 3568.04] With power +[3568.04 --> 3569.06] Through his spirit +[3569.06 --> 3569.94] In your inner being +[3569.94 --> 3571.44] So that Christ +[3571.44 --> 3572.40] May dwell in your hearts +[3572.40 --> 3572.98] Through faith +[3572.98 --> 3576.78] And I pray that +[3576.78 --> 3577.90] You being rooted +[3577.90 --> 3578.64] And established +[3578.64 --> 3579.36] In love +[3579.36 --> 3580.28] May have power +[3580.28 --> 3581.34] Together with all +[3581.34 --> 3582.56] The Lord's holy people +[3582.56 --> 3583.84] To grasp how +[3583.84 --> 3585.02] Wide and long +[3585.02 --> 3586.18] And high and deep +[3586.18 --> 3587.42] Is the love of Christ +[3587.42 --> 3588.66] And to know +[3588.66 --> 3589.52] This love +[3589.52 --> 3590.98] That surpasses knowledge +[3590.98 --> 3592.76] That you may be filled +[3592.76 --> 3593.52] To the measure +[3593.52 --> 3594.50] Of all the fullness +[3594.50 --> 3595.16] Of God +[3595.16 --> 3596.46] Now to him +[3596.46 --> 3597.66] Who is able to do +[3597.66 --> 3598.86] Immeasurably more +[3598.86 --> 3599.98] Than all we ask +[3599.98 --> 3600.60] Or imagine +[3600.60 --> 3602.18] According to his power +[3602.18 --> 3603.20] That is at work +[3603.20 --> 3603.94] Within us +[3603.94 --> 3605.46] To him be glory +[3605.46 --> 3606.10] In the church +[3606.10 --> 3607.14] And in Christ Jesus +[3607.14 --> 3608.52] Throughout all generations +[3608.52 --> 3609.80] Forever and ever +[3609.80 --> 3610.48] Amen +[3610.48 --> 3612.04] Amen +[3612.04 --> 3613.60] The word of the Lord +[3613.60 --> 3613.96] Amen +[3613.96 --> 3614.02] Amen +[3614.02 --> 3614.52] Amen +[3614.52 --> 3615.02] Amen +[3615.02 --> 3616.02] Amen +[3616.02 --> 3617.02] Amen +[3617.02 --> 3617.40] Amen +[3617.40 --> 3624.18] As Austin +[3624.18 --> 3625.30] Was up here earlier +[3625.30 --> 3625.96] Talking about +[3625.96 --> 3627.12] A typical night +[3627.12 --> 3627.70] At cadets +[3627.70 --> 3628.66] I was thinking back +[3628.66 --> 3629.14] To when +[3629.14 --> 3630.36] I was a boy +[3630.36 --> 3631.20] When I was your age +[3631.20 --> 3632.26] I was also in +[3632.26 --> 3633.74] A cadet program +[3633.74 --> 3635.46] And I have to say +[3635.46 --> 3636.64] You kids must be better +[3636.64 --> 3637.32] Than we were +[3637.32 --> 3637.90] Back then +[3637.90 --> 3639.48] Because we didn't play +[3639.48 --> 3640.40] Hide and seek +[3640.40 --> 3641.06] Or tag +[3641.06 --> 3642.64] We played +[3642.64 --> 3643.28] Wrestle +[3643.28 --> 3644.22] With the largest +[3644.22 --> 3644.86] Counselor +[3644.86 --> 3646.86] And our largest +[3646.86 --> 3647.38] Counselor +[3647.38 --> 3647.80] Was like +[3647.80 --> 3648.48] Counselor +[3648.48 --> 3649.24] Alvin +[3649.24 --> 3650.18] If he had +[3650.18 --> 3650.60] Eaten +[3650.60 --> 3651.04] Another +[3651.04 --> 3651.64] Counselor +[3651.64 --> 3652.00] Alvin +[3652.00 --> 3655.42] And so +[3655.42 --> 3656.54] If someone +[3656.54 --> 3657.06] Went home +[3657.06 --> 3657.70] Without a broken +[3657.70 --> 3658.08] Bone +[3658.08 --> 3659.18] It was a good +[3659.18 --> 3659.98] Night at cadets +[3659.98 --> 3662.58] Also +[3662.58 --> 3663.76] Mindful of the fact +[3663.76 --> 3664.38] That song +[3664.38 --> 3665.20] Living for Jesus +[3665.20 --> 3666.46] Hasn't changed +[3666.46 --> 3667.30] In 40 years +[3667.30 --> 3668.60] Still sounds +[3668.60 --> 3669.26] As broken +[3669.26 --> 3670.72] And the like +[3670.72 --> 3671.42] As we go +[3671.42 --> 3673.20] But it's such +[3673.20 --> 3673.78] A beautiful +[3673.78 --> 3674.98] And powerful message +[3674.98 --> 3676.66] And so my prayer +[3676.66 --> 3677.38] For you guys +[3677.38 --> 3678.02] This morning +[3678.02 --> 3678.76] And for you +[3678.76 --> 3680.02] All year long +[3680.02 --> 3681.42] Is that you +[3681.42 --> 3682.38] Would experience +[3682.38 --> 3683.16] What it means +[3683.16 --> 3684.14] To live for Jesus +[3684.14 --> 3685.74] By experiencing +[3685.74 --> 3687.04] Deeply and truly +[3687.04 --> 3688.60] The love of Jesus +[3688.60 --> 3689.72] For you +[3689.72 --> 3691.54] That's kind of +[3691.54 --> 3692.20] The focus of our +[3692.20 --> 3692.92] Text this morning +[3692.92 --> 3694.68] When you go home +[3694.68 --> 3695.04] Today +[3695.04 --> 3696.28] When you leave here +[3696.28 --> 3697.62] And you're having +[3697.62 --> 3698.48] Lunch with grandma +[3698.48 --> 3699.64] And she asks +[3699.64 --> 3700.54] What was church about +[3700.54 --> 3702.26] This is what you can say +[3702.26 --> 3705.64] Jesus gives me faith +[3705.64 --> 3706.70] To be rooted +[3706.70 --> 3707.42] And grounded +[3707.42 --> 3708.42] In his love +[3708.42 --> 3709.44] No matter what +[3709.44 --> 3713.24] That's what this +[3713.24 --> 3713.94] Text is about +[3713.94 --> 3714.80] That's what it means +[3714.80 --> 3716.10] To be rooted +[3716.10 --> 3717.50] And grounded +[3717.50 --> 3718.72] And so that's +[3718.72 --> 3719.18] What we're going to +[3719.18 --> 3720.88] Explore with you guys +[3720.88 --> 3721.88] This morning +[3721.88 --> 3723.64] Now in this text +[3723.64 --> 3725.62] Paul is praying +[3725.62 --> 3728.06] For the young believers +[3728.06 --> 3729.06] At a church +[3729.06 --> 3729.74] In a city +[3729.74 --> 3731.18] Called Ephesus +[3731.18 --> 3732.16] We have a little map +[3732.16 --> 3732.92] I think that we can +[3732.92 --> 3733.60] Throw up there +[3733.60 --> 3736.00] Now Paul probably +[3736.00 --> 3736.90] Wrote this letter +[3736.90 --> 3738.04] Sometime around +[3738.04 --> 3739.04] A.D. 62 +[3739.04 --> 3742.16] He first visited +[3742.16 --> 3742.66] Ephesus +[3742.66 --> 3744.08] In A.D. 52 +[3744.08 --> 3745.38] On what we call +[3745.38 --> 3747.16] His second missionary journey +[3747.16 --> 3748.40] And so he journeyed +[3748.40 --> 3749.48] Through the area +[3749.48 --> 3750.26] And then he comes +[3750.26 --> 3751.40] Back to Ephesus +[3751.40 --> 3752.18] And he actually lives +[3752.18 --> 3752.90] There for two +[3752.90 --> 3753.84] Or three years +[3753.84 --> 3755.60] Between A.D. 54 +[3755.60 --> 3757.18] To 56 +[3757.18 --> 3759.50] But what that means +[3759.50 --> 3760.36] When Paul writes +[3760.36 --> 3760.92] This letter +[3760.92 --> 3761.80] In A.D. 62 +[3761.80 --> 3763.08] Is that the church +[3763.08 --> 3765.04] Is only ten years old +[3765.04 --> 3767.62] Which I think +[3767.62 --> 3768.12] Is interesting +[3768.12 --> 3769.28] Because some of you +[3769.28 --> 3771.36] Are only ten years old +[3771.36 --> 3773.02] Or close to ten +[3773.02 --> 3774.04] Years old +[3774.04 --> 3776.24] And what he wants +[3776.24 --> 3777.38] Them to understand +[3777.38 --> 3778.28] And what he wants +[3778.28 --> 3779.08] Us to see +[3779.08 --> 3779.92] And to know +[3779.92 --> 3781.12] And so then +[3781.12 --> 3782.52] What he prays for +[3782.52 --> 3783.50] For this church +[3783.50 --> 3784.34] And for you +[3784.34 --> 3785.46] Continuing through +[3785.46 --> 3786.62] The generations of faith +[3786.62 --> 3787.88] Is that +[3787.88 --> 3788.72] What did we read? +[3788.72 --> 3792.10] God's glorious riches +[3792.10 --> 3793.96] May strengthen you +[3793.96 --> 3794.80] With power +[3794.80 --> 3795.94] Through his spirit +[3795.94 --> 3797.56] In your inner being +[3797.56 --> 3800.12] Now the first thing +[3800.12 --> 3800.86] I want you to see +[3800.86 --> 3802.02] Is just what +[3802.02 --> 3803.62] God's glorious riches +[3803.62 --> 3804.96] Are +[3804.96 --> 3807.04] Now Paul uses +[3807.04 --> 3807.98] This same phrase +[3807.98 --> 3808.58] Actually +[3808.58 --> 3809.84] In Colossians 1 +[3809.84 --> 3810.68] Verse 27 +[3810.68 --> 3811.64] And I think +[3811.64 --> 3812.48] That helps us see +[3812.48 --> 3813.18] More clearly +[3813.18 --> 3813.82] He says +[3813.82 --> 3815.18] To them +[3815.18 --> 3816.96] That is the Lord's people +[3816.96 --> 3818.60] God has chosen +[3818.60 --> 3819.68] To make known +[3819.68 --> 3820.76] Among the Gentiles +[3820.76 --> 3821.52] Now Gentiles +[3821.52 --> 3823.00] Is the Jewish way +[3823.00 --> 3823.56] Of saying +[3823.56 --> 3824.44] Everybody else +[3824.44 --> 3825.30] Who isn't Jewish +[3825.30 --> 3826.98] The glorious riches +[3826.98 --> 3829.30] Riches of this mystery +[3829.30 --> 3830.86] And there's that phrase again +[3830.86 --> 3832.32] The glorious riches +[3832.32 --> 3834.80] Which is Christ +[3834.80 --> 3836.42] In you +[3836.42 --> 3837.98] The hope of glory +[3837.98 --> 3840.10] Alright one more time +[3840.10 --> 3841.12] To them +[3841.12 --> 3841.98] God has chosen +[3841.98 --> 3842.72] To make known +[3842.72 --> 3843.62] Among the Gentiles +[3843.62 --> 3844.74] The glorious riches +[3844.74 --> 3845.80] Of this mystery +[3845.80 --> 3846.84] Which is Christ +[3846.84 --> 3848.02] In you +[3848.02 --> 3849.06] The hope +[3849.06 --> 3850.12] Of glory +[3850.12 --> 3851.82] And so in Ephesians +[3851.82 --> 3853.16] When Paul prays +[3853.16 --> 3854.76] That God's glorious riches +[3854.76 --> 3856.02] Might strengthen you +[3856.02 --> 3856.90] With his power +[3856.90 --> 3858.66] And through his spirit +[3858.66 --> 3859.68] In your inner being +[3859.68 --> 3862.62] Part of what he means there +[3862.62 --> 3863.26] Is that +[3863.26 --> 3864.34] That Christ +[3864.34 --> 3865.18] Lives +[3865.18 --> 3866.02] In you +[3866.02 --> 3868.04] Right +[3868.04 --> 3868.68] That it would be +[3868.68 --> 3870.46] The presence of Christ +[3870.46 --> 3871.22] In you +[3871.22 --> 3872.46] That strengthens +[3872.46 --> 3873.08] You +[3873.08 --> 3874.38] And that by his spirit +[3874.38 --> 3876.14] In your inner being +[3876.14 --> 3877.64] That's deep in your heart +[3877.64 --> 3877.96] Right +[3877.96 --> 3878.68] Into the core +[3878.68 --> 3879.52] Of who you are +[3879.52 --> 3880.56] You know +[3880.56 --> 3881.78] His nearness +[3881.78 --> 3884.38] So even as close +[3884.38 --> 3885.70] As the person next to you +[3885.70 --> 3886.30] Is sitting +[3886.30 --> 3888.02] Jesus is closer +[3888.02 --> 3889.88] Now +[3889.88 --> 3892.50] I actually can't +[3892.50 --> 3893.20] State +[3893.20 --> 3894.32] Or overstate +[3894.32 --> 3895.40] How cool +[3895.40 --> 3896.58] This actually is +[3896.58 --> 3897.52] Right +[3897.52 --> 3898.54] What it means +[3898.54 --> 3899.24] To be Christian +[3899.24 --> 3900.10] Is to live +[3900.10 --> 3900.96] With Jesus +[3900.96 --> 3902.16] To live in a deep +[3902.16 --> 3902.92] And real +[3902.92 --> 3904.42] Relationship to him +[3904.42 --> 3905.14] Because he +[3905.14 --> 3906.26] By the spirit +[3906.26 --> 3907.72] Is living in you +[3907.72 --> 3908.34] And with you +[3908.34 --> 3910.10] And because by the spirit +[3910.10 --> 3911.52] You are being transformed +[3911.52 --> 3913.60] Into his image +[3913.60 --> 3915.40] Because by the spirit +[3915.40 --> 3916.08] You are becoming +[3916.08 --> 3917.46] Like him +[3917.46 --> 3918.32] Right +[3918.32 --> 3919.56] Because of his glorious +[3919.56 --> 3920.30] Riches +[3920.30 --> 3921.28] Because of his grace +[3921.28 --> 3922.04] To those of us +[3922.04 --> 3922.84] Who believe +[3922.84 --> 3924.58] When God looks at you +[3924.58 --> 3927.24] He sees Jesus +[3927.24 --> 3929.90] And that's amazing +[3929.90 --> 3931.56] Right +[3931.56 --> 3932.72] That's an invitation +[3932.72 --> 3934.02] Into the coolest +[3934.02 --> 3934.98] And deepest +[3934.98 --> 3936.66] And most awesome +[3936.66 --> 3937.42] Relationship +[3937.42 --> 3938.20] That has existed +[3938.20 --> 3939.54] From eternity past +[3939.54 --> 3940.44] In God the Father +[3940.44 --> 3942.04] Son and Holy Spirit +[3942.04 --> 3942.56] You +[3942.56 --> 3944.02] Get to be part of that +[3944.02 --> 3945.24] We +[3945.24 --> 3946.40] By grace +[3946.40 --> 3947.00] Through faith +[3947.00 --> 3948.30] Get to be part of that +[3948.30 --> 3950.64] And that is amazing +[3950.64 --> 3952.96] And so +[3952.96 --> 3955.22] It's a tragedy +[3955.22 --> 3956.50] If +[3956.50 --> 3957.30] If +[3957.30 --> 3959.00] All you think +[3959.00 --> 3959.86] Being a Christian +[3959.86 --> 3960.34] Means +[3960.34 --> 3961.22] Going to church +[3961.22 --> 3961.80] On Sunday +[3961.80 --> 3962.66] And listening +[3962.66 --> 3963.60] To some dusty +[3963.60 --> 3964.52] Old pastor +[3964.52 --> 3965.30] Talk about some +[3965.30 --> 3965.82] Dusty +[3965.82 --> 3966.68] Old book +[3966.68 --> 3968.32] Right +[3968.32 --> 3968.94] If you think +[3968.94 --> 3969.62] Being a Christian +[3969.62 --> 3971.06] Means not doing +[3971.06 --> 3971.62] The things +[3971.62 --> 3972.10] That your +[3972.10 --> 3972.92] Non-churchgoing +[3972.92 --> 3973.28] Friends +[3973.28 --> 3973.98] Get to do +[3973.98 --> 3976.52] That's +[3976.52 --> 3977.76] Heartbreaking +[3977.76 --> 3979.02] Because you +[3979.02 --> 3980.02] Miss this truth +[3980.02 --> 3981.04] Right +[3981.04 --> 3981.36] You're going to +[3981.36 --> 3981.86] Miss on the +[3981.86 --> 3982.70] Most amazing +[3982.70 --> 3983.60] Thing that God +[3983.60 --> 3984.32] Has prepared +[3984.32 --> 3985.06] For you +[3985.06 --> 3986.00] For you guys +[3986.00 --> 3987.24] Right +[3987.24 --> 3988.08] Being a Christian +[3988.08 --> 3989.28] Means being +[3989.28 --> 3990.20] In a relationship +[3990.20 --> 3990.72] To God +[3990.72 --> 3991.78] Because of Jesus +[3991.78 --> 3992.92] It means trusting +[3992.92 --> 3993.88] God more +[3993.88 --> 3994.66] Than you trust +[3994.66 --> 3995.14] Yourself +[3995.14 --> 3996.30] It means being +[3996.30 --> 3997.10] More loved +[3997.10 --> 3997.58] Than you could +[3997.58 --> 3998.86] Ever imagine +[3998.86 --> 3999.60] Possible +[3999.60 --> 4001.98] And I want +[4001.98 --> 4002.80] That for you guys +[4002.80 --> 4004.82] And I can say +[4004.82 --> 4005.52] With confidence +[4005.52 --> 4006.28] Your counselors +[4006.28 --> 4007.92] Want that for you guys +[4007.92 --> 4009.00] Your parents +[4009.00 --> 4010.24] Want that for you guys +[4010.24 --> 4010.84] Everyone here +[4010.84 --> 4011.38] In this church +[4011.38 --> 4012.02] Wants that +[4012.02 --> 4013.00] For you guys +[4013.00 --> 4015.02] And the way +[4015.02 --> 4016.00] You get that +[4016.00 --> 4018.00] Is the second thing +[4018.00 --> 4018.80] That Paul prays for +[4018.80 --> 4020.62] In verse 17 +[4020.62 --> 4021.46] We continue +[4021.46 --> 4021.86] He says +[4021.86 --> 4023.72] I pray that Christ +[4023.72 --> 4024.50] May dwell +[4024.50 --> 4025.94] In your hearts +[4025.94 --> 4027.86] Through faith +[4027.86 --> 4029.88] Faith +[4029.88 --> 4032.24] Is the answer +[4032.24 --> 4033.78] Faith +[4033.78 --> 4035.04] Is how you +[4035.04 --> 4035.74] Are brought +[4035.74 --> 4036.96] Into union +[4036.96 --> 4037.56] With Jesus +[4037.56 --> 4038.50] And into relationship +[4038.50 --> 4038.90] With God +[4038.90 --> 4039.76] Faith +[4039.76 --> 4041.80] Means believing +[4041.80 --> 4043.00] It means trusting +[4043.00 --> 4044.52] Faith is assurance +[4044.52 --> 4045.32] When you doubt +[4045.32 --> 4046.52] Faith is worship +[4046.52 --> 4047.58] When you have questions +[4047.58 --> 4048.90] Faith is learning +[4048.90 --> 4050.28] The truth of who God is +[4050.28 --> 4051.88] And faith is trusting +[4051.88 --> 4052.86] In the promises +[4052.86 --> 4054.12] That you learn about +[4054.12 --> 4056.12] And so +[4056.12 --> 4057.16] Simultaneously +[4057.16 --> 4058.08] For us +[4058.08 --> 4059.46] Faith is something +[4059.46 --> 4060.90] That you receive +[4060.90 --> 4062.68] Faith is something +[4062.68 --> 4063.60] You believe +[4063.60 --> 4064.92] And faith +[4064.92 --> 4066.38] Then after those +[4066.38 --> 4067.00] Two things +[4067.00 --> 4067.70] Is something +[4067.70 --> 4068.70] You achieve +[4068.70 --> 4070.70] Faith is something +[4070.70 --> 4071.74] You receive +[4071.74 --> 4072.84] And believe +[4072.84 --> 4074.08] And then after that +[4074.08 --> 4075.48] Something you achieve +[4075.48 --> 4077.24] So first +[4077.24 --> 4077.98] Quickly +[4077.98 --> 4079.80] Faith is something +[4079.80 --> 4081.34] You receive +[4081.34 --> 4084.08] Earlier in Paul's +[4084.08 --> 4084.46] Letter +[4084.46 --> 4085.80] To the church +[4085.80 --> 4087.12] In Ephesus +[4087.12 --> 4088.22] He writes +[4088.22 --> 4089.72] In chapter 2 +[4089.72 --> 4090.24] Verse 8 +[4090.24 --> 4091.90] For it is by grace +[4091.90 --> 4093.08] You have been saved +[4093.08 --> 4094.06] Through faith +[4094.06 --> 4095.12] And this is not +[4095.12 --> 4096.00] From yourselves +[4096.00 --> 4097.60] It is the gift +[4097.60 --> 4099.32] Of God +[4099.32 --> 4101.40] Faith is a gift +[4101.40 --> 4103.24] Faith is something +[4103.24 --> 4104.72] That God gives you +[4104.72 --> 4106.50] And in his giving you faith +[4106.50 --> 4107.62] Because of his grace +[4107.62 --> 4108.66] You are united +[4108.66 --> 4109.56] To Christ +[4109.56 --> 4110.48] Right +[4110.48 --> 4111.68] Faith is something +[4111.68 --> 4112.60] You receive +[4112.60 --> 4115.74] But faith is also +[4115.74 --> 4117.20] Something you believe +[4117.20 --> 4119.62] That in Romans 10 +[4119.62 --> 4121.06] You can read +[4121.06 --> 4124.00] For it is with your heart +[4124.00 --> 4124.68] That you believe +[4124.68 --> 4125.58] And are justified +[4125.58 --> 4127.08] And it is with your mouth +[4127.08 --> 4128.24] That you profess +[4128.24 --> 4129.14] Your faith +[4129.14 --> 4130.38] And are saved +[4130.38 --> 4133.16] In order to profess +[4133.16 --> 4133.66] Your faith +[4133.66 --> 4134.54] In order to say +[4134.54 --> 4135.90] This is what I believe +[4135.90 --> 4137.96] There has to be something +[4137.96 --> 4138.90] You can say +[4138.90 --> 4140.10] This is what I believe +[4140.10 --> 4141.28] Right +[4141.28 --> 4142.60] There has to be a set +[4142.60 --> 4143.88] Of ideas +[4143.88 --> 4145.96] Or there is some content +[4145.96 --> 4146.68] There +[4146.68 --> 4148.20] There is a doctrine +[4148.20 --> 4149.04] There is the word +[4149.04 --> 4149.50] That we use +[4149.50 --> 4150.38] In the church +[4150.38 --> 4150.80] Right +[4150.80 --> 4151.52] That tells you +[4151.52 --> 4152.48] About who you are +[4152.48 --> 4153.90] That tells you +[4153.90 --> 4154.86] About the world +[4154.86 --> 4155.84] That God has created +[4155.84 --> 4156.78] And what is happening +[4156.78 --> 4157.10] In it +[4157.10 --> 4157.74] And what is wrong +[4157.74 --> 4158.06] With it +[4158.06 --> 4158.82] That tells you +[4158.82 --> 4160.16] About who God is +[4160.16 --> 4161.56] And what he has done +[4161.56 --> 4163.20] To save us +[4163.20 --> 4164.54] From the brokenness +[4164.54 --> 4165.64] That is in the world +[4165.64 --> 4166.30] That we are in +[4166.30 --> 4167.16] Right +[4167.16 --> 4168.28] Faith as something +[4168.28 --> 4169.12] You believe +[4169.12 --> 4170.44] Means that there is +[4170.44 --> 4171.02] Content +[4171.02 --> 4172.04] Content to it +[4172.04 --> 4173.18] That we can learn +[4173.18 --> 4174.58] And that we can grow in +[4174.58 --> 4176.14] In fact +[4176.14 --> 4178.08] The Bible says +[4178.08 --> 4179.96] That a good minister +[4179.96 --> 4181.40] Of Christ Jesus +[4181.40 --> 4182.50] Is nourished +[4182.50 --> 4183.48] On the truths +[4183.48 --> 4184.26] Of the faith +[4184.26 --> 4185.94] And of the good teaching +[4185.94 --> 4187.20] That you have followed +[4187.20 --> 4189.72] And so there is something there +[4189.72 --> 4190.84] That fills you +[4190.84 --> 4192.24] And feeds you +[4192.24 --> 4194.14] Faith +[4194.14 --> 4195.86] Is something you receive +[4195.86 --> 4197.48] And faith +[4197.48 --> 4199.80] Is something you believe +[4199.80 --> 4202.42] And then +[4202.42 --> 4203.94] After receiving +[4203.94 --> 4205.30] And believing +[4205.30 --> 4207.04] Faith becomes +[4207.04 --> 4208.00] Something you +[4208.00 --> 4209.10] Achieve +[4209.10 --> 4210.48] And what I mean by that +[4210.48 --> 4211.38] Is faith becomes +[4211.38 --> 4212.36] Something you do +[4212.36 --> 4214.18] Right +[4214.18 --> 4214.82] James 2 +[4214.82 --> 4215.82] Says +[4215.82 --> 4217.70] Faith by itself +[4217.70 --> 4218.66] Is not +[4218.66 --> 4219.62] If it is not +[4219.62 --> 4220.58] Accompanied by action +[4220.58 --> 4221.24] Is dead +[4221.24 --> 4223.12] I will show you +[4223.12 --> 4223.84] My faith +[4223.84 --> 4224.84] By my deeds +[4224.84 --> 4226.46] The Bible +[4226.46 --> 4227.06] Talks about +[4227.06 --> 4227.74] In different places +[4227.74 --> 4228.96] The obedience +[4228.96 --> 4230.16] That comes from +[4230.16 --> 4230.56] Faith +[4230.56 --> 4232.82] But +[4232.82 --> 4233.80] It is really important +[4233.80 --> 4234.60] For you guys to hear +[4234.60 --> 4235.90] That is the order +[4235.90 --> 4237.38] Right +[4237.38 --> 4237.86] Faith +[4237.86 --> 4238.68] First +[4238.68 --> 4239.08] That is +[4239.08 --> 4239.68] The +[4239.68 --> 4242.28] Receiving +[4242.28 --> 4243.24] And believing +[4243.24 --> 4244.08] First +[4244.08 --> 4245.34] Obedience +[4245.34 --> 4246.42] Follows +[4246.42 --> 4248.18] And that is an important +[4248.18 --> 4249.30] Distinction to keep +[4249.30 --> 4249.76] In our minds +[4249.76 --> 4250.56] Because sometimes +[4250.56 --> 4252.32] We expect the order +[4252.32 --> 4253.56] To be the other way around +[4253.56 --> 4255.50] We expect obedience +[4255.50 --> 4256.78] Before faith +[4256.78 --> 4257.28] Has been +[4257.28 --> 4257.84] Has been +[4257.84 --> 4258.42] Manifest +[4258.42 --> 4258.60] Or +[4258.60 --> 4259.88] Before faith +[4259.88 --> 4260.54] Has been given +[4260.54 --> 4261.92] So +[4261.92 --> 4262.84] This actually +[4262.84 --> 4263.64] Maybe is a word +[4263.64 --> 4264.34] For you parents +[4264.34 --> 4265.54] Out there +[4265.54 --> 4268.72] If you +[4268.72 --> 4269.56] Want +[4269.56 --> 4270.64] Obedience +[4270.64 --> 4271.34] To God +[4271.34 --> 4272.10] In your kids +[4272.10 --> 4272.70] Lives +[4272.70 --> 4274.92] Don't start +[4274.92 --> 4275.60] By talking to them +[4275.60 --> 4276.22] About rules +[4276.22 --> 4278.54] Talk to them +[4278.54 --> 4279.16] About faith +[4279.16 --> 4280.78] Right +[4280.78 --> 4281.32] If you're going to +[4281.32 --> 4282.40] Expect the kind +[4282.40 --> 4283.54] Of obedience +[4283.54 --> 4285.08] To Christ +[4285.08 --> 4285.88] Called for +[4285.88 --> 4286.64] In the Bible +[4286.64 --> 4287.38] Then +[4287.38 --> 4289.28] Like my prayer +[4289.28 --> 4289.74] Is that +[4289.74 --> 4290.52] You would be +[4290.52 --> 4291.50] Showing them +[4291.50 --> 4292.92] The vitality +[4292.92 --> 4293.74] Of a faith +[4293.74 --> 4294.82] Received +[4294.82 --> 4295.74] And believed +[4295.74 --> 4296.46] First +[4296.46 --> 4302.10] May that be +[4302.10 --> 4302.88] Compelling +[4302.88 --> 4303.70] Enough +[4303.70 --> 4304.34] To them +[4304.34 --> 4305.42] So that +[4305.42 --> 4305.98] The obedience +[4305.98 --> 4306.60] Can follow +[4306.60 --> 4309.52] Demonstrate +[4309.52 --> 4310.18] A transformed +[4310.18 --> 4310.70] Life +[4310.70 --> 4311.84] And then see +[4311.84 --> 4312.20] How God +[4312.20 --> 4312.80] Transforms +[4312.80 --> 4313.08] The people +[4313.08 --> 4313.90] Around you +[4313.90 --> 4316.60] Christ +[4316.60 --> 4317.50] Dwells +[4317.50 --> 4318.16] In your +[4318.16 --> 4318.78] Hearts +[4318.78 --> 4320.06] Through faith +[4320.06 --> 4320.42] That is +[4320.42 --> 4321.04] Received +[4321.04 --> 4322.04] Believed +[4322.04 --> 4323.08] And achieved +[4323.08 --> 4325.18] And this +[4325.18 --> 4326.02] Pulling these +[4326.02 --> 4326.70] Things together +[4326.70 --> 4327.46] Now +[4327.46 --> 4328.18] Is what it +[4328.18 --> 4328.50] Means +[4328.50 --> 4328.98] To be +[4328.98 --> 4329.46] Rooted +[4329.46 --> 4330.84] And grounded +[4330.84 --> 4331.58] Or rooted +[4331.58 --> 4332.60] And established +[4332.60 --> 4333.44] Depending on +[4333.44 --> 4333.98] The translation +[4333.98 --> 4334.94] You read +[4334.94 --> 4335.54] Right +[4335.54 --> 4335.82] Paul +[4335.82 --> 4336.44] He continues +[4336.44 --> 4337.00] His prayer +[4337.00 --> 4337.96] In verse 17 +[4337.96 --> 4339.24] Which is your +[4339.24 --> 4340.30] Theme for this +[4340.30 --> 4340.46] Year +[4340.46 --> 4340.98] And I pray +[4340.98 --> 4341.54] That you +[4341.54 --> 4342.76] Being rooted +[4342.76 --> 4344.06] And grounded +[4344.06 --> 4345.80] In love +[4345.80 --> 4347.64] Rooted +[4347.64 --> 4348.92] And grounded +[4348.92 --> 4350.76] Being rooted +[4350.76 --> 4351.64] And grounded +[4351.64 --> 4352.96] In the order +[4352.96 --> 4354.08] Of Paul's +[4354.08 --> 4354.64] Text +[4354.64 --> 4355.82] Here +[4355.82 --> 4356.36] Is the +[4356.36 --> 4357.08] Result +[4357.08 --> 4358.18] Of the +[4358.18 --> 4358.68] Spirit +[4358.68 --> 4359.48] Strengthening +[4359.48 --> 4359.96] Your inner +[4359.96 --> 4360.26] Being +[4360.26 --> 4360.66] And the +[4360.66 --> 4360.98] Result +[4360.98 --> 4361.62] Of Christ +[4361.62 --> 4362.34] Dwelling +[4362.34 --> 4362.86] In your +[4362.86 --> 4363.18] Hearts +[4363.18 --> 4364.18] By faith +[4364.18 --> 4364.52] And so +[4364.52 --> 4364.94] Rooted +[4364.94 --> 4365.74] And grounded +[4365.74 --> 4366.24] Isn't +[4366.24 --> 4366.58] Something +[4366.58 --> 4367.30] We do +[4367.30 --> 4367.80] It's +[4367.80 --> 4368.14] Something +[4368.14 --> 4369.18] That comes +[4369.18 --> 4370.34] As God +[4370.34 --> 4370.74] Does +[4370.74 --> 4371.14] Something +[4371.14 --> 4371.62] In +[4371.62 --> 4372.64] Us +[4372.64 --> 4374.54] Now these +[4374.54 --> 4375.14] Two words +[4375.14 --> 4376.68] Convey +[4376.68 --> 4377.98] An image +[4377.98 --> 4378.26] And you +[4378.26 --> 4378.52] Kind of +[4378.52 --> 4379.06] Saw that +[4379.06 --> 4379.42] Already +[4379.42 --> 4379.92] In the +[4379.92 --> 4380.92] Image +[4380.92 --> 4382.08] For today +[4382.08 --> 4382.48] In the +[4382.48 --> 4382.76] Screen +[4382.76 --> 4383.70] Of a +[4383.70 --> 4384.02] Plant +[4384.02 --> 4385.14] Right +[4385.14 --> 4385.58] Rooted +[4385.58 --> 4386.36] Conveys +[4386.36 --> 4386.86] An image +[4386.86 --> 4387.16] Of a +[4387.16 --> 4387.48] Tree +[4387.48 --> 4388.64] With deep +[4388.64 --> 4389.10] Roots +[4389.10 --> 4389.70] That dig +[4389.70 --> 4390.22] Down +[4390.22 --> 4390.86] Into the +[4390.86 --> 4391.24] Ground +[4391.24 --> 4391.92] And hold +[4391.92 --> 4392.52] It firm +[4392.52 --> 4393.12] No matter +[4393.12 --> 4393.94] What storms +[4393.94 --> 4395.00] Or winds +[4395.00 --> 4395.60] May come +[4395.60 --> 4397.48] And grounded +[4397.48 --> 4397.98] Is a +[4397.98 --> 4398.56] Similar word +[4398.56 --> 4398.92] It's a +[4398.92 --> 4399.40] Word that +[4399.40 --> 4399.70] Means +[4399.70 --> 4401.16] Established +[4401.16 --> 4402.40] Or foundational +[4402.40 --> 4404.14] It's firm +[4404.14 --> 4404.92] Like the +[4404.92 --> 4405.62] Foundation +[4405.62 --> 4405.94] Of a +[4405.94 --> 4406.30] House +[4406.30 --> 4407.58] I don't +[4407.58 --> 4407.98] Know if +[4407.98 --> 4408.84] In our +[4408.84 --> 4409.06] House +[4409.06 --> 4409.32] We have +[4409.32 --> 4409.66] A crawl +[4409.66 --> 4410.12] Space +[4410.12 --> 4410.86] And in +[4410.86 --> 4411.18] The crawl +[4411.18 --> 4411.48] Space +[4411.48 --> 4411.78] You can +[4411.78 --> 4412.18] Go under +[4412.18 --> 4412.44] There +[4412.44 --> 4412.82] And see +[4412.82 --> 4413.40] The concrete +[4413.40 --> 4414.24] Walls +[4414.24 --> 4414.58] And then +[4414.58 --> 4415.08] Below +[4415.08 --> 4415.52] That +[4415.52 --> 4415.90] Is the +[4415.90 --> 4416.30] Footings +[4416.30 --> 4416.58] Of the +[4416.58 --> 4417.08] Foundation +[4417.08 --> 4418.94] My son +[4418.94 --> 4419.32] Malachi +[4419.32 --> 4420.16] Is the +[4420.16 --> 4420.52] Only one +[4420.52 --> 4420.76] Of us +[4420.76 --> 4421.18] Who fits +[4421.18 --> 4421.52] In the +[4421.52 --> 4421.76] Crawl +[4421.76 --> 4422.00] Space +[4422.00 --> 4422.30] And so +[4422.30 --> 4422.70] We send +[4422.70 --> 4422.98] Him in +[4422.98 --> 4423.14] There +[4423.14 --> 4423.50] All the +[4423.50 --> 4423.74] Time +[4423.74 --> 4424.06] To get +[4424.06 --> 4424.32] Stuff +[4424.32 --> 4424.80] For us +[4424.80 --> 4425.68] But if +[4425.68 --> 4425.96] He went +[4425.96 --> 4426.20] Up to +[4426.20 --> 4426.70] Those walls +[4426.70 --> 4426.96] On the +[4426.96 --> 4427.32] Outside +[4427.32 --> 4427.74] And pushed +[4427.74 --> 4428.12] As hard +[4428.12 --> 4428.34] As he +[4428.34 --> 4428.60] Could +[4428.60 --> 4429.58] They +[4429.58 --> 4429.80] Wouldn't +[4429.80 --> 4430.10] Move +[4430.10 --> 4432.48] That +[4432.48 --> 4433.02] Foundation +[4433.02 --> 4433.46] Holds +[4433.46 --> 4433.72] Up the +[4433.72 --> 4434.12] Entire +[4434.12 --> 4434.52] House +[4434.52 --> 4436.36] That's +[4436.36 --> 4436.54] The +[4436.54 --> 4436.82] Image +[4436.82 --> 4437.10] Here +[4437.10 --> 4439.20] Build your +[4439.20 --> 4439.58] House on +[4439.58 --> 4439.94] A rock +[4439.94 --> 4440.18] And when +[4440.18 --> 4440.52] The flood +[4440.52 --> 4440.80] Waters +[4440.80 --> 4441.20] Come +[4441.20 --> 4441.60] It will +[4441.60 --> 4441.98] Not be +[4441.98 --> 4442.28] Washed +[4442.28 --> 4442.58] Away +[4442.58 --> 4444.66] But again +[4444.66 --> 4446.14] Hear this +[4446.14 --> 4446.38] Very +[4446.38 --> 4446.84] Clearly +[4446.84 --> 4447.98] Being +[4447.98 --> 4448.46] Rooted +[4448.46 --> 4448.96] And +[4448.96 --> 4450.06] Grounded +[4450.06 --> 4450.92] Comes +[4450.92 --> 4451.28] As a +[4451.28 --> 4451.70] Result +[4451.70 --> 4452.08] Of the +[4452.08 --> 4452.28] Holy +[4452.28 --> 4452.66] Spirit +[4452.66 --> 4453.30] Strengthening +[4453.30 --> 4453.50] Your +[4453.50 --> 4453.70] Inner +[4453.70 --> 4454.04] Being +[4454.04 --> 4454.26] And +[4454.26 --> 4454.78] Christ +[4454.78 --> 4455.28] Dwelling +[4455.28 --> 4455.80] In +[4455.80 --> 4455.94] You +[4455.94 --> 4456.32] Jesus +[4456.32 --> 4456.76] Dwelling +[4456.76 --> 4457.02] In +[4457.02 --> 4457.18] You +[4457.18 --> 4457.68] You +[4457.68 --> 4458.08] Being +[4458.08 --> 4458.32] In +[4458.32 --> 4458.94] Relationship +[4458.94 --> 4459.36] To +[4459.36 --> 4459.62] Him +[4459.62 --> 4459.76] The +[4459.76 --> 4459.92] Holy +[4459.92 --> 4460.22] Spirit +[4460.22 --> 4460.58] Working +[4460.58 --> 4461.14] In +[4461.14 --> 4461.32] You +[4461.32 --> 4461.72] That's +[4461.72 --> 4461.86] What +[4461.86 --> 4462.48] Plants +[4462.48 --> 4462.88] You +[4462.88 --> 4463.96] Firmly +[4463.96 --> 4464.14] And +[4464.14 --> 4465.00] Establishes +[4465.00 --> 4465.18] You +[4465.18 --> 4465.42] Gives +[4465.42 --> 4465.50] You +[4465.50 --> 4465.64] A +[4465.64 --> 4466.22] Foundation +[4466.22 --> 4467.00] In +[4467.00 --> 4467.34] Life +[4467.34 --> 4467.74] So +[4467.74 --> 4468.04] That +[4468.04 --> 4468.20] You +[4468.20 --> 4468.38] Will +[4468.38 --> 4468.58] Not +[4468.58 --> 4468.76] Be +[4468.76 --> 4469.14] Shaken +[4469.14 --> 4470.06] So +[4470.06 --> 4470.38] That +[4470.38 --> 4470.54] You +[4470.54 --> 4470.72] Can +[4470.72 --> 4471.08] Stand +[4471.08 --> 4471.42] Against +[4471.42 --> 4471.62] The +[4471.62 --> 4471.98] Devil's +[4471.98 --> 4472.26] Lies +[4472.26 --> 4472.58] So +[4472.58 --> 4472.88] That +[4472.88 --> 4473.04] You +[4473.04 --> 4473.22] Can +[4473.22 --> 4473.64] Endure +[4473.64 --> 4474.50] Whatever +[4474.50 --> 4475.16] Life +[4475.16 --> 4475.72] Throws +[4475.72 --> 4475.88] At +[4475.88 --> 4476.06] You +[4476.06 --> 4481.68] In +[4481.68 --> 4482.68] In +[4482.68 --> 4483.60] 1987 +[4483.60 --> 4484.84] Through +[4484.84 --> 4485.64] 1991 +[4485.64 --> 4487.02] A +[4487.02 --> 4487.30] Group +[4487.30 --> 4487.68] Of +[4487.68 --> 4488.78] Scientists +[4488.78 --> 4489.14] Got +[4489.14 --> 4489.44] Together +[4489.44 --> 4489.62] Now +[4489.62 --> 4489.70] I +[4489.70 --> 4489.84] Know +[4489.84 --> 4490.04] This +[4490.04 --> 4490.16] Was +[4490.16 --> 4490.58] Before +[4490.58 --> 4491.24] All +[4491.24 --> 4491.40] Of +[4491.40 --> 4491.52] You +[4491.52 --> 4491.70] Were +[4491.70 --> 4492.00] Born +[4492.00 --> 4492.92] Some +[4492.92 --> 4493.04] Of +[4493.04 --> 4493.14] Your +[4493.14 --> 4493.56] Parents +[4493.56 --> 4493.76] Were +[4493.76 --> 4494.00] Born +[4494.00 --> 4494.36] Around +[4494.36 --> 4494.60] This +[4494.60 --> 4494.88] Time +[4494.88 --> 4497.00] But +[4497.00 --> 4497.24] A +[4497.24 --> 4497.42] Group +[4497.42 --> 4497.56] Of +[4497.56 --> 4498.06] Scientists +[4498.06 --> 4498.24] And +[4498.24 --> 4498.62] Engineers +[4498.62 --> 4498.86] Came +[4498.86 --> 4499.24] Together +[4499.24 --> 4499.58] And +[4499.58 --> 4499.76] They +[4499.76 --> 4500.18] Built +[4500.18 --> 4500.72] What +[4500.72 --> 4500.94] Is +[4500.94 --> 4501.26] Called +[4501.26 --> 4502.10] Biosphere +[4502.10 --> 4502.48] Two +[4502.48 --> 4503.64] Now +[4503.64 --> 4503.66] Now +[4503.66 --> 4503.82] A +[4503.82 --> 4504.54] Biosphere +[4504.54 --> 4505.80] Is +[4505.80 --> 4505.96] I +[4505.96 --> 4506.08] Think +[4506.08 --> 4506.18] We +[4506.18 --> 4506.30] Have +[4506.30 --> 4506.40] An +[4506.40 --> 4506.78] Image +[4506.78 --> 4507.18] Yeah +[4507.18 --> 4507.82] Biosphere +[4507.82 --> 4508.88] Is +[4508.88 --> 4509.66] An +[4509.66 --> 4510.52] Enclosed +[4510.52 --> 4511.34] Habitat +[4511.34 --> 4511.96] So +[4511.96 --> 4512.54] Inside +[4512.54 --> 4512.78] The +[4512.78 --> 4513.30] Habitat +[4513.30 --> 4514.18] Is +[4514.18 --> 4514.32] A +[4514.32 --> 4514.64] Fully +[4514.64 --> 4515.38] Functioning +[4515.38 --> 4516.20] Ecosystem +[4516.20 --> 4516.82] Completely +[4516.82 --> 4517.16] Cut +[4517.16 --> 4517.56] Off +[4517.56 --> 4518.02] From +[4518.02 --> 4518.16] The +[4518.16 --> 4518.52] Outside +[4518.52 --> 4518.86] World +[4518.86 --> 4520.28] And +[4520.28 --> 4520.44] From +[4520.44 --> 4521.12] 1991 +[4521.12 --> 4521.72] To +[4521.72 --> 4522.48] 1993 +[4522.48 --> 4523.18] They +[4523.18 --> 4523.50] Ran +[4523.50 --> 4523.66] An +[4523.66 --> 4524.32] Experiment +[4524.32 --> 4525.26] To +[4525.26 --> 4525.84] Test +[4525.84 --> 4526.18] What +[4526.18 --> 4526.30] It +[4526.30 --> 4526.60] Looked +[4526.60 --> 4526.90] Like +[4526.90 --> 4527.38] To +[4527.38 --> 4527.86] Live +[4527.86 --> 4528.10] In +[4528.10 --> 4528.26] That +[4528.26 --> 4528.58] Kind +[4528.58 --> 4528.70] Of +[4528.70 --> 4529.46] Enclosed +[4529.46 --> 4530.16] Space +[4530.16 --> 4531.32] For +[4531.32 --> 4531.54] Two +[4531.54 --> 4531.92] Years +[4531.92 --> 4532.92] The +[4532.92 --> 4533.22] Idea +[4533.22 --> 4533.52] Was +[4533.52 --> 4533.68] To +[4533.68 --> 4534.00] See +[4534.00 --> 4534.62] What +[4534.62 --> 4534.72] It +[4534.72 --> 4534.88] Might +[4534.88 --> 4535.08] Look +[4535.08 --> 4535.28] Like +[4535.28 --> 4535.42] To +[4535.42 --> 4535.58] Build +[4535.58 --> 4535.72] A +[4535.72 --> 4536.18] Habitat +[4536.18 --> 4536.42] One +[4536.42 --> 4536.68] Day +[4536.68 --> 4536.94] On +[4536.94 --> 4537.08] The +[4537.08 --> 4537.44] Moon +[4537.44 --> 4537.74] Or +[4537.74 --> 4538.00] On +[4538.00 --> 4538.36] Mars +[4538.36 --> 4538.98] To +[4538.98 --> 4539.18] See +[4539.18 --> 4539.42] What +[4539.42 --> 4540.36] How +[4540.36 --> 4540.78] Future +[4540.78 --> 4541.28] Space +[4541.28 --> 4541.98] Exploration +[4541.98 --> 4542.28] Could +[4542.28 --> 4542.42] Be +[4542.42 --> 4542.70] Helped +[4542.70 --> 4544.22] And +[4544.22 --> 4544.78] Inside +[4544.78 --> 4545.06] You +[4545.06 --> 4545.18] Can +[4545.18 --> 4545.42] See +[4545.42 --> 4545.66] There +[4545.66 --> 4546.22] Trees +[4546.22 --> 4546.42] And +[4546.42 --> 4546.56] There +[4546.56 --> 4547.18] Water +[4547.18 --> 4547.76] Flowing +[4547.76 --> 4547.98] And +[4547.98 --> 4548.16] Little +[4548.16 --> 4548.50] Fake +[4548.50 --> 4548.90] Rivers +[4548.90 --> 4549.32] And +[4549.32 --> 4549.46] The +[4549.46 --> 4549.66] Life +[4549.66 --> 4549.92] Set +[4549.92 --> 4550.10] Up +[4550.10 --> 4551.98] And +[4551.98 --> 4552.08] One +[4552.08 --> 4552.14] Of +[4552.14 --> 4552.20] The +[4552.20 --> 4552.40] Interesting +[4552.40 --> 4552.64] Things +[4552.64 --> 4552.78] That +[4552.78 --> 4553.28] Happened +[4553.28 --> 4554.00] At +[4554.00 --> 4554.46] First +[4554.46 --> 4554.86] The +[4554.86 --> 4555.42] Trees +[4555.42 --> 4555.84] Within +[4555.84 --> 4556.50] Biosphere +[4556.50 --> 4556.86] Two +[4556.86 --> 4557.68] Grew +[4557.68 --> 4558.10] Up +[4558.10 --> 4558.58] More +[4558.58 --> 4559.08] Quickly +[4559.08 --> 4559.44] Than +[4559.44 --> 4559.84] Trees +[4559.84 --> 4560.10] Do +[4560.10 --> 4560.36] In +[4560.36 --> 4560.70] Nature +[4560.70 --> 4562.14] Because +[4562.14 --> 4562.40] The +[4562.40 --> 4563.08] Ecosystem +[4563.08 --> 4563.68] Is +[4563.68 --> 4563.88] The +[4563.88 --> 4564.52] Perfect +[4564.52 --> 4565.24] Balance +[4565.24 --> 4565.74] Of +[4565.74 --> 4566.34] Oxygen +[4566.34 --> 4566.62] And +[4566.62 --> 4567.12] Nitrogen +[4567.12 --> 4567.34] And +[4567.34 --> 4567.52] The +[4567.52 --> 4567.94] Soil +[4567.94 --> 4568.26] Has +[4568.26 --> 4568.84] All +[4568.84 --> 4569.00] The +[4569.00 --> 4569.44] Carbon +[4569.44 --> 4569.68] That +[4569.68 --> 4569.82] Is +[4569.82 --> 4570.36] Required +[4570.36 --> 4570.80] And +[4570.80 --> 4571.22] Everything +[4571.22 --> 4571.56] Is +[4571.56 --> 4572.32] Perfectly +[4572.32 --> 4572.62] Set +[4572.62 --> 4572.78] Up +[4572.78 --> 4572.94] With +[4572.94 --> 4573.06] The +[4573.06 --> 4573.24] Right +[4573.24 --> 4573.56] Levels +[4573.56 --> 4573.66] Of +[4573.66 --> 4574.34] Nitrates +[4574.34 --> 4574.50] And +[4574.50 --> 4574.68] So +[4574.68 --> 4574.88] On +[4574.88 --> 4575.98] Counselor +[4575.98 --> 4576.26] Andrew +[4576.26 --> 4576.48] Can +[4576.48 --> 4576.82] Explain +[4576.82 --> 4577.00] That +[4577.00 --> 4577.20] Better +[4577.20 --> 4577.38] Than +[4577.38 --> 4577.54] I +[4577.54 --> 4577.72] Can +[4577.72 --> 4579.26] But +[4579.26 --> 4579.58] Everything +[4579.58 --> 4579.86] Was +[4579.86 --> 4580.36] Perfect +[4580.36 --> 4581.20] And +[4581.20 --> 4581.36] So +[4581.36 --> 4581.56] The +[4581.56 --> 4582.12] Trees +[4582.12 --> 4582.78] Just +[4582.78 --> 4583.96] Grew +[4583.96 --> 4584.20] Up +[4584.20 --> 4584.58] So +[4584.58 --> 4585.06] Quickly +[4585.06 --> 4585.34] And +[4585.34 --> 4585.56] So +[4585.56 --> 4586.12] Fast +[4586.12 --> 4587.32] But +[4587.32 --> 4587.56] After +[4587.56 --> 4587.82] Two +[4587.82 --> 4588.28] Years +[4588.28 --> 4589.44] They +[4589.44 --> 4589.68] Started +[4589.68 --> 4590.04] Falling +[4590.04 --> 4590.28] Over +[4590.28 --> 4592.54] They +[4592.54 --> 4592.94] Weren't +[4592.94 --> 4593.40] Strong +[4593.40 --> 4593.84] Enough +[4593.84 --> 4595.50] And +[4595.50 --> 4595.62] They +[4595.62 --> 4595.94] Just +[4595.94 --> 4596.82] Top +[4596.82 --> 4596.84] Top +[4596.84 --> 4598.90] Right +[4598.90 --> 4599.08] Their +[4599.08 --> 4599.34] Growth +[4599.34 --> 4599.58] Was +[4599.58 --> 4600.14] Stunted +[4600.14 --> 4601.38] Because +[4601.38 --> 4602.78] What +[4602.78 --> 4603.18] Happens +[4603.18 --> 4603.38] In +[4603.38 --> 4603.82] Nature +[4603.82 --> 4605.36] Is +[4605.36 --> 4606.08] Wind +[4606.08 --> 4607.08] And +[4607.08 --> 4607.38] Bad +[4607.38 --> 4607.82] Weather +[4607.82 --> 4609.52] Stresses +[4609.52 --> 4609.78] The +[4609.78 --> 4610.18] Wood +[4610.18 --> 4610.82] And +[4610.82 --> 4611.60] Stresses +[4611.60 --> 4611.82] The +[4611.82 --> 4612.18] Tree +[4612.18 --> 4613.12] And +[4613.12 --> 4613.30] That +[4613.30 --> 4614.02] Stress +[4614.02 --> 4614.66] Causes +[4614.66 --> 4614.98] The +[4614.98 --> 4615.22] Tree +[4615.22 --> 4615.46] To +[4615.46 --> 4615.78] Dig +[4615.78 --> 4616.18] Deeper +[4616.18 --> 4616.50] Roots +[4616.50 --> 4616.80] Into +[4616.80 --> 4617.00] The +[4617.00 --> 4617.40] Ground +[4617.40 --> 4617.84] To +[4617.84 --> 4618.10] Hold +[4618.10 --> 4618.48] Itself +[4618.48 --> 4618.74] More +[4618.74 --> 4619.20] Firmly +[4619.20 --> 4619.68] That +[4619.68 --> 4620.26] Stress +[4620.26 --> 4620.56] On +[4620.56 --> 4620.72] The +[4620.72 --> 4621.04] Tree +[4621.04 --> 4621.84] Causes +[4621.84 --> 4622.04] It +[4622.04 --> 4622.24] To +[4622.24 --> 4622.64] Spread +[4622.64 --> 4622.88] Its +[4622.88 --> 4623.14] Roots +[4623.14 --> 4623.32] Out +[4623.32 --> 4623.82] Further +[4623.82 --> 4624.20] So +[4624.20 --> 4624.36] That +[4624.36 --> 4624.46] It +[4624.46 --> 4624.58] Is +[4624.58 --> 4625.38] Stronger +[4625.38 --> 4625.90] In +[4625.90 --> 4626.40] Place +[4626.40 --> 4627.40] When +[4627.40 --> 4627.80] Water +[4627.80 --> 4628.06] Is +[4628.06 --> 4628.36] Hard +[4628.36 --> 4628.56] To +[4628.56 --> 4629.04] Find +[4629.04 --> 4629.42] The +[4629.42 --> 4629.94] Tree +[4629.94 --> 4630.50] Works +[4630.50 --> 4630.96] Harder +[4630.96 --> 4631.16] To +[4631.16 --> 4631.48] Find +[4631.48 --> 4631.66] It +[4631.66 --> 4632.52] When +[4632.52 --> 4632.82] Trees +[4632.82 --> 4633.00] Have +[4633.00 --> 4633.12] To +[4633.12 --> 4633.52] Compete +[4633.52 --> 4633.74] For +[4633.74 --> 4634.24] Sunlight +[4634.24 --> 4634.38] Have +[4634.38 --> 4634.44] You +[4634.44 --> 4634.56] Ever +[4634.56 --> 4634.84] Seen +[4634.84 --> 4635.00] On +[4635.00 --> 4635.12] A +[4635.12 --> 4635.74] Mountaintop +[4635.74 --> 4636.28] Trees +[4636.28 --> 4636.44] That +[4636.44 --> 4636.66] Go +[4636.66 --> 4636.90] Like +[4636.90 --> 4637.16] This +[4637.16 --> 4637.36] And +[4637.36 --> 4637.48] Then +[4637.48 --> 4637.82] Straight +[4637.82 --> 4638.08] Up +[4638.08 --> 4639.46] That's +[4639.46 --> 4639.64] Because +[4639.64 --> 4639.86] Those +[4639.86 --> 4640.12] Trees +[4640.12 --> 4640.28] Are +[4640.28 --> 4640.62] Looking +[4640.62 --> 4640.92] For +[4640.92 --> 4641.42] Sunlight +[4641.42 --> 4642.16] And +[4642.16 --> 4642.30] What +[4642.30 --> 4642.84] Happens +[4642.84 --> 4643.06] In +[4643.06 --> 4643.22] That +[4643.22 --> 4643.64] Crux +[4643.64 --> 4643.84] Where +[4643.84 --> 4643.96] The +[4643.96 --> 4645.30] Trunk +[4645.30 --> 4645.82] Bends +[4645.82 --> 4646.36] It +[4646.36 --> 4646.86] Creates +[4646.86 --> 4647.38] Stress +[4647.38 --> 4647.70] Wood +[4647.70 --> 4648.50] Two +[4648.50 --> 4648.80] Types +[4653.32 --> 4654.06] And +[4654.06 --> 4654.24] That +[4654.24 --> 4654.66] Helps +[4654.66 --> 4654.88] The +[4654.88 --> 4655.26] Tree +[4655.26 --> 4655.78] Remain +[4655.78 --> 4656.28] Strong +[4656.28 --> 4656.54] So +[4656.54 --> 4656.68] That +[4656.68 --> 4656.96] When +[4656.96 --> 4657.34] Winds +[4657.34 --> 4657.72] Come +[4657.72 --> 4658.44] It +[4658.44 --> 4658.60] Can +[4658.60 --> 4659.00] Stand +[4659.00 --> 4660.74] Without +[4660.74 --> 4661.36] The +[4661.36 --> 4662.02] Stress +[4662.02 --> 4662.54] Of +[4662.54 --> 4662.94] Wind +[4662.94 --> 4663.16] Or +[4663.16 --> 4663.52] Without +[4663.52 --> 4663.80] The +[4663.80 --> 4664.34] Pressure +[4664.34 --> 4664.62] Of +[4664.62 --> 4665.40] Scarcity +[4665.40 --> 4666.40] They +[4666.40 --> 4666.98] Grow +[4666.98 --> 4667.66] Quickly +[4667.66 --> 4668.36] But +[4668.36 --> 4668.86] Fall +[4668.86 --> 4670.12] Over +[4670.12 --> 4673.68] The +[4673.68 --> 4674.04] Same +[4674.04 --> 4674.72] Thing +[4674.72 --> 4675.82] Happens +[4675.82 --> 4676.12] In +[4676.12 --> 4676.30] Our +[4676.30 --> 4676.62] Lives +[4676.62 --> 4676.82] Of +[4676.82 --> 4677.12] Faith +[4677.12 --> 4678.48] In +[4678.48 --> 4678.78] Your +[4678.78 --> 4679.20] Lives +[4679.20 --> 4679.40] Of +[4679.40 --> 4679.62] Faith +[4679.62 --> 4679.80] In +[4679.80 --> 4679.92] Your +[4679.92 --> 4680.48] Relationship +[4680.48 --> 4680.64] To +[4680.64 --> 4680.90] God +[4680.90 --> 4681.38] I'm +[4681.38 --> 4681.44] Going +[4681.44 --> 4681.50] To +[4681.50 --> 4681.66] Be +[4681.66 --> 4682.10] Clear +[4682.10 --> 4682.32] And +[4682.32 --> 4682.64] Honest +[4682.64 --> 4682.86] With +[4682.86 --> 4683.00] You +[4683.00 --> 4683.44] You +[4683.44 --> 4683.70] Will +[4683.70 --> 4683.90] Have +[4683.90 --> 4684.34] Stress +[4684.34 --> 4684.64] And +[4684.64 --> 4684.76] You +[4684.76 --> 4684.92] Will +[4684.92 --> 4685.08] Have +[4685.08 --> 4685.46] Pressure +[4685.46 --> 4688.64] But +[4688.64 --> 4689.08] Over +[4689.08 --> 4689.34] And +[4689.34 --> 4689.62] Over +[4689.62 --> 4689.82] And +[4689.82 --> 4690.00] Over +[4690.00 --> 4690.28] Again +[4690.28 --> 4690.48] The +[4690.48 --> 4690.76] Bible +[4690.76 --> 4691.10] Makes +[4691.10 --> 4691.24] It +[4691.24 --> 4691.50] Clear +[4691.50 --> 4691.70] And +[4691.70 --> 4692.08] And +[4692.08 --> 4692.22] I +[4692.22 --> 4692.42] Think +[4692.42 --> 4692.86] Everyone +[4692.86 --> 4693.20] Here +[4693.20 --> 4693.44] Can +[4693.44 --> 4693.92] Testify +[4693.92 --> 4694.12] To +[4694.12 --> 4694.26] The +[4694.26 --> 4694.44] Same +[4694.44 --> 4694.94] Experience +[4694.94 --> 4695.46] That +[4695.46 --> 4696.12] God +[4696.12 --> 4696.92] Uses +[4696.92 --> 4697.50] Those +[4697.50 --> 4699.18] Stresses +[4699.18 --> 4699.38] And +[4699.38 --> 4699.62] Those +[4699.62 --> 4700.34] Pressures +[4700.34 --> 4700.56] And +[4700.56 --> 4700.76] Those +[4700.76 --> 4701.54] Trials +[4701.54 --> 4701.74] To +[4701.74 --> 4702.64] Deepen +[4702.64 --> 4703.20] Your +[4703.20 --> 4703.62] Roots +[4703.62 --> 4704.32] To +[4704.32 --> 4705.08] Establish +[4705.08 --> 4705.28] You +[4705.28 --> 4705.62] More +[4705.62 --> 4706.30] Firmly +[4706.30 --> 4706.50] In +[4706.50 --> 4707.10] Relationship +[4707.10 --> 4707.22] To +[4707.22 --> 4707.36] Him +[4707.36 --> 4707.98] So +[4707.98 --> 4708.24] That +[4708.24 --> 4708.40] You +[4708.40 --> 4708.56] Can +[4708.56 --> 4708.70] Be +[4708.70 --> 4709.42] Stronger +[4709.42 --> 4709.86] So +[4709.86 --> 4710.08] That +[4710.08 --> 4710.22] You +[4710.22 --> 4710.44] Can +[4710.44 --> 4711.26] Endure +[4711.26 --> 4711.56] And +[4713.00 --> 4713.22] That +[4713.22 --> 4713.40] Kind +[4713.40 --> 4713.54] Of +[4713.54 --> 4714.28] Hardship +[4714.28 --> 4715.08] Right +[4715.08 --> 4715.36] In +[4715.36 --> 4715.52] The +[4715.52 --> 4715.88] Christian +[4715.88 --> 4716.36] Life +[4716.36 --> 4716.90] Has +[4716.90 --> 4717.10] A +[4717.10 --> 4717.66] Purpose +[4717.66 --> 4719.58] And +[4719.58 --> 4719.70] In +[4719.70 --> 4719.90] Fact +[4719.90 --> 4721.88] I +[4721.88 --> 4722.08] Would +[4722.08 --> 4722.36] Say +[4722.36 --> 4722.62] That +[4722.62 --> 4723.34] Only +[4723.34 --> 4725.24] Only +[4725.24 --> 4725.58] In +[4725.58 --> 4725.74] The +[4725.74 --> 4726.08] Christian +[4726.08 --> 4726.68] Life +[4726.68 --> 4727.28] Only +[4727.28 --> 4727.82] If +[4727.82 --> 4728.26] God +[4728.26 --> 4728.60] Is +[4728.60 --> 4728.88] Who +[4728.88 --> 4729.22] God +[4729.22 --> 4729.80] Is +[4729.80 --> 4730.34] Can +[4730.34 --> 4730.72] Any +[4730.72 --> 4731.16] Of +[4731.16 --> 4731.58] Our +[4731.58 --> 4732.52] Stresses +[4732.52 --> 4732.68] Or +[4732.68 --> 4733.12] Pressures +[4733.12 --> 4733.34] Or +[4733.34 --> 4733.94] Anxiety +[4733.94 --> 4734.20] Have +[4734.20 --> 4734.32] A +[4734.32 --> 4734.76] Purpose +[4734.76 --> 4736.84] But +[4736.84 --> 4737.44] Because +[4737.44 --> 4737.84] God +[4737.84 --> 4738.12] Is +[4738.12 --> 4738.32] Who +[4738.32 --> 4738.58] God +[4738.58 --> 4739.00] Is +[4739.00 --> 4740.22] All +[4740.22 --> 4740.50] Of +[4740.50 --> 4740.76] Those +[4740.76 --> 4741.36] Things +[4741.36 --> 4741.84] That +[4741.84 --> 4741.92] Are +[4741.92 --> 4742.30] Hard +[4742.30 --> 4742.50] In +[4742.50 --> 4742.60] Your +[4742.60 --> 4742.96] Life +[4742.96 --> 4744.38] Have +[4744.38 --> 4744.52] A +[4744.52 --> 4745.02] Purpose +[4745.02 --> 4746.38] They +[4746.38 --> 4746.46] Can +[4746.46 --> 4746.60] Make +[4746.60 --> 4746.74] You +[4746.74 --> 4747.42] Stronger +[4747.42 --> 4747.76] And +[4747.76 --> 4747.92] Be +[4747.92 --> 4748.24] Used +[4748.24 --> 4748.46] By +[4748.46 --> 4748.86] Him +[4748.86 --> 4749.30] To +[4749.30 --> 4749.56] Help +[4749.56 --> 4749.74] You +[4749.74 --> 4749.94] To +[4749.94 --> 4750.42] Endure +[4750.42 --> 4750.94] To +[4750.94 --> 4751.08] The +[4751.08 --> 4751.34] End +[4751.34 --> 4754.34] And +[4754.34 --> 4754.64] Part +[4754.64 --> 4754.80] Of +[4754.80 --> 4754.98] That +[4754.98 --> 4755.58] Purpose +[4755.58 --> 4757.48] Is +[4757.48 --> 4757.64] To +[4757.64 --> 4757.96] Teach +[4757.96 --> 4758.16] You +[4758.16 --> 4758.86] Exactly +[4758.86 --> 4759.80] Who +[4759.80 --> 4760.56] Jesus +[4760.56 --> 4761.28] Is +[4761.28 --> 4761.68] And +[4761.68 --> 4761.92] What +[4761.92 --> 4762.12] He +[4762.12 --> 4762.36] Has +[4762.36 --> 4762.62] Done +[4762.62 --> 4764.18] That's +[4764.18 --> 4764.42] The +[4764.42 --> 4765.00] Point +[4765.00 --> 4765.22] That +[4765.22 --> 4765.58] Paul +[4765.58 --> 4765.90] Makes +[4765.90 --> 4766.08] Right +[4766.08 --> 4766.18] He +[4766.18 --> 4766.32] Says +[4766.32 --> 4766.50] You +[4766.50 --> 4766.68] Are +[4766.68 --> 4766.98] Rooted +[4766.98 --> 4767.22] And +[4767.22 --> 4767.88] Established +[4767.88 --> 4768.46] In +[4768.46 --> 4768.76] Order +[4768.76 --> 4769.08] That +[4769.08 --> 4769.38] You +[4769.38 --> 4769.74] Verse +[4769.74 --> 4770.24] 18 +[4770.24 --> 4771.12] Might +[4771.12 --> 4771.80] Grasp +[4771.80 --> 4772.06] How +[4772.06 --> 4772.50] Wide +[4772.50 --> 4772.72] And +[4772.72 --> 4773.12] Long +[4773.12 --> 4773.30] And +[4773.30 --> 4773.74] High +[4773.74 --> 4773.96] And +[4773.96 --> 4774.48] Deep +[4774.48 --> 4775.06] Is +[4775.06 --> 4775.36] The +[4775.36 --> 4775.68] Love +[4775.68 --> 4776.50] Of +[4776.50 --> 4777.32] Christ +[4777.32 --> 4779.40] When +[4779.40 --> 4779.58] You +[4779.58 --> 4779.82] Go +[4779.82 --> 4780.08] Through +[4780.08 --> 4780.38] Hard +[4780.38 --> 4780.88] Things +[4780.88 --> 4781.90] The +[4781.90 --> 4782.06] Love +[4782.06 --> 4782.20] Of +[4782.20 --> 4782.42] Jesus +[4782.42 --> 4782.80] Covers +[4782.80 --> 4783.04] Over +[4783.04 --> 4783.30] You +[4783.30 --> 4784.40] When +[4784.40 --> 4784.54] You +[4784.54 --> 4784.80] Do +[4784.80 --> 4785.20] Bad +[4785.20 --> 4785.70] Things +[4785.70 --> 4786.14] The +[4786.14 --> 4786.34] Love +[4786.34 --> 4786.48] Of +[4786.48 --> 4786.74] Jesus +[4786.74 --> 4786.98] Is +[4786.98 --> 4787.34] Bigger +[4787.34 --> 4788.22] Bigger +[4788.22 --> 4788.24] Bigger +[4788.24 --> 4788.60] Even +[4788.60 --> 4789.04] Than +[4789.04 --> 4789.36] Your +[4789.36 --> 4789.90] Biggest +[4789.90 --> 4790.52] Sin +[4790.52 --> 4791.68] Right +[4791.68 --> 4791.82] When +[4791.82 --> 4792.00] The +[4792.00 --> 4792.30] List +[4792.30 --> 4792.50] Of +[4792.50 --> 4792.88] Doubts +[4792.88 --> 4793.06] And +[4793.06 --> 4793.46] Questions +[4793.46 --> 4793.76] That +[4793.76 --> 4793.88] You +[4793.88 --> 4794.14] Have +[4794.14 --> 4794.36] Goes +[4794.36 --> 4794.62] On +[4794.62 --> 4794.74] And +[4794.74 --> 4795.00] On +[4795.00 --> 4795.14] And +[4795.14 --> 4795.32] It's +[4795.32 --> 4795.70] Longer +[4795.70 --> 4795.90] Than +[4795.90 --> 4796.06] Your +[4796.06 --> 4796.40] Arms +[4796.40 --> 4796.80] Together +[4796.80 --> 4797.30] The +[4797.30 --> 4797.64] Love +[4797.64 --> 4797.84] Of +[4797.84 --> 4798.22] God +[4798.22 --> 4798.46] In +[4798.46 --> 4798.78] Christ +[4798.78 --> 4799.16] Jesus +[4799.16 --> 4799.66] Is +[4799.66 --> 4800.12] Higher +[4800.12 --> 4800.68] And +[4800.68 --> 4801.30] Deeper +[4801.30 --> 4801.70] And +[4801.70 --> 4801.92] More +[4801.92 --> 4802.38] Profound +[4802.38 --> 4804.08] And +[4804.08 --> 4804.52] That's +[4804.52 --> 4804.74] What +[4804.74 --> 4805.00] You +[4805.00 --> 4805.42] Guys +[4805.42 --> 4805.70] Are +[4805.70 --> 4806.54] Planted +[4806.54 --> 4806.84] In +[4806.84 --> 4807.50] That's +[4807.50 --> 4807.66] The +[4807.66 --> 4808.18] Truth +[4808.18 --> 4808.36] Of +[4808.36 --> 4808.50] The +[4808.50 --> 4808.80] Faith +[4808.80 --> 4808.96] That +[4808.96 --> 4809.06] You +[4809.06 --> 4809.16] Are +[4809.16 --> 4809.38] Being +[4809.38 --> 4810.06] Trained +[4810.06 --> 4810.74] In +[4810.74 --> 4814.50] That's +[4814.50 --> 4815.22] How +[4815.22 --> 4815.82] God +[4817.34 --> 4818.20] To +[4818.20 --> 4818.56] Root +[4818.56 --> 4818.92] You +[4818.92 --> 4819.46] And +[4819.46 --> 4820.00] Ground +[4820.00 --> 4820.34] You +[4820.34 --> 4820.98] In +[4820.98 --> 4821.22] His +[4821.22 --> 4821.56] Love +[4821.56 --> 4824.48] And +[4824.48 --> 4824.62] There's +[4824.62 --> 4824.72] A +[4824.72 --> 4825.40] Relationship +[4825.40 --> 4826.18] That +[4826.18 --> 4826.34] Goes +[4826.34 --> 4826.54] On +[4826.54 --> 4826.76] Here +[4826.76 --> 4829.06] This +[4829.06 --> 4829.32] Week +[4829.32 --> 4829.50] In +[4829.50 --> 4830.12] Preparation +[4830.12 --> 4831.40] I +[4831.40 --> 4831.70] Busted +[4831.70 --> 4831.94] Out +[4831.94 --> 4832.12] My +[4832.12 --> 4832.32] Own +[4832.32 --> 4832.68] Cadet +[4832.68 --> 4833.08] Skills +[4833.08 --> 4834.80] And +[4834.80 --> 4834.90] I +[4834.90 --> 4835.08] Made +[4835.08 --> 4835.44] Something +[4835.44 --> 4836.76] To +[4836.76 --> 4837.22] Explain +[4837.22 --> 4837.62] This +[4837.62 --> 4838.68] Big +[4838.68 --> 4838.92] Thank +[4838.92 --> 4839.00] You +[4839.00 --> 4839.12] To +[4839.12 --> 4839.46] Malachi +[4839.46 --> 4839.76] For +[4839.76 --> 4840.10] Donating +[4840.10 --> 4840.32] His +[4840.32 --> 4840.72] Shoes +[4840.72 --> 4841.48] To +[4841.48 --> 4841.68] This +[4841.68 --> 4841.86] Art +[4841.86 --> 4842.34] Project +[4842.34 --> 4844.18] But +[4844.18 --> 4844.32] It +[4844.32 --> 4844.96] Starts +[4844.96 --> 4845.52] With +[4845.52 --> 4845.64] The +[4845.64 --> 4846.40] Relationship +[4846.40 --> 4846.60] Of +[4846.60 --> 4846.76] The +[4846.76 --> 4847.02] Holy +[4847.02 --> 4847.42] Spirit +[4847.42 --> 4848.18] Strengthening +[4848.18 --> 4848.74] Your +[4848.74 --> 4848.96] Inner +[4848.96 --> 4849.32] Being +[4849.32 --> 4849.56] And +[4849.56 --> 4850.04] Christ +[4850.04 --> 4850.50] Dwelling +[4850.50 --> 4850.78] In +[4850.78 --> 4851.00] You +[4851.00 --> 4852.64] And +[4852.64 --> 4852.76] Then +[4852.76 --> 4852.94] That +[4852.94 --> 4853.30] Moves +[4853.30 --> 4853.62] To +[4853.62 --> 4854.06] Us +[4854.06 --> 4855.24] Understanding +[4855.24 --> 4855.60] That +[4855.60 --> 4856.04] What +[4856.04 --> 4856.22] That +[4856.22 --> 4856.58] Means +[4856.58 --> 4856.96] Is +[4856.96 --> 4857.16] That +[4857.16 --> 4857.28] We +[4857.28 --> 4857.42] Are +[4857.42 --> 4857.74] Rooted +[4857.74 --> 4858.14] And +[4858.14 --> 4858.66] Grounded +[4858.66 --> 4859.34] In +[4859.34 --> 4859.54] His +[4859.54 --> 4859.86] Love +[4859.86 --> 4860.58] That +[4860.58 --> 4860.72] Our +[4860.72 --> 4860.92] Roots +[4860.92 --> 4861.12] Go +[4861.12 --> 4861.46] Deep +[4861.46 --> 4861.60] And +[4861.60 --> 4861.70] The +[4861.70 --> 4862.14] Foundation +[4862.14 --> 4862.40] Is +[4862.40 --> 4862.70] Strong +[4862.70 --> 4865.12] And +[4865.12 --> 4865.50] Our +[4865.50 --> 4865.82] Being +[4865.82 --> 4866.18] Rooted +[4866.18 --> 4866.46] And +[4866.46 --> 4867.10] Grounded +[4867.10 --> 4867.54] Is +[4867.54 --> 4867.92] So +[4867.92 --> 4868.28] That +[4868.28 --> 4868.50] We +[4868.50 --> 4868.84] Might +[4868.84 --> 4869.26] See +[4869.26 --> 4869.70] To +[4869.70 --> 4870.10] Know +[4870.10 --> 4870.70] How +[4870.70 --> 4871.24] Wide +[4871.24 --> 4871.62] Long +[4871.62 --> 4872.06] High +[4872.06 --> 4872.30] And +[4872.30 --> 4872.64] Deep +[4872.64 --> 4873.32] The +[4873.32 --> 4873.72] Love +[4873.72 --> 4874.22] Of +[4874.22 --> 4874.68] Christ +[4874.68 --> 4875.74] Is +[4875.74 --> 4877.64] And +[4877.64 --> 4877.74] Then +[4877.74 --> 4877.88] You +[4877.88 --> 4878.20] See +[4878.20 --> 4878.96] The +[4878.96 --> 4879.22] Arrow +[4879.22 --> 4879.54] Goes +[4879.54 --> 4879.88] Again +[4879.88 --> 4881.36] Because +[4881.36 --> 4881.74] Knowing +[4881.74 --> 4882.26] How +[4882.26 --> 4882.62] Long +[4882.62 --> 4882.74] And +[4882.74 --> 4882.96] High +[4882.96 --> 4883.12] And +[4883.12 --> 4883.38] Wide +[4883.38 --> 4883.56] And +[4883.56 --> 4883.82] Deep +[4883.82 --> 4884.06] The +[4884.06 --> 4884.24] Love +[4884.24 --> 4884.38] Of +[4884.38 --> 4884.68] Christ +[4884.68 --> 4885.04] Is +[4885.04 --> 4885.64] Helps +[4885.64 --> 4885.84] Us +[4885.84 --> 4886.02] To +[4886.02 --> 4886.38] See +[4886.38 --> 4886.62] The +[4886.62 --> 4886.82] Holy +[4886.82 --> 4887.24] Spirit +[4887.24 --> 4887.96] Strengthening +[4887.96 --> 4888.20] Us +[4888.20 --> 4888.38] In +[4888.38 --> 4889.76] To +[4889.76 --> 4890.40] See +[4890.40 --> 4890.80] More +[4890.80 --> 4891.02] Of +[4891.02 --> 4891.44] Jesus +[4891.44 --> 4891.92] Dwelling +[4891.92 --> 4892.22] In +[4892.22 --> 4892.62] Us +[4892.62 --> 4893.36] And +[4893.36 --> 4893.48] When +[4893.48 --> 4893.74] More +[4893.74 --> 4893.90] Of +[4893.90 --> 4894.14] Jesus +[4894.14 --> 4894.36] Is +[4894.36 --> 4894.64] Dwelling +[4894.64 --> 4894.92] In +[4894.92 --> 4895.18] Us +[4895.18 --> 4895.34] We +[4895.34 --> 4895.48] Are +[4895.48 --> 4895.64] More +[4895.64 --> 4896.10] Deeply +[4896.10 --> 4896.46] Rooted +[4896.46 --> 4896.74] And +[4896.74 --> 4897.26] Grounded +[4897.26 --> 4897.46] In +[4897.46 --> 4897.70] Who +[4897.70 --> 4898.22] He +[4898.22 --> 4898.58] Is +[4898.58 --> 4898.76] And +[4898.76 --> 4898.88] When +[4898.88 --> 4899.00] We +[4899.00 --> 4899.08] Are +[4899.08 --> 4899.56] Deeply +[4899.56 --> 4899.82] Rooted +[4899.82 --> 4900.02] And +[4900.02 --> 4900.36] Grounded +[4900.36 --> 4900.48] In +[4900.48 --> 4900.60] Who +[4900.60 --> 4900.72] He +[4900.72 --> 4900.96] Is +[4900.96 --> 4901.38] We +[4901.38 --> 4901.60] Know +[4901.60 --> 4901.94] More +[4901.94 --> 4902.16] How +[4902.16 --> 4902.44] Deep +[4902.44 --> 4902.60] And +[4902.60 --> 4902.78] Long +[4902.78 --> 4902.92] And +[4902.92 --> 4903.12] High +[4903.12 --> 4903.28] And +[4903.28 --> 4903.54] Wide +[4903.54 --> 4903.70] The +[4903.70 --> 4903.86] Love +[4903.86 --> 4903.98] Of +[4903.98 --> 4904.20] Jesus +[4904.20 --> 4904.48] Is +[4904.48 --> 4904.82] And +[4904.82 --> 4905.02] Then +[4905.02 --> 4905.22] We +[4905.22 --> 4905.42] Keep +[4905.42 --> 4905.82] Going +[4905.82 --> 4906.20] And +[4906.20 --> 4906.30] I +[4906.30 --> 4906.40] Could +[4906.40 --> 4906.50] Do +[4906.50 --> 4906.64] This +[4906.64 --> 4906.74] For +[4906.74 --> 4906.82] The +[4906.82 --> 4907.30] 25 +[4907.30 --> 4907.78] Minutes +[4907.78 --> 4909.08] Round +[4909.08 --> 4909.24] And +[4909.24 --> 4909.48] Round +[4909.48 --> 4910.30] It +[4910.30 --> 4910.64] Goes +[4910.64 --> 4911.24] This +[4911.24 --> 4911.64] Is +[4911.64 --> 4912.16] The +[4912.16 --> 4912.64] Truth +[4912.64 --> 4913.10] That +[4913.10 --> 4913.30] We +[4913.30 --> 4914.18] Stand +[4914.18 --> 4914.58] On +[4914.58 --> 4917.42] Now +[4917.42 --> 4917.50] I +[4917.50 --> 4917.60] Need +[4917.60 --> 4917.70] A +[4917.70 --> 4918.16] Volunteer +[4918.16 --> 4919.88] Tyus +[4919.88 --> 4920.02] Would +[4920.02 --> 4920.12] It +[4920.12 --> 4920.22] Be +[4920.22 --> 4920.40] You +[4920.40 --> 4920.88] Would +[4920.88 --> 4920.96] You +[4920.96 --> 4921.14] Come +[4921.14 --> 4921.28] Up +[4921.28 --> 4921.46] Here +[4921.46 --> 4921.88] No +[4921.88 --> 4922.36] Malachi +[4922.36 --> 4922.46] I +[4922.46 --> 4922.48] I +[4922.48 --> 4922.52] I +[4922.52 --> 4922.54] I +[4922.54 --> 4922.78] I +[4922.78 --> 4922.98] Can +[4922.98 --> 4923.06] It +[4923.06 --> 4923.12] Be +[4923.12 --> 4923.30] You +[4923.30 --> 4923.78] Can +[4923.78 --> 4923.88] It +[4923.88 --> 4923.98] Be +[4923.98 --> 4924.20] You +[4924.20 --> 4925.30] No +[4925.30 --> 4925.96] Luca +[4925.96 --> 4926.22] How +[4926.22 --> 4926.36] About +[4926.36 --> 4926.56] You +[4926.56 --> 4927.58] No +[4927.58 --> 4927.80] I +[4927.80 --> 4928.12] Need +[4928.12 --> 4928.46] A +[4928.46 --> 4929.06] Volunteer +[4929.06 --> 4931.54] Your +[4931.54 --> 4931.86] Shoes +[4931.86 --> 4932.08] Wouldn't +[4932.08 --> 4932.28] Fit +[4932.28 --> 4932.46] Your +[4932.46 --> 4932.68] Shoes +[4932.68 --> 4932.80] Don't +[4932.80 --> 4932.96] Have +[4932.96 --> 4933.08] To +[4933.08 --> 4933.24] Fit +[4933.24 --> 4933.40] Their +[4933.40 --> 4933.62] Shoes +[4933.62 --> 4933.84] Here +[4933.84 --> 4935.98] Your +[4935.98 --> 4936.22] Foot +[4936.22 --> 4936.50] Wouldn't +[4936.50 --> 4936.74] Fit +[4936.74 --> 4937.54] Sorry +[4937.54 --> 4937.84] Malachi +[4937.84 --> 4938.04] It +[4938.04 --> 4938.30] Can't +[4938.30 --> 4938.40] Be +[4938.40 --> 4938.64] You +[4938.64 --> 4939.88] You +[4939.88 --> 4940.06] Need +[4940.06 --> 4940.16] To +[4940.16 --> 4940.28] Be +[4940.28 --> 4940.60] Smaller +[4940.60 --> 4940.72] Than +[4940.72 --> 4940.94] Size +[4940.94 --> 4941.24] Two +[4941.24 --> 4942.50] So +[4942.50 --> 4942.64] I +[4942.64 --> 4942.80] Think +[4942.80 --> 4942.90] It +[4942.90 --> 4943.04] Might +[4943.04 --> 4943.22] Need +[4943.22 --> 4943.34] To +[4943.34 --> 4943.46] Be +[4943.46 --> 4943.90] Tyus +[4943.90 --> 4945.36] No +[4945.36 --> 4946.50] Malachi +[4946.50 --> 4946.66] It +[4946.66 --> 4946.88] Can't +[4946.88 --> 4946.98] Be +[4946.98 --> 4947.08] You +[4947.08 --> 4947.32] Because +[4947.32 --> 4947.46] You +[4947.46 --> 4947.62] Have +[4947.62 --> 4948.06] Possibly +[4948.06 --> 4948.36] Broken +[4948.36 --> 4948.66] Wrist +[4948.66 --> 4948.78] And +[4948.78 --> 4948.90] If +[4948.90 --> 4949.00] You +[4949.00 --> 4949.28] Fall +[4949.28 --> 4949.40] I +[4949.40 --> 4949.56] Will +[4949.56 --> 4949.70] Get +[4949.70 --> 4949.78] In +[4949.78 --> 4949.88] A +[4949.88 --> 4950.08] Lot +[4950.08 --> 4950.20] Of +[4950.20 --> 4950.48] Trouble +[4950.48 --> 4952.28] So +[4952.28 --> 4952.40] It +[4952.40 --> 4953.04] Dangerous +[4953.04 --> 4953.50] I +[4953.50 --> 4953.64] Need +[4953.64 --> 4953.70] You +[4953.70 --> 4953.80] To +[4953.80 --> 4953.92] Hear +[4953.92 --> 4954.20] That +[4954.20 --> 4955.80] No +[4955.80 --> 4956.08] One +[4956.08 --> 4958.84] All +[4958.84 --> 4959.02] Right +[4959.02 --> 4959.38] Malachi +[4959.40 --> 4959.60] We +[4959.60 --> 4959.92] Use +[4959.92 --> 4960.24] You +[4960.24 --> 4960.96] But +[4960.96 --> 4961.06] We +[4961.06 --> 4961.28] Won't +[4961.28 --> 4961.54] Actually +[4961.54 --> 4961.76] Make +[4966.50 --> 4969.36] So +[4969.36 --> 4969.84] This +[4969.84 --> 4970.28] Is +[4970.28 --> 4970.50] The +[4970.50 --> 4971.08] Truth +[4971.08 --> 4972.14] That +[4972.14 --> 4972.30] We +[4972.30 --> 4972.86] Stand +[4972.86 --> 4973.22] In +[4973.22 --> 4973.44] That +[4973.44 --> 4973.60] We +[4973.60 --> 4973.92] Are +[4973.92 --> 4974.80] Rooted +[4974.80 --> 4975.20] And +[4975.20 --> 4975.88] Established +[4975.88 --> 4976.26] In +[4976.26 --> 4977.86] Together +[4977.86 --> 4996.26] Good +[4996.26 --> 5003.28] And +[5003.28 --> 5003.62] So +[5003.62 --> 5004.14] Rooted +[5004.14 --> 5004.60] And +[5004.60 --> 5005.46] Established +[5005.46 --> 5006.40] In +[5006.40 --> 5006.88] This +[5006.88 --> 5007.72] Truth +[5007.72 --> 5009.36] We +[5009.36 --> 5009.82] Reach +[5009.82 --> 5010.68] Forward +[5010.68 --> 5011.66] For +[5011.66 --> 5011.82] The +[5011.82 --> 5012.28] Prize +[5012.28 --> 5013.76] Give +[5013.76 --> 5013.82] Me +[5013.82 --> 5013.90] A +[5013.90 --> 5014.04] High +[5014.04 --> 5014.30] Five +[5014.30 --> 5019.32] See +[5019.32 --> 5019.46] I +[5019.46 --> 5019.70] Caught +[5019.70 --> 5019.88] You +[5019.88 --> 5020.26] He +[5020.26 --> 5020.46] Couldn't +[5020.46 --> 5020.62] Do +[5020.62 --> 5020.82] It +[5020.82 --> 5021.74] Because +[5021.74 --> 5021.90] There +[5021.90 --> 5021.98] Is +[5021.98 --> 5022.14] Still +[5022.14 --> 5022.50] Something +[5022.50 --> 5022.90] Missing +[5022.90 --> 5023.82] He +[5023.82 --> 5024.28] Rooted +[5024.28 --> 5024.46] And +[5024.46 --> 5024.56] He +[5024.56 --> 5025.20] Established +[5025.20 --> 5025.34] And +[5025.34 --> 5025.40] He +[5025.40 --> 5025.90] Firm +[5025.90 --> 5026.98] And +[5026.98 --> 5027.06] He +[5027.06 --> 5027.28] Can't +[5027.28 --> 5027.54] Move +[5027.54 --> 5027.80] Because +[5027.80 --> 5027.96] He +[5027.96 --> 5028.06] Is +[5028.06 --> 5028.34] Being +[5028.34 --> 5028.72] Held +[5028.72 --> 5029.28] In +[5029.28 --> 5029.64] Place +[5029.64 --> 5029.84] But +[5029.84 --> 5029.94] There +[5029.94 --> 5030.02] Is +[5030.02 --> 5030.20] Still +[5030.20 --> 5030.62] Something +[5030.62 --> 5031.50] Missing +[5031.50 --> 5032.08] Steve +[5032.08 --> 5032.20] Would +[5032.20 --> 5032.28] You +[5032.28 --> 5032.44] Come +[5032.44 --> 5032.54] To +[5032.54 --> 5032.64] The +[5032.64 --> 5032.84] Front +[5032.84 --> 5041.34] And +[5041.34 --> 5041.46] I +[5041.46 --> 5041.68] Pray +[5041.68 --> 5041.90] That +[5041.90 --> 5042.18] You +[5042.18 --> 5042.70] Being +[5042.70 --> 5042.98] Rooted +[5042.98 --> 5043.22] And +[5043.22 --> 5043.68] Established +[5043.68 --> 5043.86] In +[5043.86 --> 5044.22] Love +[5044.22 --> 5044.56] May +[5044.56 --> 5044.80] Have +[5044.80 --> 5045.30] Power +[5045.30 --> 5046.78] Together +[5046.78 --> 5047.60] With +[5047.60 --> 5047.84] All +[5047.84 --> 5048.02] The +[5048.02 --> 5048.50] Lord's +[5048.50 --> 5049.16] Holy +[5049.16 --> 5050.02] People +[5050.02 --> 5051.82] Put +[5051.82 --> 5051.94] Your +[5051.94 --> 5052.12] Foot +[5052.12 --> 5052.36] Here +[5052.36 --> 5053.72] Hold +[5053.72 --> 5053.92] This +[5053.92 --> 5054.14] Hand +[5054.14 --> 5056.58] Reach +[5056.58 --> 5056.60] Reach +[5056.60 --> 5056.82] Out +[5056.82 --> 5059.54] There +[5059.54 --> 5059.64] He +[5059.64 --> 5059.94] Goes +[5059.94 --> 5060.78] Now +[5060.78 --> 5060.92] He +[5060.92 --> 5061.06] Can +[5061.06 --> 5061.38] Reach +[5061.38 --> 5062.96] Because +[5062.96 --> 5063.38] Someone +[5063.38 --> 5063.96] Else +[5063.96 --> 5064.62] Is +[5064.62 --> 5065.00] Helping +[5065.00 --> 5065.26] Him +[5065.26 --> 5065.92] Remain +[5065.92 --> 5066.64] Rooted +[5066.64 --> 5067.32] And +[5067.32 --> 5067.94] Established +[5067.94 --> 5068.66] Someone +[5068.66 --> 5069.04] Else +[5069.04 --> 5069.26] Is +[5069.26 --> 5069.72] Standing +[5069.72 --> 5070.40] On +[5070.40 --> 5070.60] That +[5070.60 --> 5071.20] Circle +[5071.20 --> 5071.78] Of +[5071.78 --> 5072.22] Faith +[5072.22 --> 5073.04] With +[5073.04 --> 5073.26] Him +[5073.26 --> 5075.48] This +[5075.48 --> 5075.84] Is +[5075.84 --> 5076.04] The +[5076.04 --> 5076.32] Picture +[5076.32 --> 5076.54] Of +[5076.54 --> 5077.00] Cadets +[5077.00 --> 5078.12] But +[5078.12 --> 5078.28] More +[5078.28 --> 5078.74] Broadly +[5078.74 --> 5079.06] This +[5079.06 --> 5079.26] Is +[5079.26 --> 5079.44] The +[5079.44 --> 5079.70] Picture +[5079.70 --> 5079.84] Of +[5079.84 --> 5079.94] The +[5079.94 --> 5080.20] Christian +[5080.20 --> 5080.56] Life +[5080.56 --> 5082.04] This +[5082.04 --> 5082.16] Is +[5082.16 --> 5082.32] What +[5082.32 --> 5083.06] Discipleship +[5083.06 --> 5083.26] And +[5083.26 --> 5083.78] Community +[5083.78 --> 5084.26] Does +[5084.26 --> 5085.02] For +[5085.02 --> 5085.42] Us +[5085.42 --> 5086.18] In +[5086.18 --> 5086.58] Us +[5086.58 --> 5087.34] And +[5087.34 --> 5087.62] Through +[5087.62 --> 5087.94] Us +[5087.94 --> 5088.24] Thank +[5088.24 --> 5088.38] You +[5088.38 --> 5088.66] Guys +[5088.66 --> 5089.22] Thank +[5089.22 --> 5089.36] You +[5089.36 --> 5089.78] Malachi +[5089.78 --> 5090.96] And +[5090.96 --> 5091.68] Mr. +[5091.76 --> 5092.06] Steve +[5092.06 --> 5100.36] I +[5100.36 --> 5100.60] Tied +[5100.60 --> 5100.68] Him +[5100.68 --> 5100.84] So +[5100.84 --> 5101.08] Tight +[5101.08 --> 5101.26] So +[5101.26 --> 5101.38] That +[5101.38 --> 5101.48] You +[5101.48 --> 5101.70] Wouldn't +[5101.70 --> 5102.00] Die +[5102.00 --> 5102.96] I +[5102.96 --> 5103.08] Was +[5103.08 --> 5103.28] Really +[5103.28 --> 5103.70] Concerned +[5103.70 --> 5103.80] That +[5103.80 --> 5103.92] Your +[5103.92 --> 5104.12] Mother +[5104.12 --> 5104.28] Would +[5104.28 --> 5104.40] Get +[5104.40 --> 5104.60] Mad +[5104.60 --> 5104.68] At +[5104.68 --> 5104.78] Me +[5104.78 --> 5104.96] For +[5104.96 --> 5105.34] Using +[5105.34 --> 5105.54] You +[5105.54 --> 5105.70] Up +[5105.70 --> 5105.88] Here +[5105.88 --> 5118.88] Of +[5118.88 --> 5119.40] Course +[5119.40 --> 5120.32] This +[5120.32 --> 5120.82] Picture +[5120.82 --> 5121.82] Means +[5121.82 --> 5122.46] We +[5122.46 --> 5122.68] Don't +[5122.68 --> 5122.82] Do +[5122.82 --> 5122.96] It +[5122.96 --> 5123.24] Alone +[5123.24 --> 5124.84] There's +[5124.84 --> 5125.04] Even +[5125.04 --> 5125.44] More +[5125.44 --> 5125.98] That +[5125.98 --> 5126.20] Goes +[5126.20 --> 5126.52] On +[5126.52 --> 5127.64] Right +[5127.64 --> 5128.06] Because +[5128.06 --> 5129.14] Even +[5129.14 --> 5129.64] As +[5129.64 --> 5129.94] We +[5129.94 --> 5130.56] Together +[5130.56 --> 5131.04] In +[5131.04 --> 5131.64] Community +[5131.64 --> 5132.44] Are +[5132.44 --> 5132.80] Holding +[5132.80 --> 5133.04] Each +[5133.04 --> 5133.24] Other +[5133.24 --> 5133.54] Up +[5133.54 --> 5133.72] And +[5133.72 --> 5134.36] Allowing +[5134.36 --> 5134.58] Us +[5134.58 --> 5134.76] To +[5134.76 --> 5135.32] Stretch +[5135.32 --> 5135.70] In +[5135.70 --> 5135.86] Our +[5135.86 --> 5136.50] Relationship +[5136.50 --> 5136.66] To +[5136.66 --> 5137.12] God +[5137.12 --> 5137.70] So +[5137.70 --> 5137.86] That +[5137.86 --> 5137.98] We +[5137.98 --> 5138.26] Might +[5138.26 --> 5138.66] Know +[5138.66 --> 5139.06] How +[5139.06 --> 5139.50] Wide +[5139.50 --> 5139.90] Long +[5139.90 --> 5140.78] And +[5140.78 --> 5141.12] High +[5141.12 --> 5141.38] And +[5141.38 --> 5141.66] Deep +[5141.66 --> 5142.04] Is +[5142.04 --> 5142.28] The +[5142.28 --> 5142.52] Love +[5142.52 --> 5142.72] Of +[5142.72 --> 5143.08] Christ +[5143.08 --> 5143.50] There's +[5143.50 --> 5143.90] Still +[5143.90 --> 5144.82] More +[5144.82 --> 5146.42] Verse +[5146.42 --> 5146.86] 19 +[5146.86 --> 5148.86] And +[5148.86 --> 5149.06] To +[5149.06 --> 5149.50] Know +[5149.50 --> 5150.12] This +[5150.12 --> 5150.76] Love +[5150.76 --> 5151.06] That +[5151.06 --> 5151.76] Surpasses +[5151.76 --> 5153.06] Knowledge +[5153.06 --> 5153.94] And +[5153.94 --> 5154.04] Then +[5154.04 --> 5154.14] In +[5154.14 --> 5154.30] Verse +[5154.30 --> 5154.64] 20 +[5154.64 --> 5155.38] Paul +[5155.38 --> 5155.84] Says +[5155.84 --> 5156.18] Now +[5156.18 --> 5156.32] To +[5156.32 --> 5156.62] Him +[5156.62 --> 5156.84] Who +[5156.84 --> 5157.02] Is +[5157.02 --> 5157.34] Able +[5157.34 --> 5157.54] To +[5157.54 --> 5157.78] Do +[5157.78 --> 5158.96] Immeasurably +[5158.96 --> 5159.44] More +[5159.44 --> 5159.96] Than +[5159.96 --> 5160.18] All +[5160.18 --> 5160.36] We +[5160.36 --> 5160.80] Ask +[5160.80 --> 5161.44] Or +[5161.44 --> 5161.84] Imagine +[5161.84 --> 5163.44] Because +[5163.44 --> 5163.56] You +[5163.56 --> 5163.68] See +[5163.68 --> 5163.80] At +[5163.80 --> 5163.90] The +[5163.90 --> 5164.20] End +[5164.20 --> 5164.46] There +[5164.46 --> 5164.68] Is +[5164.68 --> 5165.10] Still +[5165.10 --> 5165.54] This +[5165.54 --> 5166.22] Mystery +[5166.22 --> 5196.22] +[5196.22 --> 5197.64] West +[5197.64 --> 5197.66] West +[5197.66 --> 5197.86] Way +[5197.86 --> 5197.88] Way +[5197.88 --> 5198.06] For +[5198.06 --> 5198.32] Everyone +[5198.32 --> 5198.58] Oh +[5198.58 --> 5198.84] He's +[5198.84 --> 5199.12] Hiding +[5199.12 --> 5201.16] This +[5201.16 --> 5201.64] Is +[5201.64 --> 5201.88] The +[5201.88 --> 5202.46] Story +[5202.46 --> 5202.90] And +[5202.90 --> 5203.10] The +[5203.10 --> 5203.60] Community +[5203.60 --> 5203.94] Of +[5203.94 --> 5204.30] Faith +[5204.30 --> 5205.14] Lived +[5205.14 --> 5205.34] And +[5205.34 --> 5206.28] Experienced +[5206.28 --> 5207.36] Together +[5207.36 --> 5209.44] And +[5209.44 --> 5210.24] These +[5210.24 --> 5210.68] Are +[5210.68 --> 5210.94] The +[5210.94 --> 5211.84] Truths +[5211.84 --> 5212.28] That +[5212.28 --> 5212.42] We +[5212.42 --> 5212.86] Take +[5212.86 --> 5213.58] And +[5213.58 --> 5213.96] These +[5213.96 --> 5214.14] Are +[5214.14 --> 5214.28] The +[5214.28 --> 5214.78] Truths +[5214.78 --> 5214.92] That +[5214.92 --> 5215.12] Make +[5215.12 --> 5215.36] Us +[5215.36 --> 5215.74] Sing +[5215.74 --> 5216.28] To +[5216.28 --> 5216.76] Him +[5216.76 --> 5217.16] Be +[5217.16 --> 5217.44] The +[5217.44 --> 5217.92] Glory +[5217.92 --> 5218.96] Forever +[5218.96 --> 5220.10] And +[5220.10 --> 5220.44] Ever +[5220.44 --> 5221.96] And +[5221.96 --> 5222.08] So +[5222.08 --> 5222.24] When +[5222.24 --> 5222.38] You +[5222.38 --> 5222.62] Guys +[5222.62 --> 5222.92] Sing +[5222.92 --> 5223.20] Living +[5223.20 --> 5223.46] For +[5223.46 --> 5223.78] Jesus +[5223.78 --> 5224.16] You're +[5224.16 --> 5224.38] Giving +[5224.38 --> 5224.62] Him +[5224.62 --> 5225.04] Glory +[5225.04 --> 5225.70] And +[5225.70 --> 5225.88] So +[5225.88 --> 5226.34] Amen +[5226.34 --> 5226.90] And +[5226.90 --> 5227.30] Amen +[5227.30 --> 5228.48] When +[5228.48 --> 5228.74] We +[5228.74 --> 5229.26] Sing +[5229.26 --> 5229.62] Living +[5229.62 --> 5229.92] For +[5229.92 --> 5230.26] Jesus +[5230.26 --> 5230.58] Or +[5230.58 --> 5230.86] Whatever +[5230.86 --> 5231.38] Song +[5231.38 --> 5231.56] It +[5231.56 --> 5231.80] Is +[5231.80 --> 5232.06] This +[5232.06 --> 5232.20] Is +[5232.20 --> 5232.62] Amazing +[5232.62 --> 5233.06] Grace +[5233.06 --> 5233.24] We +[5233.24 --> 5233.38] Are +[5233.38 --> 5233.60] Giving +[5233.60 --> 5233.88] Him +[5233.88 --> 5234.08] The +[5234.08 --> 5234.44] Glory +[5234.44 --> 5235.26] Forever +[5235.26 --> 5236.02] And +[5236.02 --> 5236.28] Ever +[5236.28 --> 5236.54] And +[5236.54 --> 5236.86] As +[5236.86 --> 5237.50] We +[5237.50 --> 5238.06] Go +[5238.06 --> 5238.52] Out +[5238.52 --> 5239.00] This +[5239.00 --> 5239.34] Morning +[5239.34 --> 5240.62] Whether +[5240.62 --> 5240.80] You +[5240.80 --> 5240.94] Are +[5240.94 --> 5241.08] A +[5241.08 --> 5241.46] Cadet +[5241.46 --> 5242.06] A +[5242.06 --> 5242.36] Parent +[5242.36 --> 5242.52] Of +[5242.52 --> 5242.62] A +[5242.62 --> 5242.92] Cadet +[5242.92 --> 5243.08] Or +[5243.08 --> 5243.36] Someone +[5243.36 --> 5243.64] Here +[5243.64 --> 5243.84] In +[5243.84 --> 5244.00] This +[5244.00 --> 5244.34] Church +[5244.34 --> 5245.34] Go +[5245.34 --> 5247.32] Holding +[5247.32 --> 5247.70] The +[5247.70 --> 5248.00] Hand +[5248.00 --> 5248.20] Of +[5248.20 --> 5248.50] Faith +[5248.50 --> 5248.76] With +[5248.76 --> 5249.24] Someone +[5250.44 --> 5251.18] Lean Out +[5251.18 --> 5251.42] And +[5251.42 --> 5251.92] Stretch +[5251.92 --> 5252.48] In +[5252.48 --> 5252.62] Their +[5252.62 --> 5253.12] Relationship +[5253.12 --> 5253.26] To +[5253.26 --> 5253.44] God +[5253.44 --> 5253.62] And +[5253.62 --> 5253.92] Go +[5253.92 --> 5254.48] Clinging +[5254.48 --> 5254.64] To +[5254.64 --> 5254.78] The +[5254.78 --> 5255.06] Hand +[5255.06 --> 5255.22] Of +[5255.22 --> 5255.88] Faith +[5255.88 --> 5256.10] Of +[5256.10 --> 5256.40] Someone +[5256.40 --> 5256.66] That +[5256.66 --> 5257.00] You +[5257.00 --> 5257.46] Might +[5257.46 --> 5257.88] Lean +[5257.88 --> 5258.30] Out +[5258.30 --> 5258.62] And +[5258.62 --> 5259.10] Stretch +[5259.10 --> 5259.52] And +[5259.52 --> 5259.90] Grow +[5259.90 --> 5260.46] In +[5260.46 --> 5261.12] Relationship +[5261.12 --> 5261.26] To +[5261.26 --> 5261.50] Jesus +[5261.50 --> 5261.80] Because +[5261.80 --> 5262.36] That +[5262.36 --> 5263.04] Is +[5263.04 --> 5263.44] Why +[5263.44 --> 5263.94] We +[5263.94 --> 5264.68] Are +[5264.68 --> 5265.00] Here +[5265.00 --> 5265.82] That's +[5265.82 --> 5265.98] Why +[5265.98 --> 5266.18] We +[5266.18 --> 5266.42] Do +[5266.42 --> 5266.96] This +[5266.96 --> 5267.80] Together +[5267.80 --> 5268.58] That +[5268.58 --> 5268.94] Is +[5268.94 --> 5269.18] The +[5269.18 --> 5269.74] Purpose +[5269.74 --> 5270.50] Of +[5270.50 --> 5270.96] Our +[5270.96 --> 5271.94] Being +[5271.94 --> 5273.68] And +[5273.68 --> 5273.82] To +[5273.82 --> 5274.20] That +[5274.20 --> 5275.16] All +[5275.16 --> 5275.42] Y'all +[5275.42 --> 5275.76] Say +[5275.76 --> 5276.90] Amen +[5276.90 --> 5277.66] Let's +[5277.66 --> 5277.80] Pray +[5277.80 --> 5278.10] Together +[5278.10 --> 5283.64] Lord +[5283.64 --> 5284.26] Our +[5284.26 --> 5285.06] God +[5285.06 --> 5286.54] You +[5286.54 --> 5287.20] Are +[5287.20 --> 5288.20] Amazing +[5288.20 --> 5289.50] Your +[5289.50 --> 5290.04] Grace +[5290.04 --> 5290.86] Is +[5290.86 --> 5291.92] Amazing +[5291.92 --> 5293.58] The +[5293.58 --> 5294.10] Majesty +[5294.10 --> 5294.72] Of +[5294.72 --> 5294.98] Who +[5294.98 --> 5295.22] You +[5295.22 --> 5295.60] Are +[5295.60 --> 5295.92] And +[5295.92 --> 5296.14] What +[5296.14 --> 5296.28] You +[5296.28 --> 5296.44] Have +[5296.44 --> 5296.84] Done +[5296.84 --> 5298.58] Compels +[5298.58 --> 5299.02] Us +[5299.02 --> 5299.60] To +[5299.60 --> 5300.46] Sing +[5300.46 --> 5303.28] And +[5303.28 --> 5303.52] So +[5303.52 --> 5303.90] Today +[5303.90 --> 5304.48] Take +[5304.48 --> 5305.36] These +[5305.36 --> 5306.48] Truths +[5306.48 --> 5307.84] Plant +[5307.84 --> 5308.16] Them +[5308.16 --> 5308.56] Deep +[5308.56 --> 5309.34] In +[5309.34 --> 5309.72] Our +[5309.72 --> 5310.38] Hearts +[5310.38 --> 5310.88] Of +[5310.88 --> 5311.44] Faith +[5311.44 --> 5313.10] Take +[5313.10 --> 5313.64] These +[5313.64 --> 5314.68] Truths +[5314.68 --> 5316.00] And +[5316.00 --> 5316.78] Transform +[5316.78 --> 5317.40] Our +[5317.40 --> 5317.72] Inner +[5317.72 --> 5318.12] Being +[5318.12 --> 5318.48] By +[5318.48 --> 5318.70] Your +[5318.70 --> 5319.00] Holy +[5319.00 --> 5319.46] Spirit +[5319.46 --> 5320.44] So +[5320.44 --> 5320.60] That +[5320.60 --> 5320.94] We +[5320.94 --> 5321.42] Might +[5321.42 --> 5321.68] Be +[5321.68 --> 5322.08] Rooted +[5322.08 --> 5322.84] And +[5322.84 --> 5323.66] Established +[5323.66 --> 5323.86] So +[5323.86 --> 5324.00] That +[5324.00 --> 5324.26] We +[5324.26 --> 5324.68] Too +[5324.68 --> 5325.02] With +[5325.02 --> 5325.26] The +[5325.26 --> 5325.70] Cadets +[5325.70 --> 5325.96] Might +[5325.96 --> 5326.18] Be +[5326.18 --> 5326.64] Rooted +[5326.64 --> 5327.18] And +[5327.18 --> 5327.96] Grounded +[5327.96 --> 5328.32] In +[5328.32 --> 5328.62] Who +[5328.62 --> 5328.90] You +[5328.90 --> 5329.18] Are +[5329.18 --> 5329.60] In +[5329.60 --> 5330.28] Your +[5330.28 --> 5330.94] Love +[5330.94 --> 5332.76] So +[5332.76 --> 5332.88] That +[5332.88 --> 5333.02] We +[5333.02 --> 5333.28] All +[5333.28 --> 5333.64] Together +[5333.64 --> 5333.96] Might +[5333.96 --> 5334.28] Know +[5334.28 --> 5334.68] And +[5334.68 --> 5334.98] Might +[5334.98 --> 5335.36] Sing +[5335.36 --> 5335.64] How +[5335.64 --> 5336.14] High +[5336.14 --> 5337.08] And +[5337.08 --> 5337.28] How +[5337.28 --> 5337.68] Wide +[5337.68 --> 5338.44] In +[5338.44 --> 5338.70] Jesus +[5338.70 --> 5339.04] Name +[5339.04 --> 5339.22] We +[5339.22 --> 5339.48] Pray +[5339.48 --> 5340.74] Amen +[5340.74 --> 5348.80] Let's +[5348.80 --> 5349.06] Rise +[5349.06 --> 5349.46] Together +[5349.46 --> 5349.78] As +[5349.78 --> 5349.94] We +[5349.94 --> 5350.20] Sing +[5350.20 --> 5350.48] This +[5359.60 --> 5365.04] uda +[5379.36 --> 5383.90] Du +[5383.90 --> 5395.90] You bring us things that You have prepared for everyone who has believed. +[5397.90 --> 5412.90] You brought us here and You called us Your own and made us Your hands with Your soul. +[5413.90 --> 5428.90] How high and how high, how deep and how long, how sweet and how strong is Your love. +[5428.90 --> 5443.90] How lavish Your grace, how faithful Your ways, how great is Your love alone. +[5443.90 --> 5458.90] Objects of mercy who should have no lack were filled with unseekable joy. +[5458.90 --> 5474.90] Riches of wisdom, unseekable wealth, and the wonder of glory Your Lord. +[5474.90 --> 5490.90] You are our treasure and our great reward. Our home and our glory of sin. +[5490.90 --> 5505.90] How high and how wide, how deep and how long, how sweet and how strong is Your love. +[5505.90 --> 5517.90] How lavish Your grace, how faithful Your ways, how great is Your love. +[5517.90 --> 5535.90] How lavish Your grace, how faithful Your ways, how great is Your love. +[5535.90 --> 5552.90] How lavish Your grace, how faithful Your ways, how great is Your love, O Lord. +[5552.90 --> 5582.88] How lavish Your grace, how faithful Your love. +[5582.88 --> 5584.88] How helemaal do be, how Why'Do journal Pharisees, how great is hypocrites, how noble and how risky führt your life. +[5584.88 --> 5586.88] How righte je WHY, how Army marih. +[5586.88 --> 5589.88] And how how 하나 does Your Gates' dawg take from His mount to His tara, who you untere güven and what you can't step past. +[5589.88 --> 5598.88] How cool does that dare take me to step aside and to help this month oruição, my thoughts, what else, how light Your life. +[5598.88 --> 5601.42] That's happening at the Connect booth back there. +[5601.90 --> 5604.34] Following the blessing, we'll sing our closing song. +[5605.00 --> 5609.16] And then as we go out, if you would like to pray with someone or receive prayer, +[5609.86 --> 5612.74] there will be someone here at the front with a yellow name tag on. +[5612.82 --> 5615.58] They'd love to meet you and pray with you together. +[5616.12 --> 5621.14] As you go, know that God goes with you and so receive his blessing for the journey ahead. +[5623.22 --> 5625.32] God, go before you to lead you. +[5626.06 --> 5628.12] God, go behind you to protect you. +[5628.12 --> 5630.66] God, go beneath you to support you. +[5631.00 --> 5633.38] And God, go beside you to befriend you. +[5633.88 --> 5635.54] Do not be afraid. +[5636.04 --> 5637.86] Let the blessing of God come upon you today. +[5638.00 --> 5643.76] Do not be afraid, but go in peace to love and serve the Lord. +[5644.60 --> 5645.10] Amen. +[5658.12 --> 5663.50] God, go before you. +[5663.50 --> 5667.88] You're a lion of Judah, the Lamb who was saved. +[5668.08 --> 5672.12] You ascended to heaven and evermore with your age. +[5672.28 --> 5676.18] At the end of the age when the earth will be blue, +[5676.44 --> 5679.74] we will gather the nations before you. +[5679.74 --> 5687.36] And the eyes will fall and you'll be fixed on a lamb who was crucified. +[5687.36 --> 5696.88] With wisdom and mercy and justice sorted at your Father's side. +[5696.88 --> 5698.62] And the angels will cry. +[5698.62 --> 5699.14] And the angels will cry. +[5699.14 --> 5704.56] Hail the land. +[5704.56 --> 5710.98] Who was saved for the world ruling by. +[5710.98 --> 5715.66] And the angels will cry. +[5715.66 --> 5719.66] You shall reign. +[5719.66 --> 5726.38] As the King of all kings and the Lord of all lords. +[5726.38 --> 5737.88] There's a shield in our hand and a sword at our side. +[5738.12 --> 5741.88] There's a fire in our spirits that cannot be denied. +[5742.22 --> 5746.22] As the Father has told us, for these you have died. +[5746.44 --> 5749.84] For the nations to gather before you. +[5749.84 --> 5779.82] And the years will fall and you'll be saved. +[5779.84 --> 5781.84] And the earth will cry. +[5781.84 --> 5784.84] And the earth will cry. +[5784.84 --> 5786.84] You shall reign. +[5786.84 --> 5788.84] You shall reign. +[5788.84 --> 5794.84] As the King of all kings and the Lord of all lords. +[5794.84 --> 5796.84] And the angels will cry. +[5796.84 --> 5800.84] Hail the Lamb. +[5800.84 --> 5807.84] Who was saved for the world ruling by. +[5807.84 --> 5809.84] And the earth will cry. +[5809.84 --> 5811.84] Who was saved for the world ruling by. +[5811.84 --> 5813.84] And the earth will cry. +[5813.84 --> 5815.84] You shall reign. +[5815.84 --> 5822.84] As the King of all kings and the Lord of all lords. +[5822.84 --> 5828.84] As the King of all kings and the Lord of all lords. +[5828.84 --> 5831.84] Oh. +[5831.84 --> 5833.84] Ah. +[5833.84 --> 5835.84] Ah. +[5835.84 --> 5837.84] Ah. +[5837.84 --> 5839.84] Ah. +[5839.84 --> 5841.84] Ah. +[5841.84 --> 5843.84] Ah. +[5843.84 --> 5844.84] Ah. +[5844.84 --> 5874.82] Thank you. +[5874.84 --> 5904.82] Thank you. +[5904.84 --> 5906.84] Thank you. diff --git a/Sunday Worship, February 4, 2024_summary.txt b/Sunday Worship, February 4, 2024_summary.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000000000000000000000000000000000000..70be7ddb9a312982abcb4c569c3d82a9abc55459 --- /dev/null +++ b/Sunday Worship, February 4, 2024_summary.txt @@ -0,0 +1,207 @@ +• The power of God's grace and forgiveness in overcoming shame and regret +• The importance of looking back on past mistakes with a sense of freedom from guilt +• The concept of being a "prodigal" and receiving God's love and acceptance despite failures +• The idea that all past mistakes are erased by God's grace +• The role of faith and prayer in experiencing God's love and forgiveness +• The power of worship and praise to celebrate God's goodness and redemption +• Various announcements for church events, including a women's retreat and youth coffee +• Registration for an event and getting help with registration details +• Coldest Night of the Year initiative on February 24th, raising awareness for poverty, homelessness, addiction, and supporting the Gateway of Hope +• Walking and fundraising event to support local organization and community +• Friendly competition between teams +• Lost glasses at Cadets event on Thursday night +• Worship service +• Life with faith and power +• The child on every side is secure +• Christ's price for dying +• The earth as a nation +• Bright shine of light and the risen sun +• Lift your eyes, you are His great and bright +• Rise of the church, O God +• Seeing Christ where love and mercy mean +• The Son of God stricken and foes beneath His feet +• The conqueror is risen +• Christ emerges from the grave +• He will be the King +• Holy Spirit, God in every step +• Radiant God +• Praise and worship of God as a Holy Trinity +• Acknowledging spiritual struggles and seeking forgiveness +• Recognizing the magnitude of Jesus' sacrifice on the cross +• Understanding salvation through Christ's victory over death +• Living as a "living sacrifice" in joyful submission to God +• Remembrance of the Heidelberg Catechism and Lord's Day One +• Belonging to Jesus Christ and receiving eternal life +• Longing for a deeper relationship with God and seeking renewal +• Confessing sin and asking for forgiveness +• Praising God as the source of life and breath in our lungs. +• Jesus is calling and inviting people to come to the altar +• The precious blood of Jesus Christ brings forgiveness +• Alleluia, Christ is risen, repeated multiple times +• Bow down before Him, for He is Lord of all +• A blessing and prayer is given for a family leaving the church +• A prayer is read from Romans 15, asking God to fill them with joy and peace as they trust in Him +• Prayers for Justin and Amanda's family as they start new service at Fleetwood +• Invitation to lay hands on them or hold their hand out in prayer +• Prayer for the Rauchema family, asking God to bless them and send them out with His power and love +• Announcement of today's offering for North American Indigenous Ministries +• Children's blessing and discussion about being "all in" on something +• Discussion of a Lego set +• Talk about being "all in" on various things (eating ice cream, going to outer space, getting a kitty or tiger) +• Reference to the book of Matthew and the Lord's Supper table +• Mention of worship time and the children's blessing +• Introduction by Dave, an elder at the church +• Prayer and confession +• Gratitude for creation, seasons, and life +• Confession of sin against each other and God +• Recognition of idols (work, career, possessions, etc.) and seeking help to put them aside +• Thanking God for church leadership, Pastor Chris, Pastor Kevin, Josh, and the church council +• Appreciation for various ministries and volunteers in the church +• Expressing gratitude and condolences to community members who have experienced losses +• Supporting Mary Joan and Kevin during their time of mourning +• Celebrating Hank Van Eyck's life and memorial service +• Welcoming Marlene Bylinga back into the community after her move +• Praying for those experiencing grief, unemployment, and underemployment +• Recognizing the work of North American Indigenous Ministries and Tim and Charity +• Discussion of a message to be heard about being living sacrifices and not conforming to the world +• Request for prayer for Chris leading the reflection time +• Invitation to open Bibles or follow along on devices +• Reading from Romans 12:1-2 +• Explanation of offering bodies as living sacrifices and worship +• Discussion of transformation by renewing minds +• 17-year anniversary mentioned +• Rachel's personal growth and sacrifice discussed +• Theme of giving everything to God introduced +• Text from Romans 12 referenced +• Importance of understanding the meaning behind scripture emphasized +• The relationship between faith and justification +• Paul's defense of the theology in Romans 9-11 +• God's Word to Israel not having failed +• The only way to be justified is through grace alone by faith alone in Christ alone +• Faith and justification through faith +• Peace with God through Jesus Christ +• Access to grace by faith +• The glory of God is the ultimate goal +• Boasting in hope of God's glory +• God's mercy and forgiveness are essential themes +• Repentance and return to God are necessary +• The nature of God's mercy and its relationship to human desire and effort +• A comparison between mercy as an analog or expression of what came before in a certain section +• God's statement on receiving mercy not depending on human desire but on His mercy +• The concept of little words having significant meaning, specifically three Greek letters in the word "little" +• An introduction to the theology of the next 11 chapters and how they will undergird church practices +• God's sovereignty +• The only foundation for living +• The gospel as truth that makes the kind of calling God puts on our lives reasonable and possible +• Paul's teaching on offering one's body as a living sacrifice to God +• The concept of a living sacrifice in modern minds, though considered strange by many +• Sacrificing the living as a form of offering +• Difference between dead and living sacrifices +• Continuous nature of living sacrifices, never-ending or stopping +• Relationship between faithfulness and living sacrifice +• Surrender of one's will to God's plan +• Connection between Jesus' prayer in the Garden and living sacrifice +• The importance of living in the present and following one's own path +• The idea that individuality and authenticity are valued in modern culture +• The message to follow one's joy and not be controlled by external expectations or pressures +• The concept of a world where people are free to express themselves without fear of judgment or rejection +• The notion that being true to oneself is the key to happiness and fulfillment +• A critique of societal norms and expectations that can stifle individuality and creativity +• The idea that living in accordance with one's own values and principles is essential for a fulfilling life. +• The Christian life +• Trust in God +• Sacrificing personal desires and ego +• Putting faith in God's plan and will +• Recognizing God's omniscience and omnipotence +• Surrendering to God's truth and authority +• Living a life surrendered to God, rather than self-will +• Suffering as a means of participating in Christ's sufferings +• Christian response to societal pressures and expectations +• Sacrifice vs individualism and autonomy +• Living a life that follows God's word, even if it feels like death +• The importance of surrendering personal desires for the sake of faith +• Cultural imposition of a certain philosophy +• Happiness as the ultimate arbiter of what is good +• God's will vs personal happiness and conformity to the world +• The Bible's teachings on what God wants from humans +• Holiness as a fundamental aspect of being set apart by God +• The abundant life that God designed for His creatures, but is hard to achieve due to human opposition +• The problem with living sacrifice and walking off the altar in one's heart +• The desire not to do what one does not want to do, specifically sacrificing something valuable +• Christianity's unique relationship with sacrifice and living a sacrificial life +• Influence of Christianity on modern society +• Christian teachings and their legacy in areas such as education, health care, and human rights +• Relationship between Christianity and secularism +• Origins of modern institutions like universities and hospitals +• Spread of Christian ideas and ideals into the broader culture +• Philosophical and anthropological discussions on the concept of being human +• The idea that humans are masters of their own destinies and should be free to choose who they want to be +• The concept of living a Christian life as being the opposite of being right or real, but rather giving oneself over to God's mercy and sacrifices +• The importance of selflessness and giving oneself to God, letting go of individual claims and desires +• Death and life as opposites +• Gospel of Jesus as key to understanding +• True life found on the other side of death +• Living sacrifice as paradoxical concept +• Worship as surrender to God, not just Sunday activities +• Fuel for worship is grace through Jesus +• Worship and sacrifice +• Sacrificing one's narrow joy for the joy of joining God's mission +• The idea that true worship is sacrificing oneself to God +• The concept of offering one's body as a living sacrifice to God +• The relationship between worship, sacrifice, and eternal joy +• The interpretation of biblical translations on worship and sacrifice +• The phrase "true and proper worship" is actually just one word in Greek: Logikon +• Logikon means rational or logically consequent, but it's only possible to understand this concept with a deep sense of God's mercy and justification by faith alone +• If what God did in Jesus Christ doesn't move you, you haven't fully comprehended it yet +• To those outside the Christian faith, such behavior can seem irrational and incomprehensible +• Examples given include giving money to church instead of spending on vacation, not having sex until married, and not having a social media account +• The speaker asks what is being called upon to offer as a living sacrifice today +• A key passage from Romans 12 is quoted: "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind" +• This phrase is unique in Paul's writing and means to change one's mind or perspective completely +• Transformation is a deep inner change that comes from the Lord, not outward conformity +• The intellectual aspect of transformation involves learning and knowing God's word +• Renewing one's mind through the Spirit and Word of God leads to transformation +• Worship results from this transformation, sacrificing oneself for all of God +• Two key realizations should be present in people's minds: discomfort with their current lives and a willingness to sacrifice for God. +• The concept of mortifying oneself or putting things to death in one's life +• Recognizing the merciful love of God as the foundation for trusting in His love +• Understanding that nothing can separate us from God's love through Christ Jesus +• Embracing self-sacrifice and offering oneself to God based on His love, not earned but given +• An analogy about coaching a soccer team and investing time in a child to develop their skills +• Discussion about a person's struggles in sports +• The speaker's unwavering love for the person regardless of their performance +• The importance of living out one's faith and offering sacrifices to God +• A prayer is mentioned at the end, but no specific details are given. +• Invitation to come together as a church family +• Overview of the liturgy and steps for worship +• Invitation to participate in speaking specific words during the service +• Prayer of thanksgiving to God for creation and provision +• Praise to God for his graciousness and covenant with humanity +• The Lord Jesus Christ gave thanks and broke bread to symbolize his body for us +• He also took the cup after supper, saying it was the new covenant in his blood +• Eating and drinking this bread and cup proclaims the Lord's death until he comes again +• This is a mystery of our faith +• We proclaim Christ's death and affirm his resurrection with joy and await his coming with hope +• Inviting guests to come to the table +• Procedure for receiving communion +• Option for guests unable to come to the front to receive communion +• Availability of prayer at the back of the room +• The body of Christ given for the speaker and others +• Serving and following those who will lead them in song +• Eating and remembering the blood of Christ shed for them +• Receiving thanks and appreciation multiple times +• Praise and worship, including references to Christ's sacrifice and redemption +• A description of a radiant bride waiting for her groom with beauty and light +• Multiple expressions of gratitude and praise, ending with an "Amen" +• Praise and worship to Jesus Christ +• Discussion of sacrifice, pain, and redemption through the cross and resurrection +• Reference to the "sinner" and seeking forgiveness and pardon +• Declaration of surrender and devotion to God +• Adoration and glorification of God's name and attributes +• Acknowledgment of salvation and new life in Christ +• Salvation through Jesus' love +• Praise and worship of God +• Overcoming sin and debt +• The empty tomb and resurrection +• Anniversary celebration and communion with the saints +• Benediction and blessing from God \ No newline at end of file diff --git a/Sunday Worship, February 4, 2024_transcript.txt b/Sunday Worship, February 4, 2024_transcript.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000000000000000000000000000000000000..9b39418e0f022fe48408266fd758feb6048e0259 --- /dev/null +++ b/Sunday Worship, February 4, 2024_transcript.txt @@ -0,0 +1,4309 @@ +[0.00 --> 3.20] Holy is the Lord +[3.20 --> 23.88] I've seen shame +[23.88 --> 27.24] The kind that comes from mistakes +[27.24 --> 30.26] The kind that won't go away +[30.26 --> 32.00] When I turned around +[32.00 --> 34.92] They were up there to remind me +[34.92 --> 36.66] I've seen regret +[36.66 --> 40.42] The kind that messes with your head +[40.42 --> 43.48] The failures and the can't forget +[43.48 --> 45.22] But standing in now +[45.22 --> 48.12] I'm thanking God it's behind me +[48.12 --> 50.16] Cause I've seen nails +[50.16 --> 51.94] God hands reach out +[51.94 --> 54.16] And wipe it all away +[54.16 --> 57.02] Now I see grace +[57.02 --> 60.26] Hallelujah, I stand amazed +[60.26 --> 63.56] I'm staring at an empty grave +[63.56 --> 67.46] And the stone that you rolled away +[67.46 --> 70.28] When I was a prodigal +[70.28 --> 71.54] You saw so +[71.54 --> 73.62] When I left the night and I +[73.62 --> 74.98] You saw one +[74.98 --> 76.64] And just like that +[76.64 --> 79.90] All my past has been erased +[79.90 --> 81.66] When I look back +[81.66 --> 83.50] I see grace +[83.50 --> 86.74] I still hurt +[86.74 --> 86.76] I still hurt +[86.76 --> 90.00] Fall short on what you say I'm worth +[90.00 --> 91.96] And that devil says +[91.96 --> 93.94] I don't deserve what you did +[93.94 --> 94.78] On the cross +[94.78 --> 95.56] And he's right +[95.56 --> 96.34] Cause I don't +[96.34 --> 98.38] But you did it anyway +[98.38 --> 99.98] I see grace +[99.98 --> 103.18] Hallelujah, I stand amazed +[103.18 --> 106.42] I'm staring at an empty grave +[106.42 --> 106.52] I'm staring at an empty grave +[106.52 --> 109.72] And the stone that you rolled away +[109.72 --> 113.12] When I was a prodigal +[113.12 --> 114.32] You saw so +[114.32 --> 117.70] When I left the night and I knew someone +[117.70 --> 119.42] And just like that +[119.42 --> 122.66] All my past has been erased +[122.66 --> 124.66] When I look back +[124.66 --> 126.86] I see grace +[126.86 --> 127.72] Grace +[127.72 --> 132.26] God's grace +[132.26 --> 135.42] Grace that is greater than all my sin +[135.42 --> 136.66] Faith God Almighty +[136.66 --> 138.76] Homecoming +[138.76 --> 138.96] please +[142.86 --> 142.96] Prayer +[142.96 --> 143.84] Hope +[143.84 --> 144.76] I was a snake +[144.76 --> 146.80] Come keep +[146.80 --> 147.18] a dozen +[147.18 --> 147.64] And sing +[147.64 --> 148.26] Ele בח +[148.26 --> 149.18] bien +[149.18 --> 150.10] Your love +[150.10 --> 150.14] By new +[150.14 --> 150.90] oops +[150.90 --> 150.98] I am +[150.98 --> 151.90] I see grace +[151.90 --> 153.90] I see grace +[153.90 --> 155.04] Hallelujah, I stand amazed +[155.66 --> 156.58] It's amazing +[156.58 --> 158.10] You do +[158.10 --> 159.04] You do +[159.04 --> 159.54] Our holiness +[159.54 --> 160.78] Are zeker +[160.78 --> 161.00] José +[161.00 --> 162.12] All my 그다음에 +[162.12 --> 163.12] May +[163.12 --> 164.40] I am +[164.40 --> 165.68] May +[165.68 --> 167.68] ko +[195.68 --> 197.68] Oh, grace. +[197.68 --> 199.68] Oh, grace. +[199.68 --> 205.68] Grace that is greater than all I see. +[225.68 --> 227.68] Oh, grace. +[227.68 --> 229.68] Thank you. +[229.68 --> 231.68] Thank you. +[255.68 --> 258.68] He's coming on the clouds. +[258.68 --> 262.68] Kings and kingdoms will bow down. +[266.68 --> 269.68] And every chain will break. +[269.68 --> 273.68] His broken hearts declare his praise. +[273.68 --> 278.68] Who can stop the Lord Almighty? +[278.68 --> 284.68] Our God is the lion, the lion of doom. +[284.68 --> 286.68] Good morning. +[286.68 --> 290.68] Welcome to church this morning. +[290.68 --> 294.68] If you are a guest with us, my name is Chris and I'm one of the pastors here. +[294.68 --> 300.68] And it's my privilege, along with a few others, to lead in our worship together this morning. +[300.68 --> 303.68] Before we begin, there are a couple announcements to make. +[303.68 --> 305.68] And so I'm going to invite Linda to come up to the front. +[305.68 --> 307.68] And then after Linda, Nikki's going to come up. +[307.68 --> 311.68] And they're going to roll through just a couple announcements. +[311.68 --> 317.68] I did want to announce, while they're making their way up, that youth coffee is this morning. +[317.68 --> 320.68] And so that's for people in our youth program. +[320.68 --> 330.68] Or if you are in that age group of grade eight through high school, you can go hang out at the Rollemans house after church today for coffee and lunch and the like. +[330.68 --> 332.68] And so Rollemans, wave your hands. +[332.68 --> 333.68] There you go. +[333.68 --> 334.68] Need directions. +[334.68 --> 335.68] That's them. +[335.68 --> 336.68] Or Pastor Kevin can also help. +[336.68 --> 337.68] Kevin, wave your hand. +[337.68 --> 338.68] There he is. +[338.68 --> 341.68] He'll get you there together. +[341.68 --> 342.68] Please. +[342.68 --> 343.68] Good morning. +[343.68 --> 347.68] My name is Linda and I'm from the women's ministry team. +[347.68 --> 352.68] I just want to give you an update on the women's retreat that's coming up March the 8th. +[352.68 --> 356.68] Just to remind you, registration deadline is February the 9th. +[356.68 --> 359.68] And the payment deadline is February 16th. +[359.68 --> 363.68] If you did sign up, put your name on the list, you should have received an email. +[363.68 --> 367.68] And that email would have given you a link with all the registration details. +[367.68 --> 374.68] If you need help with the registration or if you'd like to sign up or if you have questions, we'll be at the Connect booth at the back of the church. +[374.68 --> 379.68] So come and join us and we'll talk to you then. +[379.68 --> 381.68] Good morning. +[381.68 --> 388.68] I just want to draw your attention again to an initiative that we are joining here in Langley, the coldest night of the year. +[388.68 --> 391.68] And this is happening on February 24th. +[391.68 --> 393.68] So in a few weeks now. +[393.68 --> 399.68] If you look up here, you can see just a wonderful group of people that you might want to be a part of this year. +[399.68 --> 403.68] If you haven't or if you have and want to be a part of it again. +[403.68 --> 412.68] We are walking and raising awareness for issues such as poverty and homelessness, addiction in our community and supporting the Gateway of Hope, +[412.68 --> 418.68] which is a local organization who works with people struggling with those things every day. +[418.68 --> 427.68] So if you want to be a part of the team, you would be committing to doing some sort of fundraising or raising awareness for this organization. +[427.68 --> 433.68] And then on February 24, we gather at Gateway of Hope with everybody who has supported them. +[433.68 --> 437.68] Together we walk a five kilometer route that they have mapped out. +[437.68 --> 443.68] And then you are welcome to also stay there for a light meal at Gateway of Hope. +[443.68 --> 447.68] And you can chat with others from our team or other teams. +[447.68 --> 452.68] And then that all is kind of wrapped up between, I don't remember the times. +[452.68 --> 456.68] I think it's kind of between 5 and 7 p.m. on the 24th. +[456.68 --> 459.68] But you can come and ask me or Google it for more info. +[459.68 --> 461.68] We'd love to have you on our team. +[461.68 --> 468.68] In the past, a few years ago, we were their number one fundraisers for a couple years. +[468.68 --> 473.68] And we were kind of challenged by the Living Waters, I think. +[473.68 --> 479.68] They kind of beat us out last year and wanted to join a friendly competition, which we haven't committed to. +[479.68 --> 481.68] But if, you know, we blew them out of the water, why not? +[481.68 --> 483.68] So come and join us if you have questions. +[483.68 --> 486.68] Feel free to talk to me after the service. +[487.68 --> 490.68] Nicky, did you just invite us to blow them out of the Living Water? +[490.68 --> 498.68] Living Waters Church is also one of our, was last season one of our rivals in baseball. +[498.68 --> 500.68] And they beat us there, so we need to beat them here. +[503.68 --> 506.68] Before we begin, one last announcement. +[506.68 --> 510.68] Thursday night, Cadets was hosted here. +[510.68 --> 514.68] And there was a pair of glasses that were left after that event. +[514.68 --> 519.68] So if you were part of Cadets or picked up or dropped off one of the boys at Cadets and you left your glasses here, +[519.68 --> 521.68] talk to me afterwards. +[521.68 --> 522.68] I have them in my study. +[522.68 --> 524.68] I would love to give them to you. +[524.68 --> 528.68] Let's stand together as we come into God's presence for worship. +[532.68 --> 541.68] We gather in the presence of our good God and we receive his greeting as he meets us in this place in power. +[541.68 --> 550.68] Grace, mercy, and peace to you from God our Father, from the Lord Jesus Christ, Son, and our Savior, +[550.68 --> 553.68] through the presence and power of the Holy Spirit. +[554.68 --> 555.68] Amen. +[556.68 --> 559.68] I'm going to invite you to turn to those around you and welcome them into worship. +[559.68 --> 562.68] That can be with a handshake or a head nod. +[564.68 --> 566.68] . +[566.68 --> 567.68] . +[567.68 --> 579.68] Isaiah 60 verses 1 to 3 says, +[579.68 --> 586.68] Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of us will be the glory of us. +[586.68 --> 587.68] . +[587.68 --> 588.68] . +[588.68 --> 589.68] . +[589.68 --> 590.68] . +[590.68 --> 591.68] . +[591.68 --> 592.68] . +[592.68 --> 593.68] . +[593.68 --> 594.68] . +[594.68 --> 595.68] . +[595.68 --> 596.68] . +[596.68 --> 603.68] . +[603.68 --> 604.68] . +[604.68 --> 605.68] . +[605.68 --> 612.68] . +[612.68 --> 613.68] . +[613.68 --> 614.68] . +[614.68 --> 615.68] . +[615.68 --> 622.68] . +[622.68 --> 623.68] . +[623.68 --> 624.68] . +[624.68 --> 625.68] . +[625.68 --> 627.68] . +[627.68 --> 628.68] . +[628.68 --> 629.68] . +[629.68 --> 632.68] . +[632.68 --> 633.68] . +[633.68 --> 635.68] . +[635.68 --> 637.68] . +[637.68 --> 639.68] . +[639.68 --> 640.68] . +[640.68 --> 648.30] Oh, church of God, say, church of our own +[648.30 --> 652.30] In the call of Christ our captain +[652.30 --> 658.16] For now we say that they are strong +[658.16 --> 661.64] In the strength of God's healing +[661.64 --> 667.16] Shield of faith and of truth +[667.16 --> 672.12] We stand against the devil's lies +[672.12 --> 677.66] On and on, the battle of God is born +[677.66 --> 681.04] Reaching out to the walls of God +[681.04 --> 694.84] Our call to the Lord, to love the Catholic soul +[694.84 --> 698.76] But to reach the midst of the captain +[698.76 --> 704.50] In this war, that makes the world more +[704.50 --> 707.82] In the life with faith and power +[707.82 --> 713.48] In this with child on every side +[713.48 --> 717.80] They know the outcome is secure +[717.80 --> 723.94] And Christ will have, the price for which he died +[723.94 --> 727.92] Where the earth is the nation +[727.92 --> 737.98] A bright shine for your light as bright +[737.98 --> 747.32] A bright shine for the risen sun +[747.32 --> 757.30] Lift your eyes, you are His great and bright +[757.30 --> 764.72] The rise of church, O God +[764.72 --> 771.32] I see Christ, where love and mercy means +[771.86 --> 775.32] As the Son of God is stricken +[775.32 --> 781.50] And see His foes, my flesh beneath His feet +[781.50 --> 785.48] For the conqueror is risen +[785.48 --> 790.44] As the Son of God is all awake +[790.44 --> 795.24] And Christ emerges from His grave +[795.24 --> 799.32] His pleasure comes to His sin +[799.32 --> 801.32] And He will be the King +[801.32 --> 803.50] Every heart and heart shall see +[803.50 --> 805.50] And He will be the King +[805.50 --> 809.48] He is the Holy Spirit, God +[809.48 --> 813.34] In every step my another +[813.34 --> 815.66] In every step ac frenesty +[815.66 --> 817.66] Oh +[845.66 --> 847.66] Oh +[875.66 --> 877.66] Oh +[905.66 --> 908.62] We are +[908.62 --> 909.42] His +[909.42 --> 911.74] Radiant +[911.74 --> 913.04] God +[913.04 --> 914.16] Oh +[914.16 --> 915.00] The +[915.00 --> 918.14] Church +[918.14 --> 919.16] Oh +[919.16 --> 919.98] I +[919.98 --> 921.54] I +[921.54 --> 923.54] I +[923.54 --> 925.54] I +[925.54 --> 927.54] I +[927.54 --> 929.54] I +[929.54 --> 931.54] I +[931.54 --> 933.54] I +[933.54 --> 937.42] I +[937.42 --> 939.42] I +[939.42 --> 941.42] I +[941.42 --> 943.42] I +[943.42 --> 945.42] I +[945.42 --> 947.42] I +[947.42 --> 949.42] I +[949.42 --> 951.42] I +[951.42 --> 953.42] I +[953.42 --> 955.42] I +[955.42 --> 957.42] I +[957.42 --> 959.42] I +[959.42 --> 961.42] I +[961.42 --> 963.42] I +[963.42 --> 964.10] I +[964.10 --> 965.42] To +[965.42 --> 967.42] Calvary +[968.32 --> 969.42] Where +[970.42 --> 971.04] Jesus +[971.04 --> 973.42] blathered +[973.42 --> 974.80] And died +[974.80 --> 975.54] For +[975.54 --> 976.70] me +[976.70 --> 977.42] I +[977.42 --> 977.76] I +[977.76 --> 978.30] I +[978.30 --> 979.30] I +[979.30 --> 980.30] I +[980.30 --> 981.30] I +[981.30 --> 983.30] I +[983.30 --> 985.30] I +[985.30 --> 986.30] I +[987.50 --> 989.30] I +[989.30 --> 991.30] I +[991.30 --> 992.30] I +[992.30 --> 993.30] I +[993.30 --> 1003.14] He's falling out and drenched in tears +[1003.14 --> 1010.26] Been laid down in Joseph's tomb +[1010.26 --> 1017.56] He had dressed still by heavy stone +[1017.56 --> 1024.78] Messiah still and all alone +[1024.78 --> 1036.78] O praise the name of the Lord our God +[1036.78 --> 1043.92] O praise His name forevermore +[1043.92 --> 1051.06] For endless days we will sing Your praise +[1051.06 --> 1057.14] O Lord, O Lord our God +[1057.14 --> 1067.30] Break a hurt and break a tongue +[1067.30 --> 1074.44] The Son of Heaven rose again +[1074.44 --> 1080.52] O temple down where is Your sting +[1080.52 --> 1087.66] He's just called, O Christ the King +[1087.66 --> 1098.86] O praise the name of the Lord our God +[1098.86 --> 1106.00] O praise His name forevermore +[1106.00 --> 1112.08] For endless days we will sing Your praise +[1112.08 --> 1119.22] O Lord, O Lord our God +[1119.22 --> 1128.76] Shall return in robes of white +[1129.36 --> 1136.20] The holy sun shall pierce the night +[1136.20 --> 1143.58] Then I will rise upon the saints +[1143.58 --> 1151.34] My haste transmits on Jesus' face +[1151.34 --> 1156.42] O Lord, O Lord our God +[1156.42 --> 1158.78] Ha' name, O Lord our Father +[1158.78 --> 1159.62] How'd you abre the mind +[1159.62 --> 1160.48] So praise May God +[1160.48 --> 1161.48] Am O Lord our God +[1161.48 --> 1163.26] God +[1163.26 --> 1164.34] Of course +[1164.34 --> 1165.42] We are through modest +[1165.42 --> 1165.48] O Lord our God +[1165.48 --> 1166.48] Every day we have +[1166.48 --> 1168.24] O Lord our God +[1168.24 --> 1170.44] To Christ +[1170.44 --> 1171.52] Or our God +[1171.52 --> 1172.92] We are through +[1172.92 --> 1173.76] Lord our God +[1173.76 --> 1174.62] That we are ng working +[1174.62 --> 1175.62] Amen. +[1204.62 --> 1206.62] Amen. +[1234.62 --> 1236.62] Amen. +[1264.62 --> 1266.62] Amen. +[1266.62 --> 1268.62] Amen. +[1268.62 --> 1270.62] Amen. +[1270.62 --> 1272.62] Amen. +[1272.62 --> 1274.62] Amen. +[1274.62 --> 1276.62] Amen. +[1276.62 --> 1278.62] Amen. +[1278.62 --> 1280.62] Amen. +[1280.62 --> 1282.62] Amen. +[1282.62 --> 1284.62] Amen. +[1284.62 --> 1293.62] God, Father, Spirit, Son, Holy Trinity, Three in One, we praise your name in response to what you have done. +[1293.62 --> 1303.62] Forgive us when we get lost in the mystery of your sovereignty and spiral with questions in our mind instead of bringing everything to you in worship, even our doubts. +[1303.62 --> 1313.62] Offer us your mercy again and open our hearts to understand the magnitude of what you have done for us as you will reveal to us in your word. +[1313.62 --> 1321.62] Open our eyes that we may see past our apathy towards your gospel and truly see the sacrifice you gave on the cross. +[1321.62 --> 1329.62] That your Son, Jesus Christ, died the death we deserve, taking our sin upon himself. +[1329.62 --> 1336.62] That in Christ's victory over the grave, we rise with him in victory to live as sons and daughters of eternity. +[1336.62 --> 1344.62] May we not be deaf to this truth, but joyfully submit our lives to you as a living sacrifice in graceful worship. +[1344.62 --> 1356.62] May we know and live this truth as we are reminded in the Heidelberg Catechism and Lord's Day One, proclaiming what our only comfort in life and death is. +[1356.62 --> 1365.62] That I am not my own, but belong, body and soul, and life and death, and my faithful Savior, Jesus Christ. +[1365.62 --> 1375.62] He was the only day for all my sins with his precious blood, and that set me free from the tyranny of the devil. +[1375.62 --> 1384.62] He also watches over me in such a way that my care can fall from my head without the will of my Father in heaven. +[1384.62 --> 1389.62] In fact, all things must work together for my salvation. +[1389.62 --> 1396.62] Because I belong to him, Christ, by his Holy Spirit, assures me of eternal life, +[1396.62 --> 1402.62] and makes me wholeheartedly willing and ready from now on to live with the kingdom. +[1402.62 --> 1423.62] I belong to him. +[1423.62 --> 1430.62] So bring me the joy of my salvation. +[1430.62 --> 1439.62] Take me back to where it all began. +[1439.62 --> 1451.62] Lord, I am the one who is your presence. +[1451.62 --> 1453.62] How I want you. +[1453.62 --> 1455.62] I want you. +[1455.62 --> 1458.62] Be there once again. +[1458.62 --> 1467.62] And if I, that the world can't put out then the flame, +[1467.62 --> 1477.62] till loving between us remains, my life is an altar to you. +[1477.62 --> 1488.02] Breathe again on the endless heaven in my heart +[1488.02 --> 1492.56] I'm not taken back to the start +[1492.56 --> 1496.82] My life is an altar to you +[1496.82 --> 1506.92] You will be a pure and living spirit +[1506.92 --> 1517.32] Take me back to where it all He had +[1517.32 --> 1524.84] For it all He gave so long the game +[1528.84 --> 1535.04] How I longed you to be there once again +[1535.04 --> 1543.44] Light a fire that the world can't burn out and burn away +[1543.44 --> 1548.44] Fill my pain between us today +[1548.44 --> 1553.44] My life is an altar to you +[1553.44 --> 1563.44] Breathe again on the embers that burn in my heart +[1563.44 --> 1567.44] And love take me back to the start +[1567.44 --> 1571.84] My life is an altar to you +[1571.84 --> 1577.84] But I'm sorry +[1577.84 --> 1583.84] Please forgive me +[1583.84 --> 1589.84] For when I'm gone cold +[1589.84 --> 1594.24] Lord I need you +[1594.24 --> 1598.64] How I need you +[1598.64 --> 1602.64] To awake my heart +[1602.64 --> 1604.64] And I'm sorry +[1604.64 --> 1610.64] That the world can't burn out and burn away +[1610.64 --> 1614.64] Till nothing between us remains +[1614.64 --> 1623.04] My life is an altar to you +[1623.04 --> 1629.04] Breathe again on the embers that burn in my heart +[1629.04 --> 1633.04] I'm not taken back to the start +[1633.04 --> 1637.44] My life is an altar to you +[1637.44 --> 1651.76] As open, as you trail +[1651.76 --> 1652.44] I'm not taken from now +[1652.44 --> 1653.44] I'm not taken from now +[1653.44 --> 1655.32] Your lack is an altar to you +[1655.32 --> 1656.40] Plant that burn in my heart +[1656.40 --> 1657.88] My life is an altar to you +[1657.88 --> 1664.50] All the earth will shout your praise +[1664.50 --> 1669.26] Our hearts will cry, each foes will sing +[1669.26 --> 1676.70] Great are you, Lord +[1676.70 --> 1682.84] All the earth will shout your praise +[1682.84 --> 1687.62] Our hearts will cry, each foes will sing +[1687.62 --> 1694.46] Great are you, Lord +[1694.46 --> 1701.12] All the earth will shout your praise +[1701.12 --> 1705.92] Our hearts will cry, each foes will sing +[1705.92 --> 1713.28] Great are you, Lord +[1713.28 --> 1718.58] It's your breath in our lungs +[1718.58 --> 1721.84] So we pour out our praise +[1721.84 --> 1723.88] We pour out our praise +[1723.88 --> 1727.58] It's your breath in our lungs +[1727.58 --> 1730.84] So we pour out our praise +[1730.84 --> 1732.58] You always +[1732.58 --> 1736.70] It's your breath in our lungs +[1736.70 --> 1740.00] So we pour out our praise +[1740.00 --> 1741.96] We pour out our praise +[1741.96 --> 1745.72] It's your breath in our lungs +[1745.72 --> 1748.86] So we pour out our praise +[1748.86 --> 1762.36] God, I'm sorry +[1762.36 --> 1768.40] Please forgive me +[1768.40 --> 1774.28] For when I've gone cold +[1774.28 --> 1777.96] Lord, I need you +[1777.96 --> 1782.84] How I need you +[1782.84 --> 1789.24] To awake my soul +[1789.24 --> 1814.50] For you are deep and broken within +[1814.50 --> 1820.16] Overwhelmed by the weight of your sin +[1820.16 --> 1822.92] Jesus is calling +[1822.92 --> 1830.76] Have you come to the end of yourself? +[1830.76 --> 1835.80] Do you thirst for a drink from the well? +[1835.80 --> 1838.46] Jesus is calling +[1838.46 --> 1845.18] Welcome to the altar +[1845.18 --> 1850.80] The Father's arms are open wide +[1850.80 --> 1855.62] Forgiveness was bought with +[1855.62 --> 1861.80] The precious blood of Jesus Christ +[1861.80 --> 1872.18] Jesus is calling +[1872.18 --> 1873.42] Leave your mind +[1873.42 --> 1876.38] To the press and the states +[1876.38 --> 1878.06] Come today +[1878.06 --> 1881.16] There's no reason to wait +[1881.16 --> 1883.72] Jesus is calling +[1883.72 --> 1888.72] Bring your sorrows +[1888.72 --> 1890.80] And drink and the joy +[1890.80 --> 1893.38] When the ashes +[1893.38 --> 1895.94] A new life is born +[1895.94 --> 1898.54] Jesus is calling +[1898.54 --> 1905.18] Welcome to the altar +[1905.18 --> 1910.52] The Father's arms are open wide +[1910.52 --> 1915.12] Forgiveness was bought with +[1915.12 --> 1919.80] The precious blood of Jesus Christ +[1919.80 --> 1920.40] Oh, Jesus Christ +[1920.40 --> 1922.24] Forgiveness was bought with +[1922.24 --> 1929.20] The precious blood of Jesus Christ +[1929.20 --> 1934.74] Forgiveness was bought with +[1934.74 --> 1941.50] The precious blood of Jesus Christ. +[1951.50 --> 1961.12] Our Savior, isn't He wonderful? +[1961.12 --> 1968.40] Sing Alleluia, Christ is risen. +[1970.88 --> 1981.16] Bow down before Him, for He is Lord of all. +[1981.16 --> 1987.32] Sing Alleluia, Christ is risen. +[1991.12 --> 1993.62] Oh, what a Savior. +[1995.94 --> 1999.54] Isn't He wonderful? +[2000.68 --> 2006.12] Sing Alleluia, Christ is risen. +[2009.12 --> 2018.12] Bow down before Him, for He is Lord of all. +[2018.12 --> 2025.12] Sing Alleluia, Christ is risen. +[2025.12 --> 2032.12] Bow down before Him, for He is Lord of all. +[2032.12 --> 2034.40] Come to the altar. +[2034.40 --> 2039.98] The Father's arms are open wide. +[2040.34 --> 2049.40] Forgiveness was bought with the precious blood of Jesus Christ. +[2049.40 --> 2056.40] May He is Lord of all. +[2056.40 --> 2058.68] The Father's arms are open wide. +[2058.68 --> 2068.40] Forgiveness was bought with the precious blood of Jesus Christ. +[2068.40 --> 2069.40] He is Lord of all. +[2069.40 --> 2070.40] He is Lord of all. +[2070.40 --> 2071.40] He is Lord of all. +[2071.40 --> 2073.40] He is Lord of all. +[2073.40 --> 2074.40] He is Lord of all. +[2074.40 --> 2078.40] He is Lord of all. +[2078.40 --> 2082.40] Bear your cross as you wait for the crown. +[2082.40 --> 2088.40] Tell the world of the treasure you've found. +[2088.40 --> 2105.40] Tell the Lord of all. +[2105.40 --> 2115.76] Before we worship in our offering, we just wanted to take a moment and acknowledge and send and pray for the Raukema family. +[2116.62 --> 2122.46] Some of you have heard already, but Justin has accepted the call to be the lead pastor +[2122.46 --> 2125.38] at Fleetwood CRC over in Fleetwood. +[2125.80 --> 2130.76] And so they will be, they're not cheering because you left, they're excited for you +[2130.76 --> 2133.08] and your professional career. +[2135.58 --> 2141.84] And so the Raghmas have been with us for a little while, about a year now, and they +[2141.84 --> 2146.82] became part of us in the midst of transitions in life and the like. +[2147.70 --> 2151.36] And we have been their church family for the last year. +[2151.48 --> 2156.18] And so we really did want to send you guys out with prayer and with blessing. +[2156.96 --> 2159.06] And so we're going to do that really quickly. +[2159.06 --> 2164.34] And so Raghmas, those of you who have agreed to come up to the front, would you please +[2164.34 --> 2167.92] come up to the front and we're going to pray over you together. +[2171.84 --> 2178.28] Why don't you come up here for a moment and then we'll move down in a second. +[2179.74 --> 2181.94] I know I didn't say all the way up on stage. +[2182.04 --> 2182.62] Sorry, girls. +[2183.84 --> 2184.18] No, no, no. +[2184.24 --> 2185.76] I mean, like now all the way. +[2185.80 --> 2187.90] I didn't warn you all the way up on stage. +[2188.02 --> 2188.30] Sorry. +[2190.42 --> 2192.44] We're all just fumbling our way forward here. +[2192.54 --> 2192.98] That's it. +[2192.98 --> 2201.04] Our prayer for you and for your family is Paul's prayer in Romans 15. +[2201.82 --> 2202.46] Paul says, +[2202.80 --> 2208.76] May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him so that you may overflow +[2208.76 --> 2211.72] with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. +[2211.72 --> 2219.54] We want that for you as you begin in this community, in this service, and in this Church of Jesus +[2219.54 --> 2219.96] Christ. +[2220.48 --> 2227.06] And as you go from us to lead them, may you always know that God is with you and go in +[2227.06 --> 2228.54] the hope and the power of his name. +[2229.50 --> 2233.38] Justin, in your work, always remember Paul's words to Timothy. +[2234.10 --> 2234.64] He says, +[2234.64 --> 2235.42] Preach the word. +[2235.84 --> 2238.06] Be prepared in season and out of season. +[2238.26 --> 2242.58] Correct, rebuke, and encourage with great patience and careful instruction. +[2243.36 --> 2246.54] For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. +[2246.98 --> 2251.28] Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers +[2251.28 --> 2254.22] to say what their itching ears want to hear. +[2255.18 --> 2258.36] They'll turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths. +[2259.08 --> 2263.06] But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, +[2263.06 --> 2268.42] do the work of the evangelist, and discharge all the duties of your ministry. +[2269.40 --> 2273.60] That's the call for the work that we are privileged to do. +[2274.12 --> 2278.86] I pray that the Lord surrounds you not with people whose ears are itching for what they +[2278.86 --> 2284.12] want to hear, but for whose ears are longing for the words of Christ. +[2284.80 --> 2287.42] May you preach to them the words of Christ. +[2288.30 --> 2292.32] We're going to pray over Justin and Amanda and their family, and so I'm going to invite you +[2292.32 --> 2293.60] guys to go down in front of the table. +[2294.70 --> 2298.92] If you're an elder here, or if you've been on a journey of life and faith with the Rauchemas, +[2299.26 --> 2304.14] or if you just love them and want to pray over them, we invite you to come up now at this time, +[2304.60 --> 2310.48] lay hands on them, and if you don't want to come to the front but would like to hold your hand out +[2310.48 --> 2314.08] in so doing, we invite you and encourage you to do that as well. +[2314.08 --> 2333.44] Holy God and Heavenly Father, +[2334.40 --> 2341.88] from the beginning of time, you have called people into service for your name, +[2341.88 --> 2346.40] and you have charged them to proclaim your gospel. +[2348.54 --> 2351.94] God, how beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news, +[2352.48 --> 2358.14] and how absolutely critical for our salvation is the proclamation of that truth. +[2358.14 --> 2366.06] And so for Justin, and for the whole Rauchema family, we pray your blessing upon them now. +[2367.50 --> 2371.68] Send them out in the power of your Holy Spirit that they might know your constant provision, +[2372.14 --> 2378.24] they might know your constant nearness, they might know your constant always and forever love. +[2378.24 --> 2386.06] And with Paul, we pray, may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, +[2386.56 --> 2390.50] so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. +[2391.00 --> 2393.74] In Jesus' name we pray. Amen. +[2394.56 --> 2394.94] Amen. +[2394.94 --> 2400.56] You may have to see. Thank you. +[2404.22 --> 2407.88] Justin officially starts tomorrow at Fleetwood, +[2408.04 --> 2410.84] and so if you can grab them after service and encourage them +[2410.84 --> 2413.26] and send them out with a blessing, that would be appreciated. +[2414.22 --> 2416.12] Now we can invite the deacon up to the front. +[2416.12 --> 2416.16] Amen. +[2416.16 --> 2416.56] Amen. +[2424.94 --> 2443.00] Good morning. +[2443.58 --> 2448.34] Today's offering is for name through North American Indigenous Ministries. +[2448.34 --> 2453.46] Tim and Charity Johnson and their family work with the Shuswap First Nations +[2453.46 --> 2457.08] to develop relationships with youth and young families. +[2457.66 --> 2462.50] They are working towards a grounded and strong identity and understanding +[2462.50 --> 2466.44] of who the creator is and the love he has for all people. +[2466.74 --> 2467.20] Thank you. +[2467.20 --> 2467.26] Thank you. +[2467.26 --> 2471.26] Thank you. +[2483.46 --> 2485.46] Thank you. +[2485.46 --> 2513.44] Thank you. +[2513.46 --> 2520.46] Jesus, I give you all. +[2520.46 --> 2528.94] Every part of me cries out your name. +[2528.94 --> 2534.20] Jesus, I give you all. +[2534.20 --> 2564.18] Lord, I want to be pleasing to you. +[2564.20 --> 2565.04] Lord, I want you all. +[2565.04 --> 2576.02] Lord, I want you all to hold my light and be the one that you shine through. +[2577.20 --> 2584.70] Jesus, I give you all. +[2584.70 --> 2588.74] Every heart of me +[2588.74 --> 2591.44] Rise out shortly +[2591.44 --> 2597.28] Jesus I give you all +[2597.28 --> 2603.44] And all in glory +[2603.44 --> 2607.48] And all in glory +[2607.48 --> 2610.88] And all in glory +[2610.88 --> 2618.72] Jesus I give you all +[2618.72 --> 2623.10] Every heart of me +[2623.10 --> 2626.06] Rise out shortly +[2626.06 --> 2633.06] Jesus I give you all +[2633.06 --> 2637.18] Living and holy +[2637.18 --> 2640.66] Living and holy +[2640.66 --> 2643.18] Living and holy +[2643.18 --> 2647.02] Living and holy for you +[2647.02 --> 2659.14] Good morning +[2659.14 --> 2660.30] If I can invite all the +[2660.30 --> 2661.44] I think three year olds +[2661.44 --> 2662.24] Up to grade four +[2662.24 --> 2664.52] Come on up for a children's blessing +[2664.52 --> 2675.30] Hi guys +[2675.30 --> 2677.78] It's been a while since I've seen you +[2677.78 --> 2678.38] How are you? +[2679.20 --> 2679.72] Good +[2679.72 --> 2681.68] Hey do you guys know what the term +[2681.68 --> 2683.84] All in means? +[2684.64 --> 2685.16] No +[2685.16 --> 2687.26] When you're all in on something +[2687.26 --> 2689.58] You put in all the cards +[2689.58 --> 2691.28] You put in all your energy +[2691.28 --> 2693.10] What do you think that means? +[2693.10 --> 2694.92] Going full out +[2694.92 --> 2695.94] Fully committed +[2695.94 --> 2697.62] Well when it comes to Lego +[2697.62 --> 2698.72] I'm all in +[2698.72 --> 2699.68] Can you tell? +[2700.54 --> 2701.88] I got me a hat +[2701.88 --> 2703.94] And I got me a watch +[2703.94 --> 2705.86] And I got me a homemade necklace +[2705.86 --> 2708.24] And I take the catalogs with me +[2708.24 --> 2709.02] Everywhere I go +[2709.02 --> 2710.00] Just in case +[2710.00 --> 2711.28] The Christmas one +[2711.28 --> 2712.46] And the recent one +[2712.46 --> 2713.68] Maybe you guys just got it +[2713.68 --> 2714.08] In the mail +[2714.08 --> 2716.18] I even packed a little bit of Lego +[2716.18 --> 2717.72] Along for the afternoon +[2717.72 --> 2719.40] I won't play with it in church +[2719.40 --> 2720.76] So I'll pay attention +[2720.76 --> 2722.54] But I brought this Lego set +[2722.54 --> 2723.24] Right? +[2723.62 --> 2724.60] I can show you guys later +[2724.60 --> 2725.62] Oh man +[2725.62 --> 2726.58] Is there anything you guys +[2726.58 --> 2727.62] Are all in about? +[2728.46 --> 2729.64] What do you guys have ideas? +[2734.54 --> 2734.90] You're +[2734.90 --> 2735.84] Oh really? +[2735.90 --> 2736.86] You're also all in about Lego? +[2736.94 --> 2737.40] What about +[2737.40 --> 2738.30] What are you all in on? +[2739.30 --> 2740.18] Video games +[2740.18 --> 2740.88] For sure +[2740.88 --> 2742.22] Music? +[2742.50 --> 2743.06] Nice choice +[2743.06 --> 2743.64] What about +[2743.64 --> 2744.52] Let me ask you some questions +[2744.52 --> 2747.12] Would you guys be all in +[2747.12 --> 2748.38] For like +[2748.38 --> 2749.52] Eating ice cream +[2749.52 --> 2750.28] Every day? +[2750.78 --> 2750.96] Yeah? +[2751.18 --> 2751.52] Who would? +[2751.60 --> 2751.96] Who would? +[2752.26 --> 2752.90] Yeah me too +[2752.90 --> 2753.54] For sure +[2753.54 --> 2754.40] What about +[2754.40 --> 2755.82] Would you be all in +[2755.82 --> 2757.36] On going +[2757.36 --> 2758.72] To outer space? +[2759.82 --> 2760.02] Oh +[2760.02 --> 2760.76] Oh +[2760.76 --> 2762.32] Maybe +[2762.32 --> 2762.64] I know +[2762.64 --> 2763.70] That's +[2763.70 --> 2764.18] Okay +[2764.18 --> 2764.80] What about +[2764.80 --> 2765.88] Would you be all in +[2765.88 --> 2767.10] On getting a kitty? +[2768.10 --> 2768.46] Okay +[2768.46 --> 2768.94] Okay +[2768.94 --> 2769.28] Sure +[2769.28 --> 2770.02] What about +[2770.02 --> 2771.42] Would you be all in +[2771.42 --> 2773.04] On getting a tiger? +[2773.06 --> 2774.32] Who? +[2775.32 --> 2775.72] Oh +[2775.72 --> 2776.70] Not quite +[2776.70 --> 2776.98] Oh +[2776.98 --> 2777.62] I know +[2777.62 --> 2778.12] Sometimes +[2778.12 --> 2779.34] There's things +[2779.34 --> 2780.48] That we know +[2780.48 --> 2781.34] We should be all in +[2781.34 --> 2781.52] On +[2781.52 --> 2781.84] We're like +[2781.84 --> 2782.28] Well +[2782.28 --> 2783.86] Like a tiger +[2783.86 --> 2784.98] Or the outer space +[2784.98 --> 2785.58] It's just +[2785.58 --> 2786.18] I don't know +[2786.18 --> 2787.44] Maybe that's a bit much +[2787.44 --> 2789.82] Yeah +[2789.82 --> 2791.74] Totally on toys +[2791.74 --> 2793.18] So we're going to talk more +[2793.18 --> 2794.04] About what it means +[2794.04 --> 2794.92] To be all in +[2794.92 --> 2795.32] And in +[2795.32 --> 2796.18] Worship time +[2796.18 --> 2796.98] Children's worship time +[2796.98 --> 2798.02] We've been doing +[2798.02 --> 2798.82] The book of +[2798.82 --> 2799.70] Matthew +[2799.70 --> 2801.42] You guys may remember +[2801.42 --> 2802.24] So today we're going to +[2802.24 --> 2802.94] Keep talking about +[2802.94 --> 2803.56] The book of Matthew +[2803.56 --> 2804.56] And there is a +[2804.56 --> 2806.28] Big verse in the book of Matthew +[2806.28 --> 2807.76] That calls us to be all in +[2807.76 --> 2808.90] For certain something +[2808.90 --> 2809.76] Okay +[2809.76 --> 2810.22] And +[2810.22 --> 2810.70] Here +[2810.70 --> 2811.24] Do you guys see the +[2811.24 --> 2812.26] Lord's supper table here? +[2812.74 --> 2814.14] There's another reminder +[2814.14 --> 2814.94] To us +[2814.94 --> 2815.96] About how Jesus +[2815.96 --> 2817.56] Was all in +[2817.56 --> 2818.56] For us +[2818.56 --> 2819.18] So +[2819.18 --> 2820.22] We have that reminder +[2820.22 --> 2820.90] To look forward to +[2820.90 --> 2821.46] Today too +[2821.46 --> 2822.24] Okay +[2822.24 --> 2823.28] And we'll talk more +[2823.28 --> 2824.30] In children's worship time +[2824.30 --> 2824.52] Okay +[2824.52 --> 2825.70] Let's stand together +[2825.70 --> 2826.46] And we'll do the +[2826.46 --> 2827.34] Children's blessing +[2827.34 --> 2828.70] We'll bless our +[2828.70 --> 2830.30] Family and friends +[2830.30 --> 2831.06] That are staying here +[2831.06 --> 2831.68] For the service +[2831.68 --> 2832.92] And they will bless us +[2832.92 --> 2834.12] As we go to learn more +[2834.12 --> 2835.46] In worship time +[2835.46 --> 2836.48] Alright +[2836.48 --> 2839.98] The Lord be with you +[2839.98 --> 2841.88] And also with you +[2841.88 --> 2864.04] Good morning +[2864.04 --> 2865.16] My name is Dave +[2865.16 --> 2866.04] I'm one of the elders +[2866.04 --> 2867.12] For this church community +[2867.12 --> 2868.76] I was reminded today +[2868.76 --> 2869.68] That it is my turn +[2869.68 --> 2871.34] To do our church family prayer +[2871.34 --> 2873.44] I was reminded +[2873.44 --> 2876.74] This won't be +[2876.74 --> 2877.96] Well rehearsed +[2877.96 --> 2879.50] But it is going to be sincere +[2879.50 --> 2882.50] Can we pray to our +[2882.50 --> 2883.16] Father together +[2883.16 --> 2886.36] Father +[2886.36 --> 2887.68] This is the day +[2887.68 --> 2888.42] That you have made +[2888.42 --> 2889.34] We rejoice +[2889.34 --> 2889.88] And we are +[2889.88 --> 2891.78] And we are glad in it +[2891.78 --> 2892.92] We thank you +[2892.92 --> 2893.72] For the opportunity +[2893.72 --> 2894.32] To meet us +[2894.32 --> 2894.94] Your church +[2894.94 --> 2895.88] And the church +[2895.88 --> 2895.94] And the church +[2895.94 --> 2896.62] And the church +[2896.62 --> 2896.72] And the church +[2896.72 --> 2897.56] And the church +[2897.56 --> 2898.88] To celebrate your name +[2898.88 --> 2899.72] Father +[2899.72 --> 2900.62] We praise you +[2900.62 --> 2901.48] For the creation +[2901.48 --> 2902.12] Around us +[2902.12 --> 2903.38] The place where we live +[2903.38 --> 2905.44] We praise you +[2905.44 --> 2906.52] For this winter time +[2906.52 --> 2908.58] And all the seasons +[2908.58 --> 2909.54] That we can enjoy +[2909.54 --> 2912.26] And like the early +[2912.26 --> 2913.62] Story of the creation +[2913.62 --> 2914.68] We look out +[2914.68 --> 2915.20] And we see +[2915.20 --> 2916.26] That it is very good +[2916.26 --> 2917.82] Father +[2917.82 --> 2918.60] It is very important +[2918.60 --> 2919.36] That we come to you +[2919.36 --> 2920.36] In a time of confession +[2920.36 --> 2921.34] We confess +[2921.34 --> 2922.64] That we sin +[2922.64 --> 2923.48] Against each other +[2923.48 --> 2924.58] And we sin +[2924.58 --> 2925.26] Against you +[2925.26 --> 2926.46] We confess +[2926.46 --> 2928.38] The things +[2928.38 --> 2929.10] That we have done +[2929.10 --> 2930.58] And not done +[2930.58 --> 2931.94] We confess +[2931.94 --> 2932.50] The things +[2932.50 --> 2933.18] That we have said +[2933.18 --> 2933.72] And the things +[2933.72 --> 2934.74] That we have not said +[2934.74 --> 2936.04] Father +[2936.04 --> 2937.38] We confess +[2937.38 --> 2938.48] That we have many idols +[2938.48 --> 2941.18] Anything that it is +[2941.18 --> 2942.44] That we put before you +[2942.44 --> 2944.02] Our idols +[2944.02 --> 2944.86] Can be our work +[2944.86 --> 2945.60] Our career +[2945.60 --> 2946.72] Our possessions +[2946.72 --> 2947.66] Our status +[2947.66 --> 2949.22] Our nation +[2949.22 --> 2950.00] Politics +[2950.00 --> 2950.94] Ideology +[2950.94 --> 2952.00] Or our own +[2952.00 --> 2952.84] Sacred cows +[2952.84 --> 2954.78] Help us to put +[2954.78 --> 2956.80] All that aside +[2956.80 --> 2957.82] So that we can +[2957.82 --> 2958.60] Serve you better +[2958.60 --> 2960.14] By serving others +[2960.14 --> 2961.78] Father +[2961.78 --> 2962.68] We thank you +[2962.68 --> 2963.58] For the many things +[2963.58 --> 2964.18] In our lives +[2964.18 --> 2964.82] We thank you +[2964.82 --> 2965.44] For the leadership +[2965.44 --> 2966.02] That we have +[2966.02 --> 2966.64] In this church +[2966.64 --> 2967.94] We thank you +[2967.94 --> 2968.94] For Pastor Chris +[2968.94 --> 2969.76] And Pastor Kevin +[2969.76 --> 2970.36] And Josh +[2970.36 --> 2972.42] We ask that you +[2972.42 --> 2972.88] Help them +[2972.88 --> 2973.80] To faithfully share +[2973.80 --> 2974.92] Your word with us +[2974.92 --> 2976.18] We thank you +[2976.18 --> 2977.62] For our church council +[2977.62 --> 2978.34] The elders +[2978.34 --> 2979.16] And the deacons +[2979.16 --> 2979.88] Who have the +[2979.88 --> 2980.54] Responsibilities +[2980.54 --> 2981.44] For governance +[2981.44 --> 2982.38] Pastoral care +[2982.38 --> 2983.26] And benevolence +[2983.26 --> 2984.20] We thank you +[2984.20 --> 2984.84] For the important +[2984.84 --> 2985.46] Work that they +[2985.46 --> 2985.90] Could do +[2985.90 --> 2987.46] We thank you +[2987.46 --> 2987.94] For the many +[2987.94 --> 2988.48] Ministries +[2988.48 --> 2989.32] And volunteers +[2989.32 --> 2990.14] That this church +[2990.14 --> 2990.54] Has +[2990.54 --> 2992.32] Its missions +[2992.32 --> 2996.72] For meeting +[2996.72 --> 2997.56] Local needs +[2997.56 --> 2998.42] We think about +[2998.42 --> 2998.92] Nursery +[2998.92 --> 2999.76] Children's worship +[2999.76 --> 3000.18] Time +[3000.18 --> 3000.98] Gems +[3000.98 --> 3001.58] Cadets +[3001.58 --> 3002.44] Youth +[3002.44 --> 3003.26] Young adults +[3003.26 --> 3004.04] Care groups +[3004.04 --> 3004.64] And seniors +[3004.64 --> 3005.86] All of them +[3005.86 --> 3006.72] Are important +[3006.72 --> 3007.18] Ministries +[3007.18 --> 3007.84] To serve our +[3007.84 --> 3008.24] Community +[3008.24 --> 3009.12] And to bring +[3009.12 --> 3009.64] Us closer +[3009.64 --> 3010.28] To you +[3010.28 --> 3011.96] Father +[3011.96 --> 3012.56] We think about +[3012.56 --> 3013.00] The needs +[3013.00 --> 3013.60] That our church +[3013.60 --> 3014.48] Community has +[3014.48 --> 3015.58] We think about +[3015.58 --> 3016.14] Mary Joan +[3016.14 --> 3016.70] And Kevin +[3016.70 --> 3017.12] Who are going +[3017.12 --> 3017.72] To be traveling +[3017.72 --> 3019.42] As they mourn +[3019.42 --> 3019.88] The passing +[3019.88 --> 3020.94] Of Mary Joan's dad +[3020.94 --> 3022.18] We thank you +[3022.18 --> 3022.64] For the life +[3022.64 --> 3023.70] That he could live +[3023.70 --> 3024.88] And we +[3024.88 --> 3026.72] Pray for them +[3026.72 --> 3027.06] As they have +[3027.06 --> 3027.94] A time of memorial +[3027.94 --> 3029.20] And celebration +[3029.20 --> 3029.94] Of life +[3029.94 --> 3030.92] We think of +[3030.92 --> 3031.40] The family +[3031.40 --> 3031.84] Of Hank +[3031.84 --> 3033.56] Van Eyck +[3033.56 --> 3034.48] And his +[3034.48 --> 3034.88] Memorial +[3034.88 --> 3035.42] Coming up +[3035.42 --> 3035.92] On Saturday +[3035.92 --> 3036.78] We pray +[3036.78 --> 3037.18] That that +[3037.18 --> 3037.84] Be an important +[3037.84 --> 3038.60] Time for family +[3038.60 --> 3039.38] To come together +[3039.38 --> 3040.30] And celebrate +[3040.30 --> 3040.90] A life +[3040.90 --> 3041.50] That was well +[3041.50 --> 3041.86] Lived +[3041.86 --> 3043.22] We think about +[3043.22 --> 3043.60] Marlene +[3043.60 --> 3044.14] Bylinga +[3044.14 --> 3045.04] Who has been +[3045.04 --> 3045.48] Part of this +[3045.48 --> 3046.24] Community for so +[3046.24 --> 3046.58] Long +[3046.58 --> 3047.94] And has moved +[3047.94 --> 3048.40] To Vernon +[3048.40 --> 3049.34] We thank you +[3049.34 --> 3049.36] We thank you +[3049.36 --> 3050.74] For the important +[3050.74 --> 3051.68] Role she played +[3051.68 --> 3052.32] In this church +[3052.32 --> 3052.84] And at Langley +[3052.84 --> 3053.56] Christian School +[3053.56 --> 3054.52] We pray that +[3054.52 --> 3055.18] This adjustment +[3055.18 --> 3055.84] In her life +[3055.84 --> 3056.24] Will be +[3056.24 --> 3057.04] A very +[3057.04 --> 3058.98] Good one +[3058.98 --> 3059.48] For her +[3059.48 --> 3060.62] Father +[3060.62 --> 3061.24] We think about +[3061.24 --> 3061.70] All those +[3061.70 --> 3062.28] Who are grieving +[3062.28 --> 3063.36] Whether it's a loss +[3063.36 --> 3063.88] That has happened +[3063.88 --> 3064.32] Recently +[3064.32 --> 3065.36] Or if they're +[3065.36 --> 3066.16] Remembering a loss +[3066.16 --> 3066.70] That has happened +[3066.70 --> 3067.52] Some time ago +[3067.52 --> 3068.60] We pray that +[3068.60 --> 3069.36] They will continue +[3069.36 --> 3070.24] To feel the joy +[3070.24 --> 3071.06] Of friends +[3071.06 --> 3071.64] And family +[3071.64 --> 3072.54] Church community +[3072.54 --> 3073.74] And to feel +[3073.74 --> 3074.42] Your strength +[3074.42 --> 3075.20] And your comfort +[3075.20 --> 3076.98] Father we pray +[3076.98 --> 3077.52] For those +[3077.52 --> 3078.28] Who are unemployed +[3078.28 --> 3079.84] And looking for work +[3079.84 --> 3081.12] We pray for those +[3081.12 --> 3082.16] Who are underemployed +[3082.16 --> 3082.82] And looking for +[3082.82 --> 3084.54] Work that better +[3084.54 --> 3085.06] Suits them +[3085.06 --> 3086.50] We pray that +[3086.50 --> 3087.58] They will have +[3087.58 --> 3088.70] Chances to serve +[3088.70 --> 3089.94] Their community +[3089.94 --> 3090.76] Serve their family +[3090.76 --> 3091.82] Better +[3091.82 --> 3092.76] And in that way +[3092.76 --> 3093.64] They also honor +[3093.64 --> 3094.58] And glorify you +[3094.58 --> 3096.04] Father we think +[3096.04 --> 3096.70] About the offering +[3096.70 --> 3097.22] That we just +[3097.22 --> 3097.88] Collected for +[3097.88 --> 3098.58] North American +[3098.58 --> 3099.72] Indigenous ministries +[3099.72 --> 3100.64] We thank you +[3100.64 --> 3101.20] For the important +[3101.20 --> 3101.86] Work done by +[3101.86 --> 3102.56] Tim and Charity +[3102.56 --> 3104.08] We pray that +[3104.08 --> 3104.60] Their mission +[3104.60 --> 3106.56] To the +[3106.56 --> 3107.72] Shushua people +[3107.72 --> 3108.26] Around them +[3108.26 --> 3108.96] That there will +[3108.96 --> 3109.82] Be an opportunity +[3109.82 --> 3110.74] For them to +[3110.74 --> 3112.40] Share a better +[3112.40 --> 3113.44] Understanding of +[3113.44 --> 3113.94] The role of the +[3113.94 --> 3114.58] Creator in their +[3114.58 --> 3114.98] Lives +[3114.98 --> 3116.88] Father we think +[3116.88 --> 3117.58] About the message +[3117.58 --> 3118.08] That we are +[3118.08 --> 3119.28] Going to hear today +[3119.28 --> 3121.20] That we are to +[3121.20 --> 3122.40] Be living sacrifices +[3122.40 --> 3123.84] That we will not +[3123.84 --> 3124.78] Be conformed to +[3124.78 --> 3125.40] The patterns of +[3125.40 --> 3125.84] This world +[3125.84 --> 3126.82] But be transformed +[3126.82 --> 3128.14] By the renewing +[3128.14 --> 3128.80] Of our minds +[3128.80 --> 3130.46] We pray for +[3130.46 --> 3131.02] Chris who will +[3131.02 --> 3132.26] Be leading us +[3132.26 --> 3134.72] In that time +[3134.72 --> 3135.28] Of reflection +[3135.28 --> 3136.34] And we pray +[3136.34 --> 3137.30] That the words +[3137.30 --> 3137.84] He shares +[3137.84 --> 3138.78] Will be an +[3138.78 --> 3139.52] Accurate reflection +[3139.52 --> 3140.18] Of your will +[3140.18 --> 3140.94] For our lives +[3140.94 --> 3142.64] Father we pray +[3142.64 --> 3143.54] All these things +[3143.54 --> 3144.92] Not because we +[3144.92 --> 3146.08] Not because we +[3146.08 --> 3146.66] Deserve it +[3146.66 --> 3147.34] But we ask it +[3147.34 --> 3148.08] In Jesus name +[3148.08 --> 3149.38] Amen +[3149.38 --> 3164.96] If you have one +[3164.96 --> 3165.68] In front of you +[3165.68 --> 3166.00] I'm going to +[3166.00 --> 3166.30] In front of you +[3166.30 --> 3166.86] I want you to +[3166.86 --> 3168.00] Open a Bible +[3168.00 --> 3169.80] If you would +[3169.80 --> 3170.22] Like one +[3170.22 --> 3170.68] There's a few +[3170.68 --> 3171.24] At the back +[3171.24 --> 3171.96] You can grab +[3171.96 --> 3173.18] You can also +[3173.18 --> 3174.70] Turn your device +[3174.70 --> 3175.24] On if you have +[3175.24 --> 3175.66] One of those +[3175.66 --> 3176.18] With the Bible +[3176.18 --> 3176.88] App on it +[3176.88 --> 3178.00] Follow along +[3178.00 --> 3179.10] We're going to +[3179.10 --> 3180.00] Read this morning +[3180.00 --> 3181.08] From Romans 12 +[3181.08 --> 3182.72] Verse 1 and 2 +[3182.72 --> 3185.52] Let me read that +[3185.52 --> 3186.20] For us together +[3186.20 --> 3186.82] The first time +[3186.82 --> 3187.38] Through it will be +[3187.38 --> 3187.86] On the screen +[3187.86 --> 3188.34] Behind me +[3188.34 --> 3192.52] Therefore I urge +[3192.52 --> 3193.78] You brothers and +[3193.78 --> 3195.14] Sisters in view +[3195.14 --> 3196.42] Of God's mercy +[3196.42 --> 3197.94] To offer your +[3197.94 --> 3199.22] Bodies as a +[3199.22 --> 3200.32] Living sacrifice +[3200.32 --> 3201.96] Holy and pleasing +[3201.96 --> 3202.62] To God +[3202.62 --> 3204.54] This is your +[3204.54 --> 3206.06] True and proper +[3206.06 --> 3206.96] Worship +[3206.96 --> 3208.50] Do not conform +[3208.50 --> 3209.10] To the pattern +[3209.10 --> 3209.86] Of this world +[3209.86 --> 3211.04] But be transformed +[3211.04 --> 3212.36] By the renewing +[3212.36 --> 3213.76] Of your mind +[3213.76 --> 3215.78] Then you will +[3215.78 --> 3216.34] Be able to +[3216.34 --> 3217.28] Test and approve +[3217.28 --> 3218.12] What God's +[3218.12 --> 3218.96] Will is +[3218.96 --> 3219.92] His good +[3219.92 --> 3220.98] Pleasing +[3220.98 --> 3222.02] And perfect +[3222.02 --> 3223.06] Will +[3223.06 --> 3224.56] This is the +[3224.56 --> 3224.90] Word of the +[3224.90 --> 3225.10] Lord +[3225.10 --> 3231.58] So +[3231.58 --> 3232.84] True +[3232.84 --> 3233.72] Confessions +[3233.72 --> 3235.08] With Pastor +[3235.08 --> 3235.50] Chris +[3235.50 --> 3238.66] About +[3238.66 --> 3239.86] 25 minutes +[3239.86 --> 3240.32] Ago +[3240.32 --> 3241.20] Rachel +[3241.20 --> 3241.82] My lovely +[3241.82 --> 3242.38] Bride +[3242.38 --> 3243.14] Looked at +[3243.14 --> 3243.50] The order +[3243.50 --> 3244.12] Of service +[3244.12 --> 3244.64] And said +[3244.64 --> 3245.10] Oh you're +[3245.10 --> 3245.60] Preaching on +[3245.60 --> 3246.36] Romans 12 +[3246.36 --> 3247.20] Our wedding +[3247.20 --> 3247.66] Text +[3247.66 --> 3250.42] And that +[3250.42 --> 3250.76] Was the +[3250.76 --> 3251.72] First time +[3251.72 --> 3252.50] I had +[3252.50 --> 3253.08] Thought in +[3253.08 --> 3253.48] The last +[3253.48 --> 3253.86] Week of +[3253.86 --> 3254.40] Preparation +[3254.40 --> 3254.92] For today +[3254.92 --> 3255.60] That this +[3255.60 --> 3256.00] Was my +[3256.00 --> 3256.30] Wedding +[3256.30 --> 3256.74] Text +[3256.74 --> 3258.36] 17 years +[3258.36 --> 3258.70] Ago +[3258.70 --> 3259.50] Almost +[3259.50 --> 3260.18] 17 years +[3260.18 --> 3260.38] Ago +[3260.38 --> 3260.92] That math +[3260.92 --> 3261.30] Is right +[3261.30 --> 3261.66] Correct +[3261.66 --> 3262.12] Yeah +[3262.12 --> 3262.38] Good +[3262.38 --> 3266.12] And +[3266.12 --> 3268.02] That truth +[3268.02 --> 3268.86] Notwithstanding +[3268.86 --> 3269.54] May I +[3269.54 --> 3270.34] Just say +[3270.34 --> 3270.72] That +[3270.72 --> 3271.44] Rachel +[3271.44 --> 3272.20] Has learned +[3272.20 --> 3273.08] With grace +[3273.08 --> 3273.46] What it +[3273.46 --> 3273.76] Means +[3273.76 --> 3274.30] To be +[3274.30 --> 3274.82] A living +[3274.82 --> 3275.52] Sacrifice +[3275.52 --> 3276.06] Over these +[3276.06 --> 3276.84] Last 17 +[3276.84 --> 3277.26] Years +[3277.26 --> 3277.88] As she's +[3277.88 --> 3278.10] Had to +[3278.10 --> 3278.38] Deal with +[3278.38 --> 3278.64] Me +[3278.64 --> 3280.62] And I've +[3280.62 --> 3280.90] Learned +[3280.90 --> 3281.14] What it +[3281.14 --> 3281.34] Means +[3281.34 --> 3281.60] To be +[3281.60 --> 3282.14] Transformed +[3282.14 --> 3282.46] By the +[3282.46 --> 3282.76] Renewing +[3282.76 --> 3282.96] Of my +[3282.96 --> 3283.28] Mind +[3283.28 --> 3283.64] As I've +[3283.64 --> 3283.94] Had to +[3283.94 --> 3284.54] Realize +[3284.54 --> 3293.66] As we +[3293.66 --> 3293.78] As we +[3293.78 --> 3295.24] Come to +[3295.24 --> 3296.04] This +[3296.04 --> 3297.06] Text +[3297.06 --> 3298.32] And the +[3298.32 --> 3298.82] Reason why +[3298.82 --> 3299.12] I thought +[3299.12 --> 3299.32] It was +[3299.32 --> 3299.74] Fitting for +[3299.74 --> 3300.12] My wedding +[3300.12 --> 3300.56] All those +[3300.56 --> 3300.76] Years +[3300.76 --> 3301.30] Ago +[3301.30 --> 3304.56] I hope +[3304.56 --> 3305.08] We will +[3305.08 --> 3305.36] See +[3305.36 --> 3305.84] Together +[3305.84 --> 3308.12] That the +[3308.12 --> 3308.74] Only +[3308.74 --> 3309.30] Thing +[3309.30 --> 3309.88] That makes +[3309.88 --> 3310.22] Any +[3310.22 --> 3310.74] Sense +[3310.74 --> 3312.54] Is to +[3312.54 --> 3312.80] Give it +[3312.80 --> 3313.08] All to +[3313.08 --> 3313.34] God +[3313.34 --> 3315.42] That's +[3315.42 --> 3315.56] Our +[3315.56 --> 3315.96] Theme +[3315.96 --> 3317.02] In this +[3317.02 --> 3317.32] Text +[3317.32 --> 3318.16] The only +[3318.16 --> 3318.54] Thing +[3318.54 --> 3318.94] That makes +[3318.94 --> 3319.26] Any +[3319.26 --> 3319.72] Sense +[3319.72 --> 3320.76] Is to +[3320.76 --> 3321.00] Give it +[3321.00 --> 3321.26] All to +[3321.26 --> 3321.52] God +[3321.52 --> 3323.08] And so +[3323.08 --> 3323.36] To see +[3323.36 --> 3323.64] That +[3323.64 --> 3324.04] Let's +[3324.04 --> 3324.42] Jump +[3324.42 --> 3325.34] Into +[3325.34 --> 3325.76] This +[3325.76 --> 3326.42] Text +[3326.42 --> 3327.12] Together +[3327.12 --> 3328.58] Paul +[3328.58 --> 3329.12] Begins +[3329.12 --> 3329.78] Romans +[3329.78 --> 3330.16] 12 +[3330.16 --> 3330.54] With +[3330.54 --> 3330.74] The +[3330.74 --> 3331.10] Word +[3331.10 --> 3331.64] Therefore +[3331.64 --> 3333.52] I had +[3333.52 --> 3333.96] A professor +[3333.96 --> 3335.22] In seminary +[3335.22 --> 3335.60] Who would +[3335.60 --> 3335.92] Say +[3335.92 --> 3336.32] Over +[3336.32 --> 3336.86] And over +[3336.86 --> 3337.34] And over +[3337.34 --> 3337.84] Again +[3337.84 --> 3338.64] Whenever +[3338.64 --> 3339.38] You read +[3339.38 --> 3339.92] The word +[3339.92 --> 3340.44] Therefore +[3340.44 --> 3341.18] You should +[3341.18 --> 3341.86] Always ask +[3341.86 --> 3342.24] What's +[3342.24 --> 3342.44] It +[3342.44 --> 3342.72] There +[3342.72 --> 3343.06] For +[3343.06 --> 3344.98] What is +[3344.98 --> 3345.16] It +[3345.16 --> 3345.88] Referring +[3345.88 --> 3346.08] To +[3346.08 --> 3346.38] What is +[3346.38 --> 3346.52] It +[3346.52 --> 3346.90] Calling +[3346.90 --> 3347.16] Your +[3347.16 --> 3347.58] Mind +[3347.58 --> 3348.42] To +[3348.42 --> 3350.02] Paul +[3350.02 --> 3350.64] Starts +[3350.64 --> 3351.06] This +[3351.06 --> 3351.72] Chapter +[3351.72 --> 3352.20] With +[3352.20 --> 3352.40] The +[3352.40 --> 3352.62] Word +[3352.62 --> 3353.02] Therefore +[3353.02 --> 3353.88] Because +[3353.88 --> 3354.44] He +[3354.44 --> 3354.86] Wants +[3354.86 --> 3355.14] It +[3355.14 --> 3355.60] To +[3355.60 --> 3356.82] Logically +[3356.82 --> 3357.26] And +[3357.26 --> 3358.14] Consequently +[3358.14 --> 3359.10] Connect +[3359.10 --> 3359.48] To +[3359.48 --> 3360.30] Everything +[3360.30 --> 3360.66] That +[3360.66 --> 3360.82] Has +[3360.82 --> 3361.06] Come +[3361.06 --> 3361.46] Before +[3361.46 --> 3363.32] Right +[3363.32 --> 3363.66] Romans +[3363.66 --> 3364.00] 1 +[3364.00 --> 3364.42] Through +[3364.42 --> 3365.00] 11 +[3365.00 --> 3365.84] Is +[3365.84 --> 3366.66] Encapsulated +[3366.66 --> 3367.04] In +[3367.04 --> 3367.26] The +[3367.26 --> 3367.64] Word +[3367.64 --> 3368.28] Therefore +[3368.28 --> 3370.32] And so +[3370.32 --> 3370.50] In +[3370.50 --> 3370.76] Romans +[3370.76 --> 3371.04] 1 +[3371.04 --> 3371.30] Through +[3371.30 --> 3371.74] 11 +[3371.74 --> 3372.08] You can +[3372.08 --> 3372.26] See +[3372.26 --> 3372.40] It +[3372.40 --> 3372.74] Behind +[3372.74 --> 3373.00] Me +[3373.00 --> 3373.44] Right +[3373.44 --> 3373.64] We +[3373.64 --> 3373.82] Have +[3373.82 --> 3374.26] Learned +[3374.26 --> 3374.46] That +[3374.46 --> 3374.90] Because +[3374.90 --> 3375.10] Of +[3375.10 --> 3375.40] Human +[3375.40 --> 3375.92] Sin +[3375.92 --> 3376.42] The +[3376.42 --> 3376.74] Only +[3376.74 --> 3377.06] Way +[3377.06 --> 3377.28] To +[3377.28 --> 3377.44] Be +[3377.44 --> 3378.12] Justified +[3378.12 --> 3378.48] Is +[3378.48 --> 3378.68] By +[3378.68 --> 3379.08] Grace +[3379.08 --> 3379.54] Alone +[3379.54 --> 3379.82] Through +[3379.82 --> 3380.18] Faith +[3380.18 --> 3380.58] Alone +[3380.58 --> 3380.88] Because +[3380.88 --> 3381.08] Of +[3381.08 --> 3381.50] Christ +[3381.50 --> 3382.40] Alone +[3382.40 --> 3384.62] Right +[3384.62 --> 3384.76] In +[3384.76 --> 3385.02] Romans +[3385.02 --> 3385.38] 9 +[3385.38 --> 3385.68] Through +[3385.68 --> 3386.22] 11 +[3386.22 --> 3387.30] Paul +[3387.30 --> 3387.78] Asks +[3387.78 --> 3388.06] Given +[3388.06 --> 3388.38] That +[3388.38 --> 3388.90] Truth +[3388.90 --> 3389.56] Did +[3389.56 --> 3389.96] God's +[3389.96 --> 3390.16] Word +[3390.16 --> 3390.34] To +[3390.34 --> 3390.86] Israel +[3390.86 --> 3391.34] Fail +[3391.34 --> 3392.68] To +[3392.68 --> 3392.86] Which +[3392.86 --> 3393.12] Paul +[3393.12 --> 3393.36] Then +[3393.36 --> 3393.80] Answered +[3393.80 --> 3394.30] Emphatically +[3394.30 --> 3394.90] Certainly +[3394.90 --> 3395.44] Not +[3395.44 --> 3396.22] All +[3396.22 --> 3396.40] Of +[3396.40 --> 3396.68] This +[3396.68 --> 3397.44] Theology +[3397.44 --> 3398.00] That +[3398.00 --> 3398.28] Is +[3398.28 --> 3398.48] The +[3398.48 --> 3398.62] Only +[3398.62 --> 3398.76] Way +[3398.76 --> 3398.84] To +[3398.84 --> 3398.94] Be +[3398.94 --> 3399.34] Justified +[3399.34 --> 3399.52] Is +[3399.52 --> 3399.66] By +[3399.66 --> 3399.94] Grace +[3399.94 --> 3400.24] Alone +[3400.24 --> 3400.46] Through +[3400.46 --> 3400.78] Faith +[3400.78 --> 3401.08] Alone +[3401.08 --> 3401.30] In +[3401.30 --> 3401.60] Christ +[3401.60 --> 3401.94] Alone +[3401.94 --> 3402.62] All +[3402.62 --> 3402.64] All +[3402.64 --> 3402.78] Of +[3402.78 --> 3402.98] This +[3402.98 --> 3403.58] Theology +[3403.58 --> 3403.98] Is +[3403.98 --> 3404.34] True +[3404.34 --> 3404.94] Also +[3404.94 --> 3406.18] For +[3406.18 --> 3406.54] Them +[3406.54 --> 3406.96] For +[3406.96 --> 3407.42] Israel +[3407.42 --> 3407.74] As +[3407.74 --> 3407.94] Well +[3407.94 --> 3409.50] That's +[3409.50 --> 3409.70] The +[3409.70 --> 3410.24] Summary +[3410.24 --> 3410.60] Of +[3410.60 --> 3410.80] The +[3410.80 --> 3411.18] Word +[3411.18 --> 3411.80] Therefore +[3411.80 --> 3413.88] Or +[3413.88 --> 3414.22] We +[3414.22 --> 3414.46] Can +[3414.46 --> 3414.84] Look +[3414.84 --> 3415.14] At +[3415.14 --> 3415.54] Romans +[3415.54 --> 3416.04] 5 +[3416.04 --> 3416.74] Verses +[3416.74 --> 3416.92] 1 +[3416.92 --> 3417.02] And +[3417.02 --> 3417.20] 2 +[3417.20 --> 3417.78] Exactly +[3417.78 --> 3418.30] And +[3418.30 --> 3419.36] Read +[3419.36 --> 3419.64] The +[3419.64 --> 3419.86] Same +[3419.86 --> 3420.24] Thing +[3420.24 --> 3420.96] Therefore +[3420.96 --> 3421.64] Since +[3421.64 --> 3421.86] We +[3421.86 --> 3422.06] Have +[3422.06 --> 3422.26] Been +[3422.26 --> 3422.96] Justified +[3422.96 --> 3423.24] Through +[3423.24 --> 3423.74] Faith +[3423.74 --> 3424.24] There's +[3424.24 --> 3424.48] Faith +[3424.48 --> 3424.82] Alone +[3424.82 --> 3425.48] We +[3425.48 --> 3425.68] Have +[3425.68 --> 3426.00] Peace +[3426.00 --> 3426.22] With +[3426.22 --> 3426.56] God +[3426.56 --> 3426.82] Through +[3426.82 --> 3427.04] Our +[3427.04 --> 3427.36] Lord +[3427.36 --> 3427.70] Jesus +[3427.70 --> 3428.18] Christ +[3428.18 --> 3428.50] There's +[3428.50 --> 3428.82] Christ +[3428.82 --> 3429.28] Alone +[3429.28 --> 3429.70] Through +[3429.70 --> 3430.08] Whom +[3430.08 --> 3430.30] We +[3430.30 --> 3430.48] Have +[3430.48 --> 3430.76] Gained +[3430.76 --> 3431.24] Access +[3431.24 --> 3431.56] By +[3431.56 --> 3431.94] Faith +[3431.94 --> 3432.38] Into +[3432.38 --> 3432.80] This +[3432.80 --> 3433.16] Grace +[3433.16 --> 3433.52] There's +[3433.52 --> 3433.78] Grace +[3433.78 --> 3434.20] Alone +[3434.20 --> 3434.88] In +[3434.88 --> 3435.18] Which +[3435.18 --> 3435.40] We +[3435.40 --> 3435.64] Now +[3435.64 --> 3436.02] Stand +[3436.02 --> 3436.98] And +[3436.98 --> 3437.12] We +[3437.12 --> 3437.56] Boast +[3437.56 --> 3437.74] In +[3437.74 --> 3437.88] The +[3437.88 --> 3438.14] Hope +[3438.14 --> 3438.34] Of +[3438.34 --> 3438.48] The +[3438.48 --> 3438.90] Glory +[3438.90 --> 3439.22] Of +[3439.22 --> 3439.62] God +[3439.62 --> 3440.24] Which +[3440.24 --> 3440.34] Is +[3440.34 --> 3440.50] To +[3440.50 --> 3440.62] The +[3440.62 --> 3440.90] Glory +[3440.90 --> 3441.10] Of +[3441.10 --> 3441.40] God +[3441.40 --> 3442.20] Alone +[3442.20 --> 3444.22] And +[3444.22 --> 3444.62] Then +[3444.62 --> 3445.84] Just +[3445.84 --> 3446.14] To +[3446.14 --> 3446.42] Make +[3446.42 --> 3446.80] Sure +[3446.80 --> 3447.02] That +[3447.02 --> 3447.16] We +[3447.16 --> 3447.44] Get +[3447.44 --> 3447.62] It +[3447.62 --> 3447.80] He +[3447.80 --> 3448.64] Reiterates +[3448.64 --> 3449.28] Paul +[3449.28 --> 3449.68] Does +[3449.68 --> 3449.84] In +[3449.84 --> 3450.00] Our +[3450.00 --> 3450.32] Text +[3450.32 --> 3450.50] He +[3450.50 --> 3450.70] Says +[3450.70 --> 3451.14] Therefore +[3451.14 --> 3451.60] I +[3451.60 --> 3452.08] Urge +[3452.08 --> 3452.34] You +[3452.34 --> 3452.70] Brothers +[3452.70 --> 3453.08] And +[3453.08 --> 3453.52] Sisters +[3453.52 --> 3454.44] In +[3454.44 --> 3454.80] View +[3454.80 --> 3455.40] Of +[3455.40 --> 3456.00] God's +[3456.00 --> 3456.72] Mercy +[3456.72 --> 3458.70] That +[3458.70 --> 3459.38] Line +[3459.38 --> 3459.64] In +[3459.64 --> 3459.92] View +[3459.92 --> 3460.16] Of +[3460.16 --> 3460.52] God's +[3460.52 --> 3460.84] Mercy +[3460.84 --> 3461.40] Calls +[3461.40 --> 3461.64] Back +[3461.64 --> 3461.92] All +[3461.92 --> 3462.04] Of +[3462.04 --> 3462.22] Those +[3462.22 --> 3462.50] Other +[3462.50 --> 3462.90] Things +[3462.90 --> 3463.40] And +[3463.40 --> 3464.02] Specifically +[3464.02 --> 3465.02] It's +[3465.02 --> 3465.58] Repeating +[3465.58 --> 3466.16] A theme +[3466.16 --> 3466.34] And +[3466.34 --> 3466.72] A word +[3466.72 --> 3466.96] That +[3466.96 --> 3467.36] Shows +[3467.36 --> 3467.64] Up +[3467.64 --> 3467.98] Over +[3467.98 --> 3468.20] And +[3468.20 --> 3468.38] Over +[3468.38 --> 3468.56] And +[3468.56 --> 3468.76] Over +[3468.76 --> 3469.12] Again +[3469.12 --> 3469.38] In +[3469.38 --> 3469.68] Chapters +[3469.68 --> 3469.92] 9 +[3469.92 --> 3470.08] Through +[3470.08 --> 3470.34] 11 +[3470.34 --> 3471.78] The +[3471.78 --> 3472.16] Theme +[3472.16 --> 3472.36] Of +[3472.36 --> 3472.72] God's +[3472.72 --> 3473.08] Mercy +[3473.08 --> 3473.36] Is +[3473.36 --> 3474.20] Highlighted +[3474.20 --> 3474.40] As +[3474.40 --> 3474.54] The +[3474.54 --> 3474.74] Sort +[3474.74 --> 3474.92] Of +[3474.92 --> 3476.14] Corresponding +[3476.14 --> 3476.74] Analog +[3476.74 --> 3476.92] Or +[3476.92 --> 3477.08] The +[3477.08 --> 3477.24] The +[3477.24 --> 3477.60] Lived +[3477.60 --> 3478.28] Expression +[3478.28 --> 3478.72] Of +[3478.72 --> 3478.94] What +[3478.94 --> 3479.32] Came +[3479.32 --> 3480.08] Before +[3480.08 --> 3481.26] In +[3481.26 --> 3481.42] That +[3481.42 --> 3481.84] Section +[3481.84 --> 3482.34] God +[3482.34 --> 3482.66] Says +[3482.66 --> 3482.98] Things +[3482.98 --> 3483.38] Like +[3483.38 --> 3483.68] I +[3483.68 --> 3483.88] Will +[3483.88 --> 3484.12] Have +[3484.12 --> 3484.52] Mercy +[3484.52 --> 3484.86] On +[3484.86 --> 3485.08] Whom +[3485.08 --> 3485.28] I +[3485.28 --> 3485.50] Have +[3485.50 --> 3485.90] Mercy +[3485.90 --> 3486.88] He +[3486.88 --> 3487.10] Says +[3487.10 --> 3487.22] It +[3487.22 --> 3487.36] Does +[3487.36 --> 3487.56] Not +[3487.56 --> 3487.86] Therefore +[3487.86 --> 3488.34] Depend +[3488.34 --> 3488.56] On +[3488.56 --> 3488.86] Human +[3488.86 --> 3489.36] Desire +[3489.36 --> 3489.62] Or +[3489.62 --> 3490.02] Effort +[3490.02 --> 3490.26] But +[3490.26 --> 3490.48] On +[3490.48 --> 3490.84] God's +[3490.84 --> 3491.32] Mercy +[3491.32 --> 3492.12] And +[3492.12 --> 3492.28] Then +[3492.28 --> 3492.44] He +[3492.44 --> 3492.82] Finishes +[3492.82 --> 3493.12] That +[3493.12 --> 3493.48] Section +[3493.48 --> 3493.90] Saying +[3493.90 --> 3494.26] Just +[3494.26 --> 3494.60] As +[3494.60 --> 3494.86] You +[3494.86 --> 3495.16] Have +[3495.16 --> 3495.60] Received +[3495.60 --> 3495.98] Mercy +[3495.98 --> 3496.30] They +[3496.30 --> 3496.60] Too +[3496.60 --> 3496.84] May +[3496.84 --> 3497.10] Now +[3497.10 --> 3497.50] Receive +[3497.50 --> 3497.86] Mercy +[3497.86 --> 3498.14] As +[3498.14 --> 3498.26] A +[3498.26 --> 3498.58] Result +[3498.58 --> 3498.74] Of +[3498.74 --> 3499.10] God's +[3499.10 --> 3499.42] Mercy +[3499.42 --> 3499.98] To +[3499.98 --> 3500.24] You +[3500.24 --> 3501.66] Point +[3501.66 --> 3502.08] Is +[3502.08 --> 3503.26] That +[3503.26 --> 3503.48] Little +[3507.08 --> 3507.28] Only +[3507.28 --> 3507.58] Three +[3507.58 --> 3507.94] Letters +[3507.94 --> 3508.22] In +[3508.22 --> 3508.48] Greek +[3508.48 --> 3508.96] That +[3508.96 --> 3509.24] Little +[3509.24 --> 3509.60] Word +[3509.60 --> 3510.22] Therefore +[3510.22 --> 3510.92] Is +[3510.92 --> 3511.44] There +[3511.44 --> 3512.00] For +[3512.00 --> 3512.48] Us +[3512.48 --> 3512.74] To +[3512.74 --> 3513.24] See +[3513.24 --> 3513.66] The +[3513.66 --> 3514.46] Theology +[3514.46 --> 3514.84] Of +[3514.84 --> 3515.32] Chapters +[3515.32 --> 3515.74] 1 +[3515.74 --> 3516.10] Through +[3516.10 --> 3516.86] 11 +[3516.86 --> 3517.52] That +[3517.52 --> 3518.04] Now +[3518.04 --> 3518.40] Will +[3518.40 --> 3518.80] Begin +[3518.80 --> 3519.12] To +[3519.12 --> 3520.16] Undergird +[3520.16 --> 3520.54] The +[3520.54 --> 3521.30] Practices +[3521.30 --> 3521.72] And +[3521.72 --> 3521.86] The +[3521.86 --> 3522.10] Way +[3522.10 --> 3522.26] Of +[3522.26 --> 3522.72] Being +[3522.72 --> 3522.98] In +[3522.98 --> 3523.10] The +[3523.10 --> 3523.48] World +[3523.48 --> 3524.10] That +[3524.10 --> 3524.50] Paul +[3524.50 --> 3524.78] Is +[3524.78 --> 3525.18] Calling +[3525.18 --> 3525.42] The +[3525.42 --> 3525.74] Church +[3525.74 --> 3526.32] To +[3526.32 --> 3527.96] And +[3527.96 --> 3528.16] It's +[3528.16 --> 3528.44] Really +[3528.44 --> 3528.84] Only +[3528.84 --> 3529.26] This +[3529.26 --> 3530.86] Foundation +[3530.86 --> 3531.56] This +[3531.56 --> 3532.08] High +[3532.08 --> 3532.42] View +[3532.42 --> 3532.68] Of +[3532.68 --> 3533.06] God's +[3533.06 --> 3533.76] Sovereignty +[3533.76 --> 3534.70] That +[3534.70 --> 3534.88] That's +[3534.88 --> 3535.04] The +[3535.04 --> 3535.38] Only +[3535.38 --> 3536.06] Foundation +[3536.06 --> 3537.44] That +[3537.44 --> 3537.88] Gives +[3537.88 --> 3538.34] For +[3538.34 --> 3539.04] Us +[3539.04 --> 3540.56] And +[3540.56 --> 3540.76] That +[3540.76 --> 3542.68] Allows +[3542.68 --> 3542.96] For +[3542.96 --> 3543.46] Us +[3543.46 --> 3543.92] To +[3543.92 --> 3544.48] Live +[3544.48 --> 3544.84] In +[3544.84 --> 3545.08] The +[3545.08 --> 3545.46] Way +[3545.46 --> 3545.94] That +[3545.94 --> 3546.78] God +[3546.78 --> 3547.44] Is +[3547.44 --> 3547.82] Calling +[3547.82 --> 3549.56] It's +[3549.56 --> 3549.82] Only +[3549.82 --> 3550.04] The +[3550.04 --> 3550.44] Gospel +[3550.44 --> 3550.88] Truth +[3550.88 --> 3551.16] That +[3551.16 --> 3551.84] Makes +[3551.84 --> 3552.08] The +[3552.08 --> 3552.54] Kind +[3552.54 --> 3552.86] Of +[3552.86 --> 3553.34] Calling +[3553.34 --> 3553.60] That +[3553.60 --> 3553.82] God +[3553.82 --> 3554.14] Puts +[3554.14 --> 3554.34] On +[3554.34 --> 3554.58] Our +[3554.58 --> 3555.18] Lives +[3555.18 --> 3556.58] Reasonable +[3556.58 --> 3557.54] And +[3557.54 --> 3558.16] Possible +[3558.16 --> 3559.58] As +[3559.58 --> 3560.02] Christians +[3560.02 --> 3564.12] Just +[3564.12 --> 3564.48] As +[3564.48 --> 3565.26] Jesus +[3565.26 --> 3565.70] Gave +[3565.70 --> 3566.06] Himself +[3566.06 --> 3566.48] As +[3566.48 --> 3566.62] A +[3566.62 --> 3567.18] Sacrifice +[3567.18 --> 3567.40] For +[3567.40 --> 3567.42] For +[3567.42 --> 3567.70] For +[3567.70 --> 3568.46] For +[3568.46 --> 3568.80] Sins +[3568.80 --> 3569.56] Paul +[3569.56 --> 3569.94] Now +[3569.94 --> 3570.44] Tells +[3570.44 --> 3570.96] Believers +[3570.96 --> 3571.60] To +[3571.60 --> 3572.12] Offer +[3572.12 --> 3572.42] Your +[3572.42 --> 3572.86] Bodies +[3572.86 --> 3573.30] As +[3573.30 --> 3573.64] A +[3573.64 --> 3574.08] Living +[3574.08 --> 3575.40] Sacrifice +[3575.40 --> 3576.40] Holy +[3576.40 --> 3576.92] And +[3576.92 --> 3577.46] Pleasing +[3577.46 --> 3578.10] To +[3578.10 --> 3578.42] God +[3578.42 --> 3581.06] Now +[3581.06 --> 3583.34] A +[3583.34 --> 3583.60] Living +[3583.60 --> 3584.44] Sacrifice +[3584.44 --> 3585.24] To +[3585.24 --> 3585.60] Our +[3585.60 --> 3586.16] Modern +[3586.16 --> 3587.16] Minds +[3587.16 --> 3587.40] Might +[3587.40 --> 3587.76] Seem +[3587.76 --> 3588.60] Strange +[3588.60 --> 3588.80] And +[3588.80 --> 3589.58] The +[3589.58 --> 3590.82] Reality +[3590.82 --> 3591.12] Though +[3591.12 --> 3591.36] For +[3591.36 --> 3591.84] Most +[3591.84 --> 3592.00] Of +[3592.00 --> 3592.14] Us +[3592.14 --> 3592.28] Here +[3592.28 --> 3592.48] This +[3592.48 --> 3592.76] Morning +[3592.76 --> 3593.20] Is +[3593.20 --> 3593.30] That +[3593.30 --> 3593.38] You +[3593.38 --> 3593.56] Don't +[3593.56 --> 3593.80] Have +[3593.80 --> 3593.94] To +[3593.94 --> 3594.18] Be +[3594.18 --> 3595.08] Familiar +[3595.08 --> 3595.32] With +[3595.32 --> 3595.68] Lots +[3595.68 --> 3595.84] Of +[3595.84 --> 3596.04] Old +[3596.04 --> 3596.42] Testament +[3596.42 --> 3597.00] Theology +[3597.00 --> 3597.30] Or +[3597.30 --> 3597.40] You +[3597.40 --> 3597.56] Don't +[3597.56 --> 3597.80] Have +[3597.80 --> 3597.96] To +[3597.96 --> 3598.28] Know +[3598.28 --> 3598.94] All +[3598.94 --> 3599.14] The +[3599.14 --> 3599.90] Pagan +[3599.90 --> 3600.46] Cultic +[3600.46 --> 3601.10] Practices +[3601.10 --> 3601.34] That +[3601.34 --> 3601.78] Existed +[3601.78 --> 3602.02] At +[3602.02 --> 3602.12] The +[3602.12 --> 3602.46] Time +[3602.46 --> 3602.98] To +[3602.98 --> 3603.28] Know +[3603.28 --> 3603.74] That +[3603.74 --> 3604.94] Sacrifices +[3604.94 --> 3605.18] Are +[3605.18 --> 3605.70] Usually +[3605.70 --> 3607.30] Dead +[3607.30 --> 3607.74] Dead +[3607.74 --> 3610.06] Or +[3610.06 --> 3610.28] They +[3610.28 --> 3610.32] They +[3610.32 --> 3610.34] They +[3610.34 --> 3610.44] Are +[3610.44 --> 3611.34] Killed +[3611.34 --> 3611.58] Or +[3611.58 --> 3612.12] Consumed +[3612.12 --> 3612.36] As +[3612.36 --> 3612.66] Part +[3612.66 --> 3612.82] Of +[3612.82 --> 3612.98] The +[3612.98 --> 3613.28] Act +[3613.28 --> 3613.50] Of +[3613.50 --> 3614.36] Sacrificing +[3614.36 --> 3616.78] But +[3616.78 --> 3617.00] Paul +[3617.00 --> 3617.32] Says +[3617.32 --> 3617.72] Here +[3617.72 --> 3617.94] That +[3617.94 --> 3618.06] We +[3618.06 --> 3618.18] Are +[3618.18 --> 3618.34] To +[3618.34 --> 3618.84] Offer +[3618.84 --> 3619.08] Our +[3619.08 --> 3619.56] Bodies +[3619.56 --> 3619.84] As +[3619.84 --> 3620.64] Living +[3620.64 --> 3622.12] Sacrifices +[3622.12 --> 3624.08] A +[3624.08 --> 3624.60] Living +[3624.60 --> 3625.50] Sacrifice +[3625.50 --> 3626.50] Means +[3626.50 --> 3627.72] All +[3627.72 --> 3627.90] The +[3627.90 --> 3628.26] Time +[3628.26 --> 3629.18] Every +[3629.18 --> 3629.62] Day +[3629.62 --> 3630.26] In +[3630.26 --> 3630.62] Every +[3630.62 --> 3630.92] Way +[3630.92 --> 3632.72] A +[3632.72 --> 3633.12] Dead +[3633.12 --> 3633.74] Sacrifice +[3633.74 --> 3634.02] Is +[3634.02 --> 3634.28] Done +[3634.28 --> 3634.56] With +[3634.56 --> 3634.98] It's +[3634.98 --> 3635.64] Finished +[3635.64 --> 3636.32] You +[3636.32 --> 3636.56] Don't +[3636.56 --> 3636.82] Need +[3636.82 --> 3637.10] To +[3637.10 --> 3637.64] Do +[3637.64 --> 3637.76] It +[3637.76 --> 3638.12] Again +[3638.12 --> 3638.72] Until +[3638.72 --> 3639.06] You +[3639.06 --> 3639.22] Need +[3639.22 --> 3639.34] To +[3639.34 --> 3639.44] Do +[3639.44 --> 3639.54] It +[3639.54 --> 3639.84] Again +[3639.84 --> 3641.74] Living +[3641.74 --> 3642.84] Sacrifices +[3642.84 --> 3643.18] Are +[3643.18 --> 3643.54] Never +[3643.54 --> 3644.06] Ending +[3644.06 --> 3644.68] Never +[3644.68 --> 3645.28] Stopping +[3645.28 --> 3646.52] A +[3646.52 --> 3646.76] Living +[3646.76 --> 3647.40] Sacrifice +[3647.40 --> 3647.76] Doesn't +[3647.76 --> 3647.92] Get +[3647.92 --> 3648.08] The +[3648.08 --> 3648.78] Reprieve +[3648.78 --> 3649.02] Of +[3649.02 --> 3649.76] Dying +[3649.76 --> 3649.94] And +[3649.94 --> 3650.06] Of +[3650.06 --> 3650.22] Being +[3650.22 --> 3650.72] Consumed +[3650.72 --> 3652.46] Living +[3652.46 --> 3653.00] Sacrifice +[3653.00 --> 3653.28] Is +[3653.28 --> 3654.12] Saying +[3654.12 --> 3654.62] Every +[3654.62 --> 3655.04] Moment +[3655.04 --> 3655.28] Of +[3655.28 --> 3655.66] Every +[3655.66 --> 3656.10] Day +[3656.10 --> 3656.56] What +[3656.56 --> 3656.86] Jesus +[3656.86 --> 3657.18] Prayed +[3657.18 --> 3657.26] In +[3657.26 --> 3657.36] The +[3657.36 --> 3657.56] Garden +[3657.56 --> 3657.98] Not +[3657.98 --> 3658.68] My +[3658.68 --> 3659.12] Will +[3659.12 --> 3659.66] But +[3659.66 --> 3660.06] Yours +[3660.06 --> 3660.50] Be +[3660.50 --> 3660.74] Done +[3660.74 --> 3662.44] A +[3662.44 --> 3662.66] Living +[3662.66 --> 3663.14] Sacrifice +[3663.14 --> 3663.52] Says +[3663.52 --> 3663.70] In +[3663.70 --> 3663.98] Every +[3663.98 --> 3664.66] Circumstance +[3664.66 --> 3665.02] I +[3665.02 --> 3665.18] Am +[3665.18 --> 3665.42] Not +[3665.42 --> 3665.64] My +[3665.64 --> 3665.94] Own +[3665.94 --> 3666.10] But +[3666.10 --> 3666.22] I +[3666.22 --> 3666.62] Belong +[3666.62 --> 3666.94] Body +[3666.94 --> 3667.14] And +[3667.14 --> 3667.42] Soul +[3667.42 --> 3667.60] In +[3667.60 --> 3667.92] Life +[3667.92 --> 3668.08] And +[3668.08 --> 3668.20] In +[3668.20 --> 3668.36] Death +[3668.36 --> 3668.54] To +[3668.54 --> 3668.68] My +[3668.68 --> 3669.06] Faithful +[3669.06 --> 3669.36] Savior +[3669.36 --> 3669.66] Jesus +[3669.66 --> 3670.08] Christ +[3670.08 --> 3671.90] A +[3671.90 --> 3672.24] Living +[3672.24 --> 3672.94] Sacrifice +[3672.94 --> 3673.66] Demands +[3673.66 --> 3673.90] That +[3673.90 --> 3674.10] You +[3674.10 --> 3674.38] Let +[3674.38 --> 3674.68] Go +[3674.68 --> 3675.00] Of +[3675.00 --> 3675.24] Your +[3675.24 --> 3675.70] Own +[3675.70 --> 3679.52] Everything +[3679.52 --> 3682.46] Everything +[3682.46 --> 3686.84] Because +[3686.84 --> 3688.48] Everything +[3688.48 --> 3689.96] Is +[3689.96 --> 3690.26] From +[3690.26 --> 3690.60] Him +[3690.60 --> 3691.40] Through +[3691.40 --> 3691.74] Him +[3691.74 --> 3692.62] And +[3692.62 --> 3692.92] For +[3692.92 --> 3693.18] Him +[3693.18 --> 3696.26] And +[3696.26 --> 3696.44] Let +[3696.44 --> 3696.46] Let +[3696.46 --> 3696.48] Let +[3696.48 --> 3696.50] Let +[3696.50 --> 3696.60] Me +[3696.60 --> 3696.86] Be +[3696.86 --> 3697.86] Abundantly +[3697.86 --> 3698.92] Clear +[3698.92 --> 3701.76] In +[3701.76 --> 3702.30] Our +[3702.30 --> 3703.26] Expressive +[3703.26 --> 3704.20] Individualist +[3704.20 --> 3704.84] Culture +[3704.84 --> 3705.34] In +[3705.34 --> 3705.86] Our +[3705.86 --> 3707.08] Modern +[3707.08 --> 3707.56] Cult +[3707.56 --> 3707.80] Of +[3707.80 --> 3708.62] Authenticity +[3708.62 --> 3709.10] Where +[3709.10 --> 3709.44] All +[3709.44 --> 3709.64] We +[3709.64 --> 3709.78] Are +[3709.78 --> 3710.08] Told +[3710.08 --> 3710.42] Over +[3710.42 --> 3710.62] And +[3710.62 --> 3710.86] Over +[3710.86 --> 3711.04] And +[3711.04 --> 3711.22] Over +[3711.22 --> 3711.42] Where +[3711.42 --> 3711.52] The +[3711.52 --> 3711.82] Message +[3711.82 --> 3712.22] Every +[3712.22 --> 3712.54] Moment +[3712.54 --> 3712.74] Of +[3712.74 --> 3713.02] Every +[3713.02 --> 3713.32] Day +[3713.32 --> 3713.88] Seems +[3713.88 --> 3714.06] To +[3714.06 --> 3714.28] Be +[3714.28 --> 3714.80] Be +[3714.80 --> 3715.10] Your +[3715.10 --> 3715.38] True +[3715.38 --> 3715.82] Self +[3715.82 --> 3717.32] In +[3717.32 --> 3717.42] A +[3717.42 --> 3717.74] World +[3717.74 --> 3717.96] That +[3717.96 --> 3718.30] Tells +[3718.30 --> 3718.42] You +[3718.42 --> 3718.60] To +[3718.60 --> 3719.02] Follow +[3719.02 --> 3719.34] Your +[3719.34 --> 3719.84] Joy +[3719.84 --> 3720.90] Right +[3720.90 --> 3721.06] Where +[3721.06 --> 3721.20] The +[3721.20 --> 3723.30] French +[3723.30 --> 3723.88] Anarchist +[3723.88 --> 3724.24] Anthem +[3724.24 --> 3724.40] Of +[3724.40 --> 3724.58] No +[3724.58 --> 3724.90] Gods +[3724.90 --> 3725.08] No +[3725.08 --> 3725.46] Masters +[3725.46 --> 3725.94] Becomes +[3725.94 --> 3726.52] Normal +[3726.52 --> 3727.88] Right +[3727.88 --> 3728.22] In +[3728.22 --> 3728.80] A +[3728.80 --> 3729.14] Time +[3729.14 --> 3729.32] And +[3729.32 --> 3729.62] Place +[3729.62 --> 3729.86] Where +[3729.86 --> 3730.02] We +[3730.02 --> 3730.16] Are +[3730.16 --> 3730.54] Told +[3730.54 --> 3730.76] That +[3730.76 --> 3730.96] What +[3730.96 --> 3731.12] You +[3731.12 --> 3731.70] Feel +[3731.70 --> 3732.62] Defines +[3732.62 --> 3733.22] Reality +[3733.22 --> 3733.64] And +[3733.64 --> 3733.76] Then +[3733.76 --> 3733.88] The +[3733.88 --> 3734.10] Rest +[3734.10 --> 3734.22] Of +[3734.22 --> 3734.34] Us +[3734.34 --> 3734.50] Just +[3734.50 --> 3734.64] Have +[3734.64 --> 3734.74] To +[3734.74 --> 3735.12] Accept +[3735.12 --> 3735.36] It +[3735.36 --> 3736.98] When +[3736.98 --> 3737.34] This +[3737.34 --> 3737.52] Is +[3737.52 --> 3737.70] The +[3737.70 --> 3738.04] World +[3738.04 --> 3738.26] We +[3738.26 --> 3738.56] Live +[3738.56 --> 3738.88] In +[3738.88 --> 3739.40] The +[3739.40 --> 3739.98] Idea +[3739.98 --> 3740.34] Of +[3740.34 --> 3740.62] Being +[3740.62 --> 3740.94] A +[3740.94 --> 3741.26] Living +[3741.26 --> 3742.22] Sacrifice +[3742.22 --> 3742.94] Is +[3742.94 --> 3743.74] Completely +[3743.74 --> 3744.78] Antithetical +[3744.78 --> 3745.78] Opposite +[3745.78 --> 3746.36] To +[3746.36 --> 3746.82] All +[3746.82 --> 3746.96] Of +[3746.96 --> 3747.24] That +[3747.24 --> 3749.52] The +[3749.52 --> 3749.92] Christian +[3749.92 --> 3750.42] Life +[3750.42 --> 3751.06] Because +[3751.06 --> 3751.46] Of +[3751.46 --> 3751.84] God's +[3751.84 --> 3752.30] Mercy +[3752.30 --> 3753.08] Says +[3753.08 --> 3753.88] God +[3753.88 --> 3754.40] You +[3754.40 --> 3754.62] Know +[3754.62 --> 3755.06] Best +[3755.06 --> 3756.50] I +[3756.50 --> 3756.82] Trust +[3756.82 --> 3757.12] You +[3757.12 --> 3759.60] I +[3759.60 --> 3759.76] Said +[3759.76 --> 3759.86] It +[3759.86 --> 3760.18] Before +[3760.18 --> 3761.10] But +[3761.10 --> 3761.84] Part +[3761.84 --> 3761.98] Of +[3761.98 --> 3762.10] What +[3762.10 --> 3762.20] It +[3762.20 --> 3762.44] Means +[3762.44 --> 3762.60] To +[3762.60 --> 3762.74] Be +[3762.74 --> 3763.12] Christian +[3763.12 --> 3763.52] Is +[3763.52 --> 3763.70] To +[3763.70 --> 3764.10] Trust +[3764.10 --> 3764.58] God +[3764.58 --> 3764.84] More +[3764.84 --> 3765.04] Than +[3765.04 --> 3765.16] You +[3765.16 --> 3765.42] Trust +[3765.42 --> 3765.88] Yourself +[3765.88 --> 3767.84] Practically +[3767.84 --> 3768.32] Then +[3768.32 --> 3768.88] That +[3768.88 --> 3769.38] Means +[3769.38 --> 3769.68] You +[3769.68 --> 3770.02] Put +[3770.02 --> 3770.30] To +[3770.30 --> 3770.72] Death +[3770.72 --> 3771.04] You +[3771.04 --> 3772.04] Sacrifice +[3772.04 --> 3772.54] The +[3772.54 --> 3773.02] Idea +[3773.02 --> 3773.54] That +[3773.54 --> 3773.70] You +[3773.70 --> 3773.84] Are +[3773.84 --> 3774.00] Your +[3774.00 --> 3774.20] Own +[3774.20 --> 3774.58] Person +[3774.58 --> 3775.76] You +[3775.76 --> 3775.98] Put +[3775.98 --> 3776.14] To +[3776.14 --> 3776.36] Death +[3776.36 --> 3776.60] The +[3776.60 --> 3776.90] Idea +[3776.90 --> 3777.08] That +[3777.08 --> 3777.20] You +[3777.20 --> 3777.58] Belong +[3777.58 --> 3777.76] To +[3777.76 --> 3778.30] Yourself +[3778.30 --> 3779.32] You +[3779.32 --> 3780.00] Sacrifice +[3780.00 --> 3780.22] The +[3780.22 --> 3780.52] Idea +[3780.52 --> 3780.74] That +[3780.74 --> 3781.06] You +[3781.06 --> 3781.40] Know +[3781.40 --> 3781.94] Best +[3781.94 --> 3782.74] Instead +[3782.74 --> 3783.68] You +[3783.68 --> 3784.40] Live +[3784.40 --> 3784.72] As +[3784.72 --> 3785.36] God's +[3785.36 --> 3785.88] Special +[3785.88 --> 3786.52] Possession +[3786.52 --> 3786.98] Instead +[3786.98 --> 3787.42] You +[3787.42 --> 3787.78] Live +[3787.78 --> 3788.00] Like +[3788.00 --> 3788.14] You +[3788.14 --> 3788.62] Belong +[3788.62 --> 3788.94] Body +[3788.94 --> 3789.14] And +[3789.14 --> 3789.38] Soul +[3789.38 --> 3789.58] To +[3789.58 --> 3789.74] Your +[3789.74 --> 3790.14] Faithful +[3790.14 --> 3790.92] Savior +[3790.92 --> 3792.82] Practically +[3792.82 --> 3793.26] Speaking +[3793.26 --> 3794.54] It +[3794.54 --> 3794.80] Means +[3794.80 --> 3795.00] You +[3795.00 --> 3795.24] Put +[3795.24 --> 3795.46] To +[3795.46 --> 3795.78] Death +[3795.78 --> 3796.34] The +[3796.34 --> 3796.70] Idea +[3796.70 --> 3796.94] That +[3796.94 --> 3797.14] You +[3797.14 --> 3797.42] Know +[3797.42 --> 3798.26] Anything +[3798.26 --> 3799.30] Better +[3799.30 --> 3799.62] Than +[3799.62 --> 3799.94] God +[3799.94 --> 3800.28] Knows +[3800.28 --> 3800.84] Everything +[3800.84 --> 3803.58] You +[3803.58 --> 3804.32] Sacrifice +[3804.32 --> 3805.26] Your +[3805.26 --> 3805.74] Truth +[3805.74 --> 3806.22] Whatever +[3806.22 --> 3806.46] That +[3806.46 --> 3806.78] Is +[3806.78 --> 3807.58] For +[3807.58 --> 3807.94] God's +[3807.94 --> 3808.22] Truth +[3808.22 --> 3809.24] You +[3809.24 --> 3809.74] Sacrifice +[3809.74 --> 3809.96] The +[3809.96 --> 3810.28] Idea +[3810.28 --> 3810.46] That +[3810.46 --> 3810.60] Your +[3810.60 --> 3810.96] Joy +[3810.96 --> 3811.22] Is +[3811.22 --> 3811.40] What +[3811.40 --> 3811.54] You +[3811.54 --> 3811.90] Follow +[3811.90 --> 3812.18] And +[3812.18 --> 3812.54] Instead +[3812.54 --> 3813.24] You +[3813.24 --> 3813.46] Look +[3813.46 --> 3813.64] To +[3813.64 --> 3814.10] Jesus +[3814.10 --> 3814.70] And +[3814.70 --> 3814.80] You +[3814.80 --> 3815.00] Take +[3815.00 --> 3815.14] Your +[3815.14 --> 3815.32] Cue +[3815.32 --> 3815.54] From +[3815.54 --> 3815.94] Him +[3815.94 --> 3816.32] And +[3816.32 --> 3816.42] We +[3816.42 --> 3816.66] Read +[3816.66 --> 3817.08] Jesus +[3817.08 --> 3817.64] Who +[3817.64 --> 3817.94] For +[3817.94 --> 3818.12] The +[3818.12 --> 3818.48] Joy +[3818.48 --> 3818.92] Set +[3818.92 --> 3819.48] Before +[3819.48 --> 3819.90] Him +[3819.90 --> 3820.76] Endured +[3820.76 --> 3821.02] The +[3821.02 --> 3821.54] Cross +[3821.54 --> 3822.54] Scorning +[3822.54 --> 3822.74] Its +[3822.74 --> 3823.06] Shame +[3823.06 --> 3825.26] Instead +[3825.26 --> 3826.06] Christians +[3826.06 --> 3826.70] Rejoice +[3826.70 --> 3826.96] In +[3826.96 --> 3827.48] Suffering +[3827.48 --> 3827.70] As +[3827.70 --> 3827.84] A +[3827.84 --> 3828.16] Means +[3828.16 --> 3828.34] Of +[3828.34 --> 3829.18] Participating +[3829.18 --> 3829.60] In +[3829.60 --> 3829.74] The +[3829.74 --> 3830.16] Sufferings +[3830.16 --> 3830.30] Of +[3830.30 --> 3830.66] Christ +[3830.66 --> 3832.76] And +[3832.76 --> 3832.88] In +[3832.88 --> 3833.02] A +[3833.02 --> 3833.40] Culture +[3833.40 --> 3833.72] And +[3833.72 --> 3834.16] Time +[3834.16 --> 3834.34] That +[3834.34 --> 3834.46] Is +[3834.46 --> 3834.60] So +[3834.60 --> 3835.38] Saturated +[3835.38 --> 3835.58] With +[3835.58 --> 3835.74] These +[3835.74 --> 3836.28] Pressures +[3836.28 --> 3837.00] It +[3837.00 --> 3837.70] Feels +[3837.70 --> 3838.28] Like +[3838.28 --> 3838.96] Death +[3838.96 --> 3839.82] To +[3839.82 --> 3840.02] Put +[3840.02 --> 3840.18] Your +[3840.18 --> 3840.64] Sexual +[3840.64 --> 3841.20] Desires +[3841.20 --> 3841.78] Off +[3841.78 --> 3842.50] Because +[3842.50 --> 3842.90] God's +[3842.90 --> 3843.10] Word +[3843.10 --> 3843.36] Says +[3843.36 --> 3843.60] Something +[3843.60 --> 3844.00] Different +[3844.00 --> 3846.62] It +[3846.62 --> 3847.06] Feels +[3847.06 --> 3847.38] Like +[3847.38 --> 3847.82] Death +[3847.82 --> 3848.08] To +[3848.08 --> 3848.36] Give +[3848.36 --> 3848.58] Up +[3848.58 --> 3848.78] Your +[3848.78 --> 3849.00] Right +[3849.00 --> 3849.20] To +[3849.20 --> 3849.82] Choose +[3849.82 --> 3850.26] Your +[3850.26 --> 3851.08] Individualism +[3851.08 --> 3851.24] And +[3851.24 --> 3851.40] Your +[3851.40 --> 3851.88] Autonomy +[3851.88 --> 3852.42] And +[3852.42 --> 3852.58] To +[3852.58 --> 3852.76] Say +[3852.76 --> 3853.18] God +[3853.18 --> 3853.70] You +[3853.70 --> 3854.06] Know +[3854.06 --> 3854.56] And +[3854.56 --> 3854.82] You +[3854.82 --> 3855.00] Know +[3855.00 --> 3855.26] Better +[3855.26 --> 3856.88] I +[3856.88 --> 3857.02] Don't +[3857.02 --> 3857.28] Like +[3857.28 --> 3857.44] It +[3857.44 --> 3858.38] I +[3858.38 --> 3858.50] Don't +[3858.50 --> 3858.66] Even +[3858.66 --> 3859.06] Feel +[3859.06 --> 3859.28] It +[3859.28 --> 3860.26] But +[3860.26 --> 3860.42] You +[3860.42 --> 3860.72] Said +[3860.72 --> 3861.00] It +[3861.00 --> 3862.00] And +[3862.00 --> 3862.16] So +[3862.16 --> 3862.32] I +[3862.32 --> 3862.42] Will +[3862.42 --> 3862.56] Do +[3862.56 --> 3863.74] It +[3863.74 --> 3865.96] That's +[3865.96 --> 3867.16] Living +[3867.16 --> 3868.68] Sacrifice +[3868.68 --> 3870.98] Or +[3870.98 --> 3871.12] As +[3871.12 --> 3871.32] Mike +[3871.32 --> 3871.54] Put +[3871.54 --> 3871.68] It +[3871.68 --> 3872.76] That's +[3872.76 --> 3872.86] What +[3872.86 --> 3872.94] It +[3872.94 --> 3873.10] Means +[3873.10 --> 3873.22] To +[3873.22 --> 3873.32] Be +[3873.32 --> 3873.52] All +[3873.52 --> 3873.74] In +[3873.74 --> 3876.48] Now +[3876.48 --> 3877.60] Immediately +[3877.60 --> 3879.24] Some +[3879.24 --> 3879.38] Of +[3879.38 --> 3879.52] You +[3879.52 --> 3879.70] Are +[3879.70 --> 3880.02] Thinking +[3880.02 --> 3880.88] Yeah +[3880.88 --> 3881.14] You +[3881.14 --> 3881.40] Tell +[3881.40 --> 3881.58] Him +[3881.58 --> 3882.42] I'm +[3882.42 --> 3882.56] Coming +[3882.56 --> 3882.76] For +[3882.76 --> 3882.92] You +[3882.92 --> 3883.14] Just +[3883.14 --> 3883.36] Wait +[3883.36 --> 3884.74] Some +[3884.74 --> 3884.86] Of +[3884.86 --> 3884.96] You +[3884.96 --> 3885.10] Are +[3885.10 --> 3885.46] Thinking +[3885.46 --> 3887.08] But +[3887.08 --> 3887.20] It +[3887.20 --> 3887.42] Makes +[3887.42 --> 3887.58] Me +[3887.58 --> 3887.96] Happy +[3887.96 --> 3888.62] And +[3888.62 --> 3888.88] God +[3888.88 --> 3889.16] Wants +[3889.16 --> 3889.28] Me +[3889.28 --> 3889.38] To +[3889.38 --> 3889.50] Be +[3889.50 --> 3889.84] Happy +[3889.84 --> 3890.16] Doesn't +[3890.16 --> 3890.38] He +[3890.38 --> 3891.58] And +[3891.58 --> 3891.68] I'm +[3891.68 --> 3891.84] Glad +[3891.84 --> 3891.98] You +[3891.98 --> 3892.18] Asked +[3892.18 --> 3892.30] That +[3892.30 --> 3892.54] Question +[3892.54 --> 3892.86] I'm +[3892.86 --> 3893.04] Glad +[3893.04 --> 3893.28] That's +[3893.28 --> 3893.40] What +[3893.40 --> 3893.50] You +[3893.50 --> 3893.64] Were +[3893.64 --> 3894.18] Wrestling +[3894.18 --> 3894.40] With +[3894.40 --> 3894.62] Because +[3894.62 --> 3894.92] That's +[3894.92 --> 3895.40] Exactly +[3895.40 --> 3895.62] The +[3895.62 --> 3895.86] Point +[3895.86 --> 3896.02] I'm +[3896.02 --> 3896.16] Trying +[3896.16 --> 3896.28] To +[3896.28 --> 3896.48] Make +[3896.48 --> 3897.58] Right +[3897.58 --> 3897.78] There's +[3897.78 --> 3897.96] A +[3897.96 --> 3898.64] Cultural +[3898.64 --> 3899.60] Imposition +[3899.60 --> 3900.32] Of +[3900.32 --> 3900.52] A +[3900.52 --> 3900.86] Certain +[3900.86 --> 3901.54] Philosophy +[3901.54 --> 3901.84] Of +[3901.84 --> 3902.16] Life +[3902.16 --> 3902.40] That +[3902.40 --> 3902.90] Says +[3902.90 --> 3903.34] The +[3903.34 --> 3903.82] Ultimate +[3903.82 --> 3904.36] Arbiter +[3904.36 --> 3904.62] Of +[3904.62 --> 3904.76] What +[3904.76 --> 3904.96] Is +[3904.96 --> 3905.56] Good +[3905.56 --> 3906.10] Is +[3906.10 --> 3906.32] Your +[3906.32 --> 3906.74] Happiness +[3906.74 --> 3907.14] And +[3907.14 --> 3907.46] Then +[3907.46 --> 3908.10] Tries +[3908.10 --> 3908.34] To +[3908.34 --> 3908.96] Justify +[3908.96 --> 3909.20] It +[3909.20 --> 3909.38] By +[3909.38 --> 3909.76] Saying +[3909.76 --> 3910.14] God +[3910.14 --> 3910.44] Wants +[3910.44 --> 3910.60] You +[3910.60 --> 3910.76] To +[3910.76 --> 3910.90] Be +[3910.90 --> 3911.24] Happy +[3911.24 --> 3912.44] But +[3912.44 --> 3912.64] Here's +[3912.64 --> 3912.72] What +[3912.72 --> 3912.84] The +[3912.84 --> 3913.04] Bible +[3913.04 --> 3913.36] Says +[3913.36 --> 3915.70] God +[3915.70 --> 3915.98] Wants +[3915.98 --> 3916.08] You +[3916.08 --> 3916.24] To +[3916.24 --> 3916.40] Be +[3916.40 --> 3916.76] Holy +[3916.76 --> 3918.82] He +[3918.82 --> 3919.04] Wants +[3919.04 --> 3919.14] You +[3919.14 --> 3919.26] To +[3919.26 --> 3919.44] Be +[3919.44 --> 3919.88] Holy +[3919.88 --> 3921.06] And +[3921.06 --> 3921.18] To +[3921.18 --> 3921.36] Not +[3921.36 --> 3921.78] Conform +[3921.78 --> 3921.98] Any +[3921.98 --> 3922.24] Longer +[3922.24 --> 3922.36] To +[3922.36 --> 3922.48] The +[3922.48 --> 3922.76] Pattern +[3922.76 --> 3922.88] Of +[3922.88 --> 3923.04] This +[3923.04 --> 3923.26] World +[3923.26 --> 3923.70] And +[3923.70 --> 3923.86] To +[3923.86 --> 3924.34] Find +[3924.34 --> 3924.68] In +[3924.68 --> 3924.94] Your +[3924.94 --> 3925.78] Holiness +[3925.78 --> 3926.08] In +[3926.08 --> 3926.24] Your +[3926.24 --> 3926.58] Being +[3926.58 --> 3926.88] Set +[3926.88 --> 3927.32] Apart +[3927.32 --> 3927.86] The +[3927.86 --> 3928.10] Kind +[3928.10 --> 3928.22] Of +[3928.22 --> 3928.84] Abundant +[3928.84 --> 3929.26] Fully +[3929.26 --> 3929.78] Alive +[3929.78 --> 3930.12] Life +[3930.12 --> 3930.52] That +[3930.52 --> 3930.80] God +[3930.80 --> 3930.96] Had +[3930.96 --> 3931.42] Always +[3931.42 --> 3932.26] Designed +[3932.26 --> 3932.56] For +[3932.56 --> 3932.70] The +[3932.70 --> 3933.16] Creatures +[3933.16 --> 3933.46] Made +[3933.46 --> 3933.58] In +[3933.58 --> 3933.76] His +[3933.76 --> 3934.08] Image +[3934.08 --> 3943.32] But +[3943.32 --> 3943.46] This +[3943.46 --> 3943.60] Is +[3943.60 --> 3943.94] Hard +[3943.94 --> 3947.30] People +[3947.30 --> 3947.52] Have +[3947.52 --> 3947.68] Said +[3947.68 --> 3947.78] It +[3947.78 --> 3948.14] Before +[3948.14 --> 3949.38] So +[3949.38 --> 3949.50] I'm +[3949.50 --> 3949.60] Not +[3949.60 --> 3949.72] The +[3949.72 --> 3949.88] First +[3949.88 --> 3950.02] One +[3950.02 --> 3950.12] To +[3950.12 --> 3950.26] Say +[3950.26 --> 3950.46] This +[3950.46 --> 3950.62] But +[3950.62 --> 3951.08] The +[3951.08 --> 3951.48] Problem +[3951.48 --> 3951.76] With +[3951.76 --> 3952.18] Living +[3952.18 --> 3952.96] Sacrifice +[3952.96 --> 3953.40] Is +[3953.40 --> 3954.70] Is +[3954.70 --> 3954.86] That +[3954.86 --> 3955.02] We +[3955.02 --> 3955.30] Walk +[3955.30 --> 3955.50] Off +[3955.50 --> 3955.66] The +[3955.66 --> 3956.00] Altar +[3956.00 --> 3958.74] Right +[3958.74 --> 3958.90] In +[3958.90 --> 3959.02] Our +[3959.02 --> 3959.22] Heart +[3959.22 --> 3959.34] Of +[3959.34 --> 3959.72] Hearts +[3959.72 --> 3961.18] We +[3961.18 --> 3961.34] Don't +[3961.34 --> 3961.52] Want +[3961.52 --> 3961.62] To +[3961.62 --> 3961.78] Do +[3961.78 --> 3962.18] This +[3962.18 --> 3963.92] We +[3963.92 --> 3964.04] Don't +[3964.04 --> 3964.20] Want +[3964.20 --> 3964.32] To +[3964.32 --> 3964.96] Sacrifice +[3964.96 --> 3965.36] That +[3965.36 --> 3967.58] Right +[3967.58 --> 3968.02] Now +[3968.02 --> 3968.22] Again +[3968.22 --> 3968.40] I'm +[3968.40 --> 3968.50] Not +[3968.50 --> 3968.62] The +[3968.62 --> 3968.80] First +[3968.80 --> 3969.06] Person +[3969.06 --> 3969.22] To +[3969.22 --> 3969.38] Say +[3969.38 --> 3969.60] This +[3969.60 --> 3969.74] But +[3969.74 --> 3970.68] There +[3970.68 --> 3970.90] Has +[3970.90 --> 3971.50] Probably +[3971.50 --> 3972.04] Never +[3972.04 --> 3972.52] Been +[3972.52 --> 3972.80] A +[3972.80 --> 3973.18] Culture +[3973.18 --> 3973.54] In +[3973.54 --> 3973.68] The +[3973.68 --> 3974.08] History +[3974.08 --> 3974.36] Of +[3974.36 --> 3974.52] The +[3974.52 --> 3974.84] World +[3974.84 --> 3975.66] So +[3975.66 --> 3976.60] Opposed +[3976.60 --> 3976.90] To +[3976.90 --> 3977.36] Christian +[3977.36 --> 3977.78] Living +[3977.78 --> 3978.30] Than +[3978.30 --> 3978.64] Right +[3978.64 --> 3979.00] Now +[3979.00 --> 3980.68] Now +[3980.68 --> 3982.70] Here's +[3982.70 --> 3982.86] Where I +[3982.86 --> 3983.00] Need +[3983.00 --> 3983.08] You +[3983.08 --> 3983.20] To +[3983.20 --> 3983.38] Lean +[3983.38 --> 3983.64] In +[3983.64 --> 3985.38] Here's +[3985.38 --> 3985.62] Where I'm +[3985.62 --> 3985.70] Going +[3985.70 --> 3985.76] To +[3985.76 --> 3985.92] Say +[3985.92 --> 3986.16] Don't +[3986.16 --> 3986.28] Hear +[3986.28 --> 3986.50] What I'm +[3986.50 --> 3986.64] Not +[3986.64 --> 3986.98] Saying +[3986.98 --> 3988.40] Right +[3988.40 --> 3988.58] Here's +[3988.58 --> 3988.72] Where I +[3988.72 --> 3988.82] Want +[3988.82 --> 3988.88] You +[3988.88 --> 3988.92] To +[3988.92 --> 3989.04] Be +[3989.04 --> 3989.38] Careful +[3989.38 --> 3990.06] Remember +[3990.06 --> 3990.32] I said +[3990.32 --> 3990.48] I was +[3990.48 --> 3990.68] Coming +[3990.68 --> 3990.86] For +[3990.86 --> 3991.00] You +[3991.00 --> 3991.24] Because +[3991.24 --> 3991.54] Here I +[3991.54 --> 3991.68] Am +[3991.68 --> 3991.82] I'm +[3991.82 --> 3992.00] Coming +[3992.00 --> 3992.18] For +[3992.18 --> 3992.32] You +[3992.32 --> 3992.90] I'm +[3992.90 --> 3993.20] Not +[3993.20 --> 3993.64] Talking +[3993.64 --> 3993.96] About +[3993.96 --> 3994.44] Christian +[3994.44 --> 3995.12] Morality +[3995.12 --> 3995.76] I'm +[3995.76 --> 3995.92] Not +[3995.92 --> 3996.16] Talking +[3996.16 --> 3996.34] About +[3996.34 --> 3996.68] Christian +[3996.68 --> 3997.52] Moralisms +[3997.52 --> 3997.88] I'm +[3997.88 --> 3997.98] Not +[3997.98 --> 3998.12] Talking +[3998.12 --> 3998.26] About +[3998.26 --> 3998.98] Secularism +[3998.98 --> 3999.34] Or +[3999.34 --> 3999.92] Atheism +[3999.92 --> 4000.86] Because +[4000.86 --> 4001.06] In +[4001.06 --> 4001.28] That +[4001.28 --> 4001.82] Regard +[4001.82 --> 4002.24] Right +[4002.24 --> 4002.54] It's +[4002.54 --> 4003.20] Actually +[4003.20 --> 4003.68] Probably +[4003.68 --> 4004.06] More +[4004.06 --> 4004.46] True +[4004.46 --> 4004.74] That +[4004.74 --> 4004.90] There +[4004.90 --> 4005.10] Has +[4005.10 --> 4005.36] Never +[4005.36 --> 4005.64] Been +[4005.64 --> 4005.86] A +[4005.86 --> 4006.18] Time +[4006.18 --> 4006.36] And +[4006.36 --> 4006.50] A +[4006.50 --> 4006.84] Culture +[4006.84 --> 4007.48] In +[4007.48 --> 4007.60] The +[4007.60 --> 4007.92] History +[4007.92 --> 4008.16] Of +[4008.16 --> 4008.32] The +[4008.32 --> 4008.66] World +[4008.66 --> 4009.22] So +[4009.22 --> 4010.24] Influenced +[4010.24 --> 4010.48] By +[4010.48 --> 4011.18] Christianity +[4011.18 --> 4011.58] And +[4011.58 --> 4011.96] Christian +[4011.96 --> 4012.66] Teachings +[4012.66 --> 4013.14] Even +[4013.14 --> 4013.34] If +[4013.34 --> 4013.54] We've +[4013.54 --> 4013.84] Largely +[4013.84 --> 4014.30] Forgotten +[4014.30 --> 4014.44] The +[4014.44 --> 4014.80] Sources +[4014.80 --> 4016.16] Right +[4016.16 --> 4016.44] Things +[4016.44 --> 4016.68] Like +[4016.68 --> 4017.14] Universal +[4017.14 --> 4017.54] Human +[4017.54 --> 4017.96] Rights +[4017.96 --> 4018.56] Things +[4018.56 --> 4018.86] Like +[4018.86 --> 4019.20] Health +[4019.20 --> 4019.50] Care +[4019.50 --> 4020.50] Hospitals +[4020.50 --> 4021.38] Things +[4021.38 --> 4021.64] Like +[4021.64 --> 4022.78] Education +[4022.78 --> 4023.26] The +[4023.26 --> 4023.74] Presumption +[4023.74 --> 4023.90] Of +[4023.90 --> 4024.38] Education +[4024.38 --> 4024.80] Higher +[4024.80 --> 4025.40] Education +[4025.40 --> 4026.02] Right +[4026.02 --> 4026.16] The +[4026.16 --> 4026.38] First +[4026.38 --> 4027.08] Universities +[4027.08 --> 4027.32] Were +[4027.32 --> 4028.34] Monasteries +[4028.34 --> 4029.82] Right +[4029.82 --> 4029.98] The +[4029.98 --> 4030.28] Idea +[4030.28 --> 4030.46] Of +[4030.46 --> 4030.86] Religious +[4030.86 --> 4031.30] Freedom +[4031.30 --> 4032.24] Right +[4032.24 --> 4032.50] All +[4032.50 --> 4032.84] Things +[4032.84 --> 4033.02] That +[4033.02 --> 4033.12] We +[4033.12 --> 4033.36] Take +[4033.36 --> 4033.56] For +[4033.56 --> 4033.86] Granted +[4033.86 --> 4034.14] In +[4034.14 --> 4034.26] The +[4034.26 --> 4034.46] World +[4034.46 --> 4034.84] Today +[4034.84 --> 4035.06] In +[4035.06 --> 4035.20] The +[4035.20 --> 4035.54] Modern +[4035.54 --> 4036.24] Secular +[4036.24 --> 4036.54] World +[4036.54 --> 4036.84] Today +[4036.84 --> 4037.08] These +[4037.08 --> 4037.20] Are +[4037.20 --> 4037.58] Christian +[4037.58 --> 4038.06] Ideas +[4038.06 --> 4038.24] And +[4038.24 --> 4038.60] Christian +[4038.60 --> 4039.54] Ideals +[4039.54 --> 4040.32] And +[4040.32 --> 4040.64] So +[4040.64 --> 4041.80] When +[4041.80 --> 4041.98] I +[4041.98 --> 4042.36] Say +[4042.36 --> 4042.74] There +[4042.74 --> 4043.06] Never +[4043.06 --> 4043.24] Been +[4043.24 --> 4043.38] A +[4043.38 --> 4043.68] Time +[4043.68 --> 4043.98] So +[4043.98 --> 4044.80] Opposed +[4044.80 --> 4045.08] To +[4045.08 --> 4045.58] Christian +[4045.58 --> 4046.02] Living +[4046.02 --> 4046.52] Than +[4046.52 --> 4046.76] Right +[4046.76 --> 4047.16] Now +[4047.16 --> 4047.64] I +[4047.64 --> 4047.90] Mean +[4047.90 --> 4048.12] That +[4048.12 --> 4049.22] Philosophically +[4049.22 --> 4050.14] I +[4050.14 --> 4050.32] Mean +[4050.32 --> 4050.54] That +[4050.54 --> 4052.12] Anthropologically +[4052.12 --> 4052.52] Right +[4052.52 --> 4052.70] What +[4052.70 --> 4053.02] We +[4053.02 --> 4053.52] Mean +[4053.52 --> 4053.96] And +[4053.96 --> 4054.40] Think +[4054.40 --> 4054.76] When +[4054.76 --> 4055.04] We +[4055.04 --> 4055.52] Talk +[4055.52 --> 4055.82] About +[4055.82 --> 4056.04] What +[4056.04 --> 4056.18] It +[4056.18 --> 4056.40] Means +[4056.40 --> 4056.58] To +[4056.58 --> 4056.74] Be +[4056.74 --> 4057.20] Human +[4057.20 --> 4059.50] Because +[4059.50 --> 4059.64] The +[4059.64 --> 4059.90] General +[4059.90 --> 4060.20] Idea +[4060.20 --> 4060.40] That +[4060.40 --> 4060.78] Exists +[4060.78 --> 4060.94] In +[4060.94 --> 4061.06] The +[4061.06 --> 4061.26] World +[4061.26 --> 4061.56] Today +[4061.56 --> 4061.76] And +[4061.76 --> 4062.32] Exists +[4062.32 --> 4062.60] In +[4062.60 --> 4062.90] You +[4062.90 --> 4063.84] And +[4063.84 --> 4064.10] Me +[4064.10 --> 4065.14] Is +[4065.14 --> 4065.30] That +[4065.30 --> 4065.50] We +[4065.50 --> 4065.70] Are +[4065.70 --> 4066.12] Masters +[4066.12 --> 4066.40] Of +[4066.40 --> 4066.52] Our +[4066.52 --> 4066.70] Own +[4066.70 --> 4067.28] Destinies +[4067.28 --> 4068.30] That +[4068.30 --> 4068.48] We +[4068.48 --> 4068.78] Ought +[4068.78 --> 4068.98] To +[4068.98 --> 4069.16] Be +[4069.16 --> 4069.44] Free +[4069.44 --> 4069.68] To +[4069.68 --> 4069.94] Be +[4069.94 --> 4070.34] Whoever +[4070.34 --> 4070.60] It +[4070.60 --> 4070.74] Is +[4070.74 --> 4070.88] That +[4070.88 --> 4071.00] We +[4071.00 --> 4071.28] Are +[4071.28 --> 4071.66] Who +[4071.66 --> 4071.82] We +[4071.82 --> 4072.06] Want +[4072.06 --> 4072.22] To +[4072.22 --> 4072.46] Be +[4072.46 --> 4073.74] And +[4073.74 --> 4073.94] That +[4073.94 --> 4074.04] Is +[4074.04 --> 4074.24] The +[4074.24 --> 4074.80] Idea +[4074.80 --> 4075.48] That +[4075.48 --> 4075.64] Is +[4075.64 --> 4075.88] The +[4075.88 --> 4076.70] Opposite +[4080.32 --> 4080.60] To +[4080.60 --> 4080.76] Be +[4080.76 --> 4081.80] Right +[4081.80 --> 4082.26] Real +[4082.26 --> 4082.86] Christian +[4082.86 --> 4083.80] Living +[4083.80 --> 4084.26] Living +[4084.26 --> 4084.66] Because +[4084.66 --> 4084.82] Of +[4084.82 --> 4085.14] God's +[4085.14 --> 4085.62] Mercy +[4085.62 --> 4086.90] Sacrifices +[4086.90 --> 4087.30] Any +[4087.30 --> 4087.78] And +[4087.78 --> 4088.26] Every +[4088.26 --> 4088.58] And +[4088.58 --> 4088.98] All +[4088.98 --> 4089.70] Claims +[4089.70 --> 4089.94] To +[4089.94 --> 4090.52] Self +[4090.52 --> 4091.08] And +[4091.08 --> 4091.64] Gives +[4091.64 --> 4092.44] Yourself +[4092.44 --> 4092.78] All +[4092.78 --> 4092.94] Of +[4092.94 --> 4093.14] Who +[4093.14 --> 4093.34] You +[4093.34 --> 4093.68] Are +[4093.68 --> 4094.24] All +[4094.24 --> 4094.40] Of +[4094.40 --> 4094.58] What +[4094.58 --> 4094.74] You +[4094.74 --> 4095.04] Do +[4095.04 --> 4095.44] And +[4095.44 --> 4095.78] All +[4095.78 --> 4095.90] Of +[4095.90 --> 4096.10] How +[4096.10 --> 4096.30] You +[4096.30 --> 4096.48] Will +[4096.48 --> 4096.72] Be +[4096.72 --> 4097.32] Gives +[4097.32 --> 4097.50] It +[4097.50 --> 4097.82] All +[4097.82 --> 4098.04] To +[4098.04 --> 4098.50] God +[4098.50 --> 4099.16] For +[4099.16 --> 4099.60] God +[4099.60 --> 4100.22] To +[4100.22 --> 4100.72] God +[4100.72 --> 4101.16] Be +[4101.16 --> 4101.50] The +[4101.50 --> 4101.86] Glory +[4101.86 --> 4103.48] And +[4103.48 --> 4103.86] Yes +[4103.86 --> 4104.42] It +[4104.42 --> 4104.90] Feels +[4104.90 --> 4105.28] Like +[4105.28 --> 4105.74] Death +[4105.74 --> 4107.58] Because +[4107.58 --> 4107.70] In +[4107.70 --> 4107.84] Many +[4107.84 --> 4108.10] Ways +[4108.10 --> 4108.56] It +[4108.56 --> 4108.88] Is +[4108.88 --> 4110.14] Death +[4110.14 --> 4114.10] But +[4114.10 --> 4114.22] If +[4114.22 --> 4114.32] You +[4114.32 --> 4114.42] Know +[4114.42 --> 4114.58] The +[4114.58 --> 4115.06] Gospel +[4115.06 --> 4116.74] If +[4116.74 --> 4116.80] You +[4116.80 --> 4116.88] Know +[4116.88 --> 4117.00] The +[4117.00 --> 4117.32] Gospel +[4117.32 --> 4117.56] Of +[4117.56 --> 4117.82] Jesus +[4117.82 --> 4118.06] You +[4118.06 --> 4118.28] Know +[4118.28 --> 4118.52] That +[4118.52 --> 4119.00] On +[4119.00 --> 4119.16] The +[4119.16 --> 4119.46] Other +[4119.46 --> 4119.88] Side +[4119.88 --> 4120.10] Of +[4120.10 --> 4120.58] Death +[4120.58 --> 4122.16] Is +[4122.16 --> 4122.64] Life +[4122.64 --> 4124.04] True +[4124.04 --> 4124.52] Life +[4124.52 --> 4125.06] Real +[4125.06 --> 4125.92] Life +[4125.92 --> 4126.48] The +[4126.48 --> 4127.22] Paradox +[4127.22 --> 4127.54] Of +[4127.54 --> 4127.88] Living +[4127.88 --> 4128.76] Sacrifice +[4128.76 --> 4129.26] Means +[4129.26 --> 4130.00] Living +[4130.00 --> 4130.32] For +[4130.32 --> 4130.88] Yourself +[4130.88 --> 4131.16] Is +[4131.16 --> 4131.68] Ultimately +[4131.68 --> 4132.30] Being +[4132.30 --> 4132.60] Stuck +[4132.60 --> 4132.82] In +[4132.82 --> 4133.18] Death +[4133.18 --> 4134.46] And +[4134.46 --> 4135.00] Dying +[4135.00 --> 4135.26] To +[4135.26 --> 4135.64] Self +[4135.64 --> 4135.84] On +[4135.84 --> 4135.98] The +[4135.98 --> 4136.30] Cross +[4136.30 --> 4136.54] With +[4136.54 --> 4136.90] Jesus +[4136.90 --> 4137.26] Is +[4137.26 --> 4137.94] Actually +[4137.94 --> 4138.60] Where +[4138.60 --> 4138.80] You +[4138.80 --> 4139.28] Find +[4139.28 --> 4139.90] True +[4139.90 --> 4140.72] Life +[4140.72 --> 4143.06] This +[4143.06 --> 4144.14] Is +[4144.14 --> 4144.32] Your +[4144.32 --> 4144.70] True +[4144.70 --> 4144.94] And +[4144.94 --> 4145.34] Proper +[4145.34 --> 4146.26] Worship +[4146.26 --> 4148.66] That's +[4148.66 --> 4148.96] What Paul +[4148.96 --> 4149.30] Says +[4149.30 --> 4151.56] Sometimes +[4151.56 --> 4153.58] We +[4153.58 --> 4153.98] Think +[4153.98 --> 4154.98] That +[4154.98 --> 4155.40] Worship +[4155.40 --> 4156.66] Is +[4156.66 --> 4157.06] About +[4157.06 --> 4157.28] What +[4157.28 --> 4157.44] We +[4157.44 --> 4157.72] Do +[4157.72 --> 4158.16] On +[4158.16 --> 4158.56] Sunday +[4158.56 --> 4158.80] The +[4158.80 --> 4159.08] Singing +[4159.08 --> 4159.30] Of +[4159.30 --> 4159.64] Songs +[4159.64 --> 4159.78] And +[4159.78 --> 4159.90] The +[4159.90 --> 4160.16] Praying +[4160.16 --> 4160.32] Of +[4160.32 --> 4160.70] Prayers +[4160.70 --> 4160.84] And +[4160.84 --> 4160.96] The +[4160.96 --> 4161.26] Listening +[4161.26 --> 4162.12] To +[4162.12 --> 4162.40] Of +[4162.40 --> 4162.82] Sermons +[4162.82 --> 4162.96] The +[4162.96 --> 4163.62] Participating +[4163.62 --> 4164.16] In +[4164.16 --> 4164.30] The +[4164.30 --> 4164.68] Sacraments +[4164.68 --> 4164.82] And +[4164.82 --> 4165.10] Don't +[4165.10 --> 4165.18] Get +[4165.18 --> 4165.50] Wrong +[4165.50 --> 4165.70] Of +[4165.70 --> 4165.86] Course +[4165.86 --> 4166.08] That's +[4166.08 --> 4166.34] Part +[4166.34 --> 4166.46] Of +[4166.46 --> 4166.64] It +[4166.64 --> 4167.86] Right +[4167.86 --> 4168.50] But +[4168.50 --> 4168.78] That +[4168.78 --> 4169.14] Kind +[4169.14 --> 4169.32] Of +[4169.32 --> 4169.70] Worship +[4169.70 --> 4170.20] Is +[4170.20 --> 4170.42] The +[4170.42 --> 4171.02] Fuel +[4171.02 --> 4171.38] Is +[4171.38 --> 4171.56] The +[4171.56 --> 4172.32] Means +[4172.32 --> 4172.62] Of +[4172.62 --> 4173.12] Grace +[4173.12 --> 4173.72] For +[4173.72 --> 4173.88] The +[4173.88 --> 4174.18] Kind +[4174.18 --> 4174.36] Of +[4174.36 --> 4174.68] Worship +[4174.68 --> 4174.92] That +[4174.92 --> 4175.14] Goes +[4175.14 --> 4175.40] From +[4175.40 --> 4175.66] This +[4175.66 --> 4176.06] Place +[4176.06 --> 4176.34] And +[4176.34 --> 4177.00] Says +[4177.00 --> 4177.72] In +[4177.72 --> 4178.38] Everything +[4178.38 --> 4179.40] I +[4179.40 --> 4180.14] Give +[4180.14 --> 4180.26] It +[4180.26 --> 4180.46] Up +[4180.46 --> 4181.04] I +[4181.04 --> 4181.30] Put +[4181.30 --> 4181.52] To +[4181.52 --> 4181.82] Death +[4181.82 --> 4182.06] I +[4182.06 --> 4183.00] Offer +[4183.00 --> 4183.14] It +[4183.14 --> 4183.36] As +[4183.36 --> 4183.54] A +[4183.54 --> 4184.32] Sacrifice +[4184.32 --> 4185.22] My +[4185.22 --> 4185.24] My +[4185.24 --> 4185.26] My +[4185.26 --> 4185.76] Choice +[4185.76 --> 4186.34] And +[4186.34 --> 4186.56] My +[4186.56 --> 4187.22] Everything +[4187.22 --> 4187.96] Over +[4187.96 --> 4188.16] To +[4188.16 --> 4188.44] God +[4188.44 --> 4190.06] Worship +[4190.06 --> 4190.50] Is +[4190.50 --> 4191.36] Sacrificing +[4191.36 --> 4191.60] Your +[4191.60 --> 4192.14] Narrow +[4192.14 --> 4192.68] Joy +[4192.68 --> 4193.16] For +[4193.16 --> 4193.32] The +[4193.32 --> 4193.70] Joy +[4193.70 --> 4194.04] Of +[4194.04 --> 4194.40] Joining +[4194.40 --> 4194.64] In +[4194.64 --> 4194.96] God's +[4194.96 --> 4195.38] Mission +[4195.38 --> 4196.20] Worship +[4196.20 --> 4196.50] Is +[4196.50 --> 4197.24] Sacrificing +[4197.24 --> 4197.40] Your +[4197.40 --> 4197.78] Narrow +[4197.78 --> 4198.14] Joy +[4198.14 --> 4198.36] For +[4198.36 --> 4198.50] The +[4198.50 --> 4198.76] Joy +[4198.76 --> 4198.96] Of +[4198.96 --> 4199.26] Joining +[4199.26 --> 4199.52] With +[4199.52 --> 4199.82] God +[4199.82 --> 4200.04] Being +[4200.04 --> 4200.52] United +[4200.52 --> 4201.06] With +[4201.06 --> 4201.40] Christ +[4201.40 --> 4202.12] Only +[4202.12 --> 4202.40] To +[4202.40 --> 4202.92] Find +[4202.92 --> 4203.76] That +[4203.76 --> 4204.18] Such +[4204.18 --> 4205.14] Sacrificing +[4205.14 --> 4205.82] Leads +[4205.82 --> 4206.14] To +[4206.14 --> 4206.86] Eternal +[4206.86 --> 4207.74] Joy +[4207.74 --> 4209.60] That +[4209.60 --> 4209.74] It's +[4209.74 --> 4209.92] The +[4209.92 --> 4210.22] Only +[4210.22 --> 4210.66] Thing +[4210.66 --> 4210.86] That +[4210.86 --> 4211.10] Makes +[4211.10 --> 4211.56] Sense +[4211.56 --> 4211.80] In +[4211.80 --> 4212.42] Response +[4212.42 --> 4212.66] To +[4212.66 --> 4213.02] God's +[4213.02 --> 4213.56] Mercy +[4213.56 --> 4215.94] And +[4215.94 --> 4216.06] In +[4216.06 --> 4216.24] Fact +[4216.24 --> 4217.56] It's +[4217.56 --> 4217.70] Not +[4217.70 --> 4217.90] Really +[4217.90 --> 4218.32] Clear +[4218.32 --> 4218.68] In +[4218.68 --> 4219.20] In +[4219.20 --> 4219.32] The +[4219.32 --> 4219.94] Translation +[4219.94 --> 4220.74] That +[4220.74 --> 4220.88] We +[4220.88 --> 4221.12] Have +[4221.12 --> 4221.38] Here +[4221.38 --> 4221.58] In +[4221.58 --> 4221.76] Front +[4221.76 --> 4221.90] Of +[4221.90 --> 4222.16] Us +[4222.16 --> 4223.74] That +[4223.74 --> 4223.88] We +[4223.88 --> 4224.12] Read +[4224.12 --> 4224.44] From +[4224.44 --> 4225.68] Paul +[4225.68 --> 4226.82] Describes +[4226.82 --> 4227.56] The +[4227.56 --> 4228.48] Offering +[4228.48 --> 4228.70] Of +[4228.70 --> 4228.84] Your +[4228.84 --> 4229.26] Bodies +[4229.26 --> 4229.50] As +[4229.50 --> 4229.74] Living +[4229.74 --> 4230.50] Sacrifices +[4230.50 --> 4230.82] Holy +[4230.82 --> 4231.06] And +[4231.06 --> 4231.34] Pleasing +[4231.34 --> 4231.48] To +[4231.48 --> 4231.70] God +[4231.70 --> 4231.86] He +[4231.86 --> 4232.04] Says +[4232.04 --> 4232.34] This +[4232.34 --> 4232.84] Is +[4232.84 --> 4233.36] Your +[4233.36 --> 4233.80] True +[4233.80 --> 4234.12] And +[4234.12 --> 4234.64] Proper +[4234.64 --> 4235.56] Worship +[4235.56 --> 4236.82] That +[4236.82 --> 4237.36] Phrase +[4237.36 --> 4237.74] True +[4237.74 --> 4237.98] And +[4237.98 --> 4238.40] Proper +[4238.40 --> 4239.16] Is +[4239.16 --> 4239.52] Actually +[4239.52 --> 4239.84] Just +[4239.84 --> 4240.18] One +[4240.18 --> 4240.48] Word +[4240.48 --> 4240.70] In +[4240.70 --> 4241.00] Greek +[4241.00 --> 4242.32] And +[4242.32 --> 4242.42] The +[4242.42 --> 4242.64] Word +[4242.64 --> 4242.88] Is +[4242.88 --> 4243.54] Logikon +[4243.54 --> 4244.74] It's +[4244.74 --> 4244.88] The +[4244.88 --> 4245.24] Word +[4245.24 --> 4245.54] From +[4245.54 --> 4245.72] Which +[4245.72 --> 4245.86] We +[4245.86 --> 4246.00] Get +[4246.00 --> 4246.58] Logic +[4246.58 --> 4247.08] Or +[4247.08 --> 4247.68] Logical +[4247.68 --> 4247.92] It +[4247.92 --> 4248.16] Means +[4248.16 --> 4248.86] Rational +[4248.86 --> 4249.48] Or +[4249.48 --> 4250.24] Logically +[4250.24 --> 4251.10] Consequent +[4251.10 --> 4252.78] And +[4252.78 --> 4253.34] Here's +[4253.34 --> 4253.58] Why I +[4253.58 --> 4253.68] Think +[4253.68 --> 4253.84] That +[4253.84 --> 4254.26] Matters +[4254.26 --> 4254.44] Right +[4254.44 --> 4254.84] Because +[4254.84 --> 4255.34] It's +[4255.34 --> 4255.98] Only +[4255.98 --> 4256.52] In +[4256.52 --> 4257.08] Light +[4257.08 --> 4257.12] Love +[4287.08 --> 4295.06] of yourself is actually irrational. That's Paul's point. That's the thing +[4295.06 --> 4308.02] that's so amazing about grace. If what God did in Jesus Christ doesn't move you, +[4308.02 --> 4315.82] you haven't comprehended it completely yet or fully enough yet. And let me say +[4315.82 --> 4320.56] it again, right? Because here's the point. To the outside world, that is to people who don't know +[4320.56 --> 4327.04] Jesus in this way, that won't make any sense. In fact, it can't make sense. As we've just seen, +[4327.08 --> 4331.24] it can't make sense because they haven't experienced God's mercy. They haven't experienced +[4331.24 --> 4336.80] the truth that justification is by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone. They haven't +[4336.80 --> 4341.94] been united with Christ in his sufferings and so united with him in his resurrection. +[4341.94 --> 4350.38] What you believe in and who you are, what you do with your life because of that belief, +[4350.68 --> 4355.00] isn't going to make sense to your unbelieving friends. +[4357.60 --> 4362.68] Here's two or three really easy examples, but you can figure out the application for yourself. +[4363.84 --> 4367.62] What do you mean you gave $10,000 to your church last year? +[4367.62 --> 4372.44] Don't you know what kind of vacation you could go on for that money? +[4375.24 --> 4380.74] What do you mean you're not having sex till you're married? It's just sex and it feels good. +[4383.00 --> 4387.64] What do you mean you don't have a TikTok account? Doesn't everyone your age have a TikTok account? +[4387.64 --> 4393.60] That's what's Nora. She gave me the glaring eyes. +[4395.60 --> 4396.92] On and on the list goes. +[4399.00 --> 4401.78] What you have been called to offer +[4401.78 --> 4405.44] as a living sacrifice is the fullness +[4405.44 --> 4406.38] of who you are. +[4407.22 --> 4407.86] So I'm asking, +[4408.44 --> 4410.26] what is it? +[4411.34 --> 4413.32] What is it right now, today, +[4413.44 --> 4415.34] that God is laying on your heart and putting in your mind? +[4415.34 --> 4417.90] What is it that you are being called to offer +[4417.90 --> 4418.96] as a living sacrifice? +[4419.18 --> 4421.34] Because today you are saying, +[4421.62 --> 4423.20] I will trust God more +[4423.20 --> 4424.60] than I trust myself. +[4427.50 --> 4430.10] When your Christian faith makes you peculiar +[4430.10 --> 4430.96] in the world, +[4431.16 --> 4433.66] you're living in line with verse 12 of our text. +[4434.06 --> 4434.28] It says, +[4434.46 --> 4435.22] do not conform, +[4435.64 --> 4436.90] or verse 2, sorry, of our text. +[4436.98 --> 4439.28] Do not conform to the pattern of this world, +[4439.36 --> 4441.54] but be transformed by the renewing +[4441.54 --> 4442.50] of your mind. +[4442.50 --> 4444.68] Do not conform, +[4444.90 --> 4446.16] but be transformed. +[4447.54 --> 4448.62] Do not conform, +[4448.84 --> 4450.68] but be changed +[4450.68 --> 4453.12] by the renewing of your mind. +[4453.76 --> 4454.52] Now that phrase, +[4454.68 --> 4456.42] transformed by the renewing of your mind, +[4456.78 --> 4458.56] is unique to this place +[4458.56 --> 4459.96] in Paul's writing. +[4460.64 --> 4461.56] The word transform +[4461.56 --> 4463.42] is actually used only here +[4463.42 --> 4464.74] and in one other place, +[4465.14 --> 4467.54] in 2 Corinthians 3, 18, +[4467.64 --> 4468.36] where Paul says, +[4468.36 --> 4471.08] we who with unveiled faces +[4471.08 --> 4472.92] all reflect the Lord's glory +[4472.92 --> 4474.00] are being transformed +[4474.00 --> 4475.72] into his likeness +[4475.72 --> 4477.40] with ever increasing glory +[4477.40 --> 4479.44] which comes from the Lord. +[4480.70 --> 4481.70] And so what's clear +[4481.70 --> 4482.86] is that this transformation +[4482.86 --> 4486.76] is about some deep inner transformation, +[4486.98 --> 4488.46] some deep inner change +[4488.46 --> 4490.50] that works itself out +[4490.50 --> 4492.86] from the inside out in our lives. +[4492.96 --> 4496.16] It's not some outward conformity. +[4496.16 --> 4498.34] It's a deep change. +[4499.44 --> 4501.24] We can continue digging into this. +[4501.36 --> 4503.08] In Colossians 3, 16, +[4503.46 --> 4504.14] we read, +[4504.64 --> 4505.98] let the word of Christ +[4505.98 --> 4507.48] dwell in you richly. +[4508.12 --> 4508.68] And so yes, +[4508.76 --> 4509.86] in this transformation, +[4510.32 --> 4512.90] there's an intellectual aspect to it. +[4513.14 --> 4514.76] You learn and you know +[4514.76 --> 4516.36] and you study God's word +[4516.36 --> 4518.54] and you grow as a result. +[4518.68 --> 4520.92] You are changed as a result. +[4522.52 --> 4524.14] Ephesians 4, 23, +[4524.14 --> 4527.18] says that we are to be made new +[4527.18 --> 4529.48] in the attitudes of your minds. +[4530.32 --> 4531.68] So part of what that means +[4531.68 --> 4534.10] is that the dominating impulse +[4534.10 --> 4534.90] in our mind, +[4535.06 --> 4536.86] our very imaginations, +[4537.40 --> 4539.60] the way we see the world +[4539.60 --> 4540.82] and how we engage +[4540.82 --> 4542.22] in the world around us +[4542.22 --> 4543.88] is reoriented, +[4544.12 --> 4546.86] is transformed by Jesus. +[4548.26 --> 4549.82] And with imaginations +[4549.82 --> 4551.10] captured by Christ, +[4551.20 --> 4552.22] you begin to see +[4552.22 --> 4553.60] that what is impossible +[4553.60 --> 4555.24] for you and me +[4555.24 --> 4557.92] is possible for God. +[4558.94 --> 4559.74] And then Paul continues +[4559.74 --> 4560.48] this idea, +[4560.60 --> 4561.18] working it out. +[4561.50 --> 4563.44] In 1 Corinthians 2, 13, +[4564.14 --> 4565.10] Paul says that +[4565.10 --> 4567.12] we speak not in words +[4567.12 --> 4568.94] taught us by human wisdom, +[4568.94 --> 4570.52] but in words taught +[4570.52 --> 4571.30] by the Spirit, +[4571.64 --> 4573.48] explaining spiritual realities +[4573.48 --> 4575.82] with Spirit-taught words. +[4576.62 --> 4577.66] And so pull that all together +[4577.66 --> 4578.44] for our understanding +[4578.44 --> 4578.92] of what it means +[4578.92 --> 4579.66] to be transformed +[4579.66 --> 4580.78] by the renewing of our minds. +[4580.88 --> 4582.40] The Spirit of God +[4582.40 --> 4584.18] takes the Word of God +[4584.18 --> 4586.76] and applies it to our minds +[4586.76 --> 4589.26] and then so transforms us. +[4589.50 --> 4591.06] And that results +[4591.06 --> 4594.42] in only one logical outcome. +[4596.04 --> 4596.56] Worship. +[4597.38 --> 4599.10] Worship that sacrifices +[4599.10 --> 4601.56] all of me for all of Him. +[4601.56 --> 4603.76] because in Him, +[4603.88 --> 4604.88] I am truly, +[4605.52 --> 4605.98] finally, +[4606.40 --> 4608.20] fully found. +[4613.52 --> 4614.56] Here's where I want to +[4614.56 --> 4616.78] end this morning. +[4619.34 --> 4620.48] Because after hearing +[4620.48 --> 4621.90] God's Word to us today, +[4623.32 --> 4625.16] my prayer +[4625.16 --> 4626.62] is there are, +[4626.94 --> 4628.20] there is at least +[4628.20 --> 4629.46] two things +[4629.46 --> 4630.48] that are clear +[4630.48 --> 4631.36] and present +[4631.36 --> 4632.10] in your mind. +[4633.42 --> 4634.20] I'm going to name them +[4634.20 --> 4635.66] because I want to be sure +[4635.66 --> 4636.06] that they're there. +[4636.48 --> 4636.90] First, +[4637.34 --> 4639.04] every single one of you +[4639.04 --> 4641.06] should be uncomfortable +[4641.06 --> 4641.94] right now. +[4643.88 --> 4645.46] Every single one of you +[4645.46 --> 4647.04] should be feeling +[4647.04 --> 4647.70] the pressures +[4647.70 --> 4649.48] of this living sacrifice +[4649.48 --> 4650.56] call to death. +[4651.08 --> 4652.06] Every one of you. +[4653.88 --> 4654.74] You should think, +[4655.14 --> 4656.02] what have I missed? +[4656.02 --> 4658.54] What have I been blind to? +[4659.40 --> 4660.38] What have I assumed +[4660.38 --> 4661.02] about life +[4661.02 --> 4662.10] that's cultural +[4662.10 --> 4663.68] and not biblical? +[4664.38 --> 4665.26] Every one of us +[4665.26 --> 4665.90] should be wondering, +[4666.24 --> 4666.76] what do I need +[4666.76 --> 4667.34] to sacrifice +[4667.34 --> 4668.46] for the glory of God? +[4668.82 --> 4669.58] What do I need +[4669.58 --> 4671.20] to let go of +[4671.20 --> 4672.20] in myself +[4672.20 --> 4673.24] or for myself? +[4673.60 --> 4675.04] The old theological term +[4675.04 --> 4676.00] here is mortify. +[4676.42 --> 4677.08] What do I need +[4677.08 --> 4677.96] to mortify +[4677.96 --> 4678.84] in my life +[4678.84 --> 4679.90] to put to death? +[4680.14 --> 4681.00] None of us +[4681.00 --> 4682.22] escapes this call. +[4686.02 --> 4687.68] And second, +[4688.52 --> 4692.18] even as you wrestle +[4692.18 --> 4693.74] with the uncomfortable +[4693.74 --> 4696.06] calling to put things +[4696.06 --> 4697.46] to death in your life, +[4698.00 --> 4699.54] here's this truth. +[4700.16 --> 4701.70] You can trust +[4701.70 --> 4705.48] in the love of God +[4705.48 --> 4708.02] because you've understood +[4708.02 --> 4709.00] the mercy of God. +[4709.94 --> 4710.64] Right? +[4710.66 --> 4711.46] You can take comfort +[4711.46 --> 4712.16] in the fact +[4712.16 --> 4713.18] that there is nothing +[4713.18 --> 4714.82] that can separate you +[4714.82 --> 4715.80] from the love of God +[4715.80 --> 4716.50] that is available +[4716.50 --> 4718.18] in Christ Jesus. +[4719.88 --> 4720.40] And in fact, +[4720.68 --> 4721.84] it's precisely because +[4721.84 --> 4722.54] there's nothing +[4722.54 --> 4723.82] that can separate us +[4723.82 --> 4724.46] from that love +[4724.46 --> 4725.70] that we do what we do. +[4726.12 --> 4727.28] It's precisely because +[4727.28 --> 4727.90] there's nothing +[4727.90 --> 4729.06] that can separate us +[4729.06 --> 4730.04] from the love of God +[4730.04 --> 4730.48] that we say, +[4730.82 --> 4732.12] this I will put to death +[4732.12 --> 4732.76] for Him. +[4734.64 --> 4735.74] That's why we willingly +[4735.74 --> 4736.76] offer ourselves +[4736.76 --> 4738.08] as sacrifices. +[4738.08 --> 4739.16] Not because we are trying +[4739.16 --> 4740.90] to earn the love of God, +[4741.04 --> 4742.34] but because we are living +[4742.34 --> 4744.50] out of the love +[4744.50 --> 4745.28] of God +[4745.28 --> 4747.56] given to us. +[4750.22 --> 4751.20] Some of you know +[4751.20 --> 4754.24] that I coach Malachi, +[4754.50 --> 4755.90] my son's soccer team. +[4755.98 --> 4756.72] Well, I'm one of the +[4756.72 --> 4757.40] assistant coaches. +[4758.24 --> 4759.16] I really know nothing +[4759.16 --> 4759.62] about soccer, +[4759.70 --> 4760.18] so I couldn't be +[4760.18 --> 4760.68] the head coach. +[4761.74 --> 4762.92] But that means +[4762.92 --> 4764.10] every week +[4764.10 --> 4765.68] for two hours +[4765.68 --> 4766.68] we have practices +[4766.68 --> 4768.04] and then for an hour +[4768.04 --> 4769.04] we have a game. +[4769.62 --> 4770.54] Two nights a week +[4770.54 --> 4771.54] for practice, +[4772.08 --> 4773.10] one morning +[4773.10 --> 4773.84] for a game +[4773.84 --> 4774.82] and we practice together. +[4776.34 --> 4776.54] Right? +[4776.60 --> 4777.66] But not just those +[4777.66 --> 4779.00] three times a week. +[4779.78 --> 4780.62] Malachi and I +[4780.62 --> 4781.56] will practice at home. +[4781.94 --> 4782.54] He likes to kick +[4782.54 --> 4783.16] a ball around. +[4783.28 --> 4784.42] He likes to work +[4784.42 --> 4786.14] on his place kicks. +[4786.24 --> 4786.94] He likes to work +[4786.94 --> 4787.78] on what it means +[4787.78 --> 4789.02] to cross or to dribble +[4789.02 --> 4789.94] and so we will +[4789.94 --> 4790.64] do that together. +[4793.16 --> 4794.12] He will ask me +[4794.12 --> 4794.84] to train him +[4794.84 --> 4797.14] and he will spend +[4797.14 --> 4799.44] hours working on it. +[4800.54 --> 4802.24] And I do this +[4802.24 --> 4802.74] with him +[4802.74 --> 4803.68] not because I love +[4803.68 --> 4804.08] soccer +[4804.08 --> 4806.34] but because I love +[4806.34 --> 4806.66] Malachi. +[4808.96 --> 4809.76] And then we come +[4809.76 --> 4810.36] to game day. +[4810.96 --> 4811.12] Right? +[4811.54 --> 4812.40] We put all this +[4812.40 --> 4813.04] training in. +[4813.54 --> 4814.42] We put all this +[4814.42 --> 4814.86] work in. +[4814.94 --> 4815.36] We've invested +[4815.36 --> 4816.22] all this time +[4816.22 --> 4817.16] and if Malachi +[4817.16 --> 4817.92] goes out on that +[4817.92 --> 4818.40] pitch and he +[4818.40 --> 4819.38] forgets everything +[4819.38 --> 4820.54] that we worked on. +[4821.92 --> 4822.88] If he can't even +[4822.88 --> 4823.68] figure out that he's +[4823.68 --> 4824.24] right-footed +[4824.24 --> 4824.98] and not left-foot +[4824.98 --> 4825.38] dominant, +[4826.64 --> 4827.34] he goes out there +[4827.34 --> 4828.10] and he flubs it +[4828.10 --> 4828.92] every single time +[4828.92 --> 4829.52] he gets a shot +[4829.52 --> 4829.86] on net. +[4830.58 --> 4831.22] Or if he goes +[4831.22 --> 4831.42] out there +[4831.42 --> 4831.92] and he forgets +[4831.92 --> 4832.68] to cross it in. +[4834.48 --> 4835.22] That doesn't +[4835.22 --> 4836.26] lessen my love +[4836.26 --> 4836.74] for him +[4836.74 --> 4838.22] in any way. +[4841.12 --> 4841.82] And Malachi +[4841.82 --> 4843.76] can be confident +[4843.76 --> 4844.84] of that. +[4845.20 --> 4846.12] That I will not +[4846.12 --> 4847.20] love him less +[4847.20 --> 4849.06] based on how well +[4849.06 --> 4849.68] he performs. +[4852.12 --> 4852.52] But, +[4852.88 --> 4854.70] you better believe +[4854.70 --> 4855.22] he still wants +[4855.22 --> 4855.92] to score a goal. +[4855.92 --> 4857.84] You better believe +[4857.84 --> 4858.36] he still wants +[4858.36 --> 4859.20] to go out there +[4859.20 --> 4860.26] and work his +[4860.26 --> 4861.70] tail off to do it. +[4862.58 --> 4863.32] He still wants +[4863.32 --> 4864.42] to play really well. +[4864.48 --> 4864.66] Again, +[4864.76 --> 4866.04] not to gain +[4866.04 --> 4866.82] my love, +[4867.00 --> 4867.70] but because he's +[4867.70 --> 4868.46] already loved. +[4869.28 --> 4869.96] Because we've +[4869.96 --> 4871.30] already invested +[4871.30 --> 4872.48] so much in it +[4872.48 --> 4872.80] together. +[4873.00 --> 4873.52] Because he's +[4873.52 --> 4874.04] already loved. +[4874.16 --> 4875.54] If he doubted +[4875.54 --> 4876.24] my love, +[4876.98 --> 4877.60] his playing +[4877.60 --> 4878.18] on the soccer +[4878.18 --> 4879.98] pitch would be +[4879.98 --> 4880.64] to try and earn +[4880.64 --> 4880.84] it. +[4881.42 --> 4882.18] To try and gain +[4882.18 --> 4882.72] my love. +[4883.12 --> 4883.90] And the weight +[4883.90 --> 4884.94] of that would +[4884.94 --> 4885.88] crush him +[4885.88 --> 4887.30] and his joy +[4887.30 --> 4887.80] for the game. +[4890.14 --> 4891.06] But because he +[4891.06 --> 4891.76] already knows +[4891.76 --> 4892.88] I love him +[4892.88 --> 4894.00] and he's living +[4894.00 --> 4894.58] and playing +[4894.58 --> 4895.40] in the security +[4895.40 --> 4896.66] of that love, +[4896.76 --> 4897.50] he can go on +[4897.50 --> 4898.06] to that soccer +[4898.06 --> 4899.04] pitch and try +[4899.04 --> 4899.78] his absolute +[4899.78 --> 4900.18] hardest. +[4900.50 --> 4901.00] He can try +[4901.00 --> 4901.84] his best to +[4901.84 --> 4902.40] please me, +[4902.54 --> 4903.18] to make me +[4903.18 --> 4903.52] happy. +[4904.56 --> 4905.26] That's a goal +[4905.26 --> 4905.64] for him. +[4905.78 --> 4906.66] Not to earn +[4906.66 --> 4907.38] my love, +[4907.50 --> 4908.32] but because +[4908.32 --> 4910.40] of my love. +[4910.40 --> 4912.92] That's why +[4912.92 --> 4913.22] we live +[4913.22 --> 4913.74] sacrificial +[4913.74 --> 4914.24] lives to +[4914.24 --> 4914.50] God. +[4915.72 --> 4916.62] If our +[4916.62 --> 4917.40] earthly fathers +[4917.40 --> 4917.94] live and +[4917.94 --> 4918.38] love in +[4918.38 --> 4918.78] that way, +[4918.88 --> 4919.30] how much +[4919.30 --> 4920.06] more will +[4920.06 --> 4920.54] our heavenly +[4920.54 --> 4921.70] father live +[4921.70 --> 4922.28] and love +[4922.28 --> 4923.32] in that way? +[4923.72 --> 4924.50] Because of +[4924.50 --> 4925.20] his great +[4925.20 --> 4925.96] love for +[4925.96 --> 4926.40] us, +[4926.82 --> 4927.56] the only +[4927.56 --> 4928.60] logical +[4928.60 --> 4929.78] response +[4929.78 --> 4930.76] to +[4930.76 --> 4931.88] God +[4931.88 --> 4933.70] is to +[4933.70 --> 4934.22] offer our +[4934.22 --> 4935.10] lives as +[4935.10 --> 4935.54] living +[4935.54 --> 4936.86] sacrifices +[4936.86 --> 4937.82] of worship +[4937.82 --> 4938.86] for him. +[4939.38 --> 4940.02] Let's pray +[4940.02 --> 4940.34] together. +[4940.40 --> 4945.58] holy, +[4946.10 --> 4946.90] holy +[4946.90 --> 4947.90] God, +[4948.74 --> 4951.26] open our +[4951.26 --> 4951.94] eyes to +[4951.94 --> 4953.38] the majesty +[4953.38 --> 4954.00] and the +[4954.00 --> 4954.78] beauty of +[4954.78 --> 4955.38] your mercy +[4955.38 --> 4956.18] once again +[4956.18 --> 4956.58] today. +[4957.46 --> 4958.40] Open our +[4958.40 --> 4959.28] eyes to +[4959.28 --> 4960.86] the amazing +[4960.86 --> 4962.10] grace that +[4962.10 --> 4962.58] you offer. +[4963.76 --> 4964.58] Open our +[4964.58 --> 4965.60] ears to +[4965.60 --> 4966.20] hear it so +[4966.20 --> 4966.42] that we +[4966.42 --> 4966.74] might be +[4966.74 --> 4967.54] transformed in +[4967.54 --> 4968.04] the renewing +[4968.04 --> 4968.34] of our +[4968.34 --> 4969.16] minds and +[4969.16 --> 4969.78] open our +[4969.78 --> 4970.72] imaginations +[4970.72 --> 4971.34] now to +[4971.34 --> 4971.96] see it +[4971.96 --> 4972.52] as we +[4972.52 --> 4973.04] come to +[4973.04 --> 4973.52] the table +[4973.52 --> 4974.78] and so +[4974.78 --> 4975.84] transform this +[4975.84 --> 4976.50] bread and +[4976.50 --> 4977.26] this juice +[4977.26 --> 4978.44] into the +[4978.44 --> 4979.26] blood of +[4979.26 --> 4980.16] Jesus Christ. +[4980.16 --> 4981.48] Be present +[4981.48 --> 4982.42] here among +[4982.42 --> 4983.14] us, we +[4983.14 --> 4983.74] pray God, +[4983.84 --> 4984.28] by your +[4984.28 --> 4985.00] Holy Spirit +[4985.00 --> 4986.36] so that we +[4986.36 --> 4987.36] may be +[4987.36 --> 4988.24] filled +[4988.24 --> 4990.24] to overflowing +[4990.24 --> 4990.26] to overflowing +[4990.26 --> 4991.24] with your +[4991.24 --> 4991.58] love. +[4993.04 --> 4993.72] And so +[4993.72 --> 4994.34] that because +[4994.34 --> 4994.76] of your +[4994.76 --> 4995.32] great love +[4995.32 --> 4995.80] for us, +[4995.90 --> 4996.26] we might +[4996.26 --> 4997.52] go nourished +[4997.52 --> 4998.60] and strengthened +[4998.60 --> 4999.50] as living +[4999.50 --> 5000.26] sacrifices +[5000.26 --> 5001.28] into the +[5001.28 --> 5001.70] everyday +[5001.70 --> 5002.70] ordinary +[5002.70 --> 5003.72] and extraordinary +[5003.72 --> 5004.68] circumstances +[5004.68 --> 5005.28] of life +[5005.28 --> 5005.86] and faith. +[5005.86 --> 5009.50] trusting +[5009.50 --> 5011.34] in who +[5011.34 --> 5011.86] you are +[5011.86 --> 5014.20] and who +[5014.20 --> 5015.22] we are +[5015.22 --> 5016.02] because +[5016.02 --> 5017.06] of who +[5017.06 --> 5017.56] you are. +[5018.00 --> 5018.68] In Jesus' +[5018.84 --> 5019.16] name we +[5019.16 --> 5019.40] pray. +[5020.20 --> 5020.62] Amen. +[5020.62 --> 5020.72] Amen. +[5020.72 --> 5035.08] As we +[5035.08 --> 5036.14] come to +[5036.14 --> 5036.94] the table +[5036.94 --> 5037.64] together, +[5038.30 --> 5038.90] we come +[5038.90 --> 5039.48] as a +[5039.48 --> 5040.10] church family +[5040.10 --> 5040.86] invited by +[5040.86 --> 5041.40] our Lord +[5041.40 --> 5042.36] to experience +[5042.36 --> 5043.72] him here. +[5043.82 --> 5044.40] As an act +[5044.40 --> 5045.02] of worship, +[5045.24 --> 5045.84] there are +[5045.84 --> 5047.16] steps and +[5047.16 --> 5047.74] liturgy +[5047.74 --> 5048.18] that we +[5048.18 --> 5048.92] will follow +[5048.92 --> 5049.30] and I +[5049.30 --> 5049.88] invite you +[5049.88 --> 5050.46] to speak +[5050.46 --> 5051.80] those words +[5051.80 --> 5052.24] as they +[5052.24 --> 5055.22] appear behind +[5055.22 --> 5055.48] me. +[5055.88 --> 5056.36] Lift up +[5056.36 --> 5056.84] your hearts. +[5059.18 --> 5059.88] Let us +[5059.88 --> 5060.52] give thanks +[5060.52 --> 5060.86] to the +[5060.86 --> 5061.34] Lord our +[5061.34 --> 5061.70] God. +[5064.80 --> 5065.34] Let's +[5065.34 --> 5065.54] pray. +[5067.48 --> 5068.46] With joy +[5068.46 --> 5069.52] we praise +[5069.52 --> 5069.92] you, +[5070.16 --> 5070.42] gracious +[5070.42 --> 5070.88] God, +[5071.24 --> 5071.72] for you +[5071.72 --> 5072.36] have created +[5072.36 --> 5072.98] heaven and +[5072.98 --> 5073.26] earth. +[5073.60 --> 5073.76] You've +[5073.76 --> 5074.18] made us +[5074.18 --> 5074.50] in your +[5074.50 --> 5074.94] image and +[5074.94 --> 5075.22] you have +[5075.22 --> 5075.94] kept covenant +[5075.94 --> 5076.40] with us +[5076.40 --> 5077.60] even when +[5077.60 --> 5078.16] we fell +[5078.16 --> 5078.76] into sin. +[5080.46 --> 5081.04] We give +[5081.04 --> 5081.60] you thanks +[5081.60 --> 5082.22] for Jesus +[5082.22 --> 5082.72] Christ, +[5082.94 --> 5083.38] who by +[5083.38 --> 5084.02] his life, +[5084.36 --> 5084.58] death, +[5084.70 --> 5085.28] and resurrection +[5085.28 --> 5086.00] opened to +[5086.00 --> 5086.50] us the +[5086.50 --> 5087.38] way of +[5087.38 --> 5087.98] everlasting +[5087.98 --> 5088.92] life. +[5089.38 --> 5089.70] Amen. +[5091.78 --> 5092.38] Our +[5092.38 --> 5092.92] Lord Jesus, +[5093.36 --> 5094.60] before he +[5094.60 --> 5095.02] suffered, +[5095.26 --> 5095.92] gave us +[5095.92 --> 5096.88] this memorial +[5096.88 --> 5098.22] of his +[5098.22 --> 5098.84] sacrifice +[5098.84 --> 5099.46] until he +[5099.46 --> 5100.00] comes again. +[5100.76 --> 5101.26] And the +[5101.26 --> 5101.82] Lord Jesus, +[5102.08 --> 5102.58] on the night +[5102.58 --> 5103.06] that he was +[5103.06 --> 5103.46] betrayed, +[5103.74 --> 5104.32] took bread. +[5105.06 --> 5105.54] And when he +[5105.54 --> 5105.86] had given +[5105.86 --> 5106.42] thanks, +[5106.52 --> 5107.00] he broke +[5107.00 --> 5107.42] it and +[5107.42 --> 5107.68] said, +[5108.08 --> 5108.84] this is +[5108.84 --> 5109.64] my body +[5109.64 --> 5110.46] which is +[5110.46 --> 5110.98] for you. +[5111.90 --> 5112.72] Do this +[5112.72 --> 5113.62] in remembrance +[5113.62 --> 5114.86] of me. +[5116.08 --> 5117.00] And in +[5117.00 --> 5117.68] the same +[5117.68 --> 5118.12] way, +[5118.28 --> 5118.88] he took +[5118.88 --> 5119.40] the cup +[5119.40 --> 5120.46] after supper +[5120.46 --> 5120.88] saying, +[5121.34 --> 5122.00] this cup +[5122.00 --> 5122.58] is the +[5122.58 --> 5123.18] new covenant +[5123.18 --> 5124.02] in my +[5124.02 --> 5124.46] blood. +[5125.72 --> 5126.40] Do this +[5126.40 --> 5127.16] in remembrance +[5127.16 --> 5127.92] of me. +[5129.26 --> 5130.14] For whenever +[5130.14 --> 5131.14] we eat +[5131.14 --> 5132.10] this bread +[5132.10 --> 5132.76] and drink +[5132.76 --> 5133.76] this cup, +[5133.96 --> 5134.60] we proclaim +[5134.60 --> 5135.22] the Lord's +[5135.22 --> 5136.12] death until +[5136.12 --> 5137.08] he comes +[5137.08 --> 5137.42] again. +[5138.36 --> 5139.10] This is +[5139.10 --> 5139.70] the mystery +[5139.70 --> 5140.22] of our +[5140.22 --> 5140.58] faith. +[5142.04 --> 5142.46] Your +[5142.46 --> 5142.82] death, +[5142.98 --> 5143.56] Christ, +[5143.74 --> 5144.38] we proclaim. +[5145.14 --> 5145.46] Your +[5145.46 --> 5146.02] resurrection, +[5146.46 --> 5147.02] we affirm +[5147.02 --> 5147.66] with joy. +[5148.40 --> 5148.66] Your +[5148.66 --> 5149.06] coming, +[5149.28 --> 5149.76] we await +[5149.76 --> 5150.38] with hope. +[5151.16 --> 5151.84] Glory be +[5151.84 --> 5152.44] to you, +[5152.60 --> 5153.18] Lord Jesus. +[5155.18 --> 5155.82] Church +[5155.82 --> 5156.14] family, +[5156.26 --> 5156.62] the Lord +[5156.62 --> 5157.68] has prepared +[5157.68 --> 5158.62] his table +[5158.62 --> 5159.24] for all +[5159.24 --> 5159.80] who love +[5159.80 --> 5160.72] him and +[5160.72 --> 5161.30] trust in +[5161.30 --> 5162.04] him alone +[5162.04 --> 5162.76] for their +[5162.76 --> 5163.20] salvation. +[5163.74 --> 5164.04] And so +[5164.04 --> 5164.58] come to +[5164.58 --> 5165.20] this table, +[5165.60 --> 5166.00] you who +[5166.00 --> 5166.62] have much +[5166.62 --> 5167.24] faith and +[5167.24 --> 5167.60] you who +[5167.60 --> 5167.98] would like +[5167.98 --> 5168.30] to have +[5168.30 --> 5168.64] more. +[5169.30 --> 5169.84] Come to +[5169.84 --> 5170.34] this table, +[5170.46 --> 5170.86] you who +[5170.86 --> 5171.38] have been +[5171.38 --> 5171.96] to this +[5171.96 --> 5172.48] sacrament +[5172.48 --> 5173.54] often and +[5173.54 --> 5173.96] you who +[5173.96 --> 5174.32] have not +[5174.32 --> 5174.74] been for +[5174.74 --> 5175.04] a long +[5175.04 --> 5175.36] time. +[5176.12 --> 5176.66] Come to +[5176.66 --> 5177.20] this table, +[5177.36 --> 5177.72] you who +[5177.72 --> 5178.38] have tried +[5178.38 --> 5179.08] to follow +[5179.08 --> 5180.02] Jesus and +[5180.02 --> 5180.48] you who +[5180.48 --> 5181.16] have failed. +[5181.62 --> 5182.10] Come to +[5182.10 --> 5182.54] this table +[5182.54 --> 5183.30] because Jesus +[5183.30 --> 5184.02] is raised +[5184.02 --> 5184.70] and here +[5184.70 --> 5185.54] you are +[5185.54 --> 5186.30] in good +[5186.30 --> 5186.92] company. +[5187.70 --> 5188.26] Come to +[5188.26 --> 5188.70] this table +[5188.70 --> 5189.10] if you are +[5189.10 --> 5189.62] present with +[5189.62 --> 5190.64] us or if +[5190.64 --> 5191.62] you are at +[5191.62 --> 5192.12] home because +[5192.12 --> 5192.82] it is Christ +[5192.82 --> 5194.02] who invites us +[5194.02 --> 5194.70] here. +[5195.34 --> 5195.78] The gifts +[5195.78 --> 5196.32] of God +[5196.32 --> 5197.20] for the +[5197.20 --> 5198.06] people of +[5198.06 --> 5198.34] God. +[5200.08 --> 5200.68] If you are +[5200.68 --> 5200.98] a guest +[5200.98 --> 5201.54] with us, +[5201.90 --> 5202.48] how we +[5202.48 --> 5203.70] celebrate this +[5203.70 --> 5204.62] meal is by +[5204.62 --> 5205.52] coming forward +[5205.52 --> 5206.44] in groups +[5206.44 --> 5207.56] and then +[5207.56 --> 5208.18] gathering in +[5208.18 --> 5208.64] a circle +[5208.64 --> 5209.16] and then +[5209.16 --> 5210.34] passing the +[5210.34 --> 5211.14] bread to +[5211.14 --> 5211.78] the person +[5211.78 --> 5212.52] next to you +[5212.52 --> 5213.12] saying the +[5213.12 --> 5213.56] body of +[5213.56 --> 5214.16] Christ given +[5214.16 --> 5214.62] for you +[5214.62 --> 5215.00] and then +[5215.00 --> 5215.62] after we +[5215.62 --> 5216.58] partake, +[5216.72 --> 5217.16] you pass +[5217.16 --> 5217.94] the juice +[5217.94 --> 5218.46] saying the +[5218.46 --> 5218.96] blood of +[5218.96 --> 5220.04] Christ shed +[5220.04 --> 5220.46] for you. +[5220.46 --> 5221.36] There will +[5221.36 --> 5221.88] be elders +[5221.88 --> 5222.58] who will +[5222.58 --> 5223.56] help indicate +[5223.56 --> 5224.06] when it is +[5224.06 --> 5224.58] your time +[5224.58 --> 5225.06] to come +[5225.06 --> 5225.82] to the +[5225.82 --> 5226.08] front. +[5226.90 --> 5227.50] If you +[5227.50 --> 5228.16] are unable +[5228.16 --> 5228.74] to come +[5228.74 --> 5229.08] to the +[5229.08 --> 5229.54] front for +[5229.54 --> 5229.84] whatever +[5229.84 --> 5230.90] reason but +[5230.90 --> 5231.30] would like +[5231.30 --> 5232.06] to receive +[5232.06 --> 5232.66] the supper, +[5232.84 --> 5233.50] please indicate +[5233.50 --> 5234.10] that to +[5234.10 --> 5235.14] the ushering +[5235.14 --> 5235.78] elders and +[5235.78 --> 5236.28] they will +[5236.28 --> 5237.32] serve you +[5237.32 --> 5237.84] in your +[5237.84 --> 5238.60] seat where +[5238.60 --> 5238.98] you are. +[5239.86 --> 5240.38] Additionally, +[5241.60 --> 5242.22] if you +[5242.22 --> 5243.04] in lieu of +[5243.04 --> 5243.62] coming up +[5243.62 --> 5244.14] or before +[5244.14 --> 5244.76] coming up +[5244.76 --> 5245.24] or after +[5245.24 --> 5245.76] coming up +[5245.76 --> 5246.20] at any +[5246.20 --> 5246.80] point as +[5246.80 --> 5247.10] we are +[5247.10 --> 5247.66] working through +[5247.66 --> 5247.88] this, +[5247.96 --> 5248.18] if you +[5248.18 --> 5248.52] would like +[5248.52 --> 5248.98] to receive +[5248.98 --> 5249.50] prayer, +[5249.50 --> 5250.26] there will +[5250.26 --> 5250.80] be people +[5250.80 --> 5251.70] available at +[5251.70 --> 5252.14] the back +[5252.14 --> 5252.66] in the +[5252.66 --> 5253.30] foyer with +[5253.30 --> 5253.82] yellow name +[5253.82 --> 5254.42] cards on. +[5254.72 --> 5255.00] They'd love +[5255.00 --> 5255.32] to meet +[5255.32 --> 5255.82] you and +[5255.82 --> 5256.14] to pray +[5256.14 --> 5256.58] with you +[5256.58 --> 5257.14] as we +[5257.14 --> 5257.86] go through +[5257.86 --> 5259.00] this together. +[5259.96 --> 5260.56] At this +[5260.56 --> 5260.76] point, +[5260.84 --> 5261.04] I'm going +[5261.04 --> 5261.46] to invite +[5261.46 --> 5262.38] the first +[5262.38 --> 5262.74] group to +[5262.74 --> 5263.08] come up +[5263.08 --> 5263.50] which will +[5263.50 --> 5264.12] be the +[5264.12 --> 5264.40] worship +[5264.40 --> 5264.92] leaders and +[5264.92 --> 5265.28] the elders +[5265.28 --> 5265.84] and those +[5265.84 --> 5266.18] who will +[5266.18 --> 5266.92] help us +[5266.92 --> 5267.74] move through +[5267.74 --> 5268.46] this time +[5268.46 --> 5268.86] together. +[5269.50 --> 5270.18] After we +[5270.18 --> 5270.98] serve them, +[5271.34 --> 5271.78] they will +[5271.78 --> 5272.62] lead us +[5272.62 --> 5273.36] in song +[5273.36 --> 5273.96] as you +[5273.96 --> 5274.60] are indicated +[5274.60 --> 5275.34] when to +[5275.34 --> 5275.90] approach +[5275.90 --> 5276.26] together. +[5276.92 --> 5277.26] Come on +[5277.26 --> 5277.60] up to the +[5277.60 --> 5277.76] front. +[5279.50 --> 5306.48] body of +[5306.48 --> 5306.74] Christ +[5306.74 --> 5307.30] given for +[5307.30 --> 5307.48] you. +[5307.48 --> 5311.68] body of +[5311.68 --> 5311.92] Christ +[5311.92 --> 5312.36] given for +[5312.36 --> 5312.56] you. +[5322.24 --> 5322.82] Body of +[5322.82 --> 5323.06] Christ +[5323.06 --> 5323.44] given for +[5323.44 --> 5323.64] you. +[5323.64 --> 5326.26] body of +[5326.26 --> 5326.48] Christ +[5326.48 --> 5326.90] given for +[5326.90 --> 5327.06] you. +[5327.06 --> 5353.46] eat and remember +[5357.06 --> 5367.44] blood of Christ shed for you +[5367.44 --> 5372.52] blood of Christ shed for you +[5372.52 --> 5382.32] blood of Christ shed for you +[5382.32 --> 5384.80] the blood of Christ shed for you. +[5409.28 --> 5410.04] Nice work. +[5412.32 --> 5421.38] Drink and believe. +[5421.38 --> 5451.36] Thank you. +[5451.38 --> 5481.36] Thank you. +[5481.38 --> 5483.38] Thank you. +[5511.38 --> 5513.38] Thank you. +[5513.38 --> 5515.38] Thank you. +[5515.38 --> 5517.38] Thank you. +[5517.38 --> 5519.38] Thank you. +[5519.38 --> 5521.38] Thank you. +[5521.38 --> 5523.38] Thank you. +[5523.38 --> 5525.38] Thank you. +[5525.38 --> 5527.38] Thank you. +[5527.38 --> 5529.38] Thank you. +[5529.38 --> 5531.38] Thank you. +[5531.38 --> 5533.38] Thank you. +[5533.38 --> 5535.38] Thank you. +[5535.38 --> 5537.38] Thank you. +[5537.38 --> 5539.38] Thank you. +[5539.38 --> 5541.38] Thank you. +[5541.38 --> 5543.38] Thank you. +[5543.38 --> 5545.38] Thank you. +[5545.38 --> 5547.38] Thank you. +[5547.38 --> 5549.38] Thank you. +[5549.38 --> 5551.38] Thank you. +[5551.38 --> 5553.38] Thank you. +[5553.38 --> 5555.38] Thank you. +[5555.38 --> 5557.38] Thank you. +[5557.38 --> 5559.38] Thank you. +[5559.38 --> 5561.38] Thank you. +[5561.38 --> 5563.38] Thank you. +[5563.38 --> 5565.38] Thank you. +[5565.38 --> 5567.38] Thank you. +[5567.38 --> 5569.38] Thank you. +[5569.38 --> 5571.38] Thank you. +[5571.38 --> 5573.38] Thank you. +[5573.38 --> 5575.38] Thank you. +[5575.38 --> 5577.38] Thank you. +[5577.38 --> 5579.38] Thank you. +[5579.38 --> 5581.38] Thank you. +[5585.38 --> 5587.38] Thank you. +[5587.38 --> 5589.38] Thank you. +[5589.38 --> 5591.38] Thanks. +[5591.38 --> 5599.46] How beautiful is the body of Christ. +[5599.46 --> 5611.46] As He laid down His mind, He offered His sacrifice. +[5611.46 --> 5623.58] He laid just as He died, willing to pay the price. +[5623.58 --> 5630.70] Willing to pay the price. +[5630.70 --> 5639.86] How beautiful the radiant bride, +[5639.86 --> 5646.36] who waits for her groom with the light in her eyes. +[5646.36 --> 5653.06] How beautiful the numbers are set, +[5653.06 --> 5659.36] the future through life so that others remain. +[5659.36 --> 5667.86] How beautiful, how beautiful it is. +[5667.86 --> 5682.36] How beautiful is the body of Christ. +[5682.36 --> 5690.86] How beautiful the radiant bride, +[5690.86 --> 5696.86] the sound of the news and the love of the earth. +[5696.86 --> 5703.36] How beautiful the radiant bride, +[5703.36 --> 5707.36] the light and the rain, +[5707.36 --> 5710.86] the sound of the earth. +[5710.86 --> 5715.86] How beautiful, how beautiful, +[5715.86 --> 5721.86] how beautiful, how beautiful, +[5721.86 --> 5733.86] how beautiful is the body of Christ. +[5733.86 --> 5736.86] How beautiful the radiant bride, +[5736.86 --> 5740.36] how beautiful, how beautiful, +[5740.36 --> 5742.36] how beautiful, how beautiful, +[5742.36 --> 5744.36] how beautiful. +[5744.36 --> 5746.36] Amen. +[5774.36 --> 5782.96] Jesus to redeem your loss +[5782.96 --> 5787.52] Hades upon the sinful cross +[5787.52 --> 5792.20] Jesus whom I do bear +[5792.20 --> 5796.82] I shall praise and justice bear +[5796.82 --> 5800.50] Everything in the earth +[5800.50 --> 5806.24] Finishing your mind of love +[5806.24 --> 5810.72] Hallelujah, Hallelujah +[5810.72 --> 5815.34] In the fall for sinners days +[5815.34 --> 5819.94] Hallelujah, Hallelujah +[5819.94 --> 5823.90] Jesus Christ, we praise you +[5823.90 --> 5831.98] A Christ has dared to drink +[5831.98 --> 5836.56] Steeped in all the cup of pain +[5836.56 --> 5840.64] And where tender body bear +[5840.64 --> 5845.64] Farts and hills and piercings fear +[5845.64 --> 5850.98] Stiff for us the water flood +[5850.98 --> 5855.58] Weak the song of your sark and guide +[5855.58 --> 5860.32] Turn to all attesting eyes +[5860.32 --> 5865.24] For the finish of the night +[5865.24 --> 5868.98] Hallelujah, Hallelujah +[5868.98 --> 5874.20] In the night for sin is slain +[5874.20 --> 5878.94] Hallelujah, Hallelujah +[5878.94 --> 5882.68] Jesus Christ, we praise you +[5882.68 --> 5890.86] Holy Jesus grant us grace +[5890.86 --> 5895.58] In that sacrifice to place +[5895.58 --> 5900.42] All our trust for life renewed +[5900.42 --> 5905.20] Pardon sin and promise good +[5905.20 --> 5910.24] Grant us grace to sing your praise +[5910.24 --> 5914.96] And your crown through endless days +[5914.96 --> 5919.40] And the will for sons of God +[5919.40 --> 5924.76] Blessing God and glory by you +[5924.76 --> 5928.42] Hallelujah, Hallelujah +[5928.42 --> 5938.16] Jesus Christ, we praise you +[5938.16 --> 5939.34] Hallelujah, Hallelujah +[5939.34 --> 5942.04] Jesus Christ, we praise you +[5942.04 --> 5947.76] Hallelujah, Hallelujah +[5947.76 --> 5952.32] Rambo God for sinners slain +[5952.32 --> 5956.14] Hallelujah, Hallelujah +[5956.14 --> 5962.56] Jesus Christ, we praise your name. +[5986.14 --> 6016.12] Jesus Christ, we praise your name. +[6016.14 --> 6046.12] Jesus Christ, we praise your name. +[6046.14 --> 6053.14] Jesus Christ, we praise your name. +[6053.14 --> 6068.14] Jesus Christ, we praise your name. +[6068.14 --> 6070.14] wonderful +[6098.14 --> 6100.14] oh +[6128.14 --> 6130.14] oh +[6158.14 --> 6165.40] center of +[6165.40 --> 6167.50] old history +[6167.50 --> 6170.22] the cross +[6170.22 --> 6173.14] and resurrection +[6173.14 --> 6176.14] humiliation +[6177.36 --> 6179.70] lifted me +[6179.70 --> 6181.52] into +[6181.52 --> 6184.14] a new creation +[6184.98 --> 6188.12] I am +[6188.12 --> 6190.12] a new creation +[6191.04 --> 6196.50] my life +[6196.50 --> 6198.12] now yielded +[6198.12 --> 6200.12] to my King +[6200.12 --> 6202.36] my will +[6202.36 --> 6203.62] to Him +[6203.62 --> 6204.12] surrender +[6205.44 --> 6208.12] unbroken +[6208.64 --> 6209.66] open +[6209.66 --> 6212.36] at your feet +[6212.36 --> 6214.12] your presence +[6214.64 --> 6216.12] is a treasure +[6216.12 --> 6220.12] is still +[6220.12 --> 6222.12] alone my treasure +[6223.12 --> 6226.12] holy +[6226.12 --> 6228.12] worthy +[6228.12 --> 6232.12] you +[6232.12 --> 6234.12] you +[6234.12 --> 6236.12] you +[6236.12 --> 6238.12] you +[6238.12 --> 6239.12] know +[6239.12 --> 6240.12] and +[6240.12 --> 6242.12] glory +[6242.12 --> 6244.12] worthy +[6244.12 --> 6246.12] we +[6246.12 --> 6250.12] sing +[6250.12 --> 6252.12] amen +[6252.12 --> 6254.12] amen +[6254.12 --> 6255.12] amen +[6255.12 --> 6256.12] amen +[6256.12 --> 6258.12] amen +[6258.12 --> 6260.12] amen +[6260.12 --> 6262.12] may +[6262.12 --> 6264.12] amen +[6264.12 --> 6268.12] amen +[6268.12 --> 6269.12] and +[6269.12 --> 6270.12] amen +[6270.12 --> 6272.12] amen +[6272.12 --> 6274.12] amen +[6274.12 --> 6281.16] On the throne, He plays an adoration. +[6283.02 --> 6288.00] The years of heaven are overgrown. +[6288.00 --> 6293.10] The young of Savior shatter. +[6294.60 --> 6299.60] For Christ our King, He reigns alone. +[6300.56 --> 6305.08] Forever and forever others +[6305.08 --> 6311.44] Forever and forever others +[6315.52 --> 6321.60] Now when every +[6321.60 --> 6329.56] You have no balance +[6329.56 --> 6334.56] Worthy +[6334.56 --> 6341.56] We sing a memory +[6341.56 --> 6349.56] Worthy +[6349.56 --> 6354.56] You have known +[6354.56 --> 6359.56] Glory +[6359.56 --> 6364.56] Worthy +[6364.56 --> 6370.56] We sing a memory +[6374.56 --> 6380.56] The center of all history +[6380.56 --> 6386.56] Your cross and resurrection +[6386.56 --> 6389.56] Oh +[6389.56 --> 6394.56] For the minute +[6394.56 --> 6401.56] Or the last组 +[6401.56 --> 6406.56] With prosperity +[6406.56 --> 6418.16] Let your sorrows go apart +[6418.16 --> 6424.36] By his own betrayed +[6424.36 --> 6431.66] The sin and the love of heart +[6431.66 --> 6437.56] Has been on Jesus' name +[6437.56 --> 6448.66] Silent as he stood up here +[6448.66 --> 6454.66] He's in darkness gone +[6454.66 --> 6461.76] Now we'll turn up on his veil +[6461.76 --> 6466.66] He's so proud of all +[6466.66 --> 6474.26] Home and love and cross my salvation +[6474.26 --> 6480.66] Where your love poured out over me +[6480.66 --> 6484.66] Now my soul cries out +[6484.66 --> 6487.66] Hallelujah +[6487.66 --> 6493.66] Praise and honor unto me +[6493.66 --> 6503.66] Send, O earth and God's own Son +[6503.66 --> 6510.66] To precious and redeem +[6510.66 --> 6516.66] And welcome some of the very ones +[6516.66 --> 6522.66] Who hail them to a party +[6522.66 --> 6528.66] Who have come in cross for salvation +[6528.66 --> 6535.66] Where your love poured out over me +[6535.66 --> 6539.66] Now my soul cries out +[6539.66 --> 6541.66] Hallelujah +[6541.66 --> 6547.66] Praise and honor unto me +[6547.66 --> 6554.66] Now my debt is paid +[6554.66 --> 6558.66] It is paid in full +[6558.66 --> 6562.66] By the precious blood +[6562.66 --> 6565.66] That my Jesus still +[6565.66 --> 6568.66] Now my dursa sing +[6568.66 --> 6571.66] Has no hold on me +[6571.66 --> 6575.66] When the sun sets free +[6575.66 --> 6578.66] All is free in me +[6578.66 --> 6581.66] Now my debt is paid +[6581.66 --> 6584.66] It is paid in full +[6584.66 --> 6588.66] By the precious blood +[6588.66 --> 6591.66] That my Jesus still +[6591.66 --> 6594.66] Now the curse of sin +[6594.66 --> 6597.66] Has no hold on me +[6597.66 --> 6600.66] For the sun sets free +[6600.66 --> 6604.66] All is free in me +[6604.66 --> 6607.66] Now my love in cross +[6607.66 --> 6610.66] Is salvation +[6610.66 --> 6616.66] Where your love poured out over me +[6616.66 --> 6619.66] Now my soul cries out +[6619.66 --> 6620.66] Hallelujah +[6620.66 --> 6622.66] Praise and honor unto me +[6622.66 --> 6623.66] Hallelujah +[6623.66 --> 6632.66] Praise and honor unto thee +[6632.66 --> 6639.66] See the stone is rolled away +[6639.66 --> 6645.66] Behold the empty tomb +[6645.66 --> 6649.66] Hallelujah +[6649.66 --> 6650.66] Hallelujah +[6650.66 --> 6652.66] Hallelujah +[6652.66 --> 6653.66] Be praise +[6653.66 --> 6654.66] Praise and honor unto me +[6654.66 --> 6655.66] Hallelujah +[6655.66 --> 6657.66] Be praise +[6657.66 --> 6658.66] His face +[6658.66 --> 6659.66] His face +[6659.66 --> 6660.66] And throne unto me +[6660.66 --> 6661.66] Oh my God +[6661.66 --> 6662.66] He has no home +[6662.66 --> 6664.66] For salvation +[6664.66 --> 6666.66] Where your love poured out over me +[6666.66 --> 6667.66] Hallelujah +[6667.66 --> 6668.66] Hallelujah +[6668.66 --> 6669.66] Hallelujah +[6669.66 --> 6670.66] Hallelujah +[6670.66 --> 6671.66] Praise and honor +[6671.66 --> 6672.66] Hallelujah +[6672.66 --> 6673.66] Hallelujah +[6673.66 --> 6674.66] Hallelujah +[6674.66 --> 6675.66] Hallelujah +[6675.66 --> 6676.66] Hallelujah +[6676.66 --> 6677.66] Hallelujah +[6677.66 --> 6683.06] Praise and honor unto me +[6683.06 --> 6690.62] Praise and honor unto me +[6690.62 --> 6703.74] It's fitting for me to tell you before you go +[6703.74 --> 6709.66] My wife Rachel again reminded me that even the song How Beautiful was sung at our wedding +[6709.66 --> 6713.38] And so today was an unexpected +[6713.38 --> 6717.72] Anniversary celebration for my family so thank you for being part of that +[6717.72 --> 6720.62] Your anniversary is in exactly three months +[6720.62 --> 6724.96] Oh see always someone watching up for me +[6724.96 --> 6728.70] If you would like to keep the celebration going +[6728.70 --> 6732.10] Please stick around after service for a time of fellowship together +[6732.10 --> 6738.82] And we can enjoy the communion of the saints just a little bit more today +[6738.82 --> 6745.40] Go with the blessing of our God who sends us on our way in the power of his name +[6745.40 --> 6749.16] God go before you to lead you +[6749.16 --> 6751.44] God go behind you to protect you +[6751.44 --> 6754.08] God go beneath you to support you +[6754.08 --> 6756.74] And God go beside you to befriend you +[6756.74 --> 6758.44] Do not be afraid +[6758.44 --> 6760.82] Let the blessing of God come upon you today +[6760.82 --> 6762.60] Do not be afraid +[6762.60 --> 6765.06] But go in peace +[6765.06 --> 6768.20] To offer your lives as living sacrifices +[6768.20 --> 6769.74] Amen +[6769.74 --> 6770.92] Amen +[6770.92 --> 6782.68] Amen +[6782.68 --> 6784.66] Amen +[6784.66 --> 6786.78] Amen +[6786.78 --> 6787.78] Amen. +[6816.78 --> 6818.78] Amen. +[6846.78 --> 6848.78] Amen. +[6876.78 --> 6878.78] Amen. +[6906.78 --> 6908.78] Amen. +[6936.78 --> 6938.78] Amen. +[6966.78 --> 6968.78] Amen. +[6996.78 --> 7023.78] I am not my own, but belong, body and soul, in my life and in death, to you, Lord, Christ my Lord. +[7026.78 --> 7029.78] Amen. +[7056.78 --> 7057.78] Amen. diff --git a/Sunday Worship, March 10, 2024_summary.txt b/Sunday Worship, March 10, 2024_summary.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000000000000000000000000000000000000..f961ec6bc50db85f2245f7bc0c07a5f99d00e652 --- /dev/null +++ b/Sunday Worship, March 10, 2024_summary.txt @@ -0,0 +1,138 @@ +• Call to worship from Psalm 47 +• Worship song with repetition of "Praise the Father", "Praise the Son" +• Account of Jesus' birth and sacrifice +• Gospel truth about salvation through Jesus Christ +• Praise for the King of kings, Lord of lords, and Emmanuel +• Prayer of confession led by speaker +• Repentance and confession of wrongdoings +• Reading from 1 Timothy 1 about Jesus Christ's forgiveness of sins +• Praise and worship of God, acknowledging His glory and sovereignty +• Recognition of God's greatness and uniqueness +• Commissioning the Mexico mission team and inviting them to share their work +• Mexico trip details +• Abilino's church growth and youth ministry work +• Plans for VBS program at Abilino's church +• Feeding kitchen and homeless shelter projects in Mexico +• Connecting with Jody and their house project and men's rehab +• New orphanage partnership and potential collaboration between Langley churches +• Discussion of a team's mission to Mexico +• Mention of connections among people from different churches in the area +• Commissioning and blessing of the team going to Mexico +• Reference to biblical examples of God sending people on important missions +• Prayer for the team, including support, protection, and encouragement +• Blessing of the church's partners in Mexico +• Discussion of children's worship time focusing on God's extravagant love +• Definition of "extravagant" and examples from Hank's experiences +• Transition to adult discussion of God's love for all people, including government officials +• Congregational prayer focusing on various topics such as: + • Nominations for office bearers + • Update on Rachel's health issues + • Prayers for healing, strength, and comfort for individuals dealing with illness, loss, or difficult situations + • Prayers for the church community and outreach efforts +• Prayers for the congregation's women who had a weekend away and their safe return +• Reflections on being a pastor and the opinions people have about the role +• Discussion of contentious topics such as government and authority +• Reference to last week's conversation on responsible citizenship +• Introduction to this week's topic: responsible government +• Reading and discussion of Romans 13, verses 1-7 +• Romans 13 is about the role of the state and living under its authority as citizens +• Responsible government understands order, which comes from God's created structure in society +• Governing authorities exist because of sin in the world and are responsible for punishing evil and restraining it +• The state is an aspect of God's common grace, ensuring justice and caring for the marginalized +• The existence of governing authorities is not solely due to the fall of humanity +• God has given humans a "cultural mandate" in Genesis 1 and 2 to develop cultures and explore the world +• This mandate includes patterning and ordering society to fulfill God's purposes +• Government functions would still exist apart from the fall, but might look different +• These governing authorities are established for human flourishing and well-being +• God has created mechanisms, including well-ordered societies, for humans to flourish in their purposes +• A libertarian impulse to eliminate all government denies its creational purpose +• Presumption of overreach vs dissolution +• Purpose of governing authorities is for the well-being of God's creation +• Responsibility and stewardship in governance +• Limitation of power and authority from God +• Interplay between different spheres of authority in life +• Understanding one's role in relationship to other authorities and institutions +• Authority and influence of institutions such as unions and regulatory bodies +• Balance between authority and accountability in governing bodies +• Scope and limits of authority in government +• Responsibility to exercise authority for God-given purposes +• Relationship between civil government, individual freedoms, and moral order +• Governments exist to maintain order and help limit the impact of evil on society. +• Responsible governments punish wrongdoing and hold wrongdoers accountable. +• The purpose of government is not just punitive, but also restorative, to foster human flourishing and mitigate things that work against it. +• Governments have a responsibility to deal with wrongdoing and wrongdoers to protect their citizens and maintain order. +• The government is given the authority to exercise punishment, including the death penalty +• The purpose of the government holding the sword (death penalty) is not for idle threats but to defend against evil and protect the common good +• Discussion of the politics and theology of the death penalty +• Concerns about racial and systemic biases in the current penal system making it difficult to discern the morality of the death penalty +• Relation to the concept of just war and whether Christians can participate in any form of warfare +• Discussion of just war theory and the protection of those who are weak +• The role of government in punishing evil and promoting good +• Responsible government's purpose in commending what is right +• Quotations from Scripture, including Romans 13:1-4 and a reference to the Belgian Confession +• The idea of inherent limits to a government's authority +• The concept of limited powers and the principle of limited governance +• Civil freedoms such as freedom of religion, assembly, speech, and discourse +• The relationship between governing authorities and their role in protecting civil liberties and serving the public good +• The concept of rulers holding no terror for people who do good and being free from the establishment if they act righteously +• Connection between church and governance +• Servant leadership concept from biblical roots +• Responsible governance vs authoritarian rule +• Jesus as a model for responsible government +• Power dynamics in government and society +• Authorities explicitly reject Jesus +• The importance of holding leaders to a high standard +• A Christian pastor in Iran arguing for submission to governing authorities as a form of resistance to evil +• The Bible verse Romans 13 and its interpretation by the Iranian pastor +• Expecting governments to be corrupt, but submitting to them as a form of "Christian subversion" +• Governance and political structure +• The state as an octopus stifling life vs occupying its own place among other entities +• Christian response to governing authority and politics +• Defining order and overcoming evil with good +• Role of governments in punishing evil, limiting sin's effects, and commending what is right +• Authorities as God's servants +• Different word used in verse 4 of a Greek text +• Meaning and usage of the word "liturgoi" +• Connection to the church word "liturgist" or "liturgy" +• Similarity with Paul's self-description as a minister in Romans 16:17 +• God using secular authorities as his hands and feet for peace, order, and justice +• Responsibility and accountability of those who wield influence and power +• Purpose of shared life as citizens and governments +• Being God's ministers, liturgists of mercy, grace, and justice +• Importance of sharing a living faith in society +• Difficulty of revealing God's order and structure to society +• Gratitude for times of coming together at God's word and table +• Prayer asking for nourishment by God's call and the spiritual presence of Jesus +• The speaker prays for the presence of God to fill their hearts and imaginations. +• The importance of taking truth seriously is mentioned. +• A comparison is made between liturgies in different spheres of life. +• The table is referred to as the Lord's table, and participants are encouraged to join together with Christians across generations. +• A prayer of thanks is given to God for creating heaven and earth, and for sending Jesus Christ to redeem humanity. +• Eucharist and its meaning +• The Lord's death and resurrection +• Faith and hope in Jesus' coming again +• The church as the body of Christ +• Table of God prepared for those who love and trust Him +• Inviting people to a table, possibly a religious gathering or ceremony +• Distinguishing between those who have been to the sacrament before and those who haven't +• Mention of Jesus Christ and his resurrection +• Invitation for all, including online attendees, to join in +• Description of the table as a place where gifts are given by God to His people +• Invitation to say the body of Christ given for you +• Sharing communion and blood of Christ +• Coming together as a family around the gospel +• First table service and invitation to those who are different +• Serving others, facilitating serving one another +• Worship volunteers and coming forward to serve +• Various "thank you" statements +• Praise and worship with repetitive phrases +• The crucifixion and death of Jesus Christ +• Salvation through Jesus' blood +• Redemption and forgiveness of sin +• Resurrection and victory over death +• Glory in the Redeemer and praise to God +• The speaker describes a future paradise where God is present and humanity flourishes. +• The importance of participating in seeing this vision come to life through involvement with the systems and spheres that God has granted us. +• A prayer is offered for protection, support, and friendship from God as one goes about their journey. +• Reassurance against fear, emphasizing instead going in peace to love and serve the Lord. +• The speaker offers repeated blessings and thanks. \ No newline at end of file diff --git a/Sunday Worship, March 10, 2024_transcript.txt b/Sunday Worship, March 10, 2024_transcript.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000000000000000000000000000000000000..9f5ff54a7f376f12596ba7a3bb22444b5dd0997a --- /dev/null +++ b/Sunday Worship, March 10, 2024_transcript.txt @@ -0,0 +1,2683 @@ +[0.00 --> 29.98] Thank you. +[30.00 --> 59.98] Thank you. +[60.00 --> 89.98] Thank you. +[90.00 --> 119.98] Thank you. +[120.00 --> 149.98] Thank you. +[150.00 --> 179.98] Thank you. +[180.00 --> 209.98] Thank you. +[209.98 --> 239.96] Thank you. +[239.98 --> 241.98] Thank you. +[269.98 --> 271.98] Thank you. +[299.98 --> 301.98] Thank you. +[329.98 --> 331.98] Thank you. +[359.98 --> 361.98] Thank you. +[369.98 --> 371.98] Thank you. +[371.98 --> 379.40] Our call to worship this morning comes from Psalm 47, which sings, +[379.92 --> 382.40] Sing praises to God, sing praises. +[382.70 --> 385.82] Sing praises to our King, sing praises. +[385.92 --> 388.56] So let's sing praises to our King of Kings this morning. +[395.56 --> 398.92] In the darkness we were waiting, +[398.92 --> 401.92] Without hope and without light, +[403.20 --> 406.06] Till from heaven you came running, +[406.48 --> 409.92] There was mercy in your eyes, +[410.12 --> 413.26] To fulfill the law and prophets, +[413.66 --> 415.92] To a virgin kingdom heard, +[417.32 --> 420.22] From a throne of endless glory, +[420.68 --> 423.74] To a cradle in the dirt. +[428.92 --> 433.16] Praise the Father, +[433.88 --> 436.54] Praise the Son, +[437.38 --> 440.12] Praise the Spirit, +[440.92 --> 443.50] Three in one, +[444.34 --> 447.20] God of glory, +[447.92 --> 449.66] Majesty, +[451.30 --> 455.66] Praise forever to the King, +[455.66 --> 457.66] Of King. +[462.12 --> 465.66] To reveal the kingdom prime, +[466.04 --> 468.66] And to reconcile the lost, +[469.66 --> 471.66] To redeem the whole creation, +[473.00 --> 475.66] You do not despise the cross, +[476.72 --> 479.62] For even in your suffering, +[480.04 --> 483.08] You sought to the other side, +[483.08 --> 486.38] Knowing this was our salvation, +[486.38 --> 487.44] Jesus, +[487.68 --> 490.38] For our sake you died. +[495.28 --> 499.12] Praise the Father, +[499.64 --> 502.42] Praise the Son, +[503.24 --> 505.96] Praise the Spirit, +[506.70 --> 509.28] Three in one, +[509.28 --> 512.86] God of glory, +[513.56 --> 514.60] Majesty, +[515.14 --> 515.82] Praise the Son, +[515.82 --> 516.26] Praise the Son, +[516.26 --> 517.52] Praise the Son, +[517.52 --> 517.94] Praise the Son, +[517.94 --> 518.72] Praise the Son, +[518.72 --> 518.78] Praise the Son, +[518.78 --> 518.96] Praise the Son, +[518.96 --> 519.42] Praise the Son, +[519.42 --> 519.76] Praise the Son, +[519.76 --> 519.86] Praise the Son, +[519.86 --> 521.20] To the King, +[521.64 --> 522.90] A King. +[527.58 --> 531.18] And the morning that you rose, +[531.40 --> 534.72] All of heaven held its breath, +[535.14 --> 538.14] Till that stone was moved for good, +[538.14 --> 548.14] For the Lamb had conquered death, and the dead rose from their tombs, and the angels stood in awe. +[549.00 --> 561.96] For the souls of all who come to the Father are restored, and the church of Christ was born, and the spirit lived aflame. +[561.96 --> 575.64] Now this gospel truth of old shall not kneel, shall not faint. By His blood and in His name, in His freedom I am free. +[576.22 --> 582.64] For the love of Jesus Christ, who hath resurrected me. +[582.64 --> 601.64] Praise the Father, praise the Son, praise the Spirit, three in one. +[601.64 --> 616.06] God of glory, majesty, praise forever to the King of kings. +[616.06 --> 629.30] Praise the Father, praise the Son, praise the Spirit, three in one. +[629.30 --> 643.30] God of glory, majesty, praise the Son, praise the Son, praise the Son, praise the Son, and the Lord. +[643.30 --> 653.66] O Bill, King Jesus, O Bill, Emmanuel. +[653.66 --> 666.66] King of kings, Lord of lords, bright morning stars. +[668.66 --> 679.16] And throughout eternity, I'll sing your praises. +[679.16 --> 690.16] And I'll sing with you throughout eternity. +[692.16 --> 704.16] All hail King Jesus, all hail Emmanuel. +[704.16 --> 717.16] King of kings, Lord of lords, bright morning stars. +[717.16 --> 719.16] King of kings, all hail King of kings, all hail King of kings, all hail King of kings, all hail King of kings. +[719.16 --> 729.16] And throughout eternity, I'll sing your praises. +[729.16 --> 740.16] And I'll reign with you throughout eternity. +[740.16 --> 744.16] The Father, peace, all hail King of kings. +[744.16 --> 750.36] I'm going to lead you in a prayer of confession. +[750.36 --> 752.96] And at the end of that prayer, there will be time for a silent prayer as well. +[752.96 --> 754.90] So please bow your heads with me. +[755.56 --> 763.36] Living triune God, You have watched us with a love so deep, pursued us with a love so relentless, +[763.36 --> 766.90] and intervened in our lives with a love so vast +[766.90 --> 769.80] that we could hardly know its magnitude. +[770.98 --> 773.00] And yet, Lord, time and time again, +[773.08 --> 774.80] we have failed to love you in return. +[776.04 --> 777.48] God, you call us to seek you, +[777.60 --> 780.72] but instead we ignore you and turn to our own foolish ways. +[780.92 --> 782.76] You ask us to love our neighbors, +[782.90 --> 785.96] but we put up fences and walk away from those in need. +[785.96 --> 788.66] You ask us to think of others before ourselves, +[788.96 --> 792.48] but we remain distracted by our own lives. +[793.36 --> 795.84] Our own schedules, our own devices. +[797.46 --> 801.68] God of grace and mercy, we repent of all our wrongdoings to you, +[801.80 --> 804.98] and we offer our confessions to you in this time of silent prayer. +[823.36 --> 823.80] Amen. +[839.80 --> 845.88] We pray all of these things in the name of our loving and gracious Savior, Jesus Christ. +[846.26 --> 846.54] Amen. +[846.54 --> 854.28] We can be confident in the forgiveness of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. +[854.98 --> 856.62] From 1 Timothy 1 we read, +[857.66 --> 859.00] Here are words you may trust, +[859.70 --> 862.42] words that merit full acceptance. +[863.42 --> 865.96] Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners. +[865.96 --> 870.64] To all who confess their sins and resolve to lead a new life, +[871.44 --> 872.04] He says, +[872.82 --> 874.28] Your sins are forgiven. +[875.28 --> 876.06] He also says, +[876.18 --> 876.68] Follow me. +[877.68 --> 880.58] Now to the one who rules all worlds, +[881.28 --> 882.76] immortal, invisible, +[883.40 --> 884.26] the only God, +[884.84 --> 887.92] be honor and glory forever and ever. +[887.92 --> 908.36] You are the Lord of this nation. +[908.36 --> 915.36] You are the Lord of this nation. +[915.36 --> 917.36] You are. +[918.68 --> 921.16] You are the light in this darkness. +[922.32 --> 924.06] You are the hope to the hopeless. +[925.44 --> 927.22] You are the peace to the restless. +[929.22 --> 930.64] You are. +[930.64 --> 960.62] You are the Lord of this nation. +[960.64 --> 963.86] The greater things have yet to come. +[964.08 --> 967.64] The greater things are still to be done here. +[971.64 --> 974.04] You are the Lord of creation. +[975.04 --> 977.66] The creator of all things. +[978.34 --> 980.64] You are the king above all things. +[981.94 --> 982.64] You are. +[984.32 --> 986.30] You are the strength and the weakness. +[987.62 --> 989.44] You are the love and the broken. +[989.44 --> 992.88] You are the joyous sadness. +[992.88 --> 994.88] You are. +[994.88 --> 995.88] You are. +[997.88 --> 1002.84] There is no one like our God. +[1003.84 --> 1008.44] There is no one like our God. +[1008.44 --> 1015.44] The greater things have yet to come. +[1015.44 --> 1020.44] The greater things are still to be done in this city. +[1020.44 --> 1032.44] The greater things are still to be done in this city. +[1032.44 --> 1044.18] The greater things have yet to come. +[1044.18 --> 1052.22] Greater things have never come +[1052.22 --> 1056.36] Greater things are still to be done here +[1056.36 --> 1066.30] There is no one like our God +[1066.30 --> 1072.40] There is no one like our God +[1072.40 --> 1078.56] There is no one like you God +[1078.56 --> 1085.74] There is no one like you God +[1085.74 --> 1091.54] Greater things have yet to come +[1091.54 --> 1094.68] Greater things are still to be done here +[1094.68 --> 1098.68] There is no one like you God +[1098.68 --> 1101.44] Greater things have yet to come +[1101.44 --> 1107.60] Greater things are still to be done here +[1107.60 --> 1115.12] Greater things have yet to come +[1115.12 --> 1118.60] Greater things are still to be done here +[1118.60 --> 1126.94] Greater things have yet to come +[1126.94 --> 1133.10] Greater things are still to be done here +[1133.10 --> 1137.26] Greater things are still to do here +[1137.26 --> 1139.60] Even to renew our awareness +[1139.60 --> 1141.26] Greater clothes and segura +[1141.26 --> 1141.84] Greater things have yet to come +[1141.84 --> 1142.96] Greater things have yet to come +[1142.96 --> 1144.92] Greater things are still to come +[1144.92 --> 1145.64] Greater things are still to but +[1145.64 --> 1147.54] Greater things have yet to come +[1147.54 --> 1148.76] professors are still to come +[1148.76 --> 1150.12] ël so much of t duty can exercise +[1150.12 --> 1174.90] Before the throne of God above, I am a strong and perfect King, +[1174.90 --> 1183.90] A great high priest whose name is God, Whoever lives at peace for me. +[1185.00 --> 1194.34] My name is graven on His hands, My name is written on His heart, +[1194.62 --> 1203.74] I know that while in heaven He stands, No tongue can give me less deep heart, +[1203.74 --> 1208.74] No tongue can give me less deep heart. +[1215.22 --> 1224.74] When Satan tempts me to despair, And tells me of the guilt within, +[1224.74 --> 1233.74] Upward I look and see Him there, Who made an end of all my sin. +[1234.88 --> 1243.74] Because the sinless Savior died, My sinful soul is now to free, +[1243.74 --> 1252.74] For God the justice satisfied, To look on Him and pardon me, +[1252.74 --> 1256.74] To look on Him and pardon me. +[1256.74 --> 1274.74] He holds Him there, The risen Lamb, My purpose, Father's righteousness, +[1274.74 --> 1284.74] The plain unchangeable I am, The King of glory and of grace. +[1284.74 --> 1294.74] One with Himself I cannot die, My soul is purchased by His blood, +[1294.74 --> 1299.74] My life is hid with Christ on high, My life is hid with Christ on high, +[1299.74 --> 1309.74] With Christ my Savior and my God, With Christ my Savior and my God. +[1309.74 --> 1334.74] With Christ my Savior and my God, With Christ my Savior and my God. +[1334.74 --> 1363.74] For before we move to the offering, We're going to take some time together to hear from the Mexico mission team, +[1363.74 --> 1367.74] And to commission them in the work that God has called them to do. +[1367.74 --> 1370.74] And so, to begin, I'm going to invite Brandon to come to the front, +[1370.74 --> 1375.74] And he's going to share just a quick overview of the kinds of things that they will be doing, +[1375.74 --> 1378.74] And our ministry partners down there. +[1390.74 --> 1391.74] Just keep talking. +[1393.74 --> 1407.74] Switching to red, there you go. +[1407.74 --> 1409.74] I think, right? +[1409.74 --> 1410.74] Yep. +[1410.74 --> 1413.74] This actually works great because I was going to do the offering too. +[1413.74 --> 1415.74] So the offering is the same thing as what I'm going to talk about now. +[1415.74 --> 1416.74] So we'll just do one little one. +[1416.74 --> 1418.74] But yeah. +[1418.74 --> 1421.74] So Mexico trip this year, there is a T-Bus 7-Bus going down. +[1421.74 --> 1428.74] It is quite a bit smaller than normal, but it's a cool, it's kind of like today where most of the women are gone. +[1428.74 --> 1432.74] This trip is basically all dominated by men besides MJ. +[1432.74 --> 1434.74] So it's a real cool trip that way. +[1434.74 --> 1437.74] It's a different dynamic, having all guys on the trip. +[1437.74 --> 1440.74] Probably be a little bit smellier and all that too, but it'll be fun. +[1440.74 --> 1447.74] So this year, our predominant kind of stuff that's going to be going on, we have kind of, I guess, three areas. +[1447.74 --> 1449.74] Abilinos will be going back to again, of course, as well. +[1449.74 --> 1452.74] You guys, I think most of you know them. +[1452.74 --> 1467.74] So with them, we're going to be working on their youth ministry, strengthening that, just kind of trying to make a long term goal is always not a little goal, but a process been trying to make their youth program similar to ours is they, they really see a lot of value in how ours works. +[1467.74 --> 1470.74] In terms of our 2020 small groups, things like that. +[1470.74 --> 1475.74] And we're just kind of training them and their youth leaders and their youth in terms of how that works. +[1475.74 --> 1478.74] So that will be ongoing again as well. +[1478.74 --> 1482.74] And then we have their VBS program, which is their young kids. +[1482.74 --> 1486.74] May sound silly, but a lot of their little kids are actually the way they grow their church. +[1486.74 --> 1488.74] So we minister to them. +[1488.74 --> 1490.74] They'll have a hundred kids come out in a day. +[1490.74 --> 1494.74] We'll do crafts, Bible lessons, games, different fun stuff with them. +[1494.74 --> 1501.74] But Abilino, the way the Mexican culture kind of works is kids under the age of like 10 or so don't have rules. +[1501.74 --> 1505.74] They can do whatever they want, which means these kids often come to church alone. +[1505.74 --> 1509.74] Their parents aren't believers or they don't want to go to church, whatever it is. +[1509.74 --> 1512.74] But their kids are allowed to and their kids, their friends are at church. +[1512.74 --> 1513.74] It's fun at church. +[1513.74 --> 1514.74] So they all go to church. +[1514.74 --> 1519.74] So that's how Abilino grows it because he gets the children kind of hooked on God. +[1519.74 --> 1521.74] They really actually do become true believers. +[1521.74 --> 1523.74] They understand what it is. +[1523.74 --> 1526.74] And then their older siblings start coming and then their parents eventually start coming. +[1526.74 --> 1530.74] So that's been his overall plan of how he grows his church. +[1530.74 --> 1533.74] And you can see the results because the church started with like six people. +[1533.74 --> 1540.74] And I think to this date now it's a hundred and something members, adult members professing just through that system. +[1540.74 --> 1541.74] So we'll be helping with that. +[1541.74 --> 1543.74] And then they also have a feeding kitchen that we'll be helping with. +[1543.74 --> 1545.74] They feed the community. +[1545.74 --> 1551.74] Anybody can come for food if they're on hard times, whatnot, and they'll feed them seven days a week. +[1551.74 --> 1553.74] Kind of very similar to night shift. +[1553.74 --> 1554.74] Except for just take it. It's not dinner. +[1554.74 --> 1556.74] It's lunchtime is what they do. +[1556.74 --> 1558.74] So that's Abilino's. +[1558.74 --> 1564.74] We may be doing some septic tank things and stuff like that because we are planning on doing a homeless shelter for them over the next five years. +[1564.74 --> 1567.74] But a lot of that depends on who's available and things like that. +[1567.74 --> 1569.74] We won't be actually doing the work per se. +[1569.74 --> 1572.74] It's just more overseeing excavators and things like that and stuff like that. +[1572.74 --> 1573.74] So that's Abilino. +[1573.74 --> 1575.74] Then we'll be connecting, of course, with Jody. +[1575.74 --> 1580.74] Jody this year has a couple projects for us in terms of they have a new house that they're almost finished. +[1580.74 --> 1581.74] Not quite finished. +[1581.74 --> 1582.74] Need a bit of manpower. +[1582.74 --> 1583.74] So we'll be helping them with that. +[1583.74 --> 1593.74] And then they have their men's rehab as well, which we visit every year and kind of just share stories and have a good time with our brothers in Christ that way. +[1593.74 --> 1596.74] The third one is a new one that we're hoping works out this year. +[1596.74 --> 1599.74] We're going to be connecting with an orphanage down there. +[1599.74 --> 1604.74] The orphanage is actually ran by a coalition of churches here in Langley. +[1604.74 --> 1614.74] So we are going to be trying to join up with those guys and basically just trying to we have a whole lot of churches in Langley that work in Rosarito and Tijuana that kind of don't work together right now. +[1614.74 --> 1617.74] And the idea is we're all going to start working together slightly. +[1617.74 --> 1623.74] Of course, we'll all maybe have our own focuses and our own passions, but we're going to try to help each other out. +[1623.74 --> 1625.74] So we'll help with their orphanage. +[1625.74 --> 1628.74] They have help with Albalino's homeless shelter, for example, things like that. +[1628.74 --> 1630.74] We're just going to try to work together more. +[1630.74 --> 1638.74] So it's just a more coordinated and kind of universal, I guess, church effort in Mexico by the churches in Langley. +[1638.74 --> 1642.74] So those are not the CRC churches specifically. +[1642.74 --> 1644.74] It's a multidenominational kind of group. +[1644.74 --> 1651.74] It's just a bunch of us that actually honestly worked on a construction site together and all realize we all work in the same area and are all different churches. +[1651.74 --> 1657.74] So that's what we'll be kind of connecting with in the three big kind of key items of this year. +[1657.74 --> 1662.74] And then, of course, it's Mexico and God has huge plans for Mexico and everything changes and we'll probably do a lot more cooler stuff. +[1662.74 --> 1664.74] So that's just the way it goes. +[1664.74 --> 1665.74] But yeah. +[1665.74 --> 1666.74] Yeah. +[1666.74 --> 1669.74] Thanks, Brandon. +[1669.74 --> 1686.74] Can we get the team who is going or at least those who are here this morning, can you guys come on up to the front? +[1686.74 --> 1694.74] So as you see this group, I encourage you today to maybe grab one of them after service +[1694.74 --> 1698.74] or reach out this week and ask what it is that you can pray for particular. +[1698.74 --> 1706.74] But I do encourage all of you over the time that they are gone, they leave next Saturday to pray for them and remember them in your prayers. +[1706.74 --> 1713.74] As they go and as they stand before us, we're going to commission them with a prayer and a bit of a liturgy. +[1713.74 --> 1718.74] And so I invite you to join your hearts with mine as we send them out in this way. +[1718.74 --> 1724.74] God has always been sending people on important missions. +[1724.74 --> 1728.74] He sent Abraham to a strange land with promises of a bright future. +[1728.74 --> 1732.74] He sent Moses to Pharaoh and to free the oppressed. +[1732.74 --> 1736.74] He sent Samuel to anoint the unexpected David as king. +[1736.74 --> 1742.74] And even when Jonah ran away from God sending, God sent him to preach repentance. +[1742.74 --> 1747.74] And then God sent his son, Jesus, to redeem us all. +[1747.74 --> 1752.74] And Jesus didn't stop there because he sends us to. +[1752.74 --> 1757.74] He sends us as messengers to share his message of love and forgiveness. +[1757.74 --> 1769.74] And he promised that when he sends us out that we wouldn't be alone, that he sends his spirit to be with us, whether we're close to home or traveling far. +[1769.74 --> 1774.74] Today, we celebrate your being called and blessed by God. +[1774.74 --> 1781.74] He blesses us with salvation and then blesses us again by letting us spread the good news of the gospel. +[1781.74 --> 1786.74] And through us, he showers blessings on the whole world. +[1786.74 --> 1792.74] And so, as a team, you are commissioned to continue this mission. +[1792.74 --> 1803.74] You are sent out with the gospel to make disciples everywhere, to help those in need and to spread the assurance of forgiveness and new life available through Christ. +[1803.74 --> 1815.74] To those of you standing here heading to Tijuana and Rosarito, Mexico, for this mission, go with the gospel and in the power of the Holy Spirit. +[1815.74 --> 1817.74] May God bless your efforts. +[1817.74 --> 1820.74] May he bless the relationships that you develop and foster. +[1820.74 --> 1824.74] And may you see the fruits of your labor. +[1824.74 --> 1830.74] I'm going to invite those of you who are family or elders in the church to come on up. +[1830.74 --> 1833.74] We're going to lay hands on them and surround them. +[1833.74 --> 1840.74] The laying on of hands is a picture for us of the Holy Spirit flowing through the church into them as they go. +[1840.74 --> 1843.74] And so, a group up here, I'm going to invite you just to move to the center. +[1843.74 --> 1848.74] And then, whoever would like to come forward and lay on hands, I encourage you to do that. +[1848.74 --> 1874.74] If you are not able to come forward, but would like to, you may hold your hand out as a picture of this same thing. +[1874.74 --> 1879.74] And this is an image that even though we send a small group, it is the whole church that goes with them. +[1879.74 --> 1885.74] It is the whole family of God that supports you and remembers you on your journey, faith, and mission. +[1885.74 --> 1891.74] And so, receive this blessing from God. +[1891.74 --> 1902.74] Holy God, as these people prepare to go, may you go before them to prepare a way for them. +[1902.74 --> 1915.74] As this team prepares to go, may you go behind them to protect them from the attacks of the devil and the presence of sin. +[1915.74 --> 1928.74] As each one prepares their heart and mind to go to Rosarito and to Tijuana, we pray, Lord God, that you would go beneath them to support them and to bolster them, to speak words of encouragement and hope to their hearts, +[1928.74 --> 1939.74] even as they face the challenges of the day, whether it's hot weather, hard conversations, language barriers, or work that is new to our experience. +[1939.74 --> 1947.74] And as each on this team prepare to go, may you, Lord God, go beside them to befriend them. +[1947.74 --> 1950.74] May they know your nearness. +[1950.74 --> 1958.74] And may the love that they have and are cultivating for you overflow out of them to all whom they meet. +[1958.74 --> 1978.74] And God, even as we pray for these people going from our church, we pray for the church in Mexico, we pray for our partners there, for Jody and for Uriel and for Abilino and for Erica and for everyone whom they will work with, the translators, the friends, the connections. +[1978.74 --> 1984.74] We pray, Lord God, hold them and keep them. +[1984.74 --> 1992.74] We pray, Lord God, that you would bless them, that you would make your face to shine upon them and that you would be gracious to them. +[1992.74 --> 1997.74] Lord our God, turn your face toward them and give them your peace. +[1997.74 --> 2000.74] And all God's people said, Amen. +[2000.74 --> 2028.74] Amen. +[2028.74 --> 2033.58] conversations together about what they did. And so I invite you to keep your eyes and ears out +[2033.58 --> 2039.10] for that opportunity to hear more from them as well. May the Lord bless you as you give in worship. +[2058.74 --> 2060.74] Amen. +[2088.74 --> 2090.74] Amen. +[2118.74 --> 2120.74] Amen. +[2148.74 --> 2150.74] Amen. +[2178.74 --> 2180.74] Amen. +[2208.74 --> 2210.74] Amen. +[2238.74 --> 2240.74] Amen. +[2268.74 --> 2270.74] Amen. +[2270.74 --> 2272.74] Amen. +[2280.78 --> 2288.90] All right. All of the kids can come forward right now and join me up at the front with my +[2288.90 --> 2298.30] friend. It's not just a puppet. It's Hank the Hound. I'm not just a puppet. I'm your friend +[2298.30 --> 2307.34] Hank. Well, I am a puppet. I'm not just a puppet. Come on up, come on up, everyone. Come on up, +[2307.44 --> 2312.10] everyone. So guess what we're going to talk about today in children's worship time? What? +[2313.02 --> 2321.62] We're going to talk about God's extravagant love. Ooh. Who can tell me what extravagant means? +[2322.58 --> 2329.52] I can. I can. Just one second. Malachi? Yeah, it's kind of like extreme. Does anybody... Hank, +[2329.58 --> 2335.06] do you have stories about something extravagant or extreme you did? Yeah. I even prepared a +[2335.06 --> 2339.66] PowerPoint. You did? How did you know we were talking about it? I just had a hunch. All right, +[2339.70 --> 2345.76] well, let's take a peek. What did you do, Hank? I went to a bunch of waterfalls. I feel like we've +[2345.76 --> 2351.46] seen this before, Hank. I went to Bridal Falls first, and then I went to Niagara Falls. Hank, +[2351.46 --> 2356.92] we've definitely done this shtick before. After that, we went south to Yosemite. I think it's +[2356.92 --> 2362.34] Yosemite, Hank. And I was right at the very top there. See? That's me at the top. Do you see me? +[2363.12 --> 2367.76] After that... We've done this for sure before, Hank. We're just repeating something, aren't we? +[2368.04 --> 2375.48] After that, I went to Iceland and saw that cool waterfall, and then I went down into Victoria Falls +[2375.48 --> 2383.54] in Zambia. And finally, the last one in Venezuela. We have definitely done this before, Hank. We've +[2383.54 --> 2388.46] definitely done this before. All right, well, we're going to go to the room, and we're going to talk +[2388.46 --> 2393.54] about extravagant things, okay? Yeah! You're going to stay here, though, okay, Hank? Mm-hmm. And the +[2393.54 --> 2400.20] grown-ups are going to hear about how God's love is for all people, even the government. +[2400.20 --> 2406.30] What? Of course the government! Thank you! So we're going to go and talk about that, but let's +[2406.30 --> 2410.38] pray before we go, okay? Let's pray. Dear God, thank you so much for this day. Thank you that we +[2410.38 --> 2415.40] could be in church, and that we could hear more about how it is that you love us so much. And we +[2415.40 --> 2419.14] pray that as we go to children's worship time and the adults stay here, that you'll teach us all a +[2419.14 --> 2423.88] little bit more about what that means. We pray this in your name. Amen. All right, kids, let's stand and do +[2423.88 --> 2430.16] the blessing. All right, we're going to say the Lord be with you together. Are +[2430.16 --> 2434.34] you ready? The Lord be with you. +[2460.16 --> 2469.64] Before we come in congregational prayer, I just have one or two notes. Council is +[2469.64 --> 2474.56] seeking nominations for office bearers. They're looking for positions of admin, +[2474.56 --> 2482.42] elder, pastoral elder, and deacons. Nominations will run from March 10 to April 7. Nomination forms +[2482.42 --> 2492.18] are available in the e-bulletin or from the office. I also would like to give an update. +[2492.18 --> 2497.08] Many of you know Matthew and Rachel, who are members of a congregation for many years. +[2497.08 --> 2503.16] Rachel has been dealing with health issues, and she has continued to decline for the last seven years. +[2503.16 --> 2515.64] The latest update is that she is likely having stiff person syndrome. This means she's unable to do anything physical. +[2515.64 --> 2522.48] We pray for strength for her and Matthew as he has to manage her care and needs as well as run the household. +[2522.48 --> 2541.76] Shall we come to our Lord in prayer? We praise you God, Lord of the universe. You created the world we live in, the changing seasons, the beauty we see around us, rain, sunshine, plants springing up, plants budding. +[2541.76 --> 2550.52] You created us to give you praise. We do that now together as we stand in your presence. +[2550.52 --> 2557.96] We're thankful for the freedom to worship where so many around the world do not have this opportunity. +[2557.96 --> 2568.84] We pray that many more people will come to see the need to worship you rather than spend time elsewhere pursuing worldly things that distract. +[2568.84 --> 2579.52] We pray for those who deal with illness each day. Some for healing, physical ailments, some for mental, some both at the same time. +[2579.52 --> 2590.40] We pray for Ellen White who is recovering from hip surgery and is in rehab. We pray that rehab may be effective for her, that she can become mobile again. +[2590.40 --> 2598.82] We pray for Rachel, Skipper, and Matthew and their long-term needs, for pain management, for strength for each day. +[2598.82 --> 2605.50] May your presence be felt in this trying time. May Matthew be strengthened in his difficult journey. +[2605.50 --> 2619.62] We also pray for Kobe DePorsap who is suffering from leukemia as a young mother. We pray for healing, for strength for her and her family. +[2619.62 --> 2631.30] We continue to pray for members of this who have lost loved ones. Comfort those whose pain and loss is great, sometimes overwhelming. +[2631.30 --> 2643.62] Most recently, Greta Visser has lost her sister, who passed away in this last bit. We pray for strength for her as she has to deal with the loss of her own husband recently and now a sister. +[2643.62 --> 2652.30] We pray for a blessing for her and strength as she navigates life without loved ones. +[2652.30 --> 2662.30] We pray for family relationships that have broken down. We pray for healing and restoration to those who are living a difficult life. +[2662.30 --> 2667.48] We pray for healing and healing. We pray for healing and healing. We pray for our church community as it seeks to reach out with your word. +[2668.48 --> 2671.64] In various ways, such as gems, cadets, coffee break. +[2672.60 --> 2675.82] Within our own walls and also those outside of our membership. +[2676.56 --> 2682.96] With efforts such as the Mexico mission trip, night shift, meal programs, and Gateway of Hope. +[2682.96 --> 2684.96] Lord, we pray for healing and healing. +[2684.96 --> 2685.30] Lord, we pray for healing and healing. +[2685.30 --> 2688.54] Lord, we have prayed for the team going down to Mexico this week. +[2689.36 --> 2694.42] And we pray that your spirit may be able to surround them with protection. +[2695.08 --> 2697.44] May they be effective witnesses for you. +[2698.54 --> 2701.98] We are thankful for the support given to send this team down. +[2703.88 --> 2709.48] We pray for the preaching of your word, Lord, that we may hear and take to heart what is said. +[2709.48 --> 2713.32] Lord, we pray that this will strengthen us in our walk this week. +[2714.06 --> 2718.56] That we may be good witnesses for you in this world around us. +[2720.18 --> 2731.48] Lord, we pray for the many women of our congregation who have had a weekend away to be strengthened in their walks of life. +[2732.20 --> 2734.48] Pray for safety as they return again to us. +[2734.48 --> 2740.76] We pray all this in the name of Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. +[2741.50 --> 2745.60] We pray this in humbleness, aware of our sinfulness and shortcomings. +[2746.54 --> 2746.88] Amen. +[2746.88 --> 2747.04] Amen. +[2764.48 --> 2765.48] Amen. +[2765.48 --> 2766.48] Amen. +[2769.12 --> 2776.64] I have had the privilege of being a pastor in full-time ministry for almost 14 years. +[2777.76 --> 2786.20] And one of the things I have learned in those 14 years is that a particular joy of being a pastor +[2786.20 --> 2795.38] is that everybody who you pastor has an opinion on what it means to be a pastor. +[2796.76 --> 2800.18] Because everybody has an idea of how you're supposed to do your job. +[2800.74 --> 2804.48] About what it is that you're supposed to focus your time on and your efforts in. +[2804.84 --> 2809.28] And about how they can add things to that job description and the like. +[2809.34 --> 2813.62] And take things away from what you think is important in that job description and the like. +[2813.62 --> 2820.92] In 100 to 250 to 350, 1,350. +[2822.02 --> 2826.62] Not just bosses, but micromanaging opinionated bosses. +[2829.60 --> 2831.84] Now, that's none of you, right? +[2832.52 --> 2833.74] This church is amazing. +[2834.34 --> 2836.00] And actually, I do genuinely mean that. +[2836.00 --> 2845.10] That has been less of my experience here as we understand our shared ministry life together well. +[2845.90 --> 2854.72] But my point there is that there are few kinds of jobs wherein everyone has the definitive opinion +[2854.72 --> 2856.58] on what it's supposed to be like. +[2857.66 --> 2858.90] Pastors are one of them. +[2859.66 --> 2862.14] Maybe teachers are another one, right? +[2862.14 --> 2865.18] Parents tell you, it's your job to do this. +[2865.94 --> 2868.12] You go, well, maybe that's your job, mom. +[2871.12 --> 2874.48] Another one of those jobs is politicians. +[2875.74 --> 2878.30] Because we elect them, at least in North America. +[2878.80 --> 2881.58] We elect them so we get to tell them what to do. +[2881.90 --> 2885.56] And we get to determine where they've fallen short of what they do. +[2885.56 --> 2893.74] This morning, we are continuing a conversation that started last week looking at Romans 13, +[2894.12 --> 2898.66] which is all about the government, all about established authorities, +[2899.34 --> 2903.30] the source of them, and our relationship to them. +[2904.20 --> 2908.00] Last week, we began looking at responsible citizenship. +[2908.50 --> 2911.02] This week, we're going to look at responsible government. +[2911.02 --> 2917.02] Now, I mentioned last week that these are contentious topics, +[2917.28 --> 2922.04] and I've got to tell you, the kinds of conversations I had after church and throughout the week +[2922.04 --> 2928.42] and the kinds of feedback that I got indicate to me that these are things you have opinions on. +[2929.38 --> 2930.86] No one's surprised by that. +[2932.34 --> 2934.92] You're probably going to have some more opinions today. +[2935.78 --> 2936.76] Now, let me be clear. +[2936.86 --> 2939.20] I'm happy to hear those and to feed those. +[2939.20 --> 2941.36] But if you think I missed something, +[2942.06 --> 2945.30] first question is going to be, did you miss last week? +[2946.68 --> 2946.88] Right? +[2946.94 --> 2949.92] Because I want you to make sure that you hear what we said last week. +[2950.00 --> 2951.74] And then also, my second question is going to be, +[2952.02 --> 2955.36] hey, maybe did you check out our podcast because we talked about it +[2955.36 --> 2957.54] and maybe we picked up on some of those things there? +[2957.88 --> 2965.02] Point is, this is the start of what I hope is for you an ongoing and continued conversation. +[2965.02 --> 2971.42] And I know there's been some really interesting conversations that have happened as a result of this work together. +[2972.38 --> 2978.62] And so to begin, we're going to read Romans 13, 1 to 7 again, which is what we read last week. +[2978.62 --> 2991.42] And this week, as we go through, I encourage you to look for and anticipate what it is that we might have to hear from God about responsible government. +[2992.22 --> 2995.32] And so if you have a Bible, I encourage you to open that up. +[2995.98 --> 2996.86] We'll refer back. +[2996.92 --> 2998.42] If it's on a device, turn it on. +[2998.64 --> 3000.16] I get to Romans 13. +[3000.70 --> 3003.64] The first time through, we'll be on the screen over my shoulder. +[3004.44 --> 3005.30] Let's read together. +[3005.30 --> 3015.14] Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. +[3016.06 --> 3019.24] The authorities that exist have been established by God. +[3020.28 --> 3025.82] Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted. +[3026.58 --> 3029.84] And those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. +[3030.42 --> 3035.06] For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. +[3035.30 --> 3039.28] Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? +[3039.58 --> 3042.30] Then do what is right, and you will be commended. +[3043.10 --> 3046.90] For the one in authority is God's servant for your good. +[3048.06 --> 3050.60] But if you do wrong, be afraid. +[3051.14 --> 3054.00] For rulers do not bear the sword for no reason. +[3054.76 --> 3060.04] They are God's servants against agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. +[3060.04 --> 3069.68] Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment, but also as a matter of conscience. +[3070.68 --> 3077.34] This is why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God's servants who give their full time to governing. +[3078.62 --> 3081.00] Give to everyone what you owe them. +[3081.00 --> 3083.28] If you owe taxes, pay taxes. +[3083.48 --> 3084.60] If revenue, then revenue. +[3084.88 --> 3086.38] If respect, then respect. +[3086.54 --> 3088.44] If honor, then honor. +[3089.10 --> 3090.10] This is the word of the Lord. +[3090.10 --> 3099.08] So, as I mentioned, this is part two of what we began last week. +[3099.72 --> 3112.70] Romans 13 is about the purpose and the role of the state and how we are to live under and in that authority as citizens. +[3112.70 --> 3116.72] In part one, we looked at responsible citizenship. +[3117.32 --> 3119.78] Today, we'll look at responsible government. +[3120.76 --> 3129.64] Now, last week, we looked at four points that came out of that, and I will quickly recap that for us as a reminder, as a refresher, +[3129.74 --> 3133.94] because there is parallels, of course, to today, and I want you to see that parallel. +[3133.94 --> 3142.66] Well, responsible citizens understand that there is order to the structure of society that God has created, +[3142.76 --> 3151.16] that God has built this order into creation, and that order includes governing authorities. +[3152.70 --> 3153.82] We'll revisit that in a moment. +[3153.82 --> 3158.88] And then, out of that, we said that responsible citizens do what is good, +[3160.12 --> 3162.68] and that we do what is good for goodness' sake. +[3162.68 --> 3167.38] That is not just because we fear punishment, but also as a matter of conscience. +[3168.30 --> 3177.10] And then, lastly, the fourth point that we made last time was that our doing good looks like giving equitably as is due. +[3177.74 --> 3180.30] Now, I said it already, but if you missed that, it's available online, +[3180.82 --> 3184.34] and our podcast, Welcome to the Narthex, discussed that more deeply. +[3184.70 --> 3190.18] This week, we're going to flip that coin and look at responsible government. +[3190.18 --> 3196.58] And this time, I'm going to do that in three points coming out of this text, +[3196.66 --> 3203.92] three points about responsible government or what responsible governing looks like from Romans 13. +[3203.92 --> 3208.82] And so, first, responsible governments understand order. +[3209.64 --> 3212.68] Now, that's the same as where we started last time, right? +[3212.76 --> 3214.74] And so, we'll be a little bit more brief here. +[3215.40 --> 3218.26] But second, responsible governments punish wrong. +[3218.80 --> 3219.56] We will see that. +[3219.66 --> 3223.54] And then third, responsible governments commend what is right. +[3223.54 --> 3228.16] So, understand order, punish wrong, commend what is right. +[3228.44 --> 3230.72] That's our map for this morning. +[3231.98 --> 3233.38] So, we start with number one. +[3233.48 --> 3237.42] Responsible governments understand that there is order. +[3238.42 --> 3242.58] That's what we mean when we look and what we see when we look at verse one, +[3243.16 --> 3244.22] where it says, +[3244.22 --> 3249.86] There is no authority except that which God has established. +[3250.30 --> 3254.76] The authorities that exist have been established by God. +[3256.14 --> 3258.46] And first point to note, right, +[3258.64 --> 3262.98] for our own posture as we enter into these discussions, +[3263.36 --> 3267.22] is that it says no authority exists. +[3268.22 --> 3268.80] Right? +[3268.80 --> 3269.48] And that is to say, +[3269.62 --> 3273.76] even the Roman emperor who persecuted Christians +[3273.76 --> 3276.26] was established by God for his purposes. +[3277.24 --> 3279.42] Or we can go a little bit back in Israel's history. +[3279.42 --> 3281.22] Even Nebuchadnezzar, +[3281.42 --> 3284.18] who carried the Israelites away in exile +[3284.18 --> 3287.94] and who ordered Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego +[3287.94 --> 3289.48] to bow down to an image, +[3289.54 --> 3290.28] and when they didn't, +[3290.30 --> 3292.40] threw them into a furnace, +[3293.60 --> 3297.66] even he is an authority established by God. +[3297.66 --> 3302.04] The Bible tells us that these political governing leaders +[3302.04 --> 3305.94] are there for God's purposes in history. +[3306.54 --> 3311.00] And it's because these governing authorities +[3311.00 --> 3315.30] are part of the created structure +[3315.30 --> 3319.38] that God has imbued in society. +[3320.94 --> 3323.40] Now, on the one hand, right, +[3323.40 --> 3326.52] these governing authorities exist +[3326.52 --> 3328.88] because there is sin in the world. +[3329.46 --> 3329.68] Right? +[3329.70 --> 3330.60] We read it very clearly +[3330.60 --> 3331.88] that part of their responsibility +[3331.88 --> 3335.68] is to punish evil or to restrain evil. +[3337.10 --> 3339.20] And we'll make that point more explicitly +[3339.20 --> 3340.08] in just a moment. +[3340.62 --> 3343.04] But part of what that means, of course, +[3343.14 --> 3344.40] is that there are certain functions +[3345.08 --> 3346.42] of these authorities, +[3346.76 --> 3347.98] of the government, right, +[3348.02 --> 3349.12] of these governing authorities +[3349.12 --> 3351.36] that only exist, +[3351.90 --> 3354.02] are only exercised in the world +[3354.02 --> 3355.80] because of the fall, +[3356.22 --> 3357.14] because of sin. +[3357.94 --> 3358.06] Right? +[3358.10 --> 3360.46] The reality of evil in the world +[3360.46 --> 3362.92] now has created the necessity +[3362.92 --> 3365.32] for these governing authorities. +[3366.90 --> 3367.80] And so to that end, +[3367.94 --> 3370.02] political scientists +[3370.02 --> 3372.96] and social philosophers +[3372.96 --> 3374.98] like Jonathan Chaplin +[3374.98 --> 3377.18] describe the state +[3377.18 --> 3380.58] as an aspect of God's common grace. +[3381.90 --> 3382.44] Right? +[3382.60 --> 3384.94] Common grace in ensuring justice, +[3385.14 --> 3386.38] common grace in ensuring +[3386.38 --> 3388.64] that the marginalized +[3388.64 --> 3391.56] are cared for and provided for. +[3393.00 --> 3397.00] But what I want us also to understand +[3397.00 --> 3401.34] that it's not just because of the fall +[3401.34 --> 3403.60] that we have these governing authorities. +[3404.88 --> 3405.40] Right? +[3405.42 --> 3407.92] It's not only because there is sin in the world. +[3408.28 --> 3412.98] The reality of what God has given us, +[3413.06 --> 3414.88] the reality of what we call +[3414.88 --> 3416.36] the cultural mandate +[3416.36 --> 3418.44] in Genesis 1 and 2 +[3418.44 --> 3420.82] where God spoke to Adam and Eve +[3420.82 --> 3422.82] telling them to be fruitful and multiply, +[3423.12 --> 3424.86] to fill the earth and to subdue it, +[3425.16 --> 3426.40] to rule over it, +[3426.40 --> 3429.20] to join together with God +[3429.20 --> 3431.36] in the ongoing act of creation +[3431.36 --> 3432.84] by developing cultures +[3432.84 --> 3435.66] and by exploring the world +[3435.66 --> 3437.14] and digging deep into +[3437.14 --> 3439.76] what God has provided for us. +[3439.92 --> 3441.66] Part of that ongoing, +[3442.14 --> 3445.46] creationally normative work in the world +[3445.46 --> 3447.98] is the patterning +[3447.98 --> 3450.48] and the ordering of society, +[3450.92 --> 3451.92] groups of people, +[3452.06 --> 3453.70] to accomplish these goals +[3453.70 --> 3454.46] and these purposes. +[3454.46 --> 3457.90] And so apart from the fall, +[3458.08 --> 3459.26] that would still happen, +[3459.38 --> 3460.54] that would still exist. +[3461.16 --> 3461.24] Right? +[3461.32 --> 3462.74] Society and people would +[3462.74 --> 3465.12] order themselves, +[3465.48 --> 3465.94] ourselves, +[3466.40 --> 3467.30] in groups +[3467.30 --> 3468.74] to accomplish the mission +[3468.74 --> 3470.38] that God has given us. +[3472.28 --> 3474.12] Now the patterns by which we organize +[3474.12 --> 3475.52] or the systems that we put in place +[3475.52 --> 3476.76] might look a little different, +[3476.88 --> 3478.96] but they would still be there +[3478.96 --> 3481.76] because we've been told by God +[3481.76 --> 3483.80] to fulfill these purposes +[3483.80 --> 3485.78] and we would do that +[3485.78 --> 3487.32] with order. +[3487.82 --> 3489.56] So these kinds of functions, +[3489.82 --> 3491.02] which are now also +[3491.02 --> 3493.66] part of the ongoing work of the state, +[3493.88 --> 3495.18] just apart from +[3495.18 --> 3497.14] the power that the state has +[3497.14 --> 3498.28] of coercion +[3498.28 --> 3499.78] or the power to punish. +[3499.78 --> 3502.38] There are some people +[3502.38 --> 3504.42] who have described this +[3504.42 --> 3507.68] as the life-giving politics +[3507.68 --> 3509.44] of the created order. +[3510.50 --> 3510.72] Right? +[3510.76 --> 3513.54] Of fulfilling the creation mandate. +[3514.88 --> 3515.48] In fact, +[3516.18 --> 3517.06] Richard Mao, +[3517.22 --> 3519.52] who's a modern contemporary +[3519.52 --> 3521.30] reformed theologian, +[3521.40 --> 3522.56] he says that +[3522.56 --> 3524.66] there is something about government +[3524.66 --> 3526.74] when it is functioning properly +[3526.74 --> 3528.48] that fits nicely +[3528.48 --> 3529.92] into God's basic +[3529.92 --> 3531.10] creating design +[3531.10 --> 3532.36] for human life. +[3537.12 --> 3539.16] Now part of what that means +[3539.16 --> 3542.36] is that these governing authorities +[3542.36 --> 3543.32] that exist +[3543.32 --> 3544.52] are established +[3544.52 --> 3546.16] for the purposes +[3546.16 --> 3547.96] of human flourishing. +[3549.20 --> 3551.10] They are part of God's +[3551.10 --> 3552.10] created order +[3552.10 --> 3553.26] for the well-being +[3553.26 --> 3554.76] of his image bearers +[3554.76 --> 3556.20] and his vice regents. +[3556.20 --> 3556.50] That is, +[3556.80 --> 3558.40] God has created us +[3558.40 --> 3559.16] for a purpose +[3559.16 --> 3560.42] and he has created +[3560.42 --> 3561.80] or established +[3561.80 --> 3563.40] in the language of Romans 13, +[3563.82 --> 3565.02] he has established +[3565.02 --> 3565.76] mechanisms +[3565.76 --> 3567.34] for our flourishing +[3567.34 --> 3568.94] in these purposes. +[3570.46 --> 3572.16] One of those mechanisms +[3572.16 --> 3575.42] is a well-ordered society, +[3575.94 --> 3578.52] a well-governed society. +[3579.92 --> 3581.82] And so in some people, +[3582.72 --> 3583.46] there is +[3583.46 --> 3585.82] what we might call +[3585.82 --> 3587.66] in modern political theory +[3587.66 --> 3590.28] a libertarian impulse +[3590.28 --> 3593.50] to get rid of all government. +[3594.50 --> 3596.16] But that denies +[3596.16 --> 3598.76] the creational purpose +[3598.76 --> 3600.66] that God has imbued +[3600.66 --> 3601.64] those structures +[3601.64 --> 3603.28] and systems with. +[3605.20 --> 3605.88] Now, +[3606.08 --> 3607.74] don't jump ahead +[3607.74 --> 3609.50] because we do understand +[3609.50 --> 3610.76] that when there's +[3610.76 --> 3611.94] political overreach +[3611.94 --> 3613.38] or systemic overreach +[3613.38 --> 3614.26] then our reaction +[3614.26 --> 3614.72] might be, +[3614.82 --> 3615.10] you know what, +[3615.10 --> 3615.66] it would be better +[3615.66 --> 3616.42] if they weren't there +[3616.42 --> 3616.84] at all. +[3618.26 --> 3619.28] But I want to challenge +[3619.28 --> 3620.40] immediately +[3620.40 --> 3621.34] the presumption +[3621.34 --> 3622.30] to jump from +[3622.30 --> 3623.62] overreach +[3623.62 --> 3625.10] to dissolution +[3625.10 --> 3626.52] without asking +[3626.52 --> 3627.96] what is good +[3627.96 --> 3629.70] in their purpose. +[3633.72 --> 3634.78] Governing authorities +[3634.78 --> 3636.96] exist for the well-being +[3636.96 --> 3639.68] of God's creation. +[3640.78 --> 3641.00] Right? +[3641.04 --> 3641.72] To ensure +[3641.72 --> 3642.96] that we, +[3643.26 --> 3644.16] image bearers +[3644.16 --> 3645.32] and vice regents, +[3645.72 --> 3647.24] would live out +[3647.24 --> 3648.40] the stewardship +[3648.40 --> 3649.62] responsibilities +[3649.62 --> 3651.38] that he has called us to. +[3652.76 --> 3654.38] And a governing authority +[3654.38 --> 3655.36] then that wants +[3655.36 --> 3656.66] to be responsible +[3656.66 --> 3658.18] with the power +[3658.18 --> 3659.64] that it has been granted, +[3659.82 --> 3660.42] with the authority +[3660.42 --> 3661.70] that it has been given, +[3662.00 --> 3663.14] will recognize +[3663.14 --> 3665.18] where it fits +[3665.18 --> 3666.82] in this order. +[3668.26 --> 3668.34] Right? +[3668.42 --> 3670.60] A responsible government +[3670.60 --> 3672.18] will understand +[3672.18 --> 3673.54] that any authority +[3673.54 --> 3674.54] that it has +[3674.54 --> 3676.32] has been granted +[3676.32 --> 3676.98] to it +[3676.98 --> 3678.42] for a period of time +[3678.42 --> 3679.64] by the creator +[3679.64 --> 3680.34] of the world. +[3682.02 --> 3683.22] And this probably +[3683.22 --> 3683.88] won't surprise +[3683.88 --> 3684.58] any of you, +[3684.82 --> 3685.56] but a government +[3685.56 --> 3686.94] that then denies +[3686.94 --> 3688.04] there is a creator +[3688.04 --> 3688.76] to the world +[3688.76 --> 3690.46] is being irresponsible +[3690.46 --> 3692.08] with the power +[3692.08 --> 3692.74] it has been given. +[3692.74 --> 3697.88] A government +[3697.88 --> 3698.98] that understands +[3698.98 --> 3700.30] that it has authority +[3700.30 --> 3702.10] will remember +[3702.10 --> 3703.14] that its power +[3703.14 --> 3704.50] is from God +[3704.50 --> 3705.32] and therefore +[3705.32 --> 3706.98] will also know +[3706.98 --> 3707.92] that its power +[3707.92 --> 3709.14] is not ultimate. +[3709.82 --> 3710.50] Right? +[3710.56 --> 3712.00] Because only God's power +[3712.00 --> 3713.02] is ultimate. +[3714.66 --> 3715.66] And so working this out, +[3715.72 --> 3716.72] a responsible government +[3716.72 --> 3717.42] will understand +[3717.42 --> 3718.86] that its role +[3718.86 --> 3720.16] is to ensure +[3720.16 --> 3722.00] then that the other powers +[3722.00 --> 3722.68] or the other +[3722.68 --> 3723.60] what we've called +[3723.60 --> 3725.02] spheres of authority, +[3725.30 --> 3726.42] the other established +[3726.42 --> 3726.94] spheres +[3726.94 --> 3728.48] or the other established +[3728.48 --> 3729.92] authorities in life +[3729.92 --> 3732.34] are able to function +[3732.34 --> 3733.60] well +[3733.60 --> 3734.78] in relationship +[3734.78 --> 3735.60] to each other. +[3736.60 --> 3737.34] And again, +[3737.42 --> 3738.28] let's be clear, +[3738.36 --> 3739.20] this isn't just +[3739.20 --> 3740.56] about the emperor +[3740.56 --> 3741.90] in relationship +[3741.90 --> 3742.76] to other spheres +[3742.76 --> 3743.58] or institutions +[3743.58 --> 3744.44] like family +[3744.44 --> 3745.16] or the arts +[3745.16 --> 3745.86] or sciences. +[3746.52 --> 3746.58] Right? +[3746.74 --> 3748.02] In the world today, +[3748.02 --> 3749.40] there are lots +[3749.40 --> 3750.42] of other +[3750.42 --> 3751.88] governing authorities +[3751.88 --> 3752.76] that would also +[3752.76 --> 3754.38] fall under this rubric +[3754.38 --> 3755.30] and then also +[3755.30 --> 3756.28] fall under +[3756.28 --> 3757.90] the cross purposes +[3757.90 --> 3759.94] of being for human flourishing +[3759.94 --> 3762.66] and having a limited scope +[3762.66 --> 3763.20] or sense +[3763.20 --> 3763.86] of its power +[3763.86 --> 3765.04] as part of +[3765.04 --> 3766.38] this order. +[3767.84 --> 3768.44] And so for instance, +[3768.56 --> 3769.70] if you are a doctor, +[3770.70 --> 3770.90] right, +[3770.94 --> 3771.98] there's a medical college +[3771.98 --> 3773.04] that has authority +[3773.04 --> 3774.54] and defines +[3774.54 --> 3775.16] in part +[3775.16 --> 3775.68] the scope +[3775.68 --> 3776.56] of your authority. +[3777.60 --> 3779.48] If you're a trades person, +[3779.82 --> 3779.98] right, +[3780.02 --> 3780.80] maybe you're familiar +[3780.80 --> 3781.82] with the ITA, +[3782.26 --> 3783.78] the Industry Training Authority, +[3784.26 --> 3785.08] or maybe you're familiar +[3785.08 --> 3786.06] with the BCSA, +[3786.24 --> 3787.52] the British Columbia +[3787.52 --> 3788.50] Safety Authority. +[3789.34 --> 3790.54] If you work nationally +[3790.54 --> 3791.34] in building, +[3791.48 --> 3792.20] maybe you're familiar +[3792.20 --> 3793.60] with the Red Seal program. +[3794.88 --> 3795.04] Right? +[3795.08 --> 3795.74] All of us, +[3796.06 --> 3797.38] especially here in BC, +[3797.64 --> 3798.30] are familiar +[3798.30 --> 3799.40] with unions +[3799.40 --> 3800.38] and the amount +[3800.38 --> 3801.22] of authority +[3801.22 --> 3802.20] that they have +[3802.20 --> 3803.08] in society +[3803.08 --> 3803.86] and influence. +[3804.76 --> 3804.94] Now, +[3805.18 --> 3805.56] again, +[3806.16 --> 3807.96] you might +[3807.96 --> 3808.86] winsomely +[3808.86 --> 3810.74] and I would probably +[3810.74 --> 3811.52] agree with you +[3811.52 --> 3812.36] that argue +[3812.36 --> 3813.44] that some of these +[3813.44 --> 3814.12] institutions +[3814.12 --> 3815.62] have too much authority +[3815.62 --> 3817.12] or have too much influence +[3817.12 --> 3818.36] in the day-to-day +[3818.36 --> 3819.52] running of life +[3819.52 --> 3820.02] and business. +[3820.14 --> 3820.66] And like I said, +[3820.70 --> 3821.64] you're probably right +[3821.64 --> 3822.60] in that argument. +[3823.22 --> 3824.18] But the fact +[3824.18 --> 3825.10] that they have +[3825.10 --> 3826.62] too much influence +[3826.62 --> 3828.28] is not +[3828.28 --> 3829.42] an argument +[3829.42 --> 3830.82] against the reality +[3830.82 --> 3832.38] of their necessity +[3832.38 --> 3834.04] and their place +[3834.04 --> 3835.64] as providentially +[3835.64 --> 3836.96] part of God's +[3836.96 --> 3838.70] providing for human +[3838.70 --> 3839.66] flourishing. +[3841.80 --> 3841.94] Okay? +[3842.18 --> 3842.60] In fact, +[3843.36 --> 3843.98] it's something +[3843.98 --> 3845.06] that we talked +[3845.06 --> 3846.02] about last time, +[3846.66 --> 3846.82] right? +[3846.90 --> 3847.98] That because +[3847.98 --> 3850.38] people have, +[3851.38 --> 3853.58] because of sin +[3853.58 --> 3854.30] in the world, +[3854.42 --> 3855.38] because of the reality +[3855.38 --> 3857.40] of our fallen nature, +[3857.40 --> 3859.62] these governing bodies +[3859.62 --> 3860.82] have a tendency +[3860.82 --> 3862.40] to overreach +[3862.40 --> 3863.28] and to stretch +[3863.28 --> 3863.96] beyond +[3863.96 --> 3864.96] their spheres. +[3866.08 --> 3867.52] But that's also, +[3867.86 --> 3868.06] then, +[3868.36 --> 3869.12] part of the +[3869.12 --> 3870.02] created order +[3870.02 --> 3870.78] responsibility +[3870.78 --> 3872.72] of the civil government, +[3873.06 --> 3873.28] right, +[3873.32 --> 3874.80] to hold those spheres +[3874.80 --> 3876.18] in proper relationship +[3876.18 --> 3876.82] to each other. +[3879.70 --> 3880.28] Now, +[3880.60 --> 3881.58] I get that maybe +[3881.58 --> 3882.22] this is +[3882.22 --> 3883.54] all very technical +[3883.54 --> 3885.60] in its ordering, +[3885.60 --> 3886.22] but this all +[3886.22 --> 3887.12] comes together +[3887.12 --> 3889.16] and it begs +[3889.16 --> 3889.90] the question +[3889.90 --> 3891.24] for those +[3891.24 --> 3892.14] who are serving +[3892.14 --> 3893.06] in government. +[3893.50 --> 3894.38] It begs the question +[3894.38 --> 3894.80] that we ought +[3894.80 --> 3895.42] to be asking +[3895.42 --> 3896.38] our leaders +[3896.38 --> 3897.34] who serve +[3897.34 --> 3897.84] in government, +[3898.26 --> 3898.42] right? +[3898.58 --> 3899.00] What, +[3899.16 --> 3899.60] then, +[3899.72 --> 3900.92] is the scope +[3900.92 --> 3902.10] and the proper +[3902.10 --> 3902.72] limit +[3902.72 --> 3904.12] of my authority? +[3905.32 --> 3905.54] Right? +[3905.60 --> 3906.56] Since this authority +[3906.56 --> 3907.56] is God-given, +[3908.02 --> 3908.78] what purpose +[3908.78 --> 3910.10] ought it to be +[3910.10 --> 3911.70] exercised for? +[3913.22 --> 3913.70] Now, +[3913.74 --> 3914.22] those are the next +[3914.22 --> 3914.82] two points. +[3915.60 --> 3916.22] that we make, +[3916.56 --> 3916.80] right? +[3916.84 --> 3917.96] That a responsible +[3917.96 --> 3919.08] government understands +[3919.08 --> 3921.20] that there is order +[3921.20 --> 3922.42] and that they have been, +[3922.58 --> 3923.82] are part of that order +[3923.82 --> 3924.88] and so, +[3925.16 --> 3927.36] in ensuring that order, +[3927.48 --> 3928.32] in working out +[3928.32 --> 3929.92] for that order +[3929.92 --> 3930.56] and the purpose +[3930.56 --> 3931.70] of human flourishing, +[3931.92 --> 3933.36] responsible governments +[3933.36 --> 3935.40] will punish wrongdoing. +[3936.86 --> 3937.38] That is to say, +[3937.44 --> 3938.24] responsible governments +[3938.24 --> 3939.58] exist in order +[3939.58 --> 3941.62] to help limit +[3941.62 --> 3943.10] the effect +[3943.10 --> 3944.44] and the impact +[3944.44 --> 3945.58] of evil +[3945.58 --> 3946.50] on society. +[3947.20 --> 3947.38] Now, +[3947.42 --> 3947.84] you'll see this +[3947.84 --> 3948.52] in verse 3. +[3949.54 --> 3949.80] Right? +[3949.90 --> 3950.84] Verse 3 says, +[3951.84 --> 3952.38] for rulers +[3952.38 --> 3953.38] hold no terror +[3953.38 --> 3954.50] for those who do right, +[3954.62 --> 3955.40] but for those +[3955.40 --> 3957.98] who do wrong. +[3958.82 --> 3959.88] And it's the same thing +[3959.88 --> 3960.80] in the middle part +[3960.80 --> 3961.48] of verse 4. +[3961.90 --> 3962.14] Right? +[3962.14 --> 3962.58] It says, +[3962.58 --> 3964.18] but if you do wrong, +[3964.40 --> 3965.00] be afraid, +[3965.50 --> 3966.06] for rulers +[3966.06 --> 3967.58] do not bear the sword +[3967.58 --> 3969.18] for no reason. +[3970.72 --> 3970.94] Now, +[3971.00 --> 3971.58] linguistically, +[3971.86 --> 3972.92] those two lines +[3972.92 --> 3974.60] are held together, +[3974.98 --> 3975.82] are tied together +[3975.82 --> 3976.68] with the word terror +[3976.68 --> 3977.46] and fear, +[3977.64 --> 3978.82] which is the same word +[3978.82 --> 3979.40] in Greek. +[3979.40 --> 3981.26] So, +[3981.34 --> 3982.34] responsible governments +[3982.34 --> 3984.88] exist to punish evil, +[3985.14 --> 3988.60] to rightly put +[3988.60 --> 3989.82] the fear of God +[3989.82 --> 3990.82] into citizens +[3990.82 --> 3991.76] who need that +[3991.76 --> 3992.68] in order to obey. +[3993.68 --> 3993.84] Now, +[3994.32 --> 3996.12] here's a great place +[3996.12 --> 3996.80] to follow up +[3996.80 --> 3999.38] converse together. +[3999.82 --> 3999.94] Right? +[4000.00 --> 4000.54] Because here, +[4000.86 --> 4002.54] there are legitimate debates +[4002.54 --> 4003.12] against, +[4003.84 --> 4004.86] or in contrast +[4004.86 --> 4005.88] of things like +[4005.88 --> 4006.96] punitive justice +[4006.96 --> 4008.28] versus restorative justice. +[4008.48 --> 4008.64] There are, +[4008.64 --> 4011.14] particular nuances +[4011.14 --> 4011.86] that you might want +[4011.86 --> 4012.76] to get into +[4012.76 --> 4013.98] about the penal system +[4013.98 --> 4015.34] in our own country +[4015.34 --> 4016.26] or in other countries +[4016.26 --> 4016.92] around the world. +[4017.24 --> 4017.62] And again, +[4017.72 --> 4018.44] these are really +[4018.44 --> 4019.78] important conversations +[4019.78 --> 4021.12] and I encourage you +[4021.12 --> 4021.66] to have them +[4021.66 --> 4022.60] and to discuss them +[4022.60 --> 4023.66] in your care groups +[4023.66 --> 4024.72] or other small groups +[4024.72 --> 4025.48] or with your friends, +[4025.86 --> 4026.58] colleagues, +[4027.06 --> 4028.64] to engage in them. +[4029.26 --> 4030.32] But the ground +[4030.32 --> 4032.58] of those ongoing discussions +[4032.58 --> 4033.84] remains the same. +[4035.48 --> 4035.58] Right? +[4035.64 --> 4036.98] Part of the government's purpose +[4036.98 --> 4038.14] is to deal +[4038.14 --> 4039.14] with wrongdoing +[4039.14 --> 4040.18] and wrongdoers +[4040.18 --> 4041.30] to impact, +[4041.68 --> 4042.26] or to limit, +[4042.36 --> 4042.50] sorry, +[4042.60 --> 4043.48] the impact +[4043.48 --> 4045.50] of that wrong +[4045.50 --> 4046.74] in our shared society +[4046.74 --> 4047.18] together. +[4048.40 --> 4048.84] Right? +[4048.92 --> 4050.12] If part of the order +[4050.12 --> 4051.92] is governments exist +[4051.92 --> 4054.52] to foster human flourishing, +[4055.52 --> 4056.98] those kinds of things +[4056.98 --> 4057.90] that work against +[4057.90 --> 4059.22] our flourishing together +[4059.22 --> 4060.86] need to be mitigated. +[4060.86 --> 4063.14] That's part of the responsibility +[4063.14 --> 4064.52] then of the government. +[4066.22 --> 4068.34] Sometimes those things +[4068.34 --> 4069.36] are mitigated +[4069.36 --> 4071.64] with strict +[4071.64 --> 4073.24] or severe +[4073.24 --> 4074.74] authority. +[4075.40 --> 4076.04] Right? +[4076.04 --> 4076.44] The government, +[4076.58 --> 4076.90] we read, +[4076.94 --> 4078.52] is given the sword, +[4079.32 --> 4080.68] which is an instrument +[4080.68 --> 4082.56] of the punishment +[4082.56 --> 4084.10] of death. +[4084.40 --> 4085.32] It's an instrument +[4085.32 --> 4086.38] of war. +[4086.38 --> 4086.42] war. +[4087.84 --> 4088.76] I think it was +[4088.76 --> 4089.68] R.C. Sproul +[4089.68 --> 4090.46] who said that +[4090.46 --> 4091.18] the government +[4091.18 --> 4092.42] is given the sword +[4092.42 --> 4093.82] not so that it might +[4093.82 --> 4094.64] rattle around +[4094.64 --> 4095.68] in its scabbard +[4095.68 --> 4097.52] and scare people +[4097.52 --> 4098.28] with an ultimately +[4098.28 --> 4099.12] idle threat, +[4099.38 --> 4101.56] but so that if it needed to, +[4101.64 --> 4102.44] it could pull it out +[4102.44 --> 4104.50] and cut down +[4104.50 --> 4105.44] evil. +[4107.84 --> 4108.88] But that sword +[4108.88 --> 4109.84] is wielded +[4109.84 --> 4111.66] for the common good. +[4111.66 --> 4113.68] Now, +[4113.92 --> 4114.74] immediately, +[4115.52 --> 4117.06] there are two things +[4117.06 --> 4117.58] that bubble up +[4117.58 --> 4118.10] to the surface +[4118.10 --> 4119.12] in this conversation, +[4119.78 --> 4119.94] right? +[4120.00 --> 4120.74] And that is +[4120.74 --> 4121.80] the politics +[4121.80 --> 4123.58] and the theology +[4123.58 --> 4125.38] of the death penalty. +[4127.86 --> 4129.48] This is a divisive +[4129.48 --> 4131.14] and controversial topic. +[4132.50 --> 4134.24] Is the death penalty +[4134.24 --> 4135.62] right and good? +[4136.30 --> 4137.32] And from an easy +[4137.32 --> 4138.20] and simple reading +[4138.20 --> 4138.66] of Scripture, +[4138.84 --> 4139.56] it seems clear +[4139.56 --> 4140.12] that the government +[4140.12 --> 4141.16] is given the authority +[4141.16 --> 4143.24] to exercise punishment +[4143.24 --> 4144.68] and so take a life, +[4144.86 --> 4145.60] lose a life. +[4147.04 --> 4148.18] And I don't want +[4148.18 --> 4149.04] to dismiss +[4149.04 --> 4149.90] or downplay +[4149.90 --> 4150.82] that reality. +[4150.96 --> 4151.90] I think that if you +[4151.90 --> 4153.62] willfully, +[4153.84 --> 4154.36] intentionally, +[4154.62 --> 4155.58] premeditatively +[4155.58 --> 4156.58] kill someone, +[4157.38 --> 4158.40] you have forfeited +[4158.40 --> 4159.52] your own right to life. +[4159.60 --> 4160.44] I think that is fair. +[4160.80 --> 4161.42] And yet, +[4162.30 --> 4164.92] I'm also very aware +[4164.92 --> 4166.90] that the injustices +[4166.90 --> 4167.70] that exist +[4167.70 --> 4169.36] in the current +[4169.36 --> 4170.24] penal system +[4170.24 --> 4172.02] are racially biased. +[4172.18 --> 4172.98] The injustices +[4172.98 --> 4173.64] that exist +[4173.64 --> 4174.28] in the current +[4174.28 --> 4175.34] penal system +[4175.34 --> 4177.04] are systemically biased +[4177.04 --> 4178.46] against other people. +[4178.52 --> 4179.04] And so it makes it +[4179.04 --> 4179.86] very hard +[4179.86 --> 4181.24] to discern. +[4182.40 --> 4183.78] It's not as simple +[4183.78 --> 4185.44] or as clear cut +[4185.44 --> 4186.34] as we might think +[4186.34 --> 4186.76] because +[4186.76 --> 4189.40] we are all +[4189.40 --> 4189.90] struggling +[4189.90 --> 4191.10] with the reality +[4191.10 --> 4191.78] of sin +[4191.78 --> 4192.90] in our midst. +[4192.90 --> 4195.28] another thing +[4195.28 --> 4195.88] that this is +[4195.88 --> 4196.90] related to +[4196.90 --> 4198.32] in the government +[4198.32 --> 4199.26] holding the sword. +[4199.54 --> 4200.28] Again, remember, +[4200.50 --> 4201.48] the sword is +[4201.48 --> 4202.82] a weapon of war +[4202.82 --> 4204.84] and the idea +[4204.84 --> 4206.78] of just war +[4206.78 --> 4208.42] or are Christians +[4208.42 --> 4209.74] able to participate +[4209.74 --> 4211.12] in any form +[4211.12 --> 4211.78] of warfare. +[4211.96 --> 4212.84] This is related +[4212.84 --> 4213.46] to that. +[4214.58 --> 4215.18] And Christians +[4215.18 --> 4216.38] like Augustine +[4216.38 --> 4218.16] and Thomas Aquinas +[4218.16 --> 4218.66] have done, +[4218.84 --> 4220.06] have written +[4220.06 --> 4220.96] voluminously +[4220.96 --> 4222.22] on this subject +[4222.22 --> 4222.68] and we're not +[4222.68 --> 4223.04] going to get +[4223.04 --> 4224.26] into it here +[4224.26 --> 4225.60] except to say +[4225.60 --> 4227.68] that one of the reasons +[4227.68 --> 4228.38] that Christians +[4228.38 --> 4229.18] have argued +[4229.18 --> 4230.54] for just war +[4230.54 --> 4231.46] is for +[4231.46 --> 4232.58] the protection +[4232.58 --> 4233.96] of those +[4233.96 --> 4235.16] who are weak, +[4235.28 --> 4235.98] is for +[4235.98 --> 4237.24] the ensuring +[4237.24 --> 4239.22] of human flourishing. +[4240.50 --> 4241.10] And if you need +[4241.10 --> 4241.98] to go to war +[4241.98 --> 4243.04] to stop +[4243.04 --> 4244.96] an autocratic ruler +[4244.96 --> 4246.26] or a dictatorial ruler +[4246.26 --> 4247.14] who has forgotten +[4247.14 --> 4248.34] that their authority +[4248.34 --> 4249.20] is given to them +[4249.20 --> 4249.96] by God +[4249.96 --> 4250.92] and has instead +[4250.92 --> 4251.82] taken on +[4251.82 --> 4252.92] more of their own +[4252.92 --> 4253.78] in order to bolster +[4253.78 --> 4254.30] themselves +[4254.30 --> 4255.56] or to lay claim +[4255.56 --> 4256.48] to more and more, +[4256.56 --> 4257.98] to consume more and more, +[4258.22 --> 4259.68] then there is a principle +[4259.68 --> 4260.20] that says +[4260.20 --> 4261.10] it is just +[4261.10 --> 4262.42] for the well-being +[4262.42 --> 4263.02] of those +[4263.02 --> 4263.88] who are being +[4263.88 --> 4265.10] trodden upon +[4265.10 --> 4267.06] to wield that sword. +[4269.20 --> 4269.98] But again, +[4271.24 --> 4272.20] we can talk more +[4272.20 --> 4272.90] about this. +[4273.76 --> 4273.88] Right? +[4273.92 --> 4274.32] And you +[4274.32 --> 4275.82] are required +[4275.82 --> 4277.04] to discern +[4277.04 --> 4278.34] for yourselves +[4278.34 --> 4279.60] in your context. +[4280.06 --> 4281.16] What does Paul say? +[4281.26 --> 4282.02] As a matter +[4282.02 --> 4282.88] of conscience. +[4284.92 --> 4285.78] This is one +[4285.78 --> 4286.50] of those areas +[4286.50 --> 4287.22] where Christians +[4287.22 --> 4288.80] can have +[4288.80 --> 4289.70] the freedom +[4289.70 --> 4290.32] of conscience +[4290.32 --> 4291.18] to decide +[4291.18 --> 4291.92] differently. +[4292.08 --> 4292.76] I am not +[4292.76 --> 4293.46] going to stand up here +[4293.46 --> 4294.58] and bind your conscience +[4294.58 --> 4295.76] on these things +[4295.76 --> 4296.82] one way or the other +[4296.82 --> 4298.66] except to bind you +[4298.66 --> 4299.88] to what Scripture +[4299.88 --> 4300.64] binds you. +[4301.72 --> 4302.18] And that is +[4302.18 --> 4302.86] the presumption +[4302.86 --> 4303.46] that the government +[4303.46 --> 4303.98] exists +[4303.98 --> 4305.54] and that it exists +[4305.54 --> 4307.12] to punish evil. +[4309.30 --> 4309.98] We can have +[4309.98 --> 4310.66] a difference of opinion +[4310.66 --> 4311.28] on how +[4311.28 --> 4312.84] that is accomplished. +[4313.60 --> 4314.76] But that it needs +[4314.76 --> 4315.78] to be accomplished +[4315.78 --> 4317.06] is fixed +[4317.06 --> 4318.44] in God's Word +[4318.44 --> 4318.90] to us. +[4322.08 --> 4323.16] Now the other side +[4323.16 --> 4324.60] and this continues +[4324.60 --> 4326.70] is our third point. +[4326.82 --> 4327.82] Responsible government +[4327.82 --> 4328.96] exists +[4328.96 --> 4329.96] to commend +[4329.96 --> 4331.88] what is right. +[4331.88 --> 4333.48] This again +[4333.48 --> 4334.18] comes from +[4334.18 --> 4335.02] verse 3 and 4 +[4335.02 --> 4335.74] in different parts. +[4336.24 --> 4336.70] Do you want +[4336.70 --> 4337.58] to be free +[4337.58 --> 4338.52] from fear +[4338.52 --> 4339.30] of the one +[4339.30 --> 4339.96] in authority? +[4340.86 --> 4342.22] Do what is right +[4342.22 --> 4343.32] and you will be +[4343.32 --> 4343.72] commended. +[4345.00 --> 4345.44] For the one +[4345.44 --> 4346.06] in authority +[4346.06 --> 4347.60] is God's servant +[4347.60 --> 4348.62] for your good. +[4350.80 --> 4351.66] The Belgian +[4351.66 --> 4352.26] Confession +[4352.26 --> 4352.98] which is a +[4352.98 --> 4354.66] summary document +[4354.66 --> 4355.60] of the Christian +[4355.60 --> 4356.30] Reformed Church +[4356.30 --> 4357.26] Reformed tradition +[4357.26 --> 4358.64] says +[4358.64 --> 4359.80] that the government +[4359.80 --> 4360.58] exists +[4360.58 --> 4361.70] to contribute +[4361.70 --> 4362.90] to the advancement +[4362.90 --> 4364.14] of society +[4364.14 --> 4365.50] that is pleasing +[4365.50 --> 4366.28] to God. +[4367.98 --> 4368.58] The idea +[4368.58 --> 4369.66] that responsible +[4369.66 --> 4370.60] governments +[4370.60 --> 4372.38] commend what is right +[4372.38 --> 4373.64] will then also +[4373.64 --> 4375.28] build up +[4375.28 --> 4375.90] what is good +[4375.90 --> 4376.66] for society. +[4379.24 --> 4379.80] And +[4379.80 --> 4381.68] inherent in that +[4381.68 --> 4382.28] I think +[4382.28 --> 4384.22] are limits +[4384.22 --> 4385.56] to +[4385.56 --> 4386.88] a government's +[4386.88 --> 4387.40] authority. +[4388.14 --> 4388.70] Or to use +[4388.70 --> 4389.12] the language +[4389.12 --> 4389.58] that we have +[4389.58 --> 4389.96] been using +[4389.96 --> 4390.42] these last +[4390.42 --> 4390.94] couple weeks +[4390.94 --> 4392.06] the spheres +[4392.06 --> 4393.04] have edges. +[4394.72 --> 4395.44] There's +[4395.44 --> 4397.86] a point +[4397.86 --> 4398.86] whereby +[4398.86 --> 4399.88] that +[4399.88 --> 4400.98] authority +[4400.98 --> 4402.12] is limited. +[4403.56 --> 4404.20] So rulers +[4404.20 --> 4405.76] hold no terror +[4405.76 --> 4407.40] and people +[4407.40 --> 4408.42] are to be +[4408.42 --> 4409.68] hold no terror +[4409.68 --> 4410.08] for people +[4410.08 --> 4411.08] who do good +[4411.08 --> 4411.56] and people +[4411.56 --> 4412.22] are to be +[4412.22 --> 4412.62] free. +[4412.62 --> 4413.70] free from +[4413.70 --> 4414.52] the establishment +[4414.52 --> 4415.54] if they do +[4415.54 --> 4416.26] what is right. +[4417.34 --> 4417.74] So I think +[4417.74 --> 4418.38] part of what +[4418.38 --> 4419.20] comes out +[4419.20 --> 4420.30] of this idea +[4420.30 --> 4421.78] is the +[4421.78 --> 4422.42] principle +[4422.42 --> 4423.70] in political +[4423.70 --> 4424.44] theory we talk +[4424.44 --> 4424.78] about the +[4424.78 --> 4425.36] principle of +[4425.36 --> 4426.50] limited powers. +[4427.46 --> 4428.42] That governing +[4428.42 --> 4429.04] authorities +[4429.04 --> 4430.38] whether in +[4430.38 --> 4431.54] a parliamentary +[4431.54 --> 4432.56] system or +[4432.56 --> 4433.54] in a +[4433.54 --> 4434.68] democratic +[4434.68 --> 4435.10] republic +[4435.10 --> 4435.56] system +[4435.56 --> 4436.12] depending on +[4436.12 --> 4437.06] what you like +[4437.06 --> 4437.40] that there's +[4437.40 --> 4438.10] a limit +[4438.10 --> 4438.86] to the +[4438.86 --> 4439.50] powers +[4439.50 --> 4440.52] of those +[4440.52 --> 4441.36] people who +[4441.36 --> 4442.20] serve in +[4442.20 --> 4442.54] government. +[4442.62 --> 4443.16] be it the +[4443.16 --> 4443.68] prime minister +[4443.68 --> 4444.48] or the +[4444.48 --> 4444.84] president +[4444.84 --> 4445.86] the emperor +[4445.86 --> 4446.84] or the king. +[4448.02 --> 4448.50] And I think +[4448.50 --> 4449.12] as well +[4449.12 --> 4450.28] there are +[4450.28 --> 4451.70] principles here +[4451.70 --> 4452.66] of civil +[4452.66 --> 4453.22] freedom. +[4454.82 --> 4454.98] Right? +[4455.10 --> 4455.74] Civil freedoms +[4455.74 --> 4456.16] whether that's +[4456.16 --> 4456.94] the freedom +[4456.94 --> 4457.50] of religion +[4457.50 --> 4458.16] or assembly +[4458.16 --> 4459.18] or the +[4459.18 --> 4459.50] freedom +[4459.50 --> 4461.22] of speech +[4461.22 --> 4462.82] to discourse +[4462.82 --> 4463.74] about these +[4463.74 --> 4464.16] things +[4464.16 --> 4465.34] free from +[4465.34 --> 4466.94] the fear +[4466.94 --> 4468.28] of being +[4468.28 --> 4469.00] punished +[4469.00 --> 4470.58] for having +[4470.58 --> 4471.32] ideas +[4471.32 --> 4471.76] that may +[4471.76 --> 4472.50] be contrary +[4472.50 --> 4473.22] to the +[4473.22 --> 4473.60] ideas of +[4473.60 --> 4473.84] the people +[4473.84 --> 4474.44] around us. +[4474.54 --> 4474.86] I think +[4474.86 --> 4475.44] that's all +[4475.44 --> 4476.28] in here. +[4477.98 --> 4478.60] Now notice +[4478.60 --> 4480.20] that Paul +[4480.20 --> 4481.14] calls these +[4481.14 --> 4481.54] governing +[4481.54 --> 4482.18] authorities +[4482.18 --> 4483.02] then, +[4483.10 --> 4483.56] these governing +[4483.56 --> 4484.12] officials, +[4484.38 --> 4484.86] these people +[4484.86 --> 4485.34] in authority, +[4485.42 --> 4485.94] he calls +[4485.94 --> 4486.32] them +[4486.32 --> 4488.42] in verse +[4488.42 --> 4488.82] 4 +[4488.82 --> 4489.76] God's +[4489.76 --> 4490.38] servant +[4490.38 --> 4491.68] for your +[4491.68 --> 4492.00] good. +[4492.00 --> 4493.52] Now the +[4493.52 --> 4493.92] word that +[4493.92 --> 4494.36] he uses +[4494.36 --> 4495.04] for servant +[4495.04 --> 4495.64] here is +[4495.64 --> 4496.20] particular. +[4496.72 --> 4497.16] It's a +[4497.16 --> 4497.56] word that +[4497.56 --> 4498.02] can also +[4498.02 --> 4498.68] mean waiter. +[4499.54 --> 4499.74] Right? +[4499.76 --> 4500.06] Like a +[4500.06 --> 4500.86] server at +[4500.86 --> 4501.76] a restaurant. +[4502.38 --> 4503.20] It's actually +[4503.20 --> 4503.72] the word +[4503.72 --> 4504.10] that in +[4504.10 --> 4504.48] church +[4504.48 --> 4505.20] we get +[4505.20 --> 4505.54] the word +[4505.54 --> 4505.96] deacon +[4505.96 --> 4506.36] from. +[4507.58 --> 4507.82] Deacon +[4507.82 --> 4508.18] is an +[4508.18 --> 4508.70] office of +[4508.70 --> 4509.18] the church +[4509.18 --> 4510.32] and deacons +[4510.32 --> 4510.78] serve, +[4510.90 --> 4511.18] one of the +[4511.18 --> 4511.54] ways they +[4511.54 --> 4512.24] serve is +[4512.24 --> 4513.44] to help +[4513.44 --> 4514.66] us meet +[4514.66 --> 4515.56] the needs +[4515.56 --> 4515.98] of one +[4515.98 --> 4516.26] another. +[4518.00 --> 4518.48] And really +[4518.48 --> 4519.10] taking this +[4519.10 --> 4519.66] idea and +[4519.66 --> 4520.34] connecting it +[4520.34 --> 4521.42] to governance +[4521.42 --> 4522.56] connecting it +[4522.56 --> 4523.34] to authorities +[4523.34 --> 4524.20] as being +[4524.20 --> 4525.50] servants is +[4525.50 --> 4526.04] where we +[4526.04 --> 4526.44] get the +[4526.44 --> 4527.16] concept of +[4527.16 --> 4527.52] servant +[4527.52 --> 4528.04] leadership +[4528.04 --> 4528.48] from. +[4530.02 --> 4530.10] Right? +[4530.18 --> 4530.80] Responsible +[4530.80 --> 4531.60] governing then +[4531.60 --> 4532.56] understands +[4532.56 --> 4533.52] that your +[4533.52 --> 4534.26] role in +[4534.26 --> 4535.36] society is +[4535.36 --> 4536.28] to serve. +[4537.88 --> 4538.20] Now again, +[4538.26 --> 4538.60] this is going +[4538.60 --> 4539.20] to fly in +[4539.20 --> 4539.68] the face +[4539.68 --> 4540.00] of the +[4540.00 --> 4540.60] impulse +[4540.60 --> 4541.14] of +[4541.14 --> 4541.82] authoritarian +[4541.82 --> 4542.82] or dictatorial +[4542.82 --> 4543.20] rule. +[4543.56 --> 4543.64] Right? +[4544.30 --> 4545.06] Responsible +[4545.06 --> 4545.56] governing +[4545.56 --> 4546.84] doesn't seize +[4546.84 --> 4547.50] power, +[4547.98 --> 4548.54] but instead +[4548.54 --> 4549.32] responsible +[4549.32 --> 4549.70] governing +[4549.70 --> 4550.62] gives up +[4550.62 --> 4551.28] power +[4551.28 --> 4551.70] for the +[4551.70 --> 4552.22] well-being +[4552.22 --> 4552.58] of its +[4552.58 --> 4553.02] citizens. +[4554.24 --> 4554.70] In that +[4554.70 --> 4555.02] way, +[4555.14 --> 4555.70] responsible +[4555.70 --> 4556.40] governments +[4556.40 --> 4557.44] actually +[4557.44 --> 4558.40] begin to +[4558.40 --> 4559.50] model for +[4559.50 --> 4559.86] us +[4559.86 --> 4560.38] Jesus. +[4561.50 --> 4561.74] Right? +[4561.82 --> 4562.46] Jesus who +[4562.46 --> 4563.56] gave up +[4563.56 --> 4564.04] power, +[4564.14 --> 4564.52] who didn't +[4564.52 --> 4565.36] seize power, +[4565.36 --> 4566.22] who emptied +[4566.22 --> 4566.94] himself of +[4566.94 --> 4567.68] all but love +[4567.68 --> 4568.44] and submitted +[4568.44 --> 4569.08] himself to +[4569.08 --> 4569.90] the authorities +[4569.90 --> 4570.92] around him +[4570.92 --> 4571.66] in order that +[4571.66 --> 4572.74] by his death +[4572.74 --> 4573.86] many might +[4573.86 --> 4574.40] live. +[4575.86 --> 4576.64] That's the +[4576.64 --> 4577.44] model of +[4577.44 --> 4578.04] responsible +[4578.04 --> 4579.06] government. +[4579.06 --> 4581.24] God +[4581.24 --> 4581.30] Now, +[4581.38 --> 4581.64] of course, +[4582.44 --> 4582.84] it doesn't +[4582.84 --> 4583.44] always happen. +[4584.24 --> 4585.12] Jesus isn't +[4585.12 --> 4585.60] the model +[4585.60 --> 4586.18] for many +[4586.18 --> 4587.08] of our +[4587.08 --> 4587.48] governing +[4587.48 --> 4588.24] authorities. +[4589.38 --> 4589.60] And in +[4589.60 --> 4589.80] fact, +[4589.96 --> 4590.72] many of +[4590.72 --> 4590.90] our +[4590.90 --> 4591.22] governing +[4591.22 --> 4591.90] authorities +[4591.90 --> 4593.32] explicitly +[4593.32 --> 4594.90] reject +[4594.90 --> 4595.94] Jesus. +[4597.10 --> 4597.74] But that +[4597.74 --> 4598.14] doesn't change +[4598.14 --> 4598.40] the fact +[4598.40 --> 4598.62] that he +[4598.62 --> 4599.22] should be. +[4601.40 --> 4602.02] And that +[4602.02 --> 4602.28] when we +[4602.28 --> 4602.60] hold our +[4602.60 --> 4603.02] leaders to +[4603.02 --> 4603.36] that kind +[4603.36 --> 4603.94] of standard, +[4604.40 --> 4605.16] we're saying +[4605.16 --> 4605.56] something +[4605.56 --> 4606.34] particular to +[4606.34 --> 4606.56] them. +[4609.30 --> 4610.08] This week, +[4610.14 --> 4610.58] I had +[4610.58 --> 4610.90] a chance +[4610.90 --> 4613.04] to read +[4613.04 --> 4614.46] a Christian +[4614.46 --> 4616.46] pastor who +[4616.46 --> 4617.50] is serving +[4617.50 --> 4618.12] a church +[4618.12 --> 4619.36] in Iran. +[4620.94 --> 4621.82] His name +[4621.82 --> 4622.32] is Nima +[4622.32 --> 4623.84] Alizadeh. +[4625.28 --> 4626.10] And he +[4626.10 --> 4627.34] talks about +[4627.34 --> 4628.44] Romans 13 +[4628.44 --> 4630.34] actually as +[4630.34 --> 4630.88] flowing +[4630.88 --> 4632.70] directly out +[4632.70 --> 4633.38] of the +[4633.38 --> 4634.00] previous +[4634.00 --> 4635.06] imperative +[4635.06 --> 4635.90] in Romans +[4635.90 --> 4636.28] 12, +[4636.34 --> 4636.90] verse 21. +[4637.54 --> 4637.82] So if you +[4637.82 --> 4638.00] have your +[4638.00 --> 4638.52] Bible open, +[4638.60 --> 4639.18] Romans 12, +[4639.26 --> 4639.76] verse 21 +[4639.76 --> 4640.32] says, +[4640.94 --> 4641.36] do not +[4641.36 --> 4642.08] be overcome +[4642.08 --> 4643.16] by evil, +[4643.64 --> 4644.46] but overcome +[4644.46 --> 4646.54] evil with +[4646.54 --> 4647.58] good. +[4649.48 --> 4650.32] So here +[4650.32 --> 4650.72] you have +[4650.72 --> 4651.50] an Iranian +[4651.50 --> 4652.48] Christian +[4652.48 --> 4654.30] serving in +[4654.30 --> 4654.66] a place +[4654.66 --> 4654.98] where it +[4654.98 --> 4655.76] is illegal +[4655.76 --> 4656.72] to be +[4656.72 --> 4657.46] Christian, +[4658.36 --> 4658.86] arguing +[4658.86 --> 4659.72] for the +[4659.72 --> 4660.30] importance +[4660.30 --> 4661.22] of Romans +[4661.22 --> 4662.10] 13 and +[4662.10 --> 4662.96] submitting to +[4662.96 --> 4663.68] governing +[4663.68 --> 4664.46] authorities +[4664.46 --> 4664.74] authorities +[4664.74 --> 4666.22] and framing +[4666.22 --> 4666.96] that in +[4666.96 --> 4667.94] the context +[4667.94 --> 4668.94] of do not +[4668.94 --> 4669.36] be overcome +[4669.36 --> 4669.88] by evil, +[4669.98 --> 4670.62] but overcome +[4670.62 --> 4671.44] evil with +[4671.44 --> 4671.80] good. +[4672.16 --> 4673.28] He argues +[4673.28 --> 4673.64] in his +[4673.64 --> 4674.10] writing that +[4674.10 --> 4674.84] we should +[4674.84 --> 4675.88] expect most +[4675.88 --> 4676.66] governments to +[4676.66 --> 4677.28] be evil and +[4677.28 --> 4677.68] corrupt, +[4677.68 --> 4678.50] but our +[4678.50 --> 4679.62] humble submission +[4679.62 --> 4680.84] to them is +[4680.84 --> 4681.34] a sort of +[4681.34 --> 4681.82] Christian +[4681.82 --> 4683.26] subversion of +[4683.26 --> 4683.78] that evil +[4683.78 --> 4684.30] authority. +[4686.48 --> 4686.90] And so here +[4686.90 --> 4688.78] is someone who +[4688.78 --> 4689.18] lives in a +[4689.18 --> 4691.26] context that +[4691.26 --> 4692.44] I have +[4692.44 --> 4692.70] never +[4692.70 --> 4693.54] experienced +[4693.54 --> 4695.64] and yet +[4695.64 --> 4696.26] challenges +[4696.26 --> 4697.16] me deeply +[4697.16 --> 4698.18] in the +[4698.18 --> 4698.72] context I +[4698.72 --> 4699.20] live in. +[4702.34 --> 4702.86] Abraham +[4702.86 --> 4703.36] Kuyper +[4703.36 --> 4704.62] was a +[4704.62 --> 4704.80] Dutch +[4704.80 --> 4705.48] theologian +[4705.48 --> 4706.68] and politician. +[4706.68 --> 4707.02] He was +[4707.02 --> 4707.60] prime minister +[4707.60 --> 4707.88] of the +[4707.88 --> 4708.18] Netherlands +[4708.18 --> 4709.54] from 1901 +[4709.54 --> 4710.54] to 1905. +[4710.66 --> 4710.94] For those +[4710.94 --> 4711.28] of you with +[4711.28 --> 4711.84] ears to hear, +[4711.94 --> 4712.38] much of what +[4712.38 --> 4712.74] I have been +[4712.74 --> 4713.88] saying about +[4713.88 --> 4714.80] the governance +[4714.80 --> 4715.38] and political +[4715.38 --> 4715.94] theory and +[4715.94 --> 4716.68] structure comes +[4716.68 --> 4717.26] from him. +[4718.38 --> 4718.82] And he +[4718.82 --> 4719.58] says in a +[4719.58 --> 4720.98] lovely mixed +[4720.98 --> 4721.42] metaphor, +[4722.70 --> 4723.64] the state +[4723.64 --> 4724.22] may never +[4724.22 --> 4725.00] become an +[4725.00 --> 4726.26] octopus which +[4726.26 --> 4727.10] stifles the +[4727.10 --> 4727.58] whole of +[4727.58 --> 4727.94] life. +[4728.42 --> 4728.74] It must +[4728.74 --> 4729.68] occupy its +[4729.68 --> 4730.46] own place +[4730.46 --> 4730.98] on its +[4730.98 --> 4731.62] own root +[4731.62 --> 4732.38] among all +[4732.38 --> 4732.78] the other +[4732.78 --> 4733.36] trees of +[4733.36 --> 4733.88] the forest +[4733.88 --> 4734.68] and thus +[4734.68 --> 4735.78] it has to +[4735.78 --> 4736.40] honor and +[4736.40 --> 4737.22] maintain every +[4737.22 --> 4737.70] form of +[4737.70 --> 4738.42] life which +[4738.42 --> 4738.70] grows +[4738.70 --> 4739.42] independently +[4739.42 --> 4740.08] in its +[4740.08 --> 4740.72] own sacred +[4740.72 --> 4741.48] autonomy. +[4743.96 --> 4744.36] And so you +[4744.36 --> 4744.82] see here +[4744.82 --> 4745.32] these two +[4745.32 --> 4745.80] things. +[4745.80 --> 4747.76] The impulse +[4747.76 --> 4748.94] of all +[4748.94 --> 4749.48] governing +[4749.48 --> 4750.12] authority +[4750.12 --> 4750.92] because of +[4750.92 --> 4751.66] sin is to +[4751.66 --> 4752.58] become an +[4752.58 --> 4753.42] octopus or +[4753.42 --> 4754.40] is to +[4754.40 --> 4756.86] present evil +[4756.86 --> 4757.78] but our +[4757.78 --> 4758.84] response +[4758.84 --> 4761.14] as Christian +[4761.14 --> 4762.06] citizens and +[4762.06 --> 4762.84] as Christians +[4762.84 --> 4763.78] in politics +[4763.78 --> 4765.02] is to hold +[4765.02 --> 4765.80] up the model +[4765.80 --> 4766.40] of the Lord +[4766.40 --> 4767.30] Jesus Christ. +[4768.14 --> 4769.26] Our response +[4769.26 --> 4769.86] is to +[4769.86 --> 4771.36] properly define +[4771.36 --> 4773.32] order and +[4773.32 --> 4774.26] our response +[4774.26 --> 4775.22] is to +[4775.22 --> 4776.40] not be +[4776.40 --> 4776.70] overcome +[4776.70 --> 4777.48] by evil +[4777.48 --> 4778.32] but overcome +[4778.32 --> 4779.58] evil with +[4779.58 --> 4780.38] good. +[4780.60 --> 4781.18] And part +[4781.18 --> 4782.02] of how we +[4782.02 --> 4782.64] do that +[4782.64 --> 4783.82] is showing +[4783.82 --> 4785.34] our governments +[4785.34 --> 4787.56] this truth. +[4789.48 --> 4790.44] Now let's +[4790.44 --> 4790.90] pull all these +[4790.90 --> 4791.50] things together +[4791.50 --> 4792.44] then and +[4792.44 --> 4792.86] then let's +[4792.86 --> 4794.00] land this +[4794.00 --> 4794.62] plane and +[4794.62 --> 4795.48] encourage further +[4795.48 --> 4795.90] discussion. +[4797.80 --> 4798.46] Responsible +[4798.46 --> 4799.08] governments +[4799.08 --> 4800.48] will understand +[4800.48 --> 4801.56] that there is +[4801.56 --> 4802.40] a created +[4802.40 --> 4803.32] order of which +[4803.32 --> 4803.78] they are a +[4803.78 --> 4804.02] part. +[4805.06 --> 4805.62] Responsible +[4805.62 --> 4806.02] governments +[4806.02 --> 4806.72] will understand +[4806.72 --> 4807.12] that they +[4807.12 --> 4807.90] have a +[4807.90 --> 4808.42] responsibility +[4808.42 --> 4809.46] to punish +[4809.46 --> 4810.10] evil and +[4810.10 --> 4810.44] to limit +[4810.44 --> 4810.94] the effects +[4810.94 --> 4811.38] of sin +[4811.38 --> 4812.46] and responsible +[4812.46 --> 4813.48] governments +[4813.48 --> 4814.18] will then +[4814.18 --> 4815.22] also understand +[4815.22 --> 4816.56] that part +[4816.56 --> 4817.06] of what they +[4817.06 --> 4817.88] do is to +[4817.88 --> 4818.96] commend what +[4818.96 --> 4820.22] is right. +[4821.82 --> 4822.36] And in +[4822.36 --> 4822.86] verse 6 +[4822.86 --> 4824.56] Paul says +[4824.56 --> 4826.14] that these +[4826.14 --> 4826.74] authorities +[4826.74 --> 4828.10] are God's +[4828.10 --> 4828.94] servants. +[4831.30 --> 4832.00] Now this +[4832.00 --> 4832.26] is a +[4832.26 --> 4833.02] different word +[4833.02 --> 4833.60] in Greek +[4833.60 --> 4833.96] than the +[4833.96 --> 4834.22] one he +[4834.22 --> 4834.72] used in +[4834.72 --> 4835.24] verse 4. +[4836.22 --> 4836.98] In verse 4 +[4836.98 --> 4837.46] he used +[4837.46 --> 4837.82] the word +[4837.82 --> 4838.10] that we +[4838.10 --> 4838.86] know means +[4838.86 --> 4839.24] deacon. +[4839.60 --> 4840.32] Here the +[4840.32 --> 4840.84] word he +[4840.84 --> 4842.16] uses is +[4842.16 --> 4843.34] liturgoi +[4843.34 --> 4845.18] which is +[4845.18 --> 4845.78] only ever +[4845.78 --> 4847.12] used of +[4847.12 --> 4847.60] ministers +[4847.60 --> 4848.74] and people +[4848.74 --> 4849.34] who serve +[4849.34 --> 4849.62] in the +[4849.62 --> 4849.92] temple. +[4851.36 --> 4852.18] It's the +[4852.18 --> 4852.94] word that +[4852.94 --> 4853.84] we get the +[4853.84 --> 4854.42] church word +[4854.42 --> 4855.40] liturgist +[4855.40 --> 4856.42] or liturgy +[4856.42 --> 4856.86] from. +[4857.66 --> 4858.24] It's the +[4858.24 --> 4858.82] same word +[4858.82 --> 4859.32] that Paul +[4859.32 --> 4860.00] uses of +[4860.00 --> 4860.76] himself in +[4860.76 --> 4861.52] Romans 16 +[4861.52 --> 4862.22] verse 16 +[4862.22 --> 4863.00] when he +[4863.00 --> 4863.74] calls himself +[4863.74 --> 4864.54] a minister +[4864.54 --> 4865.64] of Christ +[4865.64 --> 4866.30] Jesus to +[4866.30 --> 4866.96] the Gentiles +[4866.96 --> 4867.74] because of +[4867.74 --> 4868.38] God's grace. +[4870.26 --> 4870.44] And so +[4870.44 --> 4870.90] here's what +[4870.90 --> 4872.42] I want you +[4872.42 --> 4872.94] to hear as +[4872.94 --> 4873.62] a last word +[4873.62 --> 4874.58] and for our +[4874.58 --> 4875.28] political leaders +[4875.28 --> 4876.32] to hear as +[4876.32 --> 4877.08] a last word. +[4878.14 --> 4879.72] This underscores +[4879.72 --> 4880.38] the point +[4880.38 --> 4881.44] for me that +[4881.44 --> 4882.28] even these +[4882.28 --> 4883.42] secular pagan +[4883.42 --> 4884.24] authorities +[4884.24 --> 4885.56] God uses +[4885.56 --> 4886.28] as his +[4886.28 --> 4886.90] hands and +[4886.90 --> 4887.64] feet to +[4887.64 --> 4888.40] bring peace +[4888.40 --> 4889.12] and order +[4889.12 --> 4889.84] and justice +[4889.84 --> 4890.52] but it +[4890.52 --> 4891.50] also means +[4891.50 --> 4893.68] like pastors +[4893.68 --> 4895.02] of the church +[4895.02 --> 4895.80] like ministers +[4895.80 --> 4896.82] of the church +[4896.82 --> 4897.86] we will be +[4897.86 --> 4898.54] judged more +[4898.54 --> 4899.54] harshly if we +[4899.54 --> 4900.32] abuse that +[4900.32 --> 4900.84] influence +[4900.84 --> 4901.60] if we abuse +[4901.60 --> 4902.28] that power. +[4903.88 --> 4904.56] Governments +[4904.56 --> 4905.16] then +[4905.16 --> 4906.74] who reject +[4906.74 --> 4907.36] God's +[4907.36 --> 4907.84] order +[4907.84 --> 4909.42] are rejecting +[4909.42 --> 4910.38] their purpose +[4910.38 --> 4912.14] and they +[4912.14 --> 4912.46] will have +[4912.46 --> 4912.72] to give +[4912.72 --> 4913.12] account +[4913.12 --> 4914.40] for that +[4914.40 --> 4914.86] rejection. +[4919.30 --> 4920.56] If you +[4920.56 --> 4921.40] want +[4921.40 --> 4922.38] what is +[4922.38 --> 4922.92] best +[4922.92 --> 4923.72] for human +[4923.72 --> 4924.34] flourishing +[4924.34 --> 4925.50] in society +[4925.50 --> 4926.60] you will +[4926.60 --> 4927.52] want to +[4927.52 --> 4928.26] hold our +[4928.26 --> 4928.68] governments +[4928.68 --> 4929.14] to these +[4929.14 --> 4929.92] kinds of +[4929.92 --> 4930.20] account +[4930.20 --> 4930.84] and if you +[4930.84 --> 4931.22] are a +[4931.22 --> 4931.50] political +[4931.50 --> 4931.86] servant +[4931.86 --> 4932.34] if you +[4932.34 --> 4932.60] want +[4932.60 --> 4932.90] what is +[4932.90 --> 4933.16] best +[4933.16 --> 4934.44] for human +[4934.44 --> 4935.00] flourishing +[4935.00 --> 4935.34] you +[4935.34 --> 4936.14] will +[4936.14 --> 4936.92] and ought +[4936.92 --> 4937.44] to come +[4937.44 --> 4937.80] to the +[4937.80 --> 4938.30] word of +[4938.30 --> 4938.56] God +[4938.56 --> 4939.28] which reveals +[4939.28 --> 4939.84] his will +[4939.84 --> 4940.50] his design +[4940.50 --> 4941.08] his purpose +[4941.08 --> 4941.66] his intent +[4941.66 --> 4942.38] for our +[4942.38 --> 4943.16] shared life +[4943.16 --> 4943.62] together +[4943.62 --> 4947.60] and so +[4947.60 --> 4948.34] as citizens +[4948.34 --> 4950.88] and as +[4950.88 --> 4951.48] governments +[4951.48 --> 4953.40] let's +[4953.40 --> 4953.90] together +[4953.90 --> 4955.78] be God's +[4955.78 --> 4956.68] ministers +[4956.68 --> 4958.02] his +[4958.02 --> 4959.48] liturgists +[4959.48 --> 4961.04] of mercy +[4961.04 --> 4962.14] and grace +[4962.14 --> 4963.50] and justice +[4963.50 --> 4965.20] because +[4965.20 --> 4965.70] together +[4965.70 --> 4966.38] that is +[4966.38 --> 4967.18] what we +[4967.18 --> 4967.82] are called +[4967.82 --> 4968.48] to be +[4968.48 --> 4969.16] and that +[4969.16 --> 4969.42] is what +[4969.42 --> 4969.66] we are +[4969.66 --> 4969.90] called +[4969.90 --> 4970.60] to show +[4970.60 --> 4971.32] this +[4971.32 --> 4972.40] world +[4972.40 --> 4974.94] and we +[4974.94 --> 4975.36] know +[4975.36 --> 4976.70] that +[4976.70 --> 4977.68] sharing +[4977.68 --> 4978.20] this +[4978.20 --> 4978.60] living +[4978.60 --> 4979.28] this way +[4979.28 --> 4980.10] and being +[4980.10 --> 4980.98] God's +[4980.98 --> 4982.00] liturgists +[4982.00 --> 4982.36] his +[4982.36 --> 4983.46] ministers +[4983.46 --> 4984.60] for revealing +[4984.60 --> 4985.74] his order +[4985.74 --> 4987.02] and structure +[4987.02 --> 4987.84] to society +[4987.84 --> 4988.48] is a +[4988.48 --> 4988.96] difficult +[4988.96 --> 4989.92] task +[4989.92 --> 4990.60] and so +[4990.60 --> 4991.08] we are +[4991.08 --> 4991.84] so grateful +[4991.84 --> 4992.36] to God +[4992.36 --> 4992.94] for times +[4992.94 --> 4993.46] like this +[4993.46 --> 4993.86] where we can +[4993.86 --> 4994.46] come together +[4994.46 --> 4995.36] at his word +[4995.36 --> 4995.96] and for times +[4995.96 --> 4996.36] like this +[4996.36 --> 4996.74] where we can +[4996.74 --> 4997.58] come to +[4997.58 --> 4998.06] his table +[4998.06 --> 4999.08] and so +[4999.08 --> 4999.40] in a moment +[4999.40 --> 4999.74] I'm going to +[4999.74 --> 5000.00] pray +[5000.00 --> 5000.78] and part +[5000.78 --> 5001.06] of that +[5001.06 --> 5001.48] prayer +[5001.48 --> 5002.60] will shift +[5002.60 --> 5003.28] us from +[5003.28 --> 5003.80] word +[5003.80 --> 5005.06] to table +[5005.06 --> 5005.82] so that +[5005.82 --> 5006.24] we might +[5006.24 --> 5007.38] be nourished +[5007.38 --> 5008.12] by God's +[5008.12 --> 5008.94] call on our +[5008.94 --> 5009.38] lives +[5009.38 --> 5009.72] and that +[5009.72 --> 5010.00] we might +[5010.00 --> 5010.70] be nourished +[5010.70 --> 5011.46] by the +[5011.46 --> 5011.80] spiritual +[5011.80 --> 5012.46] presence of +[5012.46 --> 5012.74] Jesus +[5012.74 --> 5013.18] as we +[5013.18 --> 5013.72] go and +[5013.72 --> 5014.52] live in +[5014.52 --> 5015.02] that +[5015.02 --> 5015.78] call +[5015.78 --> 5017.16] so I +[5017.16 --> 5017.54] invite you +[5017.54 --> 5017.84] to join +[5017.84 --> 5018.30] your head +[5018.30 --> 5018.88] or join +[5018.88 --> 5019.26] your hearts +[5019.26 --> 5019.72] with mine +[5019.72 --> 5020.00] and bow +[5020.00 --> 5020.48] your head +[5020.48 --> 5021.72] in prayer +[5021.72 --> 5022.56] with me +[5022.56 --> 5023.02] let's pray +[5023.02 --> 5027.46] Lord +[5027.46 --> 5028.16] our +[5028.16 --> 5028.96] God +[5028.96 --> 5031.08] we have +[5031.08 --> 5031.54] heard your +[5031.54 --> 5031.88] call +[5031.88 --> 5033.60] we have +[5033.60 --> 5034.26] seen your +[5034.26 --> 5034.78] purpose +[5034.78 --> 5036.28] we come +[5036.28 --> 5036.76] now +[5036.76 --> 5037.48] to your +[5037.48 --> 5037.92] table +[5037.92 --> 5040.64] asking that +[5040.64 --> 5041.18] you would +[5041.18 --> 5042.30] take the +[5042.30 --> 5043.10] truth of +[5043.10 --> 5043.72] your word +[5043.72 --> 5044.34] that was +[5044.34 --> 5045.66] declared here +[5045.66 --> 5046.22] this morning +[5046.22 --> 5046.70] and that you +[5046.70 --> 5047.34] would plant +[5047.34 --> 5048.02] it deep +[5048.02 --> 5049.00] within our +[5049.00 --> 5049.38] hearts +[5049.38 --> 5050.94] that you +[5050.94 --> 5051.38] would take +[5051.38 --> 5052.28] the truth +[5052.28 --> 5053.32] of your +[5053.32 --> 5053.80] word +[5053.80 --> 5055.22] spoken here +[5055.22 --> 5057.04] and that +[5057.04 --> 5057.44] you would +[5057.44 --> 5059.72] open our +[5059.72 --> 5060.60] imaginations +[5060.60 --> 5061.42] to what is +[5061.42 --> 5061.92] possible +[5061.92 --> 5062.68] because of +[5062.68 --> 5062.86] you +[5062.86 --> 5064.32] and so as +[5064.32 --> 5064.60] you have +[5064.60 --> 5065.06] filled us +[5065.06 --> 5065.42] with your +[5065.42 --> 5065.74] word +[5065.74 --> 5066.48] fill us +[5066.48 --> 5066.84] now +[5066.84 --> 5067.52] with your +[5067.52 --> 5068.02] presence +[5068.02 --> 5069.22] in this +[5069.22 --> 5069.80] table +[5069.80 --> 5070.94] that we +[5070.94 --> 5071.36] might go +[5071.36 --> 5071.82] from here +[5071.82 --> 5072.38] sustained +[5072.38 --> 5073.20] and nourished +[5073.20 --> 5073.54] for the +[5073.54 --> 5074.02] journey of +[5074.02 --> 5074.32] faith +[5074.32 --> 5075.08] ahead +[5075.08 --> 5076.10] in Christ +[5076.10 --> 5076.42] Jesus +[5076.42 --> 5076.92] we pray +[5076.92 --> 5077.96] amen +[5079.38 --> 5086.30] just as +[5086.30 --> 5087.04] there are +[5087.04 --> 5088.14] liturgies +[5088.14 --> 5088.62] in +[5088.62 --> 5091.22] spheres +[5091.22 --> 5092.14] of life +[5092.14 --> 5092.72] outside +[5092.72 --> 5093.14] there are +[5093.14 --> 5093.70] liturgies +[5093.70 --> 5094.12] in the +[5094.12 --> 5094.56] work of +[5094.56 --> 5094.82] the church +[5094.82 --> 5095.72] and so +[5095.72 --> 5096.08] we will +[5096.08 --> 5096.84] share words +[5096.84 --> 5097.18] together +[5097.18 --> 5097.60] as we +[5097.60 --> 5097.94] come to +[5097.94 --> 5098.32] the table +[5098.32 --> 5098.64] you will +[5098.64 --> 5099.12] see them +[5099.12 --> 5100.28] behind me +[5100.28 --> 5100.62] as we +[5100.62 --> 5101.18] join our +[5101.18 --> 5101.54] voices +[5101.54 --> 5101.88] with +[5101.88 --> 5102.20] Christians +[5102.20 --> 5102.48] from +[5102.48 --> 5103.06] generations +[5103.06 --> 5103.70] and +[5103.70 --> 5104.08] millennia +[5104.08 --> 5104.48] before +[5104.48 --> 5105.62] proclaiming +[5105.62 --> 5106.12] that this +[5106.12 --> 5106.72] is the +[5106.72 --> 5107.14] Lord's +[5107.14 --> 5107.80] table +[5107.80 --> 5109.08] lift up +[5109.08 --> 5109.22] your +[5109.22 --> 5109.58] hearts +[5109.58 --> 5113.16] let us +[5113.16 --> 5113.38] give +[5113.38 --> 5113.86] thanks +[5113.86 --> 5114.32] to the +[5114.32 --> 5114.58] Lord +[5114.58 --> 5114.74] our +[5114.74 --> 5115.18] God +[5115.18 --> 5119.24] let's +[5119.24 --> 5119.42] pray +[5119.42 --> 5119.82] together +[5119.82 --> 5122.82] with joy +[5122.82 --> 5123.84] we praise +[5123.84 --> 5124.34] you +[5124.34 --> 5124.96] gracious +[5124.96 --> 5125.60] God +[5125.60 --> 5126.60] for you +[5126.60 --> 5126.90] have +[5126.90 --> 5127.46] created +[5127.46 --> 5128.14] heaven +[5128.14 --> 5128.64] and earth +[5128.64 --> 5128.96] you have +[5128.96 --> 5129.54] made us +[5129.54 --> 5130.04] in your +[5130.04 --> 5130.50] image +[5130.50 --> 5131.12] and have +[5131.12 --> 5131.38] kept +[5131.38 --> 5131.68] others +[5131.68 --> 5133.28] when we +[5133.28 --> 5133.76] fell into +[5133.76 --> 5134.06] sin +[5134.06 --> 5136.10] we give +[5136.10 --> 5136.70] you thanks +[5136.70 --> 5137.34] for Jesus +[5137.34 --> 5137.78] Christ +[5137.78 --> 5139.60] who +[5139.60 --> 5140.44] his +[5140.44 --> 5141.02] life +[5141.02 --> 5141.56] death +[5141.56 --> 5141.82] and +[5141.82 --> 5142.30] resurrection +[5142.30 --> 5143.42] to us +[5143.42 --> 5144.20] the way +[5144.20 --> 5144.78] of life +[5144.78 --> 5145.08] ever +[5145.08 --> 5145.92] amen +[5145.92 --> 5150.70] our Lord +[5150.70 --> 5151.00] Jesus +[5151.00 --> 5151.96] before he +[5151.96 --> 5152.58] suffered +[5152.58 --> 5153.82] gave us +[5153.82 --> 5154.58] this memorial +[5154.58 --> 5155.12] of his +[5155.12 --> 5155.70] sacrifice +[5155.70 --> 5156.46] until he +[5156.46 --> 5157.04] comes again +[5157.04 --> 5158.48] the Lord +[5158.48 --> 5158.84] Jesus +[5158.84 --> 5159.98] on the +[5159.98 --> 5160.38] night that +[5160.38 --> 5160.72] he was +[5160.72 --> 5161.14] betrayed +[5161.14 --> 5161.98] took bread +[5161.98 --> 5163.58] and when he +[5163.58 --> 5163.88] had given +[5163.88 --> 5164.38] thanks +[5164.38 --> 5164.88] he broke +[5164.88 --> 5165.26] it and +[5165.26 --> 5165.50] said +[5165.50 --> 5166.16] this +[5166.16 --> 5166.94] is +[5166.94 --> 5167.38] my +[5167.38 --> 5167.82] body +[5167.82 --> 5168.28] which +[5168.28 --> 5168.48] is +[5168.48 --> 5168.94] for you +[5168.94 --> 5169.68] do +[5169.68 --> 5170.10] this +[5170.10 --> 5170.40] in +[5170.40 --> 5170.86] remembrance +[5170.86 --> 5171.92] of me +[5171.92 --> 5173.32] and in +[5173.32 --> 5173.80] the same +[5173.80 --> 5174.20] way +[5174.20 --> 5174.86] after +[5174.86 --> 5175.46] supper +[5175.46 --> 5177.10] he took +[5177.10 --> 5177.52] the cup +[5177.52 --> 5177.80] saying +[5177.80 --> 5178.48] this cup +[5178.48 --> 5179.44] is the +[5179.44 --> 5179.66] new +[5179.66 --> 5180.06] covenant +[5180.06 --> 5180.68] in my +[5180.68 --> 5181.06] blood +[5181.06 --> 5182.00] do +[5182.00 --> 5182.48] this +[5182.48 --> 5182.96] whenever +[5182.96 --> 5183.26] you +[5183.26 --> 5183.56] drink +[5183.56 --> 5183.76] it +[5183.76 --> 5184.30] in +[5184.30 --> 5184.74] remembrance +[5184.74 --> 5185.58] of me +[5185.58 --> 5186.82] for +[5186.82 --> 5187.28] whenever +[5187.28 --> 5187.80] you +[5187.80 --> 5188.18] eat +[5188.18 --> 5188.46] this +[5188.46 --> 5189.10] and +[5189.10 --> 5189.48] drink +[5189.48 --> 5189.78] this +[5189.78 --> 5190.10] cup +[5190.10 --> 5190.34] you +[5190.34 --> 5190.84] proclaim +[5190.84 --> 5191.20] the +[5191.20 --> 5191.62] Lord's +[5191.62 --> 5191.94] death +[5191.94 --> 5192.58] until +[5192.58 --> 5193.18] he +[5193.18 --> 5193.70] comes +[5193.70 --> 5194.30] again +[5194.30 --> 5198.62] this +[5198.62 --> 5199.28] is the +[5199.28 --> 5199.80] mystery +[5199.80 --> 5200.56] of our +[5200.56 --> 5200.96] faith +[5200.96 --> 5202.86] your +[5202.86 --> 5203.24] death +[5203.24 --> 5203.58] oh +[5203.58 --> 5204.06] Christ +[5204.06 --> 5204.38] we +[5204.38 --> 5204.80] proclaim +[5204.80 --> 5206.00] your +[5206.00 --> 5206.52] resurrection +[5206.52 --> 5207.02] we +[5207.02 --> 5207.44] affirm +[5207.44 --> 5207.74] with +[5207.74 --> 5208.10] joy +[5208.10 --> 5209.10] your +[5209.10 --> 5209.56] coming +[5209.56 --> 5209.92] we +[5209.92 --> 5210.28] await +[5210.28 --> 5210.60] with +[5210.60 --> 5210.88] hope +[5210.88 --> 5212.08] glory +[5212.08 --> 5212.72] be to +[5212.72 --> 5213.04] you +[5213.04 --> 5213.36] Lord +[5213.36 --> 5213.74] Jesus +[5213.74 --> 5215.88] church +[5215.88 --> 5216.22] family +[5216.22 --> 5216.64] the Lord +[5216.64 --> 5216.90] has +[5216.90 --> 5217.32] prepared +[5217.32 --> 5217.78] his +[5217.78 --> 5218.18] table +[5218.18 --> 5219.08] for all +[5219.08 --> 5219.56] who love +[5219.56 --> 5219.84] him +[5219.84 --> 5220.14] and for +[5220.14 --> 5220.46] all who +[5220.46 --> 5220.94] trust +[5220.94 --> 5221.70] him +[5221.70 --> 5222.18] in him +[5222.18 --> 5222.64] alone +[5222.64 --> 5223.14] for their +[5223.14 --> 5223.60] salvation +[5223.60 --> 5224.14] and so +[5224.14 --> 5224.84] come to +[5224.84 --> 5225.16] this +[5225.16 --> 5225.52] table +[5225.52 --> 5226.10] you +[5226.10 --> 5226.36] who +[5226.36 --> 5226.68] have +[5226.68 --> 5227.00] much +[5227.00 --> 5227.36] faith +[5227.36 --> 5227.68] and +[5227.68 --> 5227.92] you +[5227.92 --> 5228.16] who +[5228.16 --> 5228.44] would +[5228.44 --> 5228.72] like +[5228.72 --> 5228.86] to +[5228.86 --> 5229.14] have +[5229.14 --> 5229.78] more +[5229.78 --> 5230.90] come +[5230.90 --> 5231.16] to +[5231.16 --> 5231.50] this +[5231.50 --> 5231.88] table +[5231.88 --> 5232.16] you +[5232.16 --> 5232.32] who +[5232.32 --> 5232.96] have +[5232.96 --> 5232.98] been to +[5232.98 --> 5233.14] the +[5233.14 --> 5233.60] sacrament +[5233.60 --> 5234.26] often +[5234.26 --> 5234.70] and you +[5234.70 --> 5234.90] who +[5234.90 --> 5235.10] have +[5235.10 --> 5235.36] not +[5235.36 --> 5235.60] been +[5235.60 --> 5235.84] for +[5235.84 --> 5236.02] a +[5236.02 --> 5236.20] long +[5236.20 --> 5236.56] time +[5236.56 --> 5237.08] come +[5237.08 --> 5237.26] to +[5237.26 --> 5237.46] this +[5237.46 --> 5237.76] table +[5237.76 --> 5238.06] you +[5238.06 --> 5238.32] who +[5238.32 --> 5238.48] have +[5238.48 --> 5238.88] tried +[5238.88 --> 5239.20] to +[5239.20 --> 5239.52] follow +[5239.52 --> 5239.92] Jesus +[5239.92 --> 5240.52] in +[5240.52 --> 5240.80] these +[5240.80 --> 5241.14] days +[5241.14 --> 5241.62] past +[5241.62 --> 5242.22] and +[5242.22 --> 5242.54] you +[5242.54 --> 5242.88] who +[5242.88 --> 5243.26] have +[5243.26 --> 5243.72] failed +[5243.72 --> 5244.38] come +[5244.38 --> 5244.62] to +[5244.62 --> 5244.86] this +[5244.86 --> 5245.20] table +[5245.20 --> 5245.54] because +[5245.54 --> 5245.98] Jesus +[5245.98 --> 5246.52] Christ +[5246.52 --> 5246.80] is +[5246.80 --> 5247.18] raised +[5247.18 --> 5247.60] and +[5247.60 --> 5247.94] Jesus +[5247.94 --> 5248.38] Christ +[5248.38 --> 5248.90] himself +[5248.90 --> 5249.78] invites +[5249.78 --> 5250.22] you +[5250.22 --> 5251.08] here +[5251.08 --> 5252.28] come +[5252.28 --> 5253.02] if you +[5253.02 --> 5253.16] are +[5253.16 --> 5253.68] here +[5253.68 --> 5253.94] in +[5253.94 --> 5254.30] person +[5254.30 --> 5254.56] or +[5254.56 --> 5254.68] if +[5254.68 --> 5254.78] you +[5254.78 --> 5254.90] are +[5254.90 --> 5255.20] joining +[5255.20 --> 5255.58] us +[5255.58 --> 5256.40] online +[5256.40 --> 5256.92] come +[5256.92 --> 5257.60] to +[5257.60 --> 5257.76] the +[5257.76 --> 5258.16] table +[5258.16 --> 5258.82] of +[5258.82 --> 5258.94] the +[5258.94 --> 5259.20] Lord +[5259.20 --> 5259.94] the +[5259.94 --> 5260.16] gift +[5260.16 --> 5260.36] of +[5260.36 --> 5260.68] God +[5260.68 --> 5261.26] for +[5261.26 --> 5261.42] the +[5261.42 --> 5261.74] people +[5261.74 --> 5262.30] of +[5262.30 --> 5262.62] God +[5262.62 --> 5264.74] as +[5264.74 --> 5264.86] we +[5264.86 --> 5265.08] come +[5265.08 --> 5265.46] together +[5265.46 --> 5265.66] to +[5265.66 --> 5265.80] the +[5265.80 --> 5266.12] table +[5266.12 --> 5267.04] we +[5267.04 --> 5267.28] do +[5267.28 --> 5267.58] that +[5267.58 --> 5268.62] by +[5268.62 --> 5269.04] gathering +[5269.04 --> 5269.60] around +[5269.60 --> 5269.92] in +[5269.92 --> 5270.26] groups +[5270.26 --> 5270.50] and +[5270.50 --> 5270.64] so +[5270.64 --> 5270.80] we +[5270.80 --> 5270.96] have +[5270.96 --> 5271.40] ushers +[5271.40 --> 5271.64] who +[5271.64 --> 5271.78] will +[5271.78 --> 5272.00] tell +[5272.00 --> 5272.18] you +[5272.18 --> 5272.40] when +[5272.40 --> 5272.56] to +[5272.56 --> 5272.78] come +[5272.78 --> 5273.00] up +[5273.00 --> 5273.56] and +[5273.56 --> 5273.82] then +[5273.82 --> 5274.32] you +[5274.32 --> 5274.46] will +[5274.46 --> 5274.64] come +[5274.64 --> 5274.76] up +[5274.76 --> 5274.86] to +[5274.86 --> 5274.98] the +[5274.98 --> 5275.24] table +[5275.24 --> 5275.44] you +[5275.44 --> 5275.64] will +[5275.64 --> 5276.22] gather +[5276.22 --> 5276.46] in +[5276.46 --> 5276.60] a +[5276.60 --> 5276.88] circle +[5276.88 --> 5277.22] here +[5277.22 --> 5278.14] we +[5278.14 --> 5278.30] will +[5278.30 --> 5278.58] serve +[5278.58 --> 5278.94] as +[5278.94 --> 5279.10] you +[5279.10 --> 5279.66] receive +[5279.66 --> 5280.22] and +[5280.22 --> 5280.64] pass +[5280.64 --> 5280.84] the +[5280.84 --> 5281.22] bread +[5281.22 --> 5281.54] we +[5281.54 --> 5281.92] invite +[5281.92 --> 5282.08] you +[5282.08 --> 5282.28] to +[5282.28 --> 5282.58] say +[5282.58 --> 5282.82] the +[5282.82 --> 5283.16] body +[5283.16 --> 5283.40] of +[5283.40 --> 5283.84] Christ +[5283.84 --> 5284.24] given +[5284.24 --> 5284.50] for +[5284.50 --> 5284.78] you +[5284.78 --> 5285.62] as +[5285.62 --> 5285.76] you +[5285.76 --> 5286.10] receive +[5286.10 --> 5286.68] pass +[5286.68 --> 5286.88] the +[5286.88 --> 5287.20] juice +[5287.20 --> 5287.42] we +[5287.42 --> 5287.74] invite +[5287.74 --> 5287.90] you +[5287.90 --> 5288.04] to +[5288.04 --> 5288.26] say +[5288.26 --> 5288.46] the +[5288.46 --> 5288.74] blood +[5288.74 --> 5288.98] of +[5288.98 --> 5289.36] Christ +[5289.36 --> 5290.14] shed +[5290.14 --> 5290.34] for +[5290.34 --> 5290.64] you +[5290.64 --> 5292.02] we +[5292.02 --> 5292.56] mark +[5292.56 --> 5292.96] our +[5292.96 --> 5293.46] coming +[5293.46 --> 5294.00] together +[5294.00 --> 5294.42] as +[5294.42 --> 5294.62] a +[5294.62 --> 5295.06] family +[5295.06 --> 5295.70] around +[5295.70 --> 5296.02] the +[5296.02 --> 5296.44] gospel +[5296.44 --> 5297.20] because +[5297.20 --> 5297.60] of +[5297.60 --> 5297.74] the +[5297.74 --> 5298.20] person +[5298.20 --> 5298.78] of +[5298.78 --> 5299.04] Jesus +[5299.04 --> 5299.48] Christ +[5299.48 --> 5300.44] for +[5300.44 --> 5300.56] the +[5300.56 --> 5300.84] first +[5300.84 --> 5301.16] table +[5301.16 --> 5301.42] I'd +[5301.42 --> 5301.56] like +[5301.56 --> 5301.76] to +[5301.76 --> 5302.24] invite +[5302.24 --> 5303.04] all +[5303.04 --> 5303.26] those +[5303.26 --> 5303.40] who +[5303.40 --> 5303.62] are +[5303.62 --> 5305.12] different +[5305.12 --> 5307.48] ways +[5307.48 --> 5308.14] that +[5308.14 --> 5308.30] they +[5308.30 --> 5308.54] might +[5308.54 --> 5308.88] come +[5308.88 --> 5309.70] and +[5309.70 --> 5309.90] be +[5309.90 --> 5310.20] served +[5310.20 --> 5310.62] first +[5310.62 --> 5310.98] and +[5310.98 --> 5311.16] then +[5311.16 --> 5311.70] facilitate +[5311.70 --> 5312.30] our +[5312.30 --> 5313.34] serving +[5313.34 --> 5313.70] one +[5313.70 --> 5314.04] another +[5314.04 --> 5314.50] as +[5314.50 --> 5314.66] we +[5314.66 --> 5314.82] go +[5314.82 --> 5315.20] forward +[5315.20 --> 5315.66] and +[5315.66 --> 5315.90] so +[5315.90 --> 5316.26] worship +[5316.26 --> 5316.76] volunteers +[5316.76 --> 5316.96] would +[5316.96 --> 5317.06] you +[5317.06 --> 5317.30] come +[5317.30 --> 5317.46] to +[5317.46 --> 5317.58] the +[5317.58 --> 5317.76] front +[5347.30 --> 5348.26] else +[5348.26 --> 5348.94] now +[5348.94 --> 5349.24] and +[5349.24 --> 5349.52] especially +[5349.52 --> 5349.78] you +[5377.30 --> 5407.28] Thank you. +[5407.30 --> 5437.28] Thank you. +[5437.30 --> 5467.28] Thank you. +[5467.30 --> 5497.28] Thank you. +[5497.30 --> 5499.30] Thank you. +[5527.30 --> 5529.30] Thank you. +[5557.30 --> 5559.30] Thank you. +[5587.30 --> 5592.04] They shall live forever. +[5593.30 --> 5597.30] They shall live forever. +[5597.30 --> 5603.30] And I will raise them up. +[5603.30 --> 5609.30] And I will raise them up. +[5609.30 --> 5621.30] And I will raise them up on the last day. +[5621.30 --> 5627.30] I am the resurrection. +[5627.30 --> 5633.30] I am the light. +[5633.30 --> 5635.30] They shall live forever. +[5635.30 --> 5637.30] And I will raise them up. +[5637.30 --> 5641.30] And I will raise them up. +[5641.30 --> 5647.30] Even if they die. +[5647.30 --> 5649.30] They shall live forever. +[5649.30 --> 5653.30] And I will raise them up. +[5653.30 --> 5657.30] And I will raise them up. +[5657.30 --> 5659.30] And I will raise them up. +[5659.30 --> 5661.30] And I will raise them up. +[5661.30 --> 5675.30] And I will raise them up on the last day. +[5675.30 --> 5681.30] And I will raise them up. +[5681.30 --> 5683.30] And I will raise them up. +[5683.30 --> 5685.30] And I will raise them up. +[5685.30 --> 5699.30] And I will raise them up on the last day. +[5699.30 --> 5701.30] And I will raise them up. +[5701.30 --> 5705.30] And I will raise them up. +[5705.30 --> 5706.36] And I will raise them up. +[5706.36 --> 5709.30] Let me, now. +[5709.30 --> 5716.30] Thank you. +[5716.30 --> 5722.18] I +[5722.18 --> 5731.14] All who are thirsty +[5731.14 --> 5737.72] All who are weak +[5737.72 --> 5740.76] Come to the fountain +[5740.76 --> 5747.90] Dip your heart in the stream of life +[5747.90 --> 5750.46] Let the pain and sorrow +[5750.46 --> 5755.74] Be washed away +[5755.74 --> 5760.12] In the waves of His mercy +[5760.12 --> 5766.46] As He cries out to Thee +[5767.28 --> 5774.46] Pleasing come Lord Jesus come +[5774.46 --> 5783.84] Come Lord Jesus come +[5783.84 --> 5787.96] All who are thirsty +[5787.96 --> 5793.74] All who are weak +[5793.74 --> 5798.02] Come to the fountain +[5798.02 --> 5804.58] Give your heart in the stream of life +[5804.58 --> 5807.02] Let the pain and the sorrow +[5807.02 --> 5812.02] Be washed away +[5812.02 --> 5817.30] In the waves of His mercy +[5817.30 --> 5823.40] As He cries out to Thee +[5823.40 --> 5830.68] We sing Holy Spirit come +[5830.68 --> 5838.68] Holy Spirit come +[5838.68 --> 5850.06] Come Lord Jesus come +[5850.06 --> 5858.96] Come Lord Jesus come +[5858.96 --> 5869.24] Come Lord Jesus come +[5869.24 --> 5878.24] Come Lord Jesus come +[5878.24 --> 5894.96] To the Christ +[5894.96 --> 5896.96] Amen. +[5924.96 --> 5942.96] His own betray, the sin of man and wrath of God has been on Jesus' name. +[5942.96 --> 5958.96] Silent as He stood accused, beaten, mocked, and swore. +[5958.96 --> 5971.96] Now into the Father's will, He took a crown of gold. +[5972.96 --> 5984.96] Oh, that broken cross, my salvation, where your love poured out over me. +[5984.96 --> 5990.96] Now my soul cries out, Amen. +[5991.96 --> 5999.96] Praise and honor unto Thee. +[5999.96 --> 6029.96] +[6029.96 --> 6040.96] Now my dead cross, my salvation, where your love poured out over me. +[6040.96 --> 6046.96] Now my soul cries out, Amen. +[6047.96 --> 6053.96] Praise and honor unto Thee. +[6053.96 --> 6070.96] Now my debt is paid, it is paid in full, by the precious blood that my Jesus spilled. +[6070.96 --> 6077.96] Now the curse of sin has no hold on Thee. +[6077.96 --> 6083.96] Whom the Son sets free, O it's free indeed. +[6083.96 --> 6096.96] Now my debt is paid, it is paid in full, by the precious blood that my Jesus spilled. +[6096.96 --> 6102.96] Now the curse of sin has no hold on me. +[6102.96 --> 6108.96] The Son sets free, O it's free indeed. +[6108.96 --> 6121.96] Oh, that broken cross, my salvation, where your love poured out over me. +[6121.96 --> 6128.96] Now my soul cries out, Hallelujah. +[6128.96 --> 6134.96] Praise and honor run to Thee. +[6134.96 --> 6144.96] See the stone is rolled away. +[6144.96 --> 6150.96] Behold the empty to Thee. +[6150.96 --> 6153.96] Hallelujah. +[6153.96 --> 6161.96] Now God be praised, He's risen from the grave. +[6161.96 --> 6174.96] Now the broken cross, my salvation, where your love poured out over me. +[6174.96 --> 6179.96] Now my soul cries out, Hallelujah. +[6179.96 --> 6189.96] Praise and honor run to Thee. +[6189.96 --> 6194.96] Praise and honor run to Thee. +[6194.96 --> 6204.96] Praise and honor run to Thee. +[6204.96 --> 6228.42] Our little glory in my Redeemer, +[6228.42 --> 6233.42] Whose priceless blood has ransomed me, +[6233.42 --> 6239.10] Mine was the sin that drove the bitter hills, +[6239.48 --> 6242.86] And hung him on that judgment tree. +[6243.88 --> 6247.82] I will glory in my Redeemer, +[6248.36 --> 6252.64] Who crushed the power of sin and death, +[6252.64 --> 6258.98] My only Savior before the Holy Judge, +[6259.40 --> 6262.30] The man who is my righteousness, +[6263.42 --> 6267.00] The man who is my righteousness, +[6267.00 --> 6279.16] I will glory in my Redeemer, +[6279.16 --> 6284.16] My life he bought, my love he owns, +[6284.16 --> 6289.16] I have no wrongings for another, +[6289.96 --> 6293.46] Unsatisfied in him alone. +[6294.14 --> 6297.96] I will glory in my Redeemer, +[6297.96 --> 6302.80] His faithfulness my standing face, +[6303.16 --> 6308.16] The foes are mighty and rush upon me, +[6308.16 --> 6312.74] My feet are firm held by His grace, +[6313.74 --> 6317.74] My feet are firm held by His grace, +[6317.74 --> 6328.32] I will glory in my Redeemer, +[6328.32 --> 6328.94] I will glory in my Redeemer, +[6328.94 --> 6333.32] Who carries me on eagles' ways, +[6333.32 --> 6338.60] He crowns my life with love and kindness, +[6338.60 --> 6342.48] His triumph song I'll never sing, +[6342.48 --> 6348.06] I will glory in my Redeemer, +[6348.06 --> 6352.50] Who waits for me at gates of gold, +[6352.50 --> 6354.86] And when He calls me, +[6354.86 --> 6357.64] It will be paradise, +[6358.64 --> 6362.22] His face forever to behold, +[6363.14 --> 6366.80] His face forever to behold, +[6366.80 --> 6371.56] I will glory in my Redeemer, +[6372.06 --> 6376.44] Who waits for me at gates of gold, +[6376.44 --> 6378.88] And when He calls me, +[6378.88 --> 6383.10] It will be paradise, +[6383.10 --> 6386.88] His face forever to behold, +[6388.08 --> 6391.84] His face forever to behold. +[6406.44 --> 6411.92] As you go, +[6411.92 --> 6414.68] Know that God goes with you, +[6414.86 --> 6417.88] And that part of our going +[6417.88 --> 6421.92] Is to participate in seeing humanity flourish, +[6422.60 --> 6424.76] Is to participate in the systems +[6424.76 --> 6428.44] And the spheres that God has granted to us +[6428.44 --> 6429.78] To see that come, +[6429.92 --> 6433.18] And so go with His blessing, +[6433.86 --> 6435.64] Receive the blessing of God. +[6436.44 --> 6438.98] God, go before you to lead you, +[6439.44 --> 6441.44] God, go behind you to protect you, +[6441.44 --> 6443.82] God, go beneath you to support you, +[6443.92 --> 6446.64] And God, go beside you to befriend you. +[6447.06 --> 6448.36] Do not be afraid. +[6448.66 --> 6450.62] Let the blessing of God come upon you today. +[6450.74 --> 6452.42] Do not be afraid, +[6452.88 --> 6457.74] But go in peace to love and serve the Lord. +[6458.84 --> 6459.20] Amen. +[6459.20 --> 6459.32] Amen. +[6459.32 --> 6461.56] Amen. +[6462.00 --> 6462.62] Amen. +[6462.62 --> 6463.38] Amen. +[6467.80 --> 6467.88] Thank you. +[6468.24 --> 6468.46] вкус, +[6468.46 --> 6469.06] ąż, +[6469.06 --> 6469.34] pére, +[6469.36 --> 6470.24] 從 +[6470.24 --> 6471.24] Amen. +[6500.24 --> 6502.24] Amen. +[6530.24 --> 6532.24] Amen. +[6560.24 --> 6562.24] Amen. +[6590.24 --> 6592.24] Amen. +[6620.24 --> 6622.24] Amen. +[6650.24 --> 6652.24] Amen. +[6680.24 --> 6682.24] Amen. +[6710.24 --> 6712.24] Amen. +[6740.24 --> 6742.24] Amen. +[6770.24 --> 6772.24] Amen. +[6800.24 --> 6802.24] Amen. +[6830.24 --> 6832.24] Amen. +[6860.24 --> 6862.24] Amen. +[6890.24 --> 6892.24] Amen. +[6920.24 --> 6922.24] Amen. +[6950.24 --> 6952.24] Amen. +[6980.24 --> 6982.24] Amen. +[7010.24 --> 7012.24] Amen. +[7040.24 --> 7042.24] Amen. +[7070.24 --> 7072.24] Amen. diff --git a/Sunday Worship, March 17, 2024_summary.txt b/Sunday Worship, March 17, 2024_summary.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000000000000000000000000000000000000..ab2234f1d78e4df776d2d7624ad8fdb8e0369d33 --- /dev/null +++ b/Sunday Worship, March 17, 2024_summary.txt @@ -0,0 +1,104 @@ +• The story of Jesus' crucifixion and death +• The crowd's mockery and the soldiers' actions +• Jesus carrying his cross to Calvary +• His sacrifice and shedding of blood for redemption +• His resurrection and the angels' announcement +• The promise of hope and new life through faith in Jesus +• The idea that there is nothing better than God +• References to worship, praise, and the church waiting for Jesus' return +• Reference to the Mexico team's successful launch +• Invitation to stand for God's blessing/greeting +• Reading from Revelation, chapter 1 +• Call to worship from Isaiah 25 +• Prayer and worship service begins +• Songs of praise and worship are sung +• References to a new revival and rising generation +• Worship and praise +• Song of ages sung by generations +• God's name is the highest and greatest +• Creation cries out in worship +• Forgiveness and redemption through Jesus +• Mission to proclaim God's name +• Call to prayer and intercession for transformation and empowerment +• Prolonged chanting and singing with lyrics referencing God's love and redemption +• Discussion of a storm, guilt, and pardon +• Reference to an angel song and God's enduring love +• Chanting continues with repetition of phrases such as "It is well" and "Through it all" +• Mention of a request for the next song and a brief pause +• Additional chanting and singing with similar lyrics +• A deacon introduces himself and mentions an offering for the Benevolence Fund +• Introduction to worship time and children's stories +• Discussion of the book of John and God's extravagant story for us all +• Prayer led by Eric, an elder at Emanuel +• Announcement of John Coning's recovery from cancer +• Gratitude for a beautiful day and the changing of seasons +• Prayers for specific individuals and families facing challenges (Rachel, Matthew, Kobe DeBoersep) +• Requests for safety and guidance for those on missions trips or vacation +• Blessings for church staff and volunteers +• Prayer for leaders to come forward in the church +• Reflections on trust and obedience in times of difficulty +• The speaker shares a personal anecdote about a stranger paying for their drinks at a cafe. +• The passage to be discussed is Romans chapter 13, verses 8-10. +• The main topic of the passage is love and how it fulfills the law. +• The big idea from the passage is that it is impossible to love others too much. +• The text repeatedly calls readers to love one another and gives instructions on how to love without causing harm. +• Definition of agape love: unconditional, self-sacrificing, all-encompassing +• Agape love is about valuing and holding others in high esteem +• Jesus' parable of the Good Samaritan illustrates agape love in action +• Romans answers the question "who we are to love" by instructing to love everyone with agape love +• Paul compares the love we are to show to a debt that cannot be repaid +• The reasons for showing agape love to everyone include: + • It's impossible to love others too much + • We owe it as a debt that cannot be repaid +• The debt of love to others is a constant and continuous obligation +• This debt can never be settled or paid back +• Love is the only thing that cannot be repaid +• It is an ongoing and permanent obligation +• We can never stop loving or say we have done enough +• Love must undergird everything we do +• The debt of love is ongoing and must be repaid +• Love fulfills the law, as seen in Romans 13:8-10 +• Law and love are not enemies, but are united in Jesus Christ +• Separating law from love can mislead people into thinking they are either liberal or conservative +• The reality is that law and love cannot be separated, and are intertwined in their relationship with God. +• The law and love are not enemies, but work together +• Love fulfills the law +• The greatest commandment is to love the Lord and one's neighbor (Matthew 23:37-40) +• Without Jesus, the law is powerless and love is directionless +• Adultery, murder, stealing, and covetousness are examples of commands that can be followed when we love +• Commands can be rewritten in a positive way by asking how they would look if we loved others +• The Heidelberg Catechism provides answers to big questions of faith using scripture +• The command to not commit adultery is more than just abstaining from physical relations, it's about constantly serving and caring for one's spouse. +• Following the command to not kill means not only refraining from murder, but also actively loving, being patient, peaceful, gentle, merciful, and friendly towards those you dislike. +• The command to not steal is more than just refusing to take what doesn't belong to you, it's about actively giving away your possessions, money, time, and energy to bless others. +• Following the law of love means more than just refraining from sinning against brothers and sisters in Christ, but also actively looking for ways to bless and serve each other. +• The concept of serving one another is a key aspect of showing love in commands +• Love does no harm to a neighbor, as stated in verse 10 +• The phrase "do no harm" can be misinterpreted or stretched beyond its original meaning in Paul's letter +• The Greek original of the text has poetic and artistic qualities that are lost in translation +• The word "kakos" (evilness or wickedness) is more nuanced than a simple "do no harm" +• Modern culture often takes this concept too far, becoming overly individualistic and dismissive of others' perspectives. +• The relationship between loving someone and potentially offending them in the process +• Distinguishing between harming others through sin and being tactless or crass when correcting them +• The importance of speaking truth with love, patience, kindness, humility, and gentleness +• Understanding that loving one's neighbor includes calling out sin and risking offense +• Recognizing the difference between harm caused by sin and harm caused by being tactless in correction +• Calling to show unconditional love to everyone, including friends, family, care groups, government leaders, enemies, homeless people, and church members +• Realizing the enormity of this calling is overwhelming and impossible for humans on their own +• Christ's perfect, self-sacrificing, and all-encompassing love as the model for human behavior +• Christ's life, death, and resurrection as a demonstration of his love and its ability to conquer sin and death +• Redemption in Christ through his love, granting freedom, grace, and mercy +• Becoming co-heirs with Christ, clothed in righteousness, and viewed by God as pure and spotless +• The call to love those around us is overwhelming +• The gift of grace, mercy, and righteousness is more overwhelming than our debt to love others +• We can never repay the debt that has been paid for us in Christ Jesus +• Our calling is to show others the love of Christ, not for salvation but because we are already saved +• Christ is the means by which we can love those around us +• Christ is present in all aspects of our lives and is the reason we can love +• We are free to love as a response to the love of Christ +• Love is impossible to give too much of +• Prayers for love and devotion to shine out of believers in their daily lives +• Prayer for those who are serving on missions teams abroad +• Reflections on the love and sacrifice of Christ +• Invitation for prayer from those with yellow name tags +• Blessing from Numbers 6, given as a priestly blessing \ No newline at end of file diff --git a/Sunday Worship, March 17, 2024_transcript.txt b/Sunday Worship, March 17, 2024_transcript.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000000000000000000000000000000000000..c87939600fc7ec44dfec10f23342fea1a3cfe5d9 --- /dev/null +++ b/Sunday Worship, March 17, 2024_transcript.txt @@ -0,0 +1,1768 @@ +[0.00 --> 7.28] So he let those soldiers take him in +[7.28 --> 13.50] As his friend betrayed him with a kiss +[13.50 --> 19.26] And there before the mocking crowd +[19.26 --> 25.62] Like a lamb to the slaughtered maker's town +[25.62 --> 31.08] And he carried that cross to Calvary +[31.08 --> 37.50] And he shed his blood to set us free +[37.50 --> 43.34] As the nails weeding and the sky were dark +[43.34 --> 49.60] The redemption of the world was on his heart +[49.60 --> 54.90] Friday's good, good Sunday is coming +[54.90 --> 61.24] Don't lose hope, good Sunday is coming +[61.24 --> 67.24] Devil, you're done, you better start running +[67.24 --> 72.90] Friday's good, good Sunday is coming +[72.90 --> 85.34] Then he breathed his last and bowed his head +[85.34 --> 91.24] The Son of God and man was dead +[91.24 --> 97.58] With bloody hands, tears on their face +[97.58 --> 103.50] They laid him down inside that grave +[103.50 --> 106.72] But that wasn't the end +[106.72 --> 109.84] That wasn't the end +[109.84 --> 112.30] That wasn't the end +[112.30 --> 115.26] Let me tell you what happened next +[115.26 --> 121.26] The women came before the dawn +[121.26 --> 126.60] To find that stone already gone +[126.60 --> 133.28] When they looked inside the angels said +[133.28 --> 138.62] Why are you looking for the living among the dead? +[138.62 --> 139.62] He's alive +[139.62 --> 140.96] He's alive +[140.96 --> 141.96] He's alive +[141.96 --> 142.96] Hallelujah +[142.96 --> 143.96] He's alive +[143.96 --> 145.96] Give him praise +[145.96 --> 146.90] Lift him hack +[146.90 --> 147.98] Hallelujah +[147.98 --> 148.92] He's alive +[148.92 --> 150.92] He's alive +[150.92 --> 151.98] He's alive +[151.98 --> 152.66] He's alive +[153.30 --> 154.28] Hallelujah +[154.28 --> 156.36] He's alive +[156.36 --> 157.10] Give him praise +[157.10 --> 159.52] Lift him hack +[159.52 --> 160.68] Hallelujah +[160.68 --> 162.46] He's alive +[162.46 --> 168.96] Hallelujah, Hallelujah +[168.96 --> 175.00] Don't lose hope, this Sunday is coming +[175.00 --> 180.96] Hallelujah, Hallelujah +[180.96 --> 193.16] Now Jesus reigns upon the throne +[193.16 --> 199.16] Our heaven sings to Him alone +[199.16 --> 205.60] We watch and wait like a bride for a groom +[205.60 --> 211.22] Oh church arise, He's coming soon +[211.22 --> 223.14] I searched the world +[223.14 --> 228.84] But it couldn't fill me +[228.84 --> 235.86] Melted empty prayers, treasures of faith +[235.86 --> 238.46] Are never enough +[238.46 --> 243.58] Then You came along +[243.58 --> 248.84] And put me back together +[248.84 --> 256.24] And every desire is now satisfied +[256.24 --> 259.46] Here in Your love +[259.46 --> 267.62] Oh there's nothing better than You +[267.62 --> 272.66] There's nothing better than You +[272.66 --> 274.66] Lord there's nothing +[274.66 --> 279.66] Nothing is better than You +[279.66 --> 284.48] Oh, yes I know it's true +[284.48 --> 286.66] Come on, talk +[286.66 --> 287.34] Hey +[287.34 --> 290.10] I'm not afraid +[290.10 --> 295.66] To show You my weakness +[295.66 --> 299.66] My failures and flaws +[299.66 --> 302.38] Lord You've seen them all +[302.38 --> 306.06] And You still call me friends +[306.06 --> 310.66] Cause the God of the mountains +[310.66 --> 315.66] Is the God of the valleys +[315.66 --> 320.62] There's another place +[320.62 --> 322.62] Your mercy and grace +[322.62 --> 323.16] Your mercy and grace +[323.16 --> 327.62] Won't find me again +[327.62 --> 329.10] Come on now +[329.10 --> 334.56] Oh there's nothing better than You +[334.56 --> 337.62] There's nothing, Lord +[337.62 --> 339.62] There's nothing, Lord +[339.62 --> 341.62] Oh there's nothing +[341.62 --> 346.62] Nothing is better than You +[346.62 --> 348.62] I know it's true +[348.62 --> 350.62] Oh there's nothing +[350.62 --> 351.62] Oh there's nothing +[351.62 --> 352.62] Somebody testify +[352.62 --> 353.62] Somebody testify +[353.62 --> 354.62] Better than You +[354.62 --> 356.62] Oh there's nothing +[356.62 --> 357.62] Oh there's nothing +[357.62 --> 358.62] Nothing more +[358.62 --> 359.62] Better than You +[359.62 --> 361.62] Oh there's nothing +[361.62 --> 362.62] Oh there's nothing +[362.62 --> 366.62] Nothing is better than You +[366.62 --> 371.62] Hey, he's never made a way for You +[371.62 --> 372.62] I want you to sing this +[372.62 --> 374.62] Come on, set up the roof off +[374.62 --> 379.62] You turn born into dancing +[379.62 --> 384.62] You give beauty for ashes +[384.62 --> 389.62] You turn shame into glory +[389.62 --> 394.62] You're the only one who cares +[394.62 --> 395.62] Come on +[395.62 --> 397.62] Come on +[397.62 --> 398.62] Come on +[398.62 --> 399.62] Come on +[399.62 --> 400.62] You turn born into dancing +[400.62 --> 402.62] Come on +[402.62 --> 403.62] Come on +[403.62 --> 404.62] Come on +[404.62 --> 405.62] Come on +[405.62 --> 406.62] You turn born into dancing +[406.62 --> 408.62] You give beauty for ashes +[408.62 --> 409.62] Come on +[409.62 --> 410.62] Come on +[410.62 --> 411.62] You turn shame into glory +[411.62 --> 412.62] Come on +[412.62 --> 422.62] only +[432.38 --> 440.62] you're the only one +[442.62 --> 452.62] you're the only one +[452.62 --> 458.62] you're the only one +[458.62 --> 464.62] you're the only one +[464.62 --> 476.62] oh +[476.62 --> 486.62] nothing +[486.62 --> 488.62] nothing +[488.62 --> 490.62] nothing +[490.62 --> 494.62] you turn bones into +[494.62 --> 496.62] worries +[496.62 --> 498.62] you turn seas +[498.62 --> 500.62] into highways +[500.62 --> 504.62] you're the only one +[504.62 --> 506.62] you care +[506.62 --> 508.62] you turn +[508.62 --> 510.62] bases +[510.62 --> 512.62] you turn bones into +[512.62 --> 514.62] an army +[514.62 --> 516.62] you turn bones into +[516.62 --> 518.62] armies +[518.62 --> 520.62] you turn seas +[520.62 --> 522.62] you turn seas +[522.62 --> 524.62] you're the only one +[524.62 --> 526.62] who cares +[526.62 --> 528.62] you're the only one +[528.62 --> 530.62] you're the only one +[530.62 --> 532.62] you're the only one +[532.62 --> 534.62] you're the only one +[534.62 --> 536.62] who +[536.62 --> 538.62] good morning everyone +[538.62 --> 544.62] now we're awake +[544.62 --> 548.62] microphones and I don't mix very well +[548.62 --> 550.62] that's what I've learned in my life +[550.62 --> 552.62] good morning everyone +[552.62 --> 554.62] it's good to see you here this morning +[554.62 --> 556.62] on this I don't know +[556.62 --> 558.62] first Sunday of spring break for many of the students +[558.62 --> 560.62] here I've got one quick announcement +[560.62 --> 562.62] before we begin today and that's just to +[562.62 --> 564.62] inform you all that the Mexico +[564.62 --> 566.62] team took off yesterday +[566.62 --> 568.62] they launched from this church +[568.62 --> 570.62] at 7 a.m. they arrived in Mexico +[570.62 --> 572.62] safe and sound last night +[572.62 --> 574.62] and they are on their way to church +[574.62 --> 576.62] in fact they're probably starting church +[576.62 --> 578.62] right now as well in Tijuana, Mexico +[578.62 --> 580.62] so they're there doing their thing and that's very good news +[580.62 --> 584.62] today we are going to be continuing our sermon series +[584.62 --> 586.62] through Romans we're going to of course +[586.62 --> 588.62] lift up our Lord in praise +[588.62 --> 590.62] and so I invite you now to stand +[590.62 --> 592.62] and hear God's blessing for us +[592.62 --> 594.62] this morning or God's greeting +[594.62 --> 596.62] sorry for us this morning +[596.62 --> 598.62] God's greeting today +[598.62 --> 600.62] comes from Revelation +[600.62 --> 602.62] chapter 1 where it says +[602.62 --> 604.62] grace and peace to you +[604.62 --> 606.62] from him who is and who was +[606.62 --> 608.62] and who is to come and from the +[608.62 --> 610.62] heaven spirits before his throne +[610.62 --> 612.62] and from Jesus Christ who is +[612.62 --> 614.62] the faithful witness the firstborn +[614.62 --> 616.62] of the dead and the ruler of +[616.62 --> 618.62] the kings of the earth +[618.62 --> 620.62] amen as God has greeted us +[620.62 --> 622.62] this morning please take a moment +[622.62 --> 624.62] to greet those around you as well +[638.62 --> 642.62] good morning our call to worship this morning comes from Isaiah +[642.62 --> 650.62] 25 +[650.62 --> 663.94] Good morning. +[664.86 --> 668.88] Our call to worship this morning comes from Isaiah 25. +[670.32 --> 671.92] Lord, you are my God. +[672.36 --> 674.80] I will exalt you and praise your name. +[674.80 --> 678.66] For in perfect faithfulness you have done wonderful things. +[678.66 --> 680.94] Things planned long ago. +[681.72 --> 685.40] Please join me in prayer as we begin a time of worship together this morning. +[686.86 --> 690.76] Heavenly Father, as we come before you today as a family of believers, +[691.10 --> 694.80] we are grateful for the privilege of gathering in your presence. +[695.62 --> 702.50] As we begin this time of worship, may our unity in you be a reflection of your presence here among us. +[703.30 --> 705.50] Bless each soul present here. +[705.50 --> 709.00] And may our hearts, lifted in worship, be pleasing to you. +[709.50 --> 711.54] In Jesus' name we pray. Amen. +[711.86 --> 712.88] Let's worship together. +[712.88 --> 724.88] I see the King of glory. +[724.88 --> 725.88] Amen. +[725.88 --> 726.32] Amen. +[726.32 --> 727.10] Amen. +[727.10 --> 737.42] I see the King of glory. +[737.42 --> 743.06] Coming on the clouds with fire +[743.06 --> 745.86] The whole world's shame +[745.86 --> 749.62] The whole world's shame +[749.62 --> 759.20] Seek His love and mercy +[759.20 --> 764.68] Washing over all our sin +[764.68 --> 770.86] The people sing, the people sing +[770.86 --> 776.38] Hosanna, Hosanna +[776.38 --> 780.70] Hosanna in the highest +[780.70 --> 787.68] Hosanna, Hosanna +[787.68 --> 792.28] Hosanna in the highest +[794.68 --> 798.00] Hosanna in the highest +[798.00 --> 800.86] I see a generation +[800.86 --> 806.66] Rising up to take their place +[806.66 --> 809.14] With self-attentance +[809.14 --> 812.92] With self-attentance +[812.92 --> 818.10] I see a new revival +[818.10 --> 823.10] Soon as we pray and sing +[823.10 --> 825.84] We're on our knees +[825.84 --> 828.92] We're on our knees +[828.92 --> 834.10] Hosanna, Hosanna +[834.10 --> 836.70] Hosanna, Hosanna +[836.70 --> 838.42] Hosanna in the highest +[838.42 --> 845.48] Hosanna, Hosanna +[845.48 --> 850.10] Hosanna in the highest +[850.10 --> 861.34] Hosanna, Hosanna +[861.34 --> 862.16] Hosanna, Hosanna +[862.16 --> 863.72] Hosanna, Hosanna +[863.72 --> 864.38] Hosanna, Hosanna +[864.38 --> 865.96] Hosanna, Hosanna +[865.96 --> 867.96] Open out my eyes +[867.96 --> 870.22] To the plains of sea +[870.22 --> 874.48] Show me how to love I live +[874.48 --> 878.64] And love with me +[878.64 --> 884.28] And bring my honor, Rachel +[884.28 --> 891.70] Everything I am for your kingdom's power +[891.70 --> 897.48] As I walk the earth into eternity +[897.48 --> 911.30] Hosanna, Hosanna, Hosanna +[911.30 --> 920.66] Hosanna, Hosanna, Hosanna +[920.66 --> 922.66] Oh +[950.66 --> 952.66] Oh +[980.66 --> 982.66] Oh +[1010.66 --> 1012.66] Oh +[1040.66 --> 1042.66] Oh +[1070.66 --> 1072.66] Oh +[1100.66 --> 1102.66] Oh +[1130.66 --> 1132.66] Oh +[1160.66 --> 1162.66] Oh +[1162.66 --> 1164.66] Oh +[1164.66 --> 1178.66] Thousand generations falling down in worship to sing the song of ages to the Lamb. +[1178.66 --> 1192.66] And all who come before us and all who will believe will sing the song of ages to the Lamb. +[1192.66 --> 1205.66] Your name is the highest, your name is the greatest, your name stands above the wall. +[1205.66 --> 1220.66] All clothes and dominions, all powers and positions, your name stands above the wall and the angels cry. +[1220.66 --> 1233.66] Holy, all creation cries. Holy, you are lifted high. +[1233.66 --> 1240.66] Holy, holy forever. +[1240.66 --> 1255.66] And if you've been forgiven, and if you've been redeemed, sing the song forever to the Lamb. +[1255.66 --> 1268.66] And if you walk in freedom, and if you've been His name, sing the song forever to the Lamb. +[1268.66 --> 1270.66] When the angels cry. +[1270.66 --> 1273.66] When the angels cry. +[1273.66 --> 1278.66] Holy, all creation cries. +[1278.66 --> 1280.66] Holy, you are lifted high. +[1280.66 --> 1282.66] Holy, all creation cries. +[1282.66 --> 1286.66] Holy, you are lifted high. +[1286.66 --> 1287.66] Holy, all creation cries. +[1287.66 --> 1290.66] Holy, you are lifted high. +[1290.66 --> 1295.66] Holy, all in your heaven. +[1295.66 --> 1296.66] Holy, Oh, God. +[1296.66 --> 1298.66] Holy, you are Sciences. +[1298.66 --> 1299.66] Holy, you are lifted high. +[1299.66 --> 1302.66] Holy, you are lifted high. +[1302.66 --> 1303.66] Holy, you are milked, high. +[1303.66 --> 1304.66] Holy, you are raised high. +[1304.66 --> 1308.66] Holy, you are mixed with groceries, low high. +[1308.66 --> 1309.66] Holy, you are lifted high. +[1310.66 --> 1311.66] Holy, you are warm. +[1311.66 --> 1313.66] Holy, you're washed away. +[1313.66 --> 1318.66] Holy, you are buscar in heaven above the hillb tremendo yourself. +[1318.66 --> 1320.70] Holy, your hands ofίας. +[1320.70 --> 1329.88] It's the highest, your name +[1329.88 --> 1333.16] It's the greatest, your name +[1333.16 --> 1337.44] Stance above the Lord +[1337.44 --> 1342.38] All hope, all redeeming, all power +[1342.38 --> 1345.60] And the mission, your name +[1345.60 --> 1349.20] Stance above the Lord +[1349.20 --> 1351.84] Jesus, your name +[1351.84 --> 1354.74] It's the highest, your name +[1354.74 --> 1358.06] It's the greatest, your name +[1358.06 --> 1361.54] Stance above the Lord +[1361.54 --> 1366.88] All hope, all redeeming, all power +[1366.88 --> 1370.00] And the mission, your name +[1370.00 --> 1373.06] Stance above the Lord +[1373.06 --> 1376.08] Holy Ancient's pride +[1376.08 --> 1382.22] Holy, O Ancient Christ +[1382.22 --> 1387.70] Holy, you are lifted high +[1387.70 --> 1395.92] Holy, holy, you are where I am +[1395.92 --> 1399.70] All your people sing +[1399.70 --> 1406.36] Holy, to the King of kings +[1406.36 --> 1412.56] Holy, you will always be +[1412.56 --> 1418.42] Holy, holy forever +[1418.42 --> 1425.28] You will always be +[1425.28 --> 1431.70] Holy, holy forever +[1431.70 --> 1436.90] Please be seated +[1436.90 --> 1446.26] Bow with me for a moment in prayer +[1446.26 --> 1450.34] Lord God, you are love +[1450.34 --> 1454.54] And it's evidenced by your sacrifice for us on the cross +[1454.54 --> 1457.42] Your love feels our pain +[1457.42 --> 1459.38] And it wipes away our tears +[1459.38 --> 1461.84] Your love knows our grief +[1461.84 --> 1462.96] And it comforts us +[1462.96 --> 1465.34] Your love sees our sins +[1465.34 --> 1466.32] And our failings +[1466.32 --> 1468.54] And it forgives those who repent +[1468.54 --> 1472.46] Forgive us when we fail to live lives that reflect your love +[1472.46 --> 1476.88] Forgive us for the many times when we have taken your love +[1476.88 --> 1479.32] And all that you have done for us for granted +[1479.32 --> 1483.34] Transform us through your spirit, we pray +[1483.34 --> 1488.62] And empower us to love and serve you this day and all days +[1488.62 --> 1489.64] Amen +[1489.64 --> 1490.84] Amen +[1490.84 --> 1491.68] Amen +[1491.68 --> 1492.26] mmm +[1492.26 --> 1494.68] Amen +[1494.68 --> 1498.28] Amen +[1498.28 --> 1502.52] Amen +[1502.78 --> 1506.38] Amen +[1506.38 --> 1507.02] Amen +[1507.02 --> 1508.04] Amen +[1508.04 --> 1509.26] Amen +[1509.26 --> 1509.84] Amen +[1509.84 --> 1515.96] Amen +[1515.96 --> 1518.36] Amen +[1518.36 --> 1526.48] It goes beyond the highest storm +[1526.48 --> 1532.76] That reaches to the lowest down +[1532.76 --> 1539.98] The guilty man bowed down with care +[1539.98 --> 1546.40] God gave His love to win +[1546.40 --> 1553.40] His every child be reconciled +[1553.40 --> 1559.40] And pardoned from His sin +[1559.40 --> 1566.40] Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh +[1566.40 --> 1572.40] How bad your hands and soul +[1572.40 --> 1579.40] It shall forevermore and through +[1579.40 --> 1585.40] Thus sings an angel song +[1585.40 --> 1592.40] When years of time +[1592.40 --> 1595.40] Shall pass away +[1595.40 --> 1598.40] And earth be told +[1598.40 --> 1602.40] And kingdom's own +[1602.40 --> 1605.40] When men who hear +[1605.40 --> 1608.40] Refuse to pray +[1608.40 --> 1612.40] On rocks and hills +[1612.40 --> 1615.40] And mountains fall +[1615.40 --> 1618.40] The love so sure +[1618.40 --> 1621.40] Shall still endure +[1621.40 --> 1622.40] All men who hear +[1622.40 --> 1624.40] All men who hear +[1624.40 --> 1628.40] And strong +[1628.40 --> 1631.40] Bring in praise +[1631.40 --> 1636.50] Therese by +[1636.50 --> 1639.40] Yes i t烈 +[1639.40 --> 1654.40] Oh, love of God, how rich and pure, how measureless and strong. +[1654.40 --> 1667.34] It shall forever endure the saints and angels' song. +[1669.40 --> 1683.58] We live in the ocean filled, and where the sky of the morning came, +[1683.58 --> 1696.58] where every song on earth would live, and every man that starved our day. +[1696.58 --> 1709.52] To let the power of God above would trade the ocean down. +[1709.52 --> 1721.52] The goodness strong, the dream of all, will spread from sky to sky. +[1721.52 --> 1734.46] Oh, love of God, how rich and pure, how measureless and strong. +[1734.46 --> 1746.46] It shall forever endure the saints and angels' song. +[1746.46 --> 1759.46] Oh, love of God, how rich and pure, how measureless and strong. +[1759.46 --> 1773.46] It shall forevermore endure the saints and angels' song. +[1773.46 --> 1778.46] Oh, love of God, how rich and pure, how rich and pure, how rich and pure, how rich and pure. +[1778.46 --> 1780.46] Please do the next song. +[1780.46 --> 1787.46] Please do the next song. +[1787.46 --> 1798.90] Please do the next song. +[1798.90 --> 1810.34] And earth has quaked before, moved by the sound of His voice. +[1811.92 --> 1821.34] And God shared an answer, bringing all to prove Him for my reward. +[1821.34 --> 1829.34] Through it all, through it all, my eyes are on You. +[1830.08 --> 1834.34] Through it all, through it all, it is well. +[1836.84 --> 1842.34] Through it all, through it all, my eyes are on You. +[1842.34 --> 1848.34] It is well with me. +[1851.34 --> 1862.34] For it be it for me to not believe. +[1862.34 --> 1880.34] Even when my eyes are in the sun, and the mountain that's in front of me, will you fall into the midst of the sun? +[1880.34 --> 1888.34] Through it all, through it all, my eyes are on You. +[1889.34 --> 1893.34] Through it all, through it all, it is well. +[1893.34 --> 1902.34] Through it all, through it all, my eyes are on You. +[1902.34 --> 1908.34] It is well, it is well. +[1908.34 --> 1915.34] Let go my soul and trust in Him. +[1915.34 --> 1921.34] With the wind to know His name. +[1921.34 --> 1928.34] Let go my soul and trust in Him. +[1928.34 --> 1934.34] With the wind to know His name. +[1934.34 --> 1947.34] With the wind to know His name. +[1947.34 --> 1949.34] The wind to know His name. +[1949.34 --> 1954.34] The wind to know His name. +[1954.34 --> 1968.34] It is well with my soul. +[1968.34 --> 1969.34] It is well with my soul. +[1969.34 --> 1970.34] In the sun. +[1970.34 --> 1975.34] It is well with my soul. +[1975.34 --> 1976.34] it is well with my soul. +[1976.34 --> 1982.34] with my soul. +[1982.34 --> 1988.34] In the sun. +[1988.34 --> 1993.66] In the sun. +[1993.66 --> 2007.66] It is love, it is love with my soul. +[2007.66 --> 2019.66] It is love with my soul. +[2019.66 --> 2031.66] It is love with my soul. +[2031.66 --> 2045.66] It is love with my soul. +[2045.66 --> 2057.66] It is love, it is love with my soul. +[2057.66 --> 2069.66] It is love, it is love with my soul. +[2069.66 --> 2081.66] It is love, it is love with my soul. +[2081.66 --> 2091.66] It is love, it is love. +[2091.66 --> 2097.66] Through it all, my eyes are on you. +[2097.66 --> 2103.66] Through it all, through it all, it is love. +[2103.66 --> 2110.66] Through it all, through it all, my eyes are on you. +[2110.66 --> 2122.66] It is love with my soul. +[2122.66 --> 2134.66] Through it all, through it all, through it all. +[2134.66 --> 2138.66] Good morning, my name is Mike and I'm a deacon with this church. +[2138.66 --> 2143.66] And we're going to take a moment now to give of our gifts that God has given us. +[2143.66 --> 2146.66] And our offering today is for the Benevolence Fund. +[2146.66 --> 2156.66] And for those that don't know what that is, it is a special fund that the deacons administer on behalf of this church family for special needs in our church, but also that come to us from outside the community. +[2156.66 --> 2158.66] So thank you for giving. +[2158.66 --> 2160.66] Lord, You have my heart and I will search for Your message +[2165.66 --> 2166.14] Cause we're all for you for +[2166.14 --> 2183.24] Lord, you have my heart +[2183.24 --> 2187.96] And I will search for yours +[2187.96 --> 2195.34] Jesus, take my life and lead me on +[2195.34 --> 2201.96] Lord, you have my heart +[2201.96 --> 2207.02] And I will search for yours +[2207.02 --> 2213.10] Let me be to you a sacrifice +[2213.10 --> 2221.30] And I will praise you +[2221.30 --> 2225.92] Lord, I will praise you +[2225.92 --> 2231.92] I will sing of my condemnation +[2231.92 --> 2235.92] I will sing of my condemnation +[2235.92 --> 2241.92] I will show your face +[2241.92 --> 2247.54] Let's see your glory +[2247.54 --> 2264.16] Lord, you have my heart +[2264.16 --> 2268.16] And I will search for yours +[2268.16 --> 2275.78] Jesus, take my life and lead me on +[2275.78 --> 2280.78] Lord, you have my heart +[2280.78 --> 2285.78] And I will search for yours +[2285.78 --> 2292.40] Let me give you a sacrifice +[2292.40 --> 2299.40] And I will praise you +[2299.40 --> 2303.40] Lord, I will praise you +[2303.40 --> 2307.40] Lord, I will sing of love +[2307.40 --> 2312.02] Come down and sing of love +[2312.02 --> 2318.02] And I will show your praise +[2318.02 --> 2336.72] We'll see your glory +[2336.72 --> 2351.74] If I could have all the kids, I think age 3 up to grade 4, come join me at the front. +[2352.30 --> 2356.96] We'll have a quick chat and the children's blessing, and then we'll go to children's worship time. +[2357.78 --> 2358.50] Oh boy. +[2359.82 --> 2363.20] Hi guys. +[2363.90 --> 2364.84] There's lots of you today. +[2364.84 --> 2368.94] I wasn't sure how many would be here because I think a lot of us are on spring break. +[2369.50 --> 2374.48] Hey, you guys know one of my favorite things is about coming to children's worship time? +[2374.98 --> 2379.90] Is that you guys always have crazy stories you have to tell all the time. +[2379.96 --> 2381.68] You always have things you want to share, right? +[2382.74 --> 2386.98] Can anyone think of anything they're going to want to share maybe later in children's worship time? +[2387.20 --> 2387.98] Don't tell me yet. +[2388.08 --> 2388.82] Don't tell me yet. +[2389.48 --> 2393.16] Do you have a good story that you can think of that you're just dying to tell somebody? +[2393.42 --> 2394.68] Put your hand up if you do. +[2394.84 --> 2395.28] Me. +[2395.52 --> 2396.30] Yeah, you do? +[2396.74 --> 2397.78] Okay, we'll talk later. +[2398.46 --> 2398.86] Yeah. +[2399.54 --> 2401.72] I went to a birthday party yesterday. +[2401.84 --> 2403.86] That's the story I want to tell everybody about. +[2404.16 --> 2406.78] I went to Pastor Kevin's birthday party yesterday. +[2407.20 --> 2407.42] Yeah. +[2407.94 --> 2410.68] We talked about lions and bears and tigers. +[2411.50 --> 2411.94] Yep. +[2412.26 --> 2412.46] Yep. +[2412.54 --> 2413.70] And we ate nachos. +[2413.88 --> 2415.38] And I have way more things to tell you. +[2416.18 --> 2421.40] So today, we're going to talk about how exciting it is to tell our big stories. +[2421.66 --> 2426.90] And we all have a really big story to tell when Easter comes around, right? +[2427.66 --> 2430.12] So we're going to talk about that some more in children's worship time today. +[2430.12 --> 2438.18] We're starting to talk about the book of John and about the extravagant story that God has for us all in that book. +[2438.60 --> 2440.78] So I think we'll talk more until it's worship time. +[2440.88 --> 2441.02] Yeah? +[2441.82 --> 2442.06] Okay. +[2442.14 --> 2444.54] And I want to hear some of you guys' big stories too today, okay? +[2444.60 --> 2445.72] So think about that. +[2446.10 --> 2451.74] But let's stand together with the church and we'll bless them and they will bless us in return as we go to worship time. +[2451.74 --> 2479.96] Good morning, everyone. +[2479.96 --> 2480.98] My name's Eric. +[2480.98 --> 2481.98] Eric. +[2481.98 --> 2487.92] I am an elder here at Emanuel and I'm going to lead you through family prayer. +[2488.08 --> 2490.96] A couple of things before I start my prayer. +[2492.20 --> 2499.70] Just found out this morning from Kevin that a lot of us here know a gentleman named John Coning who used to attend here. +[2500.18 --> 2506.76] He was suffering from melanoma and I guess his cancer is no more. +[2506.76 --> 2509.28] So we heard from the doctor this week that he's cleared of cancer. +[2509.28 --> 2511.28] So that's a... +[2511.28 --> 2512.28] Thank you. +[2512.28 --> 2513.28] Thank you. +[2513.28 --> 2514.28] Thank you. +[2514.28 --> 2515.28] Thank you. +[2515.28 --> 2516.28] Thank you. +[2516.28 --> 2517.28] Thank you. +[2517.28 --> 2518.28] Thank you. +[2518.28 --> 2519.28] Thank you. +[2519.28 --> 2520.28] Thank you. +[2520.28 --> 2521.28] Thank you. +[2521.28 --> 2522.28] Thank you. +[2522.28 --> 2523.28] Thank you. +[2523.28 --> 2524.28] Thank you. +[2524.28 --> 2525.28] Thank you. +[2525.28 --> 2526.28] Thank you. +[2526.28 --> 2527.28] Thank you. +[2527.28 --> 2528.28] Thank you. +[2528.28 --> 2529.28] Thank you. +[2529.28 --> 2530.28] Thank you. +[2530.28 --> 2531.28] Thank you. +[2531.28 --> 2532.28] Thank you. +[2532.28 --> 2533.78] Very, thank you. +[2533.78 --> 2534.28] I going to抽 this out for a beautiful day. +[2534.28 --> 2537.28] And Kelly Casa spirit, St. Enola, I'm happy for that. +[2537.28 --> 2538.28] Thank you, St. Enola. +[2538.28 --> 2539.28] Thank you. +[2539.28 --> 2541.18] Thank you, I've been with you. +[2541.18 --> 2549.60] All our mission teams from all over the place, whether from here and from other schools and churches, are out there right now spreading the word. +[2550.38 --> 2552.36] So please join me in prayer. +[2556.18 --> 2559.86] Gracious God, what a wonderful day you have offered us. +[2560.34 --> 2566.16] How life-giving is the sun and the warmth not only of your creation, but for us as humans as well. +[2566.16 --> 2574.92] After what seems like a long winter, we welcome the spring and the energy and positivity that comes with the warmth, the longer days, and the sunshine. +[2576.34 --> 2585.14] The changing of the seasons are a witness to your power, control, and the intricate details of creation that are evidence that you are the only creator. +[2586.84 --> 2594.00] Being on this earth, Lord, has its joys and excitement, but we all have to navigate many challenges and difficulties along the way. +[2594.00 --> 2603.62] Why, Lord, we ask, to so many of these trials and tribulations that happen, and why do some have more struggles than others? +[2604.74 --> 2612.32] For many of us, we are walking the road of difficulty and trials with our friends and family, and that carries its own burdens. +[2612.32 --> 2621.80] How, Lord, do we encourage and support our friend who has been struck with cancer and has a young family that needs him dearly? +[2623.06 --> 2631.44] How, Lord, do we walk the road with a family member who suffers from mental health, and simply trying to understand it, let alone offering support, is so very difficult? +[2631.44 --> 2638.62] How, Lord, do we encourage and support someone who is lonely and is longing for companionship or deeper friendship? +[2640.76 --> 2649.98] How do we support our young people and our children who make poor decisions, and as parents and community, you try to encourage and guide them when they don't necessarily want to hear it? +[2649.98 --> 2657.60] How do we go through life, Lord, when one of our loved ones has passed away and has left a huge hole in our lives? +[2659.16 --> 2667.38] How do we see one of our children carrying a burden, and we can't carry that burden for them, and we have to, all we can do is support and love them? +[2667.38 --> 2689.56] How do we use them to Why does it, and we can't love them, and heal our lives once again? +[2689.56 --> 2693.48] up in Smithers as they try to make sense of the declining health of Rachel. +[2694.64 --> 2697.48] We ask for prayer for Rachel as she deals with her illness. +[2698.54 --> 2701.90] We pray for Matthew as he supports his wife and children through this time. +[2702.52 --> 2706.48] We pray for the kids as they try to make sense of what their mom is going through. +[2707.24 --> 2711.42] And we pray for the family and friends of Matt and Rachel as they support them through this time. +[2712.46 --> 2718.10] We pray for Kobe DeBoersep, grandson of former members of ours who is fighting through leukemia at this time. +[2718.10 --> 2723.12] It doesn't really seem to make sense that a young person should have to carry this kind of a burden. +[2723.98 --> 2727.30] We pray for healing and strength for this family through this time. +[2728.74 --> 2734.26] This time of the year with spring break around the corner, we have many in our midst who go on vacation or missions trips. +[2735.34 --> 2741.06] Lord, please keep all our loved ones safe who are going on missions trips from either Emmanuel or other places. +[2741.46 --> 2745.56] And may your Holy Spirit work and guide them in the work they are doing to spread the word. +[2745.56 --> 2750.86] Please bring them all back safely to us as well as those who are on vacation. +[2752.88 --> 2756.04] Thank you, Lord, for the opportunity to have classes happen a week ago. +[2756.26 --> 2760.56] It is good to meet and to hear how you are working in our world and in our churches. +[2762.44 --> 2767.04] And here, Lord Emmanuel, we thank you for this great church and its great people and staff. +[2767.04 --> 2773.84] We continue to bless our staff and volunteers as they carry out your work. +[2774.32 --> 2781.98] Help us, Lord, in the next few weeks to find leaders in our church to come forward to fill the roles needed on council through nominations. +[2781.98 --> 2790.82] With all that's going on in this world and in our lives, we must go into this week ahead knowing that you are in our corner. +[2791.56 --> 2796.36] And that you will care for us knowing not a hair falls from our head without our Father knowing. +[2797.88 --> 2800.06] And as the song we just sang said, +[2800.62 --> 2805.64] Through it all, through it all, Lord, help us to keep our eyes on you. +[2806.60 --> 2809.48] Through it all, through it all, it is well. +[2809.48 --> 2818.02] Help us to trust and obey, for there is no other way to be happy in you, Jesus, than to trust and obey. +[2818.78 --> 2819.04] Amen. +[2831.92 --> 2833.52] Yes, it was my birthday yesterday. +[2833.66 --> 2835.52] Yes, Mike Prince did come over to my house. +[2835.52 --> 2839.74] And yes, we did discuss lions and tigers and bears at that party. +[2840.28 --> 2844.74] The question was, if you were hiking, would you rather come across a big grizzly bear or a cougar? +[2845.26 --> 2847.32] And that debate lasted a good hour and a half. +[2849.18 --> 2850.86] Something else happened to me this week. +[2851.00 --> 2855.30] I was at a coffee shop here in Langley with a couple of other youth pastors. +[2855.44 --> 2858.10] We were doing some work for Reactivate this year, +[2858.10 --> 2862.50] which once again is coming to Emmanuel in September this year, which we're very excited about. +[2862.50 --> 2868.68] I was up ordering the drinks, the coffees for these two youth pastors, +[2868.68 --> 2873.96] and I was finishing my order, and the cashier asked, the barista asked, is there anything else? +[2874.06 --> 2876.38] And a young gentleman walked in at that moment. +[2876.44 --> 2877.74] He's like, yeah, put mine on there, too. +[2877.78 --> 2879.22] And I was like, yeah, okay, sure. +[2879.72 --> 2880.42] Put his on there, too. +[2880.44 --> 2881.16] He was like, no, no. +[2881.20 --> 2881.78] I was joking. +[2881.88 --> 2882.14] I was joking. +[2882.24 --> 2883.48] He was like, no, no, add it to the bill. +[2883.70 --> 2884.66] He's like, no, no, no, I couldn't. +[2884.70 --> 2884.98] It's fine. +[2885.02 --> 2886.40] I was like, all right, your call. +[2886.44 --> 2890.46] And I went to pay, and I tapped my credit card, and the machine didn't work. +[2890.46 --> 2893.66] And so I pulled out a different card, and I tried that one, and again, the machine didn't work. +[2894.12 --> 2895.88] And I said, oh, dude, I'm so sorry. +[2895.98 --> 2898.06] Like, I think I broke the machine. +[2898.18 --> 2899.70] And she's like, no, it's not your card. +[2899.76 --> 2900.38] It's actually a machine. +[2900.44 --> 2900.98] Give me a second. +[2901.10 --> 2903.42] I'll fix the internet connection or whatever. +[2903.50 --> 2903.96] It'll all be fine. +[2904.38 --> 2905.34] She's like, you go sit down. +[2905.48 --> 2906.48] I'll come call you up later. +[2906.54 --> 2906.92] So I did. +[2907.04 --> 2907.58] I sat down. +[2907.76 --> 2908.80] The gentleman behind me was there. +[2908.86 --> 2912.52] He was standing in line for a good 15 minutes, so I think it took a long time to, like, fix. +[2913.26 --> 2919.44] But eventually he paid and left the cafe, and I got up, and the barista came up to me. +[2919.44 --> 2923.78] He was like, actually, that guy just paid for all three of your drinks while you ate it. +[2925.58 --> 2930.38] And I smiled a lot because I thought to myself, that was such a fun exchange that the two of us had. +[2930.46 --> 2935.76] And it's actually a really good, albeit very small, example of the kind of thing we're going to talk about today. +[2935.84 --> 2938.16] That brought a little bit of joy to my life. +[2938.16 --> 2944.78] But this was a good example of what love can look like in the community in which we live. +[2944.88 --> 2947.60] Love is the topic of our text today. +[2947.70 --> 2952.62] And as we continue our sermon series through the book of Romans, we will be looking at that. +[2952.72 --> 2960.76] Now, today's passage doesn't necessarily contain any, like, hot-button issues like we've been looking at the last couple of weeks. +[2960.76 --> 2964.26] It's not a passage on religion and politics per se. +[2964.46 --> 2972.08] It doesn't contain any specific verse or chunk of text in here that causes, like, theological debates in a lot of circles. +[2972.66 --> 2975.14] Paul isn't stirring the pot here today, so to speak. +[2976.56 --> 2981.52] And yet, these three verses we're going to look at today are massively important. +[2981.52 --> 2987.76] They put a bow, they tie a bow, sort of, on what Paul has been talking about over these past couple chapters. +[2988.22 --> 2992.34] And it gives a very clear and very direct application for us today. +[2992.40 --> 2995.84] And my prayer is today that even though this passage might look a little simple on the surface, +[2996.34 --> 3001.24] that the Holy Spirit uses it to speak some powerful truths into our lives this morning. +[3001.34 --> 3003.76] So, if you have your Bibles, please open it up. +[3003.84 --> 3006.18] There's a bunch of them in the back that you can grab as well. +[3006.52 --> 3010.40] Or please turn your phone on and your Bible apps and get those open as well. +[3010.40 --> 3015.38] We're going to be looking at Romans chapter 13, verses 8 to 10 this morning. +[3015.46 --> 3021.04] And again, as always, I encourage you, please keep those Bibles open as we'll be diving in throughout the message. +[3021.60 --> 3024.36] So, Romans 13, verses 8 to 10. +[3025.08 --> 3026.22] They read like this. +[3027.22 --> 3034.64] Let no debt remain outstanding except the continuing debt of love, or to love one another. +[3035.00 --> 3037.76] For whoever loves others has fulfilled the law. +[3037.76 --> 3044.58] The commandments, you shall not commit adultery, you shall not murder, you shall not steal, you shall not covet, +[3045.04 --> 3050.44] and whatever other command there may be, are summed up in this one command. +[3051.26 --> 3053.08] Love your neighbor as yourself. +[3054.20 --> 3056.04] Love does no harm to a neighbor. +[3056.68 --> 3060.56] Therefore, love is the fulfillment of the law. +[3061.32 --> 3062.90] The word of the Lord. +[3062.90 --> 3070.92] So, as we just read, this is a passage that focuses on love. +[3071.06 --> 3076.86] In fact, I think the big idea that comes out of these verses is a fairly simple one to write down +[3076.86 --> 3079.44] if you've got your notebooks and that's something you like to do. +[3081.18 --> 3084.60] However, the big idea might be a little bit, while it's a little bit easy to write down, +[3084.64 --> 3087.32] it might be a little bit harder to live out than we think. +[3087.32 --> 3089.04] But the big idea is this. +[3090.12 --> 3093.80] It is impossible to love others too much. +[3095.16 --> 3098.64] It is impossible to love others too much. +[3099.80 --> 3103.50] Now, this three-verse text repeatedly calls us to love. +[3103.74 --> 3104.44] Take a look at it. +[3104.48 --> 3106.02] Verse 8, love one another. +[3106.24 --> 3107.96] Verse 8 again, love others. +[3108.08 --> 3109.96] Verse 9, love your neighbor. +[3109.96 --> 3113.48] It also then gives two instructions on how to love. +[3113.74 --> 3115.22] Love does no harm to a neighbor. +[3115.60 --> 3118.90] And again, in verse 10, love fulfills the law. +[3119.82 --> 3122.22] But, what is love? +[3124.34 --> 3125.84] Now, how many of you just sang the lyrics, +[3125.98 --> 3127.52] baby, don't hurt me, don't hurt me no more, right? +[3127.58 --> 3128.44] Yeah, I see hands. +[3128.58 --> 3129.44] Put your hands up if you want. +[3129.48 --> 3131.36] I mean, I did every single time I read over this sermon. +[3133.00 --> 3136.76] Well, all five times love is mentioned in this text, +[3136.76 --> 3140.02] there's one Greek word used, and that is agape. +[3140.24 --> 3141.50] Now, for those of you in the know, +[3141.76 --> 3143.76] this is the love that's commonly referred to +[3143.76 --> 3147.76] to describe the kind of love that Jesus has for his church. +[3148.20 --> 3151.68] It's an unconditional, self-sacrificing, +[3151.80 --> 3154.32] all-encompassing kind of love, +[3154.38 --> 3157.40] which I think oftentimes leaves us a little bit overwhelmed. +[3157.72 --> 3159.62] It's perhaps a little hard to connect to that, +[3160.02 --> 3162.80] but it can be defined in more tangible ways as well. +[3163.84 --> 3166.74] All right, agape love is about valuing. +[3166.76 --> 3170.86] Agape love holds others in high esteem. +[3171.98 --> 3176.14] Agape love manifests or fuels a genuine +[3176.14 --> 3179.56] and generous concern for those around them. +[3180.50 --> 3184.54] Agape love is faithful towards those in our lives. +[3185.56 --> 3186.92] So it's selfless, yes. +[3187.12 --> 3188.86] It's unconditional, sure. +[3189.10 --> 3190.98] It's all-encompassing, absolutely. +[3190.98 --> 3194.34] But it's also simply seeing other people +[3194.34 --> 3197.30] as worth your time, +[3198.30 --> 3199.38] as worth your money, +[3199.84 --> 3201.62] as worth your energy, +[3202.18 --> 3204.06] as worth your efforts. +[3205.66 --> 3206.78] And so, in short, +[3207.28 --> 3210.36] it's seeing other people as worth your life. +[3210.36 --> 3215.36] This love is giving of yourself +[3215.36 --> 3217.90] because people are worth it, +[3218.14 --> 3220.58] because people are valued. +[3221.94 --> 3224.36] That's the love that this text is getting at. +[3224.36 --> 3232.86] But, as a cocky expert of the law once asked Jesus, +[3233.62 --> 3235.52] who exactly are we supposed to love? +[3236.36 --> 3239.08] Who should be the recipient of this agape love? +[3239.96 --> 3242.68] So when this expert asked Jesus this question, +[3243.20 --> 3245.88] Jesus answered him with the parable of the Good Samaritan. +[3246.24 --> 3246.88] Give it a read. +[3246.96 --> 3247.64] It's super good. +[3247.74 --> 3249.44] Luke 10, 25 to 37. +[3250.26 --> 3252.98] Romans, though, answers this question for us. +[3253.50 --> 3255.46] Romans has actually been answering this question +[3255.46 --> 3257.42] for a good chunk of time now. +[3258.26 --> 3260.48] See, time and time again throughout this letter, +[3260.92 --> 3262.44] throughout this sermon series even, +[3262.54 --> 3264.18] if you've had years to hear, +[3264.66 --> 3265.58] Paul answers this. +[3265.82 --> 3267.30] In previous weeks, we've heard this. +[3267.62 --> 3269.84] Romans 13, 1 to 7, the last two weeks. +[3270.16 --> 3270.88] Love your government. +[3272.00 --> 3272.72] Love your leaders. +[3273.86 --> 3276.34] Romans 12, 14 to 21, before that. +[3276.70 --> 3277.58] Love your enemies. +[3278.62 --> 3280.56] Love those who don't love you. +[3282.06 --> 3284.08] Before that, Romans 12, 3 to 8. +[3284.36 --> 3285.10] Love the church. +[3285.50 --> 3286.66] Love the body of Christ. +[3286.84 --> 3288.10] Love your brothers and sisters. +[3289.68 --> 3293.12] And honestly, in just that chapter and a half, +[3293.28 --> 3295.78] that kind of encompasses the whole spectrum, doesn't it? +[3296.40 --> 3297.68] That covers the whole gauntlet. +[3298.32 --> 3299.80] We're called to show this love +[3299.80 --> 3301.94] to those we like and those we don't. +[3302.10 --> 3303.84] To those who lead and those who serve. +[3304.12 --> 3306.70] To those who love us back and to those who don't. +[3306.70 --> 3309.60] To those who believe and to those who don't believe. +[3310.80 --> 3311.28] Everyone. +[3312.56 --> 3315.80] We are called to love everyone +[3315.80 --> 3317.98] with this agape love. +[3318.22 --> 3319.42] It is impossible +[3319.42 --> 3321.68] to love others +[3321.68 --> 3322.86] too much. +[3322.86 --> 3326.98] Paul then, in this little chunk, +[3326.98 --> 3328.20] he gives us a couple reasons +[3328.20 --> 3330.50] why we are called to show this kind of love +[3330.50 --> 3330.96] to everyone. +[3331.46 --> 3333.34] First, Paul compares the love +[3333.34 --> 3334.20] that we are to show +[3334.20 --> 3335.40] to a debt +[3335.40 --> 3336.56] that we cannot repay. +[3336.92 --> 3338.02] Now, if you look at verse 8 +[3338.02 --> 3338.62] in your text, +[3338.62 --> 3339.60] at first, +[3339.74 --> 3340.68] this seems to be about +[3340.68 --> 3342.04] paying back our loans. +[3342.28 --> 3343.32] And in some ways, +[3343.42 --> 3344.24] because it's coming out +[3344.24 --> 3345.38] of the previous text +[3345.38 --> 3347.54] on paying taxes +[3347.54 --> 3348.18] or revenue +[3348.18 --> 3348.82] or respect +[3348.82 --> 3349.24] or honor, +[3349.32 --> 3350.10] that does make sense. +[3350.28 --> 3351.24] There is a link there. +[3352.22 --> 3354.32] But I think what Paul is doing here +[3354.32 --> 3355.20] is a little bit clever. +[3355.32 --> 3355.96] He is saying +[3355.96 --> 3357.22] that we are called +[3357.22 --> 3358.18] to pay back +[3358.18 --> 3359.20] our financial loans +[3359.20 --> 3360.00] with integrity +[3360.00 --> 3361.00] for sure. +[3361.80 --> 3362.12] However, +[3362.20 --> 3363.32] those financial debts, +[3363.42 --> 3364.20] they've got a conclusion +[3364.20 --> 3364.74] to them. +[3365.58 --> 3366.20] Paul, in fact, +[3366.24 --> 3367.58] is more cleverly pointing out +[3367.58 --> 3368.36] that paying back +[3368.36 --> 3369.24] the debt of love +[3369.24 --> 3370.12] to the world +[3370.12 --> 3371.34] is a debt +[3371.34 --> 3372.78] that will be going on forever. +[3373.92 --> 3375.80] It's an ongoing debt. +[3376.06 --> 3376.36] It says, +[3376.72 --> 3378.46] let no debt remain outstanding +[3378.46 --> 3381.22] except for the continuing debt +[3381.22 --> 3381.82] of love +[3381.82 --> 3382.80] to one another. +[3384.14 --> 3384.60] Or, +[3384.86 --> 3386.46] as Eugene Peterson put it, +[3386.50 --> 3387.74] you know Eugene Peterson, right? +[3388.02 --> 3388.36] He's the guy +[3388.36 --> 3388.98] that wrote the Bible. +[3390.10 --> 3391.72] He translated +[3391.72 --> 3393.46] into one version +[3393.46 --> 3394.14] of the Bible +[3394.14 --> 3394.78] called The Message. +[3395.26 --> 3395.96] But he says this. +[3396.00 --> 3396.50] He says this. +[3396.68 --> 3397.74] He writes it pretty decently. +[3397.84 --> 3398.06] He says, +[3398.14 --> 3398.86] don't run up debts +[3398.86 --> 3401.02] except for the huge debt +[3401.02 --> 3401.68] of love +[3401.68 --> 3402.80] you owe to one another +[3402.80 --> 3404.28] or that you owe +[3404.28 --> 3404.94] to each other. +[3406.20 --> 3407.14] There is a debt +[3407.14 --> 3408.20] that will never be settled +[3408.20 --> 3409.00] and that is the debt +[3409.00 --> 3409.88] of love to others. +[3410.04 --> 3412.02] If we can go way back +[3412.02 --> 3413.02] and Greek out again +[3413.02 --> 3413.78] just for one minute, +[3413.88 --> 3414.60] the Greek language +[3414.60 --> 3415.94] highlights this very clearly. +[3416.06 --> 3416.84] The original audience +[3416.84 --> 3417.60] would have got this +[3417.60 --> 3418.22] right away +[3418.22 --> 3419.36] because the word +[3419.36 --> 3420.10] that starts out +[3420.10 --> 3421.08] verse 8 is oh +[3421.08 --> 3422.48] as in oh nothing. +[3422.48 --> 3423.52] We translate that +[3423.52 --> 3425.28] as to let no debt remain +[3425.28 --> 3426.18] but in Greek it says +[3426.18 --> 3426.86] owe nothing +[3426.86 --> 3429.42] but that verb to owe +[3429.42 --> 3430.46] or aphilio +[3430.46 --> 3432.30] is in the present imperative +[3432.30 --> 3434.56] which is just a super smart way +[3434.56 --> 3436.98] of saying that this is a constant +[3436.98 --> 3439.42] and continuous owing. +[3440.02 --> 3442.86] This is a never ending owing. +[3442.96 --> 3443.38] In other words, +[3443.46 --> 3444.00] the Greek here +[3444.00 --> 3444.94] is literally saying +[3444.94 --> 3446.58] owe nothing to anyone +[3446.58 --> 3449.80] except keep on owing love +[3449.80 --> 3451.92] to one another always. +[3452.58 --> 3454.18] Keep on owing on. +[3454.30 --> 3455.46] There's your t-shirt slogan. +[3455.92 --> 3457.22] Keep on loving. +[3457.98 --> 3458.38] Always. +[3458.66 --> 3459.36] Never stop. +[3460.76 --> 3461.54] In this way, +[3461.64 --> 3463.56] Paul is urging the reader +[3463.56 --> 3464.92] to see that love +[3464.92 --> 3466.22] is the only thing +[3466.22 --> 3467.98] that we cannot pay back. +[3468.62 --> 3469.88] It is a debt of love +[3469.88 --> 3471.30] that will always exist. +[3471.48 --> 3473.44] We cannot love too much. +[3473.44 --> 3478.38] John A.T. Robinson, +[3478.62 --> 3480.30] he's a New Testament scholar. +[3480.74 --> 3481.96] He was, sorry, +[3482.04 --> 3482.86] a New Testament scholar +[3482.86 --> 3483.84] and an Anglican bishop +[3483.84 --> 3485.14] in the mid-1900s. +[3485.30 --> 3486.02] He says this +[3486.02 --> 3486.96] about the debt of love +[3486.96 --> 3488.16] that Paul is writing about here. +[3488.22 --> 3488.56] He says, +[3488.56 --> 3490.32] We may pay our taxes +[3490.32 --> 3491.10] and be quit. +[3492.10 --> 3493.54] We may give respect +[3493.54 --> 3494.06] and honor +[3494.06 --> 3494.82] where they are due +[3494.82 --> 3496.56] and have no further obligation. +[3497.52 --> 3499.18] But we can never say +[3499.18 --> 3500.00] I have done +[3500.00 --> 3501.06] all of the loving +[3501.06 --> 3502.04] I need to do. +[3503.16 --> 3504.88] Love is a permanent obligation, +[3505.08 --> 3506.56] a debt impossible +[3506.56 --> 3507.30] to discharge. +[3508.56 --> 3511.28] We cannot love too much. +[3513.26 --> 3514.90] We can never stop loving. +[3514.98 --> 3515.84] The box can never +[3515.84 --> 3516.62] be fully checked. +[3516.74 --> 3518.22] Love is a permanent obligation. +[3518.22 --> 3520.20] Love must undergird +[3520.20 --> 3521.80] everything we do, +[3522.16 --> 3523.32] everything we say, +[3523.48 --> 3524.86] every decision we make. +[3525.12 --> 3526.96] We constantly owe love +[3526.96 --> 3527.72] to one another +[3527.72 --> 3528.66] because God, +[3528.96 --> 3530.22] who is love, +[3530.60 --> 3531.30] calls us +[3531.30 --> 3533.68] to live our lives of love. +[3533.94 --> 3536.88] We cannot love too much. +[3538.96 --> 3540.48] Love is the heartbeat +[3540.48 --> 3542.00] of everything we do, +[3542.50 --> 3544.00] whether it's paying taxes +[3544.00 --> 3545.28] or playing baseball, +[3545.76 --> 3546.10] cooking, +[3546.46 --> 3546.80] gardening, +[3547.10 --> 3547.46] building, +[3547.46 --> 3548.10] working, +[3548.10 --> 3548.14] working, +[3548.38 --> 3548.90] researching, +[3549.32 --> 3550.28] attending meetings, +[3550.46 --> 3551.18] vacationing, +[3551.40 --> 3552.16] fill in the blank +[3552.16 --> 3553.12] with whatever verb +[3553.12 --> 3554.00] you want to do +[3554.00 --> 3555.00] or whatever verb +[3555.00 --> 3556.28] you find yourself doing +[3556.28 --> 3557.30] throughout the week. +[3558.36 --> 3559.34] All of that +[3559.34 --> 3560.72] we are called to do +[3560.72 --> 3561.62] with love +[3561.62 --> 3562.58] to those who you happen +[3562.58 --> 3563.16] to be with +[3563.16 --> 3564.72] because the debt of love +[3564.72 --> 3565.28] is one +[3565.28 --> 3567.34] that we are forever repaying. +[3568.14 --> 3568.88] We cannot +[3568.88 --> 3570.38] love +[3570.38 --> 3571.50] too much. +[3571.50 --> 3574.74] so first of all, +[3574.98 --> 3577.12] we love one another +[3577.12 --> 3578.54] because the debt of love +[3578.54 --> 3579.42] is ongoing. +[3581.78 --> 3583.10] The second reason +[3583.10 --> 3584.46] that Paul gives us +[3584.46 --> 3585.28] to keep on loving +[3585.28 --> 3585.84] one another +[3585.84 --> 3587.08] is because love +[3587.08 --> 3588.78] fulfills the law. +[3590.22 --> 3591.56] In both verse 8 +[3591.56 --> 3592.38] and verse 10 +[3592.38 --> 3593.24] of our text, +[3593.74 --> 3594.62] Paul makes this clear. +[3595.12 --> 3595.64] In verse 8, +[3595.72 --> 3596.14] he says, +[3596.46 --> 3597.62] whoever loves others +[3597.62 --> 3598.76] has fulfilled the law. +[3598.76 --> 3600.02] And then in verse 10, +[3600.10 --> 3601.24] the very last eight words +[3601.24 --> 3602.12] of our text today, +[3602.68 --> 3603.06] it says, +[3603.42 --> 3603.60] therefore, +[3603.96 --> 3604.44] in other words, +[3604.54 --> 3605.22] summing up everything +[3605.22 --> 3606.22] we've just talked about, +[3606.60 --> 3606.92] therefore, +[3607.72 --> 3609.24] love is the fulfillment +[3609.24 --> 3610.26] of the law. +[3611.40 --> 3612.22] Now this is important +[3612.22 --> 3612.64] because +[3612.64 --> 3615.50] I think sometimes +[3615.50 --> 3618.34] we draw a line +[3618.34 --> 3619.46] between love and law. +[3620.56 --> 3622.20] We think love and law +[3622.20 --> 3622.82] are enemies. +[3622.82 --> 3626.48] We think truth, +[3626.80 --> 3627.26] obedience, +[3627.98 --> 3629.10] and law +[3629.10 --> 3630.82] fit in one category. +[3631.78 --> 3633.12] And then grace +[3633.12 --> 3633.80] and mercy +[3633.80 --> 3634.58] and love +[3634.58 --> 3636.18] fit in a different category. +[3637.78 --> 3639.02] Now this polarity +[3639.02 --> 3639.58] is obviously +[3639.58 --> 3640.44] very divisive +[3640.44 --> 3641.18] and it oftentimes +[3641.18 --> 3642.68] divides Christians +[3642.68 --> 3644.22] into two camps. +[3645.10 --> 3646.62] To make this political again +[3646.62 --> 3647.42] because this passage +[3647.42 --> 3648.18] is still connecting +[3648.18 --> 3649.18] to the one on government, +[3649.18 --> 3651.96] this separation +[3651.96 --> 3653.00] of law and love +[3653.00 --> 3654.74] often misleads people +[3654.74 --> 3656.66] by saying +[3656.66 --> 3657.12] you're either +[3657.12 --> 3657.88] in the loving, +[3658.42 --> 3659.14] liberal left +[3659.14 --> 3662.46] or the lawful, +[3663.02 --> 3663.88] conservative right. +[3664.86 --> 3667.16] Which simply corrupts +[3667.16 --> 3667.70] the reality +[3667.70 --> 3669.10] that you cannot separate +[3669.10 --> 3670.28] these two things together. +[3670.40 --> 3671.38] You cannot separate +[3671.38 --> 3672.50] law and love. +[3673.28 --> 3673.62] You see, +[3674.02 --> 3674.74] love and law +[3674.74 --> 3675.64] are not enemies. +[3676.70 --> 3677.62] They are united +[3677.62 --> 3678.64] by their relationship +[3678.64 --> 3679.42] in Jesus Christ. +[3679.50 --> 3681.22] Jesus came into this world +[3681.22 --> 3682.10] full of grace +[3682.10 --> 3682.84] and truth. +[3683.50 --> 3684.40] He came into this world +[3684.40 --> 3685.20] full of law +[3685.20 --> 3686.24] and love. +[3686.34 --> 3687.06] He fulfilled +[3687.06 --> 3688.58] the law of love +[3688.58 --> 3689.96] and he invites us +[3689.96 --> 3690.82] to do the same. +[3691.14 --> 3691.38] Again, +[3691.44 --> 3692.26] that's what the greatest +[3692.26 --> 3693.04] commandment is +[3693.04 --> 3694.22] when Jesus was asked this. +[3694.56 --> 3695.24] We are to love. +[3695.34 --> 3695.90] Love the Lord, +[3696.04 --> 3696.74] love your neighbor. +[3697.56 --> 3698.38] Matthew 23, +[3698.52 --> 3699.32] 37 to 40. +[3700.88 --> 3701.80] Without Jesus, +[3703.12 --> 3704.22] the law +[3704.22 --> 3705.02] is powerless. +[3705.02 --> 3707.70] But without Jesus, +[3708.22 --> 3710.00] love is directionless. +[3712.52 --> 3713.52] When you love, +[3713.60 --> 3714.70] you fulfill the law. +[3714.98 --> 3716.94] Law is against sin. +[3717.52 --> 3719.66] It is not against love. +[3721.12 --> 3721.78] Let me say that again. +[3721.92 --> 3723.52] Law is against sin. +[3723.74 --> 3725.12] It is not against love. +[3726.00 --> 3726.12] So, +[3726.84 --> 3727.60] love and law +[3727.60 --> 3728.26] are not enemies. +[3728.42 --> 3729.40] They work together +[3729.40 --> 3730.20] for the betterment +[3730.20 --> 3731.24] of the body of Christ. +[3731.34 --> 3732.70] They work together +[3732.70 --> 3733.48] for the betterment +[3733.48 --> 3734.16] of the communities +[3734.16 --> 3735.74] in which we find ourselves in. +[3736.88 --> 3737.96] But then the question becomes, +[3738.08 --> 3738.46] what does this +[3738.46 --> 3739.54] tangibly look like? +[3741.00 --> 3741.94] How are love +[3741.94 --> 3742.92] and law united +[3742.92 --> 3744.02] and how does that work +[3744.02 --> 3744.74] in our lives? +[3744.82 --> 3744.96] Well, +[3745.36 --> 3746.44] Paul gives us examples +[3746.44 --> 3747.66] of this in our text. +[3747.74 --> 3748.54] In verse 9, +[3749.02 --> 3749.78] Paul goes back +[3749.78 --> 3750.34] and he lists +[3750.34 --> 3752.08] some of the commands +[3752.08 --> 3753.78] that can only be followed +[3753.78 --> 3754.46] when we love. +[3755.92 --> 3757.30] He speaks of adultery, +[3757.80 --> 3758.12] murder, +[3758.54 --> 3758.90] stealing, +[3759.36 --> 3760.48] and covetousness. +[3760.48 --> 3764.06] These are all commands, +[3764.18 --> 3764.40] of course, +[3764.46 --> 3765.22] that are given way back +[3765.22 --> 3766.04] in Exodus 20 +[3766.04 --> 3767.34] in the Ten Commandments +[3767.34 --> 3768.22] to the people of Israel. +[3770.38 --> 3770.78] However, +[3770.98 --> 3771.78] in Exodus 20, +[3771.86 --> 3772.78] these commands are written +[3772.78 --> 3773.38] in the negative, +[3773.80 --> 3774.82] just like they are here +[3774.82 --> 3775.52] in Paul's letter. +[3775.94 --> 3776.08] Right? +[3776.14 --> 3776.58] They're all written, +[3776.68 --> 3778.20] thou shalt not commit adultery, +[3778.30 --> 3779.50] thou shalt not murder, +[3779.84 --> 3780.96] thou shalt not steal, +[3781.36 --> 3782.40] thou shalt not covet. +[3783.30 --> 3783.72] So, +[3783.80 --> 3784.56] these commands are written +[3784.56 --> 3785.34] as don'ts. +[3786.26 --> 3787.86] But what do these look like +[3787.86 --> 3789.30] if they're written as do's? +[3790.70 --> 3791.02] You see, +[3791.06 --> 3791.62] all these commands +[3791.62 --> 3792.38] can be written +[3792.38 --> 3793.12] in the positive. +[3794.16 --> 3795.42] And the easiest way +[3795.42 --> 3795.94] to do that +[3795.94 --> 3796.98] is to ask ourselves, +[3797.30 --> 3799.38] if I was to love the other, +[3799.72 --> 3800.96] what does this command say? +[3803.56 --> 3804.00] Now, +[3804.06 --> 3805.04] this is not my thinking. +[3805.26 --> 3806.18] The Heidelberg Catechism +[3806.18 --> 3807.10] does this for us. +[3807.16 --> 3808.02] The Heidelberg Catechism +[3808.02 --> 3809.20] is this confessional document +[3809.20 --> 3810.12] which uses scripture +[3810.12 --> 3811.42] to back up +[3811.42 --> 3811.90] and answer +[3811.90 --> 3813.10] some of the big questions +[3813.10 --> 3813.60] of faith, +[3813.66 --> 3815.04] and they do this for us. +[3815.44 --> 3815.72] So, +[3815.82 --> 3816.46] let's quickly look +[3816.46 --> 3817.42] at these four commands. +[3817.86 --> 3818.86] That Paul lists here +[3818.86 --> 3820.36] and see how they can be rewritten +[3820.36 --> 3822.00] to speak in the positive. +[3822.16 --> 3823.28] See how they can be written +[3823.28 --> 3825.30] through the lens of love. +[3825.96 --> 3826.26] So, +[3826.32 --> 3827.36] when thinking of adultery, +[3828.28 --> 3829.50] for the married person, +[3829.64 --> 3830.70] following this command +[3830.70 --> 3832.06] means not only +[3832.06 --> 3832.68] that you refuse +[3832.68 --> 3833.66] to cheat on your spouse, +[3834.78 --> 3836.46] but that you're constantly +[3836.46 --> 3837.80] looking for ways +[3837.80 --> 3839.44] to serve and care for them +[3839.44 --> 3840.02] in their everyday. +[3841.38 --> 3842.12] That's what +[3842.12 --> 3843.30] not committing adultery +[3843.30 --> 3843.80] looks like +[3843.80 --> 3844.86] when we love that person. +[3845.84 --> 3847.12] When thinking about murder, +[3847.12 --> 3847.88] following this command +[3847.88 --> 3848.78] means not only +[3848.78 --> 3849.34] that you refuse +[3849.34 --> 3850.16] to kill people, +[3851.12 --> 3852.36] but also that +[3852.36 --> 3853.28] you would be loving +[3853.28 --> 3854.22] towards those +[3854.22 --> 3854.90] who you dislike, +[3854.98 --> 3855.70] to be patient, +[3856.12 --> 3857.36] to be peace-bearing, +[3857.72 --> 3858.52] to be gentle +[3858.52 --> 3859.34] and merciful +[3859.34 --> 3860.44] and friendly +[3860.44 --> 3861.14] towards them. +[3861.26 --> 3861.88] We're called +[3861.88 --> 3863.08] to do good +[3863.08 --> 3864.78] in this command. +[3865.64 --> 3866.94] When thinking about theft, +[3867.50 --> 3868.22] following this command +[3868.22 --> 3869.26] is more than simply +[3869.26 --> 3871.30] refusing to take things +[3871.30 --> 3872.54] that don't belong to us, +[3872.54 --> 3874.34] but it's actually +[3874.34 --> 3875.40] actively giving +[3875.40 --> 3876.32] of the things +[3876.32 --> 3877.76] that we do possess +[3877.76 --> 3879.16] to give to others, +[3879.16 --> 3879.88] our money, +[3880.00 --> 3880.50] our possessions, +[3880.64 --> 3881.00] our time, +[3881.06 --> 3881.52] our energy, +[3881.52 --> 3883.60] so that others +[3883.60 --> 3885.48] whom we love +[3885.48 --> 3886.64] are blessed +[3886.64 --> 3887.62] by the very gifts +[3887.62 --> 3888.66] that God has entrusted +[3888.66 --> 3889.24] to us. +[3890.58 --> 3891.50] That's why Paul talks +[3891.50 --> 3892.50] about paying our taxes +[3892.50 --> 3893.16] and tithing +[3893.16 --> 3893.64] and serving +[3893.64 --> 3894.60] and giving of yourself. +[3894.70 --> 3895.80] That's how you love +[3895.80 --> 3897.42] with this command. +[3898.00 --> 3898.52] And then finally, +[3898.62 --> 3899.28] covetousness. +[3899.70 --> 3900.46] Following this command +[3900.46 --> 3901.12] is not simply +[3901.12 --> 3902.78] refusing to desire +[3902.78 --> 3903.92] what other people possess, +[3904.50 --> 3904.76] which, +[3905.28 --> 3906.00] just real quick, +[3906.08 --> 3906.80] is something that +[3906.80 --> 3908.00] is just rampant +[3908.00 --> 3908.48] right now +[3908.48 --> 3909.30] in our culture +[3909.30 --> 3910.82] with the highlight clips +[3910.82 --> 3911.58] that we get to see +[3911.58 --> 3912.30] each and every day +[3912.30 --> 3913.26] on the social medias. +[3914.06 --> 3914.40] But no, +[3914.90 --> 3915.96] following this exam +[3915.96 --> 3916.90] or following this command, +[3916.98 --> 3917.08] sorry, +[3917.12 --> 3918.20] is not simply refusing +[3918.20 --> 3918.92] to desire +[3918.92 --> 3920.08] what other people possess, +[3921.08 --> 3921.48] but it means +[3921.48 --> 3923.12] actively celebrating +[3923.12 --> 3923.78] with people +[3923.78 --> 3924.84] who have accomplished +[3924.84 --> 3925.96] things and received +[3925.96 --> 3926.80] things that God +[3926.80 --> 3927.50] has given them, +[3927.80 --> 3928.80] that God has entrusted +[3928.80 --> 3929.76] them to steward well. +[3931.42 --> 3932.14] And so that means +[3932.14 --> 3933.00] for us as a body, +[3933.08 --> 3934.70] for us as church members, +[3935.02 --> 3936.42] that following this law +[3936.42 --> 3937.76] of love, +[3937.80 --> 3938.64] it means more than +[3938.64 --> 3940.60] simply refusing +[3940.60 --> 3942.06] to actively sin +[3942.06 --> 3942.96] against your brothers +[3942.96 --> 3944.10] and sisters in Christ, +[3945.10 --> 3946.34] but they were actually +[3946.34 --> 3946.96] actively, +[3947.20 --> 3947.74] purposely +[3947.74 --> 3950.00] looking for ways +[3950.00 --> 3950.96] in which we can bless +[3950.96 --> 3952.20] and serve each other, +[3952.38 --> 3953.20] which we can bless +[3953.20 --> 3954.18] and serve everyone +[3954.18 --> 3954.98] in this body, +[3955.02 --> 3956.06] not just those +[3956.06 --> 3956.70] that you know +[3956.70 --> 3957.30] or those that are +[3957.30 --> 3958.36] the same age as you +[3958.36 --> 3959.32] or those that are +[3959.32 --> 3960.30] into the same things +[3960.30 --> 3960.70] as you +[3960.70 --> 3961.32] or who are +[3961.32 --> 3962.12] in the same circles +[3962.12 --> 3962.64] as you, +[3962.78 --> 3963.80] but everyone, +[3964.58 --> 3965.48] that we are actively +[3965.48 --> 3966.32] and purposefully +[3966.32 --> 3967.28] looking for ways +[3967.28 --> 3968.28] to serve each other. +[3969.50 --> 3970.58] That is how we show +[3970.58 --> 3971.48] love in these commands. +[3971.48 --> 3976.80] Now, there's one last thing. +[3977.84 --> 3978.50] We're going to look +[3978.50 --> 3979.48] at verse 10 there +[3979.48 --> 3980.40] with me for a second +[3980.40 --> 3982.40] because there's one more +[3982.40 --> 3983.54] thing to highlight there. +[3983.64 --> 3984.46] Verse 10 says this. +[3984.52 --> 3984.78] It says, +[3984.94 --> 3985.96] love does no harm +[3985.96 --> 3986.54] to a neighbor. +[3986.82 --> 3987.16] Therefore, +[3987.42 --> 3988.78] love is the fulfillment +[3988.78 --> 3989.50] of the law. +[3991.30 --> 3992.16] Now, there's something +[3992.16 --> 3993.08] worth quickly pointing +[3993.08 --> 3993.64] out here +[3993.64 --> 3994.80] because it is easy +[3994.80 --> 3995.72] for us to read +[3995.72 --> 3996.76] our own culture +[3996.76 --> 3997.44] and context +[3997.44 --> 3998.40] into this verse. +[3998.40 --> 3999.92] See, in our culture, +[4000.78 --> 4002.40] the idea of do no harm +[4002.40 --> 4003.62] has become a bit +[4003.62 --> 4004.42] of a buzzy saying. +[4004.96 --> 4005.60] And I think +[4005.60 --> 4007.12] the majority of the time, +[4007.16 --> 4007.70] and I mean this, +[4007.78 --> 4009.00] the majority of the time, +[4009.04 --> 4010.18] it is a very good thing. +[4010.76 --> 4011.32] I mean, after all, +[4011.34 --> 4012.36] Paul is saying it here. +[4012.84 --> 4013.46] Paul is saying here +[4013.46 --> 4014.66] that love does no harm +[4014.66 --> 4015.18] to a neighbor. +[4016.64 --> 4017.04] However, +[4017.14 --> 4017.90] what has happened +[4017.90 --> 4018.46] a little bit +[4018.46 --> 4019.06] in our culture +[4019.06 --> 4020.00] is sometimes +[4020.00 --> 4020.66] this plucky +[4020.66 --> 4021.96] do no harm slogan +[4021.96 --> 4023.00] gets stretched +[4023.00 --> 4023.62] a little further +[4023.62 --> 4024.86] than Paul is intending here. +[4025.82 --> 4026.62] Now, it's important +[4026.62 --> 4027.74] to know in Paul's letter here +[4027.74 --> 4028.44] that this line, +[4028.54 --> 4029.32] this whole verse 10, +[4029.44 --> 4029.80] actually, +[4030.16 --> 4031.66] is written in Greek +[4031.66 --> 4032.54] very poetically. +[4033.16 --> 4035.08] It's written as a chiasm, +[4035.20 --> 4035.76] but unfortunately, +[4035.90 --> 4036.60] that gets lost +[4036.60 --> 4037.50] in the English. +[4038.00 --> 4038.80] It still carries +[4038.80 --> 4039.48] some authority. +[4039.94 --> 4040.74] Love does no harm +[4040.74 --> 4041.24] to a neighbor. +[4041.36 --> 4041.62] Therefore, +[4041.76 --> 4042.58] love is the fulfillment +[4042.58 --> 4043.26] of the law. +[4043.60 --> 4044.44] But the poetry +[4044.44 --> 4045.46] and the artistry +[4045.46 --> 4046.60] is missing. +[4046.84 --> 4048.12] It's lost in the English. +[4048.60 --> 4049.22] And one thing +[4049.22 --> 4050.32] that gets missed here +[4050.32 --> 4052.18] is that when Paul says +[4052.18 --> 4053.76] love does no harm, +[4053.86 --> 4054.40] he is saying +[4054.40 --> 4055.84] love does no evil. +[4056.62 --> 4057.54] The word here +[4057.54 --> 4058.60] is kakos, +[4059.10 --> 4060.24] which means evilness +[4060.24 --> 4061.02] or wickedness +[4061.02 --> 4062.38] or a perversion +[4062.38 --> 4063.22] of what is right. +[4064.52 --> 4064.88] And I think +[4064.88 --> 4066.18] what needs highlighting today +[4066.18 --> 4067.26] is that oftentimes +[4067.26 --> 4068.28] our culture pushes +[4068.28 --> 4070.06] this do no harm narrative +[4070.06 --> 4071.70] just too far, +[4071.80 --> 4072.50] a little too far. +[4072.78 --> 4074.04] It's turned into a phrase +[4074.04 --> 4075.26] that can become +[4075.26 --> 4076.54] very individualistic. +[4077.26 --> 4077.50] Like, +[4077.58 --> 4078.94] I can do whatever I want +[4078.94 --> 4081.14] unless it causes +[4081.14 --> 4081.70] someone harm. +[4081.70 --> 4083.22] or perhaps +[4083.22 --> 4083.94] making it +[4083.94 --> 4085.32] receptive, +[4085.80 --> 4087.00] you can't tell me +[4087.00 --> 4088.36] how to live my life +[4088.36 --> 4089.70] because what you're saying +[4089.70 --> 4090.46] offends me +[4090.46 --> 4091.64] or causes me harm. +[4092.40 --> 4093.50] But if the reality +[4093.50 --> 4094.12] is +[4094.12 --> 4095.98] that law is love +[4095.98 --> 4097.26] and love is law, +[4098.32 --> 4099.30] sometimes +[4099.30 --> 4101.28] in order to love someone, +[4101.68 --> 4103.40] we may need +[4103.40 --> 4104.02] to risk +[4104.02 --> 4104.96] offending them. +[4105.30 --> 4106.30] That's different +[4106.30 --> 4107.32] than the harm +[4107.32 --> 4107.86] that Paul +[4107.86 --> 4108.98] is speaking about. +[4108.98 --> 4109.24] Now, +[4109.66 --> 4110.32] please, +[4110.80 --> 4111.28] please, +[4111.42 --> 4111.96] please +[4111.96 --> 4113.38] be careful +[4113.38 --> 4115.06] with this instruction. +[4116.94 --> 4118.30] There are two things +[4118.30 --> 4119.48] that are particularly +[4119.48 --> 4120.20] important. +[4121.54 --> 4122.08] And oftentimes +[4122.08 --> 4123.22] we really need to hear +[4123.22 --> 4124.46] one of these two things. +[4126.38 --> 4127.42] Holding people +[4127.42 --> 4127.96] accountable +[4127.96 --> 4128.88] for their sin +[4128.88 --> 4130.92] is not an excuse +[4130.92 --> 4131.72] for us to be +[4131.72 --> 4132.34] tactless +[4132.34 --> 4133.32] and crass +[4133.32 --> 4134.48] when we engage people +[4134.48 --> 4135.06] about the way +[4135.06 --> 4135.70] they may be living +[4135.70 --> 4136.24] their lives. +[4137.24 --> 4137.92] So just because +[4137.92 --> 4138.90] truths need to be +[4138.90 --> 4139.20] said, +[4139.60 --> 4140.28] they still need +[4140.28 --> 4140.70] to be said +[4140.70 --> 4141.22] with love. +[4142.12 --> 4142.80] They still need +[4142.80 --> 4143.16] to be said +[4143.16 --> 4143.86] with patience +[4143.86 --> 4144.72] and kindness +[4144.72 --> 4145.60] and humility +[4145.60 --> 4146.70] and gentleness. +[4146.96 --> 4149.24] This love is law +[4149.24 --> 4150.06] that Paul +[4150.06 --> 4150.92] is getting at here +[4150.92 --> 4152.36] is not carte blanche +[4152.36 --> 4152.94] for us +[4152.94 --> 4153.90] to say whatever +[4153.90 --> 4154.54] you want, +[4154.88 --> 4155.80] however you want, +[4156.10 --> 4157.16] as if the truth +[4157.16 --> 4158.04] of the situation +[4158.04 --> 4159.10] supersedes +[4159.10 --> 4160.24] the lack of self-control +[4160.24 --> 4161.26] that we might possess +[4161.26 --> 4162.62] to converse properly. +[4164.20 --> 4164.72] Again, +[4164.84 --> 4165.78] love is still patient. +[4166.30 --> 4167.26] It is still kind. +[4167.40 --> 4168.26] It is still gentle. +[4168.26 --> 4170.30] Read 1 Corinthians 13. +[4170.98 --> 4172.26] Love is all of those things +[4172.26 --> 4173.34] in those conversations. +[4175.00 --> 4175.56] However, +[4176.56 --> 4178.64] it also means +[4178.64 --> 4179.22] that if someone +[4179.22 --> 4179.82] who claims +[4179.82 --> 4180.48] to love the Lord +[4180.48 --> 4181.28] is living outside +[4181.28 --> 4182.16] of the parameters +[4182.16 --> 4184.06] of God's bar +[4184.06 --> 4184.74] of holiness, +[4185.40 --> 4186.62] if they are willfully +[4186.62 --> 4187.68] disobeying +[4187.68 --> 4188.88] the order +[4188.88 --> 4189.44] and commands +[4189.44 --> 4190.14] that God has placed +[4190.14 --> 4191.00] on all of us, +[4191.00 --> 4193.36] in order to love them, +[4194.00 --> 4196.04] we may need +[4196.04 --> 4196.92] to call them out +[4196.92 --> 4198.10] on their sin +[4198.10 --> 4198.64] and risk +[4198.64 --> 4199.44] offending them. +[4201.12 --> 4201.84] Our culture +[4201.84 --> 4202.56] can oftentimes +[4202.56 --> 4203.76] deem that +[4203.76 --> 4204.70] as harmful behavior, +[4204.82 --> 4205.46] but that is not +[4205.46 --> 4206.28] the kind of harm +[4206.28 --> 4206.62] that Paul +[4206.62 --> 4207.62] is referring to here. +[4208.40 --> 4209.68] Love does no harm +[4209.68 --> 4210.44] to a neighbor +[4210.44 --> 4212.42] because love +[4212.42 --> 4213.54] is the fulfillment +[4213.54 --> 4215.06] of the law. +[4215.06 --> 4217.74] I pray that you +[4217.74 --> 4218.66] see the difference there +[4218.66 --> 4219.46] and I pray that you +[4219.46 --> 4220.26] simply don't side +[4220.26 --> 4221.02] with the one side +[4221.02 --> 4221.98] that you agree with more, +[4222.22 --> 4222.60] but you actually +[4222.60 --> 4223.32] look into your heart +[4223.32 --> 4223.66] and you see, +[4224.00 --> 4224.62] how is God +[4224.62 --> 4225.42] calling me +[4225.42 --> 4226.28] to love +[4226.28 --> 4227.16] my neighbor? +[4228.72 --> 4229.50] How is God +[4229.50 --> 4230.08] calling me +[4230.08 --> 4230.72] to love +[4230.72 --> 4231.32] those +[4231.32 --> 4232.56] around me? +[4232.56 --> 4236.58] And so, +[4236.72 --> 4237.26] we are called +[4237.26 --> 4238.44] to a selfless, +[4238.92 --> 4239.68] unconditional, +[4240.20 --> 4241.74] all-encompassing love +[4241.74 --> 4243.28] worthy of our time, +[4243.58 --> 4244.30] our money, +[4244.60 --> 4245.44] our energy, +[4245.68 --> 4246.22] our efforts, +[4246.32 --> 4246.64] and really +[4246.64 --> 4247.58] all of our lives +[4247.58 --> 4248.54] because people +[4248.54 --> 4249.34] are worth it. +[4249.42 --> 4250.60] People are valued +[4250.60 --> 4251.64] and we are not just +[4251.64 --> 4253.06] to show +[4253.06 --> 4255.62] this high calling +[4255.62 --> 4256.02] of love +[4256.02 --> 4256.84] to our friends +[4256.84 --> 4257.48] and families +[4257.48 --> 4258.04] and care groups, +[4258.14 --> 4258.88] but we're also called +[4258.88 --> 4259.50] to show this +[4259.50 --> 4260.88] high calling +[4260.88 --> 4261.46] of love +[4261.46 --> 4262.42] to our government +[4262.42 --> 4262.82] leaders, +[4263.14 --> 4263.70] our enemies, +[4264.18 --> 4264.66] the homeless +[4264.66 --> 4265.44] on our streets, +[4265.72 --> 4266.42] the fellow church +[4266.42 --> 4266.72] growers, +[4266.86 --> 4267.38] no matter what +[4267.38 --> 4267.92] disagreements +[4267.92 --> 4268.52] we may have +[4268.52 --> 4268.92] with them, +[4269.72 --> 4271.40] and if you're +[4271.40 --> 4272.16] sitting there +[4272.16 --> 4273.36] thinking, +[4274.34 --> 4274.92] jeepers, +[4275.30 --> 4276.20] that is a lot, +[4277.50 --> 4277.82] yeah, +[4279.18 --> 4280.18] you're tracking +[4280.18 --> 4281.04] with this perfectly. +[4281.20 --> 4282.58] This is a very +[4282.58 --> 4284.26] overwhelming call +[4284.26 --> 4286.64] and this is, +[4286.80 --> 4287.44] by all intents +[4287.44 --> 4288.04] and purposes, +[4289.86 --> 4291.00] impossible for us. +[4292.42 --> 4293.86] but it's not +[4293.86 --> 4295.46] impossible for Christ. +[4296.48 --> 4296.64] See, +[4296.72 --> 4298.08] only Christ's love +[4298.08 --> 4298.94] is perfect. +[4299.08 --> 4300.16] Only Christ's love +[4300.16 --> 4301.28] was completely +[4301.28 --> 4302.72] self-sacrificing. +[4302.82 --> 4303.72] Only Christ's love +[4303.72 --> 4304.80] was the selfless, +[4305.24 --> 4305.98] unconditional, +[4306.42 --> 4307.80] all-encompassing love +[4307.80 --> 4309.14] that he endured, +[4309.20 --> 4310.16] not just in his life, +[4310.36 --> 4311.20] but in his death +[4311.20 --> 4312.44] on the cross. +[4312.62 --> 4313.96] Christ lived this +[4313.96 --> 4314.84] out perfectly. +[4315.26 --> 4316.32] He fulfilled the law. +[4316.52 --> 4317.68] He loved flawlessly +[4317.68 --> 4319.90] so that we +[4319.90 --> 4321.12] can love +[4321.12 --> 4321.70] too. +[4323.06 --> 4323.26] See, +[4323.34 --> 4324.04] Jesus lived +[4324.04 --> 4324.56] this life +[4324.56 --> 4325.02] that we've been +[4325.02 --> 4325.58] called to live +[4325.58 --> 4326.30] and then he died +[4326.30 --> 4326.98] the death +[4326.98 --> 4327.84] that you and I +[4327.84 --> 4328.38] and all of us +[4328.38 --> 4329.54] deserved to die +[4329.54 --> 4330.10] and he did that +[4330.10 --> 4330.84] in our place, +[4331.00 --> 4332.06] bearing the weight +[4332.06 --> 4332.68] of the sin +[4332.68 --> 4333.20] of the world +[4333.20 --> 4333.96] on his shoulders +[4333.96 --> 4334.94] and taking it +[4334.94 --> 4335.50] to the grave. +[4335.68 --> 4336.92] But three days later, +[4337.28 --> 4338.42] Jesus rose again +[4338.42 --> 4339.94] from the grave. +[4340.06 --> 4340.94] He defeated sin +[4340.94 --> 4341.34] and death +[4341.34 --> 4342.50] once and for all. +[4342.50 --> 4346.06] And now he has given us +[4346.06 --> 4347.60] freedom and grace +[4347.60 --> 4348.46] and mercy. +[4348.90 --> 4350.08] Now we can live this life +[4350.08 --> 4350.98] knowing full well +[4350.98 --> 4352.12] that we are redeemed +[4352.12 --> 4352.64] in him +[4352.64 --> 4355.20] because he loved us first. +[4356.10 --> 4356.84] Now not only +[4356.84 --> 4358.26] is our debt paid, +[4358.64 --> 4359.72] but we have been granted +[4359.72 --> 4361.36] the kingdom of God. +[4361.48 --> 4362.84] We are co-heirs +[4362.84 --> 4363.52] with Christ. +[4363.66 --> 4364.64] We are successors +[4364.64 --> 4366.10] to his eternal kingdom, +[4366.30 --> 4367.46] clothed in righteousness +[4367.46 --> 4368.84] and viewed by our +[4368.84 --> 4369.68] heavenly father +[4369.68 --> 4371.66] as pure and spotless. +[4371.66 --> 4372.92] And it's all because +[4372.92 --> 4374.56] of the unconditional, +[4374.82 --> 4376.02] all-encompassing love +[4376.02 --> 4376.94] of Jesus. +[4378.40 --> 4379.96] And so as overwhelming +[4379.96 --> 4380.76] as the call +[4380.76 --> 4381.88] to love all of those +[4381.88 --> 4382.78] around us +[4382.78 --> 4384.92] may be, +[4386.10 --> 4388.36] how much more overwhelming +[4388.36 --> 4389.62] is the gift of grace +[4389.62 --> 4390.26] and mercy +[4390.26 --> 4390.94] and righteousness +[4390.94 --> 4391.96] and eternal life +[4391.96 --> 4392.90] that we receive +[4392.90 --> 4393.52] from our Savior? +[4394.96 --> 4395.84] It's no wonder +[4395.84 --> 4396.58] we're indebted +[4396.58 --> 4398.22] to love those +[4398.22 --> 4399.08] around us forever +[4399.08 --> 4399.72] for the debt +[4399.72 --> 4400.92] that has been paid +[4400.92 --> 4401.48] for us +[4401.48 --> 4402.74] also can never +[4402.74 --> 4403.42] be repaid. +[4404.42 --> 4405.46] We are indebted +[4405.46 --> 4406.38] to love others +[4406.38 --> 4406.98] forever because +[4406.98 --> 4407.76] our debt +[4407.76 --> 4409.02] has been paid +[4409.02 --> 4409.98] in full +[4409.98 --> 4411.24] in Christ Jesus. +[4412.58 --> 4413.98] Our calling then +[4413.98 --> 4416.02] is to go out +[4416.02 --> 4417.24] and show others +[4417.24 --> 4418.24] this love of Christ, +[4418.38 --> 4420.02] not for our salvation's sake, +[4420.28 --> 4420.98] but because +[4420.98 --> 4422.04] we have already +[4422.04 --> 4422.68] been saved, +[4423.02 --> 4424.14] because we have already +[4424.14 --> 4425.22] been given salvation. +[4426.78 --> 4426.94] See, +[4427.00 --> 4427.72] Jesus is not +[4427.72 --> 4429.04] only the example +[4429.04 --> 4430.22] of love for us, +[4430.30 --> 4431.94] but he's the means +[4431.94 --> 4433.58] by which we can love. +[4434.72 --> 4435.46] Through him +[4435.46 --> 4436.04] we are able +[4436.04 --> 4436.74] to show +[4436.74 --> 4437.78] that love +[4437.78 --> 4438.58] to those around us. +[4438.64 --> 4439.62] It's because of Christ, +[4439.80 --> 4440.74] it's through Christ, +[4440.82 --> 4441.86] and it's by Christ +[4441.86 --> 4443.00] that we can live out +[4443.00 --> 4443.60] this love +[4443.60 --> 4444.78] to those around us. +[4444.78 --> 4445.50] It's all Christ. +[4446.78 --> 4448.00] He is in all, +[4448.42 --> 4449.36] he is through all, +[4449.46 --> 4450.62] and he is the reason +[4450.62 --> 4451.44] we can love. +[4451.54 --> 4453.00] Christ is with you. +[4453.50 --> 4454.46] You can fulfill +[4454.46 --> 4455.36] this call to love +[4455.36 --> 4457.82] because of him. +[4458.66 --> 4459.88] Be blessed by this. +[4460.40 --> 4461.38] Christ is with you, +[4461.90 --> 4462.72] Christ before you, +[4462.82 --> 4463.64] Christ behind you, +[4463.78 --> 4464.44] Christ in you, +[4464.56 --> 4465.44] Christ beneath you, +[4465.68 --> 4466.46] Christ above you, +[4466.58 --> 4467.32] Christ on your right, +[4467.48 --> 4468.28] Christ on your left, +[4468.64 --> 4469.56] Christ when you lie down, +[4469.72 --> 4470.42] Christ when you sit, +[4470.58 --> 4471.36] Christ when you arise, +[4471.50 --> 4472.50] Christ in the heart +[4472.50 --> 4473.54] of every man +[4473.54 --> 4474.20] who thinks of you, +[4474.30 --> 4475.44] Christ in the mouth +[4475.44 --> 4476.30] of everyone +[4476.30 --> 4477.04] who speaks of you, +[4477.28 --> 4477.92] Christ in the eye +[4477.92 --> 4478.36] of everyone +[4478.36 --> 4479.36] who sees you, +[4479.74 --> 4481.38] Christ in every ear +[4481.38 --> 4482.66] that hears you. +[4483.92 --> 4485.00] It's all Christ. +[4485.36 --> 4488.56] Christ loves you +[4488.56 --> 4491.22] and Christ allows you to love +[4491.22 --> 4494.36] and so hear these words +[4494.36 --> 4496.98] our debt is paid +[4496.98 --> 4499.56] and our death's been died +[4499.56 --> 4501.62] you are free +[4501.62 --> 4503.40] you're free to love +[4503.40 --> 4505.76] because that is the only response +[4505.76 --> 4507.80] to the love of Christ for you and for me +[4507.80 --> 4510.00] we're free to love +[4510.00 --> 4514.12] because it is impossible to love too much +[4514.12 --> 4515.62] amen +[4515.62 --> 4517.14] please pray with me +[4517.14 --> 4519.38] Father in heaven +[4519.38 --> 4522.22] you have lived the perfect life +[4522.22 --> 4523.58] of love for us +[4523.58 --> 4525.74] and in doing so you died a death +[4525.74 --> 4527.40] on the cross that all of us deserved +[4527.40 --> 4530.20] but you defeated sin and death +[4530.20 --> 4532.66] and are now not just the example +[4532.66 --> 4534.22] of love for us all to follow +[4534.22 --> 4535.92] but you are the means by which +[4535.92 --> 4537.72] we can go and love those around us +[4537.72 --> 4540.32] and so God we pray in whatever context +[4540.32 --> 4541.44] we find ourselves in +[4541.44 --> 4543.72] in whether it's our homes +[4543.72 --> 4544.86] in our social circles +[4544.86 --> 4545.98] in our workplaces +[4545.98 --> 4549.54] in any situation we find ourselves in this week +[4549.54 --> 4552.48] God that you will shine out of us +[4552.48 --> 4554.82] that your love will shine out of us +[4554.82 --> 4555.96] and you will be glorified +[4555.96 --> 4558.06] by how we love those around us +[4558.06 --> 4560.28] may that be the conviction of our hearts +[4560.28 --> 4561.96] going out of this place today +[4561.96 --> 4564.16] as we go into the world +[4564.16 --> 4566.00] Lord we think of those who are elsewhere +[4566.00 --> 4567.40] those who are going into the world +[4567.40 --> 4568.60] that there are Mexico team +[4568.60 --> 4569.82] the many other missions teams +[4569.82 --> 4571.08] that are out and about +[4571.08 --> 4572.00] and traveling right now +[4572.00 --> 4573.72] God may love reign +[4573.72 --> 4575.60] in their lives as well +[4575.60 --> 4578.64] and may we show Christ's love +[4578.64 --> 4579.84] may we show your love +[4579.84 --> 4581.54] to the world around us +[4581.54 --> 4582.56] we pray in your name +[4582.56 --> 4583.20] Amen +[4583.20 --> 4589.38] Amen +[4589.42 --> 4591.20] Amen +[4591.20 --> 4594.88] Amen +[4594.88 --> 4597.18] Amen +[4597.18 --> 4598.56] Amen +[4598.58 --> 4608.94] Amen +[4608.94 --> 4625.80] My Lord, what love is this that pain so dearly +[4625.80 --> 4641.80] That I, the guilty one, may all be amazing love +[4641.80 --> 4650.80] Oh, what sacrifice, the sorrow of God in mourning +[4650.80 --> 4658.94] Oh, can you please, and my death be died +[4658.94 --> 4673.80] That I, the guilty one, may all be amazing +[4673.80 --> 4688.20] So, they watched the night, this night's rejected +[4688.20 --> 4702.20] My Lord, what life shall come for me +[4702.20 --> 4715.20] How amazing love, oh, what sacrifice, the sorrow of God in mourning +[4715.20 --> 4722.20] My dearly days and my dearly days +[4722.20 --> 4728.20] That I, the guilty one, may all be amazing +[4728.20 --> 4736.20] That I, the guilty one, may all be amazing +[4736.20 --> 4746.20] And I, this love of Christ +[4746.20 --> 4753.20] Shall hold my rivers +[4753.20 --> 4766.20] Come walk, oh, what sacrifice, the sorrow of God in mourning +[4766.20 --> 4779.20] Come here to God, oh, what sacrifice, the sorrow of God in mourning +[4779.20 --> 4785.20] My dearly days and my merry days +[4785.20 --> 4792.20] And I, the guilty one, may all be amazing +[4792.20 --> 4798.20] And I, the guilty one, may all be amazing +[4798.20 --> 4816.20] And so as we go from this place, we remember that gift of love +[4816.20 --> 4818.76] That amazing love that Christ has shown us +[4818.76 --> 4821.14] And may we go and show that to others +[4821.14 --> 4823.96] If you need prayer this morning, there will be a prayer person up front here +[4823.96 --> 4825.32] With a yellow name tag +[4825.32 --> 4828.06] Please feel free to go up to them and seek prayer +[4828.06 --> 4829.26] Those can be prayers of blessing +[4829.26 --> 4833.12] And of course prayers of things in need +[4833.12 --> 4836.46] And if you are looking for prayer but don't want to come up +[4836.46 --> 4838.46] Talk to your neighbor, I'm sure they'll pray for you too +[4838.46 --> 4842.28] Now, if you will join us after the service for some refreshments +[4842.28 --> 4843.84] That would be awesome as well +[4843.84 --> 4846.74] But before we go, please hear this priestly blessing +[4846.74 --> 4848.48] Found in Numbers 6 +[4848.48 --> 4853.10] The Lord bless you and keep you +[4853.10 --> 4855.96] The Lord make His face shine upon you +[4855.96 --> 4857.22] And be gracious to you +[4857.22 --> 4859.84] The Lord turn His face toward you +[4859.84 --> 4861.82] And give you His peace +[4861.82 --> 4863.94] And all of God's people say +[4863.94 --> 4864.84] Amen +[4865.04 --> 4892.28] We are of those +[4892.28 --> 4894.28] Oh +[4922.28 --> 4924.28] Oh +[4952.28 --> 4954.28] Oh +[4982.28 --> 4984.28] Oh +[5012.28 --> 5014.28] Oh +[5042.28 --> 5044.28] Oh +[5072.28 --> 5074.28] Oh +[5074.28 --> 5076.28] Oh +[5076.28 --> 5078.28] Oh +[5102.28 --> 5104.28] Oh +[5122.78 --> 5124.78] Oh +[5132.28 --> 5162.26] Thank you. +[5162.28 --> 5165.74] Thank you. +[5192.28 --> 5222.26] Thank you. +[5222.28 --> 5252.26] Thank you. +[5252.28 --> 5282.26] Thank you. +[5282.28 --> 5312.26] Thank you. +[5312.28 --> 5342.26] Thank you. +[5342.28 --> 5372.26] Thank you. +[5372.28 --> 5402.26] Thank you. +[5402.28 --> 5432.26] Thank you. +[5432.28 --> 5462.26] Thank you. +[5462.28 --> 5492.26] Thank you. +[5492.28 --> 5522.26] Thank you. +[5522.28 --> 5552.26] Thank you. diff --git a/Sunday Worship, March 24, 2024_summary.txt b/Sunday Worship, March 24, 2024_summary.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000000000000000000000000000000000000..92a9f4a6401fefc563c9f0ae3f5b40c4ba99c6bf --- /dev/null +++ b/Sunday Worship, March 24, 2024_summary.txt @@ -0,0 +1,98 @@ +• Introduction to worship service +• Call to sing and pray +• Singing of "Hosanna" and other hymns +• Worship service transitions to a specific segment (Bowerheads) +• Invitation for attendees to find their places and participate +• Praying for enemies and loving them +• Asking for help to live a sacrificial life +• Prayer for the kingdom of God to come and will to be done +• Singing new songs to God and proclaiming His mercy +• Acknowledging Jesus' strength, power, and salvation +• Praising Christ's resurrection and glory +• Lifting God's name higher +• Praise and worship songs referencing God's mercy, love, and power +• Description of God as the "King of kings" and "Lord God Almighty" +• Mention of creation singing praise to God +• References to Jesus' name being a source of wonder and awe +• Discussion of salvation and redemption through God's sacrifice +• Introduction to Union Gospel Missions (UGM) and their work in the community +• Praise and thanksgiving for God's presence and love in one's life +• Spring break and school cancellation +• Children's worship time discussion about Good Friday +• Questioning the kids about accidents or injuries during spring break +• Discussion of Jesus' suffering on Good Friday, including physical and emotional abuse +• Church family prayer led by Sam, including condolences and prayers for several individuals +• Prayer requests for various people facing health issues and challenges +• Continuation of grief for personal losses +• Request for new leadership in the church +• Reading from Isaiah chapter on God's power and authority +• Reading from Matthew 21:23-27 about Jesus' authority +• Discussion on making decisions and valuing what is important despite opposition or hardship +• Connection to Palm Sunday theme of Jesus' triumphal entry and declaration of authority +• The triumphal entry in Matthew 21 announces Jesus as king and Messiah +• Jesus sees into the future due to his divine perspective as ruler of the universe +• Jesus' kingship is confirmed through Old Testament prophecy (Zechariah 9) +• Jesus' kingdom is a spiritual kingdom that brings peace and extends from sea to sea +• The significance of Jesus being called "king" is emphasized throughout Matthew's gospel account +• Hosanna is a transliteration of a Hebrew word meaning "O Lord, save us" +• The phrase "Hosanna to the son of David" was a title of royal acclamation and theological statement about Jesus' identity +• Psalm 118 emerged in Jewish worship as a psalm of hope for the coming Messiah king +• The triumphal entry is seen as the announcement of Jesus as the Messiah, savior of the world, and king in the line of David +• Three responses to Jesus are demonstrated: praise (Hosanna), questioning ("Who is this?"), and rejection +• The question "Who is Jesus?" determines one's trajectory and significance in life +• The value of life beyond individual existence +• The concept of a king or ruler and its relation to purpose +• Meaning in life, particularly in modern times and philosophy +• Relationship with Jesus Christ as the source of ultimate meaning and good +• The response to Jesus' arrival, including both acceptance and rejection +• The importance of understanding who Jesus is +• Jesus challenges people's presumptions of power and privilege +• Indignation is a common response to being challenged by Jesus or questioning his identity +• People often spend their lives building up systems of thought, power, and purpose that are challenged by Jesus +• The default reaction to being confronted with the truth about one's idols is rage or indignation +• Idols are anything created and given meaning and purpose that should only be found in God; they can be good things turned into ultimate things. +• Sin causes idolatry by creating a void in the heart that must be filled +• Idolatry is rebelling against God and casting off one's relationship with Him +• When Jesus challenges our idols, we often respond with indignation or pride +• The chief priests and elders questioned Jesus' authority, but their response was not described as indignant or proud +• The fear of skepticism and doubt in churches can lead to a culture where questions are discouraged. +• Asking hard questions about Jesus and his identity is a good thing, and Jesus can handle these questions. +• Skepticism itself is a good thing and should not be feared. +• The story of Jesus questioning the Pharisees highlights the importance of critical thinking and asking questions. +• Jesus' ability to create the world with just a word demonstrates that he can handle people's doubts and hard questions. +• Different people are referred to as possible identities of Jesus (John the Baptist, Elijah, Jeremiah, etc.) +• Jesus asks his followers who he is +• Simon Peter answers that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God +• Questions and skepticism are necessary for faith +• The refusal to commit to an answer is a problem in understanding who Jesus is +• Jesus' identity has been made clear throughout his teachings +• There is no excuse for not knowing who Jesus is in modern culture, except willful ignorance +• Pandemic of biblical illiteracy in the church today +• Connection between Jesus and values being challenged or going against societal norms +• Story of Jesus cursing the fig tree as an example of his authority and power +• Disciples' amazement at the tree's immediate withering and its implications for understanding who Jesus is +• Jesus is asleep on a boat during a storm and the disciples are terrified +• Jesus wakes up and asks the disciples what their faith is in +• The storm dies down immediately after Jesus tells it to be still +• The men are amazed by Jesus' power over nature +• Profession of faith or baptism is discussed as an important step in acknowledging Jesus as one's Messiah and King +• A prayer is said, inviting listeners to stand and acknowledge Jesus as Holy Lord, Holy Messiah, King Jesus. +• The speaker's prayer for those in indignation and questioning faith +• Prayer for skeptics and those struggling with doubt +• Affirming Jesus as King and Lord, praying to worship Him forever +• Adding voices to the church throughout time praising Jesus as King +• Hosanna to Jesus as Son of David and the highest heaven +• Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord +• Worship and praise for Jesus Christ +• Palm branches as a symbol of journeying with Jesus to the cross +• Invitation to display palm branches at home or door +• Journeying with Jesus to the cross, and the hope of Sunday's resurrection +• Picking up Mexico mission team +• Blessings from God, including protection, support, and friendship +• Hymn singing and declaration of Jesus as King and Lamb +• References to the divine, including "God" and "the King of all kings" +• Mention of Geralt +• Unintelligible phrases such as "Vice順" and "Ludλ" +• References to power and authority, including "kings" and "reign" +• Various abstract concepts mentioned in passing, including "fear", "glow", and "conservation" +• Names mentioned include "Kristen", "Flynn", and "Geralt" \ No newline at end of file diff --git a/Sunday Worship, March 24, 2024_transcript.txt b/Sunday Worship, March 24, 2024_transcript.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000000000000000000000000000000000000..a38451047541009af1eafc4a7b69b655bd119cca --- /dev/null +++ b/Sunday Worship, March 24, 2024_transcript.txt @@ -0,0 +1,1636 @@ +[0.38 --> 5.68] Excuse me. +[5.68 --> 11.00] And then it's gonna come out. +[20.16 --> 23.02] I should have this thing with a friend. +[30.00 --> 59.98] Thank you. +[60.00 --> 89.98] Thank you. +[90.00 --> 119.98] Thank you. +[120.00 --> 149.98] Thank you. +[150.00 --> 179.98] Thank you. +[180.00 --> 209.98] Thank you. +[210.00 --> 239.98] Thank you. +[240.00 --> 269.98] Thank you. +[270.00 --> 299.98] Thank you. +[300.00 --> 329.98] Thank you. +[330.00 --> 359.98] Thank you. +[360.00 --> 389.98] Thank you. +[390.00 --> 419.98] Thank you. +[420.00 --> 449.98] Thank you. +[450.00 --> 479.98] Thank you. +[480.00 --> 509.98] Thank you. +[510.00 --> 539.98] Thank you. +[540.00 --> 569.98] Thank you. +[570.00 --> 599.98] Thank you. +[600.00 --> 629.98] Thank you. +[630.00 --> 659.98] Thank you. +[660.00 --> 689.98] Thank you. +[690.00 --> 719.98] Thank you. +[720.00 --> 749.98] Thank you. +[750.00 --> 779.98] Thank you. +[780.00 --> 809.98] Thank you. +[810.00 --> 839.98] Thank you. +[840.00 --> 869.98] Thank you. +[870.00 --> 899.98] Thank you. +[900.00 --> 929.98] Thank you. +[930.00 --> 959.98] Thank you. +[960.00 --> 989.98] Thank you. +[990.00 --> 1019.98] Thank you. +[1020.00 --> 1049.98] Thank you. +[1050.00 --> 1079.98] Thank you. +[1080.00 --> 1109.98] Thank you. +[1110.00 --> 1139.98] Thank you. +[1140.00 --> 1169.98] Thank you. +[1170.00 --> 1199.98] Thank you. +[1200.00 --> 1229.98] Thank you. +[1230.00 --> 1259.98] Thank you. +[1260.00 --> 1289.98] Thank you. +[1290.00 --> 1319.98] Thank you. +[1320.00 --> 1350.00] Good morning. +[1350.00 --> 1379.98] And we have you. +[1379.98 --> 1409.96] Thank you. +[1409.96 --> 1439.94] Before we begin. +[1439.94 --> 1469.94] Thank you. +[1469.94 --> 1499.94] Kevin is on. +[1499.94 --> 1529.92] We have you. +[1529.92 --> 1559.90] And so we're going to put you. +[1559.90 --> 1589.90] your friends. +[1589.90 --> 1619.88] We're doing our time together. +[1619.88 --> 1649.88] to those around you. +[1649.88 --> 1651.88] Amen. +[1679.88 --> 1709.86] Our call to worship. +[1709.86 --> 1739.84] as we're going to do. +[1739.84 --> 1769.84] 2, +[1769.84 --> 1799.82] Hosanna, we're going to do. +[1799.82 --> 1801.82] glory to the King of the King of the King. +[1829.82 --> 1857.82] with the singing, we're going to pray, +[1857.82 --> 1861.74] afraid? Who can do it? +[1862.88 --> 1864.96] Yes! Come on up and show us. +[1865.86 --> 1869.82] More. Yeah, Emma. Yeah, yeah. +[1870.48 --> 1873.48] Come on up. Alright. +[1873.88 --> 1878.04] We're going to sing another song and you guys can show us how exactly to do it, okay? +[1887.82 --> 1889.82] Amen. +[1917.82 --> 1920.62] We're fighting for you. +[1922.08 --> 1924.20] We are the news. +[1926.08 --> 1932.00] Because when we see you, we find strength to face the day. +[1934.16 --> 1939.82] And in your presence, all our fears are washed away. +[1939.82 --> 1941.82] Washed away. +[1941.82 --> 1951.02] Hosanna! Hosanna! +[1951.96 --> 1955.64] You are the God who saves us. +[1956.18 --> 1959.02] Worthy of all our praises. +[1961.02 --> 1966.86] Hosanna! Hosanna! +[1966.86 --> 1968.18] You are the Son ofyima! +[1968.18 --> 1971.46] Come on up your way upon us. +[1971.84 --> 1974.98] We welcome you here, Lord Jesus. +[1977.18 --> 1987.54] Hear the sound of hearts returning to you. +[1989.04 --> 1991.28] Return to you. +[1991.28 --> 1998.10] In your kingdom +[1998.10 --> 2003.76] Broken lives are made new +[2003.76 --> 2007.66] You make us new +[2007.66 --> 2011.78] When we see you +[2011.78 --> 2015.62] We find strength to face the day +[2015.62 --> 2019.20] In your presence +[2019.20 --> 2023.26] All our fears are washed away +[2023.26 --> 2025.82] Washed away +[2025.82 --> 2030.66] Hosanna +[2030.66 --> 2034.32] Hosanna +[2034.32 --> 2038.92] You are the God who saves us +[2038.92 --> 2042.34] Worthy of all our praises +[2042.34 --> 2045.54] Hosanna +[2045.54 --> 2050.12] Hosanna +[2050.12 --> 2054.70] Come on your way among us +[2054.70 --> 2058.16] We welcome you here, Lord Jesus +[2058.16 --> 2062.20] Hosanna +[2062.20 --> 2066.02] Hosanna +[2066.02 --> 2070.66] You are the God who saves us +[2070.66 --> 2074.46] Worthy of all our praises +[2074.46 --> 2077.04] Hosanna +[2077.04 --> 2079.04] Hosanna +[2079.04 --> 2081.04] Hosanna +[2081.04 --> 2086.72] Come on your way among us +[2086.72 --> 2090.30] We welcome you here, Lord Jesus +[2090.30 --> 2094.88] Hosanna +[2094.88 --> 2098.88] Hosanna +[2098.88 --> 2100.20] It's Bowerheads. +[2101.20 --> 2105.12] Oh, I'll give you the kids a minute to find their places back. +[2112.56 --> 2113.74] All right, it's Bowerheads. +[2116.90 --> 2120.52] Once again, Lord, we find ourselves doing a heart check. +[2121.62 --> 2124.38] We've just shouted Hosanna with the crowds in Jerusalem. +[2125.30 --> 2129.26] We wanted to see you come into our lives to crush our enemies. +[2129.96 --> 2134.18] We weren't ready to hear you tell us that we should be loving our enemies, +[2135.74 --> 2137.46] praying for our enemies. +[2139.38 --> 2146.16] We know in our minds that this is the kind of sacrificial love you ask of us, +[2146.94 --> 2150.84] but our hearts just can't do it without your help. +[2150.84 --> 2154.62] Father, through the power of your Holy Spirit, +[2155.58 --> 2159.20] soften our hearts so we can live as new creations +[2159.20 --> 2163.00] with hearts that long to please you. +[2163.96 --> 2166.68] Help us walk in the power of your love. +[2167.22 --> 2167.46] Amen. +[2167.46 --> 2168.68] Amen. +[2168.68 --> 2192.86] Oh, Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. +[2193.46 --> 2197.86] Come and let your glory come and let your glory come. +[2198.68 --> 2208.68] Oh, Father, who art in heaven, the rocks cry out your fame. +[2208.68 --> 2214.68] Help and let your glory come and let your glory come. +[2214.68 --> 2244.68] +[2244.68 --> 2248.68] On earth as it is in heaven. +[2248.68 --> 2264.68] God give us new every morning, mercy as daily bread. +[2264.68 --> 2294.68] +[2294.68 --> 2298.76] Sing a new song, I will sing. +[2298.92 --> 2304.28] Sing a new song to the Lord. +[2304.68 --> 2308.52] Let your kingdom come and let your will be done. +[2308.52 --> 2312.38] On earth as it is in heaven. +[2312.68 --> 2316.70] Every heart proclaim the mercy of your name. +[2317.00 --> 2320.22] On earth as it is in heaven. +[2320.22 --> 2328.22] For the kingdom is yours and the power is yours and the glory forever. Amen. +[2328.22 --> 2343.68] For the kingdom is yours and the power is yours and the glory forever. Amen. +[2343.68 --> 2355.68] Let your kingdom come and let your will be done. +[2355.68 --> 2359.68] On earth as it is in heaven. +[2359.68 --> 2363.68] Every heart proclaim the mercy of your name. +[2363.68 --> 2367.68] On earth as it is in heaven. +[2367.68 --> 2371.68] Let your kingdom come and let your will be done. +[2371.68 --> 2375.68] On earth as it is in heaven. +[2375.68 --> 2380.68] Every heart proclaim the mercy of your name. +[2380.68 --> 2385.68] On earth as it is in heaven. +[2385.68 --> 2389.68] Amen. +[2389.68 --> 2391.68] Amen. +[2391.68 --> 2393.68] Amen. +[2393.68 --> 2395.68] Amen. +[2395.68 --> 2397.68] Amen. +[2397.68 --> 2399.68] Amen. +[2399.68 --> 2401.68] Amen. +[2401.68 --> 2403.68] Amen. +[2403.68 --> 2404.68] Amen. +[2404.68 --> 2425.68] Amen. +[2425.68 --> 2426.68] Amen. +[2430.68 --> 2432.68] Amen. +[2432.68 --> 2446.28] a sinner's cross he broke my shame and sinfulness he rose again victorious +[2453.24 --> 2462.28] faithfulness none can deny through the storm and through the fire +[2462.68 --> 2472.12] there is truth that sets me free jesus christ who lives in me +[2475.56 --> 2480.12] you are stronger you are stronger +[2480.12 --> 2485.16] sin is broken you have saved me +[2485.16 --> 2492.60] in his vision christ is +[2492.60 --> 2504.04] no beginning +[2504.04 --> 2506.04] and no end +[2506.04 --> 2511.48] you're my hope and my defense +[2511.48 --> 2515.48] you came to seek and save the lost +[2515.48 --> 2517.48] you did it all +[2517.48 --> 2521.48] upon the cross +[2521.48 --> 2528.92] you are stronger you are stronger +[2528.92 --> 2530.92] sin is broken +[2530.92 --> 2532.92] you have saved me +[2532.92 --> 2534.92] it is written +[2534.92 --> 2536.92] christ is risen +[2536.92 --> 2538.92] jesus +[2538.92 --> 2542.92] you are lord of all +[2542.92 --> 2552.36] so let your name be lifted +[2552.36 --> 2554.36] higher +[2554.36 --> 2556.36] be lifted +[2556.36 --> 2558.36] higher +[2558.36 --> 2560.36] so let your name +[2560.36 --> 2562.36] be lifted +[2562.36 --> 2564.36] higher +[2564.36 --> 2573.80] higher +[2573.80 --> 2575.80] be lifted +[2575.80 --> 2577.80] higher +[2577.80 --> 2578.84] so let your name +[2578.84 --> 2579.80] be lifted +[2579.80 --> 2581.80] higher +[2581.80 --> 2583.80] be lifted +[2583.80 --> 2585.80] higher +[2585.80 --> 2587.24] higher +[2587.24 --> 2589.24] higher +[2589.24 --> 2591.24] you are stronger +[2591.24 --> 2593.24] you are stronger +[2593.24 --> 2595.24] you have saved +[2595.24 --> 2597.24] me +[2597.24 --> 2599.24] it is +[2599.24 --> 2601.24] christ is +[2601.24 --> 2603.24] jesus +[2603.24 --> 2605.24] you are +[2605.24 --> 2607.24] you are +[2607.24 --> 2609.24] stronger +[2609.24 --> 2611.24] you are +[2611.24 --> 2613.24] broken +[2613.24 --> 2618.68] you are +[2618.68 --> 2620.68] broken +[2620.68 --> 2622.68] you +[2622.68 --> 2624.68] have +[2624.68 --> 2626.68] saved +[2626.68 --> 2628.68] me +[2628.68 --> 2630.68] it is +[2630.68 --> 2632.68] written +[2632.68 --> 2634.68] jesus +[2634.68 --> 2636.68] you +[2636.68 --> 2638.68] are +[2638.68 --> 2652.12] you +[2652.12 --> 2656.12] lamb who was slain +[2656.12 --> 2658.12] holy holy is +[2658.12 --> 2662.12] he +[2662.12 --> 2666.12] sing a new song +[2666.12 --> 2668.12] to him who sits on +[2668.12 --> 2669.56] heaven's mercy +[2669.56 --> 2671.56] is +[2671.56 --> 2673.56] he +[2673.56 --> 2677.56] worthy is +[2677.56 --> 2679.56] love +[2679.56 --> 2681.56] lamb who was +[2681.56 --> 2683.56] slain +[2683.56 --> 2685.56] holy holy is +[2685.56 --> 2687.56] he +[2687.56 --> 2691.56] sing a new song +[2691.56 --> 2693.56] to him who sits on +[2693.56 --> 2695.56] heaven's +[2695.56 --> 2697.00] heaven's mercy +[2697.00 --> 2697.56] see +[2697.56 --> 2701.56] holy holy +[2701.56 --> 2703.56] holy holy +[2703.56 --> 2705.56] holy is +[2705.56 --> 2706.92] the lord god almighty +[2706.92 --> 2709.48] who was and is +[2709.48 --> 2711.00] and is to come +[2711.00 --> 2715.56] with all creation +[2715.56 --> 2717.56] i sing praise +[2717.56 --> 2719.56] to the king of kings +[2719.56 --> 2721.56] you +[2721.56 --> 2723.56] you are my everything +[2723.56 --> 2725.56] and i will +[2725.56 --> 2727.56] adore you +[2727.56 --> 2729.56] you +[2739.56 --> 2743.56] golden rain balls +[2743.56 --> 2745.56] of living color +[2745.56 --> 2747.56] flashes of lightning +[2747.56 --> 2749.56] rolls of thunder +[2749.56 --> 2751.56] and +[2751.56 --> 2752.56] the +[2752.56 --> 2753.56] blessing and honor +[2753.56 --> 2755.00] strength and +[2755.00 --> 2755.56] glory +[2755.56 --> 2756.56] and +[2756.56 --> 2757.56] glory +[2757.56 --> 2758.56] to you +[2758.56 --> 2759.56] the +[2759.56 --> 2760.56] only +[2760.56 --> 2761.56] wise +[2761.56 --> 2763.56] king +[2763.56 --> 2765.56] holy +[2765.56 --> 2766.56] holy holy +[2766.56 --> 2767.56] holy +[2767.56 --> 2768.56] is +[2768.56 --> 2769.56] the lord god +[2769.56 --> 2770.56] almighty +[2770.56 --> 2771.56] who was +[2771.56 --> 2772.56] and is +[2772.56 --> 2773.56] and is +[2773.56 --> 2777.56] with the +[2777.56 --> 2779.48] people +[2779.48 --> 2782.56] to part +[2782.56 --> 2782.98] whom +[2782.98 --> 2783.88] and +[2783.88 --> 2786.56] i will +[2786.56 --> 2788.56] adore +[2788.56 --> 2792.56] you +[2792.56 --> 2797.56] wed +[2797.56 --> 2798.56] love +[2798.56 --> 2799.56] fall +[2799.56 --> 2801.36] and +[2801.36 --> 2814.70] Filled with wonder, awestruck wonder, at the mention of your name. +[2815.54 --> 2827.04] Filled with wonder, awestruck wonder, at the mention of your name. +[2827.04 --> 2838.48] Jesus, your name is God, breath and living water, such a marvelous mystery. +[2841.82 --> 2851.30] Holy, holy, holy, the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come. +[2851.30 --> 2859.30] With all creation I sing, praise to the King of kings. +[2860.48 --> 2865.30] You are my everything, and I will adore you. +[2867.30 --> 2876.30] Holy, holy, holy, the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come. +[2876.30 --> 2906.28] Holy, holy, holy, the Lord Almighty, who was and is and is to come. +[2906.28 --> 2906.78] Amen. +[2918.26 --> 2922.16] Good morning. +[2922.76 --> 2925.64] Today's offering is for Union Gospel Missions. +[2926.58 --> 2934.88] UGM is a local ministry that works in communities by providing meals, education, shelter, safety, and affordable housing. +[2934.88 --> 2941.92] drug and alcohol recovery programs and support services to those struggling with homelessness and addiction. +[2942.46 --> 2949.24] They are also partners with Inland Northwest to reach the poor with the love and power of the gospel +[2949.24 --> 2953.44] so they may become God-dependent, contributing members of our society. +[2953.76 --> 2954.32] Thank you. +[2964.88 --> 2994.86] Thank you. +[2994.88 --> 2999.54] I'm so glad you're in my life. +[3000.70 --> 3006.02] I'm so glad you came to save us. +[3006.40 --> 3012.12] You came from heaven to earth to show the way. +[3012.46 --> 3017.82] From the earth to the cross, my debt to pay. +[3018.22 --> 3023.68] From the cross to the grave, from the grave to the sky. +[3023.68 --> 3027.50] Lord, I lift your name on high. +[3032.34 --> 3036.24] Lord, I lift your name on high. +[3038.08 --> 3041.50] Lord, I love to sing your praises. +[3041.50 --> 3046.16] I'm so glad you're in my life. +[3046.16 --> 3054.16] I'm so glad you came to save us. +[3054.16 --> 3060.98] You came from heaven to earth to show the way. +[3060.98 --> 3066.80] From the earth to the cross, my debt to pay. +[3066.80 --> 3068.80] From the cross to the grave. +[3068.80 --> 3072.62] From the grave to the sky. +[3072.62 --> 3074.62] Lord, I lift your name on high. +[3074.62 --> 3076.44] Lord, I lift your name on high. +[3076.44 --> 3083.84] You came from heaven to earth to show the way. +[3083.84 --> 3089.50] From the earth to the cross, my debt to pay. +[3089.66 --> 3092.42] From the cross to the grave. +[3092.42 --> 3095.24] From the grave to the sky. +[3095.24 --> 3099.24] Lord, I lift your name on high. +[3099.24 --> 3104.24] Lord, I lift your name on high. +[3104.24 --> 3113.54] So, my debt to love to sing yourếnowin' agua. +[3113.54 --> 3123.48] Okay, I'd like to invite all the kids up front for children's worship time. +[3133.34 --> 3137.20] So are these the last few kids that didn't get to go anywhere on spring break? +[3137.28 --> 3138.26] Is that what's going on here? +[3138.86 --> 3140.58] Yeah, I'm stuck at home too. +[3141.16 --> 3142.08] I know your pain. +[3142.08 --> 3144.40] How are you guys doing this morning? +[3144.46 --> 3144.98] Let me hear you. +[3145.76 --> 3147.40] All right, very good. +[3148.36 --> 3148.92] Do you? +[3149.26 --> 3150.18] Because no school? +[3151.94 --> 3152.52] Right on. +[3152.74 --> 3153.72] I got a question for you. +[3153.78 --> 3157.36] You guys have probably been playing outside for the last week because you've been away home from school. +[3157.44 --> 3163.48] Does anybody, did anybody get hurt this week playing outside, falling off your bike, your scooter, anything like that? +[3163.54 --> 3163.70] Yeah? +[3165.76 --> 3166.94] Blister from rollerblading? +[3167.04 --> 3167.38] How about you? +[3167.42 --> 3168.44] Did you get hurt this week? +[3170.08 --> 3170.48] Yeah. +[3170.48 --> 3170.56] Yeah. +[3172.08 --> 3174.14] Why is it just the boys putting their hands up here? +[3176.98 --> 3181.22] Does anybody have any road rash, any like, you know, scars or any of that kind of stuff? +[3183.12 --> 3183.48] Yeah. +[3183.54 --> 3184.34] You fell off your bike? +[3186.18 --> 3187.52] You almost fell off your scooter. +[3187.52 --> 3187.58] Easter. +[3188.02 --> 3191.28] Hey, who knows what's coming up next week, next weekend? +[3191.84 --> 3192.24] Easter. +[3192.68 --> 3194.68] And what happens on Friday at Easter? +[3196.18 --> 3196.90] Good Friday. +[3197.08 --> 3199.24] Good Friday, but what happens on that day? +[3199.30 --> 3199.94] He rises. +[3200.46 --> 3201.16] Jesus rises. +[3201.26 --> 3202.28] No, that's the Sunday. +[3202.36 --> 3203.34] What happens on the Friday? +[3203.72 --> 3204.38] We go to church. +[3204.52 --> 3205.32] We go to church. +[3205.38 --> 3205.92] Good answer. +[3208.30 --> 3208.78] Weekend. +[3208.88 --> 3209.54] Is it church? +[3209.54 --> 3211.44] That happens on Sunday. +[3211.44 --> 3212.76] On Friday, he gets. +[3213.56 --> 3214.26] That's right. +[3214.26 --> 3214.30] Right? +[3214.72 --> 3216.22] So, Jesus was. +[3216.96 --> 3219.74] He suffered a lot of hurt on that Friday. +[3219.94 --> 3220.20] He was. +[3220.28 --> 3224.36] People were, like, hitting him and spitting on him and not being very nice to him. +[3224.88 --> 3226.10] And also emotional. +[3226.80 --> 3227.74] A little bit of abuse. +[3227.84 --> 3227.98] Right? +[3228.02 --> 3230.02] People were yelling, saying not very nice things to him. +[3230.08 --> 3234.08] So, we're going to talk a bit about that in children's worship time today. +[3234.08 --> 3240.12] But what I want you guys to do first is we're going to stand up and face the congregation and do the blessing. +[3241.56 --> 3242.12] Ready? +[3242.78 --> 3245.38] The Lord be with you. +[3245.58 --> 3247.26] And also with you. +[3264.08 --> 3269.80] Good morning. +[3269.96 --> 3271.98] My name's Sam and I'm one of the members here. +[3272.56 --> 3275.42] And it's my privilege to lead you in a church family prayer. +[3276.10 --> 3279.34] Before I start with that, just have one announcement to make. +[3279.52 --> 3285.82] And our condolences go out to the Rollerman and the Woltzer family as the passing of Peter Rollerman, +[3285.82 --> 3289.00] who is a brother-in-law to Jake and also an uncle to Peter. +[3289.80 --> 3292.30] So, keep them in your prayers this week. +[3292.30 --> 3294.74] Please pray with me. +[3296.26 --> 3299.82] We come before you, Lord, reminded of the song we just sang. +[3300.50 --> 3305.08] Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come. +[3305.48 --> 3307.00] With all creation I sing. +[3307.70 --> 3309.00] Praise to the King of kings. +[3309.64 --> 3311.94] You are my everything, and I will adore you. +[3312.74 --> 3315.54] How can we express the praise that is due your name? +[3316.72 --> 3319.72] As we approach Good Friday, we are reminded of the words, +[3319.72 --> 3323.16] Jesus Christ, I think upon your sacrifice. +[3323.94 --> 3326.24] You became nothing, poured out to death. +[3327.18 --> 3332.04] Many times I've wondered at your gift of life, and I'm in that place once again. +[3333.04 --> 3336.56] May we take time this week to reflect on that amazing gift of life +[3336.56 --> 3340.84] that we don't deserve yet gratefully except from your amazing love. +[3340.84 --> 3344.34] We now bring before you our requests. +[3344.34 --> 3352.50] We continue to pray for Matt and Rachel Skipper as they faced difficult times with Rachel's health declining. +[3353.08 --> 3356.68] Please be there to lift them up and to grant them your peace. +[3357.38 --> 3362.36] We pray for Kobe DeBorsab, who continues treatment for leukemia. +[3363.20 --> 3364.94] Touch her with your healing hand, we pray. +[3364.94 --> 3368.46] We pray for Ellen White, who continues to gain strength, +[3368.96 --> 3371.62] and pray that you would restore her to full health. +[3372.60 --> 3377.30] We pray for our Mexico team, who are continuing to minister and help out in Mexico. +[3377.86 --> 3382.02] We pray that they may experience the power of your spirit during their time there. +[3382.56 --> 3386.94] Bring them home safely on Tuesday, we pray, as they rejoin their loved ones at home. +[3386.94 --> 3395.70] We pray for comfort for those who continue to grieve the loss of parents, husband, wife, siblings, and children. +[3396.30 --> 3401.80] We know that all of life is in your hands, and we need your grace each moment of each day. +[3402.88 --> 3405.66] Please provide new leadership for this church. +[3406.80 --> 3411.62] We pray for the names to be brought forward, and for those who may minister in this church. +[3412.10 --> 3416.84] May those who are approached seek your will in serving in the offices of elder and deacon. +[3417.80 --> 3419.64] In the words of Isaiah, we read, +[3419.88 --> 3423.86] The Lord is the everlasting God, the creator of the ends of the earth. +[3424.46 --> 3428.58] He will not grow weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. +[3429.10 --> 3432.34] He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. +[3433.12 --> 3435.08] Even youth grow tired and weary. +[3435.86 --> 3441.58] Young men may stumble and fall, but those whose hope is in the Lord will renew their strength. +[3442.40 --> 3444.16] They will soar on wings like eagles. +[3444.48 --> 3446.32] They will run and not grow weary. +[3446.94 --> 3448.70] They will walk and not faint. +[3450.08 --> 3455.96] May your words this morning speak powerfully to us through the meditations and preaching of Pastor Chris. +[3456.78 --> 3461.44] Open the eyes of our hearts, Lord, as we pray in the powerful name of Jesus. +[3462.44 --> 3462.84] Amen. +[3462.84 --> 3489.94] This morning for Palm Sunday, we are going to look together at Matthew 21, +[3489.94 --> 3496.16] specifically the text I'm going to read before our message, and the one that will be on the screen +[3496.16 --> 3503.56] behind me is verse 23 through 27, but we're really going to live in this whole first half of Matthew +[3503.56 --> 3510.22] 21, and so this is a really great opportunity to open up your Bible that you brought with you, +[3510.22 --> 3516.14] or if you have it on your device, to open it up to that there so that you can follow along, +[3516.14 --> 3521.78] and then keep that open with you, because we're going to be referring back throughout the whole +[3521.78 --> 3527.06] chapter. If you're looking for a Bible, there's a few at the back. I encourage you to grab one of +[3527.06 --> 3534.34] those from there. I'm going to start by reading from Matthew 21, starting at verse 23. +[3538.14 --> 3544.28] Jesus entered the temple courts, and while he was teaching, the chief priests and the elders of the +[3544.28 --> 3551.40] people came to him. By what authority are you doing these things, they asked, and who gave you this +[3551.40 --> 3559.64] authority? Jesus replied, I will also ask you one question. If you answer me, I will tell you by what +[3559.64 --> 3568.70] authority I am doing these things. John's baptism, where did it come from? Was it from heaven or of +[3568.70 --> 3576.42] human origin? They discussed it among themselves and said, if we say from heaven, he will ask, then why +[3576.42 --> 3582.42] didn't you believe him? But if we say of human origin, we are afraid of the people, for they all hold +[3582.42 --> 3591.84] that John was a prophet. So they answered Jesus, we don't know. Then he said, neither will I tell you +[3591.84 --> 3597.52] by what authority I am doing these things. This is the word of the Lord. +[3600.78 --> 3607.86] Before we begin, in earnest, I want to just do a bit of a straw poll here and ask you a question. I +[3607.86 --> 3614.50] just invite you to raise your hand in response. How many of you here this morning have made a decision? +[3617.06 --> 3620.58] Some of you are deciding, do I raise my hand? Well, then you made a decision. So yes, +[3620.58 --> 3628.12] raise your hand. How many of you here this morning have had a hard time making a decision before? +[3631.14 --> 3635.80] There's one or two of you who are like, nope, everything I ever do is always right all the time, +[3636.28 --> 3645.22] never hard. How many of you have had a hard time making what you believe to be or should be an easy +[3645.22 --> 3651.76] decision? So here we're talking about like executive dysfunction, not working the way you want it to, +[3651.90 --> 3659.10] right? Where you're like, do I brush my teeth now before I eat or after I eat? And then you're paralyzed +[3659.10 --> 3670.74] because you can't decide. How many of you have made a decision that was made easier by the fact that +[3670.74 --> 3677.64] there was a whole bunch of other people doing the same thing? Just think back to the beginning of +[3677.64 --> 3683.36] our worship when we were invited to walk through the aisles and nobody went and then Pete doubled down +[3683.36 --> 3688.58] and said, come on guys. And then finally three brave little kids came and then all of a sudden everyone +[3688.58 --> 3694.14] started to come, right? Sometimes it's easier to follow and to make a decision when other people +[3694.14 --> 3703.82] are doing the same. How many of you have had to make a decision when everybody was doing one thing +[3703.82 --> 3715.54] that would cause you to go against the flow of everyone else? Some more hands, right? And those are even +[3715.54 --> 3723.96] harder decisions to have to make. Those are even harder realities to try and live into. +[3725.10 --> 3731.46] But when we make those kinds of decisions, right? The kinds of decisions that say, this is not going +[3731.46 --> 3736.90] to be popular or this is going to be really hard or everyone else is going to be flowing in the other +[3736.90 --> 3742.54] direction and I'm going to have to figure out how to push my way through to against the crowd and +[3742.54 --> 3752.64] against the flow. When we make those kinds of decisions, we do that and we can do that because of +[3752.64 --> 3761.84] something we value more than the opposition we're about to face, right? Or something we think is more +[3761.84 --> 3765.28] important than the hardships that we know we will endure. +[3765.28 --> 3775.04] As we dig into Palm Sunday and to this text, I want you to keep that in mind. +[3775.04 --> 3784.76] That when you value something more than the opposition you will face, it drives you towards it. +[3784.76 --> 3795.24] Because you see, Palm Sunday is about one question. And the text that we read and the others that we're +[3795.24 --> 3803.16] going to look at really circle around one question. So, four forms of the same question giving three +[3803.16 --> 3817.16] answers. You see, the triumphal entry of Jesus is a visible declaration of Jesus' authority, +[3818.12 --> 3828.12] announcing him to the world as king and as messiah. The question is, how will you see it? +[3828.12 --> 3836.92] And in Matthew 21, what I want to do with you this morning is trace three ways of seeing and responding +[3836.92 --> 3844.80] that comes from this story. Those three ways we're going to see are indignation, skepticism, and wonder. +[3846.52 --> 3855.12] Now, before we dig into that, let me just show you quickly how the triumphal entry of Jesus +[3855.12 --> 3864.28] announces him as king and as messiah. And for us to do this, you need to be looking at verse 1 through 11 +[3864.28 --> 3872.48] of Matthew 21. And this is why it's important to have a Bible in your hand. First of all, in this text, +[3872.66 --> 3882.32] notice that Jesus can see into the future. In verse 2, Jesus tells his disciples, +[3882.32 --> 3889.54] go to the village ahead of you, and at once you will find a donkey tied there with her colt by her. +[3890.48 --> 3896.12] Untie them and bring them to me. If anyone says anything to you, say that the Lord needs them, +[3896.18 --> 3904.30] and he will send them right away. Right? So, Jesus says there will be a donkey and her colt there, +[3904.42 --> 3909.84] and then he prepares his disciples. Right? If anyone says anything to you, tell them that the Lord needs +[3909.84 --> 3915.78] them. And the way that Mark tells this story in his gospel account, someone does say, hey, why are you +[3915.78 --> 3919.68] doing what you're doing? And the disciples say, the Lord needs him. And then the person's like, okay. +[3921.14 --> 3929.68] Right? Jesus sees into the future. Now, notice, in the way that this story is told, and it's the same +[3929.68 --> 3935.78] in Mark as well, right? In Matthew, or in the rest of the synoptic gospels, right? There's no indication +[3935.78 --> 3942.36] that Jesus has been here before, or that he's made arrangements with the owner of this house and the +[3942.36 --> 3950.68] owner of this donkey. Right? And part of the theological point that I believe is being made here +[3950.68 --> 3960.72] is that Jesus, as the second person of the Trinity, as the Word of God incarnate, sees the world +[3960.72 --> 3970.74] from a different perspective than linear progression and also isn't limited to the physical proximity of +[3970.74 --> 3976.42] what his two eyes have right in front of them. Now, that's a really complicated way of saying, +[3976.82 --> 3984.96] in short, Jesus sees the future because he is the ruler of the universe. He is the ruler of the world. +[3984.96 --> 3993.72] Right? That's the first point that's here that tells us that Jesus is king. And then the second thing +[3993.72 --> 4004.20] is that Jesus is here revealed as the fulfillment of a prophecy made in the past about this Messiah king +[4004.20 --> 4011.64] to come. Right? And Matthew makes that point explicitly. He says in verse 4 of 21, if you're following along, +[4011.64 --> 4021.14] this took place to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet. And then Matthew quotes Zechariah 9, +[4021.28 --> 4029.34] verse 9, which we could read, say to daughter Zion, daughter Zion is the prophet's way of saying, +[4029.46 --> 4039.70] say to the people of Jerusalem, say to daughter Zion, see your king comes to you, gentle and riding on a +[4039.70 --> 4049.14] donkey and on a donkey and riding on a donkey. Now, in the next verse of that Zechariah 9 text, in verse 10, +[4050.46 --> 4052.44] the prophet continues and says, +[4052.98 --> 4061.78] he will proclaim peace to the nations and his rule will extend from sea to sea and from the river to the +[4061.78 --> 4072.36] ends of the earth. Right? The point here, again, is confirmation that Jesus is king. And this actually, +[4072.88 --> 4080.80] and this will matter when we get to our text that we read earlier, right? Matthew has been making this +[4080.80 --> 4090.16] point, Jesus has been making this point from the very beginning. In Matthew 3, John announces that the +[4090.16 --> 4097.32] kingdom of heaven has come near when he sees Jesus. In Matthew 4, Jesus says the exact same thing. The +[4097.32 --> 4104.46] kingdom of heaven has come near. In Matthew 12, verse 28, Jesus says, the kingdom of God has come upon you. +[4104.72 --> 4113.22] And in Matthew 28, at the end of the gospel account, Jesus says, all authority in heaven and on earth has +[4113.22 --> 4121.82] been given to me. Right? At the birth of Jesus, you remember the Christmas story, the magi came and they +[4121.82 --> 4130.34] go to Herod and they say, where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? Near the end of the story, +[4130.48 --> 4136.22] and we'll look at it later this week, Pilate asks, are you the king of the Jews? Right? There's this +[4136.22 --> 4143.30] nice bookend going on here. And then the sign that's placed over Jesus' head as he hangs on the cross +[4143.30 --> 4155.70] says, this is Jesus, the king of the Jews. Over and over and over again, explicitly and implicitly, +[4155.90 --> 4163.06] by direct revelation or by typological fulfillment, Matthew has been making this same point over and +[4163.06 --> 4171.14] over. Jesus is king. And he isn't just any kind of king. He's a special kind of king. He's a king +[4171.14 --> 4178.34] from heaven. He is a divine king. And he sees the world differently than any other human king because +[4178.34 --> 4185.52] this Jesus fashioned it out of nothing. Right? He's different from any kind of king that has come +[4185.52 --> 4192.72] before, or he's also different than the kind of king that the people had expected or the people had +[4192.72 --> 4200.80] hoped for. Pete did a great job in his prayer, right, saying that we expected a king who would +[4200.80 --> 4207.80] come and destroy our enemies, and we got a king who told us to love our enemies. Right? This Jesus is a +[4207.80 --> 4214.28] different kind of king, and his kingdom is a different kind of kingdom than what you might expect. +[4214.60 --> 4218.86] And that means that those who are part of that kingdom, the citizens of the kingdom of heaven, +[4218.86 --> 4224.70] need to be different kind of citizens than those who are in the kingdom of the world. +[4227.20 --> 4234.64] And perhaps some of these people in the story of the triumphal entry are beginning to see this. +[4235.24 --> 4240.62] Right? For some of them, it's starting to click. And so they put their cloaks on the ground, +[4240.62 --> 4246.72] and they cut branches from the trees for Jesus to ride over. Right? Which is sort of like a rolling +[4246.72 --> 4253.70] out of the red carpet. Right? It's a way of saying, make way for the king. And actually, +[4254.42 --> 4261.26] when they say, Hosanna to the son of David, this is almost exactly what they're saying. +[4262.14 --> 4271.52] The word Hosanna is what's called a transliteration of a Hebrew word meaning, O Lord, save us. +[4271.52 --> 4284.30] Now, a transliteration is a word from one language that is spelled and then borrowed in another language. +[4285.16 --> 4292.54] And so in this case, this is a Hebrew word spelled in Greek. Another example of transliteration that +[4292.54 --> 4300.00] you might know is the word karaoke. Right? Karaoke is from a Japanese word that literally means empty +[4300.00 --> 4308.00] orchestra. But we say karaoke. Another word that is transliteration that you might know is the word +[4308.00 --> 4313.72] kindergarten. It's actually a transliteration of a German word that means children's garden. +[4314.76 --> 4320.20] And it refers to the place where the youngest of the kids would be taken care of during the education +[4320.20 --> 4327.44] time for the older kids. They would play in the garden. Now, that's what we call the first level of +[4327.44 --> 4336.04] school. Right? Hosanna is a transliteration of a Hebrew word into Greek. And most scholars agree +[4336.04 --> 4344.36] that by this point, by this time in history, every Jew would hear the phrase, Hosanna to the son of David, +[4344.92 --> 4352.32] in the same way that we, as commonwealth citizens or that people in England might hear the phrase, +[4352.32 --> 4362.16] God save the king. Right? What it is, it's a title of royal acclamation. Right? Hosanna to the son of David +[4362.16 --> 4371.94] is a theological statement about who this man is. And it's a theological statement that will upset the empire. +[4371.94 --> 4381.14] And so they go on and they quote from Psalm 118, which again, very early on in the, +[4381.86 --> 4390.16] so the Psalter is the Jewish book of praise. It's the Jewish hymn book, what they would sing from in temple +[4390.16 --> 4400.76] and in synagogue worship. And very early on in that worshiping practice, Psalm 118 emerges as a psalm of hope +[4400.76 --> 4408.46] for the coming Messiah king. Right? It's a song that expresses the hope of the coming Messiah. +[4409.18 --> 4415.14] And so take all of these things now and put them all together. Right? I believe that all these things +[4415.14 --> 4424.50] show that the triumphal entry is the announcement of Jesus as the Messiah, as the savior of the world +[4424.50 --> 4431.40] who will bring priests, is the announcement of a king in the line of David who will have an everlasting kingdom. +[4432.40 --> 4439.44] Right? Matthew is saying clearly what he has been saying throughout the whole gospel, that every hope, +[4439.76 --> 4448.30] every expectation of the Messiah king are found, are rooted, and are fulfilled in this man named Jesus. +[4448.30 --> 4457.06] And as Messiah king, all that's left is how the people will respond. +[4458.40 --> 4462.34] All that's left is how you will respond. +[4463.76 --> 4468.70] And this chapter gives us three examples of how people respond. +[4468.70 --> 4473.34] In the first place, look at verse 10 of chapter 21. +[4474.88 --> 4479.42] The people have proclaimed, Hosanna to the son of David. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. +[4479.52 --> 4481.10] Hosanna in the highest heaven. +[4481.96 --> 4485.18] Which again rings with what the angels declared in Luke. Right? +[4485.74 --> 4488.62] In verse 10. +[4488.62 --> 4493.12] When Jesus entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred and asked, +[4493.56 --> 4495.54] Who is this? +[4495.54 --> 4500.46] That is the question. +[4502.32 --> 4502.84] Right? +[4502.90 --> 4507.46] I don't believe it's an understatement to say, or an overstatement to say, rather, +[4507.56 --> 4513.82] that that is the most important question that you will ever ask of yourself in this life. +[4514.00 --> 4515.72] Who is Jesus? +[4517.32 --> 4522.34] And depending on how you answer that question, the rest of your life is changed. +[4522.34 --> 4522.52] Right? +[4523.16 --> 4527.84] Depending on how you answer that question, the trajectory of your life is changed. +[4529.12 --> 4529.28] Right? +[4529.32 --> 4532.92] For instance, if Jesus is who he says he is, +[4533.18 --> 4536.26] then you owe him everything. +[4537.70 --> 4537.92] Right? +[4537.94 --> 4541.02] If Jesus is who he says he is, you owe him your life. +[4542.08 --> 4543.38] You owe him your love. +[4543.38 --> 4547.12] If Jesus is who he says he is, you owe him your worship. +[4549.72 --> 4554.70] But if he's not, well then we are most of all to be pitied. +[4555.10 --> 4555.62] Says Paul. +[4556.60 --> 4557.00] Right? +[4557.04 --> 4559.02] If he's not, none of this, right? +[4559.06 --> 4560.20] What we're doing here today. +[4560.84 --> 4561.72] None of this matters. +[4561.72 --> 4564.62] But even more than that, right? +[4564.72 --> 4570.02] If Jesus and God isn't who he says he is, +[4570.64 --> 4574.14] then it actually becomes hard to know if any of this, right? +[4574.16 --> 4577.40] The world and everything in of it, to know if any of this matters. +[4578.78 --> 4578.92] Right? +[4578.92 --> 4581.60] If there's no sovereign king ruling history, +[4581.82 --> 4587.26] you can't have any confidence that what happens in history is purposeful, +[4587.32 --> 4588.72] or that it has a point. +[4588.72 --> 4589.72] Right? +[4590.30 --> 4592.44] If there's no God, if there's no king of history, +[4592.62 --> 4594.84] we can't know that history has any meaning. +[4595.36 --> 4596.36] At least not for sure. +[4597.14 --> 4598.40] You can have a whole lot of hope. +[4600.18 --> 4601.58] You can have a whole lot of delusion. +[4602.98 --> 4604.22] But you can't be confident. +[4605.34 --> 4610.04] You can only be confident that your suffering means anything +[4610.04 --> 4613.14] if there is a king who is in charge of it all. +[4613.72 --> 4618.16] You can only be confident that your decisions to go against the crowd and the flow +[4618.16 --> 4621.60] have a value beyond themselves if there is a king +[4621.60 --> 4623.78] whom you are submitting yourself to, +[4624.22 --> 4625.50] whom you are trying to worship, +[4625.96 --> 4628.08] who you are trying to love in response to. +[4630.04 --> 4630.26] Right? +[4630.30 --> 4631.68] Apart from God, +[4631.88 --> 4636.08] you can't know if life has any purpose beyond your life. +[4637.36 --> 4639.80] Now, I know that we live in a time and a place, +[4639.88 --> 4640.42] and let's be honest, +[4640.48 --> 4642.90] this has actually been true for the whole of human history, right? +[4642.90 --> 4646.76] But we live in a time and a place where the modern philosophical apologists +[4646.76 --> 4649.00] have pulpits that are global in their reaching, +[4649.42 --> 4652.30] and they would have you accept about yourself +[4652.30 --> 4655.06] that your life is ultimately meaningless. +[4657.72 --> 4659.12] But I don't want that for you. +[4660.42 --> 4662.12] Jesus doesn't want that for you. +[4662.12 --> 4667.52] And I really do believe that if you look in your heart of hearts, +[4668.20 --> 4674.92] you don't actually accept that for yourself either. +[4676.58 --> 4679.20] But I think that we all intuitively believe +[4679.20 --> 4683.40] that there's something more to life and to us, +[4683.56 --> 4686.56] that there's something more to our purposes on this planet. +[4686.56 --> 4690.72] And may I suggest to you +[4690.72 --> 4697.04] that the more begins +[4697.04 --> 4701.40] with a relationship to the Messiah King, +[4701.62 --> 4704.52] to the one who created it all. +[4706.42 --> 4708.32] Because you see, there actually is +[4708.32 --> 4711.94] what the old divines have called a sunum bonum, right? +[4712.00 --> 4715.22] An ultimate, true, good, and beautiful. +[4715.22 --> 4718.20] And this ultimate, true, good, and beautiful. +[4718.44 --> 4719.74] He wants to know you. +[4720.70 --> 4723.56] He wants to love you and to be in relationship with you. +[4724.22 --> 4726.42] And that's why the most important question +[4726.42 --> 4728.12] is who is this? +[4728.38 --> 4729.48] Who is Jesus? +[4731.50 --> 4732.16] Now you'll notice, +[4732.44 --> 4735.56] you'll notice the word that Matthew used +[4735.56 --> 4737.56] when talking about the people. +[4738.78 --> 4740.40] He says they were stirred. +[4740.40 --> 4745.68] Now that's one of the few places +[4745.68 --> 4748.24] in the English translation of the Bible +[4748.24 --> 4750.24] where we just don't get enough. +[4751.20 --> 4753.40] Because the word that's used there +[4753.40 --> 4755.80] to be stirred literally means +[4755.80 --> 4758.76] to rock or to tremor. +[4759.94 --> 4761.80] The people are stirred up +[4761.80 --> 4763.32] and it's like an uproar. +[4763.66 --> 4765.42] There's an earthquake going on. +[4765.48 --> 4768.88] It's almost as if a riot is about to ensue. +[4768.88 --> 4770.00] And so on the one hand, +[4770.06 --> 4771.12] you have this group of people +[4771.12 --> 4771.80] who are shouting, +[4772.12 --> 4773.92] Hosanna to the son of David! +[4774.30 --> 4775.20] Hail to the king! +[4776.30 --> 4776.68] Right? +[4776.70 --> 4777.34] Who are declaring, +[4777.46 --> 4778.34] the king has come! +[4778.46 --> 4779.58] Long live the king! +[4780.32 --> 4781.32] And on the other hand, +[4781.36 --> 4782.38] you have a group of people +[4782.38 --> 4783.54] who are responding +[4783.54 --> 4784.16] and who are saying, +[4784.44 --> 4785.48] whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, +[4785.48 --> 4786.40] what's going on here? +[4786.84 --> 4787.82] This isn't safe. +[4788.04 --> 4788.92] This isn't right. +[4789.12 --> 4789.90] This isn't good. +[4790.12 --> 4792.40] Don't wake the dragon that is Rome +[4792.40 --> 4794.06] by these rebellious activities. +[4794.06 --> 4800.96] You see the flow of the decision process +[4800.96 --> 4803.56] and the necessity of the value. +[4806.34 --> 4807.72] The story goes on +[4807.72 --> 4810.84] that Jesus went from this group +[4810.84 --> 4813.24] and he entered the temple courts +[4813.24 --> 4815.12] and he drove out all who were buying +[4815.12 --> 4815.86] and selling there. +[4815.96 --> 4816.94] He overturned tables +[4816.94 --> 4820.18] and he cleared the court of the Gentiles, +[4820.34 --> 4821.42] which was being used +[4821.42 --> 4823.74] because of the Passover festival coming up. +[4824.06 --> 4825.34] And the allowing, +[4825.60 --> 4826.58] or not allowing, +[4826.96 --> 4828.76] the God-fearing Gentiles to pray. +[4829.84 --> 4831.04] And in verse 15, +[4831.18 --> 4832.58] after Jesus has done this, +[4833.02 --> 4833.52] we read, +[4834.52 --> 4835.54] when the chief priests +[4835.54 --> 4836.90] and the teachers of the law +[4836.90 --> 4839.10] saw all the wonderful, +[4839.34 --> 4841.58] amazing things that he had did +[4841.58 --> 4842.86] and the children shouting +[4842.86 --> 4843.78] in the temple courts, +[4843.86 --> 4845.60] Hosanna to the son of David, +[4846.62 --> 4849.34] they were indignant, +[4850.22 --> 4851.40] is the word used. +[4851.40 --> 4855.32] They were indignant +[4855.32 --> 4856.26] and they asked, +[4856.40 --> 4858.64] do you hear what these children are saying? +[4860.32 --> 4861.90] That's another way of asking, +[4862.36 --> 4864.54] who do you think you are? +[4866.68 --> 4868.64] Who is Jesus? +[4868.64 --> 4871.26] And the world +[4871.26 --> 4873.82] is still full of people +[4873.82 --> 4876.78] who when they hear about Jesus +[4876.78 --> 4878.88] or when they ask the question, +[4879.00 --> 4879.90] who is Jesus, +[4880.40 --> 4882.86] indignation is their only response. +[4884.06 --> 4886.56] Because Jesus upsets the status quo, +[4887.20 --> 4888.82] especially for the chief priests +[4888.82 --> 4889.88] and the teachers of the law +[4889.88 --> 4891.38] who have worked carefully +[4891.38 --> 4893.02] and have crafted out +[4893.02 --> 4894.70] a tiny little exception +[4894.70 --> 4896.68] to Roman rule in the region. +[4896.68 --> 4897.48] Right? +[4897.60 --> 4898.62] Jesus challenges +[4898.62 --> 4900.42] their presumptions of power +[4900.42 --> 4902.38] and of privilege in society. +[4903.04 --> 4903.94] And often, +[4904.24 --> 4905.96] when someone is challenged +[4905.96 --> 4907.96] in their heart of hearts, +[4908.20 --> 4909.78] the default response, +[4909.90 --> 4912.02] the first response is anger, +[4912.28 --> 4913.08] it is rage, +[4913.20 --> 4914.20] it is never, +[4914.60 --> 4914.86] no, +[4915.02 --> 4915.70] not I, +[4916.06 --> 4917.16] it is indignation. +[4918.20 --> 4919.62] That's what's going on here. +[4920.32 --> 4922.32] And part of what Jesus is showing us +[4922.32 --> 4924.22] is the better way. +[4925.08 --> 4925.18] Right? +[4925.22 --> 4927.16] Our hearts need to be convicted +[4927.16 --> 4928.88] that there is a better way. +[4930.18 --> 4930.20] Right? +[4933.14 --> 4933.98] Part of, +[4934.08 --> 4936.40] part of the effect of sin +[4936.40 --> 4938.14] in our lives +[4938.14 --> 4941.18] is that we are convinced by a lie. +[4942.32 --> 4942.48] Right? +[4942.50 --> 4943.96] It's a lie that was first spoken +[4943.96 --> 4945.00] in the Garden of Eden +[4945.00 --> 4946.30] to Adam and Eve, +[4946.30 --> 4948.24] and it's a lie that continues +[4948.24 --> 4950.32] to whisper throughout the ages, +[4950.32 --> 4952.46] did God really say? +[4953.54 --> 4956.16] Does God really love you? +[4956.34 --> 4960.08] Does God really have your best in mind? +[4960.96 --> 4965.56] Is Jesus really the sovereign Messiah King? +[4967.64 --> 4969.00] Here's the thing, right? +[4969.00 --> 4971.90] People, +[4972.18 --> 4976.10] people have spent lifetimes, +[4976.28 --> 4979.10] people are spending lifetimes +[4979.10 --> 4981.28] building up systems of thought +[4981.28 --> 4983.56] and philosophies of being. +[4983.76 --> 4985.40] People are spending lifetimes +[4985.40 --> 4987.42] building up systems of power +[4987.42 --> 4988.66] and of purpose. +[4989.14 --> 4990.86] And when Jesus comes +[4990.86 --> 4993.50] and he begins to challenge those things, +[4993.78 --> 4995.28] the things that we have created, +[4995.40 --> 4997.04] the things that we have found purpose in, +[4997.04 --> 4998.22] when Jesus comes +[4998.22 --> 5000.46] and he begins to upset those things +[5000.46 --> 5003.50] that we have filled with our identity, +[5003.70 --> 5006.20] that we have drawn our purpose from, +[5006.36 --> 5007.64] the default reaction +[5007.64 --> 5009.30] is to rage against it, +[5009.40 --> 5010.96] is to protect the establishment +[5010.96 --> 5013.20] of our ideas and our ideals. +[5014.18 --> 5015.08] In the Bible, +[5015.94 --> 5017.34] in the Bible, +[5017.48 --> 5020.76] those things that we build our lives upon, +[5020.92 --> 5022.28] those ideas that we have +[5022.28 --> 5023.50] that we try to find purpose +[5023.50 --> 5025.02] and meaning in, +[5025.36 --> 5027.02] those things that we create, +[5027.04 --> 5028.60] in order to give us a reason +[5028.60 --> 5030.04] to get out of bed in the morning, +[5030.30 --> 5033.40] if those things are not God in Jesus Christ, +[5033.54 --> 5035.24] the Bible has a word for that. +[5036.54 --> 5037.58] They're called idols. +[5039.94 --> 5042.30] Idols are false gods. +[5042.52 --> 5044.10] And let me be abundantly clear with you, +[5044.20 --> 5047.44] idols don't have to be carved out of wood or stone. +[5048.08 --> 5050.78] They don't have to be fashioned out of gold or silver. +[5050.78 --> 5054.34] Any time we take something that is created +[5054.34 --> 5056.84] and we give it meaning and purpose +[5056.84 --> 5060.58] that we should only find in our uncreated God, +[5061.08 --> 5062.30] we have made an idol. +[5063.06 --> 5065.28] We have fashioned an idol. +[5066.08 --> 5068.64] So an idol can be something that is good +[5068.64 --> 5069.84] in and of itself +[5069.84 --> 5071.94] and we turn it into an ultimate thing. +[5071.94 --> 5075.38] John Calvin has said famously +[5075.38 --> 5078.78] that the human heart is an idol factory. +[5079.70 --> 5081.16] That our default setting now, +[5081.30 --> 5082.04] because of sin, +[5082.30 --> 5083.68] is to create idols. +[5084.78 --> 5086.88] Because sin is first and foremost +[5086.88 --> 5088.86] a rebelling against God +[5088.86 --> 5091.40] and a casting off of our relationship to Him. +[5091.64 --> 5093.40] What that does is it leaves a hole +[5093.40 --> 5094.88] inside of our hearts, right? +[5094.92 --> 5096.14] Our hearts were created +[5096.14 --> 5098.42] to rest in Him +[5098.42 --> 5099.78] and to find our purpose +[5099.78 --> 5101.14] in relationship to Him. +[5101.14 --> 5102.36] And when that's gone, +[5102.68 --> 5103.92] things rush in to fill it. +[5104.60 --> 5106.10] And not only do things rush in, +[5106.28 --> 5108.76] we actively pull things in. +[5109.66 --> 5110.68] That's idolatry. +[5111.34 --> 5113.52] And when those things become challenged, +[5114.20 --> 5116.46] when Jesus comes along and says, +[5117.02 --> 5120.60] Chris, I am the true King. +[5121.08 --> 5123.64] You are made for me. +[5124.52 --> 5127.66] My throne is your heart. +[5127.66 --> 5130.64] Then, +[5130.64 --> 5133.34] the pride +[5133.34 --> 5135.60] that I have put there +[5135.60 --> 5137.88] or my desire +[5137.88 --> 5139.36] to be loved +[5139.36 --> 5140.76] by crowds of people +[5140.76 --> 5141.86] and lauded +[5141.86 --> 5143.88] as an excellent speaker +[5143.88 --> 5147.56] gets knocked down, +[5148.62 --> 5149.86] gets pulled away, +[5150.50 --> 5151.72] gets toppled. +[5151.72 --> 5152.36] toppled. +[5153.68 --> 5155.78] And our default response +[5155.78 --> 5156.74] often +[5156.74 --> 5158.68] is indignation. +[5160.86 --> 5161.42] Indignation. +[5161.98 --> 5162.80] And maybe that's where you're at. +[5163.02 --> 5163.94] Maybe you are +[5163.94 --> 5164.96] thinking of Jesus +[5164.96 --> 5166.06] and you're indignant. +[5166.20 --> 5166.98] How could He? +[5167.28 --> 5168.32] How would He? +[5168.56 --> 5169.58] How dare He? +[5170.86 --> 5172.14] If that's where you're at, +[5173.14 --> 5174.06] would you commit to +[5174.06 --> 5175.36] talk to me +[5175.36 --> 5175.90] or someone +[5175.90 --> 5176.66] this week? +[5177.60 --> 5178.30] Can we get together, +[5178.70 --> 5179.20] have coffee? +[5179.52 --> 5180.04] Can we chat +[5180.04 --> 5181.08] about what that is like +[5181.08 --> 5181.78] and what's going on? +[5181.98 --> 5182.88] I would love for that. +[5185.28 --> 5186.44] There's another response +[5186.44 --> 5188.20] that's given here. +[5188.26 --> 5188.66] And for this, +[5189.08 --> 5190.66] look at verse 23. +[5191.52 --> 5192.12] This is where +[5192.12 --> 5194.02] we read together. +[5195.08 --> 5195.66] Jesus entered +[5196.18 --> 5196.98] the temple courts +[5196.98 --> 5197.86] and He was teaching +[5197.86 --> 5198.74] and the chief priests +[5198.74 --> 5199.26] and the elders +[5199.26 --> 5199.92] come to Him +[5199.92 --> 5200.66] and they ask, +[5200.66 --> 5202.32] by what authority +[5202.32 --> 5203.38] are you doing +[5203.38 --> 5204.02] these things? +[5204.64 --> 5205.28] They ask, +[5205.28 --> 5206.56] who gave you +[5206.56 --> 5207.64] this authority? +[5208.68 --> 5209.78] This is another way +[5209.78 --> 5210.72] of asking the question, +[5211.00 --> 5211.80] who are you? +[5212.62 --> 5213.64] Who sent you? +[5214.82 --> 5215.36] And notice, +[5215.56 --> 5216.92] this is the only time +[5216.92 --> 5217.96] in the story +[5217.96 --> 5219.32] that there's no descriptor, +[5219.40 --> 5220.74] there's no adjective given +[5220.74 --> 5222.50] for the kind of response +[5222.50 --> 5222.88] they have, +[5222.92 --> 5223.70] for the feeling +[5223.70 --> 5224.46] that is behind +[5224.46 --> 5225.06] the questioning. +[5225.90 --> 5226.76] In verse 10, +[5227.44 --> 5228.06] we were told +[5228.06 --> 5229.12] that the whole city +[5229.12 --> 5229.80] was stirred, +[5230.00 --> 5231.16] that they were trembling +[5231.16 --> 5232.88] with their anxiety +[5232.88 --> 5233.42] of it all. +[5233.70 --> 5234.56] In verse 16, +[5234.66 --> 5235.06] we were told +[5235.06 --> 5236.16] that they were indignant, +[5236.34 --> 5237.04] or verse 15, +[5237.16 --> 5237.90] they were indignant +[5237.90 --> 5238.74] and so they say, +[5238.80 --> 5239.96] who do you think you are? +[5240.80 --> 5241.90] And in verse 20, +[5242.08 --> 5242.90] where we'll come back +[5242.90 --> 5243.90] to when we end, +[5244.58 --> 5244.76] right, +[5244.84 --> 5246.10] the disciples saw this +[5246.10 --> 5247.72] and they were amazed. +[5249.12 --> 5249.96] But here, +[5250.86 --> 5251.90] there's no descriptor given. +[5251.98 --> 5252.10] Now, +[5252.78 --> 5253.76] we read the text before, +[5253.84 --> 5254.90] so you saw what's coming, +[5255.02 --> 5255.22] right, +[5255.26 --> 5256.56] at the end of the story +[5256.56 --> 5257.46] it does say +[5257.46 --> 5258.94] that they were afraid +[5258.94 --> 5260.66] and so maybe +[5260.66 --> 5261.24] that's part +[5261.24 --> 5262.00] of what's going on, +[5262.06 --> 5263.10] but their fear +[5263.10 --> 5264.12] is controlling +[5264.12 --> 5264.64] whether or not +[5264.64 --> 5265.20] they will answer +[5265.20 --> 5265.78] the question, +[5266.08 --> 5267.84] not their asking +[5267.84 --> 5268.66] of the question. +[5269.94 --> 5270.54] And I think +[5270.54 --> 5271.20] that's important. +[5272.36 --> 5273.28] Because one of the things +[5273.28 --> 5274.12] that I think we see +[5274.12 --> 5275.10] here is that +[5275.10 --> 5276.82] asking Jesus questions, +[5277.82 --> 5278.54] who are you +[5278.54 --> 5279.44] and who sent you, +[5279.96 --> 5281.10] is a good thing. +[5282.38 --> 5282.52] Right, +[5282.52 --> 5283.72] sometimes in churches +[5283.72 --> 5284.68] we are afraid +[5284.68 --> 5285.62] of skepticism, +[5286.38 --> 5286.52] right, +[5286.52 --> 5287.62] we're afraid of doubts, +[5287.62 --> 5289.54] we're afraid +[5289.54 --> 5290.22] of people +[5290.22 --> 5291.74] asking hard questions +[5291.74 --> 5293.44] because we don't +[5293.44 --> 5294.10] know the answer +[5294.10 --> 5295.18] or because we think +[5295.18 --> 5296.44] I have that same question +[5296.44 --> 5297.90] and I need to do +[5297.90 --> 5298.40] a good job +[5298.40 --> 5299.00] of representing +[5299.00 --> 5299.86] who Jesus is +[5299.86 --> 5300.36] because I want +[5300.36 --> 5300.80] this person +[5300.80 --> 5301.78] to know him +[5301.78 --> 5302.86] and to love him +[5302.86 --> 5303.78] like I know him +[5303.78 --> 5304.82] and I'm loved by him +[5304.82 --> 5306.22] and so we have +[5306.22 --> 5306.76] this fear. +[5308.24 --> 5309.18] And then what happens +[5309.18 --> 5311.68] is a culture +[5311.68 --> 5313.24] of fear +[5313.24 --> 5314.88] begins to develop +[5314.88 --> 5315.58] and take root +[5315.58 --> 5316.12] that says +[5316.12 --> 5317.48] you can't ask questions. +[5318.38 --> 5318.98] But that's not +[5318.98 --> 5319.86] what we're modeled here. +[5320.38 --> 5320.94] That's not what +[5320.94 --> 5321.68] we're given here. +[5322.62 --> 5322.72] Right, +[5322.82 --> 5324.74] skepticism itself +[5324.74 --> 5325.44] is, +[5325.76 --> 5326.14] I think, +[5326.22 --> 5327.62] a good thing. +[5328.82 --> 5330.42] Ask your hard questions. +[5331.56 --> 5331.68] Right, +[5331.70 --> 5331.96] remember, +[5332.12 --> 5333.04] Jesus is king. +[5333.82 --> 5334.80] He is Messiah. +[5334.96 --> 5335.92] He can handle +[5335.92 --> 5337.18] your hard questions. +[5338.70 --> 5338.84] Right, +[5338.92 --> 5339.36] Jesus +[5339.36 --> 5341.86] fashioned the world +[5341.86 --> 5343.24] with a word. +[5344.44 --> 5345.64] I think he can handle +[5345.64 --> 5346.66] your words of doubt. +[5347.62 --> 5348.58] and the questions +[5348.58 --> 5349.02] you might have +[5349.02 --> 5349.60] to bring to him. +[5352.22 --> 5353.80] The skepticism +[5353.80 --> 5354.90] and the questioning +[5354.90 --> 5356.66] is okay. +[5357.40 --> 5357.78] In fact, +[5358.06 --> 5359.44] I think that +[5359.44 --> 5360.60] part of what +[5360.60 --> 5362.02] is going on here, +[5362.58 --> 5362.84] right, +[5362.92 --> 5364.48] is an echo +[5364.48 --> 5365.98] or a continuation +[5365.98 --> 5367.24] of the question, +[5367.60 --> 5368.24] who are you +[5368.24 --> 5369.24] and who sent you, +[5369.54 --> 5370.46] that started +[5370.46 --> 5371.16] and that we have +[5371.16 --> 5371.78] modeled for us +[5371.78 --> 5372.72] in Matthew 16. +[5372.90 --> 5373.52] If you have your Bible +[5373.52 --> 5373.80] open, +[5373.80 --> 5374.48] it's worth flipping +[5374.48 --> 5376.42] over to chapter 16. +[5378.72 --> 5379.80] Chapter 16, +[5380.66 --> 5382.62] I'll start at verse 13. +[5383.72 --> 5384.54] We can read +[5384.54 --> 5385.32] that +[5385.32 --> 5387.18] when Jesus came +[5387.18 --> 5387.86] to the region +[5387.86 --> 5389.28] of Caesarea Philippi, +[5389.40 --> 5390.46] he asked his disciples, +[5390.88 --> 5392.12] who do people say +[5392.12 --> 5393.36] the Son of Man is? +[5393.98 --> 5395.02] And they replied, +[5395.26 --> 5396.58] some say John the Baptist, +[5396.76 --> 5397.60] others say Elijah, +[5397.72 --> 5398.46] and still others, +[5398.90 --> 5399.22] Jeremiah, +[5399.52 --> 5400.40] or one of the prophets. +[5400.40 --> 5402.42] But what about you, +[5402.86 --> 5403.44] he asked? +[5403.72 --> 5405.00] Who do you say +[5405.00 --> 5406.26] that I am? +[5407.54 --> 5408.86] Simon Peter answered, +[5409.62 --> 5412.32] you are the Messiah, +[5413.00 --> 5416.62] the Son of the living God. +[5419.64 --> 5423.62] Questions shape faith. +[5425.26 --> 5426.90] Skepticism becomes +[5426.90 --> 5428.42] the context wherein +[5428.42 --> 5429.58] you can make +[5429.58 --> 5430.60] the declaration, +[5431.06 --> 5432.62] you are the Messiah, +[5433.04 --> 5435.46] the Son of the living God. +[5436.28 --> 5437.42] Questions like that +[5437.42 --> 5438.42] are necessary +[5438.42 --> 5439.82] for who we are +[5439.82 --> 5442.34] and I, for one, +[5442.72 --> 5446.68] will never shy away +[5446.68 --> 5449.64] from your hard questions. +[5450.52 --> 5451.28] Now the reality is +[5451.28 --> 5451.80] I won't know +[5451.80 --> 5452.72] all the answers to them, +[5453.86 --> 5455.30] but my commitment with you +[5455.30 --> 5456.00] is to journey, +[5456.66 --> 5457.44] to figure it out, +[5457.44 --> 5458.54] to wrestle. +[5459.54 --> 5460.66] The problem isn't +[5460.66 --> 5462.50] the asking of the questions. +[5464.56 --> 5465.36] The problem +[5465.36 --> 5466.98] is the refusal +[5466.98 --> 5468.32] to commit to an answer. +[5469.36 --> 5470.26] That's what happens +[5470.26 --> 5471.34] in our text. +[5472.82 --> 5473.66] If we go back +[5473.66 --> 5475.14] to chapter 21, +[5476.18 --> 5477.54] they ask this question +[5477.54 --> 5478.62] and Jesus says, +[5478.76 --> 5478.98] okay, +[5479.14 --> 5480.28] let me follow up to you +[5480.28 --> 5481.06] with a question. +[5481.54 --> 5482.56] And then they discuss it +[5482.56 --> 5483.30] among themselves +[5483.30 --> 5483.78] and they say, +[5483.84 --> 5484.72] well, if we say this, +[5484.78 --> 5485.56] then he's going to say this +[5485.56 --> 5486.34] and if we say this, +[5486.58 --> 5487.72] then he's going to say this. +[5487.94 --> 5488.64] And so they say, +[5488.82 --> 5489.56] I don't know. +[5490.78 --> 5491.60] I don't know. +[5493.36 --> 5494.14] And Jesus says, +[5494.22 --> 5494.38] well, +[5495.46 --> 5497.76] then I'm not going to tell you. +[5497.76 --> 5500.98] The problem +[5500.98 --> 5502.74] isn't that they have questions. +[5502.98 --> 5504.14] The problem here +[5504.14 --> 5505.22] is that they refuse +[5505.22 --> 5506.40] to commit to an answer. +[5507.04 --> 5507.92] And I think, +[5508.14 --> 5509.26] as we have been seeing +[5509.26 --> 5509.64] throughout, +[5510.00 --> 5510.80] the problem is +[5510.80 --> 5511.74] that they should have +[5511.74 --> 5512.98] already known the answer. +[5513.64 --> 5514.30] They don't actually +[5514.30 --> 5515.10] have an excuse +[5515.10 --> 5516.16] because as Matthew +[5516.16 --> 5517.56] has been painstakingly showing, +[5517.90 --> 5518.84] Jesus has been making +[5518.84 --> 5519.34] this point +[5519.34 --> 5520.52] over and over +[5520.52 --> 5521.30] and over again +[5521.30 --> 5522.38] about who he is. +[5522.38 --> 5526.76] And I think +[5526.76 --> 5528.06] the same remains +[5528.06 --> 5529.88] true for us. +[5531.74 --> 5533.08] In our culture, +[5533.22 --> 5534.12] especially here +[5534.12 --> 5535.06] in the West, +[5535.30 --> 5536.86] especially as we +[5536.86 --> 5537.60] have been shaped, +[5537.82 --> 5539.62] there is no +[5539.62 --> 5542.86] real excuse +[5542.86 --> 5544.76] for not knowing +[5544.76 --> 5546.68] who Jesus is +[5546.68 --> 5547.76] in our culture. +[5547.76 --> 5551.44] except +[5551.44 --> 5553.36] for willful +[5553.36 --> 5554.34] ignorance. +[5557.56 --> 5558.32] And let me be +[5558.32 --> 5558.80] really clear +[5558.80 --> 5559.68] with what I say next. +[5561.20 --> 5562.50] Because the only excuse +[5562.50 --> 5563.04] for not knowing +[5563.04 --> 5563.90] Jesus in our culture +[5563.90 --> 5564.96] is not the willful +[5564.96 --> 5565.44] ignorance +[5565.44 --> 5566.54] of people +[5566.54 --> 5567.64] outside of the church. +[5569.20 --> 5570.18] It's the willful +[5570.18 --> 5570.66] ignorance +[5570.66 --> 5571.92] of us +[5571.92 --> 5573.58] who sit here +[5573.58 --> 5575.54] and who refuse +[5575.54 --> 5576.06] to go +[5576.06 --> 5576.94] and to declare +[5576.94 --> 5577.94] and to proclaim +[5577.94 --> 5579.06] to our neighbors +[5579.06 --> 5580.66] who this Jesus is. +[5580.74 --> 5581.28] It's us. +[5581.74 --> 5582.86] And there's a, +[5583.34 --> 5585.02] this is a loaded word, +[5585.12 --> 5585.70] but I'll say it anyway, +[5585.76 --> 5586.54] there's a pandemic +[5586.54 --> 5588.32] of biblical illiteracy +[5588.32 --> 5589.24] in the church today. +[5590.98 --> 5592.94] And our willful ignorance +[5592.94 --> 5593.90] is creating +[5593.90 --> 5594.72] this problem +[5594.72 --> 5595.64] where people +[5595.64 --> 5596.64] can't answer +[5596.64 --> 5597.18] the question +[5597.18 --> 5597.92] who is Jesus +[5597.92 --> 5598.88] because they don't +[5598.88 --> 5599.46] actually want to go +[5599.46 --> 5600.30] talk to the Christians +[5600.30 --> 5601.04] because the Christians +[5601.04 --> 5601.48] have made it +[5601.48 --> 5602.38] about something else. +[5603.04 --> 5603.78] Remember when our power +[5603.78 --> 5604.32] and our privilege +[5604.32 --> 5604.96] are challenged? +[5605.96 --> 5606.56] Remember when we have +[5606.56 --> 5606.96] a value +[5606.96 --> 5607.72] that we raise up +[5607.72 --> 5608.64] to go against the flow +[5608.64 --> 5609.52] and make other decisions? +[5610.64 --> 5611.64] Is that value +[5611.64 --> 5612.68] that you've raised up +[5612.68 --> 5613.08] Jesus? +[5614.56 --> 5615.20] Is that, +[5615.26 --> 5616.04] that value +[5616.04 --> 5617.26] that you've put up +[5617.26 --> 5617.48] the, +[5617.48 --> 5618.46] the proclamation +[5618.46 --> 5619.36] of the kingdom come +[5619.36 --> 5620.16] and the kingdom coming +[5620.16 --> 5620.98] of living a life +[5620.98 --> 5621.80] worthy of the calling +[5621.80 --> 5622.54] that you have received +[5622.54 --> 5623.40] in grace? +[5625.00 --> 5626.24] Or is it something else +[5626.24 --> 5628.80] that's getting in the way +[5628.80 --> 5630.26] of people hearing +[5630.26 --> 5632.54] who this man is? +[5633.54 --> 5634.18] Because you see, +[5634.24 --> 5635.44] there's one more response +[5635.44 --> 5637.14] and that good questions +[5637.14 --> 5638.08] will lead us to. +[5638.90 --> 5640.08] And that final response +[5640.08 --> 5641.50] comes in the story +[5641.50 --> 5642.54] of Jesus cursing +[5642.54 --> 5643.08] the fig tree. +[5643.16 --> 5643.96] And I just want to say +[5643.96 --> 5645.16] this is a weird story. +[5646.40 --> 5647.28] But hear this. +[5648.28 --> 5649.18] Verse 18. +[5650.02 --> 5651.64] So Jesus has entered +[5651.64 --> 5653.16] Jerusalem in the triumphal entry. +[5653.28 --> 5654.42] He has cleared the temple +[5654.42 --> 5655.52] and then they went +[5655.52 --> 5656.48] to Bethany +[5656.48 --> 5657.16] to spend the night. +[5657.28 --> 5658.18] Early in the morning, +[5658.30 --> 5658.96] verse 18, +[5659.10 --> 5660.28] as Jesus was on his way +[5660.28 --> 5661.00] back to the city, +[5661.08 --> 5661.72] he was hungry +[5661.72 --> 5663.26] and seeing a fig tree +[5663.26 --> 5663.90] by the road, +[5663.98 --> 5664.76] he went up to it +[5664.76 --> 5666.14] but found nothing on it +[5666.14 --> 5666.92] except leaves +[5666.92 --> 5668.24] and then he said to it, +[5668.48 --> 5670.36] may you never bear fruit again +[5670.36 --> 5671.28] and immediately +[5671.28 --> 5672.92] the tree withered. +[5675.08 --> 5675.34] Now, +[5676.28 --> 5677.38] can I just say +[5677.38 --> 5678.00] that the history +[5678.00 --> 5678.66] of interpretation +[5678.66 --> 5679.66] on this passage +[5679.66 --> 5680.64] is convoluted +[5680.64 --> 5681.80] and it is really fun +[5681.80 --> 5682.62] to wrestle into +[5682.62 --> 5684.04] and someone like Josh +[5684.04 --> 5684.94] and maybe Bert +[5684.94 --> 5685.60] or Peter +[5685.60 --> 5686.40] really want to dig +[5686.40 --> 5687.30] into that kind of thing. +[5687.50 --> 5688.78] But for our purposes here, +[5688.78 --> 5691.08] just here, +[5691.92 --> 5692.16] right, +[5692.24 --> 5694.40] that Jesus spoke +[5694.40 --> 5696.66] and immediately +[5696.66 --> 5697.42] the tree withered. +[5698.50 --> 5699.86] And the disciples say, +[5700.40 --> 5701.12] when the disciples +[5701.12 --> 5701.94] saw this, +[5702.10 --> 5704.32] they were amazed. +[5705.70 --> 5706.88] How did the tree +[5706.88 --> 5708.90] wither so quickly, +[5709.08 --> 5709.74] they asked. +[5710.32 --> 5711.16] Which is, again, +[5711.24 --> 5712.08] another way of asking +[5712.08 --> 5712.54] the question, +[5712.88 --> 5714.98] who is this man? +[5717.08 --> 5718.04] Now, I think, +[5718.04 --> 5719.42] in this story, +[5719.58 --> 5721.76] there is a direct echo +[5721.76 --> 5722.82] or parallel +[5722.82 --> 5724.84] to a similar story +[5724.84 --> 5726.48] that's told in Matthew 8, +[5726.62 --> 5727.66] verse 27. +[5728.54 --> 5731.18] Jesus is asleep on a boat +[5731.18 --> 5732.92] and a storm rises up +[5732.92 --> 5734.10] and the disciples +[5734.10 --> 5734.78] are terrified +[5734.78 --> 5735.72] for their life +[5735.72 --> 5737.20] and so they wake Master up +[5737.20 --> 5737.66] and they say, +[5737.74 --> 5738.00] Master, +[5738.10 --> 5738.62] don't you care +[5738.62 --> 5739.76] that we are about to die? +[5740.08 --> 5740.96] And Jesus says, +[5741.20 --> 5742.86] what is your faith in? +[5744.22 --> 5745.56] And he speaks up +[5745.56 --> 5746.66] and he stands up +[5746.66 --> 5747.26] and he speaks, +[5747.26 --> 5747.80] he says, +[5747.88 --> 5748.48] be still +[5748.48 --> 5749.50] and immediately +[5749.50 --> 5751.54] the storm dies. +[5751.62 --> 5752.22] And we are told +[5752.22 --> 5753.26] in chapter 8, +[5753.32 --> 5753.96] verse 27, +[5754.46 --> 5756.70] the men were amazed +[5756.70 --> 5758.26] and they asked, +[5758.50 --> 5760.16] what kind of man is this? +[5760.52 --> 5761.42] Even the winds +[5761.42 --> 5762.12] and the waves +[5762.12 --> 5763.08] obey him. +[5764.16 --> 5766.66] Who is this Jesus? +[5766.92 --> 5768.40] What kind of man is this? +[5768.48 --> 5769.16] Even the wind +[5769.16 --> 5769.78] and the waves +[5769.78 --> 5770.60] and the trees +[5770.60 --> 5771.66] obey him. +[5771.66 --> 5773.72] they are amazed +[5773.72 --> 5774.96] that the response +[5774.96 --> 5777.42] to the question, +[5777.58 --> 5778.92] who is Jesus, +[5779.52 --> 5780.98] rightly leads +[5780.98 --> 5782.64] to worship, +[5783.64 --> 5784.86] to being amazed. +[5786.32 --> 5787.12] And so if you're here +[5787.12 --> 5787.72] this morning +[5787.72 --> 5790.98] and maybe for the first time +[5790.98 --> 5792.68] you're starting to answer +[5792.68 --> 5793.22] the question, +[5793.36 --> 5794.84] who is Jesus for you? +[5795.58 --> 5795.86] Right? +[5795.86 --> 5796.90] Maybe for the first time +[5796.90 --> 5797.74] you're starting to wonder, +[5797.74 --> 5798.30] yeah, +[5798.40 --> 5798.80] you know what? +[5798.84 --> 5799.48] This actually +[5799.48 --> 5801.10] does change +[5801.10 --> 5802.08] things +[5802.08 --> 5802.94] for me. +[5804.10 --> 5805.24] But I want to talk to you +[5805.24 --> 5806.34] about profession of faith +[5806.34 --> 5807.14] or I want to talk to you +[5807.14 --> 5807.96] about baptism, +[5808.44 --> 5808.54] right? +[5808.58 --> 5810.02] About standing up +[5810.02 --> 5810.50] and saying, +[5810.66 --> 5811.80] this I believe +[5811.80 --> 5813.90] in Jesus Christ. +[5814.68 --> 5816.52] He is the King +[5816.52 --> 5818.00] and Messiah. +[5818.00 --> 5820.42] because this +[5820.42 --> 5821.98] is the most +[5821.98 --> 5823.08] important decision +[5823.08 --> 5825.48] you will ever +[5825.48 --> 5826.64] make. +[5827.36 --> 5828.12] Who +[5828.12 --> 5829.38] is +[5829.38 --> 5830.56] Jesus? +[5831.88 --> 5833.00] And I hope, +[5833.24 --> 5833.72] I hope +[5833.72 --> 5834.36] and I pray +[5834.36 --> 5835.60] that as we wave +[5835.60 --> 5836.32] palm branches +[5836.32 --> 5839.12] that you will see +[5839.12 --> 5839.90] that he +[5839.90 --> 5841.02] is +[5841.02 --> 5842.08] your +[5842.08 --> 5843.20] Messiah +[5843.20 --> 5844.32] King. +[5844.74 --> 5845.02] Amen? +[5845.82 --> 5846.50] Amen. +[5846.66 --> 5847.32] Let's pray together. +[5848.00 --> 5848.64] And actually, +[5848.68 --> 5849.20] I'm going to invite you +[5849.20 --> 5849.78] to stand +[5849.78 --> 5850.54] for this prayer. +[5850.64 --> 5851.36] That seems appropriate. +[5851.46 --> 5851.98] If you're able, +[5852.18 --> 5853.06] please stand. +[5858.74 --> 5859.34] Holy +[5859.34 --> 5860.34] Lord +[5860.34 --> 5861.40] Jesus. +[5862.44 --> 5863.08] Holy +[5863.08 --> 5864.10] Messiah +[5864.10 --> 5865.16] King +[5865.16 --> 5866.08] Jesus. +[5867.84 --> 5869.20] We stand +[5869.20 --> 5869.92] here +[5869.92 --> 5870.92] in your +[5870.92 --> 5871.62] presence. +[5871.80 --> 5872.38] We stand +[5872.38 --> 5872.88] here +[5872.88 --> 5873.80] amazed +[5873.80 --> 5874.48] at who +[5874.48 --> 5875.28] you are. +[5875.60 --> 5876.20] We stand +[5876.20 --> 5876.50] here, +[5876.56 --> 5877.14] each one +[5877.14 --> 5877.52] of us +[5877.52 --> 5878.24] on a +[5878.24 --> 5878.62] different +[5878.62 --> 5879.08] journey +[5879.08 --> 5879.78] of faith +[5879.78 --> 5880.26] and +[5880.26 --> 5880.88] proclamation, +[5881.38 --> 5881.92] an answer +[5881.92 --> 5882.26] to the +[5882.26 --> 5882.64] question, +[5882.84 --> 5883.08] who +[5883.08 --> 5884.08] is +[5884.08 --> 5884.86] Jesus? +[5886.38 --> 5886.78] And so, +[5886.86 --> 5886.96] God, +[5887.00 --> 5887.62] I pray for +[5887.62 --> 5888.22] those who +[5888.22 --> 5889.44] are in +[5889.44 --> 5890.34] indignation +[5890.34 --> 5890.78] pushing +[5890.78 --> 5891.42] against +[5891.42 --> 5891.90] you. +[5893.08 --> 5893.84] I pray +[5893.84 --> 5894.34] for those +[5894.34 --> 5894.74] of us +[5894.74 --> 5895.06] who have +[5895.06 --> 5895.72] questions +[5895.72 --> 5896.36] and are +[5896.36 --> 5896.96] skeptics +[5896.96 --> 5897.20] and are +[5897.20 --> 5897.68] full of +[5897.68 --> 5898.08] doubt +[5898.08 --> 5899.16] and trial +[5899.16 --> 5899.86] and are +[5899.86 --> 5900.38] struggling +[5900.38 --> 5901.06] to understand. +[5901.20 --> 5901.52] May we +[5901.52 --> 5902.26] bring those +[5902.26 --> 5902.80] to you, +[5902.96 --> 5903.12] Lord +[5903.12 --> 5903.82] Jesus. +[5905.58 --> 5905.92] And I +[5905.92 --> 5906.16] pray, +[5906.38 --> 5906.60] God, +[5906.66 --> 5907.22] for those +[5907.22 --> 5908.24] who maybe +[5908.24 --> 5908.92] today for +[5908.92 --> 5909.36] the first +[5909.36 --> 5910.22] time or +[5910.22 --> 5910.96] who today +[5910.96 --> 5912.42] affirm in +[5912.42 --> 5913.40] their faith +[5913.40 --> 5914.18] that you +[5914.18 --> 5915.68] are my +[5915.68 --> 5916.38] King, +[5916.72 --> 5917.66] that you, +[5917.90 --> 5918.32] Lord Jesus, +[5918.46 --> 5918.94] belong on +[5918.94 --> 5919.44] the throne +[5919.44 --> 5920.30] of my +[5920.30 --> 5921.02] heart, +[5921.20 --> 5921.96] and so I +[5921.96 --> 5922.88] will worship +[5922.88 --> 5923.60] you +[5923.60 --> 5924.52] forever. +[5926.64 --> 5927.70] May we +[5927.70 --> 5928.84] add our +[5928.84 --> 5929.84] voices to +[5929.84 --> 5930.76] the voices +[5930.76 --> 5931.64] of the +[5931.64 --> 5932.00] church +[5932.00 --> 5932.48] throughout +[5932.48 --> 5933.34] time +[5933.34 --> 5934.34] immemorial +[5934.34 --> 5935.00] praising +[5935.00 --> 5935.66] you, +[5936.04 --> 5936.82] Lord Jesus, +[5937.08 --> 5938.14] as our +[5938.14 --> 5938.86] King. +[5939.26 --> 5939.84] Hosanna +[5939.84 --> 5940.88] to the +[5940.88 --> 5942.00] Son of +[5942.00 --> 5942.52] David. +[5943.40 --> 5944.06] Hosanna +[5944.06 --> 5945.50] in the +[5945.50 --> 5946.06] highest +[5946.06 --> 5947.00] heaven. +[5948.38 --> 5948.78] Blessed +[5948.78 --> 5949.64] is he +[5949.64 --> 5950.56] who comes +[5950.56 --> 5951.28] in the +[5951.28 --> 5952.34] name of +[5952.34 --> 5952.78] the Lord. +[5953.60 --> 5953.94] Amen. +[5959.84 --> 5961.46] might +[5961.46 --> 5962.18] not +[5962.18 --> 5963.96] there +[5963.96 --> 5964.62] no +[5965.94 --> 5966.44] em +[5966.44 --> 5967.84] long +[5967.92 --> 5968.18] hy +[5968.18 --> 5969.30] say +[5969.76 --> 5970.36] o +[5970.36 --> 5971.18] Sh +[5971.18 --> 5972.76] h +[5973.34 --> 5973.88] and +[5973.88 --> 5974.64] l +[5974.64 --> 5975.68] 70 +[5975.68 --> 5976.58] no +[5976.58 --> 5977.42] Bueno +[5977.42 --> 5978.30] 효 +[5978.30 --> 5978.34] be +[5978.34 --> 5979.56] 句 +[5979.56 --> 5980.00] 句 +[5980.00 --> 5985.26] 句 +[5985.26 --> 5991.74] The worm upon his throne +[5991.74 --> 5995.70] While heaven's eternal anthem +[5995.70 --> 6000.86] Drums no music of his own +[6000.86 --> 6005.32] Awake my soul and sing +[6005.32 --> 6009.88] Of him who died to be +[6009.88 --> 6014.76] Your Savior and your matchless King +[6014.76 --> 6017.82] Throughout eternity +[6017.82 --> 6025.96] Crown him the Lord of life +[6025.96 --> 6030.58] Triumphant o'er the grave +[6030.58 --> 6035.72] Who rose victorious from the strife +[6035.72 --> 6039.84] For those he came to save +[6039.84 --> 6044.80] His glories now we sing +[6044.80 --> 6049.62] Who died and reigns on high +[6049.62 --> 6054.70] He died eternal life to bring +[6054.70 --> 6059.66] And lives that death may die +[6059.66 --> 6066.92] Crown him the Lord of peace +[6066.92 --> 6071.48] His kingdom is at hand +[6071.48 --> 6075.70] From pole to pole let warfare cease +[6075.70 --> 6080.66] That Christ rule every land +[6080.66 --> 6085.12] Oh hail, Redeemer, hail +[6085.12 --> 6089.44] For you have died for me +[6089.44 --> 6094.44] Your praise shall never, never fail +[6094.44 --> 6097.76] Throughout eternity +[6097.76 --> 6111.72] As you go into this week +[6111.72 --> 6114.74] Know that you go with the blessing of God +[6114.74 --> 6116.78] And go also with this invitation +[6116.78 --> 6120.14] Take those palm branches that you have received +[6120.14 --> 6121.72] And they're stacked still by the door +[6121.72 --> 6123.28] So take more as you go +[6123.28 --> 6126.04] And consider how you might +[6126.04 --> 6129.16] Display them in your home +[6129.16 --> 6130.92] Or prominently on your door +[6130.92 --> 6133.04] Fashion them into a wreath if you like +[6133.04 --> 6134.62] Which is very traditional practice +[6134.62 --> 6136.22] And hang them there +[6136.22 --> 6138.50] For the world to see +[6138.50 --> 6140.10] That this week +[6140.10 --> 6142.90] You are journeying with Jesus to the cross +[6142.90 --> 6145.62] And that on Friday as we gather and remember +[6145.62 --> 6148.96] We do so in the hope of Sunday to come +[6148.96 --> 6151.52] That the tomb is empty +[6151.52 --> 6155.52] And so please take some palm branches with you as you go +[6155.52 --> 6157.18] And then lastly +[6157.18 --> 6160.18] If you are able or interested in +[6160.18 --> 6163.46] Picking up the Mexico mission team +[6163.46 --> 6165.04] Grab me at the back +[6165.04 --> 6166.38] We'll figure out those details +[6166.38 --> 6169.42] Go with God +[6169.42 --> 6170.60] Receive his blessing +[6170.60 --> 6174.68] God go before you to lead you +[6174.68 --> 6177.28] God go behind you to protect you +[6177.28 --> 6179.30] God go beneath you to support you +[6179.30 --> 6182.32] And God go beside you to befriend you +[6182.32 --> 6184.58] Do not be afraid +[6184.58 --> 6188.58] Let the blessing of God come upon you today +[6188.58 --> 6190.34] Do not be afraid +[6190.34 --> 6195.04] But go in peace with your Messiah King +[6195.04 --> 6196.48] And all God's people said +[6196.48 --> 6197.42] Amen +[6204.68 --> 6218.18] You're the Lion of Judah +[6218.18 --> 6220.28] The Lamb who was slain +[6220.28 --> 6222.30] He ascended to heaven +[6222.30 --> 6224.22] And evermore will reign +[6224.22 --> 6226.28] At the end of the age +[6226.28 --> 6228.42] When the earth you relays +[6228.42 --> 6232.00] You will gather the nations before you +[6232.00 --> 6234.44] And the eyes of all men +[6234.44 --> 6235.48] Will be fixed +[6235.48 --> 6239.22] To the Lamb who was crucified +[6239.22 --> 6243.66] With wisdom and mercy and justice +[6243.66 --> 6248.54] You'll reign at your Father's side +[6248.54 --> 6250.68] And the angels will cry +[6250.68 --> 6253.96] Hail the Lamb +[6253.96 --> 6258.70] Who was slain for the world +[6258.70 --> 6261.86] Ruling by +[6261.86 --> 6266.56] And the earth will reply +[6266.56 --> 6270.56] You shall reign +[6270.56 --> 6274.36] As the King of all kings +[6274.36 --> 6277.02] And the Lord of all worlds +[6277.02 --> 6286.30] There's a shield in our hand +[6286.30 --> 6288.34] And a sword at our side +[6288.34 --> 6290.40] There's a fire in our spirits +[6290.40 --> 6292.32] That cannot be denied +[6292.32 --> 6294.66] Cause the Father has told us +[6294.66 --> 6296.40] For these you have died +[6296.40 --> 6300.08] For the nations who gather before you +[6300.08 --> 6302.42] And the eyes of all men +[6302.42 --> 6303.50] Need to hear +[6303.50 --> 6304.50] Hail the Lamb +[6304.50 --> 6306.50] Who was crucified +[6306.50 --> 6310.40] Who descended to hell +[6310.40 --> 6311.74] Yet was raised up +[6311.74 --> 6316.42] To reign at his Father's side +[6316.42 --> 6318.58] And the angels will cry +[6318.58 --> 6322.50] Hail the Lamb +[6322.50 --> 6326.44] Who was slain for the world +[6326.44 --> 6329.38] Ruling by +[6329.38 --> 6334.20] And the earth will reply +[6334.20 --> 6334.24] And the earth will reply +[6334.24 --> 6338.38] You shall reign +[6338.38 --> 6342.04] As the King of all kings +[6342.04 --> 6344.20] And the Lord of all lords +[6344.20 --> 6346.12] And the angels will cry +[6346.12 --> 6349.38] Hail the Lamb +[6349.38 --> 6353.92] Who was slain for the world +[6353.92 --> 6356.38] Ruling by +[6356.38 --> 6357.38] And the earth will reply +[6357.38 --> 6361.70] And the earth will reply +[6361.70 --> 6365.38] You shall reign +[6365.38 --> 6369.30] As the King of all kings +[6369.30 --> 6371.38] And the Lord of all lords +[6371.38 --> 6373.26] As the King of all kings +[6373.26 --> 6376.38] And the Lord of all lords +[6376.38 --> 6379.32] And the Lord of all kings +[6379.32 --> 6380.70] Blessed� is number of kings +[6380.70 --> 6381.38] Against the God +[6381.38 --> 6381.80] Dear God +[6381.80 --> 6382.38] You shall reign +[6382.38 --> 6382.64] Amen +[6382.64 --> 6383.98] The Lord of all kings +[6383.98 --> 6385.46] And the Lord of all kings +[6385.46 --> 6386.38] And Geralt +[6386.38 --> 6387.52] Unknown +[6387.52 --> 6388.62] Vice順 +[6388.62 --> 6389.54] Amen +[6389.54 --> 6389.58] Slow +[6389.58 --> 6390.12] Fear +[6390.12 --> 6390.24] Kristen +[6390.24 --> 6391.08] Man +[6391.08 --> 6391.24] 惹 +[6391.24 --> 6392.38] Glow +[6392.38 --> 6392.92] Ven inim +[6392.92 --> 6394.36] Has the King of all kings +[6394.36 --> 6395.98] Ludλ +[6395.98 --> 6396.82] And even +[6396.82 --> 6397.14] Hying +[6397.14 --> 6398.40] Haush +[6398.40 --> 6399.42] pork +[6399.42 --> 6400.28] images +[6400.28 --> 6401.70] Flynn +[6401.70 --> 6402.66] Water +[6402.66 --> 6403.12] Conservation +[6403.76 --> 6404.46] répondre +[6404.46 --> 6404.72] Free +[6404.72 --> 6404.88] Spirit +[6404.88 --> 6405.76] 入 +[6406.38 --> 6436.36] Thank you. +[6436.38 --> 6466.36] Thank you. diff --git a/Sunday Worship, March 3, 2024_summary.txt b/Sunday Worship, March 3, 2024_summary.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000000000000000000000000000000000000..99787ab1b0e8434a64913c32f89e800e6877539f --- /dev/null +++ b/Sunday Worship, March 3, 2024_summary.txt @@ -0,0 +1,90 @@ +• Announcements for Mexico Mission dinner and fundraiser +• Youth Coffee event after church +• Welcome and greeting from Pastor Chris +• Reading of Psalm 8 and invitation to worship +• Worship of God's majesty and authority +• Humanity's tendency to forget God's authority and try to take control +• The cross as a symbol of surrender and trust in God's sovereignty +• Reflection on why Jesus had to die and what it means for human understanding of God's authority +• Coming to the cross in confession, worship, and seeking mercy and grace +• The importance of faith in Christ Jesus +• The atonement of Christ, including his sacrifice on the cross and his offering of himself for our sins +• The forgiveness of sins through faith in Christ +• The surpassing value of knowing that Christ is our Lord +• The sufficiency of Christ's one sacrifice to reconcile us with God forever +• A hymn or prayer to God, expressing praise and thanksgiving for His faithfulness and love +• Repeated "amen" responses from an unknown speaker +• Introduction by Yap, a deacon at Langley Emanuel, to take a collection for Cascade Christian Counseling +• Description of Cascade Christian Counseling and its mission +• Invitation to the children to participate in a puzzle-related activity during worship time +• Discussion about puzzles, including ones that are challenging to complete +• Children's worship will discuss being peacemakers +• The church will offer a blessing to the congregation +• Tax receipts are available for pickup +• Next week is the Lord's Supper +• Prayers and announcements for health concerns: Greta Visser's sister Evelyn, Kobe DeBorsap, Ellen White's recovery from hip surgery +• A prayer for guidance and strength in daily life +• Requests for healing for those struggling with illness or pain +• Family camping trips at Kilbear Provincial Park +• Development of a family rule against discussing politics and religion due to disagreements +• Offending others through discussions on sensitive topics, specifically aiming to offend equally around the room +• Reading Romans 13:1-7 together in church services for two weeks +• The importance of submitting to authorities as they serve God's purposes +• Responsible citizenship involves understanding the order of governance and recognizing that authorities are established by God +• The governing authorities are part of God's providential hand in creating and upholding societal structures for His purposes +• Authorities can be understood on a macro (big movements of history) or micro (individual actions) level, but also includes ordinary means like medicine and governmental authority +• There are multiple spheres of authority established by God as part of the creation order +• The distinction between governing authorities and other established authorities such as family, church, arts, and natural sciences +• The idea that each authority sphere has its own realm of interest and should function autonomously +• The importance of recognizing the limits on the scope of earthly authorities and the role of the state in maintaining those limits +• The potential for abuse of power by individuals or groups within an authority sphere +• The tendency of the state to over-function in its responsibilities, leading citizens to upload responsibilities to a higher body. +• The authority of governing bodies is established by God +• Responsible citizens understand the limits of power and put checks in place to balance authority +• Rebellion against authority is rebellion against what God has instituted, leading to judgment on oneself +• Obedience to authority is a key aspect of responsible citizenship, as seen in 1 Peter 2 and Titus 3 +• Slander, hatred, and disobedience towards governing authorities are contrary to biblical teachings +• The Roman Empire and its treatment of Christians, including persecution +• Peter's letter to early Christian communities facing persecution +• The New Testament instruction to honor governing authorities +• Submitting to governing authorities as a default position for Christians +• Recognizing limits of authority when it conflicts with God's created order +• The Bible instructs giving to everyone what you owe them, including taxes and revenue. +• Paul echoes Jesus' statement in Matthew 22:21 about giving to Caesar what is Caesar's and God what is God's. +• Jesus challenges the idea that the state or emperor has divine authority and deserves worship. +• There are limits to submission and obedience, including not worshiping anything other than God. +• The ruler is considered God's servant for good, responsible for operating under God's moral order. +• Discussion of a scene from The Lion King where Simba asks his father about being king +• Explanation of the underlying principle that rulers should support doing right and not require doing wrong +• Reference to Romans 13 and Acts in the Bible as examples of obeying God over human authorities +• Peter's statements in Acts 4 and 5 emphasizing obedience to God over man-made laws +• Reflection on the importance of choosing to obey God even if it has consequences +• Christians have a responsibility to obey governing authorities +• There are three ways Christians share and live this responsibility: submission, submitting according to conscience, and responsible citizenship +• Submission involves paying taxes, acting as civil servants, contributing to society's well-being, and praying for leaders +• Submitting according to conscience requires evaluating the state in relation to governing authorities and obeying based on God's established order +• Responsible citizens do good and act righteously, not out of fear but because it is their conscience +• The motivation behind obedience is to obey God, who has established the state, rather than solely out of a desire to avoid punishment. +• The importance of living as Christians influences what others think about God and Christianity +• Praying for political leaders is a crucial aspect of living peaceful and quiet lives in goodness and holiness +• An atmosphere of quiet and peaceful living allows Christians to pursue activities consistent with God's will +• This atmosphere enables various aspects of life, such as raising families in the Lord, serving community needs, and spreading the gospel +• Doing good for goodness sake is essential for responsible citizens and benefits the message of the church +• The impact of faith on politics +• Responsible citizenship and doing good +• Created order and justice in society +• Matters of conscience and living a life that honors God +• Prayer for guidance and application of faith to everyday life +• Invoking God's presence and kingdom +• Asking for gentleness, respect, and to serve others +• Praying for power, peace, justice, and protection from harm +• Seeking God's promise, word, and faithfulness +• Mentioning Christ, His spirit, and the role of prophets +• Expressing a desire for freedom from sin and death +• Asking for guidance and empowerment in serving others +• Kingdom of God and the power of the gospel +• Standing on faith, raising hearts, and overcoming challenges +• Children of the mountains, raising human souls, and doing a race in Israel +• Invitations to fellowship, prayer, and community after the service +• Blessings and prayers for protection, support, and friendship +• Call to responsible citizenship and love for the Lord \ No newline at end of file diff --git a/Sunday Worship, March 3, 2024_transcript.txt b/Sunday Worship, March 3, 2024_transcript.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000000000000000000000000000000000000..638318c366f199669a53ac894a240b48158c0928 --- /dev/null +++ b/Sunday Worship, March 3, 2024_transcript.txt @@ -0,0 +1,1693 @@ +[0.00 --> 29.98] Thank you. +[30.00 --> 59.98] Thank you. +[60.00 --> 62.00] Thank you. +[90.00 --> 92.00] Thank you. +[92.00 --> 94.00] Thank you. +[122.00 --> 124.00] Thank you. +[124.00 --> 126.00] Thank you. +[126.00 --> 128.00] Thank you. +[156.00 --> 158.00] Thank you. +[158.00 --> 160.00] Thank you. +[160.00 --> 162.00] Thank you. +[162.00 --> 164.00] Thank you. +[164.00 --> 166.00] Thank you. +[166.00 --> 168.00] Thank you. +[168.00 --> 170.00] Thank you. +[170.00 --> 172.00] Thank you. +[172.00 --> 174.00] Thank you. +[174.00 --> 176.68] All praise to God the Father. +[177.28 --> 180.42] All praise to Christ the Son. +[180.84 --> 183.82] All praise to the Holy Spirit. +[184.50 --> 186.86] Our God has overcome. +[188.14 --> 193.82] The King who was and is and evermore will be. +[194.28 --> 198.24] In Jesus' mighty name, I am the King. +[204.00 --> 233.98] The King who was and is and evermore will be. +[234.00 --> 263.98] The King who was and is and evermore will be. +[264.00 --> 271.08] Oh no, I'll ever be ashamed of the gospel of Jesus Christ. +[271.48 --> 278.74] How could I ever walk away from the one who saved my life? +[278.74 --> 283.76] All praise to God the Father. +[283.76 --> 286.82] All praise to Christ the Son. +[287.82 --> 290.98] All praise to the Holy Spirit. +[291.56 --> 293.98] Our God has overcome. +[293.98 --> 300.76] The King who was and is and evermore will be. +[300.76 --> 305.76] In Jesus' mighty name, I pray. +[305.76 --> 312.56] All praise to God the Father. +[312.56 --> 312.84] All praise to God the Father. +[312.84 --> 316.24] All praise to Christ the Son. +[316.24 --> 319.78] All praise to the Holy Spirit. +[319.78 --> 320.78] Our God has overcome. +[320.78 --> 322.94] Our God has overcome. +[322.94 --> 329.72] The King who was and is and evermore will be. +[329.72 --> 336.80] In Jesus' mighty name, I pray. +[336.80 --> 338.80] In Jesus' mighty name, I pray. +[338.80 --> 344.36] Good morning, everyone. +[347.18 --> 348.04] Thanks, Ruby. +[348.24 --> 349.00] How are we doing? +[350.70 --> 351.22] Awesome. +[351.42 --> 353.26] Thank you for being here. +[353.36 --> 356.16] A special welcome to you if you're a guest among us. +[356.32 --> 357.14] My name is Chris. +[357.14 --> 362.90] I'm one of the pastors here, and it's my privilege, along with these others on stage and a few +[362.90 --> 367.70] that we haven't yet revealed to you, to lead in our worship together this morning. +[368.02 --> 372.96] Before we begin in worship, there's a couple of announcements to make and to share with you. +[372.96 --> 380.04] First, a huge thank you to everyone who came out to the Mexico Mission dinner and fundraiser +[380.04 --> 381.36] last night that was here. +[381.36 --> 389.50] The dessert auction is always a ton of fun, even if my son goes home sad every time because +[389.50 --> 392.76] we just don't have enough money to pay the way you guys pay for desserts. +[393.50 --> 396.90] So thank you for your generosity in that on behalf of the team. +[397.40 --> 400.06] It's really an amazing time to be together. +[400.90 --> 402.70] As well, one last announcement. +[403.34 --> 405.74] Youth Coffee is happening after church. +[405.74 --> 412.90] And so if you're a youth that's sort of grade 8 to high school aged and would like to go +[412.90 --> 417.40] to someone's house for coffee after church, you can get details from Pastor Kevin about +[417.40 --> 417.72] that. +[418.14 --> 420.58] You're heading to the Baumann's, so Rob is over there. +[420.64 --> 422.18] He can give you details on how to get there. +[423.02 --> 427.46] And if you have any questions, grab either one of them and they will address them. +[428.06 --> 429.70] I think that's it for this morning. +[430.04 --> 433.22] And so I'm going to invite you, as you're able and where you are, to stand. +[433.22 --> 438.04] And we can be welcomed into God's presence by receiving his greeting. +[440.16 --> 445.14] After we receive the greeting of God, I invite you to turn to those around you and welcome +[445.14 --> 446.64] them into worship. +[447.34 --> 451.06] Just a reminder that not everyone wants to shake hands or give hugs. +[451.32 --> 460.98] And so gauge the person across from you intentionally as you offer your hand or a fist bump or a head +[460.98 --> 461.28] nod. +[461.68 --> 462.98] Either way is appropriate. +[463.22 --> 465.18] To welcome each other into worship. +[465.46 --> 467.18] Receive the greeting of our God. +[469.00 --> 472.18] Grace, mercy, and peace to you. +[472.52 --> 477.40] From God our Father, from the Lord Jesus Christ, His Son and our Savior, through the presence +[477.40 --> 479.24] and power of the Holy Spirit. +[480.30 --> 480.72] Amen. +[482.20 --> 483.26] Greet those around you. +[484.96 --> 485.68] Good morning. +[493.22 --> 515.82] Hear these words from Psalm 8 and tune your hearts to worship our Lord and King. +[515.82 --> 520.30] Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth. +[520.60 --> 522.74] You have set your glory in the heavens. +[523.28 --> 527.78] Through the praise of children and infants, you have established a stronghold against your +[527.78 --> 530.20] enemies to silence the foe and the avenger. +[530.70 --> 534.78] When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars which you have +[534.78 --> 538.22] set in place, what is mankind that you are mindful of them? +[538.48 --> 540.20] Human beings that you care for them. +[540.20 --> 545.22] You have made them a little lower than the angels and crowned them with glory and honor. +[545.94 --> 548.22] You made them rulers over the works of your hands. +[548.60 --> 554.06] You put everything under their feet, all flocks and herds, and all the animals of the wild, +[554.24 --> 559.34] and the birds in the sky, and the fish in the sea, all that swim the paths of the seas. +[559.34 --> 563.48] Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth. +[563.48 --> 569.52] blood, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth. +[569.52 --> 575.52] Humphreys who ceases in heaven, give us your name in all the earth. +[575.58 --> 581.34] While their碼ys and 시청 groups worship your hand, всю in alleys glory and our thoughts. +[581.34 --> 581.58] And the Church of diluate with the Son, the Father with great influence. +[582.42 --> 585.76] Lord, let your Father would lead on you to worship your hand, God with great honesty, +[586.52 --> 589.16] a year of love and fear of God with praising you. +[590.62 --> 592.42] And your Lord, how Chevroys of Christ, how man with so manywho've long with yourgs and whatenerE capacities and our gifts, +[592.42 --> 594.42] Oh +[622.42 --> 636.42] is +[652.42 --> 666.42] is +[682.42 --> 696.42] is +[712.42 --> 726.42] is +[742.42 --> 756.42] is +[768.42 --> 770.42] is +[772.42 --> 786.42] is +[786.42 --> 792.42] is +[802.42 --> 812.42] is +[812.42 --> 814.42] is +[814.42 --> 816.42] is +[816.42 --> 826.42] is +[826.42 --> 828.42] is +[828.42 --> 830.42] is +[830.42 --> 832.42] is +[832.42 --> 834.42] is +[834.42 --> 836.42] is +[836.42 --> 838.42] is +[838.42 --> 840.42] is +[840.42 --> 842.42] is +[842.42 --> 844.42] is +[844.42 --> 846.42] is +[846.42 --> 848.42] is +[848.42 --> 850.42] is +[850.42 --> 852.42] is +[852.42 --> 854.42] is +[854.42 --> 860.42] is +[860.42 --> 862.42] is +[862.42 --> 864.42] is +[864.42 --> 866.42] is +[866.42 --> 868.42] is +[868.42 --> 870.42] is +[870.42 --> 872.42] is +[872.42 --> 874.42] is +[874.42 --> 878.42] is +[878.42 --> 880.78] we give in to fear because of the state of our world. +[881.32 --> 883.70] We forget that you have authority over everything, +[884.06 --> 885.64] every nation, every leader. +[886.16 --> 888.96] You have kingdom authority, and you are sovereign in every act. +[889.50 --> 893.52] We forget your authority and crown ourselves as king in our own lives. +[894.22 --> 896.02] As we walk through the season of Lent, +[896.38 --> 898.64] we look to the cross and we think of your disciples, +[899.32 --> 901.66] pondering how they must have felt at the crucifixion. +[902.12 --> 903.84] Why did Jesus have to die? +[904.38 --> 907.26] Why did their leader, their teacher, their friend, +[907.26 --> 910.04] allow the authorities of this earth to crucify him? +[910.64 --> 912.46] What king dies on the path to victory? +[913.34 --> 916.76] God, we come to the cross, humbly offering our fears, +[917.30 --> 920.44] humbly laying down our visions of what your glory and authority +[920.44 --> 921.76] should look like on this earth, +[922.38 --> 925.02] humbly giving up our self-proclaimed crowns. +[926.24 --> 929.92] We come to the cross, recognizing our need to trust you, +[930.48 --> 932.10] yielding to the mystery of your working, +[932.76 --> 935.80] seeking your mercy and grace for our sin and for our weakness. +[935.80 --> 938.54] Jesus, we come before you, +[938.96 --> 943.04] journeying towards and kneeling at the cross in confession and in worship. +[943.04 --> 945.04] Wow. +[945.70 --> 946.00] Yes. +[946.00 --> 946.70] Amen. +[946.70 --> 947.00] Amen. +[947.22 --> 947.54] Amen. +[947.54 --> 947.86] Amen. +[947.86 --> 948.22] Amen. +[948.22 --> 949.76] Amen. +[949.76 --> 951.78] Amen. +[954.24 --> 954.32] Amen. +[954.32 --> 954.68] Amen. +[954.68 --> 956.50] Amen. +[956.50 --> 957.88] Yes. +[957.88 --> 958.06] Amen. +[958.08 --> 958.14] Amen. +[958.14 --> 958.96] Amen. +[958.96 --> 959.90] Amen. +[959.90 --> 960.60] Amen. +[960.70 --> 960.90] Amen. +[960.90 --> 960.94] Amen. +[961.06 --> 961.44] Amen. +[961.44 --> 962.00] Amen. +[962.42 --> 963.02] Amen. +[963.06 --> 964.16] Amen. +[964.16 --> 964.34] Amen. +[965.00 --> 966.98] Amen. +[967.58 --> 967.76] Amen. +[967.76 --> 968.52] Amen. +[970.70 --> 971.10] Amen. +[971.10 --> 988.22] I come to the cross seeking mercy and grace. I come to the cross where you died in my place. +[988.22 --> 1001.82] Out of my weakness and into strength, only I come to the cross. +[1003.28 --> 1016.22] Your arms are open, you call me my name. You love this child that was lost. +[1016.22 --> 1037.14] You lay a price for my guilt and my shame. Jesus I come. Jesus I come. Jesus I come to the cross. +[1037.14 --> 1052.42] I come to the cross seeking mercy and grace. I come to the cross where you died in my place. +[1052.42 --> 1064.42] Out of my weakness and into your strength, only I come to the cross. +[1064.42 --> 1078.42] Your arms are open, you call me my name. You love this child that was lost. +[1078.42 --> 1093.42] You pay a price for my guilt and my shame. Jesus I come. Jesus I come. +[1093.42 --> 1099.42] Jesus I come to the cross. +[1099.42 --> 1101.42] I come to the cross. +[1101.42 --> 1104.92] As you are able, let us stand together. +[1105.92 --> 1107.68] Rise up, O people of God. +[1108.90 --> 1114.68] Stand and declare your belief, as you have just sung that Christ died in our place. +[1114.68 --> 1121.54] Speak these words with me from the Belgic Confession about the Atonement of Christ and believe it in your hearts. +[1121.54 --> 1126.44] Remember the faithfulness of God, the pardon for sin, and a hope for tomorrow, +[1127.02 --> 1130.50] because of the gift of faith in Christ Jesus, our Lord and Savior. +[1130.50 --> 1131.90] Together let's say, +[1131.90 --> 1140.76] We believe that Jesus Christ is a high priest for ever and ever according to the Lord and the Lord and the Lord and the Lord and the Lord. +[1140.76 --> 1148.18] He made such by an oath, and that he exempted himself in our name before his Father, +[1148.76 --> 1152.44] to appease his Father's wrath with full satisfaction, +[1153.08 --> 1156.32] by offering himself on the tree of the cross, +[1157.00 --> 1161.50] and pouring out his precious blood for the cleansing of our sins, +[1161.90 --> 1163.74] as the prophets had predicted. +[1164.70 --> 1168.68] For it is written that what the punishment had made us whole +[1168.68 --> 1171.08] was placed on the Son of God, +[1171.64 --> 1174.50] and that by his cruises he had revealed. +[1175.04 --> 1178.50] He was like the lamb that was led to the slaughter. +[1179.18 --> 1181.64] He was numbered with the transgressors, +[1182.16 --> 1185.16] and he began as a criminal like the Jesus Christ, +[1185.76 --> 1188.66] though the Pilate had declared that he was innocent. +[1188.66 --> 1192.38] So he gave back what he had not stolen, +[1192.90 --> 1193.90] and he suffered, +[1194.32 --> 1196.30] the righteous for the unrighteous, +[1196.80 --> 1199.12] in both his body and his soul, +[1199.66 --> 1205.44] in such a way that when he sensed the horrible punishment required by our sins, +[1206.12 --> 1210.98] his sweat became like great cups of blood falling down on the ground. +[1211.52 --> 1212.36] He cried, +[1212.36 --> 1213.36] My God, +[1213.56 --> 1214.32] My God, +[1214.32 --> 1214.34] My God, +[1214.34 --> 1214.36] My God, +[1214.36 --> 1214.86] My God, +[1214.86 --> 1216.52] Why have you forsaken me? +[1216.98 --> 1220.78] And he endured all this for the forgiveness of our sins. +[1221.82 --> 1222.50] Therefore, +[1222.86 --> 1224.66] we rightly say with all, +[1225.16 --> 1229.80] that we know nothing except Jesus Christ and the Him who crucified. +[1230.70 --> 1233.04] We regard everything as lost, +[1233.36 --> 1238.30] because of the surpassing value of knowing that Christ is our Lord. +[1238.30 --> 1242.20] We find all our hurts in His wounds, +[1242.62 --> 1248.96] and have no need to seek or invent any other means to reconcile ourselves with God, +[1249.50 --> 1251.96] and this one and only sacrifice, +[1252.44 --> 1253.32] once made, +[1253.68 --> 1256.34] which renders believers perfect forever. +[1257.36 --> 1261.24] This is also why the angel of God called Him Jesus, +[1261.76 --> 1263.00] that it is sacred, +[1263.52 --> 1266.68] because He will save His people from their sins. +[1267.32 --> 1267.66] is +[1267.66 --> 1282.28] His people from His love? +[1282.28 --> 1282.70] Yes. +[1284.22 --> 1284.42] is +[1284.42 --> 1284.94] is +[1284.94 --> 1285.14] is +[1285.14 --> 1285.78] is +[1285.88 --> 1288.36] is +[1288.36 --> 1288.92] is +[1289.52 --> 1291.42] is +[1291.42 --> 1311.82] It is my faithfulness, O God, my Father. +[1311.82 --> 1319.82] There is no shadow of journey with me. +[1319.82 --> 1328.82] Thou changeest all the compassions they belong. +[1329.42 --> 1336.34] As the words be and forever will be. +[1337.72 --> 1344.82] Great is my faithfulness, free is my faithfulness. +[1344.82 --> 1352.82] For in my glory new mercies I see. +[1353.82 --> 1360.82] God, I am free, I am the full of my hills. +[1361.82 --> 1368.82] Great is my faithfulness, Lord, unto me. +[1368.82 --> 1378.82] Summer and winter and springtime and harvest. +[1378.82 --> 1386.82] Sun and stars in their courses above. +[1387.82 --> 1394.82] Join with all nature in man and full witness. +[1395.82 --> 1402.82] To my great faithfulness, mercy and love. +[1402.82 --> 1410.82] Great is my faithfulness, the ways I give the rest. +[1411.82 --> 1417.82] Morning by morning new mercies I see. +[1417.82 --> 1426.82] I am free, I am free, I am the full of my hills. +[1426.82 --> 1432.82] Great is my faithfulness, Lord, unto me. +[1432.82 --> 1444.82] Morning, Lord, sing in the peace that endures. +[1444.82 --> 1452.82] My own dear presence to cheer and to die. +[1452.82 --> 1453.82] Stay for today, my faithfulness. +[1453.82 --> 1458.82] Stay for today, my faithfulness. +[1458.82 --> 1468.82] For tomorrow, blessing of mine in ten thousand east night. +[1469.82 --> 1473.82] Great is my faithfulness. +[1473.82 --> 1476.82] Great is my faithfulness. +[1476.82 --> 1480.82] Lord, I am free, I am the full of my hills. +[1480.82 --> 1485.82] Great is my faithfulness, Lord, unto me. +[1485.82 --> 1486.82] Amen. +[1486.82 --> 1488.82] Amen. +[1488.82 --> 1494.82] Great is my faithfulness, Lord, unto me. +[1494.82 --> 1501.82] Great is my faithfulness, Lord, unto me. +[1501.82 --> 1503.82] Amen. +[1503.82 --> 1505.82] Amen. +[1505.82 --> 1506.82] Amen. +[1506.82 --> 1507.82] Amen. +[1507.82 --> 1508.82] Amen. +[1508.82 --> 1509.82] Amen. +[1509.82 --> 1512.82] Amen. +[1512.82 --> 1514.82] Amen. +[1514.82 --> 1515.82] Amen. +[1544.82 --> 1546.82] Amen. +[1574.82 --> 1576.82] Amen. +[1604.82 --> 1606.82] Amen. +[1634.82 --> 1636.82] Amen. +[1664.82 --> 1666.82] Amen. +[1694.82 --> 1696.82] Amen. +[1724.82 --> 1726.82] Amen. +[1754.82 --> 1755.82] Amen. +[1755.82 --> 1756.82] Amen. +[1756.82 --> 1758.82] Amen. +[1758.82 --> 1761.82] Amen. +[1761.82 --> 1762.82] Amen. +[1762.82 --> 1763.82] Amen. +[1763.82 --> 1765.82] Amen. +[1765.82 --> 1766.82] Amen. +[1766.82 --> 1767.82] Amen. +[1767.82 --> 1768.82] Amen. +[1768.82 --> 1769.82] Amen. +[1769.82 --> 1771.82] Amen. +[1771.82 --> 1773.82] Good morning. +[1773.82 --> 1774.82] My name's Yap. +[1774.82 --> 1776.82] I'm a deacon here at Langley Emanuel. +[1776.82 --> 1781.82] This morning's collection will be for Cascade Christian Counseling. +[1781.82 --> 1791.04] Cascade Christian Counseling is a local non-profit organization providing a caring, faith-based approach to helping people move towards healing. +[1791.72 --> 1793.72] Please give as you're able to. Thank you. +[1811.82 --> 1841.80] Thank you. +[1841.82 --> 1871.80] Thank you. +[1871.82 --> 1873.82] Thank you. +[1873.82 --> 1875.82] Thank you. +[1901.82 --> 1903.82] Thank you. +[1903.82 --> 1905.82] Thank you. +[1905.82 --> 1907.82] Thank you. +[1907.82 --> 1909.82] Thank you. +[1909.82 --> 1911.82] Thank you. +[1911.82 --> 1913.82] Thank you. +[1913.82 --> 1915.82] Thank you. +[1915.82 --> 1917.82] Thank you. +[1917.82 --> 1919.82] Thank you. +[1919.82 --> 1921.82] Thank you. +[1921.82 --> 1923.82] Thank you. +[1923.82 --> 1925.82] Thank you. +[1925.82 --> 1927.82] Thank you. +[1927.82 --> 1929.82] Thank you. +[1929.82 --> 1931.82] Thank you. +[1931.82 --> 1933.82] Thank you. +[1933.82 --> 1935.82] Thank you. +[1935.82 --> 1937.82] Thank you. +[1937.82 --> 1939.82] Thank you. +[1939.82 --> 1941.82] Thank you. +[1941.82 --> 1943.82] Thank you. +[1943.82 --> 1945.82] Thank you. +[1945.82 --> 1947.82] Thank you. +[1947.82 --> 1949.82] Thank you. +[1949.82 --> 1951.82] Thank you. +[1951.82 --> 1953.82] Thank you. +[1953.82 --> 1955.82] Thank you. +[1955.82 --> 1957.82] Thank you. +[1957.82 --> 1959.82] Thank you. +[1959.82 --> 1961.82] Thank you. +[1961.82 --> 1963.82] Thank you. +[1963.82 --> 1965.82] Thank you. +[1965.82 --> 1967.82] Thank you. +[1967.82 --> 1969.82] Thank you. +[1969.82 --> 1971.82] Thank you. +[1971.82 --> 1973.82] Thank you. +[1973.82 --> 1975.82] Thank you. +[1975.82 --> 1977.82] Thank you. +[1977.82 --> 1979.82] Thank you. +[1979.82 --> 1981.82] Thank you. +[1981.82 --> 1983.82] Thank you. +[1983.82 --> 1985.82] Thank you. +[1985.82 --> 1987.82] Thank you. +[1987.84 --> 1989.82] Thank you. +[1989.82 --> 1998.54] Give your eyes to joyful service, and sing His praises, love, and air. +[2000.16 --> 2010.64] Give your eyes to joyful service, and sing His praises, love, and air. +[2019.82 --> 2026.66] Good morning. I'd like to invite any of the kids up. +[2026.66 --> 2034.96] If you're age 3, up until grade 4, you can come join us at the front for a moment before we head off to our worship and children's worship time. +[2042.44 --> 2047.16] I'm wondering if any of you kids have ever done a puzzle before. +[2047.16 --> 2050.94] Lots of you have done a puzzle before. Excellent. +[2051.40 --> 2054.66] Do you think that if I asked... Amazing. +[2055.22 --> 2058.82] Do you think if I asked the whole church that some of them might have done a puzzle before, too? +[2059.44 --> 2063.14] I'm going to ask them. Has anyone else here ever done a puzzle? +[2063.26 --> 2065.28] We could just raise your hand if you've ever done a puzzle. +[2066.34 --> 2068.48] Okay, lots of them have done a puzzle, too. +[2069.52 --> 2073.72] Have you ever done a puzzle that took you, like, maybe more than a whole day, +[2073.72 --> 2077.24] because there were so many pieces and they were a little bit tricky to put together? +[2077.56 --> 2077.82] Yeah? +[2078.48 --> 2080.14] I've done some of those before, too. +[2080.58 --> 2083.20] And sometimes, I kind of wanted to give up. +[2083.60 --> 2086.84] We had a puzzle once, and it was a whole bunch of dogs and these doors, +[2086.96 --> 2089.02] and the doors, you know what? They all look the same. +[2089.54 --> 2092.56] And the black looked the same, and after a few days, we thought, +[2092.64 --> 2094.52] are we ever going to finish this puzzle? +[2094.52 --> 2094.96] Yeah. +[2099.78 --> 2100.10] Yeah. +[2101.62 --> 2105.12] It might have taken two days, because sometimes puzzles can be really hard. +[2105.84 --> 2106.16] Wow. +[2108.66 --> 2111.34] In the end, I was really glad when I finished the puzzle, +[2111.44 --> 2112.86] even though it was really hard work, +[2112.94 --> 2115.14] and maybe you could remember a puzzle that you've done, +[2115.32 --> 2118.02] that in the end, when you saw the whole picture, you thought, +[2118.34 --> 2119.62] wow, this is really cool. +[2119.62 --> 2122.90] I'm glad that I actually finished the whole puzzle and got to see it +[2122.90 --> 2126.20] before you probably took it apart and put it back in the box. +[2126.84 --> 2127.98] So you could do it again another day. +[2128.64 --> 2132.60] So today in children's worship, we're going to talk about being peacemakers +[2132.60 --> 2135.50] and how that can be a really hard job sometimes, +[2136.26 --> 2139.64] but that it's worth it in the end, because that's how Jesus calls us to live. +[2140.32 --> 2143.08] So before we go off to learn more about that, +[2143.12 --> 2146.84] we're going to stand up, and we're going to offer our blessing to the church, +[2146.84 --> 2148.60] and they're going to give one back in return. +[2149.62 --> 2150.62] Amen. +[2153.62 --> 2156.32] The Lord be with you. +[2156.64 --> 2158.16] And also with you. +[2179.62 --> 2185.18] Good morning. +[2185.78 --> 2186.96] I'm Steve and Elder here. +[2188.66 --> 2190.76] Before I pray, I have a couple announcements. +[2191.10 --> 2193.72] One, if you haven't noticed, your tax receipts are in the mailbox, +[2194.26 --> 2195.96] so you can find them there after the service. +[2195.96 --> 2199.94] And then next week we'll be celebrating the Lord's Supper, +[2200.12 --> 2202.58] so we can look forward to that. +[2202.58 --> 2209.10] And also a few prayers and announcements, health concerns that are not in the Bolton, +[2209.16 --> 2209.94] I'll be praying for. +[2210.56 --> 2213.36] One is Greta Visser. +[2214.70 --> 2219.34] Her sister Evelyn sounds like it's very critical now. +[2219.34 --> 2226.44] She's got a serious lung infection, heart infection, is on a ventilator in ICU, Royal Caribbean. +[2227.14 --> 2230.94] She suffered a stroke last night, so the next little while is very critical. +[2231.76 --> 2232.68] So pray for her. +[2232.68 --> 2235.30] And also for Kobe DeBorsap. +[2236.08 --> 2240.70] She's a daughter-in-law of Robin Mary and Foram remembers here. +[2240.92 --> 2244.44] She's battling leukemia right now and receiving treatment. +[2244.56 --> 2248.52] She's a young mom, so it's a very difficult situation there as well. +[2248.52 --> 2251.04] So we'll pray for her and the family. +[2253.22 --> 2254.14] Let us pray. +[2257.36 --> 2260.30] Gracious God, Father, our Lord Jesus Christ, +[2260.72 --> 2263.10] we come to you with hearts full of praise, +[2263.42 --> 2265.98] grateful for the grace and mercy we have received from you, +[2266.60 --> 2269.14] thankful for the relationship we have with you, +[2269.62 --> 2273.58] knowing that you are there beside us in both our joys and our sorrows. +[2273.58 --> 2278.84] As we see the first signs of spring, we look forward to warmer days ahead. +[2279.08 --> 2280.82] We praise you for the wonders of creation, +[2281.34 --> 2283.88] for the beauty in nature, for the gift of each day. +[2284.42 --> 2287.30] We pray that we may be good stewards of the earth and the resources +[2287.30 --> 2289.14] and good neighbors to all. +[2289.72 --> 2293.68] May your love be continually shown through our actions and our words. +[2294.30 --> 2296.48] We pray for the people of all nations. +[2296.94 --> 2300.18] We pray for the end of poverty, hunger, disease, injustice, +[2300.54 --> 2302.56] for violence and wars to cease. +[2303.58 --> 2305.78] May those who are in governance and positions of power +[2305.78 --> 2307.84] work towards true justice and peace. +[2308.50 --> 2311.20] We thank you for this church and for our congregation +[2311.20 --> 2314.42] and those in leadership, our staff, our council, committees, +[2314.54 --> 2315.58] and our numerous volunteers. +[2317.04 --> 2319.64] We are thankful for the Mexico mission team +[2319.64 --> 2321.22] and that they could hold a dinner yesterday. +[2321.76 --> 2323.98] We pray for them as they make their final preparations +[2323.98 --> 2325.14] for the trip this spring. +[2326.56 --> 2329.48] Guide us by your Holy Spirit in all that we do, +[2329.48 --> 2333.34] that we may work to do your will in all that we may do. +[2335.78 --> 2337.64] We give you thanks in our troubles. +[2338.24 --> 2342.02] We may turn to you, that in your strong arms +[2342.02 --> 2345.88] when we offload our sins, our weariness, our pain, and our grief. +[2346.28 --> 2349.42] We pray for those who are struggling with heavy burden today, +[2349.92 --> 2353.32] including those that are grieving, lonely, anxious, +[2353.32 --> 2356.68] dealing with addiction, struggling with their mental health, +[2356.80 --> 2357.58] their physical health, +[2358.28 --> 2361.00] for those awaiting test results or surgeries, +[2361.18 --> 2362.86] undergoing treatments in pain, +[2363.42 --> 2366.22] or dealing with long-term health issues. +[2366.88 --> 2373.02] This week we specifically pray for Greta Visser's sister, Evelyn, +[2373.22 --> 2375.96] who's obviously in very critical condition right now. +[2376.08 --> 2377.68] We pray for her. +[2378.10 --> 2378.94] We pray for healing. +[2378.94 --> 2383.60] We pray for Greta and give her all the strength she needs in this time +[2383.60 --> 2384.82] of all she's endured. +[2385.70 --> 2390.72] We pray for Kobe DeBoersep's health, +[2390.88 --> 2392.80] and we pray that you can bring her healing +[2392.80 --> 2396.98] and that she can win the battle against leukemia. +[2397.54 --> 2400.98] We pray for the strength for the family of supporting her from afar. +[2401.16 --> 2405.28] She's not at home, and we pray for all those that support her. +[2405.28 --> 2411.30] We pray for Ellen White, who is recovering from a successful hip surgery, +[2411.44 --> 2415.48] and we pray that the rehab goes well and that she can return home. +[2416.34 --> 2417.08] We pray for healing. +[2418.10 --> 2421.44] We pray to be with Pastor Chris as he leads us this morning. +[2421.78 --> 2426.48] We thank you for his willingness to share his gifts, talents, and insights here at Emmanuel. +[2426.68 --> 2429.42] We ask you to bless him and his message this morning. +[2429.60 --> 2433.92] We pray this all in the name of Jesus Christ, your Son, and our Lord and Savior. +[2433.92 --> 2434.54] Amen. +[2435.28 --> 2461.64] When I was a kid, growing up, we would go camping every summer to Kilbear Provincial Park +[2461.64 --> 2465.42] in sort of central northern Ontario. +[2467.36 --> 2471.72] And as I got older, my family started staying there longer and longer. +[2471.86 --> 2475.08] We would go for three weeks, which was the maximum amount of time +[2475.08 --> 2478.26] you were allowed to stay in a provincial park in Ontario at the time. +[2478.78 --> 2482.38] But then my parents got wise to it that you could book back-to-back, +[2482.52 --> 2485.76] and so then we would go for six weeks, and you would just change halfway through. +[2485.76 --> 2491.48] And then my mom figured out when we got a little bit older as teenagers living at home +[2491.48 --> 2497.52] that she could do eight weeks of camping in the summer, and we could just stay back at our house +[2497.52 --> 2500.72] and drive to and from work ourselves or get rides. +[2500.78 --> 2502.30] And so she had a beautiful summer. +[2502.30 --> 2511.08] Eventually, what started happening is as the park started allowing longer and longer camping seasons, +[2511.08 --> 2519.34] we started camping for Thanksgiving weekend in October with our extended De Winter family. +[2519.34 --> 2525.78] And so 45, 50 people would go camping for that weekend. +[2526.56 --> 2533.08] And now Thanksgiving weekend in October in Ontario can sometimes get really cold. +[2534.02 --> 2537.60] And when it's really cold out, you do creative things to stay warm. +[2537.96 --> 2539.60] And so we would get propane heaters. +[2539.68 --> 2544.34] I have one cousin who is a mason, and so he would bring one of those big salamander propane heaters. +[2544.34 --> 2549.40] We would set up tents and then put tarps all around it and create this whole balloon of hot air. +[2551.88 --> 2557.82] And we would gather together in these spaces, very enclosed. +[2559.46 --> 2562.14] And another thing that we would do to stay warm, I should say we, +[2562.46 --> 2566.26] another thing that those who were of legal age to do would stay warm +[2566.26 --> 2568.48] would be to have a couple adult beverages. +[2568.48 --> 2578.18] Now, when you mix confined spaces, adult beverages, and four or five extended days together, +[2578.94 --> 2583.44] certain conversations that you don't normally have come to the table. +[2584.90 --> 2586.54] Yeah, some of you are wondering, oh boy. +[2588.94 --> 2597.76] And so that family camping weekend developed a reputation for people going home upset with each other +[2597.76 --> 2600.86] and us needing to reconcile in the weeks after Thanksgiving. +[2603.86 --> 2607.20] Eventually, the family passed a rule, +[2607.72 --> 2611.76] and it's not an unspoken family rule like you all know, like this rule was spoken. +[2613.34 --> 2617.96] No talking about politics or religion. +[2619.86 --> 2621.96] Because things got divided. +[2622.10 --> 2626.78] As you can imagine, we had a very diverse family of opinions and perspectives. +[2626.78 --> 2628.86] Some of them are stubborn Dutchmen. +[2629.24 --> 2631.64] Others of them are stubborn Scotsmen. +[2632.00 --> 2636.06] And so it was a great time to sit back and watch. +[2637.40 --> 2643.22] Now, I also confess, as I got older and went away to university and started learning things, +[2643.30 --> 2645.50] I tried to contribute to these conversations. +[2646.24 --> 2652.58] Turns out, my expertise and authority in university education meant nothing to anyone in the room, +[2652.58 --> 2654.72] and I didn't hear anything I had to say. +[2656.24 --> 2657.84] And so the rule persisted. +[2658.24 --> 2661.18] No discussion of religion and politics. +[2661.32 --> 2663.14] Why do I make this point to you today? +[2663.72 --> 2667.12] Because today we're going to discuss religion and politics. +[2668.26 --> 2670.04] And here's what I'm confident of. +[2670.40 --> 2673.36] I will offend some of you this morning. +[2673.36 --> 2681.18] My hope is to equally distribute my offense around the room. +[2683.10 --> 2686.30] Further, I hope it's actually not me that's offending you, +[2686.84 --> 2689.54] but it's the Word of God that's offending your sensibilities +[2689.54 --> 2693.76] and challenging your presumptions about how these things work and work together. +[2693.76 --> 2699.52] And so I pray for grace, your grace, and God's grace in this time. +[2699.94 --> 2703.50] And I pray for continued conversation. +[2704.76 --> 2709.84] So follow this up in your circles and in your dining tables, in your care groups and the like. +[2710.00 --> 2711.32] Dive into these things. +[2711.48 --> 2716.64] Let's not be afraid of hard, disagreeable conversations. +[2717.06 --> 2721.94] But may I just say, when you have conversations in which you disagree, +[2721.94 --> 2723.46] don't be disagreeable. +[2724.48 --> 2725.30] Did you get the distinction? +[2726.64 --> 2726.78] Right? +[2726.88 --> 2730.12] Enter into these things well and together and let's see what happens. +[2730.86 --> 2734.32] So this morning and next week, actually, +[2734.44 --> 2736.28] because we're going to do this for two weeks in a row, +[2736.72 --> 2743.06] we're going to read together Romans 13, verse 1 through 7, actually. +[2744.92 --> 2748.30] And so if you have a Bible, I invite you to open it up. +[2748.44 --> 2750.66] The first time we go through, it will be on the screen. +[2750.84 --> 2752.28] There are Bibles at the back. +[2752.28 --> 2755.92] If you don't have one or if you don't have a device with the Bible on it, you can grab one there. +[2757.36 --> 2761.60] And then encourage you as we read to keep that open in front of you. +[2761.60 --> 2768.72] Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, +[2768.72 --> 2773.64] for there is no authority except that which God has established. +[2774.32 --> 2777.92] The authorities that exist have been established by God. +[2777.92 --> 2785.40] Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, +[2785.72 --> 2788.88] and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. +[2788.88 --> 2795.58] For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. +[2796.58 --> 2799.96] Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? +[2800.24 --> 2802.64] Then do what is right, and you will be commended. +[2803.58 --> 2806.50] For the one in authority is God's servant for your good. +[2806.50 --> 2809.64] But if you do wrong, be afraid. +[2809.64 --> 2813.04] For rulers do not bear the sword for no reason. +[2814.20 --> 2819.14] They are God's servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. +[2820.44 --> 2826.24] Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities not only because of possible punishment, +[2826.24 --> 2829.28] but also as a matter of conscience. +[2830.72 --> 2833.30] This is also why you pay taxes, +[2834.02 --> 2838.82] for the authorities are God's servants who give their full time to governing. +[2839.74 --> 2841.92] Give to everyone what you owe them. +[2842.32 --> 2844.10] If you owe taxes, pay taxes. +[2844.38 --> 2845.76] If revenue, then revenue. +[2845.98 --> 2847.56] If respect, then respect. +[2847.86 --> 2850.08] If honor, then honor. +[2851.68 --> 2852.92] This is the word of the Lord. +[2856.24 --> 2864.14] Now, I have already indicated that next week we will be coming back to this text, +[2864.70 --> 2871.34] and that's because I believe in order to do justice to the scope of this content, +[2871.90 --> 2875.76] we are given two things to focus on. +[2876.44 --> 2880.96] And so I'm dividing this text and its principles and themes and applications +[2880.96 --> 2888.26] into two sides of the same sort of authority structure coin. +[2888.26 --> 2890.58] On the one hand, and our focus for today, +[2890.96 --> 2896.50] is what it means to be responsible citizens in the world today, +[2896.60 --> 2898.58] in society that we live. +[2898.86 --> 2902.56] And then on the other side of that coin, where we will look next week, +[2902.76 --> 2907.70] is what does it mean to be responsible or to have responsible governments. +[2907.70 --> 2910.34] And so today we look at citizenship. +[2911.24 --> 2917.12] Next week we'll look at governance or governments and the structures therein. +[2919.18 --> 2925.42] As we dig into today, you will also note that there's a shared foundation +[2925.42 --> 2930.18] for responsible citizens and responsible governing. +[2930.66 --> 2936.06] Now, the big idea, the theme that we're going to operate has sort of four points to it, +[2936.06 --> 2940.98] and that is that responsible citizens understand order. +[2942.36 --> 2944.54] Responsible citizens do what is good. +[2945.48 --> 2948.52] Responsible citizens do good for goodness sake. +[2948.74 --> 2950.00] I'll explain that when we get there. +[2950.40 --> 2954.42] And responsible citizens give equitably as is due. +[2954.78 --> 2956.82] And again, I'll explain that when we get there. +[2957.72 --> 2959.96] Start in that first banner. +[2960.28 --> 2963.14] Responsible citizens understand order. +[2963.14 --> 2968.80] Or, to put it this way, responsible citizens understand that there is an order +[2968.80 --> 2972.08] to the structuring of these things. +[2973.22 --> 2974.80] Verse 1 begins, +[2975.72 --> 2978.60] Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, +[2979.02 --> 2983.74] for there is no authority except that which God has established. +[2984.44 --> 2989.06] The authorities that exist have been established by God. +[2989.06 --> 2996.52] And so the first principle of application to see is that a responsible citizen is someone +[2996.52 --> 3000.62] who first understands that the authority and the government structures +[3000.62 --> 3005.30] are established by God's providential hand. +[3005.98 --> 3010.82] That is, he works to create and uphold and to build them +[3010.82 --> 3014.54] and has particular purposes for them. +[3014.54 --> 3022.44] Now, as Christians, I'm aware that sometimes we talk about God's sovereignty +[3022.44 --> 3025.60] in the sort of super macro level. +[3026.14 --> 3029.48] Right here, we think about the big movements of history, +[3029.96 --> 3034.68] the ebbs and flows of eras and epochs moving in and out, +[3034.80 --> 3036.82] and empires rising and falling. +[3036.82 --> 3044.30] And at other times, we talk about God's sovereignty manifest in his providential work +[3044.30 --> 3046.64] in the small things, the micro things. +[3047.16 --> 3048.56] How does Jesus put it? +[3048.82 --> 3053.72] The not a hair can fall from my head without the will of my Father in heaven kind of way. +[3054.94 --> 3058.52] And so we are familiar with the macro and we are familiar with the micro, +[3058.52 --> 3063.02] but sometimes it's easy for us to overlook the in-between. +[3064.72 --> 3068.10] And included in that in-between, in that middle, +[3069.00 --> 3072.12] might be something like, for instance, +[3072.52 --> 3077.90] God using ordinary means of medicine to bring healing. +[3078.96 --> 3079.46] Right? +[3079.52 --> 3080.90] The healing still happens, +[3081.28 --> 3084.38] and it's the result of God's work in your body, +[3084.38 --> 3088.50] but it's through the means of doctors and hospitals, +[3088.82 --> 3090.24] not through the means of miracles. +[3091.96 --> 3095.84] I want to suggest that sometimes included in that middle +[3095.84 --> 3099.38] is also something like governmental authority. +[3100.22 --> 3100.96] Right? +[3101.00 --> 3107.16] That's established by God for his purposes in providing order to society. +[3108.12 --> 3113.66] The governing authorities are part of the creation order, +[3113.66 --> 3119.48] and they're part of that ongoing providential order of God. +[3119.80 --> 3119.96] Right? +[3120.06 --> 3123.20] God is establishing these authorities. +[3123.46 --> 3126.82] Now, before we dig deep into governance here, +[3126.98 --> 3132.02] let's note that the word used there, authorities, is plural. +[3133.28 --> 3133.42] Right? +[3133.46 --> 3135.58] And so the first thing to see is that there are authorities. +[3136.86 --> 3137.08] Right? +[3137.08 --> 3141.80] God has established multiple authorities as part of the creation order, +[3141.80 --> 3148.16] and these spheres are established by God. +[3148.26 --> 3152.74] These spheres of authority are established by God, +[3152.82 --> 3156.24] and governing authorities are one sphere, +[3156.88 --> 3160.70] and I will suggest to you that they are a sphere that plays a special role +[3160.70 --> 3162.60] in relation to the other spheres, +[3162.98 --> 3164.78] the other established authorities. +[3164.78 --> 3167.86] Now, to make that point, +[3167.96 --> 3172.64] some of those other established authorities, +[3172.64 --> 3175.68] some of those other authority spheres, +[3176.60 --> 3178.50] are things like the family. +[3179.20 --> 3179.40] Right? +[3179.42 --> 3184.42] We believe that the family is one of the actually root authorities +[3184.42 --> 3185.84] in the created order. +[3185.84 --> 3186.44] Right? +[3186.50 --> 3191.50] That parents have a responsibility to raise their kids in the fear of the Lord +[3191.50 --> 3195.68] and have a responsibility to raise their kids as responsible citizens +[3195.68 --> 3197.26] of the kingdom of heaven. +[3198.56 --> 3198.66] Right? +[3199.02 --> 3206.40] Your primary job as a parent isn't only to keep your child alive, +[3206.54 --> 3209.56] but it's to raise healthy, functioning adults. +[3211.02 --> 3211.22] Right? +[3211.24 --> 3215.80] And sometimes when you're in the midst of the trials of raising young, +[3217.28 --> 3218.68] strong-willed children, +[3218.68 --> 3219.60] I have to be careful, +[3219.70 --> 3221.32] and I'm going to keep looking over at this side of the room, +[3221.36 --> 3222.28] not at that side of the room, +[3222.84 --> 3225.60] we can forget that the goal, +[3226.24 --> 3226.54] right, +[3226.58 --> 3230.46] is to raise healthy, functioning adults. +[3231.96 --> 3236.12] Another area or authority that exists, +[3236.22 --> 3236.86] right, of course, +[3236.94 --> 3239.52] would be the church or religious institutions, +[3239.52 --> 3243.56] which have their own realm of interest in the areas of faith +[3243.56 --> 3247.56] and proclamation for us as Christians, +[3247.86 --> 3248.90] for the gospel, +[3249.08 --> 3251.50] but for other religious institutions as well. +[3253.90 --> 3256.02] I'll throw this out there for you to think about, +[3256.12 --> 3260.26] but it was third-century Christians +[3260.26 --> 3267.94] who argued for religious freedoms in the Roman Empire for everyone, +[3268.54 --> 3269.94] not just for Christians. +[3269.94 --> 3275.96] This idea of religious freedom is part of the Christian tradition and influence, +[3276.96 --> 3277.10] right, +[3277.14 --> 3280.60] because we believe these things have their own spheres of authority. +[3282.46 --> 3284.80] Another place, right, +[3284.86 --> 3291.24] because it's not just in these sort of recognizable institutions like family or church, +[3291.24 --> 3296.12] but it's also in things like the arts, +[3296.70 --> 3296.92] right, +[3296.98 --> 3299.86] the arts have their own sphere of authority. +[3300.42 --> 3304.00] Natural sciences have their own sphere of authority. +[3306.12 --> 3309.94] And part of what it means to be a responsible citizen, +[3309.94 --> 3313.18] as we look at that here from Romans 13, +[3313.18 --> 3322.82] is that we recognize that there is a certain order to the structures of authority, +[3322.82 --> 3330.20] and we understand that those authorities sort of function unto themselves. +[3330.20 --> 3334.82] That is to say that the sphere of family is not the sphere of arts, +[3336.28 --> 3336.46] right, +[3336.50 --> 3340.64] or the sphere of church is not the sphere of government. +[3340.64 --> 3344.10] These authorities are different +[3344.10 --> 3347.70] and have different areas to provide for. +[3349.14 --> 3351.22] And what gets into this then, +[3351.28 --> 3353.12] or what comes out of this idea, +[3353.30 --> 3355.78] is that this established order, +[3356.44 --> 3356.64] right, +[3356.70 --> 3360.12] created by God and providentially continued by Him, +[3360.12 --> 3361.72] this established order, +[3362.10 --> 3370.48] then necessarily and certainly comes with limits on the scope of these earthly authorities. +[3370.64 --> 3371.60] That is, +[3371.60 --> 3373.28] they're sort of a bounded set. +[3376.16 --> 3377.52] And I want to suggest to you +[3377.52 --> 3381.70] that it's the governing authorities' responsibility, +[3382.16 --> 3384.04] it's the state's responsibility +[3384.04 --> 3389.88] to ensure that these limits around the other authorities, +[3390.42 --> 3391.56] these earthly authorities, +[3391.56 --> 3393.94] are maintained and protected. +[3393.94 --> 3401.52] Okay, part of the function of the state is to ensure that these other established spheres +[3401.52 --> 3405.62] can function well and without tyranny from the other spheres. +[3405.62 --> 3407.46] Now, +[3407.46 --> 3419.66] I've been around Canadian and American political systems long enough to recognize, +[3420.28 --> 3421.72] and I'm a reformed pastor, +[3421.94 --> 3424.94] so I believe in the depravity of human nature, +[3425.34 --> 3425.48] right, +[3425.50 --> 3428.52] to recognize that there's a danger inherent here +[3428.52 --> 3433.60] because people can and will abuse any authority given to them. +[3434.48 --> 3435.66] And because in many ways, +[3436.22 --> 3441.90] the state sphere is sort of elevated over the top of the other spheres +[3441.90 --> 3445.44] in order to ensure that there is equity within them, +[3445.80 --> 3447.02] that there is a tendency, +[3447.58 --> 3450.18] and we see this work out over and over and over in history, +[3450.48 --> 3454.00] for the state to over-function in its responsibilities. +[3454.00 --> 3457.82] And instead of ensuring that the local areas, +[3457.96 --> 3463.44] that the smallest common denominator can deal with the properly functioning orders, +[3463.94 --> 3471.92] what happens is that citizens upload responsibilities to a higher body +[3471.92 --> 3473.88] that, of course, willingly takes it +[3473.88 --> 3478.62] because we're all going to try to get more influence or more power. +[3480.08 --> 3482.52] And sometimes we see this, right, +[3482.52 --> 3486.66] that higher body seizes authority from those other places. +[3487.88 --> 3492.62] Now, the reality is that even people who are elected to office +[3492.62 --> 3497.58] or even people who are there by the divine right of kings and named monarch +[3497.58 --> 3500.66] or even people who seize authority as dictators, +[3501.46 --> 3506.24] the reality, of course, is that we are all depraved and struggle with sin. +[3506.24 --> 3515.82] And so, responsible citizens will put limits on the scope of the power we give them. +[3516.30 --> 3522.82] We'll put checks and balances into the systems and structures of our ordinances. +[3522.82 --> 3527.86] So, in summary of this first point, +[3527.96 --> 3531.34] responsible citizens understand order, +[3531.66 --> 3535.36] understand that there is a created order to the governing authorities +[3535.36 --> 3541.54] and to the authorities and spheres of life that God has built into creation +[3541.54 --> 3546.08] and that he continues to provide through his providential care. +[3546.08 --> 3551.60] And as well, because we are clear on who we are and our needs, +[3551.76 --> 3556.38] responsible citizens understand the need for checks and balances and limits +[3556.38 --> 3558.74] because, like I said, we understand anthropology. +[3559.92 --> 3561.22] We know what it means to be human. +[3561.22 --> 3570.66] But out of that, it is important for you to hear and to remember, +[3570.96 --> 3576.92] always remember that God has established the authorities that exist. +[3578.62 --> 3581.14] The sin has corrupted them and people have abused them, +[3581.70 --> 3585.56] but God has established them and continues to use them. +[3586.24 --> 3590.04] Which then takes us to our second idea, which comes from verse 2. +[3591.22 --> 3592.36] Verse 2 says, +[3593.10 --> 3598.48] Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, +[3598.70 --> 3602.36] and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. +[3603.78 --> 3607.80] It is pretty clear that because God has established these authorities, +[3608.12 --> 3611.34] rebelling against them is rebelling against what God has instituted. +[3612.02 --> 3615.76] That's what it means when Paul uses the word consequently to introduce that line. +[3617.52 --> 3620.44] Now, interesting to me anyway, interesting to me, I hope it's to you, +[3620.44 --> 3623.46] the word that is translated rebel, +[3625.12 --> 3629.72] is where we get the English word antithesis from. +[3631.36 --> 3633.62] And so, I think part of what it means to rebel, +[3633.68 --> 3634.78] and what is being talked about here, +[3634.90 --> 3638.86] is to act in and at cross-purposes, +[3639.12 --> 3640.44] in antithesis to, +[3640.80 --> 3642.10] the governing authority. +[3642.10 --> 3646.92] Now, for many of us, +[3646.96 --> 3650.22] I get that that seems like a pretty strong statement, +[3650.22 --> 3656.38] and we might start to bristle under what seems to be the absolute nature of that. +[3657.44 --> 3658.88] And I want to be candid with you, +[3659.24 --> 3662.94] because we aren't really helped by looking at other places in the Bible +[3662.94 --> 3665.06] for an easy way out of this. +[3665.06 --> 3669.14] In 1 Peter 2, we read, +[3669.14 --> 3692.88] Paul continues this, +[3692.88 --> 3694.90] pressing it down on us, +[3694.96 --> 3697.54] writing a very similar thing in his letter to Titus. +[3697.74 --> 3698.54] He says, +[3699.24 --> 3700.34] in Titus 3, +[3701.22 --> 3704.12] remind the people to be subject to the rulers +[3704.12 --> 3705.78] and authorities, +[3706.22 --> 3707.04] to be obedient, +[3707.38 --> 3709.30] and to be ready to do whatever is good, +[3709.68 --> 3711.04] to slander no one, +[3711.32 --> 3713.22] to be peaceable and considerate, +[3713.32 --> 3715.82] and always gentle toward everyone. +[3715.82 --> 3719.78] I got to tell you, +[3720.02 --> 3722.56] when I was preparing this week, +[3723.42 --> 3725.02] that little phrase, +[3726.10 --> 3727.52] to slander no one, +[3728.50 --> 3730.32] hit me right between the eyes. +[3732.18 --> 3736.84] Especially as we talk about our governing authorities and political leaders. +[3738.72 --> 3740.70] Now, again, let me be abundantly clear, right? +[3740.74 --> 3745.06] I have no love lost for our current political establishment +[3745.06 --> 3748.82] in Canada and many of the ideologies that undergird it. +[3749.16 --> 3751.46] But, and here's where I'm going to offend at least one of you, +[3751.90 --> 3753.52] that doesn't give me the right +[3753.52 --> 3756.44] to talk about the prime minister the way that I have. +[3759.92 --> 3762.04] Some of you are familiar with the kind of bumper stickers +[3762.04 --> 3763.94] that have become popular in the last few years. +[3765.30 --> 3767.18] The snicker means you know what I'm talking about. +[3767.88 --> 3771.36] Or the giant flags that people fly on their trucks. +[3771.36 --> 3776.38] How does that hold up against 1 Peter 2, +[3776.50 --> 3777.28] against Titus 3, +[3777.54 --> 3778.62] and against Romans 13? +[3783.20 --> 3785.64] I suspect some of us are being hit right between the eyes. +[3785.96 --> 3786.60] And if you're not, +[3787.60 --> 3789.60] you're probably not listening. +[3791.48 --> 3793.14] Because all of us +[3793.14 --> 3795.56] are guilty of this. +[3795.56 --> 3797.64] That's not an overstatement. +[3800.28 --> 3801.86] And also, hear this, right? +[3802.02 --> 3803.98] It's important to hold this against the context +[3803.98 --> 3806.20] of what Peter and Paul are writing to. +[3807.12 --> 3809.36] When Peter and Paul are writing these statements, +[3809.78 --> 3814.16] they are talking about a very non-Christian government. +[3815.10 --> 3816.38] In the Roman Empire, +[3816.82 --> 3819.06] the authorities that are in view here, +[3819.16 --> 3820.96] that are told to be held up, +[3821.12 --> 3822.32] propped up and prayed for, +[3822.42 --> 3825.10] that we are told to pursue the good of, +[3825.10 --> 3825.62] right? +[3825.68 --> 3826.90] They are unfriendly, +[3826.98 --> 3828.34] they are actively hostile, +[3828.82 --> 3829.80] and in some cases, +[3829.92 --> 3830.50] and eventually, +[3830.92 --> 3834.22] they're actively persecuting and killing Christians. +[3835.54 --> 3836.52] In fact, in Peter, +[3836.60 --> 3838.16] we looked at this a few years ago, +[3838.32 --> 3840.80] Peter is writing to a group of Christians +[3840.80 --> 3842.76] who in just a few years' time, +[3842.82 --> 3844.68] in a generation or two after his letter, +[3845.04 --> 3847.88] will experience direct and immediate persecution +[3847.88 --> 3849.72] from the governor in that region, +[3849.80 --> 3850.56] a man named Pliny, +[3850.94 --> 3853.54] on behalf of the emperor Trajan back in Rome. +[3853.54 --> 3857.36] because they wouldn't worship the emperor. +[3858.74 --> 3861.76] And Pliny uses that as a test to find them out and to kill them. +[3864.64 --> 3866.56] And into that context, +[3866.56 --> 3872.36] we are told to honor the emperor. +[3875.02 --> 3876.92] Now, I don't think it's wrong to say +[3876.92 --> 3880.26] that the injustices committed against those Christians +[3880.26 --> 3882.20] in the New Testament and shortly thereafter +[3882.20 --> 3885.10] far outweighs any injustice +[3885.10 --> 3886.64] you might be experiencing +[3886.64 --> 3888.84] from the governing authorities today. +[3888.84 --> 3893.46] Maybe that will change. +[3893.52 --> 3894.26] I pray it doesn't. +[3895.66 --> 3897.10] But let's be humble enough +[3897.10 --> 3900.16] to recognize what's actually going on +[3900.16 --> 3903.38] and what's not actually going on. +[3903.38 --> 3908.08] No. +[3909.76 --> 3911.08] Don't hear what I'm not saying. +[3912.14 --> 3912.46] Right? +[3912.50 --> 3916.16] That doesn't mean you should passively accept those injustices +[3916.16 --> 3917.04] or that doesn't mean +[3917.04 --> 3920.28] you should passively accept disagreement +[3920.28 --> 3921.32] and ignore them. +[3921.32 --> 3923.88] But it does mean +[3923.88 --> 3926.52] that your first posture +[3926.52 --> 3930.52] should be prayerful submission. +[3932.18 --> 3932.28] Right? +[3932.34 --> 3934.56] Our first posture should be +[3934.56 --> 3936.40] humbly lifting up +[3936.40 --> 3938.64] the governing authorities in prayer +[3938.64 --> 3940.80] because they are established by God. +[3941.18 --> 3941.30] Right? +[3941.32 --> 3943.22] Your first posture should be a reflection +[3943.22 --> 3944.96] of 1 Peter 2.13 +[3944.96 --> 3945.56] which says +[3945.56 --> 3946.64] submit yourselves +[3946.64 --> 3948.50] for the Lord's sake +[3948.50 --> 3951.44] to every human authority. +[3954.26 --> 3954.46] Right? +[3954.52 --> 3955.84] What's clear here +[3955.84 --> 3957.94] is that the default position +[3957.94 --> 3958.92] of the Christian +[3958.92 --> 3960.22] to the state +[3960.22 --> 3962.82] is to submit. +[3965.04 --> 3966.28] I'm going to let that sit +[3966.28 --> 3967.94] with you for a minute. +[3967.94 --> 3976.82] That's the default position. +[3980.76 --> 3981.24] Now, +[3981.56 --> 3983.16] I'm anticipating your questions. +[3983.34 --> 3984.68] I'm anticipating your pushback. +[3985.30 --> 3985.56] Right? +[3985.60 --> 3986.42] I know there's a question +[3986.42 --> 3987.58] hanging over your heads. +[3987.58 --> 3988.88] What if +[3988.88 --> 3990.44] the governing authority +[3990.44 --> 3993.20] acts at cross purposes +[3993.20 --> 3994.02] right? +[3994.26 --> 3995.24] Rebels against +[3995.24 --> 3996.20] antithesis +[3996.20 --> 3998.84] the created order of God? +[4000.80 --> 4001.02] Right? +[4001.08 --> 4001.52] What is +[4001.52 --> 4002.04] what +[4002.04 --> 4003.50] what if +[4003.50 --> 4004.92] a governing authority +[4004.92 --> 4006.34] rejects God? +[4006.46 --> 4007.40] Do I have to submit +[4007.40 --> 4007.94] to them +[4007.94 --> 4008.64] then? +[4010.84 --> 4011.04] Now, +[4011.06 --> 4012.54] these are really important questions. +[4013.08 --> 4014.30] And this is part of what it means +[4014.30 --> 4015.40] to be a responsible +[4015.40 --> 4016.48] citizen. +[4018.30 --> 4019.30] And the text +[4019.30 --> 4020.30] gives us +[4020.30 --> 4020.92] hints +[4020.92 --> 4022.70] at how we might +[4022.70 --> 4023.94] understand that. +[4024.02 --> 4024.76] It gives us hints +[4024.76 --> 4026.24] at the limits +[4026.24 --> 4027.68] of authority +[4027.68 --> 4028.38] that we might +[4028.38 --> 4029.28] brush up against. +[4029.78 --> 4030.34] But remember, +[4030.46 --> 4031.46] we've already identified +[4031.46 --> 4032.90] that there are limits +[4032.90 --> 4033.82] to the sphere +[4033.82 --> 4034.98] of authority +[4034.98 --> 4035.90] for governments +[4035.90 --> 4036.54] and for other +[4036.54 --> 4037.92] established authorities +[4037.92 --> 4038.50] in the world. +[4039.82 --> 4040.14] Now, +[4040.18 --> 4040.98] in the first place, +[4041.08 --> 4041.92] in verse 7, +[4042.62 --> 4043.32] Paul writes +[4043.32 --> 4043.70] that we +[4043.70 --> 4044.80] ought to give +[4044.80 --> 4045.58] to everyone +[4045.58 --> 4046.48] what you owe them. +[4047.12 --> 4047.66] And then he says, +[4047.76 --> 4048.48] if you owe taxes, +[4048.62 --> 4049.16] give taxes. +[4049.32 --> 4049.76] If revenue, +[4049.88 --> 4050.26] then revenue. +[4050.40 --> 4050.80] If respect, +[4050.88 --> 4051.22] then respect. +[4051.36 --> 4051.70] If honor, +[4051.78 --> 4052.12] then honor. +[4052.12 --> 4053.30] Now, +[4053.34 --> 4054.24] most Bible scholars +[4054.24 --> 4054.72] agree +[4054.72 --> 4056.12] that Paul +[4056.12 --> 4057.30] is echoing +[4057.30 --> 4057.84] Jesus' +[4058.44 --> 4058.84] statement +[4058.84 --> 4060.38] in Matthew 22 +[4060.38 --> 4061.44] where he says +[4061.44 --> 4062.18] in verse 21, +[4062.64 --> 4063.66] give to Caesar +[4063.66 --> 4064.90] what is Caesar's +[4064.90 --> 4065.86] and to God +[4065.86 --> 4066.76] what is God's. +[4067.92 --> 4068.06] Now, +[4068.10 --> 4068.98] Jesus is using +[4068.98 --> 4069.76] this phrase +[4069.76 --> 4070.46] to challenge +[4070.46 --> 4071.78] a commonly held +[4071.78 --> 4072.30] idea +[4072.30 --> 4073.42] about the state +[4073.42 --> 4074.30] and about the emperor +[4074.30 --> 4075.56] during this time. +[4075.64 --> 4076.06] The idea +[4076.06 --> 4076.74] that the emperor +[4076.74 --> 4077.98] is a deity +[4077.98 --> 4079.06] or representative +[4079.06 --> 4080.14] of the deity +[4080.14 --> 4081.02] or he himself +[4081.02 --> 4081.58] is a god +[4081.58 --> 4082.92] and so closely +[4082.92 --> 4083.52] aligned +[4083.52 --> 4084.22] with the god +[4084.22 --> 4085.26] of a particular region +[4085.26 --> 4087.02] or nation state +[4087.02 --> 4088.08] that they have +[4088.08 --> 4089.42] divine authority +[4089.42 --> 4091.24] and that the state +[4091.24 --> 4093.08] has divine authority +[4093.08 --> 4094.14] through them. +[4094.66 --> 4095.50] Jesus is challenging +[4095.50 --> 4095.90] that. +[4096.78 --> 4097.46] That's what +[4097.46 --> 4098.82] eventually becomes +[4098.82 --> 4099.96] why the emperors +[4099.96 --> 4100.50] are asking +[4100.50 --> 4101.32] for worship. +[4102.14 --> 4102.86] And Jesus says, +[4102.98 --> 4103.22] yes, +[4103.62 --> 4104.44] pay your taxes +[4104.44 --> 4105.10] to Caesar +[4105.10 --> 4106.86] but do not pay +[4106.86 --> 4107.42] worship +[4107.42 --> 4108.36] to Caesar. +[4108.36 --> 4108.58] Right? +[4109.82 --> 4110.48] Give to Caesar +[4110.48 --> 4111.58] what is Caesar's +[4111.58 --> 4112.18] taxes +[4112.18 --> 4114.28] but do not +[4114.28 --> 4114.98] give to him +[4114.98 --> 4116.24] what is God's +[4116.24 --> 4117.36] worship. +[4118.72 --> 4119.64] And so already, +[4119.88 --> 4120.06] right, +[4120.10 --> 4121.12] there's one limit +[4121.12 --> 4122.64] to this obedience +[4122.64 --> 4123.60] and submission +[4123.60 --> 4124.30] relationship, +[4124.42 --> 4124.52] right? +[4124.54 --> 4125.52] We cannot worship +[4125.52 --> 4126.86] or be made to worship +[4126.86 --> 4128.60] that which isn't God. +[4130.30 --> 4130.84] Now, +[4130.86 --> 4131.38] I suggest to you +[4131.38 --> 4132.58] that the second limit +[4132.58 --> 4133.20] that comes out +[4133.20 --> 4133.82] of this text +[4133.82 --> 4135.52] from this idea +[4135.52 --> 4139.16] and you can read +[4139.16 --> 4140.42] it in verse 4, +[4140.78 --> 4141.36] the idea that +[4141.36 --> 4142.24] the ruler is +[4142.24 --> 4143.54] God's servant +[4143.54 --> 4144.68] for your good. +[4146.30 --> 4146.48] Now, +[4146.50 --> 4147.62] as God's servant, +[4148.42 --> 4149.82] the civil leader, +[4150.14 --> 4151.56] the governing authority +[4151.56 --> 4152.74] has responsibility +[4152.74 --> 4154.24] to operate +[4154.24 --> 4156.14] under God's moral order. +[4157.20 --> 4157.30] Right? +[4157.36 --> 4158.04] A servant +[4158.04 --> 4159.14] is not free +[4159.14 --> 4159.64] to do +[4159.64 --> 4160.68] whatever he or she +[4160.68 --> 4161.28] wishes +[4161.28 --> 4162.40] even if they are +[4162.40 --> 4162.80] a king +[4162.80 --> 4163.64] or a prime minister +[4163.64 --> 4164.30] or an emperor. +[4168.52 --> 4169.96] In the movie +[4169.96 --> 4171.02] The Lion King, +[4171.72 --> 4172.48] when Simba +[4172.48 --> 4173.30] is really young, +[4174.12 --> 4174.82] King Mufasa, +[4174.98 --> 4175.40] his dad, +[4175.50 --> 4176.32] walks him around +[4176.32 --> 4176.88] and they go +[4176.88 --> 4178.04] and stand on Pride Rock +[4178.04 --> 4178.38] and they say, +[4178.42 --> 4179.44] all this will be yours. +[4180.42 --> 4181.58] And at one point, +[4181.74 --> 4183.00] Simba says to Mufasa, +[4183.14 --> 4183.48] he says, +[4183.74 --> 4185.00] I thought being king +[4185.00 --> 4185.80] means you could do +[4185.80 --> 4186.66] whatever you want. +[4187.88 --> 4188.88] And his father, +[4189.32 --> 4190.02] King Mufasa, +[4190.18 --> 4190.52] says, +[4190.70 --> 4191.52] there's more +[4191.52 --> 4192.58] to being king +[4192.58 --> 4193.52] than that. +[4193.64 --> 4196.44] The underlying principle +[4196.44 --> 4197.28] at work here +[4197.28 --> 4198.80] is that if rulers +[4198.80 --> 4199.80] are to support +[4199.80 --> 4200.72] the doing of right +[4200.72 --> 4201.64] and to encourage +[4201.64 --> 4202.34] doing right, +[4202.52 --> 4203.84] they must not require +[4203.84 --> 4204.72] the doing of wrong. +[4205.56 --> 4205.72] Right? +[4205.76 --> 4206.80] That which is disobedient +[4206.80 --> 4207.70] to God's moral order. +[4209.74 --> 4210.00] Now, +[4210.64 --> 4212.20] wrestle with me here, +[4212.24 --> 4212.38] right? +[4212.42 --> 4213.70] Because what's implicit +[4213.70 --> 4215.62] in these verses +[4215.62 --> 4216.86] in Romans 13 +[4216.86 --> 4218.96] is made more explicit +[4218.96 --> 4222.04] and shown by way +[4222.04 --> 4222.68] of example +[4222.68 --> 4224.06] in the book of Acts. +[4225.26 --> 4225.46] Now, +[4225.50 --> 4226.16] in Acts 4, +[4226.26 --> 4227.02] verse 19, +[4227.64 --> 4228.60] Peter and John +[4228.60 --> 4229.62] are standing in front +[4229.62 --> 4230.58] of the Sanhedrin, +[4231.28 --> 4232.80] which is the ruling class +[4232.80 --> 4233.88] in Judea. +[4234.28 --> 4234.94] They're standing +[4234.94 --> 4235.58] in front of them +[4235.58 --> 4236.24] because they have been +[4236.24 --> 4236.88] called there +[4236.88 --> 4238.72] because of the disruptions +[4238.72 --> 4239.38] their preaching +[4239.38 --> 4240.10] of Jesus +[4240.10 --> 4241.42] and his death +[4241.42 --> 4242.08] and resurrection +[4242.08 --> 4242.82] has caused. +[4242.82 --> 4244.92] And Peter says to them, +[4245.34 --> 4246.12] which is right +[4246.12 --> 4247.08] in God's eyes, +[4247.14 --> 4248.00] to listen to you +[4248.00 --> 4248.94] or to him? +[4250.92 --> 4251.50] And then again, +[4251.60 --> 4252.44] in Acts 5, +[4252.82 --> 4253.90] Peter is pulled back +[4253.90 --> 4255.40] in front of the Sanhedrin +[4255.40 --> 4257.08] after the apostles +[4257.08 --> 4258.52] were being persecuted +[4258.52 --> 4259.06] by them +[4259.06 --> 4260.30] for continuing to preach +[4260.30 --> 4261.24] even when they said, +[4261.58 --> 4262.38] you cannot do that. +[4262.56 --> 4263.36] And Peter says, +[4263.44 --> 4264.08] very explicitly, +[4264.50 --> 4266.00] we must obey God +[4266.00 --> 4267.56] rather than human beings. +[4269.40 --> 4269.72] And so, +[4269.84 --> 4270.76] responsible citizen, +[4270.76 --> 4271.78] if the choice +[4271.78 --> 4273.02] is between obeying God +[4273.02 --> 4274.18] or the governing authorities, +[4274.32 --> 4276.36] the choice ought to be obvious. +[4276.68 --> 4278.02] We must obey God, right? +[4278.08 --> 4279.46] There may be consequences +[4279.46 --> 4280.46] to that reality. +[4281.42 --> 4281.86] In fact, +[4281.98 --> 4283.36] there will be consequences +[4283.36 --> 4284.36] to that reality. +[4288.46 --> 4290.86] But we must obey God. +[4298.42 --> 4299.62] But let me say, +[4299.62 --> 4301.20] very carefully, +[4301.64 --> 4302.86] and I know that you can +[4302.86 --> 4303.56] provide arguments +[4303.56 --> 4304.32] one way or the other, +[4305.04 --> 4307.98] that most of us +[4307.98 --> 4310.94] living in 21st century Canada, +[4311.94 --> 4312.36] Langley, +[4312.72 --> 4313.66] or the region around, +[4314.52 --> 4315.84] have not been faced +[4315.84 --> 4316.68] with the choice +[4316.68 --> 4317.90] to obey God +[4317.90 --> 4319.62] or to obey the governing authorities +[4319.62 --> 4321.72] in this same way. +[4321.72 --> 4327.36] And so, +[4328.04 --> 4331.48] check your humility +[4331.48 --> 4333.26] and wonder, +[4333.82 --> 4336.50] do I need to +[4336.50 --> 4337.76] first submit +[4337.76 --> 4338.62] and pray +[4338.62 --> 4341.26] before I disobey +[4341.26 --> 4342.70] and complain? +[4345.78 --> 4347.00] Let me pull this all together +[4347.00 --> 4347.72] in a quick little summary. +[4348.34 --> 4349.16] There are, then, +[4349.46 --> 4350.54] three ways +[4350.54 --> 4351.46] in which Christians +[4351.46 --> 4353.22] share and live +[4353.22 --> 4354.62] this responsibility +[4354.62 --> 4357.14] to obey +[4357.14 --> 4359.26] governing authorities. +[4359.48 --> 4359.88] And first, +[4360.10 --> 4361.32] that is the first. +[4361.40 --> 4362.46] Christians obey. +[4362.62 --> 4364.06] We start with submission. +[4364.54 --> 4365.94] We pay our taxes. +[4366.18 --> 4367.86] We act as civil servants. +[4368.02 --> 4368.54] We contribute +[4368.54 --> 4369.34] to the well-being +[4369.34 --> 4370.00] of society. +[4370.38 --> 4371.50] We pray for the king +[4371.50 --> 4372.54] or the prime minister +[4372.54 --> 4373.54] or the president +[4373.54 --> 4374.56] or the emperor +[4374.56 --> 4375.50] or the mayor +[4375.50 --> 4377.10] or the town council member. +[4379.30 --> 4379.90] Second, +[4380.88 --> 4382.30] Christians submit +[4382.30 --> 4384.58] according to conscience. +[4385.82 --> 4386.94] Verse 5 says, +[4387.04 --> 4387.52] it's necessary +[4387.52 --> 4388.58] to admit to the authorities +[4388.58 --> 4389.50] not only because +[4389.50 --> 4390.40] of possible punishment +[4390.40 --> 4391.12] but also +[4391.12 --> 4393.26] as a matter of conscience. +[4394.76 --> 4396.26] Part of what this means, +[4396.36 --> 4396.54] right, +[4396.58 --> 4397.56] is that we have to +[4397.56 --> 4399.82] evaluate the state +[4399.82 --> 4400.66] in our relationship +[4400.66 --> 4402.10] to these governing authorities. +[4402.10 --> 4402.94] Right? +[4403.10 --> 4404.46] Others may obey +[4404.46 --> 4406.00] only out of fear +[4406.00 --> 4406.80] or out of fear +[4406.80 --> 4407.44] of punishment +[4407.44 --> 4408.96] but Christians obey +[4408.96 --> 4411.02] according to our conscience. +[4411.20 --> 4411.86] Christians obey +[4411.86 --> 4413.34] because we realize +[4413.34 --> 4414.48] that God has established +[4414.48 --> 4416.22] these authorities. +[4417.38 --> 4418.18] And, +[4418.42 --> 4419.64] if Christians +[4419.64 --> 4421.10] are to disobey, +[4421.52 --> 4422.30] we do so +[4422.30 --> 4424.08] according to our consciences +[4424.08 --> 4426.12] discerning God's calling. +[4426.12 --> 4427.96] And, +[4427.96 --> 4428.96] I need you to hear +[4428.96 --> 4431.12] just how radical this is. +[4431.86 --> 4432.08] Because, +[4432.20 --> 4432.82] on the one hand, +[4433.02 --> 4434.38] we will obey the state +[4434.38 --> 4435.24] even when there are +[4435.24 --> 4436.50] no civil consequences +[4436.50 --> 4437.86] because our motivation +[4437.86 --> 4438.86] for obeying the state +[4438.86 --> 4440.50] is obedience to God +[4440.50 --> 4442.70] who has established the state. +[4443.58 --> 4444.00] And, +[4444.08 --> 4444.68] on the other hand, +[4445.34 --> 4446.54] we could never submit +[4446.54 --> 4447.22] uncritically +[4447.22 --> 4447.90] to what the state +[4447.90 --> 4448.78] tells us +[4448.78 --> 4449.76] because if it requires us +[4449.76 --> 4450.80] to violate our conscience, +[4451.08 --> 4453.12] we must disobey. +[4453.12 --> 4456.12] And, +[4456.32 --> 4456.34] then, +[4457.22 --> 4458.72] our third point +[4458.72 --> 4459.68] moving quickly +[4459.68 --> 4460.50] through here. +[4461.40 --> 4462.58] Responsible citizens +[4462.58 --> 4463.30] do good +[4463.30 --> 4465.76] for goodness sake. +[4466.42 --> 4468.26] This is verse 3. +[4469.40 --> 4470.56] Rulers hold no terror +[4470.56 --> 4471.62] for those who do right +[4471.62 --> 4472.76] but for those who do wrong. +[4473.18 --> 4474.02] Do you want to be free +[4474.02 --> 4474.58] from fear +[4474.58 --> 4475.78] from the one in authority? +[4475.94 --> 4477.08] Then do what is right +[4477.08 --> 4479.42] and you will be commended. +[4479.42 --> 4485.06] Do what is right +[4485.06 --> 4486.60] and you will be commended. +[4486.96 --> 4487.74] Do good +[4487.74 --> 4488.44] as a matter +[4488.44 --> 4489.56] of conscience. +[4491.14 --> 4492.28] Part of +[4492.28 --> 4494.42] Peter's concern +[4494.42 --> 4495.64] when he writes his letter, +[4495.72 --> 4496.66] which we looked at briefly, +[4496.98 --> 4498.96] and that parallels Paul here, +[4499.12 --> 4500.36] part of Paul's concern +[4500.36 --> 4501.16] when he writes +[4501.16 --> 4502.58] and here in Romans +[4502.58 --> 4503.66] but also when Paul writes +[4503.66 --> 4504.30] to Timothy +[4504.30 --> 4506.86] is for the witness +[4506.86 --> 4508.46] and the well-being +[4508.46 --> 4509.72] of the church. +[4510.26 --> 4510.90] That the witness +[4510.90 --> 4511.64] and the well-being +[4511.64 --> 4512.08] of the church +[4512.08 --> 4512.88] would be encouraged. +[4513.42 --> 4514.28] The idea here +[4514.28 --> 4516.28] is that how we live +[4516.28 --> 4517.20] as Christians +[4517.20 --> 4518.32] influences +[4518.32 --> 4519.78] what others think +[4519.78 --> 4520.36] about God +[4520.36 --> 4520.86] and what others +[4520.86 --> 4521.70] think about Christianity. +[4522.38 --> 4523.52] This is also true +[4523.52 --> 4524.62] in our relationship +[4524.62 --> 4525.26] to the state. +[4527.24 --> 4528.44] Paul writes to Timothy +[4528.44 --> 4529.08] and he says, +[4529.08 --> 4530.68] I urge then, +[4530.90 --> 4531.58] first of all, +[4531.68 --> 4532.40] that petitions, +[4532.76 --> 4533.12] prayers, +[4533.54 --> 4534.26] intercessions, +[4534.38 --> 4535.24] and thanksgivings +[4535.24 --> 4536.72] be made for all people, +[4536.92 --> 4537.74] for kings +[4537.74 --> 4539.28] and all those in authority +[4539.28 --> 4540.60] that we may live +[4540.60 --> 4541.18] peaceful, +[4541.42 --> 4542.18] quiet lives +[4542.18 --> 4543.00] in all goodness +[4543.00 --> 4544.08] and holiness. +[4544.34 --> 4545.06] And so I'll ask you +[4545.06 --> 4545.68] one more time. +[4547.88 --> 4548.76] Have you prayed +[4548.76 --> 4550.06] for our political leaders +[4550.06 --> 4551.74] as much as you have +[4551.74 --> 4552.56] complained about them? +[4555.20 --> 4556.26] Simple litmus test. +[4556.26 --> 4558.18] I know I fail it. +[4560.96 --> 4561.44] In fact, +[4561.50 --> 4562.20] I know I failed it +[4562.20 --> 4562.86] just this morning +[4562.86 --> 4564.44] before the service began +[4564.44 --> 4565.76] knowing that I was +[4565.76 --> 4566.40] going to say this +[4566.40 --> 4566.96] in my sermon. +[4568.08 --> 4568.96] That's how easily +[4568.96 --> 4569.54] it happens. +[4574.66 --> 4575.92] As Paul calls +[4575.92 --> 4578.30] for our praying +[4578.30 --> 4578.88] for leaders +[4578.88 --> 4579.74] and those in authority +[4579.74 --> 4580.54] so that we may live +[4580.54 --> 4582.00] peaceful and quiet lives +[4582.00 --> 4582.44] in goodness +[4582.44 --> 4583.06] and holiness, +[4583.34 --> 4584.22] the idea there +[4584.22 --> 4585.54] is that an atmosphere +[4585.54 --> 4586.22] of quiet +[4586.22 --> 4587.72] and peaceful living. +[4588.02 --> 4589.16] In that kind of atmosphere, +[4589.32 --> 4590.48] Christians are free +[4590.48 --> 4592.30] to pursue activities +[4592.30 --> 4593.32] consistent with +[4593.32 --> 4594.54] God's will for his people. +[4594.86 --> 4595.58] And this comes back +[4595.58 --> 4596.36] to those other spheres +[4596.36 --> 4597.02] for the raising +[4597.02 --> 4598.42] of families in the Lord, +[4598.50 --> 4599.06] for the serving +[4599.06 --> 4600.24] of community needs +[4600.24 --> 4601.28] and loving neighbors, +[4601.54 --> 4602.92] for providing places +[4602.92 --> 4603.98] of education +[4603.98 --> 4605.18] and institutions +[4605.18 --> 4606.18] like schools +[4606.18 --> 4607.14] and universities, +[4607.54 --> 4607.70] right? +[4607.82 --> 4609.24] And for providing +[4609.24 --> 4609.76] opportunity +[4609.76 --> 4611.08] to love our neighbor +[4611.08 --> 4612.24] meeting their needs +[4612.24 --> 4613.72] and for providing +[4613.72 --> 4614.36] opportunities +[4614.36 --> 4615.74] to take the gospel +[4615.74 --> 4616.80] to the world. +[4617.62 --> 4618.72] All of these things +[4618.72 --> 4619.70] are part of the greater +[4619.70 --> 4622.18] concern for the witness +[4622.18 --> 4623.00] and the well-being +[4623.00 --> 4623.84] of the church. +[4625.58 --> 4626.26] So in short, +[4626.72 --> 4628.26] doing good for goodness sake, +[4628.62 --> 4630.54] responsible citizens +[4630.54 --> 4631.72] will do good +[4631.72 --> 4632.72] because it's good +[4632.72 --> 4633.34] for the message +[4633.34 --> 4633.98] of the church. +[4634.18 --> 4635.54] It's good for the well-being +[4635.54 --> 4636.58] of the community +[4636.58 --> 4637.64] of faith. +[4637.64 --> 4641.22] Now I know +[4641.22 --> 4644.34] quoting Paul +[4644.34 --> 4644.88] is already +[4644.88 --> 4646.12] a divisive figure, +[4646.28 --> 4646.88] but I'm going to quote +[4646.88 --> 4648.20] Preston Manning next, +[4649.12 --> 4649.56] which is also +[4649.56 --> 4650.90] another divisive figure. +[4652.28 --> 4653.36] He's a Canadian politician. +[4654.22 --> 4655.06] He was more active +[4655.06 --> 4656.44] in the 90s +[4656.44 --> 4657.74] and the early 2000s, +[4657.74 --> 4658.76] but he was very, +[4658.88 --> 4660.00] very vocal +[4660.00 --> 4661.16] about the impact +[4661.16 --> 4661.88] of his faith +[4661.88 --> 4663.04] on his politics. +[4663.32 --> 4664.42] And he said, +[4664.42 --> 4666.52] for conservatives, +[4667.34 --> 4668.48] being right +[4668.48 --> 4669.98] must mean more +[4669.98 --> 4671.10] than just being +[4671.10 --> 4671.92] right of center. +[4673.34 --> 4674.68] It must also mean +[4674.68 --> 4675.98] doing the right thing. +[4678.48 --> 4679.62] Do good +[4679.62 --> 4681.26] for goodness sake. +[4682.68 --> 4683.14] Lastly, +[4683.58 --> 4684.48] the fourth thing +[4684.48 --> 4685.94] that responsible citizens do +[4685.94 --> 4688.24] is to give equitably +[4688.24 --> 4689.52] as is due, +[4689.72 --> 4690.50] or to put it another way, +[4690.56 --> 4691.70] to serve diligently +[4691.70 --> 4693.00] as is required, +[4693.00 --> 4693.86] or to put it another way, +[4694.14 --> 4695.24] to seek justice +[4695.24 --> 4697.44] as you find injustices, +[4697.66 --> 4699.26] to seek the well-being +[4699.26 --> 4700.22] of the, +[4700.50 --> 4701.54] Jeremiah 29, +[4701.80 --> 4702.54] 7 says, +[4702.64 --> 4703.62] the city that God +[4703.62 --> 4704.52] has placed you in. +[4705.22 --> 4706.18] And so you pray for it +[4706.18 --> 4706.96] and you invest in it +[4706.96 --> 4707.52] and you live +[4707.52 --> 4708.78] and you are present to you. +[4709.48 --> 4710.06] Verse 7, +[4710.34 --> 4711.64] give to everyone +[4711.64 --> 4712.72] what you owe them. +[4714.50 --> 4715.48] So if you owe taxes, +[4715.64 --> 4716.24] pay your taxes. +[4716.42 --> 4717.26] If you owe revenue, +[4717.70 --> 4718.88] then give revenue. +[4719.20 --> 4720.08] If it is respect, +[4720.38 --> 4721.02] then give respect. +[4721.02 --> 4721.96] If it is honor, +[4722.26 --> 4723.08] then give honor. +[4724.12 --> 4725.54] But you begin to see +[4725.54 --> 4727.68] what is stacking here. +[4728.70 --> 4728.94] Right? +[4728.98 --> 4730.68] That responsible citizenship +[4730.68 --> 4731.78] in the world +[4731.78 --> 4732.86] recognizes +[4732.86 --> 4734.26] that there's a created order. +[4735.56 --> 4736.00] Right? +[4736.06 --> 4737.76] And then that out of that order +[4737.76 --> 4739.98] we are called to do good +[4739.98 --> 4741.66] and that in doing good +[4741.66 --> 4742.82] we're called to do good +[4742.82 --> 4743.84] for goodness sake. +[4743.94 --> 4744.40] And so yes, +[4744.48 --> 4745.60] there's matters of conscience +[4745.60 --> 4746.88] to be aware of. +[4746.88 --> 4749.46] And then the kind of good +[4749.46 --> 4750.40] that we do +[4750.40 --> 4753.40] sees a justice, +[4753.64 --> 4755.70] a fairness emerge +[4755.70 --> 4757.76] in the societies we live in. +[4759.70 --> 4762.18] This is part of what it means +[4762.18 --> 4765.06] to be a responsible citizen. +[4765.82 --> 4767.62] And they all come together +[4767.62 --> 4772.88] so that we can honor God +[4772.88 --> 4775.30] even as we honor +[4775.30 --> 4776.66] the Prime Minister. +[4778.08 --> 4779.14] And I'm going to say amen. +[4780.34 --> 4781.18] And I say it +[4781.18 --> 4783.06] maybe on behalf of you +[4783.06 --> 4784.82] who can't yet say it. +[4785.62 --> 4785.90] Amen. +[4786.60 --> 4787.06] Let's pray. +[4790.94 --> 4791.74] Lord our God, +[4792.12 --> 4793.88] we come to you +[4793.88 --> 4795.40] mindful that +[4795.40 --> 4797.16] perhaps our consciences +[4797.16 --> 4798.22] have been pricked +[4798.22 --> 4798.86] this morning. +[4798.86 --> 4799.68] mindful that +[4799.68 --> 4801.20] your word +[4801.20 --> 4803.56] pierces to the depths +[4803.56 --> 4804.78] of our heart. +[4804.94 --> 4806.86] And so we pray together +[4806.86 --> 4808.18] take the truth +[4808.18 --> 4809.18] of your word +[4809.18 --> 4810.32] and plant it deep +[4810.32 --> 4811.32] within us. +[4812.36 --> 4813.06] Take the truths +[4813.06 --> 4814.10] of our faith +[4814.10 --> 4814.94] and allow us +[4814.94 --> 4816.84] to live them well. +[4817.68 --> 4818.62] Help us to +[4818.62 --> 4820.06] walk by faith +[4820.06 --> 4821.10] and not by sight +[4821.10 --> 4822.24] in this world +[4822.24 --> 4824.12] as responsible citizens. +[4824.12 --> 4827.84] and in so doing +[4827.84 --> 4828.78] and being, +[4829.00 --> 4829.40] Lord God, +[4829.50 --> 4831.52] may you be glorified. +[4832.06 --> 4833.08] In so doing +[4833.08 --> 4833.82] and being, +[4833.98 --> 4836.16] may you be magnified +[4836.16 --> 4836.96] and praised. +[4837.10 --> 4838.60] May you be worshipped +[4838.60 --> 4839.80] and may we +[4839.80 --> 4841.10] work together +[4841.10 --> 4841.88] to reveal +[4841.88 --> 4843.06] your kingdom come +[4843.06 --> 4845.16] and your kingdom coming. +[4846.54 --> 4847.84] This we ask, +[4848.02 --> 4848.42] Lord God. +[4849.78 --> 4850.88] And so by your grace, +[4851.02 --> 4852.20] fill us with gentleness +[4852.20 --> 4853.60] and respect. +[4854.20 --> 4855.00] And by your grace, +[4855.10 --> 4855.76] send us out now +[4855.76 --> 4857.96] to serve those around us. +[4858.32 --> 4859.42] In your name we pray. +[4859.94 --> 4860.28] Amen. +[4860.28 --> 4860.40] Amen. +[4882.20 --> 4886.00] Amen. +[4886.16 --> 4887.22] Amen. +[4887.22 --> 4888.02] Amen. +[4888.02 --> 4888.10] Amen. +[4888.10 --> 4890.20] In your name we pray bajeeー +[4890.20 --> 4890.76] and Miriahат outfit Teilbé. +[4890.76 --> 4891.38] Amen. +[4891.54 --> 4891.92] Amen. +[4892.32 --> 4892.74] Amen. +[4892.74 --> 4892.82] Amen. +[4892.82 --> 4892.94] Amen. +[4892.94 --> 4893.18] Amen. +[4893.18 --> 4893.68] Amen. +[4893.92 --> 4895.16] So Lord, +[4895.26 --> 4896.98] give gain injuries. +[4896.98 --> 4897.68] Amen. +[4897.68 --> 4898.50] Amen. +[4898.50 --> 4899.66] So Lord, +[4899.66 --> 4900.92] In your flame let me +[4900.92 --> 4901.94] know in this land +[4901.94 --> 4902.94] Hey, +[4902.94 --> 4903.80] God, +[4903.80 --> 4904.30] God, +[4904.30 --> 4905.12] God, +[4905.32 --> 4905.90] よeless, +[4905.90 --> 4906.38] ements, +[4906.38 --> 4907.08] Him. +[4907.08 --> 4908.38] Amen. +[4908.46 --> 4909.34] Amen. +[4909.34 --> 4909.86] Amen. +[4909.86 --> 4910.92] Amen. +[4910.92 --> 4911.52] Amen. +[4911.52 --> 4913.52] on the earth +[4913.52 --> 4917.54] The power of His +[4917.54 --> 4919.64] promise in their +[4919.64 --> 4921.60] hearts +[4921.60 --> 4923.76] A holy +[4923.76 --> 4925.68] city built +[4925.68 --> 4927.86] by God's own +[4927.86 --> 4929.16] hand +[4929.16 --> 4931.30] Of His word +[4931.30 --> 4932.90] peace and justice +[4932.90 --> 4937.42] He will stand +[4937.42 --> 4939.22] and still live +[4939.22 --> 4941.94] the mountains +[4941.94 --> 4945.02] He will fix our +[4945.02 --> 4946.34] rise on Him +[4946.34 --> 4948.00] our souls +[4948.00 --> 4949.84] He will +[4949.84 --> 4951.78] make this +[4951.78 --> 4952.66] finish +[4952.66 --> 4954.22] and the earth +[4954.22 --> 4956.64] is done +[4956.64 --> 4958.58] He will fight +[4958.58 --> 4960.06] in the night +[4960.06 --> 4960.72] of His +[4960.72 --> 4961.84] Son +[4961.84 --> 4966.46] He will +[4966.46 --> 4968.70] make the +[4968.70 --> 4969.54] prophets +[4969.54 --> 4970.48] not +[4970.48 --> 4971.42] made +[4971.42 --> 4974.62] who long +[4974.62 --> 4975.32] for +[4975.32 --> 4975.54] the +[4975.54 --> 4976.38] side of +[4976.38 --> 4977.66] good and +[4977.66 --> 4978.94] fear +[4978.94 --> 4980.66] and the +[4980.66 --> 4982.18] power to +[4982.18 --> 4983.08] break the +[4983.08 --> 4983.50] chains +[4983.50 --> 4984.42] of sin +[4984.42 --> 4985.70] and +[4985.70 --> 4986.42] death +[4986.42 --> 4988.50] in the +[4988.50 --> 4989.50] triumph +[4989.50 --> 4989.90] and +[4989.90 --> 4990.52] come +[4990.52 --> 4991.42] free +[4991.42 --> 4995.88] my +[4995.88 --> 4996.88] side +[4996.88 --> 4998.40] him +[4998.40 --> 4999.06] two +[4999.06 --> 4999.98] sa überzeug Ted +[5001.12 --> 5002.04] and the +[5002.04 --> 5002.76] power of +[5002.76 --> 5004.10] spirit +[5004.10 --> 5006.04] dro 하나 +[5006.04 --> 5007.38] part of +[5007.38 --> 5007.54] mother +[5007.54 --> 5007.88] Christ +[5007.88 --> 5008.80] Eli +[5008.80 --> 5014.00] God who sent him each of you +[5014.00 --> 5018.80] In every order of the earth +[5018.80 --> 5025.80] He will stand us to the ground from earth +[5026.52 --> 5031.80] He will raise our hearts on him our souls +[5032.32 --> 5037.80] And on the till our race is finished and forever +[5037.80 --> 5040.80] The earth is done +[5040.80 --> 5045.80] Fill up my kingdom and love my God +[5050.80 --> 5055.80] Our faith the mountains shall be built +[5056.80 --> 5062.80] And the power of the gospel shall be built +[5062.80 --> 5069.80] For in only Christ all things are lost and over +[5070.80 --> 5073.80] For all of us are the kingdom of God +[5073.80 --> 5075.80] And the power of the gospel shall be built +[5075.80 --> 5081.80] He will stand us to the ground from earth +[5081.80 --> 5087.80] He will raise our hearts on him our souls +[5087.80 --> 5092.80] And on the till our race is finished and forever +[5092.80 --> 5095.80] And on the till our life is found +[5095.80 --> 5096.80] And on the till our lives is found +[5096.80 --> 5098.80] And on the till our lives is found +[5098.80 --> 5100.80] God my Son. +[5102.16 --> 5107.80] We will stand as children of the mountains. +[5108.80 --> 5114.08] We will raise our hearts on human souls. +[5114.24 --> 5118.80] We want to do a race in Israel. +[5118.80 --> 5122.80] We will be proud of you. +[5122.80 --> 5127.80] You are my King and God my Son. +[5128.80 --> 5135.80] We will be proud of you. +[5135.80 --> 5152.14] As we go out together this morning, we will go with God's blessing over us and his spirit in us to embolden us and empower us as responsible citizens. +[5152.14 --> 5160.14] We go with a blessing that really speaks to that middle way of God's providential hand as he goes with us. +[5160.14 --> 5163.14] Before you go, go with two quick invitations. +[5163.14 --> 5168.38] One, following our worship in the foyer, there will be some coffee and refreshments. +[5168.64 --> 5169.74] I invite you to stick around. +[5170.46 --> 5171.30] Hang out for that. +[5171.72 --> 5172.68] Connect with each other. +[5172.84 --> 5173.66] Encourage each other. +[5174.08 --> 5175.72] Ask how life is going. +[5175.72 --> 5185.40] And then, second invitation, if you would like to pray with someone, they will be up here following the service with a yellow name tag on. +[5185.48 --> 5187.10] They'd love to meet you. +[5187.98 --> 5193.02] And can we just say that that prayer is for more than if you have needs or circumstances. +[5193.16 --> 5200.80] If you'd like prayers of thanksgiving, if you have something you're celebrating, these people up here would love to meet you in prayer for that. +[5200.80 --> 5205.14] As you go, receive the blessing of our good God. +[5206.94 --> 5209.52] God, go before you to lead you. +[5210.14 --> 5211.96] God, go behind you to protect you. +[5212.28 --> 5214.30] God, go beneath you to support you. +[5214.60 --> 5217.24] And God, go beside you to befriend you. +[5218.54 --> 5220.48] And so, do not be afraid. +[5221.64 --> 5223.54] Let the blessing of God come upon you today. +[5223.54 --> 5231.30] Do not be afraid, but go in peace to love and serve the Lord as responsible citizens. +[5232.10 --> 5232.76] Amen. +[5253.54 --> 5258.42] God, go beside you. +[5258.48 --> 5259.14] Amen. +[5259.22 --> 5259.42] Come on, sing baby. +[5261.26 --> 5262.22] Amen. +[5263.10 --> 5264.48] Amen. +[5264.54 --> 5264.96] Amen. +[5269.32 --> 5270.18] For majesty is a blessing. +[5270.18 --> 5272.18] Oh +[5300.18 --> 5302.18] Oh +[5330.18 --> 5332.18] Oh +[5360.18 --> 5362.18] Oh +[5390.18 --> 5392.18] Oh +[5392.18 --> 5394.18] We +[5394.18 --> 5396.18] Our +[5396.18 --> 5398.18] God is +[5398.18 --> 5400.18] Mighty +[5400.18 --> 5404.18] Lift up your name +[5404.18 --> 5406.18] For you are holy +[5408.18 --> 5410.18] Sing it again +[5410.18 --> 5412.18] All honor +[5412.18 --> 5414.18] And glory +[5414.18 --> 5416.18] In +[5416.18 --> 5418.18] Adoration +[5418.18 --> 5420.18] We bow +[5420.18 --> 5422.18] Before your throne +[5422.18 --> 5424.18] In +[5424.18 --> 5426.18] With +[5426.18 --> 5428.18] For your life +[5432.18 --> 5433.86] And where +[5433.86 --> 5434.00] tekrar +[5434.18 --> 5436.18] și +[5436.18 --> 5437.18] Amen. +[5466.18 --> 5467.18] Amen. +[5496.18 --> 5497.18] Amen. diff --git a/Sunday Worship, October 13 2024_summary.txt b/Sunday Worship, October 13 2024_summary.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000000000000000000000000000000000000..a357332bb92cfdd000366a1a1eb2871d4bd7df3f --- /dev/null +++ b/Sunday Worship, October 13 2024_summary.txt @@ -0,0 +1,96 @@ +• German language mentioned +• Japanese language mentioned +• Electromagnetic or electrostatic concept discussed +• Changes to the service schedule or format mentioned +• Announcements and updates from church members (Kim Prins, Heather Vartstra, Kevin) +• Upcoming events: Safe Church training, AED CPR training event, new members class, Heidelberg Catechism reading group, Mexico trip registration +• Mention of chocolate as an enticement for attendees +• Change in hosting teams at current location +• New base being sought for future events +• Call to worship based on Psalm 47 +• Song of praise and thanksgiving to God +• Prayer of gratitude for salvation and forgiveness +• Responsive reading from the Heidelberg Catechism, question 43 +• Christ's death and resurrection +• Sin and forgiveness through Jesus +• Personal relationship with God +• Thanksgiving offerings for ministry and missions +• Support for local food bank and community outreach +• Worship and thanksgiving to God +• Inviting kids to come forward and participate in worship +• Interaction between Allison (deacon) and Hank +• Discussion about a child's dream +• Transition to discussing Joseph's dream +• Upcoming children's worship time and activities +• Prayer for the congregation +• Reflection on the mystery of corporate worship +• Family prayer led by an elder (Clary) +• Discussion of prayer and concerns from the community, including those struggling with doubt +• Prayers for specific individuals and families dealing with loss or health issues +• Requests for wisdom, guidance, and peace in leadership roles and personal relationships +• Acknowledgment of grief and loss within the congregation +• Prayers for world events, including wars and rumors of war +• Thanks for love and faithfulness demonstrated through marriage and community +• Reflection on what it means to be a "peculiar people" and celebrate Thanksgiving differently +• Distinction between genuine Christian approach to thanksgiving and cultural one +• Real thanksgiving starts with God and changes reality +• Prayer as a missional activity of the church +• Paul's personal testimony of conversion from persecutor to follower of Jesus +• The role of mercy in Paul's life and the lives of others +• Why prayer and thanksgiving are important for believers, including to display Christ's patience and to protect those who believe +• Teaching true faith and living it as a responsibility of Christian leaders +• The purpose of prayer is to protect others from falling away from faith and into sin. +• The focus of prayer is on the conversion of people to the truth of the gospel and their understanding of God's work in their lives. +• Prayer should center around protecting those who believe from walking away. +• When engaging with family or friends about matters of life, faith, or politics during Thanksgiving, the goal should be love. +• The command to love is mentioned as the key principle for conversation. +• Paul gives four words for prayer: petition, prayer, intercession, and thanksgiving. +• Each word represents a different aspect of prayer, with specific meanings and uses. +• Be specific in prayer and tell God exactly what you are petitioning for +• Be particular and name who you are praying for +• Be bold when praying, imagining that you are talking to the Lord of the universe +• Give thanksgiving and gratitude to God for what he has already done and will do +• Gratitude pushes out worry and flows from meeting God in his throne room +• Thanksgiving is worship and a Christian reality, our default posture should be one of thanksgiving +• The speaker discusses the difference between genuine gratitude and "nebulous" thanksgiving +• Gratitude is often incomplete when not directed towards a transcendent or right object of worship +• Fleeting feelings of comfort from gratitude arise from temporary things, not eternal +• Appreciation for relationships, health, jobs, etc. can be fragile and lead to disappointment if tied to one's sense of purpose or identity +• God is the only thing that can handle the weight of being a permanent object of worship and source of meaning +• The word "glory" in Hebrew can also mean weight or heavy, but when referring to God, it means glory +• Gratitude to God helps order reality well by properly placing God at the top of existence +• Thanksgiving without God is an improper ordering of reality and a limited understanding of the world +• Right thanksgiving has an ontological impact, allowing us to make sense of the world properly +• The amazing thing about this right understanding of who God is that even though he is wholly other, he came into the world he created to save us through Jesus Christ +• This act by God should blow our minds and help us understand the true nature of God's love for humanity +• God's victory over sin, death, and being raised from the dead +• The ascension of Jesus to the right hand of the Father +• The gospel message of Jesus changing everything about lives +• Praying for all people, including those in authority, to live peaceful and quiet lives in godliness and holiness +• The importance of showing gratitude through peaceful and holy living +• How conversations at Thanksgiving reflect twin truths: God is to be thanked, and gratitude shows up in peaceful and holy lives +• Ways God makes himself known to new generations and people in different settings +• Importance of having hard conversations and seeking truth with love as the goal +• Specific, particular, bold, and grateful prayer for guidance and recognition of God's presence +• Real Thanksgiving starts with God and changes one's reality +• Praying for peace, quietness, godliness, and holiness in homes and hearts +• Prayer to God the Lord of the universe for thanks, praise, and glory +• Gathering in the power of the Holy Spirit +• Participating in liturgy and communal prayer +• Sharing in the sacrament of bread and cup +• Expressing gratitude for creation, covenant, and salvation through Jesus Christ +• Proclaiming faith and sealing it in the sacrament +• Reference to biblical quotes about Jesus as the bread of life +• The importance of serving God before being served +• The need to be fed by Christ in order to follow him +• The table as a symbol of nourishment and spiritual growth +• Invitation to come to Jesus' table for deeper faith, better life, and fairer world +• Conditions for joining the community: sincere repentance and following Jesus +• Invitation to online or in-person participation +• Instructions for participating in a church service +• Passing of bread and juice during communion +• Special accommodations for gluten-free bread and seated participation +• Involvement of worship leaders and serving elders +• Ushers and volunteers assisting with service participation +• Prolonged repetition of a single phrase: "Thank you" +• Gradual increase in repetition frequency \ No newline at end of file diff --git a/Sunday Worship, October 13 2024_transcript.txt b/Sunday Worship, October 13 2024_transcript.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000000000000000000000000000000000000..5ef774135b92ddc80a4e8e612771a71c3750c546 --- /dev/null +++ b/Sunday Worship, October 13 2024_transcript.txt @@ -0,0 +1,1696 @@ +[0.00 --> 5.04] German 가지고 +[5.04 --> 9.88] insignificant +[9.88 --> 12.40] Japanese +[12.78 --> 14.66] Japanese +[14.66 --> 19.32] электrostatic +[19.32 --> 26.14] changed +[26.14 --> 56.12] Thank you. +[56.14 --> 86.12] Thank you. +[86.14 --> 88.14] Thank you. +[116.14 --> 118.14] Thank you. +[146.14 --> 148.14] Thank you. +[176.14 --> 178.14] Thank you. +[206.14 --> 208.14] Thank you. +[236.14 --> 238.14] Thank you. +[238.14 --> 240.14] Thank you. +[240.14 --> 242.14] Thank you. +[270.14 --> 272.14] Thank you. +[300.14 --> 302.14] Thank you. +[330.14 --> 332.14] Thank you. +[360.14 --> 362.14] Thank you. +[390.14 --> 392.14] Thank you. +[392.14 --> 394.14] Thank you. +[394.14 --> 396.14] Thank you. +[396.14 --> 398.14] Thank you. +[398.14 --> 400.14] Thank you. +[400.14 --> 401.14] Thank you. +[401.14 --> 403.14] Amen. +[431.14 --> 433.14] Amen. +[461.14 --> 463.14] Amen. +[491.14 --> 493.14] Amen. +[521.14 --> 523.14] Amen. +[551.14 --> 553.14] Amen. +[581.14 --> 583.14] Amen. +[611.14 --> 613.14] Amen. +[641.14 --> 642.14] Amen. +[642.14 --> 643.14] Amen. +[643.14 --> 656.14] Good morning. +[656.14 --> 667.14] Happy Thanksgiving to you all. +[667.14 --> 673.14] Okay, maybe it's happy Thanksgiving for like one of you. +[673.14 --> 675.14] Thanks, Amanda. +[675.14 --> 678.14] Welcome to Emanuel Church. +[678.14 --> 681.14] A special welcome if you are a guest with us this weekend. +[681.14 --> 685.14] If you're a guest because of Thanksgiving, you're visiting family and friends, +[685.14 --> 689.14] we're really excited that you are here today to worship with us. +[689.14 --> 690.14] My name is Chris. +[690.14 --> 695.14] I'm one of the pastors here at Emanuel, and it's my pleasure, along with a few others, +[695.14 --> 697.14] to lead in our shared worship this morning. +[697.14 --> 702.14] Before we begin, we have a couple announcements to make. +[702.14 --> 706.14] And Kim Prins has an announcement that she's going to make. +[706.14 --> 708.14] Yeah. +[708.14 --> 712.14] So we're going to invite Kim to the front as she makes an announcement. +[712.14 --> 715.14] There's a microphone right over there for you. +[719.14 --> 721.14] I've been here for at least 20 minutes. +[721.14 --> 724.14] So, hi, everybody. +[724.14 --> 726.14] We are doing Safe Church. +[726.14 --> 730.14] I'm not part of the Safe Church committee, but I will be running the Safe Church training. +[730.14 --> 733.14] There is two happening. +[733.14 --> 739.14] One is this week, Wednesday, the 16th, and the second is next week, Tuesday, the 22nd. +[739.14 --> 742.14] These are mandatory for every three years. +[742.14 --> 745.14] It's going to be really exciting, very interesting. +[745.14 --> 747.14] There will be chocolate. +[747.14 --> 748.14] Please come. +[748.14 --> 751.14] We'd love to have you. +[751.14 --> 756.14] There you go. +[756.14 --> 757.14] There will be chocolate. +[757.14 --> 760.14] If ever there was an enticement, that's the one. +[760.14 --> 763.14] I'm going to keep running through some announcements. +[763.14 --> 769.14] So, next Saturday, we're running an AED CPR training event here. +[769.14 --> 774.14] If you've signed up for that, just a reminder that that's happening, and that's next Saturday. +[774.14 --> 777.14] If you have any questions, Heather Vartstra is here. +[777.14 --> 782.14] She's at the back, but she'll gladly answer your questions about that. +[783.14 --> 789.14] Additionally, after church today, we're having part two of our new members class. +[789.14 --> 796.14] And so, if you joined us last week for that, I invite you to stick around after church today for part two of that class. +[796.14 --> 799.14] And we will have a light lunch together. +[799.14 --> 803.14] And there is childcare for those of you who are sticking around for that. +[803.14 --> 812.14] And then, next Sunday evening at 7 p.m., we're starting a Heidelberg Catechism reading group. +[812.14 --> 816.14] And this is a sort of adult education kind of opportunity. +[816.14 --> 817.14] We're going to come together. +[817.14 --> 825.14] We're going to read the first, I don't know, seven or eight Lord's Days, and then just have a conversation about what it means, what comes up, what it means, what it means. +[825.14 --> 830.14] What comes up, what we're moved to and stirred by in that. +[830.14 --> 834.14] That happens during HCBC for the youth. +[834.14 --> 842.14] And so, if you drop a kid off for HCBC for the youth, you might as well stick around and participate in the group that we're running here for that. +[842.14 --> 844.14] And then Kevin has an announcement. +[844.14 --> 845.14] Hello, hello. +[845.14 --> 847.14] Oh, it's coming on. +[847.14 --> 848.14] There it is. +[848.14 --> 850.14] Good morning, everybody. +[850.14 --> 853.14] I've got an announcement on behalf of Brandon Muller and the Mexico team. +[853.14 --> 854.14] Mexico registration. +[854.14 --> 859.14] If you are in grade 10 or older, and that doesn't mean to grade 12, that means older. +[859.14 --> 864.14] All the way up, you are welcome to sign up and register to join the Mexico trip this year. +[864.14 --> 866.14] We're hoping to have that sorted out soon. +[866.14 --> 874.14] The only hitch is we're still tentatively planning on going in March, but the base that we have been staying at for years and years is no longer hosting teams. +[874.14 --> 878.14] And so, they have sold and are being bought out by someone. +[878.14 --> 881.14] We are looking for a new base. +[881.14 --> 882.14] The hope is to still go in March. +[882.14 --> 884.14] It might have to be a different time of the year. +[884.14 --> 887.14] Either way, we'd love to know some numbers and get a sense of who's interested in coming. +[887.14 --> 888.14] So, please register. +[888.14 --> 889.14] You can talk to Brandon. +[889.14 --> 890.14] He's in the back. +[890.14 --> 891.14] He's waving. +[891.14 --> 892.14] You can come chat with me a little bit too. +[892.14 --> 894.14] And we can give you more information about that. +[894.14 --> 895.14] Thanks. +[895.14 --> 896.14] Excellent. +[896.14 --> 897.14] Okay. +[897.14 --> 899.14] I think that's it for announcements. +[899.14 --> 903.14] And so, if you are able and where you are, would you rise together? +[903.14 --> 906.14] We are going to come together as we come into God's presence. +[906.14 --> 912.14] We give thanks this weekend and we rightfully do so in the presence of our God. +[912.14 --> 915.14] And so, we're going to receive God's greeting together. +[915.14 --> 930.14] And then following God's greeting, I'm going to invite you just to turn to those around you and to welcome them in worship with a handshake, a fist bump, a head nod, a hug if you're particularly familiar, a glare if you don't want a hug. +[930.14 --> 937.14] But we greet each other in the name of the Lord as an extension of God greeting us. +[937.14 --> 939.14] And so, receive God's greeting together. +[939.14 --> 947.14] Grace, mercy, and peace to you from God our Father, from the Lord Jesus Christ, His Son and +[947.14 --> 950.14] our Savior, through the presence and power of the Holy Spirit. +[950.14 --> 951.14] Amen. +[951.14 --> 952.14] Amen. +[952.14 --> 953.14] Amen. +[981.14 --> 999.14] Our call to worship this morning comes from Psalm 47. +[999.14 --> 1003.14] God has ascended amidst shouts of joy. +[1003.14 --> 1006.14] The Lord amid the sounds of trumpets. +[1006.14 --> 1008.14] Sing praise to God. +[1008.14 --> 1009.14] Sing praises. +[1009.14 --> 1012.14] Sing praises to our King. +[1012.14 --> 1013.14] Sing praises. +[1013.14 --> 1016.14] For God is the King of all the earth. +[1016.14 --> 1019.14] Sing to Him a psalm of praise. +[1019.14 --> 1033.14] And go to the God of praise. +[1034.14 --> 1039.14] Good comments. +[1039.14 --> 1068.38] You are holy. You are mighty. You are worthy. You are worthy. Worthy of grace. I will follow. I will listen. I will love you. +[1069.14 --> 1099.12] I will love you. All of my name. I will sing you and worship the kingdom. I will love him. I will bow down before him. I will sing you and worship the kingdom. +[1099.14 --> 1129.14] I will sing you and worship the kingdom. I will sing you and worship the kingdom. I will sing you and worship the kingdom. +[1129.14 --> 1159.14] You are worthy. You are worthy. Worthy of grace. Worthy of grace. I will follow. I will follow. I will listen. I will listen. I will love you. +[1159.14 --> 1189.14] I will sing you and worship the kingdom. I will sing you and worship the kingdom. I will sing you and worship the kingdom. +[1189.14 --> 1196.14] You are my prince of peace. I will live my life for you. +[1196.14 --> 1205.14] You are my prince of peace. I will live my life for you. +[1205.14 --> 1208.70] Please join me in prayer. +[1208.70 --> 1216.70] God, we come to you on this Thanksgiving weekend, grateful for all that you have done for us. +[1217.14 --> 1222.28] We are forgiven, cleansed, and freed by your sacrifice on the cross. +[1223.24 --> 1226.62] We know that we do not live in this freedom every day. +[1227.76 --> 1231.84] Sin grips us. Sin causes us to rely on ourselves. +[1231.84 --> 1237.84] Sin has a hold on us and we cannot find freedom from it without you. +[1239.04 --> 1242.26] Forgive us, Lord, when we forget your goodness. +[1243.62 --> 1246.28] Restore in us the joy of your salvation. +[1247.62 --> 1253.26] Remind us to be thankful, not only today, but every day, for your gift of life. +[1253.26 --> 1257.28] Help us to live that out each and every day. +[1258.06 --> 1258.40] Amen. +[1258.40 --> 1258.54] Amen. +[1283.26 --> 1289.60] Thank you for saving me. +[1289.60 --> 1294.50] What can I say? +[1294.50 --> 1300.30] You are my everything. +[1300.30 --> 1306.90] I will sing your praise. +[1306.90 --> 1313.02] You shed your love for me. +[1313.26 --> 1318.26] What can I say? +[1318.26 --> 1319.26] What can I say? +[1319.26 --> 1325.26] You took my sin and shame. +[1325.26 --> 1331.26] The sinner called my name. +[1331.26 --> 1341.26] Praise the Lord. +[1341.26 --> 1343.26] Praise the Lord. +[1343.26 --> 1353.26] Praise the Lord. +[1353.26 --> 1365.26] For we know your truth has set us free. +[1365.26 --> 1375.26] You set your love with me. +[1375.26 --> 1376.26] Praise the Lord. +[1376.26 --> 1397.78] Praise the Lord. +[1397.78 --> 1427.76] Thank you. +[1427.78 --> 1457.76] Thank you. +[1457.78 --> 1466.78] You set your hope in me. +[1469.78 --> 1476.78] Thank you for saving me. +[1476.78 --> 1482.78] What can I say? +[1482.78 --> 1483.78] Amen. +[1483.78 --> 1484.78] Thank you. +[1484.78 --> 1485.78] Thank you. +[1485.78 --> 1486.78] Thank you. +[1486.78 --> 1491.78] Please join us in a responsive reading of the Heidelberg Catechism, question number 43. +[1491.78 --> 1499.78] What further benefit do we receive from Christ's sacrifice and death on the cross? +[1499.78 --> 1508.78] Through Christ's death, our old nature is crucified, put to death, and buried with Him, so that +[1508.78 --> 1515.78] the evil desires of the flesh may no longer reign in us, but that we may offer ourselves +[1515.78 --> 1520.78] to Him as a sacrifice of thankfulness. +[1520.78 --> 1521.78] Thank you. +[1521.78 --> 1522.78] Thank you. +[1522.78 --> 1523.78] Thank you. +[1523.78 --> 1524.78] Thank you. +[1524.78 --> 1525.78] Thank you. +[1525.78 --> 1526.78] Thank you. +[1526.78 --> 1527.78] Thank you. +[1527.78 --> 1528.78] Thank you. +[1528.78 --> 1529.78] Thank you. +[1529.78 --> 1530.78] Thank you. +[1530.78 --> 1535.78] Thank you. +[1535.78 --> 1552.16] Put a new song in my heart, let me hear the greatest song, distill the light and give me that again. +[1552.16 --> 1571.16] Put a new song in my mind, help me leave the last beyond, and break these chains that I'm not here again. +[1571.16 --> 1585.16] Lift my fallen face, and help me accept, love me with the grace that comes from your hand, gives me from my sin. +[1585.16 --> 1592.16] Lord, forgive me again, that I might be yours alone. +[1601.16 --> 1615.16] Put a new fire in my soul, make this ruthless spirit whole, and help me see that I am free again. +[1615.16 --> 1630.16] Let these broken bones rise up and rejoice, bring the captive home, and lift up my voice, tell my spirit, sing, +[1630.16 --> 1646.16] that I am free again, that I am free again, and help me accept, love me with the grace that comes from your hand, +[1646.16 --> 1655.16] let me feel my sin, Lord, forgive me again, that I might be yours alone. +[1655.16 --> 1660.16] Let these broken bones rise up and rejoice, bring the captive home, and help me with the grace that comes from your hand, +[1660.16 --> 1665.16] let me feel my soul, and help me with the grace that comes from your hand, +[1665.16 --> 1669.16] let me feel my soul, and help me with the grace that comes from your hand. +[1669.16 --> 1673.16] Let these broken bones rise up and hope you may have been taken by the grace that comes from your hand, +[1673.16 --> 1675.16] let me feel my soul, and help you with the grace that comes from your hand, +[1675.16 --> 1678.16] let me feel my soul, and help me with the grace that comes from your hand, +[1678.16 --> 1679.16] let me feel my soul, and help me with the grace that comes from your hand. +[1679.16 --> 1685.16] Good morning and Happy Thanksgiving everyone. +[1685.16 --> 1690.16] My name is Allison, and I am one of the deacons here at Emmanuel. +[1690.16 --> 1698.16] This morning the focus of our offerings are first, our own minutes, +[1698.16 --> 1706.22] own ministry and missions and that's everything from hydro bills to giving to +[1706.22 --> 1711.36] our community through our groups and kids clubs and all the expenses that +[1711.36 --> 1716.40] need to go towards those things the other thing that we are supporting today +[1716.40 --> 1723.48] is our own Langley food bank now not only do they bring food and supplies to +[1723.48 --> 1730.56] those in our very community our neighbors sometimes our friends they also bring the +[1730.56 --> 1737.86] love of Jesus to these people and let's support them greatly as the Lord has +[1737.86 --> 1742.12] greatly blessed us thank you +[1753.48 --> 1760.48] you +[1760.48 --> 1766.48] you +[1766.48 --> 1774.48] you the perfect holy one +[1774.48 --> 1783.48] your son who drank the bitter cup reserved for me +[1783.48 --> 1793.48] your blood has washed away my sin Jesus thank you the father's wrath completely +[1793.48 --> 1798.48] completely satisfied Jesus thank you +[1798.48 --> 1810.48] once your enemy now seated at your table Jesus thank you +[1810.48 --> 1817.48] you +[1817.48 --> 1823.48] you +[1823.48 --> 1825.48] you +[1825.48 --> 1827.48] you +[1827.48 --> 1829.48] you +[1829.48 --> 1831.48] you +[1831.48 --> 1833.48] you +[1833.48 --> 1854.48] you +[1854.48 --> 1856.48] you +[1856.48 --> 1860.04] The Father's wrath completely satisfied. +[1860.92 --> 1863.04] Jesus, thank you. +[1863.04 --> 1868.86] Once your enemy, now seated at your table. +[1869.26 --> 1874.06] Jesus, thank you. +[1886.48 --> 1897.28] Lover of my soul, I want to live for you. +[1899.28 --> 1910.70] Lover of my soul, I want to live for you. +[1910.70 --> 1923.94] Lover of my soul, I want to live for you. +[1925.94 --> 1936.80] Lover of my soul, I want to live for you. +[1936.80 --> 1966.78] Lover of my soul, I want to live for you. +[1966.78 --> 1970.38] Now seated at your table. +[1970.76 --> 1975.52] Jesus, thank you. +[1976.66 --> 1982.08] Jesus, thank you. +[1996.78 --> 2008.50] I would love to invite all of the kids to come forward and join me up here at the front, +[2008.76 --> 2010.76] right here if you can. +[2011.22 --> 2012.66] If you are three, ha! +[2012.96 --> 2021.84] If you are three to grade four, you could come on up and hang out with me up here for a minute. +[2023.26 --> 2024.70] He's a little shy, I think. +[2025.24 --> 2026.10] He's a little shy. +[2026.10 --> 2031.56] When you guys all come up here, when all of you kids are up here, I'm going to need you all to say, +[2032.32 --> 2032.70] Hank! +[2033.38 --> 2039.60] And maybe, just maybe, if you say it loud enough, he'll come up and join us. +[2039.82 --> 2040.16] You ready? +[2040.80 --> 2041.12] All right. +[2041.20 --> 2042.22] And one, two, three, go. +[2042.22 --> 2046.44] Hi, everyone! +[2048.04 --> 2051.28] It's been so long since I've been up here. +[2051.40 --> 2052.54] How's everybody doing? +[2053.82 --> 2054.34] Good. +[2054.46 --> 2055.52] What have you been up to, Hank? +[2056.08 --> 2056.64] Sleeping. +[2057.40 --> 2057.92] Sleeping? +[2058.60 --> 2058.90] Yeah. +[2059.16 --> 2060.46] I hibernate now. +[2060.84 --> 2061.94] You hibernate now? +[2062.34 --> 2062.66] Yeah. +[2062.76 --> 2063.58] The bears do it. +[2063.64 --> 2065.00] I thought it would be fun, too. +[2065.42 --> 2066.30] And how was it? +[2066.30 --> 2067.30] Great! +[2069.02 --> 2069.50] Great? +[2070.18 --> 2070.70] Yeah! +[2070.94 --> 2073.14] I had the best dream ever. +[2073.78 --> 2075.14] The best dream ever? +[2076.58 --> 2078.42] Should we ask him what his dream was about? +[2078.74 --> 2079.20] Yeah? +[2079.48 --> 2080.56] What was your dream about, Hank? +[2081.00 --> 2084.68] Well, I was a superhero. +[2085.36 --> 2085.94] A superhero? +[2086.46 --> 2086.70] Yep! +[2086.70 --> 2092.54] I had a cape, and I had goggles, and I could see color, and it was so great! +[2092.98 --> 2095.02] I could even fly! +[2095.24 --> 2096.02] You could fly? +[2096.30 --> 2096.82] Yeah! +[2097.08 --> 2102.34] And one day, when I was flying, I saw some trouble. +[2102.74 --> 2103.38] Oh, really? +[2103.56 --> 2104.16] Some trouble? +[2104.56 --> 2104.98] Mm-hmm! +[2105.38 --> 2107.92] And Super Hank needed to save the day! +[2108.32 --> 2109.50] What did you have to do? +[2109.88 --> 2114.58] Well, there was a giant pizza rolling down the hill to the dog park, and it was about to +[2114.58 --> 2116.14] crush all the dog toys! +[2116.58 --> 2119.38] So I had to fly in, and guess what I did? +[2119.86 --> 2120.26] What? +[2121.68 --> 2122.20] Nope! +[2122.50 --> 2123.42] My mouth! +[2124.28 --> 2125.46] I just ate it! +[2125.46 --> 2129.20] And I ate the whole pizza, and the world was saved! +[2129.42 --> 2130.60] Or at least the dog toys! +[2130.82 --> 2132.28] Oh, that's a pretty cool dream, Hank! +[2132.60 --> 2133.02] Yeah! +[2133.02 --> 2136.12] Well, what do you think that dream means? +[2139.88 --> 2140.28] Hmm? +[2142.28 --> 2142.68] Oh! +[2143.76 --> 2144.96] Is that what we're doing today? +[2145.12 --> 2145.32] Yeah! +[2145.44 --> 2147.46] We're going to talk about Joseph's dream today! +[2147.78 --> 2149.38] The segue worked so perfect! +[2152.06 --> 2153.30] What's his dream about? +[2153.30 --> 2155.92] Well, we're going to talk about it in children's worship time today! +[2156.00 --> 2156.64] Does that sound fun? +[2157.22 --> 2157.50] Yeah? +[2158.30 --> 2160.52] Why don't you tell us in the back room when we get back there, okay? +[2161.04 --> 2162.34] That sounds like a good plan! +[2163.06 --> 2163.60] High five! +[2164.48 --> 2164.88] All right! +[2164.98 --> 2167.94] So what we're going to do now is we're going to pray, and then we're going to do the kids' +[2168.02 --> 2170.80] blessing, and then we're going to go back to the children's worship time room, okay? +[2171.30 --> 2172.52] Let's all bow our heads and pray! +[2173.58 --> 2175.38] Father God, we thank you so much for this day! +[2175.50 --> 2178.56] Thank you that we could be here in church today, and that we could learn so much more +[2178.56 --> 2178.96] about you! +[2179.02 --> 2182.44] We pray that you'll be with us as we go to children's worship time, and for the grown-ups +[2182.44 --> 2187.56] who stay here as well, we pray that we will just come to know you and each other a little +[2187.56 --> 2188.44] bit better in your name! +[2188.82 --> 2189.14] Amen! +[2189.86 --> 2190.16] All right! +[2190.20 --> 2192.16] Before we run off, we're going to stand up! +[2192.30 --> 2192.42] Oh! +[2193.10 --> 2193.84] We're going to stand up! +[2193.96 --> 2196.80] We're going to put our hands out, and then together... +[2196.80 --> 2198.70] I absolutely can do that! +[2198.70 --> 2201.60] We're going to say together, the Lord be with you, okay? +[2201.76 --> 2205.24] So we're going to face the church like this, yeah, and then we're going to put our hands +[2205.24 --> 2207.16] out, and we're going to say, the Lord be with you on the count of three. +[2207.22 --> 2207.82] Are you ready, kids? +[2207.92 --> 2209.08] One, two, three. +[2209.58 --> 2211.22] The Lord be with you! +[2215.44 --> 2218.54] Okay, you want to come with me? +[2228.70 --> 2252.22] Good morning. +[2252.22 --> 2255.52] My name is Clary. +[2255.64 --> 2263.26] I'm an elder here at Emmanuel, and I would like to lead you as best I can through family +[2263.26 --> 2263.80] prayer. +[2264.78 --> 2265.86] So, let's pray. +[2266.90 --> 2280.20] Thank you, Lord, that we can be here today and partake in such a profound blessing of corporate +[2280.20 --> 2286.78] worship and drawing together to praise your name, but also, I think, what a lot of us find +[2286.78 --> 2291.18] a profound mystery that's sometimes incomprehensible. +[2294.44 --> 2303.18] It's just us, music and words, and invisibly we are nourished by you. +[2303.18 --> 2312.76] And I suppose for most of the world that has not, or most of those people who haven't encountered +[2312.76 --> 2319.20] you, this may look odd, but so be it. +[2320.00 --> 2322.50] We are a peculiar people, as you've called us. +[2322.50 --> 2331.72] So, today, we ask that we may be fed by your word and by your spirit, and that we may cling +[2331.72 --> 2335.68] to your promises and your assurance. +[2337.86 --> 2342.98] And I know for me, one of the great mysteries of worshiping is praying. +[2343.54 --> 2346.24] I frankly don't quite understand how it works. +[2346.24 --> 2353.80] And there's probably a few of us gathered here, too, who wonder how you can hear all +[2353.80 --> 2361.56] of us, some of us quite focused, many of us distracted, and then a whole planet of people. +[2363.40 --> 2368.72] But it's not ours to understand exactly how all things work. +[2368.72 --> 2376.84] So, Father, will you hear our prayers and attend to the concerns in our hearts, particularly, +[2377.06 --> 2379.72] Lord, those of us who struggle with it. +[2394.90 --> 2395.38] Doubt. +[2398.72 --> 2423.16] We hear our prayers for the people in our community. +[2423.16 --> 2429.00] We think of Neil and Linda Rook. +[2429.76 --> 2431.66] Linda's mother died last week. +[2432.44 --> 2437.30] Will you be with them in their grief? +[2439.52 --> 2447.76] We thank you for a successful surgery for Rika, as she had hip surgery. +[2447.76 --> 2453.92] We continue to give her strength and healing. +[2455.60 --> 2458.82] We've got elections coming up here in British Columbia. +[2460.04 --> 2462.68] We thank you for this gift. +[2462.68 --> 2467.46] We thank you for the opportunity to help us to be very critical. +[2467.46 --> 2476.48] We thank you for the opportunity to help us to be very critical or doubtful. +[2476.48 --> 2488.34] But help us to be so grateful that we have the opportunity to partake in leadership here and +[2488.34 --> 2491.68] for all of those who are running for elected office. +[2491.68 --> 2494.94] And for all of us, we ask for a full measure of wisdom. +[2494.94 --> 2501.50] Mark and Deidre Klingelting's sister-in-law has cancer. +[2501.50 --> 2507.74] And it sounds like this diagnosis is serious. +[2507.74 --> 2511.32] We ask that you will grant healing and grant strength. +[2511.32 --> 2519.06] There are many people in our church family who are unable to be here and to join us. +[2520.50 --> 2528.52] We ask that your spirit may attend to them and that we don't forget them and that we are +[2528.52 --> 2529.48] able to reach out. +[2533.26 --> 2538.18] Will you be with all of our university students and our school students and our homeschooling +[2538.18 --> 2538.60] students? +[2538.60 --> 2541.28] And that's a big ask. +[2541.28 --> 2547.22] But there are so many young people who are working hard every day. +[2547.22 --> 2556.18] We ask that they may seek first to know you and to take their gifts and talents and offer +[2556.18 --> 2563.14] them to you through their learning as a sacrifice of love. +[2563.14 --> 2568.58] We don't have to look very far around us to see many people in this congregation. +[2568.58 --> 2573.58] who have lost loved ones, some recently and some decades ago. +[2574.26 --> 2581.12] For all of those, those of us who grieve, provide a full measure of your spirit. +[2581.12 --> 2587.80] We have wars and rumors of war that continue to rage around the world. +[2587.80 --> 2589.74] This is nothing new. +[2589.74 --> 2592.42] But we ask that peace may prevail. +[2592.42 --> 2600.36] And for all of those people of great power and influence who are known and may be influential +[2600.36 --> 2601.36] behind the scenes. +[2601.36 --> 2604.42] May they seek peace. +[2604.42 --> 2618.10] And finally, we want to give you thanks for love and how that has manifested in our congregation +[2618.10 --> 2619.10] and marriage. +[2619.10 --> 2620.10] We've got a couple of anniversaries. +[2620.10 --> 2624.10] Bill and Mary and De Winter are celebrating their 45th. +[2624.10 --> 2628.10] And then Paul and Leslie Kuhl are celebrating their 40th. +[2628.10 --> 2630.10] Thank you for the testimony of this faithfulness. +[2630.10 --> 2643.10] And may we all be grateful to you for how your love for us can be shown through marriage. +[2643.10 --> 2645.10] Amen. +[2645.10 --> 2645.40] Amen. +[2660.10 --> 2679.78] This morning, as we reflect on Thanksgiving, I'm mindful of the fact, as Clary prayed for +[2679.78 --> 2683.36] us, that Christians are intended to be a peculiar people. +[2683.36 --> 2691.12] And then on Thanksgiving weekend, we kind of do the same thing that everyone else does. +[2691.12 --> 2697.78] And so I wonder, how can we think of Thanksgiving differently? +[2697.78 --> 2704.02] And what does what I'm going to call real Thanksgiving perhaps look like? +[2704.02 --> 2709.38] And so to help us address that and to hopefully open our eyes to these realities, we're going +[2709.38 --> 2713.14] to read from 1 Timothy 2. +[2713.14 --> 2715.94] I'm going to read the first seven verses. +[2715.94 --> 2719.00] The first time through, it will be on the screen behind me overhead. +[2719.00 --> 2724.24] But as always, I encourage you to open the Bible you brought or on your device, however +[2724.24 --> 2727.14] it is that you read the Bible. +[2727.14 --> 2731.62] If you would like one, there are some at the back that are available to you as well. +[2731.62 --> 2736.24] And then just keep that open as we go through our time together this morning. +[2736.24 --> 2741.00] So let me read from 1 Timothy 2, starting at verse 1. +[2741.00 --> 2742.00] 1 Timothy 3, starting at verse 1. +[2742.00 --> 2749.36] I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgiving be +[2749.36 --> 2755.38] made for all people, for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and +[2755.38 --> 2758.62] quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. +[2758.62 --> 2766.64] This is good and pleases God, our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to +[2766.64 --> 2768.02] a knowledge of the truth. +[2768.02 --> 2776.36] For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus, who +[2776.36 --> 2778.80] gave himself as a ransom for all people. +[2779.90 --> 2782.98] And this has now been witnessed at the proper time. +[2783.34 --> 2787.48] And for this purpose, I was appointed a herald and an apostle. +[2787.76 --> 2788.86] I am telling the truth. +[2788.96 --> 2789.78] I am not lying. +[2790.16 --> 2793.64] And a true and faithful teacher of the Gentiles. +[2794.30 --> 2795.58] This is the word of the Lord. +[2798.02 --> 2807.18] So what I want to suggest to you this morning, and what I hope right out the gate shows you +[2807.18 --> 2813.70] the distinction between a real, genuine, authentic Christian approach to thanksgiving and what +[2813.70 --> 2816.52] might be a more cultural one, is this idea. +[2816.52 --> 2823.82] Real thanksgiving starts with God and changes reality. +[2825.56 --> 2830.80] Real thanksgiving starts with God and changes reality. +[2832.68 --> 2841.90] Now in the letter that we read, verse 1, starts with an urging based on what came before. +[2841.90 --> 2845.14] That's what it means when we read, I urge then. +[2846.26 --> 2852.46] And that urging, there's two things really that are there that Paul, who wrote this letter, +[2852.66 --> 2857.94] is basing his urging of Timothy, who receives this letter, on. +[2858.78 --> 2866.74] Paul urges Timothy to pray for all people because Paul has seen the impact of God's action +[2866.74 --> 2873.14] and mercy in his life, and he wants the same new reality for everyone. +[2874.82 --> 2879.64] And so already, right away, we're beginning to see that prayer is a missional activity. +[2879.84 --> 2883.58] Prayer is the first missional activity of the church. +[2884.72 --> 2886.34] Listen to Paul's own testimony. +[2886.48 --> 2889.68] This comes from chapter 1, if your Bibles are open, in verse 12. +[2889.68 --> 2891.34] Paul says, +[2891.34 --> 2897.42] I thank Christ Jesus, our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me trustworthy, +[2897.88 --> 2905.08] appointing me to his service, even though I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man. +[2905.08 --> 2908.52] I was shown mercy because I acted in ignorance and unbelief. +[2908.96 --> 2917.68] The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. +[2917.68 --> 2922.10] Now, if you're unfamiliar with Paul's story, +[2922.94 --> 2927.70] Paul kind of starts out as a Jewish Pharisee. +[2928.34 --> 2935.76] A Pharisee in the Jewish system is someone who focuses very strictly and intently on the law of Moses +[2935.76 --> 2939.14] and teaches others to do the same. +[2939.14 --> 2948.06] In fact, Paul was being trained to be the next great Pharisee. +[2949.18 --> 2951.16] And when the Christian church first started, +[2951.84 --> 2958.02] Paul was a lead persecutor and hunter-killer of the followers of Jesus. +[2958.98 --> 2962.44] He even boasted about how good he was at his job. +[2962.44 --> 2967.94] But then, one day, while he was traveling to Damascus to go route out Christians there, +[2968.28 --> 2973.28] he was met on the road by the resurrected and ascended Jesus while traveling. +[2973.28 --> 2979.50] And he has a vision of Jesus, and he's told to go ahead to the city and wait for a man to arrive. +[2979.50 --> 2986.34] And while that's happening, there's a man in Damascus named Ananias who also has a vision, +[2986.70 --> 2990.66] and he's told to go to Judas' house where he will find Paul. +[2991.60 --> 2994.42] Of course, Ananias is terrified because he's heard the rumors of Paul, +[2994.52 --> 2997.30] but he goes anyway because when the Lord commands, you go. +[2998.26 --> 3003.56] And then, while they meet, Paul is taught by Ananias and the other disciples in Damascus, +[3003.56 --> 3007.38] and then he begins to preach powerfully for Jesus. +[3007.82 --> 3010.36] His life is totally transformed. +[3010.58 --> 3014.88] And again, if you know the story, he goes all over the then-known world, +[3014.88 --> 3018.20] and he preaches powerfully for the gospel. +[3018.20 --> 3023.58] And the church grows exponentially from that point forward. +[3024.70 --> 3028.86] And even though I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man, +[3028.96 --> 3033.06] the grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, he says. +[3033.56 --> 3037.72] Along with faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. +[3038.72 --> 3042.88] Part of why we pray, part of why we give thanks, +[3043.02 --> 3046.12] is because of what God has done in our lives, +[3046.16 --> 3050.40] and because we want that in the lives of everyone around us. +[3051.42 --> 3053.16] And again, we read this. +[3053.24 --> 3056.42] Paul makes this point in verse 16 of chapter 1. +[3058.34 --> 3061.52] Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, +[3061.52 --> 3063.90] of whom I am the worst, he says. +[3064.48 --> 3066.96] But for that very reason, I was shown mercy, +[3066.96 --> 3070.54] so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ might be displayed. +[3070.98 --> 3074.64] Christ might display his immense patience as an example for those +[3074.64 --> 3078.22] who believe in him and who receive eternal life. +[3079.36 --> 3082.16] Jesus came to save sinners. +[3082.42 --> 3083.46] We are sinners. +[3083.62 --> 3086.68] And because we are sinners, he has shown us mercy. +[3086.68 --> 3090.12] And because he shows us mercy, we receive from him eternal life +[3090.12 --> 3092.10] if we believe in the truth of who he is. +[3092.46 --> 3095.82] And then, quite simply, when we believe that and have received that, +[3095.90 --> 3097.48] we want that for everyone. +[3098.60 --> 3099.70] That's why we pray. +[3099.86 --> 3101.46] That's why we give thanks. +[3102.96 --> 3108.12] Now, the second reason behind Paul's urging prayer and thanksgiving +[3108.12 --> 3114.50] is actually to protect and to guard those who believe. +[3116.04 --> 3116.18] Right? +[3116.24 --> 3119.78] And so, again, in verse 18 to 20 of chapter 1, +[3120.52 --> 3121.20] Paul writes, +[3121.20 --> 3145.64] The command referred to here is the command to instruct certain people +[3145.64 --> 3148.92] against false and bad teaching. +[3148.92 --> 3154.78] A command that Paul says comes from the goal of love +[3154.78 --> 3158.50] and from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith. +[3159.30 --> 3159.40] Right? +[3159.44 --> 3164.12] The point is, Christians, and now specifically and especially Christian leaders, +[3164.96 --> 3167.98] have the responsibility to teach true faith +[3167.98 --> 3171.20] and to live that true faith with a clear conscience +[3171.20 --> 3175.10] in order to protect others from falling away, +[3175.10 --> 3178.80] from falling out of faith and into sin. +[3178.92 --> 3184.46] And so, the petitions and prayers, intercessions and thanksgiving +[3184.46 --> 3187.50] that we are called to make for all people +[3187.50 --> 3191.56] center around their seeing God at work, +[3191.98 --> 3195.24] center around their conversion to the truth of the gospel +[3195.24 --> 3199.96] and being captivated by the beauty of God revealed in the word. +[3199.96 --> 3205.50] And it centers around protecting those who believe from walking away. +[3205.50 --> 3213.16] Now, some of us are here this morning because it's Thanksgiving weekend +[3213.16 --> 3215.64] and someone in your family said, +[3215.78 --> 3217.90] Hey, it'd be really nice if you came to church with us. +[3217.90 --> 3225.68] And if that's you, I want you to hear that you, right now, are being prayed for. +[3228.82 --> 3231.48] That you, right now, are loved. +[3231.48 --> 3242.06] And our prayer and that love is hopefully showing something of the majesty of God to you this morning. +[3242.06 --> 3245.96] And I plead with you, don't miss it. +[3247.02 --> 3248.28] Don't miss his love. +[3248.94 --> 3253.58] Don't miss the love that brought you here in order for you to hear. +[3256.24 --> 3257.86] And then for all of us, +[3259.30 --> 3261.34] whether it's today or tomorrow, +[3261.98 --> 3263.82] or retroactively if it was yesterday, +[3264.98 --> 3268.86] when you gather together with family and friends to celebrate Thanksgiving, +[3268.86 --> 3271.22] in whatever that looks like for you, +[3271.44 --> 3274.06] maybe it's turkey, maybe it's Chinese food, +[3275.02 --> 3280.40] when the conversation turns to matters of life and faith, +[3280.48 --> 3284.92] when the conversation turns to matters of religion or politics, +[3285.96 --> 3286.48] remember, +[3287.48 --> 3291.50] the goal of this command, Paul writes, +[3291.96 --> 3292.84] is love. +[3292.84 --> 3299.08] So however you talk to the people that you're sharing mashed potatoes with, +[3300.12 --> 3302.30] I pray that it's dripping with love. +[3304.12 --> 3306.70] However you pass the spring rolls down the road, +[3306.78 --> 3309.50] I pray that love is seen and it's evident to all. +[3310.84 --> 3312.38] And so watch your anger. +[3313.82 --> 3315.06] Mitigate your cynicism. +[3315.82 --> 3318.30] Season everything you do with love. +[3318.30 --> 3321.04] And yes, of course, +[3321.40 --> 3324.40] the conversations that you have to have might be hard. +[3325.48 --> 3329.80] And you may be in a circumstance or in a kind of familial dynamic +[3329.80 --> 3334.04] where you discern that you must protect people from bad ideas +[3334.04 --> 3336.70] or from hollow and deceptive philosophies. +[3337.20 --> 3339.76] Today may be the day for a hard conversation. +[3341.78 --> 3343.04] But if it's going to be, +[3344.14 --> 3345.76] will you, like Paul, +[3346.82 --> 3348.18] commit to praying for it? +[3348.54 --> 3348.86] First. +[3350.38 --> 3352.26] Will you pray the way Paul does +[3352.26 --> 3354.10] before that happens? +[3354.84 --> 3357.32] And will you enter into that conversation +[3357.32 --> 3359.28] not with the idea to win, +[3360.20 --> 3362.98] but with the same goals that Paul gives us +[3362.98 --> 3364.56] in our Thanksgiving? +[3364.68 --> 3365.66] Look at the text again. +[3367.14 --> 3369.16] Paul begins with this urging +[3369.16 --> 3373.82] based on his need to protect people in the truth +[3373.82 --> 3376.38] and because his desire is that all might know +[3376.38 --> 3377.78] Jesus who saved him, +[3377.78 --> 3381.02] he gives us these four words for prayer. +[3381.74 --> 3386.52] Now, I don't want to make too much of the particular words in our midst +[3386.52 --> 3388.68] because they are somewhat synonymous. +[3388.84 --> 3389.52] And what I mean by that is +[3389.52 --> 3391.18] at different times in the Bible, +[3391.40 --> 3393.32] all of these words are used +[3393.32 --> 3395.58] to refer to prayer sort of generally. +[3395.58 --> 3399.54] But the reason that they're given here in a list, +[3400.54 --> 3404.48] right, indicates to me that there's something particular +[3404.48 --> 3407.70] about each one that I think Paul wants us to hear. +[3407.70 --> 3409.16] Right? +[3409.20 --> 3411.70] And so this idea of petition and of prayer +[3411.70 --> 3414.52] and of intercession and of a word of thanks. +[3415.40 --> 3417.78] I don't think these are just synonyms. +[3418.08 --> 3421.10] I think there's a point that's behind these four words +[3421.10 --> 3424.40] and that's why they're being urged in the manner that they are. +[3424.40 --> 3426.76] And in some ways, I think there's a movement +[3426.76 --> 3429.56] that shapes all of our prayers. +[3430.56 --> 3431.28] Right? +[3431.32 --> 3435.78] And so we make specific requests for needs. +[3436.42 --> 3437.14] Right? +[3437.22 --> 3438.10] These petitions. +[3438.64 --> 3441.42] We bring those specific requests +[3441.42 --> 3444.22] and the needs of the people who have them +[3444.22 --> 3446.94] into view before God. +[3447.78 --> 3450.42] And we boldly appeal on their behalf. +[3451.28 --> 3454.06] And then we give thanks to God for them +[3454.06 --> 3457.36] and for whatever it is that he may be doing in this moment. +[3458.06 --> 3461.28] In short, when you think of praying this weekend +[3461.28 --> 3463.12] and before these gatherings, +[3463.34 --> 3464.86] I want you to be specific, +[3465.40 --> 3466.28] be particular, +[3466.92 --> 3467.74] be bold, +[3467.94 --> 3469.12] and be grateful. +[3469.12 --> 3470.28] Right? +[3471.50 --> 3472.22] Be specific. +[3472.46 --> 3473.28] And what I mean by that is +[3473.28 --> 3476.68] tell God exactly what you are petitioning him for. +[3479.36 --> 3480.16] Right? +[3480.20 --> 3480.98] Instead of praying, +[3481.52 --> 3483.08] please bring healing, +[3484.12 --> 3485.26] maybe you pray, +[3486.10 --> 3486.54] God, +[3487.12 --> 3489.74] end this liver cancer. +[3490.84 --> 3492.40] Be specific. +[3494.82 --> 3495.06] Right? +[3495.08 --> 3496.58] And then be particular. +[3497.68 --> 3497.92] Right? +[3497.92 --> 3498.22] That is, +[3498.46 --> 3501.88] name exactly who you are praying for. +[3503.54 --> 3503.90] Right? +[3504.04 --> 3507.08] End this liver cancer for John. +[3508.16 --> 3510.08] I tried to pick a really generic name there. +[3510.40 --> 3511.72] If there's a John here with liver cancer, +[3511.84 --> 3513.70] I apologize for outing you in that way. +[3514.32 --> 3515.16] But then I don't. +[3515.20 --> 3516.14] Because I want to pray for you. +[3516.82 --> 3517.24] You get it? +[3517.26 --> 3518.08] You see how this is working? +[3519.66 --> 3520.02] All right, +[3520.02 --> 3520.64] be specific, +[3520.78 --> 3521.32] be particular, +[3521.44 --> 3522.28] and be bold. +[3522.28 --> 3524.36] Imagine when you're praying +[3524.36 --> 3525.44] that what you're doing +[3525.44 --> 3526.64] is actually talking +[3526.64 --> 3528.66] to the Lord of the universe. +[3529.54 --> 3530.84] And you're asking him +[3530.84 --> 3531.44] to intercede +[3531.96 --> 3534.14] in a way that only he can. +[3536.14 --> 3538.94] Be bold in your praying. +[3540.34 --> 3541.40] And then finally, +[3542.24 --> 3543.02] be grateful. +[3544.12 --> 3544.36] Right? +[3544.48 --> 3547.34] Give thanksgiving to God. +[3547.34 --> 3550.18] Have gratitude to God +[3550.18 --> 3552.20] for what he has already done +[3552.20 --> 3554.34] and what he will do +[3554.34 --> 3555.70] because in your praying +[3555.70 --> 3556.78] you have been specific +[3556.78 --> 3558.50] and particular and bold. +[3559.28 --> 3560.28] Be specific. +[3560.78 --> 3561.40] Be particular. +[3561.64 --> 3562.16] Be bold. +[3562.32 --> 3563.48] And be grateful. +[3564.62 --> 3565.54] And can I tell you something? +[3565.54 --> 3569.74] It's really hard. +[3569.98 --> 3571.36] It's really hard +[3571.36 --> 3572.62] to be anxious +[3572.62 --> 3575.18] when you are choosing +[3575.18 --> 3576.44] to focus on your gratitude. +[3578.62 --> 3580.78] Gratitude pushes out worry. +[3582.50 --> 3583.56] Gratitude flows +[3583.56 --> 3585.10] from meeting God +[3585.10 --> 3586.00] in the throne room +[3586.00 --> 3586.62] of his grace +[3586.62 --> 3587.64] and of his mercy +[3587.64 --> 3588.26] in the temple +[3588.26 --> 3589.44] of his worship. +[3590.22 --> 3591.38] And when you are standing +[3591.38 --> 3592.18] in the presence +[3592.18 --> 3593.56] of the glory of God, +[3593.88 --> 3595.36] all of a sudden, +[3595.54 --> 3596.94] those things +[3596.94 --> 3597.92] that give us worry +[3597.92 --> 3602.04] seem to be minimized +[3602.04 --> 3603.90] in the majesty +[3603.90 --> 3605.58] of who he is. +[3607.50 --> 3608.44] Thanksgiving, +[3609.12 --> 3610.02] gratitude, +[3610.84 --> 3612.18] is truly +[3612.18 --> 3614.82] a Christian reality. +[3616.00 --> 3616.68] And thanksgiving +[3616.68 --> 3618.00] ought to be +[3618.00 --> 3619.86] our default posture +[3619.86 --> 3621.28] because thanksgiving +[3621.28 --> 3622.68] is worship. +[3623.92 --> 3624.30] Thanksgiving, +[3624.68 --> 3625.00] honestly, +[3625.00 --> 3626.02] is the only +[3626.02 --> 3627.68] logical and normal +[3627.68 --> 3628.28] response +[3628.28 --> 3629.70] to meeting God, +[3629.80 --> 3630.96] to being met by God, +[3631.04 --> 3631.82] to learning the truth +[3631.82 --> 3633.20] of who this God is +[3633.20 --> 3634.14] and to seeing +[3634.14 --> 3634.80] and receiving +[3634.80 --> 3635.58] his grace. +[3636.68 --> 3636.78] Right? +[3636.82 --> 3638.64] Gratitude follows grace. +[3641.34 --> 3641.56] Now, +[3641.92 --> 3643.34] with your patience, +[3643.74 --> 3644.88] I'm going to get a little +[3644.88 --> 3646.08] philosophical +[3646.08 --> 3647.28] for a moment +[3647.28 --> 3647.74] and so +[3647.74 --> 3649.66] endure with me +[3649.66 --> 3650.12] in this. +[3650.12 --> 3652.74] if you separate +[3652.74 --> 3653.72] your thanksgiving +[3653.72 --> 3654.44] from God, +[3655.54 --> 3656.12] that is, +[3656.20 --> 3656.38] right, +[3656.62 --> 3657.44] for everyone +[3657.44 --> 3658.34] who celebrates +[3658.34 --> 3658.90] thanksgiving +[3658.90 --> 3659.74] as purely +[3659.74 --> 3660.52] a cultural +[3660.52 --> 3661.76] or historical +[3661.76 --> 3662.44] phenomenon, +[3663.14 --> 3664.68] if you separate +[3664.68 --> 3665.48] your thanksgiving +[3665.48 --> 3666.22] from God, +[3666.34 --> 3667.24] you're actually +[3667.24 --> 3668.00] missing +[3668.00 --> 3668.98] the fullness +[3668.98 --> 3670.36] of what gratitude +[3670.36 --> 3671.22] can be. +[3672.80 --> 3673.52] Right? +[3673.52 --> 3674.36] To be thankful +[3674.36 --> 3675.60] genuinely, +[3675.80 --> 3676.70] or generally, +[3676.94 --> 3677.54] to be thankful +[3677.54 --> 3678.86] generally, +[3679.08 --> 3680.04] even though I'm sure +[3680.04 --> 3680.90] it is absolutely +[3680.90 --> 3681.50] genuine, +[3682.50 --> 3683.70] to be thankful +[3683.70 --> 3684.64] generally +[3684.64 --> 3685.96] is to be thankful +[3685.96 --> 3688.42] only nebulously. +[3690.80 --> 3691.40] Right? +[3691.40 --> 3692.02] when there's no +[3692.02 --> 3693.42] real or right +[3693.42 --> 3694.52] or transcendent +[3694.52 --> 3695.86] object of our +[3695.86 --> 3696.32] gratitude +[3696.32 --> 3697.48] or recipient +[3697.48 --> 3698.56] of our worship, +[3698.56 --> 3699.64] it's ultimately +[3699.64 --> 3700.54] incomplete. +[3702.40 --> 3702.96] Or, +[3703.18 --> 3704.22] and more likely +[3704.22 --> 3705.66] for many of us +[3705.66 --> 3706.18] here this morning +[3706.18 --> 3707.04] more accurately, +[3707.72 --> 3709.38] when we try +[3709.38 --> 3710.36] to locate +[3710.36 --> 3711.36] the object +[3711.36 --> 3712.58] of our thanksgiving +[3712.58 --> 3713.44] in something +[3713.44 --> 3714.70] less than +[3714.70 --> 3715.24] the God +[3715.24 --> 3715.96] of the universe, +[3716.26 --> 3717.08] the feeling +[3717.08 --> 3718.00] of gratitude +[3718.00 --> 3719.22] and that comfort +[3719.22 --> 3720.24] that comes from +[3720.24 --> 3720.96] gratitude +[3720.96 --> 3722.60] is as fleeting +[3722.60 --> 3723.60] as the thing +[3723.60 --> 3724.00] that you're +[3724.00 --> 3724.66] thankful for. +[3727.68 --> 3728.96] And so last year, +[3729.10 --> 3730.74] you were thankful +[3730.74 --> 3731.40] for health, +[3732.40 --> 3733.72] but this year, +[3733.80 --> 3734.30] you have a terminal +[3734.30 --> 3734.82] diagnosis. +[3736.28 --> 3737.22] What does that mean? +[3738.14 --> 3738.74] Last year, +[3738.80 --> 3739.32] you were thankful +[3739.32 --> 3740.06] for your boyfriend +[3740.06 --> 3741.08] or for your girlfriend. +[3741.40 --> 3741.82] This year, +[3741.90 --> 3742.52] you've broken up. +[3744.54 --> 3745.24] Last year, +[3745.32 --> 3745.90] you were thankful +[3745.90 --> 3746.98] for your great job. +[3747.28 --> 3747.66] This year, +[3747.72 --> 3748.48] you've been laid off. +[3749.68 --> 3750.36] Last year, +[3750.36 --> 3751.00] you were thankful +[3751.00 --> 3751.60] for deep +[3751.60 --> 3753.02] and long-lasting +[3753.02 --> 3753.84] relationships, +[3754.18 --> 3754.80] and this year, +[3754.88 --> 3755.28] their spot +[3755.28 --> 3755.76] at the table +[3755.76 --> 3756.26] is empty. +[3759.18 --> 3759.86] And don't hear +[3759.86 --> 3760.48] what I'm not saying. +[3760.54 --> 3761.46] It's not that we can't +[3761.46 --> 3762.00] or shouldn't +[3762.00 --> 3762.56] be thankful +[3762.56 --> 3763.44] for those things +[3763.44 --> 3764.34] when they come. +[3764.40 --> 3765.44] We absolutely should, +[3765.70 --> 3767.50] especially when we realize +[3767.50 --> 3768.52] just how fragile +[3768.52 --> 3770.12] some of those things are. +[3771.00 --> 3772.16] But if we made, +[3772.28 --> 3773.04] if we have made +[3773.04 --> 3774.18] more of them, +[3774.24 --> 3775.14] if we've made them +[3775.14 --> 3776.46] into the thing, +[3776.46 --> 3777.44] if we've tied +[3777.44 --> 3778.28] our sense of meaning +[3778.28 --> 3779.58] or our sense of purpose +[3779.58 --> 3780.28] or identity +[3780.28 --> 3781.70] or our experience +[3781.70 --> 3782.50] of full joy +[3782.50 --> 3783.86] to those particular things, +[3783.98 --> 3785.12] we will always, +[3785.36 --> 3785.80] in the end, +[3785.88 --> 3786.68] be disappointed. +[3787.64 --> 3788.62] They can't handle +[3788.62 --> 3789.62] the weight of that. +[3790.68 --> 3791.66] That kind of weight +[3791.66 --> 3793.00] can only be handled +[3793.00 --> 3794.36] by God. +[3796.68 --> 3797.08] Now, +[3797.10 --> 3797.54] did you know +[3797.54 --> 3799.44] that in the Old Testament, +[3799.66 --> 3800.14] in the Hebrew, +[3800.56 --> 3801.76] the word that's translated +[3801.76 --> 3802.14] weight +[3802.14 --> 3803.00] or weighty +[3803.00 --> 3803.62] or heavy +[3803.62 --> 3805.12] is also, +[3805.26 --> 3806.02] when talking about God, +[3806.18 --> 3807.56] translated glory. +[3810.12 --> 3810.36] Right? +[3810.40 --> 3811.78] When we glory +[3811.78 --> 3813.56] in the lesser things, +[3813.72 --> 3814.54] they will fail. +[3815.08 --> 3816.22] But when we glory +[3816.22 --> 3816.96] in God, +[3817.14 --> 3818.32] the lesser things +[3818.32 --> 3819.46] have more value. +[3820.70 --> 3821.88] That's what gratitude +[3821.88 --> 3823.88] to God does, +[3823.94 --> 3824.58] what gratitude +[3824.58 --> 3826.56] for God does. +[3826.66 --> 3827.50] It helps us +[3827.50 --> 3829.56] order reality well. +[3829.56 --> 3830.48] It helps us order +[3830.48 --> 3831.56] our glories +[3831.56 --> 3833.22] well and properly. +[3833.62 --> 3835.44] Now, +[3835.50 --> 3836.12] that means +[3836.12 --> 3837.48] thanksgiving +[3837.48 --> 3838.70] without God +[3838.70 --> 3839.84] is an improper +[3839.84 --> 3840.46] ordering +[3840.46 --> 3841.74] of reality. +[3842.64 --> 3842.96] Thanksgiving +[3842.96 --> 3843.90] without God +[3843.90 --> 3844.98] is an inadequate, +[3845.56 --> 3846.30] incomplete +[3846.30 --> 3847.26] understanding +[3847.26 --> 3848.52] of reality. +[3849.36 --> 3850.12] That's why +[3850.12 --> 3850.84] we are thankful. +[3851.32 --> 3851.78] That's why +[3851.78 --> 3852.44] we pray. +[3853.36 --> 3853.48] Right? +[3853.54 --> 3854.18] Because both +[3854.18 --> 3854.82] of these things +[3854.82 --> 3855.98] help us properly +[3855.98 --> 3857.78] define reality, +[3858.02 --> 3859.36] recognizing God +[3859.36 --> 3859.98] at the top. +[3860.14 --> 3860.68] And not just +[3860.68 --> 3861.18] at the top +[3861.18 --> 3862.34] in the hierarchy +[3862.34 --> 3863.50] of being sense, +[3863.50 --> 3864.58] but at the top +[3864.58 --> 3865.66] is a holy other, +[3865.82 --> 3867.58] utterly transcendent, +[3867.72 --> 3869.32] absolutely holy +[3869.32 --> 3870.18] and set apart. +[3870.48 --> 3871.16] The creator +[3871.16 --> 3872.54] stands apart +[3872.54 --> 3874.32] from his creation. +[3875.48 --> 3875.60] Now, +[3875.62 --> 3875.98] what I hope +[3875.98 --> 3876.64] you're seeing +[3876.64 --> 3877.16] is that +[3877.16 --> 3878.32] right thanksgiving +[3878.32 --> 3880.32] has an ontological +[3880.32 --> 3881.02] impact. +[3881.50 --> 3882.06] That is, +[3882.12 --> 3882.84] you make sense +[3882.84 --> 3883.56] of the world +[3883.56 --> 3884.16] properly +[3884.16 --> 3885.94] when it's rooted +[3885.94 --> 3886.84] in right thanksgiving. +[3886.84 --> 3888.66] Now, +[3888.68 --> 3889.64] the amazing thing +[3889.64 --> 3890.42] about this +[3890.42 --> 3891.36] right understanding +[3891.36 --> 3892.46] of who God is +[3892.46 --> 3893.10] is that +[3893.10 --> 3894.20] even though, +[3894.30 --> 3894.66] and perhaps +[3894.66 --> 3895.62] especially because, +[3896.02 --> 3896.60] even though +[3896.60 --> 3898.16] he is wholly other, +[3898.74 --> 3899.32] this God +[3899.32 --> 3900.84] came into the world +[3900.84 --> 3901.84] that he created +[3901.84 --> 3902.68] to save us. +[3903.26 --> 3903.98] What does Paul say? +[3904.22 --> 3905.38] For there is one God +[3905.38 --> 3906.34] and one mediator +[3906.34 --> 3907.16] between God +[3907.16 --> 3907.72] and mankind, +[3908.36 --> 3908.98] the man +[3908.98 --> 3910.14] Christ Jesus +[3910.14 --> 3911.48] who gave himself +[3911.48 --> 3912.36] as a ransom +[3912.36 --> 3914.08] for all people. +[3914.08 --> 3915.12] If that doesn't +[3915.12 --> 3915.96] blow your mind +[3915.96 --> 3916.84] this thanksgiving, +[3917.06 --> 3917.64] you're missing +[3917.64 --> 3918.24] the point. +[3919.80 --> 3919.92] Right? +[3919.98 --> 3921.08] The God of the universe +[3921.08 --> 3922.82] who is utterly transcendent +[3922.82 --> 3923.80] took on flesh +[3923.80 --> 3925.04] and came into the world +[3925.04 --> 3925.80] that he created. +[3927.04 --> 3927.66] And not only +[3927.66 --> 3928.88] did he just show up, +[3929.06 --> 3930.18] he lived the life +[3930.18 --> 3930.92] I should have lived. +[3931.00 --> 3931.88] He died the death +[3931.88 --> 3932.70] that I deserved. +[3932.78 --> 3933.68] He paid the penalty +[3933.68 --> 3934.92] for my sin +[3934.92 --> 3935.96] and he bore +[3935.96 --> 3937.02] the wrath of God +[3937.02 --> 3938.84] and he won victory +[3938.84 --> 3939.70] over sin +[3939.70 --> 3940.38] and death +[3940.38 --> 3941.38] and dying on the cross +[3941.38 --> 3942.70] and three days later +[3942.70 --> 3943.84] this same God +[3943.84 --> 3945.10] was raised again +[3945.10 --> 3945.94] from the dead. +[3946.86 --> 3947.28] And after that +[3947.28 --> 3948.44] he was ascended +[3948.44 --> 3949.42] to the right hand +[3949.42 --> 3949.90] of the Father +[3949.90 --> 3950.62] where now +[3950.62 --> 3951.80] at the name of Jesus +[3951.80 --> 3953.00] every knee shall bow +[3953.00 --> 3953.90] in heaven and on earth +[3953.90 --> 3954.72] and under the earth +[3954.72 --> 3955.70] that Jesus Christ +[3955.70 --> 3956.98] is Lord. +[3957.38 --> 3958.32] That's the root +[3958.32 --> 3959.26] of our thanksgiving. +[3961.46 --> 3962.66] And when this is true +[3962.66 --> 3963.54] for you +[3963.54 --> 3964.28] and for me +[3964.28 --> 3965.00] in our hearts +[3965.00 --> 3965.96] and in our minds +[3965.96 --> 3967.18] and we are transformed +[3967.18 --> 3970.10] by this new creation reality +[3970.10 --> 3971.70] this gospel message +[3971.70 --> 3972.78] of Jesus +[3972.78 --> 3974.22] that changes +[3974.22 --> 3975.56] everything +[3975.56 --> 3976.58] about +[3976.58 --> 3977.76] our +[3977.76 --> 3978.96] lives. +[3980.80 --> 3982.24] Why we pray. +[3983.18 --> 3984.58] What we pray for. +[3985.58 --> 3986.80] The way we pray. +[3987.46 --> 3989.24] The conduct we have +[3989.24 --> 3989.84] in the midst +[3989.84 --> 3991.12] of these +[3991.12 --> 3993.20] family dinners +[3993.20 --> 3995.02] around a Thanksgiving table. +[3996.28 --> 3998.62] And Paul even instructs us. +[3998.62 --> 3999.14] He says +[3999.14 --> 4000.84] we pray +[4000.84 --> 4002.58] for all people +[4002.58 --> 4003.36] for kings +[4003.36 --> 4004.62] and those in authority +[4004.62 --> 4006.86] which means +[4006.86 --> 4008.18] we pray for everyone +[4008.18 --> 4009.50] in every circumstance +[4009.50 --> 4011.96] that we may live +[4011.96 --> 4012.88] peaceful +[4012.88 --> 4014.58] and quiet lives +[4014.58 --> 4015.50] in all godliness +[4015.50 --> 4016.88] and holiness. +[4016.88 --> 4020.04] So I want to ask you +[4020.04 --> 4022.42] will your conversations +[4022.42 --> 4023.34] at the Thanksgiving +[4023.34 --> 4024.72] table today +[4024.72 --> 4025.64] or tomorrow +[4025.64 --> 4026.54] reflect +[4026.54 --> 4027.82] these twin +[4027.82 --> 4029.48] tandem truths? +[4030.28 --> 4031.12] Right first +[4031.12 --> 4032.28] that God is the one +[4032.28 --> 4032.86] to whom +[4032.86 --> 4034.22] we must be thankful +[4034.22 --> 4036.98] and that our gratitude +[4036.98 --> 4037.94] shows up +[4037.94 --> 4039.24] in peaceful +[4039.24 --> 4040.82] quiet lives +[4040.82 --> 4041.92] of godliness +[4041.92 --> 4043.12] and holiness. +[4044.38 --> 4045.74] Really practically +[4045.74 --> 4047.30] I'll put it this way. +[4048.22 --> 4048.92] Will your niece +[4048.92 --> 4049.72] go home +[4049.72 --> 4050.80] after dinner +[4050.80 --> 4051.32] saying +[4051.32 --> 4052.30] man +[4052.30 --> 4053.32] uncle +[4053.32 --> 4054.68] whoever +[4054.68 --> 4055.88] sure is +[4055.88 --> 4056.30] peaceful +[4056.30 --> 4057.00] and godly. +[4059.24 --> 4060.52] Will your friend +[4060.52 --> 4061.26] go home +[4061.26 --> 4062.10] from dinner +[4062.10 --> 4062.50] saying +[4062.50 --> 4063.00] wow +[4063.00 --> 4064.76] she is so calm +[4064.76 --> 4065.72] and holy. +[4067.76 --> 4069.08] Notice what we read. +[4069.88 --> 4071.28] This is good +[4071.28 --> 4072.04] and pleases +[4072.04 --> 4073.08] God our Savior +[4073.08 --> 4073.82] who wants +[4073.82 --> 4074.64] all people +[4074.64 --> 4075.80] to be saved +[4075.80 --> 4076.56] and to come +[4076.56 --> 4077.26] a knowledge +[4077.26 --> 4079.14] of the truth. +[4080.56 --> 4081.66] Right verse 4 +[4081.66 --> 4082.24] God wants +[4082.24 --> 4082.98] all people +[4082.98 --> 4083.68] to be saved +[4083.68 --> 4084.28] and to come +[4084.28 --> 4085.48] to a knowledge +[4085.48 --> 4086.70] of the truth. +[4087.82 --> 4089.88] How you show up +[4089.88 --> 4091.30] in life +[4091.30 --> 4092.36] and at the +[4092.36 --> 4093.22] Thanksgiving table +[4093.22 --> 4094.48] right +[4094.48 --> 4095.44] how you show up +[4095.44 --> 4096.16] with a rightly +[4096.16 --> 4098.26] ordered reality +[4098.26 --> 4099.56] how you pray +[4099.56 --> 4100.88] and how you present +[4100.88 --> 4101.76] the truth +[4101.76 --> 4103.12] all of these +[4103.12 --> 4103.74] are ways +[4103.74 --> 4104.26] that God +[4104.26 --> 4104.96] makes himself +[4104.96 --> 4105.46] known +[4105.46 --> 4106.22] to a new +[4106.22 --> 4106.78] generation +[4106.78 --> 4108.98] and makes himself +[4108.98 --> 4109.92] known to the people +[4109.92 --> 4110.96] at your tables +[4110.96 --> 4112.78] to the people +[4112.78 --> 4113.46] in your offices +[4113.46 --> 4114.64] to the people +[4114.64 --> 4115.48] on your job sites +[4115.48 --> 4115.98] to the people +[4115.98 --> 4116.86] in your dorm rooms +[4116.86 --> 4117.66] to the people +[4117.66 --> 4118.60] on your sports teams. +[4120.28 --> 4121.38] Have the hard +[4121.38 --> 4122.30] conversations +[4122.30 --> 4124.08] and be vigilant +[4124.08 --> 4125.26] for the truth +[4125.26 --> 4125.94] but remember +[4125.94 --> 4126.96] the goal +[4126.96 --> 4127.76] of this command +[4127.76 --> 4128.76] is love. +[4131.12 --> 4132.02] And so as you +[4132.02 --> 4132.68] go into them +[4132.68 --> 4133.92] be specific +[4133.92 --> 4136.38] be particular +[4136.38 --> 4138.18] be bold +[4138.18 --> 4139.46] be grateful +[4139.46 --> 4140.62] in prayer +[4140.62 --> 4143.50] and as you do +[4143.50 --> 4144.56] all of these +[4144.56 --> 4145.58] things +[4145.58 --> 4148.18] as you do +[4148.18 --> 4149.04] all of +[4149.04 --> 4150.24] these things +[4150.24 --> 4151.22] that recognize +[4151.22 --> 4152.02] that real +[4152.02 --> 4152.54] Thanksgiving +[4152.54 --> 4153.88] starts with God +[4153.88 --> 4154.90] and changes +[4154.90 --> 4156.50] our reality +[4156.50 --> 4158.70] as you do +[4158.70 --> 4159.72] all these things +[4159.72 --> 4161.10] may your homes +[4161.10 --> 4163.00] and your hearts +[4163.00 --> 4164.62] be peaceful +[4164.62 --> 4166.28] and quiet +[4166.28 --> 4168.00] in godliness +[4168.00 --> 4169.88] and holiness. +[4170.48 --> 4171.08] Amen. +[4171.72 --> 4172.84] Let's pray together. +[4172.84 --> 4182.50] Lord of the universe +[4182.50 --> 4183.76] today +[4183.76 --> 4184.54] we +[4184.54 --> 4185.48] give +[4185.48 --> 4186.20] you +[4186.20 --> 4187.24] thanks +[4187.24 --> 4188.94] today +[4188.94 --> 4189.66] we give +[4189.66 --> 4190.04] you +[4190.04 --> 4190.98] praise +[4190.98 --> 4192.94] you alone +[4192.94 --> 4193.70] are worthy +[4193.70 --> 4194.52] of our praise +[4194.52 --> 4195.32] we glory +[4195.32 --> 4196.72] in you +[4196.72 --> 4197.30] Lord +[4197.30 --> 4198.04] Jesus +[4198.04 --> 4201.06] open our eyes +[4201.06 --> 4201.80] to the truth +[4201.80 --> 4202.50] of who +[4202.50 --> 4203.18] you +[4203.18 --> 4203.88] are +[4203.88 --> 4205.16] draw +[4205.16 --> 4206.06] our hearts +[4206.06 --> 4207.18] to you +[4207.18 --> 4207.68] today +[4207.68 --> 4208.04] that we +[4208.04 --> 4208.70] might know +[4208.70 --> 4210.22] your love +[4210.22 --> 4213.16] and as we +[4213.16 --> 4213.80] come to the +[4213.80 --> 4214.24] table +[4214.24 --> 4215.98] may this +[4215.98 --> 4216.48] be +[4216.48 --> 4217.14] our +[4217.14 --> 4217.78] true +[4217.78 --> 4218.70] and better +[4218.70 --> 4219.44] Thanksgiving +[4219.44 --> 4220.40] feast +[4220.40 --> 4221.16] because may +[4221.16 --> 4221.84] this be +[4221.84 --> 4222.44] the place +[4222.44 --> 4223.04] where we +[4223.04 --> 4223.74] meet +[4223.74 --> 4224.38] you +[4224.38 --> 4225.04] Lord +[4225.04 --> 4225.40] Jesus +[4225.40 --> 4227.68] and as we +[4227.68 --> 4228.06] meet you +[4228.06 --> 4228.64] here at this +[4228.64 --> 4228.98] table +[4228.98 --> 4229.58] may we go +[4229.58 --> 4230.08] from this +[4230.08 --> 4230.38] place +[4230.38 --> 4230.80] to our +[4230.80 --> 4231.44] other +[4231.44 --> 4232.00] tables +[4232.00 --> 4232.40] to our +[4232.40 --> 4233.00] lesser +[4233.00 --> 4233.70] tables +[4233.70 --> 4234.48] rightly +[4234.48 --> 4235.00] ordered +[4235.00 --> 4235.80] in relationship +[4235.80 --> 4236.36] to you +[4236.36 --> 4237.04] and may +[4237.04 --> 4237.78] others +[4237.78 --> 4238.82] meet you +[4238.82 --> 4239.32] there +[4239.32 --> 4239.86] through +[4239.86 --> 4240.56] us +[4240.56 --> 4241.64] we pray +[4241.64 --> 4242.72] because you +[4242.72 --> 4243.22] have met us +[4243.22 --> 4243.46] here +[4243.46 --> 4245.94] so meet us +[4245.94 --> 4247.78] and send us +[4247.78 --> 4248.76] out in the +[4248.76 --> 4249.56] power of your +[4249.56 --> 4250.28] Holy Spirit +[4250.28 --> 4251.86] in Jesus name +[4251.86 --> 4253.06] Amen +[4253.06 --> 4254.66] Amen +[4254.66 --> 4261.00] we're going +[4261.00 --> 4261.82] to come +[4261.82 --> 4262.48] to the +[4262.48 --> 4263.32] Lord's +[4263.32 --> 4263.62] table +[4263.62 --> 4264.10] together +[4264.10 --> 4265.40] as we +[4265.40 --> 4265.92] do so +[4265.92 --> 4266.36] there will +[4266.36 --> 4267.46] be a +[4267.46 --> 4267.90] liturgy +[4267.90 --> 4268.50] that we +[4268.50 --> 4269.20] go through +[4269.20 --> 4269.64] and that +[4269.64 --> 4269.96] will have +[4269.96 --> 4270.48] portions +[4270.48 --> 4270.92] that you +[4270.92 --> 4271.44] are invited +[4271.44 --> 4272.22] to speak +[4272.22 --> 4273.20] they will +[4273.20 --> 4274.00] be indicated +[4274.00 --> 4274.36] on the +[4274.36 --> 4274.72] screen +[4274.72 --> 4275.82] behind me +[4275.82 --> 4277.44] and we +[4277.44 --> 4277.92] will come +[4277.92 --> 4278.60] together +[4278.60 --> 4279.52] to +[4279.52 --> 4280.78] the table +[4280.78 --> 4282.62] lift up +[4282.62 --> 4283.24] your hearts +[4283.24 --> 4286.80] let us +[4286.80 --> 4287.36] give thanks +[4287.36 --> 4287.68] to the +[4287.68 --> 4288.08] Lord our +[4288.08 --> 4288.44] God +[4288.44 --> 4291.94] let's +[4291.94 --> 4292.12] pray +[4292.12 --> 4292.52] together +[4292.52 --> 4295.74] with joy +[4295.74 --> 4296.48] we praise +[4296.48 --> 4296.84] you +[4296.84 --> 4297.28] gracious +[4297.28 --> 4297.74] God +[4297.74 --> 4298.60] for you +[4298.60 --> 4298.78] have +[4298.78 --> 4299.20] created +[4299.20 --> 4299.50] heaven +[4299.50 --> 4299.90] and earth +[4299.90 --> 4300.44] made us +[4300.44 --> 4300.74] in your +[4300.74 --> 4301.00] image +[4301.00 --> 4301.76] and kept +[4301.76 --> 4302.16] covenant +[4302.16 --> 4302.64] with us +[4302.64 --> 4303.36] even when +[4303.36 --> 4303.84] we fell +[4303.84 --> 4304.36] into sin +[4304.36 --> 4305.90] we give +[4305.90 --> 4306.40] you thanks +[4306.40 --> 4306.92] for Jesus +[4306.92 --> 4307.40] Christ +[4307.40 --> 4308.06] who by +[4308.06 --> 4308.74] his life +[4308.74 --> 4309.16] death +[4309.16 --> 4309.46] and +[4309.46 --> 4309.92] resurrection +[4309.92 --> 4310.80] opened +[4310.80 --> 4311.62] to us +[4311.62 --> 4312.26] the way +[4312.26 --> 4312.92] of life +[4312.92 --> 4313.98] everlasting +[4313.98 --> 4315.48] amen +[4315.48 --> 4321.62] the bread +[4321.62 --> 4322.10] that we +[4322.10 --> 4322.60] break +[4322.60 --> 4323.20] is a +[4323.20 --> 4323.54] sharing +[4323.54 --> 4324.30] in the +[4324.30 --> 4324.66] body +[4324.66 --> 4325.16] of +[4325.16 --> 4325.62] Christ +[4325.62 --> 4330.22] the +[4330.22 --> 4334.56] cup +[4334.56 --> 4335.18] for which +[4335.18 --> 4335.62] we give +[4335.62 --> 4336.12] thanks +[4336.12 --> 4336.62] is a +[4336.62 --> 4337.02] sharing +[4337.02 --> 4337.90] in the +[4337.90 --> 4338.40] blood +[4338.40 --> 4338.94] of +[4338.94 --> 4339.42] Christ +[4339.42 --> 4347.70] therefore +[4347.70 --> 4348.58] we proclaim +[4348.58 --> 4349.86] our faith +[4349.86 --> 4350.68] as signed +[4350.68 --> 4351.50] and sealed +[4351.50 --> 4352.44] in this +[4352.44 --> 4353.40] sacrament +[4353.40 --> 4355.20] Christ +[4355.20 --> 4355.92] has died +[4355.92 --> 4356.86] Christ +[4356.86 --> 4357.48] has risen +[4357.48 --> 4358.52] Christ +[4358.52 --> 4359.08] will come +[4359.08 --> 4359.50] again +[4359.50 --> 4360.48] amen +[4360.48 --> 4365.04] Jesus +[4365.04 --> 4365.74] said +[4365.74 --> 4366.66] I am +[4366.66 --> 4367.22] the bread +[4367.22 --> 4367.88] of life +[4367.88 --> 4368.28] whoever +[4368.28 --> 4368.98] comes +[4368.98 --> 4369.54] to me +[4369.54 --> 4370.10] will never +[4370.10 --> 4370.78] be hungry +[4370.78 --> 4371.56] and whoever +[4371.56 --> 4372.16] believes +[4372.16 --> 4372.68] in me +[4372.68 --> 4373.26] will never +[4373.26 --> 4374.00] be thirsty +[4374.00 --> 4375.54] those +[4375.54 --> 4376.40] who wish +[4376.40 --> 4377.16] to serve +[4377.16 --> 4377.56] him +[4377.56 --> 4378.60] must first +[4378.60 --> 4379.32] be served +[4379.32 --> 4379.98] by him +[4379.98 --> 4381.26] those who +[4381.26 --> 4381.68] want to +[4381.68 --> 4382.46] follow him +[4382.46 --> 4383.24] must first +[4383.24 --> 4383.96] be fed +[4383.96 --> 4385.06] by him +[4385.06 --> 4386.62] for this +[4386.62 --> 4387.26] is the +[4387.26 --> 4387.68] table +[4387.68 --> 4388.58] where God +[4388.58 --> 4389.18] intends +[4389.18 --> 4390.02] us to +[4390.02 --> 4390.36] be +[4390.36 --> 4391.12] nourished +[4391.12 --> 4391.42] this +[4391.42 --> 4391.94] is the +[4391.94 --> 4392.42] time +[4392.42 --> 4392.94] when +[4392.94 --> 4393.40] Christ +[4393.40 --> 4394.00] makes +[4394.00 --> 4394.32] us +[4394.32 --> 4394.64] new +[4394.64 --> 4395.26] and so +[4395.26 --> 4396.04] come +[4396.04 --> 4396.52] you +[4396.52 --> 4397.22] who +[4397.22 --> 4397.62] hunger +[4397.62 --> 4398.32] and thirst +[4398.32 --> 4398.80] for a +[4398.80 --> 4399.06] deeper +[4399.06 --> 4399.54] faith +[4399.54 --> 4400.28] for a +[4400.28 --> 4400.50] better +[4400.50 --> 4400.98] life +[4400.98 --> 4401.62] for a +[4401.62 --> 4402.28] fairer +[4402.28 --> 4402.76] world +[4402.76 --> 4403.88] Jesus +[4403.88 --> 4404.42] Christ +[4404.42 --> 4405.00] who met +[4405.00 --> 4405.36] us +[4405.36 --> 4405.86] in the +[4405.86 --> 4406.22] word +[4406.22 --> 4406.68] now +[4406.68 --> 4407.28] invites +[4407.28 --> 4407.64] us +[4407.64 --> 4408.04] to be +[4408.04 --> 4408.58] guests +[4408.58 --> 4409.20] at +[4409.20 --> 4409.70] his +[4409.70 --> 4410.84] table +[4410.84 --> 4413.28] congregation +[4413.28 --> 4413.84] of Jesus +[4413.84 --> 4414.16] Christ +[4414.16 --> 4414.66] the Lord +[4414.66 --> 4415.34] has prepared +[4415.34 --> 4416.06] his table +[4416.06 --> 4417.14] for all +[4417.14 --> 4417.82] true +[4417.82 --> 4418.58] believers +[4418.58 --> 4419.52] so if you +[4419.52 --> 4419.96] are sorry +[4419.96 --> 4420.38] for your +[4420.38 --> 4420.66] sins +[4420.66 --> 4421.24] and sincerely +[4421.24 --> 4422.06] follow Jesus +[4422.06 --> 4422.48] Christ +[4422.48 --> 4422.94] as your +[4422.94 --> 4423.28] Lord +[4423.28 --> 4423.80] and Savior +[4423.80 --> 4424.62] you are +[4424.62 --> 4425.26] invited to +[4425.26 --> 4425.60] come +[4425.60 --> 4426.84] with gladness +[4426.84 --> 4427.22] to the +[4427.22 --> 4427.72] table +[4427.72 --> 4428.62] of our +[4428.62 --> 4428.90] Lord +[4428.90 --> 4430.30] if you +[4430.30 --> 4431.00] are online +[4431.00 --> 4431.54] you are +[4431.54 --> 4431.84] also +[4431.84 --> 4432.30] invited +[4432.30 --> 4433.30] to join +[4433.30 --> 4433.70] us +[4433.70 --> 4434.08] here +[4434.08 --> 4434.76] if that +[4434.76 --> 4435.90] declaration +[4435.90 --> 4436.58] faith +[4436.58 --> 4437.76] is true +[4437.76 --> 4438.50] for you +[4438.50 --> 4439.08] you're +[4439.08 --> 4439.58] invited to +[4439.58 --> 4440.14] join us +[4440.14 --> 4440.72] from home +[4440.72 --> 4441.66] as well +[4441.66 --> 4442.98] these are +[4442.98 --> 4443.34] the gifts +[4443.34 --> 4443.92] of God +[4443.92 --> 4444.86] for the +[4444.86 --> 4445.20] people +[4445.20 --> 4446.26] of God +[4446.26 --> 4447.98] as we +[4447.98 --> 4448.34] come to +[4448.34 --> 4448.74] the table +[4448.74 --> 4449.18] together +[4449.18 --> 4450.58] we do +[4450.58 --> 4451.26] so in +[4451.26 --> 4451.66] groups +[4451.66 --> 4452.36] that gather +[4452.36 --> 4453.00] in a +[4453.00 --> 4453.28] circle +[4453.28 --> 4453.82] and so +[4453.82 --> 4454.12] we will +[4454.12 --> 4454.82] have a +[4454.82 --> 4455.02] couple +[4455.02 --> 4455.50] ushers +[4455.50 --> 4456.22] who will +[4456.22 --> 4456.56] indicate +[4456.56 --> 4457.00] when it's +[4457.00 --> 4457.36] time for +[4457.36 --> 4457.62] you to +[4457.62 --> 4457.86] come +[4457.86 --> 4458.68] and then +[4458.68 --> 4459.08] you will +[4459.08 --> 4459.78] come up +[4459.78 --> 4460.10] gather +[4460.10 --> 4460.44] in a +[4460.44 --> 4460.68] circle +[4460.68 --> 4461.08] and then +[4461.08 --> 4461.34] you will +[4461.34 --> 4461.72] pass +[4461.72 --> 4462.22] the bread +[4462.22 --> 4462.86] to your +[4462.86 --> 4463.16] left +[4463.16 --> 4463.58] or to +[4463.58 --> 4463.76] your +[4463.76 --> 4464.00] right +[4464.00 --> 4464.24] we +[4464.24 --> 4464.64] encourage +[4464.64 --> 4464.98] you +[4464.98 --> 4465.56] as you +[4465.56 --> 4465.70] are +[4465.70 --> 4466.14] passing +[4466.14 --> 4466.40] the +[4466.40 --> 4466.70] bread +[4466.70 --> 4467.36] to say +[4467.36 --> 4467.66] to the +[4467.66 --> 4467.90] person +[4467.90 --> 4468.30] beside +[4468.30 --> 4468.48] you +[4468.48 --> 4468.96] the body +[4468.96 --> 4469.56] of Christ +[4469.56 --> 4470.06] given +[4470.06 --> 4470.56] for you +[4470.56 --> 4471.76] and likewise +[4471.76 --> 4472.28] as you +[4472.28 --> 4472.66] pass +[4472.66 --> 4473.32] the juice +[4473.32 --> 4473.76] to say +[4473.76 --> 4474.20] the blood +[4474.20 --> 4474.82] of Christ +[4474.82 --> 4475.34] shed +[4475.34 --> 4476.24] for you +[4476.24 --> 4477.30] if you're +[4477.30 --> 4477.88] unable to +[4477.88 --> 4478.20] come to +[4478.20 --> 4478.60] the front +[4478.60 --> 4479.32] please indicate +[4479.32 --> 4479.84] that to +[4479.84 --> 4480.28] the usher +[4480.28 --> 4480.54] and they +[4480.54 --> 4481.00] will serve +[4481.00 --> 4481.42] you in +[4481.42 --> 4481.92] your seat +[4481.92 --> 4482.74] they will +[4482.74 --> 4483.08] meet you +[4483.08 --> 4483.34] there +[4483.34 --> 4484.90] and provide +[4484.90 --> 4485.94] for your +[4485.94 --> 4486.66] participation +[4486.66 --> 4487.06] in that +[4487.06 --> 4487.26] way +[4487.26 --> 4488.28] and then +[4488.28 --> 4488.64] also +[4488.64 --> 4489.20] if you +[4489.20 --> 4489.58] are +[4489.58 --> 4490.46] looking to +[4490.46 --> 4490.98] participate +[4490.98 --> 4491.72] with gluten +[4491.72 --> 4492.40] free bread +[4492.40 --> 4492.84] that is +[4492.84 --> 4493.26] available +[4493.26 --> 4494.08] either in +[4494.08 --> 4494.54] the center +[4494.54 --> 4495.44] of each +[4495.44 --> 4495.90] tray +[4495.90 --> 4496.42] or if you +[4496.42 --> 4496.76] need it +[4496.76 --> 4497.02] to be +[4497.02 --> 4497.54] absolutely +[4497.54 --> 4498.18] separated +[4498.18 --> 4499.02] we have +[4499.02 --> 4499.36] a second +[4499.36 --> 4499.62] tray +[4499.62 --> 4500.02] up here +[4500.02 --> 4500.70] for your +[4500.70 --> 4501.04] needs +[4501.04 --> 4501.72] there +[4501.72 --> 4503.00] I'm going +[4503.00 --> 4503.36] to invite +[4503.36 --> 4503.82] the worship +[4503.82 --> 4504.16] leaders +[4504.16 --> 4504.48] and the +[4504.48 --> 4504.76] serving +[4504.76 --> 4505.08] elders +[4505.08 --> 4505.64] to come +[4505.64 --> 4506.02] forward +[4506.02 --> 4506.62] they will +[4506.62 --> 4507.14] participate +[4507.14 --> 4507.64] in the +[4507.64 --> 4507.96] first +[4507.96 --> 4508.44] table +[4508.44 --> 4508.96] and then +[4508.96 --> 4510.02] they will +[4510.02 --> 4510.40] lead us +[4510.40 --> 4510.94] in singing +[4510.94 --> 4511.54] as we +[4511.54 --> 4511.92] wait for +[4511.92 --> 4512.42] our turn +[4512.42 --> 4513.44] and time +[4513.44 --> 4513.76] to come +[4513.76 --> 4514.04] forward +[4514.04 --> 4514.38] and so +[4514.38 --> 4515.00] ushers +[4515.00 --> 4515.98] worship +[4515.98 --> 4516.52] volunteers +[4516.52 --> 4517.56] would you +[4517.56 --> 4517.90] come to +[4517.90 --> 4518.30] the front +[4518.30 --> 4519.18] and we +[4519.18 --> 4519.74] can participate +[4519.74 --> 4520.14] together +[4528.18 --> 4529.96] and +[4531.36 --> 4532.64] help +[4532.64 --> 4533.48] the +[4535.64 --> 4536.02] 庭 +[4536.02 --> 4536.48] can +[4536.48 --> 4536.56] run +[4536.56 --> 4537.10] the +[4537.10 --> 4537.52] ORT +[4537.76 --> 4538.02] great +[4538.02 --> 4538.28] and +[4538.28 --> 4538.48] 香 +[4538.48 --> 4538.98] kas +[4538.98 --> 4539.24] Thanks +[4539.24 --> 4540.80] to +[4540.80 --> 4541.16] the +[4541.78 --> 4542.16] and +[4542.16 --> 4542.72] K +[4542.72 --> 4543.56] tuned +[4543.92 --> 4544.58] that +[4544.60 --> 4544.78] May +[4544.78 --> 4545.08] this +[4545.72 --> 4545.78] time +[4545.78 --> 4546.34] and +[4546.34 --> 4546.80] each +[4546.80 --> 4546.98] time +[4546.98 --> 4547.40] and +[4547.40 --> 4549.68] 相 +[4549.74 --> 4550.30] you +[4551.96 --> 4554.12] I +[4554.24 --> 4554.66] ever +[4554.66 --> 4555.22] is +[4555.22 --> 4556.42] is +[4556.42 --> 4556.90] oh +[4556.90 --> 4557.62] I +[4557.62 --> 4557.66] I +[4557.66 --> 4587.64] Thank you. +[4587.66 --> 4617.64] Thank you. +[4617.66 --> 4647.64] Thank you. +[4647.66 --> 4677.64] Thank you. +[4677.66 --> 4707.64] Thank you. +[4707.66 --> 4737.64] Thank you. +[4737.66 --> 4767.64] Thank you. +[4767.66 --> 4797.64] Thank you. +[4797.66 --> 4827.64] Thank you. +[4827.66 --> 4857.64] Thank you. +[4857.66 --> 4887.64] Thank you. +[4887.66 --> 4917.64] Thank you. +[4917.66 --> 4947.64] Thank you. +[4947.64 --> 4977.62] Thank you. +[4977.62 --> 5007.60] Thank you. +[5007.62 --> 5037.60] Thank you. +[5037.62 --> 5067.60] Thank you. +[5067.62 --> 5097.60] Thank you. +[5097.62 --> 5127.60] Thank you. +[5127.62 --> 5157.60] Thank you. +[5157.62 --> 5187.60] Thank you. +[5187.62 --> 5217.60] Thank you. +[5217.62 --> 5247.60] Thank you. +[5247.62 --> 5277.60] Thank you. +[5277.60 --> 5307.58] Thank you. +[5307.58 --> 5337.56] Thank you. +[5337.58 --> 5367.56] Thank you. +[5367.56 --> 5397.54] Thank you. +[5397.54 --> 5427.52] Thank you. +[5427.54 --> 5457.52] Thank you. +[5457.52 --> 5487.50] Thank you. +[5487.50 --> 5517.48] Thank you. +[5517.50 --> 5547.48] Thank you. +[5547.48 --> 5577.46] Thank you. +[5577.48 --> 5607.46] Thank you. +[5607.46 --> 5637.44] Thank you. +[5637.46 --> 5667.44] Thank you. +[5667.44 --> 5697.42] Thank you. +[5697.42 --> 5727.40] Thank you. +[5727.42 --> 5757.40] Thank you. +[5757.40 --> 5787.38] Thank you. +[5787.38 --> 5817.36] Thank you. +[5817.38 --> 5847.36] Thank you. +[5847.38 --> 5877.36] Thank you. +[5877.36 --> 5907.36] Thank you. +[5907.36 --> 5937.34] Thank you. +[5937.34 --> 5967.32] Amen. +[5967.32 --> 5997.30] Thank you. +[5997.32 --> 6027.30] Thank you. +[6027.32 --> 6057.30] Thank you. +[6057.32 --> 6087.30] Thank you. +[6087.32 --> 6117.30] Thank you. +[6117.32 --> 6147.30] Thank you. +[6147.30 --> 6177.28] Thank you. +[6177.30 --> 6207.28] Thank you. +[6207.30 --> 6237.28] Thank you. +[6237.30 --> 6267.28] Thank you. +[6267.30 --> 6297.28] Thank you. +[6297.30 --> 6327.28] Thank you. +[6327.30 --> 6357.28] Thank you. +[6357.28 --> 6387.26] Thank you. +[6387.26 --> 6417.24] Thank you. +[6417.26 --> 6447.26] Thank you. +[6447.26 --> 6477.24] Thank you. +[6477.26 --> 6507.24] Thank you. +[6507.26 --> 6537.24] Thank you. +[6537.26 --> 6567.24] Thank you. +[6567.26 --> 6597.24] Thank you. +[6597.26 --> 6627.24] Thank you. +[6627.26 --> 6657.24] Thank you. +[6657.26 --> 6687.24] Thank you. +[6687.26 --> 6717.24] Thank you. +[6717.26 --> 6747.24] Thank you. +[6747.26 --> 6777.24] Thank you. +[6777.26 --> 6807.24] Thank you. +[6807.26 --> 6837.24] Thank you. +[6837.26 --> 6867.24] Thank you. +[6867.26 --> 6897.24] Thank you. diff --git a/Sunday Worship, April 14, 2024_summary.txt b/Sunday Worship, April 14, 2024_summary.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000000000000000000000000000000000000..b1c8356c432672a8dcbfcca664c30e7918047929 --- /dev/null +++ b/Sunday Worship, April 14, 2024_summary.txt @@ -0,0 +1,80 @@ +• Discussion of a recording device or software issue +• Useless time stamps (only "thank you" repeated throughout) +• Topic transition to a discussion on understanding time and its significance +• Explanation of the importance of precision in time-keeping, both in daily life and in historical context +• Reference to Paul's text and a suggested theme for the gathering: "Understanding what time it is" +• The concept of a "story" and how it influences worldview +• N.T. Wright's addition of the question "what time is it?" to four existing questions about worldview +• The importance of understanding one's place in the story, including self-identity, knowledge of what's wrong, and solutions for problems +• How different answers to these questions lead to varying lived priorities and interactions with others +• Examples of seemingly trivial disagreements (pineapple on pizza) that actually reveal deeper perspectives on cultural identity and tradition +• The issue of sex education in schools as an example of a complex topic influenced by deeper assumptions about human sexuality and morality. +• The speaker discusses fundamental questions about human existence and meaning. +• These questions are presuppositional, meaning they're assumed rather than scientifically determined. +• Science gives way to story in addressing these questions, which shape one's worldview. +• A lack of shared story contributes to the "meaning crisis" faced by many people today. +• The Christian story is presented as a narrative that explains human existence and purpose. +• The story consists of six parts: creation, rebellion, promise, redemption, sending, and new creation. +• God comes down to interact with humanity in each part of the story, ultimately restoring the world to its original perfect state. +• The speaker discusses the current time and how it fits into the biblical narrative of creation +• They reference Goheen and Bartholomew's book "The Drama of Scripture" which maps out the story in Act 5, Scene 2 +• Paul's message that our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed is highlighted as a key concept +• The speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding our current time and place in the story for proper perspective on life and salvation +• They discuss the idea that believers have one foot in this world and one foot in the world to come, subject to God's law of love +• The speaker clarifies that Paul is not predicting a quick end to the world, but rather emphasizing the nearness of our salvation in spiritual terms. +• Setting one's heart and mind on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God +• Putting on the armor of light, which involves behaving decently as in the daytime +• The call to be both creative (innovative) and established (rooted in tradition) +• Being a Christ-centered person who prioritizes truth and love simultaneously +• Sacrificing one's desires for obedience to Jesus as a way of exalting Christ as king +• Discussing the importance of living with Christ's light and presence +• Addressing feelings of defeat, overwhelm, and inability to overcome struggles +• Encouraging listeners to clothe themselves with Christ and recognize His power within them +• Contrasting human limitations with God's ability to overcome any obstacle +• Warning against underestimating the power of Christ in one's life +• Christ's example and sacrifice +• Putting on Christ's armor and power +• Being transformed into His image +• Wearing battle clothes to wage war against sin +• Being messengers of God's reconciliation +• Remembering who you are wearing (Christ) and its effect on behavior and actions +• The connection between Christ's presence in believers and their impact on the world +• Understanding "what time it is" to live a life that reflects one's faith +• Living with imagination, reflection, innovation, consistency, improvisation, and tradition as followers of Christ +• Being transformed from one degree of glory to another and revealing Christ to the world +• The importance of knowing God's nearness in Jesus Christ +• The significance of living in the beauty and majesty of Christ's name +• The challenges of living in Christ's beauty and majesty, and the need for spiritual sustenance through communion with Christ +• Gratitude to God for creation, covenant, and sacrifice +• Significance of Jesus Christ's life, death, and resurrection +• Institution of the Lord's Supper (Communion) by Jesus +• Invitation to participate in Communion +• Faith, trust, and salvation through Jesus +• Invitation to those with little or no faith +• Invitation to the Lord's Supper, including those who have followed and failed Jesus +• Format for receiving elements at the table will be different this time +• Elements will be served by a pair of elders in each aisle +• Participants can say something or remain silent during communion +• Options for eating and drinking either at the table or taking elements back to seats +• Instructions on moving through the building during a service +• Serving the worship team and elders +• Assistance for those unable to come forward +• Invitation to serving elders and worship team to come up and be served +• Reference to the body of Christ and the blood of Christ shed for them +• The body and blood of Christ +• Prayer and worship phrases, including "Amen" repeated multiple times +• Reference to the Lamb of God and its significance +• Personal devotion and confession of sin and love for Jesus Christ +• Reflections on salvation and redemption through Jesus' sacrifice +• Repetition of phrases referencing the body and blood of Christ +• Praise and worship, focusing on Jesus as the Lamb of God +• Salvation through the precious blood of Jesus Christ +• Redemption from sin and its effects +• The power of God's love poured out over individuals +• Invitation to prayer, fellowship, and discussion about membership or profession of faith +• Meeting in person +• Celebrating "Treat Tag" in April +• Explaining what Treat Tag is (through social media or Linda) +• Blessing and protection from God for those who go out +• Not being afraid, but going in peace to love and serve the Lord +• Praise and worship of God \ No newline at end of file diff --git a/Sunday Worship, April 14, 2024_transcript.txt b/Sunday Worship, April 14, 2024_transcript.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000000000000000000000000000000000000..4d0c83207dd042aa87f952b0e53abbdea95ef349 --- /dev/null +++ b/Sunday Worship, April 14, 2024_transcript.txt @@ -0,0 +1,1358 @@ +[0.00 --> 29.98] Thank you. +[30.00 --> 59.98] Thank you. +[60.00 --> 89.98] Thank you. +[90.00 --> 119.98] Thank you. +[120.00 --> 149.98] Thank you. +[150.00 --> 179.98] Thank you. +[180.00 --> 209.98] Thank you. +[210.00 --> 239.98] Thank you. +[240.00 --> 269.98] Thank you. +[270.00 --> 299.98] Thank you. +[300.00 --> 329.98] Thank you. +[330.00 --> 359.98] Thank you. +[360.00 --> 389.98] Thank you. +[390.00 --> 419.98] Thank you. +[420.00 --> 449.98] Thank you. +[450.00 --> 479.98] Thank you. +[480.00 --> 509.98] Thank you. +[510.00 --> 539.98] Thank you. +[540.00 --> 569.96] Thank you. +[569.96 --> 599.94] Thank you. +[599.96 --> 629.94] Thank you. +[629.94 --> 659.92] Thank you. +[659.94 --> 689.92] Thank you. +[689.92 --> 719.90] Thank you. +[719.92 --> 749.90] Thank you. +[749.90 --> 779.88] Thank you. +[779.90 --> 809.88] Thank you. +[809.88 --> 839.86] Thank you. +[839.86 --> 869.84] Thank you. +[869.84 --> 899.82] Thank you. +[899.84 --> 929.82] Thank you. +[929.84 --> 959.82] Thank you. +[959.84 --> 989.82] Thank you. +[989.84 --> 1019.82] Thank you. +[1019.84 --> 1049.82] Thank you. +[1049.84 --> 1079.82] Thank you. +[1079.82 --> 1109.80] Thank you. +[1109.80 --> 1139.78] Thank you. +[1139.78 --> 1169.76] Thank you. +[1169.76 --> 1199.74] Thank you. +[1199.74 --> 1229.72] Thank you. +[1229.72 --> 1259.70] Thank you. +[1259.70 --> 1289.68] Thank you. +[1289.70 --> 1319.68] Thank you. +[1319.70 --> 1349.68] Thank you. +[1349.70 --> 1379.68] Thank you. +[1379.70 --> 1409.68] Thank you. +[1409.70 --> 1439.68] Thank you. +[1439.70 --> 1469.68] Thank you. +[1469.70 --> 1499.68] Thank you. +[1499.70 --> 1529.68] Thank you. +[1529.70 --> 1559.68] Thank you. +[1559.70 --> 1589.68] Thank you. +[1589.70 --> 1619.68] Thank you. +[1619.70 --> 1649.68] Thank you. +[1649.70 --> 1679.68] Thank you. +[1679.68 --> 1709.66] Thank you. +[1709.66 --> 1739.64] Thank you. +[1739.64 --> 1769.62] Thank you. +[1769.64 --> 1799.62] Thank you. +[1799.64 --> 1829.62] Thank you. +[1829.64 --> 1859.62] Thank you. +[1859.62 --> 1889.60] Thank you. +[1889.60 --> 1919.58] Hank is here. +[1919.58 --> 1949.58] What? +[1949.58 --> 1979.58] Mike? +[1979.58 --> 2009.56] What is that? +[2009.56 --> 2039.56] Yeah? +[2039.56 --> 2069.54] I hope you're here? +[2069.54 --> 2099.52] Thank you. +[2099.54 --> 2129.52] I don't know. +[2129.52 --> 2159.50] Thank you. +[2159.50 --> 2189.48] Thank you. +[2189.48 --> 2219.48] Thank you. +[2219.48 --> 2249.46] Thank you. +[2249.48 --> 2279.48] Thank you. +[2279.48 --> 2309.46] Thank you. +[2309.46 --> 2339.44] Thank you. +[2339.44 --> 2369.42] Thank you. +[2369.42 --> 2399.42] And with that. +[2399.42 --> 2429.40] We look at the +[2429.40 --> 2459.38] and you're worthy of the +[2459.38 --> 2489.36] and you're in the +[2489.36 --> 2519.34] with the +[2519.34 --> 2549.32] and for the +[2549.32 --> 2579.30] and you're in the +[2579.30 --> 2609.28] and you're in the +[2609.28 --> 2639.26] and trust that you're in the +[2639.26 --> 2669.24] and you're in the +[2669.24 --> 2699.22] but in your name, but in your name, amen. +[2699.22 --> 2729.20] Okay. +[2729.20 --> 2759.18] And so, you're in the +[2759.18 --> 2789.16] and you're in the +[2789.16 --> 2819.14] and you're in the church, +[2819.14 --> 2849.12] and how now, and how you're in the +[2849.12 --> 2879.10] because our salvation, +[2879.10 --> 2909.10] and you're in the Lord, and you're in the +[2909.10 --> 2939.10] and you're in the and you're in the and you're in the +[2939.10 --> 2969.10] and you're in the and you're in the +[2969.10 --> 2999.10] and you're in the +[2999.10 --> 3008.22] Now, I should also say that in our house, we are living in a very strange stage of life, +[3008.22 --> 3014.76] where the telling of time matters with absolute precision. Because if one of my kids says, +[3014.76 --> 3019.74] what time is it? And I have the audacity to say it's two o'clock, when they can see the clock, +[3019.74 --> 3029.98] and it's 1.57, they go, Dad, it is 1.57. Okay, sorry. Although I can't get too mad, because I do appreciate +[3029.98 --> 3042.74] the precision of language. But it's important for them and for us to understand what time it is. +[3042.74 --> 3050.50] And not only is that true in the minutes of the day, not only is important for us to be able to +[3050.50 --> 3057.68] read the clock of time for the day, but it's also important for us to read the clock of time +[3057.68 --> 3066.52] in the grand sweep and movement of world history. And what I want to suggest to you today, and what +[3066.52 --> 3073.06] I suggest Paul is getting at for us in this text, is this. Here's the sort of theme for our time +[3073.06 --> 3084.16] together. Understanding what time it is helps us to know how we are to live in the world and towards +[3084.16 --> 3092.50] what goal we are moving. And so being able to understand where it is in the story that we find +[3092.50 --> 3100.56] ourselves helps us know what it means to live in that story and where that story is going. +[3102.18 --> 3110.12] All right, the question, actually, what time is it, is one of those big worldview questions +[3110.12 --> 3117.50] that philosophers talk about. It's actually one that was added to a pre-existing list by a theologian +[3117.50 --> 3123.70] named N.T. Wright. Some of you are probably familiar with him. But back in the 80s already in this sort of +[3123.70 --> 3132.22] characterization, two scholars, Middleton and Walsh, they listed for us four questions to consider +[3132.22 --> 3139.24] in worldview. N.T. Wright adds the fifth one, what time is it? Those questions, I'll put them on the screen +[3139.24 --> 3150.48] behind me, is where are we? That is, what is this? Right? Who are we? What is wrong? And what's the remedy? +[3150.62 --> 3158.60] What's the solution? Right? These are the questions, the answers of which out of everyone in the world lives. +[3159.32 --> 3164.70] And the fifth one that N.T. Wright adds, and that is kind of our focus today, is what time is it? +[3164.70 --> 3174.30] Right? In a manner of speaking, the answer to these questions is the story that we live out of. +[3175.20 --> 3184.16] And the answer to these questions lead to different lived priorities in the world. +[3184.84 --> 3189.62] And so if you have different answers to the question, who am I, than someone else, that's going to change +[3189.62 --> 3195.12] the way you interact. If you have different answers to the question, what's wrong in the world, it's going +[3195.12 --> 3201.46] to change the solution, what's the remedy that you come to, and then you're going to live in a different +[3201.46 --> 3211.42] way than someone else who thinks otherwise. And often, when people have the strongest and most, like, +[3211.58 --> 3219.30] vitriolic disagreements about stuff kind of up here, it's because the stuff down here +[3219.30 --> 3225.86] is different. They're operating out of a different way of seeing the world, a different way of being +[3225.86 --> 3231.10] in the world. And so when you're talking about the stuff up here, you end up talking past each other. +[3232.40 --> 3236.80] Right? In today's world, you see this so clearly in contemporary politics. +[3237.62 --> 3242.92] It's just based on a different philosophical assumption about the world or the role of government +[3242.92 --> 3244.28] government or whatever the case may be. +[3246.88 --> 3252.00] Now, I've already mentioned politics, but let me give you an even more controversial example +[3252.00 --> 3254.88] of what I'm talking about. And I hope you're ready for this. +[3256.64 --> 3258.04] Pineapple on pizza. +[3260.94 --> 3265.24] Yes. Oh, and then a vitriolic no. See, here it goes. +[3266.14 --> 3272.24] Right? On the surface, it might seem like personal taste. Do you like it or don't you like it? +[3272.24 --> 3278.60] But as you look a little bit deeper, right, it could be based on the assumptions that someone +[3278.60 --> 3283.32] has about culinary traditions, about cultural preferences, even about identity. +[3284.30 --> 3292.50] For example, right, a traditional Italian nona may believe that pizza should adhere to traditional +[3292.50 --> 3299.24] Italian ingredients and flavors. And maybe those that are grown within a 60 kilometer radius +[3299.24 --> 3304.16] of the town that she grew up in. And there ain't no pineapples growing in Italy. +[3306.60 --> 3315.44] Additionally, pineapple offends history and disrupts the authenticity of pizza. +[3316.86 --> 3322.48] Now, on the other hand, of course, right, people not tied to those same traditions might see it as a +[3322.48 --> 3329.04] delicious fusion of sweet and savory flavors. They might embrace culinary experimentation and diversity, +[3329.42 --> 3335.42] especially if you add a little bacon. See? I almost got someone to say amen. And if that's what +[3335.42 --> 3341.90] you're saying amen for today, well, then come stick around for the end. Right? The seeming disagreement +[3341.90 --> 3348.26] about pizza toppings can actually reveal deeper and more deeply held perspectives on cultural +[3348.26 --> 3354.98] authenticity, on cultural appropriation, culinary invitation, or the flexibility of food traditions. +[3355.54 --> 3361.72] It's not just about whether pineapple tastes good on pizza, but it's about what pizza and pineapple +[3361.72 --> 3371.30] means to you. Now, that's a pretty controversial example. Let me give you a left controversial example, +[3371.30 --> 3381.18] a nice easy one for us, the topic of sex education in schools. Now, on the surface, right, this might seem +[3381.18 --> 3386.62] like a simple disagreement that revolves around information or what facts should be taught to +[3386.62 --> 3392.10] students. And yet, I'm going to suggest and continue to suggest that it reflects deeper assumptions, +[3392.38 --> 3399.44] deeper held values regarding human sexuality and morality and education. Right? On the one hand, +[3399.44 --> 3406.16] you might have a person who advocates for comprehensive sex education that includes information +[3406.16 --> 3412.64] about diverse orientations or gender identities and practices. They would argue that providing this +[3412.64 --> 3419.56] kind of knowledge produces inclusivity, it reduces stigma, it empowers individuals to make informed +[3419.56 --> 3424.66] decisions about their sexual health. And who's going to be against empowering individuals? +[3424.66 --> 3431.56] And from their perspective, understanding and accepting diverse expressions is essential for +[3431.56 --> 3437.48] creating more equitable and accepting societies. And who is going to be against equitable and +[3437.48 --> 3444.90] acceptable societies? You might have another person, though, who would emphasize that sex and sexuality +[3444.90 --> 3451.84] are inherently moral realities and inseparable from that. They might argue for the importance of +[3451.84 --> 3458.64] these conversations being rooted in the family and the role of parental authority in educating children. +[3458.64 --> 3466.72] They might argue that human flourishing is tied to living within and out of and in line with our +[3466.72 --> 3473.88] purposes, that our identities aren't primarily rooted in desire or expression or in relationships with other +[3473.88 --> 3480.32] people, but in relationship to the creator. Or, to complicate it even more, +[3480.32 --> 3488.00] you will find people who will argue elements of both. But on the surface, it's not just about what +[3488.00 --> 3495.60] information we're talking our kids with, it's so much more. And I trust that you are beginning to see that +[3495.60 --> 3503.84] these top-level ideas or arguments are the outworking of these bottom-level, more fundamental questions of +[3503.84 --> 3512.32] who are we, who am I, what's wrong in the world, and what's the answer. Your opinions up here are rooted in your +[3512.32 --> 3520.80] beliefs down here. Now, this is where it gets fun, right? Because the answer to these questions, the ones that are +[3520.80 --> 3529.84] down here, are largely presuppositional. That is, they're largely assumed, right? And it means that they also aren't +[3529.84 --> 3538.00] scientifically determined, right? These aren't questions of weights and measures. These aren't +[3538.00 --> 3545.28] questions of laws or physical properties. These are questions of meaning and purpose, right? Why does this +[3545.28 --> 3552.00] matter? Why do I matter? Why is there something in the world rather than nothing? What's the point of it all? +[3552.00 --> 3559.92] Right? This is the realm of philosophy and theology. This is where science gives way to story. +[3561.04 --> 3572.88] And story shapes your worldview. Story here is worldview, right? And worldview is the lens by which you see +[3572.88 --> 3578.88] everything in the world, the lens by which you view the world, the lens by which you make sense of +[3578.88 --> 3586.88] everything in it. And right now, in the world today, there are certain communities and groups that are +[3586.88 --> 3594.00] that are making much of what they have come to call the meaning crisis, right? And this is especially true +[3594.00 --> 3603.92] among young people today. And a part of that sense of crisis is the the result of a lacking or an inadequate +[3603.92 --> 3613.20] shared story. And so in history, right? When we excised God, when we cut God out of our lives and out of our +[3613.20 --> 3622.00] social realities together, when we rejected the community that was bound by him, we lose the answer to +[3622.00 --> 3629.20] these questions. We lose our shared story. And so, of course, that meaning crisis results from that. +[3629.20 --> 3643.36] But now, as Christians, right, we have a particular story to tell. And it's also a story by which we see +[3643.36 --> 3652.56] the whole world. N.T. Wright calls the Christian story, as told in the Bible, the true story of the whole world. +[3652.56 --> 3661.04] And actually, in our worship, we display this story every time we read a text. And maybe you've seen it. +[3661.28 --> 3667.36] Before the text appears on screen, behind me it says what the text is. And then there's a slider +[3667.36 --> 3675.12] along the bottom that locates where that book of the Bible is. And underneath that slider are a series +[3675.12 --> 3683.04] of images. We can throw the images up. Well, there's the slider. And then go to the pictures. Beautiful. +[3684.40 --> 3692.00] The true story of the whole world. Six parts. And these images there are given for you to help remember +[3692.00 --> 3699.04] and to sink into you just what this story is. And it begins on the left in creation. You can't read the +[3699.04 --> 3707.12] words probably underneath. But creation. God comes down and creates the world. God comes down in creation. +[3707.12 --> 3712.96] He looks at the world and he says, this is very good. God comes down and he walks in the garden with Adam +[3712.96 --> 3721.76] and Eve. And it was good. But then the next act of the story, what is pictured in the X there, is the act of +[3721.76 --> 3729.52] rebellion. And sometimes we use the word fall for that. Although maybe fall isn't strong enough of a +[3729.52 --> 3737.28] word. Because what took place was a rebellion of the creation, especially the human creation, against +[3737.28 --> 3746.56] its creator. But God in his grace promises a people. That's the next arrow. He promises a people +[3746.56 --> 3754.24] and to come back into the world and to restore and redeem them from their rebellion. And here you get +[3754.24 --> 3762.48] the story of God promising first to Adam and Eve and then reiterating that promise to Noah and then +[3762.48 --> 3768.48] saying again to Abraham. And then we can move through the story, right, into the judges and the kings and +[3768.48 --> 3776.48] the prophets promising over and over and over again, I am your God. You are my people. This is who I +[3776.48 --> 3783.84] am. This is who you are to be. And the culmination of that promise, the culmination of that movement +[3783.84 --> 3792.40] in the story is the cross, is redemption. Right? And therein, the fulfillment of all that God had promised to +[3792.40 --> 3799.76] the people comes in flesh, in the person of Jesus, right, who takes on flesh the second person of the +[3799.76 --> 3807.04] Trinity, infinite God becoming and found finite as a baby, first in a manger and then grown as a man, +[3807.04 --> 3813.28] living life perfectly and dying death on the cross. And we just celebrated a couple weeks ago, right, +[3813.28 --> 3819.68] Easter Sunday and the empty tomb, the victory of God over sin and death. This is redemption. +[3819.68 --> 3829.44] And then the next step of the story, right, after Jesus is ascended to the right hand of God, he sends out +[3829.44 --> 3836.32] a people again. Right? And so beginning you have a promise to a people and then you have a sending of a +[3836.32 --> 3844.64] people. Those people go out with this message of redemption. They go out with the story. And one day, that last +[3844.64 --> 3853.28] item there, that last act, again, the arrow coming down is the new creation. Because the new Jerusalem +[3853.28 --> 3862.96] will descend and all of this world will be made new. Now, sometimes in the sort of broader evangelical +[3862.96 --> 3869.36] culture that exists, people are surprised by the arrow at the end pointing down and not pointing up. +[3870.00 --> 3874.56] Because they think, oh, isn't the end goal to get to heaven? Right? To leave this earth. But +[3874.56 --> 3880.80] that's not it. Right? The real end goal is for God to come back down to this earth and to restore it all +[3881.20 --> 3888.88] to his original perfect intent and design. So in the beginning, God comes down. In the redemption, God comes down. +[3888.88 --> 3897.52] And in the end, God comes down again. This is our story. And maybe these images you can lock in your mind. +[3897.52 --> 3903.44] And so when someone asks you, what does it mean to be Christian? You can say, to find ourselves rooted in a story. +[3903.44 --> 3907.92] Well, what story? Well, let me draw six pictures for you. And there you go. +[3909.68 --> 3921.68] The question for today is, what is your place in this story? Where are we in the true story of the whole world? +[3921.68 --> 3928.56] What does Paul say in our text? He says, understanding the present time. +[3930.24 --> 3935.52] That's the question we're asking. Right? How do we understand the present hour? +[3936.24 --> 3942.48] And in this picture, you can see there are six parts to the story. And we are somewhere between the last two. +[3942.48 --> 3949.52] Right? Between that sending of a people and the new creation. We are in, maybe you could call it part 5.5. +[3951.52 --> 3957.36] Goheen and Bartholomew, who were both teachers of mine in university, they wrote a book called The Drama of Scripture. +[3957.36 --> 3966.72] They map this out. They call our present time, Act 5, Scene 2. Picking up on theater and drama. +[3967.44 --> 3972.80] That's what time it is. This is where we are in the story. Act 5, Scene 2. +[3972.80 --> 3982.80] And understanding that has a huge impact on how we see and understand the world and our place in it. +[3984.16 --> 3992.28] Now, I can see that some of you are wondering, why does this actually matter? +[3993.14 --> 3997.32] Some of you are starting to sleep on this and say, okay, get to the point, Pastor. +[3997.32 --> 4007.90] But Paul actually recognizes that too. And he says, right, he says, the hour has come for you to wake up from your slumber. +[4009.16 --> 4013.34] The hour has come for you to wake up from your slumber. Paul's saying, don't sleep on this truth. +[4015.18 --> 4025.20] Don't miss the fact that this is where we are. This is what time it is. He says, our salvation is nearer now than when we first believe. +[4025.20 --> 4029.48] Right, here's a truth of the Bible for you. +[4030.56 --> 4037.70] As Christians, we believe that we are saved. This is Ephesians 2, verse 8. +[4037.78 --> 4041.76] It is by grace you have been saved through faith. We are saved. +[4041.82 --> 4045.44] And as Christians, we believe that we are being saved. +[4045.72 --> 4047.84] This is 1 Corinthians 1, 18. +[4047.84 --> 4056.22] The message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved, it is the power of God. +[4056.30 --> 4060.98] We believe we are being saved, and we believe that we will be saved. +[4061.08 --> 4063.38] This is Romans 5, verse 8. +[4063.80 --> 4071.52] Since we have been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God's wrath through him? +[4071.52 --> 4073.84] Shall we be saved? We are saved. +[4074.08 --> 4077.20] We are being saved, and we will be saved. +[4077.52 --> 4081.38] Our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. +[4082.44 --> 4087.30] And in this journey, in this present time, in this story, +[4087.30 --> 4092.60] we've got one foot firmly rooted in both realities. +[4092.60 --> 4097.86] One foot in this world, subject to its emperors and governing authorities, +[4098.14 --> 4103.24] and one foot in the world to come, subject to the law of love. +[4103.38 --> 4105.92] And that's what Paul wants you to wake up to. +[4106.94 --> 4109.98] Right, the idea that this isn't all there is. +[4109.98 --> 4116.24] And that when things are great, when your life is awesome, +[4116.36 --> 4121.98] even on the best day of your life, remember, it will be better. +[4123.42 --> 4128.70] And then also, remember, when things are awful on the worst day of your life, +[4128.76 --> 4132.90] on the most difficult, most tragic moment that you have ever faced, +[4132.94 --> 4138.36] when it feels all-consuming, remember that this isn't all there is. +[4138.36 --> 4142.34] Right, this isn't the end of the story. +[4143.36 --> 4147.70] Even if it happens to be the end of your story, it's not the end of the story. +[4147.86 --> 4154.24] And actually, if by grace through faith you believe that you belong to this story, +[4154.44 --> 4157.56] the end of your story isn't the end of your story, +[4158.46 --> 4159.64] because this is your story. +[4160.20 --> 4163.12] The new creation is your story. +[4164.58 --> 4167.68] Now, some people, when they read this text, and others like it, +[4167.68 --> 4170.86] they look at Paul here and what he said, +[4171.06 --> 4175.28] and they conclude that what he means is that the world will end quickly. +[4176.08 --> 4179.02] Sometimes people will say, then, look, it didn't end quickly. +[4179.22 --> 4181.98] It's been 2,000 years, and therefore Paul's wrong, +[4182.06 --> 4183.52] and so then we don't have to listen to him anymore. +[4184.10 --> 4185.18] But that's not right. +[4185.44 --> 4186.56] That's not what he's saying. +[4187.46 --> 4190.20] He says salvation is nearer today than yesterday, +[4190.50 --> 4193.00] and it will be nearer tomorrow than today. +[4193.00 --> 4197.64] And in spiritual terms, right, it is nearly over, +[4197.72 --> 4200.44] because we're in Act 5, not in Act 1. +[4203.88 --> 4204.44] Right? +[4204.62 --> 4206.98] Act 6 is eternal. +[4207.88 --> 4208.94] It's forever. +[4209.94 --> 4217.36] And our calling, then, is to live with one foot in the already of Act 6. +[4217.36 --> 4220.64] Because Jesus is raised, +[4220.74 --> 4224.36] he's already exalted to the right hand of God the Father. +[4224.48 --> 4225.76] Because Jesus is raised, +[4225.90 --> 4228.98] sin and death and the devil have already been defeated. +[4229.32 --> 4231.46] All that remains is for them to be destroyed. +[4232.90 --> 4235.74] And living in that truth right now +[4235.74 --> 4237.32] is the answer to the question, +[4237.40 --> 4238.14] what time is it? +[4238.14 --> 4247.36] If, in fact, Act 6 is eternal, +[4248.14 --> 4251.06] we ought to then already now +[4251.06 --> 4255.28] be building our lives on things that are eternal. +[4256.18 --> 4256.50] Right? +[4256.52 --> 4260.10] On God and on his truth and love and righteousness. +[4260.96 --> 4261.06] Right? +[4261.08 --> 4262.96] And in Colossians 3, we read, +[4262.96 --> 4265.62] Since then you have been raised with Christ. +[4265.62 --> 4267.60] Set your heart on things above, +[4267.76 --> 4268.76] where Christ is, +[4269.12 --> 4270.60] seated at the right hand of God. +[4270.74 --> 4272.42] Set your mind on things above, +[4272.62 --> 4274.28] not on earthly things. +[4275.88 --> 4277.50] Knowing what time it is +[4277.50 --> 4279.14] leads us to, +[4279.48 --> 4280.98] Paul says in verse 12, +[4281.46 --> 4284.64] Put on the armor of light. +[4285.60 --> 4287.14] Putting on the armor of light means +[4287.14 --> 4289.28] we behave decently as in the daytime. +[4290.36 --> 4291.68] And Tim Keller says that +[4291.68 --> 4293.16] learning how to do this +[4293.16 --> 4296.06] takes imagination and reflection. +[4297.06 --> 4298.12] N.T. Wright says that +[4298.12 --> 4300.44] it takes innovation and consistency. +[4301.30 --> 4304.34] Mark Glanville, who's a scholar at Regent, +[4304.58 --> 4307.52] says that it takes improvisation and tradition. +[4308.66 --> 4310.66] But I want you to notice those themes, right? +[4311.22 --> 4312.62] Imagination and reflection. +[4312.62 --> 4314.62] It takes looking forward creatively +[4314.62 --> 4316.66] and reflecting on, +[4316.74 --> 4317.64] looking back on, +[4317.64 --> 4319.26] the practices of old. +[4319.26 --> 4321.90] It takes innovation, right? +[4321.96 --> 4323.58] That's the new way of being. +[4323.78 --> 4325.16] And it takes consistency. +[4325.16 --> 4327.24] That's maintaining and holding true. +[4327.68 --> 4329.30] It takes improvisation. +[4329.44 --> 4331.74] That's creative license and thinking +[4331.74 --> 4332.74] and experimentation. +[4332.74 --> 4334.30] That's doing new things +[4334.30 --> 4336.16] in new ways in the world. +[4336.24 --> 4337.78] And it takes tradition. +[4338.96 --> 4340.88] It takes being rooted in something bigger +[4340.88 --> 4342.74] and greater and beyond yourself. +[4342.92 --> 4344.16] Something rooted in history. +[4344.60 --> 4347.40] Rooted in a story that started long before you +[4347.40 --> 4350.98] and will go on forever into eternity. +[4351.70 --> 4353.06] The call of the Christian, +[4353.40 --> 4354.04] hear this, +[4354.12 --> 4358.30] is to be both creative and established. +[4358.58 --> 4360.58] To be both new and experimenting +[4360.58 --> 4361.66] and rooted. +[4362.12 --> 4363.72] To be at the same time +[4363.72 --> 4365.72] living with a liberality. +[4366.02 --> 4367.18] Yes, even for you, +[4367.26 --> 4368.10] a liberalism. +[4369.06 --> 4371.04] And a conservatism. +[4371.44 --> 4373.20] A conservatism and conserving, +[4373.34 --> 4375.18] hanging on to what is good and holy. +[4375.18 --> 4379.16] If Jesus is the light of the world, +[4379.28 --> 4380.28] come from the Father, +[4380.40 --> 4382.08] full of grace and truth, +[4382.20 --> 4386.78] we also are to be full of grace and truth. +[4386.88 --> 4388.50] It is not either or. +[4388.64 --> 4389.08] It is not, +[4389.32 --> 4391.12] we're going to emphasize grace today +[4391.12 --> 4392.14] and truth tomorrow. +[4392.30 --> 4394.44] It is both simultaneously, +[4394.90 --> 4395.72] in full measure, +[4396.32 --> 4396.70] always. +[4396.70 --> 4402.14] And now, +[4402.70 --> 4405.14] as I hear this, +[4405.20 --> 4405.94] let me be really, +[4406.06 --> 4407.64] really clear. +[4408.92 --> 4410.62] Because putting on the army, +[4410.96 --> 4412.16] the armor of light, +[4412.26 --> 4413.60] putting on the armor of light, +[4413.82 --> 4417.60] means more than being a good person. +[4419.16 --> 4420.90] To put on the armor of light +[4420.90 --> 4423.68] means to be a Christ-centered, +[4424.28 --> 4425.70] Jesus-exalting person. +[4425.70 --> 4428.04] And that Christ-centered person +[4428.04 --> 4429.44] is so much more +[4429.44 --> 4431.74] than a good moral person. +[4431.88 --> 4433.12] A Christ-centered person +[4433.12 --> 4435.70] confuses people around them +[4435.70 --> 4437.96] because even as there is no compromise +[4437.96 --> 4439.60] or emotional fusion, +[4439.96 --> 4442.06] even as there is no softening of the truth, +[4442.26 --> 4442.94] there is, +[4443.06 --> 4444.30] with that hand in glove, +[4444.40 --> 4445.18] right along with it, +[4445.38 --> 4447.10] a kind of love that embraces +[4447.10 --> 4449.08] lepers and prostitutes +[4449.08 --> 4450.26] and homeless people. +[4451.40 --> 4453.28] Being a Christ-centered person +[4453.28 --> 4455.32] sacrifices your desires +[4455.32 --> 4456.80] on the altar of obedience +[4456.80 --> 4459.28] to him as a way of +[4459.28 --> 4462.12] exalting Christ as king. +[4463.40 --> 4465.12] A Christ-centered person +[4465.12 --> 4466.90] has Jesus living +[4466.90 --> 4468.78] right here in the center +[4468.78 --> 4470.32] of your life. +[4470.66 --> 4471.24] And so, +[4471.42 --> 4473.04] as a Christ-centered person, +[4473.30 --> 4474.10] ask yourself, +[4474.30 --> 4475.96] if Christ is right here, +[4476.66 --> 4477.92] what should I do? +[4477.92 --> 4481.50] What should I do in this moment, +[4481.60 --> 4482.34] right now? +[4482.44 --> 4483.98] Amid life or hardship? +[4484.12 --> 4484.52] Take that. +[4484.76 --> 4486.30] If Christ is right beside you, +[4486.36 --> 4486.48] no, +[4486.70 --> 4488.94] since Christ is right beside you, +[4489.62 --> 4490.48] what should you do? +[4491.86 --> 4494.16] Living in the armor of light +[4494.16 --> 4495.46] as children of the light, +[4495.56 --> 4498.44] we live with the light of the world +[4498.44 --> 4499.64] in us. +[4500.46 --> 4500.84] And so, +[4500.92 --> 4501.54] ask yourself, +[4501.64 --> 4503.24] in the good and the bad, +[4503.40 --> 4503.94] ask yourself, +[4504.02 --> 4505.74] in the beautiful and the ugly, +[4505.74 --> 4506.44] ask yourself, +[4506.80 --> 4509.16] what is eternally important +[4509.16 --> 4509.90] right now? +[4511.22 --> 4512.92] What really matters +[4512.92 --> 4514.26] right now? +[4518.98 --> 4519.96] And look, +[4521.22 --> 4524.66] I get it. +[4524.66 --> 4527.14] because I know that +[4527.14 --> 4529.48] some of you +[4529.48 --> 4531.98] are hearing this +[4531.98 --> 4534.02] and you're coming into this +[4534.02 --> 4536.14] feeling defeated +[4536.14 --> 4537.86] or overwhelmed. +[4538.82 --> 4539.84] Coming into this saying, +[4539.92 --> 4541.62] I just can't do it. +[4542.32 --> 4543.88] The problem is too big. +[4544.52 --> 4545.88] The addiction is too deep. +[4545.88 --> 4547.82] The hold that this thing has on me +[4547.82 --> 4548.66] is too strong. +[4548.82 --> 4550.20] The power that it has over me +[4550.20 --> 4550.90] is too great. +[4551.08 --> 4552.28] I just can't do it. +[4552.28 --> 4554.60] This habit is far too ingrained +[4554.60 --> 4555.94] in my every moment +[4555.94 --> 4556.92] of every day +[4556.92 --> 4558.38] and I can't break it. +[4558.66 --> 4558.72] And +[4558.72 --> 4561.22] I get it. +[4561.52 --> 4562.20] I get it. +[4562.20 --> 4563.18] More than you know, +[4563.84 --> 4564.92] more than I'm comfortable +[4564.92 --> 4565.72] to say up here +[4565.72 --> 4566.64] because we're live streaming +[4566.64 --> 4567.56] and I don't want the rest +[4567.56 --> 4568.40] of the world to hear it +[4568.40 --> 4569.08] for all eternity. +[4569.60 --> 4570.54] I get it. +[4572.58 --> 4573.48] I get it. +[4576.54 --> 4577.94] And if you're feeling that, +[4577.94 --> 4581.92] if that's your story +[4581.92 --> 4583.28] right now, +[4584.10 --> 4585.30] I want to preach +[4585.30 --> 4586.10] right to you. +[4587.06 --> 4587.50] I want to speak +[4587.50 --> 4589.30] right to your heart. +[4591.14 --> 4592.72] Clothe yourselves +[4592.72 --> 4595.64] with Christ. +[4597.22 --> 4598.50] Clothe yourselves +[4598.50 --> 4600.14] with Christ. +[4600.32 --> 4601.22] Put on Christ +[4601.22 --> 4603.04] because He can do it. +[4603.28 --> 4604.78] Any righteous work +[4604.78 --> 4606.38] that happens in your life +[4606.38 --> 4607.64] is through Him +[4607.64 --> 4609.10] already doing it. +[4610.18 --> 4611.10] That's what it means +[4611.10 --> 4612.48] to be raised with Him. +[4612.82 --> 4614.02] That to be a new creation, +[4614.18 --> 4615.16] to be born again, +[4615.28 --> 4615.98] to be saved, +[4616.26 --> 4617.22] be being saved, +[4617.36 --> 4618.52] and will be saved. +[4618.60 --> 4619.54] That's what this means. +[4619.98 --> 4621.22] And when you say, +[4621.62 --> 4622.50] I can't stop, +[4622.60 --> 4623.34] when you say, +[4623.46 --> 4624.50] I can't face that, +[4624.82 --> 4626.40] if you are a Christian, +[4626.76 --> 4628.16] what you're actually saying +[4628.16 --> 4630.08] is Christ can't do that. +[4630.80 --> 4632.12] Christ can't stop that. +[4632.40 --> 4633.78] Christ can't face that. +[4634.06 --> 4635.08] Christ can't change it. +[4635.08 --> 4636.54] Because you are clothed +[4636.54 --> 4637.04] with Him. +[4638.64 --> 4640.16] And it's just not true +[4640.16 --> 4642.14] that He can't do that +[4642.14 --> 4642.98] because He's done it. +[4643.14 --> 4644.06] It's just not true +[4644.06 --> 4644.98] that He can't face that +[4644.98 --> 4646.00] because He already has. +[4646.14 --> 4647.06] It's just not true +[4647.06 --> 4648.18] that He doesn't understand +[4648.18 --> 4648.76] what you're feeling +[4648.76 --> 4650.28] because He's already felt it +[4650.28 --> 4651.92] in the depths of His being. +[4651.92 --> 4659.76] Guys and girls, +[4660.10 --> 4661.78] brothers and sisters, +[4662.58 --> 4665.04] some of you here this morning +[4665.04 --> 4667.38] are seriously underestimating +[4667.38 --> 4670.46] the power of Christ in you. +[4672.46 --> 4673.84] Some of you here this morning +[4673.84 --> 4675.40] are seriously underestimating +[4675.40 --> 4676.52] what He can do +[4676.52 --> 4677.98] because He's already done it. +[4677.98 --> 4680.76] Christ who came into this world +[4680.76 --> 4681.66] and lived the life +[4681.66 --> 4682.34] you should have lived +[4682.34 --> 4683.22] obeying perfectly +[4683.22 --> 4684.42] the demands of the law +[4684.42 --> 4685.20] for you. +[4685.70 --> 4687.22] Christ who came into this world +[4687.22 --> 4688.10] and died the death +[4688.10 --> 4689.12] that you deserved +[4689.12 --> 4690.80] bearing God's wrath for sin, +[4691.12 --> 4692.14] taking on the punishment +[4692.14 --> 4693.66] that belonged to you. +[4694.22 --> 4696.42] And now if you are united to Him, +[4696.70 --> 4697.88] you are being transformed +[4697.88 --> 4699.12] and have been transformed +[4699.12 --> 4700.90] into His image. +[4701.24 --> 4702.88] Christ has changed you. +[4703.16 --> 4704.70] He has made you new. +[4704.70 --> 4706.94] And Christ is changing you. +[4707.08 --> 4708.64] And He is making you new. +[4708.82 --> 4710.52] And Christ will change you. +[4710.64 --> 4712.14] And He will make you new. +[4712.42 --> 4713.88] This is what it is +[4713.88 --> 4716.30] to clothe yourselves with Christ. +[4716.54 --> 4717.86] You are putting on +[4717.86 --> 4719.30] the armor of God. +[4719.38 --> 4720.22] You are putting on +[4720.22 --> 4721.96] the power of God. +[4723.06 --> 4724.68] These are battle clothes +[4724.68 --> 4725.76] that you're wearing. +[4726.10 --> 4727.38] That's what time it is. +[4728.48 --> 4729.46] And it's time for you +[4729.46 --> 4730.38] to wage war +[4730.38 --> 4731.92] against sin in your life +[4731.92 --> 4733.84] with one foot in this world +[4733.84 --> 4735.80] and one foot in the world to come. +[4736.16 --> 4737.80] You are messengers, +[4738.26 --> 4740.04] ambassadors of God's reconciliation +[4740.04 --> 4741.38] as though He were making +[4741.38 --> 4743.02] His appeal through you. +[4743.30 --> 4744.62] You are soldiers +[4744.62 --> 4746.46] of the one to come. +[4746.88 --> 4748.02] Clothe yourselves +[4748.02 --> 4749.58] with Christ. +[4749.58 --> 4756.72] When you see a man +[4756.72 --> 4757.34] and a woman +[4757.34 --> 4760.52] dressed in a tuxedo +[4760.52 --> 4762.00] and a ball gown, +[4763.00 --> 4764.38] you've got a pretty good idea +[4764.38 --> 4764.96] of what they're doing +[4764.96 --> 4765.60] and where they're going. +[4766.90 --> 4767.88] And dressing that way +[4767.88 --> 4768.46] has an effect +[4768.46 --> 4769.08] on your behavior. +[4770.04 --> 4772.02] When you wear your soft pink pants +[4772.02 --> 4773.10] and blue suede shoes, +[4773.88 --> 4775.42] you know you look good. +[4776.86 --> 4777.18] Right? +[4777.18 --> 4777.76] When you put on +[4777.76 --> 4779.12] that fancy colorful tie +[4779.12 --> 4780.14] and come to church, +[4780.20 --> 4781.08] you know you look good. +[4782.46 --> 4782.86] Right? +[4782.88 --> 4783.90] When you get a brand new +[4783.90 --> 4785.40] bright red baseball jersey +[4785.40 --> 4786.62] and brand new shiny +[4786.62 --> 4787.86] crispy white pants +[4787.86 --> 4789.00] and brand new +[4789.00 --> 4790.10] white and red cleats, +[4790.30 --> 4791.58] you know you look good. +[4793.90 --> 4794.86] But if you put on +[4794.86 --> 4795.62] your tuxedo +[4795.62 --> 4796.52] or your ball gown +[4796.52 --> 4797.26] and then you go stand +[4797.26 --> 4798.08] in the batter's box, +[4799.02 --> 4800.02] you look silly. +[4803.64 --> 4804.58] You look a fool. +[4804.58 --> 4809.02] Remember who you are wearing. +[4811.10 --> 4812.98] Remember how that changes +[4812.98 --> 4814.78] how you show up in the world +[4814.78 --> 4817.08] and what you are called to do +[4817.08 --> 4819.08] and how you are called to be. +[4819.26 --> 4822.72] Remember that he is with you. +[4823.66 --> 4825.62] He is in you. +[4826.38 --> 4828.72] This is the true story +[4828.72 --> 4830.14] of the whole world +[4830.14 --> 4832.46] and finding your place in it +[4832.46 --> 4835.06] means knowing what time it is. +[4835.34 --> 4837.04] And this is the time. +[4837.28 --> 4838.52] The night is nearly over. +[4838.62 --> 4840.60] It is time to wake up. +[4840.72 --> 4842.12] The day is coming. +[4842.24 --> 4843.34] It's time to put away +[4843.34 --> 4844.36] the deeds of darkness +[4844.36 --> 4845.10] and to put on +[4845.10 --> 4846.26] the armor of light. +[4846.42 --> 4847.40] Clothe yourselves +[4847.40 --> 4848.52] with Christ. +[4848.78 --> 4849.34] And then, +[4849.48 --> 4850.54] whether he tarries +[4850.54 --> 4851.26] another day +[4851.26 --> 4852.72] or another 2,000 years, +[4852.98 --> 4854.72] the day will still be closer +[4854.72 --> 4856.44] and the world +[4856.44 --> 4858.26] will have seen its Savior +[4858.26 --> 4861.26] because they have seen you. +[4863.84 --> 4865.36] When you put on Christ, +[4865.66 --> 4867.34] you display to the world +[4867.34 --> 4870.20] who their Savior is. +[4871.18 --> 4872.90] Understanding what time it is +[4872.90 --> 4874.16] helps us to know +[4874.16 --> 4875.86] how we are to live in the world +[4875.86 --> 4877.40] and towards what goal +[4877.40 --> 4878.30] we are moving. +[4878.68 --> 4880.24] And we live as those +[4880.24 --> 4881.98] who have Christ living in us. +[4882.06 --> 4883.48] We live in the power +[4883.48 --> 4885.02] and the victory of that truth. +[4885.02 --> 4886.74] And we live as those +[4886.74 --> 4888.30] who know what is coming. +[4888.72 --> 4889.58] We live as those +[4889.58 --> 4891.78] who know what is eternally valuable. +[4892.06 --> 4893.34] We live with imagination +[4893.34 --> 4894.72] and reflection, +[4894.94 --> 4896.60] with innovation and consistency, +[4896.98 --> 4899.28] with improvisation and tradition. +[4899.80 --> 4904.80] We live because Christ lives in us. +[4905.14 --> 4907.46] And that is when you say amen. +[4908.38 --> 4909.68] You can do better than that. +[4910.34 --> 4910.60] Amen? +[4911.02 --> 4911.56] Amen. +[4912.02 --> 4912.52] God bless. +[4912.52 --> 4914.02] Let's pray together. +[4915.02 --> 4915.52] Amen. +[4922.04 --> 4923.74] Holy, holy God, +[4924.48 --> 4927.06] open our eyes to the truth +[4927.06 --> 4930.00] of what time it is. +[4930.90 --> 4933.34] Open our eyes to the truth +[4933.34 --> 4936.72] of your nearness in Jesus Christ. +[4936.98 --> 4939.60] Open our eyes to the glory +[4939.60 --> 4941.06] and the magnitude +[4941.06 --> 4943.06] of who you are +[4943.06 --> 4944.62] and what you are doing. +[4945.02 --> 4945.94] in him +[4945.94 --> 4948.20] and in us. +[4951.20 --> 4953.46] Even as we are transformed +[4953.46 --> 4955.24] from one degree of glory +[4955.24 --> 4956.44] to another, +[4957.08 --> 4959.30] may we reveal Christ +[4959.30 --> 4960.32] to the world. +[4961.58 --> 4963.12] And so we pray, +[4963.30 --> 4963.76] Lord God, +[4964.30 --> 4965.48] help us to know +[4965.48 --> 4966.62] what time it is +[4966.62 --> 4968.62] that we might live +[4968.62 --> 4969.64] in this world +[4969.64 --> 4970.72] revealing you +[4970.72 --> 4972.90] to people in need. +[4972.90 --> 4974.22] God, +[4974.28 --> 4975.12] you have given us +[4975.12 --> 4976.90] answer to this meaning crisis +[4976.90 --> 4979.06] and it is your story. +[4979.58 --> 4980.94] And you have made your story +[4980.94 --> 4982.16] our story. +[4982.34 --> 4984.12] And so in this truth +[4984.12 --> 4985.16] we live. +[4985.36 --> 4986.68] May we live then +[4986.68 --> 4988.64] as those clothed +[4988.64 --> 4990.36] with Christ. +[4991.22 --> 4992.24] In the beauty +[4992.24 --> 4993.84] and majesty +[4993.84 --> 4995.50] of your name we pray. +[4995.50 --> 4995.66] Amen. +[4995.66 --> 4996.82] Amen. +[4996.82 --> 4996.88] Amen. +[5001.84 --> 5002.96] Now we know +[5002.96 --> 5004.64] that living +[5004.64 --> 5005.42] in the beauty +[5005.42 --> 5006.08] and majesty +[5006.08 --> 5006.92] of Christ +[5006.92 --> 5008.84] isn't always +[5008.84 --> 5010.52] the easiest task +[5010.52 --> 5011.42] and we know +[5011.42 --> 5012.44] that we need +[5012.44 --> 5013.36] to be sustained +[5013.36 --> 5014.24] for that journey +[5014.24 --> 5015.04] and so we are going +[5015.04 --> 5015.48] to come +[5015.48 --> 5016.88] to the Lord's table +[5016.88 --> 5018.04] so that +[5018.04 --> 5019.16] even as Christ +[5019.16 --> 5020.12] promises us +[5020.12 --> 5020.86] in his word +[5020.86 --> 5022.24] that he has met us here +[5022.24 --> 5023.42] and is transforming us, +[5023.42 --> 5025.34] we might take that promise +[5025.34 --> 5026.26] and taste +[5026.26 --> 5027.48] and see +[5027.48 --> 5028.70] its truth. +[5029.56 --> 5030.96] That you might take in +[5030.96 --> 5032.02] Jesus Christ +[5032.02 --> 5032.60] in the bread +[5032.60 --> 5033.62] and in the juice +[5033.62 --> 5035.30] and so be transformed +[5035.30 --> 5037.42] into his image. +[5037.58 --> 5038.78] As we come to the table +[5038.78 --> 5040.28] we have a bit of liturgy +[5040.28 --> 5040.64] together +[5040.64 --> 5041.58] that we will move through. +[5041.72 --> 5042.58] I invite you to +[5042.58 --> 5043.66] say the parts +[5043.66 --> 5044.42] for you spoken +[5044.42 --> 5045.74] on the screen behind. +[5046.40 --> 5047.66] Lift up your hearts. +[5048.40 --> 5049.38] Lift up your hearts +[5049.38 --> 5049.94] to the Lord. +[5050.44 --> 5051.60] Let us give thanks +[5051.60 --> 5052.72] to the Lord our God. +[5052.72 --> 5054.04] It is right +[5054.04 --> 5055.34] for us to give thanks. +[5055.80 --> 5056.64] Let's pray together. +[5058.16 --> 5059.10] With joy +[5059.10 --> 5060.26] we praise you +[5060.26 --> 5061.36] gracious God +[5061.36 --> 5063.04] for you have created +[5063.04 --> 5064.34] heaven and earth. +[5064.46 --> 5065.14] You have made us +[5065.14 --> 5065.88] in your image +[5065.88 --> 5066.80] and you have kept +[5066.80 --> 5067.88] covenant with us +[5067.88 --> 5069.44] even when we fell +[5069.44 --> 5070.08] into sin. +[5071.04 --> 5072.34] We give you thanks +[5072.34 --> 5073.26] Jesus Christ +[5073.26 --> 5073.70] who +[5073.70 --> 5075.26] for Jesus Christ +[5075.26 --> 5076.72] who by his life +[5076.72 --> 5077.88] death and resurrection +[5077.88 --> 5079.20] opened to us +[5079.20 --> 5079.82] the way +[5079.82 --> 5080.74] of life +[5080.74 --> 5081.66] everlasting. +[5081.66 --> 5082.70] Amen. +[5084.70 --> 5085.96] Our Lord Jesus +[5085.96 --> 5087.66] before he suffered +[5087.66 --> 5088.48] gave us +[5088.48 --> 5089.68] this memorial +[5089.68 --> 5090.98] of his +[5090.98 --> 5091.98] sacrifice +[5091.98 --> 5092.94] until he comes +[5092.94 --> 5093.28] again. +[5094.16 --> 5095.16] The Lord Jesus +[5095.16 --> 5096.86] on the night +[5096.86 --> 5097.96] that he was +[5097.96 --> 5098.40] betrayed +[5098.40 --> 5099.44] took bread +[5099.44 --> 5101.26] and when he +[5101.26 --> 5102.12] had given thanks +[5102.12 --> 5103.12] he broke it +[5103.12 --> 5103.58] and said +[5103.58 --> 5105.14] this is my body +[5105.14 --> 5106.50] which is for you. +[5106.98 --> 5107.70] Do this +[5107.70 --> 5108.48] in remembrance +[5108.48 --> 5108.62] remembrance +[5108.62 --> 5109.48] of me. +[5111.48 --> 5112.46] And in the same +[5112.46 --> 5112.86] way +[5112.86 --> 5114.10] he took the cup +[5114.10 --> 5115.10] after supper +[5115.10 --> 5115.72] saying +[5115.72 --> 5116.78] this cup +[5116.78 --> 5117.56] is the new +[5117.56 --> 5117.96] covenant +[5117.96 --> 5118.98] in my blood. +[5119.62 --> 5120.24] Do this +[5120.24 --> 5121.12] whenever you +[5121.12 --> 5121.76] drink it +[5121.76 --> 5122.56] in remembrance +[5122.56 --> 5123.90] of me. +[5124.72 --> 5125.38] For whenever +[5125.38 --> 5126.40] you eat +[5126.40 --> 5127.26] this bread +[5127.26 --> 5128.02] and drink +[5128.02 --> 5128.84] this cup +[5128.84 --> 5129.84] you proclaim +[5129.84 --> 5130.60] the Lord's +[5130.60 --> 5130.88] death +[5130.88 --> 5131.54] until +[5131.54 --> 5132.60] he comes +[5132.60 --> 5133.16] again. +[5133.16 --> 5135.14] this is the +[5135.14 --> 5135.70] mystery +[5135.70 --> 5136.54] of our +[5136.54 --> 5136.92] faith. +[5138.12 --> 5139.18] Your death +[5139.18 --> 5139.88] oh Christ +[5139.88 --> 5140.68] we proclaim +[5140.68 --> 5142.38] your resurrection +[5142.38 --> 5143.30] we affirm +[5143.30 --> 5143.98] with joy +[5143.98 --> 5145.26] your coming +[5145.26 --> 5146.12] we await +[5146.12 --> 5146.74] with hope. +[5147.20 --> 5148.64] Glory be to you +[5148.64 --> 5149.46] Lord Jesus. +[5150.62 --> 5151.56] Church family +[5151.56 --> 5151.98] the Lord +[5151.98 --> 5152.78] has prepared +[5152.78 --> 5153.66] his table +[5153.66 --> 5154.20] for all +[5154.20 --> 5154.74] who love +[5154.74 --> 5155.04] him +[5155.04 --> 5155.48] for all +[5155.48 --> 5156.40] who trust +[5156.40 --> 5156.88] in him +[5156.88 --> 5157.34] alone +[5157.34 --> 5157.82] for their +[5157.82 --> 5158.30] salvation. +[5158.30 --> 5159.50] and so +[5159.50 --> 5160.16] come to +[5160.16 --> 5160.82] this table +[5160.82 --> 5161.52] you who +[5161.52 --> 5162.22] have much +[5162.22 --> 5162.58] faith +[5162.58 --> 5163.30] and you +[5163.30 --> 5163.60] who would +[5163.60 --> 5163.94] like to +[5163.94 --> 5164.40] have more. +[5164.94 --> 5165.44] Come to +[5165.44 --> 5166.34] this table +[5166.34 --> 5167.20] you who +[5167.20 --> 5167.60] have been +[5167.60 --> 5167.98] to this +[5167.98 --> 5168.34] sacrament +[5168.34 --> 5168.74] often +[5168.74 --> 5169.26] and you +[5169.26 --> 5169.64] who have +[5169.64 --> 5170.14] not been +[5170.14 --> 5170.58] for a +[5170.58 --> 5171.12] long time. +[5171.46 --> 5171.80] Come to +[5171.80 --> 5172.26] this table +[5172.26 --> 5172.80] you who +[5172.80 --> 5173.30] have tried +[5173.30 --> 5173.84] to follow +[5173.84 --> 5174.24] Jesus +[5174.24 --> 5175.24] and you +[5175.24 --> 5175.70] who have +[5175.70 --> 5176.04] failed. +[5176.82 --> 5177.34] Come to +[5177.34 --> 5177.92] this table +[5177.92 --> 5178.90] because Christ +[5178.90 --> 5180.36] is raised. +[5180.94 --> 5181.52] Come if +[5181.52 --> 5182.16] you are here +[5182.16 --> 5182.82] or if you +[5182.82 --> 5183.48] are at home +[5183.48 --> 5184.08] online +[5184.08 --> 5185.02] joining us +[5185.02 --> 5185.48] come +[5185.48 --> 5186.18] because it +[5186.18 --> 5186.84] is Christ +[5186.84 --> 5187.64] who invites +[5187.64 --> 5188.14] us to +[5188.14 --> 5189.22] meet us +[5189.22 --> 5189.82] here. +[5190.48 --> 5190.90] The gifts +[5190.90 --> 5191.44] of God +[5191.44 --> 5192.26] for the +[5192.26 --> 5192.60] people +[5192.60 --> 5193.58] of God. +[5194.96 --> 5195.70] This morning +[5195.70 --> 5196.06] as we +[5196.06 --> 5196.48] come to +[5196.48 --> 5196.96] the table +[5196.96 --> 5197.90] we are +[5197.90 --> 5198.16] going to +[5198.16 --> 5198.48] do so +[5198.48 --> 5198.68] in a +[5198.68 --> 5198.92] little bit +[5198.92 --> 5199.12] of a +[5199.12 --> 5199.44] different +[5199.44 --> 5199.88] format +[5199.88 --> 5200.80] than we +[5200.80 --> 5201.38] have +[5201.38 --> 5201.66] in the +[5201.66 --> 5202.04] past +[5202.04 --> 5203.00] and we +[5203.00 --> 5203.06] are +[5203.06 --> 5203.24] going to +[5203.24 --> 5203.78] come up +[5203.78 --> 5204.58] using +[5204.58 --> 5205.44] the aisles +[5205.44 --> 5206.16] here +[5206.16 --> 5207.34] and at +[5207.34 --> 5207.82] the end +[5207.82 --> 5208.20] of each +[5208.20 --> 5208.50] aisle +[5208.50 --> 5208.82] will be +[5208.82 --> 5209.12] a pair +[5209.12 --> 5209.66] of elders +[5209.66 --> 5210.50] who will +[5210.50 --> 5210.84] serve +[5210.84 --> 5211.22] you the +[5211.22 --> 5211.68] elements. +[5213.06 --> 5213.72] They will +[5213.72 --> 5214.38] say as +[5214.38 --> 5214.80] you take +[5214.80 --> 5215.62] the bread +[5215.62 --> 5216.16] the body +[5216.16 --> 5216.62] of Christ +[5216.62 --> 5217.04] given for +[5217.04 --> 5217.56] you and +[5217.56 --> 5217.86] as you +[5217.86 --> 5218.24] take the +[5218.24 --> 5218.70] juice they +[5218.70 --> 5219.22] will say +[5219.22 --> 5220.14] the blood +[5220.14 --> 5220.64] of Christ +[5220.64 --> 5221.18] shed for +[5221.18 --> 5221.40] you. +[5221.82 --> 5222.18] In that +[5222.18 --> 5222.70] moment you +[5222.70 --> 5223.18] can say +[5223.18 --> 5223.98] something like +[5223.98 --> 5224.52] and also +[5224.52 --> 5225.00] for you +[5225.00 --> 5225.48] or thanks +[5225.48 --> 5225.76] be to +[5225.76 --> 5226.12] God +[5226.12 --> 5226.56] amen +[5226.56 --> 5227.32] or you +[5227.32 --> 5227.60] can say +[5227.60 --> 5227.98] nothing at +[5227.98 --> 5228.16] all. +[5228.58 --> 5228.96] It's up +[5228.96 --> 5229.28] to you. +[5229.98 --> 5230.32] And then +[5230.32 --> 5230.66] in that +[5230.66 --> 5231.16] moment you +[5231.16 --> 5232.20] can either +[5232.20 --> 5233.28] eat and +[5233.28 --> 5234.08] drink or +[5234.08 --> 5234.40] you can +[5234.40 --> 5235.06] take the +[5235.06 --> 5235.76] elements back +[5235.76 --> 5236.08] to your +[5236.08 --> 5236.64] seats if +[5236.64 --> 5237.04] you like +[5237.04 --> 5237.42] and eat +[5237.42 --> 5237.84] and drink +[5237.84 --> 5238.14] there. +[5238.74 --> 5239.18] If you +[5239.18 --> 5239.62] do eat +[5239.62 --> 5240.02] and drink +[5240.02 --> 5240.54] right there +[5240.54 --> 5241.06] there are +[5241.06 --> 5241.66] little baskets +[5241.66 --> 5242.36] on each +[5242.36 --> 5242.58] of the +[5242.58 --> 5242.86] corner +[5242.86 --> 5243.40] chairs +[5243.40 --> 5244.56] to put +[5244.56 --> 5244.98] your cups +[5244.98 --> 5245.76] in as +[5245.76 --> 5246.12] you walk +[5246.12 --> 5246.46] back. +[5247.38 --> 5247.54] And so +[5247.54 --> 5247.78] the way +[5247.78 --> 5248.04] it's going +[5248.04 --> 5248.32] to work +[5248.32 --> 5248.92] is this +[5248.92 --> 5249.42] section +[5249.42 --> 5250.56] plus like +[5250.56 --> 5251.40] a third +[5251.40 --> 5251.86] of this +[5251.86 --> 5252.30] section +[5252.30 --> 5253.10] are going +[5253.10 --> 5253.36] to come +[5253.36 --> 5253.84] down this +[5253.84 --> 5254.12] aisle. +[5254.70 --> 5255.54] The remaining +[5255.54 --> 5256.88] part of this +[5256.88 --> 5257.74] section and +[5257.74 --> 5258.62] this part +[5258.62 --> 5259.10] over here +[5259.10 --> 5259.42] you're going +[5259.42 --> 5259.68] to come +[5259.68 --> 5259.98] down the +[5259.98 --> 5260.52] middle aisle +[5260.52 --> 5261.56] and then +[5261.56 --> 5262.20] this section +[5262.20 --> 5262.72] plus the +[5262.72 --> 5263.12] third of +[5263.12 --> 5263.62] this section +[5263.62 --> 5263.96] you will +[5263.96 --> 5264.38] come down +[5264.38 --> 5264.66] here. +[5265.02 --> 5265.40] If you +[5265.40 --> 5265.84] come down +[5265.84 --> 5266.28] here you +[5266.28 --> 5266.70] will then +[5266.70 --> 5267.60] go back +[5267.60 --> 5267.90] to your +[5267.90 --> 5268.62] seats out +[5268.62 --> 5269.14] that way. +[5269.48 --> 5269.66] If you +[5269.66 --> 5270.02] come down +[5270.02 --> 5270.40] here you +[5270.40 --> 5270.64] will go +[5270.64 --> 5270.98] back to +[5270.98 --> 5271.36] your seats +[5271.36 --> 5271.76] out that +[5271.76 --> 5272.00] way. +[5272.00 --> 5272.82] And here +[5272.82 --> 5273.04] in the +[5273.04 --> 5273.38] middle if +[5273.38 --> 5273.62] you come +[5273.62 --> 5274.00] down you +[5274.00 --> 5274.34] will turn +[5274.34 --> 5274.96] around and +[5274.96 --> 5275.38] go back +[5275.38 --> 5275.74] on the +[5275.74 --> 5276.32] right side +[5276.32 --> 5276.60] of the +[5276.60 --> 5276.78] aisle. +[5276.86 --> 5277.08] So there +[5277.08 --> 5277.34] will be a +[5277.34 --> 5277.72] little bit +[5277.72 --> 5279.28] of moving +[5279.28 --> 5280.36] about but +[5280.36 --> 5280.64] we can +[5280.64 --> 5281.14] handle that +[5281.14 --> 5281.60] I think. +[5283.40 --> 5284.06] And before +[5284.06 --> 5284.66] we do that +[5284.66 --> 5284.96] we're going +[5284.96 --> 5285.44] to serve +[5285.44 --> 5286.82] the worship +[5286.82 --> 5287.32] team and +[5287.32 --> 5287.76] the elders +[5287.76 --> 5288.68] who are +[5288.68 --> 5288.88] going to +[5288.88 --> 5289.42] come forward +[5289.42 --> 5290.44] and help +[5290.44 --> 5291.12] us in that +[5291.12 --> 5291.46] service. +[5291.90 --> 5292.26] There is +[5292.26 --> 5292.70] also an +[5292.70 --> 5293.12] elder who +[5293.12 --> 5293.42] will be +[5293.42 --> 5294.18] available just +[5294.18 --> 5294.66] to make +[5294.66 --> 5295.04] sure that +[5295.04 --> 5295.58] we're moving +[5295.58 --> 5296.10] about but +[5296.10 --> 5296.66] if you are +[5296.66 --> 5297.54] unable to +[5297.54 --> 5297.94] come to +[5297.94 --> 5298.34] the front +[5298.34 --> 5298.88] but would +[5298.88 --> 5299.30] like to +[5299.30 --> 5299.80] participate +[5299.80 --> 5300.98] indicate that +[5300.98 --> 5301.28] to the +[5301.28 --> 5301.72] elder and +[5301.72 --> 5302.00] they will +[5302.00 --> 5302.56] serve you +[5302.56 --> 5303.34] in your +[5303.34 --> 5304.18] seats there +[5304.18 --> 5304.54] as well. +[5305.08 --> 5305.40] At this +[5305.40 --> 5305.74] point I'd +[5305.74 --> 5306.02] like to +[5306.02 --> 5307.08] invite the +[5307.08 --> 5307.86] serving elders +[5307.86 --> 5308.56] and the +[5308.56 --> 5309.18] worship team +[5309.18 --> 5309.56] to come +[5309.56 --> 5310.34] up that +[5310.34 --> 5310.62] they may +[5310.62 --> 5311.00] be served. +[5311.00 --> 5330.38] body of +[5330.38 --> 5330.60] Christ +[5330.60 --> 5330.98] given for +[5330.98 --> 5331.16] you +[5331.16 --> 5332.74] blood of +[5332.74 --> 5332.96] Christ +[5332.96 --> 5333.40] shed for +[5333.40 --> 5333.84] you +[5333.84 --> 5336.64] body of +[5336.64 --> 5336.86] Christ +[5336.86 --> 5337.24] given for +[5337.24 --> 5337.46] you +[5337.46 --> 5339.40] blood of +[5339.40 --> 5341.00] Christ +[5341.52 --> 5341.76] shed for +[5341.76 --> 5344.34] you +[5344.34 --> 5346.18] blood of +[5346.18 --> 5346.40] Christ +[5346.40 --> 5346.68] shed +[5346.68 --> 5346.82] for +[5346.82 --> 5347.38] you +[5347.38 --> 5348.04] glory +[5349.54 --> 5349.90] God +[5349.90 --> 5350.38] body of +[5350.38 --> 5350.48] Christ +[5350.48 --> 5350.98] given for +[5350.98 --> 5351.74] you +[5351.74 --> 5352.72] blood of +[5352.72 --> 5353.00] Christ +[5353.00 --> 5353.20] shed +[5353.20 --> 5353.32] for +[5353.32 --> 5353.84] you +[5353.84 --> 5354.86] amen +[5354.86 --> 5358.50] body of +[5358.50 --> 5358.74] Christ +[5358.74 --> 5359.12] given for +[5359.12 --> 5359.26] you +[5359.26 --> 5360.88] blood +[5360.88 --> 5361.04] of +[5361.04 --> 5361.26] Christ +[5361.26 --> 5361.50] shed +[5361.50 --> 5361.66] for +[5361.66 --> 5361.88] you +[5362.82 --> 5363.12] Amen. +[5364.36 --> 5365.80] Body of Christ him for you. +[5366.54 --> 5367.78] The blood of Christ shed for you. +[5368.78 --> 5369.16] Amen. +[5371.56 --> 5372.54] Body of Christ's +[5372.54 --> 5373.12] Pasquale is one of the things that and ages his congen Food would be in theiction of his +[5373.12 --> 5374.00] God. +[5374.02 --> 5374.28] Body of Christ's Pasquale is one of the things that is his congratulations 에� lap league +[5374.28 --> 5374.78] of Christ'sommes. +[5376.32 --> 5377.06] Body of Christ's Motion Food would be in the Gerry of His Son China. +[5378.12 --> 5379.40] Body of Christ's STEPownik Host échos. +[5381.10 --> 5382.20] Body of Christ's ehrlich Ishiè usa. +[5382.22 --> 5382.58] Body of Christ's Gim for you. +[5383.28 --> 5384.78] Blood of Christ's sed tends for you. +[5385.20 --> 5385.46] Amen. +[5387.18 --> 5388.32] Body of Christ's fuera Rocky's sobbing. +[5388.68 --> 5389.62] Body of Christ's Eve for you. +[5389.68 --> 5390.06] Body of Christ's языc for you. +[5391.88 --> 5394.04] the body of Christ +[5394.04 --> 5394.68] given for you +[5394.68 --> 5396.34] the blood of Christ +[5396.34 --> 5397.06] shed for you +[5397.06 --> 5398.76] Amen +[5398.76 --> 5400.96] the body of Christ +[5400.96 --> 5401.64] given for you +[5401.64 --> 5403.14] the blood of Christ +[5403.14 --> 5403.78] shed for you +[5403.78 --> 5404.66] Amen +[5421.88 --> 5423.88] Amen +[5451.88 --> 5453.88] Amen +[5453.88 --> 5455.88] Amen +[5455.88 --> 5457.88] Amen +[5457.88 --> 5459.88] Amen +[5459.88 --> 5461.88] Amen +[5461.88 --> 5463.88] Amen +[5463.88 --> 5465.88] Amen +[5465.88 --> 5467.88] Amen +[5467.88 --> 5469.88] No only son +[5469.88 --> 5471.88] no sin to hide +[5471.88 --> 5473.88] but you have +[5473.88 --> 5477.88] served in all your time +[5477.88 --> 5479.88] to honor God +[5479.88 --> 5484.20] upon this guilty song +[5484.20 --> 5486.46] and to be called +[5486.46 --> 5489.88] the Lamb of God +[5490.88 --> 5494.88] The gift of love +[5495.80 --> 5497.88] be crucified +[5497.88 --> 5500.88] they laughed and sworn +[5500.88 --> 5502.88] him as he died +[5502.88 --> 5505.88] the humble king +[5505.88 --> 5508.88] they named a thought +[5508.88 --> 5510.88] and sacrificed +[5510.88 --> 5513.88] the Lamb of God +[5513.88 --> 5515.88] O Lamb of God +[5515.88 --> 5518.88] sweet Lamb of God +[5518.88 --> 5523.88] I love the Holy Lamb of God +[5523.88 --> 5528.88] O wash me in his precious blood +[5528.88 --> 5530.88] my Jesus Christ +[5530.88 --> 5531.88] my Jesus Christ +[5531.88 --> 5535.88] the Lamb of God +[5535.88 --> 5539.88] I was so lost +[5539.88 --> 5541.88] I should have died +[5541.88 --> 5545.88] but you have brought me to your time +[5545.88 --> 5549.88] to be led by your stuff and rock +[5549.88 --> 5551.88] and to be called +[5551.88 --> 5552.88] the Lamb of God +[5552.88 --> 5554.88] and to be called +[5554.88 --> 5556.88] the Lamb of God +[5556.88 --> 5558.88] the Lamb of God +[5558.88 --> 5560.88] O Lamb of God +[5560.88 --> 5561.88] sweet Lamb of God +[5561.88 --> 5562.88] sweet Lamb of God +[5562.88 --> 5563.88] sweet Lamb of God +[5563.88 --> 5564.88] sweet Lamb of God +[5564.88 --> 5565.88] sweet Lamb of God +[5565.88 --> 5567.88] I love the Holy Lamb of God +[5567.88 --> 5569.88] I love the Holy Lamb of God +[5569.88 --> 5571.88] O wash me in his precious blood +[5571.88 --> 5573.88] my Jesus Christ +[5573.88 --> 5575.88] the Lamb of God +[5575.88 --> 5576.88] my Lord +[5576.88 --> 5577.88] says +[5577.88 --> 5579.88] I love the Holy Lamb of God +[5579.88 --> 5580.88] my Jesus Christ +[5580.88 --> 5582.88] the Lamb of God +[5582.88 --> 5583.88] my Lord +[5583.88 --> 5584.88] my Lord +[5584.88 --> 5585.88] by Jesus Christ +[5585.88 --> 5587.88] the Lamb of God +[5587.88 --> 5589.88] I love the Holy Lamb of God +[5589.88 --> 5591.88] O wash me +[5591.88 --> 5593.88] in his precious blood +[5593.88 --> 5595.88] my Jesus Christ +[5596.88 --> 5598.88] the Lamb of God +[5598.88 --> 5603.04] Lamb of God +[5628.88 --> 5633.62] Lamb of sorrows +[5633.62 --> 5636.04] Lamb of God +[5636.04 --> 5640.92] By His own betrayal +[5640.92 --> 5645.52] The sin of man +[5645.52 --> 5648.48] Lamb of God +[5648.48 --> 5653.72] Has given Jesus' name +[5653.72 --> 5660.92] He will refuse +[5660.92 --> 5666.44] He to mock and score +[5666.44 --> 5672.38] Bow to the Father's Lamb +[5672.38 --> 5677.90] He took the crown of gold +[5677.90 --> 5681.00] On a rugged cross +[5681.00 --> 5683.58] For salvation +[5683.58 --> 5687.04] For Your love pour out +[5687.04 --> 5689.72] Over Me +[5689.72 --> 5692.92] Lamb of soul cries out +[5692.92 --> 5694.68] Hallelujah +[5694.68 --> 5702.52] Praise and honor out to Thee +[5702.52 --> 5708.56] Send of heaven +[5708.56 --> 5710.88] God's young son +[5710.88 --> 5715.10] To purchase and redeem +[5715.10 --> 5722.60] And reconcile the very ones +[5722.60 --> 5727.24] Who nailed Him to that tree +[5727.24 --> 5729.82] Oh, my God +[5729.82 --> 5730.82] On a rugged cross +[5730.82 --> 5733.40] My salvation +[5733.40 --> 5736.70] For your love for now +[5736.70 --> 5738.96] Over Me +[5738.96 --> 5742.40] Now my soul cries out +[5742.40 --> 5743.82] Hallelujah +[5743.82 --> 5750.96] Praise and honor out to Thee +[5750.96 --> 5757.12] Now my debt is paid +[5757.12 --> 5759.94] It is paid in fall +[5759.94 --> 5762.88] By the precious blood +[5762.88 --> 5765.74] That my Jesus filled +[5765.74 --> 5768.66] Now the curse of sin +[5768.66 --> 5771.54] Has no hold on me +[5771.54 --> 5774.44] Whom the Son so sweet +[5774.44 --> 5777.20] Oh, it's free indeed +[5777.20 --> 5778.88] All my running cross +[5778.88 --> 5779.32] My salvation +[5779.32 --> 5779.96] For your love for now +[5779.96 --> 5780.26] Now my debt is paid +[5780.26 --> 5780.78] Now my debt is paid +[5780.78 --> 5781.36] Now my debt is paid +[5781.36 --> 5782.42] Now my debt is paid +[5782.42 --> 5783.04] It is paid in fall +[5783.04 --> 5785.86] By the precious blood +[5785.86 --> 5788.74] That my Jesus filled +[5788.74 --> 5791.42] Now the curse of sin +[5791.42 --> 5794.32] Has no hold on me +[5794.32 --> 5797.24] Whom the Son so sweet +[5797.24 --> 5799.94] Oh, it's free indeed +[5799.94 --> 5805.44] All thy holy ones for salvation +[5805.44 --> 5811.06] For your love poured out over me +[5811.06 --> 5816.32] All my soul cries of hallelujah +[5816.32 --> 5822.14] Praise and honor unto thee +[5822.14 --> 5831.08] See the stone is rolled away +[5831.08 --> 5836.60] Behold the empty tomb +[5836.60 --> 5842.12] Hallelujah, God keep us +[5842.12 --> 5847.02] He's risen from the grave +[5847.02 --> 5852.20] All thy prophet thrones my salvation +[5852.20 --> 5857.80] May your love poured out over me +[5857.80 --> 5862.98] All my soul cries of hallelujah +[5862.98 --> 5868.38] Praise and honor unto thee +[5868.38 --> 5874.02] Praise and honor unto thee +[5877.02 --> 5892.18] As you go, go as those clothed with Christ +[5892.18 --> 5896.26] Go as those who have been met by him in our worship together +[5896.26 --> 5899.30] Who have heard his voice in his word +[5899.30 --> 5902.96] And have now sent us out in the power of his name +[5902.96 --> 5905.12] With the equipping of the Holy Spirit +[5905.12 --> 5908.00] Go because God goes with you +[5908.00 --> 5910.26] Go with a few invitations +[5910.26 --> 5912.44] First of all to hang out at the back +[5912.44 --> 5914.10] And to fellowship together +[5914.10 --> 5915.96] Sharing how you have met God +[5915.96 --> 5917.50] Or maybe where you need God +[5917.50 --> 5919.16] To show up in your life +[5919.16 --> 5921.26] Go with an invitation for prayer +[5921.26 --> 5923.16] There will be people here at the front +[5923.16 --> 5924.44] Who have yellow name tags +[5924.44 --> 5926.04] They would love to meet you and pray with you +[5926.04 --> 5928.16] In celebration or supplication +[5928.16 --> 5930.14] In thanksgiving or in confession +[5930.14 --> 5933.40] And go also with an invitation +[5933.40 --> 5935.28] If you'd like to grab me at the back +[5935.28 --> 5936.70] To talk about either membership +[5936.70 --> 5937.88] Or profession of faith +[5937.88 --> 5938.54] Or baptism +[5938.54 --> 5940.38] Or what that might look like +[5940.38 --> 5942.26] In your story of faith +[5942.26 --> 5943.74] I'd love to meet you there +[5943.74 --> 5945.08] And then lastly +[5945.08 --> 5948.12] Go as those who for the month of April +[5948.12 --> 5949.58] Are celebrating treat tag +[5949.58 --> 5950.62] Treat tag +[5950.62 --> 5955.84] If you have no idea what that is +[5955.84 --> 5958.92] Check our social media places +[5958.92 --> 5960.06] And that will explain that +[5960.06 --> 5961.08] Or ask Linda +[5961.08 --> 5962.56] And she'll explain it to you as well +[5962.56 --> 5964.90] Go with the blessing +[5964.90 --> 5966.30] Of our good God +[5966.30 --> 5971.18] God go before you +[5971.18 --> 5971.96] To lead you +[5971.96 --> 5973.88] God go behind you +[5973.88 --> 5974.84] To protect you +[5974.84 --> 5976.46] God go beneath you +[5976.46 --> 5977.46] To support you +[5977.46 --> 5979.38] And God go beside you +[5979.38 --> 5980.50] To befriend you +[5980.50 --> 5982.82] Do not be afraid +[5982.82 --> 5984.36] Let the blessing of God +[5984.36 --> 5985.30] Come upon you today +[5985.30 --> 5987.06] Do not be afraid +[5987.06 --> 5989.52] But go in peace +[5989.52 --> 5992.26] To love and serve the Lord +[5992.26 --> 5993.66] Amen +[5993.66 --> 5998.94] Praise God +[5998.94 --> 6005.88] From whom all blessings flow +[6005.88 --> 6009.18] Praise Him +[6009.18 --> 6015.00] The creatures here below +[6015.00 --> 6026.44] Praise Him above ye heavenly hosts +[6026.44 --> 6036.66] Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost +[6036.66 --> 6037.48] Amen +[6037.48 --> 6041.82] Amen +[6041.82 --> 6042.54] Amen. +[6071.82 --> 6072.82] Amen. +[6101.82 --> 6102.82] Amen. diff --git a/Sunday Worship, April 21, 2024_summary.txt b/Sunday Worship, April 21, 2024_summary.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000000000000000000000000000000000000..d5867592849167d8dfd73f721af5419aae24c6b3 --- /dev/null +++ b/Sunday Worship, April 21, 2024_summary.txt @@ -0,0 +1,127 @@ +• Announcements for the church +• Upcoming events: youth program, treat tag, and deacons' event with Anya Adama on financial stress +• Upcoming worship session "Come Holy Spirit" on April 28th at 6pm +• Invitation to join the church family through membership or baptism +• Introduction to worship and receiving God's greeting +• Invitation to turn to others and welcome them into worship +• Reading from Psalm 108, focusing on steadfast heart and praise +• Singing of hymns and worship songs +• Repeating phrases emphasizing God's love and faithfulness +• Prayer or message with emphasis on God's presence and strength +• Praise and worship to the Lord +• Confession of sin and request for forgiveness +• Prayer for love and compassion for others +• Invitation to serve others and use gifts for God's glory +• Assurance from Isaiah chapter 55, verses 6 and 7 +• Declaration of love for Jesus and praise to Him +• Prayer and worship songs about Jesus +• Invitation to church services and a discussion on unity among Christians +• Collection of financial gifts for Open Doors Ministry, which helps persecuted or discriminated against Christians worldwide +• Discussion on the importance of showing love and kindness as Christians +• Children's time with games and activities to teach them about God's love +• Discussion about a picture or artwork +• Comparison between the picture and Christian community +• Offer of sticky candy for children who count fish on a wall after church +• Mention of bribery as a way to get obedience from children +• Introduction to prayer time, including a reading from Psalm 84 and James +• Prayer request for Amy Cron and her family due to her passing +• Discussion about the effectiveness of prayer and the power of God's love +• Praying for peace and an end to war in the world +• Asking God to protect the vulnerable, safeguard children, and convict leaders to act humbly and pursue peace +• Praying for those dealing with health concerns and seeking healing +• Requesting God's presence and restoration for those struggling with mental illness or dark nights of the soul +• Interceding for relationships in need of care, restoration, and healing +• Seeking God's guidance and leadership in the church's process of selecting new elders and deacons +• Praying for the Holy Spirit to guide and lead the congregation in following God's word. +• The book of Romans, chapter 14 +• Accepting and not judging others' faith or dietary choices +• God's acceptance of individuals regardless of their beliefs or practices +• Personal conviction and responsibility before God +• The accountability of each person to God +• A personal anecdote about preaching in different communities and cultural differences +• The speaker recounts a personal anecdote about wearing a suit to church and a donated tie +• Discussion of how cultures create rules that define belonging and exclusion +• Reference to trigger warnings and the importance of self-reflection in understanding one's own identity and faith +• Overview of Paul's message in Romans 1-11, emphasizing the majesty and magnitude of the gospel and justification by grace alone through faith in Christ +• Explanation of how Paul applies this truth to the lives of believers in chapter 12 +• Being transformed and offering oneself as a living sacrifice +• Worshiping God in everyday life +• Loving neighbors, blessing those who persecute, rejoicing with those who rejoice, mourning with those who mourn +• Understanding God's sovereignty and submission to authorities +• Christian witness through willing subject to authorities +• Applying gospel truth to particular situations, including relationships between Jewish and Gentile converts +• Clash of cultures in the Christian church +• Different expressions of faith based on cultural background and history +• Conflicts arising from incorporation or non-inclusion of historical traditions into contemporary expressions of faith +• Application of gospel truths to transform lives in a diverse community like Rome or modern churches +• The discussion is about the concept of "weak faith" in relation to Romans chapter 14 +• Paul's definition of weak faith is not necessarily related to feeble or losing trust in one's faith +• Abraham's story in Romans chapter 4 is used as an example to illustrate this point +• A person with a "weak faith" in chapter 14 refers to someone who has a different understanding or conviction than others, but still has faith +• Faith in chapter 14 +• Justification by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone +• Use of rules and regulations to ensure salvation or favor with God is irrelevant if one is saved by grace +• Holding onto rules and regulations as an expression of faith to remain faithful +• Trying to be obedient and ensure obedience by raising the boundaries higher, moving further away from what becomes not permissible. +• Recreational drug use in the past and the need to stop +• Building "fences" around life to prevent temptation +• Difficulty with social interactions due to past associations +• Realization that a prescriptive approach for others was taken +• Understanding that trusting God for salvation is different from trusting him for obedience +• Discussion of Paul's letter to the Romans and the concept of justification by faith alone +• The meaning of "disputable matters" in Greek and its implications +• Different translations of Scripture and their varying interpretations of this phrase +• Paul's encouragement to not waste time arguing over things that can be reasonably disputed +• The distinction between weak and strong believers, with the weak being those who are still maturing in their faith +• The call for movement and maturation in faith through understanding and applying the scope of the gospel +• The challenge of recognizing one's own weakness in relationships of faith and spiritual growth +• Pharisees in Jesus' day often emerged as leaders due to their rule-following impulses +• People may be influenced by passion or perceived commitment rather than actual truth +• Disputable matters: areas of disagreement among Christians on non-essential issues +• Examples of disputable matters from the New Testament: 6 examples, including 3 from the current text and 3 from other texts +• The issue of food restrictions and what constitutes defilement (e.g. eating certain foods) +• The Bible teaches that all foods are clean (Romans 14:14) and God has made nothing unclean +• Peter had a vision in Acts 10 where he saw all kinds of animals, including those previously considered unclean, descending from heaven with the voice telling him to eat +• Paul writes in Romans 14 that if someone considers something unclean, it is unclean for them +• The Sabbath day was made for man, not man for the Sabbath (Mark 2), and Jesus is Lord even of the Sabbath +• Every day can be sacred or treated as a holy day, rather than just one specific day being considered sacred (Romans 14:5) +• Discussing how some Christians were judging others based on their eating and drinking habits related to religious festivals +• Explaining that Jesus is the true reality and fulfillment of Old Testament laws, including Sabbath observance, which should be observed every day +• Describing disputable matters in the early Church, such as gathering on Sundays and drinking wine +• Discussing higher fences or boundaries being put up to protect people from sin +• Mentioning examples from the New Testament, including Paul's teachings on refusing circumcision for Titus but circumcising Timothy due to his Jewish heritage +• Early Christians discussed how to incorporate non-Jewish people into the Christian church +• Paul wrote a letter stating that one does not need to be circumcised but should avoid eating food sacrificed to idols +• Paul later clarified in 1 Corinthians 8 that idol worship is not real and eating meat sacrificed to idols is a matter of personal preference +• Paul emphasized that one should not cause others to stumble or fall into sin by their actions +• The Bible teaches that marriage and celibacy are both good options, but each person must discern what is best for them in their context +• Disputable matters like these can lead to divisions within the church if individuals insist on imposing their preferences on others +• Discussion of replacing traditional worship music with other genres (hip-hop, country, etc.) +• Reference to Paul's letter in Galatians 5 and the concept of "disputable matters" +• Importance of following one's own conviction and conscience +• Compromise and its consequences (judging others or oneself) +• The controlling principle of living for and dying for the Lord (Romans 14:8) +• Living in community and maturity through giving up personal freedoms for the faith and obedience of others +• The freedom Christ offers believers is not about doing whatever they want, but about serving one another humbly in love. +• Giving up personal freedoms for others' faith is part of serving one another. +• When interacting with people who have different opinions or convictions (such as eating meat or worship style), consider their perspective and don't push your own views if it might harm them. +• Reasons for requiring exceptions or limiting freedoms should be based on biblical teachings, not personal preferences or external influences. +• Disputable matters in the church should not be used as an excuse to ignore biblical convictions or sin. +• Discussing the concept of "disputable matters" in scripture +• The danger of using gray areas to justify sin or compromise on biblical teachings +• John Calvin's perspective on obedience and deviating from God's commands +• The importance of growing in faith, maturity, and obedience through discipleship +• The need for hard conversations, humility, and grace when navigating disputable matters +• The risk of leading others astray by stretching the definition of disputable matters too far +• The call to bring Christ to bear on all aspects of life and relationships +• Prayer for forgiveness and opening up to relationships and realities +• Recognizing the call to obedience and transformation +• Calling to be holy and live in the power of God's spirit +• Praise and worship, focusing on Jesus' name and worthiness +• Repetition of "you" as an expression of devotion and trust in God +• Blessing and protection for the journey ahead +• Letting go of fear and going in peace to love and serve the Lord +• Acknowledgment of salvation and eternal life +• Belonging to God body and soul +• Commitment to living for God in all aspects of life, including death +• Reiteration of belonging to God, with repetition emphasizing ownership and surrender \ No newline at end of file diff --git a/Sunday Worship, April 21, 2024_transcript.txt b/Sunday Worship, April 21, 2024_transcript.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000000000000000000000000000000000000..f84457734431aeac2cb56fecffaffeaf8fe73292 --- /dev/null +++ b/Sunday Worship, April 21, 2024_transcript.txt @@ -0,0 +1,2425 @@ +[0.00 --> 4.76] He is refining, and in his timing +[4.76 --> 9.18] He's making diamonds out of dust +[9.18 --> 13.00] Making diamonds out of dust +[13.54 --> 16.94] I won't be afraid to shine +[16.94 --> 21.54] I won't be afraid to shine +[21.54 --> 25.28] I won't be afraid to shine +[25.28 --> 29.84] Cause he's making diamonds out of dust +[29.84 --> 34.68] Making diamonds out of dust +[34.68 --> 53.02] I want you as you are, not as you ought to be +[54.28 --> 57.90] Won't you lay down your guard and come to me +[57.90 --> 63.62] The shame that grips you now is crippling +[63.62 --> 68.96] It breaks my heart to see you suffering +[68.96 --> 72.46] Cause I am for you +[72.46 --> 77.68] Good morning +[77.68 --> 81.84] Welcome to worship +[81.84 --> 85.60] A special welcome if you are a guest here this morning +[85.60 --> 91.52] We are really excited to gather together in the name of Jesus and to worship him +[91.52 --> 92.88] My name is Chris +[92.88 --> 95.92] I am one of the pastors here at Emanuel Church +[95.92 --> 100.48] And it's my privilege to lead in our shared worship together this morning +[100.48 --> 103.74] Along with these others on stage who will lead us in song and in prayer +[103.74 --> 110.32] Before we begin, we have a couple announcements to put in front of you and to remind you of +[110.32 --> 113.22] And so, hear these +[113.22 --> 117.70] First of all, this evening, if you're part of our youth program here +[117.70 --> 121.36] You have 2020 at the church at 630 +[121.36 --> 123.76] If you have no idea what that is +[123.76 --> 125.00] Talk to Pastor Kevin +[125.00 --> 128.72] And he will answer your questions and get you involved +[128.72 --> 132.12] But that's for grade 8 through the end of high school +[132.12 --> 136.42] Also, the month of April is treat tag +[136.42 --> 138.26] Oh, good job +[138.26 --> 149.46] And so, we are surprising and giving small little gifts to other members of our church family here +[149.46 --> 151.60] And so, I encourage you +[151.60 --> 154.20] Some of you need to look at your church mailboxes +[154.20 --> 155.64] Because you've been tagged +[155.64 --> 157.64] And you don't normally look at your mailboxes +[157.64 --> 160.70] So, not only do you have a stack of papers and information +[160.70 --> 163.54] But there's a chocolate bar or something in there as well +[163.54 --> 165.08] So, please check that if you haven't +[165.08 --> 166.96] If you don't know what I'm talking about +[166.96 --> 169.56] You can check it out on social media for our church +[169.56 --> 171.32] And that should explain some of that +[171.32 --> 175.58] Additionally, tomorrow evening +[175.58 --> 180.68] Here, there is an event put on by our deacons +[180.68 --> 184.24] Who have asked Anya Adama to come +[184.24 --> 187.32] And to share some stories and practical tips +[187.32 --> 189.98] For navigating financial stress +[189.98 --> 192.54] And so, how do we handle these things? +[192.64 --> 194.00] What are some of the things that we can do? +[194.10 --> 195.22] Some skill sets to have +[195.22 --> 196.78] And stories that can be shared there +[196.78 --> 200.24] So, Anya is going to come and offer that +[200.24 --> 202.42] And also offer herself to you +[202.42 --> 205.06] And so, you can set up a time to meet with her +[205.06 --> 206.02] Or connect with her +[206.02 --> 207.96] If you have any questions about that +[207.96 --> 210.00] Some of the deacons are here to answer +[210.00 --> 211.66] And so, deacons, can you just raise your hands +[211.66 --> 212.48] Where you are? +[214.00 --> 215.78] Two, three, one more at the back +[215.78 --> 217.12] So, if you have any questions +[217.12 --> 218.26] Grab one of them +[218.26 --> 219.86] And they will share that with you +[219.86 --> 220.68] What time does that start? +[222.24 --> 222.60] Seven +[222.60 --> 223.90] Seven o'clock tomorrow night +[223.90 --> 227.36] Next week Sunday +[227.36 --> 229.54] So, April 28th +[229.54 --> 230.68] In the evening +[230.68 --> 232.50] We are hosting here +[232.50 --> 235.36] One of our evening worship sessions +[235.36 --> 237.26] And so, at 6pm +[237.26 --> 238.72] We are going to gather together +[238.72 --> 240.04] For a worship event +[240.04 --> 240.90] That we are calling +[240.90 --> 242.02] Come Holy Spirit +[242.02 --> 243.20] Where we are going to learn +[243.20 --> 244.74] And hear about the work of the Spirit +[244.74 --> 245.38] In our lives +[245.38 --> 246.14] And in our worship +[246.14 --> 248.70] And sing in spirit +[248.70 --> 249.80] And in truth +[249.80 --> 251.44] And so, we invite you to +[251.44 --> 253.02] Book that out in your calendar +[253.02 --> 253.82] And join us +[253.82 --> 255.46] 6pm next week +[255.46 --> 257.28] And then lastly +[257.28 --> 260.34] If you are +[260.34 --> 262.88] If you have been a guest with us +[262.88 --> 264.08] For some time +[264.08 --> 265.38] And you are wondering about membership +[265.38 --> 267.32] Or if you are at this point +[267.32 --> 268.76] In your relationship to God +[268.76 --> 269.24] And Jesus +[269.24 --> 270.32] Where you want to stand +[270.32 --> 271.72] In front of this church family +[271.72 --> 273.14] And profess that truth +[273.14 --> 274.98] And say, yes, this I believe +[274.98 --> 276.66] Or if you haven't been baptized +[276.66 --> 279.32] And would like to receive +[279.32 --> 281.44] That gift of God in grace +[281.44 --> 282.96] I encourage you to find me +[282.96 --> 283.84] After the service +[283.84 --> 285.56] I'll be at the Connect booth +[285.56 --> 287.84] And we can talk about that journey +[287.84 --> 289.32] And what that might look like +[289.32 --> 290.76] Together going forward +[290.76 --> 294.04] I think that's it for our announcements +[294.04 --> 294.98] Before we begin +[294.98 --> 297.50] And so, let's begin our worship together +[297.50 --> 299.88] By receiving the greeting of God +[299.88 --> 301.10] God is in this place +[301.10 --> 303.14] And he welcomes us into his presence +[303.14 --> 303.96] So I invite you +[303.96 --> 305.22] As you're able to stand +[305.22 --> 312.10] When we receive God's greeting +[312.10 --> 313.30] Not only is it +[313.30 --> 314.64] God greeting us +[314.64 --> 316.06] Through my words to you +[316.06 --> 317.86] But it is God greeting you +[317.86 --> 319.30] Through your words to each other +[319.30 --> 320.48] And so following +[320.48 --> 322.62] My speaking of the greeting +[322.62 --> 324.24] I invite you to turn to those around you +[324.24 --> 326.16] And welcome them into worship +[326.16 --> 327.42] Receive the greeting +[327.42 --> 328.44] From God +[328.44 --> 330.24] Grace +[330.24 --> 331.90] Mercy +[331.90 --> 333.46] Peace to you +[333.46 --> 334.94] From God our Father +[334.94 --> 336.40] From the Lord Jesus Christ +[336.40 --> 336.98] His Son +[336.98 --> 338.22] And our Savior +[338.22 --> 339.42] Through the presence +[339.42 --> 340.16] And power +[340.16 --> 341.36] Of the Holy Spirit +[341.36 --> 342.80] Amen +[342.80 --> 346.20] Good morning +[346.20 --> 346.90] Peace of Christ +[346.90 --> 348.08] Peace of Christ +[348.08 --> 348.50] Good morning +[363.46 --> 381.10] We are called to be in this place +[381.10 --> 382.68] And worship our God +[382.68 --> 384.66] With these words from Psalm 108 +[384.66 --> 385.74] My heart +[385.74 --> 386.54] My heart, O God +[386.54 --> 387.90] Is steadfast +[387.90 --> 389.98] I will sing and make music +[389.98 --> 391.32] With all my soul +[391.32 --> 392.54] Awake +[392.54 --> 393.14] Heart +[393.14 --> 394.02] And lyre +[394.02 --> 395.00] I will awaken +[395.00 --> 395.98] The dawn +[395.98 --> 397.64] I will praise you +[397.64 --> 398.08] Lord +[398.08 --> 398.94] Among the nations +[398.94 --> 400.40] I will sing +[400.40 --> 401.26] Of you +[401.26 --> 402.48] Among the peoples +[402.48 --> 403.86] For great +[403.86 --> 404.90] Is your love +[404.90 --> 406.60] Higher than the heavens +[406.60 --> 407.96] Your faithfulness +[407.96 --> 409.50] Reaches to the sky +[409.50 --> 411.10] Be exalted +[411.10 --> 412.08] O God +[412.08 --> 412.94] Above the heavens +[412.94 --> 414.76] Let your glory be +[414.76 --> 416.16] Over all the earth +[416.16 --> 417.30] Let's sing together +[417.30 --> 435.52] Thanks to the Lord +[435.52 --> 437.34] Our God and King +[437.34 --> 440.38] His love endures forever +[440.38 --> 443.28] For His purity +[443.28 --> 445.38] Is above all things +[445.38 --> 448.26] His love endures forever +[448.26 --> 452.90] Sing praise +[452.90 --> 456.50] Sing praise +[456.50 --> 459.28] With a mighty hand +[459.28 --> 461.10] And an outstretched heart +[461.10 --> 463.98] His love endures forever +[463.98 --> 467.00] For the life +[467.00 --> 468.78] That's been reborn +[468.78 --> 471.78] His love endures forever +[471.78 --> 475.36] Sing praise +[475.36 --> 478.12] Take praise +[478.12 --> 479.30] Take praise +[479.30 --> 482.00] Take praise +[482.00 --> 484.18] Take praise +[484.18 --> 487.26] Take praise +[487.26 --> 491.42] Forever God is faithful +[491.42 --> 495.50] Forever God is strong +[495.50 --> 499.28] Forever God is without +[499.28 --> 500.90] Forever +[500.90 --> 501.90] Forever +[501.90 --> 502.90] Forever +[502.90 --> 503.90] Forever +[503.90 --> 504.90] Forever +[504.90 --> 505.90] Forever +[505.90 --> 515.44] Arising to the setting sun +[515.44 --> 518.38] His love endures forever +[518.38 --> 521.42] And by the grace of God +[521.42 --> 523.36] We will carry on +[523.36 --> 526.20] His love endures forever +[526.20 --> 527.90] Sing praise +[527.90 --> 530.66] Sing praise +[530.66 --> 536.44] Sing praise +[536.44 --> 536.58] Sing praise +[536.58 --> 538.86] Sing praise +[538.98 --> 539.72] Sing praise +[539.72 --> 540.90] Sing praise +[541.56 --> 545.74] Ma'an oko'z via hear +[545.74 --> 549.68] Forever God is strong +[549.68 --> 553.90] Forever God is with us +[553.90 --> 555.14] Forever +[555.14 --> 560.98] Forever you are faithful +[560.98 --> 565.20] Forever you are strong +[565.20 --> 569.40] Forever you are with us +[569.40 --> 570.64] Forever +[570.64 --> 574.54] Forever +[575.74 --> 577.74] Forever +[577.74 --> 578.74] Forever +[578.74 --> 579.74] Forever +[579.74 --> 580.74] Forever +[580.74 --> 581.74] Forever +[581.74 --> 583.74] Forever +[583.74 --> 585.74] Forever +[585.74 --> 587.74] Forever +[587.74 --> 589.74] Forever +[589.74 --> 590.74] Forever +[590.74 --> 591.74] Forever +[591.74 --> 593.74] 又 +[593.74 --> 595.74] Happy +[595.74 --> 611.04] I am standing beneath your way +[611.04 --> 617.24] I am resting in your shelter +[617.24 --> 626.74] Your great faithfulness has given us cheer +[626.74 --> 633.24] It makes me want to sing +[633.24 --> 641.24] Blessed be the name of the Lord +[641.24 --> 648.24] Blessed be the name of the Lord +[648.24 --> 653.24] I will bless your holy name +[653.24 --> 657.24] For all my days +[657.24 --> 663.24] Blessed be the name of the Lord +[671.24 --> 685.24] I sing praises to your name, O Lord +[685.24 --> 692.24] For you daily bear my burdens +[692.24 --> 700.24] Your great faithfulness is my reward +[700.24 --> 705.24] And it makes me want to sing +[705.24 --> 712.24] Blessed be the name of the Lord +[712.24 --> 719.24] Blessed be the name of the Lord +[719.24 --> 724.24] I will bless your holy name +[724.24 --> 729.24] For all my days +[729.24 --> 734.24] Blessed be the name of the Lord +[734.24 --> 741.24] Blessed be the name of the Lord +[741.24 --> 751.24] Blessed be the name of the Lord +[751.24 --> 755.24] Blessed be the name of the Lord +[755.24 --> 756.24] Blessed be the name of the Lord +[756.24 --> 758.24] I will bless your holy name +[758.24 --> 762.24] For all my days +[762.24 --> 764.24] Blessed be the name of the Lord +[764.24 --> 794.00] Lord, thank you for your gift of life and being a God of love. +[794.68 --> 800.84] We have been made in your image, and your word reminds us to love each other as you have loved us. +[801.56 --> 806.78] But as we think over this past week, we know we have failed to follow that command. +[807.94 --> 815.10] Forgive us, Lord, when instead of loving people, we choose to love only those who are like us and are easy to love. +[816.28 --> 820.88] Forgive us when we turn away from people who look different or think differently. +[820.88 --> 824.86] We know that we cannot love others on our own. +[826.06 --> 831.42] You tell us that love lays down its life for others, and you show us that on the cross. +[831.78 --> 833.80] But we are weak and selfish. +[834.86 --> 839.82] We cannot even lay down our own preferences and rights for others, let alone our lives. +[840.60 --> 841.50] Teach us, Lord. +[841.50 --> 849.46] Fill us with your love and compassion for all people, so we have eyes to see those around us in need of love. +[850.22 --> 852.78] Give us hands and feet willing to reach out. +[853.66 --> 857.60] Stir us to invite others to use their gifts for your glory. +[858.16 --> 861.34] As you have loved us, help us to love others. +[861.34 --> 863.28] In your name we pray. +[863.96 --> 864.30] Amen. +[864.30 --> 864.48] Amen. +[891.34 --> 895.58] Change my heart, O God. +[895.58 --> 900.90] May it ever choose. +[903.36 --> 907.72] Change my heart, O God. +[910.12 --> 913.16] May I be like you. +[915.66 --> 919.78] Change my heart, O God. +[919.78 --> 949.76] Make it ever true. +[949.76 --> 979.74] Change my heart, O God. +[979.74 --> 981.74] May I be like you. +[981.74 --> 986.74] May I be like you. +[986.74 --> 993.86] Please stand with us as we read the words of assurance. +[993.86 --> 999.94] From Isaiah chapter 55, verses 6 and 7. +[999.94 --> 1000.10] +[1029.94 --> 1059.92] Thank you. +[1059.94 --> 1072.86] My Jesus, I love thee, I know thou art mine. +[1072.86 --> 1085.14] For thee all the qualities of sin I resign. +[1085.14 --> 1098.38] My gracious redeemer, my Savior, our God. +[1098.86 --> 1110.14] If ever I love thee, my Jesus is now. +[1110.14 --> 1126.32] I know thee because thou hast first ever been. +[1126.32 --> 1138.32] Then purchase and pardon on Calvary's tree. +[1138.32 --> 1151.74] I love thee, O every black gold on thy crown. +[1151.74 --> 1163.74] Here ever I love thee, my Jesus is now. +[1163.74 --> 1173.54] I love thee in life. +[1173.54 --> 1179.98] I will love thee in death. +[1179.98 --> 1192.98] And praise thee as long as thou mendest me breath. +[1192.98 --> 1206.52] And say when the death do, I scold on my brow. +[1206.52 --> 1218.52] If ever I love thee, my Jesus is now. +[1218.52 --> 1220.96] I love thee, my little boy. +[1220.96 --> 1229.32] And lamentest me lie. +[1229.32 --> 1231.64] Am I on he? +[1231.64 --> 1243.64] I'll never adore Him in heaven so proud. +[1243.64 --> 1256.64] I'll sing with the victory crown of thy crown. +[1256.64 --> 1269.64] Wherever I love thee, my Jesus is now. +[1269.64 --> 1282.64] Wherever I love thee, my Jesus is now. +[1286.64 --> 1292.64] I'll never adore Him in heaven. +[1292.64 --> 1296.64] I'll never adore Him in heaven. +[1296.64 --> 1301.64] I'll never adore Him in heaven. +[1301.64 --> 1305.64] Amen. +[1305.64 --> 1335.64] +[1335.64 --> 1365.64] +[1365.64 --> 1395.64] +[1395.64 --> 1425.64] +[1425.64 --> 1455.64] +[1455.64 --> 1457.64] Amen. +[1457.64 --> 1459.64] Amen. +[1459.64 --> 1461.64] Amen. +[1461.64 --> 1491.64] +[1491.64 --> 1493.64] Amen. +[1493.64 --> 1495.64] Amen. +[1495.64 --> 1497.64] Amen. +[1497.64 --> 1499.64] Amen. +[1499.64 --> 1501.64] Amen. +[1501.64 --> 1503.64] Amen. +[1503.64 --> 1509.64] Amen. +[1509.64 --> 1510.64] Amen. +[1510.64 --> 1512.64] Amen. +[1512.64 --> 1513.64] Amen. +[1513.64 --> 1528.64] Will thou be born, the King of kings, O God, forever we will sing. +[1528.64 --> 1542.64] Behold the Lamb, the story of redemption, waiting on His hands. +[1542.64 --> 1551.64] Jesus, you will report, the glory is yours. +[1551.64 --> 1561.64] Behold the Lamb, the story of redemption, waiting on His hands. +[1561.64 --> 1570.64] Jesus, you will reign forevermore, the victory is yours. +[1570.64 --> 1579.64] We sing your praise, endless hallelujah to your holy name. +[1579.64 --> 1587.64] Jesus, you will reign forevermore, the victory is yours. +[1587.64 --> 1593.64] You reign forevermore, the victory is yours. +[1593.64 --> 1601.64] Jesus, reign forevermore, the victory is yours. +[1601.64 --> 1603.64] Amen. +[1603.64 --> 1605.64] Amen. +[1605.64 --> 1607.64] Amen. +[1607.64 --> 1609.64] Amen. +[1609.64 --> 1611.64] Amen. +[1611.64 --> 1613.64] Amen. +[1613.64 --> 1615.64] Amen. +[1615.64 --> 1617.64] Amen. +[1617.64 --> 1619.64] Amen. +[1619.64 --> 1621.64] Amen. +[1621.64 --> 1623.64] Amen. +[1623.64 --> 1625.64] Amen. +[1625.64 --> 1626.64] Amen. +[1626.64 --> 1627.64] Amen. +[1627.64 --> 1629.64] Amen. +[1629.64 --> 1634.64] Amen. +[1634.64 --> 1635.64] Amen. +[1635.64 --> 1637.64] Yes alright. +[1637.64 --> 1638.64] Amen. +[1638.64 --> 1639.64] Amen. +[1639.64 --> 1640.64] Hello belongs! +[1640.64 --> 1650.64] Yes... +[1650.64 --> 1652.64] that I came in the morning there at 7 the morning there... +[1652.64 --> 1656.06] member or whatever it is. She's got lots of little sort of tips and things to think about. So +[1656.06 --> 1659.56] hopefully we'll see a bunch of us here tomorrow night. And we've invited a bunch of our sister +[1659.56 --> 1663.68] churches and even some of the neighboring churches so we can hopefully facilitate kind of +[1663.68 --> 1669.48] probably a common problem or thing that a lot of us face at different times in life. So anyway, +[1669.70 --> 1675.04] we are also going to take some time in the service now to give of the gifts God has given us +[1675.04 --> 1681.28] financially. And today's offering is for Open Doors Ministry. It's an organization that has 70 years +[1681.28 --> 1687.76] of working all over the world helping persecuted or discriminated against Christians, whether that's +[1687.76 --> 1692.96] getting Bibles through borders or facilitating prayer ministries or small group ministries. +[1693.52 --> 1698.36] It's a powerful organization. So thank you for giving of your gifts this morning. +[1711.28 --> 1731.62] We are one in the Spirit. We are one in the Lord. We are one in the Spirit. We are one in the Lord. +[1731.62 --> 1738.06] And we pray that all unity may one day be restored. +[1738.06 --> 1747.60] We are one in the Lord. We are one in the Lord. And they'll know we are Christians by our love. By our love. +[1747.60 --> 1753.48] Yes, they'll know we are Christians by our love. +[1756.48 --> 1766.56] We will walk with each other. We will walk hand in hand. We will walk with each other. +[1766.56 --> 1777.36] We will walk hand in hand and together we'll spread the news that God is in our land. +[1778.50 --> 1784.96] And they'll know we are Christians by our love, by our love. +[1785.20 --> 1790.18] Yes, they'll know we are Christians by our love. +[1790.18 --> 1800.32] We will work with each other, we will work side by side. +[1800.32 --> 1806.36] We will work with each other, we will work side by side. +[1806.54 --> 1812.90] And we'll mourn each man's dignity and sing each man's pride. +[1812.90 --> 1821.58] And they'll know we are Christians by our love, by our love. +[1821.70 --> 1826.88] Yes, they'll know we are Christians by our love. +[1830.60 --> 1836.26] A praise to the Father from whom all things come. +[1836.26 --> 1842.30] And a praise to Christ Jesus, His only Son. +[1842.68 --> 1848.68] And a praise to the Spirit who makes us one. +[1851.32 --> 1857.62] And they'll know we are Christians by our love, by our love. +[1857.62 --> 1863.62] Yes, they'll know we are Christians by our love. +[1866.26 --> 1877.20] Good morning. +[1877.30 --> 1881.34] I'd like to call the kids up front here, age 3 to grade 4. +[1881.44 --> 1882.22] Please come on up. +[1882.22 --> 1900.04] I'm going to say good morning and then you're going to say good morning back real loud, right? +[1900.64 --> 1901.50] Good morning. +[1901.78 --> 1902.94] Good morning. +[1904.54 --> 1905.22] Nice work. +[1905.22 --> 1905.78] Nice work. +[1906.16 --> 1908.74] Hey, I got a question for you. +[1908.74 --> 1912.50] Does anybody know of anything that's really, really sticky? +[1913.96 --> 1914.46] Yes. +[1915.46 --> 1916.80] Spider webs are sticky. +[1917.18 --> 1917.38] Yeah. +[1918.82 --> 1919.50] What's that? +[1920.32 --> 1921.68] Some slime. +[1922.60 --> 1923.10] How about you? +[1924.22 --> 1925.12] Sticky hands. +[1925.22 --> 1926.76] I saw some of those on the internet. +[1926.94 --> 1928.72] I was thinking of those when we were kids too. +[1928.98 --> 1929.36] Yes. +[1930.26 --> 1930.82] Jelly. +[1930.82 --> 1933.72] Sticky tack. +[1934.18 --> 1939.34] Has anybody here, maybe more of the girls, have you ever gotten any gum stuck in your hair? +[1940.14 --> 1941.56] How hard is that to get out? +[1942.58 --> 1943.30] Really hard. +[1943.40 --> 1946.60] How about gum stuck on the bottom of your shoe? +[1947.30 --> 1948.06] Ever had that? +[1948.40 --> 1950.12] And you're carrying it around with you everywhere? +[1950.80 --> 1953.36] You walk in the house with it and mom's like, I don't think so. +[1953.60 --> 1954.26] You're out of here. +[1954.26 --> 1959.18] Well, we're talking today a little bit about God's love, how sticky it is. +[1959.90 --> 1962.78] How you can't get away from it because he loves you so much. +[1963.78 --> 1967.18] Has anybody had a chance to look at this artwork on the wall behind us? +[1968.10 --> 1969.06] Isn't that pretty cool? +[1970.52 --> 1972.36] Mrs. DeVries put that up for us. +[1972.40 --> 1973.14] It's pretty awesome. +[1973.30 --> 1973.76] What do you think? +[1973.82 --> 1976.12] Anybody got any ideas what that's about up front there? +[1976.38 --> 1977.20] Anybody got an idea? +[1978.30 --> 1978.74] Yeah? +[1981.40 --> 1982.72] Fish sticking together. +[1982.84 --> 1983.34] That's good. +[1983.34 --> 1985.64] That's like Christians all sticking together. +[1985.74 --> 1986.18] That's good. +[1986.26 --> 1986.44] Yeah. +[1987.24 --> 1987.90] Do you know? +[1989.88 --> 1991.64] What do you, do you got an idea what that's about? +[1994.74 --> 1996.22] A whole school of fish. +[1997.10 --> 2003.40] This picture up, this artwork up front here is about God, Jesus died on the cross, and +[2003.40 --> 2007.88] this is us after Jesus died on the cross as Christians, and we're all stuck together by +[2007.88 --> 2012.44] God's love, and we can go out into the world knowing that God loves us so much. +[2012.44 --> 2014.48] So I got a question for you. +[2014.54 --> 2016.14] I got a thing for you guys. +[2016.24 --> 2018.70] I got a whole bunch of sticky candy in the back. +[2019.46 --> 2023.32] If one of you guys after church, if any of you can come after church and come to me and +[2023.32 --> 2027.26] tell me how many fish are on this wall after church, I'll give you a candy. +[2028.22 --> 2028.44] Okay? +[2028.90 --> 2032.32] Do you think we should offer that to the adults too, or should they be paying attention to +[2032.32 --> 2033.44] Pastor Chris this morning? +[2033.44 --> 2034.86] All right. +[2035.54 --> 2036.58] Can you guys stand up? +[2036.60 --> 2037.42] We're going to do the blessing. +[2042.30 --> 2042.66] Ready? +[2042.66 --> 2045.60] Lord, be with you. +[2045.92 --> 2047.50] And also with you. +[2047.50 --> 2048.44] Amen. +[2065.04 --> 2068.72] Nothing like a little bribery to get obedience from children, right? +[2068.72 --> 2068.80] Amen. +[2071.76 --> 2079.84] It's my privilege this morning to lead in prayer, and that's because the elder who is scheduled +[2079.84 --> 2085.48] to pray is at home unwell, and so we will add him to our prayer list this morning. +[2086.30 --> 2094.66] Before we pray, I wanted to maybe situate us in a prayerful context and read to you from +[2094.66 --> 2100.22] Psalm 84, verse 8, which says, Hear my prayer, Lord God Almighty. +[2100.78 --> 2103.50] Listen to me, God of Jacob. +[2104.50 --> 2113.00] And then in James, we read that the prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. +[2114.26 --> 2121.04] And as Christians, we believe that the Lord Jesus has made us each righteous because he's +[2121.04 --> 2122.66] granted us his righteousness. +[2122.66 --> 2128.20] And so our prayers are powerful and effective, not because I've been ordained by the church, +[2128.30 --> 2133.26] not because I'm holier than any of y'all out there, but because we have been clothed +[2133.26 --> 2134.86] with Christ Jesus. +[2135.88 --> 2140.88] And so together we pray powerful and effective prayers. +[2140.88 --> 2149.24] And so as we come in our prayer together, I want us to come both with the attitude that +[2149.24 --> 2156.32] cries out in prayer, but also the confidence that the Lord hears our prayer and he acts in +[2156.32 --> 2160.12] the world according to his grace by our prayers. +[2161.08 --> 2165.74] Before we pray together, just one announcement. +[2165.74 --> 2169.16] This is a sad one that has come to us this morning. +[2169.62 --> 2175.02] In the past while, we have been praying on and off again for Amy Cron, who had been dealing +[2175.02 --> 2175.98] with lung cancer. +[2177.88 --> 2183.10] Up until almost two weeks ago, she seemed to be doing well and then took a very serious and +[2183.10 --> 2183.78] quick turn. +[2183.78 --> 2191.08] And for the last couple of days had been in intense pain and was in a drug-induced coma +[2191.08 --> 2192.42] as a result of that. +[2192.62 --> 2196.52] Well, on Friday evening, she passed away as a result of that. +[2196.60 --> 2202.78] And so we're going to pray for the Cron family, for the kids and for the extended family and +[2202.78 --> 2208.70] for the communities of people that have surrounded Amy in this time, that remember her and mourn for +[2208.70 --> 2209.30] her loss. +[2209.50 --> 2215.96] And so as we come in our prayers, and as I mentioned that, you are aware of why we're +[2215.96 --> 2216.40] praying that. +[2216.96 --> 2223.20] Additionally, this past week, we had the opportunity, a small group of us, to gather on Wednesday +[2223.20 --> 2225.52] night in a prayer service together. +[2227.06 --> 2233.54] And so some of the things that I mention, either explicitly or generally, will be shaped +[2233.54 --> 2235.62] by that time that we spent together. +[2235.62 --> 2243.68] As we prayed for an hour and 15 minutes or so together, and as other people were leading +[2243.68 --> 2250.62] us in those prayers, each time someone prayed for a thing or a person by name, the Lord laid +[2250.62 --> 2256.82] on my heart, you know, three or four or five other people who are in that same situation, +[2257.32 --> 2258.82] who are walking through that same thing. +[2259.44 --> 2264.38] And so there's just a lot of stuff, right, that we can bring to God in prayer together. +[2264.38 --> 2269.56] And so with all of that on our hearts and in our minds, I invite you to join me in our +[2269.56 --> 2270.46] church family prayer. +[2270.62 --> 2271.06] Let's pray. +[2278.80 --> 2282.88] Hear our prayer, O Lord God. +[2284.66 --> 2289.22] Hear our prayer, God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. +[2289.22 --> 2296.24] Hear our prayer, God of Samuel, David, and Solomon. +[2299.24 --> 2305.36] Hear our prayer, God of Isaiah, Amos, and Micah. +[2306.98 --> 2313.24] Hear our prayer, God of Peter, Paul, and Mary. +[2313.24 --> 2322.34] Hear our prayer, O God, that we might come into your presence by these words, that you +[2322.34 --> 2328.62] might draw us to yourself, that you might in the power of your spirit be transforming us +[2328.62 --> 2337.02] into the image of your Son and our Savior, Jesus Christ, so that these words may be powerful +[2337.02 --> 2343.98] and effective, so that this moment might be a means by which you act in the world. +[2346.76 --> 2353.06] Because, Holy Father, as we look out at the world, we see a world in need. +[2353.06 --> 2361.94] We see nations and communities at war against each other, and so we ask, Lord God, bring +[2361.94 --> 2362.82] peace. +[2362.82 --> 2371.48] We pray, Lord God, for tensions in the Middle East, rising in Iran and Syria and Israel. +[2372.00 --> 2378.76] We pray, Lord God, for these communities that are affected by war, by the decisions of their +[2378.76 --> 2384.90] leaders, by the work of terrorists, and by the responses of nations and armies. +[2385.18 --> 2388.34] And we pray, Lord God, protect the vulnerable. +[2388.34 --> 2395.88] We pray, Lord God, safeguard the children. +[2399.22 --> 2406.80] And we pray, Lord God, convict those who make decisions not to act out of pride or out of +[2406.80 --> 2411.64] fear, but to act humbly and to pursue peace. +[2411.64 --> 2422.84] God, we pray for all involved in these decision processes, not only in places of conflict, but +[2422.84 --> 2431.94] in the countries that bolster or challenge those conflicts, asking as well that you would bring +[2431.94 --> 2433.04] peace. +[2433.04 --> 2445.36] So, Lord God, we join our hearts with Christians around the world, asking that you would protect +[2445.36 --> 2454.84] those most in need, and that you would save those who cry out for your provision. +[2454.84 --> 2465.56] Holy God, as we look around the world and see needs for your action, we look also in our +[2465.56 --> 2469.86] own life and in our own community, and we know that we need you. +[2471.32 --> 2479.16] This morning, we pray for the Kron family, who is simultaneously in this place of mourning, +[2479.16 --> 2486.54] mourning the loss of a wife and of a mother and of a friend, and also thankful that her suffering +[2486.54 --> 2487.10] has ended. +[2489.62 --> 2497.58] And in this strange oscillation of thankfulness and tearfulness, Lord God, we pray that they +[2497.58 --> 2500.94] would experience your presence and your peace. +[2500.94 --> 2510.30] For all those, Lord God, who are dealing with health concerns, who are crying out for healing, +[2510.50 --> 2512.26] we pray for your hand upon them. +[2513.72 --> 2519.24] And whether that healing comes through the ordinary means of medicine or through the miraculous +[2519.24 --> 2526.28] means of moving by your Holy Spirit, we know that all of them are, in fact, brought about +[2526.28 --> 2528.46] by your providential hand. +[2528.46 --> 2539.80] And so we pray that we would rest in the assurance that you are with us and that you are able to +[2539.80 --> 2541.02] bring healing. +[2543.14 --> 2551.10] And so, God, for those who are crying out for wholeness, we ask for your presence. +[2551.76 --> 2558.44] For those who are crying out for restoration, we ask, Lord God, that you would grant us, +[2558.46 --> 2559.70] what they are in need of. +[2564.48 --> 2570.12] And Lord God, for those in those places, for those journeying through health concerns or +[2570.12 --> 2576.76] through dark nights of the soul, for those who are crying out in the agony of mental illness, +[2576.76 --> 2585.64] we pray, Lord God, we pray that if we cannot see you, if we do not see you, that we would see your church. +[2587.58 --> 2594.44] That our brothers and sisters here would surround us and that in their surrounding us, we might know your nearness. +[2594.44 --> 2606.64] We pray, holy God, for those who are in ongoing health treatments and concerns. +[2607.80 --> 2610.64] Restore them and give them peace. +[2610.64 --> 2611.88] We pray for those who are in need of care. +[2611.88 --> 2612.38] We pray for those who are in need of care. +[2612.38 --> 2616.00] We pray for the families who carry the burdens of extra responsibilities +[2616.00 --> 2620.04] and for the children who wonder, will mom ever be well again? +[2622.66 --> 2627.78] We pray, Lord God, that you would move in power. +[2627.78 --> 2638.10] Holy God, we pray as well for the relationships in our midst, the relationships that we are celebrating, +[2638.32 --> 2645.34] be them anniversaries or birthdays, trusting, Lord God, that your hand of goodness is upon them +[2645.34 --> 2649.58] and we thank you for the testimonies of faithfulness to each other. +[2649.58 --> 2658.92] And we pray for those relationships that are strained, that are failing, that have gone past the point of failing and are now broken. +[2659.18 --> 2665.16] We pray, Lord God, for the people involved who have walked away from loved ones. +[2667.04 --> 2677.36] We pray for soft hearts, for gentle words, and for humility to one another. +[2679.58 --> 2687.00] God, we pray that in all of these things, your grace and mercy might abound. +[2688.56 --> 2693.88] That in all of these things, we might lean heavily on your provision and your word. +[2697.02 --> 2703.86] Holy Father, we pray for the process of finding new elders and deacons in this church. +[2704.54 --> 2708.42] We thank you for those who have allowed their name to stand +[2708.42 --> 2713.88] and for the process that is now in place to move forward in that. +[2714.70 --> 2720.06] We pray, Lord God, that you would continue by your spirit to lead and guide us. +[2720.54 --> 2722.94] We thank you for the ways that we have seen that leading +[2722.94 --> 2729.32] and have followed your guidance in these past days and years and decades. +[2729.32 --> 2734.56] And we trust going forward that we would follow after you in the same. +[2737.04 --> 2739.74] Lastly, Lord God, now as we turn to your word, +[2739.90 --> 2745.70] we pray that you would open the eyes of our heart to hear your voice, Lord Jesus. +[2745.70 --> 2752.90] And we pray that you would take these words and plant them deep in our hearts +[2752.90 --> 2759.40] that they might grow and produce a fruit of faithfulness 30, 60, and 100 fold +[2759.40 --> 2761.90] in us and from us today. +[2763.02 --> 2766.20] We pray this, Lord, in your most holy name. +[2767.10 --> 2767.46] Amen. +[2767.46 --> 2767.56] Amen. +[2767.56 --> 2767.60] Amen. +[2767.60 --> 2767.62] Amen. +[2767.62 --> 2767.64] Amen. +[2767.64 --> 2767.66] Amen. +[2775.70 --> 2775.90] Amen. +[2775.90 --> 2776.22] Amen. +[2776.22 --> 2776.50] Amen. +[2788.14 --> 2788.20] Amen. +[2788.20 --> 2798.86] We're going to jump into the book of Romans again, continuing in the book in chapter 14. +[2798.86 --> 2807.74] I'm going to start by reading together from verse 1 through 12 of chapter 14. +[2809.14 --> 2814.52] And this will then ground and direct our discussion for the rest of our time. +[2816.64 --> 2818.92] Hear these words from God. +[2820.54 --> 2827.66] Accept the one whose faith is weak without quarreling over disputable matters. +[2828.86 --> 2836.34] One person's faith allows them to eat anything, but another whose faith is weak eats only vegetables. +[2837.78 --> 2842.86] The one who eats everything must not treat with contempt the one who does not, +[2843.12 --> 2849.72] and the one who does not eat everything must not judge the one who does, for God has accepted them. +[2850.98 --> 2854.14] Who are you to judge someone else's servant? +[2854.14 --> 2862.74] To their own master, servants stand or fall, and they will stand, for the Lord is able to make them stand. +[2862.74 --> 2867.12] One person considers one day more sacred than another. +[2867.52 --> 2869.42] Another considers every day alike. +[2869.84 --> 2873.36] Each of them should be fully convinced in their own minds. +[2874.36 --> 2877.84] Whoever regards one day as special does so to the Lord, +[2878.16 --> 2882.36] and whoever eats meat does so to the Lord, for they give thanks to God. +[2882.66 --> 2886.70] And whoever abstains does so to the Lord and give thanks to God. +[2886.70 --> 2892.38] For none of us lives for ourselves alone, and none of us dies for ourselves alone. +[2892.92 --> 2896.80] If we live, we live for the Lord, and if we die, we die for the Lord. +[2897.24 --> 2901.04] So whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord. +[2902.04 --> 2906.48] For this very reason, Christ died and returned to life, +[2906.62 --> 2911.52] so that he might be the Lord of both the dead and the living. +[2911.52 --> 2917.60] You then, why do you judge your brother or sister, or why do you treat them with contempt? +[2917.90 --> 2920.60] For we all stand before God's judgment seat. +[2920.92 --> 2921.80] As it is written, +[2922.38 --> 2924.52] As surely as I live, says the Lord, +[2924.86 --> 2927.06] every knee will bow before me, +[2927.40 --> 2929.64] every tongue will acknowledge God. +[2930.32 --> 2935.94] So then, each of us will give an account of ourselves to God. +[2936.50 --> 2937.84] This is the word of the Lord. +[2937.84 --> 2937.90] Amen. +[2941.52 --> 2946.40] When I was in seminary, +[2947.40 --> 2952.92] one of the ways that I would sort of supplement our income, +[2953.14 --> 2960.32] providing a little bit of disposable income for Rachel and I to go out on dates or have fun together, +[2960.74 --> 2964.30] would be to preach in different communities and different places. +[2964.30 --> 2968.14] Now, the seminary I went to is in Grand Rapids, Michigan, +[2968.66 --> 2975.48] which is a pretty major urban center in the Midwest, although not a metropolis. +[2977.22 --> 2983.24] But it is one of those places in the Midwest that is immediately surrounded by what you would consider to be +[2983.24 --> 2987.26] stereotypical Midwestern kind of living and culture. +[2987.26 --> 2992.22] So you've got the more urban and maybe progressive area of Grand Rapids, +[2992.28 --> 2998.26] and then the more rural and definitely conservative areas around Grand Rapids. +[2998.26 --> 3002.02] And because those churches were generally smaller, +[3002.28 --> 3005.60] they were the ones who needed pulpit supply and who needed preaching more often. +[3006.52 --> 3009.86] And so, after my first year of seminary, +[3009.96 --> 3011.90] I spent basically the next two years, +[3012.20 --> 3015.44] two or three of the four Sundays of a month, +[3015.84 --> 3017.22] driving somewhere and preaching, +[3017.68 --> 3018.56] if not in the morning, +[3018.70 --> 3021.96] then for sure at these churches in their afternoon services. +[3021.96 --> 3025.94] Now, when I would go to these churches, +[3026.22 --> 3028.12] understanding a little bit about the culture, +[3028.64 --> 3032.30] I would put on my suit and my tie, +[3033.22 --> 3036.44] and I would go and I would show up to preach. +[3036.56 --> 3037.34] And I will never forget, +[3037.46 --> 3043.04] there was one Sunday I showed up at a small little church just outside of Grand Rapids, +[3043.04 --> 3047.50] and this little old Dutch lady came up to me and said, +[3047.50 --> 3052.32] oh, it is so good to see the domine wearing a suit. +[3053.74 --> 3054.88] If you are unaware, +[3055.22 --> 3059.88] domine is the word for minister in Dutch culture, +[3059.88 --> 3061.92] and it's kind of become a bit of a meme. +[3064.74 --> 3065.64] And then she said, +[3066.06 --> 3070.92] so many of you seminary kids come wearing just casual clothes. +[3071.96 --> 3073.68] Now, if she could only see me now. +[3073.68 --> 3078.80] Point is, +[3078.94 --> 3080.34] it mattered for her +[3080.34 --> 3082.56] what the pastor wore. +[3083.36 --> 3086.58] Now, I know that I'm standing on the line for some of you +[3086.58 --> 3088.42] that it matters for you as well +[3088.42 --> 3091.18] what the pastor wears or what you wear to church, +[3091.24 --> 3092.62] and we'll come back to that. +[3093.46 --> 3094.32] But for her, +[3094.72 --> 3095.90] it was a point. +[3096.70 --> 3098.48] And to the point where +[3098.48 --> 3100.68] she required it of the people +[3100.68 --> 3102.78] in front of her in order for her to hear +[3102.78 --> 3104.80] the word of God from that person. +[3106.32 --> 3107.66] Now, I understood that. +[3108.00 --> 3109.52] I also realized, +[3109.66 --> 3110.88] looking back on that moment, +[3111.00 --> 3112.54] that if she had only knew +[3112.54 --> 3114.24] that I had cobbled together this suit, +[3114.28 --> 3115.78] it was the suit I got married in. +[3115.82 --> 3118.04] It was probably a size or three too big. +[3118.60 --> 3120.02] The tie that I was wearing +[3120.02 --> 3122.70] was from the clothing shelter. +[3123.02 --> 3124.86] We were part of a food bank system, +[3125.00 --> 3127.08] and we got ties that other people had donated. +[3127.66 --> 3129.52] Someone probably died in that tie, +[3129.62 --> 3131.20] but no, it was my fancy tie. +[3131.20 --> 3133.12] There I was, doing my best. +[3136.42 --> 3138.06] Here's what happens, right? +[3139.12 --> 3141.22] Churches create cultures +[3141.22 --> 3143.30] about these kinds of things, +[3143.30 --> 3145.82] and then cultures create rules +[3145.82 --> 3148.38] to instantiate those kinds of things, +[3148.50 --> 3150.68] and then rules create boundaries +[3150.68 --> 3152.74] that define whether or not +[3152.74 --> 3154.40] you are in or out +[3154.40 --> 3156.26] or belong to who we are. +[3156.26 --> 3160.80] That's what we're talking about this morning. +[3161.96 --> 3162.86] And so, trigger warning, +[3163.56 --> 3165.72] some of you are going to be like, +[3165.78 --> 3166.86] ah, is he talking about me? +[3167.38 --> 3169.18] And others of you are going to be like, +[3169.34 --> 3170.78] oh yeah, he's talking about them. +[3171.54 --> 3172.34] And if that's you, +[3172.40 --> 3173.46] I want you to invert it. +[3173.94 --> 3175.50] Because if you think I'm talking about someone else, +[3175.56 --> 3176.56] no, I'm actually talking about you. +[3177.42 --> 3178.72] And if you think I'm talking about you, +[3178.78 --> 3180.34] I'm probably talking about someone else. +[3180.34 --> 3182.58] But you need to hear, +[3183.04 --> 3183.94] and you need to discern. +[3185.18 --> 3186.52] Here's what I hope we'll see +[3186.52 --> 3189.90] as we dig into this text for us, +[3190.04 --> 3191.36] from Romans 14. +[3192.34 --> 3194.52] That living for the Lord +[3194.52 --> 3198.38] requires us to mature in our faith, +[3198.94 --> 3201.32] and then to come alongside those +[3201.32 --> 3204.28] who are maturing where they are at, +[3204.28 --> 3208.24] so that we might grow in faith together. +[3209.84 --> 3211.10] Now, I'm very mindful +[3211.10 --> 3212.76] in the way that that sentence reads +[3212.76 --> 3215.34] that we haven't decided anything yet +[3215.34 --> 3216.80] about the kind of clothes you wear to church. +[3218.32 --> 3219.22] That's intentional. +[3220.48 --> 3221.32] Follow along. +[3224.00 --> 3227.12] So, in Romans chapter 1 through 11, +[3227.46 --> 3230.04] where we spent over a year together, +[3230.16 --> 3232.64] Paul is explaining for us +[3232.64 --> 3234.60] the majesty and the magnitude +[3234.60 --> 3236.04] of the gospel +[3236.04 --> 3238.06] that is summarized +[3238.06 --> 3239.82] and that we are justified, +[3240.20 --> 3240.96] we are received, +[3241.26 --> 3242.98] we are made right with God +[3242.98 --> 3244.06] by grace alone, +[3244.24 --> 3245.24] through faith alone, +[3245.58 --> 3246.74] in Christ alone. +[3247.80 --> 3250.00] Paul grounds our need +[3250.00 --> 3251.96] for grace and the gospel +[3251.96 --> 3252.92] in the rebellion +[3252.92 --> 3255.38] of our first parents, +[3255.52 --> 3256.24] Adam and Eve, +[3256.34 --> 3256.92] in the garden. +[3257.28 --> 3258.66] They rebelled against God, +[3258.76 --> 3259.76] and in the consequence +[3259.76 --> 3260.82] and the reality +[3260.82 --> 3261.56] that is now +[3261.56 --> 3263.32] sin in the world for us. +[3263.42 --> 3265.26] He clearly spells this out. +[3266.00 --> 3266.76] He shows us +[3266.76 --> 3268.38] how Christ is the only true +[3268.38 --> 3269.42] and better sacrifice +[3269.42 --> 3271.20] who has borne the wrath of God +[3271.20 --> 3272.04] for sin +[3272.04 --> 3273.60] and has set us free +[3273.60 --> 3275.26] from the tyranny of the devil. +[3275.40 --> 3276.08] He talks about +[3276.08 --> 3277.54] how we are loved of God +[3277.54 --> 3278.42] so much so +[3278.42 --> 3279.94] that we can call him Father, +[3280.70 --> 3280.82] right, +[3280.84 --> 3281.60] how there's nothing +[3281.60 --> 3282.84] that can separate us +[3282.84 --> 3283.96] from this love. +[3284.12 --> 3285.24] And then he spends +[3285.24 --> 3286.18] three chapters +[3286.18 --> 3287.94] narrowing that discussion +[3287.94 --> 3288.94] of God's grace +[3288.94 --> 3289.96] and God's sovereignty +[3289.96 --> 3291.34] to the people of Israel +[3291.34 --> 3293.10] and how he relates to them. +[3293.70 --> 3295.06] And then in chapter 12, +[3295.60 --> 3297.64] he starts applying +[3297.64 --> 3299.56] the truth of this gospel, +[3300.36 --> 3301.12] that we are justified +[3301.12 --> 3302.00] by grace alone, +[3302.10 --> 3302.78] through faith alone, +[3302.84 --> 3303.66] in Christ alone, +[3303.78 --> 3305.72] to the lives of those +[3305.72 --> 3307.30] who have been transformed by it. +[3308.12 --> 3309.50] And so he shifts, right? +[3309.54 --> 3309.74] He says, +[3309.82 --> 3311.58] this now is how you should live +[3311.58 --> 3312.74] in response +[3312.74 --> 3313.78] and in gratitude +[3313.78 --> 3315.42] to what God has done. +[3315.42 --> 3316.84] And so here, +[3316.98 --> 3317.60] we talked about +[3317.60 --> 3318.58] being transformed, +[3318.80 --> 3319.88] about offering ourselves +[3319.88 --> 3321.72] as living sacrifices, +[3321.72 --> 3322.96] about worshiping God +[3322.96 --> 3323.62] in the everyday +[3323.62 --> 3325.32] of our lives. +[3325.40 --> 3325.58] Here, +[3325.66 --> 3326.30] we talked about +[3326.30 --> 3327.80] loving our neighbors +[3327.80 --> 3329.00] and blessing those +[3329.00 --> 3330.22] who persecute you, +[3330.58 --> 3331.86] rejoicing with those +[3331.86 --> 3332.44] who rejoice +[3332.44 --> 3333.68] and mourning with those +[3333.68 --> 3334.34] who mourn, +[3334.56 --> 3335.84] about living in harmony +[3335.84 --> 3336.72] with everyone. +[3337.98 --> 3338.78] The application +[3338.78 --> 3340.90] of this gospel truth +[3340.90 --> 3341.78] is seen +[3341.78 --> 3343.20] in the idea +[3343.20 --> 3344.40] of God's sovereignty +[3344.40 --> 3346.22] over all that is +[3346.22 --> 3346.82] in creation, +[3346.96 --> 3347.74] but then also +[3347.74 --> 3348.90] in God placing +[3348.90 --> 3349.92] certain other +[3349.92 --> 3351.32] sovereign authorities +[3351.32 --> 3353.44] in the created order +[3353.44 --> 3354.50] that we are subject to. +[3355.42 --> 3356.02] And then, +[3356.16 --> 3357.88] part of our Christian witness, +[3358.18 --> 3358.40] right, +[3358.46 --> 3359.50] is the manner +[3359.50 --> 3360.98] by which we willingly +[3360.98 --> 3362.08] subject ourselves +[3362.08 --> 3363.52] to these authorities. +[3364.76 --> 3365.06] Paul said, +[3365.26 --> 3365.98] give to everyone +[3365.98 --> 3366.68] what you owe. +[3366.82 --> 3367.44] If taxes, +[3367.58 --> 3368.12] pay taxes. +[3368.28 --> 3368.80] If revenue, +[3368.96 --> 3369.42] then revenue. +[3369.58 --> 3370.08] If respect, +[3370.20 --> 3370.62] then respect. +[3370.80 --> 3371.26] If honor, +[3371.38 --> 3372.12] then honor. +[3372.24 --> 3372.54] And then, +[3372.54 --> 3373.82] this is what it means +[3373.82 --> 3375.68] to love our neighbor. +[3376.88 --> 3377.00] Right, +[3377.06 --> 3378.74] understanding all of this +[3378.74 --> 3379.52] makes sense +[3379.52 --> 3380.90] of the world we live in +[3380.90 --> 3381.80] and how we are +[3381.80 --> 3382.64] to live in the world. +[3383.48 --> 3384.50] We clothe ourselves +[3384.50 --> 3385.38] with Christ, +[3385.60 --> 3386.52] putting on the armor +[3386.52 --> 3387.52] of light. +[3388.16 --> 3388.72] That's what we looked +[3388.72 --> 3389.34] at last week. +[3390.26 --> 3390.94] And now, +[3391.12 --> 3392.28] in chapter 14, +[3393.24 --> 3394.04] it seems +[3394.04 --> 3394.84] that what Paul +[3394.84 --> 3395.48] is doing +[3395.48 --> 3396.62] is applying +[3396.62 --> 3398.34] this gospel truth +[3398.34 --> 3399.86] and applying +[3399.86 --> 3400.94] these general +[3400.94 --> 3401.80] applications +[3401.80 --> 3404.00] to a particular +[3404.00 --> 3404.96] situation +[3404.96 --> 3406.54] in the church +[3406.54 --> 3407.46] at Rome. +[3408.78 --> 3409.50] Right, +[3409.50 --> 3410.08] he's applying +[3410.08 --> 3411.32] these Christ-centered +[3411.32 --> 3412.44] living principles +[3412.44 --> 3415.02] to a very +[3415.02 --> 3416.34] precise +[3416.34 --> 3418.36] circumstance +[3418.36 --> 3420.02] that they're facing. +[3420.82 --> 3421.74] Because you see, +[3422.14 --> 3423.28] the church of Rome +[3423.28 --> 3424.56] is made up +[3424.56 --> 3426.02] of both +[3426.02 --> 3427.50] Jewish converts +[3427.50 --> 3429.78] to Christianity, +[3429.78 --> 3430.78] Christianity, +[3430.78 --> 3431.12] to Jesus, +[3431.12 --> 3432.44] and non-Jewish +[3432.44 --> 3433.36] or Gentile +[3433.36 --> 3434.06] converts +[3434.06 --> 3435.28] to Christianity. +[3436.36 --> 3436.68] And so, +[3436.76 --> 3437.52] part of what that +[3437.52 --> 3438.02] means +[3438.02 --> 3439.02] is you have a +[3439.02 --> 3439.60] strong, +[3439.92 --> 3440.76] committed group +[3440.76 --> 3441.46] of people +[3441.46 --> 3442.34] who have, +[3442.56 --> 3443.58] for their entire +[3443.58 --> 3444.32] history +[3444.32 --> 3445.48] of knowing +[3445.48 --> 3446.44] and believing +[3446.44 --> 3447.26] in God, +[3447.38 --> 3448.16] have also +[3448.16 --> 3448.78] understood +[3448.78 --> 3449.88] that this is +[3449.88 --> 3450.78] what that means. +[3451.46 --> 3452.36] This is how +[3452.36 --> 3453.06] that looks. +[3453.64 --> 3454.48] This is how +[3454.48 --> 3454.94] you're supposed +[3454.94 --> 3455.42] to live +[3455.42 --> 3456.34] that faith out. +[3456.34 --> 3456.62] right. +[3457.58 --> 3457.82] Right, +[3457.88 --> 3458.52] this is what +[3458.52 --> 3459.44] right obedience +[3459.44 --> 3460.20] looks like. +[3460.86 --> 3461.52] And then in the +[3461.52 --> 3462.32] same church, +[3462.34 --> 3463.02] you have a group +[3463.02 --> 3463.66] of people +[3463.66 --> 3464.38] who have come +[3464.38 --> 3464.94] to believe +[3464.94 --> 3465.56] in Jesus +[3465.56 --> 3466.46] and in the gospel +[3466.46 --> 3467.68] who don't have +[3467.68 --> 3468.40] that history, +[3468.66 --> 3469.68] who aren't shaped +[3469.68 --> 3470.90] in that same way, +[3471.06 --> 3472.02] but rather have +[3472.02 --> 3472.92] other histories +[3472.92 --> 3474.02] and other shaping +[3474.02 --> 3474.74] realities. +[3476.24 --> 3476.42] Right, +[3476.46 --> 3476.96] in essence, +[3477.08 --> 3477.98] what's going on +[3477.98 --> 3478.98] is a sort of +[3478.98 --> 3480.34] clash of cultures +[3480.34 --> 3481.62] in this new +[3481.62 --> 3482.92] cultural creation +[3482.92 --> 3483.82] that is the +[3483.82 --> 3485.00] Christian church. +[3485.00 --> 3485.06] church. +[3486.34 --> 3487.38] And for those +[3487.38 --> 3487.94] who are born +[3487.94 --> 3488.62] and raised +[3488.62 --> 3489.24] in the Jewish +[3489.24 --> 3489.84] tradition, +[3490.40 --> 3491.54] who have certain +[3491.54 --> 3492.42] rules about +[3492.42 --> 3493.08] what foods +[3493.08 --> 3493.70] you are allowed +[3493.70 --> 3494.30] to eat or +[3494.30 --> 3494.92] not allowed +[3494.92 --> 3495.38] to eat, +[3495.64 --> 3496.34] certain rules +[3496.34 --> 3497.10] around holy +[3497.10 --> 3498.22] days and festivals +[3498.22 --> 3499.04] and things like +[3499.04 --> 3499.32] that, +[3499.60 --> 3500.70] all of those +[3500.70 --> 3501.38] things have +[3501.38 --> 3502.30] shaped them +[3502.30 --> 3503.32] and are important +[3503.32 --> 3503.88] to them. +[3504.36 --> 3504.46] Right, +[3504.52 --> 3504.96] these things +[3504.96 --> 3505.52] are their +[3505.52 --> 3506.82] expressions of +[3506.82 --> 3507.26] faith. +[3508.18 --> 3508.96] But for the +[3508.96 --> 3509.60] Gentiles who +[3509.60 --> 3510.66] don't have that, +[3510.84 --> 3511.56] who don't have +[3511.56 --> 3512.18] that history, +[3512.64 --> 3513.52] and then who also +[3513.52 --> 3514.46] have no desire +[3514.46 --> 3515.30] to incorporate +[3515.30 --> 3516.04] that history +[3516.04 --> 3516.78] into their +[3516.78 --> 3517.58] expressions of +[3517.58 --> 3517.90] faith, +[3519.28 --> 3520.34] conflicts arise. +[3521.72 --> 3521.98] Right, +[3522.00 --> 3522.46] or to put it +[3522.46 --> 3523.06] in today's +[3523.06 --> 3523.56] language, +[3523.92 --> 3524.98] into the +[3524.98 --> 3525.88] lived experience +[3525.88 --> 3526.50] of these +[3526.50 --> 3527.56] polarities, +[3528.12 --> 3530.46] you have +[3530.46 --> 3531.02] disputes. +[3532.18 --> 3533.00] And Paul +[3533.00 --> 3534.12] applies for us +[3534.12 --> 3534.66] the gospel +[3534.66 --> 3535.84] truths and +[3535.84 --> 3536.68] shows us +[3536.68 --> 3537.62] what transformed +[3537.62 --> 3538.28] lives will +[3538.28 --> 3539.04] look like +[3539.04 --> 3540.30] in a church +[3540.30 --> 3541.40] like Rome. +[3542.52 --> 3542.90] Now, +[3542.96 --> 3543.16] of course, +[3543.16 --> 3543.60] in our own +[3543.60 --> 3543.98] time, +[3544.16 --> 3544.80] we have +[3544.80 --> 3545.60] our own +[3545.60 --> 3546.36] range of +[3546.36 --> 3547.12] polarities. +[3548.14 --> 3548.40] Right, +[3548.44 --> 3548.70] in the +[3548.70 --> 3549.22] contemporary +[3549.22 --> 3550.12] church, +[3550.18 --> 3550.62] we're not +[3550.62 --> 3551.22] immune to +[3551.22 --> 3551.60] this. +[3552.12 --> 3552.68] And even +[3552.68 --> 3553.40] here at +[3553.40 --> 3553.78] Langley +[3553.78 --> 3554.20] Emanuel, +[3554.20 --> 3555.00] we're really +[3555.00 --> 3555.40] good at +[3555.40 --> 3555.82] a lot, +[3555.94 --> 3556.58] we're also +[3556.58 --> 3557.08] not immune +[3557.08 --> 3557.64] to this. +[3558.78 --> 3559.18] And so we +[3559.18 --> 3559.48] can learn +[3559.48 --> 3559.80] from this +[3559.80 --> 3560.12] kind of +[3560.12 --> 3560.44] teaching. +[3562.06 --> 3562.70] I think +[3562.70 --> 3563.28] the line +[3563.28 --> 3563.74] that Paul +[3563.74 --> 3564.38] takes us +[3564.38 --> 3564.74] through +[3564.74 --> 3565.74] is actually +[3565.74 --> 3566.68] pretty linear, +[3567.18 --> 3567.64] and so we're +[3567.64 --> 3568.02] going to move +[3568.02 --> 3568.58] through that +[3568.58 --> 3569.70] in a +[3569.70 --> 3570.22] similar +[3570.22 --> 3571.18] way. +[3571.70 --> 3572.02] And so +[3572.02 --> 3573.60] if you +[3573.60 --> 3573.88] have a +[3573.88 --> 3574.14] Bible, +[3574.34 --> 3574.74] I encourage +[3574.74 --> 3575.00] you to +[3575.00 --> 3575.38] keep that +[3575.38 --> 3575.68] in front +[3575.68 --> 3575.96] of you +[3575.96 --> 3576.74] and open. +[3577.42 --> 3577.76] You can +[3577.76 --> 3578.70] trace the +[3578.70 --> 3579.10] line that +[3579.10 --> 3579.38] we go +[3579.38 --> 3579.66] through. +[3579.86 --> 3580.16] Some of +[3580.16 --> 3580.48] the things +[3580.48 --> 3581.00] will appear +[3581.00 --> 3581.42] on the +[3581.42 --> 3581.66] screen +[3581.66 --> 3582.16] behind me +[3582.16 --> 3582.52] to help +[3582.52 --> 3582.76] you in +[3582.76 --> 3583.18] doing that. +[3584.68 --> 3584.90] Paul +[3584.90 --> 3585.32] begins +[3585.32 --> 3586.52] by saying, +[3586.52 --> 3587.32] accept the +[3587.32 --> 3587.88] one whose +[3587.88 --> 3588.46] faith is +[3588.46 --> 3589.62] weak without +[3589.62 --> 3590.68] quarreling over +[3590.68 --> 3591.42] disputable +[3591.42 --> 3592.40] matters. +[3592.40 --> 3594.20] Now the +[3594.20 --> 3594.72] first thing +[3594.72 --> 3595.22] to wonder +[3595.22 --> 3596.34] is to +[3596.34 --> 3596.92] look at +[3596.92 --> 3597.44] what Paul +[3597.44 --> 3598.88] means when +[3598.88 --> 3599.28] he talks +[3599.28 --> 3599.96] about weak +[3599.96 --> 3600.66] faith. +[3601.68 --> 3602.14] Who is +[3602.14 --> 3602.52] the one +[3602.52 --> 3603.12] with weak +[3603.12 --> 3603.96] faith? +[3604.60 --> 3605.42] Because that +[3605.42 --> 3605.84] doesn't +[3605.84 --> 3606.44] necessarily +[3606.44 --> 3607.26] mean what +[3607.26 --> 3607.62] you might +[3607.62 --> 3608.02] think it +[3608.02 --> 3608.30] does. +[3609.50 --> 3610.02] So weak +[3610.02 --> 3610.76] faith in +[3610.76 --> 3611.90] chapter 14, +[3612.36 --> 3612.98] for instance, +[3613.08 --> 3613.90] is not the +[3613.90 --> 3614.66] same thing +[3614.66 --> 3615.42] as what you +[3615.42 --> 3615.82] might call +[3615.82 --> 3616.30] feeble +[3616.30 --> 3616.74] faith. +[3617.96 --> 3618.76] In chapter +[3618.76 --> 3620.10] 4, +[3620.24 --> 3621.08] verse 19, +[3621.28 --> 3621.96] Paul talks +[3621.96 --> 3622.30] about +[3622.30 --> 3623.12] Abraham, +[3623.44 --> 3623.68] and he +[3623.68 --> 3624.02] says, +[3624.14 --> 3624.66] Abraham, +[3625.04 --> 3625.92] not +[3625.92 --> 3626.80] weakening +[3626.80 --> 3627.68] his faith. +[3629.00 --> 3629.40] And the +[3629.40 --> 3629.78] point there +[3629.78 --> 3630.04] is that +[3630.04 --> 3630.36] Abraham +[3630.36 --> 3630.86] didn't +[3630.86 --> 3631.28] lose +[3631.28 --> 3631.88] trust. +[3632.28 --> 3632.50] He +[3632.50 --> 3632.82] didn't +[3632.82 --> 3633.30] lose +[3633.30 --> 3633.92] faith. +[3634.50 --> 3634.80] A +[3634.80 --> 3635.10] weak +[3635.10 --> 3635.56] faith, +[3635.60 --> 3635.90] or a +[3635.90 --> 3636.24] weakened +[3636.24 --> 3636.80] faith, +[3636.94 --> 3637.48] in chapter +[3637.48 --> 3638.02] 4, +[3638.34 --> 3639.44] is losing +[3639.44 --> 3640.00] trust. +[3640.34 --> 3640.68] But that's +[3640.68 --> 3641.18] not what +[3641.18 --> 3641.54] we're talking +[3641.54 --> 3642.04] about here. +[3642.68 --> 3643.14] That's not +[3643.14 --> 3643.48] the same +[3643.48 --> 3643.84] thing. +[3644.36 --> 3645.18] The person +[3645.18 --> 3645.56] with a +[3645.56 --> 3645.80] weak +[3645.80 --> 3646.30] faith in +[3646.30 --> 3647.18] chapter 14 +[3647.18 --> 3649.08] is something +[3649.08 --> 3649.60] else. +[3651.08 --> 3651.82] And I +[3651.82 --> 3652.46] think that +[3652.46 --> 3653.78] when Paul's +[3653.78 --> 3654.38] talking about +[3654.38 --> 3655.06] a weak +[3655.06 --> 3656.02] faith in +[3656.02 --> 3657.00] chapter 14, +[3657.20 --> 3657.70] what he +[3657.70 --> 3658.94] means is +[3658.94 --> 3659.32] that it's +[3659.32 --> 3659.86] a faith +[3659.86 --> 3660.72] that hasn't +[3660.72 --> 3661.68] worked its +[3661.68 --> 3662.48] way into +[3662.48 --> 3663.10] the corners +[3663.10 --> 3663.98] of all our +[3663.98 --> 3664.50] being and +[3664.50 --> 3665.10] understanding +[3665.10 --> 3665.44] yet. +[3666.24 --> 3666.90] This person +[3666.90 --> 3667.52] hasn't come +[3667.52 --> 3668.70] to a full +[3668.70 --> 3669.14] orbed +[3669.14 --> 3669.92] understanding +[3669.92 --> 3671.14] that since +[3671.14 --> 3671.86] justification +[3671.86 --> 3673.12] is by grace +[3673.12 --> 3673.44] alone, +[3673.52 --> 3674.02] through faith +[3674.02 --> 3674.36] alone, +[3674.42 --> 3674.92] in Christ +[3674.92 --> 3675.32] alone, +[3675.70 --> 3676.20] the use +[3676.20 --> 3676.74] of meat +[3676.74 --> 3677.60] or wine +[3677.60 --> 3678.54] or of this +[3678.54 --> 3679.00] festival +[3679.00 --> 3679.64] or that +[3679.64 --> 3680.18] festival +[3680.18 --> 3681.02] becomes +[3681.02 --> 3681.48] irrelevant. +[3683.18 --> 3683.82] Since you're +[3683.82 --> 3685.06] saved by +[3685.06 --> 3685.92] grace alone, +[3686.18 --> 3686.68] there's no +[3686.68 --> 3687.14] need to +[3687.14 --> 3687.96] feel that +[3687.96 --> 3689.52] somehow you +[3689.52 --> 3689.88] have to +[3689.88 --> 3690.70] keep God's +[3690.70 --> 3691.08] favor, +[3691.36 --> 3691.68] you have to +[3691.68 --> 3692.36] keep God's +[3692.36 --> 3693.02] salvation by +[3693.02 --> 3693.90] following these +[3693.90 --> 3694.78] rules or +[3694.78 --> 3695.54] these regulations. +[3697.98 --> 3698.20] Now, +[3698.64 --> 3700.04] before I go +[3700.04 --> 3700.40] too much +[3700.40 --> 3700.78] further, +[3702.08 --> 3702.46] and in +[3702.46 --> 3703.10] honor of +[3703.10 --> 3704.34] that little +[3704.34 --> 3704.96] old lady +[3704.96 --> 3705.84] in the +[3705.84 --> 3706.12] neighborhood +[3706.12 --> 3706.74] outside of +[3706.74 --> 3707.54] Grand Rapids, +[3707.54 --> 3708.82] it's important +[3708.82 --> 3709.38] to note +[3709.38 --> 3712.46] that these +[3712.46 --> 3713.52] kinds of +[3713.52 --> 3714.56] rules and +[3714.56 --> 3715.38] regulations +[3715.38 --> 3717.70] are held +[3717.70 --> 3718.64] by people +[3718.64 --> 3719.64] as an +[3719.64 --> 3720.28] expression +[3720.28 --> 3721.20] of their +[3721.20 --> 3722.50] faith to +[3722.50 --> 3723.90] ensure that +[3723.90 --> 3724.70] they remain +[3724.70 --> 3725.34] faithful. +[3726.78 --> 3726.86] Right? +[3726.92 --> 3727.32] And so this +[3727.32 --> 3728.10] isn't about, +[3728.20 --> 3728.70] like we said, +[3728.96 --> 3729.66] a lack of +[3729.66 --> 3730.30] trust or a +[3730.30 --> 3730.90] feeble faith. +[3730.98 --> 3731.64] They're trying +[3731.64 --> 3732.34] to be +[3732.34 --> 3733.64] obedient and +[3733.64 --> 3734.28] to ensure +[3734.28 --> 3735.40] their obedience. +[3735.72 --> 3736.90] They're raising +[3736.90 --> 3737.54] the fences +[3737.54 --> 3738.22] a little bit +[3738.22 --> 3738.78] higher, +[3739.18 --> 3739.74] they're moving +[3739.74 --> 3740.36] the boundaries +[3740.36 --> 3740.98] a little bit +[3740.98 --> 3741.52] closer, +[3741.94 --> 3743.06] further away +[3743.06 --> 3743.56] from the +[3743.56 --> 3744.12] edge of +[3744.12 --> 3744.74] what becomes +[3744.74 --> 3746.02] not permissible +[3746.02 --> 3746.56] for us, +[3746.64 --> 3747.62] in order to +[3747.62 --> 3748.22] ensure that +[3748.22 --> 3748.46] they don't +[3748.46 --> 3749.06] fall off. +[3750.06 --> 3750.28] Right? +[3750.30 --> 3750.70] In order to +[3750.70 --> 3751.08] ensure that +[3751.08 --> 3751.40] they don't +[3751.40 --> 3752.00] transgress. +[3755.20 --> 3756.10] An illustration, +[3756.24 --> 3756.86] a personal one +[3756.86 --> 3757.92] from my own +[3757.92 --> 3758.18] life. +[3758.76 --> 3759.22] Some of you +[3759.22 --> 3760.00] know my story +[3760.00 --> 3761.06] and parts of it +[3761.06 --> 3762.18] more detailed +[3762.18 --> 3762.62] than others, +[3762.74 --> 3764.02] but there was +[3764.02 --> 3764.68] a period in my +[3764.68 --> 3767.04] life where I +[3767.04 --> 3767.60] did a lot +[3767.60 --> 3768.94] of what we'll +[3768.94 --> 3770.20] call recreational +[3770.20 --> 3770.96] drug use. +[3772.14 --> 3772.82] And when the +[3772.82 --> 3773.28] Lord got a +[3773.28 --> 3773.84] hold of me +[3773.84 --> 3774.30] and started +[3774.30 --> 3775.10] changing my +[3775.10 --> 3777.66] life, I had +[3777.66 --> 3778.26] to stop +[3778.26 --> 3779.00] hanging out +[3779.00 --> 3779.46] with certain +[3779.46 --> 3779.88] people. +[3781.60 --> 3782.58] I had to +[3782.58 --> 3783.34] build big +[3783.34 --> 3785.34] fences around +[3785.34 --> 3786.62] my life in +[3786.62 --> 3787.42] order to stop +[3787.42 --> 3788.00] that kind of +[3788.00 --> 3788.62] activity from +[3788.62 --> 3789.18] happening, in +[3789.18 --> 3789.64] order to get +[3789.64 --> 3790.68] that temptation +[3790.68 --> 3791.42] away. +[3791.48 --> 3791.78] I had to +[3791.78 --> 3792.38] change my +[3792.38 --> 3793.10] friend group +[3793.10 --> 3794.28] because it +[3794.28 --> 3795.38] was too +[3795.38 --> 3796.26] easy, if I +[3796.26 --> 3796.64] was hanging +[3796.64 --> 3797.00] out with +[3797.00 --> 3797.66] them, to +[3797.66 --> 3798.08] give in. +[3799.18 --> 3799.70] And for a +[3799.70 --> 3800.18] really long +[3800.18 --> 3801.52] time, I +[3801.52 --> 3801.90] couldn't be +[3801.90 --> 3802.88] around people +[3802.88 --> 3804.72] who were, for +[3804.72 --> 3805.86] instance, smoking +[3805.86 --> 3806.82] marijuana because +[3806.82 --> 3808.42] I would smell +[3808.42 --> 3809.22] it and go, oh +[3809.22 --> 3809.68] yeah, I could +[3809.68 --> 3810.40] probably do it. +[3811.14 --> 3811.58] It would be +[3811.58 --> 3811.88] okay. +[3812.92 --> 3813.42] And so I had +[3813.42 --> 3813.98] to create these +[3813.98 --> 3814.70] fences, I had +[3814.70 --> 3815.18] to create these +[3815.18 --> 3815.52] walls. +[3815.86 --> 3816.82] In my fervor, +[3817.16 --> 3817.72] though, what +[3817.72 --> 3818.82] happened is I +[3818.82 --> 3819.76] began prescribing +[3819.76 --> 3820.76] the same approach +[3820.76 --> 3821.64] for everyone +[3821.64 --> 3822.06] else. +[3823.10 --> 3824.40] I began to +[3824.40 --> 3825.02] say things like, +[3825.10 --> 3825.66] well, nobody +[3825.66 --> 3826.28] can hang out +[3826.28 --> 3826.62] with those +[3826.62 --> 3827.26] people because +[3827.26 --> 3828.20] everybody's going +[3828.20 --> 3828.72] to fall into +[3828.72 --> 3829.24] that sin. +[3830.54 --> 3831.26] You see the +[3831.26 --> 3831.66] shift that +[3831.66 --> 3832.24] happens there? +[3833.26 --> 3833.44] Right? +[3833.60 --> 3834.22] What is good +[3834.22 --> 3834.98] for me and +[3834.98 --> 3835.86] wise for me +[3835.86 --> 3836.70] became a +[3836.70 --> 3838.08] prescription for +[3838.08 --> 3838.50] everyone. +[3839.76 --> 3840.50] And it's not +[3840.50 --> 3840.96] that I didn't +[3840.96 --> 3841.68] trust God for +[3841.68 --> 3842.36] my salvation, +[3843.08 --> 3843.30] right? +[3843.30 --> 3843.66] It's that I +[3843.66 --> 3844.46] was learning to +[3844.46 --> 3845.08] trust him for +[3845.08 --> 3845.72] my obedience. +[3847.22 --> 3847.90] And that's +[3847.90 --> 3848.54] what's going on +[3848.54 --> 3848.68] here. +[3848.74 --> 3849.38] That's why people +[3849.38 --> 3849.96] create these +[3849.96 --> 3851.08] fences and build +[3851.08 --> 3851.56] these walls. +[3851.56 --> 3852.32] And to the +[3852.32 --> 3853.24] church at Rome, +[3853.30 --> 3854.12] Paul says, +[3854.56 --> 3855.50] except the one +[3855.50 --> 3856.38] whose faith is +[3856.38 --> 3856.96] weak, that is +[3856.96 --> 3857.58] the one who is +[3857.58 --> 3859.08] learning how to +[3859.08 --> 3860.80] fully embrace +[3860.80 --> 3861.54] their justification +[3861.54 --> 3862.72] by grace alone, +[3862.98 --> 3864.40] through faith alone, +[3864.48 --> 3865.32] in Christ alone, +[3865.64 --> 3866.36] except them +[3866.36 --> 3868.16] without quarreling +[3868.16 --> 3870.06] over disputable +[3870.06 --> 3870.94] matters. +[3872.82 --> 3873.68] Now the next +[3873.68 --> 3874.64] question is sort +[3874.64 --> 3875.10] of the hinge +[3875.10 --> 3875.64] of it all. +[3875.98 --> 3876.76] Because what are +[3876.76 --> 3877.70] these disputable +[3877.70 --> 3878.02] matters? +[3878.02 --> 3880.40] What does that +[3880.40 --> 3880.64] mean? +[3881.92 --> 3882.60] Now the two +[3882.60 --> 3883.22] words that are +[3883.22 --> 3883.98] used here in +[3883.98 --> 3885.76] Greek, the first +[3885.76 --> 3886.70] one means judging +[3886.70 --> 3888.28] or discerning, and +[3888.28 --> 3889.12] the second one +[3889.12 --> 3890.70] means thoughts +[3890.70 --> 3892.58] or disputations. +[3893.54 --> 3894.28] And so, for +[3894.28 --> 3895.12] instance, if you +[3895.12 --> 3896.08] read a different +[3896.08 --> 3897.00] translation than +[3897.00 --> 3897.52] the one we've +[3897.52 --> 3898.10] read here, which +[3898.10 --> 3899.58] is the NIV, if +[3899.58 --> 3900.16] you read the +[3900.16 --> 3901.06] ESV, the +[3901.06 --> 3901.78] English Standard +[3901.78 --> 3902.48] Version, it +[3902.48 --> 3903.22] might say, do +[3903.22 --> 3904.30] not quarrel over +[3904.30 --> 3905.00] opinions. +[3905.00 --> 3906.92] Or the New +[3906.92 --> 3907.80] Living Translation +[3907.80 --> 3908.50] says, do not +[3908.50 --> 3909.34] argue with them +[3909.34 --> 3910.12] about what they +[3910.12 --> 3910.90] think is right +[3910.90 --> 3911.26] or wrong. +[3912.12 --> 3912.88] If you like +[3912.88 --> 3913.96] older translations, +[3914.94 --> 3915.96] the King James +[3915.96 --> 3917.52] Version says, do +[3917.52 --> 3918.80] not quarrel over +[3918.80 --> 3919.42] doubtful +[3919.42 --> 3920.48] disputations. +[3922.04 --> 3922.80] Now to sum it +[3922.80 --> 3924.14] up, I think +[3924.14 --> 3926.28] Paul's point is +[3926.28 --> 3927.78] to encourage us +[3927.78 --> 3928.92] to not waste +[3928.92 --> 3931.02] time arguing +[3931.02 --> 3932.08] over things +[3932.08 --> 3933.86] about which there +[3933.86 --> 3935.48] can be reasonable +[3935.48 --> 3936.48] differences of +[3936.48 --> 3936.86] opinion. +[3937.84 --> 3938.66] Now I'm beginning +[3938.66 --> 3939.40] to expand that +[3939.40 --> 3940.50] definition for us, +[3941.78 --> 3943.40] but I also think +[3943.40 --> 3944.40] that as you read +[3944.40 --> 3945.16] the rest of the +[3945.16 --> 3945.98] text, especially +[3945.98 --> 3946.70] as we get into +[3946.70 --> 3947.92] the second part +[3947.92 --> 3948.50] of the argument +[3948.50 --> 3949.10] and in chapter +[3949.10 --> 3950.58] 15, where he +[3950.58 --> 3951.86] finally uses the +[3951.86 --> 3952.94] word strong, so +[3952.94 --> 3953.82] he's contrasting +[3953.82 --> 3954.44] those who are +[3954.44 --> 3955.02] weak, who are +[3955.02 --> 3955.84] yet to understand +[3955.84 --> 3956.82] the full scope, +[3956.90 --> 3957.48] and those who +[3957.48 --> 3959.24] are strong, that +[3959.24 --> 3960.50] there is a call +[3960.50 --> 3961.58] for movement, +[3961.84 --> 3962.54] there is a call +[3962.54 --> 3964.32] for maturing in +[3964.32 --> 3965.64] faith, right? +[3965.68 --> 3966.36] And that maturing +[3966.36 --> 3967.06] comes from +[3967.06 --> 3968.26] understanding and +[3968.26 --> 3969.44] applying the scope +[3969.44 --> 3970.46] of the gospel. +[3971.28 --> 3972.56] And so the truth +[3972.56 --> 3973.70] behind and through +[3973.70 --> 3975.02] this is that the +[3975.02 --> 3976.48] so-called weaker +[3976.48 --> 3977.54] brother or sister +[3977.54 --> 3978.58] should want to +[3978.58 --> 3980.16] become the stronger +[3980.16 --> 3981.72] brother or sister +[3981.72 --> 3982.50] in the faith. +[3982.70 --> 3983.88] The problem is, +[3984.38 --> 3985.08] who's going to be +[3985.08 --> 3985.96] the first person to +[3985.96 --> 3986.68] raise their hand +[3986.68 --> 3987.30] and say, you know +[3987.30 --> 3987.92] what, in this +[3987.92 --> 3989.34] arrangement, I'm the +[3989.34 --> 3989.94] weaker one. +[3992.16 --> 3993.26] Very few of us +[3993.26 --> 3993.92] are self-aware +[3993.92 --> 3994.82] enough to realize +[3994.82 --> 3996.46] that we are the +[3996.46 --> 3997.56] weaker ones in the +[3997.56 --> 3998.40] relationships of +[3998.40 --> 3999.96] faith and maturation, +[4000.78 --> 4000.92] right? +[4000.98 --> 4002.68] Because, especially +[4002.68 --> 4003.76] because the kind +[4003.76 --> 4005.20] of weakness that +[4005.20 --> 4006.22] Paul is talking +[4006.22 --> 4008.28] about here comes +[4008.28 --> 4009.40] often with a lot +[4009.40 --> 4010.16] of fervor, +[4011.62 --> 4011.86] right? +[4012.00 --> 4013.50] Not unlike the +[4013.50 --> 4014.88] Pharisees of Jesus' +[4015.12 --> 4016.88] day, those people +[4016.88 --> 4017.94] with the sort of +[4017.94 --> 4020.40] legalistic rule-following +[4020.40 --> 4022.58] impulses have a +[4022.58 --> 4024.22] tendency in systems +[4024.22 --> 4025.24] not unlike our +[4025.24 --> 4026.78] own to emerge as +[4026.78 --> 4028.66] leaders, right? +[4028.68 --> 4029.24] Or to be able to +[4029.24 --> 4031.46] exercise influence. +[4032.80 --> 4033.88] And sometimes that's +[4033.88 --> 4035.16] because they are +[4035.16 --> 4035.62] loud. +[4036.40 --> 4037.48] Other times it's +[4037.48 --> 4038.58] because we interpret +[4038.58 --> 4040.98] their passion as a +[4040.98 --> 4041.76] commitment and a +[4041.76 --> 4042.68] pursuit of holiness +[4042.68 --> 4043.40] and we say, yeah, +[4043.44 --> 4044.10] we want to be like +[4044.10 --> 4044.40] that. +[4045.02 --> 4045.98] Because passion +[4045.98 --> 4047.66] conveys truth +[4047.66 --> 4048.60] for some of us. +[4051.06 --> 4052.26] Now, I think then +[4052.26 --> 4053.70] it's helpful +[4053.70 --> 4055.42] as we are asking +[4055.42 --> 4056.34] these questions +[4056.34 --> 4057.62] to look at the +[4057.62 --> 4058.86] kinds of things +[4058.86 --> 4060.62] that Paul identifies +[4060.62 --> 4062.00] as disputable +[4062.00 --> 4063.40] matters and then +[4063.40 --> 4064.12] to see +[4064.12 --> 4066.06] on which side +[4066.06 --> 4067.06] of these issues +[4067.06 --> 4068.22] the weak and +[4068.22 --> 4069.22] strong Christian +[4069.22 --> 4070.00] might fall +[4070.00 --> 4070.98] and then +[4070.98 --> 4072.00] we can ask, +[4072.40 --> 4072.88] where do I +[4072.88 --> 4073.36] stand? +[4074.06 --> 4074.64] Or where do we +[4074.64 --> 4074.96] stand? +[4074.96 --> 4077.96] Now, in +[4077.96 --> 4078.60] preparing for +[4078.60 --> 4080.42] this, I was +[4080.42 --> 4081.64] able to +[4081.64 --> 4082.98] identify +[4082.98 --> 4084.64] what I will +[4084.64 --> 4085.36] call six +[4085.36 --> 4086.62] clear examples. +[4087.48 --> 4088.16] There are a +[4088.16 --> 4088.84] couple other +[4088.84 --> 4089.82] examples that +[4089.82 --> 4090.36] may be less +[4090.36 --> 4092.36] clear, but +[4092.36 --> 4092.76] we're not going +[4092.76 --> 4093.70] to bother +[4093.70 --> 4094.40] ourselves with +[4094.40 --> 4095.68] those for this +[4095.68 --> 4096.08] point, although +[4096.08 --> 4096.76] I suspect we'll +[4096.76 --> 4097.30] talk about them +[4097.30 --> 4097.82] in the podcast +[4097.82 --> 4099.00] on Tuesday, and +[4099.00 --> 4099.64] so there's a +[4099.64 --> 4100.22] plug if you want +[4100.22 --> 4100.58] to see what +[4100.58 --> 4101.20] those ones are. +[4102.64 --> 4103.54] Six examples +[4103.54 --> 4104.28] of these +[4104.28 --> 4105.00] disputable +[4105.00 --> 4106.22] matters in +[4106.22 --> 4106.46] the New +[4106.46 --> 4106.82] Testament. +[4107.36 --> 4108.16] Three are +[4108.16 --> 4108.70] from our +[4108.70 --> 4109.58] text, and +[4109.58 --> 4109.98] three are +[4109.98 --> 4110.38] from other +[4110.38 --> 4110.80] texts. +[4111.56 --> 4112.08] The first +[4112.08 --> 4112.88] one is +[4112.88 --> 4113.38] verse 2, +[4113.90 --> 4114.08] right? +[4114.52 --> 4115.54] One person's +[4115.54 --> 4116.40] faith allows +[4116.40 --> 4117.00] them to eat +[4117.00 --> 4118.32] anything, but +[4118.32 --> 4119.10] another, whose +[4119.10 --> 4119.78] faith is weak, +[4120.20 --> 4120.78] eats only +[4120.78 --> 4121.32] vegetables. +[4123.04 --> 4123.66] And so here +[4123.66 --> 4124.58] you can see +[4124.58 --> 4125.20] that there's a +[4125.20 --> 4126.44] connection back +[4126.44 --> 4127.34] to the Jewish +[4127.34 --> 4128.58] dietary laws +[4128.58 --> 4129.96] and restrictions +[4129.96 --> 4131.26] which forbade +[4131.26 --> 4132.06] the eating of +[4132.06 --> 4132.74] certain kinds +[4132.74 --> 4133.32] of foods. +[4134.34 --> 4135.36] Now this is a +[4135.36 --> 4136.56] disputable matter +[4136.56 --> 4138.08] because in +[4138.08 --> 4140.00] Mark 7, Jesus +[4140.00 --> 4142.00] says, don't +[4142.00 --> 4142.72] you see that +[4142.72 --> 4143.26] nothing that +[4143.26 --> 4144.08] enters a person +[4144.08 --> 4144.90] from outside +[4144.90 --> 4145.72] can defile +[4145.72 --> 4146.00] them? +[4146.48 --> 4147.06] For it doesn't +[4147.06 --> 4147.66] go into their +[4147.66 --> 4148.68] heart, but into +[4148.68 --> 4149.82] their stomach, and +[4149.82 --> 4150.30] then out of the +[4150.30 --> 4150.58] body. +[4150.66 --> 4151.16] And then Mark +[4151.16 --> 4151.80] adds this +[4151.80 --> 4152.46] comment, which +[4152.46 --> 4153.18] is why it's in +[4153.18 --> 4154.58] parentheses there. +[4154.66 --> 4155.14] He says, in +[4155.14 --> 4156.52] saying this, Jesus +[4156.52 --> 4158.22] declared all foods +[4158.22 --> 4158.88] clean. +[4158.88 --> 4161.40] And then again, +[4161.52 --> 4163.04] in Acts 10, verse +[4163.04 --> 4164.04] 9 and following, +[4164.56 --> 4165.46] you read the +[4165.46 --> 4166.26] story of Peter +[4166.26 --> 4167.00] who has a +[4167.00 --> 4168.06] vision, and in +[4168.06 --> 4169.46] his vision, a +[4169.46 --> 4170.58] blanket descends +[4170.58 --> 4171.64] from heaven, and +[4171.64 --> 4172.42] on it are all +[4172.42 --> 4173.42] kinds of animals, +[4173.64 --> 4174.24] four-hooved +[4174.24 --> 4175.70] animals, split-hooved +[4175.70 --> 4177.50] animals, reptiles +[4177.50 --> 4178.96] and birds, and +[4178.96 --> 4180.12] God tells Peter, the +[4180.12 --> 4180.72] voice from heaven +[4180.72 --> 4181.84] tells Peter, eat. +[4182.46 --> 4183.54] And Peter says, +[4183.96 --> 4184.52] remembering his +[4184.52 --> 4185.30] upbringing as a +[4185.30 --> 4186.32] good Jew, I've +[4186.32 --> 4187.58] never eaten unclean +[4187.58 --> 4188.06] foods. +[4188.88 --> 4189.66] I've never had +[4189.66 --> 4190.78] anything impure. +[4191.50 --> 4192.06] And then the +[4192.06 --> 4192.80] voice says to +[4192.80 --> 4193.52] Peter in Acts +[4193.52 --> 4195.14] 10, 15, do not +[4195.14 --> 4195.98] call anything +[4195.98 --> 4197.42] impure what God +[4197.42 --> 4198.84] has made clean. +[4201.20 --> 4203.10] And so, in +[4203.10 --> 4204.56] verse 14 of our +[4204.56 --> 4205.58] text, in Romans +[4205.58 --> 4206.90] 14, so again, if +[4206.90 --> 4207.20] you have your +[4207.20 --> 4208.78] Bible, Paul then +[4208.78 --> 4209.80] takes this and +[4209.80 --> 4210.48] says, I am +[4210.48 --> 4211.50] convinced, being +[4211.50 --> 4212.72] fully persuaded in +[4212.72 --> 4213.78] the Lord Jesus, that +[4213.78 --> 4215.76] nothing is unclean +[4215.76 --> 4217.72] in itself. +[4218.88 --> 4220.40] But then he goes +[4220.40 --> 4222.72] on to say, but if +[4222.72 --> 4223.88] anyone regards +[4223.88 --> 4224.78] something as +[4224.78 --> 4226.92] unclean, then for +[4226.92 --> 4229.20] that person, it is +[4229.20 --> 4229.86] unclean. +[4231.16 --> 4232.46] That's why this is a +[4232.46 --> 4233.30] disputable matter. +[4235.00 --> 4235.66] Right? +[4235.74 --> 4236.58] The second example +[4236.58 --> 4237.42] coming from the +[4237.42 --> 4239.32] text is of one day +[4239.32 --> 4240.36] being more sacred +[4240.36 --> 4241.70] than another, or +[4241.70 --> 4243.22] every day being +[4243.22 --> 4243.62] alike. +[4243.72 --> 4244.24] This is verse +[4244.24 --> 4244.60] five. +[4244.60 --> 4246.34] And here again, +[4246.64 --> 4247.50] right, is a tie +[4247.50 --> 4248.60] back to the Jewish +[4248.60 --> 4249.78] instructions around +[4249.78 --> 4251.32] Sabbath and around +[4251.32 --> 4252.64] holy day festivals. +[4253.82 --> 4254.80] Instructions that +[4254.80 --> 4256.16] the people in the +[4256.16 --> 4257.30] law are required +[4257.30 --> 4257.94] to keep. +[4259.28 --> 4259.54] Right? +[4260.02 --> 4261.00] Remember the +[4261.00 --> 4262.06] Sabbath day and +[4262.06 --> 4263.08] keep it holy. +[4265.08 --> 4266.10] On it you shall +[4266.10 --> 4267.22] not do any work, +[4267.92 --> 4268.66] neither your son +[4268.66 --> 4269.46] nor daughter, your +[4269.46 --> 4270.18] manservant nor +[4270.18 --> 4271.50] maidservant, neither +[4271.50 --> 4273.02] the alien within your +[4273.02 --> 4273.88] gates or any of your +[4273.88 --> 4274.32] animals. +[4276.46 --> 4278.04] But again, in +[4278.04 --> 4279.50] Mark 2, Jesus +[4279.50 --> 4280.76] says, the +[4280.76 --> 4281.80] Sabbath was made +[4281.80 --> 4282.90] for man, not +[4282.90 --> 4283.58] man for the +[4283.58 --> 4283.84] Sabbath. +[4284.20 --> 4285.12] So the son of +[4285.12 --> 4286.58] man is Lord even +[4286.58 --> 4287.60] of the Sabbath. +[4288.96 --> 4289.52] And then Paul +[4289.52 --> 4290.20] writes in +[4290.20 --> 4291.46] Colossians 2, +[4292.18 --> 4293.08] it says, therefore, +[4293.30 --> 4294.40] do not let anyone +[4294.40 --> 4295.40] judge you by what +[4295.40 --> 4296.48] you eat or drink or +[4296.48 --> 4297.36] with regard to a +[4297.36 --> 4298.80] religious festival, a +[4298.80 --> 4299.88] new moon celebration, +[4299.88 --> 4301.28] or a Sabbath day. +[4301.76 --> 4302.80] These are shadows +[4302.80 --> 4303.66] of the things that +[4303.66 --> 4304.30] were to come. +[4304.42 --> 4305.12] The reality, +[4305.40 --> 4306.76] however, is found +[4306.76 --> 4308.14] in Christ. +[4311.02 --> 4311.40] Right? +[4311.44 --> 4312.72] In Hebrews 4, you +[4312.72 --> 4314.00] can read how Jesus +[4314.00 --> 4315.38] is the eternal +[4315.38 --> 4316.66] Sabbath rest that we +[4316.66 --> 4317.82] are to enter into. +[4318.38 --> 4319.24] And so everything +[4319.24 --> 4320.82] that was the Old +[4320.82 --> 4321.70] Testament Sabbath +[4321.70 --> 4323.14] laws pointed to is +[4323.14 --> 4324.24] fulfilled in Jesus +[4324.24 --> 4325.94] and applies every day, +[4326.10 --> 4327.26] not just one day a +[4327.26 --> 4327.48] week. +[4329.42 --> 4330.92] Now, don't hear what +[4330.92 --> 4331.52] I'm not saying. +[4331.52 --> 4332.04] Right? +[4332.04 --> 4332.12] Right? +[4332.38 --> 4333.76] This does mean +[4333.76 --> 4334.70] Christians shouldn't +[4334.70 --> 4335.92] gather together on the +[4335.92 --> 4336.96] day dedicated to the +[4336.96 --> 4339.24] Lord, but it does beg +[4339.24 --> 4340.50] the question about the +[4340.50 --> 4341.50] rules and the boundaries +[4341.50 --> 4342.38] we put around it. +[4344.38 --> 4346.00] Now, the next example +[4346.00 --> 4349.40] is from chapter 14, +[4349.50 --> 4350.28] and it's found in verse +[4350.28 --> 4352.70] 21, where Paul includes +[4352.70 --> 4354.34] drinking wine alongside +[4354.34 --> 4356.20] of the argument against +[4356.20 --> 4356.84] eating meat. +[4356.84 --> 4359.94] And so it seems that +[4359.94 --> 4361.96] this, too, was a +[4361.96 --> 4363.34] disputed matter in the +[4363.34 --> 4365.20] Church of Rome, that +[4365.20 --> 4366.26] people put a prescription +[4366.26 --> 4367.54] on drinking wine. +[4368.68 --> 4369.70] Now, again, this might +[4369.70 --> 4371.52] be an indication of +[4371.52 --> 4372.16] what I talked about +[4372.16 --> 4373.46] earlier about higher +[4373.46 --> 4375.00] fences or moving the +[4375.00 --> 4376.38] boundaries closer in +[4376.38 --> 4377.54] order to protect people +[4377.54 --> 4378.82] from the sin of +[4378.82 --> 4379.52] drunkenness. +[4380.18 --> 4380.72] Right? +[4380.74 --> 4381.92] It's not that wine is +[4381.92 --> 4383.24] bad in and of itself, +[4383.80 --> 4385.54] but there is bad wine. +[4385.60 --> 4386.20] Am I right, Paul? +[4386.84 --> 4389.70] But if you are +[4389.70 --> 4391.12] untempered in your +[4391.12 --> 4393.82] consumption of wine, +[4393.88 --> 4394.52] then you need higher +[4394.52 --> 4396.26] boundaries to protect +[4396.26 --> 4397.22] yourself from the sin +[4397.22 --> 4398.60] that might come about. +[4400.24 --> 4401.16] Now, there are other +[4401.16 --> 4402.14] examples in the New +[4402.14 --> 4403.36] Testament of these kinds +[4403.36 --> 4404.84] of disputable matters, +[4404.90 --> 4405.72] and I'll quickly point +[4405.72 --> 4406.50] them out to you because +[4406.50 --> 4407.86] it's pertinent to see +[4407.86 --> 4409.10] the contrast through. +[4409.86 --> 4413.46] In Galatians 2, 3 and 5, +[4413.94 --> 4415.80] Paul talks about refusing +[4415.80 --> 4418.82] to circumcise Titus because +[4418.82 --> 4420.74] Titus is a Greek who +[4420.74 --> 4422.84] became a Christian, and +[4422.84 --> 4423.86] therefore the rules of +[4423.86 --> 4425.90] circumcision don't apply to +[4425.90 --> 4426.12] him. +[4426.46 --> 4429.98] And yet, in Acts 16, verse 3, +[4430.38 --> 4431.56] you read that Paul +[4431.56 --> 4434.96] circumcised Timothy because +[4434.96 --> 4437.28] Timothy was raised Jewish, +[4438.06 --> 4439.30] as his mother was Jewish, +[4439.42 --> 4440.32] his grandmother was Jewish, +[4440.32 --> 4441.82] and his father was a Greek, +[4441.82 --> 4443.40] and because Timothy would +[4443.40 --> 4445.06] be with Paul a missionary +[4445.06 --> 4446.60] to Jewish people. +[4448.38 --> 4449.06] Right? +[4449.12 --> 4450.88] This isn't a lesson about +[4450.88 --> 4451.52] contradiction. +[4452.12 --> 4453.88] This is a lesson about the +[4453.88 --> 4456.42] missional context being +[4456.42 --> 4458.32] important for discerning what +[4458.32 --> 4460.18] is a disputable matter. +[4461.34 --> 4463.50] Another example is food +[4463.50 --> 4464.90] sacrificed to idols. +[4465.90 --> 4467.42] So in Acts 15, you have the +[4467.42 --> 4468.28] story of the Jerusalem +[4468.28 --> 4469.40] council meeting, that is, +[4469.46 --> 4470.80] early Christians, many of them +[4470.80 --> 4472.78] Jewish meeting to decide how +[4472.78 --> 4474.88] are we going to incorporate +[4474.88 --> 4476.80] these non-Jewish people into +[4476.80 --> 4478.40] what is becoming the +[4478.40 --> 4479.58] Christian church. +[4480.46 --> 4481.88] And they write a letter +[4481.88 --> 4484.42] saying that you don't have to +[4484.42 --> 4486.20] be circumcised, but you should +[4486.20 --> 4487.82] avoid eating food sacrificed +[4488.66 --> 4489.88] to idols, eating meat +[4489.88 --> 4491.46] sacrificed to idols. +[4491.68 --> 4494.10] But then, in 1 Corinthians 8, +[4494.30 --> 4496.04] Paul says that that is in fact +[4496.04 --> 4498.04] no thing, that is, the idol +[4498.04 --> 4499.38] isn't real, so it doesn't +[4499.38 --> 4501.00] matter if you eat this meat +[4501.00 --> 4501.56] or not. +[4502.02 --> 4502.12] Right? +[4502.16 --> 4504.18] He says, food does not bring +[4504.18 --> 4506.24] us near to God, for we are +[4506.24 --> 4507.62] no worse if we do not eat, +[4507.70 --> 4508.72] and no better if we do. +[4510.28 --> 4510.48] Right? +[4510.88 --> 4512.56] But then Paul goes on to say +[4512.56 --> 4513.68] that we shouldn't put a +[4513.68 --> 4515.30] stumbling block in front of +[4515.30 --> 4515.80] other people. +[4516.04 --> 4516.24] Right? +[4516.26 --> 4518.14] He says that if what I eat +[4518.14 --> 4519.46] causes my brother or sister +[4519.46 --> 4521.58] to fall into sin, I will +[4521.58 --> 4523.30] never eat meat again, so as to +[4523.30 --> 4525.10] not cause them to fall. +[4527.02 --> 4528.96] You can see, right, Paul is +[4528.96 --> 4530.72] effectively making the same +[4530.72 --> 4532.98] case over again. +[4533.90 --> 4535.06] And then the last example, +[4535.88 --> 4537.20] at least the explicit one to +[4537.20 --> 4538.62] be found, is that of marriage +[4538.62 --> 4540.06] and celibacy. +[4541.00 --> 4543.28] In the same chapter, 1 Corinthians +[4543.28 --> 4546.12] 7, Paul says that celibacy is +[4546.12 --> 4547.92] good, and in some cases it is to +[4547.92 --> 4549.18] be preferred for all people. +[4549.94 --> 4551.82] And Paul says that marriage is +[4551.82 --> 4553.18] good, and in some cases it is +[4553.18 --> 4554.54] to be preferred for all +[4554.54 --> 4554.84] people. +[4555.94 --> 4558.30] It's a matter of discernment and +[4558.30 --> 4561.14] of context, of limiting sin. +[4561.28 --> 4562.78] Point is, it's a disputable +[4562.78 --> 4564.22] matter, and you can have +[4564.22 --> 4565.64] differences of opinion about +[4565.64 --> 4568.08] these things, and to chapter +[4568.08 --> 4569.94] 14's point, having those +[4569.94 --> 4571.98] differences of opinions may not +[4571.98 --> 4573.52] be worth fighting about. +[4574.04 --> 4575.12] That is, they may not be worth +[4575.12 --> 4577.24] splitting a church over, or +[4577.24 --> 4579.32] breaking a relationship over. +[4581.82 --> 4585.56] The weak Christians in this +[4585.56 --> 4589.96] text's language are those who, +[4590.20 --> 4591.72] for one reason or another, +[4591.90 --> 4593.28] sometimes perfectly legitimate +[4593.28 --> 4595.54] reasons, other times reasons we +[4595.54 --> 4597.00] need to challenge for their +[4597.00 --> 4598.66] growing and maturing in faith, +[4599.18 --> 4601.42] who promote non-essential, +[4601.98 --> 4605.02] cultural, ceremonial cautions +[4605.02 --> 4609.10] as being necessary for Christian +[4609.10 --> 4611.18] maturity, and for effectiveness. +[4612.32 --> 4614.68] It's making what could be a +[4614.68 --> 4616.20] matter of personal preference +[4616.20 --> 4619.32] and personal piety prescriptive +[4619.32 --> 4622.08] for everyone when the +[4622.08 --> 4623.40] scriptures don't do that. +[4624.90 --> 4626.04] Let me give you an example, for +[4626.04 --> 4627.50] an example of this. +[4628.24 --> 4629.62] And this was a few generations +[4629.62 --> 4631.32] ago, nothing like this happens in +[4631.32 --> 4633.70] our church anymore, but some +[4633.70 --> 4635.80] people, you know, used to get very +[4635.80 --> 4638.02] upset about contemporary music +[4638.02 --> 4639.04] styles in church. +[4639.76 --> 4640.80] It doesn't happen anymore. +[4643.30 --> 4645.96] Now, these people likely would +[4645.96 --> 4648.56] never deny that someone who wants +[4648.56 --> 4651.26] drums in worship is a Christian, +[4651.76 --> 4654.70] but they might say something like, +[4655.24 --> 4658.00] that music isn't reverent. +[4659.36 --> 4660.86] And I've heard it this way, too, +[4661.04 --> 4663.36] that music offends the Lord. +[4663.36 --> 4666.78] Now, what they mean, of course, is +[4666.78 --> 4669.06] that it offends them, and then +[4669.06 --> 4670.22] they've put themselves in the place +[4670.22 --> 4671.20] of God, and then have made it +[4671.20 --> 4672.48] prescriptive for everyone else. +[4673.48 --> 4675.48] Now, if that illustration doesn't +[4675.48 --> 4677.30] land for you, because we all love +[4677.30 --> 4679.60] drums around here, replace drums +[4679.60 --> 4680.32] with hip-hop. +[4682.18 --> 4684.40] Or, gag, replace it with country +[4684.40 --> 4684.80] music. +[4687.96 --> 4690.20] Or replace it with a full 70-piece +[4690.20 --> 4690.70] orchestra. +[4692.76 --> 4693.16] Right? +[4693.24 --> 4695.04] Point is, for any one of those, +[4695.28 --> 4697.30] as soon as you say, that's not +[4697.30 --> 4699.42] worship, we can't do that, +[4699.58 --> 4700.72] you're in the realm of a +[4700.72 --> 4702.08] disputable matter, and you're +[4702.08 --> 4703.60] elevating personal preference and +[4703.60 --> 4705.68] personal piety to prescription. +[4706.84 --> 4708.16] And so it may be true that you +[4708.16 --> 4709.48] can't worship through that, +[4710.86 --> 4711.88] but that doesn't mean I can't. +[4714.16 --> 4716.92] And look, it may even be true that +[4716.92 --> 4718.32] it's not wise for you. +[4720.08 --> 4720.30] Right? +[4720.34 --> 4722.16] Because if, what Paul gets into +[4722.16 --> 4723.60] here, right, is that if that +[4723.60 --> 4726.82] pricks your conscience, if it is +[4726.82 --> 4730.14] sinful for you, because it becomes +[4730.14 --> 4731.50] sinful for you because you're going +[4731.50 --> 4732.90] against your conscience. +[4733.00 --> 4734.24] And I think this is the sum of +[4734.24 --> 4736.16] Paul's point in verse 5, right? +[4736.18 --> 4738.28] He says, each of them should be +[4738.28 --> 4741.12] fully convinced in their own mind. +[4741.76 --> 4743.48] And so if you are convinced of it, +[4743.76 --> 4744.56] follow through. +[4744.56 --> 4747.36] Because if you don't, you're +[4747.36 --> 4748.06] compromising. +[4749.64 --> 4751.38] And as people, we compromise for +[4751.38 --> 4753.06] all sorts of reasons, right? +[4753.10 --> 4754.76] Sometimes we compromise in order to +[4754.76 --> 4756.60] keep the peace, but when we keep +[4756.60 --> 4757.96] the peace, what we're doing inside +[4757.96 --> 4759.90] is judging those other people, or +[4759.90 --> 4760.88] we're judging ourselves. +[4762.20 --> 4762.32] Right? +[4762.38 --> 4764.04] Sometimes we compromise because we +[4764.04 --> 4765.24] go, yeah, you know what, I really +[4765.24 --> 4767.64] do actually want to do that, and +[4767.64 --> 4768.98] that would feel good in the moment, +[4769.10 --> 4770.12] so I'm just going to go ahead and +[4770.12 --> 4770.50] do it. +[4770.50 --> 4773.12] But if it pricks your conscience, +[4773.42 --> 4775.12] then don't do it. +[4776.40 --> 4780.24] Instead, I think that in this, there +[4780.24 --> 4782.92] is a sort of controlling principle +[4782.92 --> 4785.36] that speaks over top of all of it, +[4785.40 --> 4786.76] and you can see it in verse 8. +[4788.26 --> 4791.52] Verse 8 says, if we live, we live for +[4791.52 --> 4793.72] the Lord, and if we die, we die for +[4793.72 --> 4794.04] the Lord. +[4794.12 --> 4796.20] So whether we live or die, we belong +[4796.20 --> 4798.38] to the Lord. +[4799.80 --> 4801.30] Now, not only is this a great +[4801.30 --> 4803.36] comfort, that I belong to the Lord +[4803.36 --> 4805.82] in life and in death, right? +[4805.84 --> 4808.60] But this is also an operating +[4808.60 --> 4809.16] principle. +[4810.00 --> 4812.42] This is an operating purpose, right? +[4812.48 --> 4814.92] It is the context of our mission to +[4814.92 --> 4817.70] live for the Lord, and if it be our +[4817.70 --> 4819.00] lot, to die for Him. +[4822.04 --> 4824.20] Now, here's an important word for +[4824.20 --> 4827.02] for those of us who may be on the +[4827.02 --> 4830.26] strong side of this polarity, +[4832.04 --> 4832.30] right? +[4832.74 --> 4836.36] If you suspect that any of these +[4836.36 --> 4838.66] kinds of disputable matters may be +[4838.66 --> 4842.08] true for a brother or sister, you also +[4842.08 --> 4843.22] cannot do it. +[4845.18 --> 4845.38] Okay? +[4845.40 --> 4846.74] That's what it means to live in +[4846.74 --> 4847.14] community. +[4847.32 --> 4849.02] That's what it means to mature in +[4849.02 --> 4849.46] community. +[4849.46 --> 4853.48] That you, as strong in faith, even +[4853.48 --> 4855.68] though you fully understand Galatians +[4855.68 --> 4857.42] 5, that says, it is for freedom that +[4857.42 --> 4859.92] Christ has set me free, you willingly +[4859.92 --> 4862.50] give up that freedom. +[4862.86 --> 4865.00] You willingly offer it as a living +[4865.00 --> 4867.90] sacrifice for your brother or sister +[4867.90 --> 4869.26] in the assembly. +[4869.46 --> 4871.52] You give up your freedom for their +[4871.52 --> 4872.88] faith and obedience. +[4873.10 --> 4874.64] That's what it means to be strong. +[4875.78 --> 4878.22] This is the gospel redefining strength +[4878.22 --> 4880.12] in the mix right now. +[4880.88 --> 4883.18] To give up your rights and freedoms +[4883.18 --> 4885.86] for the faith security of a brother +[4885.86 --> 4886.64] or sister. +[4887.86 --> 4889.58] And like we said, Galatians 5 is still +[4889.58 --> 4889.90] true. +[4890.04 --> 4891.54] It is for freedom that Christ has set +[4891.54 --> 4892.72] us free, right? +[4892.96 --> 4896.78] The new reality of the gospel for +[4896.78 --> 4899.56] Christians is freedom, and that freedom +[4899.56 --> 4901.94] opens up a whole world of possibilities +[4901.94 --> 4904.36] in life and in faithfulness, even +[4904.36 --> 4905.56] dressing like this when you're +[4905.56 --> 4905.92] preaching. +[4905.92 --> 4908.48] But if it's a problem for the little +[4908.48 --> 4911.48] old lady, then I should willingly put +[4911.48 --> 4912.12] my tie on. +[4913.34 --> 4916.40] As long as the reasons why it's a +[4916.40 --> 4918.40] problem for her, we can still discuss. +[4920.44 --> 4920.88] Right? +[4921.00 --> 4922.46] Freedom opens us up. +[4922.56 --> 4924.74] But later in Galatians and in this +[4924.74 --> 4926.62] text, I think this is the point, Paul +[4926.62 --> 4928.82] says that you, my brothers and sisters, +[4928.88 --> 4930.98] were called to be free, but do not use +[4930.98 --> 4933.42] your freedom to indulge the flesh. +[4933.42 --> 4936.44] Rather, serve one another humbly in love. +[4937.28 --> 4937.62] Right? +[4937.64 --> 4938.72] You see, we've been working on this +[4938.72 --> 4940.74] conversation, this through line from +[4940.74 --> 4941.26] the beginning. +[4941.62 --> 4941.74] Right? +[4941.84 --> 4944.02] Part of serving one another humbly in +[4944.02 --> 4947.06] love is giving up our freedoms for +[4947.06 --> 4947.74] their faith. +[4949.82 --> 4952.70] And so, for example, if you are having +[4952.70 --> 4954.70] lunch with what I will call a moral +[4954.70 --> 4957.20] vegan, that is someone who believes it's +[4957.20 --> 4959.64] sinful to eat meat, you don't sit across +[4959.64 --> 4961.80] from them and order a 12-ounce prime rib. +[4964.20 --> 4964.64] Right? +[4964.70 --> 4966.94] Or if you don't want hip-hop to show up +[4966.94 --> 4969.14] in our worship, or if you do, rather, +[4969.24 --> 4970.74] want hip-hop to show up in our worship, +[4970.98 --> 4974.24] but you know that old Mrs. Ethel believes +[4974.24 --> 4976.14] that we shouldn't worship in that way, +[4976.30 --> 4977.94] then you shouldn't push that here. +[4978.80 --> 4980.66] Even if you're a worship leader who has +[4980.66 --> 4982.32] the power and the influence to pick that +[4982.32 --> 4982.88] kind of thing. +[4983.20 --> 4985.60] In fact, especially because you are a +[4985.60 --> 4986.92] worship leader who has the power and +[4986.92 --> 4988.30] the influence to pick that kind of thing, +[4988.30 --> 4990.04] you shouldn't do it because you know +[4990.04 --> 4991.14] whom you are leading. +[4992.46 --> 4995.82] Now again, let's tread softly here, +[4996.16 --> 4998.98] and very intentionally, because you also +[4998.98 --> 5001.88] need to hear a person's opposition to +[5001.88 --> 5004.16] eating meat and therefore being vegan, +[5004.38 --> 5007.04] or your opposition to hip-hop in +[5007.04 --> 5009.38] worship needs to be connected to what +[5009.38 --> 5011.72] you believe to be biblical ideas and +[5011.72 --> 5014.14] teachings for these disputed matters, +[5014.32 --> 5017.06] if you would require us to make +[5017.06 --> 5019.26] exceptions, or if we are going to limit +[5019.26 --> 5021.42] our own freedoms in order to mature +[5021.42 --> 5022.02] your faith. +[5024.06 --> 5026.40] And that means, then, right, that your +[5026.40 --> 5028.38] reason to tell others or to require +[5028.38 --> 5030.96] others to be vegan must be based on +[5030.96 --> 5033.32] what you read in the Bible, not because +[5033.32 --> 5035.32] Ariana Grande has put a compelling tweet +[5035.32 --> 5035.58] out. +[5036.92 --> 5039.48] Similarly, if your opposition to hip-hop in +[5039.48 --> 5042.12] the church is actually an outworking of +[5042.12 --> 5044.88] racist or prejudiced ideas, we need to +[5044.88 --> 5048.28] call you out on that, because that can't +[5048.28 --> 5048.58] fly. +[5052.30 --> 5056.10] We will not passively permit to +[5056.10 --> 5061.24] continue your sin by compromising our +[5061.24 --> 5062.66] freedoms in that regard. +[5064.66 --> 5065.94] Now, here's the last point. +[5065.94 --> 5071.96] Because sometimes people will hear this +[5071.96 --> 5075.46] and they will go, oh, if I can make a +[5075.46 --> 5077.02] compelling case for anything, then that's +[5077.02 --> 5077.78] the way we need to go. +[5077.84 --> 5079.08] And then they just have to give up on +[5079.08 --> 5081.26] their deeply held values because they're +[5081.26 --> 5083.58] called to be strong and I'll allow myself +[5083.58 --> 5085.46] to be called weak if that means I get what +[5085.46 --> 5085.88] I want. +[5087.82 --> 5088.04] Right? +[5088.10 --> 5090.38] Sometimes this idea of disputable matters +[5090.38 --> 5093.66] has been abused in the past or taken +[5093.66 --> 5095.20] advantage of in the past. +[5095.58 --> 5095.70] Right? +[5095.76 --> 5097.48] Allowing for people to have differences +[5097.48 --> 5099.42] of opinions on things where the +[5099.42 --> 5102.34] scriptures don't actually present a +[5102.34 --> 5103.22] difference of opinion. +[5104.92 --> 5107.26] And so I hope you saw very clearly when +[5107.26 --> 5109.20] we outlined what scripture calls these +[5109.20 --> 5111.28] disputable matters, it's because there's +[5111.28 --> 5113.58] a history of this practice and then +[5113.58 --> 5115.32] Jesus and a New Testament author comes +[5115.32 --> 5117.80] along and says, we've redefined history +[5117.80 --> 5118.98] on that practice. +[5118.98 --> 5123.58] If the Bible doesn't redefine history on +[5123.58 --> 5126.84] a particular practice, then the commands +[5126.84 --> 5127.58] of God continue. +[5128.68 --> 5131.52] What obedience looks like continues. +[5133.40 --> 5133.94] Right? +[5134.00 --> 5136.10] And so sometimes people will use a text +[5136.10 --> 5140.54] like this to create a gray area to allow +[5140.54 --> 5143.60] for what the Bible calls sin to not be +[5143.60 --> 5145.10] treated as sin by the church. +[5145.10 --> 5147.52] That also can't happen. +[5148.70 --> 5151.32] That's also an abuse of this particular +[5151.32 --> 5152.38] text. +[5153.84 --> 5156.22] John Calvin puts it really explicitly. +[5156.46 --> 5159.64] He says, we must not, but for the sake +[5159.64 --> 5162.78] of our neighbors, we are not at liberty +[5162.78 --> 5165.56] to deviate one nail's breath from the +[5165.56 --> 5169.62] command of God that unknown pretext is +[5169.62 --> 5172.84] lawful to attempt anything but what he +[5172.84 --> 5173.66] permits. +[5175.72 --> 5176.28] Right? +[5176.36 --> 5178.76] This is not license to do whatever you +[5178.76 --> 5179.18] want. +[5179.82 --> 5182.36] This is license to use your freedom +[5182.36 --> 5185.58] to grow in the grace and knowledge of +[5185.58 --> 5187.20] our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. +[5187.84 --> 5190.58] This is license to use your freedom to +[5190.58 --> 5193.08] grow in your capacities to be obedient +[5193.08 --> 5196.56] to him and to recognize that his ways are +[5196.56 --> 5198.24] better than our ways. +[5198.94 --> 5201.46] That his design and purpose is where +[5201.46 --> 5202.82] flourishing is found. +[5204.22 --> 5206.02] And so, yes, absolutely, there are places +[5206.02 --> 5207.92] where we can have discussions and we can +[5207.92 --> 5208.76] make compromises. +[5209.14 --> 5210.72] There are places where we can say, not +[5210.72 --> 5211.74] my will, but yours. +[5212.72 --> 5214.60] But then there are also places where we +[5214.60 --> 5217.78] say, no, this is clear. +[5219.78 --> 5222.78] Living for the Lord requires us to +[5222.78 --> 5224.68] mature in our faith. +[5224.94 --> 5227.06] And for those of us who are more mature, +[5227.20 --> 5229.50] to come alongside of people right where +[5229.50 --> 5233.42] they are at and with gentleness and +[5233.42 --> 5236.26] respect walk alongside them with +[5236.26 --> 5240.14] humility and grace entering into life +[5240.14 --> 5243.32] with them and calling them towards +[5243.32 --> 5243.82] maturity. +[5245.44 --> 5249.50] That we might grow in faith together. +[5250.24 --> 5253.82] This is the task of discipleship, to +[5253.82 --> 5256.08] grow in faith together. +[5256.08 --> 5260.52] And so, have hard conversations and be +[5260.52 --> 5263.06] willing to give up deeply held values for +[5263.06 --> 5264.16] the sake of one another. +[5265.30 --> 5269.80] But do not, do not overstretch the +[5269.80 --> 5272.32] definition of disputable matters to +[5272.32 --> 5274.72] things that the Bible will not allow you +[5274.72 --> 5274.92] to. +[5275.62 --> 5277.72] Because then we are just leading one +[5277.72 --> 5282.14] another in the way, not of Jesus, but in +[5282.14 --> 5282.76] the way of the world. +[5282.76 --> 5285.68] And that's not our calling together. +[5286.90 --> 5291.36] If we are able to live this and model +[5291.36 --> 5295.22] this, we will become, and increasingly +[5295.22 --> 5299.28] so, a community that is compelling to +[5299.28 --> 5300.32] so many people. +[5300.78 --> 5303.00] Because we can enter into these difficult +[5303.00 --> 5303.64] conversations. +[5303.88 --> 5306.66] We can enter into these disputable matters +[5306.66 --> 5311.72] with grace and with mercy and with a +[5311.72 --> 5315.52] sense of calm and a presence that is not +[5315.52 --> 5318.06] anxious in and around us. +[5318.84 --> 5322.90] Instead, we can bring Christ to bear on +[5322.90 --> 5324.58] what we do and on how we be. +[5325.28 --> 5328.32] And it seems to me that that is our +[5328.32 --> 5328.78] purpose. +[5329.06 --> 5331.98] That is the call of discipleship. +[5331.98 --> 5336.62] To bring Christ to bear on these kinds of +[5336.62 --> 5338.10] disputable matters. +[5338.48 --> 5338.70] Amen? +[5338.70 --> 5340.58] Let's pray together. +[5346.02 --> 5348.16] Lord our God. +[5352.58 --> 5355.64] Lord our God, it is possible that as we +[5355.64 --> 5360.64] sit here now, our minds have moved over +[5360.64 --> 5361.24] to judgment. +[5361.24 --> 5365.64] It is possible that as we sit here now, we +[5365.64 --> 5369.82] are thinking of one or another who has +[5369.82 --> 5372.42] compromised on this or that disputable +[5372.96 --> 5376.70] matter and we are holding them to account +[5376.70 --> 5378.66] in manners that you do not. +[5378.66 --> 5379.66] Lord our God. +[5379.66 --> 5380.66] Lord our God. +[5380.66 --> 5382.98] And so I pray that you would forgive us for that. +[5384.34 --> 5386.56] Especially for those of us who lead. +[5387.94 --> 5390.80] I pray that you would open us up to these kinds of +[5390.80 --> 5392.56] relationships and realities. +[5394.70 --> 5398.12] And God, it is also possible that we sit here now +[5398.12 --> 5400.52] having heard only in part. +[5400.52 --> 5406.28] And so we think, I can do whatever I want as long as I can +[5406.28 --> 5409.74] justify it to myself and then I will justify it to you, +[5409.98 --> 5410.34] the Lord. +[5412.40 --> 5417.66] And yet, may we also recognize that you are calling us to +[5417.66 --> 5418.52] obedience. +[5419.64 --> 5423.68] That you are calling us from one degree of glory to another. +[5423.68 --> 5426.54] Father, that you are calling us to be holy. +[5430.42 --> 5433.32] And so send us out in the power of your holiness, +[5433.84 --> 5436.72] the power of your spirit to be transformed. +[5438.66 --> 5440.10] In Christ Jesus we pray. +[5440.80 --> 5441.16] Amen. +[5453.68 --> 5463.98] We live for you. +[5464.08 --> 5467.76] Worthy of every song we could ever sing +[5467.76 --> 5475.18] Worthy of all the praise we could ever bring +[5475.18 --> 5482.26] Worthy of every breath we could ever breathe +[5482.26 --> 5485.26] we live for you +[5485.26 --> 5496.98] Jesus the name above every other day +[5496.98 --> 5504.38] Jesus the only one who could ever see +[5504.38 --> 5511.26] worthy in every breath we could ever breathe +[5511.26 --> 5513.26] we live for you +[5513.26 --> 5517.26] we live for you +[5517.26 --> 5525.26] holy there is no one like you +[5525.26 --> 5528.26] there is none beside you +[5528.26 --> 5533.26] open up my eyes with wonder +[5533.26 --> 5539.26] show me who you are and fill me +[5539.26 --> 5543.26] with your heart and lead me +[5543.26 --> 5549.26] in your love to those around me +[5549.26 --> 5557.26] Jesus the name above every other day +[5557.26 --> 5563.26] Jesus the only one who could ever see +[5563.26 --> 5573.26] Jesus the name above every other day +[5573.26 --> 5577.26] Jesus the only one who could ever see +[5577.26 --> 5585.26] worthy of every breath we could ever be +[5585.26 --> 5587.26] we live for you +[5587.26 --> 5589.26] we live for you +[5589.26 --> 5591.26] we live for you +[5591.26 --> 5593.26] we live for you +[5593.26 --> 5597.26] holy there is no one like you +[5597.26 --> 5601.26] there is none beside you +[5601.26 --> 5607.26] open up my eyes with wonder +[5607.26 --> 5613.26] show me who you are and fill me +[5613.26 --> 5617.26] with your heart and lead me +[5617.26 --> 5623.26] give your love to those around me +[5623.26 --> 5625.26] you +[5625.26 --> 5629.26] you +[5629.26 --> 5631.26] you +[5631.26 --> 5633.26] you +[5633.26 --> 5635.26] you +[5635.26 --> 5637.26] you +[5637.26 --> 5639.26] you +[5639.26 --> 5653.26] you +[5653.26 --> 5655.26] you +[5655.26 --> 5657.26] you +[5657.26 --> 5659.26] you +[5659.26 --> 5661.26] you +[5661.26 --> 5663.26] you +[5663.26 --> 5673.26] you +[5673.26 --> 5677.26] you +[5677.26 --> 5679.26] you +[5679.26 --> 5681.26] you +[5681.26 --> 5683.26] you +[5683.26 --> 5685.26] you +[5685.26 --> 5687.26] you +[5687.26 --> 5689.26] you +[5689.26 --> 5709.26] you +[5709.26 --> 5711.26] you +[5711.26 --> 5713.26] you +[5713.26 --> 5715.26] you +[5715.26 --> 5717.26] you +[5717.26 --> 5719.26] you +[5719.26 --> 5737.26] you +[5737.26 --> 5739.26] you +[5739.26 --> 5741.26] you +[5741.26 --> 5743.26] you +[5743.26 --> 5745.26] you +[5745.26 --> 5751.26] you +[5751.26 --> 5753.26] standing +[5753.26 --> 5755.26] you +[5755.26 --> 5757.26] you +[5757.26 --> 5759.26] you +[5759.26 --> 5765.26] you +[5765.26 --> 5767.26] you +[5767.26 --> 5769.26] you +[5769.26 --> 5771.26] you +[5771.26 --> 5773.26] you +[5773.26 --> 5781.14] of God for the journey of faith ahead. God, go before you to lead you. God, go behind you to +[5781.14 --> 5788.70] protect you. God, go beneath you to support you. And God, go beside you to befriend you. Do not +[5788.70 --> 5796.72] be afraid. Let the blessing of God come upon you today. Do not be afraid, but go in peace to love +[5796.72 --> 5800.28] and serve the Lord. Amen. +[5803.26 --> 5805.26] Amen. +[5833.26 --> 5835.26] Amen. +[5835.26 --> 5837.26] Amen. +[5837.26 --> 5839.26] Amen. +[5839.26 --> 5841.26] Amen. +[5841.26 --> 5843.26] Amen. +[5843.26 --> 5845.26] Amen. +[5845.26 --> 5847.26] Amen. +[5847.26 --> 5849.26] Amen. +[5849.26 --> 5850.26] Amen. +[5850.26 --> 5851.26] Amen. +[5851.26 --> 5852.26] Amen. +[5852.26 --> 5874.26] 答 +[5877.26 --> 5889.26] has +[5892.06 --> 5897.26] all things serve together for my salvation +[5907.26 --> 5921.26] oh +[5937.26 --> 5951.26] always by your holy spirit you assure me +[5951.26 --> 5957.26] of eternal life and make me willing and ready +[5957.26 --> 5965.26] even when i can't see my way through +[5965.26 --> 5973.26] from now on to always live for you +[5973.26 --> 5977.26] i am not my own +[5977.26 --> 5981.26] but belong +[5981.26 --> 5985.26] body and soul +[5985.26 --> 5989.26] in my life and in death +[5989.26 --> 5993.26] to you lord +[5993.26 --> 5995.26] christ my lord +[5995.26 --> 6001.26] i am not my own +[6001.26 --> 6003.26] but belong +[6003.26 --> 6007.26] body and soul +[6007.26 --> 6013.26] in my life and in death +[6013.26 --> 6015.26] to you lord +[6015.26 --> 6017.26] christ my lord +[6017.26 --> 6025.26] i am not my own +[6025.26 --> 6027.26] but belong +[6027.26 --> 6029.26] body and soul +[6029.26 --> 6033.26] in my life and in death +[6033.26 --> 6037.26] in my life and in death +[6037.26 --> 6039.26] to you lord +[6039.26 --> 6041.26] to you lord +[6041.26 --> 6045.26] christ my lord +[6045.26 --> 6047.26] and +[6047.26 --> 6049.26] and +[6049.26 --> 6051.26] and +[6051.26 --> 6053.26] and +[6053.26 --> 6055.26] and +[6055.26 --> 6057.26] and +[6057.26 --> 6059.26] and +[6059.26 --> 6061.26] and +[6061.26 --> 6063.26] and +[6063.26 --> 6065.26] and +[6065.26 --> 6067.26] and +[6067.26 --> 6069.26] and +[6069.26 --> 6071.26] and +[6071.26 --> 6073.26] and +[6073.26 --> 6087.26] and +[6087.26 --> 6089.26] and +[6089.26 --> 6091.26] and +[6091.26 --> 6105.26] and +[6105.26 --> 6107.26] and +[6107.26 --> 6109.26] and +[6109.26 --> 6123.26] and +[6123.26 --> 6125.26] and +[6125.26 --> 6127.26] and +[6127.26 --> 6129.26] and +[6129.26 --> 6143.26] and +[6143.26 --> 6145.26] and +[6145.26 --> 6147.26] and +[6147.26 --> 6149.26] and +[6149.26 --> 6151.26] and +[6151.26 --> 6153.26] and +[6153.26 --> 6155.26] and +[6155.26 --> 6167.26] and +[6167.26 --> 6169.26] and +[6169.26 --> 6171.26] and +[6171.26 --> 6173.26] and +[6173.26 --> 6175.26] and +[6175.26 --> 6177.26] and +[6177.26 --> 6179.26] and +[6179.26 --> 6209.24] Thank you. +[6209.26 --> 6239.24] Thank you. +[6239.26 --> 6269.24] Thank you. +[6269.26 --> 6299.24] Thank you. +[6299.26 --> 6329.24] Thank you. +[6329.26 --> 6359.24] Thank you. +[6359.26 --> 6389.24] Thank you. +[6389.26 --> 6419.24] Thank you. +[6419.26 --> 6449.24] Thank you. +[6449.26 --> 6479.24] Thank you. diff --git a/Sunday Worship, April 28, 2024_summary.txt b/Sunday Worship, April 28, 2024_summary.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000000000000000000000000000000000000..d2473ede2c82f7b6b34dc2bb6744025206ef7505 --- /dev/null +++ b/Sunday Worship, April 28, 2024_summary.txt @@ -0,0 +1,93 @@ +• The speaker expresses confusion and frustration with the suffering in the world +• God responds by questioning the speaker's understanding of creation and the natural order +• The speaker is asked if they can control or explain the workings of nature, including the forces of creation and destruction +• The speaker admits their limitations and inability to understand certain things +• A shift in tone occurs as the speaker begins to praise and worship God, acknowledging their own inadequacy and dependence on God's power +• Chris introduces himself as a pastor at Emanuel and welcomes guests to the worship service +• Announcements are made about an upcoming worship event and membership classes. +• Announcements and invitation to worship +• Welcome and greeting from God +• Call to worship from Revelation 5:9-10 +• Song "Come, all you people" with altered lyrics +• Discussion on the song's theme and connection to Psalm 51 +• Exposition on the importance of a clean heart and holy living +• Clarification that obedience and actions are vital in making oneself holy +• Confession of sin and asking God to change hearts +• Prayer for a clean heart and new life in Christ +• Scripture reading from Psalm 51 and 1 John 4 +• Discussion of the importance of love and loving one another +• Ministry to Seafarers, including visiting ships and distributing literature +• Special offering for the Budget and the Ministry to Seafarers +• Transition from discussion of Holy Spirit to transformation in Christian life +• Use of a photo slideshow to illustrate transformation (caterpillar to butterfly, tadpole to frog, polyp to jellyfish) +• Reference to pop culture examples of transformation (Transformers, Cars movie) +• Discussion of PJ Masks and their superhero transformations +• Imagining Pastor Kevin's potential transformation +• The speaker introduces transformation in children's worship time +• A church family prayer is led by Courtney +• Announcements are made regarding Judy Dykstra's health and Amy Cron's memorial service +• Prayer requests for various individuals and families, including those dealing with illness, loss, and mental health struggles +• Prayers also requested for guidance and wisdom for the church council and new office bearers +• The speaker invites Kevin to deliver the morning message and prays for an open heart to receive it +• Discussion of Romans 14 and its relevance to the congregation +• The concept of strong and weak faith in Christianity +• Differences between strong and weak faith (duration, comfort, and reflection of righteousness, joy, and peace) +• The importance of acting in love when interacting with others in the community +• Sacrificing privileges for the sake of community harmony and demonstrating Christ's righteousness, peace, and joy +• Paul's example of not judging one another on disputable matters (eating meat) +• Being considerate of others' consciences and traditions +• The privileges granted to believers by Jesus Christ can be disputable and cause disagreement among others. +• When someone questions or is opposed to a privilege, Paul advises not forcing them on that person. +• Allowing the other person to maintain their conscience and avoid stumbling into sin is more important than exercising one's own freedom. +• Pushing matters that may cause someone to stumble against their conscience can negatively affect what God is doing in their life and sanctifying process. +• Ignoring or dismissing the needs of others for the sake of one's own freedoms can lead to disunity within the body. +• Disputable matters vs. commands in the Bible +• Importance of seeking peace and mutual edification in disputable situations +• How to discern between disputable matters and commands: looking to Scripture for guidance +• Commands that are consistently taught throughout the Bible (e.g. worshiping God, loving your neighbor) +• Distinguishing between actions required for salvation vs. actions commanded by Scripture +• Gratitude for new life in Jesus Christ leads to following commands +• Disputable matters should not be made too broad or abusive of scripture +• Scripture is consistent on certain commands, but patterns can change over time +• Examples of disputable matters include eating unclean animals, wine, Sabbath, circumcision, and tattoos +• Tattoos and their relationship to being possessed by God +• The use of tattoos as a visible mark of faith in Christianity +• Disputable verses in the Bible regarding tattoos (Leviticus) +• Cosmetics and adornments (makeup, perfume, jewelry) in relation to Scripture +• Proverbs 6:16-17 and 1 Timothy 2:9-10 as references against excessive adornment +• The story of a girl who grew up in a conservative home that believed makeup went against God's will +• A woman's secret use of makeup at school, despite her Christian upbringing and the influence of her Christian friends +• The issue of secrecy and shame surrounding the woman's actions, as opposed to openly discussing and honoring her parents' values +• Peer pressure and popularity being prioritized over faithfulness in the woman's decision-making process +• Disputable matters in Christianity, such as infant baptism vs believer's baptism, and their implications for church leaders and young adults +• Disputability of women in office in Christianity +• Scripture's ambiguity on the topic +• Timothy Keller's statement on disputable issues in Christianity +• The importance of acknowledging and respecting disagreement among Christians +• The need for caution when assigning topics as "disputable" +• The role of biblical commands and their relation to disputed matters in the church +• Engagement with fellow believers on disputed matters, guided by biblical principles +• Discussion of Romans 14 and its focus on disputable matters +• Mention of the kingdom of God and the attributes of righteousness, peace, and joy in relation to it +• Importance of not forcing one's beliefs on others and accepting differing views +• Paul's suggestion to avoid harming others with whom Christ died by sacrificing privileges for their benefit +• The sacrifice of Christ for all believers +• The distinction between belief and action in Christianity +• Keeping personal convictions private vs making them public discourse +• Proper discussion and discernment when dealing with disputable issues in the church +• Considering the impact on weaker brothers and sisters in faith when holding strong convictions +• Avoid criticizing those who disagree with you +• Be willing to review and rethink your position based on biblical data +• Balance the need to discuss disputed matters with humility, peace, and joy +• Prioritize encouraging and edifying one another over winning arguments +• Seek wisdom and discernment in conversations about disputable matters +• Pray for God's peace and guidance in relationships where disagreements arise. +• Prayer and devotion +• Legacy of faithfulness passed down to future generations +• Encouragement to stay faithful and devoted in the face of challenges +• Reflection on Christ's victory and the hope of eternal life +• Repetitive requests for prayer and acknowledgement of God's presence +• Frequent use of the phrase "Oh, my God" +• Multiple instances of a speaker expressing shock or surprise +• A pattern of repetitive expressions without any additional context or content +• 13 consecutive instances of gratitude expressed with the phrase "Thank you" \ No newline at end of file diff --git a/Sunday Worship, April 28, 2024_transcript.txt b/Sunday Worship, April 28, 2024_transcript.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000000000000000000000000000000000000..3c43e1a89fd5870b96df54d0920315d2ad39a042 --- /dev/null +++ b/Sunday Worship, April 28, 2024_transcript.txt @@ -0,0 +1,1603 @@ +[0.00 --> 29.98] Thank you. +[30.00 --> 59.98] Thank you. +[60.00 --> 89.98] Thank you. +[90.00 --> 92.00] Thank you. +[120.00 --> 122.00] Thank you. +[122.00 --> 129.84] I said, God, I do not understand this world. +[129.84 --> 134.84] Everything is dying and broken. +[134.84 --> 140.78] Why do I see nothing but suffering? +[140.78 --> 150.78] God, I'm asking, could this be your plan? +[150.78 --> 156.58] Sin has taken hold of this whole land. +[156.78 --> 162.36] Will you not say anything else to me? +[162.36 --> 176.74] He said, where were you the day that I measured? +[176.74 --> 187.56] Sung the bass and stretched the line over all the earth and carved out its cornerstone. +[187.56 --> 201.94] Where were you the day that I spoke and told the sun to split the night open? +[201.94 --> 207.62] Called the morning dawn with its light to shore. +[211.94 --> 217.36] Who shot empty ocean with stone doors? +[217.72 --> 222.36] Marked the reach of tides on those new shores. +[222.36 --> 227.36] On the day the waves rose and first broke forth. +[231.36 --> 236.24] Have you seen the springs of that crazy? +[236.24 --> 241.24] Walked the caverns carved in the black sea? +[241.24 --> 246.24] Through the gates of darkness there on its floor? +[246.24 --> 253.24] Have you seen the armory I hold? +[253.24 --> 255.24] Have you seen the armory I hold? +[255.24 --> 259.24] Snow and hail are stacked up in silos. +[259.24 --> 264.24] For the times of trouble and war and strife. +[264.24 --> 271.24] Can you raise your voice to the storm cloud? +[271.24 --> 276.24] Hold the thunder and surrender and ring out. +[277.24 --> 281.24] Does the lightning ask you where it should strike? +[281.24 --> 287.24] Who has cleft a channel for torrents? +[287.24 --> 292.24] Reign to sprout the desert with forests? +[292.24 --> 298.24] In the wilderness that my hand has filled. +[299.24 --> 304.24] Can you hunt the prey for young lions? +[304.24 --> 308.24] Can you lose the cords of all riders? +[308.24 --> 311.24] Can you lose the cords of all riders? +[311.24 --> 314.24] Is this whole world bending me? +[314.24 --> 316.24] Need your will? +[319.24 --> 324.24] I spoke to things I did not understand. +[325.24 --> 329.24] Things too wonderful for me. +[330.24 --> 334.24] Although I had no right to ask. +[334.24 --> 340.24] My well brave in your Physical alimentos. +[340.24 --> 343.24] Don't be seen the inspire I have created. +[343.24 --> 344.24] Heroic Yoges +[344.24 --> 345.24] During our offspring areипma могils in separation. +[345.24 --> 346.92] Buny음� +[346.92 --> 349.24] Can you read it? +[349.24 --> 356.24] Aon przeddenant of laughing! +[356.24 --> 359.24] droite +[359.24 --> 362.24] 2 +[362.24 --> 373.84] All my words fall short +[373.84 --> 378.40] I got nothing new +[378.40 --> 383.06] How could I express +[383.06 --> 387.44] All my gratitude +[387.44 --> 392.30] I could sing these songs +[392.30 --> 396.92] As I often do +[396.92 --> 402.14] But every song must end +[402.14 --> 406.20] And you'll never do +[406.20 --> 410.66] So I throw up my hands +[410.66 --> 414.26] And praise you again and again +[414.26 --> 421.12] Cause all that I have is a hallelujah +[421.12 --> 425.02] Hallelujah +[425.02 --> 428.80] And I know it's not much +[428.80 --> 432.50] But I've nothing else fit for a king +[432.50 --> 436.26] Except for a heart singing +[436.26 --> 438.36] Hallelujah +[438.36 --> 442.36] Hallelujah +[442.36 --> 451.36] I've got one response +[451.36 --> 455.42] I've got one +[455.42 --> 456.22] I've got one +[456.22 --> 461.22] With my arms stretched wide +[461.22 --> 466.22] I will worship you +[466.22 --> 470.56] So I'll throw up my hands +[470.56 --> 474.22] And praise you again and again +[474.22 --> 475.32] That's what I love +[475.32 --> 477.38] Cause all that I have +[477.38 --> 480.08] Is a hallelujah +[480.08 --> 481.58] Hallelujah +[481.58 --> 484.96] Hallelujah +[484.96 --> 488.84] And I know it's not much +[488.84 --> 492.84] But I've nothing else fit for a king +[492.84 --> 496.20] Except for a heart singing +[496.20 --> 498.34] Hallelujah +[498.34 --> 503.04] Hallelujah +[503.04 --> 528.04] Oh, don't you get shy +[528.04 --> 556.04] Good morning +[556.04 --> 582.06] Hey, one person. All right, let's try again. Good morning! Hey, there we go. Excellent. Welcome to worship. A special welcome if you are a guest with us this morning. My name is Chris. I'm one of the pastors here at Emanuel, and it's our privilege to gather together to worship our good God in the name of Jesus. +[582.06 --> 595.38] We have a couple announcements before we begin. First, an invitation for you. This evening at 6 p.m., we are hosting a worship event that we're calling Come Holy Spirit. +[595.38 --> 608.66] And we're going to gather to sing some songs and to learn about the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives and in our faith and to worship God in perhaps a new or a different way than we ordinarily do. +[608.66 --> 624.38] And so please come at 6 p.m. to worship our good God together in the power of the Spirit. If you have any questions about that, you can grab me or Pastor Kevin after the service or Sarah, who's somewhere. Sarah's on the piano. You can talk to her about it. +[624.38 --> 629.52] And Robin is over there. You can talk to her about it as well. We'd love to have you join us for that. +[630.42 --> 648.30] Additionally, we are in the season where we're talking about membership class and pastor's class for those of you who might want to do profession of faith or perhaps if you have not been baptized, you're thinking about baptism and professing, declaring your love for Jesus and his love for you in that way. +[648.30 --> 657.58] I would love to meet you and talk to you about that. And so you can grab me at the Connect booth following our worship together. Love to have that conversation with you. +[658.68 --> 666.88] I think that's all we have for announcements this morning. And so I'm going to invite you as you are able to stand. We can be ushered into the presence of God together. +[666.88 --> 682.24] At this point in our service, we receive God's greeting. And that's the way that we mark that God has not only called us here and invited us here, but that by his Spirit, he carries us into his very presence. +[683.30 --> 689.48] That God is here among us. And when we enter his presence, we receive from him his grace and his mercy. +[689.48 --> 696.58] And he speaks his name over us as a new people. And so hear this greeting of God to you. +[696.68 --> 703.30] And then as we are greeted by God, we invite you to turn to those around you and to welcome them into worship as well. +[703.70 --> 706.90] Please remember, not everybody likes handshakes or hugs. +[707.68 --> 712.68] And so head nods and fist bumps are perfectly acceptable ways to welcome people into worship together. +[713.30 --> 714.74] Receive the greeting of our good God. +[714.74 --> 727.68] Grace, mercy, and peace to you from God our Father, from the Lord Jesus Christ, his Son, and our Savior, through the presence and power of the Holy Spirit. +[728.76 --> 729.08] Amen. +[729.80 --> 730.90] Let's worship God this morning. +[744.74 --> 746.74] Amen. +[774.74 --> 776.92] Good morning, everyone. +[777.16 --> 780.94] Our call to worship this morning is from Revelations 5, where it says, +[781.50 --> 783.26] And they sang a new song, saying, +[783.60 --> 787.60] You are worthy to take the scroll and open its seals, because you were slain. +[788.10 --> 793.62] And with your blood you purchased for God persons from every tribe, language, people, and nation. +[793.96 --> 798.98] You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God, and they will reign on the earth. +[798.98 --> 799.06] Amen. +[804.74 --> 824.90] Come, all you people, come praise you, make them. +[824.90 --> 834.16] Come all you people, come praise your name +[834.16 --> 837.60] Come now and worship the Lord +[837.60 --> 843.70] Come all you people, come praise your Savior +[843.70 --> 848.30] Come all you people, come praise your Savior +[848.30 --> 852.98] Come all you people, come praise the Savior +[852.98 --> 857.24] Come now and worship alone +[857.60 --> 860.32] No blood you needeth +[860.36 --> 863.16] No place is herein' +[863.16 --> 864.82] No blood you needeth +[864.82 --> 867.48] Correct台灣 +[867.60 --> 869.32] No blood you needeth +[869.32 --> 871.86] No place is herein' +[871.86 --> 876.40] Come now and worship alone +[876.40 --> 879.16] No blood you needeth +[879.16 --> 881.54] Otherwise demonic +[881.54 --> 890.14] Do y'all in the world, come ask in line. +[890.14 --> 894.14] Do y'all in worship alone. +[895.74 --> 899.14] Do y'all in worship alone. +[911.54 --> 941.52] Do y'all in worship alone. +[941.54 --> 971.52] Do y'all in worship alone. +[971.54 --> 1001.52] Do y'all in worship alone. +[1001.52 --> 1003.52] Do y'all in worship alone. +[1003.52 --> 1007.52] Do y'all in worship alone. +[1007.52 --> 1011.52] Do y'all in worship alone. +[1011.52 --> 1013.52] Do y'all in worship alone. +[1013.52 --> 1015.52] Do y'all in worship alone. +[1015.52 --> 1017.52] Do y'all in worship alone. +[1017.52 --> 1019.52] Do y'all in worship alone. +[1019.52 --> 1021.52] Do y'all in worship alone. +[1021.52 --> 1023.52] Do y'all in worship alone. +[1023.52 --> 1025.52] Do y'all in worship alone. +[1025.52 --> 1027.52] Do y'all in worship alone. +[1027.52 --> 1029.52] Do y'all in worship alone. +[1029.52 --> 1031.52] Do y'all in worship alone. +[1031.52 --> 1033.52] Do y'all in worship alone. +[1033.52 --> 1035.52] Do y'all in worship alone. +[1035.52 --> 1037.52] Do y'all in worship alone. +[1037.52 --> 1039.52] Do y'all in worship alone. +[1039.52 --> 1041.52] Do y'all in worship alone. +[1041.52 --> 1043.52] Do y'all in worship alone. +[1043.52 --> 1045.52] Do y'all in worship alone. +[1045.52 --> 1047.52] Do y'all in worship alone. +[1047.52 --> 1051.26] You may notice that it's not changed my heart any longer. +[1051.74 --> 1054.24] We changed it to create in me a clean heart. +[1054.44 --> 1058.02] Which is very similar thematically, lyrically, and structure. +[1058.02 --> 1069.40] And while there is nothing wrong with using a song in worship two Sundays in a row, we all have to thank Linda for letting me do a last minute change. +[1069.40 --> 1074.86] Because after listening to Pastor Chris' sermon last week, I had this song stuck in my head. +[1076.08 --> 1083.68] The disputable matters Pastor Chris outlined for us involves things which were considered clean versus unclean. +[1083.96 --> 1085.02] Holy versus not. +[1085.02 --> 1091.08] The do's and the don'ts of righteous living that were disputed upon at the time Paul wrote these passages. +[1092.32 --> 1095.92] Create in me a clean heart brings up this concept of cleanliness. +[1096.38 --> 1098.24] A clean, pure heart. +[1098.74 --> 1106.06] Something the psalmist in Psalm 51, which this song is directly drawing its lyrics from, is petitioning God for. +[1106.06 --> 1115.10] We cannot make ourselves holy through the actions we do, and yet our obedience to God, which involves how we act, is vital. +[1116.10 --> 1120.30] From one of McLaurin's expositions on the Psalms, he writes, +[1120.76 --> 1127.44] God's Holy Spirit, given to a man, makes the human spirit holy, and then makes it right and free. +[1128.44 --> 1131.32] It is the disposition of the heart that matters. +[1131.32 --> 1135.16] What are our purposes in these disputable matters? +[1135.94 --> 1137.40] The heart of God knows. +[1138.40 --> 1142.32] As we will hear from Kevin about how a maturing faith leads, +[1142.98 --> 1148.84] let us join our voices together once again to confess our sinful nature, our impure hearts, +[1149.40 --> 1151.40] asking God to change our hearts, +[1152.06 --> 1153.64] creating a clean heart within us, +[1153.64 --> 1157.02] one that is right with God and free in new life, +[1157.48 --> 1158.78] and from that freedom, +[1159.20 --> 1163.80] lead in a way that brings others to daily confession and new life in Christ. +[1163.80 --> 1172.80] break in we have realized. +[1172.80 --> 1182.42] Create in me a clean heart, oh God, +[1182.42 --> 1188.48] And進ic3 emailed us here and within me. +[1188.48 --> 1198.28] Create in me and lead my heart, O God +[1198.28 --> 1205.24] And renew the right spirit within me +[1205.24 --> 1214.40] Cast me not away from thy presence, O Lord +[1214.40 --> 1221.50] And take not thy Holy Spirit from me +[1221.50 --> 1230.22] Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation +[1230.22 --> 1237.10] And the right spirit within me +[1237.10 --> 1246.20] Create in me a King, Lord, O God +[1246.20 --> 1253.20] And renew the right spirit within me +[1253.20 --> 1262.20] Create in me a King, Lord, O God +[1262.20 --> 1269.30] And renew the right spirit within me +[1269.30 --> 1278.30] Cast me not away from thy presence, O Lord +[1278.30 --> 1285.30] And take not thy Holy Spirit from me +[1285.30 --> 1294.40] Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation +[1294.40 --> 1301.40] And renew the right spirit within me +[1301.40 --> 1306.40] Create in me a King, Lord, O God +[1306.40 --> 1311.50] Create in me, Lord, O God +[1311.50 --> 1318.50] And renew the right spirit within me +[1318.50 --> 1323.96] Please rise for our assurance from 1 John 4, 7-11 +[1323.96 --> 1328.92] Beloved, let us love one another +[1328.92 --> 1331.14] For love is from God +[1331.14 --> 1334.34] And whoever loves has been born of God +[1334.34 --> 1335.78] And knows God +[1335.78 --> 1339.04] Anyone who does not love does not know God +[1339.04 --> 1340.72] Because God is love +[1340.72 --> 1345.48] In this the love of God was made manifest among us +[1345.48 --> 1348.34] That God sent his only Son into the world +[1348.34 --> 1350.94] So that we might live through him +[1350.94 --> 1353.18] In this is love +[1353.18 --> 1355.50] Not that we have loved God +[1355.50 --> 1357.10] But that he has loved us +[1357.10 --> 1358.22] And sent his Son +[1358.22 --> 1360.56] To be the propitiation for our sins +[1360.56 --> 1363.88] Beloved, if God so loved us +[1363.88 --> 1365.90] We also ought to love one another +[1365.90 --> 1365.92] That he has loved us +[1366.80 --> 1367.00] Amen +[1367.00 --> 1369.12] Amen +[1369.12 --> 1371.04] äng +[1371.24 --> 1371.42] 03 +[1371.42 --> 1373.04] 우리 +[1373.04 --> 1375.04] Amen. +[1403.04 --> 1405.04] Amen. +[1433.04 --> 1435.04] Amen. +[1463.04 --> 1465.04] Amen. +[1493.04 --> 1495.04] Amen. +[1523.04 --> 1525.04] Amen. +[1553.04 --> 1555.04] Amen. +[1583.04 --> 1585.04] Amen. +[1613.04 --> 1615.04] Amen. +[1643.04 --> 1645.04] Amen. +[1673.04 --> 1675.04] Amen. +[1703.04 --> 1705.04] Amen. +[1733.04 --> 1735.04] Amen. +[1763.04 --> 1765.04] Amen. +[1793.04 --> 1795.04] Amen. +[1823.04 --> 1825.04] Amen. +[1825.04 --> 1827.04] Amen. +[1827.04 --> 1829.04] Good morning. +[1829.04 --> 1832.04] Today's offering is for the Budget and the Ministry to Seafarers. +[1832.04 --> 1845.04] This ministry started in 1970 by Classis BC, which was a continuation of what individuals +[1845.04 --> 1848.04] in the Lower Mainland were already doing. +[1848.04 --> 1851.04] In 2003, it expanded to Roberts Bay. +[1851.04 --> 1857.04] The Ministry to Seafarers continues to serve seafarers by visiting ships, distributing literature, +[1857.04 --> 1864.04] providing rides, gifts at Christmas, and ministering to them both on ships and at centers located +[1864.04 --> 1866.04] both downtown and Roberts Bank. +[1866.04 --> 1872.04] They are also supporting ministry centers in other BC ports, especially Port Alberni. +[1872.04 --> 1876.04] Remember, unless otherwise noted, all gifts go to the special offering. +[1876.04 --> 1878.04] Thank you. +[1881.04 --> 1882.04] You're a member of the Fortune diverse community. +[1882.04 --> 1885.04] You see within theelen of 1810 day on Cliff Preston, in the analGA driven by housekeeping opportunity. +[1885.04 --> 1886.04] You say everybody isertaically supporting Pinach mini. +[1886.04 --> 1916.02] Thank you. +[1916.04 --> 1946.02] Thank you. +[1946.04 --> 1948.04] Thank you. +[1976.04 --> 1978.04] Thank you. +[2006.04 --> 2008.04] Thank you. +[2036.04 --> 2038.04] Thank you. +[2066.04 --> 2068.04] Thank you. +[2068.04 --> 2070.04] Thank you. +[2070.04 --> 2072.04] Thank you. +[2072.04 --> 2074.04] Thank you. +[2102.04 --> 2103.04] Thank you. +[2103.04 --> 2103.56] Okay. +[2103.56 --> 2106.52] Do you guys know what we've been, can you guys recall what we've been talking about +[2106.52 --> 2107.76] in children's worship time? +[2108.76 --> 2109.20] No? +[2109.32 --> 2111.62] Do you know what book we're busy studying right now? +[2112.04 --> 2112.70] Book of the Bible? +[2113.92 --> 2114.72] We'll close. +[2114.72 --> 2121.00] It's actually the same book that the moms and dads and everyone else has been working +[2121.00 --> 2121.12] on. +[2121.16 --> 2122.24] Yeah, the book of Romans. +[2122.34 --> 2123.90] We've now moved into the book of Romans. +[2124.04 --> 2129.50] So last week, Pastor Kevin talked about how the Holy Spirit comes into us, right? +[2129.54 --> 2134.08] And it can burst out of us like that big experiment you guys did on the lawn that we almost did +[2134.08 --> 2135.34] up in front of the church. +[2135.92 --> 2136.06] Yeah. +[2136.06 --> 2140.94] But now we're talking about what happens moving on in your Christian life. +[2141.06 --> 2144.88] So the big word we're talking about today is transformation. +[2146.18 --> 2147.54] Do you guys know what that word is? +[2148.10 --> 2149.06] Have you heard that word before? +[2149.30 --> 2151.96] It's like when there's like a big change that happens, right? +[2151.96 --> 2154.64] So there's transformation happens all over the place. +[2154.70 --> 2156.40] So we have a little photo slideshow. +[2156.76 --> 2164.28] I'm going to ask you guys to show your smarts and tell me what do you think the first picture +[2164.28 --> 2169.18] transforms into and the second picture will show us what it transformed. +[2169.56 --> 2170.44] So this is it. +[2170.50 --> 2171.04] We'll start easy. +[2171.16 --> 2172.18] What do you think this one turns into? +[2172.82 --> 2174.18] Turns into a butterfly, right? +[2174.30 --> 2179.34] It's a caterpillar that turns into a beautiful butterfly, the monarch butterfly. +[2179.68 --> 2179.86] Okay. +[2179.90 --> 2180.54] What about this one? +[2180.54 --> 2181.92] Ooh. +[2183.16 --> 2184.12] What is that? +[2184.34 --> 2185.10] It's a tadpole? +[2185.56 --> 2187.76] It turns into a frog. +[2188.04 --> 2188.50] Good one. +[2188.92 --> 2189.64] Oh, okay. +[2190.64 --> 2190.96] Ooh. +[2191.38 --> 2192.50] We're getting tricky now. +[2192.98 --> 2194.30] What is that? +[2195.42 --> 2196.74] That's a polyp. +[2197.96 --> 2199.94] Do you know what a polyp turns into? +[2201.36 --> 2202.20] We'll see. +[2202.38 --> 2202.52] Oh. +[2203.34 --> 2203.78] Oh. +[2204.12 --> 2205.86] Into a giant jellyfish. +[2206.06 --> 2206.80] Little polyps. +[2206.90 --> 2209.44] They grow and start on the bottom of the seafloor. +[2209.44 --> 2210.22] All right. +[2210.26 --> 2211.40] Here's maybe we'll swing a little. +[2211.56 --> 2215.38] We'll swing a little to maybe like our current pop culture stuff. +[2215.50 --> 2216.26] So here we are. +[2216.34 --> 2219.50] What does this guy turn into? +[2221.04 --> 2221.94] A car. +[2222.18 --> 2228.30] So what TV show or movie has cars that turn into? +[2228.54 --> 2229.66] The movie cars. +[2229.82 --> 2230.68] The movie cars? +[2230.78 --> 2230.98] Oh, yeah. +[2230.98 --> 2231.70] That's a good movie. +[2232.28 --> 2232.68] Yeah. +[2233.18 --> 2233.66] Yeah. +[2233.72 --> 2235.14] What does this race car turn into? +[2235.98 --> 2237.48] There's transformers. +[2237.72 --> 2238.54] They're robots. +[2239.16 --> 2241.52] It turns into a robot. +[2241.68 --> 2245.10] This is the car Bumblebee and he turns into a robot. +[2246.24 --> 2246.80] Cool, right? +[2246.96 --> 2247.08] Yeah. +[2247.28 --> 2247.48] Okay. +[2247.54 --> 2249.22] This next one also could be a little tricky. +[2249.60 --> 2249.76] Oh. +[2250.14 --> 2251.26] Do you guys know these guys? +[2251.62 --> 2253.90] I think their names are Connor, Greg. +[2254.18 --> 2254.34] Yeah. +[2254.42 --> 2255.20] PJ Masks. +[2255.26 --> 2256.14] What do they turn into? +[2256.96 --> 2257.78] Cat Boy. +[2257.96 --> 2258.62] Cat Boy. +[2258.62 --> 2259.70] And Gecko and Owlette. +[2259.74 --> 2260.84] And Gecko and Owlette. +[2261.00 --> 2263.02] Oh, you guys are smart. +[2263.78 --> 2266.24] I bet you a lot of the adults didn't know that. +[2266.36 --> 2266.54] Hey? +[2267.44 --> 2267.80] Yep. +[2268.72 --> 2269.68] We have one last one. +[2269.72 --> 2272.88] I mean, this stuff comes from the internet, so I don't even always know the answers. +[2273.02 --> 2274.44] There's one last I think we have. +[2274.88 --> 2275.06] Oh. +[2275.62 --> 2276.06] What? +[2277.18 --> 2280.90] What do we think Pastor Kevin would transform into? +[2281.94 --> 2282.30] A what? +[2282.60 --> 2283.38] A preacher. +[2283.86 --> 2284.20] Okay. +[2284.34 --> 2285.24] Any other ideas? +[2285.24 --> 2287.14] A pastor? +[2287.14 --> 2287.26] A preacher? +[2287.96 --> 2288.40] Okay. +[2288.88 --> 2289.22] Yeah. +[2289.26 --> 2292.12] It would be nice if he grew up into a preacher. +[2292.70 --> 2292.88] Okay? +[2293.24 --> 2293.72] Yeah. +[2294.06 --> 2295.06] Any other ideas? +[2295.94 --> 2299.14] I don't know what the internet says, but... +[2300.32 --> 2300.64] Oh. +[2301.00 --> 2301.18] Yeah. +[2301.92 --> 2302.44] Yep. +[2302.70 --> 2303.14] Yeah. +[2304.64 --> 2306.10] I mean, this is what the internet... +[2306.10 --> 2309.28] You can't always believe what's on the internet, but... +[2309.28 --> 2309.86] I know. +[2310.12 --> 2310.62] I know. +[2311.08 --> 2311.54] Yeesh. +[2311.88 --> 2312.74] A clown, right? +[2313.10 --> 2313.62] Yeah. +[2313.62 --> 2313.66] Yeah. +[2314.04 --> 2314.38] Well. +[2314.70 --> 2314.96] Okay. +[2315.00 --> 2317.10] We're going to talk more about transformation. +[2317.14 --> 2322.18] Both the exciting ones and the silly ones and the big ones in children's worship time. +[2322.36 --> 2326.90] But let's stand together with the congregation and we'll do the children's blessing together. +[2330.00 --> 2330.52] Ready? +[2331.04 --> 2332.96] The Lord be with you. +[2333.32 --> 2334.78] And also with you. +[2335.42 --> 2349.88] Hello. +[2349.88 --> 2363.44] Hello, my name is Courtney, and it is my privilege to lead you all in the church family prayer +[2363.44 --> 2369.72] today. Before we begin that, there's a couple of announcements from Council. The first is that +[2369.72 --> 2375.68] Judy Dykstra is now home from a brief stay in the hospital. She's doing well and is grateful to be +[2375.68 --> 2382.32] home, so praise God. And the other is from the Cron family. They will be hosting a private memorial +[2382.32 --> 2390.78] service for Amy. All right, please bow your head with me and pray. Dear Heavenly Father, thank you +[2390.78 --> 2396.72] for the opportunity for all of us together this morning. We praise you that Judy Dykstra is home +[2396.72 --> 2402.00] after a brief stay in the hospital. We're thankful that she is doing better and is able to be home +[2402.00 --> 2410.46] again. Please be near to Ryland and Laura Benny as they lost their 86-day-old baby boy, Jack. We pray +[2410.46 --> 2415.72] for peace as they navigate this new reality and that God will be very near to them during this time of +[2415.72 --> 2422.76] immense loss. Be near the family of Amy Cron as she passed away last week and as they plan a memorial +[2422.76 --> 2428.28] service for her. Give them peace and comfort as they grieve the loss of a wife, mother, and friend. +[2428.28 --> 2435.02] Be near to Rachel Skipper as her health is continuing to decline. Give her doctors wisdom +[2435.02 --> 2440.98] and bring about healing in her life. Be with Matthew, Anaya, and Ezra as this is a difficult time for the +[2440.98 --> 2448.70] whole family. We pray for God's guidance and wisdom as our church council is finalizing new office bearers +[2448.70 --> 2454.72] nominations. Be with those who will be stepping into office. Give them wisdom and thank you for those who +[2454.72 --> 2460.44] are completing their terms and for their diligent service. We lift up those who are dealing with +[2460.44 --> 2467.60] illness and ask for your healing touch upon their lives. We also lift up those who are mourning the loss +[2467.60 --> 2473.38] of a loved one, feeling the deep ache of their absence. Provide them with comfort and solace during this time +[2473.38 --> 2480.84] of grief. Envelop them in your loving embrace. Be near to the individuals who are grappling with mental health, +[2480.84 --> 2486.14] a struggle that often feels isolating and overwhelming. Shine your light into their lives, +[2486.56 --> 2491.22] offering hope and a sense of your nearness. Provide them with the strength to face each day +[2491.22 --> 2497.24] and the clarity to see your hand at work in their lives. Be with all the ministries that are beginning +[2497.24 --> 2502.92] to wind down for the season. I pray that the ministries were impactful during this past year. +[2503.28 --> 2508.64] Thank you for all of the people who stepped up and volunteered and who make the ministries possible. +[2508.64 --> 2514.68] Helpful the summer to be a time of rest and restoration. Be with those who are unemployed +[2514.68 --> 2520.76] or underemployed. Provide clarity in their choices, ensuring that each step taken aligns with your will +[2520.76 --> 2526.80] and leads them to opportunities for growth and fulfillment. We pray for those currently +[2526.80 --> 2532.00] navigating conflicts, whether in personal relationships, workplaces, or broader communities. +[2532.76 --> 2537.78] Fill their hearts with your love, patience, and kindness as they respond to challenging situations. +[2537.78 --> 2544.82] Be with Kevin as he delivers us your word today. Bless the message. May it be your word spoken through him. +[2544.82 --> 2550.22] And give us open hearts to receive the message. We pray this all in Jesus' most holy name. Amen. +[2550.22 --> 2568.10] I learned today that you shouldn't make fun of Mike Prince in children's worship time, I'll tell you that. +[2569.68 --> 2576.68] You know deja vu, like something happens around you or in your context or your life that you're positive you've experienced before? +[2576.68 --> 2580.42] That's a surefire way that there's a glitch in the matrix, that's for sure. +[2581.58 --> 2585.38] Some of you today are going to feel a little bit of deja vu right now, +[2585.38 --> 2589.32] because today is going to seem a little bit like that from this moment on. +[2589.38 --> 2595.42] That's because today we're going to be looking at the second half of Romans 14. +[2595.80 --> 2601.06] So we're going to read it in a second, but at first glance it's going to be saying some very similar things +[2601.06 --> 2608.66] to what we looked at last week, and that's okay. Just sort of consider this as phase two of Romans 14. +[2608.82 --> 2613.94] Pastor Chris led us very well through phase one last week, and now we'll enter phase two on this topic. +[2614.04 --> 2620.92] Actually, technically we're in like phase 34 of our 39 phase Romans sermon series, +[2621.12 --> 2623.98] and I know this because I had to count to say those numbers. +[2623.98 --> 2630.18] But either way, if this seems similar to last week, that's okay, because there are similarities. +[2631.00 --> 2637.28] But I also know and I pray that you'll be able to hear God's voice and God speak through his word this morning. +[2638.48 --> 2642.02] So if you've got your Bibles, I invite you to please open those up at the moment. +[2642.12 --> 2644.58] You can also turn on your Bible apps on your phone. +[2644.58 --> 2649.02] You can grab a Bible from the back if you wish and turn with me to Romans 14, +[2649.02 --> 2653.66] and we are going to read verses 13 through 23 this morning. +[2654.72 --> 2657.36] Romans 14, 13 to 23, it says this. +[2659.00 --> 2662.68] Therefore, let us stop passing judgment on one another. +[2663.56 --> 2669.20] Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in the way of a brother or sister. +[2669.80 --> 2676.24] I am convinced, being fully persuaded in the Lord Jesus, that nothing is unclean in itself. +[2676.82 --> 2682.02] But if anyone regards something as unclean, then for that person, it is unclean. +[2682.02 --> 2688.26] If your brother or sister is distressed because of what you eat, you are no longer acting in love. +[2689.54 --> 2693.48] Do not by your eating destroy someone for whom Christ died. +[2694.54 --> 2699.00] Therefore, do not let what you know is good be spoken of as evil. +[2699.00 --> 2707.06] For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit. +[2708.86 --> 2715.28] Because anyone who serves Christ in this way is pleasing to God and receives human approval. +[2715.28 --> 2720.98] Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification. +[2721.40 --> 2723.84] Do not destroy the work of God for the sake of food. +[2724.14 --> 2729.08] All food is clean, but it is wrong for a person to eat anything that causes someone else to stumble. +[2729.56 --> 2736.74] It is better not to eat meat or drink wine or do anything else that will cause your brother or sister to fall. +[2736.74 --> 2742.24] So whatever you believe about these things, keep between yourself and God. +[2742.66 --> 2746.28] Blessed is the one who does not condemn himself by what he approves. +[2746.96 --> 2750.24] But whoever has doubts is condemned if they eat. +[2750.74 --> 2752.68] Because their eating is not from faith. +[2753.40 --> 2756.48] And everything that does not come from faith is sin. +[2757.16 --> 2758.30] The word of the Lord. +[2758.30 --> 2769.74] So last week, Pastor Chris helped us understand what Paul means when he discusses those with weak faith and those with strong faith. +[2770.30 --> 2775.22] If you listen to the Welcome to the Narthex podcast, which there you go, is your shameful plug. +[2775.40 --> 2776.00] Way to go, me. +[2776.36 --> 2781.00] If you listen to that, Pastor Chris, Josh, and I continue to sort of flesh that out even further. +[2781.00 --> 2788.84] To recap that a bit briefly, those with weak faith are not necessarily those brand new to Christianity, though that can be true, +[2789.36 --> 2793.80] or those who are questioning their faith, though again that can be true. +[2794.32 --> 2801.46] And those with strong faith are not necessarily those who have been a Christian all their lives, though again that can be true, +[2801.78 --> 2805.48] nor are they those who never question anything about their faith. +[2805.48 --> 2811.16] And dare I say, if that's true, I'd suggest they're more likely in the weak faith department. +[2812.62 --> 2816.86] No, being strong in your faith means that the gospel truth of Jesus Christ, +[2817.02 --> 2821.42] his life, his death, his resurrection, has taken a firm stronghold in your heart. +[2821.74 --> 2826.12] And the fruits of the Spirit are evident in your life and in the world around you. +[2826.80 --> 2830.94] Being weak in your faith means that the gospel truth, while still present in your life, +[2830.94 --> 2836.08] is still establishing that stronghold, no matter how long you have been a believer for. +[2836.72 --> 2840.06] So being strong in your faith is not about duration or comfort, +[2840.06 --> 2845.18] but more about how your life reflects this righteousness, joy, and peace +[2845.18 --> 2850.30] of Christ's gospel in the world around you. +[2851.04 --> 2853.40] We'll look at that theme a little bit more closely today, +[2853.48 --> 2855.42] but that's sort of the barometer we're working with. +[2855.42 --> 2863.48] Is God's righteousness, joy, and peace on display because of the salvation you've received in Christ? +[2864.20 --> 2866.14] If so, that's strong faith. +[2867.16 --> 2871.06] Now, I recap that because today Paul says, sorry, +[2871.14 --> 2874.36] that after hearing everything that he's written for the past 12 verses, +[2874.66 --> 2877.34] now granted, Paul didn't write this letter with verses in it. +[2877.40 --> 2879.32] We added those later, but you see what I'm doing here. +[2879.40 --> 2881.92] Paul says, therefore, after hearing everything that I've written, +[2881.98 --> 2883.94] everything that he has written over these past 12 verses, +[2883.94 --> 2887.58] remember, stop passing judgment on one another. +[2888.70 --> 2893.22] Basically, if there's a disputable matter at hand, just chill, everyone. +[2893.62 --> 2898.62] Relax. Stop putting up barriers and obstacles in front of each other. +[2899.52 --> 2900.40] Just get along. +[2903.10 --> 2909.30] Today's text is about modeling Christ's righteousness, peace, and joy in your life +[2909.30 --> 2910.84] to those believers around you. +[2910.84 --> 2913.14] In fact, that's the big idea today. +[2913.72 --> 2918.54] To model Christ means sacrificing our God-given privileges +[2918.54 --> 2923.56] for the righteousness, peace, and joy of the body of Christ. +[2924.68 --> 2925.86] All right, let's dig in a little. +[2927.20 --> 2932.56] The first way Paul calls us to operate in community is by acting in love. +[2933.20 --> 2935.94] Well, Paul uses an example of how not to act in love, +[2935.94 --> 2937.10] but the point remains. +[2937.20 --> 2938.30] Verse 15 there. +[2938.92 --> 2942.00] If your brother or sister is distressed because of what you eat, +[2942.06 --> 2944.80] you are no longer acting in love. +[2945.66 --> 2947.58] Paul is using food again in this example. +[2947.66 --> 2951.54] If you remember last time, some Jews in this church who have come to know Christ, +[2952.18 --> 2956.64] they were still living under the belief that certain animals were unclean to eat. +[2957.34 --> 2960.62] Their consciences would not let them eat certain types of meat. +[2960.62 --> 2964.68] Well, many Gentiles, however, were not so concerned with that. +[2965.06 --> 2965.98] They did eat meat. +[2966.46 --> 2968.60] But Paul is saying that, and listen to these words, +[2968.70 --> 2971.38] Paul is saying that even though he was fully persuaded, +[2971.68 --> 2976.34] fully persuaded in the Lord Jesus Christ that nothing is unclean in and of itself, +[2976.44 --> 2977.68] that's verse 14, +[2978.50 --> 2982.80] yet if anyone regards something as unclean, +[2983.34 --> 2985.04] then for that person it is unclean. +[2985.04 --> 2990.38] So even though Paul knows that eating meat, a disputable matter at the time, +[2990.52 --> 2992.36] was okay to consume, +[2992.72 --> 2996.62] even though he was fully persuaded in the Lord Jesus Christ, +[2996.94 --> 3000.16] Paul says if another brother or sister still regards this as unclean, +[3000.48 --> 3002.10] if it's not good, it's not kosher, +[3002.18 --> 3004.84] it's something that grinds against their moral compass, +[3005.24 --> 3006.62] just don't do it with them. +[3007.24 --> 3008.20] Don't eat it with them. +[3008.28 --> 3009.50] Don't eat it in front of them. +[3010.40 --> 3012.50] Even though nothing is unclean about it, +[3012.50 --> 3015.94] for the sake of your brother or sister in Christ, +[3016.20 --> 3017.64] just don't eat it with them. +[3019.08 --> 3021.10] Because if you sit there and eat it with them, +[3021.14 --> 3023.22] or if you try to persuade them to eat it with them, +[3023.24 --> 3025.08] it goes against their moral compass, +[3025.18 --> 3026.70] and that becomes a sin for them. +[3027.16 --> 3028.34] Verse 23 of our text, +[3028.66 --> 3031.12] whoever has doubts is condemned if they eat, +[3031.94 --> 3034.36] because in their eating it is not from faith, +[3034.42 --> 3036.62] and everything that does not come from faith is sin. +[3038.34 --> 3040.16] And so if you find yourselves in that position, +[3040.16 --> 3041.72] Paul is saying, he says don't argue, +[3041.72 --> 3043.60] don't fight, don't quibble, +[3043.86 --> 3047.30] don't send the latest slow cooker pulled pork recipe to them, +[3047.44 --> 3048.94] don't invite them to your luau, +[3049.20 --> 3051.44] don't do it, just drop it. +[3052.52 --> 3056.36] Be polite, be civil, show peace, +[3057.40 --> 3059.00] be a vegetarian for a meal. +[3060.28 --> 3062.20] Because to do anything else +[3062.20 --> 3065.22] would not be acting in love. +[3066.80 --> 3069.54] The privilege to eat meat in that context +[3069.54 --> 3071.58] was granted to believers by Jesus Christ, +[3071.72 --> 3073.80] but even though those privileges were granted, +[3074.30 --> 3075.82] Paul says not to force them +[3075.82 --> 3077.42] on those who may question them, +[3077.62 --> 3079.80] otherwise you might be violating their consciences +[3079.80 --> 3081.82] and causing them to stumble in sin. +[3084.64 --> 3086.90] Privileges aren't always meant to be taken up. +[3088.50 --> 3090.04] They're privileges, they're freedoms, +[3090.16 --> 3091.06] they're blessings even. +[3092.44 --> 3094.78] However, sometimes those privileges are disputable. +[3094.90 --> 3096.60] Some freedoms cause people to disagree, +[3096.74 --> 3097.78] and it's those privileges +[3097.78 --> 3100.26] that Paul says we ought to actually just put down +[3100.26 --> 3101.08] every once in a while. +[3102.12 --> 3103.64] We might just have to put away +[3103.64 --> 3105.80] for the good of a brother or sister in Christ. +[3106.04 --> 3107.54] When we don't do that, +[3108.10 --> 3110.80] when we don't sacrifice our disputable privileges +[3110.80 --> 3112.60] for the betterment of the body, +[3114.06 --> 3116.88] beyond causing others to go against their consciences, +[3116.88 --> 3118.98] Paul actually warns us of two more things +[3118.98 --> 3119.60] that could happen. +[3119.60 --> 3123.10] First, we could destroy the work +[3123.10 --> 3124.72] that God is doing in their lives. +[3125.06 --> 3126.16] Verse 20 of our text, +[3126.52 --> 3128.70] do not destroy the work of God +[3128.70 --> 3129.68] for the sake of food. +[3130.26 --> 3131.82] And again, Paul says all food is clean, +[3131.92 --> 3133.72] but it is wrong for a person to eat anything +[3133.72 --> 3135.66] that causes someone else to stumble. +[3136.50 --> 3139.90] God is at work in everyone's lives, +[3140.16 --> 3141.22] the weak and the strong. +[3141.22 --> 3144.54] If we are quick to push matters +[3144.54 --> 3146.40] that may cause someone to stumble +[3146.40 --> 3147.38] against their conscience, +[3148.20 --> 3150.46] we could negatively be affecting, +[3150.64 --> 3151.66] we could negatively affect +[3151.66 --> 3153.48] what God is doing in their lives. +[3154.84 --> 3157.48] Through the Spirit, God is sanctifying all of us. +[3157.82 --> 3159.70] He is making us all more like Christ, +[3159.86 --> 3162.84] and we are all in need of becoming more like Christ. +[3164.04 --> 3166.64] And it's our job as brothers and sisters in Christ +[3166.64 --> 3167.64] to help people grow, +[3167.76 --> 3168.78] to edify the body, +[3168.78 --> 3170.62] to encourage one another. +[3171.22 --> 3174.84] But sometimes pushing things +[3174.84 --> 3176.92] that people aren't ready to partake in +[3176.92 --> 3179.08] can cause the opposite of growth. +[3179.52 --> 3181.18] It can negatively affect +[3181.18 --> 3183.78] what God is doing in the lives of other believers. +[3184.30 --> 3186.96] And so Paul says not to destroy the work of God, +[3187.74 --> 3189.48] especially for the sake of food. +[3190.70 --> 3193.34] Don't hinder what God is doing. +[3194.76 --> 3196.26] The second thing that can happen +[3196.26 --> 3199.22] is we can cause disunity amongst the body. +[3199.22 --> 3201.68] When we push people to go against their own consciences, +[3201.88 --> 3204.32] we can push them away from what they believe. +[3204.40 --> 3206.38] We can push them away from other believers, +[3207.22 --> 3208.14] from their own faith. +[3208.44 --> 3209.68] Again, in a roundabout way, +[3209.98 --> 3211.36] Paul is saying when you find yourself +[3211.36 --> 3212.40] in one of these situations, +[3212.64 --> 3214.84] in a situation where you know you have the freedom, +[3215.10 --> 3216.98] you have the privilege in Christ from this, +[3217.44 --> 3219.16] but the other person doesn't see it that way, +[3219.60 --> 3222.82] in a situation where a disputable matter is at hand, +[3222.82 --> 3224.60] instead of asking, +[3224.96 --> 3227.36] how can I enjoy my privilege in this moment? +[3228.58 --> 3229.46] Ask yourself, +[3230.08 --> 3232.64] what can I do here that will lead to peace +[3232.64 --> 3234.86] with my brother or sister in Christ? +[3236.48 --> 3239.98] What can I do here that will lead to peace in this moment? +[3241.86 --> 3245.04] Don't push to try to live how you want to live, +[3245.08 --> 3246.32] even if you know it's permittable. +[3246.32 --> 3250.44] Ask, what can I do here to bring peace into the mix +[3250.44 --> 3251.58] in this situation? +[3253.08 --> 3255.62] We need to follow Paul's words here in verse 19. +[3256.06 --> 3258.88] Let us therefore make every effort +[3258.88 --> 3262.82] to do what leads to peace and mutual edification. +[3265.32 --> 3267.24] Those who are skeptical to do certain things +[3267.24 --> 3269.62] because it goes against what they believe, +[3270.70 --> 3272.98] sorry, what they believe is faithful living to Jesus Christ, +[3272.98 --> 3275.48] they are not to violate their own consciences. +[3276.76 --> 3279.76] But those who do not have those same reservations +[3279.76 --> 3282.52] need to avoid encouraging those who do +[3282.52 --> 3286.10] to also not violate those same consciences. +[3287.70 --> 3292.72] And again, all of that applies not to commands +[3292.72 --> 3293.82] that we find in Scripture, +[3294.66 --> 3296.78] but of course to disputable matters. +[3296.90 --> 3299.14] Now, you've heard me say disputable matters +[3299.14 --> 3300.42] about a half a dozen times. +[3300.42 --> 3302.76] If you've been listening and checking a little box on your notes, +[3302.82 --> 3303.34] it's been eight. +[3303.60 --> 3304.10] I counted. +[3304.10 --> 3308.18] Also last week, Chris used it a lot of times too, +[3308.26 --> 3308.96] but I didn't count, +[3309.02 --> 3311.04] so I don't know how many times he used the phrase +[3311.04 --> 3312.18] disputable matters. +[3313.34 --> 3314.56] But what are these? +[3314.70 --> 3316.74] What are these disputable matters then? +[3316.84 --> 3319.06] Paul talks about meat in this passage. +[3319.24 --> 3321.04] Wine actually gets mentioned too. +[3321.16 --> 3323.24] Last week, Pastor Chris went through a few more of them. +[3323.30 --> 3326.10] He talked about a sacred days and circumcision +[3326.10 --> 3327.92] and even marriage and celibacy. +[3328.02 --> 3330.64] They can fit into this discussion as well. +[3330.64 --> 3331.36] But there's more. +[3331.68 --> 3333.44] But the more important question is, +[3333.84 --> 3336.18] how do we discern what is disputable +[3336.18 --> 3337.36] and what is commanded? +[3338.96 --> 3341.56] That's a very important distinction for this conversation. +[3341.88 --> 3343.78] Because if someone is walking in sin, +[3343.98 --> 3345.26] is walking against a command, +[3345.50 --> 3347.50] we do need to be able to hold up a mirror +[3347.50 --> 3349.22] and help them see their sin. +[3349.36 --> 3351.48] That's also part of edifying the body. +[3351.48 --> 3353.90] But if someone disagrees with a privilege +[3353.90 --> 3357.96] that we find and have received in Jesus Christ, +[3358.36 --> 3360.22] Paul is telling us for the sake of peace +[3360.22 --> 3361.86] and the work of God in their lives, +[3362.02 --> 3364.38] not to push people, to just leave it. +[3365.86 --> 3368.74] So how can we tell if something is a command +[3368.74 --> 3370.58] or if something is disputable? +[3372.58 --> 3374.62] Well, as is most often the case, +[3374.70 --> 3375.84] we can look to the Word of God. +[3375.92 --> 3377.50] We can look to Scripture to help us discern +[3377.50 --> 3378.52] the difference between the two. +[3378.52 --> 3381.78] Now, perhaps this seems overly simple, +[3381.90 --> 3382.82] but I promise you it's not. +[3382.88 --> 3383.46] The truth is, +[3383.64 --> 3385.30] if something is listed in the Bible +[3385.30 --> 3387.78] as a command for us to do, +[3387.86 --> 3388.66] for us to live out, +[3388.80 --> 3390.18] and the pattern of that command +[3390.18 --> 3391.78] does not change throughout Scripture, +[3392.84 --> 3393.66] that's a command. +[3396.78 --> 3399.20] So things like only worshiping God, +[3399.44 --> 3400.10] that's a command. +[3400.22 --> 3401.70] Things like loving your neighbor, +[3401.96 --> 3402.54] that's a command. +[3402.66 --> 3404.34] Things like not murdering people +[3404.34 --> 3406.16] or not lusting after others +[3406.16 --> 3408.08] or being sexually obedient +[3408.08 --> 3410.46] or not coveting your neighbor's belongings +[3410.46 --> 3412.56] or not stealing anything from anyone +[3412.56 --> 3415.76] or by going out and serving those around you. +[3415.82 --> 3417.16] Those are things that Scripture +[3417.16 --> 3419.82] is consistent in from cover to cover +[3419.82 --> 3422.94] in laying out what us as believers are to do. +[3423.44 --> 3425.32] And again, these commands, +[3425.56 --> 3427.02] these are not things we must do +[3427.02 --> 3428.04] in order to be saved. +[3428.36 --> 3430.10] Remember that we've learned over and over again +[3430.10 --> 3431.24] throughout this book of Romans +[3431.24 --> 3432.14] and throughout Scripture +[3432.14 --> 3433.34] that that's not true. +[3433.38 --> 3434.34] But these commands, +[3434.76 --> 3436.24] Christ calls us to, +[3436.34 --> 3438.06] to follow because of our gratitude +[3438.06 --> 3439.74] for the new life that we have received +[3439.74 --> 3441.54] in Jesus Christ's life, death, and resurrection. +[3443.46 --> 3444.84] So commands exist. +[3446.30 --> 3448.28] However, some like to broaden the spectrum +[3448.28 --> 3449.88] of disputable matters +[3449.88 --> 3452.94] to include things that shouldn't be disputed. +[3453.72 --> 3455.72] But that becomes an abuse of this text. +[3456.74 --> 3457.66] See, in this very letter, +[3457.74 --> 3459.54] this very letter that Paul pens here, +[3459.54 --> 3461.80] Paul goes over lots of ways +[3461.80 --> 3462.96] that we are called to live +[3462.96 --> 3465.08] and a number of sins +[3465.08 --> 3466.80] that so easily entangle us. +[3467.76 --> 3468.42] Sins of greed, +[3468.86 --> 3469.62] sins of slander, +[3469.84 --> 3471.06] sins of sexual immorality, +[3471.22 --> 3472.56] sins of envious thoughts +[3472.56 --> 3474.98] and actions. +[3475.34 --> 3476.30] If you want a refresher, +[3476.38 --> 3478.46] read Romans 1 or 2 or 3 or 4. +[3478.56 --> 3478.98] They're there. +[3479.98 --> 3480.48] They're clear. +[3482.40 --> 3484.68] We can't make this category +[3484.68 --> 3486.94] of disputable matters too broad +[3486.94 --> 3488.44] lest we start going against +[3488.44 --> 3490.60] the actual commands and callings of God +[3490.60 --> 3492.28] that he has in our lives. +[3493.94 --> 3494.42] However, +[3494.90 --> 3496.26] while Scripture is consistent +[3496.26 --> 3497.04] about commands +[3497.04 --> 3497.96] that we are called to follow, +[3498.04 --> 3499.02] there are examples +[3499.02 --> 3500.66] of patterns in Scripture +[3500.66 --> 3502.36] changing throughout +[3502.36 --> 3504.18] the Word of God. +[3504.32 --> 3505.68] And those patterns that change +[3505.68 --> 3506.94] is where the disputes +[3506.94 --> 3507.96] start coming in. +[3508.82 --> 3509.84] Paul mentions, of course, +[3509.92 --> 3510.42] in this text, +[3510.50 --> 3511.80] the eating of unclean animals. +[3511.86 --> 3512.34] This would have been +[3512.34 --> 3514.26] very prevalent for that church in Rome, +[3514.38 --> 3515.60] very prevalent for that day. +[3515.60 --> 3517.68] But maybe that affects us +[3517.68 --> 3518.54] a little bit less today. +[3519.86 --> 3521.40] Wine, Sabbath, circumcision, +[3521.52 --> 3522.78] like Pastor Chris mentioned last week, +[3522.82 --> 3523.90] they all fit in this theme too. +[3524.60 --> 3526.12] There are a few spots in Scripture +[3526.12 --> 3527.42] where this pattern +[3527.42 --> 3529.10] of what was allowed and forbidden +[3529.10 --> 3530.70] seems to change over time. +[3530.88 --> 3531.80] And it's those things +[3531.80 --> 3532.82] that become disputable. +[3533.08 --> 3534.54] That list is likely shorter +[3534.54 --> 3536.20] than we think it is, +[3536.66 --> 3537.56] but they are out there. +[3538.88 --> 3540.42] And we need to discern them properly. +[3540.52 --> 3540.82] I'm actually, +[3540.90 --> 3541.38] I'm going to give you +[3541.38 --> 3542.90] four examples today +[3542.90 --> 3543.96] just to give us a sense +[3543.96 --> 3544.96] for what kind of things +[3544.96 --> 3546.00] we're looking at. +[3546.12 --> 3547.36] A couple lighter ones to start. +[3547.84 --> 3548.62] First, let's start, +[3548.86 --> 3550.76] let's talk quickly about tattoos. +[3551.32 --> 3551.50] Huh? +[3552.90 --> 3554.78] Those are super popular these days. +[3555.34 --> 3555.48] Right? +[3555.54 --> 3556.32] Back in my day, +[3556.64 --> 3558.10] tattoos were so seldomly seen +[3558.10 --> 3559.10] that if someone had one, +[3559.16 --> 3560.20] they stood out like a flamingo +[3560.20 --> 3560.90] in a flock of pigeons. +[3561.74 --> 3563.22] Now, on a sunny day, +[3563.70 --> 3564.46] if you see someone +[3564.46 --> 3565.22] without a tattoo, +[3565.34 --> 3566.22] you have to do a double take +[3566.22 --> 3567.36] to make sure they're a real person. +[3567.70 --> 3568.80] They are everywhere. +[3570.38 --> 3571.12] Man, do I sound old +[3571.12 --> 3571.86] and crotchety there. +[3571.86 --> 3574.54] To the point at hand, +[3575.08 --> 3576.72] read Leviticus 19, +[3576.82 --> 3578.08] verse 28 for a second. +[3579.36 --> 3581.10] Do not put tattoo marks +[3581.10 --> 3581.96] on yourselves. +[3582.36 --> 3583.12] I am the Lord. +[3586.52 --> 3587.84] That's pretty straightforward. +[3589.70 --> 3590.62] Or is it? +[3592.42 --> 3593.80] Deuteronomy 7, verse 6 +[3593.80 --> 3595.24] and 1 Peter 4, 16 +[3595.24 --> 3596.60] talk about being possessed +[3596.60 --> 3598.00] and marked by God. +[3598.10 --> 3599.52] Isaiah 44, verse 5 +[3599.52 --> 3600.66] even says that some +[3600.66 --> 3601.58] will write on their hand, +[3601.58 --> 3602.46] the Lord's, +[3602.78 --> 3603.96] showing who they belong to +[3603.96 --> 3604.92] as a physical mark +[3604.92 --> 3607.40] of being possessed by God. +[3607.52 --> 3608.96] Tattoos are often used +[3608.96 --> 3610.08] by Christians nowadays +[3610.08 --> 3611.76] to make that invisible mark +[3611.76 --> 3613.40] of God visible. +[3614.56 --> 3615.58] Tattoos like a cross +[3615.58 --> 3616.50] or a Jesus fish +[3616.50 --> 3617.42] or a Bible verse +[3617.42 --> 3618.96] or a Hebrew or Greek word +[3618.96 --> 3619.74] that I can now read, +[3620.32 --> 3621.58] those are all prevalent +[3621.58 --> 3624.00] on the bodies of believers +[3624.00 --> 3626.00] that I personally know. +[3627.42 --> 3628.20] That's not to mention +[3628.20 --> 3628.80] other tattoos +[3628.80 --> 3630.00] that are seemingly harmless, +[3630.00 --> 3630.88] causing the question, +[3631.00 --> 3632.46] was Leviticus speaking +[3632.46 --> 3633.38] of all tattoos +[3633.38 --> 3635.74] or just the types of tattoos +[3635.74 --> 3637.18] that the surrounding nations +[3637.18 --> 3637.72] of the day +[3637.72 --> 3639.20] were using to show loyalty +[3639.20 --> 3640.10] to their false gods? +[3641.72 --> 3642.32] Now, I mean, +[3642.38 --> 3643.68] wisdom still reigns in this +[3643.68 --> 3644.50] no matter what, right? +[3644.50 --> 3645.30] You shouldn't tattoo +[3645.30 --> 3646.26] a satanic symbol +[3646.26 --> 3646.92] on your body. +[3647.00 --> 3647.72] That would be foolish. +[3647.84 --> 3648.50] That would go against +[3648.50 --> 3649.98] what God calls us to live. +[3650.02 --> 3650.92] You shouldn't tattoo +[3650.92 --> 3652.06] a Toronto Maple Leafs logo +[3652.06 --> 3652.78] on your shoulder. +[3652.90 --> 3654.32] That's like cause for concern. +[3654.62 --> 3655.38] Like there's wisdom +[3655.38 --> 3656.00] that dictates +[3656.00 --> 3656.50] what you should +[3656.50 --> 3657.08] and shouldn't do, +[3657.08 --> 3657.50] of course. +[3658.74 --> 3660.08] But tattoos in general? +[3662.12 --> 3663.02] It's disputable. +[3664.50 --> 3665.28] Or second, +[3665.42 --> 3666.32] how about cosmetics? +[3666.66 --> 3667.64] Things like makeup, +[3667.80 --> 3668.48] perfume, jewelry. +[3668.66 --> 3669.80] There's a couple spots +[3669.80 --> 3670.24] in Scripture +[3670.24 --> 3671.60] where the Bible +[3671.60 --> 3672.40] is very adamant +[3672.40 --> 3672.94] against using +[3672.94 --> 3673.80] these types of things. +[3673.96 --> 3675.10] Proverbs 6, +[3675.18 --> 3676.36] verses 16 and 17 +[3676.36 --> 3676.72] says, +[3677.04 --> 3678.44] haughty eyes are included +[3678.44 --> 3679.02] in the things +[3679.02 --> 3679.94] that God detests. +[3680.28 --> 3681.48] And in 1 Timothy 2, +[3681.54 --> 3681.98] 9 to 10, +[3682.28 --> 3682.84] women are asked +[3682.84 --> 3683.70] to dress moderately +[3683.70 --> 3686.18] without elaborate hairstyles, +[3686.56 --> 3687.22] without gold, +[3687.56 --> 3688.34] without pearls. +[3689.46 --> 3690.08] And yet, +[3690.22 --> 3690.82] in Ruth, +[3691.12 --> 3691.90] Ruth is praised +[3691.90 --> 3693.04] for dolling herself up +[3693.04 --> 3693.66] for Boaz +[3693.66 --> 3694.22] in Ruth 3, +[3694.26 --> 3694.72] verse 3, +[3694.90 --> 3696.32] and in 2 Corinthians 2, +[3696.40 --> 3696.94] verse 15, +[3697.04 --> 3697.86] Paul compares us +[3697.86 --> 3699.32] to a pleasing aroma +[3699.32 --> 3699.96] to God, +[3700.28 --> 3701.48] adorning ourselves +[3701.48 --> 3703.38] for Christ our groom. +[3705.20 --> 3706.24] It's disputable. +[3708.32 --> 3709.38] So why does this matter? +[3709.58 --> 3710.06] Well, let me tell you +[3710.06 --> 3710.50] a story quick. +[3710.50 --> 3713.24] There was this girl +[3713.24 --> 3714.08] in high school +[3714.08 --> 3714.76] who grew up +[3714.76 --> 3716.18] in a fairly conservative home, +[3716.24 --> 3717.16] and in that home, +[3717.30 --> 3718.34] they believed +[3718.34 --> 3718.84] that makeup +[3718.84 --> 3720.14] kind of went against +[3720.14 --> 3721.08] God's calling +[3721.08 --> 3721.90] for one's life. +[3722.28 --> 3723.82] This girl grew in that, +[3723.96 --> 3724.94] and she grew up +[3724.94 --> 3725.36] in this house. +[3725.42 --> 3726.16] This house didn't push +[3726.16 --> 3726.64] it on others. +[3726.76 --> 3727.20] They didn't push +[3727.20 --> 3727.92] on others to believe, +[3728.18 --> 3729.10] but that's what was +[3729.10 --> 3729.74] true for them. +[3729.86 --> 3731.06] And this girl grew up +[3731.06 --> 3731.56] in this house +[3731.56 --> 3732.54] and believed this +[3732.54 --> 3733.60] to be true for her as well. +[3734.34 --> 3735.32] One day at school, +[3735.44 --> 3735.64] though, +[3735.70 --> 3736.18] her friends, +[3736.24 --> 3737.22] who were also Christians, +[3737.70 --> 3738.80] kind of called her out on it +[3738.80 --> 3740.02] and told her +[3740.02 --> 3741.00] that her understanding +[3741.00 --> 3741.96] of what makeup was +[3741.96 --> 3742.50] was ridiculous +[3742.50 --> 3743.10] and that she should +[3743.10 --> 3743.62] just wear it. +[3744.88 --> 3745.90] So the next morning +[3745.90 --> 3746.76] on the way to school, +[3746.86 --> 3747.86] she stopped by the pharmacy, +[3748.00 --> 3748.60] bought some makeup, +[3748.72 --> 3749.44] hid it in her locker, +[3749.60 --> 3750.38] went into the bathroom, +[3750.50 --> 3751.42] put it on for the morning, +[3751.96 --> 3753.06] and had makeup on in school. +[3753.22 --> 3754.54] But before she went home, +[3755.32 --> 3756.00] she went to the bathroom +[3756.00 --> 3756.66] and wiped it off. +[3757.48 --> 3758.40] She couldn't go home +[3758.40 --> 3759.84] and show her parents +[3759.84 --> 3760.30] what she did. +[3760.98 --> 3761.92] And that became the pattern. +[3762.14 --> 3762.76] She would go to school +[3762.76 --> 3763.30] without makeup, +[3763.52 --> 3764.32] put it on for the day, +[3764.74 --> 3765.22] take it off +[3765.22 --> 3766.00] before she came home. +[3766.00 --> 3768.88] So what's the problem here? +[3770.28 --> 3771.12] Is it the makeup? +[3773.38 --> 3774.22] It's not the makeup. +[3774.46 --> 3775.20] It's the secrecy. +[3775.34 --> 3776.02] It's the shame. +[3776.18 --> 3777.22] It's the not honoring +[3777.22 --> 3778.00] one's parents +[3778.00 --> 3778.96] that becomes the problem. +[3779.24 --> 3779.90] She clearly went +[3779.90 --> 3780.84] against her own conscience +[3780.84 --> 3781.82] because she felt guilty +[3781.82 --> 3782.66] about doing it +[3782.66 --> 3784.34] and she had to hide it +[3784.34 --> 3785.26] from her folks. +[3785.36 --> 3786.96] She wasn't acting in faith. +[3788.56 --> 3788.82] And yet, +[3788.88 --> 3789.94] you feel for her too, +[3790.02 --> 3790.30] don't you? +[3790.34 --> 3791.18] You feel for her +[3791.18 --> 3793.80] because she was peer pressured +[3793.80 --> 3794.48] into doing it +[3794.48 --> 3795.36] and that peer pressure +[3795.36 --> 3796.64] forced her to pick popularity +[3796.64 --> 3797.66] over faithfulness. +[3798.92 --> 3800.18] To this passage's point, +[3800.80 --> 3801.88] her Christian friends +[3801.88 --> 3803.38] ate meat in front of her +[3803.38 --> 3805.36] and caused her +[3805.36 --> 3806.52] to go against her conscience. +[3809.06 --> 3809.86] That's what Paul's +[3809.86 --> 3810.36] getting at here. +[3810.42 --> 3811.02] There's a couple more +[3811.02 --> 3811.70] disputable matters +[3811.70 --> 3812.28] worth discussing. +[3813.02 --> 3813.82] They came up +[3813.82 --> 3815.74] in the Narthex podcast +[3815.74 --> 3816.32] this week, +[3816.38 --> 3816.90] so that's a second +[3816.90 --> 3817.50] shameless plug. +[3817.58 --> 3818.02] There you go. +[3819.24 --> 3820.18] I'm only going to mention +[3820.18 --> 3821.00] them a little bit too +[3821.00 --> 3822.06] because Josh isn't going +[3822.06 --> 3823.04] to let us get away +[3823.04 --> 3824.14] with not talking about these +[3824.14 --> 3825.20] for a while in the podcast, +[3825.32 --> 3826.02] so if you want more +[3826.02 --> 3826.94] in-depth analysis, +[3827.48 --> 3828.10] tune in this week. +[3828.58 --> 3829.20] But when speaking +[3829.20 --> 3830.18] of disputable matters, +[3831.04 --> 3832.28] how about infant baptism +[3832.28 --> 3833.64] versus believer's baptism? +[3835.86 --> 3837.16] Bible-following Christians +[3837.16 --> 3837.58] and leaders +[3837.58 --> 3838.64] dispute this all the time. +[3839.58 --> 3839.86] In fact, +[3839.90 --> 3840.42] this is probably +[3840.42 --> 3840.86] the topic +[3840.86 --> 3842.02] that I speak about most +[3842.02 --> 3843.70] to the 16- to 30-year-old +[3843.70 --> 3844.16] demographic +[3844.16 --> 3844.84] of this church. +[3845.86 --> 3847.34] In terms of this question, +[3847.98 --> 3848.74] my question is, +[3849.36 --> 3850.30] is this disputable +[3850.30 --> 3851.60] in our world? +[3852.38 --> 3853.24] And if it is, +[3853.28 --> 3854.02] how about this question? +[3854.02 --> 3854.56] And this spins it +[3854.56 --> 3854.90] on its head +[3854.90 --> 3855.30] a little bit. +[3855.76 --> 3856.78] If infant baptism +[3856.78 --> 3858.06] versus believer's baptism +[3858.06 --> 3858.98] is disputable, +[3860.12 --> 3861.40] is it okay +[3861.40 --> 3863.90] to force a believer's baptism +[3863.90 --> 3865.44] on someone +[3865.44 --> 3866.12] who is baptized +[3866.12 --> 3867.02] as an infant +[3867.02 --> 3869.06] in order to get +[3869.06 --> 3869.74] re-baptized +[3869.74 --> 3870.28] as an adult? +[3873.00 --> 3873.66] Especially if they +[3873.66 --> 3874.16] don't want to. +[3875.90 --> 3876.54] Seems to go +[3876.54 --> 3877.28] against this text. +[3879.14 --> 3879.90] Here's another one. +[3880.12 --> 3880.50] It's going to get +[3880.50 --> 3881.24] even quieter in here. +[3881.24 --> 3883.08] What about women +[3883.08 --> 3883.60] in office? +[3885.18 --> 3886.22] Our denomination, +[3886.72 --> 3888.70] I would say rightly, +[3889.56 --> 3890.54] even acknowledges +[3890.54 --> 3891.20] how disputable +[3891.20 --> 3892.06] this topic is +[3892.06 --> 3894.22] in their official stance +[3894.22 --> 3894.70] on the matter. +[3894.84 --> 3895.48] Scripture isn't +[3895.48 --> 3896.36] as clear +[3896.36 --> 3897.64] as we want it to be. +[3898.98 --> 3899.58] In fact, +[3899.62 --> 3900.50] one of my projects +[3900.50 --> 3901.48] in seminary recently +[3901.48 --> 3902.60] was to look at this topic +[3902.60 --> 3903.42] of women in office +[3903.42 --> 3904.80] and look at it +[3904.80 --> 3905.84] from both perspectives +[3905.84 --> 3906.92] as unbiasedly +[3906.92 --> 3907.54] as possible. +[3907.54 --> 3908.14] And so I've got +[3908.14 --> 3908.72] a document +[3908.72 --> 3909.78] that goes over +[3909.78 --> 3911.06] the 14 passages +[3911.06 --> 3911.62] in Scripture +[3911.62 --> 3912.92] that are most often used +[3912.92 --> 3914.28] to talk about +[3914.28 --> 3914.96] women in office +[3914.96 --> 3916.46] and there is a comment +[3916.46 --> 3917.12] from the people +[3917.12 --> 3917.84] who are for it +[3917.84 --> 3918.72] and against it +[3918.72 --> 3919.96] on every single one +[3919.96 --> 3920.54] of those Scriptures. +[3925.14 --> 3925.76] Point is, +[3925.80 --> 3926.42] it's disputable. +[3928.66 --> 3929.38] Timothy Keller +[3929.38 --> 3930.16] sums it up nicely +[3930.16 --> 3930.82] when he says this, +[3930.86 --> 3931.86] if there is broad +[3931.86 --> 3932.44] disagreement +[3932.44 --> 3934.18] among mature, +[3935.26 --> 3936.50] Bible-honoring Christians +[3936.50 --> 3937.26] in some issue, +[3938.00 --> 3938.90] like baptism +[3938.90 --> 3940.10] or women in office, +[3940.92 --> 3942.52] we must be willing +[3942.52 --> 3943.34] to concede +[3943.34 --> 3944.82] that it is disputable. +[3945.72 --> 3946.16] However, +[3946.20 --> 3947.24] if anyone wants +[3947.24 --> 3948.66] to put everything +[3948.66 --> 3949.98] in the disputable area, +[3950.14 --> 3950.90] they need to be warned +[3950.90 --> 3951.44] of the dangers +[3951.44 --> 3952.18] of this tendency. +[3952.68 --> 3953.02] Likewise, +[3953.62 --> 3954.24] anyone who wants +[3954.24 --> 3955.26] to put little or nothing +[3955.26 --> 3956.56] in this disputable area +[3956.56 --> 3957.82] must also be warned +[3957.82 --> 3958.90] of that perspective +[3958.90 --> 3959.32] as well. +[3962.02 --> 3962.54] So, +[3962.82 --> 3963.50] the forest +[3963.50 --> 3964.96] of what is disputable +[3964.96 --> 3965.92] is not maybe +[3965.92 --> 3966.32] as large +[3966.32 --> 3966.94] as we may think +[3966.94 --> 3967.40] it is. +[3967.62 --> 3968.48] Commands in the Bible +[3968.48 --> 3969.40] are still commands, +[3969.56 --> 3971.02] but it does contain +[3971.02 --> 3972.18] certain issues +[3972.18 --> 3972.66] that are still +[3972.66 --> 3973.18] very, +[3973.28 --> 3973.92] very central +[3973.92 --> 3975.04] to the church +[3975.04 --> 3975.76] found in Langley, +[3975.84 --> 3976.14] B.C. +[3976.14 --> 3976.84] in 2024. +[3978.10 --> 3979.06] But how are we +[3979.06 --> 3980.00] supposed to engage +[3980.00 --> 3980.92] these matters then? +[3981.30 --> 3982.00] How are we supposed +[3982.00 --> 3983.22] to engage these matters +[3983.22 --> 3984.24] with our fellow believers? +[3985.56 --> 3986.00] And again, +[3986.44 --> 3987.40] our text points us +[3987.40 --> 3988.38] in a really good direction. +[3989.40 --> 3990.50] Verse 17 and 18 +[3990.50 --> 3991.00] of our text +[3991.00 --> 3991.42] says this, +[3991.42 --> 3992.62] For the kingdom +[3992.62 --> 3993.40] of God +[3993.40 --> 3994.76] is not a matter +[3994.76 --> 3995.80] of eating and drinking, +[3996.52 --> 3997.40] but of righteousness, +[3997.92 --> 3998.24] peace, +[3998.58 --> 3999.28] and joy +[3999.28 --> 4000.34] in the Holy Spirit. +[4000.56 --> 4001.44] Because anyone +[4001.44 --> 4002.34] who serves Christ +[4002.34 --> 4002.94] in this way +[4002.94 --> 4004.78] is pleasing to God +[4004.78 --> 4005.70] and receives +[4005.70 --> 4006.76] human approval. +[4008.64 --> 4009.56] This is interesting. +[4009.66 --> 4010.82] This is the only spot, +[4011.30 --> 4011.56] again, +[4011.62 --> 4013.08] we're on sermon 34 now +[4013.08 --> 4013.82] throughout Romans. +[4014.36 --> 4014.80] We're going to have +[4014.80 --> 4015.62] 39 in total. +[4015.74 --> 4016.66] This is the only spot +[4016.66 --> 4017.68] in the entire letter +[4017.68 --> 4019.40] where Paul mentions +[4019.40 --> 4020.28] the kingdom of God. +[4021.22 --> 4021.92] This one spot. +[4023.50 --> 4024.60] And central to the kingdom +[4024.60 --> 4025.10] of God +[4025.10 --> 4026.30] is the body of Christ +[4026.30 --> 4027.28] and, +[4027.38 --> 4028.12] to Paul's writing, +[4028.84 --> 4029.44] the attributes +[4029.44 --> 4030.18] of righteousness, +[4030.82 --> 4031.14] peace, +[4031.40 --> 4032.02] and joy. +[4033.00 --> 4034.22] And so if you find yourself +[4034.22 --> 4034.84] in a community +[4034.84 --> 4035.40] of believers +[4035.40 --> 4036.24] where these types +[4036.24 --> 4036.92] of disputes +[4036.92 --> 4037.58] are happening, +[4038.18 --> 4039.28] the question you have +[4039.28 --> 4039.98] to ask yourself +[4039.98 --> 4040.52] is this, +[4040.88 --> 4042.06] are you helping move +[4042.06 --> 4043.12] this body of believers +[4043.12 --> 4044.14] towards righteousness, +[4044.74 --> 4045.04] peace, +[4045.30 --> 4045.92] and joy? +[4045.92 --> 4048.20] or not? +[4050.38 --> 4051.20] Paul's suggestion +[4051.20 --> 4052.32] is that for some things, +[4052.56 --> 4054.20] these disputable things, +[4054.28 --> 4055.20] one of the best ways +[4055.20 --> 4055.92] you can help move +[4055.92 --> 4056.94] towards righteousness, +[4057.48 --> 4057.78] peace, +[4057.92 --> 4058.58] and joy +[4058.58 --> 4060.34] is to simply embrace +[4060.34 --> 4061.00] the fact +[4061.00 --> 4061.68] that you have +[4061.68 --> 4062.34] different views +[4062.34 --> 4064.42] and try not to force +[4064.42 --> 4065.22] your beliefs +[4065.22 --> 4066.12] on your brother +[4066.12 --> 4066.86] or sister +[4066.86 --> 4067.36] who believes +[4067.36 --> 4068.02] something different. +[4068.60 --> 4069.78] Even if you +[4069.78 --> 4070.94] are persuaded +[4070.94 --> 4072.02] in the Lord +[4072.02 --> 4073.12] that you are right. +[4074.48 --> 4075.52] That's Paul's words. +[4075.92 --> 4078.38] The most pointed part +[4078.38 --> 4078.88] of our text +[4078.88 --> 4079.48] in this regard +[4079.48 --> 4080.78] is the end of verse 15. +[4081.92 --> 4083.18] Do not buy your eating, +[4083.70 --> 4085.10] and I'm going to step out +[4085.10 --> 4086.02] of the word of God +[4086.02 --> 4086.52] here for a second +[4086.52 --> 4087.48] and add my own little bits +[4087.48 --> 4087.88] and that's why +[4087.88 --> 4088.52] I'm stepping back. +[4089.20 --> 4090.26] So do not buy your eating, +[4090.54 --> 4091.02] and I'll add +[4091.02 --> 4091.74] by your discussing +[4091.74 --> 4092.96] or your posting +[4092.96 --> 4094.20] or your texting, +[4095.20 --> 4096.72] destroy someone +[4096.72 --> 4098.52] for whom Christ died. +[4098.52 --> 4102.40] Christ sacrificed +[4102.40 --> 4103.98] his life +[4103.98 --> 4105.64] for your brothers +[4105.64 --> 4106.72] and sisters in Christ. +[4107.22 --> 4108.26] His life. +[4109.22 --> 4109.98] Christ sacrificed +[4109.98 --> 4110.86] everything +[4110.86 --> 4111.98] for them. +[4113.58 --> 4115.18] So to model Christ +[4115.18 --> 4116.42] means to sacrifice +[4116.42 --> 4118.56] our God-given privileges +[4118.56 --> 4120.18] for your brothers +[4120.18 --> 4121.22] and sisters in Christ, +[4121.38 --> 4121.88] for the good +[4121.88 --> 4122.46] of righteousness, +[4123.08 --> 4123.90] of peace, +[4124.06 --> 4124.98] and of joy. +[4124.98 --> 4127.84] So when we look down +[4127.84 --> 4129.12] on weaker faith believers, +[4129.28 --> 4129.96] we're harming +[4129.96 --> 4131.14] the same people +[4131.14 --> 4132.34] for whom Christ died. +[4133.00 --> 4133.90] When we flaunt +[4133.90 --> 4135.08] what we may know +[4135.08 --> 4135.62] to be true +[4135.62 --> 4136.20] in front of those +[4136.20 --> 4137.04] who struggle to believe, +[4137.26 --> 4138.14] we harm +[4138.14 --> 4140.32] whom Christ died for. +[4141.14 --> 4142.42] When we eat meat +[4142.42 --> 4143.72] in front of believers +[4143.72 --> 4144.18] who believe +[4144.18 --> 4144.66] it is wrong +[4144.66 --> 4145.22] to eat meat +[4145.22 --> 4146.28] because of their convictions, +[4146.72 --> 4148.52] we harm the same people +[4148.52 --> 4150.78] whom Christ died for. +[4150.78 --> 4155.04] we must treat the body +[4155.04 --> 4156.56] with care and sensitivity +[4156.56 --> 4158.24] because Christ paid +[4158.24 --> 4159.08] with his life +[4159.08 --> 4160.28] for every Christian, +[4160.72 --> 4161.86] for every believer. +[4162.38 --> 4164.30] Christ lived a sinless life +[4164.30 --> 4165.86] that none of us can live +[4165.86 --> 4167.28] only to die a death +[4167.28 --> 4168.38] on a cross +[4168.38 --> 4169.50] that we all deserve, +[4169.66 --> 4170.40] that you deserve, +[4170.50 --> 4171.16] that I deserve, +[4171.22 --> 4172.26] and he did it in our place, +[4172.40 --> 4173.42] and he bore the weight +[4173.42 --> 4174.84] of sin and misery +[4174.84 --> 4175.68] on his shoulders, +[4175.78 --> 4176.52] and he took it with him +[4176.52 --> 4177.08] to the tomb +[4177.08 --> 4179.60] where he defeated sin +[4179.60 --> 4181.08] and death once and for all +[4181.08 --> 4181.80] when he rose again +[4181.80 --> 4182.64] three days later. +[4184.18 --> 4185.06] And he did that +[4185.06 --> 4186.60] for all who believe. +[4187.98 --> 4189.24] For all who believe. +[4189.30 --> 4191.08] Whether they eat meat or not. +[4191.46 --> 4192.50] Whether they wear jewelry +[4192.50 --> 4193.82] or decide not to. +[4193.90 --> 4194.98] Whether they have ink +[4194.98 --> 4196.20] tattooed on their arms +[4196.20 --> 4197.22] or don't. +[4197.52 --> 4198.92] Whether they're egalitarian +[4198.92 --> 4200.50] or complementarian. +[4201.96 --> 4204.90] Christ died for all. +[4206.68 --> 4208.26] Christ gave up his life +[4208.26 --> 4209.28] for all of us. +[4209.60 --> 4213.70] And we model Christ +[4213.70 --> 4216.42] by giving up our privileges +[4216.42 --> 4218.42] from Christ for others +[4218.42 --> 4219.94] if they need us to. +[4220.28 --> 4221.60] Peace and joy +[4221.60 --> 4222.66] and righteousness +[4222.66 --> 4224.20] and spiritual growth +[4224.20 --> 4225.26] and encouragement +[4225.26 --> 4226.84] matter so much more +[4226.84 --> 4228.02] than the disputable matters. +[4230.14 --> 4231.20] I'll conclude +[4231.20 --> 4232.36] with just some final thoughts here. +[4233.28 --> 4236.06] First, verse 22 of our text +[4236.06 --> 4237.20] offers one more, +[4237.42 --> 4239.56] I think, very good application. +[4239.60 --> 4240.26] for us today. +[4241.26 --> 4241.72] It says, +[4241.86 --> 4242.74] whatever you believe +[4242.74 --> 4243.58] about these things, +[4243.74 --> 4244.68] these disputable matters, +[4244.80 --> 4245.42] whatever you believe +[4245.42 --> 4246.24] about these things, +[4246.48 --> 4248.18] keep them between yourself +[4248.18 --> 4248.70] and the Lord. +[4249.70 --> 4250.90] Keep them between yourself +[4250.90 --> 4251.34] and God. +[4252.48 --> 4253.18] Paul is saying +[4253.18 --> 4253.96] there's a difference +[4253.96 --> 4255.50] between belief and action. +[4256.56 --> 4257.12] You're allowed +[4257.12 --> 4257.94] to have your convictions. +[4258.78 --> 4259.24] You're allowed +[4259.24 --> 4259.92] to even know +[4259.92 --> 4260.96] to the core of your body +[4260.96 --> 4261.64] that your convictions +[4261.64 --> 4262.22] are true +[4262.22 --> 4263.28] and that the privileges +[4263.28 --> 4264.30] of those convictions +[4264.30 --> 4264.92] in Christ +[4264.92 --> 4265.68] are good. +[4266.96 --> 4269.32] But not every private conviction +[4269.32 --> 4270.78] needs to be public discourse. +[4273.24 --> 4274.12] In a world +[4274.12 --> 4275.14] of online forums, +[4275.46 --> 4276.42] not every thought +[4276.42 --> 4277.28] needs to be posted +[4277.28 --> 4280.24] and not every post +[4280.24 --> 4280.92] needs a comment. +[4282.18 --> 4283.12] Keep those things +[4283.12 --> 4283.96] between you and God. +[4285.30 --> 4286.74] Help establish peace +[4286.74 --> 4287.52] and joy +[4287.52 --> 4288.46] amongst your brothers +[4288.46 --> 4289.50] and sisters in Christ. +[4289.50 --> 4291.56] And second, +[4291.66 --> 4292.16] if you know +[4292.16 --> 4292.98] that an issue +[4292.98 --> 4293.64] is disputable, +[4293.76 --> 4294.52] if we know, +[4294.60 --> 4295.16] if we're aware +[4295.16 --> 4296.28] of a disputable issue, +[4297.16 --> 4298.16] and then we are called +[4298.16 --> 4299.24] to proper discussion +[4299.24 --> 4299.84] and discernment. +[4299.92 --> 4300.42] We are called +[4300.42 --> 4302.22] to follow Paul's advice here. +[4302.30 --> 4303.46] Those who may be weaker +[4303.46 --> 4304.14] in their faith, +[4304.34 --> 4305.08] they must be willing +[4305.08 --> 4306.56] to really truly review +[4306.56 --> 4307.88] the biblical data +[4307.88 --> 4309.40] and be open, +[4309.46 --> 4309.58] sorry, +[4309.64 --> 4310.16] to rethinking +[4310.16 --> 4310.86] their position +[4310.86 --> 4312.96] and refuse to criticize +[4312.96 --> 4313.84] those who disagree. +[4315.20 --> 4315.96] But likewise, +[4316.46 --> 4317.38] those who may be stronger +[4317.38 --> 4317.88] in their faith +[4317.88 --> 4318.86] must also be willing +[4318.86 --> 4320.16] to review the biblical data, +[4320.48 --> 4321.72] to rethink their position, +[4322.04 --> 4322.70] and be willing +[4322.70 --> 4323.70] to curb their freedoms +[4323.70 --> 4324.94] and privileges in Christ +[4324.94 --> 4326.80] to avoid discouraging +[4326.80 --> 4328.18] and harming fellow believers. +[4329.14 --> 4330.04] It's okay to talk. +[4330.64 --> 4331.58] It's good to talk. +[4331.66 --> 4332.50] It's good to discuss +[4332.50 --> 4333.14] these topics. +[4333.48 --> 4335.42] But we must do so +[4335.42 --> 4337.12] with peace and joy +[4337.12 --> 4337.92] in our mouths. +[4338.48 --> 4339.78] Not seeking to win, +[4341.08 --> 4342.08] but seeking to obey, +[4342.38 --> 4343.26] seeking to encourage, +[4343.42 --> 4344.14] seeking to edify +[4344.14 --> 4344.76] one another. +[4347.88 --> 4348.68] And if those discussions +[4348.68 --> 4349.56] aren't done with the spirit +[4349.56 --> 4350.12] of peace and joy, +[4350.18 --> 4350.56] then once again, +[4350.60 --> 4351.26] just keep them between +[4351.26 --> 4351.76] you and God +[4351.76 --> 4354.24] for the sake of the body, +[4355.14 --> 4357.28] for the sake of Christ's love +[4357.28 --> 4358.84] and sacrifice for us all. +[4359.84 --> 4360.58] That way, +[4360.90 --> 4361.92] the whole body +[4361.92 --> 4363.62] can grow in righteousness, +[4363.96 --> 4364.96] we can grow in peace, +[4365.02 --> 4365.92] we can grow in joy, +[4365.96 --> 4366.54] and we can let +[4366.54 --> 4367.80] the work of the Spirit, +[4367.92 --> 4369.70] who is sanctifying us all +[4369.70 --> 4370.28] right now, +[4371.32 --> 4372.38] continue His work +[4372.38 --> 4372.94] of renewal +[4372.94 --> 4374.40] in all of our lives. +[4374.48 --> 4374.66] Amen? +[4374.66 --> 4374.78] Amen? +[4374.78 --> 4376.38] Let me pray. +[4380.38 --> 4381.36] Father in heaven, +[4381.98 --> 4382.60] we thank You +[4382.60 --> 4383.18] for Your Word. +[4383.66 --> 4384.14] We thank You +[4384.14 --> 4384.76] for this letter +[4384.76 --> 4386.30] that Paul has penned +[4386.30 --> 4387.14] to the Roman church +[4387.14 --> 4390.16] and that Your words +[4390.16 --> 4391.10] are on its page. +[4392.36 --> 4392.62] And God, +[4392.66 --> 4393.18] we pray +[4393.18 --> 4394.68] in the context +[4394.68 --> 4395.70] that we find ourselves, +[4395.82 --> 4396.52] which is a very +[4396.52 --> 4397.50] polarizing culture, +[4398.44 --> 4399.44] a culture that loves +[4399.44 --> 4399.98] disputes, +[4401.02 --> 4401.96] a culture that loves +[4401.96 --> 4402.62] to be upset +[4402.62 --> 4403.26] with one another. +[4404.52 --> 4404.76] God, +[4404.84 --> 4405.72] we pray that You +[4405.72 --> 4406.78] will give us Your heart +[4406.78 --> 4407.64] in these matters. +[4408.46 --> 4408.64] Lord, +[4408.70 --> 4409.30] in the areas +[4409.30 --> 4410.48] of disputable matters, +[4411.12 --> 4411.98] where things are a little +[4411.98 --> 4412.62] maybe murkier +[4412.62 --> 4413.52] than we want them to be, +[4415.18 --> 4415.40] God, +[4415.46 --> 4416.50] will You give us humility, +[4417.22 --> 4418.02] give us peace +[4418.02 --> 4420.10] to not step +[4420.10 --> 4421.42] too boldly +[4421.42 --> 4423.16] or passionately +[4423.16 --> 4423.88] in front of those +[4423.88 --> 4425.02] who these topics +[4425.02 --> 4425.86] are a little bit more +[4425.86 --> 4427.54] challenging to understand. +[4429.22 --> 4429.60] God, +[4429.64 --> 4430.34] we pray for wisdom +[4430.34 --> 4431.08] and discernment +[4431.08 --> 4432.08] in these conversations. +[4432.08 --> 4432.98] We pray for wisdom +[4432.98 --> 4433.50] and discernment +[4433.50 --> 4434.28] in the relationships +[4434.28 --> 4435.54] of our brothers +[4435.54 --> 4436.32] and sisters in Christ +[4436.32 --> 4437.12] where we may disagree +[4437.12 --> 4438.20] on certain things. +[4438.30 --> 4438.44] God, +[4438.48 --> 4439.28] may Your peace reign. +[4440.38 --> 4441.20] May we encourage +[4441.20 --> 4441.58] one another. +[4441.70 --> 4442.52] May we edify +[4442.52 --> 4443.18] one another. +[4443.92 --> 4444.86] And may Your Holy Spirit +[4444.86 --> 4445.68] continue to work +[4445.68 --> 4446.40] in our hearts +[4446.40 --> 4447.30] to draw us closer +[4447.30 --> 4448.40] and closer to You. +[4451.06 --> 4451.74] And God, +[4451.86 --> 4452.58] may love +[4452.58 --> 4454.54] for one another +[4454.54 --> 4455.98] trump any dispute +[4455.98 --> 4456.70] that we may have. +[4458.04 --> 4458.80] We pray this +[4458.80 --> 4459.34] in Your Son's +[4459.34 --> 4460.26] precious and holy name. +[4460.68 --> 4460.92] Amen. +[4460.92 --> 4461.00] Amen. +[4462.08 --> 4462.64] Thank you. +[4462.78 --> 4462.98] Thank you. +[4463.06 --> 4465.42] Bye. +[4465.42 --> 4466.22] Bye. +[4466.22 --> 4466.56] Bye. +[4466.56 --> 4466.58] Bye. +[4467.82 --> 4468.54] Bye. +[4470.04 --> 4470.32] Bye. +[4470.80 --> 4471.16] バイバイ. +[4474.02 --> 4474.24] Bye. +[4480.18 --> 4480.76] Bye. +[4480.82 --> 4481.12] Bye. +[4485.74 --> 4485.84] Bye. +[4485.84 --> 4502.40] We're pilgrims on the journey of a narrow road +[4502.40 --> 4507.92] And those who've gone before us slide away +[4507.92 --> 4516.56] Cheering on the faithful, encouraging the weary +[4516.56 --> 4524.82] Their lives a stirring testament to God's ascending grace +[4524.82 --> 4530.68] Surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses +[4530.68 --> 4538.32] Let us run the race not only for the prize +[4538.32 --> 4542.86] Let us those who've gone before us +[4542.86 --> 4546.28] Let us leave to those behind us +[4546.28 --> 4554.40] The heritage of faithfulness has gone through God in us +[4554.40 --> 4560.30] Oh, may all who've come behind us find us faithful +[4560.30 --> 4567.40] May the fire of our devotion light their way +[4567.40 --> 4575.04] May the footprints that we leave lead them to redeem +[4575.04 --> 4580.40] And the lives we live inspire them to obey +[4580.40 --> 4588.30] Oh, may all who've come behind us find us faithful +[4588.30 --> 4603.30] After all our hopes and dreams have come and done +[4603.30 --> 4609.20] Our children sit through all we've got behind +[4609.20 --> 4614.12] May the clues that they discover +[4614.12 --> 4617.62] And the memories they uncover +[4617.62 --> 4625.20] May the light that leads them to the road we reach us one +[4625.20 --> 4633.10] Oh, may all who've come behind us find us faithful +[4633.10 --> 4639.10] May the fire of our devotion light their way +[4639.10 --> 4647.10] May the footprints that we leave lead them to redeem +[4647.10 --> 4649.10] And the light that leads them to redeem +[4649.10 --> 4657.00] And the lives we live in the fire of our devotion light their way +[4657.00 --> 4667.16] May the footprints that we leave lead them to redeem +[4667.16 --> 4685.24] devotion +[4697.16 --> 4700.08] Let's pray for you. +[4727.16 --> 4757.14] Let's pray for you. +[4757.16 --> 4787.14] Let's pray for you. +[4787.16 --> 4789.16] Let's pray for you. +[4789.16 --> 4791.16] Let's pray for you. +[4791.16 --> 4793.16] Let's pray for you. +[4793.16 --> 4795.16] Let's pray for you. +[4795.16 --> 4799.16] Let's pray for you. +[4799.16 --> 4801.16] Let's pray for you. +[4801.16 --> 4803.16] Let's pray for you. +[4803.16 --> 4805.16] Let's pray for you. +[4805.16 --> 4807.16] Let's pray for you. +[4807.16 --> 4809.16] Let's pray for you. +[4809.16 --> 4811.16] Let's pray for you. +[4811.16 --> 4813.16] Let's pray for you. +[4813.16 --> 4815.16] Let's pray for you. +[4815.16 --> 4817.16] Let's pray for you. +[4817.16 --> 4819.16] Let's pray for you. +[4819.16 --> 4821.16] Let's pray for you. +[4821.16 --> 4823.16] Let's pray for you. +[4823.16 --> 4825.16] Let's pray for you. +[4825.16 --> 4827.16] Let's pray for you. +[4827.16 --> 4829.16] Let's pray for you. +[4829.16 --> 4831.16] Let's pray for you. +[4831.16 --> 4833.16] Let's pray for you. +[4833.16 --> 4835.16] Let's pray for you. +[4835.16 --> 4837.16] Let's pray for you. +[4837.16 --> 4839.16] Let's pray for you. +[4839.20 --> 4840.16] Let's pray for you. +[4840.16 --> 4844.16] Let's pray for you. +[4844.16 --> 4845.16] Let's pray for you. +[4845.16 --> 4846.16] Let's pray for you. +[4846.16 --> 4859.84] son, we know the outcome is secure, and Christ's land, the Christ for which he died, an inheritance +[4859.84 --> 4873.84] is +[4889.84 --> 4893.84] oh +[4893.84 --> 4905.84] oh +[4907.28 --> 4912.88] it +[4919.84 --> 4931.84] risen and as the stone is rolled away and christ emerges from his prey +[4931.84 --> 4939.84] his victory march continues till the day every eye and heart shall see +[4939.84 --> 4948.16] so +[4956.32 --> 4956.88] own +[4969.84 --> 4971.84] Oh +[4999.84 --> 5001.84] Oh +[5029.84 --> 5031.84] Oh +[5059.84 --> 5061.84] Oh +[5089.84 --> 5091.84] Oh +[5091.84 --> 5093.84] Oh +[5093.84 --> 5095.84] Oh +[5097.84 --> 5099.84] Oh +[5099.84 --> 5101.84] Oh +[5103.84 --> 5105.84] Oh +[5107.84 --> 5109.84] Oh +[5111.84 --> 5113.84] Oh +[5115.84 --> 5117.84] Oh +[5119.84 --> 5149.82] Oh, my God. +[5149.84 --> 5179.82] Oh, my God. +[5179.84 --> 5181.84] Oh, my God. +[5209.84 --> 5211.84] Oh, my God. +[5239.84 --> 5241.84] Oh, my God. +[5269.84 --> 5271.84] Oh, my God. +[5299.84 --> 5301.84] Oh, my God. +[5301.84 --> 5305.84] Oh, my God. +[5305.84 --> 5307.84] Oh, my God. +[5307.84 --> 5309.84] Oh, my God. +[5309.84 --> 5311.84] Oh, my God. +[5311.84 --> 5313.84] Oh, my God. +[5313.84 --> 5315.84] Oh, my God. +[5315.84 --> 5317.84] Oh, my God. +[5317.84 --> 5331.84] Oh, my God. +[5331.84 --> 5361.82] Thank you. +[5361.84 --> 5391.82] Thank you. +[5391.84 --> 5421.82] Thank you. +[5421.84 --> 5451.82] Thank you. +[5451.84 --> 5481.82] Thank you. +[5481.84 --> 5511.82] Thank you. +[5511.84 --> 5541.82] Thank you. +[5541.84 --> 5571.82] Thank you. +[5571.84 --> 5601.82] Thank you. +[5601.84 --> 5631.82] Thank you. diff --git a/Sunday Worship, April 7, 2024_summary.txt b/Sunday Worship, April 7, 2024_summary.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000000000000000000000000000000000000..e818e50bbbf859f89152d0a72dd7d20c31cc4aff --- /dev/null +++ b/Sunday Worship, April 7, 2024_summary.txt @@ -0,0 +1,122 @@ +• Treatment Tag game announced +• Instructions for playing: tag someone with a treat, then pay it forward by tagging others +• No rules, can be done anonymously or not +• Encouragement to connect with people outside of regular church activities +• Worship service begins, including greeting and welcoming each other +• Call to worship from Psalm 145 +• The Lord requires us to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with God (Micah 6:8) +• Praising and worshiping God for giving life, being love, and bringing life to darkness +• Expressing gratitude for God's breath in our lives and pouring out praise to Him +• References to the story of Jesus Christ and His resurrection +• Praise and worship of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit as one God +• Prayers and worship songs +• Scripture quotes, particularly John 3:16 +• Requests for forgiveness, mercy, and healing +• Expressions of gratitude for God's love and salvation +• Themes of freedom from sin and addiction +• Reflections on God's goodness and faithfulness throughout one's life +• Discussion of devotion and faithfulness to God +• Recitation of a poem or song expressing trust in God and following His ways +• Introduction to the GEMS program and its mission to empower girls to live out their faith +• Overview of the Langley Emanuel CRC GEMS program, including its leaders, age range, and activities +• Explanation of the year's theme, "Rise Up," and its focus on Esther's story and God's use of ordinary people to do extraordinary things +• Discussion of five Bible-based truths about God's character: King, Deliverer, Trustworthy, Always at Work, and With You Wherever You Go +• Psalm 47, verse 2 - God is king +• Psalm 18, verse 2 - God is trustworthy and will do what he says +• Psalm 145, verse 13 - God is always at work and near to those who call on him +• Joshua 1, verse 13 - The Lord will be with you wherever you go +• A story of a girl without a mother or father who found favor with the king and was an offering for her people +• A story about Jesus Christ being the flavor of the king, loving the lonely, healing the sick, and feeding the hungry as he hung on a cross +• The power of God's love and steadfastness to bring people home and hold all things together +• Story of transformation and redemption +• Offerings for church budget and GEMS Ministry of North America +• Identity and new status as sons and daughters, worthy and wanted +• Authority to reign like kings and queens, made for victory +• Chosen and redeemed, renamed and adopted +• Kings in a kingdom with no end +• Majesty, crown, and dignity +• Children's worship time discussed, including age group and welcome for visitors +• Concept of things being real but invisible discussed, using wind as example +• Bible story about Thomas and his struggle to believe in Jesus discussed +• Call to participate in blessings and receive a blessing +• Announcements from the church council, including upcoming nominations and prayer requests +• Upcoming celebration of Lord's Supper +• Prayer requests for congregation members and their families +• Update on missionary work in Mexico +• Health concerns and prayers for specific individuals +• Prayers for mental health struggles and those grieving the loss of loved ones +• Blessings and guidance for church staff, council members, and volunteers +• The speaker discusses how the book of Esther reveals God's character and nature despite not mentioning God directly +• The challenge in learning about God from Esther due to its lack of direct references to God +• A brief overview of the story of Esther, set against the backdrop of the Jewish people being taken into exile in Babylon and Persia +• The Persian Empire's history and culture as a context for understanding the story of Esther +• The introduction of key characters: Xerxes, Vashti, Hadassah (Esther), and Mordecai +• Introduction of Haman, a key character who represents the historic enmity towards God's people +• Haman's promotion to prime minister and his anger at Mordecai for refusing to bow down +• Haman's plot to destroy all Jews, cast lots to determine how he will do so, and fool the king into following along +• Esther's responsibility to protect her people and speak to the king +• Mordecai's warning to Esther that she cannot keep her Jewish identity secret forever and must act to save her people +• The concept of "for such a time as this," suggesting that Esther was placed in position for this moment to save her people. +• The Bible reveals the action of God in history and teaches about His nature and character. +• The story of Esther broadens understanding to include times when God doesn't seem present, but He is still working towards His will. +• God's sovereignty means that even when we can't see Him, He is still present and guiding history for His glory because He is king. +• The story of Esther is a contest between Xerxes and the true King of God's people and the world. +• God orchestrates events to bring about His purposes and rules over all things in this world. +• If God is not king, life lacks purpose and meaning, making it a guessing game with no confidence that what we face has any significance. +• God has a plan and is in control +• Trusting God is key to understanding His plan +• God's character is holy, good, and beautiful +• God remembers and hears His people, even when they sin +• An example of trusting God was demonstrated through an exercise involving volunteers +• The story of a woman who couldn't see God but could hear his voice +• Trusting in God's presence and word, even when we can't see him +• God revealing himself to us through scripture and others +• Being a revelation of God to each other as we share his word +• Following and falling back into the arms of God for trust and guidance +• God as king and trustworthy because He is our deliverer +• Mordecai's faith and trust in God based on his upbringing and experiences +• The importance of hearing and practicing the story of Esther and its promises +• Jesus as the Messiah, Savior, and agent of redemption who went all the way to death to bring deliverance +• Paul's statement in Romans 5 that Christ died for the ungodly at just the right time +• Discussion of humanity's behavior and God's perceived absence +• Mention of Roman rule and Jewish puppet kings +• Reference to Jesus' life and death as a demonstration of timing and purpose +• Allusion to Esther's story and its relevance to trust in God's deliverance and sovereignty +• Reflection on God's active work in the world, despite appearances to the contrary +• The concept of God's providence and sovereignty +• God's nearness to individuals in their lives, including in times of despair +• The incarnation of Jesus Christ as evidence of God's dwelling among humans +• The idea that God is present even when not visibly apparent +• Encouragement to hope in the Lord for spiritual strength and renewal +• The importance of knowing God's presence and nearness in one's life +• The Savior meets individuals personally, gathering them into His presence +• Message that everyone needs to hear: God is near regardless of circumstances or situation +• Gems and girls being counseled +• Importance of parental support for the counselors +• God's presence in the faces of those around them +• Encouragement to love, support, and remember the counselors in prayers +• Recognizing God's nearness through every person seen +• Prayer and seeking God's presence +• Recognizing God as a deliverer and king +• Expressing gratitude for God's nearness +• Citing the story of Esther as an example of God's involvement +• Praise and worship of God as holy king +• Praying for empowerment and strength +• Calling on God to raise up a mighty army for His purposes +• Asking to be empowered to serve others, spread the Gospel, and minister in Jesus' name +• Expressing trust in God's sovereignty and presence in all aspects of life +• Committing to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with God +• Waiting upon the Lord +• God's reign forever +• Deliverance from troubles +• Everlasting God, strength rising +• Hope in God's deliverance +• Jesus is good, Lord willing to help +• Fellowship gathering after worship service +• Inviting others to share their experiences of God's work +• Sharing personal experiences of seeing God at work in life +• Inviting the Mexico mission team to share their stories +• Fellowship and lunch invitation +• Praying for God's blessing, protection, and guidance +• Praise and worship with repetition of "We to our God forever and ever" +• Closing with multiple iterations of saying "Amen" \ No newline at end of file diff --git a/Sunday Worship, April 7, 2024_transcript.txt b/Sunday Worship, April 7, 2024_transcript.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000000000000000000000000000000000000..a58067b78f8f4e9159022b47dd5d76eb11d57400 --- /dev/null +++ b/Sunday Worship, April 7, 2024_transcript.txt @@ -0,0 +1,2334 @@ +[0.00 --> 29.98] Thank you. +[30.00 --> 59.98] Thank you. +[60.00 --> 89.98] Thank you. +[90.00 --> 119.98] Thank you. +[120.00 --> 149.98] Thank you. +[150.00 --> 179.98] Thank you. +[180.00 --> 209.98] Thank you. +[210.00 --> 239.98] Thank you. +[240.00 --> 269.98] Thank you. +[270.00 --> 299.98] Thank you. +[300.00 --> 329.98] Thank you. +[330.00 --> 359.98] Thank you. +[360.00 --> 389.98] Thank you. +[390.00 --> 419.98] Thank you. +[420.00 --> 449.98] Thank you. +[450.00 --> 479.96] Thank you. +[479.96 --> 509.94] Thank you. +[509.94 --> 539.92] Thank you. +[539.94 --> 569.92] Thank you. +[570.60 --> 572.60] It's treat tag again, Josh. +[572.82 --> 574.02] What are we gonna do? +[574.52 --> 575.94] I have an idea. +[576.42 --> 577.46] I don't know, Josh. +[577.82 --> 579.66] Last year didn't end so well for you. +[580.20 --> 580.74] No, no, no. +[581.42 --> 582.70] This one can't go wrong. +[599.92 --> 609.94] Welcome to Jurassic Park. +[609.94 --> 612.66] Welcome to Jurassic Park. +[612.66 --> 612.70] Welcome to Jurassic Park. +[612.70 --> 613.70] Welcome to Jurassic Park. +[613.70 --> 618.88] I'm not sure I like this idea, Josh. +[618.88 --> 648.86] What's that noise. +[648.88 --> 678.86] It's coming. +[678.88 --> 708.88] Once again, it's the month of the day, +[708.88 --> 712.22] is the day today, the so you're going to, you know, +[712.22 --> 717.50] something to give, look up people in the directory, look at people at your church, show up at their +[717.50 --> 722.36] doorstep, put it in their mailbox, whatever creative way you can think of, go and tag +[722.36 --> 728.52] someone with that treat. And then if you get tagged by someone, pay it forward, go tag +[728.52 --> 733.40] one or two or eight other people with a gift or treat. +[733.40 --> 739.78] When you tag people, you can choose to do that anonymously. You can choose to do that +[739.78 --> 747.22] with a card that says who it's from. You can choose to do that by knocking on the door and running away +[747.22 --> 754.18] as they come to open it and find the gift there. Or you can stand and wait and say, treat tag and hand +[754.18 --> 759.86] them their box of candy or their bag of books or whatever it is that you are giving. +[759.86 --> 766.18] Basically, there is no rules. There are some tags that you can print and use with your treats here at the +[766.18 --> 770.90] link below this video, or you can find some in the midweek memo or bulletin as well. +[770.90 --> 777.86] So one last time, make sure that you are tagging as many people as you can, but especially those people +[777.86 --> 783.62] whom you may not know or haven't yet met, reach out to them. If you're not sure how to connect with +[783.62 --> 791.14] people or how to tag someone, you can contact us or the church office and we will happily get you +[791.14 --> 797.38] connected there. And then when you do share, share that online. We want to encourage you this year +[797.38 --> 806.18] to use the hashtag LICRC treat tag 24. And that way we'll be able to collect all of those and see the +[806.18 --> 814.26] way it's spread around in our community together. In the meantime, I wonder how Josh is doing? +[814.26 --> 827.38] guys, this was definitely a bad idea. +[827.38 --> 828.02] treat K! +[831.06 --> 831.86] man, i'm hungry. +[838.90 --> 839.54] treat K! +[844.26 --> 855.62] okay, so it is treat tag. Thanks, linda. If you would like to get started right away, there are some +[855.62 --> 862.42] tags on the connect booth. You can grab, take home and use those as you are tagging people. I'm going +[862.42 --> 870.90] to invite the worship leaders up front and we can come together and worship our God. As we gather in +[870.90 --> 876.82] worship, we know that God is in this place and we mark that by receiving his greeting. And so as +[876.82 --> 881.38] these ones come up, I invite you also, if you're able and where you are, to stand. +[886.90 --> 893.14] After we receive God's greeting, I invite you to turn to those around you and to greet them in +[893.14 --> 897.86] worship this morning. And you can do so in various ways with a handshake or a head nod or a fist bump. +[897.86 --> 902.98] If you're not, you can say, peace of Christ be with you or the Lord be with you or welcome. However it is, +[902.98 --> 908.02] you are moved to do that. We encourage you just to welcome everyone into this space. Receive the greeting +[908.02 --> 915.46] of God. Grace, mercy, and peace to you from God our Father, from the Lord Jesus Christ, +[915.46 --> 922.34] Son and our Savior, through the presence and power of the Holy Spirit. Amen. +[927.86 --> 942.18] Same if Gina Taunel from someone. +[944.26 --> 948.34] Isn't that safe? +[948.34 --> 950.66] Target килom, +[950.66 --> 951.70] especially when it comes in. +[951.70 --> 973.28] is from Psalm 145. +[974.40 --> 977.36] I will exalt you, my God the King. +[977.66 --> 980.16] I will praise your name forever and ever. +[980.16 --> 984.18] Great is the Lord and most worthy of praise. +[984.54 --> 986.72] His greatness no one can fathom. +[987.46 --> 990.46] One generation commends your works to another. +[990.90 --> 992.90] They tell of your mighty acts. +[994.08 --> 998.12] This passage for the call to worship this morning +[998.12 --> 1001.18] is fitting as we celebrate God's faithfulness +[1001.18 --> 1006.54] in witnessing the number of generations of past and present +[1006.54 --> 1009.40] and future gems worshiping here today. +[1010.16 --> 1015.76] So I'm going to ask this question to all of the current gems and leaders +[1015.76 --> 1019.40] and also any past gems or Calvinettes or leaders. +[1019.92 --> 1021.82] So what does the Lord require of you? +[1022.08 --> 1026.64] To act justly, to love mercy, to walk humbly with your God. +[1026.80 --> 1028.82] Micah 6 verse 8. +[1028.82 --> 1028.86] Micah 6 verse 8. +[1028.86 --> 1035.92] Let's worship together. +[1035.92 --> 1054.56] You give life. +[1054.56 --> 1055.56] You are love. +[1055.56 --> 1057.56] You bring life. +[1057.56 --> 1060.68] You bring life to the darkness. +[1060.68 --> 1062.56] You give up. +[1062.56 --> 1063.56] You restore. +[1063.56 --> 1069.10] Every heart that is broken. +[1069.10 --> 1070.10] You bring life to the darkness. +[1070.10 --> 1082.96] You bring life to the darkness. +[1082.96 --> 1087.86] You bring life to the darkness. +[1087.86 --> 1091.30] our lives +[1101.86 --> 1113.30] you give life you are love you bring life to the darkness you give hope you restore +[1113.30 --> 1118.34] every heart that is broken +[1118.34 --> 1125.30] pray on you lord +[1125.30 --> 1137.86] it's your breath in our mouths so we pour out our praise pour out our praise it's your breath in our +[1137.86 --> 1143.78] lungs so we pour out our praise to +[1143.78 --> 1157.54] them +[1157.54 --> 1172.04] And all the earth will shout a praise +[1172.04 --> 1176.54] Our hearts will cry, these bones will sing +[1176.54 --> 1183.94] Wake up, you Lord +[1183.94 --> 1189.08] And all the earth will shout your praise +[1189.08 --> 1193.54] Our hearts will cry, these bones will sing +[1193.54 --> 1200.14] Wake up, you Lord +[1200.14 --> 1205.88] And all the earth will shout your praise +[1205.88 --> 1210.00] Our hearts will cry, these bones will sing +[1210.00 --> 1217.54] Great for you, Lord +[1217.54 --> 1221.48] Your breath in our lives +[1221.48 --> 1225.86] That we pour out our praise, pour out our praise +[1225.86 --> 1229.42] It's your breath in our lives +[1229.42 --> 1233.50] That we pour out our praise to the Lord +[1233.50 --> 1237.56] It's your breath in our lives +[1237.56 --> 1240.20] Till we pour out our praise +[1240.20 --> 1242.06] Pour out our praise +[1242.06 --> 1245.66] It's your breath in our lives +[1245.66 --> 1249.78] Till we pour out our praise to all +[1263.50 --> 1290.78] In the darkness we were waiting +[1290.78 --> 1294.60] Without hope, without light +[1294.60 --> 1297.80] Till the heavens had been running +[1297.80 --> 1301.94] There was mercy in your eyes +[1301.94 --> 1305.10] To declare the law and prophets +[1305.10 --> 1308.86] To a virgin came the word +[1308.86 --> 1312.14] From a throne of endless glory +[1312.14 --> 1316.62] To a cradle in the dirt +[1316.62 --> 1325.08] Praise the Father +[1325.08 --> 1328.58] Praise the Son +[1328.58 --> 1332.06] Praise the Spirit +[1332.06 --> 1335.70] Free in one +[1335.70 --> 1339.24] God of glory +[1339.24 --> 1342.62] Let His feet +[1342.62 --> 1350.08] Praise forever to the King of kings +[1350.08 --> 1357.44] To reveal the kingdom coming +[1357.44 --> 1361.04] Back to the heavens of the lost +[1361.04 --> 1364.22] To redeem the whole creation +[1364.22 --> 1368.08] Through Him not disguise the lies +[1368.08 --> 1371.00] For we made the suffering +[1371.00 --> 1374.76] His heart to the other side +[1374.76 --> 1377.78] Knowing this was my salvation +[1377.78 --> 1382.48] Dreams before our Savior died +[1382.48 --> 1390.54] Praise the Father +[1390.54 --> 1393.54] Praise the Son +[1393.54 --> 1396.92] Praise the Spirit +[1396.92 --> 1400.00] Free in one +[1400.00 --> 1404.00] God of glory +[1404.00 --> 1407.00] Let His feet +[1407.00 --> 1415.00] Praise forever to the King of kings +[1415.00 --> 1419.46] For the Lord +[1419.46 --> 1421.96] In the morning that you rose +[1421.96 --> 1425.64] All of heaven held its breath +[1425.64 --> 1429.10] Till the stone was moved for good +[1429.10 --> 1432.86] For the Lamb had conquered death +[1432.86 --> 1436.32] And the dead rose from their tombs +[1436.32 --> 1439.92] And the angels stood in awe +[1439.92 --> 1443.32] For the souls of all who'd come +[1443.32 --> 1446.38] To the Father are restored +[1446.38 --> 1450.44] And the church of Christ was born +[1450.44 --> 1454.02] And the Spirit lit the flame +[1454.02 --> 1457.32] Now that His gospel to the gold +[1457.32 --> 1460.38] Shall not heal and shall not faint +[1460.38 --> 1464.28] And His blood in His name +[1464.28 --> 1467.62] In His freedom I am free +[1467.62 --> 1471.12] For the love of Jesus Christ +[1471.12 --> 1474.90] Who has resurrected me +[1474.90 --> 1483.38] Praise the Father +[1483.38 --> 1486.52] Praise the Son +[1486.52 --> 1489.90] Praise the Spirit +[1489.90 --> 1490.90] Praise the Spirit +[1490.90 --> 1492.90] Three in one +[1492.90 --> 1496.90] God of glory +[1496.90 --> 1498.90] Majesty +[1498.90 --> 1507.44] Praise forever to the King of kings +[1507.44 --> 1515.98] Praise forever to the King of kings +[1515.98 --> 1527.72] Praise the Orient +[1527.72 --> 1528.52] sek +[1528.62 --> 1530.50] Import Musik +[1530.50 --> 1532.36] onne +[1532.36 --> 1533.36] Women +[1533.36 --> 1534.40] ốn +[1534.40 --> 1536.32] Arbor +[1536.32 --> 1537.30] Jingle +[1538.88 --> 1540.40] in +[1540.44 --> 1541.78] La +[1541.78 --> 1542.60] j +[1542.78 --> 1543.14] 放 +[1543.14 --> 1543.98] seventh +[1543.98 --> 1544.50] stump +[1544.50 --> 1545.60] ăn +[1545.60 --> 1557.22] Come all you weary, come all you thirsty, come to the well that never runs dry. +[1557.22 --> 1563.32] Drink of the water, come and thirst no more. +[1566.10 --> 1574.78] Come all you sinners, come find His mercy, come to the table He will satisfy. +[1575.60 --> 1580.82] Taste of His goodness, find what you'll look for. +[1583.76 --> 1593.68] For God so loved, the world that He gave us is one and only Son to save us. +[1593.82 --> 1598.92] Whoever believes in Him will live forever. +[1598.92 --> 1610.92] Bring all your failures, bring your addictions, come lay them down at the foot of the cross. +[1610.92 --> 1618.32] Jesus is waiting there with love in arms. +[1618.32 --> 1629.60] For God so loved, the world that He gave us is one and only Son to save us. +[1629.60 --> 1635.60] Whoever believes in Him will live forever. +[1637.76 --> 1642.74] The power of hell forever defeated. +[1643.10 --> 1647.30] Now it is well of walking in freedom. +[1647.30 --> 1653.92] For God so loved, God so loved the world. +[1653.92 --> 1664.08] Praise God, praise God, from whom all blessings flow. +[1664.08 --> 1674.26] Praise Him, praise Him, for the wonders of His love. +[1674.26 --> 1682.60] Praise God, praise God, from whom all blessings flow. +[1682.60 --> 1692.42] Praise Him, praise Him, for the wonders of His love. +[1692.42 --> 1704.42] For God so loved, the world that He gave us is one and only Son to save us. +[1704.42 --> 1713.26] For God so loved, the world that He gave us is one and only Son to save us. +[1713.26 --> 1718.26] Whoever believes in Him will live forever. +[1718.26 --> 1720.26] Whoever believes in Him will live forever. +[1720.26 --> 1722.26] Whoever believes in Him will live forever. +[1722.26 --> 1726.26] The power of hell forever defeated. +[1726.26 --> 1730.26] Now it is well, I'm walking in freedom. +[1730.26 --> 1738.26] For God so loved, God so loved the world. +[1738.26 --> 1749.26] Bring all your failures, bring your addictions, come lay them down at the foot of the cross. +[1749.26 --> 1757.26] Jesus is waiting, God so loved the world. +[1768.26 --> 1773.26] Please pray with me. +[1773.26 --> 1782.26] Our Heavenly Father, we come to you this morning as a church family, but also as individuals who need your grace and mercy. +[1782.26 --> 1786.26] We have all sinned, as we have just sung. +[1786.26 --> 1791.26] Some of us are weary and feel like failures in our own sinfulness. +[1791.26 --> 1794.26] We are thirsty for your love and mercy. +[1794.26 --> 1799.26] We are so thankful that you are the well that never runs dry. +[1799.26 --> 1809.26] Dear God, you know our hearts, you know our failures, you know our addictions, and we lay them all now at the foot of the cross in a moment of silent prayer. +[1809.26 --> 1810.26] You know our hearts Alan... +[1810.26 --> 1811.26] Peace... +[1811.26 --> 1812.26] Please... +[1812.26 --> 1813.26] May help... +[1813.26 --> 1814.26] andelnie... +[1814.26 --> 1815.26] Maybe hello to God, be on hold... +[1815.26 --> 1816.26] Maybe. +[1816.26 --> 1817.26] Welcome. +[1817.26 --> 1818.26] Peace... +[1818.26 --> 1819.26] Your wonderful powers... +[1819.26 --> 1820.26] And from theogamy... +[1820.26 --> 1822.26] My Little Hip of Nós... +[1822.26 --> 1824.26] Your mosquito recicon... +[1824.26 --> 1825.26] Matt Position... +[1825.26 --> 1826.26] So it would just listen... +[1826.26 --> 1830.76] Help... +[1831.26 --> 1836.26] To your heavenly Lily... +[1836.26 --> 1842.58] we thank you God +[1842.58 --> 1845.28] that you so loved the world +[1845.28 --> 1848.10] that you sacrificed your one and only son +[1848.10 --> 1849.24] for us who believe +[1849.24 --> 1852.28] we thank you that the power of hell +[1852.28 --> 1853.80] has been defeated +[1853.80 --> 1857.14] so that we will live forever with you +[1857.14 --> 1859.08] praise God +[1859.08 --> 1860.66] praise God +[1860.66 --> 1862.96] in Jesus we pray +[1862.96 --> 1864.00] amen +[1864.00 --> 1864.56] amen +[1864.56 --> 1867.18] amen +[1894.00 --> 1900.00] I love you Lord +[1900.00 --> 1906.00] Oh your mercy never fails me +[1906.00 --> 1912.00] All my days I have held in your hands +[1912.00 --> 1916.00] The moment I wake up +[1916.00 --> 1920.00] Until I lay my head +[1920.00 --> 1928.00] I will sing of the goodness of God +[1928.00 --> 1936.00] All my life you have been faithful +[1936.00 --> 1944.00] All my life you have been so, so good +[1944.00 --> 1948.00] With every breath that I am in +[1948.00 --> 1954.00] I will sing of the goodness of God +[1954.00 --> 1958.00] I love your voice +[1958.00 --> 1964.00] You have led me through the fire +[1964.00 --> 1966.00] The darkest night +[1966.00 --> 1970.00] You are close like no other +[1970.00 --> 1974.00] I've known you as a father +[1974.00 --> 1978.00] I've known you as a friend +[1978.00 --> 1984.00] I will sing of the goodness of God +[1984.00 --> 1994.00] All my life you have been faithful +[1994.00 --> 2000.00] All my life you have been so, so good +[2000.00 --> 2006.00] With every breath that I am in +[2006.00 --> 2012.00] I will sing of the goodness of God +[2012.00 --> 2018.00] Your goodness is running out +[2018.00 --> 2022.00] It's running out for me +[2022.00 --> 2024.00] Your goodness is running out +[2024.00 --> 2028.00] It's running out for me +[2028.00 --> 2030.00] Your goodness is running out +[2030.00 --> 2032.00] It's running out for me +[2032.00 --> 2034.00] Your goodness is running out for me +[2034.00 --> 2048.00] Your goodness is running out for me +[2048.00 --> 2054.00] Your goodness is running out for me +[2054.00 --> 2064.00] Your goodness is running out for me +[2064.00 --> 2069.00] Your goodness is running out for me +[2069.00 --> 2073.00] And all my life you have been faithful +[2073.00 --> 2076.78] And all my life you have been faithful. +[2079.10 --> 2086.54] And all my life you have been so, so good. +[2086.54 --> 2098.90] With every breath that I am made of, I will sing of the goodness of God. +[2098.90 --> 2106.58] I will sing of the goodness of God. +[2128.90 --> 2145.14] When you go, I'll go. +[2145.14 --> 2147.14] Where you stay, I'll stay. +[2148.10 --> 2150.42] When you move, I'll move. +[2150.70 --> 2151.98] I will follow. +[2153.10 --> 2155.44] Where you go, I'll go. +[2155.90 --> 2158.08] Where you stay, I'll stay. +[2158.48 --> 2160.68] When you move, I'll move. +[2160.96 --> 2162.26] I will follow. +[2162.26 --> 2175.40] Where you ways are good. +[2175.74 --> 2177.86] All your ways are sure. +[2179.30 --> 2182.72] I will trust in you alone. +[2183.06 --> 2185.26] Higher than my sight. +[2185.56 --> 2187.64] High above my God. +[2187.64 --> 2193.64] I will trust in you alone. +[2197.64 --> 2199.70] When you go, I'll go. +[2200.04 --> 2201.64] Where you stay, I'll stay. +[2202.46 --> 2204.32] When you move, I'll move. +[2204.74 --> 2206.04] I will follow. +[2206.94 --> 2209.44] When you love, I'll love. +[2209.68 --> 2211.76] When you serve, I'll serve. +[2211.76 --> 2214.20] In this life, my dreams. +[2214.50 --> 2216.76] I will follow you. +[2217.64 --> 2222.64] I will follow you. +[2226.64 --> 2228.74] Light into the world. +[2229.04 --> 2232.04] Light into my mind. +[2232.50 --> 2235.88] I will live for you alone. +[2236.20 --> 2237.64] You're the one I see. +[2238.60 --> 2241.76] Knowing I will find. +[2241.76 --> 2245.76] All I need is you alone. +[2250.76 --> 2252.76] When you go, I'll go. +[2252.86 --> 2255.00] When you stay, I'll stay. +[2255.26 --> 2257.36] When you move, I'll move. +[2257.62 --> 2259.76] I will follow you. +[2259.76 --> 2262.22] When you love, I'll love. +[2262.46 --> 2264.52] When you serve, I'll serve. +[2264.52 --> 2265.52] When you serve, I'll move. +[2265.52 --> 2266.52] When you serve, I'll move. +[2266.52 --> 2269.52] When you serve, I'll follow you. +[2269.52 --> 2270.52] I will follow you. +[2270.52 --> 2271.52] Yeah. +[2271.52 --> 2272.52] I will follow you. +[2272.52 --> 2273.52] I will follow you. +[2273.52 --> 2274.52] Yeah. +[2274.52 --> 2275.52] Yeah. +[2275.52 --> 2276.52] When you serve, I'll move. +[2276.52 --> 2277.52] Yeah. +[2277.52 --> 2278.52] Yeah. +[2278.52 --> 2282.52] In you, there's life everlasting. +[2282.52 --> 2288.52] In you, there's freedom for my soul. +[2288.52 --> 2289.52] Give you joy. +[2289.52 --> 2290.52] In you, there's joy. +[2290.52 --> 2291.52] In you, there's joy. +[2291.52 --> 2293.52] And in you, there's joy. +[2293.52 --> 2295.52] I will follow you. +[2295.52 --> 2297.52] I will follow you. +[2297.52 --> 2300.52] pineapple +[2300.52 --> 2301.24] Where you go, I'll go. +[2301.42 --> 2303.92] Where you ocean, sadece, SAID, +[2304.52 --> 2305.52] Where you move, I'll move. +[2305.52 --> 2307.62] I will follow you. +[2308.52 --> 2311.52] I will follow you. +[2312.78 --> 2313.52] Your little Italy +[2314.52 --> 2319.98] I will follow you. +[2319.98 --> 2321.98] Oh +[2349.98 --> 2351.90] a +[2379.98 --> 2389.14] Hello, my name is Courtney and I'm the coordinator for the Langley Emanuel CRC GEMS program. +[2389.62 --> 2394.50] GEMS stands for Girls Everywhere Meeting the Savior, and its vision is to see girls around +[2394.50 --> 2399.00] the world actively and enthusiastically expressing love for God and for others. +[2399.60 --> 2403.90] Girls equipped, motivated, and passionately engaged in living out their faith. +[2404.42 --> 2409.02] The mission of GEMS is to bring girls everywhere into a living dynamic relationship with Jesus +[2409.02 --> 2415.46] Christ. Langley Emanuel GEMS does this through Bible study, badges, crafts, songs, having +[2415.46 --> 2421.16] conversations, and so much more. We currently have 10 leaders and 40 girls, ranging in ages +[2421.16 --> 2427.26] from grade 3 to grade 7. This year the theme has been Rise Up, which has helped us to explore +[2427.26 --> 2432.02] the story of Esther. We have been learning about how God can use an ordinary person to +[2432.02 --> 2437.32] do extraordinary things, how Esther was more than an orphan or a pretty face. She was a +[2437.32 --> 2441.94] girl who could rise up in faith and stand her ground because she put her hope in God alone. +[2442.72 --> 2447.42] But in order for us to trust God, we have to know who he is. We saw part of God's character +[2447.42 --> 2453.70] through these five Bible-based truths. God is king. God is our deliverer. God is trustworthy. +[2454.48 --> 2460.16] God is always at work. God is with you wherever you go. The girls were reminded to put their faith +[2460.16 --> 2463.42] in God through our theme verse this year, which they will share now. +[2463.42 --> 2487.48] There is nothing easy about being a girl or living in our world today. We face unique challenges +[2487.48 --> 2495.02] and unsustainable pressures in a culture of confusion about who God is and what truth is, or what is truth. +[2495.56 --> 2501.46] Sometimes it can feel overwhelming and hopeless, but we gather on this Gem Sunday in the hope of Jesus Christ. +[2501.46 --> 2531.44] Jesus Christ. +[2531.44 --> 2534.70] Let's learn these five truths about who God is and what he has promised. +[2535.44 --> 2537.62] God is king. +[2538.52 --> 2540.84] The Lord is my God. +[2541.52 --> 2543.90] The great king over all the earth. +[2544.64 --> 2546.72] Psalm 47, verse 2. +[2548.14 --> 2550.44] God is our deliverer. +[2551.94 --> 2553.62] The Lord is my rock. +[2553.94 --> 2556.26] My fortress and my deliverer. +[2556.66 --> 2558.42] My God is my rock. +[2558.42 --> 2560.42] In whom I take refuge. +[2560.42 --> 2563.42] My shield and the horn of my salvation. +[2563.42 --> 2565.50] My strong will. +[2565.50 --> 2568.04] Psalm 18, verse 2. +[2568.04 --> 2571.04] God is trust worthy. +[2571.04 --> 2574.04] He is who he says he is. +[2574.04 --> 2576.86] And he will do what he says he will do. +[2578.12 --> 2581.52] The Lord is trust worthy in all the promises. +[2582.18 --> 2584.32] And faithful in all the dust. +[2584.88 --> 2587.66] Psalm 145, verse 13. +[2587.66 --> 2592.14] God is always at work. +[2592.50 --> 2593.58] He is near. +[2594.12 --> 2597.80] The Lord is near to all who call on him. +[2598.16 --> 2600.06] To all who call on him. +[2601.06 --> 2603.96] Psalm 145, verse 13. +[2605.66 --> 2608.96] God is with you wherever you go. +[2608.96 --> 2611.30] Do not be afraid. +[2611.58 --> 2613.20] Do not be discouraged. +[2613.72 --> 2617.46] For the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. +[2617.88 --> 2619.82] Joshua 1, verse 13. +[2621.22 --> 2626.92] Thanks be to the God of hope who renews our strength so that we can rise up in every circumstance. +[2627.46 --> 2633.28] Stand secure in our faith and have the confidence that when we put our hope in him, we will be okay. +[2633.28 --> 2634.22] No matter what. +[2638.96 --> 2658.94] Tell me the story of the girl without a mother. +[2658.94 --> 2662.38] Of the girl without a father. +[2662.80 --> 2665.22] Who found favor with the king. +[2665.22 --> 2668.84] Tell me again. +[2669.24 --> 2672.30] About how he beheld her beauty. +[2672.58 --> 2675.74] About the way she stepped out bravely. +[2675.94 --> 2678.34] All her life an offering. +[2679.84 --> 2682.64] She fell to her knees. +[2683.76 --> 2686.00] While she begged him, please. +[2686.68 --> 2688.32] To spare my people. +[2688.84 --> 2691.52] Or set them free or king. +[2692.22 --> 2694.08] Give them a merit. +[2694.08 --> 2695.64] To spare belonging. +[2695.64 --> 2698.96] To a kingdom that is coming. +[2699.52 --> 2702.34] With the song they'll keep on singing. +[2702.82 --> 2705.60] With the bells they'll keep on ringing. +[2706.14 --> 2709.08] Oh, I'm swept up in a story. +[2709.50 --> 2711.96] All that I don't want to miss. +[2712.34 --> 2714.94] So I will rise up. +[2714.94 --> 2717.30] For such a time is late. +[2717.30 --> 2718.04] Tell me again. +[2718.04 --> 2726.04] Tell me again. +[2726.04 --> 2729.00] What a god man come from glory. +[2729.00 --> 2732.32] Why they said he had no beauty. +[2732.32 --> 2735.46] He was the flavor of the king. +[2736.84 --> 2738.98] Tell me again. +[2739.22 --> 2742.30] About the way he loved the lonely. +[2742.72 --> 2745.56] Healed the sick and fed the hungry. +[2745.56 --> 2748.52] All his life an offering. +[2748.52 --> 2752.36] He hung on a tree. +[2752.36 --> 2753.72] He cried. +[2753.72 --> 2755.48] Oh, fall and flee. +[2756.48 --> 2758.36] Slay all people. +[2759.12 --> 2760.40] Oh, set them free. +[2762.12 --> 2764.04] Give them a merit. +[2764.04 --> 2768.82] To a kingdom that is coming. +[2768.82 --> 2772.14] It's the song they'll keep on singing. +[2772.58 --> 2775.46] It's the bells they'll keep on ringing. +[2776.00 --> 2779.04] They'll be swept up in a story. +[2779.48 --> 2782.10] Oh, that they don't want to miss. +[2782.42 --> 2784.92] So I will rise up. +[2784.92 --> 2787.34] Oh, such a time is late. +[2789.44 --> 2792.36] Oh, and he is able. +[2792.92 --> 2795.60] We have a place here at the table. +[2796.12 --> 2798.66] Our deliverance has come. +[2798.66 --> 2802.16] His steadfast love will bring us home. +[2802.62 --> 2805.58] He holds all things together. +[2805.96 --> 2808.88] We already have his favor. +[2809.30 --> 2812.32] We'll give honest, surrendered years. +[2812.32 --> 2818.86] Because of all his faithfulness. +[2820.16 --> 2822.26] Tell me a story. +[2822.56 --> 2825.56] About the way I'm loved completely. +[2825.88 --> 2828.88] Because your beauty is my cover. +[2829.22 --> 2831.92] I have a favor of the king. +[2833.50 --> 2835.52] Tell me again. +[2835.90 --> 2839.02] About how I can stand up only. +[2839.02 --> 2842.38] I will heed the things you've told me. +[2842.60 --> 2845.10] And make my life and my soul. +[2845.90 --> 2849.26] So I, oh, so my need. +[2849.52 --> 2852.68] So I, beg your father please. +[2853.02 --> 2855.56] Set all your people free. +[2856.12 --> 2858.74] Help us live what we believe. +[2859.00 --> 2862.26] We have a merit in belonging. +[2862.26 --> 2865.60] To a kingdom that is coming. +[2866.10 --> 2868.76] It's the song we'll keep on singing. +[2869.46 --> 2872.06] It's the bells we'll keep on ringing. +[2872.74 --> 2875.72] We'll be swept up in a story. +[2876.18 --> 2878.72] Oh, do we all want to miss? +[2878.96 --> 2881.52] So we will rise up. +[2881.52 --> 2884.42] Such a time in our place. +[2885.86 --> 2888.98] Oh, we're swept up in a story. +[2888.98 --> 2892.04] All that we don't want to miss. +[2892.38 --> 2894.96] So we will rise up. +[2895.28 --> 2897.82] Such a time in our place. +[2897.82 --> 2901.78] Oh, oh, oh. +[2901.78 --> 2904.54] Oh, oh, oh. +[2904.54 --> 2916.62] All right. +[2916.68 --> 2919.80] The first offering today is for our budget and the needs of our church. +[2919.94 --> 2923.18] The second offering is for the GEMS Ministry of North America. +[2923.28 --> 2929.04] This money is used to run GEMS on a larger scale, to help develop curriculum, to provide +[2929.04 --> 2933.38] staff support for the various clubs, and to help spread the word about GEMS. +[2933.38 --> 2935.14] And to help set up new clubs. +[2935.80 --> 2938.02] So please give generously as God has given to you. +[2938.02 --> 2947.44] From rejected to accepted. +[2947.44 --> 2953.16] From forgotten to remembered. +[2954.16 --> 2958.78] From the victim to the victor. +[2959.60 --> 2962.30] Who we are is not the same. +[2962.30 --> 2964.92] And the changes night and day. +[2964.92 --> 2968.54] No longer orphans. +[2968.54 --> 2970.86] Now sons and daughters. +[2970.86 --> 2973.18] Worthy and wanted. +[2973.72 --> 2975.56] We belong. +[2975.56 --> 2981.18] We are, we are, we are, we are, we are, we are, crowned in dignity. +[2982.18 --> 2986.48] We are, we are, we are, we are, we are, we are, heirs to majesty. +[2986.90 --> 2989.18] We're made for victory. +[2989.56 --> 2995.58] We're given authority to reign like kings and queens. +[2996.24 --> 2997.56] We're royalties. +[2997.56 --> 3005.10] We're royalties. +[3005.10 --> 3006.10] We're royalties. +[3007.10 --> 3011.50] From abandoned to exalted. +[3012.38 --> 3017.02] From so broken to beloved. +[3018.02 --> 3023.54] From the shadows to the light, from the dead brought back to life. +[3023.54 --> 3026.30] Who we are is not the same +[3026.30 --> 3029.18] And the change is man and day +[3029.18 --> 3032.52] No longer orphans +[3032.52 --> 3034.84] Now sons and daughters +[3034.84 --> 3037.20] Worthy and wanted +[3037.20 --> 3040.34] We belong, yeah +[3040.34 --> 3043.06] We are, we are, we are, we are +[3043.06 --> 3045.20] Crown and dignity +[3045.20 --> 3048.50] We are, we are, we are, we are +[3048.50 --> 3050.50] Heirs to majesty +[3050.50 --> 3053.16] We're made for victory +[3053.16 --> 3055.78] We're given authority +[3055.78 --> 3059.72] To reign like kings and queens +[3059.72 --> 3061.56] We're royalty +[3061.56 --> 3064.36] We are, we are, we are, we are +[3064.36 --> 3066.96] We're royalty +[3066.96 --> 3069.86] We are, we are, we are, we are +[3069.86 --> 3075.24] Every lie beneath our feet +[3075.24 --> 3077.82] When we see the way you see +[3077.82 --> 3082.24] We know we're chosen and redeemed +[3082.24 --> 3088.36] We are, we are, we are, we are +[3088.36 --> 3091.02] Renamed, adopted in +[3091.02 --> 3093.44] We are, we are, we are, we are +[3093.44 --> 3096.62] Kings in a kingdom with no end +[3096.62 --> 3098.94] We are, we are, we are, we are +[3098.94 --> 3101.20] Crown and dignity +[3101.20 --> 3104.40] We are, we are, we are, we are, we are +[3104.40 --> 3105.92] We are, we are, we are +[3105.92 --> 3107.76] We are, we are, we are +[3107.76 --> 3110.02] Clean land moves +[3110.02 --> 3112.42] We need authority +[3113.26 --> 3115.60] We are, we are, we are +[3115.60 --> 3116.38] We are, we are, we are +[3116.38 --> 3117.76] Giants of majesty +[3117.76 --> 3119.64] When we are +[3119.64 --> 3121.24] Gottes O person with no end +[3121.24 --> 3121.52] We are +[3121.52 --> 3122.62] We're copying +[3122.62 --> 3123.52] Gerald pens +[3123.52 --> 3124.52] Then we have +[3124.52 --> 3125.58] We are, we are, we are +[3125.58 --> 3126.10] We are, we are, we are +[3126.10 --> 3126.62] We are, we are, we are, we are +[3126.62 --> 3127.14] We are, we are, we are, we are +[3127.14 --> 3127.66] We're everything we are, we are, we are +[3127.66 --> 3129.66] We're all your team +[3129.66 --> 3131.66] We're all your team +[3131.66 --> 3133.66] We're all your team +[3133.66 --> 3135.66] We're all your team +[3135.66 --> 3137.66] We're all your team +[3137.66 --> 3139.66] They say +[3139.66 --> 3141.66] You're the king of everything +[3141.66 --> 3143.66] The one who taught the wind to sing +[3143.66 --> 3145.66] The source of the rhythm +[3145.66 --> 3147.66] My heart keeps beating +[3147.66 --> 3149.66] They say +[3149.66 --> 3151.66] You can give the blind their sight +[3151.66 --> 3153.66] And you can bring the dead to life +[3153.66 --> 3155.66] You can be the hope +[3155.66 --> 3157.66] My soul's been seeking +[3157.66 --> 3159.66] I wanna tell you now that I believe it +[3159.66 --> 3161.66] I wanna tell you now that I believe it +[3161.66 --> 3163.66] I do +[3163.66 --> 3165.66] That you can make me new +[3165.66 --> 3167.66] Oh +[3167.66 --> 3169.66] I'm an empty place +[3169.66 --> 3171.66] I'm an open book +[3171.66 --> 3173.66] Write your story on my heart +[3173.66 --> 3175.66] Come on and make your mark +[3175.66 --> 3177.66] Author of my hope +[3177.66 --> 3179.66] Maker of the stars +[3179.66 --> 3181.66] Let me be your work of art +[3181.66 --> 3183.66] Won't you write your story on my heart +[3183.66 --> 3185.66] Write your story +[3185.66 --> 3187.66] Write your story +[3187.66 --> 3189.66] Write your story +[3189.66 --> 3191.66] Write your story +[3191.66 --> 3193.66] Come on and write your story +[3193.66 --> 3195.66] Come on and write your story +[3195.66 --> 3197.66] I'm an open book +[3197.66 --> 3199.66] I'm an empty place +[3199.66 --> 3201.66] I'm an empty place +[3201.66 --> 3203.66] I'm an empty place +[3203.66 --> 3205.66] I'm an empty place +[3205.66 --> 3207.66] I'm an empty place +[3207.66 --> 3209.66] I'm an empty place +[3209.66 --> 3211.66] We have to have many kids here +[3211.66 --> 3213.66] Who are age 3 up to grade 4 +[3213.66 --> 3215.66] To join us at the front +[3215.66 --> 3217.66] Before we head off to children's worship time +[3217.66 --> 3219.66] In the back +[3219.66 --> 3221.66] And if you're visiting with us +[3221.66 --> 3223.66] And have kids in that age group +[3223.66 --> 3225.66] They're welcome to come up here +[3225.66 --> 3227.66] Or follow us as we leave +[3227.66 --> 3229.66] And join us in our worship together +[3229.66 --> 3231.66] Back in the other rooms +[3231.66 --> 3233.66] Good morning +[3233.66 --> 3235.66] Oh that was nice and loud +[3235.66 --> 3240.66] I'm wondering if you guys can think of anything +[3240.66 --> 3242.66] That you know is real +[3242.66 --> 3244.66] But that you can't see +[3244.66 --> 3249.66] Something you know is real +[3249.66 --> 3251.66] But that you can't see with your eyes +[3251.66 --> 3253.66] Like that might be invisible +[3253.66 --> 3255.66] Something in like in the world +[3255.66 --> 3259.66] We do know Jesus is real, yes +[3259.66 --> 3260.66] And we can't see him +[3260.66 --> 3262.66] But something else +[3262.66 --> 3263.66] Can anyone think of anything? +[3263.66 --> 3265.66] Can anyone think of anything? +[3265.66 --> 3266.66] No? +[3266.66 --> 3267.66] It's a kind of a hard question +[3267.66 --> 3269.66] Okay, I have one +[3269.66 --> 3271.66] What about the wind? +[3271.66 --> 3273.66] Have you ever seen the wind? +[3273.66 --> 3276.66] So how do we know the wind is real +[3276.66 --> 3278.66] If we can't see it? +[3278.66 --> 3279.66] Haley? +[3279.66 --> 3280.66] We can feel it? +[3280.66 --> 3283.66] Yeah, how else can we know the wind is real? +[3285.66 --> 3286.66] You can hear it sometimes +[3286.66 --> 3287.66] If it's really loud +[3287.66 --> 3288.66] It might make a loud noise +[3288.66 --> 3291.66] Yeah, we can see it blowing in the trees +[3291.66 --> 3293.66] Today we're going to +[3293.66 --> 3294.66] In children's worship time +[3294.66 --> 3295.66] We're going to be talking about +[3295.66 --> 3298.66] How sometimes it's hard to believe in things +[3298.66 --> 3299.66] That we can't see +[3299.66 --> 3301.66] And there's a person in the Bible named Thomas +[3301.66 --> 3304.66] And he had a hard time believing something +[3304.66 --> 3305.66] That he couldn't see +[3305.66 --> 3307.66] And we're going to see what we can learn +[3307.66 --> 3308.66] From Jesus +[3308.66 --> 3309.66] About Jesus from that story +[3309.66 --> 3311.66] So we're going to stand up +[3311.66 --> 3313.66] And we're going to have to be nice and loud today +[3313.66 --> 3315.66] Because lots of our big kids aren't here +[3315.66 --> 3316.66] For gems +[3316.66 --> 3317.66] For gems +[3317.66 --> 3318.66] And we're going to do our blessings +[3318.66 --> 3320.66] So I invite everyone to stand up with us +[3320.66 --> 3321.66] While we bless you +[3321.66 --> 3322.66] And receive your blessing +[3322.66 --> 3323.66] And receive your blessing +[3323.66 --> 3325.66] Thank you +[3325.66 --> 3352.60] Good morning, everyone. +[3352.60 --> 3356.34] My name is Ken. I am one of the elders here at Emanuel Church. +[3357.30 --> 3362.04] First off, it's so great seeing all you gems here and all the participation in this service. +[3362.04 --> 3365.52] It's really amazing, the offering and the welcome we got. +[3365.72 --> 3370.22] And the praise team up here is really cool seeing you guys joining in and leading us in worship. +[3370.36 --> 3371.50] So thank you so much for that. +[3372.32 --> 3375.56] Just a couple of announcements I have from the council. +[3376.06 --> 3382.28] We have a council meeting this week, so I ask you to uphold that in prayer as we seek to do God's work in our church council. +[3382.60 --> 3392.50] And it's also entering the last week and day for our nominations for the upcoming new office bearers that we're looking for. +[3392.60 --> 3405.32] So we ask you to continue to prayerfully seek out nominating individuals that you think would be called into that work for our church and for God. +[3405.32 --> 3412.50] And if you yourself are still feeling called as well, please be sure to get those nominations in very shortly. +[3412.68 --> 3419.48] There is a form that should be available at the Connect booth as well as they've been emailed and accessible through our e-bulletin. +[3420.82 --> 3424.28] Additionally, next week, Sunday, we will be celebrating Lord's Supper. +[3424.28 --> 3432.34] So take this week to prepare your hearts and to prepare for gathering together around the Lord's table. +[3433.16 --> 3437.64] So at this point, I'd like to lead us in our time of prayer as a congregation. +[3438.58 --> 3439.34] Let's pray. +[3439.34 --> 3444.94] Lord our God, as we sang this morning, you give life. +[3445.54 --> 3446.16] You are love. +[3446.86 --> 3448.48] You bring light to our darkness. +[3449.38 --> 3450.00] You give hope. +[3450.64 --> 3452.84] And you restore every heart that is broken. +[3453.46 --> 3454.76] Great are you, Lord. +[3455.54 --> 3460.46] We pour out our praise to you this morning, Lord, and humbly bring our requests to you. +[3460.46 --> 3465.34] We praise you, Lord, for the gift of our children who are a heritage from the Lord. +[3465.92 --> 3467.34] We pray for parents. +[3467.78 --> 3470.94] Help us to teach our kids to know you through your word. +[3471.64 --> 3476.12] We thank you for girls everywhere meeting the Savior as we celebrate the gems today. +[3476.88 --> 3482.14] And we praise you, Lord, for the work and dedication of the counselors and ask your blessing on them and their work. +[3483.74 --> 3485.86] Lord, we pray for new young parents. +[3485.86 --> 3489.96] We lift up Joanna and Mike and their two-week-old baby, McKenna. +[3491.04 --> 3495.40] We also pray for those whose life stories include struggles with infertility. +[3495.92 --> 3500.72] Lord, we pray that you bless medical treatments that are being taken for infertility. +[3501.34 --> 3505.12] And we pray for your blessing for those who are on journeys toward adoption. +[3506.52 --> 3512.50] And today, Lord, in addition to Gem Sunday, we get to hear from the Mexico team who returned two weeks ago +[3512.50 --> 3515.56] and will share the work you did in them and through them. +[3516.56 --> 3519.50] May the seeds that were sown and relationships that were cultivated +[3519.50 --> 3521.96] produce a fruitful harvest for your kingdom, Lord. +[3522.96 --> 3528.26] We ask that you work through our missionaries who you have called to go out and spread the gospel. +[3528.90 --> 3535.58] And likewise, Lord, please work through the rest of us who you have called to spread the gospel within our communities at home. +[3535.58 --> 3541.66] Lord, we lift up those in our congregation and those we know with various health concerns. +[3542.44 --> 3543.38] Heal our diseases. +[3544.42 --> 3549.72] We think of Grace Vanderdeen's mom who had an angioplasty done last week, and we pray for her recovery. +[3549.72 --> 3556.26] We also uphold to you, Lord, Matthew and Rachel Skipper and their kids as Rachel's health continues to decline. +[3556.86 --> 3560.60] Lord, we ask for your miraculous healing hand on Rachel and the family. +[3561.70 --> 3567.10] We pray for Kobe DeBoorsap as she's ongoing cancer treatments and is presently at home. +[3567.76 --> 3572.34] Help their young family feel your nearness in this time and bring Kobe healing recovery. +[3572.34 --> 3578.64] We lift up those who have various struggles with mental health, anxiety, and depression. +[3579.18 --> 3583.94] Lord, when we are weary and burdened, draw us to you and you will give us rest. +[3584.62 --> 3592.26] Transform us, Lord, by the renewing of our minds and help us cast all our anxiety on you because you care for us. +[3593.52 --> 3596.24] We pray, too, for those who are in seasons of mourning. +[3596.98 --> 3600.80] We lift up Karen Walker as she mourns the passing of her husband Kevin last week. +[3600.80 --> 3606.38] And we also pray that you give Rosita all she needs to walk alongside her friend Karen in this time. +[3607.56 --> 3615.76] We pray for all who mourn the loss of loved ones, having just celebrated Easter without a loved one for the first time or maybe many times over again. +[3616.70 --> 3626.28] Help the Easter resurrection truth comfort us in knowing that death has lost its sting and been swallowed up in the victory we have in our Lord Jesus Christ. +[3626.28 --> 3631.08] Lord, we pray for our church and ministries here at Emanuel CRC. +[3631.86 --> 3635.32] Bless the work of the staff, volunteers, and council members. +[3635.98 --> 3638.94] Lead them to hear your will and direction for your church. +[3640.00 --> 3643.64] We pray for your hand on the council nomination process that is underway. +[3644.36 --> 3649.16] Stir in the hearts of those you are calling to the noble task of serving your church. +[3649.16 --> 3658.26] We pray for each of us this week as we examine ourselves and prepare our hearts to gather around your table in communion next week. +[3659.46 --> 3666.52] And now, as we open your word and hear your message, we pray that you open the eyes of our hearts, Lord, and help us to see you. +[3667.04 --> 3675.34] Help us not merely listen to the word and so deceive ourselves, but help us to really hear it today and to go out doing what it says. +[3675.34 --> 3680.54] Help us act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with our God. +[3681.26 --> 3689.34] We pray all these things in your most holy name, not because we're worthy, but because you have allowed us to approach your throne of grace with confidence. +[3689.68 --> 3691.56] In the name of Jesus Christ, our Savior. +[3692.10 --> 3692.36] Amen. +[3705.34 --> 3724.26] As we've already heard, this year the Gems have been taking this theme verse from Isaiah 40, verse 31, sorry, +[3724.62 --> 3732.18] and reading the book of Esther and learning the story of Esther through that lens. +[3732.18 --> 3736.16] So we're going to do the same thing in our time together this morning. +[3736.24 --> 3738.18] So I'm going to begin once again. +[3738.32 --> 3751.80] I'll read Isaiah 40, verse 31, and then we will sort of rehearse the story of Esther through the themes of the five truths that the Gems are looking at. +[3751.88 --> 3762.16] And so allow me to start with Isaiah 40, verse 31, where we read that those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. +[3762.18 --> 3765.52] They will soar on wings like eagles. +[3765.90 --> 3767.92] They will run and not grow weary. +[3768.38 --> 3770.52] They will walk and not be faint. +[3770.98 --> 3772.30] This is the word of the Lord. +[3775.52 --> 3782.58] So you girls, over the course of this year, have been focusing on five truths. +[3782.66 --> 3786.94] Now we've heard them, but I'm going to put them on the screen again so you can see them. +[3786.94 --> 3792.32] And I've also reordered them slightly for the purposes of this telling of the story. +[3793.24 --> 3804.84] But those five truths are God is king, God is trustworthy, God is our deliverer, God is near, and God is with you. +[3804.84 --> 3820.54] As we hear these truths again, and as we look at the story of Esther, I want to challenge you, even as we look at particular characters, +[3820.54 --> 3833.76] to realize that the story that's told here is first and foremost for the purpose of revealing God who is behind the story. +[3833.76 --> 3839.60] But in Esther, that's a particular challenge. +[3840.84 --> 3844.78] Because I don't know how many of you have read the book of Esther recently, +[3845.06 --> 3851.70] but the book of Esther doesn't mention the name God at all. +[3851.70 --> 3858.92] The word God and its various forms of God's names are not used. +[3860.34 --> 3865.12] God is not a character on the surface of the story of Esther. +[3865.60 --> 3872.72] And so how can we learn these truths about who God is from a story that seemingly doesn't even mention him? +[3873.88 --> 3877.84] That's the challenge that's kind of in front of us this morning. +[3877.84 --> 3884.58] Those are the kinds of questions that the story of Esther invites us to ask. +[3886.04 --> 3888.48] Because throughout the whole book, there isn't one mention of God. +[3888.82 --> 3891.12] His name doesn't appear at all. +[3893.28 --> 3895.76] And here's why I think this matters for us this morning. +[3896.94 --> 3903.26] Because it's so easy in our own lives and in our own stories, right, to not see God. +[3904.40 --> 3906.46] And to not know where he is. +[3907.84 --> 3910.66] And to not be sure if he's even in the mix at all. +[3912.18 --> 3917.00] Esther starts equipping us to understand how he might be. +[3918.90 --> 3922.12] Now the book of Esther tells us a particular story. +[3922.22 --> 3926.34] And I want to walk you through that story for those of you who aren't as familiar with it. +[3927.12 --> 3932.84] The book of Esther tells the story of the people of God who have been taken into exile. +[3933.12 --> 3935.90] And they are now in the Persian Empire. +[3935.90 --> 3941.68] This is taking place in a city called Susa, which is one of the capitals of the empire at the time. +[3942.42 --> 3948.30] And so real quick, after the people leave Egypt, they spent 400 years there in slavery. +[3948.44 --> 3949.88] Then you get the story of the Exodus. +[3950.26 --> 3953.04] And they cross the Red Sea, the Ten Commandments. +[3953.10 --> 3956.44] And then they end up wandering in the wilderness for 40 years. +[3956.44 --> 3960.02] After 40 years, they enter the land. +[3960.70 --> 3962.18] They take possession of it. +[3962.18 --> 3967.02] They didn't push out the people as they were commanded to. +[3967.24 --> 3975.74] And so throughout the next hundreds of years, there's a conflict that continues, that exists. +[3975.84 --> 3978.34] And it's a conflict of nations and of peoples. +[3978.34 --> 3987.32] But also, there's a conflict that exists within the nation of Israel, that exists within the hearts of the people who live there, +[3987.40 --> 3990.68] about whether or not they will follow God's ways. +[3991.98 --> 4000.18] In the time of the judges and in the time of the kings, there's a few examples of people doing right and of leaders doing right. +[4000.18 --> 4004.84] But by and large, what is happening is people are doing what's right in their own eyes. +[4005.50 --> 4011.16] People are compromising and they're not living faithfully in relationship to God. +[4012.08 --> 4020.42] And so, because of that, God allows his people to be taken into exile in Babylon and Persia. +[4020.98 --> 4026.62] The story of Esther happens in the middle of this exile story, +[4026.62 --> 4029.74] in the middle of the people being carried away in captivity. +[4030.18 --> 4037.22] And so in terms of the whole Bible, for a very short period, the location focus shifts. +[4038.38 --> 4040.64] It's kind of a story within a story. +[4041.50 --> 4047.34] And because of that, Esther offers for us a really unique perspective to reflect on, +[4047.50 --> 4050.82] and a really unique way of seeing God at work in the world. +[4052.28 --> 4056.62] The Persian Empire stretched from India to Ethiopia. +[4056.62 --> 4064.98] And the story begins when Xerxes, who is king, summons his queen, Vashti, +[4065.48 --> 4069.96] to appear before his officials and to show her beauty. +[4071.08 --> 4075.88] Now Vashti does the unthinkable and she defies the king. +[4075.88 --> 4082.22] Right, the king, who's powerful in the world, cannot rule his own home. +[4082.94 --> 4086.88] And so if you read the story, he becomes humiliated and angry. +[4087.24 --> 4092.30] He listens to some counselors that he has and he deposes Vashti from her throne. +[4092.30 --> 4098.64] And he issues a decree that throughout the empire, all women should honor their husbands. +[4100.34 --> 4103.88] So he was a scorned man by his wife. +[4104.80 --> 4106.88] And then again, the location shifts. +[4107.68 --> 4112.40] After the power and the pride of the king are revealed to the readers, +[4112.66 --> 4115.90] the main characters of the story, as it will continue, are introduced. +[4115.90 --> 4122.10] We meet a woman named Hadassah, who is also called Esther. +[4122.88 --> 4127.86] She's a Jewish woman living outside the realm of the Jews +[4127.86 --> 4130.72] because she was part of the people carried into exile, +[4130.96 --> 4133.86] and her uncle named Mordecai. +[4135.10 --> 4140.10] Now Mordecai tells her not to reveal to the king and to the council +[4140.10 --> 4143.70] that she is Jewish because the king, in looking for a new wife, +[4143.76 --> 4150.04] has called for a beauty contest that he might find a new wife, +[4150.04 --> 4153.06] or at least another one to add to his collection of wives. +[4156.02 --> 4163.78] And throughout the immediate events of a seemingly random story, +[4163.78 --> 4169.50] a plot is actually being skillfully crafted. +[4170.10 --> 4177.04] And by chapter 3, the plot thickens with the introduction of a man named Haman. +[4178.26 --> 4184.02] Now Haman is promoted to effectively like prime minister in the king's court, right? +[4184.08 --> 4186.62] And an honor that in the story, as you're reading it, +[4186.66 --> 4190.10] you might expect to go to Mordecai, but it doesn't. +[4191.80 --> 4194.50] So if chapter 2, when we read these first characters, +[4194.68 --> 4198.66] raises the question about where, whether or not Jews can live in a foreign land +[4198.66 --> 4204.76] and how they might, chapter 3 in the raising of Haman brings this tension to a head. +[4205.42 --> 4210.30] Haman is described in chapter 3 as an agagite, +[4211.16 --> 4216.50] which is a term that scholars have argued connects him back to the Amalekites, +[4216.96 --> 4220.78] which is the historic enemy of Israel from the time of the Exodus. +[4220.78 --> 4226.64] When Israel left the Exodus, they were harried and had to fight the Amalekites all along. +[4226.74 --> 4230.56] And all throughout Israel's history, the Amalekites are a thorn in their side. +[4230.66 --> 4237.08] And so they become representative of all the enemies that they face. +[4237.44 --> 4241.78] And so here is Haman connected to the Amalekites, an enemy of Israel. +[4241.78 --> 4250.86] Haman gets angry and boils over because Mordecai refused to bow down in his presence. +[4251.96 --> 4256.88] So Mordecai is doing to Haman, in a sense, what Vashti first did to Xerxes. +[4257.34 --> 4261.94] And as a result, Haman turns his wrath not just against Mordecai, +[4262.08 --> 4265.16] but against all of the Jews, all of the people of God. +[4265.16 --> 4272.82] And so you have this man who represents the historic enmity towards God's people, +[4273.56 --> 4278.72] and he brings that enmity on the whole of the people who are in exile +[4278.72 --> 4284.50] by casting lots, throwing dice to determine how he will destroy them. +[4286.26 --> 4290.66] Now, Haman plots and fools the king into following along with this plan, +[4290.66 --> 4293.94] but the king doesn't yet realize that by doing so, +[4293.94 --> 4296.74] he's going to end up killing his new wife. +[4298.20 --> 4304.12] And as the edict to destroy the people of God goes out and around Susa and around the empire, +[4304.90 --> 4306.74] Mordecai tears his clothes. +[4308.12 --> 4310.96] He puts on traditional mourning sackcloth and ashes, +[4311.16 --> 4317.22] and he goes to Esther, who's now in the queen's court, +[4317.66 --> 4321.70] living there in the home of the king. +[4321.70 --> 4327.98] And he tells her that she has a responsibility for her people, +[4328.20 --> 4331.56] a responsibility to protect them and to speak to the king. +[4332.22 --> 4336.20] And Esther says, if I go speak to the king, unbidden by him, +[4336.34 --> 4340.00] if I go without him asking me to come, he will kill me. +[4340.52 --> 4341.34] That's what he does. +[4341.34 --> 4346.36] And Mordecai says, you will be killed regardless. +[4347.66 --> 4348.36] You are Jewish. +[4348.52 --> 4350.10] You can't keep that secret forever. +[4350.50 --> 4354.30] Either you will die in the throne room or with the rest of your people. +[4354.30 --> 4357.56] But maybe you can save us all. +[4357.56 --> 4360.80] And then Mordecai says, +[4360.80 --> 4363.64] for if you remain silent at this time, +[4364.00 --> 4367.40] relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, +[4367.94 --> 4371.12] but you and your father's family will perish. +[4372.50 --> 4376.64] Now, interestingly, this is the one place in the story +[4376.64 --> 4382.06] where it seems that there's even a veiled reference to God, right? +[4382.06 --> 4385.50] That deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place. +[4385.60 --> 4388.70] And so scholars have debated, is this, is they talking about God? +[4388.74 --> 4390.40] Because God is deliverer. +[4390.42 --> 4392.40] That's a word that's regularly used about him. +[4392.42 --> 4394.38] But again, he's just not mentioned. +[4395.96 --> 4397.56] And it continues to debate. +[4397.66 --> 4400.50] It's a vague reference at best, +[4400.50 --> 4407.00] but perhaps all Mordecai knows is that God will protect his people. +[4407.56 --> 4411.64] He doesn't know how or where or if or when, +[4412.36 --> 4414.76] just that he has. +[4415.82 --> 4418.38] And then Mordecai adds his own reference. +[4418.54 --> 4420.20] He says, and who knows, +[4420.66 --> 4425.68] but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this. +[4425.68 --> 4433.76] And that is the line from the story of Esther that people hang on to, right? +[4433.84 --> 4436.64] For such a time as this. +[4437.88 --> 4440.36] Maybe everything that's happened to you +[4440.36 --> 4443.06] was so that you could be right here, +[4444.12 --> 4446.52] right now, in this moment, +[4446.88 --> 4449.42] able to save all of these lives. +[4449.52 --> 4451.44] Maybe every struggle and every worry, +[4451.44 --> 4456.46] every fight was to prepare you for this battle. +[4456.98 --> 4460.12] Maybe every tear, every hurt, every pain +[4460.12 --> 4463.70] was in order to get you to this place. +[4464.60 --> 4466.58] Maybe every seeming failure, +[4466.98 --> 4469.02] every time it just didn't work out, +[4469.12 --> 4471.48] every setback was to make sure +[4471.48 --> 4475.00] that you wouldn't miss this opportunity. +[4476.50 --> 4477.92] And I want to suggest to you +[4477.92 --> 4480.42] that this is why we have the book of Esther. +[4481.44 --> 4482.76] To think like that. +[4483.06 --> 4484.22] To ask these questions. +[4485.06 --> 4486.18] Because it's still true +[4486.18 --> 4490.30] that the Bible reveals the action of God in history. +[4490.46 --> 4493.58] And that the Bible is the true story of the whole world. +[4493.66 --> 4495.62] And the Bible is teaching us about the nature +[4495.62 --> 4497.22] and the character of God. +[4497.56 --> 4499.24] And Esther is now, +[4499.46 --> 4502.92] the story of Esther is broadening our understanding +[4502.92 --> 4507.88] to include times even when God doesn't seem present. +[4508.00 --> 4510.26] Even when we don't acknowledge God, +[4510.26 --> 4512.04] He's still working. +[4512.04 --> 4515.02] He's still making His will come about. +[4516.28 --> 4517.82] Or more pointedly, +[4518.46 --> 4522.66] even when we refuse to name His presence, +[4523.54 --> 4524.88] He is still present. +[4526.64 --> 4530.84] Even when we can't see the main action, +[4531.04 --> 4533.58] we can know because of stories like Esther +[4533.58 --> 4535.72] that God is the main actor. +[4535.72 --> 4539.02] Even when things seem to be going wrong +[4539.02 --> 4542.38] and life is just hanging in this tenuous balance, +[4542.84 --> 4544.24] God is still present +[4544.24 --> 4548.94] and guiding His history for His glory. +[4548.94 --> 4554.22] And that's because God is king. +[4554.58 --> 4558.84] That's the first truth that the gems have been looking at. +[4558.90 --> 4561.48] And the story of Esther isn't just a contest +[4561.48 --> 4563.66] between Xerxes and the people of God. +[4563.72 --> 4566.16] This is a contest of kings. +[4566.72 --> 4570.08] Xerxes and the true king of God's people +[4570.08 --> 4570.90] and of the world. +[4570.90 --> 4573.08] And so in this story, +[4573.50 --> 4575.72] who is it that orchestrated the exile +[4575.72 --> 4577.24] to take place in the first place? +[4578.44 --> 4579.04] God did. +[4580.14 --> 4583.26] God orchestrated that Hadassah, Esther, +[4583.62 --> 4585.30] would be in the right place +[4585.30 --> 4587.24] at the right time for her people. +[4587.90 --> 4588.74] God did that. +[4590.20 --> 4593.54] Kings in this world rule cities and empires. +[4593.54 --> 4596.06] God is king of this world. +[4596.82 --> 4597.64] He rules it all. +[4598.58 --> 4600.34] Nothing happens without His will +[4600.34 --> 4601.60] and without His purpose. +[4603.04 --> 4605.42] And because God is king, +[4606.06 --> 4608.54] even when you can't see Him, +[4609.42 --> 4611.48] His action, His reign, +[4611.74 --> 4613.40] is happening all around you. +[4613.90 --> 4616.44] History is the servant of God. +[4616.54 --> 4618.72] It moves at His direction. +[4618.90 --> 4621.06] That's what it means that God is king. +[4621.06 --> 4624.66] In fact, +[4626.22 --> 4631.66] only if God is king +[4631.66 --> 4634.92] does any of this, +[4635.22 --> 4636.38] the story in Esther, +[4636.48 --> 4637.28] but also this, +[4637.40 --> 4640.12] any of this make sense. +[4641.26 --> 4642.08] What I mean is that +[4642.08 --> 4645.00] only if God is king +[4645.00 --> 4647.26] can any of our life +[4647.26 --> 4648.50] and our doing +[4648.50 --> 4650.62] and our activity have purpose. +[4650.62 --> 4652.78] Only if God is king +[4652.78 --> 4654.64] can any of your suffering +[4654.64 --> 4656.06] or your struggling +[4656.06 --> 4658.06] or the hardships that you face +[4658.06 --> 4659.74] have a meaning behind them. +[4660.46 --> 4662.06] If God isn't king, +[4662.24 --> 4663.46] if God isn't sovereign, +[4663.66 --> 4665.22] if He isn't in control +[4665.22 --> 4667.06] of history +[4667.06 --> 4668.56] and of everything that happens +[4668.56 --> 4669.50] in this world, +[4669.66 --> 4672.80] that means you can never be sure, +[4673.44 --> 4674.92] you can never have any confidence +[4674.92 --> 4677.46] that what you are facing in life +[4677.46 --> 4679.08] or that what you are doing in life +[4679.08 --> 4681.52] has any purpose at all, +[4682.74 --> 4682.88] right, +[4682.90 --> 4684.44] or that any of it is part of a plan. +[4685.10 --> 4686.04] At best, +[4686.44 --> 4687.54] if God isn't king, +[4687.68 --> 4689.00] it's just a guessing game. +[4691.10 --> 4692.80] You can never be sure +[4692.80 --> 4695.32] that what happens to you +[4695.32 --> 4698.02] is meaningful. +[4698.02 --> 4701.70] The only thing you can be sure of, +[4701.76 --> 4702.14] actually, +[4702.14 --> 4704.00] is that it might be meaningless. +[4704.90 --> 4706.40] It might all be purposeless. +[4707.56 --> 4709.40] And, honestly, +[4710.14 --> 4712.42] if any of our struggle +[4712.42 --> 4713.22] is meaningless, +[4713.76 --> 4715.20] if any of the things +[4715.20 --> 4716.40] that we face in this life +[4716.40 --> 4717.30] are meaningless, +[4718.46 --> 4721.84] why even bother doing life? +[4722.66 --> 4724.02] Why even bother enduring? +[4724.02 --> 4724.58] But, +[4724.58 --> 4728.22] what Esther is saying +[4728.22 --> 4730.56] is that God is king. +[4731.20 --> 4732.28] God is king. +[4732.40 --> 4733.80] He does have a purpose +[4733.80 --> 4734.96] and He does have a plan. +[4735.26 --> 4735.56] And yet, +[4735.70 --> 4736.90] you may not see it. +[4738.40 --> 4739.86] You may not even see Him. +[4741.02 --> 4742.06] But, like Esther, +[4742.56 --> 4743.66] you can know +[4743.66 --> 4745.02] that He's done it. +[4745.74 --> 4746.60] You can know +[4746.60 --> 4748.42] that He has a plan, +[4748.50 --> 4749.84] that He has a purpose. +[4749.96 --> 4750.52] Like Esther, +[4750.52 --> 4751.52] you can know +[4751.52 --> 4752.66] that someone, +[4753.44 --> 4755.18] that He is somewhere. +[4756.02 --> 4756.70] That someone, +[4756.96 --> 4757.68] namely God, +[4757.76 --> 4759.20] is in control. +[4759.34 --> 4760.24] And, like Esther, +[4761.12 --> 4762.08] you can trust Him. +[4763.12 --> 4764.32] That's the second truth +[4764.32 --> 4765.66] of this story, +[4765.70 --> 4767.26] that God is trustworthy. +[4767.52 --> 4768.72] And it comes immediately +[4768.72 --> 4769.62] out of the fact +[4769.62 --> 4770.46] that God is king. +[4771.42 --> 4772.84] And it comes out of the fact +[4772.84 --> 4773.80] that He is holy +[4773.80 --> 4774.56] and good +[4774.56 --> 4775.74] and beautiful. +[4776.58 --> 4777.22] That God is, +[4777.44 --> 4778.62] the Latin phrase is, +[4778.72 --> 4779.76] the sunum bonum, +[4779.76 --> 4781.30] the ultimate good, +[4781.42 --> 4782.28] the ultimate true, +[4782.40 --> 4783.40] the ultimate beautiful. +[4784.00 --> 4784.96] And over and over +[4784.96 --> 4785.70] and over again +[4785.70 --> 4786.32] in the Bible, +[4786.60 --> 4788.14] we read how God +[4788.14 --> 4789.76] remembers His people. +[4790.46 --> 4791.36] We read how God +[4791.36 --> 4792.16] comes alongside +[4792.16 --> 4793.30] of His people. +[4793.44 --> 4794.24] We read how God +[4794.24 --> 4795.44] hears His people +[4795.44 --> 4796.96] when they cry out to Him. +[4797.22 --> 4798.64] Even when His people +[4798.64 --> 4799.58] do what is right +[4799.58 --> 4800.50] in their own eyes. +[4800.64 --> 4801.90] Even when they are +[4801.90 --> 4803.10] more ruled by sin +[4803.10 --> 4804.18] than they are by Him. +[4804.54 --> 4806.04] Even in these moments, +[4806.18 --> 4807.76] God never forgets +[4807.76 --> 4809.86] His people +[4809.86 --> 4811.94] because that's who He is. +[4812.94 --> 4813.70] And that's why +[4813.70 --> 4814.32] He's trustworthy. +[4816.44 --> 4817.38] Now, I want to illustrate +[4817.38 --> 4818.04] this point. +[4818.56 --> 4819.10] And to do that, +[4819.12 --> 4819.44] I'm going to need +[4819.44 --> 4820.14] a couple volunteers. +[4821.04 --> 4821.80] So I'm going to need +[4821.80 --> 4823.30] one GEMS girl +[4823.30 --> 4825.24] to come to the front. +[4827.04 --> 4828.08] Someone who hasn't been +[4828.08 --> 4829.28] on stage yet this morning. +[4830.04 --> 4831.16] Amara, you want to come up? +[4831.58 --> 4832.10] Thank you. +[4832.10 --> 4833.18] And then I need +[4833.18 --> 4834.54] four counselors. +[4836.56 --> 4838.14] Four GEMS counselors. +[4841.88 --> 4842.20] Counselors, +[4842.26 --> 4842.74] if you come up +[4842.74 --> 4843.12] to the front, +[4843.20 --> 4843.96] you don't have to come +[4843.96 --> 4844.56] on stage. +[4844.70 --> 4845.38] Amara does. +[4847.38 --> 4847.66] Two. +[4847.80 --> 4848.64] Hey, there we go. +[4850.46 --> 4851.00] Very good. +[4851.04 --> 4851.60] Let's thank them +[4851.60 --> 4852.14] for coming up +[4852.14 --> 4852.56] to the front. +[4853.88 --> 4854.24] Awesome. +[4854.78 --> 4855.14] All right. +[4856.10 --> 4856.94] I need two of you +[4856.94 --> 4857.38] on this side +[4857.38 --> 4857.84] and two of you +[4857.84 --> 4858.44] on this side. +[4859.10 --> 4859.72] Amara, you need to stand +[4859.72 --> 4860.34] right on the edge. +[4861.04 --> 4861.52] Turn around. +[4861.52 --> 4864.16] Put your hands +[4864.16 --> 4864.52] in the air. +[4866.40 --> 4867.08] Look at me. +[4868.16 --> 4868.94] Fall backwards. +[4870.68 --> 4871.98] You should see her face. +[4872.30 --> 4873.18] Her face literally +[4873.18 --> 4874.52] just like went ghost white. +[4876.44 --> 4876.80] No? +[4877.00 --> 4877.20] Okay. +[4877.42 --> 4878.10] Courtney, tell her +[4878.10 --> 4878.38] you're there. +[4881.42 --> 4882.96] No, we don't want +[4882.96 --> 4883.42] to do that. +[4884.18 --> 4884.78] You want to try? +[4885.00 --> 4885.74] They're behind you. +[4885.88 --> 4886.34] You can hear them. +[4886.52 --> 4886.80] Hear them. +[4887.42 --> 4887.60] Oh. +[4889.40 --> 4889.92] Hear them. +[4891.12 --> 4891.46] Hey. +[4891.52 --> 4893.94] Good job. +[4894.56 --> 4895.38] Thank you. +[4899.54 --> 4900.06] Okay. +[4900.26 --> 4901.80] Really simple illustration. +[4902.68 --> 4902.88] Right? +[4903.46 --> 4904.78] She couldn't see +[4904.78 --> 4906.96] the people behind her. +[4906.96 --> 4910.46] She couldn't be sure, +[4910.84 --> 4911.88] at least with her own eyes, +[4912.02 --> 4912.70] that they were there. +[4913.92 --> 4915.08] But she could hear them. +[4916.20 --> 4917.72] She could hear their word +[4917.72 --> 4918.60] to her +[4918.60 --> 4919.32] that says, +[4919.46 --> 4919.80] we're here. +[4920.60 --> 4921.84] And she could trust that. +[4923.44 --> 4924.10] And so, +[4924.32 --> 4924.90] like Esther, +[4925.00 --> 4926.26] who couldn't see God, +[4927.26 --> 4927.54] right, +[4927.66 --> 4929.28] she could hear his word, +[4929.78 --> 4930.76] the story that she had been +[4930.76 --> 4931.68] raised on and told +[4931.68 --> 4932.54] over and over +[4932.54 --> 4933.36] and over again, +[4933.36 --> 4934.70] and she could fall +[4934.70 --> 4935.70] back into him, +[4936.80 --> 4937.28] trusting +[4937.28 --> 4939.34] that he is there +[4939.34 --> 4940.72] to catch her. +[4941.52 --> 4942.78] But not only that, +[4943.02 --> 4943.28] girls, +[4943.44 --> 4944.52] your theme for the year +[4944.52 --> 4946.26] is to find his rise up, +[4947.12 --> 4947.36] right, +[4947.44 --> 4949.66] that God will lift you up, +[4949.74 --> 4950.60] he will be the one +[4950.60 --> 4951.54] to cause you to soar. +[4951.78 --> 4952.84] As you fall back +[4952.84 --> 4953.46] into him +[4953.46 --> 4955.30] and they catch you, +[4956.00 --> 4957.24] they can lift you up. +[4957.24 --> 4959.44] But that's what God +[4959.44 --> 4961.00] does with his word +[4961.00 --> 4961.94] and with his people +[4961.94 --> 4963.04] in our lives +[4963.04 --> 4964.34] as we trust in him. +[4964.62 --> 4965.66] He reveals himself +[4965.66 --> 4966.32] to us +[4966.32 --> 4967.70] through them. +[4968.42 --> 4968.66] And so, +[4968.74 --> 4969.56] Gems Counselors, +[4969.86 --> 4971.26] you are a revelation +[4971.26 --> 4971.86] of God +[4971.86 --> 4972.40] to these girls. +[4973.84 --> 4974.54] That's what you do. +[4975.00 --> 4976.78] You are teaching them +[4976.78 --> 4977.96] the voice of God +[4977.96 --> 4979.18] and the presence of God +[4979.18 --> 4981.00] so that they can trust him. +[4982.24 --> 4982.76] Girls, +[4983.58 --> 4984.76] that's what these other women +[4984.76 --> 4986.08] are to you, +[4986.78 --> 4987.04] right, +[4987.04 --> 4988.02] the voice of God +[4988.02 --> 4988.68] to each other +[4988.68 --> 4989.66] and you +[4989.66 --> 4990.84] to your friends, +[4991.62 --> 4991.88] right, +[4991.92 --> 4992.70] and to your family, +[4992.84 --> 4993.74] the voice of God +[4993.74 --> 4994.76] to trust him +[4994.76 --> 4995.48] and to know +[4995.48 --> 4996.18] that he is there. +[4996.78 --> 4997.20] And really, +[4997.28 --> 4998.30] that's a microcosm +[4998.30 --> 4999.14] of all of us, +[4999.80 --> 4999.92] right, +[4999.96 --> 5001.34] this is all of us +[5001.34 --> 5002.40] who are here +[5002.40 --> 5004.96] to be the revelation +[5004.96 --> 5005.68] of God +[5005.68 --> 5006.40] to each other. +[5006.60 --> 5008.18] As we hold up his word, +[5008.72 --> 5010.02] as we speak that +[5010.02 --> 5010.76] to each other, +[5010.96 --> 5012.20] we reveal God +[5012.20 --> 5012.90] as king +[5012.90 --> 5014.62] and as trustworthy. +[5016.12 --> 5016.58] We can follow +[5016.58 --> 5017.48] and fall back +[5017.48 --> 5019.08] into the arms +[5019.08 --> 5019.70] of God +[5019.70 --> 5020.40] so that he +[5020.40 --> 5022.94] can raise us up. +[5024.98 --> 5025.84] Mordecai said +[5025.84 --> 5027.10] to Esther, +[5027.26 --> 5028.36] relief and deliverance +[5028.36 --> 5029.02] for the Jews +[5029.02 --> 5030.08] may arise +[5030.08 --> 5031.06] from another place, +[5032.14 --> 5033.04] but maybe +[5033.04 --> 5034.38] for such a time +[5034.38 --> 5035.00] as this, +[5035.48 --> 5036.40] you are the one +[5036.40 --> 5037.02] through whom +[5037.02 --> 5038.06] it will rise. +[5038.46 --> 5039.72] And that's the third truth +[5039.72 --> 5040.30] then, +[5040.40 --> 5041.44] that coming out +[5041.44 --> 5042.34] of God as king +[5042.34 --> 5043.40] and him being trustworthy +[5043.40 --> 5044.78] is that God +[5044.78 --> 5047.02] is our deliverer. +[5048.82 --> 5048.96] Right, +[5049.04 --> 5049.66] Mordecai knew +[5049.66 --> 5051.68] enough of his own story, +[5051.86 --> 5052.66] he knew enough +[5052.66 --> 5053.24] of the stories +[5053.24 --> 5053.70] of faith +[5053.70 --> 5054.92] from his upbringing +[5054.92 --> 5055.96] to trust +[5055.96 --> 5056.72] and to believe +[5056.72 --> 5057.40] that God +[5057.40 --> 5058.62] is his deliverer. +[5058.92 --> 5059.58] And that's again +[5059.58 --> 5060.42] why we do +[5060.42 --> 5061.18] what we do here +[5061.18 --> 5061.82] every week. +[5062.28 --> 5063.46] To hear this story +[5063.46 --> 5064.34] over and over +[5064.34 --> 5065.18] and over again +[5065.18 --> 5066.04] so it takes root +[5066.04 --> 5067.50] deep within us. +[5068.04 --> 5068.92] And then we model it +[5068.92 --> 5069.68] and we practice it +[5069.68 --> 5070.18] in gems +[5070.18 --> 5071.32] and in other places +[5071.32 --> 5072.20] and in care groups +[5072.20 --> 5073.40] and coming together +[5073.40 --> 5074.94] and in our own crises +[5074.94 --> 5076.10] and moments of trial +[5076.10 --> 5076.72] and pain +[5076.72 --> 5078.20] we hear this promise +[5078.20 --> 5079.12] that God +[5079.12 --> 5081.24] is our deliverer. +[5085.32 --> 5086.44] Now the fact +[5086.44 --> 5088.26] that this is true +[5088.26 --> 5089.66] is seen +[5089.66 --> 5093.40] if mysteriously +[5093.40 --> 5094.82] and behind the scenes +[5094.82 --> 5096.00] in the story of Esther. +[5097.14 --> 5097.82] But it's seen +[5097.82 --> 5099.12] most evidently +[5099.12 --> 5100.14] and most clearly +[5100.14 --> 5101.48] in another person +[5101.48 --> 5102.32] in history. +[5103.28 --> 5104.12] And like Esther +[5104.12 --> 5104.98] this person +[5104.98 --> 5106.24] intervened +[5106.24 --> 5108.04] in humanity's struggles +[5108.04 --> 5109.70] under constant threat +[5109.70 --> 5110.22] of death. +[5111.04 --> 5111.94] And like Esther +[5111.94 --> 5112.60] this person +[5112.60 --> 5113.82] accepted the reality +[5113.82 --> 5116.80] and possibility +[5116.80 --> 5117.64] of death +[5117.64 --> 5119.44] and still went forward +[5119.44 --> 5121.28] as God's means +[5121.28 --> 5122.42] of deliverance +[5122.42 --> 5123.70] as his agent +[5123.70 --> 5124.56] of redemption. +[5125.74 --> 5126.86] But unlike Esther +[5126.86 --> 5127.64] this man +[5127.64 --> 5128.36] whom we know +[5128.36 --> 5129.16] as Jesus +[5129.16 --> 5130.32] the Messiah +[5130.32 --> 5130.94] of Israel +[5130.94 --> 5131.50] the Savior +[5131.50 --> 5132.16] of the world +[5132.16 --> 5132.98] this man +[5132.98 --> 5134.38] did go all the way +[5134.38 --> 5135.22] to death +[5135.22 --> 5137.12] to bring his deliverance. +[5137.78 --> 5138.56] Paul says +[5138.56 --> 5140.12] in Romans 5 +[5140.12 --> 5141.88] he says +[5141.88 --> 5142.44] you see +[5142.44 --> 5142.46] you see +[5142.46 --> 5143.84] at just the right +[5143.84 --> 5144.50] time +[5144.50 --> 5146.10] when we were +[5146.10 --> 5146.92] still powerless +[5146.92 --> 5147.92] Christ died +[5147.92 --> 5148.96] for the ungodly. +[5149.76 --> 5150.40] Very rarely +[5150.40 --> 5151.16] will anyone die +[5151.16 --> 5152.26] for a righteous man +[5152.26 --> 5152.88] though +[5152.88 --> 5154.06] for a good man +[5154.06 --> 5154.74] someone might +[5154.74 --> 5155.96] possibly dare to die +[5155.96 --> 5156.82] but God +[5156.82 --> 5157.38] demonstrates +[5157.38 --> 5158.38] his own love +[5158.38 --> 5158.88] for us +[5158.88 --> 5159.32] in this +[5159.32 --> 5160.26] while we were +[5160.26 --> 5160.98] still sinners +[5160.98 --> 5162.38] Christ died +[5162.38 --> 5163.38] for us. +[5164.94 --> 5165.78] Did you catch that? +[5166.16 --> 5166.30] Right? +[5166.36 --> 5167.46] At just the right +[5167.46 --> 5168.16] time. +[5169.22 --> 5170.56] At just the right time. +[5170.56 --> 5171.76] Things couldn't get +[5171.76 --> 5172.34] any worse +[5172.34 --> 5173.50] for God's people +[5173.50 --> 5174.16] at this time +[5174.16 --> 5174.60] in history. +[5174.90 --> 5175.54] It's like +[5175.54 --> 5176.90] in the time +[5176.90 --> 5177.36] of Esther +[5177.36 --> 5177.70] again. +[5177.88 --> 5178.46] This time +[5178.46 --> 5178.88] in history +[5178.88 --> 5179.46] is horrible +[5179.46 --> 5179.92] for them. +[5180.26 --> 5180.32] Right? +[5180.42 --> 5181.00] Humanity +[5181.00 --> 5181.78] is behaving +[5181.78 --> 5182.54] vilely. +[5182.82 --> 5183.64] Roman rule +[5183.64 --> 5184.52] has overtaken +[5184.52 --> 5185.38] godly rule. +[5185.74 --> 5186.90] Roman sympathizers +[5186.90 --> 5187.46] are sitting +[5187.46 --> 5188.26] on the throne +[5188.26 --> 5189.16] as Jewish +[5189.16 --> 5189.96] puppet kings. +[5190.56 --> 5192.04] And in all honesty +[5192.04 --> 5192.48] right? +[5192.58 --> 5192.70] Like +[5192.70 --> 5194.72] things are horrible +[5194.72 --> 5196.10] in the world +[5196.10 --> 5196.96] and yet +[5196.96 --> 5198.82] at just +[5198.82 --> 5199.72] the right +[5199.72 --> 5200.76] time. +[5202.22 --> 5202.86] Perhaps +[5202.86 --> 5203.48] for such +[5203.48 --> 5204.14] a time +[5204.14 --> 5205.30] as this. +[5206.32 --> 5206.76] Nothing +[5206.76 --> 5207.48] seems to be +[5207.48 --> 5208.04] adding up +[5208.04 --> 5208.68] nothing seems +[5208.68 --> 5209.56] to be making sense +[5209.56 --> 5210.54] at just +[5210.54 --> 5211.24] the right +[5211.24 --> 5212.10] time. +[5212.90 --> 5213.58] God seems +[5213.58 --> 5214.14] to have forgotten +[5214.14 --> 5214.78] his people +[5214.78 --> 5215.56] he seems +[5215.56 --> 5216.02] distant +[5216.02 --> 5217.76] or uninvolved +[5217.76 --> 5218.80] but he's not +[5218.80 --> 5219.50] because it's +[5219.50 --> 5219.86] just +[5219.86 --> 5220.64] the right +[5220.64 --> 5221.44] time. +[5222.40 --> 5222.50] Right? +[5222.58 --> 5223.18] God came +[5223.18 --> 5223.74] in Jesus +[5223.74 --> 5224.34] to live +[5224.34 --> 5224.80] the life +[5224.80 --> 5225.06] that we +[5225.06 --> 5225.46] were called +[5225.46 --> 5225.94] to live +[5225.94 --> 5226.62] at just +[5226.62 --> 5227.04] the right +[5227.04 --> 5227.60] time +[5227.60 --> 5227.84] and he +[5227.84 --> 5228.14] came +[5228.14 --> 5228.58] in Jesus +[5228.58 --> 5229.04] to die +[5229.04 --> 5229.48] the death +[5229.48 --> 5229.84] that we +[5229.84 --> 5230.48] deserve +[5230.48 --> 5231.06] at just +[5231.06 --> 5231.64] the right +[5231.64 --> 5232.36] time. +[5234.36 --> 5235.10] And who +[5235.10 --> 5235.56] knows +[5235.56 --> 5237.00] but that +[5237.00 --> 5237.80] you have +[5237.80 --> 5238.22] come +[5238.22 --> 5239.08] to royal +[5239.08 --> 5239.58] position +[5239.58 --> 5240.76] for such +[5240.76 --> 5241.42] a time +[5241.42 --> 5242.60] as this. +[5243.44 --> 5243.54] Right? +[5243.58 --> 5244.32] Esther teaches +[5244.32 --> 5245.10] us that God +[5245.10 --> 5246.24] is our king +[5246.24 --> 5246.90] that God +[5246.90 --> 5247.50] is trustworthy +[5247.50 --> 5248.36] and that God +[5248.36 --> 5249.16] is our +[5249.16 --> 5249.78] deliverer +[5249.78 --> 5250.50] and Esther +[5250.50 --> 5251.06] ultimately +[5251.06 --> 5251.74] brings us +[5251.74 --> 5252.32] to Jesus +[5252.32 --> 5252.78] where we +[5252.78 --> 5253.44] see that +[5253.44 --> 5253.86] truth +[5253.86 --> 5254.84] most clearly +[5254.84 --> 5255.38] and in +[5255.38 --> 5255.72] Jesus +[5255.72 --> 5256.84] we see +[5256.84 --> 5257.54] also +[5257.54 --> 5258.80] that God +[5258.80 --> 5260.30] is near. +[5261.26 --> 5261.36] Right? +[5261.38 --> 5261.70] That God +[5261.70 --> 5262.26] is always +[5262.26 --> 5262.68] present +[5262.68 --> 5262.94] that he +[5262.94 --> 5263.42] is always +[5263.42 --> 5264.12] working +[5264.12 --> 5264.86] guiding +[5264.86 --> 5265.44] history +[5265.44 --> 5266.34] to his +[5266.34 --> 5266.72] ends. +[5267.04 --> 5267.36] Esther +[5267.36 --> 5267.78] in her +[5267.78 --> 5268.08] story +[5268.08 --> 5268.38] says +[5268.38 --> 5268.76] if I +[5268.76 --> 5269.10] die +[5269.10 --> 5269.94] I die +[5269.94 --> 5270.76] and yet +[5270.76 --> 5271.54] did not +[5271.54 --> 5271.80] die. +[5271.94 --> 5272.30] She is +[5272.30 --> 5272.68] teaching +[5272.68 --> 5273.16] us +[5273.16 --> 5274.44] that God's +[5274.44 --> 5275.44] work in +[5275.44 --> 5275.92] the world +[5275.92 --> 5276.82] is active +[5276.82 --> 5278.10] his providence +[5278.10 --> 5278.70] is the word +[5278.70 --> 5279.38] that we use +[5279.38 --> 5281.40] is to +[5281.40 --> 5283.40] bring about +[5283.40 --> 5284.12] not only +[5284.12 --> 5285.02] cosmically +[5285.02 --> 5285.98] and globally +[5285.98 --> 5286.84] his purposes +[5286.84 --> 5287.54] and ends +[5287.54 --> 5287.94] but in the +[5287.94 --> 5288.62] term providence +[5288.62 --> 5289.48] we were talking +[5289.48 --> 5290.24] about like +[5290.24 --> 5291.44] locally +[5291.44 --> 5292.28] and in +[5292.28 --> 5293.18] your life +[5293.18 --> 5293.92] in your +[5293.92 --> 5294.50] heart. +[5295.68 --> 5295.76] Right? +[5295.84 --> 5296.68] God's providence +[5296.68 --> 5297.72] is his sovereignty +[5297.72 --> 5298.80] coming near +[5298.80 --> 5299.68] to you. +[5300.42 --> 5300.90] Right? +[5300.92 --> 5301.36] When we say +[5301.36 --> 5302.18] God is near +[5302.18 --> 5303.06] what we mean +[5303.06 --> 5303.60] by that is +[5303.60 --> 5304.38] like not a hair +[5304.38 --> 5304.84] can fall +[5304.84 --> 5305.46] from my head +[5305.46 --> 5306.12] without the will +[5306.12 --> 5306.68] of my father +[5306.68 --> 5307.10] in heaven. +[5308.24 --> 5308.36] Right? +[5308.44 --> 5309.14] God's nearness +[5309.14 --> 5310.10] is shown to us +[5310.10 --> 5310.98] in the incarnation +[5310.98 --> 5311.84] when God +[5311.84 --> 5312.64] took on flesh +[5312.64 --> 5313.54] and made his +[5313.54 --> 5314.90] dwelling among us. +[5315.00 --> 5315.08] Right? +[5315.12 --> 5315.64] He became +[5315.64 --> 5317.00] as a man. +[5317.68 --> 5317.78] Right? +[5318.14 --> 5319.10] Eugene Peterson +[5319.10 --> 5319.76] says that +[5319.76 --> 5320.80] his dwelling +[5320.80 --> 5321.26] among us +[5321.26 --> 5321.78] he translates +[5321.78 --> 5322.66] that by saying +[5322.66 --> 5323.54] God moved +[5323.54 --> 5324.06] into the +[5324.06 --> 5324.38] neighborhood. +[5325.60 --> 5326.52] God is +[5326.52 --> 5327.12] near. +[5328.56 --> 5329.04] Sometimes +[5329.04 --> 5331.16] we can't +[5331.16 --> 5331.62] see him. +[5333.72 --> 5334.28] Sometimes +[5334.28 --> 5335.78] we need +[5335.78 --> 5336.06] him +[5336.06 --> 5336.80] to reveal +[5336.80 --> 5337.52] his nearness +[5337.52 --> 5338.34] to us +[5338.34 --> 5339.26] by the people +[5339.26 --> 5339.92] who lift us +[5339.92 --> 5340.18] up +[5340.18 --> 5341.22] when we fall +[5341.22 --> 5341.92] back in despair. +[5343.14 --> 5343.86] That's how +[5343.86 --> 5345.14] God is +[5345.14 --> 5345.92] near. +[5347.06 --> 5347.78] And through +[5347.78 --> 5348.34] it all +[5348.34 --> 5349.82] through it all +[5349.82 --> 5350.44] God +[5350.44 --> 5351.48] is +[5351.48 --> 5352.76] with you. +[5353.84 --> 5354.58] God is +[5354.58 --> 5355.38] with you. +[5355.50 --> 5356.14] Those who hope +[5356.14 --> 5356.70] in the Lord +[5356.70 --> 5357.20] will renew +[5357.20 --> 5357.82] their strength. +[5357.96 --> 5358.22] They will +[5358.22 --> 5359.52] soar on wings +[5359.52 --> 5360.10] like eagles. +[5360.22 --> 5360.78] They will run +[5360.78 --> 5361.78] and not grow weary. +[5362.12 --> 5362.86] They will walk +[5362.86 --> 5364.30] and not be faint. +[5365.04 --> 5365.74] God is +[5365.74 --> 5366.86] with you. +[5368.48 --> 5368.86] And girls +[5368.86 --> 5369.32] I'm actually +[5369.32 --> 5369.54] going to +[5369.54 --> 5371.04] sorry to the +[5371.04 --> 5371.52] people running +[5371.52 --> 5371.96] the camera +[5371.96 --> 5372.62] they're going +[5372.62 --> 5372.86] to hate +[5372.86 --> 5373.32] this part +[5373.32 --> 5373.56] but +[5373.56 --> 5376.78] as +[5376.78 --> 5377.58] you +[5377.58 --> 5378.66] go +[5378.66 --> 5379.84] from today +[5379.84 --> 5380.64] and in +[5380.64 --> 5381.08] gems +[5381.08 --> 5382.14] but +[5382.14 --> 5382.78] like I +[5382.78 --> 5382.96] just +[5382.96 --> 5387.88] my prayer +[5387.88 --> 5390.70] my prayer +[5390.70 --> 5391.26] for you +[5391.26 --> 5391.60] my +[5391.60 --> 5393.02] I don't +[5393.02 --> 5393.22] want to +[5393.22 --> 5393.72] say singular +[5393.72 --> 5394.20] but it's +[5394.20 --> 5394.56] like my +[5394.56 --> 5395.14] top three +[5395.14 --> 5395.58] prayers +[5395.58 --> 5396.06] for all +[5396.06 --> 5396.46] of you +[5396.46 --> 5397.06] is that +[5397.06 --> 5397.54] you will +[5397.54 --> 5397.90] know +[5397.90 --> 5398.70] that God +[5398.70 --> 5399.48] is +[5399.48 --> 5400.30] near +[5400.30 --> 5402.22] that he +[5402.22 --> 5402.94] is here +[5402.94 --> 5403.80] with you +[5403.80 --> 5404.54] and in +[5404.54 --> 5404.74] you +[5404.74 --> 5405.14] by his +[5405.14 --> 5405.78] Holy Spirit +[5405.78 --> 5406.88] right +[5406.88 --> 5407.26] if your +[5407.26 --> 5407.62] purpose +[5407.62 --> 5408.04] at gems +[5408.04 --> 5408.52] is girls +[5408.52 --> 5408.92] everywhere +[5408.92 --> 5409.44] meeting the +[5409.44 --> 5409.70] Savior +[5409.70 --> 5410.26] what I +[5410.26 --> 5410.58] want you +[5410.58 --> 5410.94] to know +[5410.94 --> 5411.28] is that +[5411.28 --> 5411.68] the Savior +[5411.68 --> 5412.42] meets +[5412.42 --> 5413.00] you +[5413.00 --> 5414.56] he comes +[5414.56 --> 5415.20] to you +[5415.20 --> 5416.00] first +[5416.00 --> 5417.20] right +[5417.20 --> 5417.40] he's +[5417.40 --> 5417.76] gathering +[5417.76 --> 5418.26] you +[5418.26 --> 5418.56] he's +[5418.56 --> 5418.84] calling +[5418.84 --> 5419.36] you +[5419.36 --> 5419.94] into +[5419.94 --> 5420.20] his +[5420.20 --> 5420.58] presence +[5420.58 --> 5421.02] and +[5421.02 --> 5421.30] making +[5421.30 --> 5421.90] you +[5421.90 --> 5422.48] a +[5422.48 --> 5422.94] loved +[5422.94 --> 5423.72] daughter +[5423.72 --> 5424.78] of the +[5424.78 --> 5425.12] Father +[5425.12 --> 5426.34] God +[5426.34 --> 5426.76] is +[5426.76 --> 5427.76] near +[5427.76 --> 5428.96] if +[5428.96 --> 5429.18] there's +[5429.18 --> 5429.58] one +[5429.58 --> 5430.34] message +[5430.34 --> 5430.96] one +[5430.96 --> 5431.42] message +[5431.42 --> 5431.66] that +[5431.66 --> 5432.38] anyone +[5432.38 --> 5432.82] in our +[5432.82 --> 5433.06] world +[5433.06 --> 5433.28] needs +[5433.28 --> 5433.62] to hear +[5433.62 --> 5434.46] but +[5434.46 --> 5434.78] perhaps +[5434.78 --> 5435.10] most +[5435.10 --> 5435.70] especially +[5435.70 --> 5436.66] right now +[5436.66 --> 5437.20] in today's +[5437.20 --> 5437.46] world +[5437.46 --> 5437.80] and in +[5437.80 --> 5438.16] today's +[5438.16 --> 5438.52] culture +[5438.52 --> 5439.36] is +[5439.36 --> 5440.10] you +[5440.10 --> 5440.88] girls +[5440.88 --> 5441.96] God +[5441.96 --> 5443.32] is +[5443.32 --> 5444.52] near +[5444.52 --> 5446.24] doesn't +[5446.24 --> 5446.40] matter +[5446.40 --> 5447.14] how far +[5447.14 --> 5447.62] you may +[5447.62 --> 5448.06] wander +[5448.06 --> 5449.46] God +[5449.46 --> 5449.64] is +[5449.64 --> 5449.88] near +[5449.88 --> 5450.70] doesn't +[5450.70 --> 5450.88] matter +[5450.88 --> 5451.44] how bad +[5451.44 --> 5451.78] things +[5451.78 --> 5452.00] may +[5452.00 --> 5452.28] get +[5452.28 --> 5452.84] God +[5452.84 --> 5453.00] is +[5453.00 --> 5453.20] near +[5453.20 --> 5453.32] it +[5453.32 --> 5453.46] doesn't +[5453.46 --> 5453.62] matter +[5453.62 --> 5454.22] how hard +[5454.22 --> 5454.58] life +[5454.58 --> 5454.80] may +[5454.80 --> 5455.08] be +[5455.08 --> 5455.50] God +[5455.50 --> 5455.62] is +[5455.62 --> 5455.78] near +[5455.78 --> 5455.90] it +[5455.90 --> 5456.14] doesn't +[5456.14 --> 5456.36] matter +[5456.36 --> 5456.56] how +[5456.56 --> 5457.02] mean +[5457.02 --> 5457.28] some +[5457.28 --> 5457.48] other +[5457.48 --> 5457.76] people +[5457.76 --> 5457.98] might +[5457.98 --> 5458.18] be +[5458.18 --> 5458.70] God +[5458.70 --> 5458.98] is +[5458.98 --> 5459.24] near +[5459.24 --> 5460.84] God +[5460.84 --> 5462.04] is +[5462.04 --> 5463.06] near +[5463.06 --> 5464.12] and +[5464.12 --> 5464.26] if +[5464.26 --> 5464.46] you +[5464.46 --> 5464.82] can't +[5464.82 --> 5465.08] see +[5465.08 --> 5465.38] him +[5465.38 --> 5466.72] look +[5466.72 --> 5467.00] around +[5467.00 --> 5467.22] you +[5467.22 --> 5468.28] seriously +[5468.28 --> 5468.60] stand +[5468.60 --> 5468.90] up +[5468.90 --> 5469.96] stand +[5469.96 --> 5470.20] up +[5470.20 --> 5470.58] gems +[5470.58 --> 5470.80] girls +[5470.80 --> 5471.02] look +[5471.02 --> 5471.28] around +[5471.28 --> 5473.92] Ali +[5473.92 --> 5474.18] you can +[5474.18 --> 5474.38] finish +[5474.38 --> 5474.48] your +[5474.48 --> 5474.68] drawing +[5474.68 --> 5474.94] later +[5474.94 --> 5475.34] look +[5475.34 --> 5475.68] around +[5475.68 --> 5477.20] it's +[5477.20 --> 5477.44] of me +[5477.44 --> 5477.90] perfect +[5477.90 --> 5479.24] look +[5479.24 --> 5479.54] around +[5479.54 --> 5480.50] you +[5480.50 --> 5480.64] see +[5480.64 --> 5480.84] these +[5480.84 --> 5481.20] people +[5481.20 --> 5483.42] God +[5483.42 --> 5483.64] is +[5483.64 --> 5483.96] near +[5483.96 --> 5485.86] in +[5485.86 --> 5486.06] their +[5486.06 --> 5486.56] faces +[5486.56 --> 5488.12] in +[5488.12 --> 5488.30] their +[5488.30 --> 5488.74] love +[5488.74 --> 5489.60] and +[5489.60 --> 5489.74] in +[5489.74 --> 5489.90] their +[5489.90 --> 5490.36] prayers +[5490.36 --> 5491.48] gems +[5491.48 --> 5491.88] counselor +[5491.88 --> 5492.24] stand +[5492.24 --> 5492.98] up +[5492.98 --> 5497.16] parents +[5497.16 --> 5497.56] of +[5497.56 --> 5497.76] these +[5497.76 --> 5498.12] girls +[5498.12 --> 5498.58] members +[5498.58 --> 5498.80] of +[5498.80 --> 5498.94] our +[5498.94 --> 5499.32] church +[5499.32 --> 5500.06] look +[5500.06 --> 5500.18] at +[5500.18 --> 5500.34] these +[5500.34 --> 5500.82] counselors +[5500.82 --> 5501.52] and +[5501.52 --> 5501.88] know +[5501.88 --> 5502.38] that +[5502.38 --> 5502.70] they +[5502.70 --> 5502.96] are +[5502.96 --> 5503.28] God +[5503.28 --> 5503.46] to +[5503.46 --> 5503.62] your +[5503.62 --> 5503.94] daughters +[5503.94 --> 5504.22] they +[5504.22 --> 5504.44] are +[5504.44 --> 5504.96] revealing +[5504.96 --> 5505.42] God +[5505.42 --> 5505.88] to +[5505.88 --> 5506.08] them +[5506.08 --> 5506.26] and +[5506.26 --> 5506.52] so +[5506.52 --> 5507.16] love +[5507.16 --> 5507.40] them +[5507.40 --> 5507.58] and +[5507.58 --> 5507.96] support +[5507.96 --> 5508.24] them +[5508.24 --> 5508.38] and +[5508.38 --> 5508.84] encourage +[5508.84 --> 5509.24] them +[5509.24 --> 5510.04] remember +[5510.04 --> 5510.52] them +[5510.52 --> 5510.66] in +[5510.66 --> 5510.80] your +[5510.80 --> 5511.20] prayers +[5511.20 --> 5512.32] because +[5512.32 --> 5512.60] this +[5512.60 --> 5512.72] is +[5512.72 --> 5512.86] how +[5512.86 --> 5513.02] we +[5513.02 --> 5513.20] see +[5513.20 --> 5513.42] God +[5513.42 --> 5513.58] is +[5513.58 --> 5513.76] near +[5513.76 --> 5515.00] and +[5515.00 --> 5515.12] now +[5515.12 --> 5515.38] everyone +[5515.38 --> 5515.60] else +[5515.60 --> 5515.86] stand +[5515.86 --> 5516.26] up +[5516.26 --> 5520.28] look +[5520.28 --> 5520.30] look +[5520.30 --> 5522.32] look +[5522.32 --> 5524.62] look +[5524.62 --> 5524.82] around +[5524.82 --> 5525.10] on the +[5525.10 --> 5525.38] face +[5525.38 --> 5525.54] of +[5525.54 --> 5525.96] every +[5525.96 --> 5526.38] person +[5526.38 --> 5526.64] you +[5526.64 --> 5527.02] see +[5527.02 --> 5528.46] Jesus +[5528.46 --> 5528.90] Christ +[5528.90 --> 5530.72] God +[5530.72 --> 5531.82] is +[5531.82 --> 5532.74] near +[5532.74 --> 5534.52] God +[5534.52 --> 5534.72] is +[5534.72 --> 5535.28] present +[5535.28 --> 5535.90] in +[5535.90 --> 5536.14] and +[5536.14 --> 5536.42] through +[5536.42 --> 5536.80] each +[5536.80 --> 5537.04] and +[5537.04 --> 5537.40] every +[5537.40 --> 5537.70] one +[5537.70 --> 5537.90] of +[5537.90 --> 5538.12] you +[5538.12 --> 5538.58] and +[5538.58 --> 5542.70] may +[5542.70 --> 5542.90] I +[5542.90 --> 5543.30] say +[5543.30 --> 5545.60] that +[5545.60 --> 5545.78] there +[5545.78 --> 5545.92] are +[5545.92 --> 5546.14] some +[5546.14 --> 5546.30] of +[5546.30 --> 5546.54] us +[5546.54 --> 5546.94] here +[5546.94 --> 5547.30] right +[5547.30 --> 5547.70] now +[5547.70 --> 5548.38] in +[5548.38 --> 5548.82] this +[5548.82 --> 5549.58] place +[5549.58 --> 5550.38] who +[5550.38 --> 5550.58] are +[5550.58 --> 5551.22] only +[5551.22 --> 5551.78] here +[5551.78 --> 5552.38] because +[5552.38 --> 5553.52] our +[5553.52 --> 5554.08] hearts +[5554.08 --> 5554.74] need +[5554.74 --> 5555.20] God +[5555.20 --> 5556.28] who +[5556.28 --> 5556.42] are +[5556.42 --> 5556.82] only +[5556.82 --> 5557.10] here +[5557.10 --> 5557.30] because +[5557.30 --> 5557.44] we +[5557.44 --> 5557.56] are +[5557.56 --> 5558.04] crying +[5558.04 --> 5558.42] out +[5558.42 --> 5558.74] in +[5558.74 --> 5559.20] agony +[5559.20 --> 5559.66] God +[5559.66 --> 5560.28] God +[5560.28 --> 5560.58] where +[5560.58 --> 5560.88] are +[5560.88 --> 5561.18] you +[5561.18 --> 5563.50] look +[5563.50 --> 5563.88] around +[5563.88 --> 5565.88] would +[5565.88 --> 5565.98] you +[5565.98 --> 5566.18] be +[5566.18 --> 5566.52] God's +[5566.52 --> 5566.82] presence +[5566.82 --> 5567.06] to +[5567.06 --> 5567.30] those +[5567.30 --> 5567.68] people +[5567.68 --> 5569.78] God +[5569.78 --> 5569.96] is +[5569.96 --> 5570.24] near +[5570.24 --> 5572.38] you +[5572.38 --> 5573.24] are +[5573.24 --> 5573.44] how +[5573.44 --> 5573.72] God +[5573.72 --> 5573.90] is +[5573.90 --> 5574.12] near +[5574.12 --> 5575.14] amen +[5575.14 --> 5576.82] stay +[5576.82 --> 5577.20] standing +[5577.20 --> 5577.56] I'm +[5577.56 --> 5577.62] going +[5577.62 --> 5577.70] to +[5577.70 --> 5577.88] pray +[5577.88 --> 5581.14] holy +[5581.14 --> 5582.08] holy +[5582.08 --> 5582.92] God +[5582.92 --> 5584.14] we +[5584.14 --> 5584.52] thank +[5584.52 --> 5584.70] you +[5584.70 --> 5584.90] for +[5584.90 --> 5585.12] how +[5585.12 --> 5585.42] you +[5585.42 --> 5585.84] are +[5585.84 --> 5586.40] here +[5586.40 --> 5586.84] how +[5586.84 --> 5587.10] you +[5587.10 --> 5587.46] are +[5587.46 --> 5588.06] near +[5588.06 --> 5588.30] we +[5588.30 --> 5588.70] thank +[5588.70 --> 5588.94] you +[5588.94 --> 5589.20] for +[5589.20 --> 5589.64] how +[5589.64 --> 5589.86] we +[5589.86 --> 5590.18] see +[5590.18 --> 5590.40] in +[5590.40 --> 5590.56] the +[5590.56 --> 5590.94] story +[5590.94 --> 5591.24] of +[5591.24 --> 5591.72] Esther +[5591.72 --> 5592.34] that +[5592.34 --> 5592.68] you +[5592.68 --> 5593.20] are +[5593.20 --> 5593.64] with +[5593.64 --> 5594.02] us +[5594.02 --> 5594.20] that +[5594.20 --> 5594.48] you +[5594.48 --> 5594.86] are +[5594.86 --> 5595.28] our +[5595.28 --> 5595.86] deliverer +[5595.86 --> 5596.04] that +[5596.04 --> 5596.28] you +[5596.28 --> 5596.64] are +[5596.64 --> 5597.26] trustworthy +[5597.26 --> 5598.16] because +[5598.16 --> 5598.96] you +[5598.96 --> 5599.68] are +[5599.68 --> 5600.36] king +[5600.36 --> 5602.80] holy +[5602.80 --> 5603.50] holy +[5603.50 --> 5603.90] God +[5603.90 --> 5604.10] we +[5604.10 --> 5604.66] praise +[5604.66 --> 5604.92] your +[5604.92 --> 5605.46] name +[5605.46 --> 5605.96] as +[5605.96 --> 5606.36] king +[5606.36 --> 5607.80] and +[5607.80 --> 5608.10] as +[5608.10 --> 5608.54] king +[5608.54 --> 5608.88] whom +[5608.88 --> 5609.14] we +[5609.14 --> 5609.62] trust +[5609.62 --> 5610.32] as +[5610.32 --> 5610.70] king +[5610.70 --> 5611.04] who +[5611.04 --> 5611.74] delivers +[5611.74 --> 5612.08] us +[5612.08 --> 5612.38] as +[5612.38 --> 5612.76] king +[5612.76 --> 5613.10] who +[5613.10 --> 5613.66] is +[5613.66 --> 5614.06] with +[5614.06 --> 5614.44] us +[5614.44 --> 5614.66] who +[5614.66 --> 5615.04] is +[5615.04 --> 5615.64] near +[5615.64 --> 5616.24] we +[5616.24 --> 5616.72] pray +[5616.72 --> 5617.26] now +[5617.26 --> 5617.62] Lord +[5617.62 --> 5618.08] God +[5618.08 --> 5618.98] raise +[5618.98 --> 5619.52] us +[5619.52 --> 5620.06] up +[5620.06 --> 5620.40] a +[5620.40 --> 5620.74] mighty +[5620.74 --> 5621.36] army +[5621.36 --> 5621.90] for +[5621.90 --> 5622.06] the +[5622.06 --> 5622.32] Lord +[5622.32 --> 5622.80] raise +[5622.80 --> 5623.18] us +[5623.18 --> 5623.58] up +[5623.58 --> 5624.00] that +[5624.00 --> 5624.14] we +[5624.14 --> 5624.34] might +[5624.34 --> 5624.80] rise +[5624.80 --> 5625.02] on +[5625.02 --> 5625.34] wings +[5625.34 --> 5625.62] like +[5625.62 --> 5625.90] eagles +[5625.90 --> 5626.08] and +[5626.08 --> 5626.22] that +[5626.22 --> 5626.42] we +[5626.42 --> 5626.70] might +[5626.70 --> 5627.30] minister +[5627.30 --> 5627.96] your +[5627.96 --> 5628.62] presence +[5628.62 --> 5628.90] to +[5628.90 --> 5629.32] those +[5629.32 --> 5629.84] in +[5629.84 --> 5630.20] need +[5630.20 --> 5630.52] to +[5630.52 --> 5630.82] those +[5630.82 --> 5631.02] whether +[5631.02 --> 5631.22] they +[5631.22 --> 5631.38] are +[5631.38 --> 5631.64] sitting +[5631.64 --> 5632.12] here +[5632.12 --> 5632.84] standing +[5632.84 --> 5633.26] here +[5633.26 --> 5633.80] today +[5633.80 --> 5634.24] or +[5634.24 --> 5634.38] to +[5634.38 --> 5634.74] those +[5634.74 --> 5634.94] whom +[5634.94 --> 5635.14] we +[5635.14 --> 5635.44] meet +[5635.44 --> 5636.00] tomorrow +[5636.00 --> 5636.52] or +[5636.52 --> 5636.64] in +[5636.64 --> 5636.78] the +[5636.78 --> 5637.14] days +[5637.14 --> 5637.52] and +[5637.52 --> 5637.82] weeks +[5637.82 --> 5638.10] to +[5638.10 --> 5638.40] come +[5638.40 --> 5640.42] send +[5640.42 --> 5640.44] send +[5640.44 --> 5640.68] us +[5640.68 --> 5640.94] out +[5640.94 --> 5641.14] as +[5641.14 --> 5641.82] ambassadors +[5641.82 --> 5642.54] of +[5642.54 --> 5642.96] your +[5642.96 --> 5643.78] presence +[5643.78 --> 5644.16] because +[5644.16 --> 5644.68] you +[5644.68 --> 5645.50] are +[5645.50 --> 5646.20] God +[5646.20 --> 5646.48] for +[5646.48 --> 5647.00] such +[5647.00 --> 5647.36] a +[5647.36 --> 5647.78] time +[5647.78 --> 5648.04] as +[5648.04 --> 5648.42] this +[5648.42 --> 5648.94] you +[5648.94 --> 5649.22] have +[5649.22 --> 5649.78] called +[5649.78 --> 5650.34] us +[5650.34 --> 5650.90] to +[5650.90 --> 5651.22] go +[5651.22 --> 5651.52] and +[5651.52 --> 5651.90] so +[5651.90 --> 5652.20] we +[5652.20 --> 5652.60] go +[5652.60 --> 5653.38] having +[5653.38 --> 5653.84] met +[5653.84 --> 5654.46] you +[5654.46 --> 5654.86] Lord +[5654.86 --> 5655.34] Jesus +[5655.34 --> 5655.80] our +[5655.80 --> 5656.16] Savior +[5656.16 --> 5656.72] and +[5656.72 --> 5657.16] so +[5657.16 --> 5657.56] we +[5657.56 --> 5658.00] go +[5658.00 --> 5660.10] to +[5660.10 --> 5660.40] act +[5660.40 --> 5660.94] justly +[5660.94 --> 5662.12] to +[5662.12 --> 5662.46] love +[5662.46 --> 5662.90] mercy +[5662.90 --> 5663.88] and to +[5663.88 --> 5664.24] walk +[5664.24 --> 5664.92] humbly +[5664.92 --> 5665.74] with +[5665.74 --> 5665.92] our +[5665.92 --> 5666.22] God +[5666.22 --> 5667.10] all +[5667.10 --> 5667.34] God's +[5667.34 --> 5667.50] people +[5667.50 --> 5667.80] said +[5667.80 --> 5669.18] Amen +[5669.18 --> 5669.22] Amen +[5669.22 --> 5670.80] Strength +[5670.80 --> 5686.60] will +[5686.60 --> 5687.68] rise +[5687.68 --> 5688.10] as we +[5688.10 --> 5688.76] wait +[5688.76 --> 5689.14] upon +[5689.14 --> 5689.48] the +[5689.48 --> 5689.76] Lord +[5689.76 --> 5690.02] we +[5690.02 --> 5690.28] will +[5690.28 --> 5690.90] wait +[5690.90 --> 5691.40] upon +[5691.40 --> 5691.68] the +[5691.68 --> 5691.94] Lord +[5691.94 --> 5692.18] we +[5692.18 --> 5692.48] will +[5692.48 --> 5693.08] wait +[5693.08 --> 5693.56] upon +[5693.56 --> 5693.82] the +[5693.82 --> 5694.60] Lord +[5694.60 --> 5695.60] we +[5695.60 --> 5696.06] will +[5696.06 --> 5697.06] wait +[5697.06 --> 5697.90] upon +[5697.90 --> 5698.14] the +[5698.14 --> 5698.48] Lord +[5698.48 --> 5698.74] we +[5698.74 --> 5699.00] will +[5699.00 --> 5699.58] wait +[5699.58 --> 5700.06] upon +[5700.06 --> 5700.34] the +[5700.34 --> 5700.62] Lord +[5700.62 --> 5700.90] we +[5700.90 --> 5701.14] will +[5701.14 --> 5701.76] wait +[5701.76 --> 5702.18] upon +[5702.18 --> 5702.54] the +[5702.54 --> 5702.82] Lord +[5702.82 --> 5703.98] God +[5703.98 --> 5705.26] you +[5705.26 --> 5706.02] reign +[5706.02 --> 5707.98] forever +[5707.98 --> 5711.06] our +[5711.06 --> 5712.18] Lord +[5712.18 --> 5713.06] our +[5713.06 --> 5713.76] strong +[5713.76 --> 5714.98] deliver +[5714.98 --> 5718.44] God +[5718.44 --> 5719.44] you +[5719.44 --> 5720.44] you +[5720.44 --> 5721.44] are +[5721.44 --> 5722.44] the +[5722.44 --> 5722.64] everlasting +[5722.64 --> 5724.44] God +[5724.44 --> 5725.22] the +[5725.22 --> 5726.44] everlasting +[5726.44 --> 5728.44] God +[5728.44 --> 5729.52] you +[5729.52 --> 5729.94] do +[5729.94 --> 5730.64] not +[5730.64 --> 5731.22] need +[5731.22 --> 5731.74] you +[5731.74 --> 5732.86] won't +[5732.86 --> 5734.20] grow +[5734.20 --> 5735.52] weary +[5735.52 --> 5737.78] for the +[5737.78 --> 5738.30] deep +[5738.30 --> 5738.86] end +[5738.86 --> 5739.90] of +[5739.90 --> 5740.44] the +[5740.44 --> 5741.36] we +[5741.36 --> 5742.60] you +[5742.60 --> 5743.30] ever +[5743.30 --> 5744.30] comes +[5744.30 --> 5744.78] in +[5744.78 --> 5746.06] we +[5746.06 --> 5747.06] lift +[5747.06 --> 5748.06] us +[5748.06 --> 5748.56] up +[5748.56 --> 5749.20] our +[5749.20 --> 5750.24] wings +[5750.24 --> 5751.64] like +[5751.64 --> 5752.72] he +[5752.72 --> 5754.34] goes +[5754.34 --> 5764.68] we +[5764.68 --> 5766.14] wait +[5766.14 --> 5766.64] upon +[5766.64 --> 5766.94] the +[5766.94 --> 5767.22] Lord +[5767.22 --> 5767.50] we +[5767.50 --> 5767.78] will +[5767.78 --> 5768.38] wait +[5768.38 --> 5768.88] upon +[5768.88 --> 5769.18] the +[5769.18 --> 5769.46] Lord +[5769.46 --> 5769.74] we +[5769.74 --> 5769.98] will +[5769.98 --> 5770.60] wait +[5770.60 --> 5771.10] upon +[5771.10 --> 5771.36] the +[5771.36 --> 5772.24] Lord +[5772.24 --> 5773.34] strength +[5773.34 --> 5773.64] will +[5773.64 --> 5773.96] rise +[5773.96 --> 5774.14] as +[5774.14 --> 5774.38] we +[5774.38 --> 5775.02] wait +[5775.02 --> 5775.52] upon +[5775.52 --> 5775.78] the +[5775.78 --> 5776.08] Lord +[5776.08 --> 5776.52] we +[5776.52 --> 5776.60] will +[5776.60 --> 5777.20] wait +[5777.20 --> 5777.72] upon +[5777.72 --> 5777.98] the +[5777.98 --> 5778.24] Lord +[5778.24 --> 5778.52] we +[5778.52 --> 5778.78] will +[5778.78 --> 5779.36] wait +[5779.36 --> 5779.86] upon +[5779.86 --> 5780.10] the +[5780.10 --> 5780.38] Lord +[5780.38 --> 5780.92] our +[5780.92 --> 5782.38] God +[5782.38 --> 5783.02] you +[5783.02 --> 5783.66] reign +[5783.66 --> 5786.86] forever +[5786.86 --> 5788.60] our +[5788.60 --> 5789.92] hope +[5789.92 --> 5790.72] and +[5790.72 --> 5791.36] strong +[5791.36 --> 5792.64] deliver +[5792.64 --> 5797.48] you +[5797.48 --> 5798.02] are +[5798.02 --> 5798.58] the +[5798.58 --> 5800.30] everlasting +[5800.30 --> 5801.80] God +[5801.80 --> 5809.22] 你 +[5811.54 --> 5813.70] now +[5813.70 --> 5814.12] we +[5814.12 --> 5814.50] good +[5814.50 --> 5818.30] Jesus +[5818.30 --> 5818.38] is +[5818.38 --> 5820.42] he +[5820.42 --> 5821.28] we +[5821.28 --> 5824.98] Lord +[5824.98 --> 5825.40] you +[5825.40 --> 5827.32] let +[5827.32 --> 5848.16] Amen. +[5848.16 --> 5848.22] Amen. +[5849.42 --> 5854.72] Once again, as we go, go first with two invitations. +[5854.72 --> 5860.86] The first, stick around following our worship time together as we gather for fellowship. +[5861.06 --> 5862.78] There should be some refreshments and the like. +[5863.58 --> 5869.24] Maybe talk to some of the gems and ask how they have seen God at work in this past year +[5869.24 --> 5875.52] or share with them how you have seen God at work in your own life and ask what they've been up to. +[5875.52 --> 5881.30] As well, go with an invitation to stick around following that for lunch +[5881.30 --> 5887.76] and a time of hearing how God worked through our Mexico mission team together. +[5888.32 --> 5893.98] That will be a good time and we'll move into that following our time of fellowship together. +[5894.86 --> 5898.58] Lastly, go with God's blessing. +[5899.06 --> 5902.02] Receive the blessing of God for the journey of life and faith ahead. +[5902.02 --> 5905.84] God, go before you to lead you. +[5906.24 --> 5908.22] God, go behind you to guard you. +[5909.10 --> 5911.30] God, go beneath you to support you. +[5911.48 --> 5914.70] And God, go beside you to protect you, to befriend you. +[5915.22 --> 5916.94] Do not be afraid. +[5917.42 --> 5919.20] Let the blessing of God come upon you today. +[5919.20 --> 5927.56] Do not be afraid, but go in peace to reveal God as near to a world in need. +[5928.16 --> 5928.48] Amen. +[5932.02 --> 5959.70] Salvation belongs to our God who sits upon a throne. +[5959.70 --> 5970.16] And unto the Lamb of praise and glory, wisdom and thanks, +[5970.66 --> 5974.90] Honor and power and strength. +[5974.90 --> 5979.92] He to our God forever and ever. +[5979.92 --> 5984.76] King to our God forever and ever. +[5984.98 --> 5989.68] King to our God forever and ever. +[5989.74 --> 5990.38] Amen. +[5990.38 --> 5999.08] We the redeemed shall be strong +[5999.08 --> 6003.56] In purpose and unity +[6003.56 --> 6008.66] Declaring our love +[6008.66 --> 6013.52] Praise and glory, wisdom and grace +[6013.52 --> 6018.30] Honor and power and strength +[6018.30 --> 6023.28] We to our God forever and ever +[6023.28 --> 6033.66] Amen +[6033.66 --> 6043.00] We to our God forever and ever +[6043.00 --> 6047.98] We to our God forever and ever +[6047.98 --> 6052.98] We to our God forever and ever +[6052.98 --> 6055.00] Amen +[6055.00 --> 6061.98] We to our God forever and ever +[6061.98 --> 6066.96] We to our God forever and ever +[6066.96 --> 6070.96] We to our God forever and ever +[6070.96 --> 6072.96] Amen +[6072.96 --> 6073.96] Amen +[6073.96 --> 6076.96] Amen +[6076.96 --> 6078.96] Amen +[6078.96 --> 6080.96] Amen +[6080.96 --> 6082.96] Amen +[6082.96 --> 6084.96] Amen +[6084.96 --> 6086.98] Amen +[6086.98 --> 6088.98] Amen +[6088.98 --> 6089.96] Amen +[6096.20 --> 6098.90] Amen +[6098.90 --> 6098.96] Amen +[6098.96 --> 6099.96] Amen +[6099.96 --> 6099.98] Amen +[6099.98 --> 6100.24] Amen +[6100.24 --> 6101.06] Amen +[6101.08 --> 6101.98] Amen +[6101.98 --> 6104.24] Amen +[6104.24 --> 6104.94] Amen +[6106.32 --> 6106.88] Amen +[6106.88 --> 6107.10] Amen +[6107.10 --> 6108.14] Amen +[6108.14 --> 6108.24] Amen +[6108.24 --> 6108.78] Amen +[6108.78 --> 6110.04] Amen +[6110.04 --> 6110.32] Amen +[6110.32 --> 6110.34] Amen +[6110.34 --> 6117.94] Amen +[6117.94 --> 6143.38] Self- napkin +[6147.94 --> 6177.92] Thank you. +[6177.94 --> 6207.92] Thank you. +[6207.94 --> 6237.92] Thank you. +[6237.94 --> 6267.92] Thank you. +[6267.94 --> 6297.92] Thank you. +[6297.94 --> 6327.92] Thank you. +[6327.94 --> 6357.92] Thank you. +[6357.94 --> 6387.92] Thank you. +[6387.94 --> 6417.92] Thank you. +[6417.94 --> 6447.92] Thank you. +[6447.94 --> 6477.92] Thank you. +[6477.94 --> 6507.92] Thank you. +[6507.94 --> 6537.92] Thank you. +[6537.94 --> 6567.92] Thank you. +[6567.94 --> 6597.92] Thank you. +[6597.94 --> 6627.92] Thank you. diff --git a/Sunday Worship, Aug 18, 2024_summary.txt b/Sunday Worship, Aug 18, 2024_summary.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000000000000000000000000000000000000..9078234e02b8625db51a71ed18a0c1a9eb4e7529 --- /dev/null +++ b/Sunday Worship, Aug 18, 2024_summary.txt @@ -0,0 +1,132 @@ +• Awakening and spiritual awakening +• Singing for the world and proclaiming God's will +• The reign of God and kingdom revelation +• Prayer, faith, and intercession in times of darkness +• Rebellion, addiction, and deception +• Authority, majesty, and redemption +• Love, justice, and serving the kingdom of God +• Worship and giving one's heart to God +• Upcoming worship service: Lament and Longing +• Volunteer sign-ups for Reactivate youth conference +• Sanctuary maintenance tasks (stacking chairs) +• Meeting with Jody Gonzalez, missionary in Tijuana/Rosarito +• Meet the Isotopes baseball team event on Labor Day weekend +• AED/CPR first aid class on October 19 +• Call to worship from Revelation 19 +• Greeting and blessing from God the Father, Lord Jesus Christ, and Holy Spirit +• Invocation of "Hallelujah" and "Alleluia" with reference to the Lord's reign +• Praise to God as holy and worthy of worship +• References to the Lamb and God's throne +• Worship song lyrics expressing devotion to God +• Discussion of a devotional that includes words from Paul Tripp +• Corporate worship as an invitation to know and be known by God +• Prayer for presence, redemption, and gratitude for God's grace +• Song "Ancient of Days" with lyrics about trusting in God's name and power +• Acknowledgement of God's sovereignty and love +• References to Scripture and the story of redemption through Jesus Christ +• The Lamb is mentioned and praised as a symbol of redemption +• Jesus will reign forevermore and the victory is his +• Mike introduces himself as a deacon and thanks attendees for giving to Friendship Ministries, a partner ministry that serves people with special needs or disabilities +• Testimonies and prayers are shared, including one about a church's community-based friendship ministry +• A call to prayer is made for children attending worship time and adults staying in the sanctuary +• The Lord's blessing is given +• Congregational prayer led by Elder Ken +• Praying for one another's personal struggles and burdens +• Seeking God's guidance and strength throughout the week +• Thanking God for blessings such as children and family +• Praying for those with health issues, including medical struggles and addictions +• Asking for healing and restoration in their lives +• Praying for specific individuals, including families and those undergoing surgery +• Prayer for guidance and leadership in world and church +• Reading from Acts 16, specifically verses 16-40 +• Discussion of Reactivate conference and its organization +• Children's worship time modifications during summer +• Collection of artwork from sermons and stories +• Invitation to use provided materials for drawing or coloring +• Paul and Silas were thrown into prison after being accused of causing an uproar by advocating for unlawful customs +• They prayed and sang hymns, which led to a violent earthquake that freed them from their chains +• The jailer was convinced to believe in God and his whole household was baptized +• Paul refused to be released quietly and requested the magistrates to escort them out of prison themselves +• The magistrates were alarmed when they learned that Paul and Silas were Roman citizens, and eventually escorted them out of the city. +• Parallels between biblical stories and contemporary life +• Importance of finding strength in God during trials and persecutions +• Paul's second missionary journey and his travels with Silas +• Meeting Timothy in Lystra and Paul's mentorship +• The first visit to Lystra where Paul healed a lame man and was revered as Hermes +• Trouble caused by Jewish leaders for Paul and Barnabas +• Paul and Barnabas are stirred up by a group of leaders and the crowd turns against them +• They are accused of trying to make the crowd worship them instead of God +• As a result, they are stoned and left for dead, but Paul is revived by prayer +• The experience shows that Paul and his companions are familiar with suffering for the gospel +• In Acts 14, Paul and Barnabas arrive in Lystra after gathering Timothy and travel to Troas where Luke joins them +• They then come to Philippi, a leading city in the Roman Empire, where they meet Lydia and stay with her +• The story of their experiences in Philippi begins when they go to the place of prayer outside the city gates. +• The Jewish population in a certain city is too small to support a synagogue. +• Paul doesn't attend the synagogue, leading the group to pray elsewhere outside the city. +• A female slave with a "python spirit" (a reference to the serpent from Greek mythology) regularly shouts at them during their journey. +• This is likely an allusion to the oracle at Delphi in Greek mythology, where Apollo established a python as a guardian of prophecy and truth. +• The woman's possession by the "python spirit" may be seen as a way for her to deliver prophetic messages. +• The slave girl was shouting that Paul and his group were servants of the high God who were telling them the way to be saved. +• This exchange is more than just words or ideas, but a spiritual battle between the gods of the age and the most high God. +• Paul eventually intervenes, commanding the spirit in Jesus' name to come out of the girl. +• The event highlights the spiritual reality behind the gospel proclamation, which is a battle against spiritual forces of evil. +• This concept is supported by Ephesians 6, where Paul writes about putting on the full armor of God to stand against the devil's schemes and spiritual forces of evil. +• The Bible advises Christians to take up spiritual armor, including the shield of faith and helmet of salvation. +• Prayer is a key aspect of spiritual warfare, and should be done in the spirit with all kinds of prayers and requests. +• Paul's letters, such as those to Timothy, emphasize the importance of prayer for believers, especially when speaking or writing about God's message. +• The battle against evil is primarily spiritual, and Christians must engage in this fight through prayer and faith. +• Conversations about Jesus and the gospel can be seen as spiritual battles, requiring a serious and intentional approach. +• The importance of taking spiritual conversations seriously, as they are a form of spiritual warfare +• The need for memorization of scripture to equip oneself for these conversations +• A compelling argument that scripture memorization is the best way to share God's word with people +• How scripture memorization can impact one's prayer life and provide something to say in conversations +• The benefits of praying scripture out loud with others, as it can connect on a deeper level than human words. +• The conflict in Acts is primarily spiritual and has material consequences +• The spiritual level impacts the physical reality of those involved +• Paul's command for a demon to leave a woman had an immediate impact on her and her owners +• The gospel is a spiritual truth for a spiritual reality, but it also affects physical reality +• Human sinfulness and rebellion against God have broken our relationship with Him +• Everything we do is tainted by the stain of sin in this spiritual reality +• The speaker believes the Bible is true and that they are loved by God more than they can imagine. +• Jesus Christ came into the world, was born, lived a life of perfect righteousness, and kept God's commands. +• Jesus died on the cross for the speaker's sin, taking their punishment and bearing the wrath of God. +• Three days later, Jesus was raised from the dead, defeating death and the devil. +• The same Jesus now grants new life through the spirit and is seated at the right hand of God, reigning over all the universe. +• Living by the gospel means living in the trust of Jesus and sharing in his anointing. +• The relationship between God and humans +• Trusting Jesus more than oneself through faith and grace +• The impact of spiritual truth on the world and personal lives +• The power of God's word to recreate and transform individuals +• The rediscovery of spirituality in modern times, often apart from the gospel +• People want a spirituality that doesn't disrupt their lives. +• Jesus requires complete devotion, but people may prioritize worldly things. +• The early Christians faced persecution for their beliefs, with accusations of being cannibals due to participating in the Lord's Supper. +• The Roman mindset considered worshipping one God alone and certain Christian practices as unlawful customs. +• In ancient Greek and Roman cities, the marketplace was a gathering place for news, updates, and exchanges. +• Discussion of cultural and economic context +• Reference to market economics and ideas of wealth as drivers +• Spiritual conflict mentioned, with Jesus' teaching on treasure and heart alignment +• Persecution of Paul and Silas in the story of Acts 16:22 +• Impact of proclaiming the gospel on physical reality +• Examples of persecution and battle between spirits of age and God +• The importance of being prepared for difficult situations +• The example of Paul and Silas in jail, praying and singing hymns to God +• The role of prayer, the word of God, and spiritual songs in pushing back against the spirit of this age +• Encouragement to find strength in God in the face of trial and persecution +• The need to push back against the spirit of this age that confuses, divides, separates, and promotes chaos and discord. +• Pushing back against spiritual forces with prayer and proclamation of the gospel +• The importance of being deeply in prayer to face spiritual battles +• Understanding that good God has given us Jesus Christ and promised the Holy Spirit +• Recognizing the power of singing and proclaiming the gospel as a form of resistance against evil spirits +• Inviting people to stand together and pray, followed by worship and song to push back against darkness +• Prayer and worship +• Battle analogy for life's challenges +• God's love and peace as reward +• Christ's forever presence in one's life +• Courage and hope in the face of fear +• God's guidance, protection, and support +• Blessing and favor from God +• Call to serve and love the Lord +• Recitation of a prayer or blessing with repeated mentions of "Amen" +• Request for God's favor to be upon the speaker and their family +• Expressions of gratitude in various iterations of "Thank you" \ No newline at end of file diff --git a/Sunday Worship, Aug 18, 2024_transcript.txt b/Sunday Worship, Aug 18, 2024_transcript.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000000000000000000000000000000000000..350a3562afd500fbdf0d3d7e141f8f2e143d41bd --- /dev/null +++ b/Sunday Worship, Aug 18, 2024_transcript.txt @@ -0,0 +1,2433 @@ +[0.00 --> 11.28] Awaken it for this moment, for this hour. +[13.28 --> 20.18] Awaken it for you and you alone. +[20.18 --> 26.34] Awake my soul, awake my soul. +[26.34 --> 31.94] And sing for the world you love. +[32.46 --> 39.52] That your will be done, that your will be done in me. +[39.52 --> 43.78] For you and you alone. +[44.30 --> 49.74] Awake my soul, awake my soul. +[50.20 --> 55.42] And sing for the world you love. +[55.42 --> 63.18] That your will be done, that your will be done in me. +[63.18 --> 93.18] +[93.18 --> 100.94] Awaken it for you and you alone. +[100.94 --> 108.70] I hear your voice and this is my awakening. +[108.70 --> 116.46] Awaken it for you and you alone. +[116.46 --> 121.46] Awaken it for you and you alone. +[121.46 --> 131.22] Awaken it for you and you alone. +[131.22 --> 135.22] Awaken it for you and you alone. +[135.22 --> 152.22] Awake my soul +[152.22 --> 169.22] Awake my soul +[169.22 --> 175.22] And soon from the darkness comes a light +[175.22 --> 178.22] Awake my soul +[178.22 --> 181.22] Awake my soul +[181.22 --> 187.22] And sing like the rising sun that shines +[187.22 --> 190.22] Awake my soul +[190.22 --> 193.22] Awake my soul +[193.22 --> 199.22] And soon only you can raise a light +[199.22 --> 202.22] Awake my soul +[202.22 --> 205.22] Awake my soul +[205.22 --> 209.22] And sing like the rising sun that shines +[209.22 --> 225.22] In our hearts, Lord, in the nations +[225.22 --> 230.22] Awake my soul +[230.22 --> 248.22] Awake my soul +[248.22 --> 253.22] It's time +[253.22 --> 270.82] It's time for the reign of God. It's time for your light to shine. It's time for the kingdom of our God to be revealed. +[270.82 --> 285.56] It's time for authority. It's time for your majesty. It's time for the kingdom of our God to be revealed. +[285.56 --> 300.56] It's time for the reign of God. It's time for your light to shine. It's time for the kingdom of our God to be revealed. +[300.82 --> 315.98] It's time for authority. It's time for your majesty. It's time for the kingdom of our God to be revealed. +[317.86 --> 329.06] In these days of wars and famines, in these days when hearts grow cold, in these days of growing darkness, +[329.06 --> 340.48] there's a story to be told. So we gather in the spirit. We lift up the prayer of faith. +[340.48 --> 349.48] We proclaim the mighty word of God, the power in your name. +[350.56 --> 364.34] It's time for the reign of God. It's time for your light to shine. It's time for the kingdom of our God to be revealed. +[364.34 --> 381.34] It's time for the kingdom of our God to be revealed. +[381.34 --> 383.34] We're a castle of rebellion. +[383.34 --> 396.22] We're a castle of rebellion. Addicted and deceived. For those who wander far from home. It's time to intercede. +[396.22 --> 400.78] So we gather in the spirits +[400.78 --> 404.30] We lift up the prayer of faith +[404.30 --> 408.98] We proclaim the mighty word of God +[408.98 --> 412.66] The power in your name +[412.66 --> 416.48] The power in your name +[416.48 --> 422.20] It's time for the praise of God +[422.20 --> 425.96] It's time for your light to shine +[425.96 --> 430.68] It's time for the kingdom of our God +[430.68 --> 432.18] Be revealed +[432.18 --> 436.76] It's time for authority +[436.76 --> 440.52] It's time for your majesty +[440.52 --> 445.66] It's time for the kingdom of our God +[445.66 --> 447.22] Be revealed +[447.22 --> 452.32] It's time for the reign of God +[452.32 --> 456.04] It's time for your light to shine +[456.04 --> 460.74] It's time for the kingdom of our God +[460.74 --> 462.54] Be revealed +[462.54 --> 466.88] It's time for authority +[466.88 --> 470.66] It's time for your majesty +[470.66 --> 475.38] It's time for the kingdom of our God +[475.38 --> 480.10] To be redeemed +[480.10 --> 481.60] It's time for you +[481.60 --> 483.60] It's time for you +[483.60 --> 485.30] Oh yeah +[485.30 --> 486.18] Oh yeah +[486.18 --> 487.10] Oh yeah +[487.10 --> 492.10] It's time for you +[492.10 --> 493.10] It's time for you +[493.10 --> 505.48] It's time for love and justice +[505.48 --> 519.44] It's time for love and justice +[519.44 --> 524.16] It's time for the kingdom of our God +[524.16 --> 528.16] It's time for the kingdom of our God +[528.16 --> 529.66] To serve again +[529.66 --> 530.16] It's time for the kingdom of our God +[530.16 --> 531.78] To serve again +[531.78 --> 532.16] Oh yeah +[532.16 --> 533.16] Oh yeah +[533.16 --> 534.16] Oh yeah +[534.16 --> 536.16] Oh yeah +[536.16 --> 553.86] Oh yeah +[556.02 --> 560.10] Oh yeah +[560.10 --> 573.78] Come, now is the time to worship. +[575.78 --> 583.64] Come, now is the time to give your heart. +[583.64 --> 592.40] Come, just as you are to worship. +[594.40 --> 602.46] Come, just as you are before your God. +[603.94 --> 604.52] Come. +[608.20 --> 612.62] One day every tongue will confess you are God. +[612.62 --> 616.28] One day every knee will bow. +[617.72 --> 626.50] Still the greatest treasure remains for those who gladly choose you now. +[629.12 --> 636.44] Come, now is the time to worship. +[636.44 --> 646.32] Come, now is the time to give your heart. +[647.96 --> 654.94] Come, just as you are to worship. +[654.94 --> 665.32] Come, just as you are before your God. +[666.32 --> 667.36] Come. +[671.32 --> 674.98] One day every tongue will confess you are God. +[674.98 --> 676.80] Good morning. +[679.08 --> 682.02] I don't know if you saw, but I almost ate it on the way up the stairs here. +[682.16 --> 683.54] So it's going to be a good morning. +[684.14 --> 685.56] Welcome to, yeah, I know you saw it. +[685.58 --> 685.92] Thank you. +[686.30 --> 686.84] Welcome to worship. +[686.90 --> 688.56] If you're a guest with us, my name is Chris. +[688.74 --> 690.14] I'm one of the pastors here. +[690.14 --> 697.62] And it's my privilege to share with you in our worship this morning to lead you as we encounter God in this space together. +[697.62 --> 704.90] Before we begin, I got a bunch of announcements because some are starting to wrap up and that means things are starting to happen again. +[705.04 --> 708.76] And so bear with me as I plow through these. +[709.90 --> 719.38] First, this evening at 7 p.m., we are hosting a special worship service called Lament and Longing. +[719.38 --> 731.32] It's an opportunity to gather together and to worship our God in the midst of the chaoses and the turmoils and the grief and the mourning that we may be experiencing right now in our lives. +[731.36 --> 735.58] We want to take that and just bring it into the presence of God together. +[735.76 --> 738.44] And so we're going to gather for a special worship service. +[738.52 --> 742.00] It's going to be in the foyer over there at 7 p.m. +[742.62 --> 745.54] Encourage you to join us for that time together. +[745.54 --> 751.66] If you have any questions about that, you can get me or Pastor Kevin after the service and we'll gladly address those for you. +[752.94 --> 758.76] Also, following our worship today, when we gather for coffee and hanging out in the back there, +[759.12 --> 771.04] at the Connect booth, there will be a laptop so that you can most quickly and expediently sign up to volunteer helping at Reactivate. +[771.82 --> 775.28] So Reactivate is a youth conference that we host in September. +[775.54 --> 779.24] And we need a bunch of volunteers to fill spots and holes. +[779.42 --> 789.30] And to make that as easy as possible, Kevin and maybe even Rachel will meet you at the back and help sign you up for different responsibilities and time slots and the like. +[789.38 --> 791.10] And so you can grab them there. +[792.72 --> 797.72] I'm going to keep moving through today after our service here. +[798.24 --> 800.94] We have some work that's happening in the sanctuary this week. +[800.94 --> 808.62] And so if you're feeling strong and helpful, we need to stack these chairs and kind of move them around the outside. +[808.76 --> 811.14] Dave's going to coordinate that at the end of our service. +[811.34 --> 816.18] And so after coffee, after hanging out together, if you can just start piling chairs up, +[816.44 --> 821.06] that would be super helpful for the kinds of things that are going to happen this week in this space. +[821.06 --> 823.38] I'm going to keep going. +[823.38 --> 833.16] On Tuesday evening this week at the Alchemist House, there's a gathering where we have the chance to meet together with Jody Gonzalez, +[833.44 --> 836.58] who's a missionary that we support, who's a member of this church. +[837.12 --> 839.76] She's a missionary in Tijuana and Rosarito. +[839.98 --> 845.82] And she is in town and would love to meet with you if you'd like to connect with her and hear how things are going. +[845.82 --> 849.94] Rob is here representing the Alchemists and Aaron is on the drums. +[850.18 --> 854.32] So if you need to learn where their house is, grab them and they will tell you. +[854.40 --> 858.54] That's Tuesday night from 7.30 to 9 o'clock at their place. +[859.44 --> 860.78] All right, I'm going to keep going. +[863.40 --> 873.08] On Labor Day weekend Sunday, September 1st, we are going to host another, we're calling it this year, Meet the Topes. +[873.08 --> 876.42] And so our baseball team is the Isotopes. +[876.56 --> 882.20] Last year we played Beat the Topes, but we won two tournaments this year, so y'all aren't going to beat us. +[882.76 --> 884.94] Instead, we've offered for you to meet us. +[885.32 --> 889.74] So we're going to have a baseball day together after church on the Labor Day weekend. +[890.22 --> 894.92] If you want to sign up for that, again, Kevin and Aaron will get you connected. +[895.16 --> 896.26] More details to come. +[896.26 --> 902.50] But we'd love to hang out and have a barbecue or some fellowship time together, a potluck rather, on that Sunday. +[903.08 --> 904.12] And we'll hang out there. +[905.22 --> 910.08] Lastly, on, make sure I get this right, October 19. +[910.34 --> 913.26] And now I know that's a long time away, but that's a Saturday. +[913.86 --> 921.14] October 19, we are hosting an AED and CPR level C first aid class. +[922.30 --> 926.30] And you're going to have a three-year certificate that comes out of that. +[926.40 --> 927.50] And Heather is here. +[928.00 --> 929.12] She's in charge of that. +[929.12 --> 939.86] If you would like to sign up and register to participate that, we need at least six more interested people, or five more, because I said I would be interested in that. +[939.98 --> 942.12] Talk to Heather, and we'll make sure that that happens. +[942.22 --> 947.70] And that way we have people trained here in case of emergencies, or at least particular types of emergencies. +[947.76 --> 955.68] Talk to Heather today, if you couldn't hear her, because she has to book it with MediQuest Technologies. +[955.68 --> 957.60] All right. +[957.82 --> 959.14] I think that's it. +[959.60 --> 960.66] Kevin, did I miss anything? +[961.70 --> 962.26] Anyone else? +[962.34 --> 963.00] Did I miss anything? +[964.30 --> 964.96] All right. +[965.00 --> 966.86] If I missed something, you'll hear about it next week. +[967.44 --> 970.66] Can we stand together as we're welcomed into God's presence? +[970.66 --> 979.86] We gather in this place because God calls us and he meets us, and we mark that by receiving his greeting. +[980.08 --> 987.96] Following the greeting that we receive from God, I invite you to turn to those around you and to welcome them, to greet them in the name of the Lord as well. +[988.30 --> 990.24] Receive the blessing of our God. +[990.24 --> 1002.20] Grace, mercy, and peace to you from God our Father, from the Lord Jesus Christ, his Son, and our Savior, through the presence and power of the Holy Spirit. +[1003.14 --> 1003.48] Amen. +[1003.48 --> 1003.62] Amen. +[1020.24 --> 1044.18] Our call to worship this morning comes from Revelation 19, verses 6 and 7. +[1044.18 --> 1054.12] Then I heard what sounded like a great multitude, like the roar of rushing waters and like loud peals of thunder, shouting, +[1054.76 --> 1058.20] Hallelujah, for our Lord God Almighty reigns. +[1058.64 --> 1067.70] Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory, for the wedding of the Lamb has come and his bride has made herself ready. +[1067.70 --> 1067.80] Amen. +[1074.18 --> 1075.18] Amen. +[1104.18 --> 1105.18] Amen. +[1105.18 --> 1105.44] Amen. +[1105.44 --> 1109.14] Amen. +[1109.14 --> 1109.66] Amen. +[1109.66 --> 1110.06] Amen. +[1110.06 --> 1111.56] Amen. +[1111.56 --> 1116.56] Amen. +[1116.64 --> 1121.88] Amen. +[1121.88 --> 1129.72] Amen. +[1129.72 --> 1131.22] Amen. +[1131.22 --> 1133.50] Amen. +[1133.50 --> 1133.74] Amen. +[1133.74 --> 1143.18] oh +[1149.90 --> 1155.18] oh +[1163.74 --> 1168.88] You are holy, holy. +[1170.54 --> 1175.26] Are you, Lord God Almighty? +[1177.26 --> 1178.72] Worthy is again. +[1180.36 --> 1181.72] Worthy is again. +[1183.06 --> 1184.82] Amen. +[1184.82 --> 1186.82] Amen. +[1193.50 --> 1194.58] Alleluia. +[1198.64 --> 1199.82] Alleluia. +[1200.62 --> 1204.82] For the Lord God Almighty reigns. +[1206.82 --> 1208.82] Alleluia. +[1212.82 --> 1213.82] Alleluia. +[1214.82 --> 1219.82] For the Lord our rising reigns. +[1220.82 --> 1224.82] Alleluia. +[1225.82 --> 1231.82] For the Lord our rising reigns. +[1232.82 --> 1235.82] Alleluia. +[1235.82 --> 1237.82] For the Lord our rising reigns. +[1237.82 --> 1239.82] Alleluia. +[1239.82 --> 1240.82] Worthy is again. +[1240.82 --> 1241.82] Worthy is again. +[1241.82 --> 1242.82] Worthy is again. +[1242.82 --> 1243.82] Worthy is again. +[1243.82 --> 1244.82] Worthy is again. +[1244.82 --> 1249.82] For you are holy, holy. +[1249.82 --> 1254.82] Are you, Lord God Almighty? +[1254.82 --> 1255.82] Worthy is again. +[1255.82 --> 1260.82] Worthy is again. +[1260.82 --> 1262.82] Worthy is again. +[1262.82 --> 1269.82] You are holy, holy. +[1269.82 --> 1276.20] By you, Lord God Almighty +[1276.20 --> 1283.68] Worthy is the Lamb, worthy is the Lamb +[1283.68 --> 1286.10] Amen +[1299.82 --> 1302.82] Amen +[1302.82 --> 1304.82] Amen +[1304.82 --> 1306.82] Amen +[1306.82 --> 1308.82] Amen +[1308.82 --> 1310.82] Amen +[1310.82 --> 1314.82] Amen +[1314.82 --> 1318.82] Amen +[1318.82 --> 1320.82] Amen +[1320.82 --> 1324.82] I will see +[1324.82 --> 1326.82] I will see +[1326.82 --> 1332.82] With all of my heart +[1332.82 --> 1336.82] I will praise you +[1336.82 --> 1343.82] With all of my praise +[1343.82 --> 1347.82] I will see you +[1347.82 --> 1350.82] I will see you +[1350.82 --> 1356.82] All of my praise +[1356.82 --> 1360.82] I will all go +[1360.82 --> 1364.82] All of your praise +[1364.82 --> 1372.82] I will give you all my worship +[1372.82 --> 1378.82] I will give you all my praise +[1378.82 --> 1382.82] You alone I long to worship +[1382.82 --> 1386.82] You alone are worthy of my life +[1386.82 --> 1388.82] I will bow down +[1388.82 --> 1392.82] I will bow down +[1392.82 --> 1394.82] I will bow down +[1394.82 --> 1398.82] And I'll hail you as King +[1398.82 --> 1400.82] And I'll hail you as King +[1400.82 --> 1404.82] I will serve you +[1404.82 --> 1406.82] I will serve you +[1406.82 --> 1408.82] Give you everything +[1408.82 --> 1410.82] Give you everything +[1410.82 --> 1412.82] Give you everything +[1412.82 --> 1416.82] I will lift up +[1416.82 --> 1418.82] I will lift up +[1418.82 --> 1420.82] My eyes to your throne +[1420.82 --> 1422.82] My eyes to your throne +[1422.82 --> 1424.82] My eyes to your throne +[1424.82 --> 1426.82] Your throne +[1426.82 --> 1442.82] I will trust you +[1442.82 --> 1445.82] I will trust you +[1445.82 --> 1446.82] I will trust you alone +[1446.82 --> 1452.70] You alone I long to worship +[1452.70 --> 1459.22] You alone are worthy of my grace +[1459.22 --> 1463.76] I will give you all my worship +[1463.76 --> 1469.80] I will give you all my praise +[1469.80 --> 1474.82] You alone I long to worship +[1474.82 --> 1479.26] You alone I long to worship +[1479.26 --> 1483.26] You alone I long to worship +[1483.26 --> 1485.26] You alone I long to worship +[1485.26 --> 1487.18] You alone I long to worship +[1487.18 --> 1493.26] You alone I long to worship +[1493.26 --> 1501.90] I'm reading from a book called Sunday, one that I actually got from my mom, and it has devotions on Sunday. +[1501.90 --> 1505.34] This is words from Paul Tripp. +[1505.34 --> 1535.34] +[1535.34 --> 1565.34] +[1565.34 --> 1568.62] Protecting, providing, rescuing, and guiding. +[1568.62 --> 1574.70] It is a good thing to be reminded again and again that we cannot hide from him. +[1575.86 --> 1585.14] Corporate worship is an invitation to come out of hiding and to bask in the beauty of knowing and being known by God, +[1585.14 --> 1590.36] a beauty that is ours because of his redeeming grace. +[1591.02 --> 1592.22] Let's pray together. +[1592.22 --> 1600.66] Father God, we come to you this morning basking in your beauty and your presence. +[1600.66 --> 1610.52] We thank you, Lord, that even though we don't deserve this presence, that you come to us and you rescue us from all of our sin and our destruction. +[1611.96 --> 1617.34] Thank you for your grace, for your love, and for your mercy in our lives. +[1618.04 --> 1620.02] We pray this in Jesus' name. +[1621.02 --> 1621.34] Amen. +[1621.34 --> 1621.48] Amen. +[1623.08 --> 1626.90] Please stand as we continue in worship singing Ancient of Days. +[1626.90 --> 1633.72] Amen. +[1637.60 --> 1642.40] Amen. +[1647.28 --> 1652.10] Ayers +[1652.10 --> 1672.32] Though the nations rage, kingdoms rise and fall, there is still a one King reigning over all. +[1672.32 --> 1690.14] So I will not fear, for this truth remains, that my God is the Ancient of Days. +[1690.14 --> 1708.14] None above Him and before Him, all I'm tied in His hands, for His throne it shall remain and ever stand. +[1708.14 --> 1726.38] All the power, all the glory, I will trust in His name, for my God is the Ancient of Days. +[1726.38 --> 1741.38] Though the dread of night overwhelms my soul, He is here with me. +[1741.38 --> 1763.38] I am not alone, though His love is sure, and He knows my name, for my God is the Ancient of Days. +[1763.38 --> 1780.38] None above Him and before Him, all I'm tied in His hands, for His love it shall remain and ever stand. +[1780.38 --> 1798.38] All the power, all the glory, I will trust in His name, for my God is the Ancient of Days. +[1798.38 --> 1828.36] All the glory, all the glory, I will trust in His name, for my God is the Ancient of Days. +[1828.36 --> 1858.34] All the glory, all the glory, I will trust in His name, for my God is the Ancient of Days. +[1858.34 --> 1888.32] All the glory, all the glory, I will trust in His name, for my God is the Ancient of Days. +[1888.32 --> 1890.32] All the glory, all the glory, I will trust in His name, for my God is the Ancient of Days. +[1890.32 --> 1895.32] All the glory, all the glory, I will trust in His name, for my God is the Ancient of Days. +[1895.32 --> 1897.32] All the glory, all the glory, I will trust in His name, for my God is the Ancient of Days. +[1897.32 --> 1901.32] All the glory, all the glory, I will trust in His name, for my God is the Ancient of Days. +[1901.32 --> 1908.32] All the glory, all the glory, I will trust in His name, for my God is the Ancient of Days. +[1908.32 --> 1912.32] All the glory, all the glory, I will trust in His name, for my God is the Ancient of Days. +[1912.32 --> 1913.32] All the glory, all the glory, I will trust in His name, for my God is the Ancient of Days. +[1913.32 --> 1919.32] All the glory, all the glory, I will trust in His name, for my God is the Ancient of Days. +[1919.32 --> 1925.32] All the glory, all the glory, I will trust in His name, for my God is the Ancient of Days. +[1925.32 --> 1926.32] All the glory, all the glory, I will trust in His name, for my God is the Ancient of Days. +[1926.32 --> 1935.08] All the glory, all the glory, I will trust in His name, for my God is the Ancient of Days. +[1935.28 --> 1942.22] Know your scripture, O God is the Ancient of Days named Hanley, for me those who are appointed to become one, for my God is the Ancient of Days. +[1942.32 --> 1944.94] All the glory, all the glory, are the spot, in one day CHille andUAuman +[1945.10 --> 1946.58] live this mantle. +[1946.88 --> 1948.82] know your spirit will trust in Jesus' name, for my God is theeline and that word Amaid. +[1948.92 --> 1950.42] hearP blast in Jesus' name, for our Father's fight. +[1950.42 --> 1951.80] Lord, he will trust in the description, for my Father's wife. +[1951.80 --> 1954.32] We are the one game, given a temple, when you are the name in the description. +[1954.92 --> 1956.32] Old at the top of God's house, displayed in my heart, for our Father's love. +[1956.32 --> 1960.72] and pay the cost. +[1960.72 --> 1967.42] Oh God, we thank you for the cross. +[1970.84 --> 1973.90] Behold the Lamb, +[1974.16 --> 1980.28] the story of redemption written on His hands. +[1980.86 --> 1984.92] Jesus, you who reign forevermore, +[1984.92 --> 1988.62] the victory is yours. +[1989.76 --> 1993.04] We sing your praise, +[1993.46 --> 1998.96] endless hallelujah to your holy name. +[1999.64 --> 2002.92] Jesus, you who reign forevermore, +[2003.92 --> 2006.66] the victory is yours. +[2006.66 --> 2021.58] The Snipazuje in the Sacrament of the Day. +[2021.58 --> 2028.58] For time, the Lord of life, can be contained. +[2030.12 --> 2035.14] Our God has risen from the grave. +[2035.14 --> 2042.14] Oh, our God has risen from the grave. +[2042.78 --> 2048.28] Behold the last, the story of redemption +[2048.28 --> 2051.72] with it on its end. +[2052.40 --> 2056.34] Jesus, you will reign forevermore. +[2056.66 --> 2060.10] The victory is yours. +[2060.10 --> 2064.26] We sing your praise. +[2064.52 --> 2069.84] And let's hallelujah to your holy name. +[2070.22 --> 2074.30] Jesus, you will reign forevermore. +[2074.66 --> 2077.90] The victory is yours. +[2078.28 --> 2080.28] Oh, God. +[2080.28 --> 2087.32] I need a path in love. +[2087.32 --> 2094.00] We'll see your face bright as the sun. +[2094.00 --> 2101.06] We'll bow before the King of kings. +[2101.06 --> 2103.06] Oh, God. +[2103.06 --> 2107.06] Forever we will sing. +[2107.06 --> 2113.06] Behold the Lamb. +[2113.06 --> 2115.06] Behold the Lamb. +[2115.06 --> 2121.22] The story of redemption written on its hands. +[2121.22 --> 2125.06] Jesus, you will reign forevermore. +[2125.06 --> 2129.06] The victory is yours. +[2129.06 --> 2133.06] Behold the Lamb. +[2133.06 --> 2135.06] Behold the Lamb. +[2135.06 --> 2137.06] The victory is yours. +[2137.06 --> 2139.06] Behold the Lamb. +[2139.06 --> 2140.06] Behold the Lamb. +[2140.06 --> 2142.06] Behold the Lamb. +[2142.06 --> 2144.06] Behold the Lamb. +[2144.06 --> 2146.06] Behold the Lamb. +[2146.06 --> 2148.06] Behold the Lamb. +[2148.06 --> 2151.06] We sing your praise. +[2151.06 --> 2152.06] We sing your praise. +[2152.06 --> 2157.10] And let's hallelujah to your holy name. +[2157.10 --> 2159.10] Jesus, you will reign forevermore. +[2159.10 --> 2162.10] Jesus, you will reign forevermore. +[2162.10 --> 2165.10] The victory is yours. +[2165.10 --> 2168.14] You reign forevermore. +[2168.14 --> 2171.10] The victory is yours. +[2171.10 --> 2174.10] Jesus reigns forevermore. +[2174.10 --> 2176.10] The victory is yours. +[2176.10 --> 2181.10] The victory is yours. +[2181.10 --> 2183.10] Let me have a seat. +[2183.10 --> 2184.10] Let me have a seat. +[2191.10 --> 2192.10] Good morning. +[2192.10 --> 2194.10] My name is Mike and I serve as a deacon here at the church. +[2194.10 --> 2200.10] And this morning we have a chance to give of our gifts for the Friendship Ministries. +[2200.10 --> 2209.22] This is a partner ministry of the CRC Church that works to share the love of Christ with people who have special needs or special disabilities. +[2209.96 --> 2215.62] And they also work with churches to help create a welcoming space for people with some of those special needs. +[2216.12 --> 2220.74] And I actually grew up in a church that had a very vibrant community-based friendship ministry. +[2220.74 --> 2234.38] So it has a special place in my heart because the level of vulnerability and exuberance and hospitality that took place at their meetings or when they would lead a Sunday service was something very special. +[2234.72 --> 2237.02] So thank you for giving this morning to this ministry. +[2250.74 --> 2280.72] Thank you. +[2280.74 --> 2282.74] Thank you. +[2310.74 --> 2312.74] Thank you. +[2312.74 --> 2316.74] Thank you. +[2320.74 --> 2329.74] Thank you. +[2329.74 --> 2333.84] Your hand of love saves you, heal me. +[2333.84 --> 2337.34] I am weak. +[2338.08 --> 2342.34] I need your love to bring me. +[2342.60 --> 2346.04] Oh, Lord, my love. +[2346.64 --> 2354.74] My saving weakness will rescue me. +[2354.74 --> 2360.70] Oh, Lord, you are my soul. +[2360.70 --> 2366.54] Your voice never fails me. +[2366.88 --> 2369.28] And my need to come. +[2369.68 --> 2374.30] We can follow you forever. +[2375.32 --> 2378.88] For you are good. +[2379.38 --> 2383.20] For you are good to me. +[2383.20 --> 2385.38] For you are good. +[2387.56 --> 2390.00] For you are good. +[2391.50 --> 2393.80] For you are good. +[2394.16 --> 2396.08] For you are good. +[2396.36 --> 2400.48] For you are good to me. +[2400.86 --> 2402.62] For you are good. +[2402.72 --> 2404.94] For you are good. +[2404.94 --> 2410.02] For you are good to me. +[2410.02 --> 2424.78] I'm keeping this one, Dave. +[2425.86 --> 2429.70] Kids, can I invite you to come on down to the front here? +[2429.78 --> 2432.32] If you are three years old up to kindergarten, +[2432.44 --> 2434.86] you can come on up and join me up here for a minute. +[2434.86 --> 2436.82] It would be great to see you. +[2440.02 --> 2445.54] Good morning, everyone. +[2446.90 --> 2448.06] How are we doing this morning? +[2449.50 --> 2449.86] Good? +[2449.98 --> 2451.30] We're going to whisper this morning, yeah? +[2451.34 --> 2452.16] We'll be whisperers. +[2453.58 --> 2454.72] You guys had a good week? +[2455.62 --> 2457.28] Are you ready to go to children's worship time? +[2457.82 --> 2458.02] Yeah? +[2458.16 --> 2458.36] Okay. +[2458.78 --> 2461.74] Let me pray, and then we'll head on off to children's worship time. +[2461.78 --> 2463.12] We'll do the blessing after I pray, okay? +[2463.54 --> 2463.80] Deal? +[2464.98 --> 2465.34] Deal. +[2465.64 --> 2466.34] All right, let's pray. +[2466.70 --> 2468.18] Father God, thank you so much for this day. +[2468.18 --> 2469.80] Thank you that we could come to church this morning. +[2470.20 --> 2473.16] Praise your name and learn more about what it means to follow you. +[2473.94 --> 2476.46] We pray for these kids right now as they go to children's worship time +[2476.46 --> 2478.74] and for the grownups as they stay here in the sanctuary, Lord. +[2478.98 --> 2482.38] Pray that you will help us open up our hearts and our ears +[2482.38 --> 2483.66] to what it is you want to teach us today. +[2483.76 --> 2484.62] We pray this in your name. +[2485.28 --> 2485.64] Amen. +[2486.54 --> 2487.42] All right, should we stand? +[2488.06 --> 2489.40] And we're going to do the Lord's blessing. +[2489.48 --> 2490.92] Everybody else stand two, please. +[2491.30 --> 2493.18] We're going to say the Lord be with you together. +[2493.28 --> 2493.72] Are you ready? +[2494.40 --> 2495.78] One, two, three. +[2495.78 --> 2495.82] One, two, three. +[2500.02 --> 2502.10] All right, you can head on down to children's worship time. +[2502.58 --> 2502.94] All right. +[2502.94 --> 2503.40] All right. +[2503.40 --> 2503.98] All right. +[2503.98 --> 2506.16] You can head on down to children's worship time. +[2506.16 --> 2521.18] Good morning. +[2521.18 --> 2521.22] Good morning. +[2521.72 --> 2522.86] My name is Ken. +[2523.06 --> 2524.90] I am an elder here at Emanuel Church. +[2524.90 --> 2529.86] And this morning I have the privilege of leading us in congregational prayer. +[2530.72 --> 2535.64] And as I look around at the people sitting around me in church every Sunday, +[2536.18 --> 2539.04] I always carry my week with me. +[2539.12 --> 2543.66] And I sometimes think everyone has things that have been going on in their lives +[2543.66 --> 2544.60] over this past week. +[2545.20 --> 2547.48] And some of them we know of and some we don't. +[2547.68 --> 2549.86] And as we pray throughout the week, +[2549.92 --> 2552.36] I think it's good just to keep in mind the people around us +[2552.36 --> 2557.28] and pray for each other continuously and also for us as a body of believers +[2557.28 --> 2560.44] that we would continue to turn our hearts and minds to God, +[2560.52 --> 2563.70] not just on Sunday mornings, but all through the week. +[2564.42 --> 2566.80] Let's turn our heads now to our Lord in prayer. +[2568.88 --> 2570.56] Holy God, gracious Father, +[2570.56 --> 2573.58] it is so good to be together here as your people, +[2574.12 --> 2577.54] singing your praises and turning our hearts to you in worship. +[2578.54 --> 2579.06] Alleluia. +[2579.06 --> 2581.90] For the Lord God Almighty reigns. +[2582.36 --> 2583.46] Worthy is the Lamb. +[2584.80 --> 2586.62] And Lord, you tell us to come to you, +[2586.84 --> 2588.56] all who are weary and burdened, +[2588.98 --> 2590.18] and you will give us rest. +[2590.74 --> 2592.94] Lord, sometimes we struggle to find rest. +[2593.08 --> 2596.04] We make ourselves overwhelmed and busy with life +[2596.04 --> 2598.04] and forget to turn to you for rest, Lord. +[2598.08 --> 2599.78] And I pray that you would draw our hearts to you +[2599.78 --> 2601.84] and help us find rest. +[2603.16 --> 2605.90] We're called to look to the Lord and his strength +[2605.90 --> 2607.86] and seek his face always. +[2608.40 --> 2609.38] And Lord, we do that now, +[2609.54 --> 2611.64] and we pray that you would encourage us +[2611.64 --> 2614.00] and guide us to do that throughout the week as well. +[2615.50 --> 2617.82] Lord, we have so many things that you've blessed us with, +[2617.86 --> 2619.02] so much to be thankful for. +[2619.40 --> 2620.36] We thank you for children. +[2620.90 --> 2623.40] What a gracious gift it is to see a new little one. +[2623.68 --> 2625.78] And we're so thankful and praise you, Lord, +[2625.88 --> 2627.22] with Adam and Rachel Smid +[2627.22 --> 2629.68] for their precious baby boy, Lucas Lars. +[2629.68 --> 2632.10] And we thank you, Lord, for the safe arrival, +[2632.30 --> 2633.62] and we pray for this young family, +[2633.94 --> 2635.10] that they will adjust well, +[2635.42 --> 2637.72] and that they will raise him up to know you. +[2639.10 --> 2642.48] Lord, we pray for those of us who know of +[2642.48 --> 2645.52] and who have children who are not walking with you, Lord, +[2645.60 --> 2649.34] and who have wandered from your fold, Lord. +[2649.36 --> 2651.16] And we pray that you would draw them to you +[2651.16 --> 2654.12] and help us to be encouraged to continue to pray for them +[2654.12 --> 2655.84] and continue to minister to each other. +[2655.84 --> 2660.06] Lord, we pray for those who are dealing +[2660.06 --> 2662.00] with various medical struggles at the time. +[2662.48 --> 2664.20] We praise you, Lord, for the good news +[2664.20 --> 2666.36] with Everly Vardstra that all tests so far +[2666.36 --> 2667.24] have come back clear. +[2667.80 --> 2670.00] But, Lord, we know that there's more still to come, +[2670.14 --> 2671.90] and we pray for your healing measure +[2671.90 --> 2673.60] and that you would bring her to full, +[2673.94 --> 2676.24] continued healing in Everly's little body. +[2678.22 --> 2681.08] Father, we pray for all those amongst us +[2681.08 --> 2684.02] that we know of with physical and mental health struggles +[2684.02 --> 2686.14] and also those we don't know of, Lord. +[2686.44 --> 2688.78] And some challenges that people face +[2688.78 --> 2690.16] with different health struggles, +[2690.74 --> 2693.08] even with daily life, with aches and pains, +[2693.48 --> 2695.62] and with the difficulties of aging, Lord, +[2695.66 --> 2699.82] it can be life-changing to experience new things +[2699.82 --> 2702.62] and new abilities as time goes on, Lord. +[2702.62 --> 2706.92] And I pray for people that support those who are struggling +[2706.92 --> 2708.54] and for those who are struggling +[2708.54 --> 2710.32] with various health issues that we know of. +[2710.32 --> 2717.96] And, Father, we also pray for those who are undergoing surgery. +[2718.12 --> 2720.04] Soon we think of Emo Smith, +[2720.16 --> 2722.38] whose surgery is scheduled for this week, +[2722.42 --> 2723.46] for open-heart surgery. +[2724.06 --> 2726.46] And, Lord, we pray for your peace +[2726.46 --> 2729.30] in Emo and Benita over this week, +[2729.32 --> 2731.34] and we pray for successful +[2731.34 --> 2734.64] and complete healing through the surgery. +[2734.64 --> 2739.08] And, Lord, we pray for those who are struggling +[2739.08 --> 2741.64] with different addictions and challenges +[2741.64 --> 2743.84] in this life, Lord. +[2743.94 --> 2747.46] And we pray for your healing and restoration +[2747.46 --> 2748.50] in their lives. +[2749.16 --> 2750.64] We think of the world around us, +[2750.70 --> 2752.12] and we see many challenges, Lord, +[2752.14 --> 2753.38] and we lift those up to you as well. +[2753.70 --> 2755.94] We see war, poverty, and hunger. +[2756.50 --> 2757.74] Lord, help us to be a light +[2757.74 --> 2759.54] to the darkness in this world +[2759.54 --> 2761.26] and that you would shine through +[2761.26 --> 2763.62] and that we would share the gospel boldly +[2763.62 --> 2764.72] with those that we meet. +[2765.98 --> 2768.60] Lord, we pray for those in leadership positions +[2768.60 --> 2769.34] in this world. +[2769.52 --> 2770.88] We pray for our political leaders, +[2771.52 --> 2773.06] Lord, that they would know +[2773.06 --> 2775.02] that their authority comes from you. +[2775.40 --> 2776.48] And even if they don't, Lord, +[2776.54 --> 2778.30] that you would guide them to lead +[2778.30 --> 2779.62] according to your will. +[2780.68 --> 2783.00] And, Lord, we pray for our church leadership as well, +[2783.06 --> 2784.94] for our pastors and for our staff +[2784.94 --> 2786.60] and for those who volunteer +[2786.60 --> 2788.04] in various leadership positions. +[2788.78 --> 2790.30] We think of the Reactivate conference +[2790.30 --> 2792.24] coming up very soon, Lord, +[2792.30 --> 2793.76] and we pray for your guiding hand +[2793.76 --> 2795.08] on those who are organizing +[2795.08 --> 2796.46] and volunteering for that. +[2796.76 --> 2799.82] And we pray for it to be a good time +[2799.82 --> 2801.66] of connection and growth +[2801.66 --> 2802.54] for the young people +[2802.54 --> 2804.36] and for those who volunteer as well. +[2805.64 --> 2808.18] And, Lord, as we hear your word now +[2808.18 --> 2810.34] and as Pastor Chris brings us your message, +[2810.56 --> 2812.20] Lord, we pray that you'd open our hearts, +[2812.20 --> 2815.20] stir in us a new desire to learn +[2815.20 --> 2816.44] and to know you better +[2816.44 --> 2818.14] and to continue to grow in you. +[2818.48 --> 2819.78] And we pray that Chris's words +[2819.78 --> 2821.52] would be your words to us this morning +[2821.52 --> 2823.36] and that our ears would be open to hear +[2823.36 --> 2826.16] and our hearts would be guided to change by it. +[2826.30 --> 2828.22] We pray these things in Jesus' precious name. +[2828.76 --> 2828.96] Amen. +[2842.20 --> 2847.42] This summer, part of what we're doing +[2847.42 --> 2848.42] in our worship together +[2848.42 --> 2851.16] is looking at stories from the book of Acts. +[2851.66 --> 2856.10] Today, we're going to read a story from Acts 16. +[2856.92 --> 2858.60] And the first time we go through, +[2858.78 --> 2861.68] I'm going to read verses 16 through 40. +[2862.14 --> 2863.96] The first time we go through, I'll read it. +[2864.00 --> 2864.92] It will be on the screen. +[2865.24 --> 2865.90] We'll go ahead. +[2866.32 --> 2867.24] But I encourage you, +[2867.40 --> 2868.76] if you have a Bible with you, +[2868.82 --> 2870.32] to open that up and to have that +[2870.32 --> 2872.14] and keep that open as we go through. +[2872.66 --> 2873.88] If you didn't bring a Bible, +[2874.14 --> 2875.44] you can turn on your phone +[2875.44 --> 2877.42] or the device that you have, +[2877.54 --> 2880.00] your Bible apps on and follow along there. +[2880.00 --> 2881.48] Or there's a few at the back +[2881.48 --> 2882.92] that are available as well. +[2883.04 --> 2884.82] I encourage you to grab one of those. +[2885.54 --> 2888.42] Additionally, because it's summertime, +[2888.70 --> 2890.26] we're doing our children's worship time +[2890.26 --> 2891.50] a little bit differently. +[2892.06 --> 2893.10] And so we have clipboards +[2893.10 --> 2895.98] with some crosswords and pictures +[2895.98 --> 2897.70] and things for the kids +[2897.70 --> 2899.86] or for anyone who is aided +[2899.86 --> 2902.06] by having something to draw or color +[2902.06 --> 2902.80] while they listen. +[2903.66 --> 2906.12] And we're collecting pictures every week +[2906.12 --> 2908.46] from the sermon or from the story. +[2908.66 --> 2911.08] And so if you hear something that I say +[2911.08 --> 2912.46] and it moves you to draw a picture, +[2912.74 --> 2914.06] we want you to do that. +[2914.12 --> 2916.40] And then we want you to give it back to us +[2916.40 --> 2918.58] because we're going to create an art display +[2918.58 --> 2919.54] at the end of summer +[2919.54 --> 2921.74] of all the pictures from the sermons and the like. +[2921.84 --> 2923.34] And so grab a clipboard. +[2923.52 --> 2924.24] If they're all gone, +[2924.36 --> 2925.50] if they're not, I can see them. +[2925.50 --> 2927.34] You can use the back of the bulletin +[2927.34 --> 2928.42] that you were given as well +[2928.42 --> 2929.54] to draw a picture on +[2929.54 --> 2932.56] so that we can share that later. +[2933.06 --> 2935.78] I'm going to read from Acts 16. +[2936.66 --> 2938.74] And Tara, I'm going to start at verse 16. +[2938.84 --> 2939.24] Excellent. +[2941.36 --> 2943.14] Acts 16, starting at verse 16. +[2945.54 --> 2948.38] Once, when we were going to the place of prayer, +[2948.90 --> 2950.82] we were met by a female slave +[2950.82 --> 2953.70] who had a spirit by which she predicted the future. +[2953.70 --> 2956.56] She earned a great deal of money +[2956.56 --> 2958.32] for her owners by fortune telling. +[2959.46 --> 2961.48] She followed Paul and the rest of us, +[2961.68 --> 2961.98] shouting, +[2962.50 --> 2964.64] These men are servants of the Most High God +[2964.64 --> 2966.60] who are telling you the way to be saved. +[2967.70 --> 2969.56] And she kept this up for many days. +[2970.24 --> 2972.08] Finally, Paul became so annoyed +[2972.08 --> 2974.30] that he turned around and said to the spirit, +[2974.64 --> 2976.10] In the name of Jesus Christ, +[2976.22 --> 2978.42] I command you to come out of her. +[2979.16 --> 2980.90] And at that moment, the spirit left her. +[2980.90 --> 2984.28] When her owners realized +[2984.28 --> 2986.66] that their hope of making money was gone, +[2986.80 --> 2988.64] they seized Paul and Silas +[2988.64 --> 2990.84] and dragged them into the marketplace +[2990.84 --> 2992.56] to face the authorities. +[2993.72 --> 2995.88] They brought them before the magistrates +[2995.88 --> 2996.28] and said, +[2996.76 --> 2998.20] These men are Jews +[2998.20 --> 3000.60] and are throwing our city into an uproar +[3000.60 --> 3003.50] by advocating customs unlawful for us Romans +[3003.50 --> 3005.48] to accept or to practice. +[3005.48 --> 3009.32] The crowd joined in the attack +[3009.32 --> 3010.90] against Paul and Silas. +[3011.68 --> 3013.22] And the magistrates ordered them +[3013.22 --> 3015.04] to be stripped and beaten with rods. +[3016.18 --> 3017.98] After they had been severely flogged, +[3018.04 --> 3019.10] they were thrown into prison +[3019.10 --> 3020.80] and the jailer was commanded +[3020.80 --> 3022.10] to guard them carefully. +[3022.82 --> 3024.22] And when he received these orders, +[3024.54 --> 3026.26] he put them in the inner cell +[3026.26 --> 3028.68] and fastened their feet in the stocks. +[3029.98 --> 3031.06] About midnight, +[3031.26 --> 3032.66] Paul and Silas were praying +[3032.66 --> 3034.06] and singing hymns to God +[3034.06 --> 3035.22] and the other prisoners +[3035.22 --> 3036.20] were listening to them. +[3036.60 --> 3039.04] Suddenly, there was such a violent earthquake +[3039.04 --> 3041.28] that the foundations of the prison were shaken. +[3042.52 --> 3044.46] At once, all the doors flew open +[3044.46 --> 3046.48] and everyone's chains came loose. +[3046.98 --> 3048.00] The jailer woke up +[3048.00 --> 3049.68] and when he saw the prison doors open, +[3049.76 --> 3050.64] he drew his sword +[3050.64 --> 3051.90] and was about to kill himself +[3051.90 --> 3053.66] because he thought the prisoners had escaped. +[3054.16 --> 3055.04] But Paul shouted, +[3055.66 --> 3057.36] Do not harm yourself. +[3058.08 --> 3058.90] We are all here. +[3058.90 --> 3062.28] The jailer called for lights, +[3062.50 --> 3063.08] rushed in, +[3063.22 --> 3064.06] and fell trembling +[3064.06 --> 3065.64] before Paul and Silas. +[3066.42 --> 3067.46] He brought them out +[3067.46 --> 3067.92] and asked, +[3068.10 --> 3070.18] Sirs, what must I do to be saved? +[3071.34 --> 3072.06] They replied, +[3072.18 --> 3073.56] Believe in the Lord Jesus +[3073.56 --> 3075.04] and you will be saved, +[3075.38 --> 3076.82] you and your household. +[3078.22 --> 3080.34] Then they spoke the word of the Lord to him +[3080.34 --> 3082.20] and to all the others in his house. +[3083.22 --> 3084.76] At that hour of the night, +[3084.84 --> 3085.78] the jailer took them +[3085.78 --> 3086.98] and washed their wounds +[3086.98 --> 3088.14] and then immediately +[3088.14 --> 3090.28] he and all his household were baptized. +[3091.40 --> 3093.24] The jailer brought them into his house +[3093.24 --> 3094.64] and set a meal before them. +[3094.96 --> 3096.60] He was filled with such joy +[3096.60 --> 3098.62] because he had come to believe in God, +[3098.96 --> 3100.68] he and his whole household. +[3102.58 --> 3103.78] When it was daylight, +[3103.92 --> 3105.76] the magistrates sent their officers +[3105.76 --> 3108.26] to the jailer with the order, +[3108.72 --> 3109.58] Release those men. +[3110.24 --> 3111.38] The jailer told Paul, +[3111.80 --> 3112.90] The magistrates have ordered +[3112.90 --> 3114.44] that you and Silas be released. +[3114.80 --> 3115.62] Now you can go. +[3115.62 --> 3116.92] Now you can leave. +[3117.08 --> 3117.74] Go in peace. +[3119.08 --> 3120.46] But Paul said to the officers, +[3121.38 --> 3123.34] They beat us publicly without a trial, +[3123.48 --> 3125.38] even though we are Roman citizens, +[3125.66 --> 3127.08] and threw us into prison. +[3127.34 --> 3129.12] And now they want to get rid of us quietly? +[3129.62 --> 3131.40] No, let them come themselves +[3131.40 --> 3132.76] and escort us out. +[3134.16 --> 3136.60] The officers reported this to the magistrates, +[3136.82 --> 3138.78] and when they heard that Paul and Silas +[3138.78 --> 3139.80] were Roman citizens, +[3140.08 --> 3140.86] they were alarmed. +[3141.70 --> 3143.22] They came to appease them +[3143.22 --> 3144.88] and escorted them from the prison, +[3145.28 --> 3147.10] requesting them to leave the city. +[3147.98 --> 3150.18] After Paul and Silas came out of the prison, +[3150.56 --> 3151.76] they went to Lydia's house, +[3152.18 --> 3153.90] where they met with the brothers and sisters +[3153.90 --> 3155.38] and encouraged them. +[3155.92 --> 3157.30] Then they left. +[3157.30 --> 3159.16] This is the word of the Lord. +[3163.16 --> 3167.46] Now this is another one of those fascinating stories +[3167.46 --> 3169.34] from the early church +[3169.34 --> 3172.52] that we are using to help frame +[3172.52 --> 3177.32] our contemporary experience of life and faith. +[3177.84 --> 3180.12] Although for most of us here, +[3180.52 --> 3183.28] the parallels aren't exactly one-to-one. +[3183.28 --> 3184.52] That is to say, +[3184.58 --> 3186.70] I haven't heard any of your stories yet +[3186.70 --> 3188.18] of being arrested +[3188.18 --> 3190.62] for casting out spirits +[3190.62 --> 3192.02] in a marketplace +[3192.02 --> 3194.22] and then having to deal with the magistrates. +[3195.94 --> 3197.94] And yet, I do think +[3197.94 --> 3200.38] that there's parallels and lots +[3200.38 --> 3201.98] that we can learn from +[3201.98 --> 3203.14] in this text +[3203.14 --> 3205.00] and from this story. +[3206.10 --> 3206.82] Particularly, +[3207.18 --> 3208.72] what I hope that we will see +[3208.72 --> 3213.24] is how we might find strength in God +[3213.24 --> 3215.56] during these kinds of trials +[3215.56 --> 3217.46] or during persecutions. +[3217.52 --> 3219.38] That's the sort of banner for us this morning. +[3219.52 --> 3221.28] Finding strength in God +[3221.28 --> 3223.36] during trials and persecution. +[3223.56 --> 3225.96] How can we do that +[3225.96 --> 3228.96] based on what we have seen +[3228.96 --> 3231.02] in this story and text? +[3232.04 --> 3232.68] Now let me give you +[3232.68 --> 3233.72] just a little bit of context. +[3233.72 --> 3234.20] context. +[3234.62 --> 3236.72] And as I tell the story +[3236.72 --> 3237.60] a little bit of how +[3237.60 --> 3239.30] we get to chapter 16, +[3239.92 --> 3240.76] there is a map +[3240.76 --> 3241.42] that will appear +[3241.42 --> 3242.98] on the screen behind me +[3242.98 --> 3244.58] and you can kind of follow along. +[3244.70 --> 3246.18] The circles indicate +[3246.18 --> 3246.82] those places +[3246.82 --> 3248.76] that we're going to be talking about +[3248.76 --> 3249.96] as I bring them. +[3250.08 --> 3251.42] But Paul and Silas +[3251.42 --> 3253.00] are traveling together +[3253.00 --> 3254.22] on what is now +[3254.22 --> 3256.16] Paul's second missionary journey. +[3256.80 --> 3257.70] And so he had gone +[3257.70 --> 3259.52] through this region once +[3259.52 --> 3261.16] and then come back to Jerusalem +[3261.16 --> 3262.74] for the Jerusalem Council +[3262.74 --> 3264.22] where the leaders of the church +[3264.22 --> 3264.78] got together +[3264.78 --> 3266.08] and made some decisions +[3266.08 --> 3267.38] that impacted the mission +[3267.38 --> 3268.10] of the church +[3268.10 --> 3269.74] to the Gentile world. +[3270.08 --> 3271.18] And now Paul and Silas +[3271.18 --> 3272.54] are going out again. +[3273.32 --> 3274.26] And from Jerusalem +[3274.26 --> 3275.94] they travel north. +[3276.84 --> 3278.06] Now in Lystra +[3278.06 --> 3279.70] they collect Timothy +[3279.70 --> 3281.94] who will be Paul's companion +[3281.94 --> 3284.92] and who Paul will disciple +[3284.92 --> 3285.76] and mentor +[3285.76 --> 3287.76] for the rest of his life. +[3288.80 --> 3289.80] Now the first time +[3289.80 --> 3291.18] that Paul came to Lystra +[3291.18 --> 3292.84] on his first missionary journey +[3292.84 --> 3294.10] you can read a story +[3294.10 --> 3295.74] where he heals a man +[3295.74 --> 3297.06] who was lame from birth. +[3297.50 --> 3298.98] That means he could never walk. +[3299.84 --> 3301.00] And while he was there +[3301.00 --> 3302.36] and after healing the man +[3302.36 --> 3303.66] the people of Lystra +[3303.66 --> 3305.72] began to call Paul +[3305.72 --> 3307.46] and his companion then +[3307.46 --> 3308.24] Barnabas, +[3308.72 --> 3309.30] Hermes, +[3309.56 --> 3310.12] and Zeus. +[3311.28 --> 3312.06] And so Zeus +[3312.06 --> 3314.32] is the chief god +[3314.32 --> 3315.54] of the Greek pantheon +[3315.54 --> 3316.36] and Hermes +[3316.36 --> 3317.32] is his messenger. +[3318.02 --> 3318.70] And the book of Acts +[3318.70 --> 3319.66] tells us that they called +[3319.66 --> 3320.50] Paul Hermes +[3320.50 --> 3321.62] because he did the speaking. +[3323.32 --> 3324.04] And so the people +[3324.04 --> 3325.52] seeing what they had done +[3325.52 --> 3327.74] wanted to offer sacrifices +[3327.74 --> 3328.90] to Paul +[3328.90 --> 3329.80] and to Barnabas +[3329.80 --> 3331.88] as representatives +[3331.88 --> 3333.12] or incarnations +[3333.12 --> 3333.74] if you will +[3333.74 --> 3334.86] of Hermes +[3334.86 --> 3335.68] and Zeus. +[3335.86 --> 3336.22] But of course +[3336.22 --> 3336.88] Paul and Barnabas +[3336.88 --> 3337.20] are saying +[3337.20 --> 3338.66] no, don't do that, +[3338.74 --> 3339.54] don't do that. +[3339.88 --> 3340.62] But then +[3340.62 --> 3342.40] what often happens +[3342.40 --> 3343.16] when Paul is on +[3343.16 --> 3344.10] his missionary journeys +[3344.10 --> 3345.60] a group of others +[3345.60 --> 3346.88] follow after him +[3346.88 --> 3347.60] and particularly +[3347.60 --> 3348.62] Jewish leaders +[3348.62 --> 3349.80] follow after them +[3349.80 --> 3350.42] and cause trouble +[3350.42 --> 3351.04] for them. +[3352.38 --> 3353.20] And so this Jewish +[3353.20 --> 3354.46] group of leaders +[3354.46 --> 3355.00] come in +[3355.00 --> 3356.06] and they stir up +[3356.06 --> 3356.70] the crowds +[3356.70 --> 3357.52] against Paul +[3357.52 --> 3358.26] and Barnabas. +[3358.54 --> 3359.18] You can read this +[3359.18 --> 3360.06] in Acts 14 +[3360.06 --> 3362.68] stirring them up +[3362.68 --> 3364.02] because they're saying +[3364.02 --> 3364.92] don't worship us +[3364.92 --> 3365.40] and they wanted +[3365.40 --> 3366.18] to worship them +[3366.18 --> 3367.24] and so +[3367.24 --> 3368.46] because they are stirred +[3368.46 --> 3369.22] you can read +[3369.22 --> 3371.10] that they stoned him +[3371.10 --> 3371.86] that's Paul +[3371.86 --> 3372.58] and dragged him +[3372.58 --> 3373.56] outside of the city +[3373.56 --> 3374.52] thinking he was dead. +[3374.52 --> 3376.60] But then +[3376.60 --> 3377.92] after the disciples +[3377.92 --> 3378.92] gathered around him +[3378.92 --> 3379.48] and I'm assuming +[3379.48 --> 3380.24] that's to pray +[3380.24 --> 3381.50] he got up +[3381.50 --> 3382.48] and he went back +[3382.48 --> 3383.08] into the city. +[3384.18 --> 3385.16] That's pretty cool +[3385.16 --> 3385.72] as you read +[3385.72 --> 3386.32] these stories. +[3386.80 --> 3387.42] He's stoned +[3387.42 --> 3388.22] they think he's dead +[3388.22 --> 3389.26] they pray over him +[3389.26 --> 3389.80] he gets up +[3389.80 --> 3390.66] and what does he do? +[3390.74 --> 3391.78] He goes right back in +[3391.78 --> 3393.08] to the lion's dead. +[3394.34 --> 3395.02] The point there +[3395.02 --> 3396.18] and why I'm belaboring +[3396.18 --> 3396.78] this point here +[3396.78 --> 3397.54] is that Paul +[3397.54 --> 3398.40] and his companions +[3398.40 --> 3399.36] are familiar +[3399.36 --> 3400.36] with suffering +[3400.36 --> 3401.04] for the gospel. +[3401.04 --> 3403.30] Right? +[3403.38 --> 3403.88] And so now +[3403.88 --> 3405.16] in this journey +[3405.16 --> 3406.08] where we're picking up +[3406.08 --> 3406.68] our chapter +[3406.68 --> 3408.16] on the second missionary +[3408.16 --> 3409.26] journey from Lystra +[3409.26 --> 3410.02] after they gather +[3410.02 --> 3410.54] Timothy +[3410.54 --> 3412.36] they go to Troas +[3412.36 --> 3413.98] where it seems +[3413.98 --> 3415.08] that Luke joins them. +[3415.70 --> 3416.46] Luke is the author +[3416.46 --> 3418.22] of the book of Acts +[3418.22 --> 3418.60] here +[3418.60 --> 3420.10] and from there +[3420.10 --> 3420.92] they travel +[3420.92 --> 3422.32] around the northern +[3422.32 --> 3423.86] coast of the Aegean Sea +[3423.86 --> 3424.78] and they come +[3424.78 --> 3425.60] to Philippi +[3425.60 --> 3426.86] which we can read +[3426.86 --> 3428.48] is a leading city +[3428.48 --> 3429.96] in the Roman Empire +[3429.96 --> 3431.20] and that's where +[3431.20 --> 3432.06] he meets Lydia +[3432.06 --> 3433.68] and stays with her +[3433.68 --> 3434.28] for a while +[3434.28 --> 3436.18] and it's well +[3436.18 --> 3437.06] in Philippi +[3437.06 --> 3438.30] that our story +[3438.30 --> 3439.00] takes place. +[3439.72 --> 3440.14] Now the story +[3440.14 --> 3440.64] that we read +[3440.64 --> 3442.24] starts by saying +[3442.24 --> 3444.08] when we were going +[3444.08 --> 3444.76] to the place +[3444.76 --> 3445.32] of prayer. +[3446.40 --> 3447.18] Now in Philippi +[3447.18 --> 3449.10] Paul and the others +[3449.10 --> 3450.42] would go outside +[3450.42 --> 3451.52] the city gates +[3451.52 --> 3452.72] to a place +[3452.72 --> 3453.52] by a river +[3453.52 --> 3454.80] where they would +[3454.80 --> 3455.80] gather to pray. +[3456.70 --> 3457.88] Now this little detail +[3457.88 --> 3459.06] actually is really +[3459.06 --> 3459.94] informative for us +[3459.94 --> 3460.72] because it tells us +[3460.72 --> 3461.30] something about +[3461.30 --> 3462.78] the city of Philippi +[3462.78 --> 3463.64] and its makeup +[3463.64 --> 3465.32] because Paul's +[3465.32 --> 3466.22] ordinary practice +[3466.22 --> 3467.06] when he gets into +[3467.06 --> 3467.44] a city +[3467.44 --> 3468.56] is to go to the synagogue. +[3469.46 --> 3470.08] Now the synagogue +[3470.08 --> 3471.56] is the place +[3471.56 --> 3472.28] where the Jewish +[3472.28 --> 3473.46] population +[3473.46 --> 3474.40] primarily the men +[3474.40 --> 3475.06] would gather +[3475.06 --> 3476.56] for worship +[3476.56 --> 3477.60] for reading of the law +[3477.60 --> 3478.30] it's where Torah +[3478.30 --> 3479.18] school would happen +[3479.18 --> 3481.10] but in Philippi +[3481.10 --> 3482.04] there's likely +[3482.04 --> 3482.96] no synagogue +[3482.96 --> 3484.22] because the Jewish +[3484.22 --> 3484.78] population +[3484.78 --> 3485.72] is too small. +[3486.72 --> 3486.78] Right? +[3486.78 --> 3487.26] The synagogue +[3487.26 --> 3488.80] required ten Jewish +[3488.80 --> 3489.90] men to live +[3489.90 --> 3490.40] in the city +[3490.40 --> 3491.48] for them to found it +[3491.48 --> 3492.92] but because Paul +[3492.92 --> 3494.02] doesn't go to the synagogue +[3494.02 --> 3494.84] instead they go +[3494.84 --> 3495.42] to a place +[3495.42 --> 3496.54] outside the city +[3496.54 --> 3497.12] to pray +[3497.12 --> 3498.82] can likely conclude +[3498.82 --> 3499.74] that there's such +[3499.74 --> 3500.46] a small Jewish +[3500.46 --> 3501.46] population there +[3501.46 --> 3502.20] that they don't +[3502.20 --> 3502.74] have a synagogue +[3502.74 --> 3504.16] and so they go +[3504.16 --> 3505.10] to this place +[3505.10 --> 3507.08] where the small +[3507.08 --> 3508.24] gathering of people +[3508.24 --> 3509.28] happens outside +[3509.28 --> 3509.92] the city +[3509.92 --> 3510.90] by the river +[3510.90 --> 3512.66] and they would do +[3512.66 --> 3513.50] that as was +[3513.50 --> 3514.12] their practice +[3514.12 --> 3514.86] on the Sabbath +[3514.86 --> 3516.30] every week. +[3517.12 --> 3518.18] Now our story +[3518.18 --> 3519.72] is one of those journeys +[3519.72 --> 3521.06] because Paul is here +[3521.06 --> 3521.74] for a while +[3521.74 --> 3522.22] right? +[3522.28 --> 3523.10] And on the way +[3523.10 --> 3523.98] to this place +[3523.98 --> 3524.94] the journey that they made +[3524.94 --> 3525.86] probably weekly +[3525.86 --> 3527.80] a female slave +[3527.80 --> 3529.38] with a spirit +[3529.38 --> 3530.92] shouts them down +[3530.92 --> 3531.96] right? +[3532.00 --> 3532.60] And this would happen +[3532.60 --> 3533.48] week after week +[3533.48 --> 3534.26] as they journeyed. +[3534.42 --> 3535.24] Now it's kind of cool +[3535.24 --> 3535.86] or at least +[3535.86 --> 3536.64] I think it's cool +[3536.64 --> 3537.84] in Greek +[3537.84 --> 3539.26] it says +[3539.26 --> 3541.00] this female slave +[3541.00 --> 3542.92] has a python spirit. +[3544.22 --> 3545.22] A python spirit. +[3545.28 --> 3546.24] Now that's the name +[3546.24 --> 3547.38] of the serpent +[3547.38 --> 3548.78] that guards +[3548.78 --> 3549.62] the oracle +[3549.62 --> 3550.54] at Delphi. +[3550.94 --> 3551.44] If you know anything +[3551.44 --> 3552.46] about Greek mythology +[3552.46 --> 3554.30] the oracle at Delphi +[3554.30 --> 3555.42] is one of those +[3555.42 --> 3556.54] places on +[3556.54 --> 3557.50] Mount Parnassus +[3557.50 --> 3559.02] where leaders +[3559.02 --> 3560.14] and generals +[3560.14 --> 3561.54] and people of influence +[3561.54 --> 3562.16] would come +[3562.16 --> 3563.04] and they would ask +[3563.04 --> 3564.04] for a prophecy +[3564.04 --> 3565.62] or an affirmation +[3565.62 --> 3567.10] from this oracle +[3567.10 --> 3568.22] to bless +[3568.22 --> 3569.58] their efforts +[3569.58 --> 3570.40] or to discern +[3570.40 --> 3571.12] the fates. +[3572.02 --> 3572.90] And the story +[3572.90 --> 3573.84] in Greek mythology +[3573.84 --> 3575.88] is that at the foot +[3575.88 --> 3577.22] of Mount Parnassus +[3577.22 --> 3578.10] there was this +[3578.10 --> 3579.12] large python +[3579.12 --> 3580.34] this large serpent +[3580.34 --> 3581.38] and Apollo +[3581.38 --> 3582.82] comes and kills it. +[3583.96 --> 3584.50] Now Apollo +[3584.50 --> 3586.04] in the Greek pantheon +[3586.04 --> 3587.16] is known as +[3587.16 --> 3589.08] the one of the gods +[3589.08 --> 3589.64] of truth +[3589.64 --> 3590.50] and prophecy. +[3591.54 --> 3591.96] And so +[3591.96 --> 3593.32] when he establishes +[3593.32 --> 3594.96] the python spirit +[3594.96 --> 3595.92] in the oracle +[3595.92 --> 3596.76] at Delphi +[3596.76 --> 3598.04] it's a gift +[3598.04 --> 3598.76] of Apollo +[3598.76 --> 3599.86] in order to predict +[3599.86 --> 3600.58] the future +[3600.58 --> 3602.16] and to help +[3602.16 --> 3602.70] the people +[3602.70 --> 3604.20] reveal the fates +[3604.20 --> 3605.42] by unveiling +[3605.42 --> 3606.78] hidden truths. +[3608.02 --> 3608.68] And so +[3608.68 --> 3609.66] this woman +[3609.66 --> 3611.30] has a python +[3611.30 --> 3612.52] spirit +[3612.52 --> 3614.48] and all of this +[3614.48 --> 3615.56] mythology +[3615.56 --> 3616.88] is behind +[3616.88 --> 3618.14] the exchange. +[3619.72 --> 3620.46] So picture it, +[3620.52 --> 3620.68] right? +[3621.68 --> 3623.12] When she goes along +[3623.12 --> 3623.80] with Paul +[3623.80 --> 3624.64] and the group +[3624.64 --> 3625.76] she's shouting +[3625.76 --> 3627.50] these men +[3627.50 --> 3628.08] are servants +[3628.08 --> 3628.70] of the most +[3628.70 --> 3629.38] high God +[3629.38 --> 3630.40] who are telling +[3630.40 --> 3630.90] you the way +[3630.90 --> 3631.62] to be saved. +[3633.50 --> 3634.74] And she's not wrong. +[3636.54 --> 3637.02] Right? +[3637.08 --> 3637.84] She's revealing +[3637.84 --> 3638.96] these hidden truths. +[3640.62 --> 3641.32] And whether +[3641.32 --> 3642.16] it's her tone +[3642.16 --> 3642.76] maybe it was +[3642.76 --> 3643.38] dismissive +[3643.38 --> 3644.40] or condescending +[3644.40 --> 3645.72] or whether it's +[3645.72 --> 3646.22] just because +[3646.22 --> 3646.96] it was constant +[3646.96 --> 3647.54] irritation. +[3648.06 --> 3648.20] Right? +[3648.20 --> 3648.74] We read that +[3648.74 --> 3649.62] she kept this up +[3649.62 --> 3650.52] for many days. +[3650.52 --> 3651.84] Paul eventually +[3651.84 --> 3652.70] has enough. +[3653.60 --> 3654.52] And he turns +[3654.52 --> 3655.10] and he says +[3655.10 --> 3655.74] to the spirit +[3655.74 --> 3657.02] and notice +[3657.02 --> 3657.52] right? +[3657.64 --> 3658.44] Paul addresses +[3658.44 --> 3659.12] the spirit +[3659.12 --> 3660.86] not the slave girl. +[3661.44 --> 3662.50] He says to the spirit +[3662.50 --> 3664.34] in the name +[3664.34 --> 3665.58] of Jesus Christ +[3665.58 --> 3667.26] I command you +[3667.26 --> 3668.04] to come out +[3668.04 --> 3668.38] of her. +[3670.16 --> 3670.92] The thing I want us +[3670.92 --> 3671.76] to see first +[3671.76 --> 3672.94] here is the +[3672.94 --> 3674.68] spiritual reality +[3674.68 --> 3675.98] behind this +[3675.98 --> 3676.66] exchange. +[3678.26 --> 3678.98] These are more +[3678.98 --> 3680.06] than just words +[3680.06 --> 3681.08] or ideas +[3681.08 --> 3682.06] being thrown around. +[3682.98 --> 3683.08] Right? +[3683.14 --> 3683.68] For Paul +[3683.68 --> 3685.06] proclaiming the gospel +[3685.06 --> 3686.76] is a spiritual +[3686.76 --> 3687.32] battle +[3687.32 --> 3688.42] between the gods +[3688.42 --> 3689.26] of the age +[3689.26 --> 3690.74] and the most +[3690.74 --> 3691.82] high God. +[3693.80 --> 3694.74] I want to read +[3694.74 --> 3695.36] something for you +[3695.36 --> 3697.56] from Ephesians 6. +[3698.70 --> 3699.56] I'm going to read +[3699.56 --> 3700.14] ten verses +[3700.14 --> 3702.26] from Ephesians 6 +[3702.26 --> 3702.86] to help us +[3702.86 --> 3704.06] make this point +[3704.06 --> 3704.36] again. +[3705.42 --> 3706.50] This is a letter +[3706.50 --> 3707.74] that Paul writes +[3707.74 --> 3708.34] to the church +[3708.34 --> 3709.00] in Ephesus. +[3710.24 --> 3711.02] He says +[3711.02 --> 3712.54] finally +[3712.54 --> 3713.78] be strong +[3713.78 --> 3714.36] in the Lord +[3714.36 --> 3715.14] and in his +[3715.14 --> 3715.92] mighty power. +[3716.34 --> 3717.06] Put on the full +[3717.06 --> 3717.86] armor of God +[3717.86 --> 3718.52] so that you +[3718.52 --> 3719.30] can take your +[3719.30 --> 3720.12] stand against +[3720.12 --> 3721.54] the devil's schemes +[3721.54 --> 3722.42] for our struggle +[3722.42 --> 3723.22] is not against +[3723.22 --> 3724.40] flesh and blood +[3724.40 --> 3725.32] but against the rulers +[3725.32 --> 3726.38] and against the authorities +[3726.38 --> 3727.38] and against the powers +[3727.38 --> 3728.28] of this dark world +[3728.28 --> 3728.88] and against the +[3728.88 --> 3729.88] spiritual forces +[3729.88 --> 3730.84] of evil +[3730.84 --> 3731.84] in the heavenly realms. +[3732.60 --> 3732.92] Therefore +[3732.92 --> 3734.32] put on the full +[3734.32 --> 3735.14] armor of God +[3735.14 --> 3735.96] so that +[3735.96 --> 3736.78] when the day +[3736.78 --> 3737.70] of evil comes +[3737.70 --> 3738.54] you may be able +[3738.54 --> 3739.88] to stand your ground +[3739.88 --> 3740.92] and after you +[3740.92 --> 3742.02] have done everything +[3742.02 --> 3743.04] to stand. +[3744.04 --> 3744.86] Stand firm +[3744.86 --> 3745.86] then with the belt +[3745.86 --> 3746.40] of truth +[3746.40 --> 3747.80] buckled around your waist +[3747.80 --> 3748.64] with the breastplate +[3748.64 --> 3749.24] of righteousness +[3749.24 --> 3749.92] in place +[3749.92 --> 3750.96] and with your feet +[3750.96 --> 3752.10] fitted with readiness +[3752.10 --> 3752.88] that comes +[3752.88 --> 3753.86] from the gospel +[3753.86 --> 3754.42] of peace +[3754.42 --> 3756.46] and in addition +[3756.46 --> 3757.56] to all this +[3757.56 --> 3758.96] take up the shield +[3758.96 --> 3759.58] of faith +[3759.58 --> 3760.72] with which +[3760.72 --> 3761.98] you can extinguish +[3761.98 --> 3763.32] all the flaming arrows +[3763.32 --> 3764.24] of the evil one +[3764.24 --> 3765.72] take the helmet +[3765.72 --> 3766.44] of salvation +[3766.44 --> 3767.28] and the sword +[3767.28 --> 3767.98] of the spirit +[3767.98 --> 3769.02] which is the word +[3769.02 --> 3769.64] of God +[3769.64 --> 3771.16] and pray +[3771.16 --> 3772.16] in the spirit +[3772.16 --> 3773.40] on all occasions +[3773.40 --> 3774.46] with all kinds +[3774.46 --> 3775.26] of prayers +[3775.26 --> 3776.02] and requests +[3776.02 --> 3778.10] and with this in mind +[3778.10 --> 3778.80] be alert +[3778.80 --> 3780.00] and always keep +[3780.00 --> 3780.66] on praying +[3780.66 --> 3781.82] for the Lord's people +[3781.82 --> 3784.22] pray also for me +[3784.22 --> 3786.02] that whenever I speak +[3786.02 --> 3786.94] words may be given +[3786.94 --> 3787.30] to me +[3787.30 --> 3787.82] so that I will +[3787.82 --> 3789.10] fearlessly make known +[3789.10 --> 3789.92] the mystery +[3789.92 --> 3790.52] of the gospel +[3790.52 --> 3791.60] for which I am +[3791.60 --> 3792.18] an ambassador +[3792.18 --> 3793.50] in chains +[3793.50 --> 3796.18] pray that I may +[3796.18 --> 3797.48] declare it fearlessly +[3797.48 --> 3799.12] as I should +[3799.12 --> 3801.46] did you catch +[3801.46 --> 3802.40] what Paul says +[3802.40 --> 3804.88] he says that our struggle +[3804.88 --> 3805.84] isn't against flesh +[3805.84 --> 3806.32] and blood +[3806.32 --> 3807.26] but against powers +[3807.26 --> 3808.44] of this dark world +[3808.44 --> 3809.30] and against the spiritual +[3809.30 --> 3810.32] forces of evil +[3810.32 --> 3811.54] in the heavenly realms +[3811.54 --> 3813.02] and he says that the way +[3813.02 --> 3814.38] that we fight this battle +[3814.38 --> 3815.32] is to pray +[3815.32 --> 3816.06] in the spirit +[3816.06 --> 3817.38] on all occasions +[3817.38 --> 3818.82] armed with the word +[3818.82 --> 3819.36] of God +[3819.36 --> 3820.44] and with the song +[3820.44 --> 3821.48] more on that +[3821.48 --> 3821.84] in a moment +[3821.84 --> 3822.60] we'll come back to that +[3822.60 --> 3824.20] but Paul says +[3824.20 --> 3825.62] specifically in there +[3825.62 --> 3827.36] right in Ephesians text +[3827.36 --> 3828.44] to pray for him +[3828.44 --> 3830.34] so that whenever he speaks +[3830.34 --> 3832.12] words may be given to him +[3832.12 --> 3833.56] that he might fearlessly +[3833.56 --> 3834.62] make known +[3834.62 --> 3836.48] the mystery of the gospel +[3836.48 --> 3837.96] so that he could declare it +[3837.96 --> 3838.70] fearlessly +[3838.70 --> 3839.88] as he should +[3839.88 --> 3842.74] in a letter that Paul +[3842.74 --> 3843.58] writes to Timothy +[3843.58 --> 3844.78] he says +[3844.78 --> 3845.60] and he warns +[3845.60 --> 3847.92] some will abandon the faith +[3847.92 --> 3849.78] and follow deceiving spirits +[3849.78 --> 3850.42] and things +[3850.42 --> 3852.76] taught by demons +[3852.76 --> 3856.00] in case +[3856.00 --> 3857.98] I'm not being clear +[3857.98 --> 3859.10] enough yet +[3859.10 --> 3861.08] the gospel +[3861.08 --> 3862.76] is a message +[3862.76 --> 3864.88] of spiritual impact +[3864.88 --> 3866.86] and spiritual reality +[3866.86 --> 3868.84] and the battle +[3868.84 --> 3870.46] that Christians face +[3870.46 --> 3872.22] are first and foremost +[3872.22 --> 3874.40] spiritual battles +[3874.40 --> 3876.60] right when you talk +[3876.60 --> 3877.24] with your friends +[3877.24 --> 3877.88] at school +[3877.88 --> 3879.08] when you talk +[3879.08 --> 3879.84] with your colleagues +[3879.84 --> 3880.72] at work +[3880.72 --> 3881.42] about Jesus +[3881.42 --> 3882.72] and about the gospel +[3882.72 --> 3883.90] you are engaging +[3883.90 --> 3884.72] in more than just +[3884.72 --> 3885.92] an exchange of words +[3885.92 --> 3887.50] you are engaging +[3887.50 --> 3888.38] in a war +[3888.38 --> 3889.24] against the spirit +[3889.24 --> 3890.00] of this age +[3890.00 --> 3892.60] maybe +[3892.60 --> 3894.78] maybe some of us +[3894.78 --> 3896.48] are guilty +[3896.48 --> 3897.34] of approaching +[3897.34 --> 3898.46] these conversations +[3898.46 --> 3900.18] too casually +[3900.18 --> 3902.24] maybe some of us +[3902.24 --> 3902.68] are guilty +[3902.68 --> 3903.96] of approaching worship +[3903.96 --> 3904.90] of this moment +[3904.90 --> 3905.98] of sitting under +[3905.98 --> 3906.40] the preaching +[3906.40 --> 3906.90] of the word +[3906.90 --> 3908.04] too casually +[3908.04 --> 3909.74] because this is +[3909.74 --> 3910.98] a spiritual war +[3910.98 --> 3912.46] and a spiritual reality +[3912.46 --> 3913.20] and you are being +[3913.20 --> 3915.06] equipped for this battle +[3915.06 --> 3917.38] and like a mother +[3917.38 --> 3919.46] who pleads with God +[3919.46 --> 3920.12] daily +[3920.12 --> 3921.72] for her wandering children +[3921.72 --> 3923.06] we need to be +[3923.06 --> 3923.70] in prayer +[3923.70 --> 3924.92] for these kinds +[3924.92 --> 3925.70] of conversations +[3925.70 --> 3926.88] for these people +[3926.88 --> 3927.58] in our lives +[3927.58 --> 3929.16] we need to be +[3929.16 --> 3929.82] taking up +[3929.82 --> 3931.04] the word of God +[3931.04 --> 3932.28] the sword of truth +[3932.28 --> 3933.78] for these conversations +[3933.78 --> 3936.76] I was reading +[3936.76 --> 3938.00] an article +[3938.00 --> 3939.80] this week +[3939.80 --> 3941.58] that made +[3941.58 --> 3942.76] a really compelling +[3942.76 --> 3943.32] argument +[3943.32 --> 3945.60] for the best way +[3945.60 --> 3946.76] to share +[3946.76 --> 3947.86] the word of God +[3947.86 --> 3948.62] with people +[3948.62 --> 3950.96] being to start +[3950.96 --> 3952.52] by memorizing +[3952.52 --> 3953.64] the word of God +[3953.64 --> 3956.38] and so I guess +[3956.38 --> 3957.32] the simple question +[3957.32 --> 3958.06] for you +[3958.06 --> 3959.72] if you've ever +[3959.72 --> 3960.60] thought to yourself +[3960.60 --> 3962.88] oh I don't want +[3962.88 --> 3963.98] to have that conversation +[3963.98 --> 3965.40] because I don't know +[3965.40 --> 3966.32] what I'll have to say +[3966.32 --> 3967.62] or I don't want +[3967.62 --> 3968.26] to talk about Jesus +[3968.26 --> 3968.84] with that person +[3968.84 --> 3969.30] because what if +[3969.30 --> 3970.00] they ask me something +[3970.00 --> 3970.50] I don't know +[3970.50 --> 3971.56] the answer to +[3971.56 --> 3973.66] maybe one of the +[3973.66 --> 3974.16] disciplines +[3974.16 --> 3976.06] we need to start +[3976.06 --> 3976.78] taking up +[3976.78 --> 3978.58] is scripture memorization +[3978.58 --> 3980.38] that we might +[3980.38 --> 3981.42] have the word +[3981.42 --> 3981.84] of God +[3981.84 --> 3982.70] in us +[3982.70 --> 3983.64] so that we can +[3983.64 --> 3984.94] speak the word +[3984.94 --> 3985.42] of God +[3985.42 --> 3986.82] to those around us +[3986.82 --> 3991.82] and then +[3991.82 --> 3992.84] when you're +[3992.84 --> 3993.74] visiting with people +[3993.74 --> 3994.34] in the hospital +[3994.34 --> 3995.96] or whether you're +[3995.96 --> 3996.48] talking to them +[3996.48 --> 3997.04] on the train +[3997.04 --> 3998.56] you will always +[3998.56 --> 3999.22] have something +[3999.22 --> 4000.32] to say +[4000.32 --> 4001.44] you'll always +[4001.44 --> 4002.06] have something +[4002.06 --> 4003.44] to bring up +[4003.44 --> 4004.80] in fact +[4004.80 --> 4005.14] I think +[4005.14 --> 4006.34] scripture memorization +[4006.34 --> 4007.82] actually impacts +[4007.82 --> 4008.84] your prayer life +[4008.84 --> 4009.74] as well +[4009.74 --> 4010.22] right +[4010.22 --> 4010.56] but there's +[4010.56 --> 4011.10] there's +[4011.10 --> 4011.52] there's +[4011.52 --> 4012.32] there's something +[4012.32 --> 4013.02] beautiful +[4013.02 --> 4014.54] and compelling +[4014.54 --> 4015.90] about praying +[4015.90 --> 4016.58] the words +[4016.58 --> 4017.14] of scripture +[4017.14 --> 4017.94] out loud +[4017.94 --> 4018.62] with a person +[4018.62 --> 4019.48] in need +[4019.48 --> 4019.68] right +[4019.68 --> 4020.50] the voice +[4020.50 --> 4021.08] of Jesus +[4021.08 --> 4022.08] says so much +[4022.08 --> 4022.62] more than +[4022.62 --> 4023.30] the voice +[4023.30 --> 4024.06] of Chris +[4024.06 --> 4025.26] in that moment +[4025.26 --> 4027.62] and even +[4027.62 --> 4028.12] if people +[4028.12 --> 4029.02] aren't familiar +[4029.02 --> 4029.88] with the words +[4029.88 --> 4030.50] of God +[4030.50 --> 4031.68] I believe +[4031.68 --> 4032.46] that there's +[4032.46 --> 4033.08] something in +[4033.08 --> 4033.66] their heart +[4033.66 --> 4034.86] that connects +[4034.86 --> 4037.08] and that hears +[4037.08 --> 4038.70] in these words +[4038.70 --> 4039.30] from Jesus +[4039.30 --> 4041.78] now the next +[4041.78 --> 4042.24] thing then +[4042.24 --> 4043.52] that I want us +[4043.52 --> 4043.86] to see +[4043.86 --> 4044.96] from this text +[4044.96 --> 4045.58] in Acts +[4045.58 --> 4046.92] is that +[4046.92 --> 4048.26] that while +[4048.26 --> 4049.44] the the primary +[4049.44 --> 4050.36] point of the +[4050.36 --> 4050.96] conflict +[4050.96 --> 4052.28] is spiritual +[4052.28 --> 4053.80] right +[4053.80 --> 4055.04] the spiritual +[4055.04 --> 4056.16] touches +[4056.16 --> 4058.04] the material +[4058.04 --> 4060.04] that what +[4060.04 --> 4060.56] what happens +[4060.56 --> 4061.48] in this exchange +[4061.48 --> 4062.38] happens on the +[4062.38 --> 4063.02] spiritual level +[4063.02 --> 4064.16] but it impacts +[4064.16 --> 4065.12] the physical +[4065.12 --> 4065.86] level +[4065.86 --> 4066.56] right +[4066.56 --> 4067.30] notice what Paul +[4067.30 --> 4067.54] says +[4067.54 --> 4067.88] he says +[4067.88 --> 4068.98] I command you +[4068.98 --> 4069.46] in the name +[4069.46 --> 4070.40] of Jesus Christ +[4070.40 --> 4070.96] to come out +[4070.96 --> 4071.22] of her +[4071.22 --> 4071.70] and then Luke +[4071.70 --> 4071.96] writes +[4071.96 --> 4073.12] at that moment +[4073.12 --> 4073.74] the spirit +[4073.74 --> 4074.68] left her +[4074.68 --> 4075.22] and then Luke +[4075.22 --> 4075.68] tells us +[4075.68 --> 4076.42] this little bit +[4076.42 --> 4077.90] he says +[4077.90 --> 4078.78] her owners +[4078.78 --> 4079.60] realized +[4079.60 --> 4080.44] that their +[4080.44 --> 4081.04] hope of +[4081.04 --> 4081.80] making money +[4081.80 --> 4082.94] was gone +[4082.94 --> 4085.80] the spiritual +[4085.80 --> 4086.52] exchange +[4086.52 --> 4088.04] has an impact +[4088.04 --> 4089.16] on the physical +[4089.16 --> 4089.86] reality +[4089.86 --> 4090.90] of those who +[4090.90 --> 4091.46] are involved +[4091.46 --> 4092.62] right +[4092.62 --> 4093.32] these owners +[4093.32 --> 4094.10] had committed +[4094.10 --> 4094.54] themselves +[4094.54 --> 4095.70] to that spirit +[4095.70 --> 4096.52] in order to +[4096.52 --> 4097.06] make money +[4097.06 --> 4097.80] and now +[4097.80 --> 4098.46] that opportunity +[4098.46 --> 4099.04] is gone +[4099.04 --> 4102.02] you see +[4102.02 --> 4103.04] as we said +[4103.04 --> 4103.56] the gospel +[4103.56 --> 4104.44] is a spiritual +[4104.44 --> 4104.84] truth +[4104.84 --> 4105.50] for a spiritual +[4105.50 --> 4106.10] reality +[4106.10 --> 4106.90] but +[4106.90 --> 4107.64] it's not +[4107.64 --> 4108.44] only +[4108.44 --> 4110.26] a spiritual +[4110.26 --> 4111.62] reality +[4111.62 --> 4112.96] it's not +[4112.96 --> 4113.58] only +[4113.58 --> 4114.76] a spiritual +[4114.76 --> 4116.08] truth +[4116.08 --> 4119.46] now hear this +[4119.46 --> 4119.68] okay +[4119.68 --> 4120.70] because yes +[4120.70 --> 4121.06] it is +[4121.06 --> 4121.70] it is more +[4121.70 --> 4122.24] true +[4122.24 --> 4123.50] it is true +[4123.50 --> 4124.08] that I am +[4124.08 --> 4124.98] more sinful +[4124.98 --> 4125.80] than I would +[4125.80 --> 4126.46] ever admit +[4126.46 --> 4127.18] or even know +[4127.18 --> 4127.92] how to confess +[4127.92 --> 4129.44] and it is +[4129.44 --> 4129.66] true +[4129.66 --> 4130.04] that my +[4130.04 --> 4130.66] rebellion +[4130.66 --> 4131.64] against God +[4131.64 --> 4132.24] and the +[4132.24 --> 4132.58] rebellion +[4132.58 --> 4132.94] of our +[4132.94 --> 4133.68] first parents +[4133.68 --> 4134.52] Adam and Eve +[4134.52 --> 4135.14] in the garden +[4135.14 --> 4136.10] has broken +[4136.10 --> 4137.02] my relationship +[4137.02 --> 4137.52] to God +[4137.52 --> 4138.56] right +[4138.56 --> 4139.22] the relationship +[4139.22 --> 4139.96] that all of us +[4139.96 --> 4140.64] were created +[4140.64 --> 4141.52] to live in +[4141.52 --> 4142.48] and out of +[4142.48 --> 4144.14] and now +[4144.14 --> 4144.96] it's true +[4144.96 --> 4145.62] that everything +[4145.62 --> 4146.10] I do +[4146.10 --> 4146.80] is marred +[4146.80 --> 4147.58] with the stain +[4147.58 --> 4149.02] of this sin +[4149.02 --> 4149.66] this is the +[4149.66 --> 4151.02] spiritual reality +[4151.02 --> 4152.30] that I am in +[4152.30 --> 4153.38] the spiritual +[4153.38 --> 4154.18] reality that we +[4154.18 --> 4155.22] are all in +[4155.22 --> 4155.60] whether you +[4155.60 --> 4156.44] believe the Bible +[4156.44 --> 4157.54] is true or not +[4157.54 --> 4157.74] right +[4157.74 --> 4157.96] because you +[4157.96 --> 4158.26] don't have to +[4158.26 --> 4159.04] believe the Bible +[4159.04 --> 4159.50] to be true +[4159.50 --> 4160.66] for this reality +[4160.66 --> 4161.58] to be true +[4161.58 --> 4165.28] but it's also +[4165.28 --> 4165.82] true +[4165.82 --> 4167.46] it is also +[4167.46 --> 4168.02] true +[4168.02 --> 4168.86] that I am +[4168.86 --> 4169.68] more loved +[4169.68 --> 4170.28] by God +[4170.28 --> 4170.66] than I could +[4170.66 --> 4171.38] ever imagine +[4171.38 --> 4171.90] possible +[4171.90 --> 4172.94] it's also true +[4172.94 --> 4173.52] that out of +[4173.52 --> 4174.64] this amazing +[4174.64 --> 4175.82] love for us +[4175.82 --> 4176.60] God came +[4176.60 --> 4177.68] into the world +[4177.68 --> 4178.92] in Jesus Christ +[4178.92 --> 4179.64] that Jesus +[4179.64 --> 4180.32] was born +[4180.32 --> 4181.14] and he lived +[4181.14 --> 4182.02] a life of +[4182.02 --> 4183.12] perfect righteousness +[4183.12 --> 4184.14] keeping the +[4184.14 --> 4184.88] commands of the +[4184.88 --> 4185.14] law +[4185.14 --> 4186.08] and pleasing +[4186.08 --> 4187.36] God perfectly +[4187.36 --> 4188.72] in our place +[4188.72 --> 4189.76] and that the +[4189.76 --> 4190.44] same Jesus +[4190.44 --> 4191.18] even though +[4191.18 --> 4192.10] he was perfect +[4192.10 --> 4193.28] died the death +[4193.28 --> 4194.24] that I deserved +[4194.24 --> 4195.26] died the death +[4195.26 --> 4195.84] that I deserve +[4195.84 --> 4196.42] as the wrath +[4196.42 --> 4196.84] of God +[4196.84 --> 4198.10] for my sin +[4198.10 --> 4199.94] right on the cross +[4199.94 --> 4200.78] Jesus took +[4200.78 --> 4202.20] your punishment +[4202.20 --> 4204.10] he bore the wrath +[4204.10 --> 4204.78] of God +[4204.78 --> 4205.40] for the broken +[4205.40 --> 4206.16] relationship +[4206.16 --> 4207.06] that we now +[4207.06 --> 4208.10] live out of +[4208.10 --> 4208.80] in order to +[4208.80 --> 4209.68] restore that +[4209.68 --> 4210.18] relationship +[4210.18 --> 4210.82] because three +[4210.82 --> 4211.50] days later +[4211.50 --> 4212.70] this same Jesus +[4212.70 --> 4213.46] was raised +[4213.46 --> 4214.48] from the dead +[4214.48 --> 4215.12] victorious +[4215.12 --> 4216.10] defeating death +[4216.10 --> 4217.24] defeating the devil +[4217.24 --> 4218.42] he was raised +[4218.42 --> 4218.96] in victory +[4218.96 --> 4219.58] and now he +[4219.58 --> 4220.30] grants us +[4220.30 --> 4221.26] new life +[4221.26 --> 4222.06] through the spirit +[4222.06 --> 4224.14] and so now +[4224.14 --> 4226.24] I have a new +[4226.24 --> 4228.30] spiritual reality +[4228.30 --> 4229.24] by grace +[4229.24 --> 4230.10] through faith +[4230.10 --> 4230.68] but it's a +[4230.68 --> 4231.82] spiritual reality +[4231.82 --> 4233.24] that directly +[4233.24 --> 4234.08] touches +[4234.08 --> 4236.28] the physical +[4236.28 --> 4237.36] reality of my life +[4237.36 --> 4239.16] and every moment +[4239.16 --> 4240.40] I see +[4240.40 --> 4241.02] because you see +[4241.02 --> 4243.16] since Jesus +[4243.16 --> 4243.96] is raised +[4243.96 --> 4244.88] from the dead +[4244.88 --> 4245.96] that changes +[4245.96 --> 4247.04] everything +[4247.04 --> 4248.58] since Jesus +[4248.58 --> 4249.20] has ascended +[4249.20 --> 4250.08] to the right hand +[4250.08 --> 4251.36] of God the Father +[4251.36 --> 4252.24] and he sits +[4252.24 --> 4252.90] as Lord +[4252.90 --> 4254.26] over all the universe +[4254.26 --> 4254.86] that changes +[4254.86 --> 4255.56] everything +[4255.56 --> 4257.10] about how we live +[4257.10 --> 4257.58] here +[4257.58 --> 4258.90] and now +[4258.90 --> 4260.96] right the gospel +[4260.96 --> 4261.94] is the truth +[4261.94 --> 4262.76] of Jesus +[4262.76 --> 4264.02] and by living +[4264.02 --> 4265.56] by the gospel +[4265.56 --> 4266.58] and living +[4266.58 --> 4267.44] by the gospel +[4267.44 --> 4268.40] is living +[4268.40 --> 4269.44] in the trust +[4269.44 --> 4270.84] of Jesus +[4270.84 --> 4273.48] and that's what it means +[4273.48 --> 4274.22] to be Christian +[4274.22 --> 4275.52] right +[4275.52 --> 4276.34] to be Christian +[4276.34 --> 4277.54] theologically +[4277.54 --> 4279.16] theological definition +[4279.16 --> 4280.02] of being a Christian +[4280.02 --> 4280.86] means to share +[4280.86 --> 4282.02] in the anointing +[4282.02 --> 4282.98] of Christ +[4282.98 --> 4284.42] right +[4284.42 --> 4284.98] to share +[4284.98 --> 4285.72] in the anointing +[4285.72 --> 4286.16] of Christ +[4286.16 --> 4287.56] to be restored +[4287.56 --> 4288.52] in relationship +[4288.52 --> 4289.32] to the Father +[4289.32 --> 4290.94] and to be a Christian +[4290.94 --> 4291.56] practically +[4291.56 --> 4292.48] the way that +[4292.48 --> 4293.60] theological truth +[4293.60 --> 4294.22] works out +[4294.22 --> 4294.62] the way that +[4294.62 --> 4295.64] spiritual reality +[4295.64 --> 4296.80] is worked out +[4296.80 --> 4297.36] in our life +[4297.36 --> 4298.22] is to trust +[4298.22 --> 4299.48] Jesus more +[4299.48 --> 4300.28] than you trust +[4300.28 --> 4300.80] yourself +[4300.80 --> 4305.92] by grace +[4305.92 --> 4306.64] through faith +[4306.64 --> 4307.76] we share +[4307.76 --> 4308.70] in the anointing +[4308.70 --> 4310.14] of Christ +[4310.14 --> 4311.42] and so +[4311.42 --> 4312.12] the life +[4312.12 --> 4312.60] we are called +[4312.60 --> 4313.08] to live +[4313.08 --> 4313.50] is one +[4313.50 --> 4314.26] that trusts +[4314.26 --> 4316.14] in him +[4316.14 --> 4318.88] and when our lives +[4318.88 --> 4319.48] are characterized +[4319.48 --> 4320.50] by this kind +[4320.50 --> 4321.40] of trust +[4321.40 --> 4322.70] right +[4322.70 --> 4323.92] that's a reality +[4323.92 --> 4324.92] defining +[4324.92 --> 4325.92] power +[4325.92 --> 4326.78] and of course +[4326.80 --> 4327.46] then +[4327.46 --> 4328.08] the physical +[4328.08 --> 4328.66] reality +[4328.66 --> 4329.18] of the world +[4329.18 --> 4329.66] that we live +[4329.66 --> 4329.82] in +[4329.82 --> 4330.38] of course +[4330.38 --> 4330.82] the world +[4330.82 --> 4331.40] that we're part +[4331.40 --> 4331.54] of +[4331.54 --> 4332.40] is impacted +[4332.40 --> 4333.34] by the spiritual +[4333.34 --> 4334.08] truth of God +[4334.08 --> 4335.66] because it's a reality +[4335.66 --> 4336.80] defining truth +[4336.80 --> 4338.18] that's what Jesus does +[4338.18 --> 4339.76] he spoke reality +[4339.76 --> 4340.78] into beginning +[4340.78 --> 4341.98] or into existence +[4341.98 --> 4342.80] at the beginning +[4342.80 --> 4344.00] and he continues +[4344.00 --> 4345.00] to speak +[4345.00 --> 4345.60] the truth +[4345.60 --> 4346.26] of his word +[4346.26 --> 4347.34] recreating you +[4347.34 --> 4348.28] transforming you +[4348.28 --> 4349.86] into his image +[4349.86 --> 4351.04] by that same +[4351.04 --> 4351.70] word +[4351.70 --> 4352.44] right now +[4352.44 --> 4353.46] right here +[4353.46 --> 4354.12] today +[4354.12 --> 4356.02] and that +[4356.02 --> 4356.90] changes +[4356.90 --> 4358.10] everything +[4358.10 --> 4361.38] and here's +[4361.38 --> 4361.80] the thing +[4361.80 --> 4364.10] because this is +[4364.10 --> 4364.70] where that starts +[4364.70 --> 4365.44] to rub +[4365.44 --> 4366.46] up against +[4366.46 --> 4367.30] the sort +[4367.30 --> 4368.04] of nebulous +[4368.04 --> 4369.14] and anemic +[4369.14 --> 4370.82] idea of spirituality +[4370.82 --> 4371.56] in the world +[4371.56 --> 4371.92] today +[4371.92 --> 4373.52] right people +[4373.52 --> 4374.44] in our world +[4374.44 --> 4374.76] today +[4374.76 --> 4377.02] are rediscovering +[4377.02 --> 4378.14] spirituality +[4378.14 --> 4379.40] right +[4379.40 --> 4380.62] 20 years ago +[4380.62 --> 4381.06] or so +[4381.06 --> 4381.96] when the so-called +[4381.96 --> 4382.88] new atheist movement +[4382.88 --> 4383.78] was in full swing +[4383.78 --> 4384.66] everyone was saying +[4384.66 --> 4385.26] this is the end +[4385.26 --> 4385.68] of religion +[4385.68 --> 4386.30] this is the end +[4386.30 --> 4387.06] of spirituality +[4387.06 --> 4388.10] right +[4388.10 --> 4389.56] reason will finally reign +[4389.56 --> 4390.56] and guess what +[4390.56 --> 4391.42] that didn't happen +[4391.42 --> 4393.44] people are looking +[4393.44 --> 4394.82] to re-enchant +[4394.82 --> 4395.40] the world +[4395.40 --> 4396.56] to find a magic +[4396.56 --> 4397.16] again +[4397.16 --> 4397.80] and a power +[4397.80 --> 4398.20] again +[4398.20 --> 4399.18] in this world +[4399.18 --> 4399.62] they're looking +[4399.62 --> 4400.42] to rediscover +[4400.42 --> 4401.32] spirituality +[4401.32 --> 4402.12] but the spirituality +[4402.12 --> 4403.66] that's being discovered +[4403.66 --> 4404.94] apart from the gospel +[4404.94 --> 4407.46] is one that isn't +[4407.46 --> 4408.82] satisfying +[4408.82 --> 4409.66] in fact people +[4409.66 --> 4410.48] are looking +[4410.48 --> 4411.46] for a spirituality +[4411.46 --> 4413.38] that doesn't change +[4413.38 --> 4414.14] too much +[4414.14 --> 4415.20] about their lives +[4415.20 --> 4417.44] right people +[4417.44 --> 4418.64] want to be spiritual +[4418.64 --> 4420.36] as long as all it does +[4420.36 --> 4421.28] is bring them peace +[4421.28 --> 4422.20] and comfort +[4422.20 --> 4426.92] but Jesus will not +[4426.92 --> 4428.76] he cannot +[4428.76 --> 4430.22] share the throne +[4430.22 --> 4431.24] of your heart +[4431.24 --> 4433.26] so if +[4433.26 --> 4434.34] in your heart of hearts +[4434.34 --> 4435.42] you really love +[4435.42 --> 4435.88] business +[4435.88 --> 4436.70] or you really love +[4436.70 --> 4437.34] making money +[4437.34 --> 4438.26] and the status +[4438.26 --> 4439.18] that that gives you +[4439.18 --> 4439.96] in society +[4439.96 --> 4441.24] but when Jesus +[4441.24 --> 4442.12] starts pushing +[4442.12 --> 4443.14] on that trigger +[4443.14 --> 4444.74] you have a choice +[4444.74 --> 4445.24] to make +[4445.24 --> 4447.64] do you submit +[4447.64 --> 4448.54] and do you trust +[4448.54 --> 4449.16] Jesus +[4449.16 --> 4450.16] more than you +[4450.16 --> 4450.84] trust yourself +[4450.84 --> 4452.30] or +[4452.30 --> 4453.44] do you push him +[4453.44 --> 4453.84] back +[4453.84 --> 4455.64] and hold him +[4455.64 --> 4456.32] at arm's length +[4456.32 --> 4459.44] the people +[4459.44 --> 4460.12] in our story +[4460.12 --> 4460.82] pushed back +[4460.82 --> 4462.66] they took Paul +[4462.66 --> 4463.30] and Silas +[4463.30 --> 4463.98] to the marketplace +[4463.98 --> 4465.26] and they had a trial +[4465.26 --> 4466.98] the charge +[4466.98 --> 4467.92] was that +[4467.92 --> 4468.50] these men +[4468.50 --> 4469.24] are Jews +[4469.24 --> 4469.64] and they're +[4469.64 --> 4470.40] throwing our city +[4470.40 --> 4471.18] into an uproar +[4471.18 --> 4471.90] by advocating +[4471.90 --> 4472.48] customs +[4472.48 --> 4473.36] unlawful +[4473.36 --> 4473.92] for Romans +[4473.92 --> 4474.62] to accept +[4474.62 --> 4475.64] or practice +[4475.64 --> 4477.22] now that the charge +[4477.22 --> 4477.98] was that these men +[4477.98 --> 4478.50] are Jews +[4478.50 --> 4479.56] and that's disturbing +[4479.56 --> 4480.00] the peace +[4480.00 --> 4481.00] also I think +[4481.00 --> 4481.88] underscores the point +[4481.88 --> 4482.52] that it's probably +[4482.52 --> 4483.42] just a small +[4483.42 --> 4484.42] Jewish population +[4484.42 --> 4485.02] a very small +[4485.02 --> 4485.80] Jewish population +[4485.80 --> 4486.96] in Philippi +[4486.96 --> 4488.24] and the kinds +[4488.24 --> 4488.92] of things +[4488.92 --> 4490.48] that upset +[4490.48 --> 4491.46] the customs +[4491.46 --> 4493.38] and the practices +[4493.38 --> 4494.50] and behaviors +[4494.50 --> 4495.12] lawful +[4495.12 --> 4495.80] to Romans +[4495.80 --> 4496.46] unlawful +[4496.46 --> 4497.02] for Romans +[4497.02 --> 4497.92] is +[4497.92 --> 4499.14] worshipping +[4499.14 --> 4500.22] one God +[4500.22 --> 4500.82] alone +[4500.82 --> 4502.38] or is +[4502.38 --> 4503.54] for instance +[4503.54 --> 4505.06] participating +[4505.06 --> 4506.32] in the Lord's +[4506.32 --> 4506.56] Supper +[4506.56 --> 4507.60] right +[4507.60 --> 4508.18] one of the early +[4508.18 --> 4508.70] Christian +[4508.70 --> 4509.80] or one of the charges +[4509.80 --> 4510.50] that Romans +[4510.50 --> 4511.26] gave to the early +[4511.26 --> 4511.66] Christians +[4511.66 --> 4512.42] was that we +[4512.42 --> 4513.20] are cannibals +[4513.20 --> 4514.98] because Jesus +[4514.98 --> 4515.44] says +[4515.44 --> 4517.06] eat my flesh +[4517.06 --> 4518.52] and drink my blood +[4518.52 --> 4519.20] and we participate +[4519.20 --> 4520.00] in the Lord's Supper +[4520.00 --> 4520.94] but these are +[4520.94 --> 4522.06] unlawful customs +[4522.06 --> 4523.22] for the Romans +[4523.22 --> 4524.18] to accept +[4524.18 --> 4526.18] now +[4526.18 --> 4527.48] in Greek +[4527.48 --> 4528.52] and Roman cities +[4528.52 --> 4529.82] the marketplace +[4529.82 --> 4531.98] is a gathering place +[4531.98 --> 4532.66] it's a place +[4532.66 --> 4533.42] where all the people +[4533.42 --> 4534.00] would come +[4534.00 --> 4535.48] and make exchanges +[4535.48 --> 4536.08] where they would +[4536.08 --> 4536.70] come to hear +[4536.70 --> 4537.90] and receive the +[4537.90 --> 4538.76] news reports +[4538.76 --> 4539.54] and the updates +[4539.54 --> 4540.68] it's the place +[4540.68 --> 4541.64] where the leaders +[4541.64 --> 4542.28] would gather +[4542.28 --> 4542.94] and they would have +[4542.94 --> 4544.14] their days +[4544.14 --> 4544.96] where they could sit +[4544.96 --> 4545.90] and hold trial +[4545.90 --> 4547.20] and so that's +[4547.20 --> 4548.72] that is where they go +[4548.72 --> 4549.54] makes sense +[4549.54 --> 4550.34] culturally +[4550.34 --> 4551.68] we don't have +[4551.68 --> 4552.28] a marketplace +[4552.28 --> 4553.62] like that anymore +[4553.62 --> 4554.24] right +[4554.24 --> 4554.90] it's not like +[4554.90 --> 4556.10] after church +[4556.10 --> 4556.60] we're all going to +[4556.60 --> 4557.62] go up to Ralph's +[4557.62 --> 4558.36] in order to hear +[4558.36 --> 4559.00] the announcements +[4559.00 --> 4559.76] of what's happening +[4559.76 --> 4560.52] in the week to come +[4560.52 --> 4562.82] but +[4562.82 --> 4564.88] market economics +[4564.88 --> 4567.14] or our ideas +[4567.14 --> 4568.00] of wealth +[4568.00 --> 4569.54] are still +[4569.54 --> 4570.48] significant +[4570.48 --> 4571.28] drivers +[4571.28 --> 4572.88] of what we are +[4572.88 --> 4573.56] now seeing +[4573.56 --> 4574.68] is a spiritual +[4574.68 --> 4575.98] conflict +[4575.98 --> 4577.46] right +[4577.46 --> 4578.14] Jesus himself +[4578.14 --> 4578.64] says +[4578.64 --> 4579.32] where your +[4579.32 --> 4580.14] treasure is +[4580.14 --> 4580.64] there your +[4580.64 --> 4581.42] heart will be +[4581.42 --> 4582.10] also +[4582.10 --> 4583.98] and so the reality +[4583.98 --> 4585.26] of worshipping money +[4585.26 --> 4586.96] is still one of the +[4586.96 --> 4587.90] chief idols +[4587.90 --> 4588.62] of course +[4588.62 --> 4589.72] in our world +[4589.72 --> 4590.12] today +[4590.12 --> 4591.60] and in this story +[4591.60 --> 4593.38] we read in verse 22 +[4593.38 --> 4594.34] that the crowd +[4594.34 --> 4595.46] joined in the attack +[4595.46 --> 4596.12] against Paul +[4596.12 --> 4596.72] and Silas +[4596.72 --> 4597.46] and the magistrates +[4597.46 --> 4598.22] ordered them to be +[4598.22 --> 4598.98] stripped and beaten +[4598.98 --> 4599.56] with rods +[4599.56 --> 4600.94] and after they had +[4600.94 --> 4602.06] been severely flogged +[4602.06 --> 4602.60] they were thrown +[4602.60 --> 4603.18] into prison +[4603.18 --> 4603.96] and a jailer +[4603.96 --> 4604.68] was commanded +[4604.68 --> 4605.52] to guard them +[4605.52 --> 4606.22] carefully +[4606.22 --> 4609.04] see not only +[4609.04 --> 4610.26] does proclaiming +[4610.26 --> 4610.80] the gospel +[4610.80 --> 4611.40] brush up +[4611.40 --> 4612.24] against the spirit +[4612.24 --> 4612.94] of the age +[4612.94 --> 4614.74] and have an impact +[4614.74 --> 4615.58] on the physical +[4615.58 --> 4616.82] reality of the world +[4616.82 --> 4617.52] around them +[4617.52 --> 4619.84] proclaiming the gospel +[4619.84 --> 4620.82] has an impact +[4620.82 --> 4621.80] on the physical +[4621.80 --> 4622.92] reality of those +[4622.92 --> 4623.88] who proclaim +[4623.88 --> 4624.74] the gospel +[4624.74 --> 4626.06] of those who speak it +[4626.06 --> 4627.04] right +[4627.04 --> 4627.78] this is an example +[4627.78 --> 4628.86] of Paul +[4628.86 --> 4629.88] in persecution +[4629.88 --> 4631.02] that he was +[4631.02 --> 4631.74] familiar with +[4631.74 --> 4633.28] this is an example +[4633.28 --> 4634.22] of what happens +[4634.22 --> 4635.64] when the spirits +[4635.64 --> 4636.84] of the age +[4636.84 --> 4637.92] are in a battle +[4637.92 --> 4639.52] with the most high God +[4639.52 --> 4641.98] and Jesus warned +[4641.98 --> 4643.52] he said to his disciples +[4643.52 --> 4645.72] that you would have +[4645.72 --> 4647.78] trouble in this world +[4647.78 --> 4648.68] Jesus warned +[4648.68 --> 4649.94] he said to his disciples +[4649.94 --> 4650.90] that whoever wants +[4650.90 --> 4651.46] to be holy +[4651.46 --> 4652.38] will be persecuted +[4652.38 --> 4653.52] Jesus warned +[4653.52 --> 4654.20] his disciples +[4654.20 --> 4655.02] and he said to them +[4655.02 --> 4656.42] the world will hate you +[4656.42 --> 4658.06] because it hated me first +[4658.06 --> 4660.68] and for Paul +[4660.68 --> 4662.42] and for some of us +[4662.42 --> 4663.48] more than others +[4663.48 --> 4664.32] for Christians +[4664.32 --> 4665.42] in places +[4665.42 --> 4666.82] perhaps other than +[4666.82 --> 4668.10] this one right here +[4668.10 --> 4669.88] this is the ordinary +[4669.88 --> 4672.20] cost of discipleship +[4672.20 --> 4674.02] this is what it means +[4674.02 --> 4675.22] to take up your cross +[4675.22 --> 4675.96] and to follow +[4675.96 --> 4677.64] after him +[4677.64 --> 4679.50] now +[4679.50 --> 4682.08] don't hear what I'm not saying +[4682.08 --> 4682.40] because +[4682.40 --> 4683.62] I pray +[4683.62 --> 4686.10] that this never happens +[4686.10 --> 4686.64] to us +[4686.64 --> 4688.72] I pray +[4688.72 --> 4689.22] that we never +[4689.22 --> 4689.94] have to endure +[4689.94 --> 4691.56] this kind of +[4691.56 --> 4692.54] reality +[4692.54 --> 4697.06] but it might +[4697.06 --> 4699.92] and if it does +[4699.92 --> 4702.78] I don't want it said +[4702.78 --> 4704.40] of Langley Emanuel Church +[4704.40 --> 4705.44] that we weren't ready +[4705.44 --> 4708.32] that we didn't expect it +[4708.32 --> 4709.58] right +[4709.58 --> 4710.38] I'm praying +[4710.38 --> 4712.06] that we are ready +[4712.06 --> 4713.82] and then notice +[4713.82 --> 4714.18] here +[4714.18 --> 4714.44] right +[4714.44 --> 4715.10] as we get +[4715.10 --> 4715.74] ready +[4715.74 --> 4716.90] as we are +[4716.90 --> 4717.40] prepared +[4717.40 --> 4717.84] notice +[4717.84 --> 4719.74] what Paul and Silas do +[4719.74 --> 4722.06] they're in jail +[4722.06 --> 4722.86] in prison +[4722.86 --> 4723.82] in stocks +[4723.82 --> 4725.30] their feet are bound +[4725.30 --> 4726.76] about midnight +[4726.76 --> 4728.22] Paul and Silas +[4728.22 --> 4728.88] were praying +[4728.88 --> 4729.92] and singing +[4729.92 --> 4730.86] hymns +[4730.86 --> 4731.76] to God +[4731.76 --> 4734.34] now earlier +[4734.34 --> 4734.80] I said +[4734.80 --> 4735.44] the way that we +[4735.44 --> 4736.36] fight this battle +[4736.36 --> 4736.96] is to pray +[4736.96 --> 4737.54] in the spirit +[4737.54 --> 4738.60] on all occasions +[4738.60 --> 4740.06] armed with the word +[4740.06 --> 4740.72] of God +[4740.72 --> 4743.74] and to sing +[4743.74 --> 4747.18] and to sing +[4747.18 --> 4749.54] brothers and sisters +[4749.54 --> 4750.94] the gospel +[4750.94 --> 4752.10] the gospel +[4752.10 --> 4753.22] pushes back +[4753.22 --> 4755.18] against the spirit +[4755.18 --> 4755.82] of this age +[4755.82 --> 4757.88] prayer +[4757.88 --> 4758.94] pushes back +[4758.94 --> 4760.12] against the spirit +[4760.12 --> 4761.04] of this age +[4761.04 --> 4762.72] the word of God +[4762.72 --> 4763.28] proclaimed +[4763.28 --> 4764.28] pushes back +[4764.28 --> 4765.40] against the spirit +[4765.40 --> 4766.38] of this age +[4766.38 --> 4767.64] songs +[4767.64 --> 4768.14] hymns +[4768.14 --> 4769.30] and spiritual songs +[4769.30 --> 4770.26] push back +[4770.26 --> 4771.40] against the spirit +[4771.40 --> 4772.48] of this age +[4772.48 --> 4774.98] this is what it looks like +[4774.98 --> 4775.92] to find strength +[4775.92 --> 4776.72] in God +[4776.72 --> 4777.36] in the face +[4777.36 --> 4777.96] of trial +[4777.96 --> 4779.00] and persecution +[4779.00 --> 4780.24] and so +[4780.24 --> 4781.28] I pray +[4781.28 --> 4782.76] will you push +[4782.76 --> 4784.16] with me +[4784.16 --> 4787.40] push back +[4787.40 --> 4788.24] against the spirit +[4788.24 --> 4788.82] of this age +[4788.82 --> 4790.08] that confuses +[4790.08 --> 4790.78] rather than +[4790.78 --> 4791.64] clarifies +[4791.64 --> 4792.30] push back +[4792.30 --> 4792.88] against the spirit +[4792.88 --> 4793.36] of this age +[4793.36 --> 4794.10] that divides +[4794.10 --> 4794.88] rather than +[4794.88 --> 4795.70] pulls together +[4795.70 --> 4796.50] push back +[4796.50 --> 4797.16] against the spirit +[4797.16 --> 4797.70] of this age +[4797.70 --> 4798.32] that wants to +[4798.32 --> 4799.36] separate children +[4799.36 --> 4799.96] from parents +[4799.96 --> 4800.40] and parents +[4800.40 --> 4800.86] from children +[4800.86 --> 4801.66] push back +[4801.66 --> 4802.26] against the spirit +[4802.26 --> 4802.74] of this age +[4802.74 --> 4803.02] that says +[4803.02 --> 4804.00] you are not +[4804.00 --> 4804.68] worthy +[4804.68 --> 4805.54] you are not +[4805.54 --> 4806.18] valued +[4806.18 --> 4807.02] you are not +[4807.02 --> 4807.56] loved +[4807.56 --> 4808.14] push back +[4808.14 --> 4808.86] against the spirit +[4808.86 --> 4809.50] of this age +[4809.50 --> 4810.04] that seeks +[4810.04 --> 4810.54] to sow +[4810.54 --> 4811.20] chaos +[4811.20 --> 4812.16] and discord +[4812.16 --> 4813.24] push back +[4813.24 --> 4814.52] with a song +[4814.52 --> 4816.04] push back +[4816.04 --> 4816.68] with the word +[4816.68 --> 4817.14] of God +[4817.14 --> 4817.68] proclaimed +[4817.68 --> 4818.50] push back +[4818.50 --> 4819.68] by being deeply +[4819.68 --> 4821.04] in prayer +[4821.04 --> 4823.04] make no mistake +[4823.04 --> 4823.54] about it +[4823.54 --> 4824.50] we are in +[4824.50 --> 4825.60] a spiritual battle +[4825.60 --> 4826.50] but it is a spiritual +[4826.50 --> 4827.36] battle that is being +[4827.36 --> 4828.20] worked out here +[4828.20 --> 4828.92] and now +[4828.92 --> 4829.80] in the soil +[4829.80 --> 4830.84] of this earth +[4830.84 --> 4834.92] but our good God +[4834.92 --> 4837.20] has given us +[4837.20 --> 4837.80] his gospel +[4837.80 --> 4840.34] and by that gospel +[4840.34 --> 4840.98] he has given us +[4840.98 --> 4841.76] Jesus Christ +[4841.76 --> 4843.66] and our good God +[4843.66 --> 4844.18] in giving us +[4844.18 --> 4844.80] Jesus Christ +[4844.80 --> 4846.10] has promised us +[4846.10 --> 4847.64] the spirit +[4847.64 --> 4850.16] not a spirit +[4850.16 --> 4852.58] the spirit +[4852.58 --> 4853.50] the one +[4853.50 --> 4854.96] that rules +[4854.96 --> 4857.36] over all +[4857.36 --> 4858.48] that is +[4858.48 --> 4859.80] our God +[4859.80 --> 4860.26] he +[4860.26 --> 4861.30] is +[4861.30 --> 4862.06] our +[4862.06 --> 4862.78] God +[4862.78 --> 4863.48] and I don't know +[4863.48 --> 4863.98] about you +[4863.98 --> 4865.70] but that makes me +[4865.70 --> 4866.20] want to sing +[4866.20 --> 4867.08] amen +[4867.08 --> 4868.52] amen +[4868.52 --> 4869.06] let's +[4869.06 --> 4869.98] sing +[4869.98 --> 4870.80] together +[4870.80 --> 4871.18] and in fact +[4871.18 --> 4871.70] I'm going to invite +[4871.70 --> 4872.62] you all to stand +[4872.62 --> 4873.82] I'm going to pray +[4873.82 --> 4875.10] and as +[4875.10 --> 4877.00] we finish our prayer +[4877.00 --> 4877.90] the worship team +[4877.90 --> 4878.92] is going to take us +[4878.92 --> 4879.30] right +[4879.30 --> 4880.36] into +[4880.36 --> 4881.44] song +[4881.44 --> 4882.98] and it is by this song +[4882.98 --> 4884.62] sung that we push back +[4884.62 --> 4885.78] against the spirit +[4885.78 --> 4886.44] of the age +[4886.44 --> 4887.48] it is by the gospel +[4887.48 --> 4889.20] proclaimed that we push back +[4889.20 --> 4890.10] and so +[4890.10 --> 4890.96] sing +[4890.96 --> 4892.34] and pray +[4892.34 --> 4893.70] and proclaim +[4893.70 --> 4894.80] together +[4894.80 --> 4895.38] let's +[4895.38 --> 4896.20] pray +[4896.20 --> 4899.26] Lord +[4899.26 --> 4900.12] our +[4900.12 --> 4901.42] God +[4901.42 --> 4904.70] Lord +[4904.70 --> 4905.24] our God +[4905.24 --> 4906.04] you are +[4906.04 --> 4906.94] in this +[4906.94 --> 4907.74] place +[4907.74 --> 4908.70] by your +[4908.70 --> 4909.48] spirit +[4909.48 --> 4910.14] you are +[4910.14 --> 4910.58] here +[4910.58 --> 4911.34] among us +[4911.34 --> 4911.98] Lord Jesus +[4911.98 --> 4912.86] your name +[4912.86 --> 4913.96] is proclaimed +[4913.96 --> 4914.66] and so +[4914.66 --> 4915.76] we push +[4915.76 --> 4916.50] back +[4916.50 --> 4917.24] against the +[4917.24 --> 4917.48] spirits +[4917.48 --> 4918.42] we enter +[4918.42 --> 4919.08] into +[4919.08 --> 4920.30] the battle +[4920.30 --> 4920.96] the battle +[4920.96 --> 4921.44] that you +[4921.44 --> 4922.22] have won +[4922.22 --> 4923.62] the victory +[4923.62 --> 4924.12] that you +[4924.12 --> 4925.00] have promised +[4925.00 --> 4926.84] and we +[4926.84 --> 4927.66] sing +[4927.66 --> 4928.68] your +[4928.68 --> 4929.80] praise +[4929.80 --> 4933.64] even as +[4933.64 --> 4934.28] the rain +[4934.28 --> 4934.94] falls +[4934.94 --> 4936.10] washing +[4936.10 --> 4937.16] the earth +[4937.16 --> 4938.26] wash us +[4938.26 --> 4938.96] by your +[4938.96 --> 4939.42] spirit +[4939.42 --> 4940.26] renew +[4940.26 --> 4940.90] us +[4940.90 --> 4941.60] by your +[4941.60 --> 4941.88] spirit +[4941.88 --> 4942.30] that we +[4942.30 --> 4942.80] might be +[4942.80 --> 4943.38] sent from +[4943.38 --> 4944.16] this place +[4944.16 --> 4945.02] a mighty +[4945.02 --> 4945.86] army +[4945.86 --> 4946.72] for the +[4946.72 --> 4946.98] Lord +[4946.98 --> 4947.60] in Jesus +[4947.60 --> 4947.98] name +[4947.98 --> 4948.50] we pray +[4948.50 --> 4949.74] amen +[4955.00 --> 4962.44] men +[4962.44 --> 4963.00] oh +[4963.00 --> 4964.04] i store +[4964.04 --> 4964.52] praise +[4964.52 --> 4965.16] of them +[4965.38 --> 4969.82] i +[4969.82 --> 4976.16] I know days that God has numbered +[4976.16 --> 4980.78] I will sing in all within +[4980.78 --> 4986.20] Yet I look for worldly treasure +[4986.20 --> 4989.94] And forsake the King +[4989.94 --> 4996.48] But my ears grow fit by Redeemer +[4996.48 --> 5001.20] Though I know His love is sure +[5001.20 --> 5006.24] For Christ has made for every day +[5006.24 --> 5011.74] I am His forevermore +[5011.74 --> 5019.12] Mine are tears in times of sorrow +[5019.12 --> 5023.48] Darkness, blood and understood +[5023.48 --> 5028.98] Through the valley I must travel +[5028.98 --> 5033.24] Where I see no earthly good +[5033.24 --> 5039.04] But my His peace and hope from heaven +[5039.04 --> 5043.20] And the strength in time will be +[5043.20 --> 5048.70] I know my pain will not be wasted +[5048.70 --> 5052.96] Christ, oh please, His word will be +[5052.96 --> 5060.70] Nine are days here as a stranger +[5060.70 --> 5065.96] Pilgrim on a narrow way +[5065.96 --> 5071.46] One with Christ I will encounter +[5071.46 --> 5075.96] Heart and hatred for His pain +[5075.96 --> 5081.24] But my His armor for this battle +[5081.24 --> 5085.46] Strong enough to last long +[5085.46 --> 5090.96] And He has said He will deliver +[5090.96 --> 5095.22] Simply to the golden shore +[5095.22 --> 5100.22] And mine are keys to Zion City +[5100.22 --> 5104.96] Where beside the King I was +[5104.96 --> 5110.46] For there my heart has found its treasure +[5110.46 --> 5114.72] Christ is mine forevermore +[5114.72 --> 5138.48] Come rejoice now, O my soul +[5138.48 --> 5143.98] For His love is my reward +[5143.98 --> 5148.48] For His love is my reward +[5148.48 --> 5153.48] Christ is mine forevermore +[5153.48 --> 5155.48] Come rejoice now, O my soul +[5155.48 --> 5158.48] Come rejoice now, O my soul +[5158.48 --> 5163.48] For His love is my reward +[5163.48 --> 5167.48] Fear is gone and hope is sure +[5167.48 --> 5172.48] Christ is mine forevermore +[5172.48 --> 5173.48] Christ is mine forevermore +[5173.48 --> 5179.48] Christ is mine forevermore +[5179.48 --> 5182.48] And mine are keys to Zion City +[5182.48 --> 5202.46] Where beside the King I was +[5202.46 --> 5203.46] Be not walk +[5203.46 --> 5209.46] For there my heart has found its treasure +[5209.46 --> 5214.46] Christ is mine forevermore +[5214.46 --> 5220.46] Christ is mine forevermore +[5220.46 --> 5225.46] Christ is mine forevermore +[5225.46 --> 5240.00] As you go this week, know that you go into battle, but know that God goes with you. +[5241.16 --> 5247.82] And know that God is not surprised by whatever you face, but he has ordained your steps that +[5247.82 --> 5254.46] you would be there. And so he is with you for the journey. He is with you for the battle. He is in +[5254.46 --> 5261.44] you in the Spirit, and so receive God's blessing. Following God's blessing, we're going to sing +[5261.44 --> 5266.72] another song, and there's a chance to be prayed with or over. We'll have someone up front here +[5266.72 --> 5271.06] with a yellow name tag. They would love to meet you and pray with you. Go as well with an invitation +[5271.06 --> 5277.48] to join us again at 7 p.m. for our lament and longing service together, and go with a gentle +[5277.48 --> 5281.58] reminder that after you've finished your coffee and your fellowship, that stacking chairs would +[5281.58 --> 5290.20] be appreciated. That's part of the battle today. Receive the blessing of God. God, go before you +[5290.20 --> 5297.32] to lead you. God, go behind you to protect you. God, go beneath you to support you, and God, go beside +[5297.32 --> 5305.54] you to defend you. Do not be afraid. Let the blessing of God come upon you today. Do not be afraid, +[5305.54 --> 5311.40] but go in peace to love and serve the Lord. Amen. +[5311.40 --> 5311.58] Amen. +[5341.40 --> 5353.14] be +[5353.14 --> 5368.14] Be gracious to you, Lord, turn his face for you and give you peace. +[5368.14 --> 5383.50] Lord, bless you and give you, make his face shine upon you. +[5383.50 --> 5397.50] Be gracious to you, Lord, turn his face for you and give you peace. +[5398.14 --> 5412.44] Amen, amen, amen. +[5412.44 --> 5425.44] Amen, amen, amen. +[5428.14 --> 5439.44] Lord, bless you and give you, make his face shine upon you. +[5439.44 --> 5452.14] Be gracious to you, Lord, turn his face for you and give you peace. +[5452.14 --> 5468.02] Amen, amen, amen. +[5468.02 --> 5480.94] Amen, amen, amen. +[5480.94 --> 5482.94] Amen. +[5482.94 --> 5484.94] Amen. +[5484.94 --> 5485.94] Amen. +[5485.94 --> 5493.94] Amen. +[5493.94 --> 5495.94] Amen. +[5495.94 --> 5497.94] Amen. +[5497.94 --> 5499.94] Amen. +[5499.94 --> 5521.94] May His favor be upon you and a thousand generations, and your family, and your children, and their children, and their children. +[5521.94 --> 5534.94] May His favor be upon you and a thousand generations, and your family, and your children, and their children, and their children. +[5534.94 --> 5543.94] May His presence go before you and behind you and inside you and all around you. +[5543.94 --> 5571.94] May His favor be upon you and in the evening and in your family and in loving your waking days, my children, and their children, and their children. +[5571.94 --> 5585.32] Amen, amen, amen. +[5585.32 --> 5598.04] Amen, amen, amen. +[5598.04 --> 5611.38] Amen, amen, amen. +[5611.38 --> 5625.42] Amen, amen, amen. +[5628.04 --> 5630.04] Amen. +[5658.04 --> 5660.04] Amen. +[5688.04 --> 5690.04] Amen. +[5690.04 --> 5692.04] Amen. +[5692.04 --> 5693.04] Amen. +[5693.04 --> 5695.04] Amen. +[5695.04 --> 5697.04] Amen. +[5697.04 --> 5698.04] Amen. +[5698.04 --> 5700.04] Amen. +[5700.04 --> 5701.04] Amen. +[5701.04 --> 5702.04] Amen. +[5702.04 --> 5714.04] Amen. +[5714.04 --> 5744.02] Thank you. +[5744.04 --> 5774.02] Thank you. +[5774.04 --> 5804.02] Thank you. +[5804.04 --> 5834.02] Thank you. +[5834.04 --> 5864.02] Thank you. +[5864.04 --> 5894.02] Thank you. +[5894.04 --> 5924.02] Thank you. +[5924.04 --> 5954.02] Thank you. +[5954.04 --> 5984.02] Thank you. +[5984.04 --> 6014.02] Thank you. +[6014.04 --> 6044.02] Thank you. +[6044.04 --> 6074.02] Thank you. +[6074.02 --> 6104.00] Thank you. +[6104.02 --> 6134.00] Thank you. diff --git a/Sunday Worship, Aug 25, 2024_summary.txt b/Sunday Worship, Aug 25, 2024_summary.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000000000000000000000000000000000000..16a152d8251b48e15524ddb470a28cf7c4f2a638 --- /dev/null +++ b/Sunday Worship, Aug 25, 2024_summary.txt @@ -0,0 +1,133 @@ +• Discussion of various items (soya, carsticks) +• Mention of cattlemen +• Announcement about a game or event +• Care groups being relaunched/restarted +• Call to worship from Psalm 47 +• Opening prayer/invocation +• General welcome and greetings +• Worship and praise to God +• Creation and majesty of God +• Holiness and attributes of God +• Praise and adoration of God's name +• God's power and glory +• Invitation to worship and behold God +• God's uniqueness and holiness emphasized throughout the passage +• God's rescue and provision through His Son +• Humanity's failure to be like Jesus despite heart's desire +• Need for Holy Spirit's transforming power +• Worship and praise of God's holiness and sovereignty +• Sin, redemption, and the love of Jesus Christ +• Discussion about a song or hymn with lyrics "If ever I love thee" and Jesus being mentioned +• Introduction of Jim from the Langley Food Bank, who shares updates on the organization's new developments +• Mention of 2 Corinthians 5:17 and Isaiah 43:18-19 as scripture references related to new beginnings +• Description of a new executive manager at the food bank (Josh Mace) and a new location for the organization +• Explanation of the new facility, including its size, features, and impact on service provision +• Statistics about the number of people served by the Langley Food Bank in June and July +• Donations of expired tuna and other food items were made to the food bank +• Discussion of a pastor's efforts to introduce clients to church and Jesus Christ +• Prayer for Jim, a guest speaker, and the Langley Food Bank ministry +• Announcement of an offering for Cascade Christian Counseling +• Singing of hymns, including "My Hope is Built on Nothing Less" +• Discussion of a summer highlight from the New Testament +• Upcoming children's worship time schedule changes +• Prayer for the church family and community +• Blessing and gratitude for various members and their circumstances +• Prayers for specific individuals, including health and well-being +• Prayers for the greater world, including leaders, conflict zones, and educational institutions +• Request for God's blessing and guidance on the church's ministry +• Praying for focus on Jesus and trusting in Him +• Reading from Acts 18, specifically verses 1-28 +• Paul's journey from Corinth to Ephesus and other locations +• Apollos' arrival in Ephesus and his role in spreading the gospel +• The author sharing a personal anecdote about playing with Legos as a child +• The concept of individual parts coming together to form a beautiful whole is discussed as an analogy for the church +• Reading stories in Acts shows what an active church community can be like and how it benefits one another +• A healthy church utilizes spiritual gifts for the building up of the body +• Priscilla, Aquila, and Apollos are presented as examples of using their gifts to facilitate each other's ministries +• Background information is given on Priscilla and Aquila's lives, including their expulsion from Rome due to a decree issued by Emperor Claudius +• Shared commitment to the scriptures and love for Jesus +• Paul, Priscilla, and Aquila's ministry together in Corinth +• Nazarite vow mentioned in Numbers 6:1-20 +• Description of a Nazarite vow, including abstaining from wine and grapes, avoiding contact with the dead, and not cutting hair +• The word "Nazarite" comes from Hebrew meaning "consecrated" or "set apart" +• Distinction between "Nazarite" and related terms such as "Nazareth", "Nazarene", "watch", and "branch" +• Personal anecdote about being in seminary +• Bible knowledge exam question about where Paul got his hair cut +• Connection to Acts 21 and Nazarite vow +• Paul's cultural practice as a Jewish missionary +• Importance of understanding Paul's connection to his Jewish culture despite being a Christian +• Balance between Paul's identity as a Christian and his cultural practices as a Jew +• Mission and identity +• Being a Christian and a citizen of the kingdom of heaven +• Living on mission like Paul in Ephesus +• Proclaiming the same message and standing firm on God's word +• Discerning what is really important and what can be less so +• Paul leaves Ephesus +• Apollos arrives in Ephesus, described as an eloquent and capable speaker +• Priscilla and Aquila recognize Apollos' potential but also his limited understanding of Christian teachings +• They take him aside to explain the way of God more accurately +• Apollos is introduced as a Jew from Alexandria who is knowledgeable about scriptures but has a limited understanding of baptism +• He is sent to Achaia (Greece) and specifically to Corinth with support from Ephesian believers +• The brothers and sisters in Ephesus write to the church in Corinth to welcome and support Apollos. +• Jesus is refuted and proved from the scriptures to be the Messiah in public debate +• Apollos' significance in the Corinthian church leads to divisions among believers who follow different influential figures (Paul, Apollos, Peter/Cephas) +• Paul emphasizes that he and Apollos are servants of Christ through whom Corinthians came to believe +• The growth of faith in Corinth is attributed to God, not just Paul or Apollos +• Apollos eventually left Corinth due to his relationship with Paul, but returned later +• Apollos' role in the early church and possible authorship of the letter to the Hebrews +• Tradition surrounding Apollos' ministry in various locations, including Corinth, Caesarea, and Smyrna +• Discussion on the importance of spiritual gifts in building up the body of believers +• Reference to 1 Corinthians 16:16, where Priscilla and Aquila host Apollos and explain God's way more adequately +• The significance of this story as an example of how God functions through his church +• Making space in one's life for others and for opportunities +• Inviting someone into one's life, even a stranger or an acquaintance +• Having room in one's schedule for unexpected events or conversations +• Intentionally building gaps in one's time to allow God to work +• Noticing the example of Priscilla and Aquila who made space in their lives for Paul +• The pressure to constantly be busy and active +• Balancing parenting responsibilities with making time for God or others +• Creating space in life for relationships and spiritual growth +• Prioritizing what is most important in one's life +• Asking questions and seeking guidance on how to make time for what truly matters +• The church family welcomed and ministered to strangers who opened their homes and lived together. +• The Emmanuel youth program partners leaders with students from grade 8 onwards for five years, doing life together and discipling them. +• Intentional prioritization of relationships between leaders and youth is necessary for a healthy, functioning church. +• Care groups are another place where God builds lives by living together, and several care groups have been meeting for over 25 years. +• The importance of being involved in community and living life with others +• The value of a group of friends who have been a support system for many years +• The need to be able to disagree with others and engage in critical thinking and discussion +• The balance between giving reasons for one's faith and doing so with gentleness and respect +• God grows the church and transforms individuals into Jesus' image through relationships and listening to others. +• Genuine, authentic, and meaningful listening is essential in understanding how God works through others. +• Listening leads to learning and teaching, as demonstrated by Priscilla and Aquila's encounter with Paul. +• Searching the scriptures and seeking truth is a pattern of discipleship emphasized in the New Testament stories. +• Searching the scriptures daily is a crucial practice for spiritual growth. +• Intentional relationships are necessary for discipleship and mentoring. +• Simply spending time with others in casual settings (e.g. hockey games, Starbucks) is not enough; deeper engagement with scripture is required. +• Scripture should be used to guide discussions about God's teachings in the present moment. +• The early church followed a pattern of intentional scripture-based teaching and learning. +• Quotes from Clement of Alexandria emphasize the importance of toil and dedication to seeking truth through scripture. +• Following Jesus as a guide +• Importance of living in accordance with God's word +• Emphasis on following Jesus' teachings and example +• Discipleship and relationship with Jesus +• Pursuing spiritual growth and utilizing gifts given by Jesus +• Sent out to serve others, with the idea being descriptive rather than prescriptive +• The church's focus on using its members' spiritual gifts to build up the body of Christ +• The large number of volunteer positions available at Emmanuel Church (over 330) +• Approximately 60% of the congregation are volunteering in some capacity +• The average volunteer takes on around 2.29 roles, effectively doing the work of almost two and a half people +• The emphasis on community service and the blessing that it brings to the church +• God's role in equipping and empowering members to serve and grow the church +• Discerning who needs to be talked to or invited into one's life +• Identifying a suitable Bible study or care group to participate in +• Recognizing God's work and praying for more of it in one's life +• Asking questions about discipleship, space, relationships, and intentionality +• Praying for guidance and humility to hear God's answer +• Experiencing the presence and glory of God +• Meeting with someone for prayer and fellowship after worship +• The speaker describes Jesus Christ as the Lion of Judah and the Lamb who was slain +• Jesus will reign at His Father's side with wisdom, mercy, and justice +• Angels will cry out in praise of Jesus, hailing Him as the ruler of the world +• The earth will be fixed on Jesus and He will reign as King of all kings and Lord of all souls +• A reference to a shield, sword, and fire within the believer is made \ No newline at end of file diff --git a/Sunday Worship, Aug 25, 2024_transcript.txt b/Sunday Worship, Aug 25, 2024_transcript.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000000000000000000000000000000000000..210c929a3400ddd4fa91c39d58c0520acd3c6549 --- /dev/null +++ b/Sunday Worship, Aug 25, 2024_transcript.txt @@ -0,0 +1,2612 @@ +[0.00 --> 8.00] So you have soya, you have carsticks, and the different things come down. +[9.00 --> 11.50] We have other cattlemen +[14.00 --> 22.00] And then we have soya and Then we have soya, come from the garage, change red, +[23.00 --> 28.00] put continued +[28.00 --> 30.00] I'll be watching. +[58.00 --> 87.98] Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah. +[88.00 --> 117.98] Yeah, yeah, yeah. +[118.00 --> 120.00] Yeah. +[148.00 --> 150.00] Yeah. +[150.00 --> 152.00] Yeah. +[152.00 --> 154.00] Yeah. +[154.00 --> 156.00] Yeah. +[156.00 --> 158.00] Yeah. +[158.00 --> 160.00] Yeah. +[160.00 --> 162.00] Yeah. +[162.00 --> 164.00] Yeah. +[164.00 --> 166.00] Yeah. +[166.00 --> 168.00] Yeah. +[168.00 --> 170.00] Yeah. +[170.00 --> 172.00] Yeah. +[172.00 --> 174.00] Yeah. +[174.00 --> 176.00] Yeah. +[176.00 --> 178.00] Yeah. +[178.00 --> 180.00] Yeah. +[180.00 --> 182.00] Yeah. +[182.00 --> 184.00] Yeah. +[184.00 --> 186.00] Yeah. +[186.00 --> 188.00] Yeah. +[188.00 --> 190.00] Yeah. +[190.00 --> 192.00] Yeah. +[192.00 --> 194.00] Yeah. +[194.00 --> 196.00] Yeah. +[196.00 --> 204.00] Yeah. +[204.00 --> 206.00] Yeah. +[206.00 --> 208.00] Yeah. +[208.00 --> 210.00] Yeah. +[210.00 --> 214.00] Yeah. +[214.00 --> 216.00] Yeah. +[216.00 --> 218.00] Yeah. +[218.00 --> 220.00] Yeah. +[220.00 --> 222.00] Yeah. +[222.00 --> 224.00] Yeah. +[224.00 --> 236.00] Yeah. +[236.00 --> 238.00] Yeah. +[238.00 --> 240.00] Yeah. +[240.00 --> 269.98] Thank you. +[270.00 --> 299.98] Thank you. +[300.00 --> 329.98] Thank you. +[330.00 --> 359.98] Thank you. +[360.00 --> 389.98] Thank you. +[390.00 --> 419.98] Thank you. +[420.00 --> 449.98] Thank you. +[450.00 --> 479.98] Thank you. +[480.00 --> 509.98] Thank you. +[510.00 --> 539.98] Thank you. +[540.00 --> 569.98] Thank you. +[570.00 --> 599.98] Thank you. +[600.00 --> 629.98] Thank you. +[630.00 --> 659.98] Thank you. +[660.00 --> 689.98] Thank you. +[690.00 --> 719.98] Thank you. +[720.00 --> 749.98] Thank you. +[750.00 --> 779.98] Thank you. +[780.00 --> 809.98] Thank you. +[810.00 --> 839.98] Thank you. +[840.00 --> 869.98] Good morning. +[869.98 --> 899.96] Good morning. +[899.96 --> 929.94] You are a guest with us this morning. +[929.94 --> 959.94] And so, +[959.96 --> 989.92] okay. +[989.92 --> 992.34] 92? 92. Perfect. +[993.46 --> 996.62] Details on that are in the e-bulletin, or if you have questions, you can grab me. +[996.74 --> 998.84] We'd love to see everyone come out for that. +[999.72 --> 1002.44] This year, we're going to mix up the teams and everyone playing, +[1002.56 --> 1005.72] and so you don't need to register, you don't need to be part of a team. +[1005.80 --> 1009.42] Just come on out, bring your ball glove, and maybe some running shoes, +[1009.60 --> 1011.22] and we'll enjoy that time together. +[1013.12 --> 1016.06] And there was one more announcement, which I'm completely forgetting. +[1016.34 --> 1018.74] It's on my list because I forgot to bring my paper up. +[1019.92 --> 1026.66] No, it's in the top paper under announcements. +[1027.68 --> 1029.08] Anyway, I'll find it. It'll be good. +[1029.88 --> 1034.30] Why don't we stand together, and we can be welcomed into God's presence. +[1037.34 --> 1041.06] As you're standing, the final announcement that I was supposed to make +[1041.06 --> 1042.14] was about care groups. +[1042.88 --> 1049.20] And so care groups, we're relaunching and restarting those sign-ups +[1049.20 --> 1053.42] for new members and people who would like to be part of a care group +[1053.42 --> 1056.32] or a small group will come out this next week, +[1056.44 --> 1059.88] and we wanted to draw your attention to that in particular +[1059.88 --> 1061.98] so that you can plug in. +[1062.20 --> 1066.30] I'll return to this theme more later in our preaching time together. +[1067.58 --> 1068.60] With that in mind, +[1068.60 --> 1073.76] let's be welcomed into the presence of our good God together. +[1076.66 --> 1077.14] Grace, +[1078.14 --> 1078.50] mercy, +[1078.88 --> 1079.96] and peace to you +[1079.96 --> 1081.20] from God our Father, +[1081.38 --> 1082.50] from the Lord Jesus Christ, +[1082.60 --> 1083.02] His Son, +[1083.32 --> 1084.04] and our Savior, +[1084.52 --> 1085.64] through the presence and power +[1085.64 --> 1086.98] of the Holy Spirit. +[1087.98 --> 1088.42] Amen. +[1088.42 --> 1088.58] Amen. +[1088.58 --> 1097.62] I hope you had greet people. +[1097.62 --> 1098.54] Amen. +[1127.62 --> 1140.14] Our call to worship today comes from Psalm 47. +[1140.78 --> 1143.40] Clap your hands, all you nations. +[1143.94 --> 1146.06] Shout with God with cries of joy. +[1146.70 --> 1148.78] For the Lord Most High is awesome, +[1149.20 --> 1151.30] the great King over all the earth. +[1152.24 --> 1154.88] Come let us worship our awesome God together. +[1155.66 --> 1157.54] Come those filled with joy, +[1157.62 --> 1159.06] and sing deeply. +[1159.72 --> 1161.58] Come those carrying burdens. +[1162.84 --> 1165.84] May we as God's family raise you up +[1165.84 --> 1169.12] and sing for you as we worship. +[1169.72 --> 1172.92] May God shine his face on us this morning. +[1172.92 --> 1174.92] Amen. +[1187.62 --> 1191.58] God of all creation. +[1191.68 --> 1192.84] God of all creation. +[1192.84 --> 1198.84] Of water, earth, and sky. +[1198.84 --> 1203.54] The heavens are your tabernacle. +[1203.54 --> 1211.68] Glory to the Lord on high. +[1211.76 --> 1215.20] God of wonders beyond our guarantee. +[1215.20 --> 1219.82] You are holy. +[1220.76 --> 1222.84] Holy. +[1222.84 --> 1240.06] Lord of heaven and earth. +[1240.06 --> 1246.06] Lord of heaven and earth. +[1246.06 --> 1247.28] Family and earth não Sire. +[1247.28 --> 1250.20] Fear, and hell are your custom이 Ishida. +[1250.20 --> 1251.02] May we will not be Joy or hope. +[1251.08 --> 1252.26] May we will not be in Mm-H birthday. +[1257.20 --> 1258.38] Now we are touring the early years of Joy +[1258.38 --> 1259.08] if you have good food. +[1259.08 --> 1259.94] Amen. +[1260.08 --> 1260.12] Amen. +[1260.12 --> 1261.66] God for if you are in Jerusalem. +[1261.76 --> 1263.86] Early in the morning, my Lord outerUb syria. +[1263.86 --> 1265.12] The다음e earth will be written by you by your father. +[1265.12 --> 1266.34] Father in Jerusalem. +[1266.34 --> 1268.28] Annimages gratitude is 하나 as we worship. +[1268.28 --> 1270.24] I will celebrate the life. +[1270.24 --> 1271.34] The pivotal verse that I speak in. +[1271.72 --> 1272.16] May the tua name is queen of His travel in Jerusalem. +[1272.16 --> 1277.30] When I stumble in the darkness +[1277.30 --> 1285.34] I will call your name by night +[1285.34 --> 1289.24] God has wandered beyond our galaxy +[1289.24 --> 1296.92] You are holy, holy +[1296.92 --> 1301.48] The gifts that burns to cleanse your majesty +[1301.48 --> 1309.48] You are holy, holy +[1309.48 --> 1315.48] Lord of heaven and earth +[1315.48 --> 1321.48] Lord of heaven and earth +[1321.48 --> 1325.48] Hallelujah +[1325.48 --> 1331.48] Hallelujah +[1331.48 --> 1335.48] To the Lord of heaven and earth +[1335.48 --> 1337.48] Hallelujah +[1337.48 --> 1341.48] To the Lord of heaven and earth +[1341.48 --> 1343.48] Hallelujah +[1343.48 --> 1347.48] To the Lord of heaven and earth +[1347.48 --> 1351.48] And earth wonders beyond our galaxy +[1351.48 --> 1357.48] You are holy, holy +[1357.48 --> 1363.48] The universe declares your majesty +[1363.48 --> 1371.48] You are holy, holy +[1371.48 --> 1375.48] God wonders beyond our galaxy +[1375.48 --> 1381.48] You are holy, holy +[1381.48 --> 1383.48] Holy +[1383.48 --> 1385.48] Holy +[1385.48 --> 1387.48] You are holy, holy +[1387.48 --> 1389.48] You are holy, holy +[1389.48 --> 1391.48] You are holy, holy +[1391.48 --> 1393.48] You are holy, holy +[1393.48 --> 1395.48] You are holy, holy +[1395.48 --> 1401.48] Lord of heaven and earth +[1401.48 --> 1405.48] Lord of heaven and earth +[1405.48 --> 1407.48] You are holy, holy +[1407.48 --> 1411.48] You are holy, holy +[1411.48 --> 1413.48] You are holy, holy +[1413.48 --> 1417.48] You are holy, holy +[1417.48 --> 1419.48] You are holy +[1419.48 --> 1421.48] You are holy +[1421.48 --> 1423.48] You are holy, holy +[1423.48 --> 1425.48] You are holy +[1429.48 --> 1431.48] Amen +[1431.48 --> 1432.48] Amen +[1432.48 --> 1433.48] Amen +[1433.48 --> 1435.48] Amen +[1435.48 --> 1437.48] Amen +[1437.48 --> 1439.48] Amen +[1439.48 --> 1441.48] Amen +[1441.48 --> 1445.12] Make every king bow down. +[1445.96 --> 1451.22] Who else can whisper and darkness trembles? +[1451.84 --> 1455.10] Only a holy God. +[1458.46 --> 1462.92] What other beauty demands such praises? +[1463.74 --> 1469.42] What other splendor outshines the sun? +[1469.42 --> 1475.36] What other majesty rules with justice? +[1476.24 --> 1479.62] Only a holy God. +[1482.68 --> 1491.56] Come and behold him, the one and the only. +[1491.56 --> 1495.92] Cry out, sing holy. +[1496.42 --> 1499.56] Forever a holy God. +[1500.62 --> 1504.56] Come and worship the holy God. +[1504.56 --> 1510.44] Come and behold him, the one and the only. +[1510.44 --> 1513.62] Come and behold him, the one and the only. +[1513.62 --> 1515.42] Come and behold him, the one and the only. +[1515.42 --> 1518.88] What other glory consumes like fire? +[1520.16 --> 1524.62] What other power can raise the dead? +[1524.62 --> 1530.26] One other name remains unsteated +[1530.26 --> 1537.70] Only a holy God +[1537.70 --> 1542.94] Come and behold Him +[1542.94 --> 1547.18] The one and the only +[1547.18 --> 1551.48] I am the holy +[1551.48 --> 1554.38] Forever a holy +[1554.38 --> 1555.88] God +[1555.88 --> 1558.98] Come and worship the holy +[1558.98 --> 1560.96] God +[1560.96 --> 1565.40] Come and behold Him +[1565.40 --> 1569.72] The one and the only +[1569.72 --> 1574.10] Cry out, sing holy +[1574.10 --> 1577.00] Forever a holy +[1577.00 --> 1578.40] God +[1578.40 --> 1581.56] Come and worship the holy +[1581.56 --> 1583.00] God +[1583.00 --> 1609.32] Who else would rescue me from my failing? +[1609.32 --> 1614.82] Who else would offer His only Son? +[1614.82 --> 1620.56] Who else invites me to call Him Father? +[1622.24 --> 1625.82] Only a holy God +[1625.82 --> 1629.98] Only my holy God +[1629.98 --> 1635.48] Come and behold Him +[1635.48 --> 1637.36] Come and behold Him +[1637.36 --> 1641.52] The one and the only +[1641.52 --> 1647.02] Cry out, sing holy +[1647.02 --> 1649.90] The one and the only +[1649.90 --> 1651.02] Come and worship the holy God +[1651.02 --> 1654.90] Come and worship the holy God +[1654.90 --> 1658.02] Come and behold Him +[1658.02 --> 1659.02] The one and the only +[1659.02 --> 1660.02] The one and the only +[1660.02 --> 1664.40] The one and the only +[1664.40 --> 1668.02] Cry out, sing holy +[1668.02 --> 1672.40] Forever a holy God +[1672.40 --> 1675.40] Come and worship the holy God +[1675.40 --> 1676.90] Holy God +[1676.90 --> 1696.08] Just wondering how often have we not been the people we wanted to be this past week? +[1696.08 --> 1697.58] We've been short tempered +[1697.58 --> 1698.58] We've been short tempered +[1698.58 --> 1700.98] Lied to protect ourselves +[1700.98 --> 1701.76] Been selfish +[1701.76 --> 1703.68] Okay, maybe those are mine +[1703.68 --> 1705.78] But you probably have some yourself +[1705.78 --> 1707.14] Just wondering +[1707.14 --> 1711.42] Our hearts desire to be more like Jesus +[1711.42 --> 1713.24] Yet we keep failing +[1713.24 --> 1714.84] Showing our true selves +[1714.84 --> 1717.46] So how much we need +[1717.46 --> 1719.00] The transforming power +[1719.00 --> 1720.34] Of the Holy Spirit +[1720.34 --> 1722.02] Renewing our hearts +[1722.02 --> 1723.78] And minds to be more like Christ +[1723.78 --> 1725.86] Let's bow our heads +[1725.86 --> 1727.24] Pray with me +[1727.24 --> 1729.66] Father +[1729.66 --> 1733.48] How we want to be more like your Son Jesus +[1733.48 --> 1738.72] Forgive us when we let our old self dictate how we behave +[1738.72 --> 1742.82] May your Spirit work in our hearts and minds +[1742.82 --> 1745.78] So we can be new creations in you +[1745.78 --> 1749.72] May we stand in awe of your faithfulness +[1749.72 --> 1750.80] And love +[1750.80 --> 1751.92] Amen +[1772.82 --> 1784.14] We need our moment +[1784.14 --> 1787.40] You are forever +[1787.40 --> 1790.94] Lord of the ages +[1790.94 --> 1793.82] God before time +[1794.34 --> 1797.08] We are a favor +[1797.08 --> 1799.82] You are eternal +[1799.82 --> 1803.50] Love everlasting +[1803.50 --> 1807.82] Reigning on high +[1807.82 --> 1811.96] Holy, holy +[1811.96 --> 1813.82] Lord God almighty +[1814.58 --> 1820.82] Worthy is the Lamb who was saved +[1821.36 --> 1826.82] Highest praise and joy and glory +[1826.82 --> 1828.82] Be unto your name +[1828.82 --> 1833.82] Be unto your name +[1833.82 --> 1838.82] Be unto your name +[1838.82 --> 1839.82] Be unto your name +[1839.82 --> 1841.82] We are the broken +[1841.82 --> 1844.82] You are the keeper +[1844.82 --> 1846.82] Jesus, Redeemer +[1846.82 --> 1848.82] Jesus, Redeemer +[1848.82 --> 1851.82] Mighty to save +[1851.82 --> 1854.82] You are the love song +[1854.82 --> 1857.82] We'll sing forever +[1857.82 --> 1860.82] Bowing before you +[1860.82 --> 1861.82] For you +[1861.82 --> 1862.82] Glancing your name +[1862.82 --> 1863.82] Glancing your name +[1863.82 --> 1864.82] Glancing your name +[1864.82 --> 1866.82] Glancing your name +[1866.82 --> 1868.82] Holy, holy +[1868.82 --> 1870.82] Lord God almighty +[1870.82 --> 1871.82] Glancing your name +[1871.82 --> 1872.82] Holy, holy +[1872.82 --> 1873.82] Lord God almighty +[1873.82 --> 1877.82] Worthy is the Lamb who was saved +[1877.82 --> 1878.82] God save +[1878.82 --> 1879.82] Highest praise and glory +[1879.82 --> 1880.82] Be unto your name +[1880.82 --> 1883.82] Be unto your name +[1883.82 --> 1885.82] Be unto your name +[1885.82 --> 1886.82] Be unto your name +[1886.82 --> 1890.82] Be unto your name +[1890.82 --> 1894.82] Be unto your name +[1894.82 --> 1896.82] Be unto your name +[1896.82 --> 1900.82] Holy, holy Lord God almighty +[1900.82 --> 1902.82] Lord God almighty +[1902.82 --> 1905.82] Worthy is the Lamb who was saved +[1905.82 --> 1906.82] Worthy is the Lamb who was saved +[1906.82 --> 1910.08] The land whom I stand +[1910.08 --> 1916.00] Highest praises on earth and glory +[1916.00 --> 1922.02] Be unto your name +[1922.02 --> 1927.32] Be unto your name +[1927.32 --> 1933.32] Be unto your name +[1936.82 --> 1966.80] Be unto your name +[1966.82 --> 1974.82] For thee all the fallings of sin +[1975.36 --> 1977.82] I resign +[1977.82 --> 1983.82] My gracious Redeemer +[1984.62 --> 1989.82] My Savior art thou +[1989.82 --> 1995.82] If ever I love thee +[1995.82 --> 2000.82] My Jesus is now +[2000.82 --> 2015.82] I love thee because thou hast first loved me +[2015.82 --> 2021.82] And purchased my garden +[2021.82 --> 2026.82] On Calvary's tree +[2026.82 --> 2038.82] I love thee for wearing the thorns on thy brow +[2038.82 --> 2045.82] If ever I love thee +[2045.82 --> 2051.82] My Jesus is now +[2051.82 --> 2059.82] I love thee in life +[2059.82 --> 2065.82] I will love thee in death +[2065.82 --> 2077.82] And praise thee as long as thou lendest me breath +[2077.82 --> 2079.82] And say +[2079.82 --> 2080.82] And say +[2080.82 --> 2081.82] And say +[2081.82 --> 2083.82] When the death +[2083.82 --> 2084.82] Do +[2084.82 --> 2085.82] Lies +[2085.82 --> 2086.82] Cold +[2086.82 --> 2087.82] Hold on my ground +[2087.82 --> 2096.82] If ever I love thee +[2096.82 --> 2097.82] My Jesus is now +[2097.82 --> 2102.82] My Jesus is now +[2102.82 --> 2108.82] In mansions of glory +[2108.82 --> 2110.82] And endless +[2110.82 --> 2111.82] And endless +[2111.82 --> 2112.82] And endless +[2112.82 --> 2114.82] Divine +[2114.82 --> 2120.82] I'll ever adore thee +[2120.82 --> 2121.82] In heaven +[2121.82 --> 2122.82] In heaven +[2122.82 --> 2126.82] In heaven +[2126.82 --> 2127.82] In heaven +[2127.82 --> 2128.82] So bright +[2128.82 --> 2130.82] I'll sing +[2130.82 --> 2131.82] Wind +[2131.82 --> 2132.82] And clear +[2132.82 --> 2135.82] I'll ever adore thee +[2135.82 --> 2137.82] With ever I love thee +[2137.82 --> 2139.82] My Jesus is now +[2139.82 --> 2142.82] If ever I love thee +[2142.82 --> 2145.82] My Jesus is now +[2145.82 --> 2153.82] If ever I love thee +[2154.82 --> 2156.82] By Jesus is now +[2156.82 --> 2157.82] Good morning. +[2157.82 --> 2158.82] I'm going to invite Jim +[2158.82 --> 2164.10] going to invite Jim up and Jim is here from the Langley Food Bank and our church has a pretty +[2164.10 --> 2168.02] awesome long-standing relationship with the food bank a bunch of people volunteer there and most +[2168.02 --> 2174.16] recently we held a bit of a community festival where we also did and ran a big food drive +[2174.16 --> 2179.28] throughout Murrayville so that was this past July and Jim is here to share a few words about the +[2179.28 --> 2189.96] food bank and yeah thank you for joining us today thank you for having me greetings from the Langley +[2189.96 --> 2196.08] Food Bank and I just want to come and give God the glory for what he's doing I don't know if recently +[2196.08 --> 2201.72] a lot of new things have happened and you know Isaiah says forget the former things do not dwell +[2201.72 --> 2207.72] on them see I am doing a new thing and he's doing a new thing at the Langley Food Bank I'm not sure if +[2207.72 --> 2213.68] you're aware of that uh 2 Corinthians 5 17 says therefore if any man's in Christ he's a new +[2213.68 --> 2219.72] creature the old is gone the new has come and so there are a couple new things that have happened +[2219.72 --> 2224.64] to Langley Food Bank that you should know about number one they have a new executive manager +[2224.64 --> 2229.10] that's right I used to be the old one but I retired my wife finally got the better of me +[2229.10 --> 2236.04] and she said honey it's time so I am retired from full-time work I'm doing part-time as the vice +[2236.04 --> 2242.36] president of public relations so I even have a card to prove it so which is pretty cool so I'm enjoying +[2242.36 --> 2249.28] my retirement from full-time work but this is one of those things I really still enjoy doing the next +[2249.28 --> 2258.00] one should be that's the new guy that's Josh Mace he's our executive manager now and I know Josh really +[2258.00 --> 2266.64] well Josh and my son Thomas were basically in the same nursery many many years ago and Josh is 40 years +[2266.64 --> 2274.24] old so there's lots of good years left in him and so he is the new executive manager the next slide +[2274.24 --> 2282.32] that's our new place our new digs it's a miracle every time I stand there I go this is a miracle because you +[2282.32 --> 2289.40] know how much that baby cost 5.2 million dollars yeah and God we prayed we put out a fleece we said +[2289.40 --> 2295.38] Lord if you want us to have our own place and we saw this place and we felt drawn towards it and we +[2295.38 --> 2300.90] said if you if you can get someone to give us a mortgage and praise God someone actually gave us a +[2300.90 --> 2305.98] mortgage and we were shocked of course that's how God does it doesn't he always shocks us when he +[2305.98 --> 2311.38] it does amazing things so that is our so we're in the corner of 203 Street and Logan Avenue and +[2311.90 --> 2313.66] another slide +[2313.66 --> 2314.86] That's the side view +[2314.86 --> 2320.48] That's where you go to drop off all your stuff you want to bring as well as that's where trucks come that type of thing +[2320.48 --> 2322.80] So that's always the that's the load-off area +[2323.38 --> 2327.78] So just so you know Monday Wednesday Friday and then Wednesday nights we are open +[2328.16 --> 2331.96] In June we had 32 brand new family units that came +[2331.96 --> 2337.26] We served our average was 181 visits on those days that were open and +[2337.88 --> 2339.88] June alone we served +[2340.88 --> 2342.88] 5,432 people +[2343.52 --> 2345.34] For July +[2345.34 --> 2350.94] 43 another 43 brand new family units came on top of the 32 in June and +[2351.56 --> 2356.40] I don't have the stats for the rest of one of the ladies who does that she's on vacation next slide +[2356.40 --> 2363.76] So this is our new inside area 13,000 square feet praise God let me hear it praise the Lord +[2363.76 --> 2368.92] Yeah, we do have we have 15 in the building, but the city won't let us use about 2,000 +[2368.92 --> 2372.74] And so this is the area we put in the fridges the walk-in fridges and walk-in freezer +[2372.74 --> 2377.52] And this is where all our vegetables are sorted. So that's one of the areas next slide +[2378.16 --> 2380.84] This is our shopping area. So we have an area +[2381.64 --> 2384.88] When clients come in they can't actually they're just so many of them +[2385.16 --> 2390.64] We just don't have the time so we all their dry stuff we put in bins and we +[2390.88 --> 2394.88] Apportion out how much for a family of three or how much for a family of four to nine +[2394.88 --> 2397.96] So we give them that bin and here's where they shop for that +[2397.96 --> 2401.58] So they've tried to put in stuff. Okay next one the next one. This is the sorting area +[2401.58 --> 2406.34] This is where people we bring our all the stuff they comes in and we have to look to it +[2406.34 --> 2409.52] We look at dent cans and we looked at the conditions of things +[2409.88 --> 2413.34] Do you know that people are still bringing in really old food? +[2414.06 --> 2420.14] On the day that we had our open house a lady brought in a perfectly wrapped six tins of tuna +[2420.14 --> 2426.62] And I thought bonus and she was such a nice lady. I didn't look at the date the date was 2014 +[2426.62 --> 2434.92] It was still wrapped in the end is this I unbelievable but people what people bring in is crazy +[2435.08 --> 2436.08] All right next one +[2436.08 --> 2444.24] This is the whole reason we're there Jesus in the middle showing how he provided in biblical times and how he provides today +[2444.42 --> 2449.06] We want our clients not only to be fed physically but fed spiritually +[2449.06 --> 2452.16] So we want them to get to know Jesus +[2452.16 --> 2457.78] Let me close with the story +[2457.78 --> 2462.32] My heart is for the lost as i'm sure yours is +[2462.32 --> 2466.66] And there's one ex-pastor who on wednesdays comes and he talks to people +[2466.66 --> 2472.06] And over the last year he has gotten a group of four to six of our clients +[2472.06 --> 2474.64] Who actually attend church with him? +[2474.64 --> 2482.94] And in the middle of the church right around dell ex-pastor dell there's four to six of our clients +[2482.94 --> 2488.76] Who sit next to him and they ask him questions and they enjoy the worship and they hear the gospel +[2488.76 --> 2495.22] That is my heart's desire and it's always been is that we can bring our clients to churches like you guys +[2495.22 --> 2501.60] They would come with you sit with you hear the gospel and they would receive jesus christ as their personal savior +[2501.60 --> 2503.98] So thank you for giving us the means +[2503.98 --> 2509.52] To get them to come to us so that we can give them the real fruit the real bread of life +[2509.52 --> 2510.72] Jesus christ +[2510.72 --> 2523.08] So thanks jim for coming +[2523.08 --> 2526.94] We'll just take a minute to pray for jim before we host um the offering today +[2526.94 --> 2530.64] And I should say the offering today is for something else. Yeah, we'll introduce that in a minute +[2530.64 --> 2536.24] But we of course have the food bank on the offering schedule in the fall usually around thanksgiving again +[2536.24 --> 2538.54] Yeah, so let's pray for jim in the food bank a minute +[2538.54 --> 2541.70] Heavenly father. We thank you so much for bringing jim to us +[2541.70 --> 2544.04] But especially we thank you for the the messages +[2544.04 --> 2549.92] Um the message of success that is at the food bank their new location and the families are able to help +[2549.92 --> 2550.70] So we just pray +[2550.70 --> 2556.88] Your blessing your continued blessing on that ministry. We thank you for the hands that that sort and pack and clean and help +[2556.88 --> 2562.40] But we especially thank you for the conversations that are had and the way you are introduced to families across langley +[2562.40 --> 2565.62] So we leave the langley food bank in your hands god. Amen +[2565.62 --> 2567.62] Thank you +[2576.64 --> 2578.64] Thank you jim that was great +[2578.64 --> 2582.50] Um, good morning. My name is yap. I'm a deacon here at langley manual +[2583.38 --> 2586.50] This morning's offering will be for a cascade christian counseling +[2587.38 --> 2592.22] They are a non-profit organization that has been operating for over 40 years +[2592.22 --> 2597.02] Their mission is to provide christian counseling and consulting services +[2597.02 --> 2601.98] To the whole community and they do this by raising funds to be able to +[2602.62 --> 2606.70] Provide lower session fees to those who are unable to afford to get the help that they +[2607.42 --> 2610.70] Need please give as you're able to thank you +[2622.22 --> 2641.74] I hope it's built on nothing less than jesus' love and righteousness +[2641.74 --> 2647.74] I dare not trust the sweetest friend +[2647.74 --> 2653.74] But only trust in jesus name +[2653.74 --> 2669.74] My hope is built on nothing less than jesus' blood and righteousness +[2669.74 --> 2675.74] I dare not trust the sweetest friend +[2675.74 --> 2681.74] But only trust in jesus name +[2681.74 --> 2683.74] Christ the home +[2683.74 --> 2687.74] Christ the home +[2687.74 --> 2689.74] Cornerstone +[2689.74 --> 2693.74] We made strong +[2693.74 --> 2695.74] In the savior's love +[2695.74 --> 2697.74] Through the storm +[2697.74 --> 2699.74] He is Lord +[2699.74 --> 2701.74] Lord +[2701.74 --> 2703.74] Lord +[2703.74 --> 2705.74] Lord +[2705.74 --> 2707.74] Lord +[2707.74 --> 2720.74] You +[2720.74 --> 2725.74] May +[2725.74 --> 2736.74] In every high and stormy gale, my anchor holds within the veil. +[2738.86 --> 2743.74] My anchor holds within the veil. +[2743.74 --> 2758.74] Christ of all, heart is strong, wingman strong, Savior's love. +[2758.74 --> 2768.74] Through the storm, He is Lord, Lord of all. +[2773.74 --> 2785.74] When He shall come with trumpet sound, O may I then in Him be found. +[2785.74 --> 2798.74] Dressed in His righteousness alone, Fauntless stand before the throne. +[2798.74 --> 2811.74] Christ of all, heart is strong, wingman strong, Savior's love. +[2811.74 --> 2821.74] Through the storm, He is Lord, Lord of all. +[2821.74 --> 2834.74] Christ of all, heart is strong, Lord of all. +[2834.74 --> 2846.74] In the Savior's heart, through the storm, He is Lord, Lord of all. +[2846.74 --> 2856.74] Good morning. +[2856.74 --> 2859.74] I'm going to invite all the young kids to come forward. +[2859.74 --> 2861.74] I think ages three, four, and five. +[2861.74 --> 2868.74] We can do the children's blessing before we head off to children's worship time. +[2868.74 --> 2883.74] A few yet thinking about coming up? +[2883.74 --> 2884.74] Hi, guys. +[2884.74 --> 2886.74] There's just a few of us today. +[2886.74 --> 2887.74] Yeah? +[2887.74 --> 2890.74] Have you guys, what are your big summer highlights so far? +[2890.74 --> 2893.74] We're coming to the end of summer and almost time for school again. +[2893.74 --> 2897.74] Have you guys had any big highlights this summer? +[2897.74 --> 2900.74] Maybe any special camping trips? +[2900.74 --> 2901.74] No? +[2901.74 --> 2904.74] Or maybe special projects at home? +[2904.74 --> 2908.74] Like helping in the vegetable garden or the flower garden? +[2908.74 --> 2910.74] Have you had any special projects? +[2910.74 --> 2911.74] Not sure? +[2911.74 --> 2912.74] Not sure? +[2912.74 --> 2913.74] Thinking about it? +[2913.74 --> 2914.74] Yeah. +[2914.74 --> 2915.74] I know. +[2915.74 --> 2916.74] Tricky question. +[2916.74 --> 2920.74] I know the summer is full of great highlights and great stories that we usually end the summer +[2920.74 --> 2921.74] with, right? +[2921.74 --> 2926.74] So this morning, Pastor Chris is going to continue sharing some great highlights from the New Testament. +[2926.74 --> 2931.74] And we are going to enjoy some time in children's worship time, talking about a couple of special highlights there, too. +[2931.74 --> 2937.74] And then, in a couple of weeks, we'll get back to the regular children's worship time schedule. +[2937.74 --> 2938.74] Sound good? +[2938.74 --> 2939.74] Yeah? +[2939.74 --> 2946.74] Okay, let's stand together with the congregation and we will bless them as they stay to listen to Pastor Chris and a message. +[2946.74 --> 2950.74] And we will enjoy also a blessing from them. +[2950.74 --> 2951.74] All right. +[2951.74 --> 2952.74] Let's raise our hand. +[2952.74 --> 2955.74] The Lord be with you. +[2955.74 --> 2957.74] And also with you. +[2961.74 --> 2963.74] Thank you. +[2963.74 --> 2968.74] Hi. +[2968.74 --> 2985.74] My name is Paul and I am an elder here at this church. +[2985.74 --> 2990.12] ask you to join me in a prayer for our church family. +[2997.46 --> 2998.56] Father in heaven, +[2999.80 --> 3001.58] holy are you, God. +[3003.58 --> 3006.44] Who else commands all the hosts of heaven? +[3007.82 --> 3010.78] Who else could make every knee bow down? +[3012.00 --> 3015.58] Who else can whisper and the darkness trembles? +[3016.70 --> 3019.44] Only you, God, our holy God. +[3021.06 --> 3025.04] What other beauty demands such praises? +[3026.52 --> 3028.96] What other splendor outshines the sun? +[3030.36 --> 3033.84] What other majesty rules with justice? +[3034.92 --> 3037.52] Only you, God, our holy God. +[3039.44 --> 3042.08] What other glory consumes like fire? +[3043.14 --> 3045.68] What other power can raise the dead? +[3046.74 --> 3049.92] What other name remains undefeated? +[3049.92 --> 3054.46] Only you, God, our holy God. +[3054.46 --> 3059.66] Who else could rescue us from our failings? +[3061.00 --> 3064.14] Who else would offer his only son? +[3065.98 --> 3069.10] Who else invites us to call him Father? +[3069.10 --> 3072.72] Father, only a holy God. +[3073.72 --> 3076.02] Only our holy God. +[3078.78 --> 3083.62] Father, we give you thanks for bringing us together as this community we call Emmanuel, +[3085.00 --> 3085.92] God with us. +[3085.92 --> 3091.16] We pray that you will bless us in our worship and bless our fellowship. +[3092.46 --> 3094.76] We give you thanks for this place to meet. +[3094.76 --> 3104.68] We thank you, God, for Christ's church as we know it and see it throughout the world and pray for your blessing on it. +[3104.68 --> 3109.72] Father, we pray for those who are persecuted for your name, Father. +[3109.72 --> 3114.46] Father, your son prayed that we might be one. +[3114.46 --> 3115.46] Father, we pray for those who are persecuted for our church. +[3115.46 --> 3116.46] Father, we pray for those who are persecuted for our church. +[3116.46 --> 3124.06] And we pray that he, by your spirit, would be about the work of bringing that true for our church, for your church. +[3124.06 --> 3132.00] We ask that your spirit will fill our hearts so that we pray. +[3133.54 --> 3140.68] Help us in our prayers to be thankful in all circumstances, wherever we are, whatever is happening in our lives. +[3142.06 --> 3151.58] Help us be aware that prayer is the most important part of our thankfulness and response to the gift of grace and the redemption in our lives. +[3154.06 --> 3156.68] With this in mind, Lord, we come to you. +[3158.76 --> 3168.10] We thank you, along with Judy Dykstra, that her friend Vera has recovered from shingles and is back at the Bible study that they hold together. +[3168.66 --> 3170.48] We thank you for healing Vera. +[3172.48 --> 3177.94] We're thankful, along with Adam and Rachel Smith, for their precious baby boy, Lucas Lars. +[3177.94 --> 3182.16] We thank you for the safe arrival of this little boy. +[3182.30 --> 3186.70] And we pray that you will continue to walk beside Adam and Rachel as they raise Lucas. +[3189.04 --> 3192.40] We pray, Lord, that you will be with Emo and Benita Smith. +[3193.96 --> 3196.70] Emo's surgery was postponed again to September 9. +[3197.58 --> 3202.52] We pray that you will fill them with peace and patience and strength during this time. +[3202.52 --> 3206.96] Lord, we also pray for the greater world. +[3207.24 --> 3209.92] We pray that our leaders may do your will. +[3211.60 --> 3214.82] We pray for the ongoing war and unrest in the Middle East. +[3215.52 --> 3221.30] We know that your hand is over all these things and trust that your will will be done. +[3221.30 --> 3227.76] As summer break time is almost over, we pray that you will be with the students, +[3228.64 --> 3236.60] especially those who are in the middle of traveling to faraway places to go to college and university. +[3236.82 --> 3240.96] Lord, we ask that you will give them safe travels. +[3242.10 --> 3247.12] Pray for the school leadership, teachers, and parents as they look forward to a new year. +[3247.12 --> 3256.10] Lord, we ask that you will continue to work through those who help at the food bank. +[3256.26 --> 3259.02] Lord, we ask that you will bless this ministry. +[3260.68 --> 3263.82] We pray that you will continue to walk beside our pastors. +[3264.84 --> 3267.28] Give them the wisdom and the spirit to lead us. +[3268.94 --> 3272.76] We pray now that you will bless the word we are about to hear. +[3272.76 --> 3277.84] Father, we pray that you will pour out your spirit on Pastor Chris as he preaches that word. +[3279.94 --> 3283.84] Father, we pray that our eyes will be continually fixed on Jesus +[3283.84 --> 3288.18] and that in everything we do, we will say, +[3289.18 --> 3290.46] But I see Jesus. +[3292.52 --> 3297.74] We pray that by your spirit, we will bring into our hearts to believe and trust in you alone. +[3298.84 --> 3301.76] By your name alone, we ask for all these things. +[3301.76 --> 3303.00] Amen. +[3319.00 --> 3329.34] We are going to continue in our looking at stories from the early church through the book of Acts. +[3329.34 --> 3334.60] We are going to read together from Acts 18 this morning. +[3334.94 --> 3335.68] Acts 18. +[3335.78 --> 3342.60] I am going to read verses 18 to 28 as part of our looking this morning. +[3342.76 --> 3346.72] If you have a Bible with you, I encourage you to open that up and to keep that open. +[3347.20 --> 3349.58] If you don't and you would like one, you can get one from the back. +[3349.80 --> 3353.84] There are a couple available there for your use as well. +[3353.84 --> 3361.26] As always, through the summer, if you're a kid with us here, we have some clipboards available +[3361.26 --> 3367.42] and one of those pages is an opportunity to draw a picture based on what you hear in this message +[3367.42 --> 3371.38] or based on something else if I'm not captivating enough for you. +[3371.58 --> 3377.68] And we are collecting those and we'll make a bit of an art display at the end of the summer together with that. +[3377.68 --> 3381.48] So let's read God's word together. +[3382.86 --> 3384.86] Start at verse 18. +[3384.86 --> 3389.98] Paul stayed on in Corinth for some time. +[3390.58 --> 3396.68] Then he left the brothers and sisters and sailed for Syria, accompanied by Priscilla and Aquila. +[3397.38 --> 3403.00] Before he sailed, he had his hair cut off at Cancria because of a vow he had taken. +[3403.74 --> 3406.94] They arrived at Ephesus where Paul left Priscilla and Aquila. +[3407.52 --> 3410.90] He himself went into the synagogue and reasoned with the Jews. +[3410.90 --> 3414.68] When they asked him to spend more time with them, he declined. +[3415.40 --> 3419.42] But as he left, he promised, I will come back if it is God's will. +[3420.06 --> 3421.78] Then he set sail from Ephesus. +[3422.42 --> 3428.82] While he landed at Caesarea, he went up to Jerusalem and greeted the church and then went down to Antioch. +[3429.28 --> 3434.42] After spending some time in Antioch, Paul set out from there and traveled from place to place +[3434.42 --> 3439.26] throughout the region of Galatia and Phrygia, strengthening all the disciples. +[3439.26 --> 3443.58] Meanwhile, so that means back in Ephesus, +[3444.22 --> 3449.82] meanwhile, a Jew named Apollos and a native of Alexandria came to Ephesus. +[3450.64 --> 3453.92] He was a learned man with a thorough knowledge of the scriptures. +[3454.70 --> 3456.94] He had been instructed in the way of the Lord, +[3457.12 --> 3461.04] and he spoke with great fervor and taught about Jesus accurately, +[3461.38 --> 3464.10] though he knew only the baptism of John. +[3464.10 --> 3467.28] He began to speak boldly in the synagogue. +[3468.18 --> 3469.92] When Priscilla and Aquila heard him, +[3470.38 --> 3475.10] they invited him to their home and explained to him the way of God more adequately. +[3476.08 --> 3478.66] When Apollos wanted to go to Achaia, +[3479.06 --> 3483.42] the brothers and sisters encouraged him and wrote to the disciples there to welcome him. +[3484.22 --> 3488.42] When he arrived, he was a great help to those who by grace had believed, +[3488.42 --> 3493.04] for he vigorously refuted his Jewish opponents in public debate, +[3493.50 --> 3496.68] proving from the scriptures that Jesus was the Messiah. +[3497.38 --> 3498.84] This is the word of the Lord. +[3504.46 --> 3506.86] Now, I suspect I'm not alone in this, +[3506.98 --> 3508.64] but when I was young, +[3508.64 --> 3515.00] one of my favorite indoor pastimes was Lego. +[3516.18 --> 3521.02] I used to love getting Lego and then following the instructions. +[3521.44 --> 3522.64] We would do that one time, +[3522.68 --> 3524.86] and then we would destroy it and lose the instructions, +[3525.28 --> 3529.34] and then we would play with these massive rubbermaid totes of Lego +[3529.34 --> 3532.44] that we had accumulated over the years for hours on end. +[3532.44 --> 3536.32] We would just tip them out on the floor and then just go at it. +[3536.32 --> 3541.16] I used to love to make all the pieces fit nicely together. +[3541.32 --> 3543.96] And in fact, I think I developed a pretty good skill +[3543.96 --> 3546.36] that continued and stayed with me, +[3546.40 --> 3549.30] such that when my son started to get into Lego, +[3550.04 --> 3552.64] that was one of my best moments as a parent. +[3553.38 --> 3556.32] Because I would sit down and I would get to play Lego with Malachi, +[3556.56 --> 3560.50] and honestly, one of the hardest things about being a parent of a nine-year-old boy +[3560.50 --> 3561.96] is when he looks at you and says, +[3562.04 --> 3563.68] Dad, I don't need your help with Lego anymore. +[3563.68 --> 3566.68] And he can do it himself. +[3567.68 --> 3569.12] And he builds his own thing. +[3569.22 --> 3572.10] But he too then sees the parts fit together +[3572.10 --> 3575.18] and how it comes to make up the whole. +[3576.32 --> 3579.28] When I was young, I thought I was so good at that, +[3579.36 --> 3581.26] I actually took a radio apart +[3581.26 --> 3583.78] and thought I could put it back together, +[3584.50 --> 3588.32] realizing I couldn't tell the transistor from a battery lead. +[3588.32 --> 3590.68] And so, no, I couldn't put it back together, +[3590.82 --> 3592.46] and that radio ended up in the garbage can. +[3593.06 --> 3594.36] And I don't think anyone noticed, +[3594.64 --> 3597.66] at least not until I've now confessed it in front of my parents. +[3600.60 --> 3603.94] But it is a beautiful thing to me +[3603.94 --> 3607.22] to see how the little parts and pieces +[3607.22 --> 3608.90] can come together +[3608.90 --> 3612.98] to make a beautiful whole, +[3613.48 --> 3615.24] to make a picture +[3615.24 --> 3618.92] that is greater than the sum of its parts, right? +[3618.92 --> 3620.50] When you see one little brick +[3620.50 --> 3624.82] and imagine its place in the Robin Hood castled forest +[3624.82 --> 3628.06] is really compelling to me. +[3628.06 --> 3632.54] I think, by way of analogy, +[3633.32 --> 3635.70] that's a really helpful model +[3635.70 --> 3637.24] or understanding for us +[3637.24 --> 3640.86] of what it means to be church, right? +[3640.94 --> 3642.78] Individual pieces and parts +[3642.78 --> 3644.40] that come together +[3644.40 --> 3647.04] to make this beautiful whole, +[3647.58 --> 3648.60] that come together +[3648.60 --> 3652.10] doing their part in their place, +[3652.10 --> 3654.44] and then the sum of that +[3654.44 --> 3656.78] is majestic. +[3656.78 --> 3660.16] I think is really compelling. +[3661.50 --> 3662.54] Now, these stories +[3662.54 --> 3663.20] that we've been reading +[3663.20 --> 3664.34] in the book of Acts +[3664.34 --> 3666.42] paint for us +[3666.42 --> 3667.64] sort of a picture +[3667.64 --> 3670.40] of what an active church community +[3670.40 --> 3672.04] can be like together +[3672.04 --> 3674.34] and what it does for one another. +[3675.84 --> 3677.08] Now, to be clear, +[3677.84 --> 3680.08] what we get in this text that we read +[3680.08 --> 3681.14] and throughout the book of Acts, +[3681.14 --> 3681.72] mostly, +[3682.20 --> 3684.16] are descriptive events +[3684.16 --> 3686.14] that become healthy examples +[3686.14 --> 3687.56] examples for us +[3687.56 --> 3690.54] of what churches do. +[3691.90 --> 3692.50] And so what I hope +[3692.50 --> 3694.04] that we can see this morning +[3694.04 --> 3695.34] and looking particularly +[3695.34 --> 3697.88] here in the book of Acts +[3697.88 --> 3700.24] in this story of Priscilla +[3700.24 --> 3701.84] and Aquila and Apollos +[3701.84 --> 3705.48] is how a healthy, +[3706.20 --> 3707.48] functioning church +[3707.48 --> 3710.18] embraces and utilizes +[3710.18 --> 3711.46] spiritual gifts +[3711.46 --> 3712.92] for the building up +[3712.92 --> 3713.40] of the body. +[3714.22 --> 3715.50] Or to put it another way, +[3715.82 --> 3716.92] how the little pieces +[3716.92 --> 3718.74] all fit together +[3718.74 --> 3720.58] to make a beautiful thing. +[3722.82 --> 3725.34] So Priscilla and Aquila +[3725.34 --> 3727.38] are companions of Paul +[3727.38 --> 3729.54] and they serve the church +[3729.54 --> 3731.58] by taking in Apollos +[3731.58 --> 3732.72] and they teach him +[3732.72 --> 3735.34] more of what he had already learned +[3735.34 --> 3736.78] about Jesus and the gospel. +[3736.78 --> 3737.54] And then, +[3737.92 --> 3738.74] with Paul, +[3738.86 --> 3739.92] they send him out +[3739.92 --> 3740.64] as a teacher +[3740.64 --> 3741.92] and an encourager +[3741.92 --> 3743.06] in their community. +[3743.94 --> 3744.08] Right? +[3744.12 --> 3744.64] In summary, +[3745.06 --> 3746.48] they use their gifts +[3746.48 --> 3747.98] in order to facilitate +[3747.98 --> 3748.90] Apollos +[3748.90 --> 3750.10] using his gifts +[3750.10 --> 3751.46] in order to facilitate +[3751.46 --> 3752.42] the building up +[3752.42 --> 3753.36] of the body. +[3753.36 --> 3756.30] Now, +[3756.78 --> 3758.16] before we look +[3758.16 --> 3760.10] into Priscilla +[3760.10 --> 3760.80] and Aquila +[3760.80 --> 3761.80] and Apollos +[3761.80 --> 3762.70] as an example, +[3763.62 --> 3764.90] just a little bit more +[3764.90 --> 3766.16] on who they are +[3766.16 --> 3767.48] and how they fit +[3767.48 --> 3768.66] into this story. +[3770.32 --> 3770.68] You see, +[3770.74 --> 3772.14] sometime around +[3772.14 --> 3774.80] AD 50 or 51, +[3775.72 --> 3777.02] Emperor Claudius +[3777.02 --> 3777.80] in Rome +[3777.80 --> 3779.20] issued a decree +[3779.20 --> 3781.20] expelling all the Jews +[3781.20 --> 3782.52] from the city of Rome. +[3783.36 --> 3783.92] Priscilla +[3783.92 --> 3785.10] and Aquila +[3785.10 --> 3786.18] left Italy +[3786.18 --> 3787.10] at that time +[3787.10 --> 3788.64] and they moved +[3788.64 --> 3789.40] to Corinth +[3789.40 --> 3791.36] which is in central Greece +[3791.36 --> 3792.40] sort of near Athens. +[3793.72 --> 3794.04] Corinth +[3794.04 --> 3795.36] is where they met Paul. +[3796.22 --> 3796.34] Now, +[3796.38 --> 3796.92] what we learn +[3796.92 --> 3797.58] is that Priscilla +[3797.58 --> 3798.18] and Aquila +[3798.18 --> 3799.38] are tent makers +[3799.38 --> 3800.90] just like Paul +[3800.90 --> 3801.90] and because of +[3801.90 --> 3803.00] their shared profession, +[3803.48 --> 3804.02] because of their +[3804.02 --> 3804.74] shared commitment +[3804.74 --> 3805.42] to the scriptures +[3805.42 --> 3806.62] and their love for Jesus, +[3807.12 --> 3807.76] the three +[3807.76 --> 3809.00] stay together +[3809.00 --> 3810.16] and work together +[3810.16 --> 3811.24] and minister together +[3811.24 --> 3812.44] for a year and a half +[3812.44 --> 3813.18] in Corinth. +[3813.36 --> 3815.16] Now, +[3815.22 --> 3816.32] after that year and a half, +[3816.80 --> 3817.88] Priscilla and Aquila +[3817.88 --> 3818.64] and Paul +[3818.64 --> 3820.24] sail for Syria +[3820.24 --> 3821.66] for further +[3821.66 --> 3822.92] mission work together. +[3823.44 --> 3824.04] Just a note, +[3824.60 --> 3826.84] our text says +[3826.84 --> 3827.64] there +[3827.64 --> 3830.54] in verse 18 +[3830.54 --> 3832.46] that before he sailed, +[3832.72 --> 3833.44] that's Paul, +[3833.64 --> 3835.14] he had his hair cut off +[3835.14 --> 3835.82] at Cancria +[3835.82 --> 3837.10] because of a vow +[3837.10 --> 3837.90] that he had taken. +[3837.90 --> 3839.50] Now, +[3840.22 --> 3841.64] this is probably +[3841.64 --> 3842.42] a reference +[3842.42 --> 3844.74] to a Nazarite vow +[3844.74 --> 3846.16] that's described +[3846.16 --> 3847.14] in the Old Testament +[3847.14 --> 3848.06] in Numbers 6 +[3848.06 --> 3849.52] through 1 through 20. +[3850.18 --> 3851.54] A Nazarite vow +[3851.54 --> 3852.58] was a special +[3852.58 --> 3854.46] vow of consecration, +[3854.58 --> 3855.40] a special oath +[3855.40 --> 3856.80] of consecration +[3856.80 --> 3857.96] to God +[3857.96 --> 3858.68] that involved +[3858.68 --> 3860.14] several specific +[3860.14 --> 3861.20] commitments. +[3861.20 --> 3862.66] One of them +[3862.66 --> 3863.52] was to abstain +[3863.52 --> 3864.22] from wine +[3864.22 --> 3864.96] or other +[3864.96 --> 3865.88] fermented drinks. +[3866.68 --> 3867.32] A Nazarite +[3867.32 --> 3868.74] was to avoid +[3868.74 --> 3869.86] all things +[3869.86 --> 3871.32] derived from grapes, +[3871.54 --> 3872.88] including wine, +[3872.98 --> 3873.78] but also vinegar +[3873.78 --> 3875.30] or even fresh grapes +[3875.30 --> 3876.04] and raisins. +[3876.04 --> 3878.24] a Nazarite +[3878.24 --> 3878.70] was also +[3878.70 --> 3879.44] to avoid +[3879.44 --> 3880.08] contact +[3880.08 --> 3880.82] with the dead +[3880.82 --> 3882.68] and they +[3882.68 --> 3883.52] made a commitment +[3883.52 --> 3884.62] to not +[3884.62 --> 3885.66] cut their hair. +[3886.30 --> 3886.74] The hair +[3886.74 --> 3887.82] was to grow long +[3887.82 --> 3888.64] as a sign +[3888.64 --> 3889.22] of the vow +[3889.22 --> 3889.58] that they +[3889.58 --> 3890.80] had promised +[3890.80 --> 3891.30] and made +[3891.30 --> 3892.04] and at the end +[3892.04 --> 3893.32] of that period +[3893.32 --> 3893.80] of time, +[3893.84 --> 3894.52] at the conclusion +[3894.52 --> 3895.14] of the vow, +[3895.26 --> 3895.96] they would shave +[3895.96 --> 3896.64] their head +[3896.64 --> 3897.84] as part of +[3897.84 --> 3898.74] their offering +[3898.74 --> 3899.50] a sacrifice +[3899.50 --> 3900.40] in the temple. +[3901.32 --> 3901.42] Now, +[3901.46 --> 3901.68] the word +[3901.68 --> 3902.26] Nazarite +[3902.26 --> 3903.16] comes from +[3903.16 --> 3904.16] the Hebrew word +[3904.16 --> 3904.92] nazir, +[3905.04 --> 3905.36] which means +[3905.36 --> 3906.02] consecrated, +[3906.04 --> 3906.88] or set apart +[3906.88 --> 3908.06] and it's like +[3908.06 --> 3908.40] we said, +[3908.46 --> 3908.76] it's someone +[3908.76 --> 3909.20] who has +[3909.20 --> 3910.18] set themselves +[3910.18 --> 3910.70] apart +[3910.70 --> 3911.44] in dedication +[3911.44 --> 3912.76] to God +[3912.76 --> 3913.38] by these +[3913.38 --> 3914.80] particular practices. +[3915.70 --> 3916.52] I want to clarify +[3916.52 --> 3917.94] that Nazarite +[3917.94 --> 3918.98] is not the same +[3918.98 --> 3919.86] as Nazareth +[3919.86 --> 3921.46] or Nazarene, +[3922.00 --> 3923.22] which is derived +[3923.22 --> 3923.82] from a different +[3923.82 --> 3925.28] Hebrew or Aramaic word, +[3925.82 --> 3926.36] natsar, +[3926.50 --> 3927.10] meaning watch, +[3927.26 --> 3928.02] or natser, +[3928.38 --> 3929.18] meaning branch. +[3930.04 --> 3931.22] Why do I tell you this? +[3931.74 --> 3932.36] In part, +[3932.48 --> 3933.24] because when I was +[3933.24 --> 3933.92] in seminary, +[3934.22 --> 3934.76] I had to do +[3934.76 --> 3935.76] a Bible knowledge +[3935.76 --> 3936.30] exam +[3936.30 --> 3937.46] to graduate +[3937.46 --> 3938.32] and one of the +[3938.32 --> 3938.94] questions was, +[3939.04 --> 3939.52] where did Paul +[3939.52 --> 3940.20] get his hair cut? +[3941.20 --> 3941.86] And so now you can +[3941.86 --> 3942.70] pass the Bible knowledge +[3942.70 --> 3943.66] exam in seminary +[3943.66 --> 3944.82] or at least one +[3944.82 --> 3945.58] question out of the +[3945.58 --> 3946.72] 130 or so +[3946.72 --> 3947.20] that were there. +[3948.50 --> 3949.40] But also +[3949.40 --> 3950.60] because, +[3951.50 --> 3951.82] right, +[3951.88 --> 3953.04] this is filling +[3953.04 --> 3953.94] in for us +[3953.94 --> 3954.68] a little bit +[3954.68 --> 3956.02] of who Paul +[3956.02 --> 3956.50] is +[3956.50 --> 3957.30] and how he +[3957.30 --> 3957.94] functions +[3957.94 --> 3958.94] as a missionary +[3958.94 --> 3959.48] because this +[3959.48 --> 3960.40] comes back +[3960.40 --> 3960.90] again +[3960.90 --> 3961.98] in Acts 21 +[3961.98 --> 3963.16] where Paul +[3963.16 --> 3964.18] is in Jerusalem +[3964.18 --> 3964.64] now +[3964.64 --> 3965.76] and he participates +[3965.76 --> 3966.64] in a purification +[3966.64 --> 3967.08] rite +[3967.08 --> 3967.98] with others +[3967.98 --> 3968.62] who have taken +[3968.62 --> 3969.08] vows. +[3969.50 --> 3969.96] Again, +[3970.08 --> 3970.90] probably connected +[3970.90 --> 3971.80] to this Nazarite +[3971.80 --> 3972.14] vow. +[3974.08 --> 3974.54] And so what you +[3974.54 --> 3975.10] see +[3975.10 --> 3976.66] is that Paul +[3976.66 --> 3979.14] is still +[3979.14 --> 3979.80] connected +[3979.80 --> 3981.48] to this +[3981.48 --> 3982.54] cultural +[3982.54 --> 3983.68] practice. +[3984.22 --> 3984.36] Now, +[3984.40 --> 3984.60] I don't want +[3984.60 --> 3985.22] to make too much +[3985.22 --> 3985.52] of it +[3985.52 --> 3986.30] because the text +[3986.30 --> 3986.76] doesn't make +[3986.76 --> 3987.66] too much of it, +[3987.66 --> 3988.90] but so that +[3988.90 --> 3989.34] we don't get +[3989.34 --> 3990.16] stuck on a question, +[3990.28 --> 3990.68] why on earth +[3990.68 --> 3991.46] did he do this, +[3991.78 --> 3992.34] I do think +[3992.34 --> 3992.82] it's important +[3992.82 --> 3993.76] for us to say +[3993.76 --> 3995.52] that Paul +[3995.52 --> 3997.54] as a Jewish +[3997.54 --> 3998.34] man +[3998.34 --> 3999.24] was never +[3999.24 --> 4000.24] too far +[4000.24 --> 4001.02] from the +[4001.02 --> 4001.26] sort of +[4001.26 --> 4002.20] social religious +[4002.20 --> 4002.92] practices +[4002.92 --> 4004.34] of his culture. +[4005.78 --> 4006.00] Right, +[4006.06 --> 4006.78] even as he +[4006.78 --> 4007.28] proclaimed +[4007.28 --> 4008.02] freedom +[4008.02 --> 4008.50] from the +[4008.50 --> 4009.16] ritualistic +[4009.16 --> 4009.74] identities +[4009.74 --> 4010.64] in Jesus +[4010.64 --> 4011.08] Christ, +[4011.20 --> 4011.84] even as he +[4011.84 --> 4012.56] advocated +[4012.56 --> 4013.50] not requiring +[4013.50 --> 4014.46] Gentiles +[4014.46 --> 4015.00] to submit +[4015.00 --> 4015.44] to many +[4015.44 --> 4015.78] of these +[4015.78 --> 4016.42] same sorts +[4016.42 --> 4017.36] of things, +[4017.36 --> 4018.40] these culturally +[4018.40 --> 4019.64] Jewish ideas, +[4020.06 --> 4020.22] right, +[4020.32 --> 4021.30] even as a +[4021.30 --> 4022.06] Jewish Christian +[4022.06 --> 4023.04] he still +[4023.04 --> 4023.74] lived a +[4023.74 --> 4023.98] Jewish +[4023.98 --> 4024.46] cultural +[4024.46 --> 4024.98] life. +[4026.00 --> 4026.88] Even as a +[4026.88 --> 4027.34] citizen of +[4027.34 --> 4027.66] the kingdom +[4027.66 --> 4028.08] of heaven +[4028.08 --> 4028.60] first and +[4028.60 --> 4029.10] foremost, +[4029.38 --> 4030.34] he lived +[4030.34 --> 4030.80] as a +[4030.80 --> 4031.12] citizen +[4031.12 --> 4031.88] in the +[4031.88 --> 4032.26] world +[4032.26 --> 4032.94] while on +[4032.94 --> 4033.20] mission. +[4035.20 --> 4035.94] And I +[4035.94 --> 4036.38] think there's +[4036.38 --> 4036.92] something for +[4036.92 --> 4037.64] us to see +[4037.64 --> 4038.88] in that. +[4040.08 --> 4040.80] But how +[4040.80 --> 4041.62] we understand +[4041.62 --> 4043.04] the relationship +[4043.04 --> 4044.26] of Christian +[4044.26 --> 4044.82] mission +[4044.82 --> 4045.72] and identity +[4045.72 --> 4046.96] to the +[4046.96 --> 4047.42] culture +[4047.42 --> 4048.86] around us +[4048.86 --> 4050.62] and what +[4050.62 --> 4051.20] it means +[4051.20 --> 4051.94] to be +[4051.94 --> 4052.44] both +[4052.44 --> 4053.10] Christian +[4053.10 --> 4053.94] and, +[4054.18 --> 4054.66] for instance, +[4055.22 --> 4055.66] Canadian. +[4056.94 --> 4057.64] What it +[4057.64 --> 4058.36] means to be +[4058.36 --> 4059.14] Christian, +[4059.30 --> 4059.68] a citizen +[4059.68 --> 4059.98] of the +[4059.98 --> 4060.14] kingdom +[4060.14 --> 4060.62] of heaven, +[4060.78 --> 4061.26] and what +[4061.26 --> 4061.66] it means +[4061.66 --> 4062.18] to be +[4062.18 --> 4062.78] a resident +[4062.78 --> 4063.98] of Langley. +[4065.38 --> 4066.10] And the +[4066.10 --> 4066.60] kinds of +[4066.60 --> 4067.10] things that +[4067.10 --> 4067.50] we do +[4067.50 --> 4067.86] and are +[4067.86 --> 4068.26] involved +[4068.26 --> 4068.60] with +[4068.60 --> 4069.12] and the +[4069.12 --> 4069.52] practices +[4069.52 --> 4069.94] that we +[4069.94 --> 4070.30] have +[4070.30 --> 4070.82] as +[4070.82 --> 4071.22] Christians +[4071.22 --> 4071.74] who are +[4071.74 --> 4072.46] on mission +[4072.46 --> 4073.18] like +[4073.18 --> 4073.54] Paul +[4073.54 --> 4074.38] was. +[4078.60 --> 4079.12] Now, +[4079.32 --> 4080.94] I'm not +[4080.94 --> 4081.24] going to +[4081.24 --> 4081.74] spell that +[4081.74 --> 4082.14] out for +[4082.14 --> 4083.46] you about +[4083.46 --> 4083.86] what that +[4083.86 --> 4084.18] means. +[4084.46 --> 4084.96] Jim actually +[4084.96 --> 4085.36] gave us an +[4085.36 --> 4085.88] example of +[4085.88 --> 4086.26] maybe what +[4086.26 --> 4086.62] part of +[4086.62 --> 4086.96] that looks +[4086.96 --> 4087.28] like. +[4089.24 --> 4089.98] But all +[4089.98 --> 4090.50] of you +[4090.50 --> 4092.44] have to +[4092.44 --> 4092.68] do the +[4092.68 --> 4093.10] work +[4093.10 --> 4094.36] of figuring +[4094.36 --> 4094.92] that out. +[4095.92 --> 4096.42] What does +[4096.42 --> 4096.74] it mean +[4096.74 --> 4097.38] for me +[4097.38 --> 4098.72] as a +[4098.72 --> 4099.08] Christian +[4099.08 --> 4099.82] on mission +[4099.82 --> 4101.18] in this +[4101.18 --> 4101.64] time +[4101.64 --> 4102.00] and in +[4102.00 --> 4102.24] this +[4102.24 --> 4102.76] place +[4102.76 --> 4104.14] to +[4104.14 --> 4104.52] proclaim +[4104.52 --> 4104.84] this +[4104.84 --> 4105.30] same +[4105.30 --> 4106.56] message? +[4106.90 --> 4107.12] And what +[4107.12 --> 4107.82] is really +[4107.82 --> 4108.42] important +[4108.42 --> 4110.04] and what +[4110.04 --> 4110.48] is less +[4110.48 --> 4110.74] so? +[4111.70 --> 4112.26] What's +[4112.26 --> 4112.68] really +[4112.68 --> 4113.12] important +[4113.12 --> 4113.40] for me +[4113.40 --> 4113.68] to make +[4113.68 --> 4113.96] sure I +[4113.96 --> 4114.54] stand on +[4114.54 --> 4114.80] firm +[4114.80 --> 4115.08] ground +[4115.08 --> 4115.68] and boldly +[4115.68 --> 4115.98] proclaim +[4115.98 --> 4117.38] and what +[4117.38 --> 4117.82] is less +[4117.82 --> 4119.20] so for +[4119.20 --> 4119.52] me to +[4119.52 --> 4119.92] allow +[4119.92 --> 4120.76] to happen? +[4123.74 --> 4124.30] I'll +[4124.30 --> 4124.52] leave that +[4124.52 --> 4124.80] with you. +[4126.48 --> 4127.16] So Paul +[4127.16 --> 4128.80] and Priscilla +[4128.80 --> 4129.42] and Aquila +[4129.42 --> 4130.12] arrive in +[4130.12 --> 4130.48] Ephesus +[4130.48 --> 4131.24] where they +[4131.24 --> 4131.70] spend some +[4131.70 --> 4132.20] time doing +[4132.20 --> 4132.58] ministry +[4132.58 --> 4133.00] together. +[4133.60 --> 4134.02] Paul would +[4134.02 --> 4134.52] go to the +[4134.52 --> 4134.82] synagogue +[4134.82 --> 4135.54] preaching and +[4135.54 --> 4135.84] teaching. +[4136.62 --> 4137.34] Early church +[4137.34 --> 4138.46] tradition suggests +[4138.46 --> 4139.02] that Priscilla +[4139.02 --> 4139.56] and Aquila +[4139.56 --> 4140.10] would host +[4140.10 --> 4141.18] the church +[4141.18 --> 4141.50] in their +[4141.50 --> 4142.64] house as +[4142.64 --> 4143.00] they went. +[4144.32 --> 4144.82] Eventually +[4144.82 --> 4145.74] Paul leaves +[4145.74 --> 4146.36] and continues +[4146.36 --> 4147.36] his missionary +[4147.36 --> 4148.32] journeys leaving +[4148.32 --> 4149.02] Priscilla and +[4149.02 --> 4149.82] Aquila behind +[4149.82 --> 4150.44] in Ephesus. +[4151.18 --> 4151.44] And while +[4151.44 --> 4152.08] they're there +[4152.08 --> 4153.36] Apollos comes +[4153.36 --> 4154.58] and we learn +[4154.58 --> 4155.14] that Apollos +[4155.14 --> 4155.90] is an eloquent +[4155.90 --> 4156.82] and capable +[4156.82 --> 4157.56] speaker. +[4158.22 --> 4159.28] He is an +[4159.28 --> 4159.74] excellent +[4159.74 --> 4160.62] preacher and +[4160.62 --> 4161.62] recognizing +[4161.62 --> 4163.02] his potential +[4163.02 --> 4164.16] Priscilla and +[4164.16 --> 4165.16] Aquila are +[4165.16 --> 4165.92] encouraged and +[4165.92 --> 4166.60] they hear him +[4166.60 --> 4167.30] and then they +[4167.30 --> 4168.20] notice a few +[4168.20 --> 4169.44] little gaps +[4169.44 --> 4170.22] in his +[4170.22 --> 4170.88] understanding. +[4171.02 --> 4171.22] A few +[4171.22 --> 4171.54] little +[4171.54 --> 4173.06] incomplete +[4173.06 --> 4173.96] ideas. +[4174.62 --> 4174.94] And so they +[4174.94 --> 4175.40] take him +[4175.40 --> 4175.84] aside. +[4176.04 --> 4176.64] They open +[4176.64 --> 4176.94] up their +[4176.94 --> 4177.60] home to +[4177.60 --> 4178.38] him and +[4178.38 --> 4179.12] they explain +[4179.12 --> 4179.58] the way +[4179.58 --> 4180.10] of God +[4180.10 --> 4180.88] more accurately. +[4182.16 --> 4182.86] Now Apollos +[4182.86 --> 4183.56] we learn +[4183.56 --> 4184.16] is introduced +[4184.16 --> 4185.04] as a Jew +[4185.04 --> 4185.36] from +[4185.36 --> 4185.96] Alexandria +[4185.96 --> 4186.48] which is +[4186.48 --> 4187.08] in Egypt. +[4187.68 --> 4188.08] He's +[4188.08 --> 4188.58] described +[4188.58 --> 4188.92] as we +[4188.92 --> 4189.22] said +[4189.22 --> 4190.14] as one +[4190.14 --> 4190.42] who is +[4190.42 --> 4190.96] thoroughly +[4190.96 --> 4191.52] acquainted +[4191.52 --> 4192.32] with the +[4192.32 --> 4192.64] scriptures +[4192.64 --> 4193.44] and instructed +[4193.44 --> 4193.92] in the +[4193.92 --> 4194.20] way of +[4194.20 --> 4194.54] the Lord. +[4196.10 --> 4196.90] But we +[4196.90 --> 4197.30] learn that +[4197.30 --> 4197.80] his knowledge +[4197.80 --> 4198.44] is limited +[4198.44 --> 4199.46] to the +[4199.46 --> 4200.12] baptism of +[4200.12 --> 4200.52] John +[4200.52 --> 4201.38] which is +[4201.38 --> 4201.78] the baptism +[4201.78 --> 4202.50] of repentance +[4202.50 --> 4204.18] instead of +[4204.18 --> 4204.66] the baptism +[4204.66 --> 4205.26] of Jesus +[4205.26 --> 4205.62] or the +[4205.62 --> 4206.26] baptism of +[4206.26 --> 4206.60] the early +[4206.60 --> 4207.08] church +[4207.08 --> 4207.42] which is +[4207.42 --> 4208.40] one wherein +[4208.40 --> 4208.92] we talk +[4208.92 --> 4209.36] about the +[4209.36 --> 4210.22] Holy Spirit +[4210.22 --> 4210.60] coming, +[4210.68 --> 4211.02] a baptism +[4211.02 --> 4211.76] of faith. +[4213.42 --> 4213.72] And with +[4213.72 --> 4214.28] the support +[4214.28 --> 4214.90] eventually +[4214.90 --> 4215.90] and encouragement +[4215.90 --> 4216.48] of the +[4216.48 --> 4217.00] Ephesian +[4217.00 --> 4217.54] believers +[4217.54 --> 4218.26] Apollos +[4218.26 --> 4219.42] is sent +[4219.42 --> 4220.24] to Achaia +[4220.24 --> 4220.68] which is +[4220.68 --> 4221.54] the region +[4221.54 --> 4222.18] of Greece +[4222.18 --> 4222.82] where Corinth +[4222.82 --> 4223.40] is and +[4223.40 --> 4223.86] specifically +[4223.86 --> 4224.54] he is in +[4224.54 --> 4224.90] Corinth. +[4225.78 --> 4226.18] And the +[4226.18 --> 4226.70] brothers and +[4226.70 --> 4227.50] sisters in +[4227.50 --> 4228.12] Ephesus +[4228.12 --> 4229.14] write to +[4229.14 --> 4229.74] the church +[4229.74 --> 4230.56] in Corinth +[4230.56 --> 4231.32] to welcome +[4231.32 --> 4232.98] him and +[4232.98 --> 4234.02] to support +[4234.02 --> 4234.32] him. +[4235.06 --> 4235.30] And so +[4235.30 --> 4235.94] he goes +[4235.94 --> 4237.16] to Corinth +[4237.16 --> 4237.68] where he's +[4237.68 --> 4238.26] a great +[4238.26 --> 4238.74] help to +[4238.74 --> 4239.18] those who +[4239.18 --> 4239.52] believe, +[4239.72 --> 4239.98] where he +[4239.98 --> 4240.66] refutes +[4240.66 --> 4241.58] people in +[4241.58 --> 4241.90] public +[4241.90 --> 4242.30] debate +[4242.30 --> 4242.88] and proves +[4242.88 --> 4243.22] from the +[4243.22 --> 4243.54] scriptures +[4243.54 --> 4244.24] that Jesus +[4244.24 --> 4244.94] is the +[4244.94 --> 4245.28] Messiah. +[4246.18 --> 4246.52] If we +[4246.52 --> 4246.98] zoom out +[4246.98 --> 4247.28] from the +[4247.28 --> 4247.56] book of +[4247.56 --> 4247.96] Acts a +[4247.96 --> 4248.48] little bit +[4248.48 --> 4249.70] Apollos +[4249.70 --> 4250.42] becomes so +[4250.42 --> 4251.14] significant +[4251.14 --> 4251.72] in the +[4251.72 --> 4252.20] Corinthian +[4252.20 --> 4252.68] church +[4252.68 --> 4253.46] that when +[4253.46 --> 4254.22] Paul writes +[4254.22 --> 4254.84] his letters +[4254.84 --> 4255.38] to them +[4255.38 --> 4255.84] later, +[4256.56 --> 4256.90] we have +[4256.90 --> 4257.24] this in +[4257.24 --> 4257.96] 1 Corinthians, +[4258.82 --> 4259.82] there are +[4259.82 --> 4260.52] divisions +[4260.52 --> 4261.38] taking place +[4261.38 --> 4261.94] because the +[4261.94 --> 4262.72] believers are +[4262.72 --> 4263.48] saying things +[4263.48 --> 4263.78] like, +[4263.90 --> 4264.12] well I +[4264.12 --> 4264.98] follow Paul, +[4265.18 --> 4265.94] I follow +[4265.94 --> 4266.60] Apollos, +[4266.72 --> 4267.36] another says +[4267.36 --> 4267.94] I follow +[4267.94 --> 4268.48] Cephas, +[4268.60 --> 4268.86] which is +[4268.86 --> 4269.14] Peter, +[4269.40 --> 4269.84] and still +[4269.84 --> 4270.20] others, +[4270.20 --> 4270.72] I follow +[4270.72 --> 4271.02] Christ. +[4271.10 --> 4271.38] So there's +[4271.38 --> 4272.20] these groups +[4272.20 --> 4272.60] that have +[4272.60 --> 4273.62] developed around +[4273.62 --> 4274.36] these people +[4274.36 --> 4275.50] of influence +[4275.50 --> 4276.72] and import. +[4277.68 --> 4278.24] Paul says +[4278.24 --> 4278.68] to them, +[4278.82 --> 4279.84] hey, me +[4279.84 --> 4280.82] and Apollos, +[4281.02 --> 4282.16] we're servants +[4282.16 --> 4283.56] of Christ +[4283.56 --> 4284.94] through whom +[4284.94 --> 4285.54] the Corinthians, +[4286.10 --> 4286.30] you, +[4286.48 --> 4287.20] have come to +[4287.20 --> 4287.54] believe. +[4288.24 --> 4289.14] He emphasizes +[4289.14 --> 4290.26] in fact that +[4290.26 --> 4292.70] Paul has +[4292.70 --> 4293.42] planted the +[4293.42 --> 4293.90] seed and +[4293.90 --> 4295.04] Apollos watered +[4295.04 --> 4295.40] the seed, +[4295.52 --> 4296.24] but it was God +[4296.24 --> 4296.74] who made it +[4296.74 --> 4296.96] grow. +[4296.96 --> 4298.98] now we +[4298.98 --> 4299.42] also know +[4299.42 --> 4300.04] that eventually +[4300.04 --> 4301.18] Apollos left +[4301.18 --> 4302.18] Corinth because +[4302.18 --> 4303.12] Paul mentions +[4303.12 --> 4303.62] that he +[4303.62 --> 4304.78] strongly urged +[4304.78 --> 4305.48] Apollos to +[4305.48 --> 4306.18] go back to +[4306.18 --> 4307.34] Corinth at +[4307.34 --> 4307.76] the end of +[4307.76 --> 4308.20] that letter, +[4308.32 --> 4308.82] but that +[4308.82 --> 4309.30] Apollos would +[4309.30 --> 4309.78] come later, +[4309.78 --> 4311.02] and it also +[4311.02 --> 4311.72] seems likely +[4311.72 --> 4313.22] that Paul +[4313.22 --> 4314.66] sent Apollos +[4314.66 --> 4315.50] with one +[4315.50 --> 4316.84] other to +[4316.84 --> 4317.40] Jerusalem +[4317.40 --> 4318.80] because it +[4318.80 --> 4319.34] seems like +[4319.34 --> 4320.42] Apollos delivers +[4320.42 --> 4321.42] the letter +[4321.42 --> 4322.12] written to +[4322.12 --> 4323.16] Titus on +[4323.16 --> 4323.56] his way +[4323.56 --> 4324.10] while Titus +[4324.10 --> 4324.34] is on +[4324.34 --> 4324.64] the island +[4324.64 --> 4325.04] of Crete. +[4327.36 --> 4327.96] A little +[4327.96 --> 4328.22] bit more +[4328.22 --> 4328.58] history, +[4329.08 --> 4329.40] and I'm +[4329.40 --> 4329.88] building to +[4329.88 --> 4330.16] something, +[4330.26 --> 4330.56] so please +[4330.56 --> 4330.96] bear with +[4330.96 --> 4331.18] me. +[4332.94 --> 4333.46] Tradition +[4333.46 --> 4333.90] will go +[4333.90 --> 4334.30] on to +[4334.30 --> 4335.98] say that +[4335.98 --> 4336.48] Apollos +[4336.48 --> 4337.06] became a +[4337.06 --> 4337.34] bishop, +[4337.74 --> 4338.42] possibly in +[4338.42 --> 4338.78] Corinth, +[4339.00 --> 4339.62] some say +[4339.62 --> 4340.36] in Caesarea +[4340.36 --> 4341.12] or Smyrna. +[4341.94 --> 4343.04] A long-standing +[4343.04 --> 4343.92] tradition in +[4343.92 --> 4344.28] the early +[4344.28 --> 4344.56] church, +[4344.66 --> 4345.04] especially in +[4345.04 --> 4345.38] the eastern +[4345.38 --> 4345.90] part of the +[4345.90 --> 4346.18] church, +[4346.24 --> 4346.62] is that +[4346.62 --> 4347.24] Apollos +[4347.24 --> 4347.78] may have +[4347.78 --> 4348.12] been the +[4348.12 --> 4348.54] author of +[4348.54 --> 4349.18] the letter +[4349.18 --> 4349.52] to the +[4349.52 --> 4349.94] Hebrews, +[4350.38 --> 4350.74] although we're +[4350.74 --> 4351.26] not sure +[4351.26 --> 4351.80] of that. +[4351.80 --> 4353.92] some +[4353.92 --> 4354.56] traditions +[4354.56 --> 4355.18] go on to +[4355.18 --> 4355.54] say that +[4355.54 --> 4356.14] he practiced +[4356.14 --> 4357.24] ministry in +[4357.24 --> 4357.82] Alexandria, +[4358.10 --> 4358.32] in his +[4358.32 --> 4358.60] hometown, +[4358.88 --> 4359.22] and became +[4359.22 --> 4360.08] really influential +[4360.08 --> 4360.90] throughout +[4360.90 --> 4361.84] North Africa. +[4363.28 --> 4364.02] Now the +[4364.02 --> 4364.46] reason I +[4364.46 --> 4365.02] belabor this +[4365.02 --> 4366.52] point is +[4366.52 --> 4366.94] because I +[4366.94 --> 4368.20] think what +[4368.20 --> 4368.58] we are +[4368.58 --> 4369.78] seeing is +[4369.78 --> 4370.34] a very +[4370.34 --> 4371.32] particular +[4371.32 --> 4374.66] example of +[4374.66 --> 4375.62] a healthy +[4375.62 --> 4376.94] functioning +[4376.94 --> 4377.88] church +[4377.88 --> 4378.96] embracing +[4378.96 --> 4380.06] and utilizing +[4380.06 --> 4381.12] spiritual +[4381.12 --> 4381.62] gifts, +[4381.80 --> 4382.40] for the +[4382.40 --> 4382.78] building up +[4382.78 --> 4382.94] of the +[4382.94 --> 4383.24] body. +[4383.84 --> 4384.32] I think +[4384.32 --> 4384.80] this is a +[4384.80 --> 4385.64] picture that +[4385.64 --> 4386.70] shows us +[4386.70 --> 4388.16] one way +[4388.16 --> 4388.94] that that +[4388.94 --> 4390.36] can look. +[4391.64 --> 4392.14] And notice +[4392.14 --> 4392.72] in verse +[4392.72 --> 4393.22] 16, +[4394.02 --> 4394.68] when Priscilla +[4394.68 --> 4395.22] and Aquila +[4395.22 --> 4396.38] heard him, +[4396.80 --> 4397.46] they invited +[4397.46 --> 4398.12] him into +[4398.12 --> 4398.84] their home +[4398.84 --> 4400.06] and explained +[4400.06 --> 4400.78] to him +[4400.78 --> 4401.58] the way +[4401.58 --> 4402.16] of God +[4402.16 --> 4402.64] more +[4402.64 --> 4403.40] adequately. +[4405.44 --> 4405.78] And so +[4405.78 --> 4406.16] out of +[4406.16 --> 4407.60] this story, +[4407.78 --> 4408.34] this descriptive +[4408.34 --> 4408.82] event, +[4408.94 --> 4409.52] I want to +[4409.52 --> 4410.42] draw out +[4410.42 --> 4411.24] some principles +[4411.24 --> 4411.84] for our +[4411.84 --> 4412.54] consideration. +[4412.96 --> 4413.30] But the +[4413.30 --> 4413.76] reason I +[4413.76 --> 4414.30] wanted to +[4414.30 --> 4415.32] outline the +[4415.32 --> 4415.90] history of +[4415.90 --> 4416.14] it and +[4416.14 --> 4416.42] what we +[4416.42 --> 4417.06] see is +[4417.06 --> 4418.62] because this +[4418.62 --> 4419.62] is how +[4419.62 --> 4421.24] God ordinarily +[4421.24 --> 4423.08] functions in +[4423.08 --> 4423.64] and through +[4423.64 --> 4424.32] his church. +[4424.78 --> 4425.76] This is how +[4425.76 --> 4426.84] God grows +[4426.84 --> 4427.56] the body +[4427.56 --> 4428.82] of believers. +[4429.26 --> 4429.96] This is how +[4429.96 --> 4431.14] God has the +[4431.14 --> 4432.02] gospel message +[4432.02 --> 4432.62] go forth +[4432.62 --> 4433.36] into all the +[4433.36 --> 4433.66] world. +[4433.66 --> 4433.68] world. +[4435.06 --> 4435.42] And so +[4435.42 --> 4435.82] when we +[4435.82 --> 4436.78] talk this +[4436.78 --> 4437.40] morning about +[4437.40 --> 4438.78] our lives +[4438.78 --> 4439.60] here at +[4439.60 --> 4440.42] Langley-Emmanuel +[4440.42 --> 4441.94] in Murrayville +[4441.94 --> 4442.90] in Langley +[4442.90 --> 4444.16] in Canada, +[4444.62 --> 4446.20] we're talking +[4446.20 --> 4446.88] about things +[4446.88 --> 4447.40] that God +[4447.40 --> 4448.86] uses to +[4448.86 --> 4450.04] transform and +[4450.04 --> 4450.80] change the +[4450.80 --> 4452.30] entire world. +[4453.82 --> 4454.24] So don't +[4454.24 --> 4454.94] miss that. +[4455.00 --> 4455.64] Even as you +[4455.64 --> 4455.98] think, +[4456.46 --> 4457.04] what can I +[4457.04 --> 4457.40] do? +[4458.40 --> 4459.00] Remember, +[4459.54 --> 4460.20] our God +[4460.20 --> 4461.86] uses you +[4461.86 --> 4462.32] and me +[4462.32 --> 4463.76] to change +[4463.76 --> 4464.92] the world. +[4467.18 --> 4467.84] And so +[4467.84 --> 4468.42] as we look +[4468.42 --> 4468.72] at this +[4468.72 --> 4469.30] story and +[4469.30 --> 4469.74] we look to +[4469.74 --> 4470.38] an example, +[4471.20 --> 4471.98] ask yourselves, +[4472.48 --> 4474.14] what does +[4474.14 --> 4474.42] this mean +[4474.42 --> 4474.80] for me? +[4476.28 --> 4476.90] What do I +[4476.90 --> 4477.76] need to +[4477.76 --> 4479.12] hear God +[4479.12 --> 4479.86] say to +[4479.86 --> 4480.98] me this +[4480.98 --> 4481.24] morning? +[4483.22 --> 4483.78] So +[4483.78 --> 4484.22] Priscilla +[4484.22 --> 4484.84] and Aquila +[4484.84 --> 4485.64] listened, +[4486.34 --> 4487.12] they invited +[4487.12 --> 4487.52] him into +[4487.52 --> 4488.14] their lives, +[4488.44 --> 4488.94] and they +[4488.94 --> 4489.48] taught him, +[4490.04 --> 4490.44] and then +[4490.44 --> 4490.88] they sent +[4490.88 --> 4491.96] him out. +[4492.62 --> 4492.80] And so +[4492.80 --> 4493.04] for the +[4493.04 --> 4493.28] rest of +[4493.28 --> 4493.58] our time, +[4493.62 --> 4493.78] I want +[4493.78 --> 4494.64] to do +[4494.64 --> 4495.42] those five +[4495.42 --> 4496.78] steps with +[4496.78 --> 4496.98] you. +[4498.14 --> 4498.68] First of +[4498.68 --> 4498.78] all, +[4498.82 --> 4499.06] notice, +[4499.18 --> 4499.42] Priscilla +[4499.42 --> 4499.88] and Aquila +[4499.88 --> 4501.58] had space +[4501.58 --> 4502.16] in their +[4502.16 --> 4502.56] lives. +[4504.56 --> 4505.00] They +[4505.00 --> 4505.66] made room +[4505.66 --> 4506.94] to invite +[4506.94 --> 4507.50] in a +[4507.50 --> 4508.02] stranger, +[4509.18 --> 4509.68] a brother +[4509.68 --> 4509.94] in the +[4509.94 --> 4510.20] Lord, +[4510.30 --> 4510.60] yes and +[4510.60 --> 4510.90] amen, +[4511.94 --> 4512.24] but one +[4512.24 --> 4512.52] that they +[4512.52 --> 4512.88] did not +[4512.88 --> 4513.10] know. +[4515.04 --> 4515.78] How many +[4515.78 --> 4516.60] of us +[4516.60 --> 4518.58] have space +[4518.58 --> 4519.02] in our +[4519.02 --> 4519.42] lives? +[4520.88 --> 4521.34] And I'm +[4521.34 --> 4521.62] not even +[4521.62 --> 4521.86] going to +[4521.86 --> 4522.32] say to +[4522.32 --> 4522.80] invite in +[4522.80 --> 4523.22] a stranger +[4523.22 --> 4523.64] to live +[4523.64 --> 4524.02] with you, +[4524.66 --> 4525.52] but just +[4525.52 --> 4526.28] space in +[4526.28 --> 4526.82] your lives +[4526.82 --> 4527.16] so that +[4527.16 --> 4527.60] when someone +[4527.60 --> 4528.04] calls you +[4528.04 --> 4528.32] up and +[4528.32 --> 4528.44] say, +[4528.50 --> 4528.62] hey, +[4528.76 --> 4529.24] can we +[4529.24 --> 4529.76] get together? +[4529.86 --> 4530.08] I need +[4530.08 --> 4530.28] to have +[4530.28 --> 4530.64] a chat, +[4530.84 --> 4531.18] and you +[4531.18 --> 4531.42] say, +[4531.80 --> 4532.26] yeah, +[4532.28 --> 4532.54] I think +[4532.54 --> 4532.74] I have +[4532.74 --> 4533.22] time in +[4533.22 --> 4534.34] December. +[4537.62 --> 4538.30] How many +[4538.30 --> 4538.54] of us +[4538.54 --> 4539.56] make space +[4539.56 --> 4540.00] in our +[4540.00 --> 4540.40] time? +[4542.42 --> 4542.90] Intentionally +[4542.90 --> 4545.18] build gaps +[4545.18 --> 4546.46] and opportunities +[4546.46 --> 4548.38] for God +[4548.38 --> 4548.86] to work? +[4550.46 --> 4550.96] In our +[4550.96 --> 4551.70] culture of +[4551.70 --> 4552.28] busyness, +[4552.40 --> 4552.82] it's so +[4552.82 --> 4553.36] easy to +[4553.36 --> 4553.70] think we +[4553.70 --> 4553.88] have to +[4553.88 --> 4554.20] run from +[4554.20 --> 4554.60] this thing +[4554.60 --> 4554.94] to this +[4554.94 --> 4555.26] thing to +[4555.26 --> 4555.68] this thing, +[4555.98 --> 4556.56] especially +[4556.56 --> 4557.34] as parents +[4557.34 --> 4557.76] of young +[4557.76 --> 4558.28] kids when +[4558.28 --> 4558.56] you want +[4558.56 --> 4558.80] them to +[4558.80 --> 4559.22] do this +[4559.22 --> 4559.60] and that +[4559.60 --> 4559.90] and that, +[4560.06 --> 4560.48] and it's +[4560.48 --> 4560.80] good, +[4560.88 --> 4561.00] right? +[4561.02 --> 4561.20] You want +[4561.20 --> 4561.58] to set +[4561.58 --> 4562.08] them up +[4562.08 --> 4562.98] well in +[4562.98 --> 4563.22] life, +[4563.30 --> 4563.68] so you're +[4563.68 --> 4564.22] going to +[4564.22 --> 4564.66] drive them +[4564.66 --> 4565.02] all over +[4565.02 --> 4565.46] the world +[4565.46 --> 4566.76] because you +[4566.76 --> 4567.16] want what's +[4567.16 --> 4567.60] best for +[4567.60 --> 4567.86] them. +[4569.68 --> 4570.18] And so +[4570.18 --> 4570.50] don't hear +[4570.50 --> 4570.74] what I'm +[4570.74 --> 4571.22] not saying. +[4571.96 --> 4572.38] This isn't +[4572.38 --> 4573.06] about shame, +[4573.32 --> 4573.76] this isn't +[4573.76 --> 4574.34] about guilt, +[4574.76 --> 4575.34] this is +[4575.34 --> 4575.86] simply a +[4575.86 --> 4576.32] question. +[4576.32 --> 4578.66] Is there +[4578.66 --> 4580.30] space in +[4580.30 --> 4581.02] your life +[4581.02 --> 4582.40] for God +[4582.40 --> 4582.76] to do +[4582.76 --> 4583.34] something +[4583.34 --> 4585.56] like this? +[4586.46 --> 4587.24] Is there +[4587.24 --> 4587.88] space in +[4587.88 --> 4588.38] your life +[4588.38 --> 4589.04] for God +[4589.04 --> 4589.50] to bring +[4589.50 --> 4590.22] someone to +[4590.22 --> 4590.68] you and +[4590.68 --> 4591.02] say, +[4592.06 --> 4592.64] minister to +[4592.64 --> 4592.84] them? +[4595.74 --> 4596.56] And how +[4596.56 --> 4596.86] are you +[4596.86 --> 4597.38] building +[4597.38 --> 4598.46] that +[4598.46 --> 4599.82] space? +[4600.88 --> 4601.58] How are +[4601.58 --> 4602.16] you creating +[4602.16 --> 4604.00] that time +[4604.00 --> 4605.46] and reality +[4605.46 --> 4607.12] and if +[4607.12 --> 4607.80] you cannot +[4607.80 --> 4608.52] or if +[4608.52 --> 4609.40] you aren't +[4609.40 --> 4610.28] sure how +[4610.28 --> 4610.84] you ever +[4610.84 --> 4611.38] would, +[4611.84 --> 4612.42] ask the +[4612.42 --> 4612.96] question, +[4614.70 --> 4616.08] what is +[4616.08 --> 4617.00] most +[4617.00 --> 4618.52] important +[4618.52 --> 4620.04] here? +[4620.84 --> 4621.64] What +[4621.64 --> 4622.32] really +[4622.32 --> 4623.54] matters +[4623.54 --> 4624.50] here? +[4627.44 --> 4628.42] And again, +[4628.46 --> 4628.76] I don't know +[4628.76 --> 4629.08] the answer +[4629.08 --> 4629.38] to that +[4629.38 --> 4629.88] question for +[4629.88 --> 4630.04] you. +[4630.80 --> 4631.48] That's your +[4631.48 --> 4631.76] job. +[4631.76 --> 4633.92] I'm going +[4633.92 --> 4634.22] to lead +[4634.22 --> 4634.54] you to +[4634.54 --> 4634.76] it. +[4635.70 --> 4636.28] You need +[4636.28 --> 4636.66] to ask +[4636.66 --> 4636.86] it. +[4637.72 --> 4638.10] You need +[4638.10 --> 4638.52] to wonder. +[4640.50 --> 4641.02] Now notice, +[4641.32 --> 4641.68] they had +[4641.68 --> 4642.50] space for +[4642.50 --> 4644.30] Apollos and +[4644.30 --> 4644.92] then they +[4644.92 --> 4645.68] invited him +[4645.68 --> 4646.88] into their +[4646.88 --> 4647.14] home. +[4647.50 --> 4647.84] They did +[4647.84 --> 4648.98] life together. +[4650.64 --> 4653.70] I have +[4653.70 --> 4655.04] seen the +[4655.04 --> 4655.58] way this +[4655.58 --> 4656.20] can work +[4656.20 --> 4657.38] in people's +[4657.38 --> 4658.02] lives. +[4658.82 --> 4659.38] We have +[4659.38 --> 4659.98] examples of +[4659.98 --> 4665.70] people in +[4665.70 --> 4666.44] our own +[4666.44 --> 4667.46] church family +[4667.46 --> 4668.50] who opened +[4668.50 --> 4669.14] their homes +[4669.14 --> 4670.20] up to +[4670.20 --> 4670.82] strangers, +[4671.74 --> 4672.18] complete and +[4672.18 --> 4672.80] utter strangers, +[4673.46 --> 4673.92] and they +[4673.92 --> 4674.54] lived together +[4674.54 --> 4675.78] for a period +[4675.78 --> 4676.14] of time. +[4676.22 --> 4677.02] They welcomed +[4677.02 --> 4677.40] them and +[4677.40 --> 4677.94] they ministered +[4677.94 --> 4678.32] to them and +[4678.32 --> 4678.74] they taught +[4678.74 --> 4679.02] them. +[4680.82 --> 4681.52] Our youth +[4681.52 --> 4682.26] program here +[4682.26 --> 4683.12] at Emmanuel +[4683.12 --> 4683.82] is set up +[4683.82 --> 4684.60] in exactly +[4684.60 --> 4685.30] this way, +[4685.82 --> 4686.68] of partnering +[4686.68 --> 4688.18] leaders with +[4688.18 --> 4688.98] youth starting +[4688.98 --> 4689.56] in grade 8 +[4689.56 --> 4689.94] who will +[4689.94 --> 4690.60] walk with +[4690.60 --> 4690.98] them for +[4690.98 --> 4691.32] the next +[4691.32 --> 4692.02] five years. +[4694.76 --> 4695.36] Intentionally +[4695.36 --> 4696.38] doing life +[4696.38 --> 4696.98] together, +[4697.16 --> 4697.82] intentionally +[4697.82 --> 4699.20] discipling and +[4699.20 --> 4700.30] raising them +[4700.30 --> 4700.56] up. +[4702.98 --> 4703.34] And so +[4703.34 --> 4703.70] for you +[4703.70 --> 4704.12] youth, +[4704.82 --> 4706.06] are you +[4706.06 --> 4706.48] letting that +[4706.48 --> 4706.76] be a +[4706.76 --> 4707.26] priority? +[4708.80 --> 4709.54] Because I +[4709.54 --> 4709.82] know for +[4709.82 --> 4710.32] the leaders +[4710.32 --> 4710.80] who are +[4710.80 --> 4711.08] here, +[4711.50 --> 4712.06] they are. +[4714.28 --> 4714.96] And for +[4714.96 --> 4715.60] you parents +[4715.60 --> 4716.38] of youth, +[4716.58 --> 4717.02] are you +[4717.02 --> 4717.50] letting that +[4717.50 --> 4717.84] be a +[4717.84 --> 4718.36] priority? +[4719.20 --> 4719.68] Encouraging +[4719.68 --> 4720.18] your kids +[4720.18 --> 4720.48] in that +[4720.48 --> 4720.88] direction +[4720.88 --> 4721.18] and in +[4721.18 --> 4721.32] that +[4721.32 --> 4721.86] relationship. +[4722.98 --> 4723.60] Because this +[4723.60 --> 4723.94] is what it +[4723.94 --> 4724.50] looks like +[4724.50 --> 4724.78] for a +[4724.78 --> 4725.06] healthy, +[4725.22 --> 4725.52] functioning +[4725.52 --> 4727.88] church to +[4727.88 --> 4728.80] utilize the +[4728.80 --> 4729.74] spiritual gifts +[4729.74 --> 4730.54] for the +[4730.54 --> 4730.94] building up +[4730.94 --> 4731.12] of the +[4731.12 --> 4731.44] body. +[4732.28 --> 4732.96] This is +[4732.96 --> 4733.96] what God +[4733.96 --> 4735.04] does. +[4736.64 --> 4737.16] We were +[4737.16 --> 4737.70] just talking +[4737.70 --> 4738.16] about care +[4738.16 --> 4738.84] groups earlier +[4738.84 --> 4739.74] this morning. +[4739.84 --> 4740.10] This is +[4740.10 --> 4740.66] another place +[4740.66 --> 4741.10] where God +[4741.10 --> 4742.18] does this, +[4742.26 --> 4742.50] where he +[4742.50 --> 4744.24] builds lives +[4744.24 --> 4745.18] lived together. +[4745.32 --> 4745.52] We have +[4745.52 --> 4746.00] some care +[4746.00 --> 4746.44] groups here +[4746.44 --> 4746.74] who have +[4746.74 --> 4747.10] been meeting +[4747.10 --> 4747.72] for 25 +[4747.72 --> 4748.98] plus years. +[4749.46 --> 4749.78] And that +[4749.78 --> 4750.42] is amazing +[4750.42 --> 4751.06] and incredible. +[4751.20 --> 4751.40] We have +[4751.40 --> 4751.82] some care +[4751.82 --> 4752.56] groups who +[4752.56 --> 4752.86] are just +[4752.86 --> 4753.10] saying, +[4753.40 --> 4753.62] hey, we +[4753.62 --> 4753.90] want to +[4753.90 --> 4754.40] start this +[4754.40 --> 4754.64] year. +[4755.60 --> 4755.86] We have +[4755.86 --> 4756.30] some leaders +[4756.30 --> 4756.56] who are +[4756.56 --> 4757.00] looking for +[4757.00 --> 4757.98] more people +[4757.98 --> 4758.32] to be +[4758.32 --> 4758.66] involved. +[4758.78 --> 4759.02] And I do +[4759.02 --> 4759.48] have permission +[4759.48 --> 4759.78] to say +[4759.78 --> 4759.96] this. +[4760.10 --> 4760.54] Perry's +[4760.54 --> 4761.06] group is +[4761.06 --> 4761.52] looking for +[4761.52 --> 4762.10] more people +[4762.10 --> 4762.68] to be +[4762.68 --> 4763.04] involved. +[4763.22 --> 4763.52] And so if +[4763.52 --> 4763.92] that seems +[4763.92 --> 4764.36] like something +[4764.36 --> 4764.60] you're +[4764.60 --> 4765.22] interested in, +[4765.50 --> 4766.14] Perry wants +[4766.14 --> 4766.44] you in +[4766.44 --> 4766.88] his group. +[4768.54 --> 4769.08] This is a +[4769.08 --> 4770.40] walking in +[4770.40 --> 4771.60] life together. +[4773.14 --> 4773.98] This past +[4773.98 --> 4775.32] year, I +[4775.32 --> 4775.60] have been +[4775.60 --> 4776.94] part of a +[4776.94 --> 4777.60] group of +[4777.60 --> 4778.12] pastor +[4778.12 --> 4779.12] theologians +[4779.12 --> 4779.58] that gets +[4779.58 --> 4780.40] together four +[4780.40 --> 4781.14] times every +[4781.14 --> 4781.56] year at +[4781.56 --> 4781.94] Trinity +[4781.94 --> 4782.68] Western +[4782.68 --> 4784.06] University to +[4784.06 --> 4784.90] wrestle and +[4784.90 --> 4785.96] to do life +[4785.96 --> 4786.64] together and +[4786.64 --> 4787.52] to think +[4787.52 --> 4788.32] critically and +[4788.32 --> 4789.30] theologically about +[4789.30 --> 4789.82] preaching and +[4789.82 --> 4790.40] about the call +[4790.40 --> 4791.50] of ministry and +[4791.50 --> 4792.08] what that means. +[4792.16 --> 4792.66] And that has +[4792.66 --> 4794.20] done incredible +[4794.20 --> 4795.44] things in my +[4795.44 --> 4796.18] heart and in my +[4796.18 --> 4796.84] life and in my +[4796.84 --> 4797.50] relationship to +[4797.50 --> 4798.54] God as these +[4798.54 --> 4799.66] other pastors +[4799.66 --> 4801.16] encourage and +[4801.16 --> 4802.52] speak truths +[4802.52 --> 4803.52] to me. +[4805.08 --> 4805.94] They're creating +[4805.94 --> 4807.20] space to do +[4807.20 --> 4808.46] life together. +[4809.68 --> 4810.08] I have a +[4810.08 --> 4810.38] group of +[4810.38 --> 4811.62] friends that I +[4811.62 --> 4811.92] went to +[4811.92 --> 4812.56] seminary with +[4812.56 --> 4813.70] almost 15 +[4813.70 --> 4814.40] years ago, +[4814.90 --> 4816.08] more than 15 +[4816.08 --> 4816.56] years ago, +[4816.62 --> 4817.20] oh my goodness. +[4819.60 --> 4820.38] And we +[4820.38 --> 4822.10] still are so +[4822.10 --> 4823.06] incredibly close. +[4823.16 --> 4823.68] In fact, two +[4823.68 --> 4824.28] of their families +[4824.28 --> 4825.62] visited us last +[4825.62 --> 4826.04] week and were +[4826.04 --> 4826.54] here in worship +[4826.54 --> 4827.74] with us last +[4827.74 --> 4828.02] week. +[4828.72 --> 4829.36] These people +[4829.36 --> 4830.64] have lived life +[4830.64 --> 4831.02] with me and +[4831.02 --> 4831.56] have spoken +[4831.56 --> 4832.56] life to me +[4832.56 --> 4832.90] and have +[4832.90 --> 4834.18] spoken challenging +[4834.18 --> 4835.80] words to me. +[4837.50 --> 4838.20] Because when +[4838.20 --> 4838.80] you do life +[4838.80 --> 4839.56] together, here's +[4839.56 --> 4840.12] another principle +[4840.12 --> 4841.70] for you, we +[4841.70 --> 4843.08] cannot be afraid +[4843.08 --> 4844.32] of disagreement. +[4845.48 --> 4846.44] We cannot be +[4846.44 --> 4847.44] afraid of saying +[4847.44 --> 4849.74] hard things to +[4849.74 --> 4850.18] each other. +[4851.66 --> 4851.98] And in fact, +[4852.06 --> 4852.36] the scriptures +[4852.36 --> 4853.08] call us to +[4853.08 --> 4854.16] always be prepared +[4854.16 --> 4854.94] in season and +[4854.94 --> 4855.72] out of season to +[4855.72 --> 4856.78] give the reason +[4856.78 --> 4857.36] for the hope +[4857.36 --> 4857.94] that you have +[4857.94 --> 4859.14] in Jesus Christ. +[4859.24 --> 4860.02] We always have +[4860.02 --> 4861.06] to be ready to +[4861.06 --> 4861.42] do that. +[4861.50 --> 4862.06] But scripture +[4862.06 --> 4863.62] also says to +[4863.62 --> 4864.04] do that with +[4864.04 --> 4865.60] gentleness and +[4865.60 --> 4866.14] respect. +[4868.36 --> 4869.08] And so we +[4869.08 --> 4870.04] need to be able +[4870.04 --> 4871.02] to disagree with +[4871.02 --> 4871.44] each other. +[4871.52 --> 4872.04] We need to be +[4872.04 --> 4872.52] able to ask +[4872.52 --> 4873.46] each other hard +[4873.46 --> 4873.90] questions. +[4874.02 --> 4874.48] We need to be +[4874.48 --> 4875.52] able to rebuke +[4875.52 --> 4876.14] and hold each +[4876.14 --> 4876.80] other accountable, +[4877.32 --> 4878.28] but with +[4878.28 --> 4879.70] gentleness and +[4879.70 --> 4880.20] respect. +[4881.20 --> 4881.78] Because this is +[4881.78 --> 4882.32] how God grows +[4882.32 --> 4882.80] the church. +[4883.54 --> 4884.22] This is how God +[4884.22 --> 4884.96] grows you and +[4884.96 --> 4885.90] me as disciples +[4885.90 --> 4887.28] in his name, +[4887.36 --> 4888.40] as we are more +[4888.40 --> 4889.34] and more transformed +[4889.34 --> 4890.44] into the image +[4890.44 --> 4891.20] of Jesus Christ. +[4891.32 --> 4892.08] He does that +[4892.08 --> 4893.38] through you +[4893.38 --> 4894.26] to me and +[4894.26 --> 4895.04] me to you +[4895.04 --> 4895.68] and you to +[4895.68 --> 4896.34] her and her +[4896.34 --> 4897.08] to you and +[4897.08 --> 4897.66] so on and +[4897.66 --> 4898.50] so forth in +[4898.50 --> 4900.06] these multiplicities +[4900.06 --> 4901.02] of relationships. +[4902.28 --> 4903.20] This is how +[4903.20 --> 4904.94] God works. +[4906.82 --> 4907.64] Now notice, +[4907.80 --> 4908.48] they listened +[4908.48 --> 4909.66] to him. +[4909.78 --> 4910.82] They heard +[4910.82 --> 4911.40] him. +[4913.40 --> 4914.50] This may be a +[4914.50 --> 4915.18] stretch, but +[4915.18 --> 4915.76] remember this is a +[4915.76 --> 4916.48] descriptive event, +[4916.54 --> 4916.94] so we're pulling +[4916.94 --> 4917.54] principles out, +[4917.60 --> 4917.94] so we're allowed +[4917.94 --> 4918.42] to stretch a +[4918.42 --> 4918.74] little bit. +[4919.30 --> 4920.04] Part of what +[4920.04 --> 4920.96] this looks like +[4920.96 --> 4922.26] is listening +[4922.26 --> 4923.50] genuinely, +[4923.88 --> 4924.58] authentically, +[4924.86 --> 4926.10] meaningfully to +[4926.10 --> 4926.78] people who are +[4926.78 --> 4927.32] different than +[4927.32 --> 4928.26] you, to people +[4928.26 --> 4929.16] who are experiencing +[4929.16 --> 4930.06] different things +[4930.06 --> 4930.64] than you, to +[4930.64 --> 4931.12] people who have +[4931.12 --> 4932.24] entirely different +[4932.24 --> 4933.10] walks of life +[4933.10 --> 4935.88] than you, and +[4935.88 --> 4936.74] listening and +[4936.74 --> 4938.16] wondering how. +[4938.72 --> 4940.28] How is God +[4940.28 --> 4941.80] using them, or +[4941.80 --> 4942.58] how is God +[4942.58 --> 4943.42] using me to +[4943.42 --> 4944.00] reach them? +[4944.16 --> 4944.56] How? +[4944.56 --> 4946.64] How are we +[4946.64 --> 4947.16] going to see +[4947.16 --> 4949.32] God in this +[4949.32 --> 4950.08] together? +[4952.18 --> 4953.72] Sometimes people +[4953.72 --> 4955.06] say to me, I +[4955.06 --> 4955.70] just don't know +[4955.70 --> 4956.16] what I would +[4956.16 --> 4956.58] say. +[4957.92 --> 4958.74] My first +[4958.74 --> 4959.54] response is, +[4959.92 --> 4960.38] well then don't +[4960.38 --> 4960.96] say anything. +[4961.88 --> 4962.64] Just listen. +[4964.10 --> 4965.18] Just listen +[4965.18 --> 4966.84] and see what +[4966.84 --> 4968.10] God will do. +[4969.14 --> 4970.10] Now, listening +[4970.10 --> 4970.66] leads to +[4970.66 --> 4971.10] something, +[4971.10 --> 4972.80] right? +[4973.50 --> 4974.12] And so, +[4974.96 --> 4975.40] Priscilla and +[4975.40 --> 4976.20] Aquila listened +[4976.20 --> 4977.04] and then they +[4977.04 --> 4978.54] taught him. +[4979.68 --> 4980.40] They searched +[4980.40 --> 4981.02] the scriptures, +[4981.62 --> 4982.34] they learned +[4982.34 --> 4983.24] and lived in +[4983.24 --> 4984.36] its truth as +[4984.36 --> 4985.04] the path of +[4985.04 --> 4985.76] discipleship. +[4986.56 --> 4987.24] And over and +[4987.24 --> 4987.78] over and over +[4987.78 --> 4988.34] again, this +[4988.34 --> 4988.96] pattern is +[4988.96 --> 4989.66] affirmed for +[4989.66 --> 4990.68] us in these +[4990.68 --> 4991.46] stories of the +[4991.46 --> 4991.94] New Testament +[4991.94 --> 4992.92] about listening +[4992.92 --> 4993.62] to the word +[4993.62 --> 4994.24] and searching +[4994.24 --> 4995.14] the word to +[4995.14 --> 4995.62] see if it's +[4995.62 --> 4995.80] true. +[4995.88 --> 4996.30] There's a +[4996.30 --> 4997.04] church in +[4997.04 --> 4998.34] Berea that is +[4998.34 --> 4998.98] praised for +[4998.98 --> 4999.22] this. +[4999.36 --> 4999.90] The Berean +[4999.90 --> 5000.68] brothers and +[5000.68 --> 5000.94] sisters, +[5001.10 --> 5001.66] searched the +[5001.66 --> 5002.62] scriptures daily +[5002.62 --> 5003.94] to test what +[5003.94 --> 5004.38] Paul was +[5004.38 --> 5004.70] saying. +[5006.10 --> 5006.68] And they +[5006.68 --> 5007.38] grew and +[5007.38 --> 5008.20] they're praised +[5008.20 --> 5009.04] for that. +[5010.26 --> 5011.56] That's how +[5011.56 --> 5012.78] we do this +[5012.78 --> 5013.40] as well. +[5013.62 --> 5014.24] Search the +[5014.24 --> 5015.66] scriptures daily. +[5016.98 --> 5018.14] Teach one +[5018.14 --> 5018.46] another. +[5019.10 --> 5019.66] And here's +[5019.66 --> 5020.10] what I'm +[5020.10 --> 5020.60] saying in +[5020.60 --> 5020.98] this, right? +[5021.04 --> 5021.18] Your +[5021.18 --> 5022.02] relationships, +[5022.26 --> 5023.58] especially as +[5023.58 --> 5024.62] relationships of +[5024.62 --> 5026.08] discipleship or +[5026.08 --> 5027.82] mentoring, need +[5027.82 --> 5028.46] to be +[5028.46 --> 5029.34] intentional +[5029.34 --> 5030.72] relationships. +[5030.72 --> 5032.78] right? +[5032.82 --> 5033.22] It's not +[5033.22 --> 5034.18] enough just +[5034.18 --> 5035.12] to go to +[5035.12 --> 5035.94] the hockey +[5035.94 --> 5036.92] game with +[5036.92 --> 5038.28] someone, although +[5038.28 --> 5039.28] that's good, and +[5039.28 --> 5039.68] do that. +[5040.10 --> 5040.98] It's not enough +[5040.98 --> 5041.58] just to go to +[5041.58 --> 5042.76] Starbucks with +[5042.76 --> 5043.36] someone, although +[5043.36 --> 5044.52] that's good, and +[5044.52 --> 5045.04] do that. +[5047.24 --> 5049.00] But ask the +[5049.00 --> 5050.68] hard questions. +[5051.42 --> 5052.18] Open up the +[5052.18 --> 5053.36] scriptures with +[5053.36 --> 5053.86] them and say, +[5053.86 --> 5055.20] what is God +[5055.20 --> 5056.62] teaching us in +[5056.62 --> 5058.08] this place, in +[5058.08 --> 5059.48] this moment +[5059.48 --> 5060.64] together? +[5062.48 --> 5063.90] This, too, has +[5063.90 --> 5064.38] been the +[5064.38 --> 5065.50] pattern of +[5065.50 --> 5066.00] scripture. +[5066.20 --> 5066.60] And in this +[5066.60 --> 5067.06] series, we've +[5067.06 --> 5067.58] been looking at +[5067.58 --> 5068.20] stories from the +[5068.20 --> 5068.94] book of Acts, as +[5068.94 --> 5070.14] well as stories +[5070.14 --> 5071.46] from the early +[5071.46 --> 5072.26] church, from the +[5072.26 --> 5072.84] first few +[5072.84 --> 5073.32] centuries. +[5074.28 --> 5075.58] And there's a +[5075.58 --> 5076.34] quote that I want +[5076.34 --> 5076.96] to share with you +[5076.96 --> 5078.02] from Clement of +[5078.02 --> 5080.14] Alexandria, same +[5080.14 --> 5080.60] place that +[5080.60 --> 5081.82] Apollos was +[5081.82 --> 5082.12] from. +[5083.02 --> 5083.54] And so +[5083.54 --> 5085.22] perhaps knew +[5085.22 --> 5086.00] Apollos or a +[5086.00 --> 5086.68] student of +[5086.68 --> 5087.42] Apollos. +[5087.62 --> 5088.18] This is a +[5088.18 --> 5089.02] longer quote, so +[5089.02 --> 5089.78] bear with me. +[5090.26 --> 5090.88] And some of the +[5090.88 --> 5091.40] language is a +[5091.40 --> 5091.88] little bit tough, +[5091.96 --> 5092.94] but we'll make +[5092.94 --> 5093.18] through. +[5095.48 --> 5096.32] Clement writes, +[5097.32 --> 5098.12] but those who +[5098.12 --> 5098.92] are ready to +[5098.92 --> 5099.92] toil in the +[5099.92 --> 5100.82] most excellent +[5100.82 --> 5102.84] pursuits, hear +[5102.84 --> 5104.54] that, toil in the +[5104.54 --> 5105.14] most excellent +[5105.14 --> 5105.98] pursuits, work +[5105.98 --> 5107.88] hard at what is +[5107.88 --> 5108.78] worth working +[5108.78 --> 5110.50] hard at, will +[5110.50 --> 5111.72] not desist from +[5111.72 --> 5112.86] the search after +[5112.86 --> 5114.36] truth, till they +[5114.36 --> 5115.16] get the +[5115.16 --> 5116.26] demonstration from +[5116.26 --> 5116.86] the scriptures +[5116.86 --> 5117.58] themselves. +[5118.64 --> 5119.90] As then, in +[5119.90 --> 5120.66] war, the +[5120.66 --> 5121.60] soldier must not +[5121.60 --> 5122.40] leave the post +[5122.40 --> 5122.82] which the +[5122.82 --> 5123.38] commander has +[5123.38 --> 5124.48] assigned him, so +[5124.48 --> 5125.52] neither must we +[5125.52 --> 5126.54] desert the post +[5126.54 --> 5127.78] assigned by the +[5127.78 --> 5128.92] word, whom we +[5128.92 --> 5129.90] have received as +[5129.90 --> 5130.70] the guide of +[5130.70 --> 5131.78] knowledge and +[5131.78 --> 5132.14] life. +[5133.72 --> 5134.78] But the most +[5134.78 --> 5135.68] have not even +[5135.68 --> 5136.34] inquired. +[5137.00 --> 5137.54] And if there's +[5137.54 --> 5138.02] one that we +[5138.02 --> 5138.78] ought to follow, +[5139.10 --> 5139.80] and who this +[5139.80 --> 5140.92] is, and how he +[5140.92 --> 5141.46] is to be +[5141.46 --> 5142.54] followed, for as +[5142.54 --> 5144.22] is the word, so +[5144.22 --> 5146.02] such also must +[5146.02 --> 5146.84] the believer's +[5146.84 --> 5148.88] life be, so +[5148.88 --> 5149.76] as to be able +[5149.76 --> 5151.28] to follow God, +[5151.36 --> 5152.16] who brings all +[5152.16 --> 5153.12] things to end +[5153.12 --> 5153.76] from the +[5153.76 --> 5155.26] beginning by the +[5155.26 --> 5156.38] right course. +[5157.76 --> 5158.90] The idea here +[5158.90 --> 5162.24] is that as +[5162.24 --> 5163.78] Jesus has +[5163.78 --> 5165.36] shown, the +[5165.36 --> 5166.46] living word has +[5166.46 --> 5168.24] shown, so we +[5168.24 --> 5169.50] must follow. +[5170.56 --> 5171.16] This is the +[5171.16 --> 5171.66] same thing that +[5171.66 --> 5172.44] Jesus says when +[5172.44 --> 5173.44] he says to his +[5173.44 --> 5174.40] disciples to take +[5174.40 --> 5175.38] up your cross and +[5175.38 --> 5176.44] to follow after +[5176.44 --> 5176.68] him. +[5176.74 --> 5177.28] This is the same +[5177.28 --> 5178.20] thing that Jesus +[5178.20 --> 5178.94] says to his +[5178.94 --> 5179.74] disciples when he +[5179.74 --> 5181.16] says, come after +[5181.16 --> 5183.56] me, and as the +[5183.56 --> 5184.32] Father has sent +[5184.32 --> 5185.44] me, so I am +[5185.44 --> 5186.44] sending you. +[5186.52 --> 5187.14] This is the same +[5187.14 --> 5188.24] thing that the +[5188.24 --> 5189.14] scriptures command +[5189.14 --> 5190.62] us as we wrestle +[5190.62 --> 5191.74] day in and day +[5191.74 --> 5192.60] out with the +[5192.60 --> 5193.48] truth of God's +[5193.48 --> 5194.38] word and applying +[5194.38 --> 5196.34] it to our lives. +[5196.44 --> 5197.54] We do this +[5197.54 --> 5199.18] because Jesus has +[5199.18 --> 5200.74] shown us the way +[5200.74 --> 5202.04] and because Jesus +[5202.04 --> 5203.32] has called us +[5203.32 --> 5204.24] into this way, +[5204.36 --> 5205.42] but even more +[5205.42 --> 5206.00] than that, +[5206.82 --> 5207.98] even more than +[5207.98 --> 5208.84] because he has +[5208.84 --> 5209.54] shown us and +[5209.54 --> 5210.10] because he has +[5210.10 --> 5211.18] called us, even +[5211.18 --> 5213.16] more because he +[5213.16 --> 5215.02] has done it. +[5216.48 --> 5217.24] He has +[5217.24 --> 5219.16] accomplished it +[5219.16 --> 5220.82] for us in our +[5220.82 --> 5221.16] place. +[5221.24 --> 5222.22] He has lived the +[5222.22 --> 5223.26] life we should have +[5223.26 --> 5224.00] lived, and he has +[5224.00 --> 5225.16] died the death that +[5225.16 --> 5226.18] we deserve, and this +[5226.18 --> 5227.50] same Jesus now +[5227.50 --> 5229.64] calls you out in +[5229.64 --> 5231.00] relationship, in +[5231.00 --> 5231.96] discipleship, and +[5231.96 --> 5234.14] says, follow me. +[5235.10 --> 5236.10] Follow me. +[5237.10 --> 5238.18] And for a church to +[5238.18 --> 5239.90] follow Jesus, this is +[5239.90 --> 5240.94] what it looks like, +[5241.80 --> 5243.46] right, to pursue and +[5243.46 --> 5245.32] to utilize and to +[5245.32 --> 5246.80] gather up these +[5246.80 --> 5247.98] gifts that he has +[5247.98 --> 5253.92] given and grow his +[5253.92 --> 5255.26] body. +[5257.68 --> 5258.64] The fifth thing +[5258.64 --> 5259.92] here is that they +[5259.92 --> 5261.96] sent him out. +[5262.36 --> 5263.48] Now again, this is +[5263.48 --> 5264.36] descriptive, not +[5264.36 --> 5265.12] prescriptive. +[5265.20 --> 5265.86] I'm not saying that +[5265.86 --> 5266.80] you all need to go +[5266.80 --> 5268.26] to Corinth after +[5268.26 --> 5269.16] church on Sunday +[5269.16 --> 5270.18] and be a missionary +[5270.18 --> 5271.50] there, or Hawaii, +[5271.70 --> 5272.70] or wherever else you +[5272.70 --> 5273.46] think it might be good +[5273.46 --> 5274.38] to go as a +[5274.38 --> 5274.66] missionary. +[5277.10 --> 5279.26] The idea is we +[5279.26 --> 5280.12] are encouraged in +[5280.12 --> 5281.30] the word together, +[5281.52 --> 5282.44] we are grown in +[5282.44 --> 5283.00] the word in +[5283.00 --> 5283.88] relationship to +[5283.88 --> 5284.80] one another, and +[5284.80 --> 5285.78] to Jesus through +[5285.78 --> 5286.90] that, and we are +[5286.90 --> 5288.56] sent out with this +[5288.56 --> 5289.98] same mission. +[5290.10 --> 5290.60] A healthy, +[5290.82 --> 5291.56] functioning church +[5291.56 --> 5292.46] embraces and +[5292.46 --> 5293.62] utilizes the +[5293.62 --> 5294.98] spiritual gifts of +[5294.98 --> 5297.04] all its members for +[5297.04 --> 5298.56] the building up of +[5298.56 --> 5299.22] the body. +[5300.36 --> 5301.24] And if you're a +[5301.24 --> 5302.04] guest with us this +[5302.04 --> 5304.42] morning, I want to +[5304.42 --> 5305.58] say we here at +[5305.58 --> 5306.96] Emanuel are really +[5306.96 --> 5307.76] good at this. +[5310.32 --> 5311.96] We have, in our +[5311.96 --> 5314.08] church, we have +[5314.08 --> 5315.42] over, and we did +[5315.42 --> 5316.06] the numbers on +[5316.06 --> 5316.46] this at the +[5316.46 --> 5317.12] beginning of last +[5317.12 --> 5318.16] year, we have +[5318.16 --> 5319.64] over 330 +[5319.64 --> 5321.40] volunteer positions +[5321.40 --> 5321.80] available. +[5321.92 --> 5322.36] That is, we have +[5322.36 --> 5324.24] over 330 places for +[5324.24 --> 5326.18] people to serve in +[5326.18 --> 5327.14] our church. +[5328.16 --> 5328.88] That's not +[5328.88 --> 5329.82] including Night +[5329.82 --> 5330.64] Shift or Mission +[5330.64 --> 5331.60] Thrift Store or the +[5331.60 --> 5332.42] Langley Food Bank. +[5333.04 --> 5334.10] That's not including +[5334.10 --> 5335.28] agencies outside of +[5335.28 --> 5335.52] our church. +[5335.56 --> 5336.00] That's just +[5336.00 --> 5336.56] internally. +[5336.56 --> 5339.68] And for those 330 +[5339.68 --> 5343.80] positions, we have +[5343.80 --> 5348.50] approximately 160 to +[5348.50 --> 5350.16] 180, depending on +[5350.16 --> 5351.98] the season, volunteers, +[5352.22 --> 5353.68] individual volunteers +[5353.68 --> 5355.90] serving in those +[5355.90 --> 5356.36] positions. +[5356.80 --> 5357.80] And that doesn't +[5357.80 --> 5359.08] include the youth +[5359.08 --> 5359.66] helpers. +[5360.64 --> 5361.64] That doesn't include +[5361.64 --> 5363.42] the kids who work in +[5363.42 --> 5363.92] the nursery. +[5363.92 --> 5366.96] right, this is 18 +[5366.96 --> 5367.74] and up. +[5369.52 --> 5370.26] So that means +[5370.26 --> 5372.46] somewhere around 60% +[5372.46 --> 5374.84] of our people are +[5374.84 --> 5375.34] volunteering. +[5376.72 --> 5378.06] Now, it also means +[5378.06 --> 5380.12] that our average +[5380.12 --> 5382.36] volunteer does 2.29 +[5382.36 --> 5383.50] volunteer positions. +[5384.48 --> 5385.74] So they do the work +[5385.74 --> 5386.52] of almost two and a +[5386.52 --> 5386.98] half people. +[5387.88 --> 5389.18] But that's also, I +[5389.18 --> 5389.92] think, something to +[5389.92 --> 5390.82] celebrate because our +[5390.82 --> 5391.70] volunteers are working +[5391.70 --> 5392.50] hard. +[5392.50 --> 5396.14] We get this here. +[5396.38 --> 5397.20] This is part of the +[5397.20 --> 5399.30] DNA of Emmanuel, and +[5399.30 --> 5400.10] I think that is +[5400.10 --> 5401.68] something to celebrate. +[5402.98 --> 5405.46] But also, I think it +[5405.46 --> 5407.22] is one of the ways that +[5407.22 --> 5409.12] God is blessing this +[5409.12 --> 5410.24] church and one of the +[5410.24 --> 5411.90] means by which we are +[5411.90 --> 5413.84] seeing growth and +[5413.84 --> 5415.62] continued growth here. +[5417.24 --> 5419.86] Gordon Smith writes in +[5419.86 --> 5421.16] his book, Institutional +[5421.16 --> 5422.32] Intelligence, he says, +[5422.50 --> 5423.68] the church only +[5423.68 --> 5424.96] flourishes if the +[5424.96 --> 5425.64] members of the +[5425.64 --> 5426.48] congregation are +[5426.48 --> 5427.90] encouraged, empowered, +[5428.12 --> 5429.30] and equipped to be +[5429.30 --> 5430.74] what they are called +[5430.74 --> 5431.54] to be. +[5435.14 --> 5436.24] And this isn't a +[5436.24 --> 5437.92] boast in me or in the +[5437.92 --> 5438.44] other leaders. +[5438.52 --> 5439.58] This is a boast in you. +[5440.54 --> 5442.22] I see God doing that +[5442.22 --> 5442.96] here. +[5444.24 --> 5445.34] And it makes me +[5445.34 --> 5447.26] wonder, what more +[5447.26 --> 5448.06] could God do? +[5448.06 --> 5452.02] What more could he do +[5452.02 --> 5453.76] as we ask ourselves +[5453.76 --> 5455.20] the hard questions of +[5455.20 --> 5456.12] how do I make space? +[5457.04 --> 5458.24] As we ask ourselves, +[5458.38 --> 5459.14] what do I need to +[5459.14 --> 5459.44] learn? +[5460.16 --> 5461.12] As we ask ourselves, +[5461.20 --> 5461.76] who do I need to +[5461.76 --> 5462.22] talk to? +[5462.68 --> 5463.66] As we ask ourselves, +[5463.74 --> 5464.36] who do I need to +[5464.36 --> 5465.46] invite into my life? +[5465.62 --> 5466.46] As we ask ourselves, +[5466.58 --> 5469.06] what Bible study or +[5469.06 --> 5469.82] care group do I need +[5469.82 --> 5471.14] to be a part of? +[5471.14 --> 5474.44] This is how God +[5474.44 --> 5475.46] works. +[5477.10 --> 5478.04] And I hope you've +[5478.04 --> 5480.50] seen it, because God +[5480.50 --> 5481.66] is at work here. +[5483.32 --> 5486.00] And I, for one, want to +[5486.00 --> 5488.48] see more of that work +[5488.48 --> 5489.78] in our midst. +[5490.46 --> 5491.54] Let's pray for that +[5491.54 --> 5491.90] together. +[5491.90 --> 5500.08] Lord, our God, you are +[5500.08 --> 5501.80] at work among us, and +[5501.80 --> 5503.06] so be at work among +[5503.06 --> 5503.40] us. +[5504.56 --> 5506.00] You are doing amazing +[5506.00 --> 5507.38] things in our midst, and +[5507.38 --> 5509.82] so cause us to see +[5509.82 --> 5511.82] that and to trust in +[5511.82 --> 5512.84] your provision. +[5513.08 --> 5515.22] Cause us to pursue the +[5515.22 --> 5516.46] work of your Spirit in +[5516.46 --> 5517.88] our midst, even as you +[5517.88 --> 5519.58] send us out from this +[5519.58 --> 5520.62] place today. +[5521.90 --> 5524.18] God, we go asking +[5524.18 --> 5527.58] questions of discipleship, +[5527.84 --> 5528.38] of space. +[5529.00 --> 5530.40] We go asking questions +[5530.40 --> 5531.84] of relationships and +[5531.84 --> 5532.68] intentionality. +[5533.16 --> 5534.68] We go, Lord God, asking +[5534.68 --> 5535.38] questions. +[5539.04 --> 5542.64] And so we go, Lord, I +[5542.64 --> 5545.44] pray by your Spirit, with +[5545.44 --> 5547.68] enough humility to hear +[5547.68 --> 5549.36] the answer from you. +[5551.90 --> 5553.92] open the eyes of our +[5553.92 --> 5556.68] heart, open our ears of +[5556.68 --> 5559.74] faith, that as we ask, +[5559.86 --> 5561.04] as we search, as we +[5561.04 --> 5563.34] wonder, as we go, we +[5563.34 --> 5565.30] might hear from you. +[5566.30 --> 5567.86] In Jesus' name we pray. +[5568.68 --> 5569.12] Amen. +[5569.12 --> 5576.22] Would you rise with us? +[5576.22 --> 5606.20] Thank you. +[5606.22 --> 5621.22] Nothing can compare your un-living hope, your presence hope. +[5621.22 --> 5638.22] I've tasted and seen of the sweetest of love, when my heart becomes free, when my shame is un-done. +[5638.22 --> 5646.22] Your presence, Lord. +[5646.22 --> 5655.22] Holy Spirit, you are welcome here. +[5655.22 --> 5662.40] Come flood this place and fill the atmosphere. +[5663.12 --> 5668.22] Your glory, Lord, is what our hearts long for. +[5669.22 --> 5675.68] To be overcome by your presence, Lord. +[5675.68 --> 5695.68] There's nothing but more than to ever come close. +[5695.68 --> 5710.68] No thing can compare your un-living hope, your presence hope. +[5710.68 --> 5727.68] I've tasted and seen of the sweetest of love, when my heart becomes free, when my shame is un-done. +[5727.68 --> 5745.68] I've tasted and seen of the sweetest of love, when my heart becomes free. +[5745.68 --> 5751.68] Come flood this place and fill the atmosphere. +[5752.68 --> 5758.90] Your glory, Lord, is what our hearts long for. +[5758.90 --> 5765.90] To be overwhelmed by your presence, Lord. +[5765.90 --> 5773.90] Your presence, Lord. +[5773.90 --> 5790.90] Let us experience the glory of your goodness. +[5790.90 --> 5797.90] Let us become more aware of your presence. +[5797.90 --> 5803.90] Let us experience the glory of your goodness. +[5803.90 --> 5809.90] Let us become more aware of your presence. +[5809.90 --> 5816.90] Let us experience the glory of your goodness. +[5816.90 --> 5833.90] Let us experience the glory of your goodness. +[5833.90 --> 5841.90] Holy Spirit, you are welcome here. +[5841.90 --> 5847.90] Come flood this place and fill the atmosphere. +[5847.90 --> 5853.90] Your glory, Lord, is what our hearts long for. +[5854.90 --> 5865.90] To be overcome by your presence, Lord. +[5865.90 --> 5884.90] Holy Spirit, you are welcome here. +[5884.90 --> 5888.90] As you go this week, go with the blessing of our good God. +[5888.90 --> 5893.90] Before you go, if you would like to meet with someone for prayer, we have opportunity for that. +[5893.90 --> 5898.40] for that. There'll be someone up at the front here with a yellow name tag on. They would love to meet +[5898.40 --> 5904.16] you and pray with you about whatever it is that you are celebrating, are lamenting, are crying out +[5904.16 --> 5910.28] to God, are asking for from him. Additionally, go with an invitation to hang out for a time of +[5910.28 --> 5916.44] gathering, refreshment, fellowship after our worship together. Receive the blessing of God. +[5916.44 --> 5926.76] God, go before you to lead you. God, go behind you to protect you. God, go beneath you to support you. +[5927.36 --> 5934.08] And God, go beside you to befriend you. Do not be afraid. Let the blessing of God come upon you today. +[5934.18 --> 5942.06] Do not be afraid, but go in peace to love and serve the Lord. Amen. +[5946.44 --> 5968.34] You're the Lion of Judah, the Lamb who was slain. You ascended to heaven and nevermore will reign. +[5968.34 --> 5976.02] At the end of the age when the earth you reclaim, they will gather the nations before you. +[5976.02 --> 5987.28] And the eyes of all men will be fixed on the Lamb who was crucified. With wisdom and mercy and justice +[5987.28 --> 6002.02] you'll reign at your Father's side. And the angels will cry, Hail the Lamb who was slain for the world's +[6002.02 --> 6020.02] ruling crown. And the earth will be fixed on the earth. You shall reign as the King of all kings and the Lord of all souls. +[6020.02 --> 6035.00] There's a shield in our hand and a sword at our side. There's a fire in our spirit that cannot be denied. +[6035.28 --> 6042.02] As the Father has told us, for these you have died. For the nations that gather before you. +[6042.02 --> 6058.02] And the ears of all men will be fixed on the Lamb who was crucified. Who descended to hell yet was raised up to reign at His Father's side. +[6058.02 --> 6065.02] And the angels will cry, Hail the Lamb who was slain for the world's ruling power. And the earth will reply, Hail the Lamb. +[6065.02 --> 6072.02] Who will slain for the Lamb who was slain for the world's ruling power. And the earth will reply, Hail the Lamb who was slain for the world's ruling power. +[6072.02 --> 6102.00] And the earth will reply, Hail the Lamb who was slain for the world's ruling power. And the earth will reply, Hail the Lamb who was slain for the world's ruling power. +[6102.00 --> 6109.00] Hail the Lamb who was slain for the world's ruling power. And the Lord of all souls. +[6109.00 --> 6111.00] Hail the Lamb. +[6111.00 --> 6116.06] Hail the Lamb. +[6116.06 --> 6118.44] Hail the Lamb. +[6118.44 --> 6121.64] Hail the Lamb. +[6121.64 --> 6122.44] Hail the Lamb. +[6122.44 --> 6126.38] Hail the Lamb. +[6126.46 --> 6131.40] Hail the Lamb. +[6131.40 --> 6161.38] Thank you. +[6161.40 --> 6191.38] Thank you. +[6191.40 --> 6193.40] Thank you. diff --git a/Sunday Worship, Aug 4, 2024_summary.txt b/Sunday Worship, Aug 4, 2024_summary.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000000000000000000000000000000000000..f204163926dcc0e0f5516e662ba4c77a88ddfc82 --- /dev/null +++ b/Sunday Worship, Aug 4, 2024_summary.txt @@ -0,0 +1,99 @@ +• The speaker leads a hymn of praise and rejoicing. +• Chris, one of the pastors, welcomes guests and announces that he will not be leading the service today. +• Pastor Kevin will lead the preaching, along with other team members. +• Upcoming events include Reactivate, a youth conference in September, which requires volunteers. +• The congregation is encouraged to prepare for the Lord's Supper next week. +• A call to worship from Psalm 103 is given. +• Praise and worship of God +• Jesus Christ as source of heaven, fire, life in darkness, hope, rock, light, and comfort +• Call for men to stand with His people +• Confession of sin before God and seeking mercy and grace +• Remembering God's faithfulness and compassion +• Recognition of God's holiness +• Celebration through singing out and crying out +• Declaring Jesus Christ is alive +• Praising and singing about the cross and its significance +• Acknowledging sin and seeking forgiveness +• Expressing gratitude for mercy and grace +• Inviting children to come forward and participate in a service +• Sharing personal stories and experiences of outdoor activities +• Ending with a prayer for unity and a display of joy and love +• A river is mentioned as a topic of conversation +• The speaker discusses attending church and participating in children's worship time +• Prayers are said for various individuals including Everly Varshtra and Emo Smid undergoing medical procedures +• Gratitude is expressed for blessings and healing in the lives of congregants +• The speaker shares their experience attending seminary to receive a Master's of Divinity +• They discuss the diversity of students they've met through their seminary classes, from various countries and cultures +• Discussing challenges faced by others in different cultures and contexts +• Reading and interpretation of Acts chapter 10, specifically verses 23-48 +• Peter's vision and meeting with Cornelius, a Roman centurion and Gentile +• God's acceptance of all nations and people who fear Him and do right +• The message of Jesus Christ as the Lord of all and the gift of forgiveness of sins through His name +• The Holy Spirit being poured out on Gentiles, including baptism with water for them +• Cornelius is a Gentile Roman centurion who receives a vision from an angel to send for Peter +• Peter has his own vision of a large sheet with animals, and is told by the voice in heaven to kill and eat them +• Peter refuses at first, citing Jewish law that the animals are unclean +• The Holy Spirit informs Peter that there are three men seeking him, and they turn out to be Cornelius' servants +• Peter realizes through the work of the Spirit that Gentiles are part of God's kingdom as well +• The visions in the passage are centered on food and may seem strange at first, but serve a deeper purpose +• Old Testament laws prohibited eating certain animals +• These laws were given to define God's people and set them apart from surrounding nations +• The laws included not worshipping idols, sacrificing children, working on the Sabbath, and eating certain animals +• Peter was Jewish and proud of his heritage and these laws +• Jesus later saw that these same laws had become a source of division among God's people +• Shift from dietary laws to spiritual understanding +• Defilement comes from the mouth, not what goes into it +• The kingdom of God is expanding beyond Israel and tradition +• Belief in Christ defines one's place among God's people, not borders or rules +• The early church debates whether Gentiles must follow Jewish customs to be included with God's people +• The debate at the Jerusalem Council was about whether Gentiles must be circumcised to be saved +• Peter and James supported the idea that salvation is through faith in Jesus Christ, not through the law of Moses +• The council decided that Gentiles do not need to be circumcised, but should abstain from sexual immorality and idolatry +• Unity of the church is rooted in Jesus Christ +• The early church debated what united the church, focusing on laws and customs rather than faith in Christ +• True unity comes from being grafted into and rooted in the gospel truth of Jesus Christ +• Customs and practices are no longer defining God's people, but Jesus Christ is +• A quote from an early church father, Siberian, describes a beautiful picture of believers united across the globe, not by practices or heritage, but by their common Savior +• The unity of God's church is like a single body of light that shines over the world +• Separation from Jesus is not possible for believers +• Jesus' life, death, and resurrection unite us in him +• All people are united as one in Christ Jesus, regardless of background or status +• Unity is found in Jesus +• The ultimate picture of eternity is described in Revelation 7, where a great multitude from every nation stands before the throne and Lamb +• The book of Revelation is described as a vision of salvation for all people from every tribe, nation, and tongue. +• Acts 10 and Acts 15 are referenced as examples of the early church's struggles to understand the inclusivity of God's plan. +• The unity in Christ is not just for one group or culture but for all nations and peoples. +• The diversity of the global church is seen as a reflection of God's people from across the world, rooted in Christ. +• The church thrives when it is made up of people from diverse nations and backgrounds. +• The speaker invites the audience to consider what this means for their local community and how they can embody this vision. +• The CRC's Dutch heritage and history +• Importance of remembering and celebrating the CRC's history +• Danger of letting the CRC's Dutchness divide it from others +• Need for diversity and inclusivity within the CRC +• Caution against flaunting or emphasizing the CRC's Dutchness too much +• The importance of not being divided by words or identity +• Growing into God's kingdom as seen in Revelation 7 and Acts 10 +• Who is at your table: considering those we interact with and how we can be inclusive and united as the church +• The dangers of echo chambers, individualism, and categorization in society and its impact on faith and community +• The importance of unity within the church as a witness to unbelievers +• The importance of the church being unified despite diversity +• Observing and appreciating the diversity within a single congregation +• Understanding that different stories and perspectives are grafted into one story: the true redemption story of God +• Emphasizing unity in Christ despite differences in opinions and backgrounds +• Encouraging individuals to evaluate their relationships and actions as representing the kingdom of God +• The speaker discusses their life, death, resurrection, and ascension into heaven +• The world is polarized and opinions fly around in person and online +• God unites people of all races and backgrounds through His spirit +• Prayers are offered for the global church, including churches in Africa, South America, Asia, and other regions +• The congregation thinks of missionaries and refugees they support and pray for them +• They acknowledge their role as God's hands and feet in the world and pray to live according to God's will +• The speaker references the concept of unity in Christ across different nations and cultures +• A hymn is sung, emphasizing the unity and salvation found in Jesus Christ +• A guitar player who is normally a pianist played in the church service for the first time since grade 6. +• The congregation was encouraged to enjoy fellowship and koinonia with each other. +• The speaker mentioned Langley Emmanuel CRC and emphasized that they are part of a global universal church. +• The priestly blessing from number 6 in Exodus was read, asking God's blessings on the people. +• Praise and worship continued, declaring God's glory, wisdom, honor, and power, with repeated phrases of "be to our God forever and ever". +• Expressions of gratitude were offered multiple times. +• Repeated expression of gratitude +• Silence between expressions of gratitude \ No newline at end of file diff --git a/Sunday Worship, Aug 4, 2024_transcript.txt b/Sunday Worship, Aug 4, 2024_transcript.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000000000000000000000000000000000000..e6f6c4b8a27d205cde8a7939b0b4258807aa2c7d --- /dev/null +++ b/Sunday Worship, Aug 4, 2024_transcript.txt @@ -0,0 +1,1805 @@ +[0.00 --> 2.66] I hope you sing, rejoice. +[4.10 --> 9.70] Come and lift your hands and raise your voice. +[10.10 --> 12.84] He is worthy of all praise. +[14.36 --> 15.64] Rejoice. +[15.92 --> 22.80] Sing the mercies of your King and with trembling rejoice. +[30.00 --> 42.38] As you'll see, this beautiful little +[43.98 --> 49.52] means the certainly scores tule +[49.52 --> 58.64] your first time in eat conference. +[58.64 --> 62.48] A great high priest whose name is love +[62.48 --> 67.20] Whoever lives and pleads on me +[67.20 --> 72.20] My name is graven on his hands +[72.20 --> 76.84] My name is written on his heart +[76.84 --> 81.80] I know that while in heaven he stands +[81.80 --> 86.48] No tongue can bid me this deep heart +[86.48 --> 91.36] No tongue can bid me this deep heart +[91.36 --> 96.08] When Satan tempts me to despair +[96.08 --> 100.92] And tells me of the guilt within +[100.92 --> 105.92] Upwards I look and see and then +[105.92 --> 110.76] Who made an end of all my sin +[110.76 --> 115.62] Because the sinless Savior died +[115.62 --> 120.50] My simple soul is grounded free +[120.50 --> 125.22] For God that just is satisfied +[125.22 --> 130.10] To look on him and part in me +[130.10 --> 134.94] To look on him and part in me +[134.94 --> 141.78] My life my church may be +[141.78 --> 148.14] Found him and part in me +[148.14 --> 150.54] I canege over all my sights +[150.54 --> 155.50] And even though I don't want to me +[155.50 --> 161.50] Behold Him there, the risen Lamb +[161.50 --> 165.84] My perfect spotless righteousness +[165.84 --> 171.06] The greater change of all I am +[171.06 --> 176.06] The King of glory and of grace +[176.06 --> 183.10] One with Himself, I cannot die +[183.10 --> 187.96] My soul is purchased with His blood +[187.96 --> 192.78] My life is in with Christ on high +[192.78 --> 197.60] With Christ my Savior and my God +[197.60 --> 202.48] With Christ my Savior and my God +[213.10 --> 221.26] One with His Savior and his Lord +[221.26 --> 224.26] I am so happy to be saved +[224.26 --> 231.00] My grace was my Savior and my Savior +[231.00 --> 247.14] Where's your heart at? +[248.96 --> 251.76] Is it gripped by idols? +[253.42 --> 255.64] Where's your head at? +[255.64 --> 261.02] Is it lost in foolish strife? +[261.74 --> 263.54] Where'd your lips speak? +[265.54 --> 268.50] Do they praise and curse at the same time? +[273.38 --> 275.32] Good morning. +[276.90 --> 279.14] Welcome to worship. +[279.38 --> 282.86] A special welcome if you are a guest with us this morning. +[283.04 --> 283.82] My name is Chris. +[284.50 --> 286.30] I'm one of the pastors here. +[286.82 --> 289.70] And in fact, this is the last time you'll see me on stage this morning. +[289.80 --> 291.82] Because Pastor Kevin is going to lead us in preaching. +[292.44 --> 294.60] And others are up here leading as well. +[294.78 --> 302.22] So if you are here this morning and wondering about what it is that you can sign up for and volunteer. +[302.54 --> 303.66] Because that's at least one of you. +[304.38 --> 306.14] Do we have an announcement for you? +[307.28 --> 311.22] Coming in September, we're hosting Reactivate, which is a youth conference. +[311.22 --> 318.20] We get youth from Christian Reformed churches all over BC who descend into our space here. +[318.60 --> 322.86] And about 200 of them come for the weekend to worship and to learn. +[323.42 --> 324.32] And we host them. +[324.68 --> 326.48] And to do that, we need a bunch of volunteers. +[326.82 --> 330.24] And so we've had a volunteer list out for quite some time. +[330.86 --> 331.96] It's in the e-bulletin. +[332.46 --> 336.54] There are 40 vacancies that still need to be filled. +[336.54 --> 339.52] So 40 volunteer slots that need to plug in. +[339.64 --> 344.20] So even if you've signed up for one already, maybe go back and check if you've got another spot in you. +[344.58 --> 346.06] So we can round that out together. +[347.50 --> 352.48] That being said, it is an amazing weekend and a wonderful time. +[352.58 --> 355.30] So I really encourage you to check that out and to connect there. +[355.94 --> 361.12] As far as announcements go for me, just the last one is more of a prayerful announcement. +[361.12 --> 366.86] And that's next week, Sunday, when we gather for worship, we're going to participate in Lord's Supper together. +[367.56 --> 372.80] And so we encourage you to use this week to prepare your hearts and to talk with your families, if you have them, +[373.26 --> 377.04] about what it means to come to the table, be ushered into the presence of God, +[377.10 --> 379.86] and to taste and see that the Lord is good. +[380.86 --> 385.54] With those two things out of the way, I'm going to invite you to stand, if you are able, and as you are able. +[385.74 --> 387.86] And we're going to be welcomed into God's presence. +[387.86 --> 392.64] Following the greeting of God, I invite you to turn to those around you and welcome them into worship. +[393.16 --> 395.60] You can do that by passing the peace of Christ, saying, +[395.68 --> 397.40] The Lord be with you, peace of Christ. +[397.98 --> 402.50] Or you can shake a hand, you can do a fist bump, you can nod your head, +[402.64 --> 406.30] you can look glaringly at the person beside you who forgot to put deodorant on. +[406.74 --> 409.66] Whatever the case may be, welcome them in the Lord. +[410.10 --> 411.40] Receive God's greeting. +[411.40 --> 420.94] Grace, mercy, and peace to you from God our Father, from the Lord Jesus Christ, his Son, and our Savior, +[421.40 --> 423.76] through the presence and power of the Holy Spirit. +[424.36 --> 424.62] Amen. +[424.62 --> 424.74] Amen. +[424.74 --> 424.78] Amen. +[441.40 --> 458.70] Good morning, everyone. +[459.54 --> 463.12] Our call to worship this morning comes from Psalms 103. +[463.12 --> 468.16] Praise the Lord, O my soul, all my innermost being, praise his holy name. +[468.68 --> 472.30] Praise the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits. +[472.94 --> 478.12] Praise the Lord, you his angels, you mighty ones who do his bidding, who obey his word. +[478.82 --> 482.98] Praise the Lord, all his heavenly hosts, you his servants who do his will. +[483.66 --> 487.00] Praise the Lord, all his works, everywhere in his dominion. +[487.46 --> 489.12] Praise the Lord, O my soul. +[489.12 --> 519.10] Praise the Lord, O my soul. +[519.12 --> 549.10] Praise the Lord, my soul, and my son, and my son, and my son, and my son. +[549.10 --> 553.52] His wings so, so gently sustaining. +[554.70 --> 565.20] Have you not seen all that His people has been sent by His gracious ordaining? +[569.64 --> 577.50] Praise to the Lord who will prosper your work and defend you. +[577.50 --> 585.42] Surely His goodness and mercy shall dimly attend you. +[585.86 --> 597.36] Father anew, what the all-white He can do, as with His love He befriends you. +[599.44 --> 607.24] Praise to the Lord who will all that is in need adore Him. +[607.50 --> 614.70] All that has lined you have come out with praises before Him. +[614.70 --> 621.36] Let the all men stand from His people again. +[621.68 --> 627.02] Let me forever adore Him. +[627.02 --> 634.22] Let the all men stand from His people again. +[634.22 --> 636.22] Let the all men stand from Him. +[636.22 --> 640.22] Let the all men stand from Him. +[640.22 --> 647.42] Let the all men stand from Him. +[647.42 --> 654.12] Let the all men stand from Him. +[654.62 --> 656.62] ống polynomial high Boot creator. +[656.62 --> 658.62] Let the all men stand from Him. +[658.62 --> 659.46] cis sing a会 Am 후�rel quej DE & O 1970 +[659.84 --> 661.76] Let the all men stand at Him. +[661.76 --> 669.08] Jesus, life in darkness, Jesus, the Lord understands. +[670.44 --> 674.64] You are the source of heaven and fire. +[676.12 --> 679.94] In history, you live in us. +[680.12 --> 683.86] You broke the chains you rose to life. +[685.12 --> 688.52] You are the hope living in us. +[688.52 --> 692.32] You are the rock in whom we trust. +[692.72 --> 697.98] You are the light shining for all the world to see. +[699.86 --> 703.68] You rose from the dead, conquering fear. +[704.12 --> 707.50] Our chisthenes, drawing us near. +[707.94 --> 713.24] Jesus, our hope living for all the will we see. +[713.24 --> 717.12] For we will be. +[718.52 --> 727.90] Jesus, hope of the nations. +[728.54 --> 732.82] Jesus, comfort for all who are born. +[733.30 --> 737.32] You are the source of heaven and fire. +[737.32 --> 742.94] Jesus, life in darkness. +[743.96 --> 747.28] Jesus, through many circumstances. +[748.70 --> 752.70] You are the source of heaven and fire. +[752.70 --> 754.80] You are the source of heaven and fire. +[754.80 --> 758.44] In history, you live in us. +[758.58 --> 762.36] You broke the chains you rose to life. +[763.08 --> 767.20] You are the hope living in us. +[767.58 --> 771.06] You are the rock in whom we trust. +[771.42 --> 776.76] You are the light shining for all the world to see. +[776.76 --> 782.66] He rose from the dead, conquering fear +[782.66 --> 786.46] Heartless to be, dry in a spear +[786.46 --> 792.28] Jesus our hope, living for all who will receive +[792.28 --> 796.06] Lord we believe +[796.06 --> 800.00] Lord we believe +[800.00 --> 803.46] Lord we believe +[806.76 --> 813.76] Brothers and sisters, the proof of God's amazing love is this +[813.76 --> 817.30] While we were sinners, Christ died for us +[817.30 --> 821.38] He is the hope of all the nations, not just for Israel +[821.38 --> 823.10] but also the Gentiles +[823.10 --> 827.32] He died for the rich and the poor, the strong and the weak +[827.32 --> 830.02] the good Samaritan and the thief +[830.02 --> 834.44] Let us therefore approach the throne of grace with boldness +[834.44 --> 839.50] so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need +[839.50 --> 842.46] Trusting in God's faithfulness and compassion +[842.46 --> 844.90] Let us confess our sin before God +[844.90 --> 848.68] In a time of silent confession +[848.68 --> 862.88] Let us remember +[862.88 --> 869.66] Let us ring the peace +[869.66 --> 898.66] All the poor and powerless +[898.66 --> 905.06] All the lost and lonely +[905.06 --> 911.66] All the fears were found in us +[911.66 --> 917.66] Know that you are holy +[917.66 --> 923.66] Know that you are holy +[923.66 --> 930.46] And all will sing out +[930.46 --> 933.56] Alleluia +[933.56 --> 937.32] And we will cry out +[937.32 --> 940.66] Alleluia +[940.66 --> 950.96] And all the hearts of our content +[950.96 --> 957.46] And all the fears are hurting +[957.46 --> 963.46] And all the fears are not regret +[963.46 --> 969.46] Know that you are holy +[969.46 --> 976.16] And all will sing out +[976.16 --> 979.26] Alleluia +[979.26 --> 982.26] And we will cry out +[982.26 --> 986.26] Alleluia +[986.26 --> 989.76] And we will sing out +[989.76 --> 993.06] Alleluia +[993.06 --> 996.56] And we will cry out +[996.56 --> 1000.26] Alleluia +[1000.26 --> 1012.06] And we will cry out +[1012.06 --> 1016.44] Shout it. +[1017.30 --> 1022.34] No one scream it from the mountains. +[1022.34 --> 1035.34] No one tell it to the masses that He is alive. +[1035.34 --> 1043.52] Shout it. +[1043.52 --> 1048.78] Go on and scream it from the mountains. +[1050.18 --> 1061.24] Go on and tell it to the masses that He is alive. +[1065.34 --> 1069.62] Shout it. +[1069.62 --> 1075.02] Go on and scream it from the mountains. +[1075.02 --> 1087.02] Go on and tell it to the masses that He is alive. +[1087.02 --> 1091.30] Go on and scream it from the mountains. +[1091.30 --> 1098.40] We will sing out, hallelujah. +[1098.40 --> 1105.00] We will cry out, hallelujah. +[1105.00 --> 1111.42] We will sing out, hallelujah. +[1111.42 --> 1117.70] We will sing out, hallelujah. +[1117.70 --> 1120.70] We will sing out, hallelujah. +[1120.70 --> 1127.70] Go on and scream it from the mountains. +[1127.70 --> 1133.70] Go on and tell it to the masses that He is alive. +[1133.70 --> 1139.98] That He is alive. +[1139.98 --> 1145.98] Shout it. +[1145.98 --> 1151.98] Go on and scream it from the mountains. +[1151.98 --> 1155.98] Go on and tell it to the masses that He is alive. +[1155.98 --> 1168.00] To the masses that He is alive. +[1168.00 --> 1174.26] And He is alive. +[1174.26 --> 1203.50] I know a place, a wonderful place, +[1203.50 --> 1212.22] We're accused and condemned by mercy and grace, +[1212.80 --> 1220.96] The wrongs we have done and the wrongs done to us, +[1220.96 --> 1230.96] We're ill, ill, there within, there on the cross. +[1230.96 --> 1240.06] At the cross, He died for our sins, +[1240.06 --> 1249.36] At the cross, He gave us life again. +[1249.36 --> 1259.88] I know a place, a wonderful place, +[1259.88 --> 1268.36] We're accused and condemned by mercy and grace, +[1268.36 --> 1277.46] Where the wrongs we have done and the wrongs done to us, +[1277.46 --> 1286.46] We're ill, ill, there within, there on the cross. +[1286.46 --> 1295.56] At the cross, He died for our sins, +[1295.56 --> 1303.46] At the cross, He gave us life again. +[1303.46 --> 1312.56] At the cross, He died for our sins, +[1312.56 --> 1322.46] At the cross, He gave us life again. +[1322.46 --> 1333.94] I know a place, a wonderful place, +[1333.94 --> 1343.04] At the cross, He died for our sins, +[1343.04 --> 1348.04] At the cross, He died for our sins, +[1348.04 --> 1353.04] At the cross, He died for our sins, +[1353.04 --> 1354.64] At the cross, He died for our sins, +[1354.64 --> 1358.74] At the cross, He died for our sins, +[1358.74 --> 1363.14] At the cross, He died for our sins, +[1363.14 --> 1370.24] Good morning, +[1370.24 --> 1373.14] We have an opportunity to give up our gifts this morning, +[1373.14 --> 1375.14] For the ministry of missions here, +[1375.14 --> 1382.44] At Emmanuel, as well as for the refugee chaplain. +[1382.44 --> 1412.42] Thank you. +[1412.44 --> 1424.88] Let the presence of the risen Lord come in my heart and make me whole. +[1426.52 --> 1432.44] Cause your word to come alive in me. +[1433.14 --> 1438.70] Give me faith for what I cannot see. +[1438.70 --> 1445.00] Give me passion for your purity. +[1445.56 --> 1450.70] Holy Spirit, renew my peace. +[1453.14 --> 1458.78] Holy Spirit, come alive with me. +[1458.78 --> 1464.78] May your joy be seen in all I do. +[1466.52 --> 1472.16] Love may not to cover every sin. +[1472.56 --> 1476.78] In each pause and lead and act to. +[1476.78 --> 1478.78] Amen. +[1478.78 --> 1480.78] Amen. +[1480.78 --> 1482.78] Amen. +[1482.78 --> 1484.78] Amen. +[1484.78 --> 1486.78] Amen. +[1486.78 --> 1488.78] Amen. +[1488.78 --> 1490.78] Amen. +[1490.78 --> 1492.78] Amen. +[1492.78 --> 1494.78] Amen. +[1494.78 --> 1495.78] Amen. +[1495.78 --> 1496.78] Amen. +[1496.78 --> 1500.78] Amen. +[1506.68 --> 1508.78] Amen. +[1508.78 --> 1510.78] Amen. +[1510.78 --> 1517.78] giving life to all that God has made. +[1519.18 --> 1525.10] Show your power once again on earth, +[1525.42 --> 1530.78] cause your church to hunger for your grace. +[1532.64 --> 1537.78] Let the prayers of our prayers arise, +[1537.78 --> 1543.78] He has gone the road of sacrifice, +[1545.78 --> 1550.78] that in unity the face of Christ +[1550.78 --> 1556.78] may be clear for all the world to see. +[1567.78 --> 1572.78] I would love to invite all of the kids aged preschool and up to kindergarten +[1572.78 --> 1575.78] and anybody else who feels like a kid or wants to be a kid right now, +[1575.78 --> 1579.78] you can come forward and join me up here at the front. +[1579.78 --> 1592.78] Good morning everyone, how are we doing today? +[1592.78 --> 1594.78] Good? +[1594.78 --> 1597.78] Are we enjoying the summer? +[1597.78 --> 1599.78] What are we doing right now outside? +[1599.78 --> 1602.78] Playing? Are you playing a lot? +[1602.78 --> 1604.78] Who here has gone camping? +[1604.78 --> 1605.78] Me! +[1605.78 --> 1607.78] Who here has gone swimming? +[1607.78 --> 1608.78] They're camping. +[1608.78 --> 1609.78] You're camping right now? +[1609.78 --> 1610.78] No. +[1610.78 --> 1611.78] Tomorrow? +[1611.78 --> 1612.78] Tomorrow? +[1612.78 --> 1613.78] That is so exciting. +[1613.78 --> 1614.78] We can't go right through. +[1614.78 --> 1615.78] You did? +[1615.78 --> 1616.78] I swear. +[1616.78 --> 1617.78] Oh that's so fun. +[1617.78 --> 1623.78] And also, and also there was a river. +[1623.78 --> 1624.78] Oh, a river. +[1624.78 --> 1625.78] Did you swim in the river? +[1625.78 --> 1626.78] Yeah. +[1626.78 --> 1627.78] Yeah. +[1627.78 --> 1630.78] Just a few more seconds. +[1630.78 --> 1631.78] Yeah? +[1631.78 --> 1633.78] It was a big one. +[1633.78 --> 1634.78] A big river. +[1634.78 --> 1636.78] Well we're going to spend... +[1636.78 --> 1637.78] Oh. +[1637.78 --> 1638.78] Really? +[1638.78 --> 1641.78] That is very exciting. +[1641.78 --> 1643.78] Well we're going to do something else very exciting right now. +[1643.78 --> 1644.78] Do you know what we're going to do? +[1644.78 --> 1647.78] We're going to pray and then we're going to go to children's worship time. +[1647.78 --> 1648.78] Does that sound fun? +[1648.78 --> 1649.78] Yeah? +[1649.78 --> 1651.78] Okay, so let's pray, let's fold our hands and close our eyes, +[1651.78 --> 1654.78] and then we're going to do the Lord's blessing or the children's blessing. +[1654.78 --> 1655.78] Okay? +[1655.78 --> 1656.78] All right, let's pray. +[1656.78 --> 1659.78] Dear God, thank you so much that we could come to church today +[1659.78 --> 1662.78] and we pray for the kids now as they go to children's worship time +[1662.78 --> 1664.78] and the grown-ups as we stay back here. +[1664.78 --> 1666.78] May we all learn a little bit more about you today. +[1666.78 --> 1668.78] We pray this in your name. +[1668.78 --> 1669.78] Amen. +[1669.78 --> 1672.78] Okay, before you run off, let's everybody stand up +[1672.78 --> 1675.78] and then we're going to say the Lord be with you at the same time. +[1675.78 --> 1676.78] Are you ready? +[1676.78 --> 1677.78] Let's say it together. +[1677.78 --> 1679.78] God the Lord. +[1679.78 --> 1682.78] And also with you. +[1682.78 --> 1685.78] Come with me, Naomi. +[1707.78 --> 1715.00] Hi, my name is Courtney and it is my privilege to lead us all in the congregational prayer. +[1715.38 --> 1716.36] Please bow your heads with me. +[1718.06 --> 1722.36] Dear Heavenly Foddler, thank you for the opportunity for us to gather together this morning. +[1722.90 --> 1725.58] We praise you for the healing that you have brought to Everly Varshtra. +[1726.06 --> 1729.96] Thank you that everything came back clear from the surgery site and lymph node biopsy. +[1730.96 --> 1739.68] Give Stephen and Karen strength and patience as they are waiting on the results from her MRI and her gene sequencing test to determine the next steps. +[1740.28 --> 1742.40] Please bring continued healing in Everly's body. +[1743.52 --> 1747.78] Be near to Emo and Benita Smid as Emo goes in for open heart surgery. +[1748.44 --> 1750.78] Give him patience as his surgery has been postponed. +[1751.70 --> 1753.70] Give them your peace and strength during this time. +[1753.70 --> 1761.62] Be with Tanya, sister to Amanda Hogan-Wonning, who is currently in the hospital undergoing tests for spots seen on her lungs. +[1762.22 --> 1765.14] Give her strength and comfort as she waits for the test results. +[1767.12 --> 1773.02] We ask that you be with Nick Kolein and Kelsey Craddock as they plan to be married in Fort Langley this week. +[1773.44 --> 1775.74] Grant them your blessing as they begin their new life together. +[1776.84 --> 1780.30] Thank you for summer and for a time of relaxation and travel. +[1780.80 --> 1782.04] Help us to feel refreshed. +[1782.04 --> 1785.14] Give all those who are traveling your traveling mercies. +[1785.78 --> 1789.92] We thank you for every blessing you have poured into our lives, seen and unseen. +[1790.38 --> 1793.42] Your handiwork is evident in all aspects of our existence. +[1794.26 --> 1799.86] We are grateful for the many ways you enrich our journey, often beyond what we recognize or request. +[1800.82 --> 1803.64] We lift up those who are facing challenges within their families. +[1804.24 --> 1809.42] Bring healing to strained relationships, understanding where there is conflict, and love where there is hurt. +[1809.42 --> 1813.62] Guide each family member in navigating their difficulties with grace and empathy. +[1815.08 --> 1817.52] Be with Kevin as he delivers us your word today. +[1817.82 --> 1818.60] Bless the message. +[1818.78 --> 1820.70] May it be your word spoken through him. +[1821.18 --> 1823.08] Give us open hearts to receive the message. +[1823.74 --> 1825.80] We pray this all in Jesus' most holy name. +[1825.80 --> 1826.14] Amen. +[1826.14 --> 1826.26] Amen. +[1826.26 --> 1853.96] So, since September of 2018, I have had the opportunity and the privilege, +[1853.96 --> 1861.48] and probably about 85% of the time, the joy of going to seminary to receive my Master's of Divinity. +[1862.48 --> 1868.58] I'm about 28 and three quarters of the way through, and I've got three and a quarter left. +[1869.28 --> 1873.10] And at first, I thought I was going there, and when I was done and getting my Master's of Divinity, +[1873.18 --> 1874.08] I could become a wizard. +[1874.34 --> 1878.72] But I found out a few years in that it's actually become a pastor, which is also pretty neat. +[1878.72 --> 1886.64] Now, I tell you this because one of the coolest parts of seminary are the people that I get to take classes with. +[1887.30 --> 1893.24] For example, I just finished a course on the Reformed creeds and confessions with 10 other students. +[1893.36 --> 1894.42] There was 11 of us total. +[1894.52 --> 1897.04] And in that class, the students were from all over the world. +[1897.78 --> 1903.06] There was a student from China, from Korea, from Belize, from Uganda, even Michigan. +[1903.06 --> 1908.52] In another class that I'm still just kind of wrapping up, it's a similar situation. +[1908.60 --> 1911.86] There's only nine of us in that class, but again, there's students from all over the world. +[1911.94 --> 1919.96] There's a student from the Philippines, from Korea, from Nigeria, from Uganda, and from White Horse Yukon. +[1921.40 --> 1926.70] Now that school's sort of done online by most people, attending classes with people from all over the world +[1926.70 --> 1929.40] has become kind of the norm, at least in my experience. +[1929.40 --> 1935.30] And I've had the privilege to learn alongside these Christians who are gaining the same education that I am, +[1935.46 --> 1939.46] but they're applying it to contexts and cultures that are so much different than mine. +[1940.02 --> 1944.78] So in these churches found in Africa or Asia or South America, the challenges that they face +[1944.78 --> 1950.08] are just different than the challenges I face in my church, and it's fascinating discussing that with them. +[1950.72 --> 1955.06] A hot-button doctrines that we are finding here in Canada are not even debated overseas, +[1955.66 --> 1957.98] but things that they are challenged with we don't even think about. +[1957.98 --> 1963.64] I love hearing their stories, and they love hearing about what's happening here, +[1963.68 --> 1965.68] and it's been very beneficial for me to take in. +[1966.72 --> 1970.36] Well, today we're going to look at a couple of stories in the book of Acts +[1970.36 --> 1976.00] that tie into this idea of sort of believers beyond borders, which sounds like a reality TV show. +[1976.56 --> 1982.76] The hope is that we were going to come to realize just how the kingdom of God that Jesus illustrates +[1982.76 --> 1986.20] in the Bible is one of unity in diversity. +[1986.70 --> 1989.70] And so turn with me now, please, to Acts chapter 10. +[1990.24 --> 1993.14] We're going to read verses 23 through 48. +[1993.48 --> 1994.56] Please use your Bibles. +[1994.62 --> 1997.04] If you've brought them along, you can grab a Bible in the back. +[1997.12 --> 1997.96] There's plenty there. +[1998.18 --> 2002.56] You can also open up your phone, use your apps, but please do have those Bibles in front of you +[2002.56 --> 2006.02] because we're going to be kind of hopping around all over the New Testament today +[2006.02 --> 2008.02] and around Acts specifically. +[2009.28 --> 2012.74] We're going to go over the events leading up to verse 23 in our text, +[2012.84 --> 2015.34] but just as a quick one-sentence summary of what's going on here, +[2015.86 --> 2020.38] Peter has just had a vision of a bunch of animals that he's now allowed to eat, +[2020.44 --> 2024.60] which confuses him, and now he's heading to Cornelius' house, +[2024.68 --> 2028.92] who is a Roman centurion and a Gentile whom God has arranged for him to meet. +[2029.72 --> 2033.62] All right, so Peter's on the way to meet this man when our text picks up today. +[2033.62 --> 2034.96] So join me in reading Acts 10. +[2035.16 --> 2038.42] We're going to start verse 23, and we're going to read through 48. +[2038.58 --> 2041.70] We're actually starting halfway through 23, but if you read it, you'll see that there. +[2043.30 --> 2044.40] There we read this. +[2045.22 --> 2050.40] The next day Peter started out with them, and some of the believers from Joppa went along. +[2051.22 --> 2053.62] The following day he arrived in Caesarea. +[2054.24 --> 2058.04] Cornelius was expecting him and had called together his relatives and close friends. +[2058.04 --> 2063.80] As Peter entered the house, Cornelius met him and fell at his feet in reverence. +[2064.16 --> 2065.30] But Peter made him get up. +[2065.74 --> 2066.64] Stand up, he said. +[2066.68 --> 2067.80] I'm only a man myself. +[2068.84 --> 2072.72] While talking with him, Peter went inside and found a large gathering of people. +[2073.00 --> 2073.66] He said to them, +[2073.66 --> 2081.08] You are well aware that it is against our law for a Jew to associate with or visit a Gentile. +[2081.74 --> 2085.66] But God has shown me that I should not call anyone impure or unclean. +[2085.84 --> 2089.22] So when I was sent for, I came without raising any objection. +[2090.14 --> 2093.02] May I ask why you sent for me? +[2094.30 --> 2095.20] Cornelius answered, +[2095.20 --> 2098.24] Three days ago I was in my house praying at this hour. +[2098.60 --> 2105.08] At three in the afternoon, suddenly a man in shining clothes stood before me and said, +[2105.62 --> 2109.94] Cornelius, God has heard your prayer and remembered your gifts to the poor. +[2110.54 --> 2112.84] Send to Joppa for Simon who was called Peter. +[2113.18 --> 2116.66] He is a guest in the home of Simon the Tanner who lives by the sea. +[2117.38 --> 2119.88] So I sent for you immediately, and it was good of you to come. +[2119.88 --> 2125.48] Now we are all here in the presence of God to listen to everything the Lord has commanded you to tell us. +[2126.64 --> 2128.76] Then Peter began to speak. +[2129.92 --> 2134.90] I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism, +[2135.20 --> 2138.66] but accepts from every nation the one who fears him and does what is right. +[2138.92 --> 2141.60] You know the message God sent to the people of Israel, +[2141.92 --> 2145.70] announcing the good news of peace through Jesus Christ, who is the Lord of all. +[2145.70 --> 2148.78] You know what has happened throughout the province of Judea, +[2149.16 --> 2152.18] beginning in Galilee after the baptism that John preached, +[2153.08 --> 2156.56] how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power, +[2156.96 --> 2161.84] and how he went along doing good and healing all who were under the power of the devil +[2161.84 --> 2163.88] because God was with him. +[2164.94 --> 2169.06] We are witnesses of everything he did in the country of the Jews and in Jerusalem. +[2169.26 --> 2171.20] They killed him by hanging him on a cross, +[2171.20 --> 2175.32] but God raised him from the dead on the third day and caused him to be seen. +[2175.70 --> 2180.92] He was not seen by all the people, but by witnesses whom God had already chosen, +[2181.30 --> 2184.18] by us who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead. +[2184.88 --> 2190.70] He commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one whom God appointed +[2190.70 --> 2192.02] as judge of the living and the dead. +[2192.42 --> 2194.36] All the prophets testify about him, +[2194.60 --> 2198.88] that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name. +[2198.88 --> 2201.36] While Peter was still speaking these words, +[2201.48 --> 2203.82] the Holy Spirit came down on all who heard the message. +[2204.16 --> 2207.78] The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were astonished +[2207.78 --> 2214.70] that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on Gentiles, +[2215.58 --> 2219.76] for they had heard them speaking in tongues and praising God. +[2219.76 --> 2222.04] Then Peter said, +[2222.04 --> 2227.92] Surely no one can stand in the way of their being baptized with water. +[2228.34 --> 2231.68] They have received the Holy Spirit just like we have. +[2232.42 --> 2235.38] So he ordered that they be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. +[2235.96 --> 2238.56] Then they asked Peter to stay with them for a few days. +[2239.04 --> 2240.12] The word of the Lord. +[2240.12 --> 2245.40] Now, kids here today, as always, +[2245.88 --> 2250.66] if you want to draw a picture of something that has to do with what I'm saying up here, +[2250.70 --> 2252.54] that has to do with the sermon, please go for it +[2252.54 --> 2256.10] and hand it in to myself or Pastor Chris afterwards +[2256.10 --> 2258.44] because he is starting a bit of a collection. +[2259.04 --> 2260.06] And I haven't told him this yet, +[2260.10 --> 2261.88] but I'm going to encourage him at the end of the summer +[2261.88 --> 2265.94] to make some sort of a presentation or a video of all the pictures he receives. +[2266.12 --> 2268.48] But he needs to get quite a few for that to be any good. +[2268.48 --> 2271.98] So please write those up and you can give them to me if you can. +[2272.04 --> 2277.24] As a hint, today's sermon is going to be about how Christians all over the world +[2277.24 --> 2280.04] worship God together +[2280.04 --> 2283.00] and how we are all united because of Jesus. +[2283.42 --> 2283.60] All right? +[2283.64 --> 2285.50] So please keep listening, but that's a gist. +[2286.20 --> 2288.82] For you non-kids out there who stopped listening for a paragraph, +[2289.30 --> 2292.06] in other words, the big idea is this, +[2293.12 --> 2296.66] that God's love breaks down dividing barriers, +[2296.66 --> 2299.96] creating a new unity as God's people. +[2300.28 --> 2303.34] That God's love breaks down dividing barriers, +[2303.72 --> 2306.66] creating a new unity, there's a tongue twister, +[2306.96 --> 2308.72] as God's people. +[2309.50 --> 2309.72] All right? +[2309.76 --> 2310.86] So let's dig into this text. +[2311.22 --> 2313.04] Now, the events leading up to this passage, +[2313.14 --> 2314.32] like I summed up in one sentence, +[2314.38 --> 2315.26] they're very fascinating. +[2315.80 --> 2316.06] All right? +[2316.06 --> 2319.46] The first 22 and a half verses of Acts 10 +[2319.46 --> 2321.06] tell us that Cornelius, +[2321.48 --> 2323.06] this Gentile Roman centurion, +[2323.74 --> 2325.10] he's not a Jew, that's important, +[2325.54 --> 2326.30] he's praying. +[2326.80 --> 2329.40] When he gets a vision of an angel +[2329.40 --> 2331.58] who tells him that his prayers have been heard by God, +[2332.86 --> 2334.26] and that angel tells Cornelius +[2334.26 --> 2335.92] to send for Simon Peter, +[2336.02 --> 2336.76] who is in Joppa, +[2337.16 --> 2338.08] to come to him. +[2338.74 --> 2340.32] Meanwhile, while that's happening, +[2340.44 --> 2341.12] in Joppa, +[2341.54 --> 2343.24] Peter goes up on the roof to pray, +[2343.24 --> 2346.32] and he falls into a bit of a trance himself, +[2346.48 --> 2347.74] and he sees a vision as well. +[2347.96 --> 2351.22] He sees this large sheet come down from heaven, +[2351.54 --> 2353.88] and it's filled with a bunch of different animals, +[2354.00 --> 2356.18] a bunch of reptiles and a bunch of birds, +[2356.28 --> 2358.06] and this voice from heaven says to Peter, +[2358.78 --> 2359.64] kill and eat. +[2361.10 --> 2361.96] But Peter refuses. +[2363.10 --> 2364.80] He says the animals are unclean +[2364.80 --> 2366.02] according to the Jewish law, +[2366.02 --> 2367.98] but the voice then responds and says, +[2368.54 --> 2370.86] do not call anything impure +[2370.86 --> 2372.66] that God has made clean. +[2374.24 --> 2375.18] Now, admittedly, +[2375.24 --> 2376.38] if you read that part of the text, +[2376.50 --> 2377.96] Peter's downright confused. +[2378.78 --> 2380.84] But immediately after the vision, +[2380.96 --> 2382.28] he's informed by the Holy Spirit +[2382.28 --> 2383.50] that there are three men +[2383.50 --> 2385.30] that are seeking him at his door. +[2385.90 --> 2387.30] And these three men are the men +[2387.30 --> 2388.46] that Cornelius has sent. +[2388.54 --> 2389.28] And so they arrive, +[2389.36 --> 2391.42] and Peter goes to accompany them +[2391.42 --> 2393.18] to Cornelius' house. +[2393.72 --> 2396.20] We then read our passage that we read today +[2396.20 --> 2397.76] about how Peter, +[2397.88 --> 2398.68] through the work of the Spirit, +[2398.84 --> 2400.22] realizes that Gentiles +[2400.22 --> 2402.70] are a part of God's kingdom as well. +[2403.24 --> 2404.58] There's some very cool, +[2404.96 --> 2406.82] but a little bit of strange things happening here. +[2406.90 --> 2408.10] So what's with the animal vision? +[2408.34 --> 2409.72] Why is it centered on food? +[2409.90 --> 2411.78] And why is Peter so initially confused +[2411.78 --> 2412.90] about what's going on here? +[2413.94 --> 2415.58] Well, it's important for us to remember +[2415.58 --> 2417.60] that God's people were commanded +[2417.60 --> 2418.62] in the Old Testament +[2418.62 --> 2421.24] not to eat any of the animals +[2421.24 --> 2422.46] that Peter saw in that vision. +[2423.10 --> 2425.04] And it's not just like kind of mentioned. +[2425.28 --> 2427.24] If you read all of Leviticus 11, +[2427.40 --> 2428.44] it's a long chapter, +[2428.64 --> 2430.06] the whole chapter is about that. +[2430.06 --> 2431.78] And if you read Deuteronomy 14, +[2432.10 --> 2433.48] three-quarters of that chapter +[2433.48 --> 2434.28] are about this as well. +[2434.50 --> 2435.66] There's 68 verses +[2435.66 --> 2437.14] in those two chapters alone +[2437.14 --> 2438.94] explaining that God's people +[2438.94 --> 2440.58] aren't allowed to eat things like camels +[2440.58 --> 2441.72] or rock badgers +[2441.72 --> 2442.54] or shellfish +[2442.54 --> 2443.32] or rats +[2443.32 --> 2444.14] or weasels +[2444.14 --> 2444.74] or geckos +[2444.74 --> 2445.26] or vultures +[2445.26 --> 2445.74] or rabbits +[2445.74 --> 2446.48] or chameleons +[2446.48 --> 2448.02] or any kind of owl +[2448.02 --> 2448.80] that you can think of. +[2448.84 --> 2449.88] There's a bunch listed there. +[2450.10 --> 2451.32] And even pigs, +[2451.56 --> 2452.60] along with a ton of others. +[2453.72 --> 2454.82] The point is, +[2455.36 --> 2456.08] the Old Testament +[2456.08 --> 2457.16] it's very clear +[2457.16 --> 2458.58] that they were not allowed +[2458.58 --> 2459.42] to eat those animals. +[2462.36 --> 2464.14] Now these laws were given +[2464.14 --> 2465.96] to define God's people. +[2467.26 --> 2467.46] All right? +[2467.50 --> 2468.18] In the Old Testament +[2468.18 --> 2469.12] these laws were given +[2469.12 --> 2470.84] to set God's people apart +[2470.84 --> 2471.96] from the surrounding nations. +[2472.32 --> 2473.22] God had called them +[2473.22 --> 2474.08] to be different +[2474.08 --> 2475.28] from the surrounding nations. +[2475.80 --> 2477.10] Defined differently. +[2477.50 --> 2478.74] They were not to worship idols. +[2479.26 --> 2480.38] They were not to sacrifice +[2480.38 --> 2481.20] their children +[2481.20 --> 2482.70] to the false gods around them. +[2482.96 --> 2483.78] They were not to work +[2483.78 --> 2484.36] on the Sabbath +[2484.36 --> 2485.60] and they were not to eat +[2485.60 --> 2486.72] these kinds of animals. +[2488.24 --> 2489.80] Peter was Jewish +[2489.80 --> 2491.54] and these laws +[2491.54 --> 2493.08] were a part of who he was. +[2493.88 --> 2494.86] It helped him. +[2495.00 --> 2496.14] It helped form his identity. +[2496.32 --> 2497.00] It rooted him +[2497.00 --> 2497.92] in his heritage. +[2498.46 --> 2500.12] He was proud to be Jewish. +[2500.86 --> 2501.56] He was proud +[2501.56 --> 2502.82] to uphold these laws +[2502.82 --> 2504.26] that were laid out from him +[2504.26 --> 2506.60] generations upon generations ago. +[2508.10 --> 2509.46] So having a vision +[2509.46 --> 2511.02] telling him to kill +[2511.02 --> 2512.26] and eat those animals +[2512.26 --> 2513.40] would have graded +[2513.40 --> 2514.42] against the very core +[2514.42 --> 2515.20] of who he was. +[2517.38 --> 2518.40] It would have graded +[2518.40 --> 2519.22] against his heritage. +[2519.44 --> 2520.20] It would have graded +[2520.20 --> 2521.46] against his traditions, +[2521.60 --> 2522.10] his values. +[2522.20 --> 2522.68] This would have been +[2522.68 --> 2524.22] a very difficult thing +[2524.22 --> 2525.86] for Peter to wrap his head around. +[2528.94 --> 2530.10] But the problem was +[2530.10 --> 2531.10] while these laws +[2531.66 --> 2532.48] were implemented +[2532.48 --> 2534.06] in Old Testament Israel +[2534.06 --> 2535.72] to define God's people, +[2536.62 --> 2537.50] what was happening +[2537.50 --> 2538.78] was these same laws +[2538.78 --> 2539.26] were starting +[2539.26 --> 2540.58] to divide God's people. +[2540.58 --> 2543.60] The defining things +[2543.60 --> 2544.04] were turning +[2544.04 --> 2545.40] into dividing things. +[2546.64 --> 2547.72] Those laws +[2547.72 --> 2548.88] were implemented +[2548.88 --> 2550.16] to keep God's people +[2550.16 --> 2550.60] humble +[2550.60 --> 2552.08] and focused on him +[2552.08 --> 2553.00] and separate +[2553.00 --> 2555.90] from the nations +[2555.90 --> 2556.70] around him. +[2556.76 --> 2558.14] But there was a humility +[2558.14 --> 2559.72] intended by those laws +[2559.72 --> 2560.92] that God set +[2560.92 --> 2561.76] those people apart. +[2562.76 --> 2564.38] But as history unfolded, +[2564.54 --> 2566.12] what was meant +[2566.12 --> 2567.06] to help people +[2567.06 --> 2568.10] humbly follow +[2568.10 --> 2570.00] turned into something +[2570.00 --> 2570.56] that people +[2570.56 --> 2571.94] pridefully flaunted. +[2573.28 --> 2574.18] And so humility +[2574.18 --> 2575.62] intended to set +[2575.62 --> 2576.64] God's people apart +[2576.64 --> 2578.24] turned into a pride +[2578.24 --> 2579.48] which set +[2579.48 --> 2580.52] God's people +[2580.52 --> 2581.16] against. +[2583.24 --> 2584.34] Now Jesus saw +[2584.34 --> 2584.88] this happening +[2584.88 --> 2585.26] as well +[2585.26 --> 2585.96] in his ministry. +[2586.10 --> 2586.90] In Matthew 15, +[2587.28 --> 2588.62] if you turn to that now, +[2588.70 --> 2589.20] the Pharisees +[2589.20 --> 2590.04] accuse him +[2590.04 --> 2590.62] and the disciples +[2590.62 --> 2591.96] of not following +[2591.96 --> 2592.86] the Mosaic law. +[2593.26 --> 2593.88] And he responds +[2593.88 --> 2595.12] in Matthew 15 +[2595.12 --> 2595.92] verses 10 and 11 +[2595.92 --> 2596.42] by saying, +[2596.84 --> 2597.78] listen and understand. +[2598.82 --> 2599.68] What goes into +[2599.68 --> 2600.40] someone's mouth +[2600.40 --> 2601.82] does not defile him, +[2602.06 --> 2603.26] but what comes out +[2603.26 --> 2604.02] of their mouth, +[2604.28 --> 2605.58] that is what +[2605.58 --> 2606.38] defiles them. +[2607.74 --> 2608.42] See, the shift +[2608.42 --> 2609.36] was happening already +[2609.36 --> 2610.06] with Jesus +[2610.06 --> 2611.58] and now it's trickled +[2611.58 --> 2612.26] down to Peter. +[2613.58 --> 2614.34] Now this matters +[2614.34 --> 2615.14] because this whole +[2615.14 --> 2616.32] conversation is centered +[2616.32 --> 2616.82] on food, +[2617.10 --> 2617.76] but what our text +[2617.76 --> 2619.00] today is actually about +[2619.00 --> 2620.50] is the kingdom of God. +[2621.08 --> 2622.62] Who is allowed +[2622.62 --> 2623.68] to sit at the table? +[2624.52 --> 2625.46] Who can be a part +[2625.46 --> 2626.26] of God's people? +[2626.26 --> 2629.86] What once was defined +[2629.86 --> 2630.70] by borders +[2630.70 --> 2631.50] was now, +[2631.68 --> 2632.16] through Christ, +[2632.52 --> 2633.88] defined by belief. +[2635.06 --> 2636.68] The new defining thing +[2636.68 --> 2638.54] was not the culinary rules +[2638.54 --> 2639.38] that were set out for you, +[2639.42 --> 2640.54] but the understanding +[2640.54 --> 2641.26] that you are +[2641.26 --> 2642.36] in desperate need +[2642.36 --> 2643.42] of the death +[2643.42 --> 2644.42] or the life +[2644.42 --> 2644.90] and the death +[2644.90 --> 2645.52] and the resurrection +[2645.52 --> 2646.48] of Jesus Christ. +[2646.48 --> 2650.66] to the story again. +[2650.74 --> 2651.24] Peter, though, +[2651.32 --> 2652.40] after a lot of confusion, +[2652.52 --> 2653.34] to his credit, +[2654.28 --> 2655.32] he goes along +[2655.32 --> 2656.06] with the Holy Spirit. +[2656.18 --> 2656.76] He follows +[2656.76 --> 2658.50] what he is being led to +[2658.50 --> 2659.08] and he is able +[2659.08 --> 2660.22] to realize this +[2660.22 --> 2661.04] in our text today +[2661.04 --> 2661.52] when he says +[2661.52 --> 2662.92] in verses 34 and 35, +[2663.04 --> 2663.54] he says this, +[2663.88 --> 2664.14] he says, +[2664.22 --> 2665.52] I now realize +[2665.52 --> 2666.84] how true it is +[2666.84 --> 2668.08] that God does not +[2668.08 --> 2668.98] show favoritism, +[2669.66 --> 2670.42] but accepts +[2670.42 --> 2671.38] from every nation +[2671.38 --> 2672.60] the one who fears him +[2672.60 --> 2673.42] and does what is right. +[2673.42 --> 2675.54] And he follows that up +[2675.54 --> 2676.26] a little bit later +[2676.26 --> 2677.24] in verse 43 +[2677.24 --> 2678.00] with the words, +[2678.58 --> 2679.12] everyone, +[2680.14 --> 2680.72] everyone +[2680.72 --> 2682.66] who believes in him +[2682.66 --> 2683.40] receives forgiveness +[2683.40 --> 2684.70] of sins +[2684.70 --> 2685.72] through his name. +[2687.64 --> 2689.38] A Gentile like Cornelius +[2689.38 --> 2690.18] was now welcome +[2690.18 --> 2691.10] into the fold. +[2691.68 --> 2693.06] God's covenant children +[2693.06 --> 2693.82] now expanded +[2693.82 --> 2695.56] beyond the Jewish people, +[2695.68 --> 2696.86] beyond traditions, +[2697.28 --> 2698.58] defining markers +[2698.58 --> 2700.92] were redrawn +[2700.92 --> 2701.78] and all nations +[2701.78 --> 2702.60] were being welcomed +[2702.60 --> 2703.74] into the mix. +[2704.04 --> 2704.98] This is one +[2704.98 --> 2706.34] of the primary stories +[2706.34 --> 2707.28] of the kingdom of God +[2707.28 --> 2708.28] expanding beyond +[2708.28 --> 2709.92] the people of Israel. +[2710.82 --> 2711.52] But the story +[2711.52 --> 2712.20] in Acts 10 +[2712.20 --> 2713.92] is just a microcosm +[2713.92 --> 2714.64] of what's to come. +[2715.92 --> 2716.94] Five chapters later +[2716.94 --> 2717.84] in Exodus 15, +[2718.08 --> 2718.72] we hear another +[2718.72 --> 2719.60] beautiful story +[2719.60 --> 2720.70] of the unity found +[2720.70 --> 2721.70] in the diversity +[2721.70 --> 2722.72] of the body of Christ. +[2723.04 --> 2723.58] I encourage you +[2723.58 --> 2724.44] to read it this week. +[2724.52 --> 2725.10] Acts 15, +[2725.20 --> 2725.96] read the whole chapter. +[2726.28 --> 2727.30] I'll summarize it for now. +[2727.66 --> 2728.38] In Acts 15, +[2728.48 --> 2729.12] the early church, +[2729.22 --> 2729.86] they were once again +[2729.86 --> 2730.44] debating +[2730.44 --> 2732.28] whether Gentiles +[2732.28 --> 2733.22] needed to follow +[2733.22 --> 2734.24] Jewish customs +[2734.24 --> 2735.92] in order to be included +[2735.92 --> 2736.78] with God's people. +[2737.16 --> 2737.86] Except this time +[2737.86 --> 2739.52] the debate wasn't on food, +[2739.84 --> 2740.90] it was on circumcision. +[2741.70 --> 2742.58] Some argued +[2742.58 --> 2743.62] that Gentiles +[2743.62 --> 2744.88] must be circumcised +[2744.88 --> 2745.58] to be saved, +[2745.90 --> 2746.40] which caused +[2746.40 --> 2747.36] a little bit of a stir +[2747.36 --> 2748.60] for the Gentile men. +[2748.88 --> 2750.46] I think we can all understand +[2750.46 --> 2751.36] why that would be true. +[2752.72 --> 2753.84] Well, Paul and Barnabas, +[2754.00 --> 2755.52] they were sent to Jerusalem +[2755.52 --> 2756.18] to consult +[2756.18 --> 2756.92] with the apostles +[2756.92 --> 2757.64] and the elders. +[2757.78 --> 2759.42] People like James +[2759.42 --> 2760.02] and Peter +[2760.02 --> 2761.14] were there as well. +[2761.94 --> 2762.40] And so you've got +[2762.40 --> 2763.50] James and Peter +[2763.50 --> 2765.30] and Paul and Barnabas +[2765.30 --> 2766.54] to be a fly on the wall +[2766.54 --> 2767.08] of that room +[2767.08 --> 2768.06] would have been fascinating. +[2768.96 --> 2769.22] There, +[2769.30 --> 2770.70] after a bunch of discussion +[2770.70 --> 2771.60] in verse 15, +[2772.04 --> 2772.72] Peter speaks, +[2773.00 --> 2774.14] no doubt remembering +[2774.14 --> 2775.06] what had just happened +[2775.06 --> 2776.38] with him at Cornelius' house +[2776.38 --> 2778.24] five chapters earlier, +[2778.44 --> 2779.60] and he emphasizes +[2779.60 --> 2780.82] that God shows +[2780.82 --> 2781.52] no distinction +[2781.52 --> 2782.76] between Jews and Gentiles. +[2782.98 --> 2784.16] He gives the Holy Spirit +[2784.16 --> 2784.64] to both. +[2784.64 --> 2786.50] He argued that salvation +[2786.50 --> 2787.42] is through the grace +[2787.42 --> 2788.78] of the Lord Jesus Christ +[2788.78 --> 2790.10] and not through the law. +[2791.28 --> 2792.34] James supported this +[2792.34 --> 2793.04] as well from Peter, +[2793.12 --> 2793.82] and he actually quotes +[2793.82 --> 2795.24] Amos 9 by saying, +[2795.64 --> 2796.54] the rest of mankind +[2796.54 --> 2797.70] may seek the Lord, +[2798.12 --> 2799.86] even all the Gentiles +[2799.86 --> 2801.48] who bear God's name. +[2802.74 --> 2804.04] So this council then, +[2804.14 --> 2805.04] after debating this +[2805.04 --> 2805.50] for a while, +[2805.80 --> 2806.50] decides that, +[2806.58 --> 2806.66] yeah, +[2806.74 --> 2807.80] the Gentiles don't need +[2807.80 --> 2808.74] to be circumcised, +[2809.20 --> 2810.88] but there are some things +[2810.88 --> 2811.56] they do need to do. +[2811.62 --> 2812.48] They need to abstain +[2812.48 --> 2814.06] from sexual immorality, +[2814.06 --> 2815.32] and other forms +[2815.32 --> 2816.18] of idolatry. +[2816.76 --> 2817.24] In other words, +[2817.32 --> 2818.76] the things that defined them +[2818.76 --> 2819.36] were changing, +[2820.16 --> 2821.14] but there was still +[2821.14 --> 2821.98] this bar of holiness +[2821.98 --> 2822.62] that we were called +[2822.62 --> 2824.46] to live and strive towards. +[2825.54 --> 2826.56] Now, this decision +[2826.56 --> 2827.82] was met with a ton +[2827.82 --> 2828.40] of encouragement +[2828.40 --> 2829.88] and joy by the early church, +[2830.00 --> 2830.66] and it marked +[2830.66 --> 2831.90] another pivotal moment +[2831.90 --> 2832.90] in the early church, +[2833.30 --> 2834.54] affirming that Gentiles +[2834.54 --> 2835.78] were now fully part +[2835.78 --> 2836.84] of the Christian community +[2836.84 --> 2837.76] without needing +[2837.76 --> 2838.46] to adopt all +[2838.46 --> 2839.50] of the Jewish customs +[2839.50 --> 2840.86] like circumcision +[2840.86 --> 2842.12] or not eating bacon. +[2845.04 --> 2846.68] So there's two stories, +[2847.22 --> 2849.06] five chapters apart +[2849.06 --> 2849.68] in Acts, +[2850.04 --> 2851.22] about how being a part +[2851.22 --> 2852.02] of God's kingdom +[2852.02 --> 2853.16] is not about +[2853.16 --> 2854.90] the full sort of burden +[2854.90 --> 2856.32] of the Mosaic law, +[2856.76 --> 2857.92] but about abstaining +[2857.92 --> 2858.78] from idolatry +[2858.78 --> 2860.60] and worshiping God alone. +[2860.70 --> 2861.44] No matter what +[2861.44 --> 2862.80] your nationality, +[2862.92 --> 2863.50] if you want to use +[2863.50 --> 2863.94] that word, +[2865.28 --> 2866.46] unity was now centered +[2866.46 --> 2867.24] on one truth, +[2868.02 --> 2868.70] that Jesus, +[2869.24 --> 2869.80] the Redeemer, +[2869.94 --> 2871.70] Savior for all, +[2873.36 --> 2874.10] needs to be a part +[2874.10 --> 2874.68] of our lives +[2874.68 --> 2876.24] and that God alone +[2876.24 --> 2877.34] is to be worshiped. +[2879.20 --> 2880.64] So in light of all of that, +[2880.88 --> 2882.32] in light of those two stories, +[2883.00 --> 2884.32] I'd like to suggest +[2884.32 --> 2885.06] three things +[2885.06 --> 2886.12] that we can take from this. +[2886.90 --> 2887.84] The first is this, +[2888.16 --> 2890.06] that unity is rooted +[2890.06 --> 2891.62] in Jesus Christ. +[2892.52 --> 2892.68] All right, +[2892.72 --> 2894.00] the early church debated +[2894.00 --> 2895.86] what the unifying measures +[2895.86 --> 2896.74] of church were +[2896.74 --> 2897.90] and when they focused +[2897.90 --> 2899.84] on laws or customs, +[2899.94 --> 2901.10] such as what food +[2901.10 --> 2901.98] people had to eat +[2901.98 --> 2903.38] or how much of their manhood +[2903.38 --> 2904.38] needed to be lopped off, +[2904.44 --> 2905.72] there started to become arguments. +[2907.34 --> 2908.52] Now, it's not the rules, +[2908.72 --> 2909.18] regulations, +[2909.32 --> 2909.98] or traditions +[2909.98 --> 2911.10] that we keep +[2911.10 --> 2911.84] that unite us +[2911.84 --> 2912.62] as God's people, +[2912.80 --> 2913.40] but the fact +[2913.40 --> 2914.30] that we are united +[2914.30 --> 2916.30] in Christ that does. +[2917.40 --> 2918.28] Now, please hear this. +[2918.34 --> 2919.32] In the words +[2919.32 --> 2920.86] of a wise pastor +[2920.86 --> 2922.16] that I know pretty well, +[2922.16 --> 2924.68] don't hear +[2924.68 --> 2926.08] what I'm not saying. +[2927.70 --> 2929.36] I am not saying +[2929.36 --> 2930.86] that all the rules +[2930.86 --> 2931.92] are now abolished +[2931.92 --> 2932.94] and that there are +[2932.94 --> 2933.74] no laws +[2933.74 --> 2934.66] that we must follow. +[2935.16 --> 2936.14] The story we read +[2936.14 --> 2936.84] in Acts 15 +[2936.84 --> 2937.64] spells this out +[2937.64 --> 2938.40] very clearly, +[2938.76 --> 2939.70] that all believers, +[2939.82 --> 2940.48] no matter if they were +[2940.48 --> 2941.42] Jew or Gentile, +[2941.68 --> 2942.38] they're still called +[2942.38 --> 2943.80] to abstain from idolatry. +[2944.02 --> 2944.72] They're still called +[2944.72 --> 2945.46] to abstain from +[2945.46 --> 2946.38] sexual immorality. +[2946.68 --> 2947.26] It's not that there's +[2947.26 --> 2948.62] no bar of holiness anymore. +[2948.62 --> 2950.62] It's just that +[2950.62 --> 2952.22] the customs that once +[2952.22 --> 2953.66] defined God's people +[2953.66 --> 2955.52] are no longer +[2955.52 --> 2956.70] defining God's people. +[2957.80 --> 2959.00] Instead, it's Jesus +[2959.00 --> 2960.68] who defines God's people. +[2961.02 --> 2961.78] Unity comes +[2961.78 --> 2963.20] when we as God's people +[2963.20 --> 2964.46] are grafted +[2964.46 --> 2964.98] and planted +[2964.98 --> 2965.52] and rooted +[2965.52 --> 2966.72] in the gospel truth +[2966.72 --> 2967.52] of Jesus Christ. +[2969.30 --> 2970.28] There's a quote +[2970.28 --> 2974.08] from an early church father +[2974.08 --> 2975.48] named Siberian. +[2976.24 --> 2977.02] He was born +[2977.02 --> 2978.50] and he lived in North Africa +[2978.50 --> 2979.10] in the beginning +[2979.10 --> 2979.98] of the third century. +[2980.10 --> 2980.66] So this is like, +[2980.72 --> 2981.70] this is a pretty old quote. +[2982.24 --> 2983.36] And this quote +[2983.36 --> 2984.58] paints just this +[2984.58 --> 2985.54] beautiful picture +[2985.54 --> 2987.78] of what being believers +[2987.78 --> 2989.34] across the globe, +[2989.50 --> 2990.48] united everywhere means. +[2991.42 --> 2992.72] It's not the practices +[2992.72 --> 2993.56] that we perform +[2993.56 --> 2994.24] or the heritage +[2994.24 --> 2994.96] that we have, +[2995.02 --> 2996.14] but it's the Savior +[2996.14 --> 2997.24] that we are all rooted in. +[2997.58 --> 2998.74] The quote's a little bit long, +[2999.00 --> 2999.66] but it's too good +[2999.66 --> 3000.44] not to read the whole thing. +[3000.60 --> 3001.84] So it'll be on the screen +[3001.84 --> 3002.28] behind me. +[3002.58 --> 3003.50] Siberian says this, +[3004.08 --> 3005.72] the church also is one +[3005.72 --> 3007.46] which is spread abroad +[3007.46 --> 3008.70] far and wide +[3008.70 --> 3009.72] into a multitude +[3009.72 --> 3011.10] by an increase +[3011.10 --> 3011.80] of fruitfulness. +[3012.52 --> 3013.76] As there are many rays +[3013.76 --> 3014.30] of the sun +[3014.30 --> 3014.98] but one light +[3014.98 --> 3016.16] and many branches +[3016.16 --> 3016.72] of a tree +[3016.72 --> 3017.64] but one strength +[3017.64 --> 3019.56] based in its tenacious root. +[3020.14 --> 3021.58] And since from one spring +[3021.58 --> 3023.06] flow many streams, +[3023.60 --> 3024.62] although the multiplicity +[3024.62 --> 3025.42] seems diffused +[3025.42 --> 3026.22] in the liberality +[3026.22 --> 3027.80] of an overflowing abundance, +[3028.94 --> 3029.66] yet the unity +[3029.66 --> 3031.00] is still preserved +[3031.00 --> 3031.84] in the source. +[3033.32 --> 3034.08] Separate a ray +[3034.08 --> 3034.70] from the sun +[3034.70 --> 3035.76] and its body of light, +[3036.04 --> 3036.52] its unity +[3036.52 --> 3037.32] does not allow +[3037.32 --> 3038.24] a division of light. +[3038.46 --> 3039.20] Break a branch +[3039.20 --> 3039.76] from a tree +[3039.76 --> 3040.36] when broken, +[3040.72 --> 3041.52] it will not be able +[3041.52 --> 3041.94] to bud. +[3042.54 --> 3043.50] Cut off the stream +[3043.50 --> 3044.30] from its fountain +[3044.30 --> 3045.72] and that which is cut off +[3045.72 --> 3046.24] dries up. +[3047.36 --> 3048.86] Thus is also the church, +[3049.60 --> 3050.42] shone over +[3050.42 --> 3051.04] with the light +[3051.04 --> 3051.56] of the Lord, +[3051.98 --> 3053.18] sheds forth her rays +[3053.18 --> 3054.20] over the whole world, +[3055.12 --> 3056.84] yet is one light +[3056.84 --> 3058.50] which is everywhere diffused. +[3059.22 --> 3060.12] Nor is the unity +[3060.12 --> 3060.90] of the body +[3060.90 --> 3061.68] separated. +[3061.68 --> 3063.96] Her fruitful abundance +[3063.96 --> 3065.36] spreads her branches +[3065.36 --> 3066.24] over the whole world. +[3066.38 --> 3068.04] She broadly expands +[3068.04 --> 3068.56] her rivers, +[3068.98 --> 3070.00] liberally flowing, +[3070.60 --> 3071.46] yet her head is one, +[3071.98 --> 3073.62] her source is one, +[3073.74 --> 3074.78] and she is one mother +[3074.78 --> 3076.22] plentiful in the results +[3076.22 --> 3076.88] of fruitfulness. +[3077.44 --> 3078.12] From her womb +[3078.12 --> 3078.78] we are born, +[3078.90 --> 3079.50] by her milk +[3079.50 --> 3080.14] we are nourished, +[3080.30 --> 3081.08] by her spirit +[3081.08 --> 3082.08] we are animated. +[3085.04 --> 3085.84] As believers, +[3086.00 --> 3087.06] we cannot be separated +[3087.06 --> 3087.82] from Jesus, +[3088.02 --> 3088.90] the source of life. +[3088.96 --> 3089.70] It is Jesus +[3089.70 --> 3091.36] who unites us. +[3091.36 --> 3092.56] It is the reality +[3092.56 --> 3093.48] that Jesus lived +[3093.48 --> 3094.54] a perfect life +[3094.54 --> 3095.24] that you and I +[3095.24 --> 3096.54] have failed to live +[3096.54 --> 3097.42] and the reality +[3097.42 --> 3098.90] that he died a death +[3098.90 --> 3099.90] that you and I +[3099.90 --> 3101.34] deserve to die, +[3101.92 --> 3102.74] taking the weight +[3102.74 --> 3103.78] of sin and misery +[3103.78 --> 3104.46] on his shoulders +[3104.46 --> 3105.22] to the grave. +[3106.52 --> 3107.00] But it's also +[3107.00 --> 3107.64] the understanding +[3107.64 --> 3108.44] that after three days +[3108.44 --> 3109.38] Jesus rose again +[3109.38 --> 3110.34] from the dead +[3110.34 --> 3111.64] and after he was witnessed +[3111.64 --> 3113.08] by about 500 people +[3113.08 --> 3113.60] or more, +[3113.66 --> 3114.52] he ascended to heaven +[3114.52 --> 3115.20] and is now seated +[3115.20 --> 3116.34] at the right hand +[3116.34 --> 3117.62] of God the Father +[3117.62 --> 3118.22] Almighty, +[3118.46 --> 3119.88] interceding on our behalf. +[3119.88 --> 3121.74] Now, +[3122.26 --> 3123.26] his people +[3123.26 --> 3124.80] are defined +[3124.80 --> 3125.64] differently. +[3126.52 --> 3127.26] There is neither +[3127.26 --> 3128.84] Jew nor Greek, +[3129.22 --> 3129.64] there is neither +[3129.64 --> 3130.70] slave nor free, +[3130.82 --> 3131.24] there is neither +[3131.24 --> 3132.26] male nor female, +[3132.42 --> 3133.22] for all +[3133.22 --> 3134.24] of us +[3134.24 --> 3135.14] are united +[3135.14 --> 3135.92] as one +[3135.92 --> 3136.94] in Christ +[3136.94 --> 3137.70] Jesus. +[3141.26 --> 3142.24] Our source +[3142.24 --> 3142.72] is Jesus. +[3143.82 --> 3144.20] Unity +[3144.20 --> 3144.72] is found +[3144.72 --> 3145.16] in him. +[3145.16 --> 3146.78] That is why +[3146.78 --> 3147.16] when Jesus +[3147.16 --> 3147.76] comes again +[3147.76 --> 3148.10] we're given +[3148.10 --> 3149.18] this picture +[3149.18 --> 3149.92] of eternity +[3149.92 --> 3150.58] that we read +[3150.58 --> 3151.56] in Revelation 7 +[3151.56 --> 3152.82] where it says, +[3153.08 --> 3153.62] after I looked, +[3153.68 --> 3154.68] this is John's vision +[3154.68 --> 3155.70] but it's for all of us, +[3155.94 --> 3157.40] after this I looked +[3157.40 --> 3158.78] and there before me +[3158.78 --> 3159.70] was a great multitude +[3159.70 --> 3160.98] that no one could count +[3160.98 --> 3163.10] from every nation, +[3163.84 --> 3164.42] tribe, +[3164.84 --> 3165.26] people, +[3165.50 --> 3166.34] and language +[3166.34 --> 3168.10] standing before the throne +[3168.10 --> 3169.18] and before the Lamb. +[3169.84 --> 3170.48] They were wearing +[3170.48 --> 3171.18] white robes +[3171.18 --> 3171.64] and were holding +[3171.64 --> 3172.40] palm branches +[3172.40 --> 3172.92] in their hand +[3172.92 --> 3173.60] and they cried out +[3173.60 --> 3174.36] in a loud voice, +[3174.76 --> 3176.42] salvation belongs +[3176.42 --> 3177.52] to our God +[3177.52 --> 3179.02] who sits on the throne +[3179.02 --> 3180.48] and to the Lamb. +[3181.68 --> 3181.94] See, +[3182.34 --> 3183.34] much like this vision +[3183.34 --> 3184.14] that Peter had +[3184.14 --> 3184.76] with the sheep +[3184.76 --> 3185.60] and the animals +[3185.60 --> 3186.64] in Acts 10, +[3186.96 --> 3187.96] Revelation 7 +[3187.96 --> 3189.02] is our vision. +[3190.58 --> 3191.62] That's the vision +[3191.62 --> 3192.20] for us. +[3192.98 --> 3193.92] This positive +[3193.92 --> 3195.04] theological vision +[3195.04 --> 3195.80] of life together +[3195.80 --> 3197.08] is that all people +[3197.08 --> 3198.48] from every tribe +[3198.48 --> 3199.10] and nation +[3199.10 --> 3200.00] and tongue +[3200.00 --> 3201.10] will join together +[3201.10 --> 3202.34] and worship God +[3202.34 --> 3203.72] and that's +[3203.72 --> 3204.56] the second point +[3204.56 --> 3206.70] that this unity +[3206.70 --> 3207.24] in Christ +[3207.24 --> 3208.16] is for all people, +[3208.76 --> 3209.66] for all nations. +[3210.48 --> 3210.82] In Acts, +[3210.90 --> 3211.62] the story is about +[3211.62 --> 3212.36] Jew and Gentile +[3212.36 --> 3212.76] but remember, +[3212.88 --> 3213.52] Gentile is just +[3213.52 --> 3214.40] everyone who's not a Jew. +[3215.36 --> 3215.88] So the story +[3215.88 --> 3216.58] of Jesus' life, +[3216.68 --> 3216.80] death, +[3216.84 --> 3217.36] and resurrection +[3217.36 --> 3219.06] is not an isolated gospel. +[3219.62 --> 3220.12] It's meant +[3220.12 --> 3220.96] for all the world. +[3222.54 --> 3223.14] In Acts 10, +[3223.24 --> 3223.76] Peter asks, +[3224.02 --> 3224.72] is this true +[3224.72 --> 3225.58] for Gentiles? +[3226.14 --> 3226.80] And he finds out, +[3226.86 --> 3227.52] yeah, it is. +[3228.14 --> 3229.14] And then in Acts 15, +[3229.20 --> 3229.70] they're still kind of +[3229.70 --> 3230.28] figuring it out. +[3230.34 --> 3230.52] They're like, +[3230.56 --> 3230.68] okay, +[3230.72 --> 3231.60] it's for the Gentiles, +[3231.60 --> 3231.92] sure, +[3232.28 --> 3232.98] but they have to be +[3232.98 --> 3233.70] like us, right? +[3234.72 --> 3235.60] And then as they discuss, +[3235.70 --> 3236.08] they conclude, +[3236.16 --> 3236.88] no, they don't. +[3237.40 --> 3237.68] Actually, +[3237.76 --> 3238.20] God's people +[3238.20 --> 3239.28] are defined differently now. +[3239.82 --> 3240.62] And then in Revelation +[3240.62 --> 3241.52] and John's vision, +[3241.82 --> 3242.68] it highlights for us +[3242.68 --> 3245.50] that this is for everyone. +[3245.94 --> 3246.82] We know that salvation +[3246.82 --> 3247.80] is for every race, +[3248.06 --> 3248.66] every nation, +[3248.80 --> 3249.32] every tongue, +[3249.62 --> 3250.38] every tribe. +[3251.56 --> 3252.60] Like I said off the top, +[3252.84 --> 3254.54] I am seeing this in seminary. +[3255.12 --> 3256.34] It's a beautiful picture. +[3256.46 --> 3257.96] People from all over the world +[3257.96 --> 3260.12] studying and worshiping together +[3260.12 --> 3261.76] and theologizing, +[3261.92 --> 3263.04] which I learned is a real word, +[3263.14 --> 3263.82] in seminary, +[3263.94 --> 3264.58] so it's working. +[3265.62 --> 3267.12] Being the church of God +[3267.12 --> 3268.70] in all corners of the world +[3268.70 --> 3269.90] is happening. +[3270.94 --> 3272.66] It's a beautiful picture +[3272.66 --> 3273.48] of God's people +[3273.48 --> 3274.58] rooted in Christ +[3274.58 --> 3276.28] from across the globe. +[3279.86 --> 3281.02] Now, I've heard this said, +[3281.06 --> 3281.84] and some will say, +[3281.90 --> 3282.98] that the church is united +[3282.98 --> 3284.60] despite its diversity. +[3284.60 --> 3286.40] But it's not true. +[3287.68 --> 3289.02] No, the church is united +[3289.02 --> 3290.50] because of its diversity. +[3292.52 --> 3294.30] And because that's the reality +[3294.30 --> 3294.86] of the church +[3294.86 --> 3295.38] that's painted +[3295.38 --> 3296.30] in the word of God, +[3297.30 --> 3298.68] churches thrive +[3298.68 --> 3300.08] when they are made up +[3300.08 --> 3300.76] of all nations. +[3302.84 --> 3304.06] So then the question becomes, +[3304.16 --> 3304.80] what about the church +[3304.80 --> 3305.34] in Langley +[3305.34 --> 3307.74] in Canada in 2024? +[3307.90 --> 3308.40] Or more honed in, +[3308.42 --> 3309.26] what does it mean for here? +[3309.26 --> 3309.50] Now, +[3311.90 --> 3313.86] I'm going to invite you +[3313.86 --> 3315.10] to bring your guard down +[3315.10 --> 3315.96] for just a second. +[3316.76 --> 3316.96] All right? +[3317.00 --> 3317.64] It's possible +[3317.64 --> 3318.58] what I'm about to say +[3318.58 --> 3319.64] might bristle a touch, +[3320.22 --> 3320.80] but I'm praying +[3320.80 --> 3321.52] for the Holy Spirit +[3321.52 --> 3322.48] to massage our hearts +[3322.48 --> 3323.30] and really hear +[3323.30 --> 3324.56] what He is trying to say +[3324.56 --> 3325.44] to us today here. +[3325.62 --> 3326.94] So just prayerfully +[3326.94 --> 3328.24] give the following +[3328.24 --> 3328.80] some thought. +[3329.98 --> 3330.18] All right? +[3330.22 --> 3331.58] The CRC as a whole +[3331.58 --> 3332.60] is often viewed +[3332.60 --> 3333.22] or described +[3333.22 --> 3334.74] as a Dutch church. +[3335.36 --> 3336.60] There's very good reasons +[3336.60 --> 3337.12] for this. +[3337.12 --> 3338.76] Because the CRC +[3338.76 --> 3339.52] in North America +[3339.52 --> 3340.24] was started +[3340.24 --> 3341.26] by Dutch immigrants. +[3342.00 --> 3342.46] Last year, +[3342.50 --> 3344.64] I took a course CRC history +[3344.64 --> 3345.36] and the stories +[3345.36 --> 3346.28] of the Dutch immigrants +[3346.28 --> 3347.40] and how they started +[3347.40 --> 3348.46] this church are amazing. +[3348.58 --> 3349.28] It's fascinating. +[3349.38 --> 3350.46] The history is worth +[3350.46 --> 3351.52] digging into. +[3351.66 --> 3353.12] People like Van Ralt +[3353.12 --> 3354.04] and Hahn +[3354.04 --> 3354.96] and Boer +[3354.96 --> 3355.90] and many others +[3355.90 --> 3357.34] did some amazing things. +[3358.52 --> 3359.56] And we can remember +[3359.56 --> 3360.74] and celebrate +[3360.74 --> 3361.82] our history +[3361.82 --> 3363.28] and what defined +[3363.28 --> 3364.40] the denomination. +[3364.40 --> 3367.08] but remember +[3367.08 --> 3368.64] what defines us, +[3368.80 --> 3369.64] what we celebrate +[3369.64 --> 3371.06] that defines us +[3371.06 --> 3373.32] cannot divide us. +[3374.50 --> 3375.14] So yes, +[3375.26 --> 3376.26] the history of the CRC +[3376.26 --> 3376.68] was started +[3376.68 --> 3377.50] by Dutch immigrants +[3377.50 --> 3379.32] but we're not +[3379.32 --> 3380.20] a Dutch church. +[3381.66 --> 3383.18] We are the church. +[3383.96 --> 3385.32] The church universal. +[3386.00 --> 3386.66] When we speak +[3386.66 --> 3387.56] the Apostles' Creed +[3387.56 --> 3388.84] we say we believe +[3388.84 --> 3390.14] in one holy Catholic church +[3390.14 --> 3391.48] not one Dutch denomination. +[3391.48 --> 3395.74] it's one universal church. +[3396.32 --> 3397.54] We cannot operate +[3397.54 --> 3398.62] with the assumption +[3398.62 --> 3400.04] that we are a Dutch church +[3400.04 --> 3401.28] because the reality is +[3401.28 --> 3402.58] the CRCNA, +[3402.72 --> 3404.26] the CRC Church of North America +[3404.26 --> 3405.06] has expanded +[3405.06 --> 3406.18] far beyond the Netherlands. +[3407.46 --> 3408.70] My seminary experience +[3408.70 --> 3409.10] is proof. +[3409.38 --> 3410.26] Korean, Nigerian, +[3410.36 --> 3410.78] Guatemalan, +[3410.90 --> 3411.62] Brazilian, Chinese, +[3411.74 --> 3413.06] the CRC is growing +[3413.06 --> 3413.88] and that's wonderful. +[3415.50 --> 3416.40] But it's growing +[3416.40 --> 3418.26] because of its diversity. +[3418.26 --> 3420.80] not despite it. +[3423.22 --> 3424.00] And so can we remember +[3424.00 --> 3425.14] and celebrate our history +[3425.14 --> 3426.04] that defines us? +[3426.14 --> 3427.56] Yeah, of course we can. +[3428.18 --> 3429.48] But we should never +[3429.48 --> 3431.84] let the Dutchness +[3431.84 --> 3433.58] of our denomination +[3433.58 --> 3434.28] become something +[3434.28 --> 3435.44] that divides us +[3435.44 --> 3436.24] from others +[3436.24 --> 3437.14] especially guests +[3437.14 --> 3437.58] or others +[3437.58 --> 3439.22] entering into the fold. +[3439.34 --> 3440.20] That's what was happening +[3440.20 --> 3440.88] in our text. +[3441.82 --> 3442.84] The rules of food +[3442.84 --> 3443.64] and circumcision +[3443.64 --> 3444.80] once defined a people +[3444.80 --> 3446.18] but it was dividing them now. +[3447.00 --> 3448.86] The Dutchness of the CRC +[3448.86 --> 3450.48] once defines us +[3450.48 --> 3452.38] but it cannot divide us. +[3453.26 --> 3454.34] We can celebrate +[3454.34 --> 3455.52] but we cannot flaunt. +[3457.38 --> 3458.18] I know a lot of us +[3458.18 --> 3458.76] have heard the phrase +[3458.76 --> 3459.38] if you ain't Dutch +[3459.38 --> 3459.96] you ain't much. +[3460.42 --> 3462.14] That should never be spoken +[3462.14 --> 3462.72] in a church. +[3463.74 --> 3464.22] Ever. +[3465.60 --> 3466.48] And honestly +[3466.48 --> 3467.02] I'd be careful +[3467.02 --> 3467.78] using that anywhere +[3467.78 --> 3468.70] to be honest with you +[3468.70 --> 3470.60] because words +[3470.60 --> 3471.72] even in jest +[3471.72 --> 3473.44] divide +[3473.44 --> 3475.24] and they separate +[3475.24 --> 3476.84] they polarize. +[3478.44 --> 3479.58] And maybe it's more than that. +[3479.64 --> 3480.50] The songs we sing +[3480.50 --> 3481.48] the prayers we pray +[3481.48 --> 3482.32] the events we do +[3482.32 --> 3482.90] the hospitality +[3482.90 --> 3484.12] that we show +[3484.12 --> 3484.98] we cannot fall +[3484.98 --> 3486.26] into a trap +[3486.26 --> 3487.94] that we see in our text today +[3487.94 --> 3488.18] and think +[3488.18 --> 3489.44] we have to do things this way +[3489.44 --> 3491.04] because we're a Dutch church +[3491.04 --> 3493.52] or a Canadian church +[3493.52 --> 3495.68] or pick whatever word +[3495.68 --> 3496.30] you want to use +[3496.30 --> 3496.72] church. +[3497.60 --> 3498.76] No, we're the church. +[3501.38 --> 3502.34] We've got to be careful +[3502.34 --> 3504.12] with our national pride +[3504.12 --> 3505.98] when it comes to God's kingdom. +[3507.82 --> 3509.24] We are God's church +[3509.24 --> 3509.96] full stop. +[3512.32 --> 3513.84] So how do we as a church +[3513.84 --> 3514.92] here in Langley, B.C. +[3515.32 --> 3516.46] grow into the picture +[3516.46 --> 3517.36] of God's kingdom +[3517.36 --> 3519.42] that's found in Revelation 7? +[3519.74 --> 3520.60] The picture painted +[3520.60 --> 3521.38] by Peter +[3521.38 --> 3522.92] or by the story of Peter +[3522.92 --> 3523.74] here in Acts 10. +[3525.18 --> 3526.18] Well that's a question +[3526.18 --> 3527.14] that I'm going to invite you +[3527.14 --> 3527.98] to take home with you +[3527.98 --> 3529.54] and discuss around your tables +[3529.54 --> 3530.48] today after church. +[3530.48 --> 3532.50] And then speaking +[3532.50 --> 3533.24] of those tables +[3533.24 --> 3534.16] that's the third point. +[3535.50 --> 3536.72] Who is at your table? +[3539.50 --> 3541.04] Acts 10 focuses on food +[3541.04 --> 3542.58] and hospitality throughout +[3542.58 --> 3544.40] and so we'll end +[3544.40 --> 3545.10] with this question. +[3545.74 --> 3547.98] Who sits at your table? +[3549.82 --> 3550.54] See our world +[3550.54 --> 3551.60] likes to create boxes +[3551.60 --> 3553.36] and divide people +[3553.36 --> 3554.34] into categories. +[3554.56 --> 3555.90] Political lines +[3555.90 --> 3556.68] are drawn now +[3556.68 --> 3558.22] with thicker and thicker ink +[3558.22 --> 3558.86] these days +[3558.86 --> 3560.70] and social media algorithms. +[3561.22 --> 3562.26] They start sending us +[3562.26 --> 3563.78] to other like-minded people. +[3564.10 --> 3565.44] Echo chambers are formed +[3565.44 --> 3566.34] oftentimes without +[3566.34 --> 3567.52] us even realizing it +[3567.52 --> 3568.40] and we start hearing +[3568.40 --> 3569.16] the same messages, +[3569.38 --> 3570.08] the same opinions, +[3570.24 --> 3571.10] the same platforms +[3571.10 --> 3572.86] that we mostly align with +[3572.86 --> 3573.80] and then we start hearing +[3573.80 --> 3574.30] those messages +[3574.30 --> 3575.10] over and over again +[3575.10 --> 3575.82] louder and louder. +[3576.68 --> 3577.82] We're defined +[3577.82 --> 3578.98] and we're divided +[3578.98 --> 3580.64] into pockets of people +[3580.64 --> 3581.96] who think and act the same. +[3581.96 --> 3583.80] Ironically, +[3584.46 --> 3585.48] individualism, +[3585.60 --> 3586.44] the pursuit +[3586.44 --> 3587.60] and celebration +[3587.60 --> 3588.46] of what makes you, +[3588.58 --> 3588.90] you, +[3589.70 --> 3590.70] and echo chambers, +[3590.88 --> 3592.02] places where individuals +[3592.02 --> 3593.10] like you are just joined +[3593.10 --> 3593.88] with other individuals +[3593.88 --> 3594.78] like you, +[3595.46 --> 3596.32] work in tandem +[3596.32 --> 3598.54] to define who you are. +[3599.60 --> 3600.80] And it affects a lot of things, +[3600.84 --> 3601.92] even how you read +[3601.92 --> 3602.82] and apply the Bible. +[3604.98 --> 3606.48] There's an African pastor +[3606.48 --> 3607.96] named Conrad Mbuie +[3607.96 --> 3609.60] and he says this +[3609.60 --> 3611.04] regarding bringing the word +[3611.04 --> 3612.86] to his church in Africa. +[3613.54 --> 3614.26] He says, +[3614.54 --> 3616.60] I'm not trying to make +[3616.60 --> 3617.64] the Bible more African. +[3618.66 --> 3619.70] I'm trying to get +[3619.70 --> 3620.60] the church in Africa +[3620.60 --> 3621.92] to be more biblical. +[3623.46 --> 3624.18] Our unity +[3624.18 --> 3626.28] as God's family, +[3626.40 --> 3626.82] the church, +[3626.96 --> 3628.16] is our greatest witness +[3628.16 --> 3628.96] to unbelievers. +[3631.10 --> 3632.06] North American churches +[3632.06 --> 3632.58] should be preaching +[3632.58 --> 3633.36] the same message, +[3633.82 --> 3635.02] becoming more biblical, +[3635.96 --> 3637.16] not more Canadian biblical +[3637.16 --> 3638.32] or more Dutch biblical, +[3638.62 --> 3639.76] but becoming more biblical +[3639.76 --> 3642.44] unites us all +[3642.44 --> 3643.70] because the church, +[3644.68 --> 3645.48] man, the church, +[3645.80 --> 3646.80] the church is different. +[3647.66 --> 3649.60] It's diverse yet unified +[3649.60 --> 3650.34] under Christ. +[3650.48 --> 3651.38] We disagree, +[3651.94 --> 3653.16] but we worship together. +[3653.74 --> 3655.44] We discuss and debate +[3655.44 --> 3656.36] and hold councils +[3656.36 --> 3657.62] and synods and meetings +[3657.62 --> 3658.96] and we don't always agree, +[3659.70 --> 3661.06] but we read the same word +[3661.06 --> 3662.18] and we pray together +[3662.18 --> 3663.66] and we pray to the same God +[3663.66 --> 3664.90] and we are unified +[3664.90 --> 3665.86] despite our differences. +[3665.86 --> 3667.12] It's fascinating +[3667.12 --> 3668.42] what the church is. +[3669.30 --> 3669.72] Look around. +[3669.84 --> 3670.60] Look around right now +[3670.60 --> 3671.02] at the sanctuary. +[3671.14 --> 3671.74] Look at other people. +[3671.84 --> 3672.40] Make some awkward +[3672.40 --> 3673.26] eye contact here. +[3673.74 --> 3674.70] There are young people +[3674.70 --> 3675.56] and old people here. +[3675.92 --> 3676.82] There are people you know +[3676.82 --> 3677.68] and people you don't. +[3677.98 --> 3679.30] There are new Christians here +[3679.30 --> 3680.70] and there are lifelong believers +[3680.70 --> 3681.88] here in this room. +[3682.12 --> 3683.90] There's politically conservative people +[3683.90 --> 3685.08] and politically liberal. +[3685.36 --> 3686.10] There's traditional +[3686.10 --> 3687.48] and there's contemporary. +[3687.70 --> 3688.72] There's Oilers fans +[3688.72 --> 3689.88] and there's Canucks fans. +[3690.00 --> 3690.74] We're all here. +[3690.74 --> 3694.68] You're listening right now +[3694.68 --> 3696.88] to the same flawed youth pastor +[3696.88 --> 3698.40] yammer on up here +[3698.40 --> 3700.20] no matter how your last week went. +[3701.34 --> 3702.42] We're all singing +[3702.42 --> 3703.86] the same worship songs +[3703.86 --> 3705.62] no matter what our opinions are +[3705.62 --> 3706.68] on the various political +[3706.68 --> 3707.88] electoral things +[3707.88 --> 3708.54] that are coming up. +[3709.64 --> 3710.66] We're all going to go drink +[3710.66 --> 3712.58] the same old coffee +[3712.58 --> 3714.62] and enjoy some good old fashioned +[3714.62 --> 3715.20] koinonia, +[3715.52 --> 3716.52] shout out to an old sermon, +[3716.84 --> 3718.88] no matter what our heritage is, +[3718.88 --> 3721.66] no matter what our Sunday traditions are. +[3722.58 --> 3723.22] Look around. +[3724.58 --> 3725.18] Do it. +[3725.22 --> 3725.66] Look around. +[3726.66 --> 3728.18] We all have different stories. +[3728.94 --> 3730.34] We all have different stories +[3730.34 --> 3731.22] of why we're here. +[3732.60 --> 3733.00] And yet, +[3733.28 --> 3735.00] within those different stories, +[3735.48 --> 3736.66] we are connected +[3736.66 --> 3739.34] to the one true story. +[3740.14 --> 3742.50] The one true redemption story +[3742.50 --> 3744.02] that God has been authoring +[3744.02 --> 3745.80] and directing since the dawn of time. +[3747.16 --> 3748.00] Different stories +[3748.00 --> 3749.44] gets grafted into one story. +[3750.20 --> 3751.76] We're united in our diversity. +[3752.76 --> 3754.70] What's compelling about the church, +[3754.78 --> 3756.36] what's so compelling about the church +[3756.36 --> 3758.44] is that we are all different people +[3758.44 --> 3759.54] with different stories +[3759.54 --> 3760.54] and different ideas +[3760.54 --> 3761.60] and different perspectives +[3761.60 --> 3762.66] on different things. +[3763.34 --> 3763.66] And yet, +[3763.76 --> 3764.86] despite all of the different, +[3765.70 --> 3769.20] we are united in Christ. +[3770.50 --> 3772.58] We can praise God for that truth. +[3772.58 --> 3775.82] And so as you go from this place, +[3776.34 --> 3778.58] who comes to your table? +[3778.64 --> 3779.36] Who's at your table? +[3780.46 --> 3781.58] Does the company we keep +[3781.58 --> 3783.36] represent the kingdom of God +[3783.36 --> 3784.32] as laid out for us +[3784.32 --> 3785.10] in Acts 10, +[3785.80 --> 3786.62] in Acts 15, +[3786.94 --> 3787.92] in Revelation 7? +[3788.44 --> 3791.06] We're united in Christ. +[3791.94 --> 3793.32] Let's be united in Christ. +[3793.62 --> 3793.82] Amen? +[3795.08 --> 3795.68] Let's pray. +[3795.68 --> 3800.88] Father in heaven, +[3802.02 --> 3802.92] Savior in spirit, +[3803.12 --> 3803.30] God, +[3803.66 --> 3805.16] we come to you today +[3805.16 --> 3808.38] as the church, +[3809.58 --> 3811.32] united under the truth +[3811.32 --> 3812.14] of Jesus, +[3812.28 --> 3812.68] your life, +[3812.78 --> 3813.10] your death, +[3813.18 --> 3813.86] your resurrection, +[3814.00 --> 3814.96] your ascension into heaven. +[3817.36 --> 3817.62] And Lord, +[3817.68 --> 3818.44] the world we live in +[3818.44 --> 3819.14] is not united. +[3819.64 --> 3819.78] God, +[3819.82 --> 3821.66] we live in a very polarized world. +[3822.54 --> 3823.76] Opinions fly around, +[3823.76 --> 3825.36] arguments happen everywhere, +[3825.68 --> 3826.54] in person, +[3826.82 --> 3827.36] online, +[3827.48 --> 3828.38] all over the place. +[3828.56 --> 3829.94] And it is easy to slip +[3829.94 --> 3832.28] into a polarized culture +[3832.28 --> 3833.48] that exists around us. +[3834.02 --> 3834.58] But God, +[3835.56 --> 3836.78] you unite. +[3838.96 --> 3841.12] Every race, +[3842.28 --> 3844.68] every person +[3844.68 --> 3847.06] can come to know you +[3847.06 --> 3848.96] through the power of your spirit. +[3849.66 --> 3850.04] And so God, +[3850.10 --> 3852.18] we pray for the church global. +[3852.18 --> 3853.24] We pray for the churches +[3853.24 --> 3854.58] in Africa, +[3854.76 --> 3855.56] in South America, +[3855.72 --> 3856.30] in Asia, +[3856.46 --> 3856.66] God, +[3856.70 --> 3857.70] all over the world +[3857.70 --> 3860.38] in all the work +[3860.38 --> 3860.96] that they're doing. +[3861.40 --> 3861.52] Lord, +[3861.54 --> 3862.86] may we join with them. +[3863.12 --> 3863.20] Lord, +[3863.26 --> 3863.88] today's offering +[3863.88 --> 3865.92] was for our refugee chaplain +[3865.92 --> 3867.20] who's doing that kind of work +[3867.20 --> 3867.98] all over the world, +[3868.10 --> 3868.20] Lord. +[3868.40 --> 3869.76] We think of those missionaries +[3869.76 --> 3870.74] that we know and support. +[3871.26 --> 3871.46] God, +[3871.56 --> 3873.34] we are your hands and feet +[3873.34 --> 3874.12] all over the world. +[3875.36 --> 3876.56] May we live +[3876.56 --> 3877.68] how you call us to live +[3877.68 --> 3878.42] here in Langley +[3878.42 --> 3880.14] and may we open our doors +[3880.14 --> 3881.10] to the world. +[3881.10 --> 3884.38] and preach this good news +[3884.38 --> 3886.02] to those around us. +[3886.16 --> 3886.32] Lord, +[3886.38 --> 3887.12] we live in a culture +[3887.12 --> 3888.54] where you call us +[3888.54 --> 3889.42] to go to all nations, +[3889.56 --> 3889.64] Lord, +[3889.68 --> 3890.34] but we live in a culture +[3890.34 --> 3890.88] where all nations +[3890.88 --> 3891.54] are coming to us. +[3893.16 --> 3894.08] May we be bold +[3894.08 --> 3895.98] in proclaiming your name +[3895.98 --> 3896.50] as Lord. +[3897.84 --> 3898.58] We pray this +[3898.58 --> 3899.16] in your name. +[3899.76 --> 3899.96] Amen. +[3899.96 --> 3900.06] Amen. +[3904.64 --> 3905.26] Please rise +[3905.26 --> 3906.12] as we respond in song. +[3906.12 --> 3923.58] A church's one foundation +[3923.58 --> 3926.40] is Jesus Christ, +[3926.40 --> 3928.08] our Lord. +[3928.08 --> 3928.82] Lord, +[3928.82 --> 3932.44] He is His new creation +[3932.44 --> 3936.90] by water and the word. +[3937.50 --> 3939.90] From Him He came +[3939.90 --> 3941.94] and sought her +[3941.94 --> 3946.04] to be His holy bride. +[3946.60 --> 3948.98] With His own blood +[3948.98 --> 3951.04] He bought her +[3951.04 --> 3955.94] and for her life He died. +[3955.94 --> 3961.68] He left from every nation +[3961.68 --> 3966.14] yet one o'er all the earth +[3966.14 --> 3970.80] her charge of salvation +[3970.80 --> 3972.60] one Lord, +[3972.72 --> 3973.74] one faith, +[3973.86 --> 3975.70] one birth +[3975.70 --> 3978.64] one holy name +[3978.64 --> 3980.98] She blesses +[3980.98 --> 3982.48] partakes +[3982.48 --> 3985.18] one holy food +[3985.18 --> 3988.14] and to an hope +[3988.14 --> 3990.10] she presses +[3990.10 --> 3993.34] with every grace +[3993.34 --> 3995.38] and hope +[3995.38 --> 4001.34] His God and tribulation +[4001.34 --> 4006.22] and tumult of her war +[4006.22 --> 4011.14] She wakes the consummation +[4011.14 --> 4012.66] of peace +[4012.66 --> 4015.22] forevermore +[4015.22 --> 4020.22] Till His vision glorious +[4020.22 --> 4025.48] and all in eyes are blessed +[4025.48 --> 4030.46] Then the great church victorious +[4030.46 --> 4033.82] shall be the church +[4033.82 --> 4035.62] and rest +[4035.62 --> 4037.84] shall be the church +[4037.84 --> 4038.62] and rest +[4038.62 --> 4045.06] Speaking of diversity +[4045.06 --> 4045.54] in the church +[4045.54 --> 4046.10] he's going to hate +[4046.10 --> 4046.78] that I'm doing this +[4046.78 --> 4047.96] but we have a guitar player +[4047.96 --> 4049.04] who just played the piano +[4049.04 --> 4049.90] in a church service +[4049.90 --> 4050.60] for the first time +[4050.60 --> 4051.92] since he was in grade 6 +[4051.92 --> 4053.38] Isn't that something? +[4054.76 --> 4055.46] Look at that +[4055.46 --> 4057.94] If you go from this place +[4057.94 --> 4058.76] please enjoy some +[4058.76 --> 4059.92] koinonia in the foyer +[4059.92 --> 4061.86] have some fellowship +[4061.86 --> 4062.64] with one another +[4062.64 --> 4063.66] and let's remember +[4063.66 --> 4064.36] that this church +[4064.36 --> 4065.16] that we are a part of +[4065.16 --> 4065.54] is +[4065.54 --> 4066.70] yes Langley +[4066.70 --> 4067.06] Emmanuel +[4067.06 --> 4067.52] C.R.C. +[4067.52 --> 4068.14] but we are part +[4068.14 --> 4068.98] of a global +[4068.98 --> 4070.42] universal church +[4070.42 --> 4071.22] everywhere +[4071.22 --> 4072.54] Please hear these +[4072.54 --> 4074.18] the priestly blessing +[4074.18 --> 4074.80] here found +[4074.80 --> 4075.96] in number 6 +[4075.96 --> 4077.56] The Lord bless you +[4077.56 --> 4078.52] and keep you +[4078.52 --> 4079.82] The Lord make His face +[4079.82 --> 4080.62] shine on you +[4080.62 --> 4081.76] and be gracious to you +[4081.76 --> 4083.42] The Lord turn His face +[4083.42 --> 4084.20] toward you +[4084.20 --> 4085.30] and give you +[4085.30 --> 4086.16] peace +[4086.16 --> 4087.62] and all of God's people +[4087.62 --> 4087.94] said +[4087.94 --> 4089.92] Amen +[4089.92 --> 4090.34] vie +[4090.34 --> 4103.42] Che visibility +[4103.42 --> 4105.46] in being +[4105.46 --> 4114.20] how we are +[4114.20 --> 4116.64] Our God +[4116.64 --> 4122.78] Who sits upon the throne +[4122.78 --> 4128.90] And unto the Lamb +[4128.90 --> 4134.16] Praise and glory, wisdom and grace +[4134.16 --> 4139.40] Honor and power and praise +[4139.40 --> 4145.00] Me to our God forever and ever +[4145.00 --> 4150.38] Me to our God forever and ever +[4150.38 --> 4155.00] Me to our God forever and ever +[4155.56 --> 4157.00] Amen +[4157.00 --> 4165.00] And we shall be strong +[4166.04 --> 4171.00] In purpose and unity +[4171.00 --> 4175.38] Declaring aloud +[4175.38 --> 4182.34] Praise and glory, wisdom and grace +[4182.34 --> 4187.00] Honor and power and praise +[4187.00 --> 4192.38] Me to our God forever and ever +[4192.38 --> 4198.00] Me to our God forever and ever +[4198.00 --> 4203.38] Me to our God forever and ever +[4203.38 --> 4205.38] Amen +[4205.38 --> 4210.76] Be to our God forever and ever +[4210.76 --> 4213.76] Amen +[4213.76 --> 4219.76] Be to our God forever and ever +[4219.76 --> 4224.76] Be to our God forever and ever +[4224.76 --> 4225.76] Amen +[4225.76 --> 4231.14] Amen +[4231.14 --> 4235.14] Be to our God forever and ever +[4235.14 --> 4240.14] Be to our God forever and ever +[4240.14 --> 4245.14] Be to our God forever and ever +[4245.14 --> 4246.14] Amen +[4246.14 --> 4262.40] mascots +[4262.40 --> 4264.40] Amen +[4266.64 --> 4267.00] Amen +[4267.18 --> 4267.58] Amen +[4267.58 --> 4267.60] Amen +[4267.60 --> 4297.58] Thank you. +[4297.60 --> 4327.58] Thank you. +[4327.60 --> 4329.60] Thank you. +[4357.60 --> 4359.60] Thank you. +[4387.60 --> 4389.60] Thank you. +[4417.60 --> 4419.60] Thank you. +[4447.60 --> 4449.60] Thank you. +[4477.60 --> 4479.60] Thank you. +[4507.60 --> 4509.60] Thank you. +[4537.60 --> 4539.60] Thank you. +[4567.60 --> 4569.60] Thank you. +[4597.60 --> 4599.60] Thank you. +[4627.60 --> 4629.60] Thank you. +[4657.60 --> 4659.60] Thank you. +[4687.60 --> 4689.60] Thank you. +[4717.60 --> 4719.60] Thank you. +[4747.60 --> 4749.60] Thank you. +[4777.60 --> 4779.60] Thank you. +[4807.60 --> 4809.60] Thank you. +[4837.60 --> 4839.60] Thank you. +[4867.60 --> 4869.60] Thank you. +[4897.60 --> 4899.60] Thank you. +[4927.60 --> 4929.60] Thank you. +[4957.60 --> 4959.60] Thank you. +[4987.60 --> 4989.60] Thank you. +[5017.60 --> 5019.60] Thank you. +[5047.60 --> 5049.60] Thank you. +[5077.60 --> 5079.60] Thank you. +[5107.60 --> 5109.60] Thank you. +[5137.60 --> 5139.60] Thank you. +[5167.60 --> 5169.60] Thank you. +[5197.60 --> 5199.60] Thank you. +[5227.60 --> 5229.60] Thank you. +[5257.60 --> 5259.60] Thank you. +[5287.60 --> 5289.60] Thank you. +[5317.60 --> 5319.60] Thank you. +[5347.60 --> 5349.60] Thank you. +[5377.60 --> 5379.60] Thank you. +[5407.60 --> 5409.60] Thank you. +[5437.60 --> 5439.60] Thank you. +[5467.60 --> 5469.60] Thank you. +[5497.60 --> 5499.60] Thank you. +[5527.60 --> 5529.60] Thank you. +[5557.60 --> 5559.60] Thank you. +[5587.60 --> 5589.60] Thank you. +[5589.60 --> 5591.60] Thank you. +[5591.60 --> 5593.60] Thank you. +[5593.60 --> 5595.60] Thank you. +[5595.60 --> 5597.60] Thank you. diff --git a/Sunday Worship, December 1, 2024_summary.txt b/Sunday Worship, December 1, 2024_summary.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000000000000000000000000000000000000..6b6a99fbc43e3f751de8cd4202bd6fa552cec299 --- /dev/null +++ b/Sunday Worship, December 1, 2024_summary.txt @@ -0,0 +1,81 @@ +• Baptism of Lucas Smid +• Announcements for upcoming events: + + Youth coffee after church + + Tri Soup Tournament at 5 p.m. + + Annual General Meeting at 6 p.m. + + Christianity Explored class on December 4 + + Youth Christmas party and competition on December 7 + + HCBC Adult Education Group meeting on December 8 + + O Come Emmanuel Christmas Eve carol and hymns evening on December 15 +• Reminders: + + Stack chairs, move tables for AGM setup + + Sign up readers for December 15 service + + Worship service at Sunridge Gardens on Saturday +• The Holy Spirit's presence and power +• Lighting of the Advent Candle +• Use of prayers from the Gelatian Sacramentary +• Themes of hope, peace, joy, and love in Advent worship +• Invitation to stand for singing +• Reading of a prayer for Advent +• Confession and acknowledging burnout +• Discussion of the importance of Advent season for Christians +• Reflection on taking waiting and preparation seriously during Advent +• Acknowledgement of chaos and challenges in life and the need to focus on hope in Jesus +• Reference to God's presence and love in times of difficulty and fear +• Discussion of baptism as a symbol of Jesus' life, death, and resurrection +• Explanation of infant baptism as part of the covenant between God and Abraham +• Introduction of Lucas Smid, who is about to be baptized +• The triune God's adoption and new identity in Christ is marked by baptism, as seen in Acts 2:39 +• Baptism is a sign of inclusion in God's covenant community and obedience to Christ's command +• Adam and Rachel, Lucas' parents, are asked if they believe their children should be baptized due to their sinful nature and if they promise to instruct Lucas in the Christian faith +• The congregation is invited to participate in the ceremony by standing and responding with "we do with God's help" +• Lucas is baptized in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit +• The congregation promises to love, encourage, and support Adam, Rachel, and Lucas as members of their church family +• A blessing is prayed over Lucas, and he is presented as a covenant child +• Lucas' baptism +• Invitation to participate in prayer for Lucas +• Paul Hummelman invited to lead a prayer +• Prayer for Lucas' spiritual growth and development as a disciple of Jesus Christ +• Blessing for Adam, Rachel, and the church through Lucas +• Worship service continues with singing a song +• Discussion of a church's budget shortfall +• Invitation to give donations to support the church's ministries +• Introduction to Diaconal Ministries and its work with CRC churches +• Kids Corner segment where children are invited to come up for discussion +• Story about the Saudi Arabian Desert in preparation for children's worship time +• Congregational prayer led by an elder +• Update on Linda Rook's cancer diagnosis and upcoming surgery +• Prayer requests for various individuals, including Clary Closteroff's father, Ashley, Mary Feitzma, Neil and Linda Rook, and those unable to attend church physically +• Reading of Isaiah 9:2-7 +• Discussion of the passage from Isaiah 9 and its significance +• The speaker discusses how some people depersonalize God, viewing Him as a force or energy rather than a personal being with desires and emotions. +• This depersonalization leads to a focus on personal happiness and fulfillment, often at the expense of spiritual growth and connection with God. +• The speaker argues that this approach fails to satisfy our deep longing for something more, and we are left trying to fill the void with temporary things and experiences. +• In contrast, a personal God with a plan and purpose offers peace, justice, and righteousness, which is not just the absence of conflict but wholeness and fullness of life in relationship with God and others. +• The concepts of justice and righteousness were originally economic terms, emphasizing equality of opportunity and fair treatment +• In the Bible, particularly in the Old Testament, justice and righteousness are often used together to describe a system of communal support and fairness +• The New Testament has introduced theological categories that have overshadowed the original meaning, with some Christians using these terms as "Christianese" without fully understanding their significance +• Justice and righteousness were originally about more than just salvation and atonement; they encompass a broader concept of humanity living in community, created for God and one another, and expressing God's design +• The promise of Christmas is about peace, justice, justification, and righteousness as gifts by grace to those who believe, and also as realities that flow out from this relationship with God to the world around us +• As followers of Jesus, we are called to pursue justice, stand against injustice, and work towards a more just society in big and small ways +• The Lord's zeal is an intense feeling of commitment and devotion, which motivates him to act on behalf of those he loves +• The Bible describes God's zeal as his intense devotion to and love for his people, why he saves them, defends them, rescues them, vindicates them, fulfills promises to them +• Zeal is a key attribute of God's character, closely tied to his honor and glory +• In the Old Testament, God's jealousy and zealousness are often mentioned as one and the same, with the root in Hebrew meaning "ardent love" +• The Bible emphasizes that God's zeal for his people burns brightly in his face, and he will not give his glory to another +• God's wrath against sin is an affront to his honor, but this also drives his pursuit of his people and his commitment to their salvation +• God's commitment to his own character and being is on the line when it comes to keeping his promises and fulfilling his plans for humanity +• This means that God's zeal for his glory is for human good, and his love and holiness are not contradictory but complementary aspects of his nature. +• The speaker discusses God's plan and purpose in the midst of chaos and uncertainty. +• The idea that God has a plan and it is good, even when circumstances seem meaningless or difficult. +• The concept of "the zeal of God" and how it drives His actions, including sending Jesus to earth as a baby king. +• The application of Isaiah 9:2-7 to Jesus Christ, highlighting the significance of Christmas. +• The importance of understanding that God's jealousy for His people is what makes salvation possible. +• A call to live with zeal for God's love and glory, rather than just going through the motions. +• Worship service with hymns and songs +• Invitation to hang out after worship for fellowship and refreshments +• Invitation to meet someone for prayer +• Congratulation of Adam and Rachel on their twins +• Reminder to stack chairs and help set up tables for the night +• Blessing from the pastor, including a prayer and dismissal +• Repeated expressions of gratitude. \ No newline at end of file diff --git a/Sunday Worship, December 1, 2024_transcript.txt b/Sunday Worship, December 1, 2024_transcript.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000000000000000000000000000000000000..00015013717adafdeebbd03d4c2e75c777acc47f --- /dev/null +++ b/Sunday Worship, December 1, 2024_transcript.txt @@ -0,0 +1,957 @@ +[0.00 --> 8.18] Welcome to church this morning. A special welcome if you are a guest with us this morning. We're +[8.18 --> 16.50] super excited to have you worship with us on this first Sunday of Advent where we jump into the +[16.50 --> 24.06] season of waiting and anticipating Christmas as well on this Sunday as we baptize Lucas Smid. +[24.30 --> 29.04] And so if you're here for that this morning, a special welcome to you as well. My name is Chris. +[29.04 --> 33.92] I'm one of the pastors here at Emanuel and it's my privilege to lead in our worship this morning +[33.92 --> 39.48] along with these others and a few who will come up later. Before we begin, we have just a couple +[39.48 --> 47.16] announcements to run through and I'm going to try to do them in order of when they happen so that we +[47.16 --> 56.84] can follow along. So today after church, youth coffee is happening and so if you are a youth, +[56.84 --> 62.66] you go to someone from church's house and have coffee and lunch and hang out there. Today, +[62.80 --> 68.00] that's at my house. So if you need to know where that is, talk to me or to my wife or any of my +[68.00 --> 72.64] family and they'll tell you how to get there. Sometime after church, head over that way and +[72.64 --> 82.44] we'll happily hang out and feed you there. This evening at 5 p.m., we're hosting the Tri Soup +[82.44 --> 89.88] Tournament in advance of our annual general meeting. And so the Tri Soup Tournament is an +[89.88 --> 95.52] opportunity for you if you're a member here to make your best soup and to bring it and then we +[95.52 --> 101.38] will all try the soup. Now you see where the name comes from. And then vote on our favorites and we'll +[101.38 --> 109.14] crown a king or queen at the end of the evening together. That begins at 5 p.m. +[109.14 --> 116.30] And our annual general meeting begins at 6 p.m. And so if you are a member here over 18, +[116.74 --> 122.84] we ask that you'd come and join us tonight so that we can see what God has been doing in our midst and +[122.84 --> 129.06] look forward to what he will do in the next ministry year as we present a budget to you. +[130.68 --> 137.30] Keeping moving through the calendar, on Wednesday, December 4, Christianity Explored class +[137.30 --> 143.36] is meeting again. Please note that's Wednesday this time, not Thursday. We're trying the Wednesday +[143.36 --> 150.64] shift and so we meet at 6 p.m. for dinner and 6 30 we start in our work together. So if you've been +[150.64 --> 153.78] attending that or if you're interested in that, talk to me, but I'll see you on Wednesday. +[156.60 --> 164.72] December 8th, no sorry, December 7, youth, you have your Christmas party and Christmas competition. +[164.72 --> 170.80] I trust you know what that's about because Kevin didn't give me any details, but that's December 7 +[170.80 --> 179.88] from 5 to 9 here at the church as well. And December 8th, HCBC and the Heidelberg Catechism +[179.88 --> 185.50] Adult Education Group is meeting that evening. And so talk to me about that. And lastly, +[186.22 --> 192.22] and I forgot to bring up my card, but lastly, on December 15, which is two weeks from today, +[192.22 --> 200.64] we are hosting an event that we're calling O Come Emmanuel. And it's a Christmas Eve carol and +[200.64 --> 208.24] Christmas hymns evening together where we will start at 6 p.m. We'll sing all of your favorite +[208.24 --> 213.74] Christmas carols and songs and then we'll have some time afterwards with some Christmas treats and hot +[213.74 --> 220.66] chocolate and goodies and the like. And so we want you to join us for that on December 15 at 6 p.m. +[220.66 --> 225.40] But also, this is a great thing to invite your family or your friends, your neighbors or your +[225.40 --> 230.18] co-workers to. And if that's something you're interested in doing, we have little postcards +[230.18 --> 235.16] at the back for the event that say, O Come Emmanuel. And then on the back, it says, +[235.24 --> 240.24] You're invited to and gives the details. At the Connect booth, you can grab one or two or four of +[240.24 --> 246.74] those to share with your friends, neighbors, co-workers, classmates, whomever, invite them out for that +[246.74 --> 257.30] evening. And then lastly, lastly, following our worship today, because we have the AGM this evening, +[257.60 --> 262.52] it'd be really helpful if we could stack some chairs, move them to the side, if we could pull +[262.52 --> 267.38] the tables out of the back and get that all set up. That way the council members don't have to show up +[267.38 --> 271.78] here at four to do all of that work, but you can help them do that work in preparation. +[271.78 --> 279.32] I think that's it for announcements this morning. Not quite. Oh, one more. Thank you. Thank you for +[279.32 --> 286.38] reminding me. For December 15, we are looking for some readers for that service, particularly +[286.38 --> 294.48] children, right? We want children who can do some reading for us. And if you are a capable reader, +[294.48 --> 301.20] and if you consider yourself to be a child, I'll leave it at that, talk to Jackie. Jackie, where are you? +[302.72 --> 309.86] Jackie? She's busy. Okay. Talk to Jackie, Hubertz, or Sarah, or myself, and we'll get you signed up +[309.86 --> 316.18] for that. Am I done now, Sarah? Yes? Okay. Thank you. Oh, one more. +[316.18 --> 324.68] Saturday, there's a worship service at Sunridge Gardens. Ken, you failed. Where are you? That's +[324.68 --> 331.12] normally your responsibility to tell me. On this coming Saturday at 2 p.m., there's a worship +[331.12 --> 338.40] service. My goodness, we are busy people. 2 p.m. at Sunridge Gardens up the hill, invite you to join +[338.40 --> 346.96] with the residents there for worship. Anyone else? Oh, last Friday, there was a women's event here. +[347.48 --> 351.98] Thank you to the organizers of that. There was over 130 people who came out to that evening, +[352.14 --> 355.84] and I hear by all accounts, it was fantastic. So thank you for that. +[360.12 --> 367.44] All right. I think I'm done now. We're going to stand together and be ushered into the presence of +[367.44 --> 375.08] God in worship. So I invite you, as you are able, to stand and to take a posture of receipt, perhaps, +[375.22 --> 382.32] in your heart, in your mind, even with your hands, and receive the greeting of our good God. Following +[382.32 --> 387.68] the greeting that I offer you, I invite you to turn to those around you and to welcome them into our +[387.68 --> 397.08] shared worship space this morning. Receive the greeting of our God. Grace, mercy, and peace to you. +[397.44 --> 403.58] From God our Father, from the Lord Jesus Christ, Son, and our Savior, through the presence and power +[403.58 --> 406.12] of the Holy Spirit. Amen. +[427.44 --> 437.18] I invite you all to be seated for the lighting of the Advent Candle. +[437.18 --> 451.14] I invite you all to be seated for the lighting of the Advent Candle. +[451.14 --> 460.88] Good morning. +[460.88 --> 468.30] The prayers we use this Advent season have deep roots in the early Christian liturgical tradition, +[468.30 --> 477.00] particularly the Gelatian Sacramentary, a collection of prayers dating back to the 6th century. +[477.00 --> 483.74] This ancient text shaped much of the Western Church's worship, including the Advent prayers we now use, +[483.74 --> 491.24] reflecting themes of hope, peace, joy, and love as we await Christ's coming. +[493.24 --> 502.76] The Gelatian Sacramentary emphasizes the need for preparation, vigilance, and prayer as a church eagerly +[502.76 --> 509.50] anticipates the arrival of the Savior. These prayers are not just historical artifacts, +[509.50 --> 518.50] but living expressions of the church's ongoing longing for Christ, guiding our worship in this sacred season. +[518.50 --> 532.38] Advent begins with a call to hope as we prepare our hearts for Christ's coming. As we light the first candle, +[532.38 --> 539.12] we remember the ancient longing of God's people for a Savior. In a world that often feels dark, +[539.12 --> 547.12] this light is a sign of the hope we have in Christ, who will come to fulfill the promises of Scripture. +[547.12 --> 549.54] And here's the actual prayer. +[549.54 --> 551.28] Advent reminds us of the Lord. +[551.28 --> 558.24] Stir our hearts, O Lord, to prepare the way for your only Son, that we may serve you with purified minds. +[559.32 --> 565.80] Advent reminds us to wait with eager expectation for the fulfillment of God's promises. +[565.80 --> 579.54] Advent is a sign of the Lord. +[579.54 --> 582.72] I invite you to stand now as we start our worship and sing. +[582.72 --> 603.50] Advent is a sign of the Lord. +[603.50 --> 616.56] Come, the long-expected Jesus, born to set thy people free. +[616.56 --> 627.56] From our fears and sins release us, let us find our rest in thee. +[627.56 --> 638.56] Through the strength and consolation, O the holy earth thou art. +[638.98 --> 649.56] Dear desire of every nation, joy of every holy heart. +[649.56 --> 661.48] Born a people to deliver, born a children yet a king. +[662.02 --> 672.04] Born to reign in us forever, now thy gracious kingdom bring. +[672.04 --> 684.04] By thy whole eternal spirit, ruling all our hearts alone. +[684.04 --> 697.04] By thy all-sufficient land, praise us to thy glorious hope. +[697.04 --> 719.04] For thy holy name is virgin. +[723.32 --> 724.04] For thy holy name. +[724.04 --> 731.56] For all new Lord, you are the source of heaven's own water. +[733.96 --> 741.42] Jesus, life of the darkness, Jesus, truth in circumstance, +[741.42 --> 748.34] you are the source of heaven's own water. +[748.34 --> 758.16] In history, you're in the heart, you're all the change, you're all to life. +[758.58 --> 766.00] You are the hope, you're leading us, you are the rush, you're building trust, +[766.00 --> 772.78] you are the light, shining for all the world to see. +[772.78 --> 779.80] You rose from the dead, conquering fear, our grace and peace, +[779.80 --> 787.78] you're trying to steal, Jesus, our hope, living for all the world to see. +[787.78 --> 791.40] Don't we believe? +[798.78 --> 807.06] Jesus, hope of the nations, Jesus, comfort for all who be born, +[807.06 --> 812.64] you are the source of heaven's own water. +[814.64 --> 822.06] Jesus, life of the darkness, Jesus, truth in circumstance, +[822.06 --> 828.06] you are the source of heaven's own water. +[828.06 --> 838.06] You're mystery, you're in the heart, you're all the change, you're all to life. +[838.06 --> 846.22] You are the hope, you're leading us, you are the rush, you're the trust, +[846.22 --> 852.06] you are the light, shining for all the world to see. +[852.06 --> 882.04] Lord, we believe. +[882.06 --> 884.06] Lord, we believe. +[888.06 --> 890.22] Feel free to take a seat or stay standing. +[890.76 --> 891.98] I'm just going to read for a little bit. +[892.68 --> 897.06] I'm going to share a story of my own life for our confession insurance today. +[898.34 --> 902.16] You don't have to worry, it's not going to be as long as Pastor Chris's sermons. +[902.48 --> 902.96] I promise. +[905.04 --> 908.20] And I'm doing this in part because of the encouragement of my care group. +[908.20 --> 911.64] So if you have any complaints, you can direct them to Perry. +[911.64 --> 917.82] Jokes aside, the short of it is, I'm burnt out. +[918.64 --> 919.86] What do I mean by that? +[920.64 --> 924.44] I've been working and living far beyond my capacity for too long, +[924.84 --> 927.78] and that is showing up in my physical, mental, and emotional health. +[927.78 --> 935.04] But I think most importantly, my spiritual health is suffering because I have neglected my relationship with God. +[935.94 --> 939.80] I've done all the things that a good Christian should do, whatever that means. +[939.80 --> 947.08] But it's about my heart posture, which has led me to make choices that prevent me from resting in his presence, +[947.58 --> 949.84] resulting in my current state. +[951.76 --> 955.16] It's easy for me to blame that on my life situations. +[955.90 --> 958.90] I do shift work and don't sleep that well all the time. +[959.58 --> 962.04] The stress of being chronically short-staffed at work. +[962.58 --> 965.06] The emotional toll of tough things going on in life. +[965.06 --> 969.56] Not to minimize the impact of these things on me, +[970.24 --> 973.64] but when life gets busy, what ends up shrinking in my schedule, +[974.12 --> 977.72] if I'm being honest, is my quality heart-to-heart time with God. +[979.02 --> 983.36] Bible reading and prayer become task-oriented and purely intellectual, +[983.88 --> 988.18] rather than communing with my God and King, maker of heaven and earth. +[989.74 --> 992.56] Christmas is a notorious time for people to be busy, +[993.16 --> 994.52] and I am no exception. +[995.06 --> 998.44] But as Christians, we are in the season of Advent. +[999.36 --> 1004.12] Advent is a season of waiting, preparing for and anticipating the birth of Jesus. +[1005.80 --> 1008.56] What would it look like if I took that seriously? +[1010.46 --> 1012.64] This is my confession going into Advent. +[1013.78 --> 1014.56] What's yours? +[1015.56 --> 1017.00] What is your heart posture? +[1018.18 --> 1019.46] Are you caught up in the chaos? +[1019.46 --> 1024.92] Or are you calling on God to stir your heart and prepare for Jesus? +[1026.52 --> 1028.92] We just sang about Jesus being our hope, +[1029.36 --> 1034.28] and I know it's easy for me to lose sight of that in the midst of chaos and challenges in life. +[1035.04 --> 1036.50] But God never lets go. +[1036.50 --> 1040.88] Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, +[1040.88 --> 1043.62] His perfect love is casting out fear. +[1044.40 --> 1047.72] And even when I'm caught in the middle of the storms of this life, +[1048.14 --> 1049.16] I know God is near. +[1050.30 --> 1052.62] Stand and join us in singing these truths together. +[1052.62 --> 1056.56] I know God is near. +[1056.56 --> 1057.98] Let's hear it. +[1057.98 --> 1060.08] I know God is near. +[1060.24 --> 1062.80] Let's hear it. +[1062.80 --> 1063.84] I know. +[1064.00 --> 1064.46] I know. +[1064.46 --> 1066.04] I know. +[1066.04 --> 1093.70] Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, +[1093.70 --> 1098.48] when the perfect love is casting out clear, +[1100.30 --> 1106.74] and even when I'm caught in the middle of the storms of this life, +[1107.36 --> 1111.66] I won't turn back, I know you are near. +[1111.66 --> 1123.66] I will fear no evil, for my God is with you. +[1123.70 --> 1130.70] I will fear no evil, for my God is with me. +[1130.70 --> 1138.70] Whom then shall I fear? Whom then shall I fear? +[1138.70 --> 1145.70] Oh no, you never let go, through the calling, through the storm. +[1145.70 --> 1151.70] Oh no, you never let go, in every high and every low. +[1151.70 --> 1158.70] Oh no, you never let go, Lord, you never let go of me. +[1158.70 --> 1170.70] I can see the light that is coming, or the heart that holds on. +[1170.70 --> 1175.70] What glorious might be, I'll no compare. +[1175.70 --> 1182.70] There will be an end to the troubles, but until that day comes, +[1182.70 --> 1194.70] will live to know the fear of the earth, and I will fear no evil. +[1194.70 --> 1201.70] For my God is with me. +[1201.70 --> 1207.70] And if my God is with me. +[1207.70 --> 1214.70] Whom then shall I fear? Whom then shall I fear? +[1214.70 --> 1216.70] Whom then shall I fear? +[1216.70 --> 1221.70] Oh no, you never let go, through the calling, through the storm. +[1221.70 --> 1227.70] Oh no, you never let go, in every high and every low. +[1227.70 --> 1239.70] Oh no, you never let go, Lord, you never let go of me. +[1239.70 --> 1245.70] You'll be a light that is coming, or the heart that holds on. +[1245.70 --> 1252.70] And there will be an end to your troubles, but until that day comes, +[1252.70 --> 1254.70] till I will praise you. +[1254.70 --> 1256.70] Till I will praise you. +[1256.70 --> 1260.70] Till I will praise you. +[1264.70 --> 1270.70] I can see the light that is coming, or the heart that holds on. +[1270.70 --> 1276.70] And there will be an end to your troubles, but until that day comes. +[1276.70 --> 1278.70] Till I will praise you. +[1278.70 --> 1280.70] Till I will praise you. +[1280.70 --> 1282.70] Till I will praise you. +[1282.70 --> 1294.70] Oh no, you never let go, through the calling, through the storm. +[1294.70 --> 1300.70] Oh no, you never let go, through every high and every low. +[1300.70 --> 1306.70] Oh no, you never let go, Lord, you never let go of me. +[1306.70 --> 1312.70] Oh no, you never let go, through the calling, through the storm. +[1312.70 --> 1318.70] Oh no, you never let go, in every high and every low. +[1318.70 --> 1328.70] Oh no, you never let go, Lord, you never let go of me. +[1328.70 --> 1353.38] This is just one of those days, one of those mornings. +[1353.38 --> 1360.22] We have the opportunity to participate and share in the baptism of Lucas Smid. +[1361.74 --> 1366.02] And yet, twin calves were born overnight at the Smid farm. +[1367.70 --> 1370.76] And so we're waiting for Adam to walk in. +[1370.96 --> 1372.38] He's here in the parking lot, apparently. +[1374.72 --> 1379.36] And so when he gets in, he might just run straight up on the stage. +[1379.36 --> 1389.74] Before we do that, just a couple moments, points of liturgy for us as well. +[1390.18 --> 1395.94] This morning, as we celebrate the baptism of one of our little ones, +[1396.30 --> 1401.16] the water that we're going to use doesn't itself cleanse us from sin, +[1401.38 --> 1406.02] but it symbolizes for us Jesus' life, death, and resurrection, +[1406.02 --> 1408.72] which does cleanse us from sin. +[1410.14 --> 1416.90] And we acknowledge this morning that Lucas, though born with a sinful nature, +[1417.44 --> 1424.14] is a child offered the promises of God for forgiveness and for life in the Spirit. +[1425.40 --> 1429.90] And so in the church, we baptize infants not out of superstition, +[1430.40 --> 1433.74] but as covenant children. +[1433.74 --> 1440.60] God's covenant with Abraham, which was sealed by circumcision in Genesis 15, +[1440.60 --> 1447.82] now finds its sign and seal in baptism, as we read in Colossians 2. +[1447.82 --> 1455.66] And through it, the triune God marks our adoption and our new identity in Christ, +[1455.66 --> 1460.78] a promise that is extended to our children in Acts 2, verse 39, +[1461.18 --> 1463.80] because God calls them holy. +[1464.54 --> 1467.02] He calls them set apart in 1 Corinthians 7. +[1467.02 --> 1473.80] And so as we come into this act together, baptism obeys the command of Christ. +[1474.02 --> 1481.32] It aligns with the church's history, and it signifies inclusion through and to God's covenant community. +[1481.32 --> 1486.76] And it's our prayer that Lucas embraces these promises, +[1487.06 --> 1490.46] and that he follows Jesus throughout his entire life. +[1490.82 --> 1494.90] And so Adam and Rachel and Lucas, I'm going to invite you to the front. +[1494.90 --> 1511.44] Hey, buddy. +[1513.58 --> 1518.42] And so before we baptize Lucas, I have two questions to ask you. +[1518.52 --> 1522.98] I'll ask both of the questions, and I'll invite you to respond by saying we do with God's help. +[1522.98 --> 1529.60] Adam and Rachel, do you believe that your children, though sinful by nature, +[1529.74 --> 1535.28] are received by God and Christ as members of his covenant and therefore ought to be baptized? +[1536.18 --> 1541.58] And do you promise in reliance on the Holy Spirit and with the help of this Christian community +[1541.58 --> 1545.92] to do all in your power to instruct Lucas in the Christian faith +[1545.92 --> 1550.90] and to lead him by your example into the life of Christian discipleship? +[1551.32 --> 1552.06] What is your answer? +[1552.98 --> 1553.60] What is your answer? +[1555.00 --> 1557.46] We do with God's help and God helping us. +[1557.58 --> 1560.64] You've got an old CRC-er and a new CRC-er in the building. +[1560.64 --> 1568.04] I want to take this moment, and just like our Lord Jesus, who said, +[1568.20 --> 1570.54] let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, +[1570.60 --> 1572.82] for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these, +[1573.16 --> 1577.50] I want to invite the kids who are here this morning to come on up to the front +[1577.50 --> 1581.18] and just to gather seats here to make sure that you can all see +[1581.18 --> 1583.40] as we come together this morning. +[1583.40 --> 1584.02] Beautiful. +[1595.02 --> 1595.72] Love it. +[1595.78 --> 1596.04] All right. +[1596.10 --> 1599.98] In just a moment, we're going to take some of this water, +[1599.98 --> 1603.68] and we're going to put it on Lucas's head. +[1604.30 --> 1610.32] And we do that as a picture, as a symbol that God promises to wash us clean, +[1610.42 --> 1611.16] to make us clean. +[1611.16 --> 1615.16] And so just like you use water, maybe last night, maybe this morning, +[1615.32 --> 1617.38] hopefully within the last couple days or so, +[1617.52 --> 1618.70] to clean yourselves, +[1618.70 --> 1619.96] right? +[1620.04 --> 1624.32] We use water here to symbolize what Jesus does for us. +[1630.32 --> 1633.28] Lucas Lars Smid. +[1633.72 --> 1635.70] I baptize you in the name of the Father, +[1637.66 --> 1638.46] and of the Son, +[1639.50 --> 1642.34] and of the Holy Spirit. +[1643.62 --> 1644.10] Amen. +[1644.10 --> 1644.26] Amen. +[1644.26 --> 1648.90] I promise. +[1649.02 --> 1649.92] It's warm water, guys. +[1654.82 --> 1657.54] Congregation of our Lord Jesus Christ, +[1657.64 --> 1663.36] I'm going to invite you now also to participate in this ceremony together +[1663.36 --> 1668.10] by standing and responding to a question that I will ask you. +[1668.88 --> 1671.46] I will ask you to respond by saying, +[1671.46 --> 1673.34] we do with God's help, +[1673.44 --> 1675.38] if this is in fact true for you, +[1675.64 --> 1677.28] in confession and in promise. +[1678.12 --> 1680.30] And so do you promise to love, +[1680.48 --> 1681.12] and encourage, +[1681.38 --> 1682.46] and support Adam, +[1682.64 --> 1683.12] and Rachel, +[1683.32 --> 1683.84] and Lucas, +[1684.38 --> 1686.62] by welcoming them into our church family, +[1686.72 --> 1689.12] by teaching the gospel of God's love, +[1689.18 --> 1691.62] and by being an example of Christian faith, +[1691.78 --> 1692.48] and character, +[1692.66 --> 1695.24] and by giving the strong support +[1695.24 --> 1697.10] of God's family in fellowship, +[1697.58 --> 1698.18] in prayer, +[1698.40 --> 1699.28] and in service? +[1699.70 --> 1700.40] What is your answer? +[1700.40 --> 1702.90] We do with God's help. +[1703.50 --> 1703.82] Amen. +[1704.58 --> 1705.02] Amen. +[1705.20 --> 1705.84] You may be seated. +[1706.24 --> 1707.08] Thank you. +[1709.96 --> 1711.74] I'm going to bless him first, +[1711.82 --> 1712.44] and then I'll take him. +[1714.86 --> 1718.06] We're going to pray a blessing over Lucas, +[1718.42 --> 1722.18] and then we will present him as a covenant child together. +[1723.38 --> 1723.90] Lucas, +[1724.44 --> 1726.76] the Lord bless you and keep you. +[1726.76 --> 1729.22] The Lord make his face to shine upon you +[1729.22 --> 1730.48] and be gracious to you. +[1730.68 --> 1732.90] The Lord turn his face toward you +[1732.90 --> 1734.94] and give you his peace. +[1735.68 --> 1736.60] And in this way, +[1736.94 --> 1739.22] may the Lord put his name on Lucas +[1739.22 --> 1741.74] and make him the Lord's own. +[1742.14 --> 1742.48] Amen. +[1742.48 --> 1742.64] Amen. +[1750.94 --> 1752.26] His bow tie is a little big, +[1752.34 --> 1752.96] but it looks cute. +[1753.04 --> 1753.78] That's what I just heard. +[1753.78 --> 1755.78] Let's see if that's true. +[1756.90 --> 1757.74] This morning, +[1758.36 --> 1761.62] we mark Lucas' journey +[1761.62 --> 1766.20] and hopefully beginning of his life of faith. +[1767.08 --> 1769.20] And so we pray that he'll go from this day +[1769.20 --> 1770.98] in the midst of this community, +[1771.50 --> 1773.74] growing in discipleship, +[1773.88 --> 1776.48] growing in relationship to the Lord. +[1776.48 --> 1779.72] And he does that in our midst. +[1780.26 --> 1781.20] And our prayer, +[1781.56 --> 1784.00] and I encourage you to join in it actively +[1784.00 --> 1785.66] and verbally, +[1785.98 --> 1786.44] regularly, +[1786.70 --> 1788.24] is to pray for Lucas +[1788.24 --> 1789.36] that one day +[1789.36 --> 1791.14] we might have the blessing +[1791.14 --> 1793.96] of seeing him stand before us +[1793.96 --> 1795.54] in making profession of faith, +[1795.64 --> 1797.82] just like we have seen Adam and Rachel +[1797.82 --> 1798.96] stand before us +[1798.96 --> 1801.22] and make profession of faith together. +[1801.84 --> 1803.62] And that as he begins this journey +[1803.62 --> 1806.40] of life and faith in our midst, +[1806.52 --> 1810.04] he would do so strongly supported by you, +[1810.52 --> 1812.96] his brothers and sisters in Christ. +[1813.46 --> 1816.34] This is part of our picture +[1816.34 --> 1818.54] this morning in baptism. +[1819.22 --> 1821.32] And you are invited now +[1821.32 --> 1822.52] to take that up +[1822.52 --> 1826.26] and continue drawing the picture of his faith, +[1826.36 --> 1827.58] being used by God +[1827.58 --> 1828.62] to guide, +[1829.12 --> 1829.40] keep, +[1829.74 --> 1830.92] and shape Lucas +[1830.92 --> 1833.56] into the disciple of Jesus +[1833.56 --> 1834.44] that we pray +[1834.44 --> 1835.40] he will become. +[1835.94 --> 1836.20] Amen? +[1837.36 --> 1837.88] Amen. +[1837.88 --> 1838.06] Amen. +[1839.60 --> 1840.66] He is adorable. +[1845.42 --> 1847.06] What would you expect of a smid? +[1847.26 --> 1847.92] Not that. +[1851.32 --> 1853.16] I want to invite Paul Hummelman +[1853.16 --> 1854.48] up to the front for just a moment. +[1854.48 --> 1855.96] He is a gift for you guys +[1855.96 --> 1859.16] on behalf of the church together. +[1871.52 --> 1872.50] We're going to pray together. +[1872.58 --> 1873.46] Paul, would you just stay up here +[1873.46 --> 1873.98] while we pray? +[1874.98 --> 1875.84] Let's pray together. +[1878.44 --> 1880.44] Lord, our good God, +[1880.44 --> 1884.22] we are so grateful for your promises +[1884.22 --> 1885.90] and so amazed +[1885.90 --> 1888.00] at just how faithful you are to them. +[1888.88 --> 1891.06] As this promise is now extended +[1891.06 --> 1892.44] to Lucas in baptism, +[1892.96 --> 1894.52] we pray that you would move +[1894.52 --> 1895.98] in the power of your spirit +[1895.98 --> 1900.72] so that in great and magnificent ways +[1900.72 --> 1903.32] and in small and incremental ways, +[1903.56 --> 1905.74] he might grow as a disciple +[1905.74 --> 1907.66] of our Lord Jesus Christ. +[1907.66 --> 1909.88] And so, Lord God, +[1909.94 --> 1912.64] as you have blessed Adam and Rachel, +[1912.84 --> 1913.92] bless Lucas. +[1914.56 --> 1916.26] As you have blessed us, +[1916.38 --> 1916.88] your church, +[1917.16 --> 1917.84] through them, +[1917.96 --> 1919.68] may they all be a blessing +[1919.68 --> 1921.26] in our midst as well. +[1921.86 --> 1923.64] And may we, your people, +[1923.82 --> 1927.04] bask in your promises today, +[1927.80 --> 1929.68] trusting in your provision +[1929.68 --> 1931.18] for life and faith. +[1931.86 --> 1933.12] In Jesus' name we pray. +[1933.76 --> 1934.16] Amen. +[1935.12 --> 1935.38] Amen. +[1935.38 --> 1935.52] Amen. +[1935.52 --> 1938.70] We're going to stand +[1938.70 --> 1940.46] and continue our worship together. +[1940.56 --> 1941.50] We're going to sing a song +[1941.50 --> 1942.38] that Adam and Rachel +[1942.38 --> 1943.70] have picked for this occasion. +[1944.20 --> 1944.76] That song is +[1944.76 --> 1945.64] I Am Not My Own. +[1945.64 --> 1945.74] Amen. +[1945.74 --> 1946.52] Amen. +[1951.02 --> 1951.58] Amen. +[1951.62 --> 1952.22] Amen. +[1952.22 --> 1952.28] Amen. +[1952.28 --> 1952.32] Amen. +[1952.32 --> 1952.46] Amen. +[1952.46 --> 1952.92] Amen. +[1953.12 --> 1953.40] Amen. +[1953.40 --> 1953.52] Amen. +[1960.00 --> 1960.46] Amen. +[1960.46 --> 1960.80] Amen. +[1960.80 --> 1960.86] Amen. +[1960.86 --> 1961.20] Amen. +[1961.20 --> 1961.78] Amen. +[1961.78 --> 1962.50] Amen. +[1962.50 --> 1962.92] Amen. +[1962.92 --> 1963.30] Amen. +[1963.30 --> 1963.72] Amen. +[1963.72 --> 1964.42] Amen. +[1964.42 --> 1965.28] Amen. +[1965.28 --> 1965.50] Amen. +[1965.50 --> 1979.50] oh +[1984.14 --> 1993.50] is +[1995.50 --> 1997.94] is +[1998.02 --> 2006.50] oh +[2016.44 --> 2016.56] so +[2016.56 --> 2030.56] my +[2033.52 --> 2044.56] to turn my life in such a way +[2046.56 --> 2069.44] and unfathed +[2076.56 --> 2080.56] Rise, my Lord. +[2080.56 --> 2110.54] Rise, my Lord. +[2110.56 --> 2116.54] Of eternal life that made me willing and ready. +[2117.44 --> 2120.60] Even when I can't see my word. +[2123.24 --> 2127.36] From now on to always live for you. +[2130.94 --> 2135.00] I am not my own. +[2135.00 --> 2141.18] But belong body and soul. +[2141.60 --> 2147.10] In my life and in death. +[2147.60 --> 2153.00] To you, Lord, rise my Lord. +[2153.00 --> 2158.98] I am not my own. +[2159.30 --> 2165.06] But belong body and soul. +[2165.42 --> 2170.98] In my life and in death. +[2170.98 --> 2178.96] To you, Lord, rise my Lord. +[2178.96 --> 2208.94] I am not my own. +[2208.94 --> 2216.74] My Lord, rise my Lord. +[2217.38 --> 2220.74] I am not my other już yanmirolaju. +[2220.74 --> 2250.72] maintains for its many ministries. And we just want to say a huge thank you. As you've probably seen in the bulletin that you perhaps get in your email, there is a bit of a shortfall, of course, as we come to the end of the budget year. And there's been some really great momentum and we're catching up on that sort of that gap. So thank you again. And we just want to also ask that you consider in this last month how you could give and help us continue to fill that gap and that +[2250.74 --> 2280.14] shortfall. So thank you again and please prayerfully consider your donations this next month. Also, we'll take a moment now to give to the ministries of this church and also to the Diaconal Ministries. It is an organization or an agency that partners with the CRC church that works with deacons and deacon work across Canada, helping deacons be trained to be deacons, helping them work with local ministries in their own communities, and staying really active. +[2280.14 --> 2289.20] So we in this church have definitely benefited from their involvement the last 15-20 years. So we'd love to give back to them this morning. So thank you. +[2310.14 --> 2312.14] Thank you. +[2312.14 --> 2313.14] Thank you. +[2313.14 --> 2314.14] Thank you. +[2314.14 --> 2344.14] +[2344.14 --> 2349.46] O Lord, our souls in stillness wait. +[2350.50 --> 2353.58] Truly our hope is in you. +[2354.72 --> 2358.14] Truly our hope is in you. +[2360.06 --> 2364.58] O Lord of life, our only hope. +[2364.94 --> 2371.44] Your radiance shines on all who look to you in the dark. +[2371.44 --> 2376.52] Emmanuel, come, come light our heart. +[2379.46 --> 2385.70] For you, O Lord, our souls in stillness wait. +[2387.78 --> 2394.88] For you, O Lord, our souls in stillness wait. +[2395.78 --> 2398.92] Truly our hope is in you. +[2398.92 --> 2403.92] Truly our hope is in you. +[2405.36 --> 2411.18] O joy above all other loves in you. +[2411.42 --> 2413.92] We find more than enough. +[2414.76 --> 2416.88] We come as we are. +[2417.00 --> 2420.92] Woke, heal and restore, untie our heart. +[2420.92 --> 2422.92] For you, O Lord, our souls in stillness wait. +[2422.92 --> 2426.92] For you, O Lord, our souls in stillness wait. +[2426.92 --> 2433.92] For you, O Lord, our souls in stillness wait. +[2433.92 --> 2440.92] For you, O Lord, our souls in stillness wait. +[2440.92 --> 2447.92] For you, O Lord, our souls in stillness wait. +[2447.92 --> 2458.92] For you, O Lord, our souls in stillness wait. +[2458.92 --> 2459.44] Amen. +[2459.44 --> 2459.60] Amen. +[2468.18 --> 2472.50] Okay, I'm going to invite the kids back up for Kids Corner. +[2473.20 --> 2476.96] So if you are, I think, age three up to grade four, come on up. +[2477.20 --> 2481.44] We'll chat for a minute and then we will head off to children's worship time. +[2481.44 --> 2489.38] Good to see you guys. +[2489.74 --> 2491.06] Man, there's lots of you guys today. +[2491.16 --> 2492.04] This is great. +[2492.76 --> 2496.50] I have a quick question and then we're going to head off to children's worship time because +[2496.50 --> 2497.70] we've got lots to do today. +[2499.32 --> 2503.56] We're going to talk about big stuff today in children's worship time. +[2503.56 --> 2509.62] Have you guys heard of the Saudi Arabian Desert? +[2512.10 --> 2512.46] No? +[2512.72 --> 2514.48] You don't have a poster up on your door? +[2514.50 --> 2515.18] Oh, you have. +[2515.28 --> 2515.70] Okay, good. +[2516.02 --> 2516.20] Well. +[2516.38 --> 2518.36] We have a story about it. +[2518.44 --> 2520.36] Oh, you guys got a story about it. +[2520.40 --> 2523.44] It is a big desert in the Middle East. +[2524.00 --> 2529.18] And we have been learning about the Egyptians wandering through the desert, looking and hoping +[2529.18 --> 2529.94] for a home. +[2530.08 --> 2532.68] Do you guys know how big the Saudi Arabian Desert is? +[2532.68 --> 2533.42] Any guesses? +[2533.56 --> 2536.48] How big do you think it is? +[2536.58 --> 2537.04] What do you think? +[2537.08 --> 2537.86] How big is it? +[2541.72 --> 2542.16] Okay. +[2542.54 --> 2544.70] Joseph had some involvement maybe there. +[2545.42 --> 2546.40] Do you guys know how big it is? +[2546.44 --> 2547.18] It's so big. +[2547.52 --> 2548.08] So big. +[2550.52 --> 2555.22] How many millions of square kilometers do you think it is? +[2556.14 --> 2556.58] Five? +[2556.76 --> 2557.40] Good guess. +[2558.40 --> 2558.84] Three? +[2559.22 --> 2559.86] Good guess. +[2561.18 --> 2562.40] It's a crazy number. +[2562.40 --> 2563.92] I mean, who can think in the millions? +[2563.92 --> 2564.36] 50? +[2564.58 --> 2566.02] It's 2.33. +[2566.72 --> 2567.06] Okay? +[2567.64 --> 2567.98] Yeah. +[2568.36 --> 2571.10] That's critical to our lesson today. +[2571.38 --> 2572.28] No, it's not. +[2572.50 --> 2579.02] So, we're going to go talk more, not about the desert, but about some big stuff that happened +[2579.02 --> 2585.38] as the Israelites were still wandering the desert and trying to figure out their way. +[2585.38 --> 2586.02] Okay? +[2586.02 --> 2586.08] Okay? +[2586.52 --> 2588.96] So, let's go do that together in children's worship time. +[2589.10 --> 2594.60] But first, we will bless those that are going to stay here, and I think they will bless +[2594.60 --> 2597.02] us in return as we go off to do some stuff together. +[2597.16 --> 2597.88] So, let's stand. +[2598.48 --> 2601.56] We'll put up our hands together, and we'll stand with the congregation. +[2603.30 --> 2604.04] Ready, guys? +[2604.04 --> 2606.58] The Lord be with you. +[2606.84 --> 2608.38] And also with you. +[2634.04 --> 2642.16] Good morning. +[2643.36 --> 2647.36] As an elder here, it's my privilege to lead you in congregational prayer. +[2648.64 --> 2658.86] On a note this morning, Linda Rook of Neil and Linda Rook got the news that her biopsy +[2658.86 --> 2663.24] came back clear, and her cancer has not spread to the lymph nodes. +[2667.14 --> 2669.74] She and Neil are grateful to God for answered prayer. +[2669.92 --> 2675.30] However, the doctors did find more cancer cells near the area, and as a result, she is +[2675.30 --> 2678.90] having a second surgery on Wednesday to get that removed. +[2679.44 --> 2685.24] So, she asked for her prayers for a successful surgery and a quick recovery after that, so +[2685.24 --> 2687.40] we'll remember them in our prayers as well. +[2687.90 --> 2688.72] Please join me. +[2688.86 --> 2689.86] Thank you. +[2696.26 --> 2703.68] Our Father in heaven, it is with thanksgiving that we can come to your house to give you +[2703.68 --> 2708.96] praise through our songs and meditations, and to hear your gospel proclaimed. +[2709.94 --> 2715.58] When we consider the beauty of your creation and the world around us, we stand in awe of +[2715.58 --> 2716.84] your wisdom and your power. +[2716.84 --> 2724.64] O Lord, our Lord, how excellent is your name in all the earth, who have set your glory above +[2724.64 --> 2725.28] the heavens. +[2725.28 --> 2750.90] Father, we confess that we have not followed in your commandments. +[2750.90 --> 2751.90] We have not lived according to your word. +[2751.90 --> 2753.94] We have not lived according to your word. +[2755.50 --> 2760.64] Help to prepare our hearts and minds this week, especially as we partake in the Lord's +[2760.64 --> 2761.54] supper next Sunday. +[2761.54 --> 2765.54] We thank you for this church family at Emmanuel. +[2765.54 --> 2772.04] We lift up those who continue to experience the pain of losing loved ones and pray for your +[2772.04 --> 2772.48] peace. +[2773.48 --> 2778.00] Be with those dealing with physical limitations, loneliness, depression. +[2778.26 --> 2780.00] Lift them up by your presence, Lord. +[2780.00 --> 2789.92] Lord, we ask for a positive prognosis for Clary Closteroff's father and guidance for the doctors and the nurses that are caring for him. +[2791.04 --> 2793.32] We pray for Ashley and her family. +[2794.22 --> 2803.66] Give Ashley the perseverance to go through her chemotherapy treatment and that it may be successful and that she may be completely restored to her family. +[2803.66 --> 2809.82] We ask, Lord, that you visit those unable to come and worship with us physically. +[2810.38 --> 2813.24] Enable those who are shut in to feel your presence. +[2814.06 --> 2819.78] We give thanks that Mary Feitzma could come home and pray that she adjusts quickly with a new hip. +[2821.18 --> 2823.52] We also pray for Neil and Linda Rook. +[2823.92 --> 2827.16] Thank you, Lord, that the cancer had not spread to her lymph nodes. +[2827.72 --> 2832.38] And grant your peace and healing to Linda as she undergoes surgery this Wednesday. +[2832.38 --> 2832.58] Amen. +[2833.78 --> 2839.44] Almighty and everlasting God, who has caused your holy word to be written for our learning. +[2840.20 --> 2845.52] Bless Pastor Chris so we may hear your words, read them, and live them. +[2845.78 --> 2847.32] We pray this in Jesus' name. +[2847.84 --> 2848.12] Amen. +[2862.38 --> 2863.38] Amen. +[2863.38 --> 2864.38] Amen. +[2867.32 --> 2876.26] We're going to spend some time together this morning in God's Word, primarily in Isaiah 9. +[2877.34 --> 2880.30] We're going to read verses 2 through 7. +[2881.14 --> 2885.08] That's going to be on the screen behind me the first time we go through. +[2885.08 --> 2892.66] and I encourage you if you have a Bible either an actual physical copy to open that up to Isaiah +[2892.66 --> 2898.54] 9 and to keep that open or if it's on your phone your device whatever scroll there keep that with +[2898.54 --> 2902.96] you if you're looking for a Bible to hang on to there's a few at the back you can grab there +[2902.96 --> 2912.52] and use those ones. Let's read from Isaiah 9 starting at verse 2 together. +[2915.08 --> 2924.64] The people walking in darkness have seen a great light on those living in the land of deep darkness +[2924.64 --> 2932.24] a light has dawned you have enlarged the nation and increased their joy they rejoice before you +[2932.24 --> 2938.80] as a people rejoice at the harvest as warriors rejoice when dividing the plunder for as in the +[2938.80 --> 2944.84] day of Midian's defeat you have shattered the yoke that burdens them the bar across their shoulders +[2944.84 --> 2951.46] the rod of their oppressors. Every warrior's boot used in battle and every garment rolled in blood +[2951.46 --> 2960.06] will be destined for burning will be fuel for the fire for to us a child is born to us a son is given +[2960.06 --> 2967.20] and the government will be on his shoulders and he will be called wonderful counselor mighty God +[2967.20 --> 2976.22] everlasting father prince of peace of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end +[2976.22 --> 2983.62] he will reign on David's throne and over his kingdom establishing and upholding it with justice +[2983.62 --> 2993.02] and righteousness from that time on and forever the zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this +[2993.02 --> 2994.90] this is the word of the Lord +[2994.90 --> 3010.90] a bunch of years ago I heard a story from someone who left the Christian faith +[3010.90 --> 3013.68] now today we would call it deconstruction +[3013.68 --> 3025.34] she deconstructed and she said that the peace that finally did her in was the idea that God is a +[3025.34 --> 3033.52] jealous God right she remembered the line from the Ten Commandments that says for I the Lord your God +[3033.52 --> 3039.74] am a jealous God punishing the children for the sin of the parents to the third and fourth generation +[3039.74 --> 3051.34] jealousy is a negative emotion she reasoned and a good God can't have that and a jealousy that leads to +[3051.34 --> 3062.72] punishing children was a non-starter for her so she walked away after that she turned to some ways of +[3062.72 --> 3069.66] seeing and being in the world that are pretty common in today's culture and life right without +[3069.66 --> 3078.18] a personal and personalizing God in her life she started talking about these non-personal forces and about +[3078.18 --> 3084.80] manifesting things she wouldn't talk about spiritual realities per se because spiritual was too close to +[3084.80 --> 3094.10] Christian for her but instead she would talk about drawing good things towards you by putting good energy +[3094.10 --> 3104.04] out in the world now honestly this was 15 years ago but this sounds like so much of the influencers and gurus and +[3104.04 --> 3111.62] people you hear on Instagram and TikTok right now right she sounds like so many of the people in the world that I +[3111.62 --> 3119.10] talk to at the soccer field or who haven't grown up in Christian faith this kind of language is so ubiquitous +[3119.10 --> 3127.62] everywhere present in our culture that that even people who've grown up in a Christian home are using it +[3127.62 --> 3136.80] and talking like that and Christmas isn't really that different right in our post-Christian secular culture +[3136.80 --> 3143.58] and when I say secular I don't mean like atheist or non-religious I'm using the word secular in a technical +[3143.58 --> 3149.54] sense the way that Catholic social philosopher Charles Taylor uses it where he says that secular +[3149.54 --> 3158.16] is the eclipsing of all goals beyond human flourishing and the point there the point there is that we live +[3158.16 --> 3164.88] like the only thing that matters is personal happiness or personal flourishing right and in that there may be a +[3164.88 --> 3174.86] caveat about not harming other people but this kind of secularization puts me puts I at the center of the +[3174.86 --> 3181.78] universe and all of us are the centers of our own universes or what do they say now you have main character +[3181.78 --> 3189.12] energy right center of your own universe and we just orbit around each other right I get what I want +[3189.12 --> 3196.60] to be really clear again I'm not even talking about things not even talking about stuff or presence and +[3196.60 --> 3203.62] the like right I'm talking about like certain personal feelings I want to feel cozy I want to feel loved +[3203.62 --> 3210.38] right by one person or by four right I want to feel like we're together I want these warm fuzzy feelings +[3210.38 --> 3222.64] and all of that is disconnected from God or Jesus or church like the woman I knew 15 years ago modern day +[3222.64 --> 3230.82] spirituality makes everything about me and about my experience about me and my feelings and I want to +[3230.82 --> 3238.66] suggest this morning that one of the ways that this is in comp accomplished right is by depersonalizing +[3238.66 --> 3248.70] God so instead of God we get an energy we get a force we get a universal thing right that that I +[3248.70 --> 3259.34] ultimately control or bend to my will when God becomes what I desire I have to make God into something +[3259.34 --> 3268.64] that doesn't have his or her or their its own desires right when my desire becomes God to +[3268.64 --> 3280.98] me that God can't have desires of its own that's what depersonalizing God does in short the problem +[3280.98 --> 3290.96] isn't that God is jealous the problem is that God has any feelings of his own at all right a personal +[3290.96 --> 3297.70] God will be jealous for something a good God the God of the Bible will be jealous for the right thing +[3297.70 --> 3305.84] instead what so many of us think we want is the God of my desire +[3305.84 --> 3319.20] now here's what I believe you you are created you are in this world you have a longing in your heart that +[3319.20 --> 3326.32] sometimes you just can't put words to and with that longing and for that longing and out of that longing +[3326.32 --> 3333.32] we try to fill our lives with stuff and with things and with people with relationships with sex or with +[3333.32 --> 3339.72] drinking or drugs or work or titles or status or energies or vibes I hate that word +[3339.72 --> 3350.28] right whatever you desire it just never lasts and so you try again you try somewhere else you try +[3350.28 --> 3355.86] something else you say oh just a little bit more and again and again and again and it goes and all of +[3355.86 --> 3361.76] this fumbling around in the darkness is trying to figure it out on our own and it just proves it just +[3361.76 --> 3368.52] proves that we were created for something different for something more for something transcendent and yet +[3368.52 --> 3374.56] relational someone who is and who can be jealous for you +[3374.56 --> 3384.48] and I think that when we look a little bit more closely you will find that the the modern move of +[3384.48 --> 3393.56] depersonalizing God and talking about sort of nebulous spiritual forces and good energies just doesn't satisfy +[3393.56 --> 3395.56] satisfy your heart +[3395.56 --> 3412.28] this Christmas we are looking for a personal God with a plan and a purpose that's our theme this morning we +[3412.28 --> 3422.36] are looking for a personal God with a plan and a purpose now we read from Isaiah 9 verse 2 to 7 and we're +[3422.36 --> 3432.44] going to see this here right in the middle we see it all right in the middle at verse 6 right we have a child +[3432.44 --> 3440.60] who will be born a son that's the plan and he will be king more than that he will be wonderful counselor +[3440.60 --> 3449.96] mighty God everlasting father prince of peace that's the personal God and this God who has a plan he will be +[3449.96 --> 3457.88] forever and he will bring about peace and justice and righteousness that is his purpose we're looking +[3457.88 --> 3464.92] for a personal God with a plan and with a purpose and to help us see that let's start at the end with +[3464.92 --> 3474.84] purpose peace justice and righteousness of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end he will +[3474.84 --> 3481.48] reign on David's throne and over his kingdom establishing it and upholding it with justice and righteousness +[3481.48 --> 3484.92] from that time on and forever +[3484.92 --> 3488.76] peace justice and righteousness forever +[3488.76 --> 3498.84] that personal God that our hearts are longing for has a plan to bring about his purpose and part of his +[3498.84 --> 3508.92] purpose is peace and justice and righteousness now in the Bible peace is about so much more than a state of +[3508.92 --> 3516.68] being or living without war right peace in Hebrew the word is shalom right the it's about wholeness +[3517.64 --> 3526.52] it's about being fully human fully alive right peace is union and communion with God and with other people +[3526.52 --> 3535.16] and with creation as it stewards right peace is the the fullness of life ultimate satisfaction peace is in the +[3535.16 --> 3543.56] words of Jesus drinking the living water after which you will never thirst again right shalom is about right +[3544.12 --> 3554.60] relationship living restored to right relationship is going to then be characterized by two things justice +[3554.60 --> 3556.36] justice and righteousness +[3556.36 --> 3558.20] justice and righteousness +[3559.72 --> 3569.88] often in the Bible but especially in the Old Testament these two words justice and righteousness come as a pair that's they're often together +[3571.40 --> 3572.28] but here's the thing +[3573.16 --> 3575.16] for so many of us especially +[3575.40 --> 3581.96] us New Testament Christians people who've been around the church for quite a while we think of justice and righteousness +[3582.60 --> 3584.76] only in theological categories +[3585.96 --> 3590.60] right justice and righteousness for many of us honestly have become kind of christianese +[3591.72 --> 3596.60] right a special language to us and it kind of just rolls off our back because like yeah I heard that term again before +[3597.64 --> 3601.72] right and and these terms and their meanings are assumed and they're used +[3602.60 --> 3611.16] especially in relationship to salvation and to atonement theories right particularly in an atonement theory that's called penal substitutionary atonement +[3611.16 --> 3612.60] now +[3613.32 --> 3618.12] maybe clear because that move that theological category isn't wrong +[3619.64 --> 3621.16] but it's also not all +[3622.60 --> 3628.36] right if we only ever think of justice and righteousness in those terms it actually does become wrong +[3628.36 --> 3632.76] because before these were theological terms +[3632.76 --> 3635.56] justice and righteousness were economic terms +[3637.80 --> 3641.72] right it's about equality of opportunity in society +[3641.72 --> 3647.16] it's about everybody getting a fair shake and getting proper or fair reward that's justice +[3648.36 --> 3653.48] right it's about communal systems of support and right action that's righteousness +[3654.36 --> 3657.56] right righteousness is a community term it is a covenant +[3658.12 --> 3658.44] term +[3658.44 --> 3665.40] and the promise of peace and justice and righteousness in the kingdom of jesus is about +[3665.40 --> 3675.88] more than reconciliation with god and with salvation theories and again it starts there and those are critical it's sustained there and that's perhaps even the pinnacle of this revelation +[3675.88 --> 3677.32] but justice and peace and righteousness +[3677.32 --> 3682.68] also spill out to a fuller expression of what it means to be +[3683.16 --> 3691.32] human fully alive living in community together created for god created for one another and living in ways that express +[3691.32 --> 3692.52] God's God's God's design +[3692.52 --> 3693.56] God's design +[3693.56 --> 3694.76] and if we miss that +[3695.72 --> 3696.84] we miss our purpose +[3697.88 --> 3702.28] we miss the fullness of what the promise of Christmas actually means +[3703.80 --> 3711.72] right peace and justice justification and righteousness are gifts of god by grace to those who believe +[3712.04 --> 3718.52] and they are also realities that flow out of that gift of right relationship with God +[3718.52 --> 3728.12] they are realities that pour out of you and me and of all of us who believe realities that flow out to the world around us confirming our belief +[3728.52 --> 3732.84] proclaiming God's good news and his forever purposes in the world +[3734.44 --> 3740.52] you are now a people who pursue justice and who stand against injustice +[3742.12 --> 3747.08] you do this in small ways in unsung ways in unlauded by society ways +[3747.08 --> 3752.68] you do this in ways that might not even make sense to a secularized or secularizing world +[3752.68 --> 3757.80] because you know that your life isn't about you anymore you know that you are not your own +[3758.36 --> 3762.68] but belong body and soul and life and in death to your faithful savior Jesus Christ +[3763.32 --> 3768.68] and you do this in in big ways in systemic ways in addressing economic injustice +[3769.56 --> 3771.40] in standing up against racism +[3771.40 --> 3778.28] right you get involved in politics because you really believe that God's purposes are actually best for everyone +[3779.56 --> 3787.48] you think about regenerative practices in your farming because you know that part of our purpose is lived in relationship with creation +[3787.72 --> 3789.40] right to work it and keep it +[3790.68 --> 3796.52] every area every sphere of your life is touched by this purpose of God +[3796.52 --> 3798.84] peace +[3798.84 --> 3799.96] justice +[3799.96 --> 3800.68] justice +[3800.68 --> 3802.68] and righteousness +[3804.20 --> 3805.48] that's the promise of Christmas +[3807.80 --> 3812.92] now this text starts in the middle with a promise and it ends with a guarantee +[3813.72 --> 3818.20] right the last line the zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this +[3819.16 --> 3821.24] how do we know that this promise is true +[3822.20 --> 3827.16] that this promise is going to happen that it's going to come to fruition as God has designed and planned and ordained +[3828.12 --> 3831.48] well the zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish it +[3833.08 --> 3837.96] and so I guess the next question is what is the Lord's zeal what is he zealous for +[3840.04 --> 3841.08] now the Hebrew word +[3843.00 --> 3844.04] zeal is +[3844.04 --> 3844.76] kinah +[3844.76 --> 3851.16] it comes actually from the the color that's produced in the face by intense deep emotion +[3851.88 --> 3853.80] right a deep red or purple +[3854.44 --> 3856.60] sometimes even black like a like +[3857.56 --> 3859.56] bruises go red to purple and black +[3859.88 --> 3864.44] right it describes an intense feeling an intense commitment +[3864.44 --> 3866.36] zeal is a passion +[3866.36 --> 3867.08] it is a +[3867.08 --> 3867.96] a rage +[3867.96 --> 3869.80] it is an unyielding devotion +[3869.80 --> 3871.00] it is unflinching +[3871.00 --> 3871.96] commitment +[3871.96 --> 3875.32] it's the same word that's translated jealous +[3878.12 --> 3879.24] the Lord your God +[3879.88 --> 3881.96] is a zealous God +[3881.96 --> 3884.28] and so he acts jealously +[3884.92 --> 3885.96] for those whom he loves +[3887.08 --> 3891.24] and in the Bible there are two things that God is zealous for +[3892.52 --> 3895.40] two things that we see over and over and over again his people +[3895.40 --> 3897.00] and his honor +[3897.00 --> 3898.68] his glory +[3898.68 --> 3902.04] all right let's let's do some biblical theology for a minute +[3902.76 --> 3905.56] Zechariah 1 verse 14 says literally +[3905.56 --> 3910.92] I am zealous for Jerusalem for Zion greatly zealous +[3912.04 --> 3917.72] right zeal is the Lord's intense devotion to and love for his people +[3917.72 --> 3920.28] it's why he saves them +[3920.28 --> 3921.40] it's why he defends them +[3921.40 --> 3924.04] it's why over and over and over again he rescues them +[3924.04 --> 3925.40] it's why he vindicates them +[3925.40 --> 3927.16] why he fulfills his promises to them +[3927.16 --> 3931.80] right his zeal for his people burns brightly in his face +[3931.80 --> 3937.40] God is zealous for his people and he is zealous for his honor +[3937.40 --> 3937.88] right +[3937.88 --> 3940.44] Exodus 2 5 we've read part of it already +[3940.44 --> 3942.92] you shall not bow down to them and worship them +[3942.92 --> 3945.00] this is the commandment against idolatry +[3945.00 --> 3948.36] for I the Lord your God am a jealous God +[3949.08 --> 3953.08] right jealous and zealous share a root in Hebrew +[3953.08 --> 3959.72] Isaiah 42 we read I am the Lord that is my name I will not give my glory to another +[3959.72 --> 3964.20] the Lord will march out like a mighty man like a warrior he will stir up his +[3964.84 --> 3965.24] zeal +[3966.44 --> 3970.68] with a shout he will raise the battle cry and will triumph over his enemies +[3972.04 --> 3977.72] and and with God's honor is his wrath against sin which is an affront to his honor +[3977.72 --> 3982.68] right the Bible goes on to say in Ezekiel of the people of Jerusalem +[3983.08 --> 3984.04] in Ezekiel 5 +[3984.68 --> 3990.44] you have been more unruly than the nations around you and have not followed my decrees or kept my laws +[3990.92 --> 3995.48] I myself am against you Jerusalem I will inflict punishment on you +[3995.48 --> 4002.60] when I have spent my wrath on them they will know that I the Lord have spoken in my zeal +[4004.76 --> 4009.88] and again Ezekiel he does this work for us he ties together the zeal of God for his people +[4009.88 --> 4015.40] and the zeal of God for his honor together in the same idea in Ezekiel 39 he says this +[4015.40 --> 4021.16] therefore is what the Lord the sovereign says I will now restore the fortunes of Jacob and will +[4021.16 --> 4027.56] have compassion and all the people of Israel and I will be zealous for my holy name +[4029.64 --> 4035.96] and so here right when Isaiah ends our text that we read when he ends it by saying the zeal of the +[4035.96 --> 4042.52] Lord almighty will accomplish this he's telling us what's at stake for God in this he's telling us what +[4042.52 --> 4049.16] this is really about God's commitment to his own glory and to his people that's what's really going on in +[4049.16 --> 4056.44] Christmas at the promise of a child of a son who will hold the world on his shoulders whose kingdom will no no +[4056.44 --> 4062.92] end either geographically or temporally right a son who will exercise perfect justice and righteousness +[4062.92 --> 4071.64] and who will bring us peace all of this is predicated on God's own zeal God's commitment to his own people +[4071.64 --> 4077.96] and his own honor his commitment to love and glory right make the promise to Isaiah and through Isaiah +[4078.60 --> 4085.80] Isaiah a guarantee that's how we can know this is true right the promise of a perfect kingdom of peace +[4085.80 --> 4093.00] and justice and righteousness is a fact of history it will happen saying the zeal of the Lord will +[4093.00 --> 4099.48] accomplish this is as if God is saying what is at stake here is more than just words more than just a +[4099.48 --> 4107.40] promise it is my character it is my being myself as God that's what's on the line and that's why you can +[4107.40 --> 4118.28] know this is true forever God is zealous for his people he loves them and God is zealous for his honor he +[4118.28 --> 4127.32] will be glorified but the zeal of God is his passionate pursuit of his people and his holding high his holiness +[4127.32 --> 4142.68] and honor and for God those aren't contradictory dispositions right this is not a dichotomy between +[4142.68 --> 4149.16] people and honor his love and his holiness is not a dichotomy between his affection and his glory in fact +[4149.16 --> 4160.92] they come together no one has stated this i think with such precision as uh jonathan edwards who's a 18th +[4160.92 --> 4170.52] century pastor and theologian he says god's respect to the creature's good and his respect to himself +[4170.52 --> 4178.52] is not a divided respect both are united in one as the happiness of the creature is +[4178.52 --> 4189.08] is aimed at the happiness in union with himself with god god's commitment to his own glory is for your +[4189.08 --> 4201.48] good god's commitment to you means that he must be zealous for his glory god is zealous for his glory +[4201.48 --> 4207.16] and he is jealous for you because of it and so let's pull all this together +[4209.40 --> 4215.40] god's commitment to his people to those who truly believe in him who trust in him alone for their +[4215.40 --> 4223.40] salvation and god's commitment to his glory means he cannot fail means his promises endure forever +[4223.40 --> 4230.52] means he actually does have the words of eternal life means that peace and justice and righteousness will reign +[4230.52 --> 4240.36] forever and you can rest secure in him you are held in the affections of this god by grace through faith and when +[4242.60 --> 4249.24] when you know the child who was born when you know the son who was given +[4249.24 --> 4255.96] all the promise of god all the promises of god all the pursuits of god's all the world's turns and +[4255.96 --> 4263.56] movements and machinations are for your good that's god's plan and that's the promise that we baptized +[4263.56 --> 4270.52] lucas into this morning the promise that was spoken over him and has spoken over all of us each time we read +[4270.52 --> 4271.56] these words +[4274.92 --> 4276.44] here's what i want you to hear this morning +[4279.24 --> 4284.12] whether you are here with child or with cancer +[4286.60 --> 4292.04] whether you are here singing for joy or shuffling in injury and post-op recovery +[4293.00 --> 4301.40] whether you are here terrific and joyful or terrified and crying whether you are full of wonder or just +[4301.40 --> 4310.76] wondering god has a plan for all of it god has a plan and it is good +[4310.76 --> 4323.24] god has a plan and it's for you right if god is for us who can be against us there's there's a majestic +[4323.24 --> 4332.04] meaning to all of this and that majestic meaning may be bound up in eternity but so are you the teacher +[4332.04 --> 4337.72] in ecclesiastes he says god has put eternity in every human heart +[4339.96 --> 4346.44] and i know i know in today's world right where this world is all there is +[4347.32 --> 4355.16] where meaning has to be imminent right where the payoff has to be immediate right this idea this truth is +[4355.16 --> 4364.92] almost impossible to grasp or to really feel the the pull of the transcendent and and there's a beauty here right that that stirs +[4364.92 --> 4372.44] our haunting for more there's something going on and part of that beauty for us today is that it is true +[4373.48 --> 4384.20] all of it as insane and ridiculous as it sounds it is true god has a plan and it is meaningful and in the christian +[4384.20 --> 4391.64] gospel there's no such thing then as meaninglessness or meaningless suffering or empty joy everything +[4391.64 --> 4401.00] is filled to overflowing with what one theologian calls a peculiar glory your life your affection your +[4401.00 --> 4409.40] worship your hardship your trials your tribulations they produce a peculiar particular weight of glory +[4409.40 --> 4419.56] your story your story wrapped up in god's story such that there is now nothing that can separate you from the love of god that is available in christ jesus our lord +[4421.32 --> 4422.20] how do i know this +[4424.12 --> 4425.00] well i've lived it +[4426.20 --> 4429.16] i've tasted it i've seen it in my own life +[4431.56 --> 4433.00] but that's no guarantee for you +[4433.00 --> 4436.60] the only guarantee for you +[4438.12 --> 4445.48] is that the zeal of the lord almighty the zeal of the lord almighty will accomplish this right god is +[4445.48 --> 4454.52] zealous for his people he is jealous for his honor and here his love and his glory meet on display for us to see +[4454.52 --> 4462.68] the promise of isaiah 9 is signed is guaranteed for us by the zeal of god it's as if god himself +[4462.68 --> 4466.60] with his self has signed this promise with more than a signature +[4468.44 --> 4475.08] right because if it was just a signature it would only be a legal document god signs it +[4475.08 --> 4484.84] with his son in his own blood the son who was promised the king who would come who did come +[4484.84 --> 4492.76] already as a baby king of kings and lord of lords the the world missed him angels bowed down before him +[4492.76 --> 4501.64] and one day every knee will bow every tongue confess that jesus christ is lord he is the mighty god and +[4501.64 --> 4508.12] the prince of peace and this child he grows up not to command armies but to live with the poor and the +[4508.12 --> 4515.32] prostitutes he come grows up to teach a rag back ragtag bunch of rejects to live and to love as god +[4515.32 --> 4522.68] does pursuing justice and righteousness this child who was perfectly obedient to the father who knew no sin +[4522.68 --> 4530.28] became sin for us he lived the life i should have lived and died the death that i deserved and by him +[4530.28 --> 4537.08] sinners become saints that the wrath of god for sin is overwhelmed by the love of god for his people +[4538.52 --> 4546.60] that's why matthew takes this text in isaiah 9 and he reads it and applies it to jesus all right the +[4546.60 --> 4552.76] people living in darkness have seen a great light on those living in the land the shadow of death a light +[4552.76 --> 4564.12] has dawned and after matthew quotes this he says in matthew 4 17 from that time on jesus began to preach +[4564.92 --> 4569.64] repent for the kingdom of heaven has come near +[4572.36 --> 4582.20] in this man the kingdom of heaven has come near in this man peace and justice and righteousness has come +[4582.20 --> 4590.44] to you don't miss it again this christmas the zeal of god for his people in order to satisfy the zeal of +[4590.44 --> 4597.56] god for his honor made jesus the satisfaction for our sins so that now my zeal for god's love my zeal for +[4597.56 --> 4607.24] his glory are how i truly live satisfied with him and it's that zeal of god that makes salvation possible it +[4607.24 --> 4613.48] is that zeal of god that sends him to the earth in jesus at christmas and it's that zeal of god that +[4613.48 --> 4621.56] jealousy of god that sustains you now in life and in death but the zeal of god is his passionate pursuit +[4621.56 --> 4629.64] for his people and is holding high his honor and holiness and we just can't stop talking about a jealous +[4629.64 --> 4635.08] god right whether to the mountains or over the hills or to the coffee shops or the barber shops +[4635.08 --> 4641.48] right the zeal of god for his people the zeal of god for his honor is what makes christmas christmas +[4643.08 --> 4650.92] the people walking in darkness have seen a great light it is now your job to take that light and walk +[4650.92 --> 4660.36] in the darkness and say look at this god this god who is jealous for you +[4660.36 --> 4669.48] that is a christmas gift worth waiting for amen amen let's pray together +[4674.84 --> 4683.40] holy holy god you send us out into the darkness to proclaim your kingdom come and your kingdom coming +[4683.40 --> 4692.20] but you do not send us out empty-handed you equip us you give us the light of the gospel you give us the +[4692.20 --> 4703.96] power of your holy spirit you send us out now as those who have drank deeply of the living water and who now +[4703.96 --> 4715.64] radiate forth that same light as you are light of the world you said to us that we have become lights to the world +[4716.20 --> 4726.12] and so may we shine brightly this christmas season revealing the truth of a personal god with a plan and a purpose +[4726.12 --> 4734.44] and may all who see us know may all who engage with us know a little taste of your peace +[4735.56 --> 4742.92] your justice and your righteousness the world cries out and it doesn't know for whom it is crying +[4744.04 --> 4750.28] we do and so we go in the power of your spirit in jesus name amen +[4756.12 --> 4784.12] come behold the wondrous mystery in the dawning of the king +[4786.12 --> 4792.12] the theme of heaven's praises +[4792.12 --> 4796.12] wrote in frail humanity +[4797.56 --> 4806.12] in our longing in our darkness now the light of life has come +[4807.72 --> 4812.12] look to christ who condescended +[4812.12 --> 4816.12] took on flesh to ransom +[4816.12 --> 4822.12] come +[4822.12 --> 4826.12] come +[4826.12 --> 4828.12] behold the wondrous +[4828.12 --> 4830.12] behold the wondrous blest three +[4830.12 --> 4832.12] of the +[4832.28 --> 4838.12] that +[4838.12 --> 4843.00] that +[4843.00 --> 4846.12] and +[4846.12 --> 4850.12] him +[4850.12 --> 4852.12] he +[4852.12 --> 4854.12] he +[4854.12 --> 4865.18] Christ the great and sure fulfillment of the Lord, and we sing. +[4872.18 --> 4882.76] Come behold the wondrous mystery, Christ the Lord upon the tree. +[4882.76 --> 4892.14] In the stead of ruined sinners, and the lamb in victory. +[4893.48 --> 4901.76] See the price of our redemption, see the Father's plan unfold. +[4901.76 --> 4913.76] Bringing many sons to glory, grace unmeasured, love unto me. +[4913.76 --> 4930.00] Come behold the wondrous mystery, slain by death, the God of life. +[4930.00 --> 4939.00] But no great good and restraining, praise the Lord, He is alive. +[4940.58 --> 4949.00] What a foretaste of deliverance, power of delivering our hope. +[4949.00 --> 4959.38] Christ in power resurrected, as we will be when He comes. +[4959.38 --> 4970.80] What a foretaste of deliverance, how unwavering our hope. +[4970.80 --> 4981.80] Christ in power resurrected, as we will be when He comes. +[4981.80 --> 4981.94] Amen. +[4982.42 --> 4982.86] Amen. +[4983.34 --> 4983.86] Amen. +[4996.86 --> 5004.92] Before we receive God's blessing for the journey ahead, just an invitation for you to hang out +[5004.92 --> 5007.72] after our worship together for some fellowship. +[5007.72 --> 5009.82] There's coffee and refreshments at the back. +[5010.26 --> 5012.52] If you would like to meet someone for prayer, +[5012.74 --> 5015.80] there will be someone here at the front with a yellow name tag on. +[5015.88 --> 5017.88] They'd love to meet you, pray with you, +[5018.00 --> 5020.52] whatever it is that you are asking for prayer, +[5020.62 --> 5022.76] whether it is celebration or petition. +[5024.48 --> 5029.84] And take a moment, encourage you to congratulate Adam and Rachel on today +[5029.84 --> 5033.80] and thank Adam for making time for us and trust that the twins are okay. +[5033.80 --> 5040.64] Lastly, after you have had some time to connect, do just a reminder. +[5040.86 --> 5044.52] Please stack some chairs and help us get the tables out for tonight. +[5045.48 --> 5047.64] Go with God's blessing. +[5049.60 --> 5051.46] God, go before you to lead you. +[5051.92 --> 5053.84] God, go behind you to protect you. +[5054.42 --> 5056.36] God, go beneath you to support you. +[5056.64 --> 5058.92] And God, go beside you to befriend you. +[5059.34 --> 5061.00] Do not be afraid. +[5061.56 --> 5063.40] Let the blessing of God come upon you today. +[5063.40 --> 5065.02] Do not be afraid. +[5065.66 --> 5070.08] But go in peace to love and serve the Lord. +[5071.12 --> 5071.56] Amen. +[5071.56 --> 5071.70] Amen. +[5093.82 --> 5095.04] Amen. +[5095.10 --> 5095.82] Amen. +[5099.90 --> 5100.36] Amen. +[5101.78 --> 5103.10] Amen. +[5103.40 --> 5103.52] Amen. +[5103.52 --> 5108.52] wh Durr +[5133.52 --> 5144.72] Yet over the light that shatters the night, in your heart, in the palm of glory. +[5144.72 --> 5155.72] Glory to God in the highest, peace to lay on earth. +[5155.72 --> 5167.72] Love and glory in wonder, Christ will have an end. +[5167.72 --> 5178.72] There is a day of creation that's on for when all time has been spent. +[5178.72 --> 5192.72] If the Lord returns, His song will repeat, as heaven complete, from His feet that fulfill the nations. +[5192.72 --> 5204.72] Glory to God in the highest, peace to lay on earth. +[5204.72 --> 5214.72] Come and adore Him with wonder, Christ will have an end. +[5216.72 --> 5228.72] Glory to God in the highest, peace to lay on earth. +[5228.72 --> 5240.72] Come and adore Him with wonder, Christ, Lord of heaven and earth. +[5240.72 --> 5252.72] And over the light that's on for when all time has been spent. +[5252.72 --> 5254.72] Come and adore Him with wonder, Christ will have an end. +[5254.72 --> 5284.70] Thank you. +[5284.72 --> 5314.70] Thank you. +[5314.72 --> 5344.70] Thank you. +[5344.72 --> 5374.70] Thank you. +[5374.72 --> 5404.70] Thank you. +[5404.72 --> 5434.70] Thank you. +[5434.70 --> 5464.68] Thank you. +[5464.70 --> 5494.68] Thank you. +[5494.70 --> 5524.68] Thank you. +[5524.70 --> 5526.70] Thank you. +[5554.70 --> 5556.70] Thank you. +[5584.70 --> 5586.70] Thank you. +[5614.70 --> 5616.70] Thank you. +[5644.70 --> 5646.70] Thank you. +[5674.70 --> 5676.70] Thank you. +[5704.70 --> 5706.70] Thank you. +[5734.70 --> 5736.70] Thank you. +[5764.70 --> 5766.70] Thank you. +[5794.70 --> 5796.70] Thank you. +[5824.70 --> 5826.70] Thank you. +[5854.70 --> 5856.70] Thank you. +[5884.70 --> 5886.70] Thank you. +[5914.70 --> 5916.70] Thank you. +[5944.70 --> 5946.70] Thank you. +[5974.70 --> 5976.70] Thank you. +[6004.70 --> 6006.70] Thank you. +[6034.70 --> 6036.70] Thank you. +[6064.70 --> 6066.70] Thank you. +[6094.70 --> 6096.70] Thank you. +[6124.70 --> 6126.70] Thank you. +[6154.70 --> 6156.70] Thank you. +[6184.70 --> 6186.70] Thank you. +[6214.70 --> 6216.70] Thank you. +[6244.70 --> 6246.70] Thank you. +[6274.70 --> 6276.70] Thank you. +[6304.70 --> 6306.70] Thank you. +[6334.70 --> 6336.70] Thank you. +[6364.70 --> 6366.70] Thank you. +[6394.70 --> 6396.70] Thank you. +[6424.70 --> 6426.70] Thank you. diff --git a/Sunday Worship, December 15, 2024_summary.txt b/Sunday Worship, December 15, 2024_summary.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000000000000000000000000000000000000..40a2678f410c34ecc8f2eaac0669f01e0d6a5faa --- /dev/null +++ b/Sunday Worship, December 15, 2024_summary.txt @@ -0,0 +1,62 @@ +• The need for rescue from captors +• Sinfulness and arrogance +• Forgetting about God +• Babylon's arrival as prophesied by God +• Trusting in other nations' kings instead of God (referenced in 2 Kings 16:7-18) +• Disregarding God's ways in favor of their own +• Pagan worship and idolatry led to Judah's exile +• Judah sought comfort in false gods and pagan ways, not God +• The world can be a heavy place, causing pain and suffering +• People often seek comfort in worldly things that draw them away from God +• Recognizing the need for comfort reorientation, turning to God rather than worldly comforts +• Doom scrolling and the curated perfection of others' lives +• Seeking comfort through instant content and dopamine rush +• Instant gratification vs lasting fulfillment +• Turning to unhealthy coping mechanisms for comfort +• Worshiping idols and destructive behaviors when life is hard +• Finding true comfort in God's sovereignty during suffering +• God's sovereignty over adversity +• Finding comfort in the midst of pain +• The importance of turning to God for comfort +• The promise of restoration and salvation in Isaiah 40:1-11 +• The passage as a promise of a future Messiah, specifically Jesus Christ +• The connection between Mark 1:1-3 and Isaiah 40:1-11 +• The quote from Isaiah about preparing the way for the Lord +• John the Baptist's role in preparing the world for Jesus +• The concept of Jesus as the Messiah and King who forgives sins +• The connection between Mark 1 and Mark 2, highlighting how Jesus' message is about forgiveness and salvation +• The specific story in Mark 2 of Jesus healing a paralyzed man and forgiving his sins +• Jesus has authority to forgive sins +• He heals a man and demonstrates his power over sin +• Jesus came to defeat sin and rid the world of its discomfort +• He lived a perfect life, died for our sin, and rose again +• Sin is defeated and we have eternal comfort through Jesus' sacrifice +• True comfort comes from God's word made flesh in Jesus Christ +• Isaiah 40-55 is discussed as a chunk of text that reveals God's comfort +• The invitation to all people, regardless of wealth or background, is mentioned in Isaiah 55:1-5 +• The comfort of Christ brings communities together +• Themes from this passage are compared to Hebrews 12:1-3 +• Encouragement to fix eyes on Jesus and persevere through difficulties is emphasized +• The community of God surrounds and encourages believers during struggles +• The speaker's experience with a school relay race +• Being part of a team made up of students from different grade levels +• Passing second place at the finish line despite being tired and anxious +• The impact of community support on motivation and achievement +• Comfort, encouragement, and worship as themes related to Christian faith +• The promise of God's comfort and presence is found in the word +• Comfort leads to community and perseverance through trials +• Worship is the only response to this comfort +• Belonging to Christ by his Holy Spirit assures eternal life and makes us wholeheartedly willing to live for him +• This comfort is our certainty, and its promise endures forever +• True comfort is found in knowing we have been saved and redeemed by the word made flesh +• Comfort comes from God, not worldly things +• Reorienting comforts to see God as true comforter +• Community providing God's comfort to its people +• Surrendering to God and finding comfort in Him +• Redemption from sin through Jesus Christ +• Prayer and seeking God's presence in life +• Parting blessing and priestly blessing for the congregation +• Repeated message about Jesus Christ's birth +• Message repeated multiple times with varying time stamps +• Endless repetition of "thank you" at the end +• No other content or discussion mentioned \ No newline at end of file diff --git a/Sunday Worship, December 15, 2024_transcript.txt b/Sunday Worship, December 15, 2024_transcript.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000000000000000000000000000000000000..6a1d164cced176b8a58ba4b27265ead7b91a0ed0 --- /dev/null +++ b/Sunday Worship, December 15, 2024_transcript.txt @@ -0,0 +1,1124 @@ +[0.00 --> 29.98] Thank you. +[30.00 --> 59.98] Thank you. +[60.00 --> 89.98] Thank you. +[90.00 --> 119.98] Thank you. +[120.00 --> 149.98] Thank you. +[150.00 --> 179.98] Thank you. +[180.00 --> 209.98] Thank you. +[210.00 --> 239.98] Thank you. +[240.00 --> 269.98] Thank you. +[270.00 --> 299.98] Thank you. +[300.00 --> 329.98] Thank you. +[330.00 --> 359.98] Thank you. +[360.00 --> 389.98] Thank you. +[389.98 --> 419.96] Thank you. +[419.98 --> 449.96] Thank you. +[449.98 --> 479.96] Thank you. +[479.98 --> 509.96] Thank you. +[509.98 --> 539.96] Thank you. +[539.98 --> 569.96] Thank you. +[569.98 --> 599.96] Thank you. +[599.98 --> 629.96] Thank you. +[629.96 --> 659.94] Thank you. +[659.96 --> 689.94] Thank you. +[689.96 --> 719.94] Thank you. +[719.94 --> 749.92] Thank you. +[749.94 --> 779.92] Thank you. +[779.94 --> 809.92] Thank you. +[809.92 --> 839.90] Thank you. +[839.90 --> 869.88] Thank you. +[869.88 --> 899.86] Thank you. +[899.88 --> 929.86] Thank you. +[929.88 --> 959.86] Thank you. +[959.86 --> 989.84] Thank you. +[989.86 --> 1019.84] Thank you. +[1019.84 --> 1049.82] Thank you. +[1049.84 --> 1079.82] Thank you. +[1079.84 --> 1109.82] Thank you. +[1109.84 --> 1139.82] Thank you. +[1139.84 --> 1169.82] Thank you. +[1169.84 --> 1199.82] Thank you. +[1199.84 --> 1229.82] Thank you. +[1229.84 --> 1259.82] Thank you. +[1259.84 --> 1289.82] Thank you. +[1289.84 --> 1319.82] Thank you. +[1319.84 --> 1349.82] Thank you. +[1349.84 --> 1379.82] Thank you. +[1379.84 --> 1409.82] Thank you. +[1409.82 --> 1439.80] Thank you. +[1439.82 --> 1469.80] Thank you. +[1469.82 --> 1499.80] Thank you. +[1499.80 --> 1529.78] Thank you. +[1529.80 --> 1559.78] Thank you. +[1559.80 --> 1589.78] Thank you. +[1589.80 --> 1619.78] Thank you. +[1619.80 --> 1649.78] Thank you. +[1649.80 --> 1679.78] Thank you. +[1679.80 --> 1709.78] Thank you. +[1709.80 --> 1739.78] Thank you. +[1739.80 --> 1769.78] Thank you. +[1769.80 --> 1799.78] Thank you. +[1799.80 --> 1829.78] Thank you. +[1829.80 --> 1859.78] Thank you. +[1859.80 --> 1889.78] Thank you. +[1889.80 --> 1919.78] Thank you. +[1919.78 --> 1949.76] Thank you. +[1949.76 --> 1979.74] Thank you. +[1979.76 --> 2009.74] Thank you. +[2009.76 --> 2039.74] Thank you. +[2039.76 --> 2069.74] Thank you. +[2069.76 --> 2099.74] Thank you. +[2099.76 --> 2129.74] Good morning. +[2129.74 --> 2159.72] Thank you. +[2159.72 --> 2189.72] Thank you. +[2189.72 --> 2219.70] Thank you. +[2219.72 --> 2249.70] Thank you. +[2249.72 --> 2279.70] Thank you. +[2279.72 --> 2309.70] Thank you. +[2309.72 --> 2339.70] Thank you. +[2339.72 --> 2369.70] Thank you. +[2369.72 --> 2399.70] Thank you. +[2399.72 --> 2429.70] Thank you. +[2429.70 --> 2459.70] Thank you. +[2459.70 --> 2489.68] Thank you. +[2489.70 --> 2519.70] Thank you. +[2519.70 --> 2549.68] Thank you. +[2549.70 --> 2579.68] Thank you. +[2579.70 --> 2609.68] Thank you. +[2609.70 --> 2639.70] Thank you. +[2639.70 --> 2669.68] Thank you. +[2669.70 --> 2699.68] Thank you. +[2699.68 --> 2729.68] Thank you. +[2729.68 --> 2759.68] Thank you. +[2759.68 --> 2789.66] Thank you. +[2789.68 --> 2819.66] Thank you. +[2819.68 --> 2849.68] Thank you. +[2849.68 --> 2879.68] Thank you. +[2879.68 --> 2909.66] Thank you. +[2909.68 --> 2939.66] Good morning. +[2939.68 --> 2969.68] Thank you. +[2969.68 --> 2999.68] Thank you. +[2999.68 --> 3029.68] Thank you. +[3029.68 --> 3059.68] Thank you. +[3059.68 --> 3089.68] Thank you. +[3089.68 --> 3119.68] Thank you. +[3119.68 --> 3149.66] Thank you. +[3149.68 --> 3179.68] This text. +[3179.68 --> 3209.68] Thank you. +[3209.68 --> 3239.68] Thank you. +[3239.68 --> 3269.68] Thank you. +[3269.68 --> 3299.68] Thank you. +[3299.68 --> 3300.68] Thank you. +[3329.68 --> 3359.68] Thank you. +[3359.68 --> 3361.64] They needed rescuing from their captors. +[3363.08 --> 3365.08] But more importantly than that, +[3366.02 --> 3367.80] they needed rescuing from themselves. +[3369.40 --> 3371.72] They were sinful and arrogant, +[3372.08 --> 3373.86] and they had forgotten about God. +[3374.18 --> 3377.36] So Babylon came knocking, just as God said they would. +[3379.14 --> 3382.34] They were comfortable doing things their own way. +[3383.22 --> 3384.78] They were not doing things God ways. +[3384.78 --> 3386.20] Look at their history. +[3386.34 --> 3387.90] They had put their trust and comfort +[3387.90 --> 3392.00] in the kings of other nations instead of God. +[3392.10 --> 3395.96] You see that in 2 Kings 16, verses 7 to 18. +[3396.62 --> 3399.62] They had built pagan altars and had worshipped Baal. +[3399.92 --> 3401.30] They had broke the Sabbath, +[3401.66 --> 3405.08] and they sought wealth over obedience. +[3406.20 --> 3409.20] They had refused to listen to God's people, +[3409.64 --> 3410.32] God's prophets. +[3410.32 --> 3414.34] And they'd never abandoned their idolatry. +[3415.80 --> 3417.44] So because of their sin, +[3417.90 --> 3420.76] because they had put their hope in other nations, +[3421.02 --> 3423.12] in other gods, in other comforts, +[3423.12 --> 3426.82] they ultimately ended up in a foreign land +[3426.82 --> 3428.38] under foreign rule. +[3431.62 --> 3433.94] They needed saving from themselves. +[3435.28 --> 3437.30] And so God brought them to exile. +[3439.30 --> 3440.54] God discomforted them. +[3440.54 --> 3444.32] See, God had not forgotten his people +[3444.32 --> 3446.18] when they were overtaken by the Babylonians. +[3446.26 --> 3448.56] He wanted to draw them closer to him, +[3448.86 --> 3449.48] and they needed, +[3449.92 --> 3452.60] God needed their comforts reoriented. +[3454.24 --> 3456.46] They were finding their comfort in false gods +[3456.46 --> 3457.44] and pagan ways, +[3457.50 --> 3460.10] and what God promised would happen came to fruition. +[3460.48 --> 3461.12] They were captured. +[3461.82 --> 3463.22] They were brought out of their land. +[3463.28 --> 3465.88] They were removed from their comforts. +[3465.88 --> 3470.14] That was their context. +[3470.26 --> 3471.64] That was their situation. +[3473.26 --> 3474.38] So then what about us? +[3474.44 --> 3475.28] What about ours? +[3476.62 --> 3477.72] See, we're not Judah. +[3478.52 --> 3479.86] We're not in exile. +[3480.06 --> 3483.34] We cannot sort of draw these straight parallel lines +[3483.34 --> 3484.78] between what's happening there +[3484.78 --> 3485.92] and what's happening here. +[3486.10 --> 3487.92] We cannot claim that our own suffering +[3487.92 --> 3489.68] is kind of our own exile. +[3489.68 --> 3492.26] That's a little bit too irresponsible, I think, +[3492.30 --> 3492.68] with this passage. +[3493.64 --> 3496.98] But we do hurt, don't we? +[3499.08 --> 3500.02] We do hurt. +[3500.22 --> 3501.92] There's a lot of pain in our world. +[3503.86 --> 3505.20] And like the Israelites +[3505.20 --> 3508.64] who looked to the world to comfort them, +[3508.70 --> 3511.18] to things like idols and kings and wealth, +[3511.96 --> 3513.62] I think we too +[3513.62 --> 3517.48] often seek comfort in the things of this world, +[3517.48 --> 3520.80] things that draw us perhaps away from God. +[3522.88 --> 3524.26] So where do we seek comfort? +[3525.84 --> 3528.24] Or how do we need our own comforts reoriented? +[3530.20 --> 3531.68] The world is a heavy place, +[3531.80 --> 3533.56] and I know we feel the burden of life. +[3533.98 --> 3534.74] School is hard. +[3534.84 --> 3537.22] There's students returning from university right now. +[3537.28 --> 3538.86] They're in the middle of exams, some of them. +[3538.94 --> 3539.78] School is difficult. +[3541.34 --> 3542.68] Relationships can be strained. +[3543.56 --> 3544.86] We know that too well. +[3544.86 --> 3546.06] Work is demanding. +[3547.48 --> 3548.56] Health can be fleeting. +[3550.24 --> 3552.28] Our loved ones struggle with pain +[3552.28 --> 3554.40] and suffering and health themselves, +[3554.90 --> 3556.08] and we bear that. +[3557.36 --> 3559.16] I know many of us are in places +[3559.16 --> 3560.12] that are very difficult. +[3561.56 --> 3563.06] We just listen to a prayer. +[3563.14 --> 3564.20] We just heard some announcements. +[3565.14 --> 3566.32] We read the bulletin. +[3566.38 --> 3567.60] We know life is challenging. +[3567.80 --> 3568.74] Pain is present. +[3570.02 --> 3571.62] Life is hard. +[3571.62 --> 3576.12] But where do we turn for comfort? +[3577.48 --> 3582.00] One of my struggles, if I can be honest, +[3582.28 --> 3584.30] is the old cell phone. +[3586.22 --> 3587.54] If I've had a long day, +[3587.86 --> 3590.06] or if I'm feeling a little overwhelmed in life, +[3590.12 --> 3590.82] at the end of the day, +[3590.88 --> 3591.70] I'll sit down, +[3591.76 --> 3594.30] and I've been known to sort of doom scroll for a while. +[3595.10 --> 3596.38] For a period of time, +[3596.38 --> 3597.82] I care not to admit out loud. +[3598.72 --> 3600.60] For those of you who don't know what doom scrolling is, +[3600.64 --> 3601.46] it's when you tell yourself +[3601.46 --> 3602.84] you're just going to check the social media +[3602.84 --> 3603.72] for a minute or two, +[3603.80 --> 3605.08] and then two hours later, +[3605.16 --> 3607.34] you're knee deep in catastrophic headlines +[3607.34 --> 3608.44] and existential dread. +[3609.44 --> 3612.32] And there's the odd clip of a British panel show +[3612.32 --> 3613.44] somewhere thrown in there too, +[3613.50 --> 3613.96] for good measure. +[3614.28 --> 3616.44] It's like a little hit of dopamine light, +[3616.72 --> 3616.96] you know? +[3616.96 --> 3619.48] You know you should stop, +[3619.54 --> 3620.90] but you just kind of keep going. +[3620.98 --> 3621.92] It's like poking a bruise. +[3621.98 --> 3622.64] Like it hurts a little, +[3622.74 --> 3623.74] but you just kind of keep doing it. +[3625.12 --> 3626.20] The problem is, +[3627.04 --> 3628.18] there's always a new meme. +[3628.50 --> 3629.68] There's always a new reel. +[3629.82 --> 3631.52] There's another video to watch. +[3631.96 --> 3633.42] There's clickbait articles +[3633.42 --> 3634.64] and political opinions +[3634.64 --> 3636.54] and the latest on the Edmonton Oilers +[3636.54 --> 3637.68] that you need to keep up on. +[3638.00 --> 3639.62] There's celebrity news +[3639.62 --> 3642.28] and clips from your favorite TV shows. +[3642.46 --> 3642.96] And to be honest, +[3643.02 --> 3644.36] it's mostly just dumb people +[3644.36 --> 3645.84] doing things that are rather humorous. +[3645.84 --> 3648.02] In many ways, +[3648.96 --> 3650.82] most of it's fairly harmless +[3650.82 --> 3651.92] in and of itself. +[3653.28 --> 3655.48] But as I prepared this message, +[3655.56 --> 3658.46] I realized how much of my doom scrolling +[3658.46 --> 3661.44] is actually me seeking comfort +[3661.44 --> 3665.16] by turning to the curated perfection +[3665.16 --> 3666.52] of other people's lives +[3666.52 --> 3669.22] or by turning to a quick joke +[3669.22 --> 3670.32] or a funny post +[3670.32 --> 3672.20] or turning to an opinion +[3672.20 --> 3673.54] that I already have +[3673.54 --> 3675.48] because that's how these algorithms work. +[3675.84 --> 3678.76] So this forced me to ask, +[3678.90 --> 3680.74] how much of this is me just escaping +[3680.74 --> 3682.32] into a different world +[3682.32 --> 3683.74] fueled by a dopamine rush +[3683.74 --> 3684.56] of instant content? +[3685.20 --> 3687.68] Perhaps comfort is what I desire +[3687.68 --> 3688.56] when I do that. +[3688.92 --> 3690.20] But all I really get +[3690.20 --> 3693.10] is a jolt of instant gratification +[3693.10 --> 3695.06] that just withers away like the grass. +[3695.06 --> 3698.34] So where do you turn? +[3699.08 --> 3700.18] There's a lot of places +[3700.18 --> 3701.78] people turn for comfort in our world. +[3702.14 --> 3702.86] Maybe it's a bottle +[3702.86 --> 3703.98] from that special cabinet. +[3704.74 --> 3706.08] Maybe it's McDonald's. +[3706.46 --> 3708.00] Maybe it's a little retail therapy. +[3708.96 --> 3710.42] Maybe it's even back to the workplace. +[3711.12 --> 3712.62] Or maybe it's withdrawing +[3712.62 --> 3713.68] from the world altogether. +[3715.58 --> 3716.18] Now again, +[3716.46 --> 3717.34] if you think about it, +[3717.38 --> 3718.80] none of those are inherently bad +[3718.80 --> 3719.64] in and of themselves. +[3719.64 --> 3721.20] But if we try to find +[3721.20 --> 3722.04] our comfort there +[3722.04 --> 3723.30] over and over again, +[3723.62 --> 3724.68] at best, +[3725.28 --> 3726.60] we become zombies. +[3727.20 --> 3728.10] And at worst, +[3728.56 --> 3730.40] we start worshiping an idol +[3730.40 --> 3731.96] far more destructive +[3731.96 --> 3732.76] than we realize. +[3735.58 --> 3736.92] When life is hard +[3736.92 --> 3738.30] or when we feel the weight +[3738.30 --> 3740.14] of adversity on our shoulders, +[3740.28 --> 3741.22] where do we turn +[3741.22 --> 3742.38] for comfort? +[3742.38 --> 3742.46] comfort. +[3745.66 --> 3747.04] This theme actually links +[3747.04 --> 3748.52] to our previous sermon series, +[3748.64 --> 3749.20] if you recall. +[3749.38 --> 3750.08] Before Advent, +[3750.28 --> 3751.36] we were making our way +[3751.36 --> 3752.56] through the story of Joseph +[3752.56 --> 3753.62] in the Old Testament +[3753.62 --> 3754.28] and we were hearing +[3754.28 --> 3755.60] about God's sovereignty +[3755.60 --> 3756.58] and our suffering. +[3757.78 --> 3758.76] We learned about +[3758.76 --> 3760.98] how God used Joseph's adversity +[3760.98 --> 3762.78] to bless his family +[3762.78 --> 3763.84] and the surrounding nations. +[3763.96 --> 3765.44] See, in Joseph's story +[3765.44 --> 3766.34] in Genesis 50, +[3766.46 --> 3767.56] after being sold +[3767.56 --> 3768.42] by his brothers +[3768.42 --> 3769.22] into captivity, +[3769.50 --> 3770.26] after being shipped +[3770.26 --> 3771.10] to Egypt, +[3771.42 --> 3772.18] being enslaved, +[3772.18 --> 3773.52] being accused of a crime +[3773.52 --> 3774.32] he didn't commit, +[3774.68 --> 3775.62] being put in jail, +[3775.68 --> 3776.26] and eventually, +[3777.14 --> 3778.20] at the end of this story, +[3778.26 --> 3779.08] becoming one of the +[3779.08 --> 3780.36] key prominent rulers +[3780.36 --> 3781.62] that saves Egypt +[3781.62 --> 3782.52] and the surrounding nations +[3782.52 --> 3783.24] from famine, +[3784.16 --> 3785.46] Joseph meets his brothers +[3785.46 --> 3786.38] who sold him +[3786.38 --> 3787.28] in the first place +[3787.28 --> 3789.34] and he says to them, +[3789.46 --> 3791.00] what you planned for evil, +[3791.84 --> 3793.18] God used for good. +[3794.40 --> 3795.76] That whole sermon series +[3795.76 --> 3796.44] was teaching us +[3796.44 --> 3797.94] how God is sovereign +[3797.94 --> 3799.26] even over our adversity +[3799.26 --> 3800.96] and he uses it +[3800.96 --> 3801.64] for his glory. +[3802.18 --> 3804.44] So yes, +[3804.52 --> 3805.64] God uses our adversity +[3805.64 --> 3806.32] and yes, +[3806.52 --> 3807.98] that is often hard to see +[3807.98 --> 3809.02] in the midst of our pain +[3809.02 --> 3810.86] but while that is true, +[3812.24 --> 3812.84] oftentimes, +[3813.12 --> 3814.04] our adversity, +[3814.28 --> 3815.14] it highlights +[3815.14 --> 3816.22] where we turn +[3816.22 --> 3817.04] for comfort. +[3818.96 --> 3819.80] It highlights +[3819.80 --> 3820.90] where we turn to +[3820.90 --> 3822.08] to find a bit of comfort +[3822.08 --> 3822.70] in this world. +[3822.70 --> 3826.16] And so Israel here +[3826.16 --> 3827.10] was finding their comfort +[3827.10 --> 3828.16] in the things of this world +[3828.16 --> 3829.52] but when life is difficult, +[3829.88 --> 3830.78] where do we turn +[3830.78 --> 3831.28] for comfort? +[3833.56 --> 3835.02] Our text says +[3835.02 --> 3835.86] we find comfort +[3835.86 --> 3836.76] from the word. +[3837.04 --> 3837.42] Comfort, +[3837.92 --> 3838.36] comfort, +[3838.54 --> 3839.24] my people, +[3839.68 --> 3840.46] says your God. +[3842.04 --> 3842.58] God's people +[3842.58 --> 3843.12] were conquered. +[3843.26 --> 3843.42] Yes, +[3843.48 --> 3844.18] they were forsaken +[3844.18 --> 3845.56] but they were not forgotten. +[3845.56 --> 3848.28] the entirety of our passage, +[3848.40 --> 3849.06] Isaiah 40, +[3849.14 --> 3850.02] verses 1 to 11 +[3850.02 --> 3851.36] is about the promise +[3851.36 --> 3852.56] of restoration +[3852.56 --> 3853.90] for God's people. +[3854.36 --> 3855.42] In verse 2 of our text, +[3855.52 --> 3856.70] God forgives the sins +[3856.70 --> 3857.42] of his people. +[3857.86 --> 3858.20] He says, +[3858.44 --> 3859.70] her sin has been paid for. +[3859.96 --> 3860.58] She has received +[3860.58 --> 3861.46] from the Lord's hand +[3861.46 --> 3863.12] double for all her sins. +[3863.12 --> 3864.80] In verse 3, +[3864.88 --> 3865.70] we read about +[3865.70 --> 3866.46] how they will be +[3866.46 --> 3867.50] delivered from exile +[3867.50 --> 3868.32] as God will make +[3868.32 --> 3869.12] straight in the desert +[3869.12 --> 3870.10] a highway for them +[3870.10 --> 3871.30] to return back +[3871.30 --> 3872.52] to Judah from Babylon. +[3872.86 --> 3873.56] And in verse 10, +[3873.62 --> 3874.38] we hear about a king +[3874.38 --> 3875.26] who will come to reign +[3875.26 --> 3876.18] over them in power +[3876.18 --> 3878.42] and rule with a mighty arm. +[3878.78 --> 3879.90] And all of this points +[3879.90 --> 3881.66] to God bringing comfort +[3881.66 --> 3882.68] and salvation +[3882.68 --> 3883.86] to his people. +[3885.22 --> 3886.16] But of course, +[3886.30 --> 3887.02] this passage +[3887.02 --> 3888.88] is so much more +[3888.88 --> 3889.88] than a promise +[3889.88 --> 3890.62] to bring comfort +[3890.62 --> 3891.30] in the form +[3891.30 --> 3892.88] of returning these people +[3892.88 --> 3893.54] from exile. +[3894.66 --> 3895.50] This passage +[3895.50 --> 3896.42] is a promise +[3896.42 --> 3898.74] of a future Messiah. +[3900.12 --> 3900.80] As mentioned, +[3900.88 --> 3901.46] verse 3 and 4 +[3901.46 --> 3902.32] talk about preparing +[3902.32 --> 3903.26] a way in the wilderness +[3903.26 --> 3903.88] for the Lord, +[3903.96 --> 3904.56] making straight +[3904.56 --> 3905.08] a desert, +[3905.18 --> 3905.58] in the desert, +[3905.68 --> 3906.84] a highway for God. +[3907.20 --> 3908.22] Now this is not only +[3908.22 --> 3909.26] talking about preparing +[3909.26 --> 3910.18] a way out of Babylon, +[3910.88 --> 3911.98] but it's about preparing +[3911.98 --> 3913.70] the way for a coming Messiah. +[3914.72 --> 3915.60] In your Bibles, +[3915.74 --> 3916.92] flip over to the beginning +[3916.92 --> 3917.68] of Mark. +[3917.76 --> 3918.88] Mark chapter 1, +[3918.94 --> 3919.84] verses 1 to 3 +[3919.84 --> 3920.40] for a second. +[3920.92 --> 3921.78] Because this text +[3921.78 --> 3922.72] is found there too. +[3923.86 --> 3924.78] Mark's gospel +[3924.78 --> 3925.98] starts by saying this, +[3926.34 --> 3926.80] the beginning +[3926.80 --> 3927.56] of the good news +[3927.56 --> 3928.78] about Jesus the Messiah, +[3928.90 --> 3929.70] the Son of God, +[3929.94 --> 3931.16] as it is written +[3931.16 --> 3933.22] in Isaiah the prophet. +[3934.04 --> 3935.00] I will send +[3935.00 --> 3936.22] my messenger ahead of you +[3936.22 --> 3936.92] who will prepare +[3936.92 --> 3937.54] your way, +[3937.78 --> 3938.68] a voice of one +[3938.68 --> 3939.70] calling in the wilderness, +[3940.18 --> 3941.10] prepare the way +[3941.10 --> 3941.84] for the Lord, +[3941.94 --> 3942.90] make straight paths +[3942.90 --> 3943.32] for him. +[3943.74 --> 3945.42] And so John the Baptist +[3945.42 --> 3947.22] appeared in the wilderness, +[3947.80 --> 3948.90] preaching a baptism +[3948.90 --> 3949.70] of repentance +[3949.70 --> 3950.82] for their forgiveness +[3950.82 --> 3951.84] of sins. +[3951.92 --> 3952.56] And I'll skip ahead +[3952.56 --> 3953.72] to verse 7 here with me. +[3953.98 --> 3955.24] And this was his message. +[3956.50 --> 3957.82] After me comes the one +[3957.82 --> 3959.86] more powerful than I, +[3959.98 --> 3961.28] the straps of whose sandals +[3961.28 --> 3962.24] I am not worthy +[3962.24 --> 3963.84] to stoop down and untie. +[3964.66 --> 3965.70] John the Baptist says, +[3965.80 --> 3967.04] I baptize you with water, +[3967.12 --> 3968.50] but he will baptize you +[3968.50 --> 3969.40] with the Holy Spirit. +[3969.40 --> 3972.12] Our text today +[3972.12 --> 3972.90] is not simply +[3972.90 --> 3974.42] about the Israelites +[3974.42 --> 3975.20] being saved +[3975.20 --> 3976.08] from their captivity +[3976.08 --> 3977.12] to the Babylonians. +[3977.20 --> 3977.62] It's about +[3977.62 --> 3982.22] the Messiah. +[3984.18 --> 3985.32] It's about John +[3985.32 --> 3986.24] preparing the world +[3986.24 --> 3986.86] for Jesus. +[3987.84 --> 3988.84] This text is about +[3988.84 --> 3989.82] the coming king, +[3989.92 --> 3991.04] the king of kings, +[3991.14 --> 3992.08] the one who will rule +[3992.08 --> 3993.10] with a mighty hand, +[3993.16 --> 3994.10] the one who will gather +[3994.10 --> 3995.38] his lambs +[3995.38 --> 3996.30] and carry them +[3996.30 --> 3997.24] close to his heart, +[3997.24 --> 3998.54] the one who tenderly +[3998.54 --> 3999.96] says to all of this, +[4000.72 --> 4002.40] your sins have been forgiven. +[4004.44 --> 4006.48] Your sins have been paid for. +[4008.46 --> 4009.96] This is a perfect text +[4009.96 --> 4010.44] for Advent +[4010.44 --> 4013.34] because Jesus is coming, +[4013.86 --> 4014.78] it says to us. +[4015.94 --> 4016.54] And this, of course, +[4016.62 --> 4017.36] comes to fruition +[4017.36 --> 4018.30] on Christmas Day +[4018.30 --> 4019.30] when we celebrate +[4019.30 --> 4020.18] the coming of Jesus +[4020.18 --> 4020.82] into the world. +[4021.18 --> 4022.94] Jesus came to save us +[4022.94 --> 4023.94] from the root +[4023.94 --> 4025.40] of all our discomfort. +[4025.40 --> 4027.14] sin. +[4027.92 --> 4028.84] Jesus came +[4028.84 --> 4030.40] to forgive sins. +[4030.72 --> 4031.52] Mark 1 starts +[4031.52 --> 4032.34] with John the Baptist +[4032.34 --> 4032.90] and describes +[4032.90 --> 4033.68] how he prepared +[4033.68 --> 4034.94] the way for the Messiah. +[4035.04 --> 4035.84] If you go one chapter +[4035.84 --> 4037.14] further to Mark 2, +[4037.48 --> 4038.10] we read about +[4038.10 --> 4039.36] why Jesus came. +[4040.32 --> 4040.96] In Mark 2, +[4041.00 --> 4041.78] verses 1 to 12, +[4041.84 --> 4042.28] we read about +[4042.28 --> 4043.22] how Jesus heals +[4043.22 --> 4044.34] this paralyzed man. +[4044.68 --> 4045.44] This man was brought +[4045.44 --> 4046.50] to Jesus on a stretcher +[4046.50 --> 4047.14] by his friends, +[4047.34 --> 4047.96] but they couldn't +[4047.96 --> 4048.56] get to him. +[4049.10 --> 4049.62] And so, +[4049.72 --> 4050.42] they make a hole +[4050.42 --> 4050.92] in the roof +[4050.92 --> 4051.58] and they lowered +[4051.58 --> 4052.76] the man down to him. +[4053.54 --> 4054.88] If you've got your Bibles, +[4054.88 --> 4056.36] look at Mark 2, +[4056.44 --> 4056.96] verse 5. +[4057.04 --> 4058.38] What is the first thing +[4058.38 --> 4058.98] Jesus says +[4058.98 --> 4059.94] when he sees this man +[4059.94 --> 4060.38] in Mark 2, +[4060.42 --> 4060.86] verse 5? +[4062.46 --> 4064.46] Your sins are forgiven. +[4066.52 --> 4067.36] Now, the leaders, +[4067.48 --> 4068.64] they start brain hemorrhaging +[4068.64 --> 4069.80] because how dare +[4069.80 --> 4071.08] he forgive sins? +[4071.96 --> 4073.48] Only God can do that. +[4074.30 --> 4075.20] But Jesus even knows +[4075.20 --> 4075.98] their thoughts. +[4077.80 --> 4078.86] And he says this, +[4078.92 --> 4080.20] why are you thinking +[4080.20 --> 4080.94] these things? +[4082.12 --> 4083.44] Which is easier to say +[4083.44 --> 4084.54] to this paralyzed man? +[4084.54 --> 4085.96] Your sins are forgiven? +[4086.86 --> 4087.86] Or to say, +[4088.08 --> 4088.72] get up, +[4088.84 --> 4089.38] take your mat, +[4089.44 --> 4089.92] and walk? +[4091.22 --> 4092.02] And listen to this, +[4092.26 --> 4093.54] but I want you to know +[4093.54 --> 4094.42] that the Son of Man +[4094.42 --> 4095.80] has authority on earth +[4095.80 --> 4096.80] to forgive sins. +[4098.74 --> 4100.06] And so he heals the man. +[4101.00 --> 4102.22] And the man gets up +[4102.22 --> 4103.60] and walks out of there. +[4104.66 --> 4105.80] But you see what Jesus does? +[4106.52 --> 4107.54] Jesus addresses +[4107.54 --> 4108.54] the deeper problem +[4109.14 --> 4110.22] with this man first, +[4110.42 --> 4111.02] his sin, +[4111.88 --> 4113.08] the ultimate discomfort. +[4113.08 --> 4115.00] And then he heals him. +[4115.08 --> 4115.68] For what reason? +[4116.62 --> 4118.12] To show that he has power +[4118.12 --> 4118.86] over sin +[4118.86 --> 4120.50] in the first place. +[4121.26 --> 4122.14] He wanted everyone +[4122.14 --> 4123.88] to know that he has authority +[4123.88 --> 4125.00] on earth +[4125.00 --> 4125.86] to forgive sins. +[4126.24 --> 4127.40] Jesus came +[4127.40 --> 4128.48] to defeat sin. +[4129.62 --> 4130.44] Jesus was born +[4130.44 --> 4131.16] into this world +[4131.16 --> 4131.88] on a manger, +[4131.98 --> 4132.54] a day that we're going +[4132.54 --> 4133.44] to celebrate and remember +[4133.44 --> 4134.34] in just 10 days. +[4134.72 --> 4135.48] He did this because +[4135.48 --> 4136.78] he came to rid the world +[4136.78 --> 4138.06] of that discomfort, +[4138.22 --> 4139.14] of our sin. +[4139.14 --> 4140.72] Jesus came and he lived +[4140.72 --> 4141.88] a perfect life +[4141.88 --> 4142.48] that you and I +[4142.48 --> 4143.74] fail to live each +[4143.74 --> 4144.58] and every day. +[4144.68 --> 4145.84] And then he died a death +[4145.84 --> 4146.92] that we deserve +[4146.92 --> 4148.22] because of that sin. +[4149.12 --> 4150.24] And he took that sin +[4150.24 --> 4150.78] on his shoulders +[4150.78 --> 4152.16] and he bore it with him +[4152.16 --> 4153.08] onto the cross. +[4153.46 --> 4154.34] And he died. +[4155.78 --> 4156.30] But then, +[4156.56 --> 4157.30] three days later, +[4157.38 --> 4158.36] Jesus rose again +[4158.36 --> 4158.96] from the tomb +[4158.96 --> 4160.26] and he defeated sin +[4160.26 --> 4160.66] and death. +[4160.74 --> 4162.02] And then later, +[4162.12 --> 4162.98] he ascends to heaven +[4162.98 --> 4163.82] where now he's sitting +[4163.82 --> 4164.52] on the right hand +[4164.52 --> 4165.70] of God the Father Almighty. +[4165.70 --> 4169.08] And he will come again +[4169.08 --> 4170.42] one day +[4170.42 --> 4172.56] to rid the world +[4172.56 --> 4173.56] of this sin +[4173.56 --> 4174.52] for all of eternity. +[4175.66 --> 4177.20] Jesus came +[4177.20 --> 4178.84] to defeat sin. +[4179.84 --> 4182.10] This is our true comfort. +[4184.38 --> 4185.24] See, this text today +[4185.24 --> 4185.82] is about God +[4185.82 --> 4186.74] saving his people +[4186.74 --> 4187.92] from our own misguided +[4187.92 --> 4189.32] comforts of this world. +[4189.38 --> 4190.62] The sin that so easily +[4190.62 --> 4191.40] entangles us. +[4191.80 --> 4193.06] Isaiah 41 to 11 +[4193.06 --> 4195.20] was as hopeful a text +[4195.20 --> 4196.96] for the Israelite people +[4196.96 --> 4198.52] in captivity back then +[4198.52 --> 4200.98] as it is for us +[4200.98 --> 4202.06] as a promise +[4202.06 --> 4204.14] and a reality check today. +[4205.36 --> 4207.08] Because this promise +[4207.08 --> 4208.26] is still true. +[4208.98 --> 4210.14] Jesus redeems us. +[4210.42 --> 4211.44] The grass withers +[4211.44 --> 4212.94] and flowers fall, +[4213.08 --> 4214.84] but the word of God +[4214.84 --> 4215.84] endures forever. +[4216.40 --> 4218.06] His word endures forever. +[4218.94 --> 4220.18] The word became flesh +[4220.18 --> 4221.02] and made his dwelling +[4221.02 --> 4221.50] among us. +[4221.76 --> 4222.38] And as we sit +[4222.38 --> 4223.50] in this Advent season, +[4223.50 --> 4225.22] may we remember that. +[4226.16 --> 4226.96] True comfort +[4226.96 --> 4228.80] comes from the word. +[4230.18 --> 4231.58] The word made flesh. +[4231.76 --> 4232.98] Jesus Christ's life, +[4233.34 --> 4233.58] death, +[4233.78 --> 4234.48] and resurrection. +[4236.38 --> 4237.10] So how? +[4237.20 --> 4237.96] What does this look like? +[4239.76 --> 4240.84] Well, our text today +[4240.84 --> 4241.80] is actually the beginning +[4241.80 --> 4243.46] of a large chunk of text +[4243.46 --> 4244.24] that starts here +[4244.24 --> 4245.06] with Isaiah 40 +[4245.06 --> 4245.98] and goes all the way +[4245.98 --> 4246.96] through Isaiah 55. +[4247.44 --> 4247.78] If you remember +[4247.78 --> 4248.20] at the beginning, +[4248.26 --> 4249.10] I talked about how scholars +[4249.10 --> 4249.72] said this is like +[4249.72 --> 4251.26] the second chunk of Isaiah. +[4251.26 --> 4252.20] That's the chunk, +[4252.30 --> 4253.48] Isaiah 40 to 55. +[4255.02 --> 4255.98] Now this comfort +[4255.98 --> 4257.06] that God is talking about +[4257.06 --> 4257.78] in our text today +[4257.78 --> 4258.68] is revealed throughout +[4258.68 --> 4260.42] this whole chunk of text. +[4261.92 --> 4263.16] It's there we get a picture +[4263.16 --> 4263.96] of how this comfort +[4263.96 --> 4265.54] is lived out by his people. +[4266.50 --> 4267.44] In Isaiah 55, +[4267.66 --> 4268.16] 1 to 5, +[4268.24 --> 4269.20] we read of an invitation +[4269.20 --> 4270.24] to all people. +[4270.70 --> 4271.70] Those who are thirsty, +[4271.84 --> 4272.68] those who are hungry, +[4272.84 --> 4273.78] those who have money, +[4273.90 --> 4274.78] those who have little, +[4274.98 --> 4276.26] all people are invited. +[4276.54 --> 4277.66] This invitation is not +[4277.66 --> 4278.72] just for Israel, +[4278.80 --> 4280.02] but for the surrounding nations +[4280.02 --> 4281.62] as well because he, +[4282.00 --> 4282.26] God, +[4282.34 --> 4284.12] has endowed his people +[4284.12 --> 4284.78] with splendor. +[4286.14 --> 4287.40] So Isaiah 40 starts +[4287.40 --> 4288.64] with the promise +[4288.64 --> 4289.74] of a Messiah +[4289.74 --> 4290.60] that will bring comfort +[4290.60 --> 4291.38] to his people +[4291.38 --> 4292.94] and then Isaiah 55 +[4292.94 --> 4294.88] points to the community +[4294.88 --> 4296.54] that will come together +[4296.54 --> 4297.58] because of that news. +[4298.74 --> 4300.46] This comfort of Christ +[4300.46 --> 4302.42] brings the community together. +[4304.10 --> 4305.38] The themes of this passage +[4305.38 --> 4306.54] remind me of Hebrews 12, +[4306.62 --> 4307.12] 1 to 3. +[4307.28 --> 4307.78] It says this, +[4307.78 --> 4308.30] Therefore, +[4308.48 --> 4309.36] since we are surrounded +[4309.36 --> 4310.48] by such a great cloud +[4310.48 --> 4311.00] of witnesses, +[4311.38 --> 4312.42] let us throw off +[4312.42 --> 4313.64] everything that hinders +[4313.64 --> 4314.42] and the sin +[4314.42 --> 4315.88] that so easily entangles +[4315.88 --> 4317.58] and let us run the race +[4317.58 --> 4318.42] with perseverance +[4318.42 --> 4319.50] marked out for us, +[4319.82 --> 4321.14] fixing our eyes on Jesus, +[4321.28 --> 4321.86] the pioneer +[4321.86 --> 4322.84] and perfecter +[4322.84 --> 4324.10] of our faith. +[4324.90 --> 4326.38] For the joy set before him +[4326.38 --> 4327.28] he endured the cross, +[4327.46 --> 4328.30] scorning its shame, +[4328.50 --> 4329.38] and sat down +[4329.38 --> 4330.32] at the right hand +[4330.32 --> 4331.42] of the throne of God. +[4332.18 --> 4332.90] Consider him +[4332.90 --> 4333.50] who endured +[4333.50 --> 4334.26] such opposition +[4334.26 --> 4334.80] from sinners +[4334.80 --> 4335.98] that you will not +[4335.98 --> 4336.74] grow weary +[4336.74 --> 4337.82] and lose heart. +[4340.38 --> 4341.98] As life makes us weary +[4341.98 --> 4343.50] because of health struggles +[4343.50 --> 4345.04] or relationship strain +[4345.04 --> 4345.74] or difficulties +[4345.74 --> 4346.60] at work or school +[4346.60 --> 4347.98] or whatever difficulties +[4347.98 --> 4349.90] discomfort us right now, +[4350.50 --> 4352.02] we are surrounded +[4352.02 --> 4353.18] by a community +[4353.18 --> 4355.64] who encourages us +[4355.64 --> 4356.56] to fix our eyes +[4356.56 --> 4357.08] on Jesus. +[4357.08 --> 4361.08] this is done +[4361.08 --> 4362.06] as the body of Christ. +[4362.16 --> 4363.22] We do this work together +[4363.22 --> 4364.36] as the community of God. +[4366.94 --> 4368.20] When I was in elementary school +[4368.20 --> 4368.78] we always had +[4368.78 --> 4370.38] a track meet every year +[4370.38 --> 4372.72] and I got to go +[4372.72 --> 4373.22] every time. +[4373.30 --> 4373.86] Looking at me now +[4373.86 --> 4374.74] maybe that's hard to tell +[4374.74 --> 4376.32] but I did used to run. +[4377.46 --> 4378.34] I wasn't the best +[4378.34 --> 4379.34] but I got to go every year +[4379.34 --> 4380.16] so that was nice. +[4380.90 --> 4381.88] One time though +[4381.88 --> 4382.40] due to like +[4382.40 --> 4383.48] a scheduling conflict +[4383.48 --> 4384.72] at the actual event, +[4384.72 --> 4387.56] I was thrown into a race +[4387.56 --> 4388.68] I had never competed in. +[4389.52 --> 4391.70] It was the 4x400 relay. +[4392.24 --> 4393.40] A whole lap sprint +[4393.40 --> 4394.74] around the track. +[4395.16 --> 4395.88] I was pretty anxious +[4395.88 --> 4396.54] because I had never +[4396.54 --> 4397.40] run this race before. +[4398.48 --> 4399.68] Our team was made up, +[4399.86 --> 4401.16] the whole group's teams +[4401.16 --> 4401.60] were made up +[4401.60 --> 4402.66] of one grade four boy, +[4402.74 --> 4403.60] one grade five boy, +[4403.68 --> 4404.54] one grade six boy +[4404.54 --> 4405.06] and then me, +[4405.18 --> 4406.20] the grade seven boy. +[4407.62 --> 4408.34] 400 meters, +[4408.42 --> 4408.76] like I said, +[4408.80 --> 4409.52] was not my race +[4409.52 --> 4411.18] and as you look at me now +[4411.18 --> 4411.56] you can tell +[4411.56 --> 4412.54] I was a bit of a short track +[4412.54 --> 4413.18] sprinter myself +[4413.18 --> 4416.10] so not high jump though, +[4416.14 --> 4416.60] had the vertical +[4416.60 --> 4417.10] of a walrus. +[4417.20 --> 4417.42] Anyways, +[4417.62 --> 4419.22] I had to run the last leg. +[4419.42 --> 4420.78] I had to run the last leg +[4420.78 --> 4421.64] of this race +[4421.64 --> 4422.84] because I was the grade seven kid. +[4423.34 --> 4424.34] So the grade fours went first +[4424.34 --> 4425.00] then the grade fives +[4425.00 --> 4425.66] then the grade sixes +[4425.66 --> 4426.08] and then me, +[4426.34 --> 4427.06] the final leg. +[4428.54 --> 4429.42] By the time the baton +[4429.42 --> 4430.22] had gotten to me, +[4430.44 --> 4431.56] we were in third place +[4431.56 --> 4432.44] and we're pretty isolated. +[4432.62 --> 4434.12] They were pretty far behind me +[4434.12 --> 4434.94] and the people ahead of me +[4434.94 --> 4435.36] were far ahead. +[4435.44 --> 4436.18] First place was like +[4436.18 --> 4437.06] over 100 meters away +[4437.06 --> 4438.04] and second place was like +[4438.04 --> 4440.00] at least 50 meters ahead +[4440.00 --> 4441.06] but out of all of the races +[4441.06 --> 4441.54] I ran, +[4442.22 --> 4442.80] this is the one +[4442.80 --> 4443.62] I remember most +[4443.62 --> 4445.88] because as I got the baton +[4445.88 --> 4447.96] I instantly started hearing +[4447.96 --> 4449.04] the school cheering me on. +[4449.76 --> 4451.08] I rounded the first corner +[4451.08 --> 4451.96] and my brother was out +[4451.96 --> 4452.30] in the field +[4452.30 --> 4453.30] doing long jump or something +[4453.30 --> 4454.62] and I hear him shout my name too, +[4454.70 --> 4455.20] go Kev! +[4456.00 --> 4457.12] I go down the straight +[4457.12 --> 4458.16] and I round the next corner +[4458.16 --> 4459.18] and I hear more voices +[4459.18 --> 4459.94] that I recognize +[4459.94 --> 4461.32] and I look up +[4461.32 --> 4461.80] and I realize +[4461.80 --> 4462.72] second place actually +[4462.72 --> 4463.44] is within shot +[4463.44 --> 4465.96] and so my lungs are burning +[4465.96 --> 4466.60] and I'm tired +[4466.60 --> 4468.10] but I pass second place +[4468.10 --> 4469.46] right at the finish line. +[4469.46 --> 4473.38] I didn't even win the race +[4473.38 --> 4475.64] but I do remember +[4475.64 --> 4476.50] being propelled +[4476.50 --> 4477.32] by that community +[4477.32 --> 4478.04] to get there. +[4479.50 --> 4480.24] It was the best +[4480.24 --> 4480.90] second place ribbon +[4480.90 --> 4481.38] I've ever got. +[4482.48 --> 4483.90] That's what community does. +[4485.16 --> 4486.36] They propel us +[4486.36 --> 4487.04] when we're weary. +[4487.38 --> 4488.38] They inspire us +[4488.38 --> 4489.22] when we need encouragement. +[4489.66 --> 4491.06] They can push us forward +[4491.06 --> 4492.54] even if we're hurting, +[4492.86 --> 4493.88] even if we're anxious. +[4495.10 --> 4496.60] They can help point us +[4496.60 --> 4497.46] to the finish line +[4497.46 --> 4499.92] so we can run this race well. +[4501.92 --> 4502.62] See our comfort +[4502.62 --> 4504.02] it starts with Christ +[4504.02 --> 4505.58] and what he has done for us +[4505.58 --> 4506.74] and it's lived out +[4506.74 --> 4507.48] by the body. +[4510.36 --> 4510.76] Finally, +[4510.86 --> 4511.70] and I'm going to close with this +[4511.70 --> 4512.66] so just stick with me. +[4514.42 --> 4515.72] While we find our comfort +[4515.72 --> 4516.24] in Jesus +[4516.24 --> 4517.40] and that is lived out +[4517.40 --> 4517.98] in reality +[4517.98 --> 4518.96] by us as a church, +[4519.04 --> 4519.74] by the community, +[4519.74 --> 4522.10] it all points to one thing +[4522.10 --> 4524.02] and that is worship. +[4524.02 --> 4526.90] The second part of Isaiah +[4526.90 --> 4528.98] starts at chapter 40 +[4528.98 --> 4529.94] with the words +[4529.94 --> 4531.46] comfort, comfort my people +[4531.46 --> 4532.10] says the Lord +[4532.10 --> 4533.70] and then it ends +[4533.70 --> 4534.92] in Isaiah 55 +[4534.92 --> 4536.84] verses 12 and 13 +[4536.84 --> 4538.40] where it says +[4538.40 --> 4539.60] you will go in joy +[4539.60 --> 4541.20] and be led forth in peace. +[4541.36 --> 4542.60] The mountains and the hills +[4542.60 --> 4544.12] will burst into song +[4544.12 --> 4544.66] before you +[4544.66 --> 4545.62] and all the trees +[4545.62 --> 4546.52] of the field +[4546.52 --> 4547.66] will clap their hands. +[4549.34 --> 4550.44] In our trouble, +[4551.36 --> 4552.08] true comfort +[4552.08 --> 4553.06] is found in the word. +[4553.06 --> 4554.24] That comfort leads us +[4554.24 --> 4554.86] to community +[4554.86 --> 4556.22] who through the power +[4556.22 --> 4556.74] and guidance +[4556.74 --> 4557.62] of the Holy Spirit +[4557.62 --> 4558.96] helps us persevere +[4558.96 --> 4559.68] through the trials +[4559.68 --> 4560.58] that we face +[4560.58 --> 4561.44] in our lives +[4561.44 --> 4562.48] and all of that, +[4563.08 --> 4564.88] all of that +[4564.88 --> 4566.88] leads us to do one thing, +[4568.26 --> 4568.58] worship. +[4572.42 --> 4573.74] Our only comfort +[4573.74 --> 4575.70] in life and in death +[4575.70 --> 4576.50] is that we are not +[4576.50 --> 4577.06] our own +[4577.06 --> 4578.40] but belong body and soul +[4578.40 --> 4579.36] in life and in death +[4579.36 --> 4580.36] to our faithful Savior +[4580.36 --> 4581.12] Jesus Christ. +[4581.46 --> 4582.30] He is fully paid +[4582.30 --> 4583.54] for all of our sins +[4583.54 --> 4584.80] by his precious blood +[4584.80 --> 4585.64] and has set us free +[4585.64 --> 4586.54] from the tyranny +[4586.54 --> 4587.60] of the devil. +[4588.40 --> 4589.70] He also watches over us +[4589.70 --> 4590.20] in such a way +[4590.20 --> 4590.78] that not a hair +[4590.78 --> 4592.10] can fall from our head +[4592.10 --> 4593.98] without the will +[4593.98 --> 4594.86] of our Father in heaven. +[4595.94 --> 4596.52] In fact, +[4596.64 --> 4598.20] all things must work together +[4598.20 --> 4599.14] for our salvation +[4599.14 --> 4600.62] because we belong +[4600.62 --> 4601.20] to Christ +[4601.20 --> 4602.44] by his Holy Spirit +[4602.44 --> 4603.36] he assures us +[4603.36 --> 4605.18] of eternal life +[4605.18 --> 4606.14] and makes us +[4606.14 --> 4607.36] wholeheartedly willing +[4607.36 --> 4608.84] and ready from now on +[4608.84 --> 4610.38] to live for him. +[4611.12 --> 4612.72] We can be certain +[4612.72 --> 4613.66] of that. +[4615.86 --> 4617.50] We can be comforted +[4617.50 --> 4618.52] by that +[4618.52 --> 4619.78] and only that +[4619.78 --> 4621.82] because that is +[4621.82 --> 4622.92] the promise of God +[4622.92 --> 4625.42] and the word of God +[4625.42 --> 4627.04] endures forever. +[4629.04 --> 4630.40] And because of that comfort, +[4630.50 --> 4631.02] our certainty, +[4633.36 --> 4633.94] or that comfort +[4633.94 --> 4634.80] is our certainty. +[4635.38 --> 4636.34] Our only response +[4636.34 --> 4636.80] is worship. +[4638.24 --> 4639.00] Christ has come. +[4639.42 --> 4640.12] Christ has won. +[4640.36 --> 4641.32] Victory is assured +[4641.32 --> 4642.32] and there is no more +[4642.32 --> 4643.16] blessed assurance, +[4643.58 --> 4644.48] no more comfort +[4644.48 --> 4645.10] in this world +[4645.10 --> 4645.78] than to know +[4645.78 --> 4646.60] that we have been saved +[4646.60 --> 4647.06] and redeemed +[4647.06 --> 4648.06] by the word made flesh. +[4648.58 --> 4649.18] True comfort +[4649.88 --> 4651.34] found in the word. +[4651.66 --> 4652.66] That's what gives us +[4652.66 --> 4653.62] all our hope, +[4654.14 --> 4654.68] our joy, +[4655.14 --> 4655.68] our peace, +[4655.94 --> 4656.62] and our comfort +[4656.62 --> 4657.24] as we wait +[4657.24 --> 4658.08] for Christmas Day +[4658.08 --> 4659.28] this Advent season. +[4659.94 --> 4660.16] Amen? +[4660.16 --> 4662.62] Please pray with me +[4662.62 --> 4663.40] and then we will +[4663.40 --> 4665.04] respond in worship. +[4667.14 --> 4668.26] Father in heaven, +[4669.92 --> 4671.20] God, +[4671.28 --> 4672.12] you have set forth +[4672.12 --> 4674.30] this redemption plan +[4674.30 --> 4675.32] from the start of time. +[4676.68 --> 4677.08] Lord, +[4677.14 --> 4677.66] we know that +[4677.66 --> 4678.76] our only comfort +[4678.76 --> 4679.94] in this life and death +[4679.94 --> 4681.18] is that we belong to you. +[4682.18 --> 4682.70] But God, +[4682.82 --> 4683.88] sometimes we put +[4683.88 --> 4684.32] our comfort +[4684.32 --> 4685.10] in other things, +[4685.74 --> 4687.16] sometimes even good things +[4687.16 --> 4687.98] like family +[4687.98 --> 4689.74] and others, +[4690.12 --> 4690.80] but sometimes, +[4690.94 --> 4691.02] God, +[4691.04 --> 4691.68] we put our comfort +[4691.68 --> 4692.56] in just things +[4692.56 --> 4693.68] that draw us away from you, +[4694.58 --> 4695.64] things that distract +[4695.64 --> 4696.38] from what it is +[4696.38 --> 4697.44] that you bring to us. +[4698.38 --> 4698.64] God, +[4698.72 --> 4700.12] reorient our comforts. +[4700.50 --> 4701.64] Allow us to see you, +[4701.74 --> 4702.68] the true comforter, +[4703.44 --> 4706.14] as the place +[4706.14 --> 4706.98] that we must turn +[4706.98 --> 4708.38] when life is hard. +[4709.46 --> 4709.64] God, +[4709.70 --> 4710.40] may this community +[4710.40 --> 4711.02] be a place +[4711.02 --> 4712.06] that provides +[4712.06 --> 4712.74] your comfort +[4712.74 --> 4713.46] to your people. +[4715.12 --> 4716.38] And as we go forth +[4716.38 --> 4717.08] from this place, +[4717.08 --> 4717.80] as we keep +[4717.80 --> 4719.08] making our way +[4719.08 --> 4720.06] through this Advent season, +[4720.18 --> 4720.32] God, +[4720.38 --> 4722.76] we surrender +[4722.76 --> 4723.80] this to you. +[4725.16 --> 4726.46] May we truly find +[4726.46 --> 4727.30] our only comfort +[4727.30 --> 4727.88] in you. +[4729.22 --> 4730.24] And may we know +[4730.24 --> 4732.36] to the depths +[4732.36 --> 4733.10] of our heart +[4733.10 --> 4735.50] that we are saved +[4735.50 --> 4738.28] from the greatest +[4738.28 --> 4739.40] discomfort of all, +[4739.98 --> 4740.36] sin, +[4741.32 --> 4742.10] that you have +[4742.10 --> 4742.80] redeemed us +[4742.80 --> 4744.50] and that we will be +[4744.50 --> 4745.28] with you in glory. +[4745.28 --> 4748.50] even so, +[4748.60 --> 4748.84] come, +[4749.04 --> 4749.54] Lord Jesus, +[4749.70 --> 4749.94] come. +[4750.18 --> 4751.08] We pray in your name. +[4751.36 --> 4751.60] Amen. +[4751.60 --> 4751.74] Amen. +[4751.80 --> 4753.00] Amen. +[4753.00 --> 4753.58] Amen. +[4753.58 --> 4753.64] Amen. +[4755.70 --> 4756.10] Amen. +[4756.30 --> 4756.72] Amen. +[4760.08 --> 4760.56] Amen. +[4762.64 --> 4763.96] Amen. +[4770.80 --> 4771.26] Amen. +[4771.74 --> 4773.84] Amen. +[4773.88 --> 4774.20] Amen. +[4774.20 --> 4775.54] Amen. +[4775.64 --> 4776.54] Amen. +[4776.54 --> 4776.64] Amen. +[4776.64 --> 4777.62] Amen. +[4777.62 --> 4778.98] Amen. +[4778.98 --> 4779.58] Amen. +[4779.58 --> 4779.86] Amen. +[4779.86 --> 4780.62] Amen. +[4780.62 --> 4781.62] Amen. +[4810.62 --> 4812.62] Amen. +[4840.62 --> 4842.62] Amen. +[4870.62 --> 4872.62] Amen. +[4900.62 --> 4902.62] Amen. +[4930.62 --> 4932.62] Amen. +[4960.62 --> 4962.62] Amen. +[4990.62 --> 4992.62] Amen. +[5020.62 --> 5022.62] Amen. +[5040.62 --> 5048.84] And so as we go from this place and into this week, may we remember the truth that our comfort comes from him. +[5048.84 --> 5050.84] Amen. +[5050.84 --> 5054.84] And so I invite you to join us after the service for some coffee in the foyer. +[5054.84 --> 5056.84] Come hang out with one another. +[5056.84 --> 5062.84] If you are in need of prayer this morning, there are going to be prayer people available to you right up here at the front or even in the back. +[5062.84 --> 5067.84] Or you can come grab Pastor Chris or myself or really, to be honest with you, anybody here in this church will pray for you. +[5067.84 --> 5069.84] So please seek that out if you need to. +[5069.84 --> 5077.84] Before we go, though, please hear this parting blessing, the priestly blessing from number six, verses 24 to 26. +[5078.84 --> 5080.84] The Lord bless you and keep you. +[5080.84 --> 5085.84] The Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you. +[5085.84 --> 5090.84] The Lord turn his face toward you and give you his peace. +[5090.84 --> 5092.84] And all of God's people said. +[5092.84 --> 5093.84] Amen. +[5093.84 --> 5097.84] enable us in theralongous��를rations and the king of Gina Nish. +[5097.84 --> 5099.84] Hear this, amen, the angel. +[5099.84 --> 5100.84] Amen. +[5100.84 --> 5101.84] The Lord caress toward you and I of us in the world a Thy Spirit only granted me for their redeeming plan. +[5101.84 --> 5118.78] outsiders and to the kingdom of Jesus +[5118.78 --> 5126.20] Let us stand up again, that Jesus Christ is born. +[5127.16 --> 5133.76] Shepherds kept their watching, for silent hearts are mine. +[5133.76 --> 5141.76] Behold the love of heaven, and your love of God. +[5141.76 --> 5151.52] O tell us now, over hills and everywhere. +[5152.42 --> 5159.02] O tell us now, that Jesus Christ is born. +[5159.02 --> 5166.52] Shepherds kept their watching, and Lord of all the earth. +[5166.52 --> 5174.56] Pray now, be now glorious, and in my Savior's word. +[5177.56 --> 5184.52] O tell us now, over hills and everywhere. +[5184.52 --> 5191.78] O tell us now, that Jesus Christ is born. +[5191.78 --> 5199.62] O tell us now, that Jesus Christ is born. +[5199.62 --> 5202.82] O tell us now, over hills and everywhere. +[5202.82 --> 5208.82] O tell us now, that Jesus Christ is born. +[5208.82 --> 5216.82] O tell us now, over hills and everywhere. +[5216.82 --> 5220.86] O tell us now, over hills and everywhere. +[5220.86 --> 5224.30] O tell us now, that Jesus Christ is born. +[5224.30 --> 5238.86] O tell us now, over hills and everywhere. +[5238.86 --> 5268.84] Thank you. +[5268.86 --> 5298.84] Thank you. +[5298.86 --> 5300.86] Thank you. +[5328.86 --> 5358.84] Thank you. +[5358.86 --> 5388.84] Thank you. +[5388.86 --> 5418.84] Thank you. +[5418.86 --> 5448.84] Thank you. +[5448.86 --> 5478.84] Thank you. +[5478.86 --> 5508.84] Thank you. +[5508.86 --> 5538.84] Thank you. +[5538.86 --> 5568.84] Thank you. +[5568.86 --> 5598.84] Thank you. +[5598.86 --> 5628.84] Thank you. +[5628.86 --> 5658.84] Thank you. +[5658.86 --> 5688.84] Thank you. diff --git a/Sunday Worship, December 22, 2024_summary.txt b/Sunday Worship, December 22, 2024_summary.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000000000000000000000000000000000000..be3e06516269803e2f78d441240730dd1cfd0c6f --- /dev/null +++ b/Sunday Worship, December 22, 2024_summary.txt @@ -0,0 +1,57 @@ +• Thank you statements +• Introduction to a new discussion or topic +• Reference to Isaiah 42 and Matthew 12 as scriptural passages +• Main point: The love the Father has for his Son is the same love God has for all people +• Discussion of how this idea relates to the passage from Isaiah +• The servant of God will bring justice to the nations and not shout or cry out. +• God's servant will be faithful, gentle, and compassionate, never breaking bruised reeds or snuffing out smoldering wicks. +• God's relationship with his servant involves faithfulness, righteousness, and guidance. +• God calls the servant in righteousness and will take hold of their hand to make them a covenant for the people and a light for the Gentiles. +• The servant's mission is to bring justice, free captives from prison, and release those sitting in darkness. +• The passage can be divided into two sections: describing the servant's character (1-4) and God's relationship with the servant (5-9). +• The servant is described as an individual who God upholds and delights in, giving them strength and good character. +• For Israelites from that time, this passage meant that their prayers for a Messiah had been answered, with the promise of justice and freedom from foreign powers. +• The Lord will pour out his spirit on his servant in Isaiah 42 +• Similarities between Saul's anointing and Jesus' role as the servant of God +• The contrast between Saul's character and the characteristics of the servant described in Isaiah +• The servant's role is to bring justice, not to shout or cry out in anger +• The servant is careful to help the downtrodden, broken, and weak +• The servant will establish justice on the whole earth through faithfulness and teaching +• Israel's expectations of a warrior who would slaughter their oppressors were not unfounded but ultimately misguided +• The servant of God, a meek and humble Messiah, will bring justice to all nations. +• God describes himself as the Lord, the creator of the heavens and earth, who gives breath to every being and life to everything that walks. +• God's heart is for his people wherever they are found, and he intends to give them all justice through his servant. +• The Lord has called this servant in righteousness and will make him a covenant to the people, a light to the Gentiles, and one who opens eyes of the blind and frees captives. +• This servant is described in Isaiah as the one God loves, whom God has chosen and put his spirit on, to proclaim justice to the nations. +• The passage from Isaiah 42 is referenced as proof that Jesus is the Messiah +• Jesus' humility and meekness are highlighted through his actions of not seeking fame or prestige for himself +• Jesus' life and ministry are compared to the servant described in Isaiah 42, emphasizing his humility and obedience +• Jesus' knowledge of his true identity as God's son is discussed, and how he chose to live a humble life despite knowing who he truly was +• Connections between this passage and other events in Matthew, including Jesus' baptism and ministry, are explored +• John the Baptist preaches about repentance and the coming kingdom of heaven +• Jesus arrives to be baptized by John the Baptist +• Jesus is identified as God's chosen one through a declaration from God +• Similarities are found between the stories of King Saul in 1 Samuel, Isaiah, and Jesus in Matthew +• Jesus' baptism is followed by his temptation in the wilderness +• The temptations of Satan and Jesus' defense +• The connection between Saul's actions and Jesus' role as God's servant +• Isaiah 42:1-5 describing the characteristics of God's servant (Jesus) +• The identity of God's servant as both Jesus and God Himself +• Jesus' humility, meekness, and servanthood, including his willingness to die on a cross for humanity +• The scripture from Isaiah 42 and Romans 8 is discussed +• The Holy Spirit is said to make one a child of God, adopted into sonship +• As children of God, believers have the right to call God "Abba Father" +• Believers are heirs with Christ and co-heirs to the father's kingdom +• Through baptism and receiving the spirit, Christians gain a relationship with the father as Jesus has +• The love the father has for his son is also given to believers through unity with Christ and the Holy Spirit +• Believers have been sent on a mission to bring justice to all nations, just like Christ did +• The love of God is the same perfect and self-sacrificing love that has been present for eternity +• As co-heirs of Christ, believers are called to live as servants of the Lord God, bringing justice to the world like Christ +• Believers should not take advantage of their status as sons of God, but rather live with humility and a willingness to serve +• The same love that the Father has for the Son is also available to believers, empowering them to love others as Christ loves them +• Invocation and worship to the King +• Praise and honor given to Jesus +• The Lord's blessing and peace +• Christmas carols: "Angels We Have Heard on High" and "Gloria in Excelsis Deo" +• Jubilee celebration +• Invitations to come and adore Christ the newborn King \ No newline at end of file diff --git a/Sunday Worship, December 22, 2024_transcript.txt b/Sunday Worship, December 22, 2024_transcript.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000000000000000000000000000000000000..dc1e921f67dd9d11fdb86efa5793fb81176182db --- /dev/null +++ b/Sunday Worship, December 22, 2024_transcript.txt @@ -0,0 +1,1014 @@ +[0.00 --> 29.98] Thank you. +[30.00 --> 59.98] Thank you. +[60.00 --> 89.98] Thank you. +[90.00 --> 119.98] Thank you. +[120.00 --> 149.98] Thank you. +[150.00 --> 179.98] Thank you. +[180.00 --> 209.98] Thank you. +[210.00 --> 239.98] Thank you. +[240.00 --> 269.98] Thank you. +[270.00 --> 299.98] Thank you. +[300.00 --> 329.98] Thank you. +[330.00 --> 359.98] Thank you. +[360.00 --> 389.98] Thank you. +[390.00 --> 419.98] Thank you. +[420.00 --> 449.98] Thank you. +[449.98 --> 479.96] Thank you. +[479.98 --> 509.96] Thank you. +[509.98 --> 539.96] Thank you. +[539.98 --> 569.96] Thank you. +[569.98 --> 599.96] Thank you. +[599.98 --> 629.96] Thank you. +[629.98 --> 659.96] Thank you. +[659.98 --> 689.96] Thank you. +[689.98 --> 719.96] Thank you. +[719.98 --> 749.96] Thank you. +[749.98 --> 779.96] Thank you. +[779.98 --> 809.96] Thank you. +[809.98 --> 839.96] Thank you. +[839.98 --> 869.96] Thank you. +[869.98 --> 899.96] Thank you. +[899.98 --> 929.96] Thank you. +[929.98 --> 959.96] Thank you. +[959.98 --> 989.96] Thank you. +[989.96 --> 1019.94] Thank you. +[1019.96 --> 1049.94] Good morning. +[1049.94 --> 1079.92] Good morning. +[1079.92 --> 1109.90] And we're back. +[1109.92 --> 1139.92] Thank you. +[1139.92 --> 1169.92] Thank you. +[1169.92 --> 1199.90] Thank you. +[1199.92 --> 1201.92] Thank you. +[1229.92 --> 1259.90] Thank you. +[1259.90 --> 1289.88] Thank you. +[1289.90 --> 1319.88] Thank you. +[1319.88 --> 1349.86] Thank you. +[1349.88 --> 1379.86] Thank you. +[1379.88 --> 1409.86] Thank you. +[1409.88 --> 1439.86] Thank you. +[1439.88 --> 1469.86] Thank you. +[1469.86 --> 1499.84] Thank you. +[1499.86 --> 1529.84] Thank you. +[1529.86 --> 1559.84] Thank you. +[1559.86 --> 1589.84] Thank you. +[1589.84 --> 1619.82] Thank you. +[1619.84 --> 1649.82] Thank you. +[1649.84 --> 1679.82] Thank you. +[1679.84 --> 1709.82] Thank you. +[1709.84 --> 1739.82] May the God, may the +[1739.82 --> 1769.82] Thank you. +[1769.82 --> 1799.82] +[1799.82 --> 1829.80] Thank you. +[1829.82 --> 1859.80] Thank you. +[1859.82 --> 1889.80] Thank you. +[1889.82 --> 1919.80] Thank you. +[1919.82 --> 1949.80] Thank you. +[1949.82 --> 1979.80] Thank you. +[1979.82 --> 2009.80] Thank you. +[2009.82 --> 2039.80] Thank you. +[2039.82 --> 2069.80] Thank you. +[2069.82 --> 2099.80] Thank you. +[2099.82 --> 2129.80] Thank you. +[2129.82 --> 2159.80] Thank you. +[2159.80 --> 2189.78] Thank you. +[2189.78 --> 2219.76] Thank you. +[2219.76 --> 2249.74] Thank you. +[2249.76 --> 2279.74] Thank you. +[2279.76 --> 2309.74] Thank you. +[2309.76 --> 2339.76] Christ. +[2339.76 --> 2369.74] Thank you. +[2369.76 --> 2399.74] Thank you. +[2399.76 --> 2429.74] Thank you. +[2429.76 --> 2459.74] Thank you. +[2459.74 --> 2489.72] Hi, everyone. +[2489.72 --> 2519.70] Thank you. +[2519.70 --> 2549.68] Thank you. +[2549.68 --> 2579.66] That's King, that's King, +[2579.66 --> 2609.64] Oh, isn't that you, yeah. +[2609.64 --> 2639.62] Yeah, all that work. +[2639.62 --> 2669.62] Thank you. +[2669.62 --> 2699.60] Thank you. +[2699.62 --> 2729.60] Thank you. +[2729.62 --> 2759.62] Thank you. +[2759.64 --> 2789.60] Thank you. +[2789.60 --> 2819.60] Thank you. +[2819.60 --> 2849.58] Thank you. +[2849.60 --> 2879.60] So, I need to ask you, I need to ask you, I'm going to ask you, I need to ask you, I need to ask you, +[2879.60 --> 2909.60] +[2909.60 --> 2919.60] ourselves there, but you're not here. +[2919.60 --> 2926.26] No, there is always more that can be said about love and especially the love of God. +[2927.14 --> 2932.14] And specifically, we will be narrowing down to one aspect of God's love, +[2932.36 --> 2937.10] something that blends this passage of Isaiah today into our modern context and into our lives. +[2937.78 --> 2940.00] The main point of today's sermon is this. +[2940.94 --> 2946.74] The love the Father has for his Son is the love God has for you. +[2946.74 --> 2953.96] The same love of God for his Son is the same love of God for you. +[2955.58 --> 2962.44] And how that idea relates to the passage today from Isaiah and Matthew won't be obvious at the beginning, +[2962.76 --> 2965.38] but it will start to become clear as we dive in. +[2965.78 --> 2968.76] And so I ask you to follow me as we go on a bit of an adventure. +[2970.74 --> 2976.04] Today, we will be learning about love from Isaiah 42, verses 1 to 9. +[2976.04 --> 2979.68] And Matthew 12, verses 15 to 21. +[2980.04 --> 2981.70] But we will get to Matthew later. +[2982.26 --> 2985.32] So open up your Bibles, your devices to Isaiah 42, 1 to 9, +[2985.52 --> 2988.96] and we will begin another Advent sermon on love. +[2988.96 --> 2997.56] Here is my servant whom I uphold, my chosen one in whom I delight. +[2998.26 --> 3002.04] I will put my spirit on him, and he will bring justice to the nations. +[3002.64 --> 3006.48] He will not shout or cry out or raise his voice in the streets. +[3007.18 --> 3011.56] A bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out. +[3011.56 --> 3015.20] In faithfulness, he will bring forth justice. +[3015.72 --> 3020.32] He will not falter or be discouraged till he establishes justice on the earth. +[3021.12 --> 3023.78] In his teachings, the islands will put their hope. +[3024.68 --> 3027.86] This is what God, the Lord, says, the creator of heavens and earth, +[3028.36 --> 3033.88] who stretches them out, who spreads out the earth with all that springs from it, +[3034.04 --> 3039.62] who gives breath to its people, and of life to those who walk on it. +[3039.62 --> 3042.42] I, the Lord, have called you in righteousness. +[3043.02 --> 3044.92] I will take hold of your hand. +[3045.38 --> 3048.54] I will keep you and will make you to be a covenant for the people +[3048.54 --> 3052.36] and a light for the Gentiles, to open the eyes that are blind, +[3052.70 --> 3057.60] to free captives from prison, and to release from the dungeon those who sit in darkness. +[3058.44 --> 3060.60] I am the Lord, that is my name. +[3060.86 --> 3064.86] I will not yield my glory to another or my praise to idols. +[3065.50 --> 3068.88] See, the former things have taken place and new things I declare. +[3068.88 --> 3072.88] Before they spring up into being, I announce them to you. +[3073.88 --> 3074.94] The word of the Lord. +[3078.48 --> 3082.80] When reading this passage, it's important to note that there are two sections. +[3083.36 --> 3087.98] The first section is verses 1 to 4, where God is describing his servant +[3087.98 --> 3090.44] and what his character is like and what he will be like. +[3090.92 --> 3094.56] Here is my servant whom I uphold, my chosen one in whom I delight. +[3094.56 --> 3101.30] In the second section, verses 5 to 9, God is speaking about his relationship with this servant +[3101.30 --> 3104.00] and what he will do for and with him. +[3104.10 --> 3105.84] He's speaking to the servant. +[3106.78 --> 3110.84] I, the Lord, have called you in righteousness, and I will take hold of your hand. +[3110.84 --> 3116.34] So, in the first section, God starts off by introducing this figure +[3116.34 --> 3119.82] and introducing him as someone who he upholds and delights. +[3120.50 --> 3124.68] This servant, this chosen one, is an individual who God takes pleasure in +[3124.68 --> 3129.20] and who God actively makes sure that he accomplishes the thing for which he sent him. +[3129.20 --> 3134.00] God is the source of this man's strength and good character. +[3134.50 --> 3137.32] And it goes on to add that God will put his spirit upon him. +[3137.84 --> 3139.20] And what will he do? +[3139.66 --> 3141.86] He will bring justice to the nations. +[3143.06 --> 3147.22] Now, if you're an Israelite from that time in which Isaiah is writing, +[3147.86 --> 3150.04] it means that your prayers have been answered. +[3150.68 --> 3152.24] The line of David has arrived. +[3152.46 --> 3154.50] Israel is going to be a kingdom again. +[3155.08 --> 3158.42] You are going to be free and rid of those nations that have surrounded you, +[3158.42 --> 3160.82] particularly Babylon and Assyria, +[3161.34 --> 3165.74] who have been slaughtering your people or politically pushing you around. +[3166.40 --> 3168.58] Finally, Israel is going to be on top. +[3168.92 --> 3172.48] Your enemies will finally get what they deserve for the evil things they did to you +[3172.48 --> 3174.58] and to God. +[3175.32 --> 3179.76] If you are an Israelite, then when you hear about God's justice, +[3179.76 --> 3181.98] you might be thinking about God's judgment. +[3183.42 --> 3186.04] And this idea is not a far leap of logic. +[3186.04 --> 3190.18] In 1 Samuel, chapters 9 to 11, +[3190.64 --> 3193.64] it details the rise of King Saul, +[3193.76 --> 3195.40] the first king of Israel, +[3195.52 --> 3197.80] which takes place hundreds of years +[3197.80 --> 3201.12] before the prophet Isaiah ever wrote Isaiah. +[3203.82 --> 3207.30] It tells us how a prophet Samuel is told by God +[3207.30 --> 3209.36] that a man named Saul will be king. +[3209.92 --> 3211.18] And as part of being king, +[3211.32 --> 3212.80] he goes through a series of events +[3212.80 --> 3214.80] like what happens in Isaiah 42. +[3214.80 --> 3218.48] And it's one of the passages that would set up the Israelites +[3218.48 --> 3221.44] for believing in judgment rather than justice +[3221.44 --> 3223.86] given to all nations. +[3224.50 --> 3226.54] 1 Samuel 9, 15 to 17, +[3226.82 --> 3230.16] God introduces Saul to Samuel, the prophet. +[3230.34 --> 3231.34] And this is what we read. +[3232.20 --> 3234.32] Now, the day before Saul came, +[3234.52 --> 3236.50] the Lord had revealed this to Samuel. +[3236.50 --> 3238.54] About this time tomorrow, +[3238.96 --> 3241.46] I will send you a man from the land of Benjamin. +[3242.28 --> 3244.34] Anoint him ruler over my people Israel. +[3244.54 --> 3247.02] He will deliver them from the hand of the Philistines. +[3247.72 --> 3248.90] I have looked on my people, +[3249.08 --> 3250.58] for their cry has reached me. +[3251.50 --> 3253.64] When Samuel caught sight of Saul, +[3253.78 --> 3254.62] the Lord said to him, +[3254.74 --> 3256.78] this is the man I spoke to you about. +[3257.24 --> 3258.84] He will govern my people. +[3258.84 --> 3263.22] And so the prophet Isaiah is told by God +[3263.22 --> 3266.34] that he will send someone whom God has chosen, +[3266.62 --> 3267.94] and this person will bring justice +[3267.94 --> 3269.54] and save God's people. +[3270.14 --> 3271.76] And in the case of 1 Samuel, +[3271.90 --> 3273.34] the prophet Samuel is told +[3273.34 --> 3275.32] about a person whom God has chosen, +[3275.68 --> 3277.12] and he will rule God's people. +[3278.48 --> 3279.90] The next point of similarity +[3279.90 --> 3282.72] is that the Lord will pour out his spirit +[3282.72 --> 3284.68] on his servant in Isaiah 42, +[3284.68 --> 3287.14] and he will bring justice to the nations +[3287.14 --> 3290.14] in verse 1 of Isaiah 42. +[3290.64 --> 3291.34] And in two places, +[3291.48 --> 3292.86] this happens to Saul. +[3293.82 --> 3296.28] 1 Samuel 10, 10 says, +[3296.74 --> 3298.82] when he and his servant arrived at Gibeah, +[3299.22 --> 3300.64] a procession of prophets met him, +[3300.78 --> 3303.12] and the spirit of God came powerfully upon him, +[3303.44 --> 3305.28] and he joined them in their prophesying. +[3306.86 --> 3309.98] And later, after Saul had been inaugurated publicly +[3309.98 --> 3313.04] as king before the prophet in chapter 10, +[3313.04 --> 3315.20] there is an invasion of Ammonites +[3315.20 --> 3318.56] who are led by a king named Nachash, +[3318.94 --> 3320.90] whose name means serpent. +[3321.82 --> 3322.98] Now, a quick notice. +[3323.40 --> 3324.86] The name truly does mean serpent, +[3325.30 --> 3327.90] but I'm going to say snake from now on +[3327.90 --> 3329.20] for the rest of the sermon, +[3329.44 --> 3332.30] because I mixed up saying serpent and servant +[3332.30 --> 3334.94] too many times practicing with Kevin and Chris, +[3335.12 --> 3337.82] and I accidentally called Jesus the serpent of God, +[3337.88 --> 3339.38] which is not true. +[3339.38 --> 3343.62] And so, we will be saying snake today, +[3343.90 --> 3345.92] but for the note takers, serpent. +[3348.08 --> 3350.06] And that's going to come important later on. +[3350.86 --> 3351.56] Back to Saul. +[3352.44 --> 3354.06] When Saul hears of this evasion +[3354.06 --> 3356.32] as the now king of Israel, +[3357.84 --> 3360.24] it states in 1 Samuel 11, 6, +[3360.48 --> 3362.10] when Saul heard their words, +[3362.34 --> 3364.44] the spirit of God powerfully came upon him, +[3364.68 --> 3366.26] and he burned with anger. +[3366.26 --> 3369.26] Saul then goes on to fight Nachash, +[3370.00 --> 3372.02] and this is what happens in chapter 11, verse 11. +[3372.74 --> 3374.66] The next day, Saul separated his men +[3374.66 --> 3375.68] into three divisions. +[3376.44 --> 3377.80] During the last watch of the night, +[3377.90 --> 3379.42] they broke into the camp of the Ammonites +[3379.42 --> 3381.46] and slaughtered them all +[3381.46 --> 3383.18] until the heat of the day. +[3383.92 --> 3385.56] Those who survived were scattered +[3385.56 --> 3387.94] so that no two of them were left together. +[3390.48 --> 3393.42] You can see how their expectations could be shaped. +[3393.42 --> 3396.84] This is a pattern set by the writing of 1 Samuel +[3396.84 --> 3398.96] that God in the prophecy of Isaiah +[3398.96 --> 3400.68] is using to tell Israel +[3400.68 --> 3402.90] about the servant of the Lord +[3402.90 --> 3406.54] and how he will arrive like the king Saul. +[3407.66 --> 3411.20] And so, when Israel expects a warrior +[3411.20 --> 3413.54] who will come and slaughter their oppressors, +[3414.24 --> 3415.58] first the Babylonians, +[3415.78 --> 3416.94] when Isaiah is writing this, +[3417.04 --> 3418.02] and then later the Greeks, +[3418.12 --> 3420.08] and then the Romans when Jesus arrives, +[3420.08 --> 3425.18] and do it in the same manner as the Ammonites, +[3425.52 --> 3427.16] their expectations, though wrong, +[3427.96 --> 3429.30] are not unfounded. +[3430.64 --> 3432.26] But with that idea in mind, +[3432.76 --> 3434.86] the contrasting character of this servant +[3434.86 --> 3437.12] in comparison with Saul's character, +[3438.12 --> 3440.48] specifically Saul's character later on in his life, +[3440.52 --> 3441.10] is shocking. +[3441.94 --> 3443.58] These two men are nothing alike. +[3444.60 --> 3446.94] What does Isaiah say about the servant of the Lord? +[3446.94 --> 3450.70] God's servant will not shout out or cry out. +[3450.98 --> 3452.86] He will not raise his voice in the streets. +[3453.52 --> 3453.92] What? +[3455.64 --> 3457.82] He will not bruise a broken reed +[3457.82 --> 3459.40] or put out a smoldering wick. +[3459.82 --> 3460.08] What? +[3460.62 --> 3463.30] Isaiah means that he's careful to help the downtrodden, +[3463.66 --> 3464.86] the broken, the weak, +[3465.04 --> 3466.60] those who are barely holding on, +[3467.22 --> 3468.28] those with weak faith, +[3468.52 --> 3470.48] who feel it failing and tested +[3470.48 --> 3472.18] at every constant struggle. +[3472.18 --> 3475.84] He will not falter or be discouraged +[3475.84 --> 3479.14] till he establishes justice on the whole earth. +[3480.26 --> 3482.68] In faithfulness, he will bring forth justice. +[3483.00 --> 3486.80] In his teachings, the islands or nations will find hope. +[3487.50 --> 3488.06] What? +[3488.88 --> 3492.06] This is nothing like the liar or the tyrant +[3492.06 --> 3495.50] or the foolish Saul or Israel's expectations. +[3496.42 --> 3497.48] Where's the war? +[3498.40 --> 3500.36] Where's the part where God sends this guy +[3500.36 --> 3501.76] to kill his people's enemies? +[3502.76 --> 3505.36] Where's the part where this guy brings the wrath of God +[3505.36 --> 3506.62] to the people I hate? +[3508.00 --> 3509.26] That hurt me. +[3509.72 --> 3511.50] Where's the part where God destroys everything +[3511.50 --> 3513.14] that has made my life hard? +[3514.80 --> 3516.58] No, not yet. +[3517.08 --> 3517.70] Not now. +[3519.44 --> 3522.40] No, this servant of God, this Messiah, +[3522.84 --> 3524.18] the chosen one of God, +[3524.44 --> 3526.90] is meek and humble. +[3527.60 --> 3530.20] He will not shout or cry out or raise his voice. +[3530.20 --> 3533.02] He is the measure of self-control. +[3533.66 --> 3536.44] He is a teacher whose words bring hope. +[3537.26 --> 3538.54] Who when he comes from, +[3538.92 --> 3541.34] when he comes across the broken or the weakened faith, +[3541.42 --> 3543.74] he picks them up and breathes life back +[3543.74 --> 3546.64] into their weak flame and makes them into a fire again. +[3547.60 --> 3549.40] This man is unable to be discouraged, +[3549.64 --> 3551.26] unable to fail in weakness. +[3551.26 --> 3554.56] And in these ways, he will bring justice. +[3555.14 --> 3556.50] And not just to Israel, +[3557.08 --> 3559.38] but to every nation, +[3560.18 --> 3561.96] the whole world even. +[3561.96 --> 3567.24] God goes on to speak about this servant +[3567.24 --> 3568.84] in the second section I mentioned earlier. +[3569.46 --> 3570.78] But first in verse 5, +[3571.02 --> 3573.40] God describes his own character +[3573.40 --> 3575.76] and himself giving a foundation +[3575.76 --> 3576.98] for this servant's mission. +[3577.68 --> 3578.90] And what God will say in this +[3578.90 --> 3581.06] to his servant in verses 6 to 9. +[3581.58 --> 3583.40] God describes himself as the Lord, +[3584.00 --> 3586.24] the covenant name he gives to Moses, +[3586.74 --> 3588.80] the name by which Israel calls to be saved +[3588.80 --> 3592.12] from every calamity and enemy. +[3592.46 --> 3594.98] The name that their salvation is found in, +[3595.06 --> 3596.26] the name that is the foundation +[3596.26 --> 3597.94] of the covenant and the law. +[3598.54 --> 3599.86] This God describes himself +[3599.86 --> 3601.38] as the one who created the heavens +[3601.38 --> 3603.10] and stretches them over the earth +[3603.10 --> 3604.94] and spreads out the earth +[3604.94 --> 3606.60] with everything that springs from it. +[3607.68 --> 3609.14] God is the one who gives breath +[3609.14 --> 3610.58] to every being and life +[3610.58 --> 3612.08] to everything that walks. +[3613.14 --> 3615.46] This description does more than just tell us +[3615.46 --> 3618.12] how cool or awesome God is. +[3618.12 --> 3620.00] This passage is telling us +[3620.00 --> 3622.40] why he is sending this servant +[3622.40 --> 3623.64] to bring justice, +[3624.00 --> 3625.00] not just to Israel, +[3625.20 --> 3626.50] but to all nations. +[3627.18 --> 3628.54] Because as much as Israel +[3628.54 --> 3630.52] would not want to hear it at the time, +[3631.88 --> 3633.90] the Lord, though has chosen Israel, +[3634.20 --> 3636.42] has a plan for the rest as well. +[3637.60 --> 3639.16] God's heart is for his people +[3639.16 --> 3640.66] wherever they are found. +[3641.16 --> 3642.08] He made them all. +[3643.18 --> 3644.46] He gives them all breath +[3644.46 --> 3646.26] and he intends to give them +[3646.26 --> 3648.54] all justice as well. +[3650.24 --> 3651.98] And it is the Lord's servant +[3651.98 --> 3653.36] who will accomplish it. +[3654.36 --> 3656.42] Look back on verses 6 to 9 +[3656.42 --> 3657.16] in your Bibles +[3657.16 --> 3658.44] and look what the Lord says +[3658.44 --> 3659.30] about his servant. +[3659.30 --> 3662.16] The Lord has called him +[3662.16 --> 3662.90] in righteousness. +[3663.30 --> 3664.68] He will take hold of his hand. +[3664.80 --> 3665.64] He will keep him. +[3665.98 --> 3666.98] He will make him a covenant +[3666.98 --> 3667.68] to the people. +[3668.12 --> 3669.14] He will make him a light +[3669.14 --> 3670.00] to the Gentiles. +[3670.08 --> 3671.10] He will open the eyes +[3671.10 --> 3671.80] of the blind. +[3672.18 --> 3673.66] He will free the captives +[3673.66 --> 3674.80] and bring light +[3674.80 --> 3676.26] to those who are in the dark. +[3679.82 --> 3681.58] This is what you can expect. +[3683.42 --> 3684.64] And now we get to read +[3684.64 --> 3686.02] our other passage today. +[3686.02 --> 3688.88] Matthew 12, 15 to 21. +[3689.66 --> 3690.84] So follow along. +[3692.92 --> 3693.88] Aware of this, +[3694.06 --> 3695.82] Jesus withdrew from that place. +[3696.50 --> 3698.06] A large crowd followed him +[3698.06 --> 3699.52] and he healed all who were ill. +[3700.04 --> 3700.88] He warned them +[3700.88 --> 3702.62] not to tell others about him. +[3703.14 --> 3704.12] This was to fulfill +[3704.12 --> 3704.94] what was spoken +[3704.94 --> 3706.54] through the prophet Isaiah. +[3707.26 --> 3708.36] Here is my servant +[3708.36 --> 3709.28] whom I have chosen, +[3709.84 --> 3711.16] the one whom I love, +[3711.84 --> 3713.12] the one in whom I delight. +[3713.40 --> 3714.90] I will put my spirit on him +[3714.90 --> 3715.98] and he will proclaim justice +[3715.98 --> 3716.70] to the nations. +[3717.56 --> 3718.54] He will not quarrel +[3718.54 --> 3719.28] or cry out. +[3719.70 --> 3721.06] No one will hear his voice +[3721.06 --> 3721.68] in the streets. +[3722.38 --> 3724.02] No, a bruised weed, +[3724.22 --> 3725.18] a bruised reed, +[3725.44 --> 3726.18] he will not break. +[3726.46 --> 3727.28] And a smoldering wick, +[3727.74 --> 3728.82] he will not stuff out. +[3729.06 --> 3730.22] Till he has brought justice +[3730.22 --> 3731.12] through to victory. +[3731.50 --> 3732.16] In his name, +[3732.26 --> 3733.42] the nations will put their hope. +[3735.48 --> 3736.58] Matthew quotes +[3736.58 --> 3738.62] the Isaiah passage from today +[3738.62 --> 3739.70] as proof +[3739.70 --> 3741.46] that Jesus is the Messiah. +[3742.34 --> 3743.34] Matthew is writing here +[3743.34 --> 3745.42] that Jesus is the servant +[3745.42 --> 3747.30] spoken of in Isaiah 42. +[3747.94 --> 3748.86] And he's highlighting +[3748.86 --> 3750.68] how when Jesus heals the crowd, +[3751.40 --> 3753.98] he doesn't want them +[3753.98 --> 3754.76] to tell people. +[3756.24 --> 3756.84] Why? +[3758.00 --> 3759.56] Because like the character +[3759.56 --> 3760.98] of the servant described, +[3761.78 --> 3762.42] he's humble. +[3763.20 --> 3764.02] He's meek. +[3764.70 --> 3766.18] He's not looking to gloat +[3766.18 --> 3768.46] or present himself as great. +[3769.20 --> 3770.16] He was quiet, +[3771.04 --> 3771.52] intentional. +[3772.80 --> 3774.08] And in keeping them quiet, +[3774.20 --> 3775.26] Jesus is showing us +[3775.26 --> 3775.94] and them, +[3776.22 --> 3777.38] it's not about the fame +[3777.38 --> 3778.34] or the prestige +[3778.34 --> 3779.72] or about being lauded +[3779.72 --> 3780.62] as some hero. +[3781.28 --> 3782.92] As it says in Philippians 2, +[3783.04 --> 3783.64] 6 to 8, +[3784.34 --> 3786.48] who being in the very nature God, +[3786.66 --> 3788.46] did not consider equality with God +[3788.46 --> 3789.86] something to be used +[3789.86 --> 3791.14] for his own advantage. +[3791.74 --> 3792.08] Rather, +[3792.20 --> 3793.16] he made himself nothing +[3793.16 --> 3794.74] by taking on the very nature +[3794.74 --> 3796.22] of a servant. +[3796.22 --> 3799.36] Being made in human likeness +[3799.36 --> 3800.10] and being found +[3800.10 --> 3801.20] in an appearance as a man, +[3801.66 --> 3802.56] he humbled himself +[3802.56 --> 3804.46] by becoming obedient to death, +[3804.62 --> 3806.08] even death on a cross. +[3807.84 --> 3810.32] Jesus came to be a servant +[3810.32 --> 3812.16] and not just any servant, +[3812.62 --> 3815.18] but the servant of the Lord +[3815.18 --> 3816.26] in Isaiah 42. +[3817.70 --> 3819.44] And when studying for this passage, +[3819.58 --> 3820.10] the realization +[3820.10 --> 3822.24] that just blew me away +[3822.24 --> 3824.50] was that when Jesus was a child +[3824.50 --> 3826.16] and learning from the Torah +[3826.16 --> 3827.08] and the prophets, +[3827.46 --> 3828.14] as it says, +[3828.22 --> 3829.38] he learned and grew in wisdom, +[3830.12 --> 3830.90] that when this, +[3831.12 --> 3832.38] when he read this passage +[3832.38 --> 3832.92] in Isaiah, +[3833.60 --> 3834.96] he knew it was his father +[3834.96 --> 3835.82] speaking to him. +[3839.56 --> 3840.84] So that when he goes +[3840.84 --> 3841.44] to the temple +[3841.44 --> 3842.34] when he's 12 +[3842.34 --> 3843.54] and when his parents +[3843.54 --> 3844.46] are looking for him, +[3844.52 --> 3845.54] he's referring to God +[3845.54 --> 3846.22] as his father. +[3847.00 --> 3847.84] And the fact +[3847.84 --> 3849.20] that it's specifically written +[3849.20 --> 3850.08] as God speaking +[3850.08 --> 3851.12] to his servant +[3851.12 --> 3852.72] just makes that +[3852.72 --> 3853.96] so much more powerful. +[3855.84 --> 3856.72] Jesus knew +[3856.72 --> 3857.50] that this is why +[3857.50 --> 3858.06] he was here, +[3858.30 --> 3859.22] why he was born. +[3860.54 --> 3862.32] But knowing he was God, +[3862.68 --> 3863.14] did not, +[3863.44 --> 3864.52] he did not consider +[3864.52 --> 3865.06] that something +[3865.06 --> 3866.30] to be taken advantage of. +[3866.80 --> 3867.20] Instead, +[3867.36 --> 3869.46] he lived a humble life, +[3870.00 --> 3871.12] just like the servant +[3871.12 --> 3872.10] is described to. +[3875.34 --> 3876.86] And so when Jesus grew up +[3876.86 --> 3877.84] and eventually went +[3877.84 --> 3878.64] to the Jordan River +[3878.64 --> 3879.32] to be baptized, +[3879.32 --> 3881.30] we see again +[3881.30 --> 3883.22] a similar series of events +[3883.22 --> 3885.28] as Saul's rise to king. +[3886.20 --> 3887.06] And we start +[3887.06 --> 3888.14] to see connections +[3888.14 --> 3888.86] between the passage +[3888.86 --> 3890.18] Kevin preached last Sunday +[3890.18 --> 3891.78] in chapter 3 of Matthew. +[3892.82 --> 3894.78] We read in verses 2 to 3, +[3895.32 --> 3895.90] in those days, +[3896.02 --> 3896.96] John the Baptist came +[3896.96 --> 3897.84] preaching in the wilderness +[3897.84 --> 3898.44] of Judea +[3898.44 --> 3898.84] and said, +[3898.98 --> 3899.88] repent for the kingdom +[3899.88 --> 3901.38] of heaven has come near. +[3902.16 --> 3903.56] This is who was spoken of +[3903.56 --> 3904.48] through the prophet Isaiah, +[3904.68 --> 3905.78] a voice of the one +[3905.78 --> 3906.72] calling through the wilderness. +[3907.34 --> 3907.82] Prepare the way +[3907.82 --> 3908.26] for the Lord, +[3908.36 --> 3909.30] make straight paths +[3909.30 --> 3909.72] for him. +[3911.16 --> 3911.92] Matthew quotes +[3911.92 --> 3912.76] from Isaiah 40, +[3912.86 --> 3913.52] the same passage +[3913.52 --> 3915.32] Kevin preached last Sunday +[3915.32 --> 3915.98] about the hope +[3915.98 --> 3916.80] we have in God. +[3917.62 --> 3918.24] John the Baptist +[3918.24 --> 3919.74] then tells the Pharisees +[3919.74 --> 3920.54] and the Sadducees +[3920.54 --> 3921.60] that one is coming +[3921.60 --> 3923.12] who will baptize +[3923.12 --> 3923.86] with the Holy Spirit +[3923.86 --> 3924.32] and fire +[3924.32 --> 3926.04] and who with his winnowing fork +[3926.04 --> 3927.10] will separate the wheat +[3927.10 --> 3927.94] and the chaff. +[3928.56 --> 3929.48] John is telling them +[3929.48 --> 3930.54] that this man +[3930.54 --> 3931.76] will come to judge. +[3933.08 --> 3934.32] Jesus then arrives +[3934.32 --> 3935.00] on the Jordan River +[3935.00 --> 3936.74] and goes to John the Baptist. +[3936.74 --> 3938.24] John the Baptist +[3938.24 --> 3939.62] doesn't want to baptize Jesus +[3939.62 --> 3940.44] because he doesn't see +[3940.44 --> 3941.20] himself as worthy. +[3941.46 --> 3941.78] Instead, +[3942.06 --> 3943.50] Jesus should be baptizing him. +[3945.04 --> 3945.68] Jesus tells him +[3945.68 --> 3946.30] he has to. +[3947.08 --> 3947.52] And when Jesus +[3947.52 --> 3949.88] rises out of the water, +[3950.58 --> 3951.28] the Holy Spirit +[3951.28 --> 3952.56] descends on him +[3952.56 --> 3953.32] as a dove +[3953.32 --> 3954.96] and God says, +[3955.34 --> 3956.46] this is my son +[3956.46 --> 3957.68] in whom I love. +[3958.02 --> 3958.58] With him, +[3958.68 --> 3959.66] I am well pleased. +[3959.66 --> 3959.78] Jesus. +[3961.34 --> 3962.32] This declaration +[3962.32 --> 3963.14] from God +[3963.14 --> 3964.74] is very similar +[3964.74 --> 3965.84] to verses 1 and 2 +[3965.84 --> 3966.86] of Isaiah 42. +[3968.32 --> 3969.18] And so what we see +[3969.18 --> 3970.48] in this series of events +[3970.48 --> 3972.26] in 1 Samuel, +[3972.50 --> 3973.06] in Isaiah, +[3973.22 --> 3974.42] and the Gospel of Matthew, +[3974.74 --> 3976.70] they all share similarities +[3976.70 --> 3978.68] about a chosen one of God +[3978.68 --> 3980.06] either being a king +[3980.06 --> 3980.74] or a servant +[3980.74 --> 3981.58] and in this case, +[3981.76 --> 3982.04] Jesus. +[3983.40 --> 3984.62] The first connection +[3984.62 --> 3986.04] is that in all three stories +[3986.04 --> 3986.90] there is a prophet +[3986.90 --> 3988.30] who receives word +[3988.30 --> 3990.12] that a man God has chosen +[3990.12 --> 3991.28] is going to arrive +[3991.28 --> 3993.02] and that he is going +[3993.02 --> 3994.10] to lead God's people +[3994.10 --> 3995.26] and bring justice +[3995.26 --> 3996.44] or judgment. +[3997.36 --> 3997.84] Second, +[3998.10 --> 3999.22] in all three stories, +[3999.36 --> 4000.72] this man has the Holy Spirit +[4000.72 --> 4001.70] poured out on him +[4001.70 --> 4003.80] as a visible sign +[4003.80 --> 4005.02] that this is God's man +[4005.02 --> 4005.88] and that he's empowered +[4005.88 --> 4006.82] to do the task. +[4007.90 --> 4008.42] And third, +[4008.52 --> 4009.42] in all stories, +[4009.52 --> 4010.26] there is a declaration +[4010.26 --> 4011.00] from God +[4011.00 --> 4012.68] that this man, +[4013.28 --> 4015.02] that this man was sent. +[4015.54 --> 4016.30] This is the one +[4016.30 --> 4017.20] who I promised. +[4017.20 --> 4019.66] And the last point +[4019.66 --> 4020.10] of connection +[4020.10 --> 4022.02] of which I find +[4022.02 --> 4023.02] utterly surprising +[4023.02 --> 4024.36] is that Jesus, +[4024.82 --> 4025.56] is what Jesus does +[4025.56 --> 4027.44] after this public declaration, +[4027.66 --> 4029.16] after he's baptized, +[4030.16 --> 4032.30] is he goes into the wilderness +[4032.30 --> 4034.02] and he fights a snake. +[4035.72 --> 4037.08] Led by the Holy Spirit, +[4037.18 --> 4037.76] like Saul, +[4037.86 --> 4038.46] who was empowered +[4038.46 --> 4039.14] by the Spirit, +[4039.82 --> 4040.86] he goes and faces +[4040.86 --> 4041.76] the temptations +[4041.76 --> 4042.46] of the devil. +[4043.34 --> 4044.16] And like Saul, +[4044.28 --> 4044.94] who attacked +[4044.94 --> 4046.24] with three divisions +[4046.24 --> 4046.82] of his army, +[4047.10 --> 4048.22] Jesus defends himself +[4048.22 --> 4049.50] with the word +[4049.50 --> 4050.60] three times +[4050.60 --> 4051.30] from attacks +[4051.30 --> 4052.16] from the snake +[4052.16 --> 4053.38] who was the one +[4053.38 --> 4054.06] in the garden +[4054.06 --> 4056.10] who deceived Adam and Eve +[4056.10 --> 4057.58] who started this whole mess. +[4059.46 --> 4060.44] Just like Saul, +[4060.54 --> 4061.42] after being declared +[4061.42 --> 4062.58] by God +[4062.58 --> 4063.96] to be his chosen one, +[4064.14 --> 4065.54] he goes and fights +[4065.54 --> 4066.50] God's enemy +[4066.50 --> 4068.74] and the enemy +[4068.74 --> 4069.70] of God's people +[4069.70 --> 4071.22] and is victorious, +[4072.18 --> 4073.04] proving himself +[4073.04 --> 4074.00] to be the king +[4074.00 --> 4074.48] of Israel. +[4077.36 --> 4078.38] But let us go back +[4078.38 --> 4078.92] to how God +[4078.92 --> 4080.66] introduces his servant, +[4081.02 --> 4081.22] Jesus, +[4081.50 --> 4082.32] in Matthew 3. +[4083.54 --> 4084.80] God has declared +[4084.80 --> 4085.30] that Jesus +[4085.30 --> 4086.38] is his servant, +[4086.86 --> 4087.46] this man +[4087.46 --> 4088.50] in whom he loves. +[4088.98 --> 4089.58] But we get +[4089.58 --> 4090.78] one more piece +[4090.78 --> 4091.40] of information. +[4092.54 --> 4093.26] God's servant +[4093.26 --> 4094.74] is his son. +[4095.66 --> 4097.00] The son of God +[4097.00 --> 4098.30] is the servant +[4098.30 --> 4099.14] who will bring justice +[4099.14 --> 4099.82] to the nations. +[4099.82 --> 4101.42] The son of God +[4101.42 --> 4102.20] is the servant +[4102.20 --> 4103.44] who will be the light +[4103.44 --> 4104.22] to the world. +[4104.80 --> 4105.64] The son of God +[4105.64 --> 4106.14] is the one +[4106.14 --> 4106.76] who gives sight +[4106.76 --> 4107.30] to the blind +[4107.30 --> 4108.64] and frees the captives. +[4109.28 --> 4111.22] The servant of God +[4111.22 --> 4113.06] is God. +[4114.34 --> 4115.54] The same God +[4115.54 --> 4116.52] who in verse 5 +[4116.52 --> 4117.48] of Isaiah 42 +[4117.48 --> 4118.60] is the one +[4118.60 --> 4119.58] who made the heavens +[4119.58 --> 4120.48] and stretched them +[4120.48 --> 4121.10] over the earth. +[4121.46 --> 4122.48] The one who gives life +[4122.48 --> 4123.32] to every man +[4123.32 --> 4124.00] and breath +[4124.00 --> 4125.52] to everything that walks. +[4125.94 --> 4127.38] The Lord God +[4127.38 --> 4128.98] of all the earth +[4128.98 --> 4131.60] is the very same +[4131.60 --> 4132.64] humble, +[4133.10 --> 4133.42] meek, +[4133.94 --> 4134.46] quiet, +[4135.12 --> 4135.94] self-controlled, +[4136.74 --> 4138.12] not crying out, +[4138.56 --> 4140.14] careful for the bruised reed +[4140.14 --> 4141.22] and smoldering wick. +[4141.78 --> 4142.44] That God +[4142.44 --> 4143.62] is a servant +[4143.62 --> 4144.24] at heart. +[4145.34 --> 4146.34] Jesus himself +[4146.34 --> 4146.84] declares +[4146.84 --> 4147.78] in Matthew 11 +[4147.78 --> 4150.04] that he is meek +[4150.04 --> 4150.92] and lowly +[4150.92 --> 4151.58] at heart. +[4153.20 --> 4154.10] A servant +[4154.10 --> 4155.22] who did not consider +[4155.22 --> 4156.48] equality with God +[4156.48 --> 4157.34] worth advantage, +[4157.34 --> 4159.96] but rather humbled himself +[4159.96 --> 4160.80] to be obedient +[4160.80 --> 4161.66] to death, +[4161.78 --> 4162.86] even death on a cross. +[4163.32 --> 4164.56] Who lived the life +[4164.56 --> 4165.38] we should have lived, +[4165.46 --> 4166.46] who died the death +[4166.46 --> 4167.76] we should have died. +[4168.00 --> 4169.16] The phrase we have said +[4169.16 --> 4170.30] for every sermon +[4170.30 --> 4171.38] for years +[4171.38 --> 4172.80] is the justice +[4172.80 --> 4173.84] and judgment +[4173.84 --> 4174.84] of God +[4174.84 --> 4176.24] given to all nations +[4176.24 --> 4176.94] brought there +[4176.94 --> 4178.84] by God's servant. +[4178.84 --> 4178.96] judgment. +[4181.46 --> 4182.58] But there's more. +[4183.14 --> 4184.34] We still have to get +[4184.34 --> 4185.86] to the big idea. +[4186.84 --> 4187.76] The love God has +[4187.76 --> 4188.54] for his son +[4188.54 --> 4189.66] is the love God +[4189.66 --> 4190.76] has for you. +[4191.62 --> 4192.20] Romans 8, +[4192.38 --> 4193.46] 14 to 17 +[4193.46 --> 4194.12] gives us +[4194.12 --> 4195.24] that final piece +[4195.24 --> 4195.70] of the puzzle +[4195.70 --> 4196.66] that locks all this +[4196.66 --> 4197.16] in place +[4197.16 --> 4198.20] and helps us +[4198.20 --> 4199.42] understand Isaiah 42. +[4200.46 --> 4201.70] For those who are led +[4201.70 --> 4202.64] by the spirit of God +[4202.64 --> 4204.64] are children of God. +[4204.84 --> 4206.46] The spirit you received +[4206.46 --> 4208.06] does not make you slaves, +[4208.06 --> 4209.28] so that you live +[4209.28 --> 4209.98] in fear again. +[4210.18 --> 4210.48] Rather, +[4210.98 --> 4212.28] the spirit you received +[4212.28 --> 4213.84] brought about your adoption +[4213.84 --> 4214.84] to sonship +[4214.84 --> 4216.72] and by him we cry +[4216.72 --> 4217.40] Abba Father. +[4217.98 --> 4219.04] The spirit himself +[4219.04 --> 4220.32] testifies with our spirit +[4220.32 --> 4221.62] that we are God's children. +[4222.32 --> 4223.28] Now if we are children +[4223.28 --> 4224.18] then we are heirs, +[4224.34 --> 4225.02] heirs of God +[4225.02 --> 4226.30] and co-heirs with Christ. +[4226.76 --> 4227.90] If indeed we share +[4227.90 --> 4228.82] in his sufferings +[4228.82 --> 4229.90] in order that we may +[4229.90 --> 4231.24] also share in his glory. +[4232.20 --> 4233.44] Paul in Romans 8 +[4233.44 --> 4234.74] is telling us +[4234.74 --> 4235.86] that those with the spirit +[4235.86 --> 4237.60] are adopted into sonship. +[4238.06 --> 4239.12] under the father +[4239.12 --> 4240.14] and that we become +[4240.14 --> 4241.34] more like Christ. +[4241.72 --> 4242.28] Meaning, +[4242.54 --> 4243.48] that since the servant +[4243.48 --> 4244.20] is Christ +[4244.20 --> 4244.84] and the character +[4244.84 --> 4245.34] of the servant +[4245.34 --> 4246.70] is listed in Isaiah +[4246.70 --> 4247.92] is the character +[4247.92 --> 4248.72] of Christ +[4248.72 --> 4250.24] that we will become +[4250.24 --> 4251.14] more like that. +[4253.00 --> 4254.36] We will put aside +[4254.36 --> 4255.40] our evil ways +[4255.40 --> 4256.66] and become meek +[4256.66 --> 4257.50] and lowly +[4257.50 --> 4258.82] and desire to bring +[4258.82 --> 4260.18] justice to all nations. +[4261.02 --> 4262.30] And not only that, +[4262.88 --> 4264.30] what Romans is telling us +[4264.30 --> 4265.76] is that we as Christians +[4265.76 --> 4267.16] who have been baptized, +[4267.82 --> 4269.06] have been given the spirit, +[4269.36 --> 4271.34] gain the same relationship +[4271.34 --> 4272.74] with the father +[4272.74 --> 4273.74] as Jesus has. +[4274.52 --> 4275.86] We become co-heirs +[4275.86 --> 4276.38] with Christ +[4276.38 --> 4276.98] to the father. +[4277.46 --> 4278.26] That means that +[4278.26 --> 4279.22] in Isaiah 42 +[4279.22 --> 4280.72] when God is speaking +[4280.72 --> 4281.62] to his servant +[4281.62 --> 4282.42] directly, +[4282.98 --> 4284.34] he's speaking to you +[4284.34 --> 4288.28] and me +[4288.28 --> 4289.76] through Christ. +[4289.76 --> 4291.52] we as sons of God +[4291.52 --> 4292.50] are not the same +[4292.50 --> 4294.10] as the one true +[4294.10 --> 4294.88] son of God, +[4295.42 --> 4296.60] but through unity +[4296.60 --> 4297.36] with Christ, +[4298.24 --> 4299.60] with the Holy Spirit, +[4300.98 --> 4305.56] we have the same love +[4305.56 --> 4306.54] that the father +[4306.54 --> 4307.48] has for the son +[4307.48 --> 4309.90] the father has for us. +[4309.90 --> 4314.16] all those promises +[4314.16 --> 4317.40] given from the father +[4317.40 --> 4318.44] to his son, +[4318.52 --> 4319.14] that servant, +[4319.46 --> 4320.48] are given to you, +[4321.04 --> 4322.84] which also means +[4322.84 --> 4324.00] he has sent you +[4324.00 --> 4326.06] on the same mission +[4326.06 --> 4327.88] that God has called you +[4327.88 --> 4328.66] out of righteousness +[4328.66 --> 4329.68] to bring justice +[4329.68 --> 4330.68] to all nations, +[4331.52 --> 4333.50] to live as Christ did +[4333.50 --> 4335.30] and to die if necessary. +[4336.18 --> 4337.56] And not that your death +[4337.56 --> 4338.84] will be a death like his, +[4338.84 --> 4340.10] but that your death +[4340.10 --> 4340.86] is your sharing +[4340.86 --> 4342.00] in his suffering +[4342.00 --> 4343.34] and that you may also +[4343.34 --> 4344.46] share in his glory. +[4345.28 --> 4346.80] That same love +[4346.80 --> 4347.66] that the father +[4347.66 --> 4348.48] has for the son, +[4348.84 --> 4350.44] he has for you. +[4350.86 --> 4351.86] And the same love +[4351.86 --> 4352.86] that God has for you, +[4353.02 --> 4354.38] he also has for everyone +[4354.38 --> 4355.32] in this church. +[4356.78 --> 4357.60] And because the church +[4357.60 --> 4358.64] is the body of Christ, +[4358.94 --> 4360.00] you get to have +[4360.00 --> 4362.22] what every other person +[4362.22 --> 4363.10] in this church has +[4363.10 --> 4364.44] and everyone in this church +[4364.44 --> 4365.04] loves you +[4365.04 --> 4366.28] the way you love them. +[4367.30 --> 4368.72] It's the same love +[4368.72 --> 4370.04] the same love +[4370.04 --> 4370.54] that the Trinity +[4370.54 --> 4371.58] has had for eternity +[4371.58 --> 4373.92] and will have for eternity. +[4374.16 --> 4375.44] That same perfect, +[4375.80 --> 4376.82] self-sacrificing, +[4377.02 --> 4377.72] ever-giving, +[4378.08 --> 4379.14] never-ending love +[4379.14 --> 4380.68] is the very same love +[4380.68 --> 4381.80] that courses through +[4381.80 --> 4382.52] this church. +[4384.28 --> 4385.72] That same love +[4385.72 --> 4387.54] in all those verses +[4387.54 --> 4388.30] that we opened up +[4388.30 --> 4389.10] this sermon with +[4389.10 --> 4390.74] is the very same love +[4390.74 --> 4391.30] that the father +[4391.30 --> 4392.16] has for the son +[4392.16 --> 4394.02] and the father +[4394.02 --> 4395.28] has for you. +[4395.28 --> 4398.00] So when we as the church, +[4398.32 --> 4399.64] as co-heirs of Christ, +[4400.40 --> 4402.36] sons of the Lord God, +[4403.16 --> 4404.78] go out into the world, +[4405.62 --> 4406.50] let us not go out +[4406.50 --> 4407.56] holding on to being +[4407.56 --> 4408.32] sons of God +[4408.32 --> 4408.72] as something +[4408.72 --> 4409.80] to take advantage of, +[4410.22 --> 4411.08] but rather live +[4411.08 --> 4411.60] as servants +[4411.60 --> 4412.78] of the Lord God, +[4413.32 --> 4414.36] bringing justice +[4414.36 --> 4415.54] to the whole world +[4415.54 --> 4417.18] like Christ. +[4417.84 --> 4418.74] And like Christ, +[4418.94 --> 4420.14] who was humbly willing +[4420.14 --> 4420.60] to die +[4420.60 --> 4421.32] because of the love +[4421.32 --> 4421.96] of his father +[4421.96 --> 4422.86] and the love +[4422.86 --> 4423.52] for his people, +[4423.90 --> 4424.68] let us go out +[4424.68 --> 4426.40] and love as he loves. +[4427.92 --> 4428.32] Amen. +[4429.76 --> 4430.46] Let us pray. +[4434.90 --> 4435.30] Father, +[4436.02 --> 4437.64] thank you for this day. +[4437.90 --> 4439.02] Thank you for this church. +[4439.74 --> 4440.66] Thank you, Lord, +[4440.74 --> 4441.86] for the same love +[4441.86 --> 4443.92] that you have loved us with, +[4443.96 --> 4445.44] that you loved your son with. +[4446.42 --> 4447.14] I pray, Lord, +[4447.22 --> 4447.98] that as we go out +[4447.98 --> 4448.62] from this place, +[4448.72 --> 4449.64] that we as your church, +[4449.68 --> 4450.32] as your body, +[4450.80 --> 4451.94] can love as Christ did. +[4452.52 --> 4453.38] And that your spirit +[4453.38 --> 4454.74] will pour on us +[4454.74 --> 4456.74] and empower us to do so. +[4457.94 --> 4459.14] The spirit came upon us +[4459.14 --> 4460.06] at our baptisms, Lord, +[4460.16 --> 4461.64] and just like Christ, +[4461.80 --> 4462.86] we get to go out +[4462.86 --> 4463.72] and do your work +[4463.72 --> 4464.70] and serve you. +[4465.24 --> 4465.86] And I pray, Lord, +[4465.90 --> 4466.78] that we would do so +[4466.78 --> 4468.80] with joy and humility +[4468.80 --> 4470.24] and meekness. +[4471.08 --> 4471.32] Amen. +[4471.32 --> 4471.42] Amen. +[4478.02 --> 4479.28] I invite you to rise +[4479.28 --> 4479.92] as we sing. +[4481.96 --> 4485.90] You may try to quote you +[4485.90 --> 4503.50] Over the skies of Bethlehem were cleared as dark +[4503.50 --> 4509.90] While angels sang to lowly shepherds +[4509.90 --> 4517.90] Three wise men seeking truth traveled from afar +[4517.90 --> 4523.90] Hoping to find the child of heaven +[4523.90 --> 4527.90] Falling on at ease +[4527.90 --> 4535.90] They bowed before the humble Prince of Peace +[4535.90 --> 4542.90] Might bring an offering of worship to our King +[4542.90 --> 4549.90] No one on earth deserves the praises that we sing +[4549.90 --> 4557.90] Jesus, do you receive the honor that you're due +[4557.90 --> 4564.90] Call the Lord, I bring an offering to you +[4564.90 --> 4575.90] The sun cannot compare to the glory of your love +[4575.90 --> 4582.90] There is no shadow in your presence +[4582.90 --> 4590.90] No mortal man can dare to stand before your throne +[4590.90 --> 4596.90] Before the Holy One of Heaven +[4596.90 --> 4599.90] And it's only by your blood +[4599.90 --> 4603.90] And it's only through your mercy +[4603.90 --> 4607.90] Lord, I come +[4607.90 --> 4613.90] I bring an offering of worship to my King +[4613.90 --> 4620.90] No one on earth deserves the praises that we sing +[4620.90 --> 4628.90] Jesus, do you receive the honor that you're due +[4628.90 --> 4629.90] Oh, Lord, I bring an offering to you +[4629.90 --> 4635.90] Oh, Lord, I bring an offering to you +[4635.90 --> 4639.90] I bring an offering of worship to my King +[4639.90 --> 4645.90] No one on earth deserves the praises that we sing +[4645.90 --> 4649.90] Jesus, may you receive the honor that you're due +[4649.90 --> 4656.90] Jesus, may you receive the honor that you're due +[4656.90 --> 4663.90] Oh, Lord, I bring an offering to you +[4663.90 --> 4670.90] Oh, Lord, I bring an offering to you +[4670.90 --> 4682.90] The Lord's blessing +[4682.90 --> 4684.90] The Lord bless you and keep you +[4684.90 --> 4687.90] The Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you +[4687.90 --> 4691.90] The Lord turn his face towards you and give you peace +[4691.90 --> 4693.90] Amen +[4700.90 --> 4724.90] Angels we have heard on high +[4724.90 --> 4728.90] Sweetly singing o'er the plains +[4728.90 --> 4732.90] And the mountains in reply +[4732.90 --> 4736.90] Echoing their joyous dreams +[4736.90 --> 4740.90] Gloria +[4740.90 --> 4744.90] In excelsis Deo +[4744.90 --> 4746.90] Gloria +[4746.90 --> 4748.90] In excelsis Deo +[4748.90 --> 4750.90] Gloria +[4750.90 --> 4752.90] In excelsis Deo +[4752.90 --> 4754.90] Gloria +[4754.90 --> 4756.90] Gloria +[4756.90 --> 4758.90] In excelsis Deo +[4758.90 --> 4760.90] Shepherds, why this jubilee +[4760.90 --> 4764.90] Why your joyous strains prolong +[4764.90 --> 4766.90] What glad gladsome tidings be +[4766.90 --> 4768.90] Which inspire your heavenly song +[4768.90 --> 4769.90] Gloria +[4769.90 --> 4770.90] In excelsis Deo +[4770.90 --> 4771.90] Gloria +[4771.90 --> 4772.90] In excelsis Deo +[4772.90 --> 4773.90] Gloria +[4773.90 --> 4774.90] In excelsis Deo +[4774.90 --> 4775.90] Shepherds, why this jubilee +[4775.90 --> 4776.90] Why your joyous strains prolong +[4776.90 --> 4778.90] To the psalmist, why this jubilee +[4778.90 --> 4780.90] Why your joyous winds come along +[4780.90 --> 4782.90] Gloria +[4782.90 --> 4784.90] In excelsis Deo +[4784.90 --> 4786.90] Gloria +[4786.90 --> 4788.90] In excelsis Deo +[4788.90 --> 4790.90] Gloria +[4790.90 --> 4792.90] In excelsis Deo +[4792.90 --> 4794.90] Gloria +[4794.90 --> 4796.90] In excelsis Deo +[4796.90 --> 4798.90] Gloria +[4798.90 --> 4805.90] Gloria in excelsis Aeo. +[4808.12 --> 4812.66] Come to Bethlehem and sing. +[4813.10 --> 4816.50] Let whose birth the angels sing. +[4816.50 --> 4820.40] Come adore on plent of thee. +[4820.56 --> 4824.26] Christ the Lord, the newborn King. +[4824.26 --> 4835.90] Gloria in excelsis Aeo. +[4835.90 --> 4851.02] Gloria in excelsis Aeo. +[4851.02 --> 4853.94] Have a blessed week. +[4853.94 --> 4856.90] Honorable Board members. +[4856.90 --> 4860.86] Senhoreswagens are a pure나들이 around ochreade. +[4860.86 --> 4879.54] заг WWW. +[4879.54 --> 4909.52] Thank you. +[4909.54 --> 4939.52] Thank you. +[4939.54 --> 4969.52] Thank you. diff --git a/Sunday Worship, December 29, 2024_summary.txt b/Sunday Worship, December 29, 2024_summary.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000000000000000000000000000000000000..00471a34d1f5f25ed1c6f28bab7181bbdb25adc5 --- /dev/null +++ b/Sunday Worship, December 29, 2024_summary.txt @@ -0,0 +1,99 @@ +• Introduction to the worship service +• Special welcome for guests and introduction of Pastor Chris +• Announcements: upcoming worship gatherings at Sunridge Gardens and a prayer hour before Sunday morning service +• Opening worship song "Now is the Time" from Psalm 147 +• Invitation to worship and surrender +• Offering of heart and praise +• Reflection on past year and gratitude for blessings +• Seeking forgiveness for shortcomings and guidance for the future +• Requesting courage and wisdom to follow one's faith +• Praying for peace, guidance, and company in the year ahead +• Discussion of spiritual themes and personal connection with God +• Explanation of the Christmas season and birth of Jesus Christ +• Description of the wise men and their gifts (gold, frankincense, myrrh) +• Discussion of worship as a form of reverence for Jesus +• Introduction to a poem about the story of the wise men +• Activity involving M&Ms with letters turning into words or numbers +• Discussion of worship and its relation to the three wise men +• Prayer for Chris' sermon to be filled with the Holy Spirit +• Prayers for specific individuals, including: + + The Wagoner family (Doug's health) + + Tanya (cancer treatment) +• Prayers for college students and university students +• Prayers for those traveling during winter break +• Prayers for the church's ministries, including leaders and participants +• Prayers for the world, seeking peace and God's transformation of souls +• Prayer for the church to live like citizens of heaven +• The concept of Emmanuel (God with us) and its significance beyond Christmas +• Isaiah 61 and the identity of the speaker: servant or anointed one (Messiah) +• The fullness of God revealed in Jesus as the God-man +• The relationship between Jesus' humanity and divinity, and its implications for human identity +• The Messiah's coming establishes righteousness +• The suffering servant and the Messiah King are one person, Jesus +• Jesus is God's anointed, ruler over all, who comes to serve and give his life as a ransom for many +• Isaiah 61 describes the gospel and the good news of Jesus' ministry +• Jesus reads from Isaiah 61 in Luke 4 and says the scripture is fulfilled +• The pronouns shift from "they" to "you" in verse 6, making it personal +• You will be called priests of the Lord and named ministers of God +• An everlasting covenant is made with those who come under Jesus' grace and mercy +• The servant Messiah's word is God's word, he speaks as one with authority +• Three voices are heard: the suffering servant and the Messiah King combined as one, the content of what Jesus speaks and promises, and God's voice confirming gospel truth. +• Clothing oneself with garments of salvation +• The righteousness of Christ and its economic implications +• Overcoming self-doubt and feeling "good enough" through faith in Christ's righteousness +• Being clothed in Christ's righteousness means nothing can separate us from God's love +• Righteousness is a reality that walks and has legs; it is an economic term with theological significance +• Putting on Christ means walking with him, living like him, and obeying his will +• Obeying God's design brings flourishing and joy in life +• Joining Christ in his suffering means joining him in his resurrection. +• The speaker emphasizes that obedience to Jesus is better than following cultural or worldly norms. +• Christians often rationalize their sin and don't live according to God's standards, but instead live like non-believers. +• Living a life in the power of the Spirit, with a new creation self and born-again identity, is key to being a true follower of Jesus. +• The problem in the Christian church today is that many profess faith but fail to demonstrate it in their daily lives, living as if God isn't real or sovereign. +• Transformation of heart from stone to flesh +• Inner transformation that affects outward behavior +• Importance of discipline and living a transformed life +• Pursuing new humanity as children of God +• Message of redemption and vindication for Zion/Jerusalem +• Servant Messiah's role in proclaiming the gospel and transforming lives +• Proclamation of God's glory through the servant Messiah +• Call to declare the praises of Jesus Christ +• Confirmation of a new name bestowed by the Lord +• Association with a crown of splendor in the Lord's hand +• Revelation 3: Messages from Jesus to churches, emphasizing endurance and overcoming +• Holding onto one's spiritual heritage to avoid losing one's crown +• The promise of being written into God's temple, never again to leave it +• Writing on individuals the names of God and the city of God (New Jerusalem) +• The glory and beauty of God +• Jesus as Messiah and servant, giving crowns and righteousness to believers +• The fullness of God and humanity revealed through Jesus +• A new name given by the Lord to those who are victorious +• Writing of the Lord's name, the city of God (New Jerusalem), and a new name on those who are saved +• The idea of knowing someone's true name giving power over them +• Christianity in the West declining, leading to a resurgence of paganism +• The priestly blessing mentioned in Numbers 6:24-26 +• God's name being invoked for protection and blessings +• Baptism and the significance of God's name in it +• The concept of Israelites bearing God's name and being blessed by Him +• Jesus' promise to give believers the name of the city of God, New Jerusalem +• Bible references to new names, specifically Isaiah 62 and Revelation 3 +• The name Jesus as a reference to one's new identity in God +• The concept of living with purpose and revealing God's kingdom +• Human transformation through God's power, including taking on Christ-like characteristics +• Recognizing areas in life that need transformation by living according to God's righteousness +• Committing to a lifestyle of obedience and discipleship to show one can live victorious as a follower of Jesus +• Messiah gives a new name that comes with a new purpose +• The fullness of God and humanity has been shown, which is the life we want to live +• Transformation through grace and faith for those who believe +• Being sent out as new creations with the power of the spirit to live transformed lives +• Revealing God's kingdom and living transformed lives to do God's work +• Prayer for connection and relationship with God +• Request to be surrounded by good things and a melody of deliverance from enemies +• Declaration of freedom from fear, being a child of God +• Mention of love and chosen status from birth +• Reflection on mortality and absence of loved ones +• Reiteration of identity as a child of God +• Bible verses and hymn lyrics referencing Christ's glory, kingdom, and rule +• Praise and worship of Christ as King and Savior +• References to living water, mercy, and kindness in relation to Christ +• Acknowledgment of the faithful and true followers of Christ, the Lamb who was born for sin \ No newline at end of file diff --git a/Sunday Worship, December 29, 2024_transcript.txt b/Sunday Worship, December 29, 2024_transcript.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000000000000000000000000000000000000..becf3e54ed59fb8f789a914f87f2b78aea080ec1 --- /dev/null +++ b/Sunday Worship, December 29, 2024_transcript.txt @@ -0,0 +1,1676 @@ +[0.00 --> 5.86] What a powerful name it is, the name of Jesus. +[6.46 --> 13.00] What a powerful name it is, the name of Jesus. +[13.00 --> 42.98] What a powerful name it is, the name of Jesus. +[43.00 --> 72.98] What a powerful name it is, the name of Jesus. +[73.00 --> 75.00] O Lord, the name of Jesus. +[81.58 --> 83.04] What a powerful name it is, the name of Jesus. +[83.04 --> 87.98] What a powerful name it is, the name of Jesus. +[87.98 --> 90.46] today there's no reason +[90.46 --> 94.38] to wait jesus is calling +[94.38 --> 101.82] bring your sorrows and trade them for joy +[101.82 --> 107.18] from the ashes a new life is born +[107.18 --> 109.82] jesus is calling +[109.82 --> 117.82] oh +[121.82 --> 125.82] oh +[131.34 --> 135.82] jesus +[135.82 --> 140.78] the precious blood +[140.78 --> 141.66] oh +[141.66 --> 143.86] the savior +[143.86 --> 150.20] isn't he wonderful +[150.20 --> 154.06] sing hallelujah +[154.06 --> 157.88] Christ is risen +[157.88 --> 163.06] bow down before +[165.82 --> 171.68] good morning everyone +[171.68 --> 175.16] welcome to worship +[175.16 --> 178.84] a special welcome if you are a guest among us +[178.84 --> 182.24] today my name is Chris I'm one of the pastors here +[182.24 --> 187.18] and it's my privilege to lead in our shared worship this morning +[187.18 --> 191.10] along with these others on stage and a couple more we haven't yet seen +[191.10 --> 197.96] this morning as we gather to worship our God we're doing so in this +[197.96 --> 203.10] sort of strange like coming out of Christmas anticipating +[203.10 --> 208.54] New Year's in the middle of vacations for some of us and breaks from school +[208.54 --> 211.12] and the like and so we're kind of in this +[211.12 --> 214.96] middle space waiting for something and I would +[214.96 --> 219.08] just want to name that as an opportunity to bring whatever that is for you +[219.08 --> 219.94] into worship +[219.94 --> 221.12] today +[221.12 --> 223.40] before we begin we have a couple +[223.40 --> 225.02] quick announcements +[225.02 --> 227.92] the first next Saturday +[227.92 --> 232.92] at 2 p.m. we are hosting just a small +[232.92 --> 235.92] gathering for worship at Sunridge Gardens +[235.92 --> 239.78] which is a retirement living facility up the hill from us here +[239.78 --> 245.62] so a group from that place gathers together we have some residents who live +[245.62 --> 250.38] there who are members of our church and there's usually about 20 to 35 or so +[250.38 --> 252.50] people who gather for that and you're +[252.50 --> 258.48] invited to join with them at 2 p.m. next Saturday up the hill if you have any +[258.48 --> 260.16] questions about that you can talk to me +[260.16 --> 265.68] or Paul raise your hand Paul's leading next week so he can answer your +[265.68 --> 271.52] questions too and then also next Sunday morning before our +[271.52 --> 276.58] regular worship at 10 at 9 a.m. there's a prayer hour +[276.58 --> 282.06] it's more like a prayer half hour or so at 9 a.m. for anyone who is interested in +[282.06 --> 286.24] gathering before service to pray but whatever it is you want to lift up to +[286.24 --> 290.36] the Lord there's a group that will meet in the library before our worship +[290.36 --> 293.10] together that's all for our announcements this morning +[293.10 --> 297.76] and so let's stand together as we can be ushered into God's presence +[297.76 --> 301.50] stand together so we can sing praises to our God +[301.50 --> 309.20] this morning before we begin receive the greeting of our God +[309.20 --> 315.48] grace mercy and peace to you from God our Father +[315.48 --> 318.64] from the Lord Jesus Christ Son and our Savior +[318.64 --> 321.74] through the presence and power of the Holy Spirit +[321.74 --> 322.98] Father amen +[338.48 --> 341.14] shooting +[341.14 --> 362.06] Good morning. +[363.42 --> 368.38] This morning we're called and carried into worship with words from Psalm 147. +[368.38 --> 373.44] Praise the Lord. How good it is to sing praises to our God. +[374.08 --> 376.18] How pleasant and fitting to praise Him. +[377.20 --> 380.52] Sing to the Lord with grateful praise. Make music to our God. +[381.94 --> 386.92] The Lord delights in those who fear Him, who put their hope in His unfailing love. +[387.36 --> 387.72] Let's sing. +[398.38 --> 412.28] Now is the time to worship. +[414.28 --> 414.76] Come. +[414.76 --> 421.92] Now is the time to give your heart. +[422.70 --> 423.40] Come. +[424.62 --> 429.04] Just as you are to worship. +[431.04 --> 431.76] Come. +[431.76 --> 438.76] Just as you are before your heart. +[439.44 --> 439.90] Come. +[442.90 --> 447.10] On every tongue, the grass, you are wrong. +[447.56 --> 450.10] On every knee, you bow. +[451.44 --> 455.26] Still the greatest treasure remains on those. +[455.66 --> 458.64] The light we choose to bow. +[458.64 --> 459.64] Come. +[459.64 --> 460.64] Come. +[460.64 --> 461.64] Come. +[461.64 --> 462.64] Come. +[462.64 --> 467.64] Now is the time to worship. +[467.64 --> 468.64] Come. +[468.64 --> 469.64] Come. +[469.64 --> 473.64] Now is the time to give your heart. +[473.64 --> 474.64] Come. +[474.64 --> 475.64] Come. +[475.64 --> 479.64] Just as you are to worship. +[479.64 --> 480.64] Come. +[480.64 --> 481.64] Come. +[481.64 --> 493.64] Just as you are before your heart. +[493.64 --> 494.64] Come. +[494.64 --> 495.64] Come. +[495.64 --> 496.64] Come. +[496.64 --> 497.64] Come. +[497.64 --> 498.64] Come. +[498.64 --> 499.64] Come. +[499.64 --> 500.64] Come. +[500.64 --> 501.64] Come. +[501.64 --> 502.64] Come. +[502.64 --> 503.64] Come. +[503.64 --> 504.64] Come. +[504.64 --> 505.64] Come. +[505.64 --> 506.64] Come. +[506.64 --> 507.64] Come. +[507.64 --> 508.64] Come. +[508.64 --> 509.64] Come. +[509.64 --> 510.64] Bill who you are. +[510.64 --> 514.64] Mr bonus are bringing properly if they were to therone ofrest and did NeinE came or +[514.64 --> 516.64] do not ring to you for your heart cannot r tall. +[516.64 --> 523.94] We're willing to surrender our hearts, willing to our knees to bow. +[524.98 --> 532.16] With all our hearts told, blind and straight, we're glad we choose to bow. +[532.16 --> 541.92] Come, now is the time to worship. +[543.92 --> 551.74] Come, now is the time to give your heart. +[551.74 --> 552.92] Come. +[562.16 --> 564.16] Come. +[592.16 --> 592.68] Come. +[592.68 --> 593.38] Come. +[593.38 --> 593.50] Come. +[593.50 --> 594.00] Tom. +[594.00 --> 594.96] Now is the time to worship. +[594.96 --> 595.04] Come. +[595.04 --> 595.32] Come. +[595.32 --> 595.80] Come. +[595.80 --> 596.18] Look. +[596.18 --> 596.84] Like. +[599.36 --> 608.32] And as I let him in, I will sing him. +[608.32 --> 619.62] Let him in his party. +[619.62 --> 624.26] I will give you all my worship. +[625.00 --> 629.50] I will give you all my praise. +[629.86 --> 633.40] You alone I long to worship. +[634.34 --> 638.38] You alone I bring me up my heart. +[638.38 --> 642.74] I will come down. +[642.74 --> 646.96] I will heal you as he. +[646.96 --> 649.80] I will serve you. +[649.80 --> 651.86] I will serve you. +[651.86 --> 653.60] I will give you everything. +[656.56 --> 658.90] I will lift up. +[661.04 --> 663.30] My eyes to your throne. +[663.30 --> 665.60] My eyes to your throne. +[665.82 --> 668.08] I will trust you. +[668.14 --> 670.20] I will trust you. +[670.24 --> 672.08] I will trust you alone. +[672.42 --> 674.80] I will trust you alone. +[674.80 --> 679.02] I will give you all my worship. +[679.92 --> 684.18] I will give you all my praise. +[684.52 --> 688.14] You alone I long to worship. +[688.14 --> 693.14] You alone I bring me up my heart. +[693.14 --> 697.36] I will give you all my worship. +[697.36 --> 702.36] I will give you all my praise. +[702.36 --> 706.58] You alone I long to worship. +[706.58 --> 712.74] You alone I bring me up my praise. +[712.74 --> 716.96] I will give you all my praise. +[716.96 --> 718.96] I will give you all my praise. +[718.96 --> 720.70] Join your heart with mine in prayer. +[720.70 --> 724.92] God of all time who makes all things new. +[724.92 --> 727.84] We bring before you the year now ending. +[727.84 --> 730.04] For life full and good. +[730.04 --> 732.76] For opportunities recognized and taken. +[732.76 --> 734.90] For love known and shared. +[734.90 --> 735.76] We thank you. +[735.76 --> 737.92] Where we have fallen short. +[737.92 --> 738.84] Forgive us. +[738.84 --> 741.48] When we worry over what is past. +[741.48 --> 742.42] Free us. +[742.42 --> 744.18] As we begin again. +[744.18 --> 746.90] And take our first few steps into the future. +[746.90 --> 749.34] Where nothing is safe and certain. +[749.34 --> 751.10] Except you. +[751.10 --> 753.56] We ask for the courage of the Magda. +[753.56 --> 756.34] Who simply went and followed a star. +[756.34 --> 757.64] We ask for their wisdom. +[757.64 --> 760.38] In choosing to pursue the deepest truth. +[760.38 --> 762.72] Not knowing where they would be led. +[762.72 --> 763.72] In the year to come. +[763.72 --> 764.72] God of all time. +[764.72 --> 766.96] Be our help and company. +[766.96 --> 769.46] Hold our hands as we journey onward. +[769.46 --> 771.58] And may your promise of Shalom. +[771.58 --> 773.46] Where all will be at peace. +[773.46 --> 775.46] Be our guiding star. +[775.46 --> 777.22] And in Jesus name we pray this. +[777.22 --> 778.22] Amen. +[779.34 --> 779.78] Amen. +[780.98 --> 781.40] Amen. +[781.40 --> 782.56] Amen. +[782.56 --> 784.54] Amen. +[785.76 --> 788.84] Amen. +[788.84 --> 793.10] Amen. +[793.10 --> 793.70] Amen. +[793.70 --> 793.88] Amen. +[793.88 --> 794.34] Amen. +[794.34 --> 794.78] Amen. +[794.78 --> 794.84] Amen. +[794.88 --> 795.36] Amen. +[795.36 --> 795.76] Amen. +[795.76 --> 795.84] Amen. +[795.84 --> 796.46] Amen. +[796.84 --> 797.08] Amen. +[797.08 --> 797.46] Amen. +[797.46 --> 797.64] Amen. +[797.64 --> 797.76] Amen. +[797.76 --> 798.16] Amen. +[798.24 --> 801.30] Amen. +[802.70 --> 803.06] Amen. +[803.06 --> 804.20] Amen. +[804.20 --> 805.16] Amen. +[805.16 --> 806.54] Oh, God. +[806.54 --> 807.50] Amen. +[807.50 --> 808.66] Amen. +[808.66 --> 812.80] This is the air I breathe. +[814.56 --> 819.46] This is the air I breathe. +[819.46 --> 829.30] Your holy presence will lead me. +[833.08 --> 837.60] This is my daily breath. +[838.66 --> 844.06] This is my daily breath. +[844.06 --> 856.06] Your very words spoken to me. +[856.86 --> 865.62] I, I destroy you. +[865.62 --> 877.02] And now I was without you. +[877.02 --> 887.42] This is the air I breathe. +[888.42 --> 893.42] This is the air I breathe. +[893.42 --> 904.82] Your holy presence will lead me. +[904.82 --> 916.22] This is my daily breath. +[916.22 --> 919.62] This is my daily breath. +[919.62 --> 927.62] Your very word spoken to me. +[927.62 --> 939.02] This is my daily breath. +[939.02 --> 950.42] This is my daily breath. +[950.42 --> 961.82] This is my daily breath. +[961.82 --> 973.22] This is my daily breath. +[973.22 --> 984.62] This is my daily breath. +[984.62 --> 996.02] This is my daily breath. +[996.02 --> 998.02] Amen. +[1026.02 --> 1028.02] Amen. +[1056.02 --> 1058.02] Amen. +[1086.02 --> 1088.02] Amen. +[1116.02 --> 1118.02] Amen. +[1146.02 --> 1148.02] Amen. +[1176.02 --> 1178.02] Amen. +[1206.02 --> 1208.02] Amen. +[1236.02 --> 1238.02] Amen. +[1266.02 --> 1268.02] Amen. +[1296.02 --> 1298.02] Amen. +[1326.02 --> 1328.02] Amen. +[1356.02 --> 1358.02] Amen. +[1386.02 --> 1388.02] Amen. +[1416.02 --> 1418.02] Amen. +[1446.02 --> 1448.02] Amen. +[1448.02 --> 1450.02] Amen. +[1450.02 --> 1452.02] Amen. +[1456.02 --> 1458.02] Good morning, everybody. +[1458.02 --> 1462.02] Can I have preschool all the way up to grade four come up to the front? +[1462.02 --> 1470.02] How is everybody doing this morning? +[1470.02 --> 1472.02] Good. +[1472.02 --> 1474.02] Good. +[1474.02 --> 1476.02] I have a few things to put out. +[1476.02 --> 1478.02] Just a second. +[1478.02 --> 1480.02] Oops. +[1484.02 --> 1488.02] Oh, here we go. +[1488.02 --> 1490.02] Perfect. +[1500.02 --> 1501.02] Okay. +[1501.02 --> 1505.02] So we have been learning about, of course, this is the Christmas season. +[1505.02 --> 1511.02] So we have been learning about talking to Matthew about the various parts of the Christmas story. +[1511.02 --> 1513.02] So we just celebrated. +[1513.02 --> 1515.02] What did we just celebrate? +[1515.02 --> 1517.02] The birth of Jesus Christ. +[1517.02 --> 1522.02] And before that, we were doing Advent with the names of Jesus. +[1522.02 --> 1532.02] Today, we are going to continue that story and talk about the wise men and children's worship time. +[1532.02 --> 1534.02] And what gifts did the wise men bring? +[1534.02 --> 1535.02] Yeah. +[1535.02 --> 1536.02] And frankincense. +[1536.02 --> 1537.02] Yeah. +[1537.02 --> 1538.02] And frankincense. +[1538.02 --> 1544.02] And why do you think the wise men brought these gifts to Jesus? +[1544.02 --> 1547.70] Yeah, it was a form of worship him. +[1547.78 --> 1549.24] So we're going to talk about worship. +[1549.80 --> 1553.64] And I have a little poem that will remind us with the story. +[1554.62 --> 1555.38] So do you want to come? +[1555.96 --> 1556.50] Yeah, come. +[1557.86 --> 1558.98] So he's going to be my helper. +[1558.98 --> 1560.66] She's going to hold up the sheets. +[1561.52 --> 1570.18] And first, what is this? +[1570.38 --> 1571.32] What is in the picture? +[1572.06 --> 1577.58] When we turn M different ways, what kind of things, +[1577.86 --> 1579.72] what letters or numbers does it become? +[1581.44 --> 1582.52] It becomes a W. +[1583.72 --> 1584.70] It becomes a W. +[1584.78 --> 1585.74] What else does it become? +[1585.74 --> 1587.66] It becomes an E. +[1587.94 --> 1588.38] Does anybody? +[1588.52 --> 1590.28] There's one more, and it's a number. +[1591.42 --> 1591.82] Levi? +[1592.54 --> 1592.94] Three. +[1593.22 --> 1596.28] So Zoe, in her M&Ms, I have a little M&M poem. +[1596.92 --> 1598.34] So she's going to put M&Ms down. +[1598.34 --> 1603.18] And then when I say the letters, you hold up the letters and show everybody in the church. +[1603.62 --> 1604.24] Right there. +[1604.72 --> 1607.66] So the first one, the M turns into an E. +[1609.08 --> 1610.96] Yeah, so you hold it this way. +[1612.12 --> 1613.82] The M turns into an E. +[1613.82 --> 1617.76] The E is for east, where the stars shone oh so bright. +[1617.76 --> 1619.94] Now turn to the next one. +[1621.12 --> 1626.70] The next way the M turns, it's the original M. +[1627.04 --> 1630.42] The M is for manger, where the baby Jesus slept that night. +[1630.42 --> 1638.78] And this one is the way the M turns, is the number three. +[1639.08 --> 1643.14] Three is for wise men, bearing gifts for him they came. +[1644.02 --> 1647.68] And the last one, as everybody said, it turns into a W. +[1648.68 --> 1650.00] W is for worship. +[1650.30 --> 1650.78] Hallelujah. +[1651.36 --> 1652.38] Praise to his name. +[1652.38 --> 1655.48] And so we're going to go back into children's worship time in a minute. +[1655.64 --> 1660.94] We're going to talk a little bit more how worship and how it relates to the three wise men +[1660.94 --> 1666.22] and how it relates to our hearts and how our whole story leads to Jesus. +[1666.72 --> 1668.34] Can everybody stand up, guys? +[1668.96 --> 1670.28] And we'll face the audience. +[1674.78 --> 1677.06] And we're going to go one, two, three. +[1677.06 --> 1679.34] The Lord is with you. +[1679.66 --> 1681.14] And also with you. +[1681.14 --> 1681.84] So we can see. +[1698.06 --> 1699.66] I walked up here too fast. +[1699.86 --> 1702.34] Now I've got to stand here awkwardly waiting for everybody to leave. +[1707.26 --> 1707.70] Okay. +[1708.24 --> 1709.02] I'm Joshua. +[1709.24 --> 1711.10] I'm the Young Adults Ministry Coordinator here. +[1712.14 --> 1714.46] Join me in the church family prayer. +[1719.36 --> 1722.06] Father in heaven, holy is your name. +[1723.06 --> 1729.96] I pray, Lord, that Chris, when he preaches his sermon, Lord, would be filled with your spirit +[1729.96 --> 1733.14] so that his words are not his own but yours. +[1733.14 --> 1741.52] And I pray, Lord, that we wouldn't hear his words but we would hear yours and that it would transform us. +[1742.36 --> 1746.34] That we would not just be hearers of the word but that we would be doers of the word. +[1746.34 --> 1752.38] Lord, that it would make us more like your son so that we can act more like him and be more like him. +[1754.72 --> 1756.50] I pray, Lord, for the Wagoner family. +[1756.50 --> 1763.66] That as Doug is now home, Elise's father, I pray that you would help him with the partial paralysis. +[1764.88 --> 1768.96] That you would help the family surround him and surround each other with love. +[1768.96 --> 1774.12] I pray, Lord, that your presence would be palpable. +[1774.12 --> 1779.48] That they would feel your comfort and your strength that only you can give. +[1779.48 --> 1786.14] I pray, Lord, that with a future oncology consult, that that would go well and that your will, Lord, would be done. +[1786.66 --> 1790.82] And that if healing is in that will, that it would be done. +[1793.48 --> 1797.60] I pray also, Lord, for Tanya, who also is dealing with cancer right now. +[1798.50 --> 1805.38] I pray that if she adjusts to life in the hospital, Lord, that I pray that she would also experience your peace and your comfort. +[1805.38 --> 1810.14] And that she would receive healing if, again, Lord, is your will. +[1811.18 --> 1814.40] And she'd be surrounded by strength and people, community, and family. +[1814.82 --> 1815.82] And by this church. +[1817.40 --> 1825.12] I pray, Lord, for all the college students and university students who are returning now to school shortly or already have. +[1826.46 --> 1833.42] I pray that you would help them study and focus what it is that they are doing there on their various fields of study. +[1833.42 --> 1840.96] And that as they live abroad, Lord, that they find their community and that they live with you and them well. +[1841.94 --> 1847.32] And that they would not be pulled astray by distractions and the enemy to do anything else. +[1847.86 --> 1853.90] But that you would help them do their work so that they could become more like you. +[1853.90 --> 1857.96] I pray, Lord, for those who are also traveling this winter break. +[1858.68 --> 1861.10] That they would travel with safety and ease. +[1862.02 --> 1863.50] And that no one would be hurt. +[1864.56 --> 1865.80] The roads can be icy. +[1866.62 --> 1867.90] Well, not here, but... +[1870.12 --> 1871.94] Yeah. +[1873.78 --> 1875.94] I pray, Lord, also for the church's ministries. +[1875.94 --> 1878.04] Children's worship time. +[1879.12 --> 1880.12] Cadets and gems. +[1880.48 --> 1881.58] Youth and young adults. +[1881.92 --> 1882.66] Seniors alive. +[1882.86 --> 1883.50] Coffee break. +[1883.72 --> 1884.28] And the others. +[1885.10 --> 1889.22] I pray, Lord, that the leaders would be filled with your spirit to lead. +[1889.68 --> 1892.08] And that those who are partaking would be filled by you. +[1893.96 --> 1896.22] I pray, Lord, that these ministries would be effective. +[1897.10 --> 1899.96] And that you would be the one that receives the glory of their work. +[1899.96 --> 1904.08] And that your church would be transformed to be more like Christ. +[1906.04 --> 1907.62] I also pray, Lord, for the world. +[1908.44 --> 1911.96] That with wars and nations and conflicts with... +[1913.58 --> 1916.78] Lord, that you would bring peace to these places. +[1917.60 --> 1921.56] And that you would work in these conflicts and in these wars as you have throughout all of history. +[1922.94 --> 1928.58] I pray, Lord, that as the church is found in those places, that the church would be equipped to help those people where they can. +[1930.62 --> 1932.78] We can't expect heaven now. +[1934.54 --> 1936.42] But we can expect your work to be done. +[1936.76 --> 1937.94] The transformation of souls. +[1939.28 --> 1942.12] And I pray that that would be what happens. +[1943.46 --> 1951.68] And I pray, Lord, that wherever the church is found, wherever the citizens of heaven are, Lord, that we would live like we are citizens of heaven already. +[1952.46 --> 1955.22] That we live like we are already in the kingdom of heaven. +[1955.22 --> 1960.80] And, Lord, I pray that we would not be... +[1960.80 --> 1973.80] That this church and the church of the world would not be pulled astray by the work of the devil or by any work of the world to drag us down and take our eyes off of you. +[1973.80 --> 1978.10] I pray, Lord, that we would not fear anything else but just you. +[1979.20 --> 1983.14] That that fear would bring love and compassion and obedience. +[1983.82 --> 1987.88] And I pray, Lord, that in all of this, that we would glorify you above all. +[1988.60 --> 1989.82] Because all of it is yours. +[1991.02 --> 1991.28] Amen. +[2003.80 --> 2004.34] Amen. +[2013.34 --> 2019.88] This morning, we're going to read together from Isaiah 61. +[2019.88 --> 2029.24] I'm going to read verse starting at verse 10 and through the first three verses of Isaiah 62 +[2029.24 --> 2036.06] but then throughout I'm going to refer to the whole of 61 and the whole of 62 and so +[2036.06 --> 2042.60] it will help you I think a lot to have a bible in your hands or in front of you on a device +[2042.60 --> 2049.54] whatever the case may be so that as we refer back you can see where I'm looking as well +[2049.54 --> 2056.36] let's read God's word together I'll start at verse 10 of Isaiah 61 +[2056.36 --> 2067.70] I delight greatly in the Lord my soul rejoices in my God for he has clothed me with garments of +[2067.70 --> 2074.48] salvation and arrayed me in a robe of his righteousness as a bridegroom adorns his head +[2074.48 --> 2081.50] like a priest and as a bride adorns her adorns herself with her jewels for as the soil makes +[2081.50 --> 2088.16] the sprout come up and a garden causes seeds to grow so the sovereign Lord will make righteousness +[2088.16 --> 2100.78] and praise spring up before all nations for Zion's sake I will not keep silent for Jerusalem's sake I will +[2100.78 --> 2108.24] not remain quiet till her vindication shines out like the dawn her salvation like a blazing torch +[2108.24 --> 2116.08] the nations will see your vindication and all kings your glory you will be called by a new name that the +[2116.08 --> 2124.24] mouth of the Lord will bestow you will be a crown of splendor in the Lord's hand a royal diadem in the hand +[2124.24 --> 2127.62] of your God this is the word of the Lord +[2127.62 --> 2144.56] so my question for us this morning is what has changed right we have had Christmas day and we +[2144.56 --> 2157.20] basked together in the glory of Emmanuel of God with us and how are we supposed to respond to the God with us of Christmas +[2157.20 --> 2166.22] right Emmanuel means God with us and and surely that means something for more than just Christmas day +[2166.22 --> 2179.70] that's what I want us to look at this morning if in the season of Advent we kind of looked at who God is in the +[2179.70 --> 2189.40] servant who Jesus is coming as God as we looked at Emmanuel God with us today I want to shift and ask the +[2189.40 --> 2195.44] question what does that question what does that mean for who you are and so if we've been looking at God's +[2195.44 --> 2204.14] identity I want to see how that shapes our identity what I want to suggest to you this morning the the theme +[2204.14 --> 2214.10] for today the big idea falls under this heading the servant Messiah gives you a new name which comes with a new +[2214.10 --> 2221.36] purpose because he reveals the fullness of God and the fullness of man +[2221.36 --> 2230.90] now Emmanuel as we said God with us right reveals the fullness of God in some ways this is the first part +[2230.90 --> 2239.94] of Colossians 2 verse 9 which says in Christ all the fullness of the deity lives in bodily form +[2239.94 --> 2249.84] and Jesus the Lord of us the Lord of us the Lord of our salvation reveals the fullness of what it means to be +[2249.84 --> 2258.84] human many ways this is the second part of of Colossians 2 verse 9 which says in Christ you have been brought +[2258.84 --> 2268.10] to fullness and so my contention for you this morning is that Jesus as the God man reveals the fullness of God +[2268.10 --> 2281.20] and the fullness of man that Jesus shows us real humanity and all of this is mapped out I think in Isaiah 61 and 62 +[2281.20 --> 2289.40] now to get there we have to answer a couple questions and the first question that we'll wrestle with is is who is +[2289.40 --> 2300.16] speaking in this text the first challenge we have is is in digging into this text is who is the voice that we are listening to +[2300.16 --> 2307.66] right to understand what's being said we need to figure out who's saying it and so with your Bibles open +[2307.66 --> 2317.18] starting at verse 1 of 61 follow the voice of the speaker and to do this look at the use of pronouns +[2317.18 --> 2323.18] in this text that's how we're going to follow the voice and again if your Bibles are open this will +[2323.18 --> 2329.76] make more sense to you as we see it together and so listen to these words from the first three verses +[2329.76 --> 2331.06] of chapter 61. +[2333.12 --> 2340.06] The spirit of the sovereign Lord is on me because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor +[2340.06 --> 2346.48] he sent me to bind up the brokenhearted to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for +[2346.48 --> 2352.62] the prisoners to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor and the day of vengeance of our God to comfort +[2352.62 --> 2359.84] all who mourn and provide for those who grieve in Zion to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of +[2359.84 --> 2365.46] ashes the oil of joy instead of mourning and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair +[2365.46 --> 2374.48] they will be called oaks of righteousness a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor +[2374.48 --> 2375.04] splendor. +[2377.28 --> 2386.12] What we see in Isaiah 61 is the coming together of two different voices that we've already heard +[2386.12 --> 2388.64] in this Advent and Christmas season. +[2389.90 --> 2394.08] One of the voices that we've heard starts in chapter 40. +[2394.62 --> 2398.10] Kevin pointed this out to us when he preached a few weeks ago. +[2398.30 --> 2399.92] It's the voice of the servant. +[2399.92 --> 2406.98] Right in Isaiah 42 we can read about the servant the suffering servant in 49 and 50 and 52 and 53. +[2406.98 --> 2414.28] Right and the servant is identified as the one on whom the spirit of God rests. +[2415.36 --> 2418.26] Right Josh preached on this for us. +[2418.80 --> 2426.94] This is the voice of the servant who will release captives in chapter 49 who will bring righteousness to the people in chapter 53. +[2426.94 --> 2432.96] Each aspect of what the servant does in our text in chapter 61. +[2433.60 --> 2439.50] Right the spirit of the sovereign Lord is on me to proclaim freedom for captives and release the prisoners from darkness. +[2440.04 --> 2443.20] They the people of Zion will be called oaks of righteousness. +[2443.80 --> 2447.58] Each thing the servant says is something the servant has already said. +[2447.66 --> 2450.24] This is the voice of the servant. +[2450.24 --> 2457.42] And then the second voice that we've been hearing from in Isaiah is the anointed one. +[2457.58 --> 2459.10] The Messiah the king. +[2459.84 --> 2467.44] Right in chapter 9 all the way back at the beginning of our Advent season we read about a son who will put the government on his shoulders. +[2467.44 --> 2470.72] Who will reign on David's throne and over his kingdom forever. +[2470.72 --> 2478.18] And then in chapter 11 of Isaiah the son who is king is shown to be the Messiah the anointed one. +[2478.60 --> 2482.72] Right the spirit of the Lord will rest on him who is a branch from Jesse's stem. +[2483.76 --> 2489.92] His instrument will be we read the rod of his mouth which is something we saw to be the word of the Lord. +[2489.92 --> 2501.02] And notice then in Isaiah 61 this voice comes to preach good news to proclaim freedom and to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor. +[2502.16 --> 2506.38] In Isaiah 11 righteousness will be his belt and with righteousness he will judge. +[2506.78 --> 2513.22] And the Messiah comes to establish righteousness which again is what this person here is doing. +[2513.98 --> 2518.82] Right because of his work and his coming they will be called oaks of righteousness. +[2518.82 --> 2526.24] The Messiah of chapter 11 and his coming results in the glorious exaltation of God. +[2526.36 --> 2528.44] The zeal of the Lord will accomplish this. +[2528.90 --> 2533.94] And in chapter 61 this will be a display of his splendor. +[2535.06 --> 2540.24] And so throughout we've heard these two voices the suffering servant and the Messiah king. +[2540.24 --> 2548.18] And in the first three verses of chapter 61 these two voices come together. +[2548.18 --> 2550.82] In one person. +[2552.02 --> 2558.44] And we've heard about the suffering servant and the Messiah king and all that builds and builds on itself. +[2558.44 --> 2563.62] Coming together in one voice one person the servant Messiah. +[2564.66 --> 2569.18] And again Messiah means God's anointed means king ruler over all. +[2569.18 --> 2574.30] And what we're reading and learning is that he would be the servant of all. +[2575.24 --> 2582.06] Right the suffering servant the one who comes not to be served but to serve and give his life as a ransom for many. +[2582.06 --> 2587.80] Would be God's anointed who comes to destroy God's enemies with the word of his mouth. +[2588.70 --> 2592.48] One person suffering servant and anointed Messiah. +[2592.72 --> 2595.14] One person meekness and majesty. +[2595.38 --> 2598.68] One person the servant Messiah. +[2598.68 --> 2600.50] One person the Lord that he would be the servant of all. +[2600.50 --> 2612.82] And so it doesn't surprise us as readers of the New Testament that when Jesus comes on the scene grown as an adult and begins his preaching ministry. +[2612.82 --> 2617.18] He does so by reading from Isaiah 61. +[2617.18 --> 2622.24] Right the suffering servant is the anointed Messiah. +[2622.24 --> 2627.84] and in Luke 4 you can read about Jesus in the synagogue taking the scroll and reading this +[2627.84 --> 2635.64] text from Isaiah 61 and then saying today in your hearing this scripture is fulfilled. +[2636.60 --> 2644.36] Jesus is the servant Messiah. Jesus is God's anointed. Jesus is the ruler who came to serve +[2644.36 --> 2651.28] and not be served. Jesus is the one who gave his life as a ransom for many. Jesus is the one +[2651.28 --> 2658.98] who's worshiped as king by wise men who came from the east. Jesus is the one who would live life in +[2658.98 --> 2665.30] your place providing the righteousness that you need and he would die death in your place taking +[2665.30 --> 2670.88] the punishment that we all deserve and doing it all for whoever will believe and put their trust +[2670.88 --> 2680.78] and their faith in him. Jesus is the servant Messiah whose voice we hear in chapter 61. +[2681.28 --> 2687.82] And then as we keep reading through Isaiah verses 4 through 7 really starting in verse 3 but +[2687.82 --> 2697.14] verses 4 through 7 make up the content of what he comes to preach. Remember we're following the voice +[2697.14 --> 2702.04] and we're doing that by looking at the pronouns for help and so if you look at the pronouns there +[2702.04 --> 2708.86] these verses become the substance of what the servant Messiah is preaching what he will declare. +[2708.86 --> 2716.62] Right this will be a new reality for those who come under his grace and mercy. This is the good news. +[2716.72 --> 2725.18] This is the gospel. Right he will bestow on them a crown of beauty. They will be oaks of righteousness +[2725.18 --> 2731.68] for the display of the Lord's splendor. That is our our chief end the purpose for which we are created +[2731.68 --> 2741.22] and recreated in grace is to glorify God and enjoy him forever. Right they will rebuild and renew a huge hope +[2741.22 --> 2747.24] for those who are living in exile who are living apart from their homes. Right the gospel creates a community +[2747.24 --> 2755.30] that builds and that renews those around it. Translate that into today and think of the communities who have built +[2755.30 --> 2761.66] Christian schools and Christian universities who have built Christian churches and cultural centers. +[2762.16 --> 2767.94] Think of people who have started a business as a disciple of Jesus and are trying to run them +[2767.94 --> 2770.50] as Christian bosses in the world today. +[2772.88 --> 2775.10] And in fact it goes even deeper. +[2775.10 --> 2782.40] In verse 6 it's made more personal because the pronouns shift from they to you. +[2782.40 --> 2791.36] You will be called priests of the Lord. You will be named ministers of our God. Instead of shame you will +[2791.36 --> 2797.38] receive a double portion. Instead of disgrace you will rejoice in your inheritance. You will inherit a +[2797.38 --> 2805.22] double portion and everlasting joy will be yours. Right in this chapter you have the coming together of two +[2805.22 --> 2812.38] voices in Isaiah the Messiah King and the suffering servant into one person and he speaks +[2812.38 --> 2819.34] he preaches he proclaims to his affected his people made by his word. +[2821.52 --> 2830.74] And then in verse 8 and maybe verse 9 there's an injection of God's voice. Right for I the Lord +[2830.74 --> 2836.50] in my faithfulness I will reward my people. I will make an everlasting covenant with them. +[2836.50 --> 2844.66] Right this is a stamp of approval a confirmation of promise. This is God saying what the servant has said is my word. +[2845.46 --> 2852.24] This is an underlining. It's a statement of promise and assurance that this indeed will be the case. +[2853.58 --> 2857.64] And so pull it all together. The servant Messiah's word is God's word. +[2857.64 --> 2866.62] He speaks as one with authority. He has the words of eternal life. The servant Messiah is the word of God. +[2868.28 --> 2869.78] And because of that +[2869.78 --> 2871.54] in verse 10 +[2871.54 --> 2873.28] we hear a new voice. +[2873.78 --> 2878.80] I delight greatly in the Lord. My soul rejoices +[2878.80 --> 2881.22] in my God. +[2881.22 --> 2884.18] So three voices. +[2885.30 --> 2890.52] First the two voices of Isaiah coming together as one. The suffering servant and the Messiah King seen +[2890.52 --> 2894.50] as one man. And then the content of what he speaks and promises. +[2895.04 --> 2897.92] The effect of him making for himself a people. +[2898.48 --> 2902.78] Followed by the voice of God to confirm and ensure gospel truth. +[2902.78 --> 2904.54] And now a third voice. +[2904.92 --> 2906.74] Right? I delight. My soul. +[2906.92 --> 2909.30] Clothed me with garments of salvation. +[2909.50 --> 2911.38] Arrayed me in robes of righteousness. +[2911.80 --> 2913.26] And not just any righteousness. Right? +[2913.38 --> 2915.58] In the text it says his righteousness. +[2917.38 --> 2918.68] Right? Verse 10 +[2918.68 --> 2920.92] is the fulfillment of verse 3. +[2921.88 --> 2922.96] It's the effect +[2922.96 --> 2924.42] of the message he proclaimed. +[2924.82 --> 2926.36] Right? Joy instead of mourning. +[2926.56 --> 2929.06] Praise instead of despair. Oaks of righteousness +[2929.06 --> 2930.66] displaying his splendor. +[2930.66 --> 2932.42] That is for his glory. +[2932.78 --> 2936.64] And so what is your proper response +[2936.64 --> 2938.24] to the servant Messiah +[2938.24 --> 2939.66] working in your life? +[2940.18 --> 2942.26] What is your new identity? +[2943.28 --> 2945.26] What is your response to the gospel +[2945.26 --> 2947.52] that he accomplishes and he proclaims? +[2948.22 --> 2949.54] It's rejoicing. +[2950.22 --> 2951.48] It's praising. +[2952.42 --> 2953.76] Right? Your response is +[2953.76 --> 2954.58] worship. +[2955.50 --> 2956.26] And +[2956.26 --> 2957.94] your response +[2957.94 --> 2960.08] is righteousness. +[2962.08 --> 2962.76] Righteousness. +[2962.78 --> 2965.92] You are clothed in his righteousness. +[2965.92 --> 2967.36] And you've heard me say this before. +[2967.82 --> 2969.76] Righteousness is an economic term +[2969.76 --> 2971.50] before it's a theological one. +[2972.68 --> 2974.28] And so this means a couple things for us. +[2975.02 --> 2976.68] Let's put some meat on these bones +[2976.68 --> 2977.86] of the word righteousness. +[2978.44 --> 2980.38] Clothed in righteousness means +[2980.38 --> 2982.42] that you don't have to worry +[2982.42 --> 2984.22] when yours falls short. +[2985.66 --> 2986.08] Right? +[2986.08 --> 2987.66] It means when the devil +[2987.66 --> 2989.10] or when social media +[2989.10 --> 2990.36] and maybe those two are the same +[2990.36 --> 2991.54] when the devil +[2991.54 --> 2992.36] or social media +[2992.36 --> 2993.62] whispers in your ear +[2993.62 --> 2994.82] you're not good enough +[2994.82 --> 2996.40] you can say +[2996.40 --> 2997.54] get behind me Satan +[2997.54 --> 2999.20] because what matters +[2999.20 --> 3000.78] is the righteousness of Christ +[3000.78 --> 3001.74] given to me. +[3002.74 --> 3003.72] It means that +[3003.72 --> 3005.00] even though there's nothing +[3005.00 --> 3005.74] you can do +[3005.74 --> 3007.10] to earn your salvation +[3007.10 --> 3008.54] he's done everything +[3008.54 --> 3010.26] and he gives it to you freely +[3010.26 --> 3011.28] by his grace. +[3011.28 --> 3011.88] Grace. +[3011.88 --> 3013.34] This clothing yourself +[3013.34 --> 3014.74] being clothed +[3014.74 --> 3015.70] in the righteousness +[3015.70 --> 3017.18] of the servant Messiah +[3017.18 --> 3018.80] means there is nothing +[3018.80 --> 3020.74] nothing that can separate you +[3020.74 --> 3021.72] from the love of God +[3021.72 --> 3022.42] that is available +[3022.42 --> 3024.10] in Christ Jesus our Lord. +[3024.26 --> 3025.38] It means that the love +[3025.38 --> 3027.00] that the Father has for the Son +[3027.00 --> 3028.24] is the same love +[3028.24 --> 3029.30] that he has for you. +[3030.10 --> 3031.12] You've probably heard that before. +[3032.14 --> 3033.72] Because when he looks at you +[3033.72 --> 3036.16] he sees Christ. +[3036.16 --> 3036.26] Christ. +[3039.20 --> 3040.38] And righteousness +[3040.38 --> 3042.30] is a term +[3042.30 --> 3044.26] is a reality with legs. +[3044.90 --> 3045.00] Right? +[3045.12 --> 3046.42] Righteousness walks. +[3047.18 --> 3049.34] Righteousness is an economic term +[3049.34 --> 3051.54] even as it's a theological term. +[3051.86 --> 3053.28] And so putting on Christ +[3053.28 --> 3055.04] means walking with him +[3055.04 --> 3056.54] living like him. +[3056.60 --> 3058.34] It means obeying God's design +[3058.34 --> 3059.94] not because you have to +[3059.94 --> 3062.26] but because you believe it's good. +[3063.66 --> 3063.76] Right? +[3063.76 --> 3065.82] God's righteous plan for your life +[3065.82 --> 3068.22] is his plan for your flourishing. +[3069.14 --> 3070.14] The will of God +[3070.14 --> 3071.08] his moral will +[3071.08 --> 3072.04] his decretive will +[3072.04 --> 3073.04] his sovereign will +[3073.04 --> 3074.88] are good for you. +[3076.66 --> 3078.80] Far from robbing you of joy +[3078.80 --> 3080.40] when Jesus says +[3080.40 --> 3081.20] if you love me +[3081.20 --> 3082.48] you will keep my commandments +[3082.48 --> 3084.44] he's offering you a glimpse +[3084.44 --> 3086.62] of what your best life now looks like. +[3087.90 --> 3088.02] Right? +[3088.10 --> 3088.66] Obedience. +[3089.54 --> 3091.48] Even obedience unto death. +[3092.22 --> 3092.82] Right? +[3092.82 --> 3094.42] Joining Christ in his suffering +[3094.42 --> 3095.86] means joining him +[3095.86 --> 3096.64] in his resurrection. +[3097.20 --> 3098.76] Being obedient to his will +[3098.76 --> 3101.16] is actually the way of joy. +[3103.16 --> 3103.70] Right? +[3103.72 --> 3105.24] If you listen to the voice +[3105.24 --> 3107.36] of our culture and world +[3107.36 --> 3108.76] and increasingly +[3108.76 --> 3109.88] the same voice +[3109.88 --> 3111.24] is heard everywhere. +[3112.14 --> 3112.32] Right? +[3112.36 --> 3113.54] You might think that +[3113.54 --> 3115.42] sex apart from being married +[3115.42 --> 3116.16] is good. +[3117.46 --> 3118.54] What I want you to hear +[3118.54 --> 3120.48] is that obedience to Jesus +[3120.48 --> 3121.34] is better. +[3122.62 --> 3123.06] Right? +[3123.10 --> 3123.78] You might think that +[3123.78 --> 3125.20] a little recreational drug use +[3125.20 --> 3125.84] is good +[3125.84 --> 3128.36] but obedience to Jesus +[3128.36 --> 3129.20] is better. +[3130.32 --> 3131.14] You might sit here +[3131.14 --> 3132.12] rationalizing +[3132.12 --> 3133.66] your pornography use +[3133.66 --> 3134.18] saying look +[3134.18 --> 3135.00] no one's getting hurt +[3135.00 --> 3136.20] but walking in the way +[3136.20 --> 3136.72] of Jesus +[3136.72 --> 3137.90] and not even looking +[3137.90 --> 3139.20] at a person lustfully +[3139.20 --> 3140.20] is true life +[3140.20 --> 3141.48] is full humanity. +[3143.14 --> 3144.54] Now you might hear that +[3144.54 --> 3145.28] and you might think +[3145.28 --> 3146.22] but pastor +[3146.22 --> 3147.14] that's impossible. +[3147.14 --> 3149.20] to which I say +[3149.20 --> 3150.70] refer back to number one. +[3152.26 --> 3152.38] Right? +[3152.44 --> 3153.22] Remember that's why +[3153.22 --> 3154.74] theological and economic +[3154.74 --> 3155.94] understandings of righteousness +[3155.94 --> 3157.14] have to come together. +[3158.44 --> 3159.68] Apart from him +[3159.68 --> 3160.74] and his righteousness +[3160.74 --> 3161.76] it is impossible. +[3162.70 --> 3163.86] But thanks be to God +[3163.86 --> 3165.18] he has given us the victory +[3165.18 --> 3166.26] he has made us new +[3166.26 --> 3168.38] he has transformed you +[3168.38 --> 3170.16] and with that transformation +[3170.16 --> 3172.00] with his setting you apart +[3172.00 --> 3173.50] as a holy nation +[3173.50 --> 3174.74] a royal priesthood +[3174.74 --> 3176.20] a people belonging to God +[3176.20 --> 3177.70] he has made you +[3177.70 --> 3179.26] able to live for him +[3179.26 --> 3182.22] because you love him +[3182.22 --> 3184.12] and are loved by him. +[3184.24 --> 3186.00] That is you live your life +[3186.00 --> 3187.60] in the power of the spirit. +[3187.94 --> 3188.94] You live your life +[3188.94 --> 3191.02] in your new creation self +[3191.02 --> 3192.84] your born again identity. +[3193.10 --> 3195.30] You live with a new name. +[3197.08 --> 3197.44] And look +[3197.44 --> 3200.42] if there's a problem +[3200.42 --> 3201.92] in the Christian church +[3201.92 --> 3203.54] in the west today +[3203.54 --> 3205.64] it's probably this. +[3206.20 --> 3208.62] Christians come to church +[3208.62 --> 3209.16] on Sunday +[3209.16 --> 3210.46] professing the name of Jesus +[3210.46 --> 3211.74] singing praises to God +[3211.74 --> 3212.56] and then +[3212.56 --> 3213.74] we walk out the door +[3213.74 --> 3215.08] and we live like God +[3215.08 --> 3215.74] isn't real. +[3216.80 --> 3218.10] Like Jesus doesn't have +[3218.10 --> 3219.28] authority in my life +[3219.28 --> 3220.36] like he isn't the king +[3220.36 --> 3221.04] of the universe. +[3222.06 --> 3223.12] We live like God +[3223.12 --> 3223.88] isn't sovereign +[3223.88 --> 3224.82] or all the earth. +[3225.14 --> 3226.22] We live like we haven't +[3226.22 --> 3227.00] been transformed +[3227.00 --> 3228.38] like Jesus hasn't overcome +[3228.38 --> 3229.54] like we don't have +[3229.54 --> 3230.58] the power of God +[3230.58 --> 3231.52] in us. +[3232.58 --> 3232.62] Right? +[3232.76 --> 3233.54] We Christians +[3233.54 --> 3234.52] look and live +[3234.52 --> 3235.14] no different +[3235.14 --> 3235.62] than the rest +[3235.62 --> 3236.12] of the world +[3236.12 --> 3237.30] who doesn't know God +[3237.30 --> 3238.36] and we've neutered +[3238.36 --> 3238.94] his power +[3238.94 --> 3239.66] in our lives. +[3241.06 --> 3242.34] But the gospel says +[3242.34 --> 3243.88] you are no longer slaves. +[3244.36 --> 3245.62] You are a child of God. +[3246.24 --> 3247.14] You are his son. +[3248.26 --> 3248.36] Right? +[3248.40 --> 3248.90] Ask God +[3248.90 --> 3249.40] today +[3249.40 --> 3249.96] now +[3249.96 --> 3250.72] to transform +[3250.72 --> 3251.50] your life +[3251.50 --> 3252.38] from the inside +[3252.38 --> 3253.22] out. +[3253.48 --> 3253.70] Right? +[3253.82 --> 3254.82] That's the direction +[3254.82 --> 3255.40] of righteousness +[3255.40 --> 3256.16] by the way. +[3256.48 --> 3256.62] Right? +[3256.70 --> 3257.58] His righteousness +[3257.58 --> 3258.80] given over to you +[3258.80 --> 3259.86] transforming you +[3259.86 --> 3260.88] turning your heart +[3260.88 --> 3261.38] of stone +[3261.38 --> 3262.12] into a heart +[3262.12 --> 3262.58] of flesh +[3262.58 --> 3264.02] that's inside work +[3264.02 --> 3264.82] and then +[3264.82 --> 3265.38] and then +[3265.38 --> 3265.84] what happens +[3265.84 --> 3266.78] on the inside +[3266.78 --> 3267.90] works its way +[3267.90 --> 3268.64] outside +[3268.64 --> 3269.88] and so ask God +[3269.88 --> 3271.26] to transform your life +[3271.26 --> 3271.84] and then +[3271.84 --> 3273.10] go from this place +[3273.10 --> 3274.36] living your life +[3274.36 --> 3275.60] with discipline +[3275.60 --> 3276.98] as one transformed. +[3277.54 --> 3278.90] Work out your salvation +[3278.90 --> 3280.50] as God's righteousness +[3280.50 --> 3281.96] works out +[3281.96 --> 3283.22] of you. +[3284.38 --> 3285.38] Don't settle +[3285.38 --> 3286.32] for slavery. +[3287.56 --> 3289.70] Pursue your new humanity +[3289.70 --> 3290.52] as children +[3290.52 --> 3291.40] of God. +[3291.56 --> 3292.44] Pursue life +[3292.44 --> 3294.40] as his son. +[3298.32 --> 3299.20] And then +[3299.20 --> 3303.94] take this message +[3303.94 --> 3304.40] with you. +[3305.70 --> 3307.00] For Zion's sake +[3307.00 --> 3308.52] I will not keep silent. +[3308.66 --> 3309.76] We're in chapter 62. +[3310.42 --> 3311.80] For Jerusalem's sake +[3311.80 --> 3312.70] I will not remain +[3312.70 --> 3313.92] quiet +[3313.92 --> 3315.42] till her vindication +[3315.42 --> 3316.20] shines out +[3316.20 --> 3316.80] like the dawn +[3316.80 --> 3317.74] her salvation +[3317.74 --> 3318.96] like a blazing torch +[3318.96 --> 3319.80] the nations +[3319.80 --> 3320.40] will see +[3320.40 --> 3321.18] your vindication +[3321.18 --> 3321.94] and all kings +[3321.94 --> 3322.44] your glory +[3322.44 --> 3323.42] and you will be +[3323.42 --> 3324.74] called by a new name +[3324.74 --> 3325.40] that the mouth +[3325.40 --> 3326.10] of the Lord +[3326.10 --> 3327.06] will bestow. +[3327.22 --> 3327.88] You will be +[3327.88 --> 3328.54] a crown +[3328.54 --> 3329.38] of splendor +[3329.38 --> 3330.30] in the Lord's hand +[3330.30 --> 3331.68] a royal diadem +[3331.68 --> 3332.74] in the hand +[3332.74 --> 3333.82] of your God. +[3335.48 --> 3336.50] And in chapter 61 +[3336.50 --> 3337.62] the servant Messiah +[3337.62 --> 3338.54] transforms +[3338.54 --> 3339.60] by his gospel +[3339.60 --> 3340.50] and now +[3340.50 --> 3341.34] those who are +[3341.34 --> 3342.04] transformed +[3342.04 --> 3343.32] by the gospel +[3343.32 --> 3344.74] proclaim the same +[3344.74 --> 3345.50] message. +[3345.70 --> 3346.72] For Zion's sake +[3346.72 --> 3347.62] I will not keep +[3347.62 --> 3348.04] silent. +[3348.04 --> 3349.12] I will not remain +[3349.12 --> 3349.56] quiet. +[3350.12 --> 3350.68] The nations +[3350.68 --> 3351.50] will see +[3351.50 --> 3352.26] what the servant +[3352.26 --> 3353.26] Messiah has done +[3353.26 --> 3354.04] and kings +[3354.04 --> 3354.86] will hear +[3354.86 --> 3355.76] of his glory +[3355.76 --> 3357.18] because the servant +[3357.18 --> 3358.32] Messiah will +[3358.32 --> 3359.10] proclaim it +[3359.10 --> 3360.40] and he proclaims +[3360.40 --> 3361.16] it through a +[3361.16 --> 3362.52] people who go +[3362.52 --> 3363.56] out to declare +[3363.56 --> 3364.52] the praises of him +[3364.52 --> 3365.16] who has called you +[3365.16 --> 3365.68] out of darkness +[3365.68 --> 3366.88] into his wonderful +[3366.88 --> 3367.20] light. +[3368.44 --> 3369.68] In verse 62 +[3369.68 --> 3371.00] we switch back +[3371.00 --> 3371.64] to the voice +[3371.64 --> 3372.38] of the servant +[3372.38 --> 3373.86] Messiah who says +[3373.86 --> 3374.88] that he will not +[3374.88 --> 3376.06] keep silent +[3376.06 --> 3377.28] and so we +[3377.28 --> 3378.20] will not keep +[3378.20 --> 3378.96] silent. +[3379.42 --> 3380.16] We don't go out +[3380.16 --> 3380.68] and preach +[3380.68 --> 3381.48] because he told +[3381.48 --> 3381.88] us to +[3381.88 --> 3382.56] we preach +[3382.56 --> 3383.40] because he is +[3383.40 --> 3384.18] preaching through +[3384.18 --> 3384.72] us. +[3385.66 --> 3386.34] The word of the +[3386.34 --> 3386.96] Lord that you +[3386.96 --> 3387.46] declare +[3387.46 --> 3388.16] the praises +[3388.16 --> 3389.08] that you declare +[3389.08 --> 3390.00] the gospel +[3390.00 --> 3391.16] that you tell +[3391.16 --> 3391.94] is Jesus +[3391.94 --> 3392.74] the servant +[3392.74 --> 3393.26] Messiah +[3393.26 --> 3394.78] declaring in you +[3394.78 --> 3395.92] and through you +[3395.92 --> 3396.88] to the world. +[3398.44 --> 3399.48] There's confirmation +[3399.48 --> 3400.22] of this. +[3401.68 --> 3403.08] You will be called +[3403.08 --> 3404.48] by a new name +[3404.48 --> 3405.30] that the mouth +[3405.30 --> 3405.94] of the Lord +[3405.94 --> 3406.60] will bestow. +[3407.60 --> 3408.80] You will be a crown +[3408.80 --> 3409.60] of splendor +[3409.60 --> 3410.62] in the Lord's hand. +[3411.60 --> 3412.24] Note that, right? +[3412.36 --> 3413.06] A new name +[3413.06 --> 3414.52] and a crown. +[3416.32 --> 3416.80] Now to see +[3416.80 --> 3418.18] the culmination +[3418.18 --> 3418.70] of this +[3418.70 --> 3419.74] I want to jump +[3419.74 --> 3420.32] for a second +[3420.32 --> 3421.60] to Revelation 3. +[3422.78 --> 3424.04] In Revelation 3 +[3424.04 --> 3425.36] we read +[3425.36 --> 3426.42] at the beginning +[3426.42 --> 3427.10] of Revelation +[3427.10 --> 3428.62] John records +[3428.62 --> 3429.36] messages +[3429.36 --> 3430.18] or sermons +[3430.18 --> 3430.82] from Jesus +[3430.82 --> 3431.62] to the churches +[3431.62 --> 3432.62] and Jesus +[3432.62 --> 3433.68] refers to the +[3433.68 --> 3434.26] people of +[3434.26 --> 3434.84] these seven +[3434.84 --> 3435.26] churches +[3435.26 --> 3437.18] as those +[3437.18 --> 3437.76] who endure +[3437.76 --> 3438.22] right? +[3438.30 --> 3438.84] As the one +[3438.84 --> 3439.84] who is victorious +[3439.84 --> 3441.14] or a previous +[3441.14 --> 3441.58] translation +[3441.58 --> 3442.24] those who have +[3442.24 --> 3442.82] overcome +[3442.82 --> 3443.94] to the one +[3443.94 --> 3444.66] who overcomes +[3444.66 --> 3446.00] and to the church +[3446.00 --> 3446.82] in Philadelphia +[3446.82 --> 3447.84] Jesus says +[3447.84 --> 3448.48] and remember +[3448.48 --> 3449.84] those words +[3449.84 --> 3451.20] from Isaiah 62 +[3451.20 --> 3451.96] that language +[3451.96 --> 3452.56] he says +[3452.56 --> 3454.26] hold on +[3454.26 --> 3454.82] to what you +[3454.82 --> 3455.30] have +[3455.30 --> 3456.44] so that no +[3456.44 --> 3457.04] one will +[3457.04 --> 3457.86] take your +[3457.86 --> 3459.10] crown. +[3459.10 --> 3460.88] the one +[3460.88 --> 3461.28] who is +[3461.28 --> 3461.90] victorious +[3461.90 --> 3462.48] I will +[3462.48 --> 3462.96] make a +[3462.96 --> 3463.22] pillar +[3463.22 --> 3463.62] in the +[3463.62 --> 3463.90] temple +[3463.90 --> 3464.30] of my +[3464.30 --> 3464.58] God +[3464.58 --> 3465.14] never +[3465.14 --> 3465.58] again +[3465.58 --> 3465.80] will +[3465.80 --> 3465.94] they +[3465.94 --> 3466.28] leave it +[3466.28 --> 3467.00] I will +[3467.00 --> 3467.36] write +[3467.36 --> 3468.22] my name +[3468.22 --> 3468.84] I will +[3468.84 --> 3469.20] write on +[3469.20 --> 3469.42] him +[3469.42 --> 3470.00] the name +[3470.00 --> 3470.40] of my +[3470.40 --> 3470.74] God +[3470.74 --> 3471.08] and the +[3471.08 --> 3471.42] name +[3471.42 --> 3471.80] of the +[3471.80 --> 3472.04] city +[3472.04 --> 3472.42] of my +[3472.42 --> 3472.70] God +[3472.70 --> 3473.12] the new +[3473.12 --> 3473.52] Jerusalem +[3473.52 --> 3473.88] which is +[3473.88 --> 3474.36] coming down +[3474.36 --> 3474.62] out of +[3474.62 --> 3474.80] heaven +[3474.80 --> 3475.38] from my +[3475.38 --> 3475.62] God +[3475.62 --> 3476.54] and I +[3476.54 --> 3476.74] will +[3476.74 --> 3477.08] write +[3477.08 --> 3477.38] on +[3477.38 --> 3477.90] them +[3477.90 --> 3478.60] my +[3478.60 --> 3479.48] new +[3479.48 --> 3480.56] name +[3480.56 --> 3482.16] whoever +[3482.16 --> 3482.50] has +[3482.50 --> 3483.00] ears +[3483.00 --> 3483.42] let them +[3483.42 --> 3483.76] hear +[3483.76 --> 3484.20] what the +[3484.20 --> 3484.48] spirit +[3484.48 --> 3485.08] says +[3485.08 --> 3486.02] to the +[3486.02 --> 3486.52] churches +[3486.52 --> 3488.78] you see +[3488.78 --> 3488.98] what's +[3488.98 --> 3489.46] going on +[3489.46 --> 3490.00] here +[3490.00 --> 3491.34] right +[3491.34 --> 3491.64] you have +[3491.64 --> 3492.22] a crown +[3492.22 --> 3493.34] a crown +[3493.34 --> 3493.94] of beauty +[3493.94 --> 3494.60] and of +[3494.60 --> 3495.04] glory +[3495.04 --> 3495.52] God's +[3495.52 --> 3495.84] own +[3495.84 --> 3496.30] glory +[3496.30 --> 3496.96] and the +[3496.96 --> 3497.22] beauty +[3497.22 --> 3497.56] of his +[3497.56 --> 3497.90] son +[3497.90 --> 3498.50] Jesus +[3498.50 --> 3498.90] our +[3498.90 --> 3499.36] Messiah +[3499.36 --> 3499.76] servant +[3499.76 --> 3500.48] you have +[3500.48 --> 3500.92] a crown +[3500.92 --> 3501.42] because +[3501.42 --> 3502.24] he has +[3502.24 --> 3502.86] a crown +[3502.86 --> 3503.60] and you've +[3503.60 --> 3504.36] been clothed +[3504.36 --> 3504.66] with +[3504.66 --> 3505.38] Christ +[3505.38 --> 3505.82] right +[3505.82 --> 3506.00] you're +[3506.00 --> 3506.24] wearing +[3506.24 --> 3506.62] Christ +[3506.62 --> 3506.98] like a +[3506.98 --> 3507.24] garment +[3507.24 --> 3507.52] and that +[3507.52 --> 3507.94] includes +[3507.94 --> 3508.16] his +[3508.16 --> 3508.38] crown +[3508.38 --> 3508.80] you've +[3508.80 --> 3509.00] put +[3509.00 --> 3509.52] on +[3509.52 --> 3510.18] Christ +[3510.18 --> 3510.76] and now +[3510.76 --> 3511.74] you display +[3511.74 --> 3512.50] his +[3512.50 --> 3513.22] glory +[3513.22 --> 3513.68] fully +[3513.68 --> 3514.14] human +[3514.14 --> 3514.52] fully +[3514.52 --> 3515.00] alive +[3515.00 --> 3515.76] in obedience +[3515.76 --> 3516.92] to him +[3516.92 --> 3517.54] his +[3517.54 --> 3518.24] righteousness +[3518.24 --> 3519.02] is your +[3519.02 --> 3519.52] crown +[3519.52 --> 3520.20] and his +[3520.20 --> 3520.76] righteousness +[3520.76 --> 3521.46] lived in +[3521.46 --> 3521.94] your life +[3521.94 --> 3522.62] is a royal +[3522.62 --> 3523.40] diadem +[3523.40 --> 3523.90] in the +[3523.90 --> 3524.40] hand of +[3524.40 --> 3524.84] your God +[3524.84 --> 3525.54] Jesus +[3525.54 --> 3526.30] reveals +[3526.30 --> 3526.90] the fullness +[3526.90 --> 3527.58] of God +[3527.58 --> 3528.60] and the +[3528.60 --> 3528.96] fullness +[3528.96 --> 3530.24] of man +[3530.24 --> 3532.94] but what else +[3532.94 --> 3533.18] does the +[3533.18 --> 3533.38] servant +[3533.38 --> 3533.70] Messiah +[3533.70 --> 3534.04] say +[3534.04 --> 3535.74] he says +[3535.74 --> 3536.10] you will +[3536.10 --> 3536.64] be called +[3536.64 --> 3537.58] by a new +[3537.58 --> 3538.06] name that +[3538.06 --> 3538.48] the mouth +[3538.48 --> 3538.82] of the +[3538.82 --> 3539.10] Lord +[3539.10 --> 3540.26] will bestow +[3540.26 --> 3542.18] the mouth +[3542.18 --> 3542.46] of the +[3542.46 --> 3542.70] Lord +[3542.70 --> 3544.38] the word +[3544.38 --> 3545.24] of the +[3545.24 --> 3545.50] Lord +[3545.50 --> 3546.66] the eternal +[3546.66 --> 3547.04] word +[3547.04 --> 3547.42] who took +[3547.42 --> 3547.62] on +[3547.62 --> 3548.10] flesh +[3548.10 --> 3548.92] Jesus +[3548.92 --> 3549.72] the word +[3549.72 --> 3550.24] of God +[3550.24 --> 3550.90] incarnate +[3550.90 --> 3551.74] will give +[3551.74 --> 3552.26] you a +[3552.26 --> 3552.54] new +[3552.54 --> 3553.30] name +[3553.30 --> 3554.94] right +[3554.94 --> 3555.20] to the +[3555.20 --> 3555.60] one who +[3555.60 --> 3555.82] is +[3555.82 --> 3556.32] victorious +[3556.32 --> 3556.68] I +[3556.68 --> 3556.88] will +[3556.88 --> 3557.18] write +[3557.18 --> 3557.68] on them +[3557.68 --> 3558.26] the name +[3558.26 --> 3558.60] of my +[3558.60 --> 3558.92] God +[3558.92 --> 3559.20] and the +[3559.20 --> 3559.46] name +[3559.46 --> 3559.72] of the +[3559.72 --> 3559.94] city +[3559.94 --> 3560.32] of my +[3560.32 --> 3560.60] God +[3560.60 --> 3561.24] the new +[3561.24 --> 3561.68] Jerusalem +[3561.68 --> 3562.04] which is +[3562.04 --> 3562.54] coming down +[3562.54 --> 3562.96] out of +[3562.96 --> 3563.14] heaven +[3563.14 --> 3563.68] from my +[3563.68 --> 3563.94] God +[3563.94 --> 3564.54] and I +[3564.54 --> 3564.68] will +[3564.68 --> 3565.00] write +[3565.00 --> 3565.60] on them +[3565.60 --> 3566.10] my +[3566.10 --> 3566.78] new +[3566.78 --> 3567.48] name +[3567.48 --> 3570.00] okay +[3570.00 --> 3571.96] in the +[3571.96 --> 3572.22] ancient +[3572.22 --> 3572.64] world +[3572.64 --> 3574.18] world +[3574.18 --> 3576.12] and in the +[3576.12 --> 3576.66] world +[3576.66 --> 3576.86] of magic +[3576.86 --> 3577.32] and this idea is still around today +[3577.32 --> 3578.56] or maybe it's better to say +[3578.56 --> 3581.06] as Christianity in the west has +[3581.06 --> 3582.80] started to recede +[3582.80 --> 3585.04] paganism is rushing back in +[3585.04 --> 3586.48] and so this idea still persists +[3586.48 --> 3589.22] but the idea is that to know someone's name +[3589.22 --> 3591.36] especially their true name +[3591.36 --> 3592.92] is to have power over them +[3592.92 --> 3596.70] but to be called by God's name +[3596.70 --> 3598.30] is to be under his protection +[3598.30 --> 3599.36] his rule +[3599.36 --> 3600.34] and his power +[3600.34 --> 3602.14] to be called by God's name +[3602.14 --> 3603.26] is to be under his +[3603.26 --> 3604.58] fatherly hand +[3604.58 --> 3605.60] and kingly +[3605.60 --> 3606.30] rule +[3606.30 --> 3608.52] right that's why the priestly +[3608.52 --> 3610.50] blessing ends the way it does +[3610.50 --> 3612.48] do you remember this one +[3612.48 --> 3613.78] right we hear it often +[3613.78 --> 3614.90] numbers six +[3614.90 --> 3616.46] the priestly blessing +[3616.46 --> 3618.50] the Lord said to Moses +[3618.50 --> 3619.90] tell Aaron and his sons +[3619.90 --> 3622.24] this is how you are to bless the Israelites +[3622.24 --> 3624.58] and so the church has used this blessing +[3624.58 --> 3625.80] since this time +[3625.80 --> 3627.40] saying the Lord bless you +[3627.40 --> 3628.08] and keep you +[3628.08 --> 3629.16] the Lord make his face +[3629.16 --> 3630.12] to shine on you +[3630.12 --> 3631.40] and be gracious to you +[3631.40 --> 3633.22] the Lord turn his face +[3633.22 --> 3633.98] towards you +[3633.98 --> 3635.10] and give you +[3635.10 --> 3635.72] his +[3635.72 --> 3636.78] peace +[3636.78 --> 3638.90] and then this line +[3638.90 --> 3640.74] so +[3640.74 --> 3642.68] they will put my name +[3642.68 --> 3643.92] on the Israelites +[3643.92 --> 3646.02] and I will bless them +[3646.02 --> 3649.44] they will put my name +[3649.44 --> 3650.14] on them +[3650.14 --> 3650.76] and I +[3650.76 --> 3651.44] will +[3651.44 --> 3652.26] bless them +[3652.26 --> 3652.98] often when we +[3652.98 --> 3653.92] end our worship +[3653.92 --> 3654.74] with this blessing +[3654.74 --> 3656.28] we don't read that last line +[3656.28 --> 3657.34] but if you've got the ears +[3657.34 --> 3657.78] to hear it +[3657.78 --> 3658.94] whenever we do a baptism +[3658.94 --> 3660.22] in this church +[3660.22 --> 3661.62] I add it back +[3661.62 --> 3663.50] because this is about +[3663.50 --> 3664.52] our identity +[3664.52 --> 3665.62] about the name +[3665.62 --> 3666.22] of the covenant +[3666.22 --> 3667.42] God going on +[3667.42 --> 3668.02] his covenant +[3668.02 --> 3668.76] children +[3668.76 --> 3670.06] God's name +[3670.06 --> 3670.98] makes us +[3670.98 --> 3671.76] a people +[3671.76 --> 3672.72] a holy +[3672.72 --> 3673.50] nation +[3673.50 --> 3675.12] this is who you are +[3675.12 --> 3678.34] this is why Jesus says +[3678.34 --> 3679.18] that he will give us +[3679.18 --> 3680.12] the name of the city +[3680.12 --> 3680.86] of my God +[3680.86 --> 3681.68] the new Jerusalem +[3681.68 --> 3682.92] which comes down +[3682.92 --> 3683.54] out of heaven +[3683.54 --> 3684.78] over and over +[3684.78 --> 3685.92] we read in the Bible +[3685.92 --> 3686.74] things like +[3686.74 --> 3687.72] once you were not +[3687.72 --> 3688.20] a people +[3688.20 --> 3689.68] but now you are +[3689.68 --> 3690.64] the people of God +[3690.64 --> 3691.46] we read that our +[3691.46 --> 3691.90] citizenship +[3691.90 --> 3693.02] is in heaven +[3693.02 --> 3694.26] we read that we belong +[3694.26 --> 3694.76] to God +[3694.76 --> 3695.48] and our citizens +[3695.48 --> 3696.72] of his kingdom +[3696.72 --> 3697.72] that our citizenship +[3697.72 --> 3699.16] is in the new Jerusalem +[3699.16 --> 3699.84] right +[3699.84 --> 3700.78] this is replete +[3700.78 --> 3702.06] throughout our +[3702.06 --> 3702.78] New Testament +[3702.78 --> 3703.70] identities +[3703.70 --> 3704.76] we are a new +[3704.76 --> 3705.76] creation people +[3705.76 --> 3706.84] by grace +[3706.84 --> 3707.86] through faith +[3707.86 --> 3708.84] made into +[3708.84 --> 3709.64] a holy +[3709.64 --> 3710.58] nation +[3710.58 --> 3712.06] that's what happens +[3712.06 --> 3713.34] when you are clothed +[3713.34 --> 3714.50] with Christ +[3714.50 --> 3717.06] and Jesus says +[3717.06 --> 3717.72] that he will write +[3717.72 --> 3718.26] on us +[3718.26 --> 3719.74] his new +[3719.74 --> 3720.46] name +[3720.46 --> 3722.56] Isaiah 62 +[3722.56 --> 3723.42] says that we will be +[3723.42 --> 3724.48] called by a new name +[3724.48 --> 3725.40] and Revelation 3 +[3725.40 --> 3726.52] says that that new +[3726.52 --> 3727.34] name will be +[3727.34 --> 3727.72] Jesus +[3727.72 --> 3728.72] new +[3728.72 --> 3729.62] name +[3729.62 --> 3731.38] the servant +[3731.38 --> 3731.86] Messiah +[3731.86 --> 3733.22] gives you a new +[3733.22 --> 3733.62] name +[3733.62 --> 3734.60] which comes with +[3734.60 --> 3735.44] a new purpose +[3735.44 --> 3736.66] to reveal his +[3736.66 --> 3737.48] kingdom come +[3737.48 --> 3738.30] and his kingdom +[3738.30 --> 3738.70] coming +[3738.70 --> 3739.74] and Jesus +[3739.74 --> 3740.82] in his divinity +[3740.82 --> 3741.64] reveals the +[3741.64 --> 3742.68] fullness of God +[3742.68 --> 3743.48] Emmanuel +[3743.48 --> 3744.40] and Jesus +[3744.40 --> 3745.78] in his humanity +[3745.78 --> 3747.36] reveals the fullness +[3747.36 --> 3748.42] of what it means +[3748.42 --> 3749.76] to be human +[3749.76 --> 3751.96] your new name +[3751.96 --> 3752.76] the only name +[3752.76 --> 3753.28] that matters +[3753.28 --> 3753.98] is Jesus +[3753.98 --> 3755.38] new name +[3755.38 --> 3757.14] the name of Jesus +[3757.14 --> 3758.22] written indelibly +[3758.22 --> 3759.54] on your forehead +[3759.54 --> 3760.48] the name +[3760.48 --> 3761.62] that may be +[3761.62 --> 3762.78] written invisibly +[3762.78 --> 3764.14] but you +[3764.14 --> 3765.18] now make it +[3765.18 --> 3765.68] visible +[3765.68 --> 3766.82] by the way +[3766.82 --> 3767.26] you live +[3767.26 --> 3768.66] the power +[3768.66 --> 3769.16] of God's +[3769.16 --> 3769.76] transformation +[3769.76 --> 3770.92] working out +[3770.92 --> 3771.50] of you +[3771.50 --> 3773.54] so ask +[3773.54 --> 3773.90] God +[3773.90 --> 3774.66] today +[3774.66 --> 3775.92] how you +[3775.92 --> 3776.46] are still +[3776.46 --> 3776.86] living +[3776.86 --> 3777.34] like he +[3777.34 --> 3777.96] doesn't matter +[3777.96 --> 3779.54] ask him +[3779.54 --> 3780.18] to show you +[3780.18 --> 3780.62] how you +[3780.62 --> 3781.10] are living +[3781.10 --> 3781.96] like he +[3781.96 --> 3782.68] isn't God +[3782.68 --> 3783.08] and that he +[3783.08 --> 3783.48] hasn't +[3783.48 --> 3784.24] transformed you +[3784.24 --> 3785.06] ask him +[3785.06 --> 3788.04] but I would +[3788.04 --> 3788.38] wager +[3788.38 --> 3790.22] that you +[3790.22 --> 3790.86] already know +[3790.86 --> 3793.00] that you +[3793.00 --> 3793.50] already know +[3793.50 --> 3794.06] one or two +[3794.06 --> 3794.68] areas of your +[3794.68 --> 3795.32] life that need +[3795.32 --> 3796.14] to be transformed +[3796.14 --> 3797.42] by living +[3797.42 --> 3798.24] the righteousness +[3798.24 --> 3798.96] of God +[3798.96 --> 3800.44] and so +[3800.44 --> 3801.00] instead of +[3801.00 --> 3801.58] asking him +[3801.58 --> 3802.26] to show you +[3802.26 --> 3804.54] maybe today's +[3804.54 --> 3805.08] the day +[3805.08 --> 3806.18] you commit +[3806.18 --> 3807.06] to the discipline +[3807.06 --> 3808.18] of showing +[3808.18 --> 3808.58] him +[3808.58 --> 3809.72] showing him +[3809.72 --> 3810.16] that you +[3810.16 --> 3810.68] can live +[3810.68 --> 3811.14] as one +[3811.14 --> 3812.06] victorious +[3812.06 --> 3813.48] wouldn't that +[3813.48 --> 3814.06] be something +[3814.06 --> 3817.18] so yeah +[3817.18 --> 3819.16] Emmanuel +[3819.16 --> 3820.42] God with us +[3820.42 --> 3821.66] means something +[3821.66 --> 3822.26] for more +[3822.26 --> 3822.76] than just +[3822.76 --> 3823.48] Christmas day +[3823.48 --> 3825.30] God with us +[3825.30 --> 3825.88] changes +[3825.88 --> 3826.94] everything +[3826.94 --> 3828.48] because he +[3828.48 --> 3829.50] has changed +[3829.50 --> 3830.20] you +[3830.20 --> 3831.62] from your +[3831.62 --> 3832.04] core +[3832.04 --> 3833.14] transformed +[3833.14 --> 3833.96] into the +[3833.96 --> 3834.46] image of +[3834.46 --> 3834.80] Christ +[3834.80 --> 3835.66] filled with +[3835.66 --> 3836.18] the power +[3836.18 --> 3836.90] of the +[3836.90 --> 3837.20] spirit +[3837.20 --> 3838.06] the servant +[3838.06 --> 3838.56] Messiah +[3838.56 --> 3839.22] gives you +[3839.22 --> 3839.70] a new +[3839.70 --> 3840.14] name +[3840.14 --> 3840.78] that comes +[3840.78 --> 3841.38] with a +[3841.38 --> 3841.64] new +[3841.64 --> 3842.30] purpose +[3842.30 --> 3842.98] he has +[3842.98 --> 3843.80] shown you +[3843.80 --> 3844.64] the fullness +[3844.64 --> 3845.38] of God +[3845.38 --> 3846.42] and the +[3846.42 --> 3846.76] fullness +[3846.76 --> 3848.56] of humanity +[3848.56 --> 3850.78] and that's +[3850.78 --> 3851.36] the life +[3851.36 --> 3852.64] we want +[3852.64 --> 3853.04] to live +[3853.04 --> 3853.78] amen +[3853.78 --> 3855.36] amen +[3855.36 --> 3856.18] let's pray +[3856.18 --> 3856.62] together +[3856.62 --> 3864.76] God you +[3864.76 --> 3865.20] have +[3865.20 --> 3866.06] transformed +[3866.06 --> 3866.80] us by +[3866.80 --> 3867.30] grace +[3867.30 --> 3868.02] through +[3868.02 --> 3868.44] faith +[3868.44 --> 3870.94] for those +[3870.94 --> 3871.24] of us +[3871.24 --> 3871.80] who believe +[3871.80 --> 3872.48] we are +[3872.48 --> 3872.80] a new +[3872.80 --> 3873.38] creation +[3873.38 --> 3876.04] and so +[3876.04 --> 3876.28] God +[3876.28 --> 3876.84] send us +[3876.84 --> 3877.22] out +[3877.22 --> 3878.76] as +[3878.76 --> 3879.88] new +[3879.88 --> 3881.16] creations +[3881.16 --> 3882.08] send us +[3882.08 --> 3882.38] out +[3882.38 --> 3882.40] out +[3882.40 --> 3882.60] as +[3882.60 --> 3882.88] those +[3882.88 --> 3883.18] with +[3883.18 --> 3883.78] a new +[3883.78 --> 3884.10] name +[3884.10 --> 3884.40] with the +[3884.40 --> 3884.70] power +[3884.70 --> 3885.02] of the +[3885.02 --> 3885.32] spirit +[3885.32 --> 3885.98] to live +[3885.98 --> 3886.66] transformed +[3886.66 --> 3887.10] lives +[3887.10 --> 3887.32] in the +[3887.32 --> 3887.56] world +[3887.56 --> 3887.88] and by +[3887.88 --> 3888.10] living +[3888.10 --> 3888.62] transformed +[3888.62 --> 3888.98] lives +[3888.98 --> 3889.50] to reveal +[3889.50 --> 3890.22] your kingdom +[3890.22 --> 3890.58] come +[3890.58 --> 3890.94] and your +[3890.94 --> 3891.20] kingdom +[3891.20 --> 3891.62] coming +[3891.62 --> 3892.60] send us +[3892.60 --> 3893.04] out +[3893.04 --> 3894.26] as a new +[3894.26 --> 3894.70] people +[3894.70 --> 3896.40] a holy +[3896.40 --> 3896.90] nation +[3896.90 --> 3897.84] a royal +[3897.84 --> 3898.50] priesthood +[3898.50 --> 3899.26] a people +[3899.26 --> 3899.80] belonging +[3899.80 --> 3900.42] to God +[3900.42 --> 3904.60] and father +[3904.60 --> 3905.06] for those +[3905.06 --> 3905.60] of us +[3905.60 --> 3906.48] here this +[3906.48 --> 3906.86] morning +[3906.86 --> 3909.48] who haven't +[3909.48 --> 3909.96] yet been +[3909.96 --> 3910.54] transformed +[3910.54 --> 3912.24] for those +[3912.24 --> 3912.56] of us +[3912.56 --> 3913.00] here this +[3913.00 --> 3913.28] morning +[3913.28 --> 3913.62] who are +[3913.62 --> 3914.28] crying out +[3914.28 --> 3915.44] Jesus Christ +[3915.44 --> 3916.02] give me +[3916.02 --> 3916.32] your +[3916.32 --> 3916.98] righteousness +[3916.98 --> 3917.78] I pray +[3917.78 --> 3918.30] that you +[3918.30 --> 3918.88] would make +[3918.88 --> 3919.30] that +[3919.30 --> 3920.10] real +[3920.10 --> 3920.60] today +[3920.60 --> 3923.88] open the +[3923.88 --> 3924.36] eyes +[3924.36 --> 3925.04] of our +[3925.04 --> 3926.08] dead +[3926.08 --> 3927.12] and blind +[3927.12 --> 3928.04] hearts +[3928.04 --> 3929.60] that we +[3929.60 --> 3930.30] might live +[3930.30 --> 3930.98] and see +[3930.98 --> 3931.50] you +[3931.50 --> 3932.70] today +[3932.70 --> 3935.06] and if +[3935.06 --> 3935.36] for the +[3935.36 --> 3936.04] first time +[3936.04 --> 3936.60] Lord God +[3936.60 --> 3938.24] open the +[3938.24 --> 3938.80] eyes of our +[3938.80 --> 3939.20] hearts +[3939.20 --> 3939.56] that we +[3939.56 --> 3940.14] might see +[3940.14 --> 3940.46] you +[3940.46 --> 3941.82] and move +[3941.82 --> 3942.52] in us +[3942.52 --> 3943.76] to reach +[3943.76 --> 3944.14] out +[3944.14 --> 3946.68] to offer +[3946.68 --> 3947.46] our lives +[3947.46 --> 3948.42] in response +[3948.42 --> 3949.68] to you +[3949.68 --> 3950.16] offering +[3950.16 --> 3950.64] yours +[3950.64 --> 3952.76] move in +[3952.76 --> 3953.22] us to +[3953.22 --> 3953.76] connect +[3953.76 --> 3954.62] and to go +[3954.62 --> 3955.26] deeper in +[3955.26 --> 3955.94] relationship +[3955.94 --> 3957.04] and discipleship +[3957.04 --> 3957.74] and discipline +[3957.74 --> 3963.50] God you +[3963.50 --> 3963.86] are with +[3963.86 --> 3964.24] us +[3964.24 --> 3965.54] and so +[3965.54 --> 3966.18] go with +[3966.18 --> 3966.60] us +[3966.60 --> 3967.62] into the +[3967.62 --> 3968.00] rest +[3968.00 --> 3968.98] of our +[3968.98 --> 3969.40] lives +[3969.40 --> 3970.70] in Jesus +[3970.70 --> 3971.22] name we +[3971.22 --> 3971.56] pray +[3971.56 --> 3972.56] amen +[3972.56 --> 3974.22] amen +[4002.56 --> 4003.06] you +[4003.06 --> 4003.76] unravel +[4003.76 --> 4004.76] me +[4004.76 --> 4005.96] with +[4005.96 --> 4007.20] a melody +[4007.20 --> 4009.46] surround +[4009.46 --> 4010.60] me +[4010.60 --> 4011.76] with +[4011.76 --> 4012.20] good +[4012.20 --> 4013.26] song +[4013.26 --> 4015.00] about +[4015.00 --> 4016.90] deliverance +[4016.90 --> 4018.44] from my +[4018.44 --> 4020.08] enemies +[4020.08 --> 4021.90] till all +[4021.90 --> 4023.96] my fears +[4023.96 --> 4025.30] are gone +[4025.30 --> 4027.36] I'm no +[4027.36 --> 4028.06] longer +[4028.06 --> 4029.40] a slave +[4029.40 --> 4031.54] to fear +[4031.54 --> 4032.54] fear +[4032.54 --> 4034.24] I am +[4034.24 --> 4036.30] a child +[4036.30 --> 4037.44] of God +[4037.44 --> 4039.40] I'm no +[4039.40 --> 4040.12] longer +[4040.12 --> 4042.18] a slave +[4042.18 --> 4043.48] to fear +[4043.48 --> 4046.24] I am +[4046.24 --> 4047.24] a child +[4047.24 --> 4049.36] of God +[4049.36 --> 4051.06] love +[4051.06 --> 4060.30] from my +[4060.30 --> 4061.70] mother's womb +[4061.70 --> 4063.44] you have +[4063.44 --> 4065.06] chosen me +[4065.06 --> 4067.02] love +[4067.02 --> 4067.72] has +[4067.72 --> 4068.12] come +[4068.12 --> 4070.12] by me +[4070.12 --> 4072.18] I've +[4072.18 --> 4072.88] been born +[4072.88 --> 4073.82] again +[4073.82 --> 4075.42] to your +[4075.42 --> 4076.36] family +[4076.36 --> 4081.94] trans +[4082.78 --> 4082.98] you have +[4082.98 --> 4083.94] in +[4084.32 --> 4085.00] life +[4085.00 --> 4087.98] to me +[4087.98 --> 4090.20] earth +[4094.20 --> 4095.50] who +[4095.50 --> 4095.98] has +[4095.98 --> 4096.40] gone +[4096.40 --> 4097.56] and +[4097.56 --> 4098.12] nothing +[4098.12 --> 4098.34] has +[4098.36 --> 4106.34] gone +[4106.34 --> 4112.34] I'm no longer a saint here. +[4113.08 --> 4118.10] I am a child of God. +[4118.52 --> 4123.34] I'm no longer a saint here. +[4125.02 --> 4129.78] I am a child of God. +[4136.34 --> 4166.32] I am a child of God. +[4166.34 --> 4196.32] I am a child of God. +[4196.34 --> 4204.34] I'm no longer a saint here. +[4206.28 --> 4210.34] I am a child of God. +[4210.34 --> 4216.34] I'm no longer a saint here. +[4216.34 --> 4223.34] I am a child of God. +[4223.34 --> 4233.34] I am a child of God. +[4233.34 --> 4243.34] I am a child of God. +[4243.34 --> 4253.34] I am a child of God. +[4253.34 --> 4263.34] I am a child of God. +[4263.34 --> 4265.34] I am a child of God. +[4265.34 --> 4268.82] If the person beside you doesn't, come find me and I'll pray with you. +[4269.12 --> 4269.86] I won't worry with them. +[4270.04 --> 4270.78] Just come find me. +[4271.34 --> 4273.08] Receive the blessing of God. +[4273.08 --> 4279.08] Amen. +[4279.08 --> 4281.08] God bless you. +[4281.08 --> 4283.08] Amen. +[4283.08 --> 4285.08] Amen. +[4285.08 --> 4287.08] Amen. +[4287.08 --> 4289.08] Amen. +[4289.08 --> 4295.08] Amen. +[4295.08 --> 4296.08] Amen. +[4296.08 --> 4297.08] Amen. +[4297.08 --> 4299.08] Amen. +[4299.08 --> 4301.08] Amen. +[4301.08 --> 4303.08] Amen. +[4303.08 --> 4305.08] Amen. +[4305.08 --> 4311.08] Amen. +[4311.08 --> 4313.08] Amen. +[4313.08 --> 4323.08] Amen. +[4323.08 --> 4328.68] In vain its builders strive. +[4329.48 --> 4335.26] To you who post tomorrow's game, +[4335.56 --> 4340.98] Tell me what is your life? +[4340.98 --> 4347.48] A mist that vanishes at dawn, +[4347.82 --> 4352.98] All glory be to Christ. +[4353.96 --> 4359.74] All glory be to Christ our King, +[4360.10 --> 4365.50] All glory be to Christ. +[4365.50 --> 4371.66] His rule and reign will ever sing, +[4372.02 --> 4377.56] All glory be to Christ. +[4377.56 --> 4383.72] When his glory done, his kingdom come, +[4383.94 --> 4387.72] On earth as his above, +[4389.06 --> 4394.36] Who is himself our daily breath? +[4394.60 --> 4398.38] Praise him, the Lord above. +[4398.38 --> 4404.54] When living water stands by, +[4404.76 --> 4409.24] The mercy without Christ, +[4409.76 --> 4414.04] Will take the cup of kindness, +[4414.04 --> 4419.04] All glory be to Christ. +[4419.04 --> 4424.82] All glory be to Christ our King, +[4424.82 --> 4429.44] All glory be to Christ. +[4429.44 --> 4434.90] His rule and reign will ever sing, +[4434.90 --> 4440.02] All glory be to Christ. +[4440.02 --> 4455.28] And all who did the great Lamb, +[4455.28 --> 4459.18] The faithful and the true, +[4459.18 --> 4463.50] The Lamb who was born, +[4463.50 --> 4463.52] The Lamb who was born, +[4463.52 --> 4465.18] For sin or sin, +[4465.18 --> 4469.68] His name the old things do. +[4470.18 --> 4475.24] Behold, our God shall live with us, +[4475.44 --> 4479.76] And we are steadfast light, +[4479.76 --> 4489.80] Then we shall let his people be All glory be to Christ +[4489.80 --> 4495.18] All glory be to Christ Our King +[4495.18 --> 4505.02] All glory be to Christ His rule and reign will ever swing +[4505.02 --> 4509.76] All glory be to Christ +[4509.76 --> 4515.40] All glory be to Christ our King +[4515.40 --> 4520.72] All glory be to Christ +[4520.72 --> 4526.84] His rule and reign will ever sing +[4526.84 --> 4532.92] All glory be to Christ +[4535.02 --> 4565.00] All glory be to Christ +[4565.02 --> 4595.00] All glory be to Christ +[4595.00 --> 4600.80] All glory be to Christ +[4600.80 --> 4602.80] Thank you. +[4630.80 --> 4660.78] Thank you. +[4660.80 --> 4690.78] Thank you. +[4690.80 --> 4720.78] Thank you. +[4720.80 --> 4750.78] Thank you. +[4750.80 --> 4780.78] Thank you. +[4780.80 --> 4810.78] Thank you. +[4810.80 --> 4840.78] Thank you. diff --git a/Sunday Worship, December 31, 2023_summary.txt b/Sunday Worship, December 31, 2023_summary.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000000000000000000000000000000000000..a21130388cf663024e8322d071ced0fc4dfd4381 --- /dev/null +++ b/Sunday Worship, December 31, 2023_summary.txt @@ -0,0 +1,134 @@ +• Fights with internal voices and negative self-talk +• Reminding oneself of God's love, strength, and holding power +• Finding worth and identity in God's perspective +• Announcements for upcoming events: women's retreat, small worship gathering at Sunridge Gardens, and kids' blessing on Sunday +• Inviting congregation to gather together for worship and learning about God +• Call to worship from Psalm 89, emphasizing the importance of rejoicing in God's righteousness +• Singing hymns, including "Joyful, Joyful We Adore Thee" and "Your Name Is Higher" +• Congregation participating in a song of ages, praising and worshiping God +• Worship and praise of God as the King of Kings +• Acknowledgment of God's name being above all things +• Prayer for guidance and direction in life +• Expression of love and worship to God through song +• Request for healing and blessing on those in need +• Affirmation of God's presence and faithfulness throughout time +• Praise and worship of God's goodness and faithfulness +• Confession of need for God and reliance on Him +• Expression of gratitude for God's guidance and presence +• Discussion of sin, temptation, and the need for holiness +• Prayer for teaching and singing to God +• Introduction of Mike, a deacon at the church, and discussion of financial offerings +• A fund is mentioned for helping those with special needs within the church family and community. +• The fund has been used extensively this year and thanks are given to its donors. +• Prayers and worship songs are sung. +• A call for preschool-age children to come forward during children's worship time. +• Questions about Christmas activities and being in church on Christmas Day. +• Hank the Hound is mentioned, a regular companion of the speaker who is not present today. +• The transition to children's worship time is announced. +• Children's blessing and prayer +• Online giving campaign to support church finances +• Church skate event and thanks to attendees +• New Year's prayers for personal journeys, challenges, and conflicts around the world +• Request for guidance on conflict resolution, unity, and reconciliation +• Care for the earth and its resources +• Celebration of new life and birth +• Prayers for those facing difficulties, hardships, and mourning recent losses +• Support for grieving families and individuals +• Welcome and recognition of new members in the congregation +• Gratitude for church leaders and their roles in the community +• Looking back on the year and anticipating God's continued work +• Difficulty seeing God at work in some situations +• The importance of grounding in Scripture as we reflect on the past year +• Reading Jeremiah 23:23-24, which declares God's presence and power +• Assessing the past year and its impact on our perspective for the future +• The tendency to assume success or hardship based on previous experiences +• Distinction between apathy, hopelessness, and optimism when considering God's presence +• Understanding of God's nature and role in the world +• Analysis of three rhetorical questions from scripture regarding God's nearness, ability to hide from Him, and omnipresence +• Discussion of God's incredulity at those who misrepresent His character +• Jeremiah prophesies about the Babylonian captivity and exile +• The Israelites have forgotten God's ways, leading to their capture by Nebuchadnezzar's armies +• False prophets contradict Jeremiah's messages, promising a peaceful and prosperous future +• Jeremiah creates a wooden yoke as a sign of the coming burden of Babylon +• Hananiah breaks the yoke, falsely prophesying that Nebuchadnezzar's rule will end within two years +• Desire for ease and comfort in life +• Preference for messages that make people feel good over ones that confront them with truth and guilt +• Lack of change in human nature despite repeated messages +• Expectation of a better life defined by material wealth or ease +• Questioning what to do if life does not improve despite following God's promises +• Criticism of false prophets who blame individuals for their situation +• Redefining God to make him manageable and controllable +• Making God a debit and credit machine, where good things are given based on what we do +• Failing to recognize that this view of God is not based on biblical understanding +• Comparing this view to the universe or spiritual energy as a way to get what we want +• How many people today view God in a similar way, trying to manage him and make him respond to their actions. +• Definition of "omni" as a Latin prefix meaning all or every +• Explanation of God's omnis: omnipotence, omniscience, and omnipresence +• Analogy using an escape room with an omnidirectional lock to illustrate the concept of moving in every direction +• Clarification that understanding the meaning of these terms is essential for further discussion +• The speaker describes a physical object that requires sequential direction to move. +• A comparison is made between God's omnipotence and the localized gods of ancient Near Eastern mythology, such as Baal or Mot. +• Gods in ancient Near Eastern mythology were often tied to specific regions or localities, whereas God in the Bible is considered all-powerful and not regionalized. +• The concept of God's omnipotence and power +• God's presence in all regions, realms, and rooms +• God's knowledge and omniscience +• The idea that God knows the secrets of human hearts +• Psalm references (44, 144, 39) highlighting God's understanding and perception of human thoughts and actions +• The nature of God's all-knowing and all-seeing attributes +• The implications of God not knowing everything, including the potential for humans to surprise or catch Him off guard +• The idea that if God doesn't know everything, He is not in control but must react to situations +• The notion that this understanding undermines God's character as described in scripture +• The concept of God's sovereignty and omnipresence +• The idea that without God, nothing would exist or continue to exist +• A discussion on Jeremiah's message about God's knowledge and presence even in exile and difficult circumstances +• A reference to Psalm 139 highlighting God's presence everywhere, including in heaven and earth +• The speaker discusses the concept of God's omnipresence, stating that God is everywhere and present in all aspects of creation. +• A distinction is made between panentheism/pantheism, where God is part of creation, and the idea that God is present everywhere through his spirit. +• Examples are given to illustrate God's presence, including heaven, depths, morning, other side of the sea, darkness, hospital room, graveside, and counseling room. +• The speaker emphasizes that there is no place, time, or situation where God is not present. +• The presence of God in difficult times +• The truth that God is always with us +• The characteristics of God (omnipotent, omniscient, omnipresent) +• Jeremiah's reminder to see trials as under God's control and having a purpose in them +• The idea that even suffering can be used by God for His plan +• The concept that God has a purpose for human suffering is discussed +• The idea that if God is not all-powerful, then human suffering is meaningless +• The importance of having confidence in God's power and control +• The limitations of the "God of health and wealth" doctrine +• The scriptural evidence that supports God's omnipotence and omniscience +• The promise of a righteous branch to take the place of failed leaders +• The concept of a new act of salvation by God +• A new covenant that changes people's hearts +• External obedience vs. internal transformation through God's work +• The cross as an example of God turning evil into good +• Jesus' life, death, and resurrection as the basis for restoration to God +• Omni-comfort is real because God is omnipotent, omniscient, and omnipresent. +• The concept of omni-comfort is discussed in the context of Reformed theology. +• The word "providence" refers to God's action of bringing comfort through his omnipotence, omniscience, and omnipresence. +• Question 27 of the Heidelberg Catechism defines providence as God's almighty power by which he upholds heaven and earth. +• The knowledge of God's creation and providence +• How knowing God helps us be patient, thankful, and have confidence in the future +• Understanding that all creatures are in God's hand and cannot move without His will +• The importance of holding truth about who God is +• A reference to a question and answer from the Heidelberg Catechism +• Talking about reflecting on past year and looking forward to next +• Importance of faith and trusting in God's work +• Praying for clarity to see God at work, and trust when unable to do so +• Belief that all things will work together for good +• Asking God to fill them with His purpose +• Invocation and prayer for the new year +• Reflection on the fleeting nature of human efforts and legacy +• Warning against boasting or pride +• Praise and worship of Jesus Christ as Lord and King +• Acknowledgment of His rule and reign +• Recognition of Christ's sacrifice and provision for sinners +• Declaration of His living presence with believers +• Praise and worship +• Invitation to fellowship and refreshments +• Opportunity for prayer or being prayed over +• Connecting with others through question-answer cards or personal connection +• Information about the Connect booth and connecting with the speaker +• Invocation of God's protection and blessings +• Reassurance not to be afraid +• Request for God's blessing, peace, and presence +• Multiple repetitions of "Amen" \ No newline at end of file diff --git a/Sunday Worship, December 31, 2023_transcript.txt b/Sunday Worship, December 31, 2023_transcript.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000000000000000000000000000000000000..a8a183aa288b56634da20f622eed5319504e9265 --- /dev/null +++ b/Sunday Worship, December 31, 2023_transcript.txt @@ -0,0 +1,2992 @@ +[0.00 --> 16.86] I keep fighting voices in my mind that say I'm not enough +[16.86 --> 28.64] Every single lie that tells me I would never measure +[30.00 --> 42.38] Am I more than just the sum of baby high and then below +[48.38 --> 55.46] Remind me once again just who I am because I need to know +[55.46 --> 65.64] You say I'm loved when I can't feel a thing +[65.64 --> 72.16] You say I'm strong when I think I'm weak +[72.16 --> 78.68] And you say I'm held when I am falling short +[78.68 --> 85.36] And when I don't belong, oh, you say I'm yours +[85.36 --> 91.74] And I believe, oh, I believe +[91.74 --> 98.22] What you say of me, I believe +[98.22 --> 108.02] The only thing that matters now is everything you think of me +[108.02 --> 119.94] In you I find my worth, in you I find my identity +[119.94 --> 130.34] You say I'm loved when I can't feel a thing +[130.34 --> 137.02] You say I'm strong when I think I'm weak +[137.02 --> 143.66] And you say I'm held when I am falling short +[143.66 --> 150.16] When I don't belong, oh, you say I'm yours +[150.16 --> 156.64] And I believe, oh, I believe +[156.64 --> 163.18] What you say of me, oh, I believe +[163.18 --> 176.16] Taking all I have and now I'm laying it at your feet +[176.16 --> 180.84] You say I'm weak +[180.84 --> 184.70] You have every failure, God +[184.70 --> 188.10] You have every victory +[188.10 --> 198.62] You say I'm loved when I can't feel a thing +[198.62 --> 205.08] You say I'm strong when I think I'm weak +[205.08 --> 211.66] You say I'm held when I am falling short +[211.66 --> 218.32] When I don't belong, oh, you say I'm yours +[218.32 --> 224.30] And I believe, oh, I believe +[224.30 --> 230.76] What you say of me, oh, I believe +[230.76 --> 231.76] Oh, I believe +[231.76 --> 234.44] Oh, I believe +[234.44 --> 235.44] Oh, I believe +[235.44 --> 237.76] Yes, I believe +[237.76 --> 243.76] What you say of me, oh, I believe +[243.76 --> 245.76] Oh, I believe +[245.76 --> 271.18] Good morning +[271.18 --> 274.12] Merry Christmas +[274.12 --> 276.22] If I haven't seen you yet this season +[276.22 --> 279.48] Happy New Year for today as well +[279.48 --> 284.26] Thank you for joining with us and gathering here to worship our God +[284.26 --> 286.96] If you are a guest with us this morning +[286.96 --> 288.18] My name is Chris +[288.18 --> 289.68] I'm one of the pastors here +[289.68 --> 295.90] And it is my privilege and really our privilege to gather together and worship our God +[295.90 --> 299.62] This New Year's Eve Day Sunday +[299.62 --> 303.08] Before we begin, there's just a couple announcements to make +[303.08 --> 306.20] I'm going to invite Wendy to come to the front +[306.20 --> 309.36] She's going to make an announcement for a women's group +[309.36 --> 314.80] And while she's walking up, just wanted to remind you all that next Saturday +[314.80 --> 317.58] So six days from now +[317.58 --> 322.12] We're hosting a small worship gathering at Sunridge Gardens +[322.12 --> 326.32] And so if you are available and would like to join together +[326.32 --> 330.60] There's a small group that leads in worship with a gathering of residents from Sunridge +[330.60 --> 333.10] Which is just up the hill over here +[333.10 --> 336.50] We really encourage you to show up and participate in that +[336.50 --> 340.90] It's really good to connect and to be with those people who live there +[340.90 --> 343.42] Some of whom worship with us here regularly +[343.42 --> 347.42] Others of whom only have that one day to worship in the month +[347.42 --> 350.08] So we're grateful to be part of that and to lead there +[350.08 --> 351.08] Please +[351.08 --> 353.38] Hi, I'm Wendy +[353.38 --> 357.54] I'm just part of a team from our women's fellowship group +[357.54 --> 360.32] And we're very excited +[360.32 --> 362.42] We're having a women's retreat +[362.42 --> 365.92] March 8, so it's a Friday evening +[365.92 --> 368.84] To Sunday, which is March 10 +[368.84 --> 371.60] And that'll be like at noon +[371.60 --> 374.22] It's at Kakwa Lake Lodge +[374.22 --> 380.28] There's opportunity to kayak, to hike, to have some fires and fun +[380.28 --> 384.12] And it'll be including five meals and some snacks +[384.12 --> 387.56] And our speaker we just got yesterday +[387.56 --> 390.22] And her name is Jean Dykeshorn Hoagie +[390.22 --> 392.40] So we're really excited about that +[392.40 --> 397.36] She'll be speaking with us in some groups on Saturday +[397.36 --> 399.78] And it'll be a lot of fun +[399.78 --> 402.72] And just getting to know each other as women +[402.72 --> 403.64] Sorry guys +[403.64 --> 406.48] You'll have to plan your own +[406.48 --> 408.46] Anyways +[408.46 --> 411.34] We'll be at the Connect booth in the back +[411.34 --> 415.16] Because we don't have all of our information nailed down yet +[415.16 --> 418.48] They weren't in the office for the last couple weeks +[418.48 --> 421.40] But yeah, we're really excited about this +[421.40 --> 423.94] And just see us in the back +[423.94 --> 426.18] And we'll try to give you a little bit more information +[426.18 --> 427.78] About this weekend +[427.78 --> 430.52] So keep March 8 through 10 open +[430.52 --> 431.78] Okay? Thanks +[431.78 --> 436.92] Thanks Wendy +[436.92 --> 440.86] And then just one last announcement +[440.86 --> 443.18] Later on in our worship +[443.18 --> 446.46] When we ordinarily have the kids' blessing +[446.46 --> 448.26] Because it's the holiday weekend +[448.26 --> 452.42] We're not having the full experience of children's worship time +[452.42 --> 455.34] But preschoolers will still be invited to come up to the front +[455.34 --> 457.14] And then they'll have a group that goes out +[457.14 --> 460.32] And does some worship and learning about God +[460.32 --> 461.82] In their time and space together +[461.82 --> 464.40] I believe that's it for announcements +[464.40 --> 465.16] At least for now +[465.16 --> 466.12] So I'm going to invite you +[466.12 --> 468.14] As you're able to stand +[468.14 --> 470.96] And we can be welcomed into God's presence together +[470.96 --> 480.08] It is a beautiful experience +[480.08 --> 482.24] And testimony of who God is +[482.24 --> 484.66] That when we gather together like this +[484.66 --> 486.14] He meets us here +[486.14 --> 489.58] And we mark God's presence with his greeting +[489.58 --> 491.32] And so I invite you to open your hands +[491.32 --> 492.50] Open your heart +[492.50 --> 494.30] And receive the greeting of God +[494.30 --> 496.46] Grace +[496.46 --> 497.88] Mercy +[497.88 --> 499.14] And peace to you +[499.14 --> 500.24] From God our Father +[500.24 --> 501.58] From the Lord Jesus Christ +[501.58 --> 502.08] Son +[502.08 --> 503.06] And our Savior +[503.06 --> 504.68] Through the presence and power +[504.68 --> 505.88] Of the Holy Spirit +[505.88 --> 507.24] Amen +[507.24 --> 509.72] I invite you to just take a moment +[509.72 --> 511.56] And turn to those around you +[511.56 --> 512.44] In worship this morning +[512.44 --> 514.80] And welcome them in the name of the Lord +[514.80 --> 520.78] Welcome to the side of the church +[520.78 --> 521.32] Welcome to the side of the church +[521.32 --> 522.46] May I get to food +[522.46 --> 524.36] Come on +[537.70 --> 540.10] Welcome to the church +[540.10 --> 544.34] Welcome to the side of the church +[544.34 --> 550.38] Good morning. +[550.72 --> 555.44] Our call to worship this morning comes from Psalm 89, 15-17. +[556.58 --> 559.90] Blessed are those who have learned to acclaim you, +[560.22 --> 562.44] who walk in the light of your presence, Lord. +[563.24 --> 565.98] They rejoice in your name all day long. +[566.60 --> 568.26] They celebrate your righteousness. +[569.26 --> 571.02] For you are their glory and strength, +[571.02 --> 574.42] and by your favor you exalt our horn. +[575.58 --> 578.58] As we close another year and begin to walk into 2024, +[579.32 --> 581.20] may we start by celebrating his righteousness, +[581.90 --> 584.16] and may his name cause us to rejoice. +[584.72 --> 586.54] Let's raise our voices and praise this morning. +[601.02 --> 615.36] Joyful, joyful, we adore thee, God, and glory, Lord above. +[615.36 --> 619.78] Hearts unfold like flowers before thee, +[620.16 --> 623.64] open to the Son of God. +[624.10 --> 627.76] Melt the clouds of sin and sadness, +[627.76 --> 631.76] drive the hurt of doubt away. +[632.28 --> 635.76] Giver of immortal gladness, +[636.38 --> 640.56] fill us with the light of day. +[643.28 --> 647.32] All thy works of joy surround me, +[647.38 --> 650.94] red and blend with fire and praise. +[650.94 --> 655.40] stars and angels sing around me, +[655.40 --> 659.04] center of unbroken ways. +[659.04 --> 661.42] Field and forest, +[661.56 --> 663.18] grave and mountain, +[663.56 --> 665.50] flowing meadows, +[665.64 --> 667.12] flashing sea. +[667.56 --> 671.24] Saves in burn and flowing fountain, +[671.64 --> 675.26] call us to rejoice in thee. +[675.26 --> 682.40] Thou art giving and forgiving, +[682.40 --> 684.56] ever blessing, +[684.56 --> 686.50] ever blessed. +[686.94 --> 690.80] Wellspring of the joy of living, +[691.06 --> 694.56] ocean rent of happy rest. +[695.02 --> 696.72] Thou our Father, +[697.06 --> 698.66] Christ our Father, +[699.04 --> 702.60] all who live in love are thine. +[702.60 --> 706.86] teach us how to love each other, +[706.86 --> 710.78] and lift us to the joy we want. +[710.78 --> 734.84] A thousand generations, +[736.12 --> 738.40] falling down in worship, +[738.40 --> 743.66] sing the song of ages to the Lamb. +[745.66 --> 749.20] And all who've gone before us, +[749.20 --> 752.20] and all who will believe, +[753.20 --> 757.24] sing the song of ages to the Lamb. +[759.24 --> 762.64] Your name is the highest, +[763.02 --> 765.76] your name is the greatest, +[765.76 --> 771.34] your name stands above it all. +[771.34 --> 775.88] All thrones and dominions, +[776.06 --> 778.72] all powers and positions, +[778.72 --> 783.64] your name stands above it all. +[784.02 --> 786.42] When the angels cry, +[786.42 --> 789.14] Holy, +[789.14 --> 791.42] full م education, +[793.66 --> 795.54] Holy, +[796.34 --> 799.68] you anak mebi. +[799.72 --> 800.88] Holy, +[802.56 --> 805.28] holy forever, +[807.46 --> 812.74] and if you've been forgiven, +[812.74 --> 815.74] And if you've been redeemed +[816.52 --> 820.74] Sing the song forever to the Lamb +[821.26 --> 825.52] And if you walk in freedom +[825.52 --> 829.08] And if you bear His name +[829.08 --> 833.82] Sing the song forever to the Lamb +[833.82 --> 839.24] Sing the song forever and Amen +[839.24 --> 843.10] And the angels cry +[843.10 --> 849.36] Holy, all creation cries +[849.36 --> 855.58] Holy, you are lifted high +[855.58 --> 861.50] Holy, holy forever +[861.50 --> 867.56] In your people sing +[867.56 --> 873.42] Holy to the King of kings +[873.42 --> 879.78] Holy, you will always be +[879.78 --> 885.60] Holy, holy forever +[885.60 --> 893.46] Your name is the highest +[893.46 --> 896.46] Your name is the greatest +[896.46 --> 901.46] Your name stand above all +[901.46 --> 905.84] All thrones and dominions +[905.84 --> 908.34] All powers and positions +[908.34 --> 910.20] Your name is the highest +[910.20 --> 912.20] Your name is the highest +[912.20 --> 916.20] And the angels cry +[916.20 --> 921.64] Holy, all creation cries +[921.64 --> 927.20] Holy, you are lifted high +[927.20 --> 933.20] Holy, holy forever +[933.20 --> 943.06] Holy, holy forever +[943.06 --> 946.06] Holy, holy forever +[946.06 --> 950.06] Holy, you will always be +[950.06 --> 956.06] Holy, holy forever +[956.06 --> 956.92] Holy, holy forever +[956.92 --> 961.92] You will always be +[961.92 --> 963.92] Holy, holy forever +[963.92 --> 968.92] Holy, holy forever +[968.92 --> 972.92] Holy, holy forever +[972.92 --> 974.26] I invite you to be seated +[974.26 --> 976.12] Holy, holy forever +[976.12 --> 978.12] Holy, holy forever +[978.12 --> 979.12] Please pray with me +[979.12 --> 985.16] As you have led us in days past +[985.16 --> 988.38] So guide us now and always +[988.38 --> 992.60] That our hearts may learn to choose your will +[992.60 --> 996.12] And our new resolve be strengthened +[996.12 --> 999.62] Help us to face the future with confidence +[999.62 --> 1005.14] Knowing that you have guided and led your people through the eons past +[1005.14 --> 1008.76] And knowing also that you are a personal God +[1008.76 --> 1013.52] Concerned not just with the mighty forces of wind and weather +[1013.52 --> 1016.62] And of the destiny and the fate of nations +[1016.62 --> 1021.88] But also with the joys and sorrows that characterize our lives +[1021.88 --> 1026.20] You have filled us with the light of your word +[1026.20 --> 1028.18] Made flesh in Jesus Christ +[1028.18 --> 1032.20] That the light of faith shine in all that we do +[1032.20 --> 1036.38] That the one who is from everlasting to everlasting +[1036.38 --> 1040.94] Yet who was born among us and lived among us +[1040.94 --> 1044.26] May continue to inspire the thoughts of our hearts +[1044.26 --> 1046.78] And the actions of our lives +[1058.18 --> 1066.52] Light of the world +[1066.52 --> 1070.04] You step down into darkness +[1070.04 --> 1074.68] Open my eyes, let me see +[1074.68 --> 1082.18] Beauty that made in His heart adore you +[1082.18 --> 1086.74] Hope of a life spent with you +[1086.74 --> 1092.48] So here I am to worship +[1092.48 --> 1095.90] Here I am to bow down +[1095.90 --> 1101.50] Here I am to say that you're my God +[1101.50 --> 1104.70] You're altogether lovely +[1104.70 --> 1107.80] Altogether worthy +[1107.80 --> 1112.74] Altogether wonderful to me +[1112.74 --> 1120.94] King of all things +[1120.94 --> 1124.14] Oh so highly exalted +[1124.14 --> 1128.74] Glorious in heaven above +[1128.74 --> 1134.20] Lovely you came to the earth +[1134.20 --> 1135.80] You created +[1135.80 --> 1136.54] All for love's sake +[1136.54 --> 1140.54] All for love's sake became whole +[1140.54 --> 1146.28] So here I am to worship +[1146.28 --> 1147.28] Here I am to worship +[1147.28 --> 1149.28] Here I am to bow down +[1149.28 --> 1154.50] Here I am to say that you're my God +[1154.50 --> 1155.50] You're altogether lovely +[1155.50 --> 1157.50] You're altogether lovely +[1157.50 --> 1159.50] Altogether worthy +[1159.50 --> 1165.50] Altogether wonderful to me +[1165.50 --> 1169.50] And I'll never know +[1169.50 --> 1172.50] How much it calls +[1172.50 --> 1175.24] To see my sin +[1175.24 --> 1176.24] Upon that cross +[1176.24 --> 1178.24] Upon that cross +[1178.24 --> 1180.98] In the letter door +[1180.98 --> 1182.24] How much it calls +[1182.24 --> 1183.24] How much it calls +[1183.24 --> 1184.24] To see my sin +[1184.24 --> 1186.24] Upon that cross +[1186.24 --> 1187.24] To see my sin +[1187.24 --> 1188.24] Upon that cross +[1188.24 --> 1192.24] Here I am to worship +[1192.24 --> 1196.24] Here I am to bow down +[1196.24 --> 1203.24] Here I am to say that you're my God +[1203.24 --> 1209.24] You're altogether lovely +[1209.24 --> 1211.24] Altogether worthy +[1211.24 --> 1214.24] Altogether wonderful to me +[1214.24 --> 1217.24] So here I am to worship +[1217.24 --> 1220.24] Here I am to bow down +[1220.24 --> 1225.24] Here I am to say that ты're my God +[1225.24 --> 1237.12] You're altogether lovely, altogether worthy, altogether wonderful to me. +[1245.30 --> 1247.30] Let's continue our prayer. +[1249.60 --> 1253.82] Father, bless especially this day those who are in need. +[1253.82 --> 1262.26] The people we do not know whose hope for the future is not buoyed by the experience of blessings in the past. +[1262.72 --> 1270.50] Who have not known healing or faith or prosperity and who have no hope. +[1271.58 --> 1279.20] You have been our God in ages past and we know that you will continue to be our God in years to come. +[1280.04 --> 1280.30] Amen. +[1280.30 --> 1283.38] Why don't we rise as we sing these last songs. +[1283.82 --> 1284.68] Amen. +[1284.68 --> 1284.76] Amen. +[1284.76 --> 1299.00] I love you, Lord. +[1300.78 --> 1304.36] Oh, your mercy never fails me. +[1305.54 --> 1310.72] All my days, you have held in your hands. +[1310.72 --> 1323.72] From the moment that I wake up, till I lay my head, I will sing of your goodness, O God. +[1326.34 --> 1330.50] All my life, you have been faithful. +[1332.84 --> 1338.36] All my life, you have been so, so good. +[1338.36 --> 1349.32] With every breath that I am able, I will sing of the goodness of God. +[1350.56 --> 1357.26] Your voice, you will lead me through fire. +[1358.46 --> 1363.70] Your darkest night, you are close like no other. +[1363.70 --> 1366.90] I love you as a father. +[1368.12 --> 1370.92] I know you as a friend. +[1371.72 --> 1376.50] And I will sing to the goodness of God. +[1376.50 --> 1382.96] All my life, you have been faithful. +[1382.96 --> 1390.64] All my life, you have been so, so good. +[1390.64 --> 1401.70] With every breath that I am able, I will sing of the goodness of God. +[1401.70 --> 1409.16] Your goodness is running after me. +[1410.16 --> 1415.50] Your goodness is running after me. +[1415.50 --> 1419.34] With my life laid down, I surrender now. +[1419.34 --> 1421.12] I give you everything. +[1422.84 --> 1425.68] Your goodness is running after me. +[1425.68 --> 1427.50] It's running after me. +[1427.50 --> 1428.50] Your goodness is running after me. +[1428.50 --> 1429.50] Your goodness is running after me. +[1429.50 --> 1434.50] Your goodness is running after me. +[1434.50 --> 1439.50] Your goodness is running after me. +[1439.50 --> 1443.82] If my life laid down, I surrender now. +[1443.82 --> 1445.82] I give you everything. +[1445.82 --> 1447.82] Your goodness is running after me. +[1447.82 --> 1449.82] Your goodness is running after me. +[1449.82 --> 1452.82] Your goodness is running after me. +[1452.82 --> 1454.44] Your goodness is running after me. +[1458.44 --> 1462.30] All my life, you have been faithful. +[1462.30 --> 1469.20] And all my life, you have been so, so good. +[1469.32 --> 1480.56] With every breath that I am able, I will sing of the goodness of God. +[1480.56 --> 1487.30] I will sing of the goodness of God +[1487.30 --> 1515.86] Lord, I come, I confess +[1515.86 --> 1522.88] Bowing here, I find my rest +[1522.88 --> 1529.72] Without you, I fall apart +[1529.72 --> 1537.36] You're the one that guides my heart +[1537.36 --> 1547.52] Lord, I need you, oh, I need you +[1547.52 --> 1553.80] Every hour I need you +[1553.80 --> 1559.94] My one defense, my righteousness +[1559.94 --> 1565.76] Oh God, how I need you +[1565.76 --> 1571.90] Where sin runs deep +[1571.90 --> 1575.72] Your grace is more +[1575.72 --> 1578.74] Where grace is found +[1578.74 --> 1582.74] It's where you are +[1582.74 --> 1585.68] Where you are +[1585.68 --> 1588.74] Lord, I am free +[1588.74 --> 1590.74] Holiness +[1590.74 --> 1594.74] It's Christ in me +[1594.74 --> 1597.74] Where you are +[1597.74 --> 1600.74] Lord, I am free +[1601.60 --> 1602.74] Holiness +[1603.28 --> 1607.74] It's Christ in me +[1607.74 --> 1613.86] Lord, I need you +[1613.86 --> 1617.96] Oh, I need you +[1617.96 --> 1624.10] Every hour I need you +[1624.10 --> 1627.12] My one defense +[1627.12 --> 1630.04] My righteousness +[1630.04 --> 1636.16] Oh God, how I need you +[1636.16 --> 1641.04] Teach my song to rise to you +[1641.04 --> 1647.16] When temptation comes my way +[1647.16 --> 1652.04] When I cannot stand, I'll fall on you +[1652.04 --> 1656.20] Jesus, you're my hope +[1656.20 --> 1662.04] When I cannot stand, I'll fall on you +[1662.04 --> 1668.04] Jesus, you're my hope and stay +[1668.04 --> 1674.16] Lord, I need you +[1674.16 --> 1676.16] Lord, I need you +[1676.16 --> 1678.16] Oh, I need you +[1678.16 --> 1684.48] Every hour I need you +[1684.48 --> 1687.48] My one defense +[1687.48 --> 1690.16] My righteousness +[1690.16 --> 1695.28] Oh God, how I need you +[1695.28 --> 1696.30] Lord, I need you +[1696.30 --> 1698.22] Lord, I need you +[1698.22 --> 1699.26] Lord, I need you +[1699.26 --> 1703.20] Oh, I need you +[1703.20 --> 1709.20] Every hour I need you +[1709.20 --> 1712.44] My one defense +[1712.44 --> 1713.22] My one defense +[1713.22 --> 1715.38] My righteousness +[1715.38 --> 1721.30] Oh God, how I need you +[1721.30 --> 1725.30] My one defense +[1725.30 --> 1726.30] My one defense +[1726.30 --> 1728.30] My righteousness +[1728.30 --> 1735.30] Oh God, how I need you +[1735.30 --> 1738.56] I invite you to be seated +[1738.56 --> 1748.94] Good morning, my name's Mike +[1748.94 --> 1750.76] And I'm a deacon at the church here +[1750.76 --> 1752.48] And we have a chance now +[1752.48 --> 1754.22] To give of our financial blessings +[1754.22 --> 1755.10] And to give back +[1755.10 --> 1756.26] What God has given to us +[1756.26 --> 1757.88] So there's two offerings +[1757.88 --> 1759.18] One for the ministries +[1759.18 --> 1759.90] Of Langley Manual +[1759.90 --> 1760.60] Goes to the budget +[1760.60 --> 1761.76] And all the other functions +[1761.76 --> 1762.72] That happen here at the church +[1762.72 --> 1764.46] And the other part of the budget +[1764.46 --> 1765.78] Or the offering, sorry +[1765.78 --> 1767.40] Is for the benevolence fund +[1767.40 --> 1769.18] So anything unmarked +[1769.18 --> 1769.98] That goes in the bag +[1769.98 --> 1771.44] Will go towards the benevolence fund +[1771.44 --> 1772.66] And it's a fund +[1772.66 --> 1774.52] That the deacons make use of +[1774.52 --> 1775.82] To help meet the needs +[1775.82 --> 1777.56] Of just special needs +[1777.56 --> 1778.70] Within our own church family +[1778.70 --> 1780.58] And from the community +[1780.58 --> 1781.48] And outside of the family +[1781.48 --> 1783.32] And we've definitely used that fund +[1783.32 --> 1784.14] Quite a bit this year +[1784.14 --> 1785.36] So thank you so much +[1785.36 --> 1786.90] For as a family +[1786.90 --> 1787.80] Bringing that fund +[1787.80 --> 1789.04] Back up to a healthy spot +[1789.04 --> 1790.18] So we can continue +[1790.18 --> 1791.16] Helping more and more people +[1791.16 --> 1791.98] Thank you +[1791.98 --> 1803.80] Beautiful Lord +[1803.80 --> 1805.52] Wonderful Savior +[1805.52 --> 1819.46] Wonderful Savior +[1819.46 --> 1822.20] I know for sure +[1822.20 --> 1827.70] All of my days are held in your hands +[1827.70 --> 1834.58] Wrapped into your perfect plan +[1834.58 --> 1841.46] You gently call me into your presence +[1841.46 --> 1843.86] Guiding me by +[1843.86 --> 1845.74] Your Holy Spirit +[1845.74 --> 1846.38] Your Holy Spirit +[1846.38 --> 1849.12] Teach me dear Lord +[1849.12 --> 1851.92] To blow up my mind +[1851.92 --> 1856.78] Through your eyes +[1856.78 --> 1859.60] I'm captured by +[1859.60 --> 1862.24] Your holy healing +[1862.24 --> 1864.90] Set me apart +[1864.90 --> 1870.06] I know you're drawing me to yourself +[1870.06 --> 1872.72] Lead me Lord +[1872.72 --> 1874.14] I pray +[1874.14 --> 1880.46] Take me +[1880.46 --> 1883.02] Hold me +[1883.02 --> 1885.56] Use me +[1885.56 --> 1887.84] Fill me +[1887.84 --> 1890.62] I give my life +[1890.62 --> 1894.72] To the Father's hand +[1894.72 --> 1900.26] Call me +[1900.26 --> 1903.08] Guide me +[1903.08 --> 1904.62] Lead me +[1904.62 --> 1907.80] Walk beside me +[1907.80 --> 1910.62] I give my life +[1910.62 --> 1914.34] To the Father's hand +[1914.34 --> 1920.38] Beautiful Lord +[1920.38 --> 1922.78] Wonderful Savior +[1922.78 --> 1925.40] I know for sure +[1925.40 --> 1930.50] All of my days are held in your hands +[1930.50 --> 1937.04] Back into your perfect plan +[1937.04 --> 1942.80] You gently call me into your presence +[1942.80 --> 1945.04] Guiding you +[1945.04 --> 1947.28] Your Holy Spirit +[1947.28 --> 1949.84] Teach me dear Lord +[1949.84 --> 1952.58] To blow up my light +[1952.58 --> 1957.32] Through your eyes +[1957.32 --> 1959.42] I'm captured by +[1959.42 --> 1961.78] Your holy calling +[1962.34 --> 1963.78] Set me apart +[1964.44 --> 1968.78] I know you're drawing me to yourself +[1969.46 --> 1971.90] Lead me Lord +[1971.90 --> 1973.90] I pray. +[1976.96 --> 1992.90] Take me, hold me, use me, fill me, I give my life to the Father's hand. +[1992.90 --> 2012.90] Call me, guide me, lead me, walk beside me, I give my life to the Father's hand. +[2012.90 --> 2021.90] Beautiful Lord, wonderful Savior, I know for sure. +[2021.90 --> 2034.90] All of my days are held in your hand, crafted into your perfect plan. +[2034.90 --> 2056.90] I would love to invite any preschool, three-year-olds to preschool age, if any of you are brave enough to come forward and hang out with me up here, I'd love for you to come forward right now. +[2056.90 --> 2064.90] Here we go, thanks Malachi, there we go, hey. +[2064.90 --> 2068.90] Hi, it's good to see you, how are you guys doing? +[2068.90 --> 2070.90] Good, you guys are doing well? +[2070.90 --> 2072.90] Did you have a good Christmas break? +[2072.90 --> 2076.90] Yeah? Oh, here comes a couple more, oh, we're filtering in, this is great. +[2076.90 --> 2079.90] What did you guys all do for Christmas this year? +[2079.90 --> 2082.90] Stay home? +[2082.90 --> 2084.90] You did? +[2084.90 --> 2085.90] Yeah? +[2085.90 --> 2088.90] Did you guys, were you in church on Christmas Day? +[2088.90 --> 2090.90] I saw some of you here. +[2090.90 --> 2091.90] That was exciting. +[2091.90 --> 2093.90] Now, I usually have a friend with me up here. +[2093.90 --> 2095.90] Who do I usually have up here with me? +[2095.90 --> 2096.90] Hank! +[2096.90 --> 2097.90] Yeah. +[2097.90 --> 2099.90] Hank the Hound, where do you think he is? +[2099.90 --> 2100.90] A lion. +[2100.90 --> 2101.90] No, he's not. +[2101.90 --> 2103.90] Sadly, he's not here today. +[2103.90 --> 2104.90] He's somewhere else today. +[2104.90 --> 2106.90] Where do you think he could have gone? +[2106.90 --> 2107.90] Hank? +[2107.90 --> 2108.90] France? +[2108.90 --> 2109.90] Sure, we'll work that in next time. +[2110.90 --> 2113.90] We are going to go to children's worship time now, okay? +[2113.90 --> 2117.90] And we'll hear all about Hank's trip to France next time. +[2118.90 --> 2121.90] But before we head to children's worship time, let's pray. +[2121.90 --> 2126.90] And then if you are three years old to in preschool, we've got children's worship time for you in the back, okay? +[2126.90 --> 2127.90] You can follow me. +[2127.90 --> 2128.90] But let's pray right now, alright? +[2128.90 --> 2133.90] Dear God, thank you so much that we could be in church today, this last day of 2023. +[2133.90 --> 2143.90] And we pray, God, as some of us go off to children's worship time and others of us stay here in church and listen to Pastor Chris, that you will teach us more about what it means to follow you in this world. +[2143.90 --> 2144.90] And we pray this in your name. +[2144.90 --> 2145.90] Amen. +[2145.90 --> 2146.90] Amen. +[2146.90 --> 2148.90] Okay, we're still going to do the children's blessing, okay? +[2148.90 --> 2150.90] So, everybody stand up. +[2150.90 --> 2154.90] Alright, and we're going to say together, the Lord be with you, okay? +[2154.90 --> 2155.90] Are you ready? +[2155.90 --> 2156.90] We're going to say it together now. +[2156.90 --> 2158.90] The Lord be with you. +[2158.90 --> 2160.90] And also with you. +[2160.90 --> 2161.90] God bless you. +[2161.90 --> 2162.90] Amen. +[2190.90 --> 2193.92] Good morning. I'm Steve. I'm an elder here. +[2194.52 --> 2196.98] And I've got a couple quick announcements before I lead you in prayer. +[2197.94 --> 2200.76] First is, I know we just passed around the collection plate, +[2200.88 --> 2203.08] but we still have 13 and a half hours left in this year. +[2203.32 --> 2207.22] So online giving is still open until 11.59. +[2207.54 --> 2209.98] So we've got lots of good support this year, +[2210.12 --> 2212.72] but let's try to finish the year as strong as we can. +[2212.88 --> 2215.36] So that would be great if anyone can contribute. +[2216.14 --> 2219.52] And also thanks for everyone that came out to the church skate yesterday. +[2219.52 --> 2222.14] That was great to see so many people out there. A lot of fun. +[2223.06 --> 2223.74] Thank you. +[2226.32 --> 2227.00] Let's pray. +[2230.36 --> 2233.94] Dear Heavenly Father, as we gather on this last day of the year, +[2234.16 --> 2237.46] we come before you with our hearts of gratitude for a year that has passed +[2237.46 --> 2239.74] and hopeful for the one ahead. +[2240.30 --> 2242.92] We also acknowledge the challenges of the past year. +[2243.14 --> 2246.02] We lift our hearts to you, seeking your presence and guidance +[2246.02 --> 2249.42] as we reflect on the trials many of us have faced. +[2250.18 --> 2253.44] As we start a new year, we ask for your blessing on our personal journeys. +[2253.78 --> 2256.36] Grant us strength to face challenges with resilience, +[2256.96 --> 2258.46] the courage to stand up for justice, +[2258.66 --> 2260.92] and the compassion to love one another unconditionally. +[2261.56 --> 2264.78] May this new year bring about a spirit of renewal and transformation. +[2264.78 --> 2270.66] In the midst of our celebrations, we humbly lift up conflicts that have troubled our world. +[2270.66 --> 2275.92] We pray for peace in regions such as Israel and Gaza and Ukraine and Russia, +[2276.12 --> 2277.88] where, torn by strife, +[2278.44 --> 2282.44] asking for your guiding hand to lead nations towards understanding and reconciliation. +[2282.44 --> 2289.28] Lord, we bring before you many divided communities around and nations around the world. +[2289.28 --> 2292.40] Grant us the wisdom to see beyond our differences, +[2292.70 --> 2296.32] to embrace the common humanity that unites us all. +[2296.58 --> 2300.18] May our spirit of unity prevail, fostering compassion and empathy +[2300.18 --> 2302.80] in the face of many strongly differing opinions. +[2302.80 --> 2309.90] Creator, Lord, we seek your guidance and stewarding the earth with care and responsibility. +[2310.54 --> 2314.02] Inspire us to be mindful custodians of our precious earth +[2314.02 --> 2318.66] and recognizing the interconnectedness of all living things. +[2319.24 --> 2323.32] May our actions reflect a commitment to preserving the beauty and balance of your creation. +[2323.32 --> 2327.16] We come today before you with gratitude and joy +[2327.16 --> 2330.94] and thank you and praise you for the precious gift of new life. +[2331.40 --> 2333.56] We stand in the awe of the miracle of birth, +[2334.00 --> 2338.08] another testament to your divine design and beauty of creation. +[2339.02 --> 2341.16] We celebrate with Bert and Wickham Mose +[2341.16 --> 2345.48] as they welcomed a new grandson, Simon, from their daughter, Fiona, and son, Joel. +[2345.80 --> 2347.82] We thank you for this new addition to their family. +[2349.16 --> 2352.94] We lift up to those who are facing difficulties and hardships. +[2353.32 --> 2355.56] Asking for your comfort and healing touch. +[2356.18 --> 2358.24] Let your light shine upon those in darkness +[2358.24 --> 2360.62] and may your peace fill the hearts of those who are troubled. +[2361.64 --> 2363.56] We lift up the individuals and families +[2363.56 --> 2365.72] who are mourning the recent loss of their loved ones. +[2366.94 --> 2368.22] Be their refuge and strength. +[2368.86 --> 2371.08] In particular, we think of the Visser and Hummelman families +[2371.08 --> 2373.14] as they both had funerals of loved ones, +[2373.66 --> 2375.88] Cy and Visser and Anne Hummelman, this past week. +[2376.32 --> 2378.88] We find hope in the assurance they are now in your presence, +[2379.04 --> 2381.40] experiencing the fullness of your love and glory. +[2381.40 --> 2386.22] Grant strength to the grieving to face the difficult days ahead. +[2386.42 --> 2388.98] Surround them with a community of support, friends, and family +[2388.98 --> 2391.06] who can offer comfort and understanding. +[2391.64 --> 2395.66] May your Holy Spirit be the comforter and present in their midst +[2395.66 --> 2398.08] and bringing a sense of your abiding peace. +[2398.08 --> 2403.52] Thank you, Lord, for the new members that have joined our congregation this past year. +[2404.36 --> 2406.76] We recognize that as by your grace and guidance, +[2406.82 --> 2408.54] they have become part of our church family +[2408.54 --> 2410.60] and we give thanks for their commitment and dedication. +[2411.30 --> 2414.86] In the year ahead, grant us wisdom to continue to welcome and embrace our community +[2414.86 --> 2418.00] with open hearts, warmth, acceptance, and genuine Christian fellowship. +[2418.00 --> 2422.74] We thank you for Chris, for Kevin, and Josh and their roles in our congregation. +[2423.26 --> 2426.84] We are grateful for their willingness to share their gifts and talents +[2426.84 --> 2428.78] and insights with here at Emmanuel. +[2429.06 --> 2433.50] We ask that you grant them wisdom as they navigate the challenges of ministry. +[2434.24 --> 2436.24] May they be filled with discernment and understanding, +[2436.48 --> 2438.98] relying on the Holy Spirit for guidance in every decision. +[2439.74 --> 2441.20] Strengthen them in times of weakness +[2441.20 --> 2444.24] and let them find rest in your presence +[2444.24 --> 2447.52] when their demands of their calling become overwhelming. +[2448.54 --> 2451.80] And be with Pastor Chris as he leads us this morning. +[2452.00 --> 2453.50] Bless him in his message. +[2454.18 --> 2456.30] We pray this all in the name of Jesus Christ, +[2456.58 --> 2458.40] your Son and our Lord and Savior. +[2458.40 --> 2459.12] Amen. +[2471.20 --> 2482.16] On this last Sunday of the year, +[2482.98 --> 2488.14] it is a pattern of the Christian church to look back, +[2488.28 --> 2490.36] even as we look forward, +[2490.90 --> 2495.34] to look back at the places where we've seen God at work clearly, +[2495.34 --> 2499.48] to look forward, anticipating God's continued work, +[2499.48 --> 2503.90] and also to do that in a community together, +[2504.10 --> 2506.48] recognizing that for some of us, +[2506.56 --> 2507.56] when we look back, +[2508.08 --> 2511.84] it's really hard to see if God has been there +[2511.84 --> 2514.10] or how God has been there. +[2514.46 --> 2516.26] And then with that, when we look forward, +[2516.84 --> 2518.22] a lot of us are wondering, +[2519.00 --> 2521.10] where is God going to show up? +[2521.18 --> 2523.02] Is God going to show up? +[2523.78 --> 2527.84] And so I believe it's important for us +[2527.84 --> 2529.04] as we do that work, +[2529.86 --> 2531.16] as even culturally, +[2531.34 --> 2534.24] as we do that kind of thing this time of year, +[2534.54 --> 2538.92] we do that grounded in the truth of the Scriptures, +[2539.46 --> 2541.20] grounded in the truth of who God is +[2541.20 --> 2543.82] and how he has spoken to us. +[2543.82 --> 2545.00] And so this morning, +[2545.20 --> 2549.10] for our last sermon of the year, +[2549.16 --> 2552.14] we're going to look at the words of the prophet Jeremiah. +[2552.56 --> 2554.90] We're going to read from Jeremiah 23, +[2555.42 --> 2557.12] just two verses this morning. +[2557.84 --> 2560.26] We're going to read verses 23 and 24. +[2561.06 --> 2562.70] If you have a Bible with you, +[2562.88 --> 2564.16] I encourage you to have that open +[2564.16 --> 2565.16] or to turn that on +[2565.16 --> 2567.60] and to find the text that we're going to read +[2567.60 --> 2569.50] and keep that there in front of you +[2569.50 --> 2570.36] as we will, of course, +[2570.42 --> 2572.14] be referring back to the text. +[2572.24 --> 2573.08] It will be on the screen +[2573.08 --> 2574.24] the first time we go through. +[2574.54 --> 2576.36] Let me read this with you. +[2577.52 --> 2579.94] The Word of God from Jeremiah 23, +[2580.16 --> 2581.16] starting at verse 23. +[2581.16 --> 2587.48] Am I only a God nearby, declares the Lord, +[2587.54 --> 2589.16] and not a God far away? +[2590.70 --> 2593.06] Who can hide in secret places +[2593.06 --> 2595.62] so that I cannot see them, declares the Lord? +[2596.14 --> 2600.60] Do I not fill heaven and earth, declares the Lord? +[2600.60 --> 2603.06] This is the Word of the Lord. +[2603.06 --> 2608.30] And so as we look back +[2608.30 --> 2609.98] and as we anticipate forward, +[2610.24 --> 2613.80] it is natural and normal for us +[2613.80 --> 2614.70] in this moment +[2614.70 --> 2617.82] to kind of assess, right? +[2617.86 --> 2620.12] What kind of a year was it? +[2620.86 --> 2622.02] Maybe for some of you, +[2622.10 --> 2625.50] it's a year that you are ready to leave behind, right? +[2625.52 --> 2627.16] We're going to move on to something better, +[2627.16 --> 2629.60] or at least we're going to move on to something else, +[2629.60 --> 2631.58] because whatever 2023 was, +[2631.86 --> 2634.20] I sure hope that's not what 2024 brings. +[2637.70 --> 2642.04] Or maybe it's a year that you are celebrating +[2642.04 --> 2643.90] and that you will remember +[2643.90 --> 2645.54] for the rest of your life. +[2646.38 --> 2648.68] Most likely for most of us here, +[2648.76 --> 2650.78] it's somewhere in between, +[2650.98 --> 2653.34] or it's a year that had moments of one +[2653.34 --> 2655.38] and moments of the other. +[2656.76 --> 2659.36] Recently, I was driving in my car +[2659.36 --> 2661.24] and I was listening to a radio program. +[2661.94 --> 2663.60] For those of you under 30, +[2664.46 --> 2666.38] radios are those things in cars +[2666.38 --> 2668.92] that old people listen to +[2668.92 --> 2670.04] when they don't have car play. +[2672.28 --> 2674.96] And yes, I realize I just officially put myself +[2674.96 --> 2676.10] in the old people category. +[2677.30 --> 2679.70] But I was listening to a program on the radio +[2679.70 --> 2683.52] and the host was going around downtown, +[2683.64 --> 2684.76] it might even have been Vancouver, +[2684.98 --> 2687.40] downtown asking the question, +[2687.40 --> 2690.86] are you optimistic or are you pessimistic +[2690.86 --> 2692.28] about the year ahead? +[2694.28 --> 2696.30] And what was abundantly clear +[2696.30 --> 2698.14] as people gave answer to that question +[2698.14 --> 2701.40] was that the kind of year you just had +[2701.40 --> 2704.94] plays a role in the kind of year +[2704.94 --> 2706.40] you think you will have. +[2706.40 --> 2711.38] And so success tends to suggest success. +[2712.20 --> 2715.04] Hardship tends to suggest hardship. +[2716.04 --> 2718.38] But what was hardest to hear +[2718.38 --> 2722.12] was the few people who talked with apathy +[2722.12 --> 2724.24] or hopelessness. +[2724.78 --> 2726.54] And those two things are different, right? +[2726.60 --> 2729.60] But with apathy that I've just stopped caring, +[2730.22 --> 2730.90] come what may, +[2731.30 --> 2733.44] or hopelessness saying it's always, +[2733.44 --> 2736.12] God is only ever going to be this way. +[2737.74 --> 2739.80] And as I was reflecting on that +[2739.80 --> 2741.28] and on their answers and listening, +[2742.08 --> 2743.70] it struck me, +[2744.28 --> 2746.50] whether pessimistic or optimistic, +[2746.80 --> 2748.58] whether apathetic or engaged, +[2748.92 --> 2751.76] about the old year and into the new year, +[2752.90 --> 2756.40] what you think about God +[2756.40 --> 2758.78] or what you don't think about God +[2758.78 --> 2762.06] is going to change your perspective +[2762.06 --> 2763.76] in answering that question. +[2765.16 --> 2766.50] Now, of course, +[2766.60 --> 2768.80] you might say that if you believe in God, +[2768.88 --> 2770.34] you can always be optimistic +[2770.34 --> 2772.28] looking back and looking forward. +[2772.52 --> 2774.52] But honestly, +[2774.60 --> 2775.76] I don't think it's that simple. +[2776.54 --> 2777.98] And I don't think it's that easy. +[2778.86 --> 2780.16] And to be frank, +[2780.36 --> 2781.60] I'm just not going to stand here +[2781.60 --> 2782.84] and tell you how you ought to feel +[2782.84 --> 2785.00] about the kind of year that you've had. +[2785.00 --> 2787.30] Instead, though, +[2787.42 --> 2789.50] I do want us to talk about God. +[2790.68 --> 2790.88] Right? +[2790.96 --> 2792.44] God in the midst of that year, +[2792.54 --> 2793.66] whatever it might have been like. +[2793.72 --> 2795.00] God in the midst of trial +[2795.00 --> 2795.80] and hardship +[2795.80 --> 2796.42] and struggle +[2796.42 --> 2797.36] and danger. +[2797.52 --> 2798.76] God in the midst of blessing +[2798.76 --> 2799.52] and happiness +[2799.52 --> 2800.76] and celebration. +[2801.58 --> 2802.52] And what I hope +[2802.52 --> 2803.78] that we can see together +[2803.78 --> 2806.26] will be sort of under the theme +[2806.26 --> 2808.40] that when you understand +[2808.40 --> 2809.90] who God is, +[2810.90 --> 2812.72] you can better understand +[2812.72 --> 2815.02] where God is. +[2816.66 --> 2816.84] Right? +[2816.86 --> 2817.56] When you understand +[2817.56 --> 2818.48] who God is, +[2818.52 --> 2819.50] you can better understand +[2819.50 --> 2821.52] where God is. +[2821.56 --> 2822.52] And we're going to pull that out +[2822.52 --> 2824.28] of these two verses we read. +[2824.34 --> 2825.38] Now, there are only two verses +[2825.38 --> 2826.82] because these two verses +[2826.82 --> 2828.44] are jam-packed full +[2828.44 --> 2830.32] of meaning and theology, +[2830.32 --> 2831.78] of truth about who God is +[2831.78 --> 2833.46] and how God operates +[2833.46 --> 2834.04] in the world. +[2835.00 --> 2836.98] Now, these two short verses +[2836.98 --> 2839.36] contain three questions +[2839.36 --> 2841.44] that are grammatically marked out +[2841.44 --> 2842.62] for us with the statement +[2842.62 --> 2843.98] declares the Lord. +[2844.48 --> 2844.62] Right? +[2844.92 --> 2845.50] Question one, +[2845.62 --> 2847.38] am I only a God nearby +[2847.38 --> 2848.96] and not far away? +[2849.20 --> 2849.96] declares the Lord. +[2850.66 --> 2851.76] Can anyone hide +[2851.76 --> 2852.68] in secret places +[2852.68 --> 2854.86] so that I cannot see them? +[2854.98 --> 2855.88] declares the Lord. +[2856.62 --> 2858.58] Do I not fill heaven and earth? +[2858.88 --> 2860.22] declares the Lord. +[2861.80 --> 2862.84] Now, the first thing to see +[2862.84 --> 2864.24] to ground us in this +[2864.24 --> 2866.58] is that each of these questions +[2866.58 --> 2868.80] are sort of rhetorical questions +[2868.80 --> 2870.18] and they expect +[2870.18 --> 2871.72] a negative answer, right? +[2871.88 --> 2873.04] Or to put it positively, +[2873.36 --> 2876.20] of course God is near and far. +[2876.32 --> 2878.68] Of course no one can hide from God. +[2878.76 --> 2881.10] Of course God fills heaven and earth. +[2881.52 --> 2882.58] In a sense, +[2882.74 --> 2885.04] these questions reflect for us +[2885.04 --> 2887.80] the Lord's own incredulity +[2887.80 --> 2888.98] at the prophets +[2888.98 --> 2891.64] and the people who in Jerusalem +[2891.64 --> 2894.88] are leading others away +[2894.88 --> 2896.68] from this truth +[2896.68 --> 2897.58] of who God is. +[2898.76 --> 2899.64] As I read it, +[2899.68 --> 2900.44] it's almost like +[2900.44 --> 2902.68] you can hear God's exasperated tone. +[2904.32 --> 2905.86] There's one translation in the Bible, +[2906.02 --> 2907.50] it's called the NET translation +[2907.50 --> 2907.88] of the Bible +[2907.88 --> 2909.12] or the NET translation, +[2909.30 --> 2910.66] it's the New English translation. +[2911.42 --> 2912.54] It says it like this, +[2912.64 --> 2912.78] it's, +[2914.24 --> 2915.74] do you people think +[2915.74 --> 2917.58] that I am some local deity +[2917.58 --> 2919.46] and not the transcendent God? +[2919.94 --> 2920.98] Do you really think +[2920.98 --> 2922.30] anyone can hide himself +[2922.30 --> 2923.42] where I can't see him? +[2923.42 --> 2925.14] Do you not know +[2925.14 --> 2926.90] that I am everywhere? +[2929.00 --> 2930.52] So what's going on here? +[2930.58 --> 2931.76] What's God showing us here? +[2931.84 --> 2934.28] Why is God reacting this way? +[2934.36 --> 2935.34] And what are the people +[2935.34 --> 2937.38] around him saying? +[2939.30 --> 2940.46] So to do that, +[2940.68 --> 2941.60] just a little bit of background. +[2942.24 --> 2944.68] Jeremiah prophesies +[2944.68 --> 2946.34] and he writes here +[2946.34 --> 2949.28] in Jerusalem and in Judea +[2949.28 --> 2951.92] in the years leading up to +[2951.92 --> 2952.84] what we know +[2952.84 --> 2954.52] as the Babylonian captivity +[2954.52 --> 2956.30] and the period of exile. +[2957.44 --> 2957.84] Right? +[2957.92 --> 2959.02] So the Israelites have +[2959.02 --> 2961.96] forgotten God +[2961.96 --> 2962.54] and the ways +[2962.54 --> 2963.84] that he has called them to live +[2963.84 --> 2965.12] and as a result of that, +[2965.22 --> 2967.52] the armies of Nebuchadnezzar +[2967.52 --> 2968.18] march down +[2968.18 --> 2969.48] and they take the people captive +[2969.48 --> 2970.78] years before, +[2970.90 --> 2972.16] destroying the northern kingdom +[2972.16 --> 2973.86] and now carrying off +[2973.86 --> 2975.30] into captivity +[2975.30 --> 2977.06] a group of people +[2977.06 --> 2979.26] back to Babylon. +[2980.20 --> 2980.70] Now Jeremiah +[2980.70 --> 2982.06] at the time +[2982.06 --> 2984.68] is not a very popular prophet. +[2985.68 --> 2985.78] Right? +[2985.82 --> 2986.72] Especially after +[2986.72 --> 2987.90] that first group of people +[2987.90 --> 2988.84] have been taken away +[2988.84 --> 2989.92] because that proved +[2989.92 --> 2991.02] that Jeremiah was right +[2991.02 --> 2991.54] all along. +[2992.62 --> 2993.80] And because of that, +[2993.86 --> 2994.64] there's a group +[2994.64 --> 2995.92] of false prophets +[2995.92 --> 2996.98] or teachers +[2996.98 --> 2998.42] and lying prophets +[2998.42 --> 3000.70] that would give messages +[3000.70 --> 3001.30] that contradicted +[3001.84 --> 3002.68] Jeremiah's. +[3002.68 --> 3004.76] And they would tell people +[3004.76 --> 3006.08] that the future looked good. +[3006.86 --> 3007.12] Right? +[3007.16 --> 3007.76] It's peaceful. +[3007.94 --> 3008.72] It's prosperous. +[3009.48 --> 3009.62] Right? +[3009.74 --> 3011.26] Even as the armies +[3011.26 --> 3012.14] of Nebuchadnezzar +[3012.14 --> 3012.96] are marching down. +[3013.90 --> 3015.10] And where Jeremiah +[3015.10 --> 3016.48] preached a relatively +[3016.48 --> 3017.54] lengthy exile +[3017.54 --> 3018.68] of 70 years, +[3018.84 --> 3019.78] these other prophets +[3019.78 --> 3021.86] spoke of the imminent return +[3021.86 --> 3022.84] of all the people +[3022.84 --> 3023.52] and the property +[3023.52 --> 3024.60] that had been taken away. +[3026.14 --> 3028.02] To make an image of this, +[3028.26 --> 3029.26] Jeremiah makes +[3029.26 --> 3030.40] a wooden yoke +[3030.40 --> 3031.86] for himself to wear +[3031.86 --> 3032.88] as a sign. +[3033.00 --> 3034.58] A yoke is a farming instrument +[3034.58 --> 3036.38] that rests on the shoulders +[3036.38 --> 3037.66] of animals +[3037.66 --> 3038.60] to pull a plow +[3038.60 --> 3039.54] most likely +[3039.54 --> 3041.42] through the ground. +[3042.18 --> 3042.86] Jeremiah makes +[3042.86 --> 3043.94] a yoke for himself +[3043.94 --> 3044.66] to wear +[3044.66 --> 3045.50] as a sign +[3045.50 --> 3046.76] of the coming yoke, +[3046.94 --> 3047.38] the weight, +[3047.52 --> 3047.98] the burden, +[3048.14 --> 3049.76] the rule of Babylon. +[3050.64 --> 3052.22] And the false prophet, +[3052.40 --> 3053.02] Hananiah, +[3053.16 --> 3054.22] breaks that yoke +[3054.22 --> 3055.46] and says +[3055.46 --> 3056.08] that the Lord +[3056.08 --> 3056.62] would break +[3056.62 --> 3057.66] Nebuchadnezzar's yoke +[3057.66 --> 3058.66] within two years. +[3059.36 --> 3059.92] You can read this +[3059.92 --> 3060.68] in Jeremiah 28. +[3060.68 --> 3063.00] No matter how hard +[3063.00 --> 3063.94] Jeremiah tried, +[3064.42 --> 3065.60] no matter how dramatically +[3065.60 --> 3067.26] he preached his message, +[3067.60 --> 3068.74] many of the people +[3068.74 --> 3070.36] left in Jerusalem +[3070.36 --> 3071.52] resented him +[3071.52 --> 3072.96] and resisted the truth +[3072.96 --> 3073.96] of what he had to say +[3073.96 --> 3075.14] and they preferred +[3075.14 --> 3076.02] the teachings +[3076.02 --> 3077.20] of the false prophets. +[3078.32 --> 3079.08] They preferred +[3079.08 --> 3079.84] a message +[3079.84 --> 3080.64] of health +[3080.64 --> 3081.66] and wealth. +[3082.02 --> 3082.50] They preferred +[3082.50 --> 3083.08] a message +[3083.08 --> 3084.32] of ease +[3084.32 --> 3085.36] and of comfort, +[3085.54 --> 3086.54] of a quick judgment +[3086.54 --> 3087.40] and a get back +[3087.40 --> 3088.52] to prosperity. +[3088.52 --> 3089.72] the people +[3089.72 --> 3090.72] preferred messages +[3090.72 --> 3091.40] that made them +[3091.40 --> 3092.12] feel good +[3092.12 --> 3093.88] and not messages +[3093.88 --> 3095.16] that confronted them +[3095.16 --> 3096.14] with the truth +[3096.14 --> 3096.82] and the guilt +[3096.82 --> 3097.70] of their sin +[3097.70 --> 3098.42] in light of +[3098.42 --> 3099.52] who God is +[3099.52 --> 3100.28] and the consequences +[3100.28 --> 3101.42] of their disobedience +[3101.42 --> 3102.88] or their righteous wrath +[3102.88 --> 3104.06] of a holy God. +[3105.82 --> 3107.04] And to be honest, +[3107.26 --> 3108.16] I don't know +[3108.16 --> 3108.78] if anything really +[3108.78 --> 3109.38] has changed. +[3110.38 --> 3111.42] People still +[3111.42 --> 3112.16] prefer that. +[3113.10 --> 3113.44] And again, +[3113.58 --> 3114.42] to be completely +[3114.42 --> 3115.08] frank with you, +[3115.08 --> 3116.24] I get it. +[3117.66 --> 3118.58] Give me something +[3118.58 --> 3119.86] that makes me feel good. +[3121.00 --> 3121.56] Isn't that why +[3121.56 --> 3122.32] I come to church? +[3122.94 --> 3123.72] Tell me how to +[3123.72 --> 3124.72] be a better version +[3124.72 --> 3125.34] of myself. +[3126.70 --> 3127.54] Inspire me +[3127.54 --> 3128.50] to something +[3128.50 --> 3129.64] or comfort me. +[3131.06 --> 3133.22] How can I claim +[3133.22 --> 3134.78] the blessing of God +[3134.78 --> 3136.16] for a new year? +[3137.52 --> 3138.26] How do I get +[3138.26 --> 3139.18] God's prosperity +[3139.18 --> 3140.16] in my bank account? +[3140.92 --> 3141.94] Because that needs +[3141.94 --> 3142.36] some help. +[3142.36 --> 3145.24] How do I forget +[3145.24 --> 3146.64] what lies behind +[3146.64 --> 3147.84] and press on +[3147.84 --> 3149.28] towards the goal? +[3149.46 --> 3150.22] And the goal +[3150.22 --> 3150.96] is always +[3150.96 --> 3152.34] a better life +[3152.34 --> 3153.34] defined usually +[3153.34 --> 3154.32] as a richer life +[3154.32 --> 3156.16] or a fitter life, +[3156.28 --> 3157.68] an easier life. +[3160.30 --> 3161.56] But what about +[3161.56 --> 3164.36] what about +[3164.36 --> 3165.20] if life doesn't +[3165.20 --> 3166.20] get better +[3166.20 --> 3167.44] or you don't +[3167.44 --> 3167.92] get richer +[3167.92 --> 3168.54] or it doesn't +[3168.54 --> 3169.70] get any easier? +[3169.82 --> 3170.94] What if 2024 +[3170.94 --> 3171.18] 2024 +[3171.18 --> 3172.56] is the same +[3172.56 --> 3173.70] as 2023? +[3176.26 --> 3176.90] Now then, +[3176.98 --> 3177.74] the false prophets +[3177.74 --> 3178.34] will tell you +[3178.34 --> 3178.76] that you didn't +[3178.76 --> 3179.62] have enough faith +[3179.62 --> 3180.16] or that you didn't +[3180.16 --> 3181.06] do the right things, +[3181.24 --> 3181.96] you didn't check +[3181.96 --> 3182.68] the right boxes, +[3182.92 --> 3183.92] or some will use +[3183.92 --> 3184.52] the language of +[3184.52 --> 3185.30] you didn't claim +[3185.30 --> 3186.00] the promises +[3186.00 --> 3187.08] of the gospel, +[3187.22 --> 3187.94] you didn't claim +[3187.94 --> 3188.56] the blessings +[3188.56 --> 3189.26] of God. +[3189.26 --> 3189.30] God. +[3192.90 --> 3193.30] But, +[3194.34 --> 3196.40] listen carefully, +[3197.34 --> 3199.24] here's what happens +[3199.24 --> 3200.62] in our own +[3200.62 --> 3201.30] imaginations +[3201.30 --> 3202.20] and in our hearts +[3202.20 --> 3203.30] when we start +[3203.30 --> 3204.32] to listen to that +[3204.32 --> 3205.10] voice or those +[3205.10 --> 3205.42] voices, +[3205.56 --> 3205.94] when we start +[3205.94 --> 3206.42] to think +[3206.42 --> 3207.52] that way. +[3207.66 --> 3208.22] And remember, +[3208.36 --> 3209.22] we're talking about +[3209.22 --> 3210.54] our understanding +[3210.54 --> 3211.60] of who God is +[3211.60 --> 3212.46] and how that +[3212.46 --> 3213.66] shapes where we +[3213.66 --> 3214.26] can see God +[3214.26 --> 3214.96] at work in the world. +[3215.86 --> 3216.98] Because in thinking +[3216.98 --> 3217.90] this way, +[3218.88 --> 3219.58] in thinking +[3219.58 --> 3221.60] that we just +[3221.60 --> 3222.42] haven't had enough +[3222.42 --> 3222.68] faith, +[3222.76 --> 3223.14] that we didn't +[3223.14 --> 3224.00] do the right things, +[3224.08 --> 3224.38] that we didn't +[3224.38 --> 3225.18] claim the message +[3225.18 --> 3225.62] properly, +[3225.74 --> 3227.10] in thinking this way, +[3227.38 --> 3228.26] what we end up +[3228.26 --> 3228.98] doing is +[3228.98 --> 3230.96] redefining God. +[3232.02 --> 3232.68] We end up +[3232.68 --> 3233.62] reimagining +[3233.62 --> 3234.44] who God is +[3234.44 --> 3235.98] and we make +[3235.98 --> 3236.74] a God +[3236.74 --> 3237.98] on our own terms. +[3239.30 --> 3240.10] God becomes +[3240.10 --> 3240.98] someone he's not. +[3241.78 --> 3242.58] God becomes, +[3242.72 --> 3243.02] namely, +[3243.26 --> 3243.86] a debit +[3243.86 --> 3244.50] and credit +[3244.50 --> 3245.04] machine +[3245.04 --> 3245.96] that you keep +[3245.96 --> 3246.46] in your back +[3246.46 --> 3247.24] pocket in order +[3247.24 --> 3247.74] to get good +[3247.74 --> 3248.36] things from +[3248.36 --> 3249.46] when you put +[3249.46 --> 3250.52] the right thing +[3250.52 --> 3251.00] in. +[3252.14 --> 3252.28] Right? +[3252.38 --> 3252.82] God, +[3252.92 --> 3253.52] in this way, +[3253.58 --> 3254.58] becomes small +[3254.58 --> 3255.76] and he becomes +[3255.76 --> 3256.50] manageable. +[3257.56 --> 3258.02] And what I mean +[3258.02 --> 3258.38] by that is +[3258.38 --> 3259.10] that you are +[3259.10 --> 3259.80] trying to +[3259.80 --> 3260.62] manage God. +[3263.06 --> 3263.86] And this +[3263.86 --> 3265.22] God +[3265.22 --> 3267.22] just doesn't +[3267.22 --> 3268.14] know what's +[3268.14 --> 3268.82] going to happen. +[3269.96 --> 3270.10] Right? +[3270.14 --> 3270.28] Sure, +[3270.38 --> 3270.70] this God +[3270.70 --> 3271.80] has desires, +[3272.18 --> 3272.68] the things that +[3272.68 --> 3273.66] he wants for you +[3273.66 --> 3275.34] or it wants +[3275.34 --> 3275.86] for you, +[3275.94 --> 3276.12] right? +[3276.16 --> 3276.80] To bless you +[3276.80 --> 3277.42] and to prosper +[3277.42 --> 3277.66] you. +[3277.70 --> 3278.46] But when you +[3278.46 --> 3279.68] define God +[3279.68 --> 3280.48] this way, +[3280.90 --> 3281.42] things are +[3281.42 --> 3282.44] ultimately out +[3282.44 --> 3283.26] of his control +[3283.26 --> 3283.88] and they +[3283.88 --> 3284.70] ultimately rest +[3284.70 --> 3285.54] on what you +[3285.54 --> 3286.60] have to do +[3286.60 --> 3287.52] in order to +[3287.52 --> 3288.42] make God +[3288.42 --> 3289.16] respond in a +[3289.16 --> 3289.80] particular way. +[3291.04 --> 3291.88] And this +[3291.88 --> 3292.78] is exactly +[3292.78 --> 3293.96] how so many +[3293.96 --> 3295.00] people think +[3295.00 --> 3295.72] and treat +[3295.72 --> 3296.74] God in the +[3296.74 --> 3297.26] world today. +[3298.02 --> 3298.22] Right? +[3298.26 --> 3298.70] To the point +[3298.70 --> 3299.46] that in its +[3299.46 --> 3300.12] most extreme +[3300.12 --> 3300.56] forms, +[3300.70 --> 3301.18] we don't even +[3301.18 --> 3301.94] talk about God +[3301.94 --> 3302.26] anymore, +[3302.26 --> 3302.86] but we talk +[3302.86 --> 3303.50] generically +[3303.50 --> 3304.06] about the +[3304.06 --> 3304.62] universe. +[3305.34 --> 3305.78] We talk +[3305.78 --> 3306.44] about spiritual +[3306.44 --> 3306.94] energy. +[3307.70 --> 3307.96] And we talk +[3307.96 --> 3308.34] about putting +[3308.34 --> 3309.02] it out there +[3309.02 --> 3309.90] and hoping +[3309.90 --> 3310.28] that the +[3310.28 --> 3310.80] universe will +[3310.80 --> 3311.34] return it +[3311.34 --> 3311.70] to me +[3311.70 --> 3312.40] multiplied. +[3313.84 --> 3314.22] But the +[3314.22 --> 3315.04] definition of +[3315.04 --> 3315.46] God, +[3315.62 --> 3317.22] the recalibration +[3317.22 --> 3318.66] of human +[3318.66 --> 3320.14] above God +[3320.14 --> 3321.04] to define +[3321.04 --> 3321.90] him is +[3321.90 --> 3323.02] exactly what +[3323.02 --> 3323.98] Jeremiah is +[3323.98 --> 3324.86] reacting to +[3324.86 --> 3325.96] in his day. +[3326.22 --> 3326.66] And it's +[3326.66 --> 3327.70] exactly what +[3327.70 --> 3328.24] we need to +[3328.24 --> 3328.72] see and +[3328.72 --> 3329.40] remind ourselves +[3329.40 --> 3329.98] again for +[3329.98 --> 3330.98] our day. +[3332.44 --> 3332.62] Now, +[3332.64 --> 3332.96] in each +[3332.96 --> 3333.42] of these +[3333.42 --> 3333.90] three +[3333.90 --> 3334.82] questions, +[3335.52 --> 3336.26] there's an +[3336.26 --> 3337.00] aspect of +[3337.00 --> 3337.70] God that +[3337.70 --> 3338.34] is being +[3338.34 --> 3340.98] denied or +[3340.98 --> 3342.04] refined in +[3342.04 --> 3342.56] the negative +[3342.56 --> 3342.86] sense. +[3342.94 --> 3343.20] There's an +[3343.20 --> 3343.82] aspect of +[3343.82 --> 3344.40] who God +[3344.40 --> 3344.84] is that +[3344.84 --> 3345.18] he wants +[3345.18 --> 3345.52] us to +[3345.52 --> 3346.20] remember +[3346.20 --> 3347.52] as we +[3347.52 --> 3348.50] come to +[3348.50 --> 3348.70] him. +[3349.68 --> 3350.36] And for +[3350.36 --> 3351.04] shorthand, +[3351.14 --> 3351.70] and to help +[3351.70 --> 3352.46] you as we +[3352.46 --> 3353.84] go through +[3353.84 --> 3354.30] this, I'm +[3354.30 --> 3354.44] going to +[3354.44 --> 3354.98] refer to +[3354.98 --> 3355.68] these things +[3355.68 --> 3356.92] as God's +[3356.92 --> 3357.56] omnis, +[3358.06 --> 3359.06] the omnis +[3359.06 --> 3359.68] of God. +[3360.42 --> 3360.66] And so +[3360.66 --> 3360.84] we're going +[3360.84 --> 3361.04] to talk +[3361.04 --> 3361.34] for just +[3361.34 --> 3361.62] a moment +[3361.62 --> 3362.46] about God's +[3362.46 --> 3363.26] omnipotence, +[3363.86 --> 3364.18] we're going +[3364.18 --> 3364.54] to talk +[3364.54 --> 3365.00] about his +[3365.00 --> 3365.78] omniscience, +[3366.16 --> 3366.66] and we're +[3366.66 --> 3366.78] going to +[3366.78 --> 3367.10] talk about +[3367.10 --> 3368.36] his omnipresence. +[3369.34 --> 3370.60] Now, I +[3370.60 --> 3371.10] fully get +[3371.10 --> 3371.40] that these +[3371.40 --> 3371.94] aren't words +[3371.94 --> 3372.28] that we +[3372.28 --> 3372.82] use very +[3372.82 --> 3374.08] often anymore. +[3375.16 --> 3375.50] And so +[3375.50 --> 3376.08] let's take +[3376.08 --> 3376.36] a minute +[3376.36 --> 3377.02] and make +[3377.02 --> 3377.36] sure that +[3377.36 --> 3377.96] we understand +[3377.96 --> 3378.18] them. +[3378.70 --> 3379.96] Omni is +[3379.96 --> 3380.86] a Latin +[3380.86 --> 3381.70] prefix, +[3382.12 --> 3382.32] and it +[3382.32 --> 3383.14] means all +[3383.14 --> 3384.12] or every. +[3385.34 --> 3385.94] A few +[3385.94 --> 3386.44] years ago, +[3386.64 --> 3387.40] I went to +[3387.40 --> 3387.80] a friend's +[3387.80 --> 3388.14] birthday, +[3388.14 --> 3390.20] and this +[3390.20 --> 3390.74] birthday was +[3390.74 --> 3391.44] hosted at +[3391.44 --> 3392.26] an escape +[3392.26 --> 3392.58] room. +[3393.52 --> 3393.92] And at +[3393.92 --> 3394.54] this escape +[3394.54 --> 3394.90] room, +[3395.38 --> 3396.34] the staff +[3396.34 --> 3397.42] was walking +[3397.42 --> 3398.06] us through +[3398.06 --> 3398.94] some instructions +[3398.94 --> 3399.66] before they +[3399.66 --> 3400.22] locked us in +[3400.22 --> 3400.52] the room, +[3400.56 --> 3400.86] and we had +[3400.86 --> 3401.28] to figure out +[3401.28 --> 3401.62] how to get +[3401.62 --> 3401.80] out. +[3401.86 --> 3402.14] And one +[3402.14 --> 3402.36] of the +[3402.36 --> 3402.78] instructions +[3402.78 --> 3403.82] they would +[3403.82 --> 3404.22] give you +[3404.22 --> 3404.84] is to show +[3404.84 --> 3405.28] you what +[3405.28 --> 3405.80] kind of +[3405.80 --> 3406.70] locks are +[3406.70 --> 3407.08] in the +[3407.08 --> 3407.30] room. +[3407.84 --> 3408.20] And this +[3408.20 --> 3408.84] person picked +[3408.84 --> 3409.68] up a lock +[3409.68 --> 3410.46] that you +[3410.46 --> 3411.04] could move +[3411.04 --> 3412.04] up and +[3412.04 --> 3412.48] then up +[3412.48 --> 3413.80] and right +[3413.80 --> 3414.18] and then +[3414.18 --> 3414.66] right and +[3414.66 --> 3415.02] then down +[3415.02 --> 3415.38] and right +[3415.38 --> 3415.86] and down +[3415.86 --> 3416.40] and this +[3416.40 --> 3416.80] way and +[3416.80 --> 3417.18] this way +[3417.18 --> 3417.52] and this +[3417.52 --> 3417.72] way. +[3418.14 --> 3418.46] You could +[3418.46 --> 3418.74] move them +[3418.74 --> 3419.64] in eight +[3419.64 --> 3419.96] different +[3419.96 --> 3420.34] directions, +[3420.76 --> 3421.06] and they +[3421.06 --> 3421.36] call that +[3421.36 --> 3422.64] an omnidirectional +[3422.64 --> 3423.06] lock. +[3423.60 --> 3424.08] It means it +[3424.08 --> 3424.48] moves in +[3424.48 --> 3425.74] every direction +[3425.74 --> 3426.02] and you +[3426.02 --> 3426.28] have to +[3426.28 --> 3426.72] figure out +[3426.72 --> 3427.52] the puzzle +[3427.52 --> 3428.44] to get +[3428.44 --> 3429.36] it open. +[3430.10 --> 3430.40] You have +[3430.40 --> 3430.70] to push +[3430.70 --> 3431.42] that knob +[3431.42 --> 3432.56] in sequential +[3432.56 --> 3433.54] directions in +[3433.54 --> 3433.92] order to +[3433.92 --> 3434.72] make it +[3434.72 --> 3435.04] move. +[3435.42 --> 3435.82] It's +[3435.82 --> 3437.22] omnidirectional, +[3437.44 --> 3438.72] every direction. +[3439.40 --> 3439.82] And so, +[3440.06 --> 3440.92] when we talk +[3440.92 --> 3441.26] about the +[3441.26 --> 3442.02] omnis of +[3442.02 --> 3442.36] God, +[3442.46 --> 3442.78] for instance, +[3442.84 --> 3443.28] when we talk +[3443.28 --> 3443.70] about his +[3443.70 --> 3444.80] omnipotence, +[3444.80 --> 3446.00] we're talking +[3446.00 --> 3446.64] about his +[3446.64 --> 3448.34] all-potency +[3448.34 --> 3448.90] or his +[3448.90 --> 3450.32] all-power. +[3451.58 --> 3452.58] God is +[3452.58 --> 3454.24] all-powerful. +[3455.12 --> 3455.68] He is +[3455.68 --> 3456.92] everywhere +[3456.92 --> 3458.36] powerful. +[3460.08 --> 3461.14] Am I only +[3461.14 --> 3461.62] a God +[3461.62 --> 3462.14] nearby +[3462.14 --> 3463.84] and not +[3463.84 --> 3464.40] a God +[3464.40 --> 3465.46] far away? +[3467.38 --> 3467.56] Now, +[3467.60 --> 3468.00] for Jeremiah, +[3468.12 --> 3468.58] this is a +[3468.58 --> 3469.24] reference of +[3469.24 --> 3469.96] comparison +[3469.96 --> 3470.08] comparison. +[3471.04 --> 3471.44] Because at +[3471.44 --> 3471.92] the time, +[3472.04 --> 3472.24] in the +[3472.24 --> 3472.72] ancient Near +[3472.72 --> 3473.08] East, +[3473.66 --> 3474.36] gods are +[3474.36 --> 3474.86] generally +[3474.86 --> 3475.84] understood to +[3475.84 --> 3476.88] be tied to +[3476.88 --> 3477.26] a certain +[3477.26 --> 3478.38] region of +[3478.38 --> 3479.34] rule or +[3479.34 --> 3479.90] to a +[3479.90 --> 3480.68] locality. +[3481.96 --> 3482.36] Some of +[3482.36 --> 3482.90] the gods +[3482.90 --> 3484.04] had different +[3484.04 --> 3485.32] realms or +[3485.32 --> 3486.08] areas of +[3486.08 --> 3486.66] control. +[3487.00 --> 3487.50] For instance, +[3487.94 --> 3489.24] Baal is +[3489.24 --> 3489.78] the god of +[3489.78 --> 3490.34] wind and +[3490.34 --> 3490.84] rain and +[3490.84 --> 3491.30] fertility. +[3491.96 --> 3492.70] Mot is +[3492.70 --> 3493.32] the god of +[3493.32 --> 3493.90] drought and +[3493.90 --> 3494.88] infertility and +[3494.88 --> 3495.24] death. +[3495.84 --> 3496.70] Yam is the +[3496.70 --> 3497.26] god of the +[3497.26 --> 3498.08] sea and of +[3498.08 --> 3498.66] chaos. +[3498.66 --> 3500.56] And even +[3500.56 --> 3501.16] if they +[3501.16 --> 3502.02] share a +[3502.02 --> 3502.54] name, +[3502.70 --> 3503.36] like Baal, +[3503.60 --> 3504.36] they're often +[3504.36 --> 3505.32] tied to +[3505.32 --> 3506.24] local +[3506.24 --> 3507.02] manifestations. +[3508.22 --> 3508.54] And so, +[3508.66 --> 3509.16] even in our +[3509.16 --> 3509.48] own Bible, +[3509.56 --> 3510.02] you can read +[3510.02 --> 3510.66] about the +[3510.66 --> 3511.80] Baal of +[3511.80 --> 3512.72] Peor in +[3512.72 --> 3513.54] Numbers 25 +[3513.54 --> 3514.96] and Deuteronomy +[3514.96 --> 3515.58] 4, you can +[3515.58 --> 3516.10] read about the +[3516.10 --> 3516.52] Baal of +[3516.52 --> 3516.88] Gad. +[3518.48 --> 3519.60] To think of +[3519.60 --> 3520.44] a god or +[3520.44 --> 3521.28] gods in +[3521.28 --> 3522.08] these terms +[3522.08 --> 3523.12] is really +[3523.12 --> 3525.06] to localize +[3525.06 --> 3526.46] their influence +[3526.46 --> 3527.32] and their +[3527.32 --> 3527.68] power. +[3528.66 --> 3530.64] God, the +[3530.64 --> 3530.92] god of +[3530.92 --> 3531.28] the Bible, +[3531.38 --> 3531.74] the god of +[3531.74 --> 3532.82] Israel, will +[3532.82 --> 3533.38] not have +[3533.38 --> 3533.70] that. +[3534.58 --> 3535.04] He will +[3535.04 --> 3535.64] not be +[3535.64 --> 3536.18] limited. +[3536.44 --> 3536.78] He will +[3536.78 --> 3537.36] not be +[3537.36 --> 3538.38] regionalized. +[3538.46 --> 3538.74] He will +[3538.74 --> 3539.30] not be +[3539.30 --> 3540.28] boxed in +[3540.28 --> 3540.84] and made +[3540.84 --> 3541.28] small. +[3541.44 --> 3541.82] He is +[3541.82 --> 3543.00] near and +[3543.00 --> 3543.34] far. +[3543.66 --> 3543.94] He is +[3543.94 --> 3544.36] the same +[3544.36 --> 3545.08] here as +[3545.08 --> 3545.54] he is +[3545.54 --> 3546.16] there. +[3546.32 --> 3546.96] His rule +[3546.96 --> 3547.34] and his +[3547.34 --> 3548.30] power extends +[3548.30 --> 3548.94] over all +[3548.94 --> 3549.36] the earth. +[3549.44 --> 3549.76] He is +[3549.76 --> 3550.64] the lord of +[3550.64 --> 3551.18] lords, the +[3551.18 --> 3551.62] one true +[3551.62 --> 3552.14] god, the +[3552.14 --> 3552.70] maker of +[3552.70 --> 3553.58] heaven and +[3553.58 --> 3554.00] of earth. +[3554.00 --> 3555.48] He is +[3555.48 --> 3557.28] omnipotent, +[3557.56 --> 3557.92] all +[3557.92 --> 3559.10] powerful, that +[3559.10 --> 3559.82] is powerful +[3559.82 --> 3560.76] everywhere. +[3560.98 --> 3561.38] There is no +[3561.38 --> 3562.30] region or +[3562.30 --> 3562.92] realm or +[3562.92 --> 3563.70] room where +[3563.70 --> 3565.08] God is not +[3565.08 --> 3566.02] present in +[3566.02 --> 3566.80] power. +[3566.96 --> 3567.68] His power +[3567.68 --> 3568.80] has no +[3568.80 --> 3569.54] end. +[3569.86 --> 3570.36] That's what +[3570.36 --> 3571.10] Jeremiah wants +[3571.10 --> 3571.56] you to see. +[3571.72 --> 3572.44] He is +[3572.44 --> 3573.54] omnipotent. +[3575.64 --> 3576.24] And the +[3576.24 --> 3576.78] next thing +[3576.78 --> 3578.26] that we can +[3578.26 --> 3579.28] see is +[3579.28 --> 3579.82] his +[3579.82 --> 3582.46] omniscience. +[3582.46 --> 3583.06] and that's +[3583.06 --> 3583.68] a compound +[3583.68 --> 3584.04] word, +[3584.16 --> 3584.48] omni, +[3584.60 --> 3584.78] all, +[3584.88 --> 3585.14] every. +[3586.22 --> 3587.60] And I'm +[3587.60 --> 3587.74] going to +[3587.74 --> 3588.12] butcher the +[3588.12 --> 3588.46] Latin, +[3589.10 --> 3589.68] scientia, +[3591.06 --> 3591.22] right? +[3591.28 --> 3591.88] His all +[3591.88 --> 3592.28] knowing. +[3592.42 --> 3592.74] Here and +[3592.74 --> 3593.20] there, the +[3593.20 --> 3593.96] root science, +[3594.14 --> 3594.28] right? +[3594.34 --> 3594.86] To know, +[3595.50 --> 3595.66] right? +[3596.06 --> 3596.70] Can anyone +[3596.70 --> 3598.04] hide in +[3598.04 --> 3598.78] secret places +[3598.78 --> 3599.52] so that I +[3599.52 --> 3600.30] cannot see +[3600.30 --> 3600.54] them? +[3601.72 --> 3602.48] God knows. +[3603.12 --> 3603.74] He sees +[3603.74 --> 3604.32] all things. +[3604.48 --> 3605.08] Nothing is +[3605.08 --> 3605.90] hidden from +[3605.90 --> 3606.08] him. +[3606.44 --> 3607.10] Psalm 44 +[3607.10 --> 3607.72] says, God +[3607.72 --> 3608.20] knows the +[3608.20 --> 3608.68] secrets of +[3608.68 --> 3609.08] our hearts. +[3609.20 --> 3609.78] Psalm 144 +[3609.78 --> 3610.64] says, God +[3610.64 --> 3611.58] our great is +[3611.58 --> 3612.12] the Lord and +[3612.12 --> 3612.44] mighty and +[3612.44 --> 3612.86] power. +[3613.00 --> 3613.12] His +[3613.12 --> 3614.02] understanding +[3614.02 --> 3614.84] has no +[3614.84 --> 3615.64] limit. +[3616.36 --> 3616.98] Psalm 39 +[3616.98 --> 3617.56] which we're +[3617.56 --> 3618.14] going to put +[3618.14 --> 3618.68] on the screen +[3618.68 --> 3619.12] for you. +[3619.86 --> 3620.44] Psalm 39 +[3620.44 --> 3621.34] says, you +[3621.34 --> 3621.94] have searched +[3621.94 --> 3622.80] me Lord and +[3622.80 --> 3623.44] you know me. +[3624.20 --> 3624.60] You know +[3624.60 --> 3625.26] when I sit +[3625.26 --> 3625.74] and when I +[3625.74 --> 3626.16] rise. +[3626.28 --> 3626.82] You perceive +[3626.82 --> 3627.64] my thoughts +[3627.64 --> 3628.32] from afar. +[3628.48 --> 3628.96] You discern +[3628.96 --> 3629.46] my going +[3629.46 --> 3629.82] out and +[3629.82 --> 3630.18] my laying +[3630.18 --> 3630.46] down. +[3631.02 --> 3631.42] You are +[3631.42 --> 3632.28] familiar with +[3632.28 --> 3633.12] all my +[3633.12 --> 3633.54] ways. +[3633.66 --> 3634.38] Before a +[3634.38 --> 3635.02] word is on +[3635.02 --> 3635.54] my tongue, +[3635.78 --> 3636.50] you Lord +[3636.50 --> 3637.06] know it +[3637.06 --> 3637.86] completely. +[3639.74 --> 3640.78] God knows +[3640.78 --> 3641.98] everything. +[3642.44 --> 3643.82] nothing is +[3643.82 --> 3644.22] hidden from +[3644.22 --> 3644.36] him. +[3644.56 --> 3645.06] No one +[3645.06 --> 3645.86] can hide +[3645.86 --> 3646.78] from him. +[3648.70 --> 3649.12] And let's +[3649.12 --> 3649.48] be candid +[3649.48 --> 3649.80] again. +[3650.00 --> 3651.44] This truth +[3651.44 --> 3652.20] of who +[3652.20 --> 3653.04] God is +[3653.04 --> 3655.74] can be +[3655.74 --> 3656.20] scary +[3656.20 --> 3658.04] or it +[3658.04 --> 3658.30] can be +[3658.30 --> 3658.70] comforting. +[3660.70 --> 3661.04] When you +[3661.04 --> 3661.96] trust God, +[3662.02 --> 3662.20] when you +[3662.20 --> 3662.66] rely on +[3662.66 --> 3663.20] his grace, +[3663.54 --> 3664.12] God's +[3664.12 --> 3664.84] all-knowing +[3664.84 --> 3665.20] and his +[3665.20 --> 3666.02] all-seeing +[3666.02 --> 3666.76] means you +[3666.76 --> 3667.68] never surprise +[3667.68 --> 3667.94] him. +[3667.94 --> 3670.30] whatever +[3670.30 --> 3671.16] happens in +[3671.16 --> 3671.76] your life +[3671.76 --> 3672.20] will never +[3672.20 --> 3672.94] catch God +[3672.94 --> 3673.50] off guard +[3673.50 --> 3673.84] like he +[3673.84 --> 3674.04] didn't +[3674.04 --> 3674.44] anticipate +[3674.44 --> 3674.78] it or +[3674.78 --> 3675.06] see it +[3675.06 --> 3675.30] coming. +[3676.50 --> 3676.94] And if +[3676.94 --> 3677.36] you don't +[3677.36 --> 3677.84] love or +[3677.84 --> 3678.28] trust or +[3678.28 --> 3678.84] know God +[3678.84 --> 3679.56] and you +[3679.56 --> 3681.04] believe or +[3681.04 --> 3681.64] hear that +[3681.64 --> 3684.24] he is or +[3684.24 --> 3684.82] believe that +[3684.82 --> 3685.36] he is for +[3685.36 --> 3685.82] you and has +[3685.82 --> 3686.36] his best in +[3686.36 --> 3686.78] mind for +[3686.78 --> 3686.88] you, +[3687.00 --> 3687.30] God's +[3687.30 --> 3688.18] all-seeing +[3688.18 --> 3688.82] can be +[3688.82 --> 3689.98] terrifying. +[3692.54 --> 3693.02] You're +[3693.02 --> 3693.28] trying to +[3693.28 --> 3693.68] tell me that +[3693.68 --> 3694.28] God knows +[3694.28 --> 3695.32] what I did +[3695.32 --> 3696.56] over there. +[3700.16 --> 3700.82] God knows +[3700.82 --> 3701.06] what I +[3701.06 --> 3702.06] thought +[3702.06 --> 3702.98] when I +[3702.98 --> 3703.36] was here. +[3705.70 --> 3706.26] But you +[3706.26 --> 3706.46] see, +[3707.38 --> 3708.30] either way, +[3708.44 --> 3709.32] here's the +[3709.32 --> 3709.84] implication, +[3710.56 --> 3710.74] right, +[3710.94 --> 3711.88] that if +[3711.88 --> 3713.04] God doesn't +[3713.04 --> 3713.66] know all +[3713.66 --> 3714.14] things, +[3715.06 --> 3715.62] it means that +[3715.62 --> 3715.88] you can +[3715.88 --> 3716.56] surprise him, +[3716.62 --> 3716.82] you can +[3716.82 --> 3717.14] catch him +[3717.14 --> 3717.46] off guard, +[3717.58 --> 3717.98] and then +[3717.98 --> 3718.58] he has to +[3718.58 --> 3719.08] react to +[3719.08 --> 3719.36] you. +[3720.30 --> 3720.88] It means +[3720.88 --> 3721.26] that God +[3721.26 --> 3721.88] isn't really +[3721.88 --> 3722.62] in control +[3722.62 --> 3723.70] but reacting +[3723.70 --> 3724.16] to whatever +[3724.16 --> 3724.68] happens in +[3724.68 --> 3724.98] front of +[3724.98 --> 3725.08] him. +[3725.32 --> 3725.58] And it +[3725.58 --> 3726.10] means that +[3726.10 --> 3726.64] he isn't +[3726.64 --> 3727.64] exactly sure +[3727.64 --> 3728.44] how things +[3728.44 --> 3728.68] are going +[3728.68 --> 3729.00] to turn +[3729.00 --> 3729.28] out, +[3729.36 --> 3729.78] that he +[3729.78 --> 3730.18] has to +[3730.18 --> 3730.62] wait and +[3730.62 --> 3730.86] see, +[3730.96 --> 3731.34] just like +[3731.34 --> 3731.70] the rest +[3731.70 --> 3732.10] of us. +[3733.00 --> 3733.42] Really, +[3733.56 --> 3733.86] again, +[3733.98 --> 3734.86] that undermines +[3734.86 --> 3735.38] who God +[3735.38 --> 3735.64] is. +[3735.72 --> 3736.16] If that's +[3736.16 --> 3736.48] true, +[3736.66 --> 3737.16] that means +[3737.16 --> 3738.02] God isn't +[3738.02 --> 3738.66] God. +[3739.78 --> 3740.22] And if +[3740.22 --> 3740.80] God isn't +[3740.80 --> 3741.12] God, +[3741.20 --> 3741.42] I'm going +[3741.42 --> 3741.62] to be +[3741.62 --> 3742.16] frank with +[3742.16 --> 3742.34] you, +[3742.94 --> 3743.72] nothing +[3743.72 --> 3744.50] makes sense +[3744.50 --> 3745.00] anymore. +[3746.64 --> 3747.14] Think about it, +[3747.14 --> 3747.68] if you can +[3747.68 --> 3748.22] hide from +[3748.22 --> 3748.44] God, +[3748.48 --> 3748.70] I mean +[3748.70 --> 3749.70] really hide +[3749.70 --> 3750.14] from him +[3750.14 --> 3750.86] so that he +[3750.86 --> 3751.30] doesn't know +[3751.30 --> 3751.60] where you +[3751.60 --> 3751.84] are, +[3752.04 --> 3752.62] that means +[3752.62 --> 3752.94] it's +[3752.94 --> 3753.74] possible to +[3753.74 --> 3754.48] be somewhere +[3754.48 --> 3755.60] without God. +[3756.40 --> 3757.44] And if any +[3757.44 --> 3758.00] part of the +[3758.00 --> 3758.98] universe is +[3758.98 --> 3760.02] without God, +[3760.86 --> 3762.44] I believe it +[3762.44 --> 3763.04] would cease to +[3763.04 --> 3763.50] exist. +[3764.92 --> 3765.28] That is, +[3765.34 --> 3766.02] God's sovereignty +[3766.02 --> 3766.62] and his +[3766.62 --> 3767.80] common grace, +[3767.96 --> 3769.08] God's character +[3769.08 --> 3770.04] as the only +[3770.04 --> 3771.20] independent being +[3771.20 --> 3772.22] in all the +[3772.22 --> 3772.86] universe, +[3772.86 --> 3773.82] means that +[3773.82 --> 3774.88] everything else +[3774.88 --> 3775.62] is dependent +[3775.62 --> 3776.68] upon his +[3776.68 --> 3777.46] being. +[3777.62 --> 3778.58] Without him, +[3779.04 --> 3780.52] nothing exists +[3780.52 --> 3780.84] exists or +[3780.84 --> 3781.52] would continue +[3781.52 --> 3782.64] to exist. +[3782.76 --> 3783.02] If the +[3783.02 --> 3783.56] world was +[3783.56 --> 3784.20] ever without +[3784.20 --> 3784.84] God, +[3784.90 --> 3785.50] as God +[3785.50 --> 3786.02] operating +[3786.02 --> 3787.46] as he +[3787.46 --> 3787.86] does, +[3788.02 --> 3788.44] it would +[3788.44 --> 3789.42] cease to +[3789.42 --> 3790.16] be. +[3792.96 --> 3793.48] And Jeremiah +[3793.48 --> 3794.34] is reminding +[3794.34 --> 3795.64] us of that. +[3795.80 --> 3796.82] Even in the +[3796.82 --> 3797.94] midst of +[3797.94 --> 3798.70] exile, +[3799.42 --> 3799.90] God +[3799.90 --> 3800.88] knows. +[3801.68 --> 3802.46] Even in the +[3802.46 --> 3802.84] midst of the +[3802.84 --> 3803.62] greatest trials +[3803.62 --> 3804.74] and tribulations +[3804.74 --> 3805.74] and struggles +[3805.74 --> 3806.46] of life +[3806.46 --> 3807.16] and faith, +[3807.56 --> 3807.88] God +[3807.88 --> 3808.70] knows. +[3810.72 --> 3811.08] And God +[3811.08 --> 3811.72] is with you. +[3812.82 --> 3813.26] That's the +[3813.26 --> 3814.70] final omni, +[3814.80 --> 3815.16] God's +[3815.16 --> 3816.38] omnipresence. +[3816.56 --> 3817.08] God is +[3817.08 --> 3817.72] everywhere +[3817.72 --> 3818.80] present. +[3819.02 --> 3819.48] He says, +[3820.26 --> 3821.10] do I not +[3821.10 --> 3822.14] fill heaven +[3822.14 --> 3823.72] and earth, +[3824.22 --> 3824.80] declares the +[3824.80 --> 3825.00] Lord. +[3825.88 --> 3826.30] Again, +[3826.36 --> 3826.62] we can go +[3826.62 --> 3826.96] back to +[3826.96 --> 3828.14] Psalm 139. +[3830.04 --> 3830.48] Psalmist +[3830.48 --> 3830.78] says, +[3830.90 --> 3831.34] where can I +[3831.34 --> 3831.76] go from +[3831.76 --> 3832.30] your spirit? +[3832.42 --> 3832.90] Where can I +[3832.90 --> 3833.44] flee from +[3833.44 --> 3833.98] your presence? +[3834.44 --> 3835.10] If I go up +[3835.10 --> 3835.64] to the heavens, +[3835.78 --> 3836.24] you are there. +[3836.32 --> 3836.68] If I make +[3836.68 --> 3837.22] my bed in +[3837.22 --> 3837.62] the depths, +[3837.62 --> 3838.30] you are there. +[3838.62 --> 3839.40] If I rise +[3839.40 --> 3839.90] on the wings +[3839.90 --> 3840.52] of the dawn +[3840.52 --> 3840.94] and if I +[3840.94 --> 3841.52] settle on the +[3841.52 --> 3842.08] far side +[3842.08 --> 3842.60] of the sea, +[3842.74 --> 3843.68] even there +[3843.68 --> 3844.36] your hand +[3844.36 --> 3845.04] will guide me, +[3845.12 --> 3845.96] your right hand +[3845.96 --> 3846.92] will hold me +[3846.92 --> 3847.82] fast. +[3848.52 --> 3849.24] If I say, +[3849.40 --> 3849.94] surely the +[3849.94 --> 3850.62] darkness will +[3850.62 --> 3851.00] hide me +[3851.00 --> 3851.50] and the light +[3851.50 --> 3852.12] become night +[3852.12 --> 3852.76] around me, +[3853.10 --> 3853.84] even the +[3853.84 --> 3854.38] darkness +[3854.38 --> 3855.10] will not +[3855.10 --> 3855.64] be dark +[3855.64 --> 3856.10] to you. +[3856.52 --> 3857.10] The night +[3857.10 --> 3857.86] will shine +[3857.86 --> 3858.60] like the day, +[3858.74 --> 3859.34] for darkness +[3859.34 --> 3860.60] is as light +[3860.60 --> 3861.48] to you. +[3862.96 --> 3863.54] God +[3863.54 --> 3864.44] is +[3864.44 --> 3865.68] everywhere. +[3865.68 --> 3865.90] everywhere. +[3867.46 --> 3867.86] Now, +[3867.86 --> 3868.10] let me be +[3868.10 --> 3868.56] really clear +[3868.56 --> 3869.88] because that's +[3869.88 --> 3870.72] not the same +[3870.72 --> 3871.98] as everywhere +[3871.98 --> 3872.76] is God. +[3874.14 --> 3874.44] Right? +[3874.48 --> 3875.20] That's a form +[3875.20 --> 3876.10] of panentheism +[3876.10 --> 3877.14] or pantheism +[3877.14 --> 3877.76] where God +[3877.76 --> 3878.42] is part of +[3878.42 --> 3878.94] creation +[3878.94 --> 3880.02] or there are +[3880.02 --> 3880.60] aspects, +[3880.78 --> 3881.66] divine aspects +[3881.66 --> 3883.60] woven into +[3883.60 --> 3884.74] the created +[3884.74 --> 3885.98] things and +[3885.98 --> 3886.36] they come +[3886.36 --> 3887.12] together to +[3887.12 --> 3887.68] make up the +[3887.68 --> 3888.32] divine in +[3888.32 --> 3889.00] some way. +[3890.20 --> 3890.50] Instead, +[3890.82 --> 3891.44] God is +[3891.44 --> 3892.20] present +[3892.20 --> 3892.98] everywhere +[3892.98 --> 3894.28] by his +[3894.28 --> 3895.04] spirit. +[3895.88 --> 3896.36] In heaven, +[3896.50 --> 3896.66] yep, +[3896.78 --> 3897.12] God is +[3897.12 --> 3897.34] there. +[3897.84 --> 3898.26] In the +[3898.26 --> 3898.58] depths, +[3898.78 --> 3898.94] yep, +[3899.08 --> 3899.42] God is +[3899.42 --> 3899.64] there. +[3899.82 --> 3900.16] In the +[3900.16 --> 3900.44] morning, +[3900.60 --> 3900.76] yep, +[3900.90 --> 3901.26] God is +[3901.26 --> 3901.44] there. +[3901.64 --> 3902.04] On the +[3902.04 --> 3902.88] other side +[3902.88 --> 3903.14] of the +[3903.14 --> 3903.42] sea, +[3903.58 --> 3903.76] yep, +[3903.90 --> 3904.34] God is +[3904.34 --> 3904.58] there. +[3904.68 --> 3905.02] In the +[3905.02 --> 3905.40] darkness, +[3905.78 --> 3906.08] yes, +[3906.50 --> 3907.42] God is +[3907.42 --> 3907.70] there. +[3907.80 --> 3908.16] There is +[3908.16 --> 3908.52] nowhere, +[3908.90 --> 3909.46] no time, +[3909.58 --> 3910.18] no place +[3910.18 --> 3911.16] where God +[3911.16 --> 3912.52] is not. +[3915.38 --> 3915.98] Why does +[3915.98 --> 3916.26] that make +[3916.26 --> 3916.72] a difference? +[3918.82 --> 3919.30] Because, +[3919.58 --> 3920.18] that makes +[3920.18 --> 3920.56] a difference +[3920.56 --> 3921.54] because it +[3921.54 --> 3922.14] means there +[3922.14 --> 3922.72] is nowhere, +[3922.90 --> 3923.40] no time, +[3923.50 --> 3924.20] no place, +[3924.60 --> 3925.16] you can +[3925.16 --> 3925.86] be where +[3925.86 --> 3926.90] God is +[3926.90 --> 3928.02] not with +[3928.02 --> 3928.32] you. +[3929.84 --> 3930.48] God is +[3930.48 --> 3931.08] with you +[3931.08 --> 3931.72] in the +[3931.72 --> 3932.38] hospital room. +[3933.40 --> 3933.88] God is +[3933.88 --> 3934.50] with you +[3934.50 --> 3935.16] on the +[3935.16 --> 3935.70] graveside. +[3936.58 --> 3937.02] God is +[3937.02 --> 3937.66] with you +[3937.66 --> 3938.22] in the +[3938.22 --> 3938.62] counseling +[3938.62 --> 3938.94] room. +[3939.56 --> 3939.86] God is +[3939.86 --> 3940.40] with you +[3940.40 --> 3940.86] in the +[3940.86 --> 3941.38] workplace +[3941.38 --> 3942.14] or at +[3942.14 --> 3942.66] school +[3942.66 --> 3943.18] or at +[3943.18 --> 3943.66] the bar +[3943.66 --> 3944.32] or on +[3944.32 --> 3944.66] the golf +[3944.66 --> 3945.10] course. +[3946.52 --> 3947.66] When no +[3947.66 --> 3948.26] one else +[3948.26 --> 3948.68] is there +[3948.68 --> 3949.34] around you, +[3950.02 --> 3950.68] God is +[3950.68 --> 3951.16] with you. +[3952.14 --> 3953.34] He will +[3953.34 --> 3954.22] never leave +[3954.22 --> 3955.20] you nor +[3955.20 --> 3955.66] forsake +[3955.66 --> 3955.90] you. +[3958.48 --> 3959.38] I pray +[3959.38 --> 3959.76] that you +[3959.76 --> 3960.62] let this +[3960.62 --> 3962.44] truth change +[3962.44 --> 3963.26] the way you +[3963.26 --> 3964.28] see this +[3964.28 --> 3965.70] last year. +[3966.92 --> 3968.10] Even if it +[3968.10 --> 3968.68] was the most +[3968.68 --> 3969.14] difficult, +[3969.56 --> 3969.94] chaotic, +[3970.36 --> 3970.70] lonely, +[3971.00 --> 3971.52] heartbreaking, +[3971.76 --> 3972.46] body-breaking, +[3972.72 --> 3973.66] disappointing year +[3973.66 --> 3974.24] you've ever +[3974.24 --> 3974.60] had, +[3974.96 --> 3975.58] God was +[3975.58 --> 3977.16] always with +[3977.16 --> 3977.48] you. +[3977.48 --> 3979.20] now maybe +[3979.20 --> 3979.46] in the +[3979.46 --> 3979.84] moment you +[3979.84 --> 3980.30] didn't have +[3980.30 --> 3980.84] the eyes +[3980.84 --> 3981.86] to see +[3981.86 --> 3982.50] it or +[3982.50 --> 3983.10] a heart +[3983.10 --> 3983.92] to believe +[3983.92 --> 3984.92] it or +[3984.92 --> 3985.76] a will +[3985.76 --> 3986.88] to feel +[3986.88 --> 3987.10] it, +[3988.10 --> 3988.80] but that +[3988.80 --> 3989.12] doesn't +[3989.12 --> 3990.18] change the +[3990.18 --> 3990.66] truth. +[3991.66 --> 3992.94] God is +[3992.94 --> 3993.90] there +[3993.90 --> 3995.08] always. +[3997.32 --> 3998.10] God is +[3998.10 --> 3998.82] omnipotent, +[3999.56 --> 4000.10] God is +[4000.10 --> 4000.68] omniscient, +[4001.40 --> 4001.92] and God is +[4001.92 --> 4003.14] omnipresent, +[4004.28 --> 4004.86] the one +[4004.86 --> 4006.24] true God. +[4006.24 --> 4006.28] God. +[4007.94 --> 4008.12] And so +[4008.12 --> 4008.46] why does +[4008.46 --> 4009.06] Jeremiah, +[4009.42 --> 4010.10] in the face +[4010.10 --> 4010.88] of these +[4010.88 --> 4012.74] false health +[4012.74 --> 4013.32] and wealth +[4013.32 --> 4014.00] prosperity +[4014.00 --> 4015.18] teachers, +[4015.30 --> 4015.80] need to +[4015.80 --> 4016.40] remind you +[4016.40 --> 4016.84] of that? +[4018.12 --> 4018.86] Because you +[4018.86 --> 4019.14] see it +[4019.14 --> 4019.88] turns out +[4019.88 --> 4022.20] that if +[4022.20 --> 4022.84] God's +[4022.84 --> 4023.72] omnis are +[4023.72 --> 4024.28] true, +[4024.72 --> 4025.82] even trial, +[4025.98 --> 4026.68] even hardship, +[4026.82 --> 4027.44] even suffering, +[4027.56 --> 4028.38] even illness or +[4028.38 --> 4028.88] persecution, +[4029.40 --> 4029.90] even the +[4029.90 --> 4030.42] worst thing +[4030.42 --> 4030.88] that's happened +[4030.88 --> 4031.24] to you, +[4031.50 --> 4032.34] even all of +[4032.34 --> 4033.08] those things +[4033.08 --> 4034.60] are under +[4034.60 --> 4035.68] his control. +[4036.24 --> 4038.64] and in +[4038.64 --> 4039.28] some +[4039.28 --> 4040.66] divinely +[4040.66 --> 4041.48] mysterious +[4041.48 --> 4042.18] way, +[4042.32 --> 4042.76] they come +[4042.76 --> 4043.34] to you +[4043.34 --> 4044.58] by his +[4044.58 --> 4044.88] hand. +[4046.58 --> 4047.14] Which +[4047.14 --> 4047.52] means, +[4047.94 --> 4048.50] at a +[4048.50 --> 4048.90] minimum, +[4049.86 --> 4050.32] God has +[4050.32 --> 4051.04] a purpose +[4051.04 --> 4051.86] in them, +[4051.98 --> 4052.38] for them, +[4052.42 --> 4052.96] and through +[4052.96 --> 4053.24] them. +[4053.54 --> 4053.92] That God +[4053.92 --> 4054.24] has a +[4054.24 --> 4054.60] plan, +[4054.96 --> 4055.48] and God, +[4055.56 --> 4056.30] only this +[4056.30 --> 4056.72] God, +[4056.80 --> 4057.38] who is +[4057.38 --> 4057.92] omnipotent, +[4058.18 --> 4058.58] omniscient, +[4058.70 --> 4059.34] and omnipresent, +[4059.64 --> 4060.26] can accomplish +[4060.26 --> 4060.58] that. +[4061.58 --> 4062.24] If God +[4062.24 --> 4062.92] isn't those +[4062.92 --> 4063.76] three things, +[4063.94 --> 4064.82] your suffering, +[4064.82 --> 4065.76] meaningless. +[4066.98 --> 4067.58] If God +[4067.58 --> 4068.08] isn't those +[4068.08 --> 4068.70] three things, +[4069.00 --> 4069.52] whatever you +[4069.52 --> 4069.98] face in +[4069.98 --> 4070.26] life, +[4070.88 --> 4071.38] you can't +[4071.38 --> 4071.68] be sure +[4071.68 --> 4071.90] it has +[4071.90 --> 4072.36] a purpose. +[4073.56 --> 4074.22] You have +[4074.22 --> 4075.14] zero confidence +[4075.14 --> 4076.02] that the +[4076.02 --> 4077.04] reason you're +[4077.04 --> 4077.64] going through, +[4077.72 --> 4078.44] whatever it is +[4078.44 --> 4078.88] you're going +[4078.88 --> 4079.24] through, +[4079.46 --> 4080.16] is because +[4080.16 --> 4081.26] God has +[4081.26 --> 4081.84] an idea, +[4082.20 --> 4082.52] and God +[4082.52 --> 4082.78] is in +[4082.78 --> 4083.02] control. +[4083.18 --> 4083.68] But if +[4083.68 --> 4084.28] God is +[4084.28 --> 4084.68] who he +[4084.68 --> 4085.10] says he +[4085.10 --> 4085.42] is, +[4085.50 --> 4086.38] you can +[4086.38 --> 4087.16] have +[4087.16 --> 4088.04] confidence, +[4088.16 --> 4088.68] you can +[4088.68 --> 4089.70] be assured. +[4089.82 --> 4090.16] That's the +[4090.16 --> 4090.86] only way +[4090.86 --> 4091.66] to find +[4091.66 --> 4092.44] purpose. +[4092.44 --> 4092.56] false. +[4094.08 --> 4095.10] Turns out +[4095.10 --> 4096.38] this false +[4096.38 --> 4097.16] teaching +[4097.16 --> 4100.24] is false +[4100.24 --> 4101.14] and damaging +[4101.14 --> 4101.92] and hard +[4101.92 --> 4102.52] because it +[4102.52 --> 4103.86] sacrifices the +[4103.86 --> 4104.62] truth of +[4104.62 --> 4105.24] God, +[4105.30 --> 4105.52] and it +[4105.52 --> 4105.82] doesn't +[4105.82 --> 4106.10] actually +[4106.10 --> 4106.70] provide any +[4106.70 --> 4107.66] real comfort +[4107.66 --> 4108.20] or hope +[4108.20 --> 4108.74] because it +[4108.74 --> 4109.76] presumes that +[4109.76 --> 4110.52] sufferings and +[4110.52 --> 4111.12] hardships are +[4111.12 --> 4111.92] outside of +[4111.92 --> 4112.52] God's purpose +[4112.52 --> 4113.42] and power. +[4113.76 --> 4114.32] The God +[4114.32 --> 4114.74] of health +[4114.74 --> 4115.30] and wealth +[4115.30 --> 4116.12] isn't big +[4116.12 --> 4116.46] enough, +[4116.54 --> 4117.02] he isn't +[4117.02 --> 4118.02] omni enough +[4118.02 --> 4118.70] to have +[4118.70 --> 4119.06] that under +[4119.06 --> 4119.70] his control. +[4119.70 --> 4122.52] Now the +[4122.52 --> 4122.96] greatest +[4122.96 --> 4123.66] evidence, +[4123.78 --> 4124.28] the greatest +[4124.28 --> 4124.96] evidence that +[4124.96 --> 4126.14] God is, +[4126.34 --> 4126.64] of course, +[4126.74 --> 4127.34] in control, +[4127.48 --> 4127.72] that he +[4127.72 --> 4128.70] is big +[4128.70 --> 4129.12] enough, +[4129.22 --> 4129.46] that he +[4129.46 --> 4130.64] is all +[4130.64 --> 4131.14] knowing and +[4131.14 --> 4131.86] all powerful +[4131.86 --> 4132.68] and that he +[4132.68 --> 4133.90] is everywhere +[4133.90 --> 4135.78] present is, +[4136.58 --> 4137.24] in fact, +[4137.46 --> 4139.20] what Jeremiah +[4139.20 --> 4140.18] promises in +[4140.18 --> 4140.78] this chapter. +[4141.84 --> 4142.56] Because of +[4142.56 --> 4143.04] who God +[4143.04 --> 4143.46] is, +[4143.82 --> 4144.46] because he +[4144.46 --> 4145.04] is in +[4145.04 --> 4145.90] fact omni +[4145.90 --> 4146.56] enough, +[4147.04 --> 4147.74] he promises +[4147.74 --> 4148.24] that he +[4148.24 --> 4149.04] will eventually, +[4149.04 --> 4149.68] in chapter +[4149.68 --> 4150.14] 23, +[4150.24 --> 4150.74] verse 5, +[4151.18 --> 4151.74] raise up +[4151.74 --> 4152.44] a righteous +[4152.44 --> 4153.46] branch. +[4154.30 --> 4154.84] A righteous +[4154.84 --> 4155.40] branch to +[4155.40 --> 4155.92] take the +[4155.92 --> 4156.66] place of +[4156.66 --> 4157.74] these failed +[4157.74 --> 4158.18] kings. +[4158.30 --> 4158.68] A good +[4158.68 --> 4159.32] shepherd who +[4159.32 --> 4159.90] will rule +[4159.90 --> 4160.52] in the place +[4160.52 --> 4161.18] of the +[4161.18 --> 4161.72] oppressive +[4161.72 --> 4162.26] shepherds +[4162.26 --> 4163.08] of Jeremiah's +[4163.08 --> 4163.24] day. +[4163.64 --> 4164.12] God would +[4164.12 --> 4164.64] accomplish +[4164.64 --> 4165.30] this new +[4165.30 --> 4165.78] act of +[4165.78 --> 4166.28] salvation +[4166.28 --> 4167.00] that would +[4167.00 --> 4168.00] eclipse even +[4168.00 --> 4168.92] the exodus +[4168.92 --> 4169.58] for the +[4169.58 --> 4169.82] people. +[4169.98 --> 4170.70] God promises +[4170.70 --> 4171.38] a new +[4171.38 --> 4171.86] covenant +[4171.86 --> 4172.64] that would +[4172.64 --> 4173.14] change +[4173.14 --> 4173.76] people's +[4173.76 --> 4174.30] hearts. +[4175.26 --> 4175.86] In place +[4175.86 --> 4176.20] of the +[4176.20 --> 4176.72] external +[4176.72 --> 4177.40] obediences +[4177.40 --> 4177.94] and the +[4177.94 --> 4178.54] hypocritical +[4178.54 --> 4178.88] hearts, +[4179.04 --> 4179.38] that are +[4179.38 --> 4179.80] all around +[4179.80 --> 4179.94] them, +[4180.02 --> 4180.44] God would +[4180.44 --> 4180.86] give them +[4180.86 --> 4181.52] new hearts, +[4181.66 --> 4182.32] true hearts, +[4182.66 --> 4183.12] hearts of +[4183.12 --> 4184.30] flesh transformed +[4184.30 --> 4184.92] out of these +[4184.92 --> 4185.42] hearts of +[4185.42 --> 4185.76] stone, +[4186.20 --> 4186.94] circumcised +[4186.94 --> 4187.28] hearts, +[4187.38 --> 4188.12] to use the +[4188.12 --> 4188.98] language of +[4188.98 --> 4189.28] Jeremiah, +[4189.46 --> 4190.18] to restore +[4190.18 --> 4190.88] the fallen +[4190.88 --> 4191.68] relationships +[4191.68 --> 4192.74] of people +[4192.74 --> 4194.18] to our +[4194.18 --> 4194.78] God. +[4196.12 --> 4196.76] We see +[4196.76 --> 4197.34] that most +[4197.34 --> 4198.04] clearly when +[4198.04 --> 4198.80] God took +[4198.80 --> 4199.44] the greatest +[4199.44 --> 4200.70] evil ever +[4200.70 --> 4201.18] intended, +[4201.30 --> 4201.66] that is when +[4201.66 --> 4202.28] humanity +[4202.28 --> 4204.36] ourselves put +[4204.36 --> 4204.90] God on a +[4204.90 --> 4205.24] cross, +[4205.30 --> 4205.72] when we +[4205.72 --> 4206.86] killed God, +[4206.94 --> 4207.54] God took the +[4207.54 --> 4208.16] greatest evil +[4208.16 --> 4208.78] ever intended +[4208.78 --> 4209.10] and he +[4209.10 --> 4209.80] turned that +[4209.80 --> 4210.74] into the +[4210.74 --> 4211.18] greatest +[4211.18 --> 4212.08] good you +[4212.08 --> 4212.60] could ever +[4212.60 --> 4213.34] imagine +[4213.34 --> 4214.08] possible. +[4214.40 --> 4215.20] God used +[4215.20 --> 4215.86] the cross, +[4215.98 --> 4216.34] the death +[4216.34 --> 4216.90] of himself, +[4216.90 --> 4218.20] to restore +[4218.20 --> 4219.60] humanity to +[4219.60 --> 4220.34] the very God +[4220.34 --> 4220.66] that we +[4220.66 --> 4220.96] killed. +[4221.64 --> 4222.58] Because Jesus +[4222.58 --> 4223.46] lived the life +[4223.46 --> 4224.06] I should have +[4224.06 --> 4224.70] lived and +[4224.70 --> 4225.46] died the death +[4225.46 --> 4225.80] that I +[4225.80 --> 4226.34] deserved, +[4226.46 --> 4227.08] because of +[4227.08 --> 4227.76] God's +[4227.76 --> 4228.36] omnis, +[4228.50 --> 4228.90] he could +[4228.90 --> 4229.50] guide and +[4229.50 --> 4230.12] shape and +[4230.12 --> 4231.06] lead history +[4231.06 --> 4232.02] to make +[4232.02 --> 4233.48] that possible. +[4234.42 --> 4235.34] Because Jesus +[4235.34 --> 4236.20] rose victorious +[4236.20 --> 4236.88] over sin +[4236.88 --> 4237.40] and death, +[4237.88 --> 4238.56] bearing the +[4238.56 --> 4239.22] curse for +[4239.22 --> 4240.02] my sin and +[4240.02 --> 4240.66] giving me +[4240.66 --> 4241.74] the righteousness +[4241.74 --> 4243.04] required to +[4243.04 --> 4243.80] come before +[4243.80 --> 4244.68] a holy God. +[4244.80 --> 4245.52] Because he +[4245.52 --> 4246.52] did all of +[4246.52 --> 4247.52] that, I +[4247.52 --> 4248.06] can rest +[4248.06 --> 4249.00] assured in +[4249.00 --> 4249.36] what I'm +[4249.36 --> 4249.56] going to +[4249.56 --> 4250.08] call the +[4250.08 --> 4251.04] omni-comfort +[4251.04 --> 4251.80] of God. +[4252.92 --> 4253.38] And yes, +[4253.42 --> 4253.86] I made that +[4253.86 --> 4254.12] up. +[4255.40 --> 4256.42] Omni-comfort. +[4257.42 --> 4257.86] Because it +[4257.86 --> 4258.20] works. +[4259.04 --> 4260.20] God is all +[4260.20 --> 4260.96] comforting. +[4262.32 --> 4262.92] Everywhere +[4262.92 --> 4265.24] comfort is +[4265.24 --> 4266.70] mine, is +[4266.70 --> 4268.26] yours because +[4268.26 --> 4269.44] of Jesus. +[4271.22 --> 4271.78] And this +[4271.78 --> 4272.68] omni-comfort +[4272.68 --> 4273.60] is real +[4273.60 --> 4274.82] because God +[4274.82 --> 4275.80] really is +[4275.80 --> 4276.54] omnipotent, +[4276.68 --> 4277.12] omniscient, +[4277.26 --> 4278.34] and omnipresent. +[4280.32 --> 4280.64] You know, +[4281.14 --> 4282.22] in theology, +[4282.42 --> 4282.66] and in +[4282.66 --> 4283.02] particular +[4283.02 --> 4283.56] Reformed +[4283.56 --> 4284.42] theology, +[4284.92 --> 4285.54] we have a +[4285.54 --> 4286.70] word for +[4286.70 --> 4287.38] this. +[4287.52 --> 4288.20] When God +[4288.20 --> 4289.16] acts out +[4289.16 --> 4290.26] his omnipotence, +[4290.36 --> 4290.78] omniscience, +[4290.92 --> 4291.78] and omnipresence +[4291.78 --> 4293.18] to bring us +[4293.18 --> 4293.62] comfort, +[4293.62 --> 4293.68] word, +[4294.88 --> 4295.88] that word +[4295.88 --> 4296.72] is providence, +[4297.44 --> 4297.94] God's +[4297.94 --> 4298.76] providence. +[4299.80 --> 4300.08] And look, +[4300.88 --> 4301.72] I know that +[4301.72 --> 4302.10] in our +[4302.10 --> 4303.00] church tradition, +[4303.78 --> 4304.48] the Reformed +[4304.48 --> 4304.86] tradition, +[4304.98 --> 4305.32] if you're not +[4305.32 --> 4306.00] familiar what +[4306.00 --> 4306.44] that means, +[4306.50 --> 4306.94] we can talk +[4306.94 --> 4307.36] after the +[4307.36 --> 4307.70] service, +[4308.82 --> 4310.28] particularly as +[4310.28 --> 4311.08] it is expressed +[4311.08 --> 4312.46] in the words +[4312.46 --> 4312.72] of the +[4312.72 --> 4313.12] Heidelberg +[4313.12 --> 4313.72] Catechism, +[4314.50 --> 4315.56] there's a lot +[4315.56 --> 4316.22] of people here +[4316.22 --> 4316.72] who have a +[4316.72 --> 4317.54] deep love for +[4317.54 --> 4318.04] question and +[4318.04 --> 4318.74] answer one, +[4320.08 --> 4320.72] but then they +[4320.72 --> 4321.50] have neither +[4321.50 --> 4322.76] read or have +[4322.76 --> 4323.80] forgotten the +[4323.80 --> 4324.14] rest. +[4325.28 --> 4326.06] But to my +[4326.06 --> 4326.48] mind, +[4327.56 --> 4327.96] question and +[4327.96 --> 4328.62] answer 27 +[4328.62 --> 4329.26] and 28 +[4329.26 --> 4330.78] might rival +[4330.78 --> 4331.34] question and +[4331.34 --> 4331.96] answer one +[4331.96 --> 4332.68] for its +[4332.68 --> 4333.66] beauty and +[4333.66 --> 4334.18] its import. +[4334.60 --> 4334.98] So I want to +[4334.98 --> 4335.34] share that +[4335.34 --> 4335.72] with you. +[4337.98 --> 4338.78] The question +[4338.78 --> 4339.26] asked is, +[4339.36 --> 4339.78] what do you +[4339.78 --> 4340.76] understand by +[4340.76 --> 4341.40] the providence +[4341.40 --> 4341.92] of God? +[4343.02 --> 4343.58] And hear these +[4343.58 --> 4343.86] words. +[4345.02 --> 4345.96] The almighty, +[4346.58 --> 4347.66] ever-present +[4347.66 --> 4348.92] power of God +[4348.92 --> 4349.98] by which He +[4349.98 --> 4350.66] upholds, +[4350.70 --> 4351.46] as with His +[4351.46 --> 4352.26] hand, heaven +[4352.26 --> 4353.08] and earth +[4353.08 --> 4353.56] and all +[4353.56 --> 4353.98] creatures, +[4354.40 --> 4355.00] and so +[4355.00 --> 4356.06] rules them +[4356.06 --> 4356.82] that leaf +[4356.82 --> 4357.64] and blade, +[4357.90 --> 4358.56] rain and +[4358.56 --> 4358.88] drought, +[4359.28 --> 4360.02] fruitful and +[4360.02 --> 4360.66] lean years, +[4361.00 --> 4361.76] food and +[4361.76 --> 4362.14] drink, +[4362.46 --> 4363.18] health and +[4363.18 --> 4363.56] sickness, +[4363.80 --> 4365.00] prosperity and +[4365.00 --> 4365.48] poverty, +[4365.84 --> 4367.00] all things, +[4367.20 --> 4367.72] in fact, +[4368.06 --> 4368.80] come to us +[4368.80 --> 4370.24] not by chance +[4370.24 --> 4371.88] but by His +[4371.88 --> 4373.78] fatherly hand. +[4375.24 --> 4375.90] And then the +[4375.90 --> 4376.58] question follows, +[4376.66 --> 4377.08] well how does +[4377.08 --> 4377.82] this knowledge of +[4377.82 --> 4378.64] creation and +[4378.64 --> 4379.12] providence, +[4379.24 --> 4380.12] this omni-comfort +[4380.12 --> 4380.58] of God, +[4380.64 --> 4381.42] how does this +[4381.42 --> 4382.48] help us? +[4383.60 --> 4384.44] And the answer, +[4384.56 --> 4385.14] we can be +[4385.14 --> 4386.46] patient when +[4386.46 --> 4386.94] things go +[4386.94 --> 4387.64] against us, +[4387.84 --> 4388.62] thankful when +[4388.62 --> 4389.44] things go +[4389.44 --> 4389.82] well, +[4390.02 --> 4390.68] and for the +[4390.68 --> 4391.38] future we +[4391.38 --> 4392.14] can have good +[4392.14 --> 4393.04] confidence in +[4393.04 --> 4393.76] our faithful +[4393.76 --> 4395.00] God and +[4395.00 --> 4395.70] Father that +[4395.70 --> 4396.92] nothing in +[4396.92 --> 4397.58] all of +[4397.58 --> 4398.38] creation will +[4398.38 --> 4399.30] separate us +[4399.30 --> 4400.00] from His +[4400.00 --> 4400.26] love, +[4400.34 --> 4401.18] for all +[4401.18 --> 4401.86] creatures are +[4401.86 --> 4403.00] so completely +[4403.00 --> 4403.82] in God's +[4403.82 --> 4404.26] hand that +[4404.26 --> 4404.90] without His +[4404.90 --> 4405.40] will they +[4405.40 --> 4405.76] can neither +[4405.76 --> 4407.76] move nor +[4407.76 --> 4408.84] be moved. +[4410.12 --> 4411.12] God is. +[4411.12 --> 4411.52] Now, +[4412.04 --> 4414.24] people don't +[4414.24 --> 4414.96] talk like that +[4414.96 --> 4415.28] anymore. +[4417.58 --> 4418.44] But maybe we +[4418.44 --> 4418.70] should. +[4420.32 --> 4420.96] Maybe we +[4420.96 --> 4421.26] should hold +[4421.26 --> 4422.12] this truth +[4422.12 --> 4422.62] of who God +[4422.62 --> 4423.14] is in front +[4423.14 --> 4423.88] of us as +[4423.88 --> 4424.38] we look back +[4424.38 --> 4424.98] on 2023 +[4424.98 --> 4425.78] and as we +[4425.78 --> 4426.08] go into +[4426.08 --> 4426.68] 2024. +[4427.44 --> 4428.08] When you +[4428.08 --> 4429.40] understand who +[4429.40 --> 4430.44] God is, +[4430.52 --> 4431.14] you can better +[4431.14 --> 4432.34] understand where +[4432.34 --> 4434.12] God is. +[4434.12 --> 4434.18] God is. +[4435.76 --> 4436.36] And so, +[4437.12 --> 4439.84] after service, +[4440.20 --> 4440.96] if you go to +[4440.96 --> 4441.36] the Connect +[4441.36 --> 4441.88] booth, +[4442.72 --> 4443.16] there will +[4443.16 --> 4444.64] be a +[4444.64 --> 4446.62] printing of +[4446.62 --> 4447.28] question and +[4447.28 --> 4448.14] answer 27 and +[4448.14 --> 4448.78] 28 from the +[4448.78 --> 4449.06] Heidelberg +[4449.06 --> 4450.30] Catechism that +[4450.30 --> 4450.60] we want to +[4450.60 --> 4451.08] give to you. +[4451.44 --> 4451.80] And you can +[4451.80 --> 4452.08] put it on +[4452.08 --> 4452.66] your fridge, +[4453.14 --> 4453.90] you can put +[4453.90 --> 4454.42] it on your +[4454.42 --> 4455.90] message board +[4455.90 --> 4456.40] or your +[4456.40 --> 4457.40] poster board +[4457.40 --> 4458.18] or whatever +[4458.18 --> 4458.74] it is that +[4458.74 --> 4459.24] you have in +[4459.24 --> 4459.64] your house +[4459.64 --> 4459.94] where you +[4459.94 --> 4460.56] post things +[4460.56 --> 4461.08] to keep in +[4461.08 --> 4461.46] front of you +[4461.46 --> 4461.88] always. +[4461.88 --> 4462.58] We want to +[4462.58 --> 4463.12] give that to +[4463.12 --> 4463.62] you so that +[4463.62 --> 4464.12] you can take +[4464.12 --> 4464.82] it and just +[4464.82 --> 4466.40] see it for +[4466.40 --> 4466.84] the rest of +[4466.84 --> 4467.14] the year. +[4467.92 --> 4468.48] This is who +[4468.48 --> 4468.96] God is. +[4470.56 --> 4470.76] And so, +[4470.84 --> 4471.04] there's a +[4471.04 --> 4471.72] hundred copies +[4471.72 --> 4472.20] back there. +[4472.74 --> 4472.84] So, +[4472.90 --> 4473.22] the first +[4473.22 --> 4474.96] hundred get +[4474.96 --> 4475.52] to go and +[4475.52 --> 4475.82] get it. +[4476.02 --> 4476.52] If we need +[4476.52 --> 4476.82] more, +[4476.96 --> 4477.36] we'll figure +[4477.36 --> 4477.74] out a way. +[4477.84 --> 4478.08] We'll put +[4478.08 --> 4478.40] them in the +[4478.40 --> 4478.82] bulletin or +[4478.82 --> 4479.26] something this +[4479.26 --> 4479.48] week. +[4480.26 --> 4480.80] But please, +[4481.32 --> 4482.02] think about +[4482.02 --> 4482.50] whether or not +[4482.50 --> 4483.18] you go and +[4483.18 --> 4484.22] grab one and +[4484.22 --> 4484.94] put it somewhere +[4484.94 --> 4486.84] prominent as +[4486.84 --> 4487.54] you enter into +[4487.54 --> 4488.96] this year. +[4489.90 --> 4490.40] Because no +[4490.40 --> 4490.72] matter what +[4490.72 --> 4491.30] kind of year +[4491.30 --> 4491.64] you have +[4491.64 --> 4492.04] had, +[4493.02 --> 4493.52] it's not +[4493.52 --> 4494.56] about pessimism +[4494.56 --> 4495.46] or optimism, +[4495.70 --> 4495.88] it's not +[4495.88 --> 4496.52] about apathy +[4496.52 --> 4497.66] or even hope, +[4498.26 --> 4498.92] it's about +[4498.92 --> 4499.74] God. +[4500.94 --> 4502.52] God is +[4502.52 --> 4503.40] God, +[4503.78 --> 4505.74] always and +[4505.74 --> 4506.92] in all +[4506.92 --> 4507.80] ways. +[4508.34 --> 4508.54] Amen? +[4509.30 --> 4510.02] Amen. +[4510.22 --> 4510.50] Let's pray +[4510.50 --> 4510.80] together. +[4510.80 --> 4518.74] holy, +[4519.54 --> 4520.12] majestic, +[4520.82 --> 4522.64] amazing God. +[4524.32 --> 4525.28] We come +[4525.28 --> 4526.48] to you now +[4526.48 --> 4527.22] at the end +[4527.22 --> 4528.08] of this year. +[4528.18 --> 4528.74] We come to +[4528.74 --> 4529.12] you now +[4529.12 --> 4529.92] looking forward +[4529.92 --> 4531.04] to the next +[4531.04 --> 4531.46] year. +[4531.76 --> 4532.48] We come to +[4532.48 --> 4533.12] you to +[4533.12 --> 4534.52] experience your +[4534.52 --> 4535.54] omni-comfort, +[4535.54 --> 4536.68] to experience +[4536.68 --> 4537.56] and to +[4537.56 --> 4538.42] know your +[4538.42 --> 4539.26] providential +[4539.26 --> 4540.36] hand at +[4540.36 --> 4540.88] work in +[4540.88 --> 4541.64] us and +[4541.64 --> 4542.36] through us +[4542.36 --> 4543.42] and for +[4543.42 --> 4543.72] us. +[4543.84 --> 4544.64] And so we +[4544.64 --> 4544.92] pray, +[4545.08 --> 4545.48] Lord God, +[4545.56 --> 4546.10] give us +[4546.10 --> 4546.78] eyes to +[4546.78 --> 4547.58] see most +[4547.58 --> 4548.56] clearly today +[4548.56 --> 4549.58] you at +[4549.58 --> 4550.06] work in +[4550.06 --> 4550.44] the world. +[4551.84 --> 4552.66] And when we +[4552.66 --> 4553.02] don't have +[4553.02 --> 4553.94] eyes to see, +[4554.12 --> 4554.54] Lord God, +[4554.70 --> 4555.52] I pray that +[4555.52 --> 4555.88] by your +[4555.88 --> 4556.36] spirit you +[4556.36 --> 4556.66] would give +[4556.66 --> 4557.30] us hearts +[4557.30 --> 4557.94] of faith +[4557.94 --> 4558.82] to trust +[4558.82 --> 4559.94] that you +[4559.94 --> 4561.12] are at +[4561.12 --> 4561.76] work. +[4561.76 --> 4563.72] and that +[4563.72 --> 4564.32] in all +[4564.32 --> 4565.10] things and +[4565.10 --> 4565.94] through all +[4565.94 --> 4566.96] things you +[4566.96 --> 4568.30] will be +[4568.30 --> 4569.54] glorified. +[4570.86 --> 4571.58] That no +[4571.58 --> 4572.34] matter what +[4572.34 --> 4573.20] trials and +[4573.20 --> 4574.06] tribulations we +[4574.06 --> 4574.76] might face +[4574.76 --> 4575.88] now in this +[4575.88 --> 4576.72] moment, no +[4576.72 --> 4577.06] matter what +[4577.06 --> 4578.18] present sufferings +[4578.18 --> 4579.06] we might be +[4579.06 --> 4579.64] enduring, no +[4579.64 --> 4580.16] matter what +[4580.16 --> 4581.22] groanings of +[4581.22 --> 4582.08] creation we +[4582.08 --> 4583.20] might hear and +[4583.20 --> 4584.26] share, that +[4584.26 --> 4585.08] we know +[4585.08 --> 4586.96] that all +[4586.96 --> 4588.28] things will +[4588.28 --> 4588.90] work together +[4588.90 --> 4589.60] for the good +[4589.60 --> 4590.84] of those who +[4590.84 --> 4591.42] love you and +[4591.42 --> 4591.62] who have +[4591.62 --> 4592.12] been called +[4592.12 --> 4592.84] according to +[4592.84 --> 4594.06] your purpose. +[4594.30 --> 4595.14] And so fill +[4595.14 --> 4596.22] us now with +[4596.22 --> 4597.40] your purpose, +[4597.56 --> 4598.28] Lord God, the +[4598.28 --> 4599.14] purpose to +[4599.14 --> 4600.68] glorify yourself +[4600.68 --> 4601.94] among us. +[4604.18 --> 4605.44] May this +[4605.44 --> 4606.90] year, past +[4606.90 --> 4607.96] and coming, +[4608.58 --> 4609.68] be for that +[4609.68 --> 4611.36] purpose together. +[4612.12 --> 4612.60] In Jesus +[4612.60 --> 4613.60] Christ we pray +[4613.60 --> 4614.46] and all God's +[4614.46 --> 4614.92] people said, +[4615.54 --> 4616.04] Amen. +[4621.42 --> 4624.56] let's stand and +[4624.56 --> 4625.14] join our voices +[4625.14 --> 4625.56] together. +[4625.56 --> 4628.56] Let's stand and +[4628.56 --> 4629.14] join our voices +[4629.14 --> 4629.56] together. +[4629.56 --> 4642.46] should nothing of +[4642.46 --> 4644.96] our efforts stand, +[4644.96 --> 4647.44] no legacy +[4647.44 --> 4649.02] survive, +[4649.02 --> 4653.66] unless the Lord +[4653.66 --> 4656.32] does raise the house, +[4656.32 --> 4658.52] in vain, +[4658.52 --> 4658.54] in vain, +[4658.54 --> 4659.72] its builders +[4659.72 --> 4660.78] strive. +[4662.52 --> 4663.84] To you +[4663.84 --> 4665.30] who boast +[4665.30 --> 4667.86] tomorrow's game, +[4668.22 --> 4669.58] tell me +[4669.58 --> 4670.96] what is +[4670.96 --> 4673.16] your life, +[4673.70 --> 4675.42] amidst +[4675.42 --> 4675.74] the +[4675.74 --> 4677.26] vanishes +[4677.26 --> 4678.92] at dawn, +[4679.22 --> 4681.16] all glory +[4681.16 --> 4684.16] be to Christ. +[4684.16 --> 4686.56] All glory +[4686.56 --> 4689.00] be to Christ, +[4689.12 --> 4689.74] our King, +[4690.06 --> 4691.82] all glory +[4691.82 --> 4694.16] be to Christ. +[4695.16 --> 4696.16] His rule +[4696.84 --> 4697.16] and reign +[4697.76 --> 4700.12] will ever sing, +[4700.38 --> 4702.16] all glory +[4702.16 --> 4704.16] be to Christ. +[4707.84 --> 4709.16] His will +[4709.16 --> 4710.68] will be done, +[4710.80 --> 4712.34] His kingdom +[4712.34 --> 4712.94] come, +[4713.20 --> 4714.82] all earth +[4714.82 --> 4715.80] as it +[4715.80 --> 4716.68] is above. +[4718.14 --> 4719.86] Who is +[4719.86 --> 4720.68] Himself +[4720.68 --> 4721.36] our +[4721.36 --> 4722.36] day +[4722.36 --> 4722.92] and +[4722.92 --> 4724.86] praise Him, +[4724.94 --> 4725.84] the Lord +[4725.84 --> 4726.38] of +[4726.38 --> 4727.70] love. +[4728.22 --> 4730.10] Let living +[4730.10 --> 4731.18] waters +[4731.18 --> 4733.06] satisfy +[4733.06 --> 4734.98] the thirsty +[4734.98 --> 4736.26] without +[4736.26 --> 4737.76] rise. +[4737.76 --> 4739.88] will take +[4739.88 --> 4740.82] the cup +[4740.82 --> 4741.38] of +[4741.38 --> 4742.60] kindness +[4742.60 --> 4743.04] yet, +[4743.32 --> 4744.92] all glory +[4744.92 --> 4746.14] be to +[4746.14 --> 4747.60] Christ. +[4748.12 --> 4749.82] All glory +[4749.82 --> 4751.04] be to +[4751.04 --> 4752.18] Christ, +[4752.28 --> 4752.88] our King, +[4753.10 --> 4754.72] all glory +[4754.72 --> 4755.98] be to +[4755.98 --> 4757.50] Christ. +[4757.92 --> 4759.56] His rule +[4759.56 --> 4760.42] and reign +[4760.42 --> 4762.10] will ever +[4762.10 --> 4762.60] sing, +[4762.90 --> 4764.54] all glory +[4764.54 --> 4765.78] be to +[4765.78 --> 4767.86] Christ. +[4769.86 --> 4772.08] When on +[4772.08 --> 4773.02] the day +[4773.02 --> 4774.60] the great +[4774.60 --> 4775.52] I am, +[4775.60 --> 4777.28] the faithful +[4777.28 --> 4778.66] and the +[4778.66 --> 4779.38] true, +[4780.38 --> 4782.26] the Lamb +[4782.26 --> 4783.18] who was +[4783.18 --> 4784.92] for sinners +[4784.92 --> 4785.46] slain, +[4785.68 --> 4787.32] is making +[4787.32 --> 4788.66] all things +[4788.66 --> 4789.82] new. +[4790.54 --> 4792.04] Behold, +[4792.04 --> 4792.94] our God +[4792.94 --> 4794.56] shall live +[4794.56 --> 4795.28] with us +[4795.28 --> 4796.60] and be +[4796.60 --> 4797.26] our +[4797.26 --> 4798.36] steadfast +[4798.36 --> 4799.66] life, +[4800.16 --> 4801.34] and we +[4801.34 --> 4802.06] shall +[4802.06 --> 4803.14] let His +[4803.14 --> 4804.88] people be, +[4805.00 --> 4806.66] all glory +[4806.66 --> 4807.78] be to +[4807.78 --> 4809.22] Christ. +[4809.22 --> 4811.44] All glory +[4811.44 --> 4812.60] be to +[4812.60 --> 4813.60] Christ, +[4813.68 --> 4814.42] our King, +[4814.58 --> 4816.14] all glory +[4816.14 --> 4817.28] be to +[4817.28 --> 4818.62] Christ. +[4818.62 --> 4820.66] His rule +[4820.66 --> 4821.50] and reign +[4821.50 --> 4823.08] will ever +[4823.08 --> 4823.66] sing, +[4823.88 --> 4825.40] all glory +[4825.40 --> 4826.56] be to +[4826.56 --> 4827.90] Christ. +[4828.36 --> 4830.08] All glory +[4830.08 --> 4831.30] be to +[4831.30 --> 4832.32] Christ, +[4832.42 --> 4833.12] our King, +[4833.36 --> 4834.94] all glory +[4834.94 --> 4836.16] be to +[4836.16 --> 4837.56] Christ. +[4838.08 --> 4839.68] His rule +[4839.68 --> 4840.52] and reign +[4840.52 --> 4842.24] will ever +[4842.24 --> 4842.82] sing, +[4843.14 --> 4844.94] all glory +[4844.94 --> 4846.38] be to +[4846.38 --> 4847.42] Christ. +[4848.62 --> 4857.96] as go +[4857.96 --> 4858.68] into +[4858.68 --> 4859.52] today, +[4859.72 --> 4860.28] as you +[4860.28 --> 4861.20] go into +[4861.20 --> 4861.98] the next +[4861.98 --> 4862.52] year, +[4862.92 --> 4863.58] know that +[4863.58 --> 4864.26] God Himself +[4864.26 --> 4865.98] goes with +[4865.98 --> 4866.32] us. +[4866.84 --> 4867.76] Go also +[4867.76 --> 4868.14] with an +[4868.14 --> 4868.56] invitation +[4868.56 --> 4869.46] following our +[4869.46 --> 4869.80] worship, +[4869.92 --> 4870.04] there will +[4870.04 --> 4870.42] be some +[4870.42 --> 4871.12] refreshments, +[4871.26 --> 4871.98] please hang +[4871.98 --> 4872.26] out, +[4872.42 --> 4872.84] fellowship +[4872.84 --> 4874.46] together at +[4874.46 --> 4874.88] the back, +[4875.14 --> 4875.52] connecting +[4875.52 --> 4876.40] with one +[4876.40 --> 4876.70] another. +[4877.28 --> 4877.94] If you +[4877.94 --> 4878.42] would like +[4878.42 --> 4879.52] to be +[4879.52 --> 4880.24] prayed with +[4880.24 --> 4880.96] or over, +[4881.12 --> 4881.56] there is +[4881.56 --> 4882.18] someone who +[4882.18 --> 4882.58] will come +[4882.58 --> 4883.06] up here +[4883.06 --> 4883.42] to the +[4883.42 --> 4883.68] front, +[4883.80 --> 4884.08] they'll have +[4884.08 --> 4884.40] a name +[4884.40 --> 4884.88] tag on +[4884.88 --> 4885.12] with a +[4885.12 --> 4885.54] little yellow +[4885.54 --> 4885.88] square, +[4886.00 --> 4886.20] they would +[4886.20 --> 4886.52] love to +[4886.52 --> 4887.00] meet you +[4887.00 --> 4887.90] and pray +[4887.90 --> 4888.34] with you, +[4889.00 --> 4889.64] but of +[4889.64 --> 4890.02] course, +[4890.44 --> 4891.02] so would +[4891.02 --> 4891.70] most any +[4891.70 --> 4892.30] of us +[4892.30 --> 4892.66] here, +[4893.06 --> 4893.42] and so +[4893.42 --> 4893.86] turn to +[4893.86 --> 4894.22] the person +[4894.22 --> 4894.80] beside you +[4894.80 --> 4895.16] if you +[4895.16 --> 4895.58] would love +[4895.58 --> 4896.40] and like +[4896.40 --> 4896.80] prayer +[4896.80 --> 4897.30] together. +[4898.50 --> 4898.98] Lastly, +[4899.18 --> 4899.96] just one +[4899.96 --> 4900.60] more reminder, +[4900.94 --> 4901.40] come to the +[4901.40 --> 4902.00] Connect booth +[4902.00 --> 4902.58] if you'd like +[4902.58 --> 4903.36] to get one +[4903.36 --> 4903.90] of those +[4903.90 --> 4904.74] question-answer +[4904.74 --> 4906.02] 27-28 cards +[4906.02 --> 4906.62] to take home, +[4906.62 --> 4907.50] or if you'd +[4907.50 --> 4907.92] like to +[4907.92 --> 4908.64] connect with +[4908.64 --> 4908.82] me. +[4909.30 --> 4910.12] We've had a lot +[4910.12 --> 4910.52] of guests +[4910.52 --> 4911.02] with us +[4911.02 --> 4911.42] in the last +[4911.42 --> 4911.66] while, +[4911.74 --> 4911.92] and so +[4911.92 --> 4913.04] please find +[4913.04 --> 4913.58] me at the +[4913.58 --> 4914.10] Connect booth +[4914.10 --> 4914.36] there, +[4914.44 --> 4914.82] and I can +[4914.82 --> 4915.22] answer any +[4915.22 --> 4915.76] questions you +[4915.76 --> 4916.16] might have. +[4916.60 --> 4917.28] Now with +[4917.28 --> 4917.84] the blessing +[4917.84 --> 4918.92] of our God. +[4920.68 --> 4921.50] God, go +[4921.50 --> 4922.30] before you +[4922.30 --> 4923.32] to lead you. +[4924.02 --> 4924.54] God, go +[4924.54 --> 4925.14] behind you +[4925.14 --> 4925.68] to protect +[4925.68 --> 4926.00] you. +[4926.28 --> 4926.88] God, go +[4926.88 --> 4927.54] beneath you +[4927.54 --> 4928.18] to support +[4928.18 --> 4928.52] you, +[4928.60 --> 4929.28] and God, +[4929.40 --> 4930.20] go beside +[4930.20 --> 4930.88] you to +[4930.88 --> 4931.56] befriend you. +[4932.10 --> 4932.66] Do not +[4932.66 --> 4934.28] be afraid. +[4934.28 --> 4934.34] afraid. +[4935.04 --> 4935.46] Let the +[4935.46 --> 4936.00] blessing of +[4936.00 --> 4936.42] God come +[4936.42 --> 4936.84] upon you +[4936.84 --> 4937.08] today. +[4937.22 --> 4937.64] Do not +[4937.64 --> 4938.60] be afraid, +[4939.00 --> 4939.56] but go +[4939.56 --> 4940.64] in peace +[4940.64 --> 4941.62] to love +[4941.62 --> 4942.58] and serve +[4942.58 --> 4943.30] the Lord. +[4944.36 --> 4944.92] Amen. +[4944.92 --> 4945.06] Amen. +[4945.06 --> 4945.12] Amen. +[4945.12 --> 4947.14] Amen. +[4947.14 --> 4951.12] Amen. +[4951.12 --> 4966.10] Oh, Lord, bless you. +[4966.94 --> 4969.22] I'll keep you. +[4970.14 --> 4973.36] Make your face shine upon you. +[4973.72 --> 4976.04] Be gracious to you. +[4976.04 --> 4986.76] Lord, turn his face toward you and give you peace. +[4991.42 --> 4997.68] Lord, bless you and keep you. +[4998.34 --> 5001.46] Make his face shine upon you. +[5001.84 --> 5004.14] Be gracious to you. +[5004.14 --> 5015.14] Lord, turn his face toward you and give you peace. +[5015.14 --> 5017.14] Amen. +[5017.14 --> 5022.14] Amen. +[5022.14 --> 5023.14] Amen. +[5023.14 --> 5023.64] Amen. +[5024.14 --> 5025.14] Amen. +[5025.14 --> 5025.74] Amen. +[5025.74 --> 5029.14] Amen. +[5029.14 --> 5033.14] Amen. +[5033.14 --> 5041.24] Amen, Amen, Amen. +[5043.82 --> 5050.34] Lord bless you and keep you. +[5050.34 --> 5054.08] May His face shine upon you. +[5054.44 --> 5056.80] Be gracious to you. +[5057.22 --> 5062.56] Lord turn His face toward you. +[5063.14 --> 5067.94] And give you peace. +[5071.94 --> 5081.02] Amen, Amen, Amen. +[5083.16 --> 5089.82] Amen, Amen. +[5089.82 --> 5092.82] Amen, Amen. +[5093.14 --> 5093.78] Amen. +[5093.78 --> 5094.78] Amen. +[5123.78 --> 5124.78] Amen. +[5153.78 --> 5155.78] Amen. +[5183.78 --> 5185.78] Amen. +[5186.78 --> 5188.78] Amen. +[5190.78 --> 5194.78] Amen. +[5195.78 --> 5197.78] Amen. +[5198.78 --> 5200.78] Amen. +[5202.78 --> 5206.78] Amen. +[5207.78 --> 5209.78] Amen, +[5209.78 --> 5210.50] Amen. +[5212.50 --> 5213.22] Amen. +[5216.44 --> 5217.40] Go in peace. +[5239.78 --> 5241.78] Amen. +[5269.78 --> 5271.78] Amen. +[5299.78 --> 5301.78] Amen. +[5329.78 --> 5331.78] Amen. +[5359.78 --> 5361.78] Amen. diff --git a/Sunday Worship, December 8, 2024_summary.txt b/Sunday Worship, December 8, 2024_summary.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000000000000000000000000000000000000..2342fa52503b236a7815a75e8321e2123c76a89e --- /dev/null +++ b/Sunday Worship, December 8, 2024_summary.txt @@ -0,0 +1,135 @@ +• Hopes and expectations during Christmas +• Chaos and uncertainty in the world +• Economic concerns (tariffs) +• Desire for peace and settled assurance +• Feeling alone in struggles +• Weight of Christmas season emotions +• The speaker suggests that Jesus is the unexpected hope for this season +• Isaiah, a 7th/8th century prophet, provides a message of hope in the face of impending exile and destruction +• The prophecy describes Assyria's conquest and destruction of Israel, but also God's promise to restore Israel and destroy Assyria +• The imagery used includes forests being cut down by an axe, with Assyria and Lebanon (a major city and economic hub) being compared to forests that will be destroyed +• The speaker implies that Jesus is the true hope for addressing the problems and longings of the heart, rather than other things like material possessions or political change +• Solomon's use of cedars from Lebanon to build the temple in 1 Kings 5 +• Isaiah's judgment oracle against Israel's idolatry and Assyria's abuses, with God promising to cut them down but also holding out hope +• The image of a clear-cut forest with stumps remaining, representing destruction and judgment +• The promise that from one of these stumps, a tiny shoot will spring, symbolizing hope and new life +• Jesse as the father of David, the great king of Israel, and how God's promise to him is being fulfilled in Isaiah 7 +• The distinction between the royal house and the true source of God's promise, which is not about human lineage but about God Himself +• Salvation and judgment are from God. +• Redemption is a gift of grace and faithful to his promise. +• The Messiah will be both man and the Lord. +• Jeremiah personifies the branch as the Lord our righteous Savior, confirming that the Messiah will be both human and divine. +• Zechariah adds that the branch will be a priest who sits on a throne and is given a crown. +• The definition of Messiah comes from the Hebrew word Meshach, which means oil. +• A person anointed with oil is referred to as the Messiah. +• The title Messiah has been recognized by Jews for centuries in Psalm 2 and Isaiah chapter 61. +• These passages describe the Lord's anointed one and the spirit of the sovereign Lord on a specific individual. +• Setting of a proclamation to proclaim freedom for captives +• Reference to Daniel 9, specifically the 70 weeks of years leading up to Jerusalem's restoration +• Discussion of the anointed one who will rebuild Jerusalem and its significance +• Mention of the ruler coming after the anointed one and the associated time period +• Explanation of how the numbers in Daniel 9 relate to the timeline of events +• Daniel's conclusion +• God removing sin and establishing righteousness through his anointed one +• The anointed one being the Messiah and the hope of salvation +• Jesus as the only person who fits this description +• Isaiah confirming that the spirit of the Lord will rest on him +• The passage from Matthew 3:16 +• Jesus being baptized and the Holy Spirit descending like a dove +• Quotes from the Bible (Matthew 3:16-17, Luke 4:16) +• Reference to Isaiah 61 +• Jesus reading from Isaiah in Nazareth in Luke 4:16 +• A man goes into a synagogue +• He reads from the scroll of Isaiah, specifically the passage about the spirit of the Lord being on him to proclaim good news and freedom to the oppressed +• The scripture is said to be fulfilled in their hearing +• He rolls up the scroll and gives it back to the attendant, then sits down with everyone's eyes fixed on him +• The hope for Messiah is fulfilled in Jesus +• Jesus will not judge based on what he sees or hears, but knows the thoughts and intentions of people's hearts +• Jesus' ability to know people's thoughts and intentions makes judgment unnecessary in some cases +• God judges with righteousness and justice +• Jesus' message to the poor +• The kingdom of God and its description in Luke 14 +• The concept of a doctor for the healthy, but not for the sick +• The idea that sinners are called to repentance, not the righteous +• The use of the rod of his mouth as a metaphor +• Jesus' portrayal in Revelation, specifically with a sword coming out of his mouth +• Eternal life and judgment of the wicked +• Righteousness as a belt and faithfulness as a sash (Hebrews 1) +• Jesus' throne and scepter of justice in God's kingdom +• Loving righteousness and hating wickedness +• Revelation 19: The rider on the white horse is called faithful and true, Jesus is the hope of and for the Messiah +• Reality is chaos and confusion +• Answer to chaos and confusion is a Messiah named Jesus +• Question of whether Jesus can provide hope for people suffering from war, displacement, and hardship +• Concept that Jesus may be the deeper longing or hope that people are searching for but not aware of +• Reflection on how people may not recognize Jesus when He comes +• Misplaced hopes, longings, and desires +• Pursuing a new path or change in life +• Concept of "perfectly designed" life theory +• Need for structure and different results +• Reference to Jesus as the Messiah and picture of hope +• Importance of faith and miracles in changing lives +• Interpretation of a biblical passage from Isaiah about coexistence and harmony among creatures +• Discussion of the meaning of the passage, specifically regarding wolves and lambs living together +• Mention of scholarly debate surrounding the interpretation of this passage in religious studies +• Reference to the idea that the earth will be filled with knowledge of the Lord +• Metaphorical image of the world being rewritten in the revelation of God's kingdom +• Image representing contradictions and chaos, yet holding potential for peace, wholeness, and restoration +• The Messiah brings resolution to life's struggles and this image is given as a representation for us +• Availability of the message for individuals right now and in their current situation +• The Messiah's coming brings truth and fulfillment +• Hope for Christmas is a two-step process, already present yet not yet realized +• People sit in midst of chaos with longings and cryings +• Eyes are fixed on the day when the lion and yearling will lay down together +• The story we need to hear is of peace between nations +• Inviting listeners to welcome and receive Jesus as the hope of the season +• Praying for peace, wholeness, and an image of hope in the world +• Acknowledging God's gift of a picture of magnificence and beauty in creation +• Requesting that God reworks the structure and order of the world to bring peace and wholeness +• Coming to Jesus as Messiah, Anointed One, Branch of Jesse, and bearing fruit in hearts +• Growing faith deep in souls and minds and being sent out with conviction +• The Lord's Supper is a memorial of Christ's sacrifice +• The truth of God's word can be taken and hung onto +• The Lord's Supper is not just a memorial, but also a means to take in the truth of God's word +• The liturgy of the church carries us forward towards meeting Jesus +• Presence of the Lord +• Invitation to lift hearts and give thanks +• Prayer together with joy +• Praise for creation, heaven, earth, and humanity +• Thanks for Jesus Christ and his sacrifice +• Commemoration of the Last Supper and betrayal +• Institution of the Eucharist (bread and body) +• The Lord's death and resurrection +• Proclamation of faith through the Eucharist +• Invitation to partake in the sacrament +• Expression of hope for Christ's coming again +• Celebration of God's glory and salvation +• Invitation to Jesus Christ +• Christmas celebration and the Lord's presence +• The church as a family gathering together +• Sharing communion (bread and juice) and its significance +• Passing of the bread and juice around the table +• Acknowledging the body of Christ given for each individual +• Instructions to say the blood of Christ was shed for you +• Instructions on how to receive communion if unable to come to the front +• Availability of gluten-free bread at each tray +• Opportunity to meet someone for prayer during the service +• Presence of people with yellow name tags at the back +• Invitation to pray with others before or after a specific event +• Request for help from elders, worship leaders, and community members +• Explanation of seating arrangement at an event, with certain groups receiving priority seating +• Reference to the value of selfless love (specifically the "j" and "d" levels) +• Prolonged repetition of "thank you" +• Singing of a hymn ("Oh come let us adore") +• The birth and life of Emmanuel +• His suffering and death on the cross +• His power to heal and save +• His glory in heaven +• Praise and worship to Emmanuel's name +• Repeated declarations of "Alleluia" throughout +• Jesus Christ as the Son of God, Prince of Peace, and Savior +• Jesus' characteristics: Wonderful Counselor, Light of the world, Lord above all names, Blessed Redeemer, Emmanuel +• Jesus' sacrifice: He became sin, carried the cross, died for sinners, gave His body and blood +• The hope and glory that is in Jesus Christ +• The power and presence of God with those who follow Jesus +• Start of recording session \ No newline at end of file diff --git a/Sunday Worship, December 8, 2024_transcript.txt b/Sunday Worship, December 8, 2024_transcript.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000000000000000000000000000000000000..bf0df4f2cfe440bd1f9753fc526a7fd42a076644 --- /dev/null +++ b/Sunday Worship, December 8, 2024_transcript.txt @@ -0,0 +1,3375 @@ +[0.00 --> 29.98] Thank you. +[30.00 --> 59.98] Thank you. +[60.00 --> 89.98] Thank you. +[90.00 --> 119.98] Thank you. +[120.00 --> 149.98] Thank you. +[150.00 --> 179.98] Thank you. +[180.00 --> 209.98] Thank you. +[210.00 --> 239.98] Thank you. +[240.00 --> 269.98] Thank you. +[270.00 --> 299.98] Thank you. +[300.00 --> 329.98] Thank you. +[330.00 --> 359.98] Thank you. +[360.00 --> 389.98] Thank you. +[390.00 --> 419.98] Thank you. +[420.00 --> 449.98] Thank you. +[450.00 --> 479.98] Thank you. +[480.00 --> 509.98] Thank you. +[510.00 --> 539.98] Thank you. +[540.00 --> 569.98] Thank you. +[570.00 --> 599.98] Thank you. +[600.00 --> 629.98] Thank you. +[630.00 --> 659.98] Thank you. +[660.00 --> 689.98] Thank you. +[690.00 --> 719.98] Thank you. +[720.00 --> 749.98] Thank you. +[750.00 --> 779.98] Thank you. +[780.00 --> 809.98] Thank you. +[810.00 --> 839.98] Thank you. +[840.00 --> 869.98] Thank you. +[870.00 --> 899.98] Thank you. +[900.00 --> 929.98] Thank you. +[930.00 --> 959.98] Thank you. +[960.00 --> 989.98] Thank you. +[990.00 --> 1019.98] Thank you. +[1020.00 --> 1049.98] Thank you. +[1050.00 --> 1079.98] Thank you. +[1080.00 --> 1109.98] Thank you. +[1110.00 --> 1139.98] Thank you. +[1140.00 --> 1169.98] Thank you. +[1170.00 --> 1199.98] Thank you. +[1200.00 --> 1229.98] Thank you. +[1230.00 --> 1259.98] Thank you. +[1260.00 --> 1289.98] Thank you. +[1290.00 --> 1320.00] Thank you. +[1320.00 --> 1349.98] Thank you. +[1350.00 --> 1380.00] Thank you. +[1380.00 --> 1409.98] Thank you. +[1410.00 --> 1440.00] Thank you. +[1440.00 --> 1469.98] Thank you. +[1470.00 --> 1499.98] Thank you. +[1500.00 --> 1529.98] Thank you. +[1530.00 --> 1559.98] Thank you. +[1560.00 --> 1589.98] Thank you. +[1590.00 --> 1619.98] Thank you. +[1620.00 --> 1649.98] Thank you. +[1649.98 --> 1679.96] Thank you. +[1679.98 --> 1709.96] Thank you. +[1709.98 --> 1739.96] Thank you. +[1739.98 --> 1769.96] Thank you. +[1769.98 --> 1799.96] Thank you. +[1799.98 --> 1829.96] Thank you. +[1829.98 --> 1859.96] Thank you. +[1859.98 --> 1889.96] Thank you. +[1889.96 --> 1919.96] Thank you. +[1919.96 --> 1949.94] Thank you. +[1949.94 --> 1979.94] Thank you. +[1979.94 --> 2009.92] Thank you. +[2009.94 --> 2039.92] Thank you. +[2039.94 --> 2069.94] Thank you. +[2069.94 --> 2099.92] Thank you. +[2099.94 --> 2129.94] Thank you. +[2129.94 --> 2159.92] Thank you. +[2159.94 --> 2189.92] Good morning. +[2189.92 --> 2219.90] Thank you. +[2219.90 --> 2249.88] Thank you. +[2249.88 --> 2279.88] Thank you. +[2279.88 --> 2309.86] Thank you. +[2309.88 --> 2339.86] Thank you. +[2339.88 --> 2369.88] Hello. +[2369.88 --> 2399.88] Thank you. +[2399.88 --> 2429.88] Thank you. +[2429.88 --> 2459.86] Thank you. +[2459.88 --> 2489.88] Thank you. +[2489.88 --> 2519.86] Thank you. +[2519.86 --> 2549.84] Thank you. +[2549.86 --> 2579.84] Thank you. +[2579.84 --> 2609.84] Thank you. +[2609.84 --> 2639.84] Thank you. +[2639.84 --> 2669.82] Thank you. +[2669.84 --> 2699.82] Thank you. +[2699.84 --> 2729.82] This Advent. +[2729.84 --> 2759.84] Thank you. +[2759.84 --> 2789.84] Thank you. +[2789.84 --> 2819.84] +[2819.84 --> 2849.84] Thank you. +[2849.84 --> 2879.82] Advent. +[2879.84 --> 2909.84] that last. +[2909.84 --> 2939.84] Thank you. +[2939.86 --> 2969.82] here, vrai lit... +[2969.82 --> 2972.14] Oh, if that other guy gets in. +[2973.72 --> 2976.96] Some of us are looking south of the border and we're like, +[2977.06 --> 2979.38] man, that chaos should finally end. +[2979.52 --> 2983.76] And others of us are like, man, that 25% tariff's really going to do a number to our economy. +[2986.24 --> 2989.40] We all have these hopes and circumstances, +[2989.70 --> 2993.74] and these hopes stretch us toward an idea of peace, +[2994.40 --> 2997.10] an idea of settled assurance. +[2997.10 --> 3002.18] And we just want to find it. +[3003.18 --> 3004.90] And we want it to make sense. +[3005.10 --> 3007.96] And not just to us, but to the people around us, right? +[3008.00 --> 3010.76] We want them to get it so that they can get us +[3010.76 --> 3015.10] and so that we can finally not feel alone in the struggle that we've been carrying. +[3017.14 --> 3021.44] Like, make no mistake about it, for all the happy songs and the joyful music +[3021.44 --> 3025.74] and the nice seasonal lattes at Starbucks, +[3025.74 --> 3028.40] the season of Christmas has a weight to it +[3028.40 --> 3032.26] that is sometimes impossible to put words to. +[3033.82 --> 3038.04] So what is our hope this Christmas season? +[3038.40 --> 3043.16] And can the thing that we are hoping for actually do what we hope it will do? +[3043.16 --> 3048.66] Or is there something deeper, something more, something greater +[3048.66 --> 3053.64] about this time, this season, and this moment? +[3056.12 --> 3058.38] Now it's going to make no surprise to anyone here, +[3058.66 --> 3060.44] because you're here and it's me, +[3060.58 --> 3062.24] I want to suggest this morning +[3062.24 --> 3067.78] that Jesus is your unexpected hope this season. +[3067.78 --> 3071.70] That the thing that you are longing for, +[3071.86 --> 3076.12] the hope that you are putting all your energy towards, +[3076.48 --> 3081.70] actually only rightly is the person of Jesus. +[3083.46 --> 3085.84] And that those other things, +[3085.98 --> 3087.76] whether they're Nintendo Switches +[3087.76 --> 3090.00] or a sea change in the political landscape, +[3090.00 --> 3096.66] are inadequate to solve the problems and longings of our hearts. +[3098.70 --> 3101.26] Now I want to get at that and see that, +[3102.00 --> 3105.84] hopefully in the way that Isaiah does, +[3106.44 --> 3111.20] and the way that he provides a hope for a people. +[3111.36 --> 3116.32] And so Isaiah is a 7th, 8th century prophet in Israel, +[3116.32 --> 3119.12] and he's foretelling of a time +[3119.12 --> 3123.18] when the people of Israel will be taken away into exile +[3123.18 --> 3126.12] because of their sin and their disobedience to God. +[3126.20 --> 3127.58] When another nation will come +[3127.58 --> 3130.30] and will destroy them +[3130.30 --> 3133.16] and will carry them away. +[3134.50 --> 3137.30] And so these people need a word of hope. +[3138.52 --> 3140.28] And that's what's being offered here. +[3141.42 --> 3143.50] Our text starts, if you have it in front of you, +[3143.56 --> 3144.46] in verse 1 it says, +[3144.46 --> 3147.82] a shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse. +[3148.56 --> 3150.30] Now there's some layering of images here +[3150.30 --> 3152.32] that are important for us to understand, +[3152.46 --> 3155.52] to hear the weight of what is going on here. +[3156.18 --> 3159.06] A few chapters before in Isaiah 6, +[3159.88 --> 3163.04] the prophet recalls how God calls him +[3163.04 --> 3165.98] to this ministry of being a prophet, +[3166.22 --> 3169.22] and God tells Isaiah that he, +[3169.70 --> 3172.04] what he will tell to the people of Israel, +[3172.14 --> 3173.60] what message he will give. +[3173.60 --> 3176.74] And part of the description in Isaiah 6, verse 13, +[3177.38 --> 3180.90] is God says that the cities and houses of Israel +[3180.90 --> 3183.14] will be destroyed by Assyria, +[3183.50 --> 3185.02] a nation state to the north, +[3185.30 --> 3188.94] and will be like a forest raised. +[3189.86 --> 3189.96] Right? +[3190.02 --> 3192.06] So only stumps remain. +[3193.70 --> 3195.90] Assyria is the nation state +[3195.90 --> 3198.78] that God will use to punish the Israelites +[3198.78 --> 3201.80] for their idolatry and for their waywardness. +[3201.80 --> 3203.38] But even in that, +[3203.78 --> 3207.10] God uses Isaiah to give the people of Israel a hope. +[3207.70 --> 3207.80] Right? +[3207.82 --> 3208.26] And he says, +[3208.72 --> 3209.18] don't worry, +[3209.40 --> 3212.40] Assyria too will fall under my own judgment. +[3212.40 --> 3215.34] And he promises that Assyria will be destroyed +[3215.34 --> 3218.04] after God has finished using them. +[3218.70 --> 3220.46] So Israel will be restored +[3220.46 --> 3222.62] and Assyria destroyed. +[3222.74 --> 3224.50] And God uses two images +[3224.50 --> 3226.88] to reveal this destruction. +[3228.00 --> 3228.58] He says, +[3228.72 --> 3232.16] Assyria and Israel will be like forests +[3232.16 --> 3235.32] completely and utterly destroyed +[3235.32 --> 3236.86] by an axe. +[3237.54 --> 3239.24] You can read that in Isaiah 10, +[3239.72 --> 3241.44] verse 15, 18, and 19. +[3242.40 --> 3242.98] And in fact, +[3243.06 --> 3244.96] the verses right before ours, +[3245.14 --> 3246.38] the end of chapter 10, +[3247.12 --> 3247.52] read, +[3247.52 --> 3250.52] The Lord Almighty +[3250.52 --> 3252.42] will lop off the boughs +[3252.42 --> 3253.80] with great power. +[3254.04 --> 3256.18] The lofty trees will be felled. +[3256.32 --> 3258.30] The tall ones will be brought low. +[3258.60 --> 3260.66] He will cut down the forest thickets +[3260.66 --> 3261.42] with an axe. +[3261.80 --> 3262.98] Lebanon will fall +[3262.98 --> 3264.60] before the mighty one. +[3266.66 --> 3267.28] Now, Lebanon +[3267.28 --> 3269.76] is a major city, +[3269.96 --> 3271.48] an economic hub +[3271.48 --> 3272.98] to the north of Israel, +[3272.98 --> 3275.60] and it's under Assyrian control +[3275.60 --> 3277.34] by the time of Isaiah. +[3277.92 --> 3279.16] And if you are familiar +[3279.16 --> 3280.86] with the Bible at all, +[3280.96 --> 3282.16] you may have heard +[3282.16 --> 3284.28] the cedars of Lebanon. +[3285.14 --> 3286.20] The cedars of Lebanon +[3286.20 --> 3287.14] are these great, +[3287.56 --> 3288.14] massive, +[3288.48 --> 3290.22] old-growth trees +[3290.22 --> 3291.28] in Lebanon +[3291.28 --> 3292.46] that are prized +[3292.46 --> 3293.88] around the entire +[3293.88 --> 3295.08] ancient Near East +[3295.08 --> 3298.22] as prime building materials. +[3299.18 --> 3300.56] Temples and palaces +[3300.56 --> 3302.36] throughout the region +[3302.36 --> 3304.40] have used cedars +[3304.40 --> 3305.22] from Lebanon +[3305.22 --> 3308.12] to be constructed. +[3308.68 --> 3308.94] In fact, +[3309.04 --> 3310.00] in 1 Kings 5, +[3310.16 --> 3310.82] you can read +[3310.82 --> 3311.44] that Solomon, +[3311.84 --> 3312.66] the son of David, +[3312.84 --> 3313.76] the great king of Israel, +[3313.96 --> 3315.48] used cedars from Lebanon +[3315.48 --> 3317.02] to build the temple. +[3318.78 --> 3320.28] And as a judgment oracle, +[3320.42 --> 3321.56] now here in Isaiah, +[3321.94 --> 3324.14] against Israel's idolatry +[3324.14 --> 3325.76] and Assyria's abuses, +[3326.08 --> 3326.86] God says +[3326.86 --> 3328.30] that he will cut them all down. +[3328.94 --> 3330.86] He will lay them all low +[3330.86 --> 3332.54] that only stumps +[3332.54 --> 3333.70] will remain. +[3334.68 --> 3335.90] The image is kind of like +[3335.90 --> 3337.10] a clear-cut forest. +[3338.40 --> 3339.38] And yet, +[3339.68 --> 3342.60] even in this clear-cut forest, +[3342.60 --> 3344.40] there is hope. +[3345.72 --> 3346.28] Right? +[3346.34 --> 3348.10] Because one of these stumps, +[3348.36 --> 3349.14] we are told, +[3349.82 --> 3350.54] is Jesse. +[3350.54 --> 3350.62] Jesse. +[3351.82 --> 3353.66] And from that stump, +[3354.22 --> 3356.14] a tiny shoot will spring. +[3356.46 --> 3358.00] Even in all of that judgment +[3358.00 --> 3358.76] and destruction, +[3359.36 --> 3360.98] hope springs up. +[3361.22 --> 3363.24] A promise pops through. +[3365.40 --> 3365.70] Now, +[3366.66 --> 3367.64] a little bit of +[3367.64 --> 3369.50] biblical history here. +[3369.78 --> 3372.72] Jesse is the father of David, +[3373.10 --> 3375.50] the great king of Israel. +[3376.50 --> 3376.90] Right? +[3376.90 --> 3377.22] David, +[3377.38 --> 3378.44] we are told over and over +[3378.44 --> 3378.98] and over again, +[3379.04 --> 3380.08] even though he's not near +[3380.08 --> 3381.92] a perfect man +[3381.92 --> 3382.84] or perfect king, +[3382.88 --> 3383.52] we are told that +[3383.52 --> 3385.58] he is a man after God's own heart. +[3386.40 --> 3388.24] And God promised David +[3388.24 --> 3389.68] that of his kingdom +[3389.68 --> 3391.12] there would be no end. +[3392.16 --> 3393.12] He said to him, +[3393.24 --> 3393.98] your house +[3393.98 --> 3395.18] and your kingdom +[3395.18 --> 3396.94] will endure forever +[3396.94 --> 3398.10] before me. +[3398.24 --> 3399.00] Your throne +[3399.00 --> 3400.14] will be established +[3400.14 --> 3400.98] forever. +[3402.26 --> 3403.50] And these are words +[3403.50 --> 3404.74] that are echoed +[3404.74 --> 3405.58] and promised +[3405.58 --> 3406.64] in Isaiah 7, +[3406.72 --> 3408.02] where we looked +[3408.02 --> 3409.00] last time. +[3409.78 --> 3410.56] But now, +[3410.68 --> 3411.52] when Isaiah says +[3411.52 --> 3412.72] that from the stump +[3412.72 --> 3413.52] of Jesse, +[3413.88 --> 3415.06] this hope will rise, +[3415.38 --> 3416.44] God is keeping +[3416.44 --> 3417.36] his promise +[3417.36 --> 3418.14] and yet, +[3418.24 --> 3419.84] he's separating +[3419.84 --> 3420.86] that promise +[3420.86 --> 3421.76] from the pomp +[3421.76 --> 3422.70] and circumstance +[3422.70 --> 3424.00] and the glory +[3424.00 --> 3425.56] of the royal house. +[3426.38 --> 3426.50] Right? +[3426.60 --> 3427.46] David isn't +[3427.46 --> 3428.38] the focus here. +[3429.22 --> 3429.58] Instead, +[3429.78 --> 3430.62] he's reminding +[3430.62 --> 3431.28] the readers +[3431.28 --> 3432.30] of David's +[3432.30 --> 3434.06] peasant origins. +[3434.74 --> 3435.78] his father, +[3436.44 --> 3436.76] Jesse. +[3438.14 --> 3438.48] Right? +[3438.52 --> 3439.66] Jesse was a +[3439.66 --> 3440.68] backcountry +[3440.68 --> 3442.52] father of +[3442.52 --> 3443.56] shepherds +[3443.56 --> 3444.74] and livestock +[3444.74 --> 3445.58] keepers. +[3446.10 --> 3447.24] And what effectively +[3447.24 --> 3448.02] is happening here +[3448.02 --> 3449.42] is God is saying +[3449.42 --> 3451.30] that it's not +[3451.30 --> 3452.16] about +[3452.16 --> 3453.62] the promise +[3453.62 --> 3455.04] so much +[3455.04 --> 3455.96] as it is about +[3455.96 --> 3456.92] the one who gives +[3456.92 --> 3457.90] the promise. +[3458.98 --> 3459.36] Right? +[3459.38 --> 3460.24] It's not about David. +[3460.64 --> 3461.96] It's about his God. +[3463.16 --> 3463.30] Right? +[3463.30 --> 3464.76] God will do it +[3464.76 --> 3465.44] himself. +[3465.68 --> 3466.78] He is the one +[3466.78 --> 3467.24] who will make +[3467.24 --> 3468.20] the shoot rise +[3468.20 --> 3469.10] from the stump. +[3469.20 --> 3469.98] He is the one +[3469.98 --> 3470.40] who will make +[3470.40 --> 3471.52] the branch grow. +[3471.72 --> 3472.56] He is the one +[3472.56 --> 3473.30] who will cause it +[3473.30 --> 3474.64] to bear fruit. +[3474.76 --> 3475.36] In short, +[3475.54 --> 3477.08] salvation and judgment +[3477.08 --> 3478.82] are from God. +[3479.26 --> 3479.70] Redemption +[3479.70 --> 3481.10] is his gift +[3481.10 --> 3481.72] of grace +[3481.72 --> 3482.66] and faithful +[3482.66 --> 3484.02] to his promise. +[3484.14 --> 3484.26] Right? +[3484.48 --> 3485.24] His zeal +[3485.24 --> 3486.58] will accomplish this. +[3486.58 --> 3487.56] The hope +[3487.56 --> 3488.48] that the people +[3488.48 --> 3489.72] can place +[3489.72 --> 3491.04] their longings +[3491.04 --> 3491.28] in, +[3491.38 --> 3492.60] the desire +[3492.60 --> 3493.52] that they have +[3493.52 --> 3494.70] needs to be +[3494.70 --> 3496.36] for God +[3496.36 --> 3498.22] and not +[3498.22 --> 3498.96] for something else. +[3500.32 --> 3500.68] Now, +[3500.72 --> 3501.54] this image +[3501.54 --> 3502.20] compounds +[3502.20 --> 3503.48] as the shoot +[3503.48 --> 3504.92] rises from the stump +[3504.92 --> 3505.72] and it becomes +[3505.72 --> 3506.56] a branch. +[3507.12 --> 3508.22] A branch +[3508.22 --> 3509.36] that will bear fruit. +[3510.24 --> 3510.74] And that image +[3510.74 --> 3511.46] of a branch, +[3512.02 --> 3513.74] two later prophets, +[3513.96 --> 3514.28] Jeremiah +[3514.28 --> 3515.74] and Zechariah, +[3515.86 --> 3517.04] who prophesied +[3517.04 --> 3518.32] during the exile +[3518.32 --> 3520.08] and after the exile, +[3520.26 --> 3521.44] so two, +[3521.62 --> 3522.48] three hundred years +[3522.48 --> 3523.46] after Isaiah, +[3524.16 --> 3525.90] they take this image +[3525.90 --> 3527.06] of a branch +[3527.06 --> 3529.58] and they personify it +[3529.58 --> 3530.48] as a title. +[3531.54 --> 3532.60] They take the image +[3532.60 --> 3533.36] of a branch +[3533.36 --> 3535.54] and Jeremiah says +[3535.54 --> 3536.28] the branch +[3536.28 --> 3537.28] will be called +[3537.28 --> 3538.04] the Lord +[3538.04 --> 3539.70] our righteous Savior. +[3541.30 --> 3542.06] Effectively, +[3542.56 --> 3543.08] confirming +[3543.08 --> 3544.32] that the branch +[3544.32 --> 3546.58] is the Messiah +[3546.58 --> 3547.42] who will be +[3547.42 --> 3548.68] both man +[3548.68 --> 3549.68] and +[3549.68 --> 3551.64] the Lord. +[3552.12 --> 3552.24] Right? +[3552.36 --> 3553.36] Man from the line +[3553.36 --> 3553.94] of David +[3553.94 --> 3555.08] and the Lord +[3555.08 --> 3556.68] because the name +[3556.68 --> 3557.28] he uses, +[3557.44 --> 3557.82] the Lord +[3557.82 --> 3558.72] our righteous Savior, +[3558.84 --> 3559.38] if you were to look +[3559.38 --> 3560.42] at Jeremiah 23 +[3560.42 --> 3561.02] verse 5 +[3561.02 --> 3561.54] in your Bibles, +[3561.70 --> 3562.60] that word Lord +[3562.60 --> 3563.68] is in all caps, +[3564.28 --> 3565.26] which means +[3565.26 --> 3566.14] it's the covenant +[3566.14 --> 3567.28] name for God. +[3567.72 --> 3568.38] It's Yahweh. +[3569.88 --> 3570.46] So Jeremiah +[3570.46 --> 3571.66] says that the Messiah, +[3572.12 --> 3572.78] the one who +[3572.78 --> 3573.94] we hope in +[3573.94 --> 3574.72] will be God +[3574.72 --> 3575.84] and man. +[3575.84 --> 3576.36] He will be +[3576.36 --> 3576.92] the God +[3576.92 --> 3577.58] man. +[3577.74 --> 3577.96] And then +[3577.96 --> 3578.84] Zechariah +[3578.84 --> 3579.68] adds +[3579.68 --> 3580.80] that this +[3580.80 --> 3581.64] branch +[3581.64 --> 3582.42] will be +[3582.42 --> 3583.46] a priest +[3583.46 --> 3584.10] who sits +[3584.10 --> 3584.72] on a throne +[3584.72 --> 3585.30] and is given +[3585.30 --> 3585.84] a crown. +[3587.12 --> 3587.88] Now in Israel +[3587.88 --> 3588.76] there are no +[3588.76 --> 3589.78] priest kings. +[3590.88 --> 3591.76] There's priests +[3591.76 --> 3592.66] and there's kings +[3592.66 --> 3593.74] but in Zechariah +[3593.74 --> 3594.28] the branch +[3594.28 --> 3595.54] is both. +[3595.68 --> 3596.00] And so +[3596.00 --> 3596.74] not only +[3596.74 --> 3597.44] let's compound +[3597.44 --> 3597.94] the image +[3597.94 --> 3598.26] you have +[3598.26 --> 3599.00] the Messiah +[3599.00 --> 3599.42] who is +[3599.42 --> 3599.88] the God +[3599.88 --> 3600.42] man +[3600.42 --> 3601.54] who is +[3601.54 --> 3602.24] man from +[3602.24 --> 3602.66] the line +[3602.66 --> 3603.20] of David +[3603.20 --> 3604.10] and himself +[3604.10 --> 3604.58] God +[3604.58 --> 3605.14] the Lord +[3605.14 --> 3606.20] and who +[3606.20 --> 3606.78] is the +[3606.78 --> 3607.56] high priest +[3607.56 --> 3608.76] and true +[3608.76 --> 3609.46] king. +[3611.32 --> 3611.96] Isaiah +[3611.96 --> 3613.10] is stacking +[3613.10 --> 3614.52] these layers +[3614.52 --> 3615.16] of meaning +[3615.16 --> 3616.08] to fulfill +[3616.08 --> 3617.30] what our hope +[3617.30 --> 3618.02] should be +[3618.02 --> 3618.68] and if you're +[3618.68 --> 3619.14] following along +[3619.14 --> 3619.82] we haven't even +[3619.82 --> 3620.54] left verse 1 +[3620.54 --> 3620.82] yet. +[3624.12 --> 3624.80] Now +[3624.80 --> 3626.20] to be clear +[3626.20 --> 3627.38] at this point +[3627.38 --> 3628.68] I still haven't +[3628.68 --> 3629.36] yet said anything +[3629.36 --> 3630.12] about Jesus +[3630.12 --> 3632.18] or about +[3632.18 --> 3632.46] Jesus +[3632.46 --> 3633.40] as the Messiah. +[3634.56 --> 3635.32] We've only +[3635.32 --> 3635.80] heard +[3635.80 --> 3636.34] that the +[3636.34 --> 3636.98] people's hope +[3636.98 --> 3637.78] is for +[3637.78 --> 3638.70] a Messiah +[3638.70 --> 3639.40] but we don't +[3639.40 --> 3639.86] yet know +[3639.86 --> 3640.44] who that +[3640.44 --> 3640.96] will be +[3640.96 --> 3641.70] or how +[3641.70 --> 3642.10] that will +[3642.10 --> 3642.64] come about. +[3644.56 --> 3645.16] Now +[3645.16 --> 3646.08] the title +[3646.08 --> 3646.82] Messiah +[3646.82 --> 3649.14] comes from +[3649.14 --> 3649.82] the Hebrew +[3649.82 --> 3650.32] word +[3650.32 --> 3650.98] Meshach +[3650.98 --> 3652.36] which comes +[3652.36 --> 3653.22] from a root +[3653.22 --> 3653.98] if you remember +[3653.98 --> 3654.44] Hebrew +[3654.44 --> 3656.34] words are all +[3656.34 --> 3656.98] brought down +[3656.98 --> 3657.76] low into a +[3657.76 --> 3658.50] three stem root +[3658.50 --> 3659.32] the root +[3659.32 --> 3659.70] there is +[3659.70 --> 3660.20] Meshach +[3660.20 --> 3660.66] which means +[3660.66 --> 3661.10] oil. +[3662.42 --> 3662.64] And so +[3662.64 --> 3663.22] Messiah +[3663.22 --> 3664.82] literally means +[3664.82 --> 3665.54] one who is +[3665.54 --> 3666.16] anointed with +[3666.16 --> 3666.72] oil or +[3666.72 --> 3667.50] the anointed +[3667.50 --> 3667.98] one. +[3668.90 --> 3669.74] The Messiah +[3669.74 --> 3670.60] is the +[3670.60 --> 3671.16] anointed +[3671.16 --> 3672.12] one. +[3672.24 --> 3672.50] And so +[3672.50 --> 3673.72] let's do a +[3673.72 --> 3674.40] little bit of +[3674.40 --> 3675.28] biblical theology +[3675.28 --> 3675.76] together. +[3676.80 --> 3677.60] Psalm 2 +[3677.60 --> 3679.04] which has +[3679.04 --> 3679.62] long been +[3679.62 --> 3680.26] recognized +[3680.26 --> 3681.72] by the Jews +[3681.72 --> 3682.16] as a +[3682.16 --> 3682.80] messianic +[3682.80 --> 3683.32] psalm. +[3683.48 --> 3684.06] Psalm 2 +[3684.06 --> 3684.60] says +[3684.60 --> 3685.98] the kings +[3685.98 --> 3686.74] of the earth +[3686.74 --> 3687.32] rise up +[3687.32 --> 3687.70] and the +[3687.70 --> 3688.06] rulers +[3688.06 --> 3688.48] band +[3688.48 --> 3689.02] together +[3689.02 --> 3689.50] against +[3689.50 --> 3690.06] the Lord +[3690.06 --> 3690.80] and against +[3690.80 --> 3691.82] his +[3691.82 --> 3692.94] anointed. +[3694.44 --> 3695.00] Isaiah +[3695.00 --> 3696.04] chapter 61 +[3696.04 --> 3696.48] says +[3696.48 --> 3697.34] the spirit +[3697.34 --> 3697.76] of the +[3697.76 --> 3698.06] sovereign +[3698.06 --> 3698.28] Lord +[3698.28 --> 3698.74] is on +[3698.74 --> 3698.92] me +[3698.92 --> 3699.22] because +[3699.22 --> 3699.42] the +[3699.42 --> 3699.64] Lord +[3699.64 --> 3700.00] has +[3700.00 --> 3700.66] anointed +[3700.66 --> 3701.16] me +[3701.16 --> 3701.50] to +[3701.50 --> 3701.88] proclaim +[3701.88 --> 3702.22] good +[3702.22 --> 3702.48] news +[3702.48 --> 3702.78] to the +[3702.78 --> 3703.08] poor. +[3703.44 --> 3703.52] He +[3703.52 --> 3703.70] has +[3703.70 --> 3703.90] set +[3703.90 --> 3704.06] me +[3704.06 --> 3704.24] to +[3704.24 --> 3704.50] bind +[3704.50 --> 3704.66] up +[3704.66 --> 3704.78] the +[3704.78 --> 3705.02] broken +[3705.02 --> 3705.46] hearted +[3705.46 --> 3705.62] to +[3705.62 --> 3705.96] proclaim +[3705.96 --> 3706.36] freedom +[3706.36 --> 3706.72] for the +[3706.72 --> 3707.12] captives +[3707.12 --> 3707.62] and release +[3707.62 --> 3707.82] from +[3707.82 --> 3708.22] darkness +[3708.22 --> 3708.98] for the +[3708.98 --> 3709.30] prisoners +[3709.30 --> 3709.90] to +[3709.90 --> 3710.32] proclaim +[3710.32 --> 3710.68] the +[3710.68 --> 3711.00] year +[3711.00 --> 3711.18] of +[3711.18 --> 3711.30] the +[3711.30 --> 3711.72] Lord's +[3711.72 --> 3712.16] favor +[3712.16 --> 3712.72] and +[3712.72 --> 3712.86] the +[3712.86 --> 3713.14] day +[3713.14 --> 3713.38] of +[3713.38 --> 3713.86] vengeance +[3713.86 --> 3714.32] of +[3714.32 --> 3714.46] our +[3714.46 --> 3714.78] God +[3714.78 --> 3715.10] to +[3715.10 --> 3715.54] comfort +[3715.54 --> 3716.14] all +[3716.14 --> 3716.36] who +[3716.36 --> 3716.80] mourn +[3718.48 --> 3718.72] who +[3718.72 --> 3719.18] grieve +[3719.18 --> 3720.02] in +[3720.02 --> 3720.38] Zion. +[3721.06 --> 3721.82] Anointed +[3721.82 --> 3723.00] me. +[3723.60 --> 3723.84] And then +[3723.84 --> 3724.48] powerfully +[3724.48 --> 3724.98] I think +[3724.98 --> 3725.46] in +[3725.46 --> 3726.22] Daniel +[3726.22 --> 3728.10] 9 +[3728.10 --> 3729.14] we read +[3729.14 --> 3729.52] this +[3729.52 --> 3730.54] know +[3730.54 --> 3730.90] and +[3730.90 --> 3731.50] understand +[3731.50 --> 3732.28] this +[3732.28 --> 3733.48] from +[3733.48 --> 3733.66] the +[3733.66 --> 3734.04] time +[3734.04 --> 3734.24] the +[3734.24 --> 3734.52] word +[3734.52 --> 3734.82] goes +[3734.82 --> 3735.08] out +[3735.08 --> 3735.28] to +[3735.28 --> 3735.82] restore +[3735.82 --> 3736.08] and +[3736.08 --> 3736.56] rebuild +[3736.56 --> 3737.18] Jerusalem +[3737.18 --> 3737.86] until +[3737.86 --> 3738.36] the +[3738.36 --> 3738.92] anointed +[3738.92 --> 3739.42] one +[3739.42 --> 3739.94] the +[3739.94 --> 3740.28] ruler +[3740.28 --> 3740.80] comes +[3740.80 --> 3741.02] there +[3741.02 --> 3741.16] will +[3741.16 --> 3741.36] be +[3741.36 --> 3741.70] seven +[3741.70 --> 3742.34] sevens +[3742.34 --> 3742.86] and +[3742.86 --> 3743.22] sixty +[3743.22 --> 3743.52] two +[3743.52 --> 3744.12] sevens +[3744.12 --> 3744.98] it +[3744.98 --> 3745.10] will +[3745.10 --> 3745.28] be +[3745.28 --> 3745.72] rebuilt +[3745.72 --> 3746.00] with +[3746.00 --> 3746.38] streets +[3746.38 --> 3746.64] and +[3746.64 --> 3746.78] a +[3746.78 --> 3747.10] trench +[3747.10 --> 3747.40] but +[3747.40 --> 3747.58] in +[3747.58 --> 3747.98] times +[3747.98 --> 3748.18] of +[3748.18 --> 3748.46] trouble +[3748.46 --> 3749.22] and +[3749.22 --> 3749.46] after +[3749.46 --> 3749.66] the +[3749.66 --> 3749.94] sixty +[3749.94 --> 3750.22] two +[3750.22 --> 3750.88] sevens +[3750.88 --> 3751.28] the +[3751.28 --> 3751.80] anointed +[3751.80 --> 3752.26] one +[3752.26 --> 3752.50] will +[3752.50 --> 3752.66] be +[3752.66 --> 3752.88] put +[3752.88 --> 3753.10] to +[3753.10 --> 3753.44] death +[3753.44 --> 3753.74] and +[3753.74 --> 3753.94] will +[3753.94 --> 3754.30] have +[3754.30 --> 3755.12] nothing +[3755.12 --> 3757.54] we +[3757.54 --> 3757.66] don't +[3757.66 --> 3757.78] have +[3757.78 --> 3758.08] time +[3758.08 --> 3758.28] this +[3758.28 --> 3758.50] morning +[3758.50 --> 3758.70] to +[3758.70 --> 3758.92] look +[3758.92 --> 3759.04] at +[3759.04 --> 3759.22] all +[3759.22 --> 3759.44] the +[3759.44 --> 3760.14] theories +[3760.14 --> 3760.44] and +[3760.44 --> 3760.82] questions +[3760.82 --> 3761.18] about +[3761.18 --> 3761.36] what +[3761.36 --> 3761.56] those +[3761.56 --> 3762.08] particular +[3762.08 --> 3762.56] numbers +[3762.56 --> 3762.94] mean +[3762.94 --> 3763.10] and +[3763.10 --> 3763.28] how +[3763.28 --> 3763.46] we +[3763.46 --> 3763.72] might +[3763.72 --> 3763.86] or +[3763.86 --> 3764.06] might +[3764.06 --> 3764.28] not +[3764.28 --> 3764.62] map +[3764.62 --> 3764.92] those +[3764.92 --> 3765.16] out +[3765.16 --> 3765.58] over +[3765.58 --> 3765.76] to +[3765.76 --> 3766.16] particular +[3766.16 --> 3766.58] points +[3766.58 --> 3766.72] in +[3766.72 --> 3767.02] history +[3767.02 --> 3767.70] the +[3767.70 --> 3768.10] point +[3768.10 --> 3768.48] rather +[3768.48 --> 3769.04] for +[3769.04 --> 3769.24] us +[3769.24 --> 3769.44] this +[3769.44 --> 3769.70] morning +[3769.70 --> 3769.96] is +[3769.96 --> 3770.16] the +[3770.16 --> 3770.70] conclusion +[3770.70 --> 3771.00] of +[3771.00 --> 3771.16] what +[3771.16 --> 3771.50] Daniel +[3771.50 --> 3771.76] is +[3771.76 --> 3772.08] saying +[3772.08 --> 3772.62] the +[3772.62 --> 3773.06] conclusion +[3773.06 --> 3773.34] is +[3773.34 --> 3773.52] that +[3778.46 --> 3778.94] God +[3778.94 --> 3779.28] will +[3779.28 --> 3780.02] remove +[3780.02 --> 3780.62] sin +[3780.62 --> 3780.94] and +[3780.94 --> 3781.62] establish +[3781.62 --> 3782.26] righteousness +[3782.26 --> 3783.10] through +[3783.10 --> 3783.64] his +[3783.64 --> 3784.32] anointed +[3784.32 --> 3785.28] one +[3785.28 --> 3786.10] through +[3786.10 --> 3786.30] the +[3786.30 --> 3786.72] Messiah +[3786.72 --> 3787.94] the +[3787.94 --> 3788.50] hope +[3788.50 --> 3789.46] right +[3789.46 --> 3790.46] is +[3790.46 --> 3790.66] for +[3790.66 --> 3790.84] an +[3790.84 --> 3791.24] anointed +[3791.24 --> 3791.68] one +[3791.68 --> 3793.00] this +[3793.00 --> 3793.14] is +[3793.14 --> 3793.32] the +[3793.32 --> 3793.76] same +[3793.76 --> 3794.32] hope +[3794.32 --> 3794.84] that +[3794.84 --> 3795.24] comes +[3795.24 --> 3795.52] from +[3795.52 --> 3795.74] the +[3795.74 --> 3796.08] stump +[3796.08 --> 3796.70] of +[3796.70 --> 3797.08] Jesse +[3797.08 --> 3797.38] and +[3797.38 --> 3797.92] I +[3797.92 --> 3798.44] believe +[3798.44 --> 3798.88] and +[3798.88 --> 3799.04] I +[3799.04 --> 3799.24] think +[3799.24 --> 3799.90] Isaiah +[3799.90 --> 3800.62] confirms +[3800.62 --> 3801.10] actually +[3801.10 --> 3801.40] for +[3801.40 --> 3801.66] us +[3801.66 --> 3801.86] that +[3801.86 --> 3802.32] the +[3802.32 --> 3802.64] hope +[3802.64 --> 3802.92] of +[3802.92 --> 3803.12] the +[3803.12 --> 3803.58] anointed +[3803.58 --> 3804.06] one +[3804.06 --> 3805.18] is +[3805.18 --> 3805.56] named +[3805.56 --> 3806.34] Jesus +[3806.34 --> 3808.02] that +[3808.02 --> 3808.14] when +[3808.14 --> 3808.28] you +[3808.28 --> 3808.48] look +[3808.48 --> 3808.60] at +[3808.60 --> 3808.72] the +[3808.72 --> 3808.98] hopes +[3808.98 --> 3809.58] expressed +[3809.58 --> 3810.04] for +[3810.04 --> 3810.28] the +[3810.28 --> 3810.70] anointed +[3810.70 --> 3811.10] one +[3811.10 --> 3811.82] only +[3811.82 --> 3812.18] one +[3812.18 --> 3812.60] person +[3812.60 --> 3813.06] fits +[3813.06 --> 3813.44] that +[3813.44 --> 3814.56] and +[3814.56 --> 3814.72] we +[3814.72 --> 3814.94] know +[3814.94 --> 3815.16] him +[3815.16 --> 3815.48] as +[3815.48 --> 3816.50] Jesus +[3816.50 --> 3818.56] and +[3818.56 --> 3818.68] so +[3818.68 --> 3818.84] in +[3818.84 --> 3819.04] verse +[3819.04 --> 3819.44] 2 +[3819.44 --> 3820.66] Isaiah +[3820.66 --> 3821.06] says +[3821.06 --> 3821.50] that +[3821.50 --> 3821.66] the +[3821.66 --> 3822.12] spirit +[3822.12 --> 3822.34] of +[3822.34 --> 3822.50] the +[3822.50 --> 3822.76] Lord +[3822.76 --> 3823.00] will +[3823.00 --> 3823.46] rest +[3823.46 --> 3823.76] on +[3823.76 --> 3824.04] him +[3824.04 --> 3824.94] this +[3824.94 --> 3825.10] is +[3825.10 --> 3825.32] again +[3825.32 --> 3825.52] this +[3825.52 --> 3825.66] is +[3825.66 --> 3826.36] anointing +[3826.36 --> 3827.30] language +[3827.30 --> 3828.28] the +[3828.28 --> 3828.60] spirit +[3828.60 --> 3829.14] resting +[3829.14 --> 3829.48] and +[3829.48 --> 3830.06] descending +[3830.06 --> 3831.20] landing +[3831.20 --> 3831.72] upon +[3831.72 --> 3832.26] laying +[3832.26 --> 3832.68] on +[3832.68 --> 3833.14] pouring +[3833.14 --> 3833.62] down +[3833.62 --> 3834.38] over +[3834.38 --> 3835.98] in +[3835.98 --> 3836.28] Matthew +[3836.28 --> 3836.94] 3 +[3836.94 --> 3837.62] verse +[3837.62 --> 3838.28] 16 +[3838.28 --> 3839.08] we +[3839.08 --> 3839.38] read +[3839.38 --> 3839.58] that +[3839.58 --> 3840.00] as +[3840.00 --> 3840.28] soon +[3840.28 --> 3840.56] as +[3840.56 --> 3840.96] Jesus +[3840.96 --> 3841.32] was +[3841.32 --> 3841.76] baptized +[3841.76 --> 3842.24] he +[3842.24 --> 3842.42] went +[3842.42 --> 3842.60] up +[3842.60 --> 3842.86] out +[3842.86 --> 3842.96] of +[3842.96 --> 3843.08] the +[3843.08 --> 3843.38] water +[3843.38 --> 3844.12] and +[3844.12 --> 3844.24] at +[3844.24 --> 3844.42] that +[3844.42 --> 3844.76] moment +[3844.76 --> 3845.04] heaven +[3845.04 --> 3845.28] was +[3845.28 --> 3845.62] open +[3845.62 --> 3846.08] and +[3846.08 --> 3846.22] he +[3846.22 --> 3846.44] saw +[3846.44 --> 3846.66] the +[3846.66 --> 3846.94] spirit +[3846.94 --> 3847.10] of +[3847.10 --> 3847.34] God +[3847.34 --> 3847.90] descending +[3847.90 --> 3848.28] like +[3848.28 --> 3848.40] a +[3848.40 --> 3848.74] dove +[3848.74 --> 3848.90] and +[3848.90 --> 3849.40] alighting +[3849.40 --> 3849.64] on +[3849.64 --> 3849.82] him +[3849.82 --> 3850.26] and +[3850.26 --> 3850.42] a +[3850.42 --> 3850.74] voice +[3850.74 --> 3851.00] from +[3851.00 --> 3851.30] heaven +[3851.30 --> 3851.64] said +[3851.64 --> 3852.00] this +[3852.00 --> 3852.60] is +[3852.60 --> 3853.02] my +[3853.02 --> 3853.64] son +[3853.64 --> 3854.36] whom +[3854.36 --> 3854.62] I +[3854.62 --> 3855.06] love +[3855.06 --> 3855.62] with +[3855.62 --> 3856.00] him +[3856.00 --> 3856.64] I +[3856.64 --> 3856.90] am +[3856.90 --> 3857.28] well +[3857.28 --> 3858.24] pleased +[3858.24 --> 3860.60] the +[3860.60 --> 3862.84] spirit +[3862.84 --> 3864.40] anoints +[3864.40 --> 3865.52] Jesus +[3865.52 --> 3866.38] in +[3866.38 --> 3866.58] that +[3866.58 --> 3866.98] moment +[3866.98 --> 3869.10] in +[3869.10 --> 3869.30] Luke +[3869.30 --> 3869.70] 4 +[3869.70 --> 3870.82] and +[3870.82 --> 3871.00] we've +[3871.00 --> 3871.18] already +[3871.18 --> 3871.50] talked +[3871.50 --> 3871.80] about +[3871.80 --> 3872.44] Isaiah +[3872.44 --> 3873.44] 61 +[3873.44 --> 3873.96] but +[3873.96 --> 3874.12] in +[3874.12 --> 3874.30] Luke +[3874.30 --> 3874.74] 4 +[3874.74 --> 3875.48] Jesus +[3875.48 --> 3876.00] takes +[3876.00 --> 3876.26] that +[3876.26 --> 3876.74] same +[3876.74 --> 3877.72] passage +[3877.72 --> 3879.00] from +[3879.00 --> 3879.34] Isaiah +[3879.34 --> 3879.56] I'll +[3879.56 --> 3879.98] read the +[3879.98 --> 3880.38] whole +[3880.38 --> 3880.56] thing +[3880.56 --> 3880.74] for +[3880.74 --> 3880.94] you +[3880.94 --> 3881.18] because +[3881.18 --> 3881.40] we're +[3881.40 --> 3881.66] trying +[3881.66 --> 3881.80] to +[3881.80 --> 3882.06] stack +[3882.06 --> 3882.30] these +[3882.30 --> 3882.66] arguments +[3882.66 --> 3883.10] together +[3883.10 --> 3885.16] Luke +[3885.16 --> 3885.46] 4 +[3885.46 --> 3885.72] verse +[3885.72 --> 3886.24] 16 +[3886.24 --> 3887.16] he +[3887.16 --> 3887.44] went +[3887.44 --> 3887.74] to +[3887.74 --> 3888.32] Nazareth +[3888.32 --> 3888.96] where +[3888.96 --> 3889.12] he +[3889.12 --> 3889.28] had +[3889.28 --> 3889.42] been +[3889.42 --> 3889.68] brought +[3889.68 --> 3889.98] up +[3889.98 --> 3890.22] and +[3890.22 --> 3890.36] on +[3890.36 --> 3890.52] the +[3890.52 --> 3890.82] Sabbath +[3890.82 --> 3891.16] day +[3891.16 --> 3891.40] he +[3891.40 --> 3891.62] went +[3891.62 --> 3891.90] into +[3891.90 --> 3892.12] the +[3892.12 --> 3892.44] synagogue +[3892.44 --> 3893.30] and +[3893.30 --> 3893.76] was +[3893.76 --> 3894.14] as +[3894.14 --> 3894.36] was +[3894.36 --> 3894.56] his +[3894.56 --> 3894.94] custom +[3894.94 --> 3895.86] and +[3895.86 --> 3895.96] he +[3895.96 --> 3896.24] stood +[3896.24 --> 3896.42] up +[3896.42 --> 3896.58] to +[3896.58 --> 3897.00] read +[3897.00 --> 3897.20] and +[3897.20 --> 3897.36] the +[3897.36 --> 3897.74] scroll +[3897.74 --> 3898.00] of +[3898.00 --> 3898.12] the +[3898.12 --> 3898.40] prophet +[3898.40 --> 3898.92] Isaiah +[3898.92 --> 3899.22] was +[3899.22 --> 3899.48] handed +[3899.48 --> 3899.68] to +[3899.68 --> 3899.92] him +[3899.92 --> 3900.76] unrolling +[3900.76 --> 3901.06] it +[3901.06 --> 3901.24] he +[3901.24 --> 3901.58] found +[3901.58 --> 3901.78] the +[3901.78 --> 3902.06] place +[3902.06 --> 3902.26] where +[3902.26 --> 3902.36] it +[3902.36 --> 3902.48] was +[3902.48 --> 3902.76] written +[3902.76 --> 3903.94] the +[3903.94 --> 3904.30] spirit +[3904.30 --> 3904.46] of +[3904.46 --> 3904.58] the +[3904.58 --> 3904.86] Lord +[3904.86 --> 3905.12] is +[3905.12 --> 3905.34] on +[3905.34 --> 3905.62] me +[3905.62 --> 3905.98] because +[3905.98 --> 3906.26] he +[3906.26 --> 3906.50] has +[3906.50 --> 3906.86] anointed +[3906.86 --> 3907.22] me +[3907.22 --> 3907.46] to +[3907.46 --> 3907.78] proclaim +[3907.78 --> 3908.20] good +[3908.20 --> 3908.52] news +[3908.52 --> 3908.68] to +[3908.68 --> 3908.80] the +[3908.80 --> 3909.08] poor +[3909.08 --> 3909.52] he +[3909.52 --> 3909.70] has +[3909.70 --> 3909.92] sent +[3909.92 --> 3910.20] me +[3910.20 --> 3910.40] to +[3910.40 --> 3910.70] proclaim +[3910.70 --> 3911.10] freedom +[3911.10 --> 3911.32] for +[3911.32 --> 3911.46] the +[3911.46 --> 3911.80] prisoners +[3911.80 --> 3912.04] and +[3912.04 --> 3912.46] recovery +[3912.46 --> 3912.70] of +[3912.70 --> 3912.96] sight +[3912.96 --> 3913.42] for +[3913.42 --> 3913.54] the +[3913.54 --> 3913.88] blind +[3913.88 --> 3914.18] to +[3914.18 --> 3914.44] set +[3914.44 --> 3914.62] the +[3914.62 --> 3915.00] oppressed +[3915.00 --> 3915.36] free +[3915.36 --> 3915.82] to +[3915.82 --> 3916.24] proclaim +[3916.24 --> 3916.48] the +[3916.48 --> 3916.80] year +[3916.80 --> 3916.98] of +[3916.98 --> 3917.12] the +[3917.12 --> 3917.34] Lord +[3917.34 --> 3918.18] favor +[3918.18 --> 3919.50] and +[3919.50 --> 3919.62] then +[3919.62 --> 3919.94] rolling +[3919.94 --> 3920.16] up +[3920.16 --> 3920.32] the +[3920.32 --> 3920.68] scroll +[3920.68 --> 3920.94] he +[3920.94 --> 3921.18] gave +[3921.18 --> 3921.30] it +[3921.30 --> 3921.54] back +[3921.54 --> 3921.70] to +[3921.70 --> 3921.84] the +[3921.84 --> 3922.26] attendant +[3922.26 --> 3922.58] and +[3922.58 --> 3922.82] sat +[3922.82 --> 3923.26] down +[3923.26 --> 3923.86] the +[3923.86 --> 3924.22] eyes +[3924.22 --> 3924.36] of +[3924.36 --> 3924.72] everyone +[3924.72 --> 3924.90] in +[3924.90 --> 3925.06] the +[3925.06 --> 3925.40] synagogue +[3925.40 --> 3925.74] were +[3925.74 --> 3926.30] fastened +[3926.30 --> 3926.50] on +[3926.50 --> 3926.78] him +[3926.78 --> 3927.34] and +[3927.34 --> 3927.50] he +[3927.50 --> 3928.04] began +[3928.04 --> 3928.30] by +[3928.30 --> 3928.76] saying +[3928.76 --> 3928.98] to +[3928.98 --> 3929.32] them +[3929.32 --> 3930.28] today +[3930.28 --> 3931.32] this +[3931.32 --> 3931.82] scripture +[3931.82 --> 3932.66] is +[3932.66 --> 3933.28] fulfilled +[3933.28 --> 3934.32] in +[3934.32 --> 3934.56] your +[3934.56 --> 3935.08] hearing +[3935.08 --> 3937.42] today +[3937.42 --> 3938.14] this +[3938.14 --> 3938.62] scripture +[3938.62 --> 3939.16] is +[3939.16 --> 3939.78] fulfilled +[3939.78 --> 3940.74] in +[3940.74 --> 3940.92] your +[3940.92 --> 3941.32] hearing +[3941.32 --> 3942.66] the +[3942.66 --> 3943.16] hope +[3943.16 --> 3943.72] for +[3943.72 --> 3944.38] Messiah +[3944.38 --> 3946.20] is +[3946.20 --> 3946.64] Jesus +[3946.64 --> 3947.24] the +[3947.24 --> 3947.68] longing +[3947.68 --> 3948.14] for +[3948.14 --> 3948.36] the +[3948.36 --> 3948.86] anointed +[3948.86 --> 3949.38] one +[3949.38 --> 3950.22] is +[3950.22 --> 3950.88] fulfilled +[3950.88 --> 3951.70] in +[3951.70 --> 3952.40] Jesus +[3952.40 --> 3952.68] and +[3952.68 --> 3952.84] this +[3952.84 --> 3953.30] continues +[3953.30 --> 3953.60] in +[3953.60 --> 3954.28] verse +[3954.28 --> 3954.62] 3 +[3954.62 --> 3954.98] of +[3954.98 --> 3955.36] our +[3955.36 --> 3955.70] text +[3955.70 --> 3955.92] from +[3955.92 --> 3956.36] Isaiah +[3956.36 --> 3957.58] we +[3957.58 --> 3957.86] read +[3957.86 --> 3958.08] he +[3958.08 --> 3958.32] will +[3958.32 --> 3958.58] not +[3958.58 --> 3959.20] judge +[3959.20 --> 3959.46] by +[3959.46 --> 3959.66] what +[3959.66 --> 3959.80] he +[3959.80 --> 3960.20] sees +[3960.20 --> 3960.38] with +[3960.38 --> 3960.54] his +[3960.54 --> 3961.00] eyes +[3961.00 --> 3961.18] or +[3961.18 --> 3961.76] decide +[3961.76 --> 3961.96] by +[3961.96 --> 3962.14] what +[3962.14 --> 3962.28] he +[3962.28 --> 3962.62] hears +[3962.62 --> 3962.82] with +[3962.82 --> 3962.96] his +[3962.96 --> 3963.34] ears +[3963.34 --> 3964.34] and +[3964.34 --> 3964.48] in +[3964.48 --> 3964.68] John +[3964.68 --> 3965.02] 2 +[3965.02 --> 3965.30] verse +[3965.30 --> 3965.88] 25 +[3965.88 --> 3966.50] we +[3966.50 --> 3966.78] read +[3966.78 --> 3967.36] that +[3967.36 --> 3967.78] Jesus +[3967.78 --> 3968.26] did +[3968.26 --> 3968.46] not +[3968.46 --> 3968.82] need +[3968.82 --> 3969.12] any +[3969.12 --> 3969.62] testimony +[3969.62 --> 3970.16] about +[3970.16 --> 3970.58] mankind +[3970.58 --> 3971.10] for +[3971.10 --> 3971.30] he +[3971.30 --> 3971.76] knew +[3971.76 --> 3972.12] what +[3972.12 --> 3972.42] was +[3972.42 --> 3972.90] in +[3972.90 --> 3973.42] each +[3973.42 --> 3974.26] person +[3974.26 --> 3976.12] right +[3976.12 --> 3976.24] or +[3976.24 --> 3976.38] in +[3976.38 --> 3976.60] Matthew +[3976.60 --> 3977.00] 9 +[3977.00 --> 3977.24] that +[3977.24 --> 3977.48] same +[3977.48 --> 3977.86] thing +[3977.86 --> 3978.50] knowing +[3978.50 --> 3978.94] their +[3978.94 --> 3979.50] thoughts +[3979.50 --> 3980.28] Jesus +[3980.28 --> 3980.70] says +[3980.70 --> 3981.02] why +[3981.02 --> 3981.22] do +[3981.22 --> 3981.38] you +[3981.38 --> 3981.76] entertain +[3981.76 --> 3982.22] evil +[3982.22 --> 3982.62] thoughts +[3982.62 --> 3983.20] in +[3983.20 --> 3983.32] your +[3983.32 --> 3983.66] hearts +[3983.66 --> 3984.70] he +[3984.70 --> 3985.22] knows +[3985.22 --> 3985.42] the +[3985.42 --> 3985.74] hearts +[3985.74 --> 3986.28] of +[3986.28 --> 3986.62] man +[3986.62 --> 3986.76] he +[3986.76 --> 3987.04] doesn't +[3987.04 --> 3987.34] have +[3987.34 --> 3987.48] to +[3987.48 --> 3987.84] judge +[3987.84 --> 3988.00] by +[3988.00 --> 3988.14] what +[3988.14 --> 3988.26] he +[3988.26 --> 3988.90] sees +[3988.90 --> 3989.34] Jesus +[3989.34 --> 3990.06] knows +[3990.06 --> 3990.80] your +[3990.80 --> 3991.20] heart +[3991.20 --> 3992.70] again +[3992.70 --> 3992.98] keep +[3992.98 --> 3993.34] going +[3993.34 --> 3994.06] in +[3994.06 --> 3994.44] verse +[3994.44 --> 3994.76] 4 +[3994.76 --> 3995.66] we +[3995.66 --> 3995.94] read +[3995.94 --> 3996.10] with +[3996.10 --> 3996.62] righteousness +[3996.62 --> 3996.96] he +[3996.96 --> 3997.12] will +[3997.12 --> 3997.42] judge +[3997.42 --> 3997.64] the +[3997.64 --> 3997.98] needy +[3997.98 --> 3998.20] with +[3998.20 --> 3998.66] justice +[3998.66 --> 3999.18] he +[3999.18 --> 3999.32] will +[3999.32 --> 3999.54] give +[3999.54 --> 4000.04] decisions +[4000.04 --> 4000.32] for +[4000.32 --> 4000.72] the +[4000.72 --> 4001.04] poor +[4001.04 --> 4002.10] now +[4002.10 --> 4002.46] remember +[4002.46 --> 4002.82] Jesus +[4002.82 --> 4003.04] has +[4003.04 --> 4003.38] already +[4003.38 --> 4003.76] said +[4003.76 --> 4003.92] that +[4003.92 --> 4004.04] he +[4004.04 --> 4004.24] has +[4004.24 --> 4004.58] come +[4004.58 --> 4004.80] to +[4004.80 --> 4005.20] proclaim +[4005.20 --> 4005.56] good +[4005.56 --> 4005.94] news +[4005.94 --> 4006.48] to +[4006.48 --> 4006.62] the +[4006.62 --> 4006.90] poor +[4006.90 --> 4007.76] and +[4007.76 --> 4007.96] he +[4007.96 --> 4008.34] says +[4008.34 --> 4008.54] in +[4008.54 --> 4008.78] Mark +[4008.78 --> 4009.16] 2 +[4009.16 --> 4009.70] on +[4009.70 --> 4010.02] hearing +[4010.02 --> 4010.44] this +[4010.44 --> 4010.78] Jesus +[4010.78 --> 4011.12] said +[4011.12 --> 4011.28] to +[4011.28 --> 4011.56] them +[4011.56 --> 4012.10] it's +[4012.10 --> 4012.34] not +[4012.34 --> 4012.56] the +[4012.56 --> 4012.94] healthy +[4012.94 --> 4013.16] who +[4013.16 --> 4013.38] need +[4013.38 --> 4013.52] a +[4013.52 --> 4013.84] doctor +[4013.84 --> 4014.06] but +[4014.06 --> 4014.22] the +[4014.22 --> 4014.50] sick +[4014.50 --> 4015.18] I've +[4015.18 --> 4015.30] not +[4015.30 --> 4015.48] come +[4015.48 --> 4015.64] to +[4015.64 --> 4015.82] call +[4015.82 --> 4015.98] the +[4015.98 --> 4016.34] righteous +[4016.34 --> 4017.16] but +[4017.16 --> 4017.50] sinners +[4017.50 --> 4018.50] or +[4018.50 --> 4018.66] in +[4018.66 --> 4018.84] Luke +[4018.84 --> 4019.38] 14 +[4019.38 --> 4019.76] Jesus +[4019.76 --> 4020.54] describing +[4020.54 --> 4020.78] the +[4020.78 --> 4021.04] kingdom +[4021.04 --> 4021.26] of +[4021.26 --> 4021.58] God +[4021.58 --> 4021.76] and +[4021.76 --> 4022.32] what +[4022.32 --> 4022.54] it's +[4022.54 --> 4022.80] like +[4022.80 --> 4023.06] and +[4023.06 --> 4023.26] who +[4023.26 --> 4023.42] will +[4023.42 --> 4023.58] be +[4023.58 --> 4023.96] included +[4023.96 --> 4024.14] he +[4024.14 --> 4024.32] says +[4024.32 --> 4024.48] when +[4024.48 --> 4024.60] you +[4031.04 --> 4031.58] you +[4031.58 --> 4032.04] you +[4032.04 --> 4032.24] will +[4032.24 --> 4032.38] be +[4032.38 --> 4032.80] repaid +[4032.80 --> 4032.96] at +[4032.96 --> 4033.08] the +[4033.08 --> 4033.54] resurrection +[4033.54 --> 4034.20] of +[4034.20 --> 4034.34] the +[4034.34 --> 4034.78] righteous +[4034.78 --> 4036.00] and +[4036.00 --> 4036.12] I +[4036.12 --> 4036.24] can +[4036.24 --> 4036.42] keep +[4036.42 --> 4036.84] going +[4036.84 --> 4037.30] in +[4037.30 --> 4037.50] this +[4037.50 --> 4037.72] way +[4037.72 --> 4038.30] verse +[4038.30 --> 4038.60] 4 +[4038.60 --> 4038.96] talks +[4038.96 --> 4039.14] about +[4039.14 --> 4039.30] the +[4039.30 --> 4039.68] rod +[4039.68 --> 4039.90] of +[4039.90 --> 4040.18] his +[4040.18 --> 4040.84] mouth +[4040.84 --> 4041.04] and +[4041.04 --> 4041.22] in +[4041.22 --> 4041.86] Revelation +[4041.86 --> 4042.40] 1 +[4042.40 --> 4042.68] verse +[4042.68 --> 4043.16] 16 +[4043.16 --> 4043.42] and +[4043.42 --> 4043.86] Revelation +[4043.86 --> 4044.30] chapter +[4044.30 --> 4044.78] 19 +[4044.78 --> 4045.32] the +[4045.32 --> 4045.94] glorious +[4045.94 --> 4046.48] Jesus +[4046.48 --> 4046.86] is +[4046.86 --> 4047.28] pictured +[4047.28 --> 4047.64] for +[4047.64 --> 4047.84] us +[4047.84 --> 4047.98] with +[4047.98 --> 4048.20] a +[4048.20 --> 4048.58] sword +[4048.58 --> 4049.22] coming +[4049.22 --> 4049.42] out +[4049.42 --> 4049.52] of +[4049.52 --> 4049.66] his +[4049.66 --> 4049.96] mouth +[4049.96 --> 4050.56] Peter +[4050.56 --> 4051.16] says +[4051.16 --> 4051.62] of +[4051.62 --> 4051.98] Jesus +[4051.98 --> 4052.30] in +[4052.30 --> 4052.52] John +[4052.52 --> 4052.94] 6 +[4052.94 --> 4053.24] verse +[4053.24 --> 4053.70] 68 +[4053.70 --> 4054.06] you +[4054.06 --> 4054.42] have +[4054.42 --> 4054.60] the +[4054.60 --> 4054.96] words +[4054.96 --> 4055.12] of +[4055.12 --> 4055.52] eternal +[4055.52 --> 4056.24] life +[4056.24 --> 4056.44] right +[4056.44 --> 4056.88] Jesus +[4056.88 --> 4057.66] word +[4057.66 --> 4057.96] is +[4057.96 --> 4058.44] judgment +[4058.44 --> 4058.76] for +[4058.76 --> 4058.94] the +[4058.94 --> 4059.14] wicked +[4059.14 --> 4059.50] and +[4059.50 --> 4060.08] salvation +[4060.08 --> 4060.68] for +[4060.68 --> 4060.84] the +[4060.84 --> 4061.18] saved +[4061.18 --> 4062.42] again +[4062.42 --> 4062.58] we +[4062.58 --> 4062.72] can +[4062.72 --> 4062.88] keep +[4062.88 --> 4063.20] going +[4063.20 --> 4063.46] verse +[4063.46 --> 4063.88] 5 +[4063.88 --> 4064.44] says +[4064.44 --> 4064.64] that +[4064.64 --> 4065.12] righteousness +[4065.12 --> 4065.60] will be +[4065.60 --> 4066.10] his belt +[4066.10 --> 4066.32] and +[4066.32 --> 4067.10] faithfulness +[4067.10 --> 4067.92] his sash +[4067.92 --> 4068.64] Hebrews +[4068.64 --> 4069.18] 1 +[4069.18 --> 4070.00] describes +[4070.00 --> 4070.90] Jesus +[4070.90 --> 4071.64] God's +[4071.64 --> 4072.26] son +[4072.26 --> 4072.96] as +[4072.96 --> 4073.56] saying +[4073.56 --> 4073.80] as +[4073.80 --> 4074.12] God +[4074.12 --> 4074.54] saying +[4074.54 --> 4074.84] about +[4074.84 --> 4075.16] him +[4075.16 --> 4075.94] your +[4075.94 --> 4076.54] throne +[4076.54 --> 4077.02] will +[4077.02 --> 4077.38] last +[4077.38 --> 4077.84] forever +[4077.84 --> 4078.12] and +[4078.12 --> 4078.46] ever +[4078.46 --> 4078.88] a +[4078.88 --> 4079.18] scepter +[4079.18 --> 4079.38] of +[4079.38 --> 4079.84] justice +[4079.84 --> 4080.04] will +[4080.04 --> 4080.14] be +[4080.14 --> 4080.34] the +[4080.34 --> 4080.64] scepter +[4080.64 --> 4080.80] of +[4080.80 --> 4080.94] your +[4080.94 --> 4081.28] kingdom +[4081.28 --> 4081.82] you +[4081.82 --> 4082.02] have +[4082.02 --> 4082.46] loved +[4082.46 --> 4083.02] righteousness +[4083.02 --> 4083.66] and +[4083.66 --> 4084.12] hated +[4084.12 --> 4085.22] wickedness +[4085.22 --> 4086.36] likewise +[4086.36 --> 4086.70] in +[4086.70 --> 4087.26] Revelation +[4087.26 --> 4087.76] 19 +[4087.76 --> 4088.50] the rider +[4088.50 --> 4088.88] who is +[4088.88 --> 4089.20] on the +[4089.20 --> 4089.64] white +[4089.64 --> 4089.96] horse +[4089.96 --> 4090.40] is +[4090.40 --> 4090.78] called +[4090.78 --> 4091.34] faithful +[4091.34 --> 4092.14] and +[4092.14 --> 4092.86] true +[4092.86 --> 4093.82] Jesus +[4093.82 --> 4094.64] is +[4094.64 --> 4095.08] the +[4095.08 --> 4095.82] hope +[4095.82 --> 4096.44] of +[4096.44 --> 4097.46] and +[4097.46 --> 4097.98] for +[4097.98 --> 4098.38] the +[4098.38 --> 4098.84] Messiah +[4098.84 --> 4099.18] he +[4099.18 --> 4099.60] is +[4099.60 --> 4099.86] the +[4099.86 --> 4100.34] anointed +[4100.34 --> 4100.80] one +[4100.80 --> 4101.30] who +[4101.30 --> 4101.62] is +[4101.62 --> 4102.34] longed +[4102.34 --> 4102.68] for +[4102.68 --> 4109.84] here's +[4109.84 --> 4110.14] why this +[4110.14 --> 4110.44] matters +[4110.44 --> 4110.80] for us +[4110.80 --> 4111.02] today +[4111.02 --> 4113.68] imagine +[4113.68 --> 4114.54] a +[4114.54 --> 4114.98] people +[4114.98 --> 4116.70] besieged +[4116.70 --> 4117.46] by war +[4117.46 --> 4119.58] overcome +[4119.58 --> 4119.60] overcome +[4119.60 --> 4120.36] by an +[4120.36 --> 4120.76] invading +[4120.76 --> 4121.18] army +[4121.18 --> 4122.64] displaced +[4122.64 --> 4123.40] from +[4123.40 --> 4123.62] their +[4123.62 --> 4123.96] home +[4123.96 --> 4126.86] their +[4126.86 --> 4127.16] hearts +[4127.16 --> 4127.34] are +[4127.34 --> 4127.92] full +[4127.92 --> 4128.48] of +[4128.48 --> 4129.36] particular +[4129.36 --> 4129.98] hopes +[4129.98 --> 4130.56] and +[4130.56 --> 4131.22] longings +[4131.22 --> 4133.46] their +[4133.46 --> 4134.20] reality +[4134.20 --> 4134.60] their +[4134.60 --> 4135.24] current +[4135.24 --> 4135.88] reality +[4135.88 --> 4136.64] is +[4136.64 --> 4137.20] chaos +[4137.20 --> 4137.98] and +[4137.98 --> 4138.72] confusion +[4138.72 --> 4141.32] and +[4141.32 --> 4141.48] the +[4141.48 --> 4141.84] answer +[4141.84 --> 4142.12] for +[4142.12 --> 4142.42] them +[4142.42 --> 4144.30] is +[4144.30 --> 4144.44] a +[4144.44 --> 4144.90] Messiah +[4144.90 --> 4146.00] named +[4146.00 --> 4146.98] Jesus +[4146.98 --> 4149.76] and +[4149.76 --> 4149.84] I +[4149.84 --> 4149.96] just +[4149.96 --> 4150.08] want +[4150.08 --> 4150.22] to +[4150.22 --> 4150.88] ask +[4150.88 --> 4151.00] you +[4151.00 --> 4151.12] a +[4151.12 --> 4151.34] simple +[4151.34 --> 4151.80] question +[4151.80 --> 4152.56] that +[4152.56 --> 4152.90] turns out +[4152.90 --> 4153.08] to be +[4153.08 --> 4153.24] not +[4153.24 --> 4153.40] so +[4153.40 --> 4153.64] simple +[4153.64 --> 4153.80] at +[4153.80 --> 4154.06] all +[4154.06 --> 4155.84] if +[4155.84 --> 4156.10] that +[4156.10 --> 4156.34] is +[4156.34 --> 4156.68] true +[4156.68 --> 4156.96] for +[4156.96 --> 4157.32] people +[4157.32 --> 4157.54] who +[4157.54 --> 4157.72] are +[4157.72 --> 4158.30] besieged +[4158.30 --> 4158.84] by war +[4158.84 --> 4159.06] and +[4159.06 --> 4159.76] displaced +[4159.76 --> 4162.66] might +[4162.66 --> 4162.92] that +[4162.92 --> 4163.14] not +[4163.14 --> 4163.56] also +[4163.56 --> 4163.80] be +[4163.80 --> 4164.18] true +[4164.18 --> 4165.58] in +[4165.58 --> 4165.76] whatever +[4165.76 --> 4166.06] your +[4166.06 --> 4166.44] chaos +[4166.44 --> 4166.68] is +[4166.68 --> 4166.90] are +[4166.90 --> 4168.88] might +[4168.88 --> 4169.08] that +[4169.08 --> 4169.28] not +[4169.28 --> 4169.68] also +[4169.68 --> 4169.90] be +[4169.90 --> 4170.28] true +[4170.28 --> 4170.70] in +[4170.70 --> 4170.92] whatever +[4170.92 --> 4171.42] hardship +[4171.42 --> 4171.74] or +[4171.74 --> 4172.14] struggle +[4172.14 --> 4172.62] or +[4172.62 --> 4173.06] trial +[4173.06 --> 4173.40] or +[4173.40 --> 4173.96] tribulation +[4173.96 --> 4174.60] or +[4174.60 --> 4175.36] longing +[4175.36 --> 4175.82] that +[4175.82 --> 4176.04] you +[4176.04 --> 4176.40] have +[4176.40 --> 4177.84] may +[4177.84 --> 4178.02] the +[4178.02 --> 4178.52] deeper +[4178.52 --> 4179.22] longing +[4179.22 --> 4180.30] actually +[4180.30 --> 4181.26] be +[4181.26 --> 4182.22] for +[4182.22 --> 4183.22] Jesus +[4183.22 --> 4185.74] may +[4185.74 --> 4185.92] what +[4185.92 --> 4186.10] you +[4186.10 --> 4186.30] are +[4186.30 --> 4186.76] really +[4186.76 --> 4187.20] hoping +[4187.20 --> 4187.62] for +[4187.62 --> 4187.82] but +[4187.82 --> 4188.18] not +[4188.18 --> 4188.42] quite +[4188.42 --> 4188.62] sure +[4188.62 --> 4188.76] how +[4188.76 --> 4188.88] to +[4188.88 --> 4189.02] put +[4189.02 --> 4189.36] words +[4189.36 --> 4189.64] to +[4189.64 --> 4190.20] this +[4190.20 --> 4190.62] Christmas +[4190.62 --> 4191.28] actually +[4191.28 --> 4191.84] be +[4191.84 --> 4193.18] the +[4193.18 --> 4193.64] Messiah +[4193.64 --> 4195.38] who +[4195.38 --> 4195.86] came +[4195.86 --> 4196.24] into +[4196.24 --> 4196.50] this +[4196.50 --> 4196.84] world +[4196.84 --> 4197.86] 2,000 +[4197.86 --> 4198.18] years +[4198.18 --> 4198.58] ago +[4198.58 --> 4199.60] the +[4199.60 --> 4200.00] hope +[4200.00 --> 4200.84] of +[4200.84 --> 4201.40] nations +[4201.40 --> 4203.46] but +[4203.46 --> 4203.62] when +[4203.62 --> 4203.88] this +[4203.88 --> 4204.32] Messiah +[4204.32 --> 4204.88] came +[4204.88 --> 4206.16] so +[4206.16 --> 4206.42] many +[4206.42 --> 4206.76] people +[4206.76 --> 4207.10] missed +[4207.10 --> 4207.34] him +[4207.34 --> 4209.02] and +[4209.02 --> 4209.14] they +[4209.14 --> 4209.38] just +[4209.38 --> 4209.64] kept +[4209.64 --> 4210.02] on +[4210.02 --> 4210.36] keeping +[4210.36 --> 4210.78] on +[4210.78 --> 4212.00] in +[4212.00 --> 4212.16] their +[4212.16 --> 4212.68] misplaced +[4212.68 --> 4213.10] hopes +[4213.10 --> 4213.80] and +[4213.80 --> 4214.36] longings +[4214.36 --> 4214.64] and +[4214.64 --> 4215.10] desires +[4215.10 --> 4217.48] will +[4217.48 --> 4217.66] you +[4217.66 --> 4217.98] miss +[4217.98 --> 4218.22] him +[4218.22 --> 4218.50] this +[4218.50 --> 4219.06] Christmas +[4219.06 --> 4219.80] too +[4219.80 --> 4221.00] will +[4221.00 --> 4221.12] you +[4221.12 --> 4221.34] just +[4221.34 --> 4221.58] keep +[4221.58 --> 4221.80] on +[4221.80 --> 4222.28] pursuing +[4222.28 --> 4222.64] whatever +[4222.64 --> 4222.86] it +[4222.86 --> 4223.02] is +[4223.02 --> 4223.14] you're +[4223.14 --> 4223.44] pursuing +[4223.44 --> 4223.62] in +[4223.62 --> 4223.72] the +[4223.72 --> 4223.96] way +[4223.96 --> 4224.36] that +[4224.36 --> 4224.48] you +[4224.48 --> 4224.62] have +[4224.62 --> 4224.78] been +[4224.78 --> 4225.12] pursuing +[4225.12 --> 4225.48] it +[4225.48 --> 4228.42] in +[4228.42 --> 4229.54] in +[4229.54 --> 4229.88] sort +[4229.88 --> 4229.98] of +[4229.98 --> 4230.60] change +[4230.60 --> 4231.12] theory +[4231.12 --> 4231.80] in +[4231.80 --> 4232.40] systems +[4232.40 --> 4232.88] theories +[4232.88 --> 4233.40] of +[4233.40 --> 4233.82] change +[4233.82 --> 4234.06] there's +[4234.06 --> 4234.30] a +[4234.30 --> 4234.82] phrase +[4234.82 --> 4235.16] that's +[4235.16 --> 4235.50] used +[4235.50 --> 4236.16] that +[4236.16 --> 4236.72] regularly +[4236.72 --> 4237.22] says +[4237.22 --> 4237.40] that +[4237.40 --> 4237.64] says +[4237.64 --> 4237.94] something +[4237.94 --> 4238.28] along +[4238.28 --> 4238.48] these +[4238.48 --> 4238.74] lines +[4238.74 --> 4240.34] your +[4240.34 --> 4240.86] life +[4240.86 --> 4241.90] is +[4241.90 --> 4242.58] perfectly +[4242.58 --> 4244.04] designed +[4244.04 --> 4245.06] set up +[4245.06 --> 4245.62] structured +[4245.62 --> 4246.86] to +[4246.86 --> 4247.18] get +[4247.18 --> 4247.40] the +[4247.40 --> 4247.82] results +[4247.82 --> 4248.08] you're +[4248.08 --> 4248.44] currently +[4248.44 --> 4248.80] getting +[4248.80 --> 4252.58] and +[4252.58 --> 4252.72] so +[4252.72 --> 4252.84] if +[4252.84 --> 4252.96] you +[4252.96 --> 4253.22] want +[4253.22 --> 4253.58] different +[4253.58 --> 4254.16] results +[4254.16 --> 4256.00] maybe +[4256.00 --> 4256.16] it's +[4256.16 --> 4256.30] time +[4256.30 --> 4256.42] for +[4256.42 --> 4256.52] a +[4256.52 --> 4256.66] different +[4256.66 --> 4257.16] structure +[4257.16 --> 4259.14] maybe +[4259.14 --> 4259.30] it's +[4259.30 --> 4259.44] time +[4259.44 --> 4259.58] to +[4259.58 --> 4259.78] try +[4259.78 --> 4260.16] something +[4260.16 --> 4260.58] new +[4260.58 --> 4261.02] and +[4261.02 --> 4261.66] unexpected +[4261.66 --> 4263.44] maybe +[4263.44 --> 4263.64] it's +[4263.64 --> 4263.90] time +[4263.90 --> 4265.16] to +[4265.16 --> 4265.32] look +[4265.32 --> 4265.46] to +[4265.46 --> 4265.78] Jesus +[4265.78 --> 4267.14] and +[4267.14 --> 4267.50] wonder +[4267.50 --> 4268.66] are +[4268.66 --> 4269.04] you +[4269.04 --> 4269.38] what +[4269.38 --> 4269.56] I +[4269.56 --> 4269.72] have +[4269.72 --> 4269.98] been +[4269.98 --> 4271.12] hoping +[4271.12 --> 4271.54] for +[4271.54 --> 4274.60] Jesus +[4274.60 --> 4276.12] is +[4276.12 --> 4276.56] the +[4276.56 --> 4277.66] Messiah +[4277.66 --> 4280.18] and +[4280.18 --> 4280.60] with +[4280.60 --> 4281.68] Jesus +[4281.68 --> 4282.64] comes +[4282.64 --> 4283.50] a +[4283.50 --> 4284.06] picture +[4284.06 --> 4285.42] of hope +[4285.42 --> 4286.10] that I +[4286.10 --> 4286.44] think +[4286.44 --> 4286.78] is +[4286.78 --> 4289.52] marvelous +[4289.52 --> 4290.40] and +[4290.40 --> 4291.18] miraculous +[4291.18 --> 4291.80] that I +[4291.80 --> 4292.04] think +[4292.04 --> 4292.94] makes +[4292.94 --> 4293.82] hearts +[4293.82 --> 4294.82] sing +[4294.82 --> 4295.22] and +[4295.22 --> 4295.96] takes +[4295.96 --> 4296.32] the +[4296.32 --> 4297.74] would-be +[4297.74 --> 4298.52] chaoses +[4298.52 --> 4298.94] and +[4298.94 --> 4299.60] confusions +[4299.60 --> 4299.98] and +[4299.98 --> 4300.92] contradictions +[4300.92 --> 4301.76] of our +[4301.76 --> 4302.10] life +[4302.10 --> 4302.98] and somehow +[4302.98 --> 4303.52] in his +[4303.52 --> 4304.10] majesty +[4304.10 --> 4304.84] pulls +[4304.84 --> 4305.10] them +[4305.10 --> 4305.54] together +[4305.54 --> 4306.98] and +[4306.98 --> 4307.18] so +[4307.18 --> 4307.38] we +[4307.38 --> 4307.80] read +[4307.80 --> 4308.68] the +[4308.68 --> 4309.04] wolf +[4309.04 --> 4309.40] will +[4309.40 --> 4309.70] live +[4309.70 --> 4309.94] with +[4309.94 --> 4310.08] the +[4310.08 --> 4310.38] lamb +[4310.38 --> 4311.28] and +[4311.28 --> 4311.42] the +[4311.42 --> 4311.68] leopard +[4311.68 --> 4311.94] will +[4311.94 --> 4312.16] lie +[4312.16 --> 4312.48] down +[4312.48 --> 4312.64] with +[4312.64 --> 4312.76] the +[4312.76 --> 4312.98] goat +[4312.98 --> 4313.32] the +[4313.32 --> 4313.70] calf +[4313.70 --> 4313.84] and +[4313.84 --> 4313.98] the +[4313.98 --> 4314.30] lion +[4314.30 --> 4314.44] and +[4314.44 --> 4314.58] the +[4314.58 --> 4315.00] yearling +[4315.00 --> 4315.38] together +[4315.38 --> 4315.62] and +[4315.62 --> 4315.80] the +[4315.80 --> 4316.02] little +[4316.02 --> 4316.60] child +[4316.60 --> 4317.22] will +[4317.22 --> 4317.48] lead +[4317.48 --> 4317.64] them +[4317.64 --> 4317.80] the +[4317.80 --> 4318.20] cow +[4318.20 --> 4318.46] will +[4318.46 --> 4318.84] feed +[4318.84 --> 4319.02] with +[4319.02 --> 4319.16] the +[4319.16 --> 4319.48] bear +[4319.48 --> 4319.88] and +[4319.88 --> 4320.02] their +[4320.02 --> 4320.30] young +[4320.30 --> 4320.52] will +[4320.52 --> 4320.70] lie 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4330.86] harm +[4330.86 --> 4331.06] nor +[4331.06 --> 4331.44] destroy +[4331.44 --> 4331.86] on +[4331.86 --> 4332.14] all +[4332.14 --> 4332.30] the +[4332.30 --> 4332.54] holy +[4332.54 --> 4332.90] mountain +[4332.90 --> 4333.34] for +[4333.34 --> 4333.52] the +[4333.52 --> 4333.82] earth +[4333.82 --> 4334.02] will +[4334.02 --> 4334.18] be +[4334.18 --> 4334.48] filled +[4334.48 --> 4334.68] with +[4334.68 --> 4334.84] the +[4334.84 --> 4335.16] knowledge +[4335.16 --> 4335.34] of +[4335.34 --> 4335.46] the +[4335.46 --> 4335.72] Lord +[4335.72 --> 4335.94] as +[4335.94 --> 4336.48] waters +[4336.48 --> 4337.24] cover +[4337.24 --> 4337.80] the +[4337.80 --> 4338.08] sea +[4338.08 --> 4340.36] now +[4340.36 --> 4340.46] you +[4340.46 --> 4340.56] know +[4340.56 --> 4340.78] I +[4340.78 --> 4345.26] there +[4345.26 --> 4345.60] is +[4345.60 --> 4346.30] significant +[4346.30 --> 4346.96] sort +[4346.96 --> 4347.14] of +[4347.14 --> 4347.84] scholarly +[4347.84 --> 4348.60] debate +[4348.60 --> 4349.32] around +[4349.32 --> 4349.56] this +[4349.56 --> 4349.94] passage +[4349.94 --> 4350.14] in +[4350.14 --> 4350.48] Isaiah +[4350.48 --> 4350.80] if +[4350.80 --> 4351.28] it's +[4351.28 --> 4351.96] presenting +[4351.96 --> 4352.28] for +[4352.28 --> 4352.48] us +[4352.48 --> 4352.68] a +[4352.68 --> 4353.42] metaphorical +[4353.42 --> 4353.82] image +[4353.82 --> 4354.86] or +[4354.86 --> 4355.34] if +[4355.34 --> 4356.34] the +[4356.34 --> 4356.76] world +[4356.76 --> 4357.14] will +[4357.14 --> 4357.72] literally +[4357.72 --> 4358.06] and +[4358.06 --> 4358.22] the +[4358.22 --> 4358.82] relationships +[4358.82 --> 4359.34] of +[4359.34 --> 4359.90] ecological +[4359.90 --> 4360.52] systems +[4360.52 --> 4360.74] and +[4360.74 --> 4361.08] structures +[4361.08 --> 4361.58] will +[4361.58 --> 4361.96] literally +[4361.96 --> 4362.38] be +[4362.38 --> 4363.84] rewritten +[4363.84 --> 4364.72] in +[4364.72 --> 4365.08] the +[4365.08 --> 4365.64] fullness +[4365.64 --> 4366.36] of +[4366.36 --> 4366.58] the +[4366.58 --> 4367.04] revelation +[4367.04 --> 4367.38] of +[4367.38 --> 4367.54] the +[4367.54 --> 4367.80] kingdom +[4367.80 --> 4368.06] of +[4368.06 --> 4368.34] God +[4368.34 --> 4370.98] and +[4370.98 --> 4371.22] I +[4371.22 --> 4371.46] don't +[4371.46 --> 4371.60] know +[4371.60 --> 4371.78] the +[4371.78 --> 4372.02] answer +[4372.02 --> 4372.20] to +[4372.20 --> 4372.36] that +[4372.36 --> 4372.76] question +[4372.76 --> 4376.78] but +[4376.78 --> 4376.94] what +[4376.94 --> 4377.06] I +[4377.06 --> 4377.22] do +[4377.22 --> 4377.66] know +[4377.66 --> 4379.68] is +[4379.68 --> 4379.88] the +[4379.88 --> 4380.44] power +[4380.44 --> 4381.84] of +[4381.84 --> 4382.94] an +[4382.94 --> 4383.58] image +[4383.58 --> 4384.28] like +[4384.28 --> 4385.00] this +[4385.00 --> 4387.18] that +[4387.18 --> 4387.30] in +[4387.30 --> 4387.46] the +[4387.46 --> 4387.76] midst +[4387.76 --> 4387.98] of +[4387.98 --> 4388.40] all +[4388.40 --> 4388.68] the +[4388.68 --> 4389.62] contradictions +[4389.62 --> 4390.26] of +[4390.26 --> 4390.66] my +[4390.66 --> 4391.62] experiences +[4391.62 --> 4392.60] there +[4392.60 --> 4392.96] can +[4392.96 --> 4393.32] be +[4393.32 --> 4394.22] peace +[4394.22 --> 4395.28] that +[4395.28 --> 4395.40] in +[4395.40 --> 4395.50] the +[4395.50 --> 4395.72] midst +[4395.72 --> 4395.86] of +[4395.86 --> 4396.06] all +[4396.06 --> 4396.28] the +[4396.28 --> 4396.62] the +[4396.62 --> 4396.96] chaos +[4396.96 --> 4397.52] and +[4397.52 --> 4397.68] the +[4397.68 --> 4398.60] tumultuousness +[4398.60 --> 4399.00] of +[4399.00 --> 4399.80] relationships +[4399.80 --> 4400.48] there +[4400.48 --> 4400.78] can +[4400.78 --> 4401.26] be +[4401.26 --> 4402.30] wholeness +[4402.30 --> 4402.78] and +[4402.78 --> 4403.42] restoration +[4403.42 --> 4405.62] that +[4405.62 --> 4405.76] in +[4405.76 --> 4405.92] the +[4405.92 --> 4406.22] midst +[4406.22 --> 4406.66] of +[4406.66 --> 4407.02] whatever +[4407.02 --> 4408.34] longing +[4408.34 --> 4408.92] you +[4408.92 --> 4409.18] are +[4409.18 --> 4409.74] facing +[4409.74 --> 4410.16] there +[4410.16 --> 4410.50] can +[4410.50 --> 4411.06] be +[4411.06 --> 4412.38] resolution +[4412.38 --> 4416.94] that's +[4416.94 --> 4417.20] what +[4417.20 --> 4417.90] the +[4417.90 --> 4418.36] Messiah +[4418.36 --> 4419.44] brings +[4419.44 --> 4421.32] and +[4421.32 --> 4421.50] this +[4421.50 --> 4421.98] picture +[4421.98 --> 4422.36] is +[4422.36 --> 4422.60] given +[4422.60 --> 4422.90] for +[4422.90 --> 4423.20] us +[4423.20 --> 4424.02] in +[4424.02 --> 4424.18] a +[4424.18 --> 4424.48] way +[4424.48 --> 4424.78] that +[4424.78 --> 4425.26] both +[4425.26 --> 4425.72] is +[4425.72 --> 4426.28] available +[4426.28 --> 4426.66] for +[4426.66 --> 4426.96] you +[4426.96 --> 4427.34] right +[4427.34 --> 4427.64] now +[4427.64 --> 4427.86] and +[4427.86 --> 4428.12] right +[4428.12 --> 4428.44] here +[4428.44 --> 4428.66] in +[4428.66 --> 4429.28] relationship +[4429.28 --> 4429.88] to +[4429.88 --> 4430.30] this +[4430.30 --> 4430.94] Messiah +[4430.94 --> 4431.64] and +[4431.64 --> 4431.80] in +[4431.80 --> 4431.94] a +[4431.94 --> 4432.12] way +[4432.12 --> 4432.34] that +[4432.34 --> 4432.86] fills +[4432.86 --> 4433.18] you +[4433.18 --> 4433.44] with +[4433.44 --> 4433.66] the +[4433.66 --> 4434.16] truth +[4434.16 --> 4434.48] of +[4434.48 --> 4434.68] its +[4434.68 --> 4435.12] utter +[4435.12 --> 4435.60] and +[4435.60 --> 4436.04] complete +[4436.04 --> 4436.76] fulfillment +[4436.76 --> 4437.36] when +[4437.36 --> 4437.56] he +[4437.56 --> 4437.88] comes +[4437.88 --> 4438.24] again +[4438.24 --> 4439.30] because +[4439.30 --> 4439.44] you +[4439.44 --> 4439.58] see +[4439.58 --> 4439.76] the +[4439.76 --> 4440.02] hope +[4440.02 --> 4440.30] of +[4440.30 --> 4440.70] Christmas +[4440.70 --> 4441.20] is +[4441.20 --> 4441.46] a +[4441.46 --> 4441.70] two +[4441.70 --> 4442.12] step +[4442.12 --> 4442.74] hope +[4442.74 --> 4442.94] it +[4442.94 --> 4443.12] is +[4443.12 --> 4443.28] an +[4443.28 --> 4443.72] already +[4443.72 --> 4444.06] and +[4444.06 --> 4444.32] not +[4444.32 --> 4444.58] yet +[4444.58 --> 4445.38] reality +[4445.38 --> 4445.70] it +[4445.70 --> 4445.84] is +[4445.84 --> 4446.00] a +[4446.00 --> 4446.28] longing +[4446.28 --> 4446.50] that +[4446.50 --> 4446.62] we +[4446.62 --> 4446.80] can +[4446.80 --> 4447.14] sit +[4447.14 --> 4447.58] in +[4447.58 --> 4447.72] the +[4447.72 --> 4447.98] midst +[4447.98 --> 4448.24] of +[4448.24 --> 4448.38] with +[4448.38 --> 4448.50] the +[4448.50 --> 4448.86] chaos +[4448.86 --> 4449.06] is +[4449.06 --> 4449.30] still +[4449.30 --> 4449.66] happening +[4449.66 --> 4449.96] around +[4449.96 --> 4450.14] us +[4450.14 --> 4450.36] because +[4450.36 --> 4450.56] our +[4450.56 --> 4450.90] eyes +[4450.90 --> 4451.06] are +[4451.06 --> 4451.58] firmly +[4451.58 --> 4452.08] fixed +[4452.08 --> 4452.58] on +[4452.58 --> 4452.80] that +[4452.80 --> 4453.08] day +[4453.08 --> 4453.28] to +[4453.28 --> 4453.64] come +[4453.64 --> 4454.10] when +[4454.10 --> 4454.26] the +[4454.26 --> 4454.66] lion +[4454.66 --> 4455.70] and +[4455.70 --> 4455.82] the +[4455.82 --> 4456.32] yearling +[4456.32 --> 4456.98] will +[4456.98 --> 4457.12] lay +[4457.12 --> 4457.52] down +[4457.52 --> 4458.46] together +[4458.46 --> 4462.32] and +[4462.32 --> 4462.86] that's +[4462.86 --> 4463.10] the +[4463.10 --> 4463.66] story +[4463.66 --> 4464.72] we need +[4464.72 --> 4465.20] to hear +[4465.20 --> 4465.88] over top +[4465.88 --> 4466.14] of +[4466.14 --> 4466.56] our +[4466.56 --> 4467.70] longings +[4467.70 --> 4468.24] over top +[4468.24 --> 4468.50] of +[4468.50 --> 4468.80] our +[4468.80 --> 4470.02] cryings +[4470.02 --> 4470.64] in +[4470.64 --> 4470.98] that +[4470.98 --> 4471.40] day +[4471.40 --> 4471.68] the +[4471.68 --> 4471.94] root +[4471.94 --> 4472.12] of +[4472.12 --> 4472.42] Jesse +[4472.42 --> 4472.68] will +[4472.68 --> 4473.10] stand +[4473.10 --> 4473.28] as +[4473.28 --> 4473.46] a +[4473.46 --> 4473.76] banner +[4473.76 --> 4473.96] for +[4473.96 --> 4474.12] the +[4474.12 --> 4474.44] peoples +[4474.44 --> 4474.62] and +[4474.62 --> 4474.76] the +[4474.76 --> 4475.36] nations +[4475.36 --> 4476.02] will +[4476.02 --> 4476.48] rally +[4476.48 --> 4476.86] toward +[4476.86 --> 4477.20] him +[4477.20 --> 4477.40] and +[4477.40 --> 4477.78] his +[4477.78 --> 4478.64] resting +[4478.64 --> 4479.22] place +[4479.22 --> 4479.70] will +[4479.70 --> 4480.48] be +[4480.48 --> 4481.52] glorious +[4481.52 --> 4511.52] +[4511.52 --> 4511.96] saints +[4511.96 --> 4512.42] of +[4512.42 --> 4513.98] saints +[4513.98 --> 4516.02] proclaiming +[4516.02 --> 4516.80] this +[4516.80 --> 4518.00] is +[4518.00 --> 4518.32] the +[4518.32 --> 4518.84] savior +[4518.84 --> 4519.76] of +[4519.76 --> 4520.08] the +[4520.08 --> 4520.52] world +[4520.52 --> 4520.80] and +[4520.80 --> 4521.22] his +[4521.22 --> 4522.02] name +[4522.02 --> 4522.92] is +[4522.92 --> 4523.92] Jesus +[4523.92 --> 4526.30] it's +[4526.30 --> 4526.80] to him +[4526.80 --> 4527.64] you're +[4527.64 --> 4528.00] invited +[4528.00 --> 4528.34] this +[4528.34 --> 4528.72] Christmas +[4528.72 --> 4529.66] and I +[4529.66 --> 4530.06] pray +[4530.06 --> 4530.78] that you +[4530.78 --> 4531.16] welcome +[4531.16 --> 4532.32] and receive +[4532.32 --> 4533.16] him +[4533.16 --> 4533.94] as the +[4533.94 --> 4534.46] hope +[4534.46 --> 4535.74] of this +[4535.74 --> 4536.10] season +[4536.10 --> 4538.00] let's +[4538.00 --> 4538.16] pray +[4538.16 --> 4538.34] that +[4538.34 --> 4538.70] together +[4538.70 --> 4542.88] Lord +[4542.88 --> 4544.36] our +[4544.36 --> 4545.82] God +[4545.82 --> 4547.92] you +[4547.92 --> 4549.08] have +[4549.08 --> 4549.74] given +[4549.74 --> 4550.16] us +[4550.16 --> 4550.58] an +[4550.58 --> 4551.04] image +[4551.04 --> 4551.46] of +[4551.46 --> 4551.96] hope +[4551.96 --> 4552.22] you +[4552.22 --> 4552.46] have +[4552.46 --> 4552.72] given +[4552.72 --> 4553.02] us +[4553.02 --> 4553.86] a +[4553.86 --> 4554.40] picture +[4554.40 --> 4555.22] of +[4555.22 --> 4556.74] magnificence +[4556.74 --> 4557.06] and +[4557.06 --> 4557.64] beauty +[4557.64 --> 4558.40] a +[4558.40 --> 4559.04] reality +[4559.04 --> 4559.78] of +[4559.78 --> 4560.00] the +[4560.00 --> 4560.40] very +[4560.40 --> 4561.34] structure +[4561.34 --> 4561.64] and +[4561.64 --> 4562.00] order +[4562.00 --> 4562.34] of +[4562.34 --> 4562.56] the +[4562.56 --> 4562.94] world +[4562.94 --> 4563.84] reworked +[4563.84 --> 4564.04] to +[4564.04 --> 4564.32] bring +[4564.32 --> 4564.58] your +[4564.58 --> 4565.08] peace +[4565.08 --> 4565.60] and +[4565.60 --> 4566.32] wholeness +[4566.32 --> 4566.58] to +[4566.58 --> 4566.74] the +[4566.74 --> 4567.04] fore +[4567.04 --> 4569.64] and +[4569.64 --> 4569.84] so +[4569.84 --> 4570.08] in +[4570.08 --> 4570.34] this +[4570.34 --> 4570.78] season +[4570.78 --> 4571.04] of +[4571.04 --> 4571.34] waiting +[4571.34 --> 4571.68] in +[4571.68 --> 4571.94] this +[4571.94 --> 4572.30] season +[4572.30 --> 4572.54] of +[4572.54 --> 4572.96] longing +[4572.96 --> 4573.56] in +[4573.56 --> 4573.86] this +[4573.86 --> 4574.30] season +[4574.30 --> 4574.68] of +[4574.68 --> 4575.64] contradictions +[4575.64 --> 4576.24] and +[4576.24 --> 4576.76] crying +[4576.76 --> 4577.20] out +[4577.20 --> 4577.52] we +[4577.52 --> 4577.92] come +[4577.92 --> 4578.22] to +[4578.22 --> 4578.64] you +[4578.64 --> 4579.62] Messiah +[4579.62 --> 4580.40] Jesus +[4580.40 --> 4580.80] we +[4580.80 --> 4581.08] come +[4581.08 --> 4581.30] to +[4581.30 --> 4581.64] you +[4581.64 --> 4582.32] anointed +[4582.32 --> 4583.26] one +[4583.26 --> 4583.60] we +[4583.60 --> 4583.98] come +[4583.98 --> 4584.26] to +[4584.26 --> 4584.66] you +[4584.66 --> 4585.56] branch +[4585.56 --> 4586.38] of +[4586.38 --> 4587.36] Jesse +[4587.36 --> 4589.42] bear +[4589.42 --> 4589.90] fruit +[4589.90 --> 4590.82] in our +[4590.82 --> 4591.26] hearts +[4591.26 --> 4592.92] grow +[4592.92 --> 4593.50] faith +[4593.50 --> 4594.96] deep +[4594.96 --> 4595.48] in our +[4595.48 --> 4595.86] souls +[4595.86 --> 4596.12] and +[4596.12 --> 4596.52] minds +[4596.52 --> 4599.22] and +[4599.22 --> 4599.54] send +[4599.54 --> 4599.76] us +[4599.76 --> 4600.08] out +[4600.08 --> 4600.90] send +[4600.90 --> 4601.12] us +[4601.12 --> 4601.44] out +[4601.44 --> 4602.58] convicted +[4602.58 --> 4604.22] of +[4604.22 --> 4604.64] your +[4604.64 --> 4605.52] truth +[4605.52 --> 4606.36] send +[4606.36 --> 4606.56] us +[4606.56 --> 4606.86] out +[4606.86 --> 4607.80] convicted +[4607.80 --> 4608.60] that +[4608.60 --> 4609.20] you +[4609.20 --> 4610.12] alone +[4610.12 --> 4610.56] are +[4610.56 --> 4610.78] the +[4610.78 --> 4611.18] hope +[4611.18 --> 4612.08] of +[4612.08 --> 4612.24] our +[4612.24 --> 4612.64] hearts +[4612.64 --> 4613.60] the +[4613.60 --> 4614.02] longing +[4614.02 --> 4614.98] of +[4614.98 --> 4615.16] our +[4615.16 --> 4615.52] souls +[4615.52 --> 4617.24] we +[4617.24 --> 4617.42] pray +[4617.42 --> 4617.62] this +[4617.62 --> 4617.90] Jesus +[4617.90 --> 4618.14] in +[4618.14 --> 4618.38] your +[4618.38 --> 4618.80] name +[4618.80 --> 4619.94] amen +[4619.94 --> 4628.16] our +[4628.16 --> 4628.40] Lord +[4628.40 --> 4628.76] Jesus +[4628.76 --> 4631.84] was +[4631.84 --> 4632.20] quite +[4632.20 --> 4632.66] sure +[4632.66 --> 4633.82] in +[4633.82 --> 4634.34] himself +[4634.34 --> 4635.36] that +[4635.36 --> 4637.10] these +[4637.10 --> 4637.56] kinds +[4637.56 --> 4637.88] of +[4637.88 --> 4638.50] words +[4638.50 --> 4638.94] true +[4638.94 --> 4639.22] as +[4639.22 --> 4639.42] they +[4639.42 --> 4639.62] may +[4639.62 --> 4640.14] be +[4640.14 --> 4641.36] would +[4641.36 --> 4641.96] themselves +[4641.96 --> 4642.36] not +[4642.36 --> 4642.64] be +[4642.64 --> 4643.12] enough +[4643.12 --> 4645.38] to +[4645.38 --> 4645.64] fill +[4645.64 --> 4645.82] our +[4645.82 --> 4646.20] hearts +[4646.20 --> 4647.18] and +[4647.18 --> 4647.56] souls +[4647.56 --> 4648.00] and +[4648.00 --> 4648.16] so +[4648.16 --> 4648.32] he +[4648.32 --> 4648.56] gave +[4648.56 --> 4648.78] us +[4648.78 --> 4649.14] this +[4649.14 --> 4650.10] supper +[4650.10 --> 4650.76] not +[4650.76 --> 4651.16] only +[4651.16 --> 4651.50] as +[4651.50 --> 4651.66] a +[4651.66 --> 4652.12] memorial +[4652.12 --> 4652.52] of +[4652.52 --> 4652.74] his +[4652.74 --> 4653.28] sacrifice +[4653.28 --> 4653.66] but +[4653.66 --> 4653.82] as +[4653.82 --> 4654.04] a +[4654.04 --> 4654.50] means +[4654.50 --> 4654.80] of +[4654.80 --> 4655.44] taking +[4655.44 --> 4655.70] the +[4655.70 --> 4656.04] truth +[4656.04 --> 4656.24] of +[4656.24 --> 4656.38] the +[4656.38 --> 4656.66] word +[4656.66 --> 4656.90] just +[4656.90 --> 4657.38] proclaimed +[4657.38 --> 4657.92] and +[4657.92 --> 4658.22] making +[4658.22 --> 4658.42] it +[4658.42 --> 4658.64] something +[4658.64 --> 4658.86] you +[4658.86 --> 4659.00] can +[4659.00 --> 4659.36] hang +[4659.36 --> 4659.58] on +[4659.58 --> 4659.82] to +[4659.82 --> 4661.02] and +[4661.02 --> 4661.34] take +[4661.34 --> 4661.70] into +[4661.70 --> 4662.04] you +[4662.04 --> 4663.56] so +[4663.56 --> 4663.72] we +[4663.72 --> 4664.08] come +[4664.08 --> 4664.40] to +[4664.40 --> 4664.86] this +[4664.86 --> 4665.78] table +[4665.78 --> 4666.44] together +[4666.44 --> 4667.76] so +[4667.76 --> 4667.96] that +[4667.96 --> 4668.42] here +[4668.42 --> 4669.02] we +[4669.02 --> 4669.34] might +[4669.34 --> 4670.10] receive +[4670.10 --> 4671.04] the +[4671.04 --> 4671.68] truth +[4671.68 --> 4672.30] of +[4672.30 --> 4673.02] the +[4673.02 --> 4673.38] kingdom +[4673.38 --> 4673.92] come +[4673.92 --> 4674.40] and +[4674.40 --> 4675.02] coming +[4675.02 --> 4676.62] as +[4676.62 --> 4676.80] we +[4676.80 --> 4677.04] come +[4677.04 --> 4677.20] to +[4677.20 --> 4677.40] this +[4677.40 --> 4677.68] table +[4677.68 --> 4677.88] we +[4677.88 --> 4678.04] have +[4678.04 --> 4678.24] some +[4678.24 --> 4678.68] liturgy +[4678.68 --> 4679.12] that +[4679.12 --> 4679.24] we +[4679.24 --> 4679.40] will +[4679.40 --> 4679.64] walk +[4679.64 --> 4679.84] through +[4679.84 --> 4680.08] that +[4680.08 --> 4680.96] carries +[4680.96 --> 4681.40] us +[4681.40 --> 4682.06] forward +[4682.06 --> 4682.56] to +[4682.56 --> 4682.90] meet +[4682.90 --> 4683.36] Jesus +[4683.36 --> 4683.88] here +[4683.88 --> 4684.14] and +[4684.14 --> 4684.32] to +[4684.32 --> 4684.52] be +[4684.52 --> 4684.96] filled +[4684.96 --> 4686.06] by +[4686.06 --> 4686.28] his +[4686.28 --> 4686.78] presence +[4686.78 --> 4687.42] through +[4687.42 --> 4687.62] the +[4687.62 --> 4687.90] spirit +[4687.90 --> 4689.08] and +[4689.08 --> 4689.22] so +[4689.22 --> 4689.36] I +[4689.36 --> 4689.66] invite +[4689.66 --> 4689.90] you +[4689.90 --> 4690.54] lift +[4690.54 --> 4691.00] up +[4691.00 --> 4691.34] your +[4691.34 --> 4691.80] hearts +[4691.80 --> 4695.04] let +[4695.04 --> 4695.20] us +[4695.20 --> 4695.38] give +[4695.38 --> 4695.76] thanks +[4695.76 --> 4695.94] to +[4695.94 --> 4696.08] the +[4696.08 --> 4696.30] Lord +[4696.30 --> 4696.48] our +[4696.48 --> 4696.82] God +[4696.82 --> 4700.42] let's +[4700.42 --> 4700.60] pray +[4700.60 --> 4700.98] together +[4700.98 --> 4703.64] with +[4703.64 --> 4704.10] joy +[4704.10 --> 4704.46] we +[4704.46 --> 4704.98] praise +[4704.98 --> 4705.38] you +[4705.38 --> 4705.88] gracious +[4705.88 --> 4706.34] God +[4706.34 --> 4707.10] for +[4707.10 --> 4707.30] you +[4707.30 --> 4707.48] have +[4707.48 --> 4707.90] created +[4707.90 --> 4708.24] heaven +[4708.24 --> 4708.50] and +[4708.50 --> 4708.78] earth +[4708.78 --> 4709.30] made +[4709.30 --> 4709.52] us +[4709.52 --> 4709.68] in +[4709.68 --> 4709.82] your +[4709.82 --> 4710.16] image +[4710.16 --> 4710.36] and +[4710.36 --> 4710.60] kept +[4710.60 --> 4711.04] covenant +[4711.04 --> 4711.36] with +[4711.36 --> 4711.62] us +[4711.62 --> 4712.24] even +[4712.24 --> 4712.66] when +[4712.66 --> 4712.88] we +[4712.88 --> 4713.16] fell +[4713.16 --> 4713.44] into +[4713.44 --> 4713.76] sin +[4713.76 --> 4715.04] we +[4715.04 --> 4715.28] give +[4715.28 --> 4715.44] you +[4715.44 --> 4715.82] thanks +[4715.82 --> 4716.00] for +[4716.00 --> 4716.28] Jesus +[4716.28 --> 4716.74] Christ +[4716.74 --> 4717.04] who +[4717.04 --> 4717.36] by +[4717.36 --> 4717.66] his +[4717.66 --> 4718.04] life +[4718.04 --> 4718.68] death +[4718.68 --> 4718.94] and +[4718.94 --> 4719.46] resurrection +[4719.46 --> 4720.08] opened +[4720.08 --> 4720.72] for +[4720.72 --> 4721.12] us +[4721.12 --> 4721.72] the +[4721.72 --> 4722.10] way +[4722.10 --> 4722.36] of +[4722.36 --> 4722.82] life +[4722.82 --> 4723.56] everlasting +[4723.56 --> 4724.94] amen +[4724.94 --> 4728.90] Jesus +[4728.90 --> 4730.30] before +[4730.30 --> 4730.84] he +[4730.84 --> 4731.48] suffered +[4731.48 --> 4732.08] gave +[4732.08 --> 4732.56] us +[4732.56 --> 4732.96] this +[4732.96 --> 4733.64] memorial +[4733.64 --> 4733.98] of +[4733.98 --> 4734.16] his +[4734.16 --> 4734.76] sacrifice +[4734.76 --> 4735.26] until +[4735.26 --> 4736.04] he +[4736.04 --> 4736.36] comes +[4736.36 --> 4736.70] again +[4736.70 --> 4737.72] and +[4737.72 --> 4737.84] the +[4737.84 --> 4738.00] Lord +[4738.00 --> 4738.40] Jesus +[4738.40 --> 4739.18] on +[4739.18 --> 4739.32] the +[4739.32 --> 4739.56] night +[4739.56 --> 4739.74] that +[4739.74 --> 4739.84] he +[4739.84 --> 4740.04] was +[4740.04 --> 4740.48] betrayed +[4740.48 --> 4740.96] took +[4740.96 --> 4741.32] bread +[4741.32 --> 4742.34] and +[4742.34 --> 4742.50] when +[4742.50 --> 4742.62] he +[4742.62 --> 4742.76] had +[4742.76 --> 4742.98] given +[4742.98 --> 4743.52] thanks +[4743.52 --> 4743.84] he +[4743.84 --> 4744.52] broke +[4744.52 --> 4744.74] it +[4744.74 --> 4744.94] and +[4744.94 --> 4745.16] said +[4745.16 --> 4745.54] this +[4745.54 --> 4745.96] is +[4745.96 --> 4746.24] my +[4746.24 --> 4746.74] body +[4746.74 --> 4747.42] which +[4747.42 --> 4747.62] is +[4747.62 --> 4747.82] for +[4747.82 --> 4748.12] you +[4748.12 --> 4749.36] do +[4749.36 --> 4749.76] this +[4749.76 --> 4750.12] in +[4750.12 --> 4750.70] remembrance +[4750.70 --> 4751.38] of +[4751.38 --> 4751.64] me +[4751.64 --> 4753.14] and +[4753.14 --> 4753.24] in +[4753.24 --> 4753.40] the +[4753.40 --> 4753.70] same +[4753.70 --> 4754.26] way +[4754.26 --> 4754.92] after +[4754.92 --> 4755.46] supper +[4755.46 --> 4755.76] he +[4755.76 --> 4756.28] took +[4756.28 --> 4756.48] the +[4756.48 --> 4756.76] cup +[4756.76 --> 4757.10] saying +[4757.10 --> 4757.44] this +[4757.44 --> 4757.92] cup +[4757.92 --> 4758.40] is +[4758.40 --> 4758.74] the +[4758.74 --> 4759.32] new +[4759.32 --> 4760.02] covenants +[4760.02 --> 4760.32] in +[4760.32 --> 4760.56] my +[4760.56 --> 4760.94] blood +[4760.94 --> 4762.44] do +[4762.44 --> 4762.98] this +[4762.98 --> 4763.64] whenever +[4763.64 --> 4763.94] you +[4763.94 --> 4764.24] drink +[4764.24 --> 4764.48] it +[4764.48 --> 4765.10] in +[4765.10 --> 4765.54] remembrance +[4765.54 --> 4766.48] of +[4766.48 --> 4766.80] me +[4766.80 --> 4768.14] for +[4768.14 --> 4768.44] whenever +[4768.44 --> 4768.72] you +[4768.72 --> 4768.98] eat +[4768.98 --> 4769.26] this +[4769.26 --> 4769.62] bread +[4769.62 --> 4769.94] and +[4769.94 --> 4770.30] drink +[4770.30 --> 4770.76] this +[4770.76 --> 4771.28] cup +[4771.28 --> 4771.56] you +[4771.56 --> 4772.04] proclaim +[4772.04 --> 4772.48] the +[4772.48 --> 4772.86] Lord's +[4772.86 --> 4773.14] death +[4773.14 --> 4773.88] until +[4773.88 --> 4774.34] he +[4774.34 --> 4774.84] comes +[4774.84 --> 4775.46] again +[4775.46 --> 4776.74] this +[4776.74 --> 4777.32] is +[4777.32 --> 4777.62] the +[4777.62 --> 4778.20] mystery +[4778.20 --> 4779.08] of +[4779.08 --> 4779.38] our +[4779.38 --> 4779.80] faith +[4779.80 --> 4781.84] your +[4781.84 --> 4782.24] death +[4782.24 --> 4782.56] oh +[4782.56 --> 4782.98] Christ +[4782.98 --> 4783.34] we +[4783.34 --> 4783.82] proclaim +[4783.82 --> 4784.90] your +[4784.90 --> 4785.58] resurrection +[4785.58 --> 4786.12] we +[4786.12 --> 4786.56] affirm +[4786.56 --> 4786.86] with +[4786.86 --> 4787.26] joy +[4787.26 --> 4788.22] your +[4788.22 --> 4788.72] coming +[4788.72 --> 4789.02] we +[4789.02 --> 4789.38] await +[4789.38 --> 4789.70] with +[4789.70 --> 4790.08] hope +[4790.08 --> 4791.30] glory +[4791.30 --> 4791.70] be +[4791.70 --> 4791.98] to +[4791.98 --> 4792.34] you +[4792.34 --> 4792.72] Lord +[4792.72 --> 4793.26] Jesus +[4793.26 --> 4795.64] church +[4795.64 --> 4796.02] family +[4796.02 --> 4796.90] the +[4796.90 --> 4797.18] Lord +[4797.18 --> 4797.44] has +[4797.44 --> 4797.86] prepared +[4797.86 --> 4798.16] his +[4798.16 --> 4798.50] table +[4798.50 --> 4798.76] for +[4798.76 --> 4799.16] all +[4799.16 --> 4799.44] who +[4799.44 --> 4800.04] love +[4800.04 --> 4800.34] him +[4800.34 --> 4800.56] and +[4800.56 --> 4800.94] trust +[4800.94 --> 4801.14] in +[4801.14 --> 4801.40] him +[4801.40 --> 4801.90] alone +[4801.90 --> 4802.30] for +[4802.30 --> 4802.84] their +[4802.84 --> 4803.36] salvation +[4803.36 --> 4803.68] and +[4803.68 --> 4803.96] so +[4803.96 --> 4804.42] come +[4804.42 --> 4804.70] to +[4804.70 --> 4805.12] this +[4805.12 --> 4805.90] table +[4805.90 --> 4806.32] you +[4806.32 --> 4806.56] who +[4806.56 --> 4806.86] have +[4806.86 --> 4807.18] much +[4807.18 --> 4807.52] faith +[4807.52 --> 4807.84] and +[4807.84 --> 4808.06] you +[4808.06 --> 4808.28] who +[4808.28 --> 4808.54] would +[4808.54 --> 4808.80] like +[4808.80 --> 4808.96] to +[4808.96 --> 4809.16] have +[4809.16 --> 4809.48] more +[4809.48 --> 4810.30] come +[4810.30 --> 4810.48] to +[4810.48 --> 4810.68] this +[4810.68 --> 4811.00] table +[4811.00 --> 4811.28] you +[4811.28 --> 4811.48] who +[4811.48 --> 4811.66] have +[4811.66 --> 4811.96] been +[4811.96 --> 4812.14] to +[4812.14 --> 4812.32] the +[4812.32 --> 4812.70] sacrament +[4812.70 --> 4813.38] often +[4813.38 --> 4813.90] and you +[4813.90 --> 4814.14] who +[4814.14 --> 4814.30] have +[4814.30 --> 4814.58] not +[4814.58 --> 4814.84] been +[4814.84 --> 4815.44] for a +[4815.44 --> 4815.64] long +[4815.64 --> 4815.92] time +[4815.92 --> 4816.20] for the +[4816.20 --> 4816.46] Lord +[4816.46 --> 4816.78] Jesus +[4816.78 --> 4817.46] is inviting +[4817.46 --> 4817.72] you +[4817.72 --> 4818.14] to +[4818.14 --> 4818.54] himself +[4818.54 --> 4819.10] come +[4819.10 --> 4819.30] to +[4819.30 --> 4819.54] this +[4819.54 --> 4819.84] table +[4819.84 --> 4820.14] you +[4820.14 --> 4820.40] who +[4820.40 --> 4820.54] have +[4820.54 --> 4820.96] tried +[4820.96 --> 4821.22] to +[4821.22 --> 4821.48] follow +[4821.48 --> 4821.82] Jesus +[4821.82 --> 4822.34] and +[4822.34 --> 4822.58] you +[4822.58 --> 4822.80] who +[4822.80 --> 4823.08] have +[4823.08 --> 4823.44] failed +[4823.44 --> 4824.10] come +[4824.10 --> 4824.32] to +[4824.32 --> 4824.58] this +[4824.58 --> 4825.00] table +[4825.00 --> 4825.60] because +[4825.60 --> 4826.10] Jesus +[4826.10 --> 4826.72] Christ +[4826.72 --> 4827.56] is +[4827.56 --> 4828.46] raised +[4828.46 --> 4829.16] come +[4829.16 --> 4829.88] to +[4829.88 --> 4830.16] this +[4830.16 --> 4830.64] table +[4830.64 --> 4831.28] because +[4831.28 --> 4831.62] it is +[4831.62 --> 4832.04] Christmas +[4832.04 --> 4832.94] and the +[4832.94 --> 4833.28] Lord +[4833.28 --> 4833.92] comes +[4833.92 --> 4834.50] to +[4834.50 --> 4834.82] you +[4834.82 --> 4836.76] come +[4836.76 --> 4837.56] if you're +[4837.56 --> 4838.00] here in +[4838.00 --> 4838.38] person +[4838.38 --> 4839.10] or if +[4839.10 --> 4839.50] you're joining +[4839.50 --> 4839.88] us +[4839.88 --> 4840.54] online +[4840.54 --> 4841.14] come +[4841.14 --> 4841.92] because +[4841.92 --> 4842.42] Christ +[4842.42 --> 4843.02] meets +[4843.02 --> 4843.34] us +[4843.34 --> 4844.02] here +[4844.02 --> 4845.04] the +[4845.04 --> 4845.26] gifts +[4845.26 --> 4845.46] of +[4845.46 --> 4845.80] God +[4845.80 --> 4846.40] for +[4846.40 --> 4846.56] the +[4846.56 --> 4846.88] people +[4846.88 --> 4847.68] of +[4847.68 --> 4848.00] God +[4848.00 --> 4849.68] as we +[4849.68 --> 4850.06] come to +[4850.06 --> 4850.48] the table +[4850.48 --> 4850.92] together +[4850.92 --> 4852.30] we do +[4852.30 --> 4852.62] that +[4852.62 --> 4853.76] in a way +[4853.76 --> 4854.20] that +[4854.20 --> 4856.02] celebrates +[4856.02 --> 4857.26] and highlights +[4857.26 --> 4857.86] our +[4857.86 --> 4858.56] shared +[4858.56 --> 4859.24] family +[4859.24 --> 4859.86] fellowship +[4859.86 --> 4860.32] and so +[4860.32 --> 4860.84] this is a +[4860.84 --> 4862.04] family table +[4862.04 --> 4862.46] for the +[4862.46 --> 4862.78] church +[4862.78 --> 4863.56] and you +[4863.56 --> 4863.88] will be +[4863.88 --> 4864.30] invited +[4864.30 --> 4864.86] kind of +[4864.86 --> 4865.34] row by +[4865.34 --> 4865.76] row +[4865.76 --> 4866.36] section +[4866.36 --> 4867.08] by section +[4867.08 --> 4867.58] to come +[4867.58 --> 4867.96] forward +[4867.96 --> 4868.32] and to +[4868.32 --> 4868.60] gather +[4868.60 --> 4869.02] in a +[4869.02 --> 4869.40] circle +[4869.40 --> 4870.22] around +[4870.22 --> 4870.62] this +[4870.62 --> 4871.04] table +[4871.04 --> 4872.42] and as +[4872.42 --> 4872.78] you are +[4872.78 --> 4873.60] past +[4873.60 --> 4874.04] the +[4874.04 --> 4874.56] bread +[4874.56 --> 4874.82] we +[4874.82 --> 4875.98] encourage +[4875.98 --> 4876.16] you +[4876.16 --> 4876.50] as you +[4876.50 --> 4876.82] pass +[4876.82 --> 4877.00] the +[4877.00 --> 4877.26] bread +[4877.26 --> 4877.80] to say +[4877.80 --> 4878.00] the +[4878.00 --> 4878.34] body +[4878.34 --> 4878.56] of +[4878.56 --> 4878.96] Christ +[4878.96 --> 4879.38] given +[4879.38 --> 4879.62] for +[4879.62 --> 4879.90] you +[4879.90 --> 4880.36] as +[4880.36 --> 4880.52] you +[4880.52 --> 4880.84] pass +[4880.84 --> 4881.06] the +[4881.06 --> 4881.44] juice +[4881.44 --> 4881.68] we +[4881.68 --> 4882.04] encourage +[4882.04 --> 4882.22] you +[4882.22 --> 4882.38] to +[4882.38 --> 4882.62] say +[4882.62 --> 4882.84] the +[4882.84 --> 4883.16] blood +[4883.16 --> 4883.42] of +[4883.42 --> 4883.78] Christ +[4883.78 --> 4884.42] shed +[4884.42 --> 4884.64] for +[4884.64 --> 4884.94] you +[4884.94 --> 4885.38] and +[4885.38 --> 4885.52] then +[4885.52 --> 4885.78] down +[4885.78 --> 4885.96] the +[4885.96 --> 4886.32] line +[4886.32 --> 4886.60] that +[4886.60 --> 4886.72] will +[4886.72 --> 4887.00] go +[4887.00 --> 4887.54] around +[4887.54 --> 4888.06] the +[4888.06 --> 4888.38] table +[4888.38 --> 4889.16] we +[4889.16 --> 4889.32] have +[4889.32 --> 4889.66] ushers +[4889.66 --> 4889.84] who +[4889.84 --> 4889.98] will +[4889.98 --> 4890.46] indicate +[4890.46 --> 4891.32] when +[4891.32 --> 4891.76] the +[4891.76 --> 4892.00] next +[4892.00 --> 4892.32] row +[4892.32 --> 4892.68] is +[4892.68 --> 4892.90] to +[4892.90 --> 4893.18] go +[4893.18 --> 4893.78] and +[4893.78 --> 4894.12] throughout +[4894.12 --> 4894.32] we'll +[4897.96 --> 4898.34] not +[4898.34 --> 4898.56] up +[4898.56 --> 4898.78] here +[4898.78 --> 4899.88] if +[4899.88 --> 4900.16] you +[4900.16 --> 4900.48] would +[4900.48 --> 4900.78] like +[4900.78 --> 4901.14] to +[4901.14 --> 4902.12] receive +[4902.12 --> 4902.84] the +[4902.84 --> 4903.28] supper +[4903.28 --> 4903.52] but +[4903.52 --> 4903.64] are +[4903.64 --> 4903.98] unable +[4903.98 --> 4904.20] to +[4904.20 --> 4904.40] come +[4904.40 --> 4904.56] to +[4904.56 --> 4904.70] the +[4904.70 --> 4904.90] front +[4904.90 --> 4905.34] please +[4905.34 --> 4905.74] indicate +[4905.74 --> 4906.10] that +[4906.10 --> 4906.28] to +[4906.28 --> 4906.44] the +[4906.44 --> 4906.72] usher +[4906.72 --> 4907.20] and +[4907.20 --> 4907.30] they +[4907.30 --> 4907.44] will +[4907.44 --> 4907.64] meet +[4907.64 --> 4907.88] you +[4907.88 --> 4908.14] at +[4908.14 --> 4908.36] your +[4908.36 --> 4908.82] table +[4908.82 --> 4909.12] there +[4909.12 --> 4909.36] and +[4909.36 --> 4909.66] serve +[4909.66 --> 4909.86] you +[4909.86 --> 4910.10] in +[4910.10 --> 4910.30] that +[4910.30 --> 4910.76] place +[4910.76 --> 4912.48] additionally +[4912.48 --> 4912.86] if +[4912.86 --> 4913.14] you +[4913.14 --> 4913.40] would +[4913.40 --> 4913.74] like +[4913.74 --> 4914.50] gluten +[4914.50 --> 4914.98] free +[4914.98 --> 4916.00] servings +[4916.00 --> 4916.26] each +[4916.26 --> 4916.60] tray +[4916.60 --> 4916.84] has +[4916.84 --> 4916.96] a +[4916.96 --> 4917.08] little +[4917.08 --> 4917.44] cup +[4917.44 --> 4917.90] of +[4917.90 --> 4918.22] gluten +[4918.22 --> 4918.48] free +[4918.48 --> 4918.78] bread +[4918.78 --> 4919.06] in +[4919.06 --> 4919.18] the +[4919.18 --> 4919.36] middle +[4919.36 --> 4919.64] for +[4919.64 --> 4919.92] you +[4919.92 --> 4920.60] there +[4920.60 --> 4921.66] and +[4921.66 --> 4921.84] then +[4921.84 --> 4922.30] lastly +[4922.30 --> 4923.02] as +[4923.02 --> 4923.20] we +[4923.20 --> 4923.34] are +[4923.34 --> 4923.66] moving +[4923.66 --> 4924.08] through +[4924.08 --> 4924.50] this +[4924.50 --> 4925.42] time +[4925.42 --> 4925.84] together +[4925.84 --> 4926.06] if +[4926.06 --> 4926.16] you +[4926.16 --> 4926.28] would +[4926.28 --> 4926.44] like +[4926.44 --> 4926.60] to +[4926.60 --> 4926.82] meet +[4926.82 --> 4927.16] someone +[4927.16 --> 4927.42] for +[4927.42 --> 4927.84] prayer +[4927.84 --> 4928.46] there +[4928.46 --> 4928.60] are +[4928.60 --> 4928.88] people +[4928.88 --> 4929.10] who +[4929.10 --> 4929.26] will +[4929.26 --> 4929.46] be +[4929.46 --> 4929.72] at +[4929.72 --> 4929.86] the +[4929.86 --> 4930.16] back +[4930.16 --> 4931.26] they +[4931.26 --> 4931.46] should +[4931.46 --> 4931.62] have +[4931.62 --> 4931.86] yellow +[4931.86 --> 4932.14] name +[4932.14 --> 4932.46] tags +[4932.46 --> 4932.78] on +[4932.78 --> 4932.96] who +[4932.96 --> 4933.12] will +[4933.12 --> 4933.34] meet +[4933.34 --> 4933.60] you +[4933.60 --> 4934.08] and +[4934.08 --> 4934.34] pray +[4934.34 --> 4934.60] with +[4934.60 --> 4934.86] you +[4934.86 --> 4935.68] either +[4935.68 --> 4936.14] before +[4936.14 --> 4936.34] you +[4936.34 --> 4936.52] come +[4936.52 --> 4936.72] up +[4936.72 --> 4936.84] or +[4936.84 --> 4936.98] in +[4936.98 --> 4937.14] lieu +[4937.14 --> 4937.30] of +[4937.30 --> 4937.54] coming +[4937.54 --> 4937.80] up +[4937.80 --> 4938.02] or +[4938.02 --> 4938.34] after +[4938.34 --> 4938.52] you +[4938.52 --> 4938.76] come +[4938.76 --> 4938.92] up +[4938.92 --> 4939.16] however +[4939.16 --> 4939.38] the +[4939.38 --> 4939.58] Lord +[4939.58 --> 4940.06] leads +[4940.06 --> 4940.20] in +[4940.20 --> 4940.36] that +[4940.36 --> 4940.66] regard +[4940.66 --> 4941.72] I'd +[4941.72 --> 4941.86] like +[4941.86 --> 4942.00] to +[4942.00 --> 4942.30] invite +[4942.30 --> 4942.56] all +[4942.56 --> 4942.80] those +[4942.80 --> 4942.92] who +[4942.92 --> 4943.06] will +[4943.06 --> 4943.28] help +[4943.28 --> 4943.54] us +[4943.54 --> 4943.78] in +[4943.78 --> 4943.92] the +[4943.92 --> 4944.20] service +[4944.20 --> 4944.38] so +[4944.38 --> 4944.50] the +[4944.50 --> 4944.86] elders +[4944.86 --> 4945.88] and +[4945.88 --> 4946.18] the +[4946.18 --> 4946.64] worship +[4946.64 --> 4947.02] leaders +[4947.02 --> 4947.36] and +[4947.36 --> 4947.52] the +[4947.52 --> 4947.78] back +[4947.78 --> 4947.90] of +[4947.90 --> 4948.12] house +[4948.12 --> 4948.42] people +[4948.42 --> 4948.70] to +[4948.70 --> 4948.90] come +[4948.90 --> 4949.06] up +[4949.06 --> 4949.24] front +[4949.24 --> 4949.54] now +[4949.54 --> 4950.22] they'll +[4950.22 --> 4950.58] receive +[4950.58 --> 4950.78] the +[4950.78 --> 4951.02] first +[4951.02 --> 4951.32] table +[4951.32 --> 4951.56] so +[4951.56 --> 4951.70] that +[4951.70 --> 4951.82] they +[4951.82 --> 4951.98] can +[4951.98 --> 4952.48] facilitate +[4952.48 --> 4952.74] the +[4952.74 --> 4952.94] rest +[4952.94 --> 4953.08] of +[4953.08 --> 4953.32] us +[4953.32 --> 4954.18] receiving +[4954.18 --> 4954.42] from +[4954.42 --> 4954.56] the +[4954.56 --> 4954.86] table +[4954.86 --> 4955.98] throughout +[4974.50 --> 4976.16] the +[4976.44 --> 4977.16] to +[4977.16 --> 4979.08] family +[4979.08 --> 4980.52] who +[4980.52 --> 4981.32] help +[4981.46 --> 4982.14] for +[4982.14 --> 4982.32] the +[4982.32 --> 4983.78] value +[4983.78 --> 4984.74] of +[4984.74 --> 4985.96] j +[4990.10 --> 4990.90] is +[4992.88 --> 4993.34] the +[4993.34 --> 4993.90] level +[4993.90 --> 4994.04] in +[4994.04 --> 4999.20] d +[4999.96 --> 5003.96] love +[5003.96 --> 5033.94] Thank you. +[5033.96 --> 5063.94] Thank you. +[5063.96 --> 5093.94] Thank you. +[5093.96 --> 5123.94] Thank you. +[5123.96 --> 5153.94] Thank you. +[5153.96 --> 5183.94] Thank you. +[5183.96 --> 5185.96] Thank you. +[5213.96 --> 5215.96] Thank you. +[5243.96 --> 5245.96] Thank you. +[5245.96 --> 5247.96] Thank you. +[5247.96 --> 5249.96] Thank you. +[5249.96 --> 5251.96] Thank you. +[5251.96 --> 5253.96] Thank you. +[5253.96 --> 5255.96] Thank you. +[5255.96 --> 5257.96] Thank you. +[5257.96 --> 5259.96] Thank you. +[5259.96 --> 5261.96] Thank you. +[5261.96 --> 5263.96] Thank you. +[5263.96 --> 5265.96] Thank you. +[5265.96 --> 5267.96] Thank you. +[5267.96 --> 5269.96] Thank you. +[5269.96 --> 5271.96] Thank you. +[5271.96 --> 5273.96] Thank you. +[5273.96 --> 5275.96] Thank you. +[5275.96 --> 5277.96] Thank you. +[5277.96 --> 5279.96] Thank you. +[5279.96 --> 5281.96] Thank you. +[5281.96 --> 5283.96] Thank you. +[5309.96 --> 5311.96] Thank you. +[5311.96 --> 5313.96] Thank you. +[5313.96 --> 5330.96] Oh come let us adore, oh come let us adore, oh come let us adore, +[5330.96 --> 5348.96] He can find your love, the healing angel, fullness it, and come let us adore him, +[5348.96 --> 5362.96] Peace has come for our King in strength +[5378.96 --> 5408.94] From the squalor of a borrowed stable +[5408.94 --> 5414.78] By the Spirit and a virgin's faith +[5414.78 --> 5420.04] To the anguish and the shame of scandal +[5420.04 --> 5426.16] Came the Savior of the human race +[5426.16 --> 5432.86] But the skies were filled with the praise of heaven +[5432.86 --> 5437.72] Shepherds listen as the angels tell +[5437.72 --> 5444.06] Of the gift of God come down to men +[5444.06 --> 5448.68] At the dawning of Emmanuel +[5448.68 --> 5460.02] King of heaven, now the friend of sinners +[5460.02 --> 5465.02] Humble servant in the Father's hands +[5465.02 --> 5470.60] Filled with power and the Holy Spirit +[5470.60 --> 5476.94] Filled with mercy for the broken dead +[5476.94 --> 5483.28] Yes, He walked my road and He felt my pain +[5483.28 --> 5488.28] To them sorrows that I know so what +[5488.28 --> 5494.28] Yet His righteousness give me hope again +[5494.28 --> 5500.62] I will follow my Emmanuel +[5500.62 --> 5509.96] Though the kisses of a friend's betrayal +[5509.96 --> 5515.96] He was lifted on a cruel cross +[5515.96 --> 5521.96] He was punished for a world's transgressions +[5521.96 --> 5528.30] He was suffering to save the lost +[5528.30 --> 5534.30] He fights for breath, He fights for me +[5534.30 --> 5540.64] Loosing sinners from the claims of hell +[5540.64 --> 5545.98] And with a shout, our souls are free +[5545.98 --> 5547.32] That He's healing for the Lord +[5547.32 --> 5562.32] Now He's standing in the place of honor +[5562.32 --> 5563.66] He's healing for the Lord +[5563.66 --> 5567.66] And with glory on the highest throne +[5567.66 --> 5568.30] In the Lord +[5568.96 --> 5574.06] In nerves receiving for His home he lounded +[5574.06 --> 5578.94] Till His Father comes to bring him whole +[5578.94 --> 5585.90] He blesses skies will próxim as the trumpet swell +[5586.00 --> 5589.24] Paul above heaven or the geral +[5589.32 --> 5590.46] Of the dead +[5590.98 --> 5596.90] But the pride will come to aimmers' hour +[5596.90 --> 5602.12] Giving glory to Emmanuel +[5602.12 --> 5608.82] Then the skies will part as the trumpet sounds +[5608.82 --> 5613.82] Hope of heaven or the fear of hell +[5613.82 --> 5620.42] But the bride will run to her lover's arms +[5620.42 --> 5625.90] Giving glory to Emmanuel +[5625.90 --> 5655.88] Hallelujah +[5655.88 --> 5667.88] Christ the Savior of the world +[5667.88 --> 5673.88] He has come +[5673.88 --> 5679.88] Alleluia +[5679.88 --> 5687.88] Alleluia +[5687.88 --> 5693.88] To the highest name of all +[5693.88 --> 5699.88] Alleluia +[5699.88 --> 5701.88] Alleluia +[5701.88 --> 5711.88] Alleluia +[5711.88 --> 5717.88] Alleluia +[5717.88 --> 5723.88] Christ the Savior of the world +[5723.88 --> 5729.88] He has come +[5729.88 --> 5731.88] Alleluia +[5731.88 --> 5735.88] Alleluia +[5735.88 --> 5737.88] Alleluia +[5737.88 --> 5739.88] Alleluia +[5739.88 --> 5741.88] Alleluia +[5741.88 --> 5743.88] Alleluia +[5743.88 --> 5747.88] Alleluia +[5747.88 --> 5749.88] Alleluia +[5749.88 --> 5753.88] Alleluia +[5753.88 --> 5757.88] Alleluia +[5757.88 --> 5759.88] Alleluia +[5759.88 --> 5761.88] Alleluia +[5761.88 --> 5763.88] Alleluia +[5763.88 --> 5765.88] Alleluia +[5765.88 --> 5769.88] Alleluia +[5769.88 --> 5771.88] Alleluia +[5771.88 --> 5775.88] Alleluia +[5775.88 --> 5779.88] Alleluia +[5779.88 --> 5781.88] Alleluia +[5781.88 --> 5783.88] Alleluia +[5783.88 --> 5785.88] Alleluia +[5785.88 --> 5787.88] Alleluia +[5787.88 --> 5789.88] Alleluia +[5789.88 --> 5791.88] Alleluia +[5791.88 --> 5795.88] Alleluia +[5795.88 --> 5799.88] Alleluia +[5799.88 --> 5801.88] Alleluia +[5801.88 --> 5803.88] Alleluia +[5803.88 --> 5807.88] Alleluia +[5807.88 --> 5809.88] Alleluia +[5809.88 --> 5811.88] Alleluia +[5811.88 --> 5813.88] Alleluia +[5813.88 --> 5815.88] Alleluia +[5815.88 --> 5817.88] Alleluia +[5817.88 --> 5836.82] Alleluia, Alleluia, Christ the Savior, He has come. +[5836.82 --> 5856.12] Alleluia, Alleluia, to the highest name of all. +[5856.12 --> 5867.76] Alleluia, You're the highest name of all. +[5867.76 --> 5873.76] Alleluia. +[5886.12 --> 5916.10] Alleluia, Alleluia, to the highest name of all. +[5916.10 --> 5921.82] Alleluia, lleluia, to the highest name of all. +[5921.82 --> 5924.88] Alleluia, Alleluia, to the highest name of all. +[5924.96 --> 5929.94] Alleluia, alleluia, to the highest name of all. +[5929.94 --> 5933.66] Alleluia, O CPU and Liane, to the highest name of all. +[5933.68 --> 5945.80] Alleluia, to the highest name of all. +[5945.80 --> 5954.78] Jesus, loving shepherd +[5954.78 --> 5959.12] Thine of the branches +[5959.12 --> 5966.04] Son of God +[5966.04 --> 5969.40] Prince of Peace +[5969.40 --> 5973.56] Wonderful Counselor +[5973.56 --> 5978.04] Lord of the universe +[5978.04 --> 5982.50] Light of the world +[5982.50 --> 5987.34] Praise Him +[5987.34 --> 5991.42] Lord above all those +[5991.42 --> 5995.82] King above all kings +[5995.82 --> 5999.60] God's only Son +[5999.60 --> 6004.54] The Prince of Peace +[6004.54 --> 6007.54] Who by His Spirit +[6007.54 --> 6012.98] Comes to live in us +[6012.98 --> 6016.08] Master and Friend +[6016.08 --> 6020.14] Jesus +[6020.14 --> 6025.02] Name above all names +[6025.02 --> 6029.02] Beautiful Savior +[6029.02 --> 6034.02] Glorious Lord +[6034.02 --> 6037.52] Emmanuel +[6037.52 --> 6043.38] God is with us +[6043.38 --> 6046.46] Blessed Redeemer +[6046.46 --> 6050.52] Living Word +[6050.52 --> 6061.28] Lord above all names +[6072.86 --> 6074.46] My Lord +[6074.46 --> 6075.40] Love +[6075.40 --> 6076.46] Brother +[6076.46 --> 6089.98] He became sin and knew no sin +[6089.98 --> 6095.12] That we might become His righteousness +[6095.12 --> 6103.98] He humbled Himself and carried the cross +[6103.98 --> 6107.40] Love so amazing +[6107.40 --> 6113.18] Love so amazing +[6113.18 --> 6119.04] Jesus, Messiah +[6119.04 --> 6127.08] Name above all names +[6127.08 --> 6130.80] Blessed Redeemer +[6130.80 --> 6135.06] Emmanuel +[6135.06 --> 6142.22] The rescue for sinners +[6142.22 --> 6148.22] The rescue for sinners +[6148.22 --> 6153.44] Jesus, Messiah +[6153.44 --> 6158.86] Lord of all +[6158.86 --> 6164.86] His body's a bed +[6164.86 --> 6166.86] His blood the one +[6166.86 --> 6170.86] Broken and fire +[6170.86 --> 6173.86] All for love +[6173.86 --> 6176.86] The cold and trampled +[6176.86 --> 6182.28] And the mail was torn +[6182.28 --> 6185.28] Love so amazing +[6185.28 --> 6190.28] Love so amazing +[6190.28 --> 6195.12] Jesus, Messiah +[6195.12 --> 6200.54] And the fire +[6200.54 --> 6204.54] Name above all names +[6204.54 --> 6206.54] Blessed Redeemer +[6206.54 --> 6209.38] And the land +[6209.38 --> 6212.54] For rescue for sinners +[6212.54 --> 6230.08] There still +[6230.08 --> 6234.96] And He did it +[6234.96 --> 6235.96] For all lands +[6235.96 --> 6243.78] All the hope is in You +[6243.78 --> 6249.96] All the hope is in You +[6249.96 --> 6254.66] All the glory to You +[6254.66 --> 6261.96] The light of the world +[6261.96 --> 6267.16] Jesus Messiah +[6267.16 --> 6275.40] Name above all things +[6275.40 --> 6279.16] Blessed Redeemer +[6279.16 --> 6283.26] Emmanuel +[6283.26 --> 6289.96] Rescue, our Savior +[6289.96 --> 6295.16] Blessed Redeemer +[6295.16 --> 6301.16] Jesus Messiah +[6301.16 --> 6307.16] Lord of all +[6307.16 --> 6312.36] Jesus Messiah +[6312.36 --> 6318.36] Lord of all +[6318.36 --> 6345.40] As you go this week, go as those who know that Jesus Messiah, Lord of all, goes with you. Go in the power of His name and with His blessing. Receive the blessing of God. +[6345.40 --> 6369.60] God, go before you to lead you. God, go behind you to protect you. God, go beneath you to support you. God, go beside you to befriend you. Do not be afraid. Let the blessing of God come upon you today. Do not be afraid. Go in peace to love and serve the Lord. Amen. +[6369.60 --> 6371.60] Amen. +[6371.60 --> 6373.60] Amen. +[6373.60 --> 6381.60] Amen. +[6381.60 --> 6396.74] The Savior comes, the Savior promised long. +[6396.74 --> 6409.80] Let every heart prepare a throne, and every voice a song. +[6411.60 --> 6423.44] He comes, the praise that you release in Satan's bondage held. +[6423.44 --> 6437.44] The gates of brass before him burst, the iron ferrisis. +[6437.44 --> 6450.46] He has a broken heart to find, the wounded soul to cure. +[6450.46 --> 6464.30] And with the treasures of his grace, to reach the humble world. +[6464.30 --> 6478.30] Your land, Hosanna's Prince of Peace, your well-updance shall proclaim. +[6478.30 --> 6492.30] And let eternal marches reign with your beloved name. +[6492.30 --> 6499.30] The Savior comes, the Lord, and the Lord. +[6499.30 --> 6504.30] The Savior comes, the Lord. +[6504.30 --> 6509.30] The Savior comes, the Lord. +[6509.30 --> 6524.30] The Savior comes, the Lord. +[6524.30 --> 6528.30] The Savior comes, the Lord. +[6528.30 --> 6541.30] The Savior comes, the Lord. +[6541.30 --> 6545.30] The Savior comes, the Lord. +[6545.30 --> 6549.30] The Savior comes, the Lord. +[6549.30 --> 6571.30] The Savior comes, the Lord. +[6571.30 --> 6601.28] Thank you. +[6601.30 --> 6631.28] Thank you. +[6631.30 --> 6661.28] Thank you. +[6661.30 --> 6691.28] Thank you. +[6691.30 --> 6693.30] Thank you. +[6721.30 --> 6723.30] Thank you. +[6751.30 --> 6753.30] Thank you. +[6781.30 --> 6783.30] Thank you. +[6811.30 --> 6813.30] Thank you. +[6841.30 --> 6843.30] Thank you. +[6871.30 --> 6873.30] Thank you. +[6873.30 --> 6875.30] Thank you. +[6875.30 --> 6877.30] Thank you. +[6877.30 --> 6879.30] Thank you. diff --git a/Sunday Worship, January 14, 2024_summary.txt b/Sunday Worship, January 14, 2024_summary.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000000000000000000000000000000000000..fd26c4798e73fb057e72f3bc8c87fcb2893cda0e --- /dev/null +++ b/Sunday Worship, January 14, 2024_summary.txt @@ -0,0 +1,159 @@ +• Doubts and uncertainty about one's own worth +• Importance of believing in oneself despite feelings of weakness +• Assurance of love and support from someone else, even when feeling unlovable or weak +• Praise and affirmation of being strong and loved despite shortcomings +• Desire to sing and express love and devotion forever +• Emphasis on the power of belief and faith in one's worth +• Introduction and welcome by Pastor Chris +• Announcements: + + Youth coffee is after service today at Paul and Leslie Kuhl's house + + Women's Ministry retreat invitation: March 8-10 at Camp Kakawa in Hope, $185 for the weekend + + Deadline to register and pay for retreat: February 8th and 16th respectively + + Worship gathering on January 28th at 6pm: "Worship Through the Decades" +• Opening worship and call to praise +• Worship songs: "Tongue Rejoice", "One Heart, One Voice", "O Church of Christ, Rejoice" +• Invitations to worship: Come, people of the risen King; come, young and old from every land +• Praise to God: Holy, holy, Lord God Almighty; all in three persons, blessed Trinity +• Adoration: Cherubim and seraphim falling down before Thee; casting down their golden crowns +• Attributes of God: Only Thou art holy; perfect in power, love, and purity +• Affirmations of God's sovereignty: I bow before Thee, King of glory; none beside Thee; my God forever +• Prayer of confession +• Romans chapter 6, verse 8 to 11: assurance of life with Christ after death +• Song "When I Fear My Faith Will Fail" (repeated multiple times) +• Song "Gracious Redeemer" +• Reflections on God's mercy and love +• Reframe Ministries' reach and audience through various media platforms +• Ministry programs for family life, Christian living, and church resources +• The Today devotional booklet and its availability in multiple formats +• God's attributes and sovereignty as expressed in Psalm 139 +• Story of the Three Little Pigs discussed with children +• The story of the three little pigs has an alternative ending where the wolf is taught to make his own soup instead of blowing down the house +• This alternative ending represents a better way to resolve conflicts peacefully +• The story can be compared to the kingdom Jesus wanted to bring, which was different from what people expected +• The speaker wants to lead the church family prayer and mentions personal and church news +• The congregation welcomes a new granddaughter, Charlotte Beth +• Multiple members of the community have passed away, including Jacob Prins, Ebel Campen, Hank Van Eyck, and Helen Van Vergeyck's mom +• Emmett was in the hospital but is now home and doing well +• Jerry Jansen's granddaughter has lupus and needs prayer +• The congregation prays for peace and stability in unstable areas of the world +• They ask God to bring solutions to issues like homelessness, drug addiction, and poverty in their country +• They pray for strength and healing for those dealing with loss and grief +• They are thankful for new births, including Charlotte and Emmett's return home from the hospital +• They pray for families in need of wisdom and guidance as parents +• They ask God to encourage them to focus on Him through prayer and devotion. +• Reading Psalm 139 together +• God's all-knowing nature and ability to see into one's heart +• The impossibility of hiding from God or keeping thoughts and feelings secret +• A personal story about a three-year-old girl who hid under a plastic tote, illustrating how people often try to hide their true selves from God but are seen by Him anyway +• Choosing to view the truth that God sees all as terrifying or anxiety-inducing versus finding peace and comfort in it +• God knows everything about the speaker +• God has perfect and intimate knowledge of the speaker +• God sees and knows everything from a transcendent vantage point, outside of time and space +• This knowledge is specific and particular to each individual, including their thoughts, desires, actions, and words +• God's knowledge is not just general knowledge of the world, but a deep understanding of each person's life, past, present, and future +• God knows everything instantly and effortlessly. +• Human anxiety is often caused by the unknown or things we can't control. +• God's knowledge and awareness are not limited by human assumptions or emotions. +• The idea of being fully known and understood by God can be terrifying, but also freeing. +• God's knowledge of all things is related to his transcendence +• Transcendence means God is wholly other and above the world, not physically located in it +• God's existence and being are independent of human existence +• The transcendent nature of God makes Psalm 139 beautiful and compelling because God knows everything about us and is everywhere with us +• The transcendent nature of God +• God's imminence and presence everywhere, even in darkness and absence +• God's omniscience and ability to see all things +• The comfort and peace that comes from knowing God's transcendence and imminence +• God's knowledge and creation of each person, specifically referencing the speaker's own being +• The speaker explains that God knows everything about a person's life and has a plan for it. +• Seeing God at work in one's life gives clarity of mind, purpose, and identity. +• Recognizing God's presence and plan allows believers to understand their humanity and be fully alive to His glory. +• Believers are made in God's image and should praise Him because they are fearfully and wonderfully made. +• Thoughts of God about believers +• Relationship between thoughts of God and identity of believers +• Significance of being the object of God's love and affection +• Gift of salvation and its impact on believer's perspective +• Praise and comfort that come from recognizing God's thoughts about them +• Connection between God's presence, knowledge, and comfort in dark circumstances +• God's word reveals the truth about who God is and who we are in relationship to him. +• God knows everything about us and is everywhere with us, bringing comfort and peace. +• Psalm 139, particularly verses 13-14, are often highlighted as favorites but the entire psalm is ignored or overlooked. +• The final section of Psalm 139 has a tone that seems to shift but may actually be a logical consequence of God's all-knowing nature. +• Atrocities committed and the realities of sin and darkness +• God's character and justice +• Dealing with sin and darkness on the cross or judgment day +• Question of who will deal with sin: Jesus or God directly at judgment +• Gospel as truth standing apart from other news sources +• The gospel of Jesus Christ offers a perfect exchange where God sees the life Jesus lived through faith +• This perfect righteousness is counted as yours, despite your own brokenness and sin +• When you are united with Jesus' perfection by faith, God sees only his righteousness in you +• Your imperfections and sinful nature are given over to Christ on the cross for punishment +• Through this gospel, you can experience comfort and peace, knowing God's thoughts towards you are precious and wonderful +• Jesus shows love to those who know Him +• The gospel brings comfort and peace because God is present with us +• Our response to God's love matters +• We should flee from what God abhors +• God wants us to search our hearts, test them, and lead us in the right way. +• Worship starts in a pleasing aroma to the Lord and continues for 6 days +• God sees everything about us, but loves us by his grace +• God is everywhere with us and will never leave or forsake us +• Everyone will be dealt with on that day to come, either on the cross or not +• The message is meant for comfort and peace +• The speaker is praying to God, asking for truth and guidance +• The speaker asks God to make the truth real and compelling in their minds today +• The speaker requests that God see them and go with them, helping them to live out of the truth and reality they have created +• The speaker asks God to console, encourage, and fill them up with power and send them out in His name and through the gospel of Jesus Christ +• Coming together as a church family +• Recognizing ongoing darkness in one's heart +• Requesting encouragement from God to give up remaining parts of the heart to Him +• Receiving grace and encouragement through Jesus Christ and His word +• Participating in worship together with liturgy and spoken words +• Time-stamping of a prayer or liturgical reading +• References to God, Jesus Christ, and the Lord +• Gratitude for creation, the image of God in humans, and covenant with humanity +• Acknowledgment of sin and thanksgiving for redemption through Jesus Christ +• Reference to resurrection and everlasting life +• Prayer or blessing +• Mention of a memorial or sacrifice +• The Lord's Supper is a symbolic act +• Bread and cup are used to represent the body and blood of Christ +• Participants proclaim the Lord's death, resurrection, and coming again +• Faith, death, resurrection, and coming are mysteries of the Christian faith +• Glory and hope are offered through Jesus Christ +• The church is a family gathered around the Lord's table +• The invitation to participate in the Lord's Supper +• Jesus' presence and role in the sacrament +• The distinction between those who have been to the table before and those who are new +• The inclusion of online participants +• The significance of the gifts of God being offered at the feast +• Instructions for participating in the Lord's Supper, including gathering in groups and passing elements to one another +• Indication of time to come to the front +• Availability of gluten-free bread and juice +• Request for the Lord's Supper +• Instructions for receiving the elements at one's seat +• Invitation to pass the body of Christ to others +• Invitation to receive the juice from the first table +• Meeting with people at the back +• Invitation to receive prayer before or after meeting at the table +• Volunteer service and leading song during meeting +• Invocations of "Amen" throughout the transcript +• References to gratitude and praise, including lyrics from a hymn about God's grace. +• Reflections of devotion to God, emphasizing the value of putting one's heart where their treasure is +• Praise for the glory and majesty of Jesus Christ as Heaven's King +• Gratitude for being chosen in Christ and raised to life through grace +• Acknowledgment that human efforts are insufficient to save a guilty soul +• Recognition of God's power and love, which alone can erase sin and give peace with God +• Expression of dependence on Jesus Christ as the source of strength and salvation +• Testimony to the sacrifice and love of Jesus, who paid for our sins and gave His life +• Assurance that through faith in Christ, we are forgiven and loved by God. +• Christ's perfection and righteousness +• Relationship with God through Jesus Christ +• Significance of the cross and Christ's sacrifice +• Forgiveness and freedom from sin through Christ +• Peace, comfort, and presence of God +• Invitation to fellowship, prayer, and connection with others after service +• The love of Christ +• Seeking to win the prize and finding His death to be life +• Going in the love of Father God, grace of Christ, and power of the Spirit +• Bringing glory to Him with one's life +• Showing His heart to bless others and being a light of Christ +• Hope in the cross \ No newline at end of file diff --git a/Sunday Worship, January 14, 2024_transcript.txt b/Sunday Worship, January 14, 2024_transcript.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000000000000000000000000000000000000..d1ec756e5ca2d2ccf8b921ab9bc123fe7865d792 --- /dev/null +++ b/Sunday Worship, January 14, 2024_transcript.txt @@ -0,0 +1,3224 @@ +[0.00 --> 9.00] Every single light it tells me I will never measure love +[13.00 --> 21.00] Am I more than just the sum of every high and every low? +[21.00 --> 26.00] I'm not sure what I'm doing +[26.00 --> 35.00] Remind me once again just who I am because I need to know +[36.00 --> 44.00] You say I'm loved when I can't feel a thing +[44.00 --> 50.00] You say I'm strong when I think I'm weak +[51.00 --> 56.00] And you say I'm held when I am falling short +[57.00 --> 63.00] And when I don't belong, oh, you say I'm yours +[63.00 --> 69.00] And I believe, oh, I believe +[70.00 --> 76.00] What you say of me, I believe +[77.00 --> 86.00] The only thing that matters now is everything you think of me +[86.00 --> 93.00] And I believe, oh, you say I'm loved when I can't feel a thing +[94.00 --> 100.00] You say I'm strong when I think I'm weak +[101.00 --> 107.00] You say I'm strong when I think I'm weak +[107.00 --> 108.50] I can't feel a thing. +[109.50 --> 115.14] You say I am strong when I think I am weak. +[115.80 --> 121.80] And you say I am held when I am falling short. +[122.48 --> 124.38] When I don't belong. +[125.48 --> 128.20] Oh, you say I am yours. +[129.52 --> 131.40] And I believe. +[131.62 --> 131.96] I. +[132.70 --> 134.22] Oh, I believe. +[134.22 --> 135.36] I. +[135.36 --> 138.66] What you say of me. +[139.14 --> 141.54] Oh, I believe. +[141.96 --> 143.12] You can see Ooooh. +[143.12 --> 146.04] telefon attacks in terms of what you said of me. +[146.88 --> 151.34] Taking all I had it on and leave me. +[151.78 --> 154.90] And you'll be low. +[154.90 --> 162.82] You have every failure, God. +[162.82 --> 166.24] You have every victory. +[170.24 --> 176.74] You say I am loved when I can't feel a thing. +[177.56 --> 183.22] You say I am strong when I think I am weak. +[183.22 --> 189.80] You say I am held when I am falling short. +[190.56 --> 196.44] When I don't belong, oh, you say I am yours. +[197.48 --> 206.18] And I believe, oh, I believe what you say of me. +[206.18 --> 212.52] I believe, oh, I believe. +[212.52 --> 219.60] Yes, I believe what you say of me. +[219.60 --> 221.94] I believe, oh, I believe. +[221.94 --> 222.94] I believe. +[222.94 --> 225.28] I believe, oh, I believe. +[225.28 --> 230.28] I believe, oh, I believe. +[230.28 --> 245.62] I believe, oh, I believe. +[245.62 --> 247.96] I believe, oh, I believe. +[247.96 --> 248.96] I believe. +[248.96 --> 252.96] I believe, oh, I believe. +[252.96 --> 259.30] I believe, oh, I believe. +[259.30 --> 267.64] I believe. +[268.02 --> 271.64] Oh, I believe. +[271.64 --> 273.64] Do it or anything. +[294.64 --> 296.64] Woo- sheep! +[301.64 --> 307.64] I keep setting up your love forever +[309.64 --> 310.64] I'm never +[314.64 --> 317.64] I'm never +[322.64 --> 324.64] All the mountains on the sea +[325.64 --> 327.64] The river runs with a light for me +[327.64 --> 330.64] And I will open up my heart +[330.64 --> 332.64] I'll never heal us and breathe +[332.64 --> 335.64] I'm happy to be in the truth +[335.64 --> 338.64] And I will tell you my hands +[338.64 --> 340.64] For I will always sing +[340.64 --> 343.64] And when your love can die +[343.64 --> 348.64] I could sing of your love forever +[348.64 --> 354.64] I could sing of your love forever +[354.64 --> 357.64] quarterback +[357.64 --> 358.64] To Charlotte +[359.64 --> 361.64] I can sing of your love forever +[361.64 --> 363.64] I could sing of your love forever +[364.64 --> 368.64] I could sing of your love forever +[368.64 --> 371.64] I could sing of your love forever +[371.64 --> 373.64] I could sing of your love forever +[373.64 --> 378.64] But I believe I could sing of your love +[378.64 --> 384.64] So I wish I could sing of your love +[384.64 --> 391.64] Oh, I feel like dancing, yeah, yeah +[391.64 --> 394.64] It's foolishness, I know +[394.64 --> 399.64] But when the world is in night +[399.64 --> 406.64] They will dance with joy like we're dancing now +[406.64 --> 409.64] I can sing of your love +[409.64 --> 412.64] I can sing of your love +[412.64 --> 417.64] I can sing of your love forever +[417.64 --> 420.64] I can sing of your love +[420.64 --> 427.64] I can sing of your love forever +[427.64 --> 432.64] I will sing of your love forever +[432.64 --> 436.64] I can sing of your love forever +[436.64 --> 439.64] I lift the hands of the praise of all my name +[439.64 --> 444.64] I will sing of your love forever +[444.64 --> 449.64] I will sing of your love +[449.64 --> 454.64] I will sing of your love forever +[454.64 --> 458.64] I can sing of your love forever +[458.64 --> 462.64] I can sing of your love forever +[462.64 --> 465.64] I will sing of your love forever +[465.64 --> 471.64] I will sing of your love forever +[471.64 --> 473.64] I will sing of your love forever +[473.64 --> 475.64] I can sing of your love forever +[475.64 --> 477.64] I can sing of your love forever +[477.64 --> 479.64] I will sing of your love forever +[479.64 --> 484.64] I can sing under love forever. +[485.64 --> 489.64] I can sing under love forever. +[491.64 --> 495.64] I can sing under love forever. +[509.64 --> 512.64] I can sing under love forever. +[513.64 --> 515.64] She's being lost. +[539.64 --> 541.64] Good morning. +[541.64 --> 542.64] Good morning. +[542.64 --> 548.64] I know it's cold and I know we're a small group this morning, but I'm sure you can do better than that. +[548.64 --> 550.64] Maybe it's not my fault. +[552.64 --> 554.64] How about now? +[554.64 --> 555.64] There we go. +[555.64 --> 560.64] Okay, my apologies for assuming it was your fault and not mine. +[561.64 --> 562.64] Good morning. +[563.64 --> 564.64] Wonderful. +[564.64 --> 570.64] Thank you for coming together and joining with us to worship God this morning. +[570.64 --> 571.64] My name is Chris. +[571.64 --> 574.64] I'm one of the pastors here at Langley Manual. +[574.64 --> 579.64] If you're a guest with us, we are particularly glad that you are here and we would love to connect with you. +[580.64 --> 582.64] You can find me after the service. +[582.64 --> 588.64] I'll be at the back near the Connect booth, which is that table back there that has the big sign on it that says Connect. +[589.64 --> 591.64] Someone asked me the other day, what's the Connect booth? +[591.64 --> 594.64] I thought it was self-explanatory. +[594.64 --> 596.64] Apparently, we have to explain more. +[597.64 --> 598.64] It's that table back there. +[598.64 --> 599.64] You can find me there. +[600.64 --> 601.64] We have a couple announcements before we begin. +[602.64 --> 603.64] Leanne, why don't you start walking up? +[605.64 --> 608.64] Leanne is going to make an announcement on behalf of Women's Ministry. +[609.64 --> 612.64] While she's making her way over there, I just wanted to remind you. +[613.64 --> 614.64] Over there is a microphone. Thank you. +[615.64 --> 618.64] For youth, youth coffee is today after service. +[619.64 --> 620.64] I lied. +[620.64 --> 621.64] He's bringing it to you. +[622.64 --> 623.64] We're piecing it together. +[624.64 --> 625.64] New year, new problems. +[626.64 --> 628.64] Youth coffee is after service today. +[629.64 --> 632.64] That's for those of you involved in our youth program. +[633.64 --> 635.64] That's happening at Paul and Leslie Kuhl's house. +[636.64 --> 637.64] Paul and Leslie Kuhl, there they are. +[638.64 --> 642.64] If you have any questions, you can talk to them or Pastor Kevin and he will get you directions for that. +[642.64 --> 646.64] That's after service this morning for lunch and hanging out together. +[647.64 --> 648.64] Go ahead. +[648.64 --> 651.64] Good morning. As Chris said, this is on behalf of the Women's Ministry. +[651.64 --> 655.64] We want to invite the women of our church to join us at a women's retreat. +[655.64 --> 659.64] We'll be having a retreat March 8th to 10th at Camp Kakawa in Hope. +[660.64 --> 663.64] The cost will be $185 for the weekend. +[664.64 --> 666.64] If you have questions, thank you for mentioning the Connect booth. +[667.64 --> 669.64] You can come speak to any of us at the back Connect counter. +[669.64 --> 671.64] If you'd like to register, same thing, meet us over there. +[672.64 --> 675.64] You can register there or you can follow the link that is in the bulletin. +[676.64 --> 680.64] Once you have done that initial registration, we'll send you out a full registration package. +[681.64 --> 684.64] The deadline to register will be February 8th. +[685.64 --> 687.64] The deadline to pay will be February 16th. +[688.64 --> 690.64] If you have questions, please come see us at the Connect booth. +[690.64 --> 691.64] We hope to see you at the retreat though. +[695.64 --> 697.64] And one last announcement. +[697.64 --> 702.64] If you were here, you may have seen it on the scrolling announcements before service. +[703.64 --> 708.64] But on January 28th at 6pm, so that's Sunday night, 6pm, +[709.64 --> 711.64] we're hosting another worship gathering. +[712.64 --> 715.64] We have been gathering in the evenings to sing praise to God +[716.64 --> 718.64] and we've been doing that through particular themes. +[719.64 --> 723.64] January 28th, we are hosting what is being called Worship Through the Decades. +[723.64 --> 736.64] And so starting in the 70s and up until present, we will sing some of your favorites and remembered worship songs through those eras. +[736.64 --> 738.64] And so we encourage you to block that out. +[739.64 --> 740.64] Keep that on your calendar. +[740.64 --> 743.64] Save the date and join us January 28th at 6pm. +[743.64 --> 744.64] I think that's it for announcements. +[744.64 --> 752.64] And so if you are able and where you are, please stand and we'll receive God's greeting together. +[752.64 --> 764.64] Following God's greeting, you are invited to turn to those around you and welcome them into worship. +[764.64 --> 772.64] As we are in cold and flu season, just be mindful that sometimes a head nod is okay and words are always welcome. +[773.64 --> 775.64] So, receive the greeting of our God. +[776.64 --> 784.64] Grace, mercy and peace to you from God our Father, from the Lord Jesus Christ, through the presence and power of the Holy Spirit. +[785.64 --> 787.64] All God's people said, Amen. +[787.64 --> 800.64] P +[800.64 --> 802.64] 's +[817.64 --> 826.84] God calls us all to worship him this morning with the words of Psalm 107. +[827.18 --> 829.44] He sent out his word and healed them. +[829.54 --> 831.14] He rescued them from the grave. +[831.62 --> 834.60] Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love +[834.60 --> 837.96] and let his wonderful deeds for all mankind. +[837.96 --> 843.86] Let them sacrifice, thank offerings, and tell of his works with songs of joy. +[847.64 --> 870.26] Come, people of the risen King, who delight to bring him praise. +[870.26 --> 878.68] Come all and tune your hearts to sing to the morning star of grace. +[878.88 --> 886.26] From the shifting shadows of the earth we will lift our eyes to him. +[887.60 --> 895.14] Where steady arms of mercy reach to gather children in. +[895.14 --> 904.28] Rejoice, rejoice, let every tongue rejoice. +[904.66 --> 908.14] One heart, one voice. +[908.92 --> 911.90] O Church of Christ, rejoice. +[911.90 --> 918.90] Come, people of the risen King, who delight to bring him praise. +[918.90 --> 927.10] Come, those whose joy is morning sun and those weeping through the night. +[927.10 --> 935.68] Come, those who tell the battle's fall and those struggling in the fight. +[935.68 --> 965.66] Come, those who tell the Lord, who delight to bring him praise. +[965.66 --> 969.66] O Church of Christ, rejoice. +[969.66 --> 970.66] O Church of Christ, rejoice. +[970.66 --> 972.66] O Church of Christ, rejoice. +[972.66 --> 983.66] Come, young and old from every land and in the land of the faith. +[983.66 --> 992.66] Come, those with full or empty hands find the riches of his grace. +[992.66 --> 996.66] Over all the world, his people sing. +[996.66 --> 1000.66] Short to shore, we hear them call. +[1000.66 --> 1005.66] The truth that cries through every age. +[1005.66 --> 1009.66] Our God is all in all. +[1009.66 --> 1011.66] Rejoice, rejoice, rejoice. +[1011.66 --> 1013.66] Rejoice, rejoice. +[1013.66 --> 1014.66] Rejoice, rejoice. +[1014.66 --> 1017.66] Let every tongue rejoice. +[1017.66 --> 1021.66] One heart, one voice. +[1021.66 --> 1024.66] O Church of Christ, rejoice. +[1024.66 --> 1025.66] Rejoice, rejoice. +[1025.66 --> 1030.66] Rejoice, rejoice. +[1030.66 --> 1031.66] Let every tongue rejoice. +[1031.66 --> 1034.66] Let every tongue rejoice. +[1034.66 --> 1038.66] One heart, one voice. +[1038.66 --> 1043.66] O Church of Christ, rejoice. +[1043.66 --> 1044.66] O Church of Christ, rejoice. +[1044.66 --> 1047.66] O Church of Christ, rejoice. +[1047.66 --> 1049.66] O Church of Christ, rejoice. +[1049.66 --> 1050.66] Amen. +[1079.66 --> 1107.98] Holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, early in the morning our song shall rise to Thee. +[1109.66 --> 1138.92] Holy, holy, holy, merciful and mighty, all in three persons, blessed Trinity. +[1139.66 --> 1161.66] Holy, holy, holy, all the saints adore Thee. +[1161.66 --> 1176.66] Casting down their golden crowns around the glassy sea. +[1176.66 --> 1192.66] Cherubim and seraphim, falling down before Thee. +[1192.66 --> 1207.66] Who words and heart and evermore shall be. +[1207.66 --> 1223.66] Holy, holy, holy, though the darkness blind Thee. +[1223.66 --> 1237.66] Though Thee I may find myself, Thy glory may not see. +[1237.66 --> 1253.66] Only Thou art holy, there is none beside Thee. +[1253.66 --> 1266.88] Perfect in power, in love and purity. +[1266.88 --> 1267.88] Amen. +[1267.88 --> 1268.88] In love and purity. +[1268.88 --> 1269.88] Amen. +[1269.88 --> 1271.88] God Almighty has a world meanwhile to the이식 of the Michael song. +[1271.88 --> 1272.88] Amen. +[1272.88 --> 1301.88] I bow before Thee +[1302.88 --> 1312.08] King of glory, holy are You, Lord +[1312.08 --> 1316.88] None beside Thee +[1317.88 --> 1323.88] Perfect in power +[1323.88 --> 1330.88] My God forever +[1330.88 --> 1340.88] You were and o'er and You will be +[1340.88 --> 1345.88] I bow before Thee +[1345.88 --> 1355.88] King of glory, holy are You, Lord +[1355.88 --> 1360.88] None beside Thee +[1360.88 --> 1366.88] Perfect in power +[1366.88 --> 1373.88] My God forever +[1373.88 --> 1381.88] You were and are and You will be +[1381.88 --> 1388.88] You will be +[1388.88 --> 1397.88] Holy, holy, holy +[1397.88 --> 1403.88] Lord God Almighty +[1403.88 --> 1407.88] All Thy works +[1407.88 --> 1411.88] Shall praise Thy name +[1411.88 --> 1417.88] In earth and sky and sea +[1417.88 --> 1425.88] Holy, holy, holy +[1425.88 --> 1427.88] God in three persons +[1427.88 --> 1431.88] Blessed Trinity +[1431.88 --> 1435.88] I stand before Thee +[1435.88 --> 1445.88] I stand before Thee +[1445.88 --> 1452.88] I stand before Thee +[1452.88 --> 1460.88] King of glory, holy are You, Lord +[1460.88 --> 1462.88] None beside Thee +[1462.88 --> 1463.88] None beside Thee +[1463.88 --> 1465.88] None beside Thee +[1465.88 --> 1470.88] Perfect in power +[1470.88 --> 1473.88] My God +[1473.88 --> 1477.88] My God forever +[1477.88 --> 1478.88] My God forever +[1478.88 --> 1479.88] My God forever +[1479.88 --> 1485.88] You were and are and You will be +[1485.88 --> 1486.88] I stand before Thee +[1486.88 --> 1487.88] And You will be +[1487.88 --> 1488.88] I stand before Thee +[1488.88 --> 1492.88] I stand before Thee +[1492.88 --> 1497.88] King of glory +[1497.88 --> 1499.88] King of glory +[1499.88 --> 1500.88] King of glory +[1500.88 --> 1502.88] Holy are You, Lord +[1502.88 --> 1503.88] Holy are You, Lord +[1503.88 --> 1505.88] None beside Thee +[1505.88 --> 1506.88] King of glory +[1506.88 --> 1507.88] Holy are You, Lord +[1507.88 --> 1509.88] None beside Thee +[1509.88 --> 1510.88] I stand before Thee +[1510.88 --> 1511.88] King of glory +[1511.88 --> 1514.88] Perfect in power +[1514.88 --> 1516.88] My God forever +[1516.88 --> 1522.88] My God forever +[1522.88 --> 1525.88] You were and are and You will be +[1525.88 --> 1534.88] You were and are and You will be +[1534.88 --> 1553.88] You were and are and You will be +[1553.88 --> 1561.88] You may have a seat. +[1561.88 --> 1563.88] Please join me in our prayer of confession this morning. +[1563.88 --> 1573.88] Father, we come to You this morning knowing that we enter into Your holy presence. +[1573.88 --> 1580.88] We confess all those things that we said or did this week that were not what You called us to do. +[1580.88 --> 1583.88] Have mercy on us, O God. +[1583.88 --> 1592.88] Remind us again of who You call us to be and forgive us for those times when we don't show Your love to others through our actions. +[1592.88 --> 1597.88] You are a forgiving God who delights in us. +[1597.88 --> 1602.88] Thank You for Your mercy, Your grace, and Your love. +[1602.88 --> 1604.88] Amen. +[1604.88 --> 1611.88] Our assurance comes from Romans chapter 6, verse 8 to 11. +[1611.88 --> 1616.88] Now, if we died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with Him. +[1616.88 --> 1622.88] For we know that since Christ was raised from the dead, He cannot die again. +[1622.88 --> 1626.88] Death no longer has mastery over Him. +[1626.88 --> 1631.88] The death He died, He died to sin once for all. +[1631.88 --> 1635.88] But the life He lives, He lives to God. +[1635.88 --> 1643.88] In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus. +[1643.88 --> 1644.88] Amen. +[1644.88 --> 1645.88] Amen. +[1645.88 --> 1660.88] When I fear my faith will fail, Christ will hold me fast. +[1660.88 --> 1667.46] My faith will fail, Christ will hold me fast. +[1667.46 --> 1676.30] When the tempter would prevail, he will hold me fast. +[1676.82 --> 1685.34] I could never keep my hold through life's fearful path, +[1685.80 --> 1689.80] for my love is often cold. +[1689.80 --> 1694.78] He must hold me fast. +[1695.78 --> 1700.58] He will hold me fast. +[1700.82 --> 1704.62] He will hold me fast. +[1704.88 --> 1708.92] For my Savior loves me so. +[1710.22 --> 1714.32] He will hold me fast. +[1719.80 --> 1727.78] Those he saves are his delight. +[1728.78 --> 1731.78] Christ will hold me fast. +[1731.78 --> 1740.78] Precious in his holy sight, he will hold me fast. +[1740.78 --> 1745.76] He'll not let my soul be lost. +[1745.76 --> 1749.76] His promises shall last. +[1749.76 --> 1759.76] For by him at such a cost, he will hold me fast. +[1759.76 --> 1764.74] He will hold me fast. +[1764.74 --> 1768.74] He will hold me fast. +[1768.74 --> 1772.74] For my Savior loves me so. +[1772.74 --> 1778.74] He will hold me fast. +[1778.74 --> 1791.72] For my life he bled and died. +[1791.72 --> 1792.72] Christ will hold me fast. +[1792.72 --> 1796.70] Christ will hold me fast. +[1796.70 --> 1797.70] Christ will hold me fast. +[1797.70 --> 1798.70] Christ will hold me fast. +[1798.70 --> 1803.70] Christ will hold me fast. +[1803.70 --> 1808.70] raised with him to endless life. +[1808.70 --> 1810.70] He will hold me fast. +[1810.70 --> 1812.70] He will hold me fast. +[1812.70 --> 1819.70] Till our faith is turned to die. +[1819.70 --> 1823.70] When he comes at last. +[1823.70 --> 1827.70] He will hold me fast. +[1827.70 --> 1831.70] He will hold me fast. +[1831.70 --> 1835.70] For my Savior loves me so. +[1835.70 --> 1851.70] He will hold me fast. +[1851.70 --> 1856.70] For my Savior loves me so. +[1856.70 --> 1860.70] He will hold me fast. +[1860.70 --> 1873.70] Please join us for the next song in singing Gracious Redeemer. +[1873.70 --> 1893.70] I was lost in sin. +[1893.70 --> 1896.70] Held captive by my fear. +[1896.70 --> 1899.70] Till your mercy showed. +[1899.70 --> 1902.70] Your hand was reaching near. +[1902.70 --> 1904.70] My God you came. +[1904.70 --> 1906.70] My God you came. +[1906.70 --> 1909.70] And made a way for me. +[1909.70 --> 1914.70] You made a way for me. +[1914.70 --> 1919.70] I was lost in sin. +[1919.70 --> 1922.70] Held captive by my fear. +[1922.70 --> 1925.70] Till your mercy showed. +[1925.70 --> 1928.70] Your hand was reaching near. +[1928.70 --> 1930.70] My God you came. +[1930.70 --> 1932.70] My God you came. +[1932.70 --> 1935.70] And made a way for me. +[1935.70 --> 1938.70] You made a way for me. +[1938.70 --> 1940.70] My Jesus. +[1940.70 --> 1943.70] Gracious Redeemer and friend. +[1943.70 --> 1948.70] There's nothing like your love without end. +[1948.70 --> 1955.70] There's nothing like your love without end. +[1955.70 --> 1961.70] My hope was purchased by the blood of the Lamb. +[1961.70 --> 1969.70] My Jesus Redeemer. +[1969.70 --> 1985.70] the heart of the Lamb. +[1985.70 --> 1991.70] That made a way for me. +[1991.70 --> 2005.70] coming back again oh god you came and made a way for us you made a way for us +[2006.66 --> 2016.74] my jesus gracious redeemer and friend there's nothing like your love without end +[2016.74 --> 2030.74] my hope was purchased by the blood of the man my jesus redeemer +[2030.74 --> 2058.74] no guilt no shame no curse no chains new life you gave redeemer +[2058.74 --> 2070.74] no guilt no shame no curse no chains new life you gave redeemer +[2070.74 --> 2084.74] no guilt no shame no curse no chains new life you gave redeemer +[2084.74 --> 2098.74] my dead is +[2098.74 --> 2112.74] is +[2112.74 --> 2126.74] is +[2126.74 --> 2140.74] is +[2140.74 --> 2154.74] is +[2154.74 --> 2158.74] is +[2158.74 --> 2160.74] is +[2160.74 --> 2162.74] is +[2162.74 --> 2164.74] is +[2164.74 --> 2166.74] is +[2166.74 --> 2168.74] is +[2168.74 --> 2182.74] is +[2182.74 --> 2186.74] is +[2186.74 --> 2192.74] is +[2192.74 --> 2194.74] is +[2194.74 --> 2196.74] is +[2196.74 --> 2198.74] is +[2198.74 --> 2200.74] is +[2200.74 --> 2202.74] is +[2202.74 --> 2204.74] is +[2204.74 --> 2218.74] is +[2218.74 --> 2220.74] is +[2220.74 --> 2222.74] is +[2222.74 --> 2226.74] is +[2226.74 --> 2235.58] media to tell God's story. They engage an average of 148,000 people every day through internet and +[2235.58 --> 2241.92] social media outreach, and they have about 300,000 followers across the Twitter and Facebook pages +[2241.92 --> 2248.76] for their six ministry programs in the English language alone. These programs focus on different +[2248.76 --> 2255.12] areas, family life, Christian living and thinking, church resources, a kid's corner, and something +[2255.12 --> 2260.86] many of us are familiar with, the Today devotional booklet. This is a daily devotional that helps +[2260.86 --> 2268.14] people refresh, refocus, and renew their faith. You can get the Today in print, on the web, as a mobile +[2268.14 --> 2275.90] app, or via email. A two-minute audio version of the Today is also available. As part of their mission +[2275.90 --> 2280.50] to share the gospel, disciple believers, and strengthen the church at home and abroad, +[2280.50 --> 2287.54] Reframe Ministries have made these useful resources available for everyone in a variety of formats +[2287.54 --> 2294.38] and languages. As God has blessed us, let us give to support the telling of God's story throughout our world. +[2294.38 --> 2303.74] people hear the sea, church gladly Lopez Lopez Systemséntron with Mark +[2303.74 --> 2320.30] Catholic Ogrmond +[2320.30 --> 2329.12] O God, you search me and you know me +[2329.12 --> 2335.66] All my thoughts, my hope and to your gaze +[2335.66 --> 2342.26] When I walk or lie down, you are before me +[2342.26 --> 2349.04] Ever the maker and keeper of my days +[2349.04 --> 2354.64] You know my resting and my rising +[2354.64 --> 2362.06] You discern my purpose from afar +[2362.06 --> 2368.42] And with love everlasting you beseech me +[2368.42 --> 2374.98] In every moment of life or death you are +[2374.98 --> 2382.30] Before a word is on my tongue, Lord +[2382.30 --> 2388.00] You have known its meaning through and through +[2388.00 --> 2394.34] You are with me beyond my understanding +[2394.34 --> 2401.00] God of my present, my past and future too +[2401.00 --> 2408.32] For you created and shaped me +[2408.32 --> 2414.52] Gave me life within my mother's womb +[2414.52 --> 2421.32] For the wonder of who I am I praise you +[2421.32 --> 2427.64] Safe in your hands, all creation is renewed +[2427.64 --> 2436.58] O God, you search me and you know me +[2436.58 --> 2442.64] All my thoughts lie open to your gaze +[2442.64 --> 2449.96] When I walk or lie down, you are before me +[2449.96 --> 2457.96] Ever the maker and keeper of my days +[2457.96 --> 2479.56] If you are age three to grade four, I invite you to come and join us at the front for Kids Corner +[2479.56 --> 2484.56] And then we'll head off to our Children's Worship Time classes +[2484.56 --> 2502.14] All right, good morning everybody +[2502.14 --> 2508.88] Today I want to talk about a story that I'm hoping that you are familiar with +[2508.88 --> 2512.88] It's called The Three Little Pigs +[2512.88 --> 2514.20] Does anybody know that story? +[2514.20 --> 2515.20] Yes! +[2515.20 --> 2516.20] Yes? All right, excellent +[2516.20 --> 2518.20] And a different variation +[2518.20 --> 2521.20] Oh, well let's talk about the regular variation +[2521.20 --> 2524.20] So you don't ruin my plan here, Malachi +[2524.20 --> 2527.48] What happens in The Three Little Pigs? +[2527.48 --> 2529.40] Who are some of the characters in there? +[2529.40 --> 2531.20] It's the big, bad wolf +[2531.20 --> 2532.20] Sorry? +[2532.20 --> 2534.20] The big, bad wolf +[2534.20 --> 2536.20] Who else, Haley? +[2536.20 --> 2537.20] The Three Little Pigs +[2537.20 --> 2538.20] And The Three Little Pigs +[2538.20 --> 2540.20] Those are kind of the main ones, right? +[2540.20 --> 2541.20] Do you know another one, Malachi? +[2541.20 --> 2542.20] The Pig's Mom +[2542.20 --> 2543.20] The Pig's Mom +[2543.20 --> 2545.20] Maybe there's a Pig's Mom in there +[2545.20 --> 2547.20] And what happens is +[2547.20 --> 2549.20] The Big Bad Wolf, he wants to +[2549.20 --> 2551.20] Eat them +[2551.20 --> 2552.20] And so what does he do? +[2552.20 --> 2554.20] He goes to the first pig's house +[2554.20 --> 2556.20] And he says something like +[2556.20 --> 2557.20] Let me in +[2557.20 --> 2558.20] Let me in +[2558.20 --> 2559.20] Yeah, exactly +[2559.20 --> 2562.20] Little pig, little pig, let me come in +[2562.20 --> 2563.20] Yeah, because he's a little bit hungry +[2563.20 --> 2565.20] And then what does he do to the pig's house? +[2565.20 --> 2566.20] He blows it down +[2566.20 --> 2567.20] He blows it down +[2567.20 --> 2570.20] And then he goes to the next pig's house +[2570.20 --> 2572.20] And does he do the same thing or something different? +[2572.20 --> 2573.20] Same thing +[2573.20 --> 2574.20] He does the same thing +[2574.20 --> 2576.20] And then he goes to the third pig's house +[2576.20 --> 2578.20] He blows down +[2578.20 --> 2580.20] And he tries to blow it down, but he can't +[2580.20 --> 2581.20] So then what does he do? +[2581.20 --> 2584.20] He climbs into the chimney +[2584.20 --> 2586.20] He climbs into the chimney +[2586.20 --> 2588.20] And then they light a fire +[2588.20 --> 2589.20] He lands in the soup +[2589.20 --> 2590.20] Why? +[2590.20 --> 2591.20] He lands in the house +[2591.20 --> 2592.20] Yes +[2592.20 --> 2594.20] Okay, but I'm going to tell you that +[2594.20 --> 2596.20] That's not the +[2596.20 --> 2598.20] That's not actually not what the ending is +[2598.20 --> 2600.20] That's not the ending +[2600.20 --> 2603.20] This three little pigs has a different ending +[2603.20 --> 2605.20] So he doesn't have to go in the chimney +[2605.20 --> 2606.20] He doesn't have to climb down +[2606.20 --> 2608.20] And fall into the soup +[2608.20 --> 2610.20] Instead, when he comes to the door and he says +[2610.20 --> 2612.20] Little pig, little pig, let me come in +[2612.20 --> 2614.20] And the third little pig says +[2614.20 --> 2616.20] Not by the hair of my chinny chin chin +[2616.20 --> 2617.20] And then he says +[2617.20 --> 2618.20] And I'll huff and I'll puff +[2618.20 --> 2620.20] And I'll blow your house down +[2620.20 --> 2621.20] And the third little pig says +[2621.20 --> 2623.20] Before you do that, let me just tell you +[2623.20 --> 2625.20] Did that work last time? +[2625.20 --> 2626.20] Yes +[2626.20 --> 2628.20] Do you think that's going to work this time? +[2628.20 --> 2630.20] Look at how strong my house is +[2630.20 --> 2631.20] And the wolf went +[2631.20 --> 2632.20] Hmm, that's true +[2632.20 --> 2634.20] It is made out of bricks +[2634.20 --> 2635.20] And he said +[2635.20 --> 2637.20] I have a better way for you to get some food +[2637.20 --> 2639.20] Because I'm making some delicious soup +[2639.20 --> 2641.20] Already on my stove +[2641.20 --> 2642.20] If you come in +[2642.20 --> 2645.20] I'll teach you how to make a delicious vegetable soup +[2645.20 --> 2646.20] That you will love +[2646.20 --> 2649.20] And you won't need to go and blow anybody's house down +[2649.20 --> 2651.20] Because you can make your own soup +[2652.20 --> 2654.20] That's the ending +[2657.20 --> 2658.20] That's the ending of the story +[2658.20 --> 2659.20] Did that surprise you? +[2659.20 --> 2662.20] Was that different when what you thought happened? +[2662.20 --> 2663.20] Yeah, well +[2663.20 --> 2664.20] Yeah, well +[2665.20 --> 2666.20] And do you think that maybe +[2666.20 --> 2668.20] I think that maybe that's a better ending +[2668.20 --> 2670.20] Because he doesn't need to keep hunting more pigs +[2670.20 --> 2673.20] He can just make his own delicious food by himself +[2673.20 --> 2677.20] So the third little pig actually did something really amazing +[2677.20 --> 2678.20] When he helped his enemy +[2678.20 --> 2681.20] And he taught him a new way to live +[2681.20 --> 2683.20] So that he could not be so mean to others +[2684.20 --> 2689.20] So that story is kind of like something that we are going to learn about from the Bible +[2689.20 --> 2690.20] Believe it or not +[2690.20 --> 2693.20] We are going to learn today about how God's kingdom +[2693.20 --> 2694.20] And what Jesus +[2694.20 --> 2696.20] The kingdom Jesus wanted to bring +[2696.20 --> 2697.20] Was very, very different +[2697.20 --> 2700.20] Than what the Israelites and the people thought +[2701.20 --> 2702.20] And how they were surprised +[2702.20 --> 2704.20] About what the ending was going to be +[2705.20 --> 2707.20] So we can take a stand +[2707.20 --> 2708.20] Take a stand +[2709.20 --> 2710.20] Everybody +[2713.20 --> 2715.20] And we are going to lead the blessing +[2715.20 --> 2717.20] So if you are learning it +[2717.20 --> 2718.20] The kids, we go +[2718.20 --> 2719.20] And we know the Lord be with you +[2719.20 --> 2720.20] And you get to respond +[2720.20 --> 2721.20] And also with you +[2721.20 --> 2722.20] And also with you +[2723.20 --> 2725.20] The world be with you +[2725.20 --> 2726.20] All right +[2727.20 --> 2728.20] The world be with you +[2728.20 --> 2731.20] And also with you +[2734.20 --> 2737.20] I've got this morning to head to us +[2737.20 --> 2739.20] Good morning everyone +[2739.20 --> 2740.20] Happy New Year +[2740.20 --> 2741.20] Am I still allowed to say that? +[2741.20 --> 2742.20] Yeah +[2742.20 --> 2743.20] Okay, okay +[2743.20 --> 2744.20] At least until the end of the month maybe +[2744.20 --> 2745.20] My name is Eric, I'm an elder here and I'm here to lead you in the church family prayer +[2745.20 --> 2747.20] I have a few things I'd like to mention before that +[2747.20 --> 2748.20] I have a few things I'd like to mention before that +[2748.20 --> 2751.20] I got desperate this morning, couldn't find glasses so I got a one-armed glasses here this morning +[2751.20 --> 2755.20] I'm here to lead you in the church family prayer +[2755.20 --> 2759.20] I have a few things I'd like to mention before that +[2759.20 --> 2766.20] I got desperate this morning, couldn't find glasses so I got a one-armed glasses here this morning so I look a little crooked maybe +[2766.20 --> 2767.20] But they work +[2767.20 --> 2771.20] A couple things I want to bring to everybody's attention +[2771.20 --> 2773.20] Just a thing of, thing of Thanksgiving, Megan and Jesus Hernandez had a baby girl named Janica this week +[2774.20 --> 2775.20] So we're thankful for that +[2776.20 --> 2778.20] I found out this morning from Frank and Frank and Sylvia that they have a new granddaughter +[2778.20 --> 2781.20] And they're going to be a new granddaughter +[2781.20 --> 2782.20] And I have a few things I'd like to mention before that +[2783.20 --> 2793.20] I got desperate this morning and couldn't find glasses so I got a one-arm glasses here this morning +[2794.20 --> 2795.20] So I look a little crooked maybe +[2796.20 --> 2797.20] But they work +[2797.20 --> 2801.24] I found out this morning from Frank and Sylvia that they have a new granddaughter. +[2802.10 --> 2803.74] She was born on January 5th. +[2803.92 --> 2808.06] She's a month early, but the mom and everyone is doing well. +[2808.14 --> 2812.66] Her name is Charlotte Beth to their daughter Cheryl and Kevin. +[2815.02 --> 2820.14] We also have a few deaths that have been happening in our community over the last little while +[2820.14 --> 2822.36] that we should pray for the families for. +[2822.36 --> 2829.90] Jacob Prins passed away in Lacombe, a connection to the Birken Pass and Prins families in this church. +[2830.96 --> 2835.06] Ebel Campen, uncle to Miriam De Winter, has passed away. +[2835.80 --> 2840.42] Hank Van Eyck passed away, dad to Greta Kuypers and granddaughter to Nikki Lowbert. +[2841.40 --> 2845.46] Helen Van Vergeyck's mom, Carolyn's grandma, also has passed away. +[2845.46 --> 2853.96] And we should also keep in our minds the Visser and Hummelman families as they've also lost loved ones recently as well. +[2856.16 --> 2859.10] I saw Emmett in here. Is he still here or did he go to Sunday school? +[2859.84 --> 2861.04] That's a pretty good sign. +[2861.14 --> 2866.62] So Emmett was in the hospital for a few days last week, so he's back home and doing well. +[2867.34 --> 2867.58] Good. +[2868.36 --> 2874.34] And of course, we've been praying for Jerry Jansen's granddaughter who's dealing with lupus as well for the last few weeks. +[2874.34 --> 2875.40] So keep her in our prayers. +[2876.46 --> 2878.42] Now please join me in family prayer. +[2880.48 --> 2882.66] Heavenly Father, we thank you for this day. +[2883.90 --> 2889.98] As the cold snap works to pass on to somewhere else, we are thankful for the many comforts we have in our lives, +[2890.04 --> 2891.80] like heated homes and heated cars. +[2892.82 --> 2896.60] Our thoughts and prayers go out to those who do not have these conveniences, +[2896.78 --> 2899.72] like the homeless that we see on the streets, even here in Langley. +[2899.72 --> 2911.36] As we watch the world spiral into chaos in many areas, we realize how insignificant our complaints about the weather or the cold really are, +[2911.94 --> 2916.76] compared to the trials that many have in these unstable areas of the world. +[2916.76 --> 2925.00] We pray for peace in these areas and for your guiding hand for the leadership involved to make peace and harmony accessible to all. +[2925.00 --> 2930.58] Here in our own country, Lord, we ask for prayer for the challenges we see all too often. +[2930.58 --> 2936.46] Homelessness, drug addiction, and poverty are big problems that have no easy answers, +[2936.46 --> 2940.76] but we know, Lord, that no problem is too large for your power to correct. +[2941.86 --> 2948.50] Lord, give us the leadership in this country, give the leadership in this country the foresight to bring a solution to these issues +[2948.50 --> 2950.48] and to support those that need our help. +[2950.48 --> 2957.12] Lord, here in our own church, here at Emmanuel, we have concerns too that we want to bring to you. +[2957.62 --> 2960.84] So many in our midst have experienced death of a loved one recently. +[2960.84 --> 2968.30] It is always difficult to lose a loved one, and that hole that is present from the lost can take a long time to heal. +[2969.14 --> 2973.16] So, Lord, we ask for strength for those who are mourning our loved ones. +[2974.78 --> 2978.90] We are grateful, Lord, for the new child that has been born to Megan and Jesus Hernandez. +[2978.90 --> 2983.76] All are doing well, and we are enjoying the smile on Oma Joanne's face. +[2984.76 --> 2991.72] We also want to praise you, Lord, for the safe arrival of Frank and Sylvia's granddaughter, Charlotte, as well. +[2993.00 --> 2999.10] We are thankful that Emmett Wind has returned home from the hospital after a health scare that kept him in the hospital for a number of days. +[3000.88 --> 3006.36] We know, Lord, that there are many challenges, issues, and concerns among our community that do not make the bulletin list. +[3006.36 --> 3013.74] Many of those we know will all suffer from many physical health ailments that we ask you, Lord, for healing. +[3014.88 --> 3025.86] The often unseen challenges of mental health are often very difficult to navigate, but we trust and pray that you can offer hope for those and offer light in an often very dark space. +[3025.86 --> 3033.04] We pray for families in our midst, Lord, where parents need wisdom and strength to deal with the parenting children of all ages. +[3034.26 --> 3039.02] There's no handbook on this, and we often wonder and hope and pray that we are doing the right things. +[3040.30 --> 3048.84] Since we know we as parents and our children are your children, we can rest in the comfort that we can trust in you to guide all of us. +[3048.84 --> 3055.48] In this world, Lord, where there are so many distractions from you and walking with you, +[3056.80 --> 3064.28] distractions from you and walking with you, we ask for your spirit to encourage us to pause and take a moment to focus on you through a time of prayer, +[3065.22 --> 3067.42] devotion, Bible reading, or reflection. +[3068.70 --> 3070.50] This will do us all a lot of good. +[3070.50 --> 3076.90] When we look around us and see how complicated our world has become and how many distractions there are, +[3077.00 --> 3079.44] we are grateful for the simple words of the Lord's Prayer. +[3080.56 --> 3084.00] Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be your name. +[3084.82 --> 3088.38] Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. +[3089.28 --> 3095.22] Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespassers as we forgive those who trespass against us. +[3095.22 --> 3098.50] And lead us not in temptation, but deliver us from evil. +[3098.80 --> 3102.80] For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours forever and ever. +[3103.26 --> 3103.52] Amen. +[3103.52 --> 3103.64] Amen. +[3125.22 --> 3133.38] We are going to continue our worship with a chance to hear and reflect upon God's word together. +[3133.38 --> 3138.58] And we're going to do that from what is for many a very familiar psalm. +[3139.30 --> 3149.76] And as we are celebrating births and God's goodness in that, a very appropriate psalm for our reflection and worship this morning. +[3149.90 --> 3152.96] We're going to read from Psalm 139. +[3152.96 --> 3158.50] And so if you have a Bible either in your hands or from the back or on your device, +[3159.30 --> 3160.88] I encourage you to open that up, turn that on. +[3160.88 --> 3169.54] The first time through, it will be on the screen, but it will help you as we go through if you are able to keep that with you or in front of you. +[3170.94 --> 3176.76] I'm going to read through the psalm once together, and then you can have it there. +[3176.96 --> 3177.98] Let's read. +[3181.48 --> 3182.88] Psalm 139. +[3182.96 --> 3187.10] You have searched me, Lord, and you know me. +[3187.92 --> 3190.20] You know when I sit and when I rise. +[3190.34 --> 3192.54] You perceive my thoughts from afar. +[3193.52 --> 3196.56] You discern my going out and my lying down. +[3196.96 --> 3199.60] You are familiar with all my ways. +[3200.10 --> 3203.78] Before a word is on my tongue, you know, Lord, it completely. +[3204.74 --> 3209.12] You hem me in behind and before, and you lay your hand upon me. +[3209.12 --> 3214.52] Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain. +[3214.52 --> 3218.58] Where can I go from your spirit? +[3218.58 --> 3220.68] Where can I flee from your presence? +[3220.68 --> 3222.98] If I go up to the heavens, you are there. +[3222.98 --> 3226.02] If I make my bed in the depths, you are there. +[3226.02 --> 3233.14] If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me. +[3233.14 --> 3235.74] Your right hand will hold me fast. +[3235.74 --> 3241.84] If I say surely the darkness will hide me and the light will become night around me. +[3241.84 --> 3245.60] Even the darkness will not be dark to you. +[3246.24 --> 3250.50] The light will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you. +[3251.66 --> 3255.00] For you created my inmost being. +[3255.46 --> 3257.40] You knit me together in my mother's womb. +[3257.54 --> 3261.02] I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made. +[3261.42 --> 3262.84] Your works are wonderful. +[3263.68 --> 3265.54] I know that full well. +[3265.54 --> 3273.48] My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth. +[3274.24 --> 3277.24] Your eyes saw my unformed body. +[3277.40 --> 3282.44] All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be. +[3283.52 --> 3286.44] How precious to me are your thoughts, God! +[3286.62 --> 3288.44] How vast the sum of them! +[3289.36 --> 3292.34] Were I to count them, they would outnumber the grains of the sand. +[3292.34 --> 3294.92] When I awake, I am still with you. +[3295.54 --> 3300.36] If only you, God, would slay the wicked. +[3300.74 --> 3303.14] Away from me, you who are bloodthirsty. +[3303.98 --> 3305.88] They speak of you with evil intent. +[3306.24 --> 3308.40] Your adversaries misuse your name. +[3309.44 --> 3314.28] Do I not hate those who hate you, Lord, and abhor those who are in rebellion against you? +[3314.86 --> 3317.18] I have nothing but hatred for them. +[3317.28 --> 3318.56] I count them my enemies. +[3319.76 --> 3323.42] Search me, God, and know my heart. +[3323.42 --> 3331.60] Test me, and know my anxious thoughts, and see if there is any offensive way in me, +[3331.90 --> 3335.04] and lead me in the way everlasting. +[3335.70 --> 3336.86] This is the word of the Lord. +[3336.86 --> 3338.40] Thanks be to God. +[3338.40 --> 3353.18] A little while ago, my sister-in-law, who lives in Ontario, was telling us a story about my niece. +[3353.96 --> 3358.92] My niece is three years old, and she is rambunctious and full of life. +[3359.08 --> 3360.10] That's one way to put it. +[3360.10 --> 3364.24] She was playing hide-and-seek with her older sister, +[3364.90 --> 3371.74] and she was convinced that she had found the best hiding spot in their house. +[3372.80 --> 3376.56] You see, what she had done is she had taken a rubber-made tote +[3376.56 --> 3380.22] that normally has those ball pit balls in it that they play with, +[3380.26 --> 3383.18] and they dump into an inflatable pool, but that's where they store them. +[3383.18 --> 3386.46] She had taken that rubber-made tote, dumped all the balls out, +[3386.84 --> 3389.84] flipped it over, and then hid underneath. +[3391.92 --> 3396.08] And my sister-in-law says you could hear her giggling +[3396.08 --> 3401.06] as she thought she had found the perfect spot. +[3402.24 --> 3403.86] I have a picture I want you to see. +[3403.86 --> 3411.94] The perfect spot she found, if you can't see it, +[3412.46 --> 3414.76] was under a clear plastic rubber-made tote, +[3415.08 --> 3418.32] and she was covering her eyes and laughing away. +[3423.08 --> 3426.68] I think, not only is this adorable, and isn't she amazing, +[3426.68 --> 3431.88] but I think this is an awesome illustration +[3431.88 --> 3440.06] of how we look to God when we try to hide ourselves, +[3440.92 --> 3444.62] when we try to keep our hearts secret from who God is. +[3445.38 --> 3447.64] We think we're being really good at it, +[3448.64 --> 3453.28] and God sees right through the box that we hide. +[3454.24 --> 3455.88] Try to cover it up, try to hide it, +[3455.88 --> 3458.04] try to shut our eyes to it, +[3458.28 --> 3460.52] no matter how deep we bury it down, +[3460.60 --> 3463.56] or stuff it into the deepest corners of our subconscious. +[3464.04 --> 3465.82] Try, as we might, to ignore it, +[3465.88 --> 3468.78] or to distract others from the truth of it. +[3469.86 --> 3474.86] All of who we are is clear to God. +[3476.82 --> 3479.94] And this morning, as we reflect on Psalm 139, +[3479.94 --> 3481.70] you have a choice to make. +[3481.70 --> 3489.08] Because this truth can either be terrifying or anxiety-inducing, +[3489.30 --> 3495.96] or, like I believe, it can be the single greatest source of peace +[3495.96 --> 3500.18] and comfort, of hope in your life for every day, +[3500.34 --> 3503.26] for every moment, and everything you face. +[3503.26 --> 3507.34] And whether it's the first or the latter, +[3507.48 --> 3508.48] that's up to you. +[3508.70 --> 3510.86] That's your choice this morning. +[3512.06 --> 3516.58] This is the truth, I think, of Psalm 139. +[3517.30 --> 3519.02] That God knows everything, +[3519.42 --> 3520.84] that God is everywhere, +[3521.10 --> 3523.32] and that God will deal with everyone. +[3524.38 --> 3526.46] The truth of Psalm 139, +[3526.46 --> 3529.74] this is the truth of Psalm 139, +[3529.82 --> 3531.50] and because it is true, +[3532.02 --> 3535.60] that becomes for us comfort, peace, and hope. +[3535.98 --> 3538.78] That's our big idea this morning, +[3538.86 --> 3541.88] and the structure of this passage and this message. +[3542.42 --> 3544.04] One, that God knows everything. +[3544.60 --> 3545.94] Two, God is everywhere. +[3546.24 --> 3548.84] And three, God will deal with everyone. +[3548.84 --> 3552.32] And so, we can have comfort and peace +[3552.32 --> 3554.76] in life and in death. +[3556.04 --> 3557.44] Now, if your Bibles are open, +[3557.54 --> 3558.78] and this is one of the reasons why I asked you +[3558.78 --> 3560.04] to have that in front of you, +[3560.80 --> 3565.80] you can see the way the editors have structured it +[3565.80 --> 3567.40] in whatever translation you're reading. +[3567.48 --> 3568.56] It's probably very similar. +[3569.24 --> 3571.92] And it's based on the Hebrew poetry +[3571.92 --> 3574.12] and the way this is organized there, +[3574.12 --> 3576.90] but it's structured into four sections, +[3577.38 --> 3579.10] each of six verses. +[3579.10 --> 3582.16] Now, the first section there, +[3582.40 --> 3583.88] verses one through six, +[3584.26 --> 3585.98] is our number one. +[3586.12 --> 3588.02] It's our first point, right? +[3588.12 --> 3589.90] God knows everything. +[3590.66 --> 3591.44] And specifically, +[3591.96 --> 3595.00] God knows everything about me. +[3597.76 --> 3601.30] This is about God's intimate +[3601.30 --> 3603.58] and perfect knowledge +[3603.58 --> 3606.32] of my whole person. +[3606.32 --> 3609.44] about how there's nothing hidden +[3609.44 --> 3610.70] from his sight. +[3611.70 --> 3613.68] You have searched me, Lord, +[3613.76 --> 3614.80] and you know me. +[3616.06 --> 3616.20] Right? +[3616.24 --> 3617.16] God has examined. +[3617.70 --> 3618.96] He has looked deeply +[3618.96 --> 3620.86] and he has seen it all. +[3621.38 --> 3622.46] He knows you. +[3623.26 --> 3625.02] And it's important to realize +[3625.02 --> 3627.96] that he has always known you. +[3628.76 --> 3628.90] Right? +[3628.90 --> 3630.84] God is outside of time. +[3631.00 --> 3631.90] He is transcendent, +[3632.68 --> 3634.00] is sometimes the word we use. +[3634.00 --> 3636.38] It means he is over and above things. +[3636.46 --> 3638.84] He is outside of space and time. +[3638.94 --> 3640.90] That's what transcendent means for God. +[3640.98 --> 3643.84] And he sees from that vantage point. +[3644.68 --> 3644.86] Right? +[3644.90 --> 3645.56] What did we read? +[3646.66 --> 3648.54] You know when I sit and when I rise, +[3648.64 --> 3651.86] you perceive my thoughts from afar. +[3653.30 --> 3653.60] Right? +[3653.66 --> 3656.46] From God's transcendent vantage point, +[3656.60 --> 3659.34] he sees and he knows everything. +[3659.70 --> 3662.00] He sees your heart and your desires. +[3662.00 --> 3665.30] He sees your mind and your will. +[3665.62 --> 3667.28] He knows your actions. +[3669.40 --> 3672.00] You know when I sit and when I rise. +[3673.16 --> 3676.24] You discern my going out and my lying down. +[3676.74 --> 3680.08] You are familiar with all my ways. +[3681.88 --> 3682.08] Right? +[3682.10 --> 3683.10] He knows your words. +[3683.64 --> 3684.90] In fact, he knows the words +[3684.90 --> 3686.22] before it's on your tongue, +[3686.30 --> 3687.52] before a word is on my tongue. +[3687.60 --> 3689.02] You know it, Lord, completely. +[3689.02 --> 3691.40] And he knows your life. +[3692.22 --> 3693.94] Past, present, and future +[3693.94 --> 3697.38] are all concurrent, present to God. +[3698.42 --> 3698.76] He says, +[3698.86 --> 3701.24] You hem me in behind and before. +[3701.58 --> 3704.18] You lay your hand upon me. +[3705.36 --> 3706.82] I hope you can see it. +[3707.14 --> 3708.82] God knows everything. +[3709.32 --> 3711.72] And this isn't some general knowledge +[3711.72 --> 3714.56] about things generally happening in the world. +[3714.56 --> 3717.50] This is a specific and particular knowledge +[3717.50 --> 3718.36] about you. +[3719.58 --> 3720.96] About who you are. +[3722.90 --> 3725.90] There's a quote from a theologian +[3725.90 --> 3727.62] named A.W. Tozer. +[3727.78 --> 3729.46] He wrote in the 1960s. +[3730.30 --> 3731.58] It's a bit of a longer quote, +[3731.72 --> 3733.08] but it's written in a way +[3733.08 --> 3734.48] that people just don't talk anymore. +[3734.72 --> 3736.80] And so there's something beautiful to it. +[3737.18 --> 3738.12] And so I want to share it with you. +[3738.86 --> 3740.10] This is from his book called +[3740.10 --> 3741.34] The Knowledge of the Holy. +[3741.34 --> 3747.68] God knows instantly and effortlessly +[3747.68 --> 3749.88] all matter and all matters, +[3750.68 --> 3753.04] all mind and every mind, +[3753.40 --> 3755.08] all spirit and all spirits, +[3755.20 --> 3757.52] all being and every being, +[3757.68 --> 3760.00] all creaturehood and all creatures, +[3760.16 --> 3762.98] every plurality and all pluralities, +[3763.12 --> 3764.82] all law and every law, +[3765.08 --> 3766.66] all relations, all causes, +[3766.78 --> 3767.36] all thoughts, +[3767.36 --> 3769.00] all mysteries, +[3769.52 --> 3770.16] all enigmas, +[3770.32 --> 3770.86] all feeling, +[3771.04 --> 3771.74] all desires, +[3772.24 --> 3773.66] every unuttered secret, +[3773.84 --> 3775.14] all thrones and dominions, +[3775.26 --> 3776.02] all personalities, +[3776.32 --> 3777.84] all things visible and invisible +[3777.84 --> 3778.98] in heaven and on earth, +[3779.14 --> 3781.12] motion, space, time, life, death, +[3781.50 --> 3783.42] good, evil, heaven and hell. +[3784.26 --> 3787.86] And he is never surprised. +[3790.52 --> 3792.72] Think about that for a moment +[3792.72 --> 3794.72] by way of comparison. +[3794.72 --> 3799.22] Listen, generally speaking, +[3799.72 --> 3805.46] what is your greatest source of anxiety +[3805.46 --> 3808.72] or worry or fear in this life? +[3810.72 --> 3812.46] In some way, generally, +[3812.96 --> 3814.18] all of our anxieties, +[3814.34 --> 3815.12] all of our fears, +[3815.28 --> 3816.16] all of our worries +[3816.16 --> 3819.42] are related to what we don't know +[3819.42 --> 3822.10] or what we can't know +[3822.10 --> 3823.46] or what we can't see, +[3824.00 --> 3824.12] right, +[3824.12 --> 3825.30] what we don't understand. +[3825.94 --> 3827.86] Most often in life, +[3827.96 --> 3829.88] it's some form of the unknown +[3829.88 --> 3833.50] that increases or causes our anxiety +[3833.50 --> 3835.42] or our fear and our worry. +[3836.76 --> 3839.74] And because God knows everything, +[3840.00 --> 3842.20] because he is never surprised, +[3842.26 --> 3843.24] like Tozer says, +[3843.54 --> 3845.10] that's why there's no fear +[3845.10 --> 3847.28] or anxiety or worry in him, +[3847.28 --> 3849.42] because nothing catches him off guard, +[3850.20 --> 3850.32] right? +[3850.36 --> 3851.58] Not even your deepest, +[3852.06 --> 3854.16] darkest, dirtiest secrets. +[3855.50 --> 3857.22] Nothing catches him unaware. +[3858.28 --> 3860.18] Not even the most horrific thing +[3860.18 --> 3861.80] you've ever thought or done. +[3863.46 --> 3865.54] In his presence, +[3865.78 --> 3867.52] to his gaze, +[3867.82 --> 3870.28] you are laid bare. +[3870.28 --> 3874.56] And let me be clear, +[3874.68 --> 3876.86] if that's terrifying to you, +[3878.16 --> 3879.72] it could be because +[3879.72 --> 3881.08] you're coming at this +[3881.08 --> 3882.44] from a human perspective. +[3882.64 --> 3882.88] That is, +[3883.10 --> 3883.96] you're coming at this +[3883.96 --> 3885.30] full of the same assumptions +[3885.30 --> 3886.52] you would have +[3886.52 --> 3888.12] if you saw the depths +[3888.12 --> 3889.80] of that person's heart +[3889.80 --> 3891.04] or that you would have +[3891.04 --> 3892.24] or that you would assume +[3892.24 --> 3893.22] if you knew +[3893.22 --> 3894.06] the deepest +[3894.06 --> 3895.38] and darkest corners +[3895.38 --> 3896.44] of their mind. +[3896.52 --> 3897.26] You're coming at this +[3897.26 --> 3898.08] from the assumption +[3898.08 --> 3899.32] of what you think +[3899.32 --> 3900.78] other people might say +[3900.78 --> 3901.78] if they saw the depths +[3901.78 --> 3902.62] of your being. +[3904.00 --> 3905.58] But God is not like you +[3905.58 --> 3906.92] and me in that regard. +[3907.18 --> 3907.96] More accurately, +[3908.34 --> 3908.80] you and I +[3908.80 --> 3909.76] are not like God +[3909.76 --> 3910.70] in that regard. +[3913.02 --> 3913.90] The truth is, +[3914.02 --> 3914.56] and the psalmist +[3914.56 --> 3915.28] makes it really clear, +[3915.38 --> 3916.42] that kind of awareness, +[3916.66 --> 3918.40] that kind of self-knowledge +[3918.40 --> 3919.42] would, in fact, +[3919.50 --> 3921.26] be too much for us. +[3922.16 --> 3923.06] That's David's point +[3923.06 --> 3923.98] in verse 6. +[3924.88 --> 3925.16] He says, +[3925.58 --> 3926.52] such knowledge +[3926.52 --> 3927.76] is too wonderful +[3927.76 --> 3928.36] for me, +[3928.48 --> 3929.40] too lofty +[3929.40 --> 3930.58] for me to attain. +[3931.56 --> 3932.46] That word, +[3932.58 --> 3933.50] too wonderful, +[3933.76 --> 3934.34] in Hebrew, +[3934.70 --> 3936.32] means incomprehensible. +[3937.84 --> 3938.96] It's too much. +[3940.68 --> 3941.16] Now, I want you +[3941.16 --> 3941.66] to see this +[3941.66 --> 3943.72] carefully. +[3944.78 --> 3945.88] If you have your Bibles open, +[3946.06 --> 3946.50] this will help +[3946.50 --> 3947.42] if you look at the text. +[3949.46 --> 3950.58] Such knowledge +[3950.58 --> 3951.76] is too wonderful. +[3951.76 --> 3953.80] It is incomprehensible. +[3953.80 --> 3955.88] And then, +[3955.98 --> 3956.96] it describes, +[3957.20 --> 3958.10] through what's called +[3958.10 --> 3958.98] parallelism, +[3959.48 --> 3960.22] saying it is +[3960.22 --> 3961.50] too lofty +[3961.50 --> 3962.76] for me to attain. +[3963.30 --> 3964.26] Too lofty +[3964.26 --> 3965.22] means that it is +[3965.22 --> 3965.78] high above. +[3965.92 --> 3967.06] It's far away. +[3967.60 --> 3968.84] It's like what David said +[3968.84 --> 3969.68] back in verse 2 +[3969.68 --> 3970.18] when he says, +[3970.30 --> 3971.20] you know when I sit +[3971.20 --> 3971.78] and when I rise, +[3971.86 --> 3972.92] you perceive my thoughts +[3972.92 --> 3973.76] from where? +[3975.34 --> 3976.18] From afar. +[3977.84 --> 3979.30] Here's what I want you +[3979.30 --> 3979.66] to hear. +[3980.56 --> 3981.58] God's knowledge +[3981.58 --> 3982.46] of all +[3982.46 --> 3983.78] is related +[3983.78 --> 3985.48] to his transcendence +[3985.48 --> 3986.18] overall. +[3988.10 --> 3989.14] Did you catch that? +[3990.12 --> 3991.08] God's knowledge +[3991.08 --> 3991.90] of all +[3991.90 --> 3992.72] is related +[3992.72 --> 3994.24] to his transcendence +[3994.24 --> 3995.02] overall. +[3995.30 --> 3996.02] And what I mean +[3996.02 --> 3996.56] by that +[3996.56 --> 3997.24] is that because +[3997.24 --> 3998.68] God is above all, +[3998.82 --> 4000.20] because he is +[4000.20 --> 4001.94] out of this +[4001.94 --> 4003.24] world and system, +[4003.34 --> 4004.16] because he is +[4004.16 --> 4005.48] totally holy, +[4005.78 --> 4007.10] that is set apart, +[4007.52 --> 4007.66] right, +[4007.72 --> 4009.34] he is wholly other, +[4009.66 --> 4010.60] he is able +[4010.60 --> 4011.28] to see +[4011.28 --> 4012.02] everything +[4012.02 --> 4012.98] that is. +[4014.00 --> 4014.86] Let's say that again. +[4015.46 --> 4016.98] God's transcendence, +[4017.02 --> 4017.84] there's that word again, +[4018.14 --> 4018.98] isn't about +[4018.98 --> 4020.14] his physical +[4020.14 --> 4021.12] or material +[4021.12 --> 4022.00] location +[4022.00 --> 4023.16] in this world. +[4024.00 --> 4024.70] We're not saying +[4024.70 --> 4025.46] that God is somewhere +[4025.46 --> 4026.54] up in the sky +[4026.54 --> 4027.54] when we are saying +[4027.54 --> 4028.60] that he is transcendent. +[4028.90 --> 4029.28] Instead, +[4029.66 --> 4030.30] what we mean +[4030.30 --> 4031.50] when we say +[4031.50 --> 4033.02] that God is transcendent +[4033.02 --> 4033.74] is that he is +[4033.74 --> 4035.06] wholly other, +[4035.24 --> 4036.20] he is a wholly +[4036.20 --> 4037.60] other being, +[4037.94 --> 4039.56] he is true being, +[4039.66 --> 4040.78] in a capital B +[4040.78 --> 4041.72] sense of the word. +[4042.30 --> 4042.42] Right? +[4042.50 --> 4044.08] All of our being +[4044.08 --> 4044.88] and our existing +[4044.88 --> 4046.56] is dependent upon +[4046.56 --> 4047.78] his being +[4047.78 --> 4049.38] and his existing. +[4049.50 --> 4050.82] That's transcendence. +[4052.42 --> 4054.08] And it's this truth +[4054.08 --> 4056.40] about who God is, +[4056.66 --> 4058.84] this transcendent God, +[4058.96 --> 4060.86] that makes the second part +[4060.86 --> 4062.74] of Psalm 139 +[4062.74 --> 4063.88] so beautiful +[4063.88 --> 4064.94] and so compelling. +[4064.94 --> 4066.76] because not only +[4066.76 --> 4068.58] does this transcendent God +[4068.58 --> 4069.96] know everything +[4069.96 --> 4071.56] about you, +[4072.78 --> 4075.98] but this God +[4075.98 --> 4077.70] is everywhere. +[4078.00 --> 4078.60] Specifically, +[4079.14 --> 4080.40] he is everywhere +[4080.40 --> 4082.36] with you. +[4083.58 --> 4084.40] In verse 7, +[4084.78 --> 4085.46] David asks, +[4085.66 --> 4086.32] where can I go +[4086.32 --> 4087.20] from your spirit? +[4087.32 --> 4088.26] Where can I flee +[4088.26 --> 4089.40] from your presence? +[4090.26 --> 4091.06] And then the answer +[4091.06 --> 4091.78] that he gives +[4091.78 --> 4092.46] in this section +[4092.46 --> 4093.08] is nowhere. +[4093.98 --> 4094.16] Right? +[4094.18 --> 4095.18] If I go up to the sky, +[4095.32 --> 4095.70] you're there. +[4095.86 --> 4096.76] If I make my bed +[4096.76 --> 4097.26] in the depths, +[4097.40 --> 4097.78] you're there. +[4097.88 --> 4098.64] If I go to heaven, +[4098.78 --> 4099.24] you are there. +[4099.34 --> 4100.46] If I go to the grave, +[4100.80 --> 4101.40] you are there. +[4101.58 --> 4102.76] At the beginning of the day, +[4102.84 --> 4103.50] you are there. +[4103.64 --> 4104.66] Even if I flee +[4104.66 --> 4105.96] to the furthest side +[4105.96 --> 4106.60] of the sea, +[4107.78 --> 4108.40] you are there. +[4110.94 --> 4112.22] The amazing thing +[4112.22 --> 4113.90] about God's transcendence +[4113.90 --> 4116.36] is that it is matched +[4116.36 --> 4118.50] by his imminence. +[4120.24 --> 4120.76] Right? +[4120.82 --> 4121.54] The amazing thing +[4121.54 --> 4122.06] about God +[4122.06 --> 4124.02] being so wholly other +[4124.02 --> 4125.40] is that it is matched +[4125.40 --> 4126.60] by his being +[4126.60 --> 4128.04] with us. +[4128.84 --> 4128.98] Right? +[4129.08 --> 4129.90] God's imminence +[4129.90 --> 4130.90] by his spirit +[4130.90 --> 4131.78] means that he is +[4131.78 --> 4133.20] with us everywhere. +[4133.34 --> 4134.00] The same God +[4134.00 --> 4134.96] who is transcendent +[4134.96 --> 4136.30] over all the universe +[4136.30 --> 4137.12] is present +[4137.12 --> 4138.62] in the universe +[4138.62 --> 4139.32] that he created +[4139.32 --> 4140.34] by his spirit. +[4141.18 --> 4141.58] And again, +[4142.26 --> 4142.94] hear carefully +[4142.94 --> 4144.06] verse 12. +[4146.44 --> 4147.50] Even darkness +[4147.50 --> 4149.70] is not dark to you. +[4150.52 --> 4151.12] The darkness +[4151.12 --> 4153.24] is as light to you. +[4154.08 --> 4154.74] That means +[4154.74 --> 4156.54] even when it seems like, +[4156.86 --> 4158.50] even when it feels like +[4158.50 --> 4159.66] God is not around, +[4160.06 --> 4161.30] even when it seems like +[4161.30 --> 4161.98] or feels like +[4161.98 --> 4162.90] he is not near, +[4163.32 --> 4164.40] even when you look out +[4164.40 --> 4165.02] at your life +[4165.02 --> 4167.00] and you cannot see him, +[4167.04 --> 4167.72] you are blind +[4167.72 --> 4169.36] to his presence, +[4169.62 --> 4170.80] no matter what life +[4170.80 --> 4171.62] throws at you +[4171.62 --> 4172.70] that seems to have +[4172.70 --> 4173.70] pushed him away +[4173.70 --> 4174.40] or caused you +[4174.40 --> 4175.32] to push him away, +[4175.72 --> 4177.62] the true reality +[4177.62 --> 4178.94] of the matter is, +[4179.06 --> 4180.54] the spiritual reality +[4180.54 --> 4182.26] is that God +[4182.26 --> 4183.84] is here. +[4185.22 --> 4186.38] That he is close to you, +[4186.44 --> 4187.54] that he is near you, +[4187.62 --> 4188.80] that he has never left you +[4188.80 --> 4189.94] nor forsaken you. +[4190.44 --> 4191.34] And he never will. +[4192.30 --> 4193.98] Darkness is as light +[4193.98 --> 4194.48] to you +[4194.48 --> 4196.14] in the pitchest black +[4196.14 --> 4197.32] when you can't see +[4197.32 --> 4197.88] a thing, +[4198.26 --> 4199.08] God sees +[4199.08 --> 4200.02] as if it were +[4200.02 --> 4200.98] the noonday sun +[4200.98 --> 4202.10] shining bright overhead. +[4204.64 --> 4205.56] And then, +[4205.82 --> 4207.18] God's transcendence +[4207.18 --> 4209.18] and his imminence +[4209.18 --> 4210.48] come together +[4210.48 --> 4212.54] to bring comfort +[4212.54 --> 4214.34] and peace. +[4215.80 --> 4217.24] God's seeing all +[4217.24 --> 4218.46] and being everywhere +[4218.46 --> 4219.58] comes together +[4219.58 --> 4220.20] for you +[4220.20 --> 4221.28] and for me. +[4221.58 --> 4222.56] For the one +[4222.56 --> 4222.96] who, +[4223.18 --> 4223.80] by grace +[4223.80 --> 4224.48] through faith, +[4224.62 --> 4225.76] believes that this is true, +[4226.06 --> 4226.70] for the one +[4226.70 --> 4227.94] who is chosen +[4227.94 --> 4228.60] by God. +[4228.68 --> 4229.84] This comes together +[4229.84 --> 4230.22] then +[4230.22 --> 4232.92] in this third section +[4232.92 --> 4234.10] in the truth +[4234.10 --> 4235.24] of verses 13 +[4235.24 --> 4236.26] through 18. +[4237.62 --> 4239.04] For you created +[4239.04 --> 4240.74] my inmost being. +[4242.08 --> 4243.10] You knit me together +[4243.10 --> 4244.58] in my mother's womb. +[4246.22 --> 4247.42] God's knowledge +[4247.42 --> 4248.44] of you +[4248.44 --> 4251.50] is from before +[4251.50 --> 4252.96] there is even +[4252.96 --> 4253.58] a you +[4253.58 --> 4254.90] to be known. +[4256.70 --> 4257.54] Did you get that? +[4259.16 --> 4260.08] Verse 16, +[4260.32 --> 4260.88] Your eyes +[4260.88 --> 4262.20] saw my unformed +[4262.20 --> 4262.84] body. +[4262.98 --> 4263.76] All the days +[4263.76 --> 4264.54] ordained for me +[4264.54 --> 4265.02] were written +[4265.02 --> 4265.90] in your book +[4265.90 --> 4267.20] before one of them +[4267.20 --> 4267.98] came to be. +[4269.40 --> 4270.34] From eternity +[4270.34 --> 4270.90] past +[4270.90 --> 4272.22] in the mind +[4272.22 --> 4272.84] of God +[4272.84 --> 4274.72] to being created +[4274.72 --> 4275.20] body +[4275.20 --> 4276.24] and soul, +[4276.56 --> 4277.40] all of you +[4277.40 --> 4278.70] and all of your life +[4278.70 --> 4279.70] is known +[4279.70 --> 4280.62] to God +[4280.62 --> 4281.80] and he is present +[4281.80 --> 4282.66] in it. +[4283.88 --> 4284.66] And so think about that, +[4284.74 --> 4284.80] right? +[4285.00 --> 4286.24] Think about what that means +[4286.24 --> 4287.18] for that everything +[4287.18 --> 4288.34] that you are facing, +[4289.20 --> 4290.32] whatever it is, +[4291.14 --> 4292.60] God knows about it. +[4293.76 --> 4295.28] He has a plan for it. +[4295.92 --> 4297.08] He has a purpose +[4297.08 --> 4297.92] in it. +[4298.70 --> 4300.14] And he is with you +[4300.14 --> 4301.40] through it. +[4303.48 --> 4305.00] Because of who God is, +[4305.48 --> 4307.12] because of what God sees, +[4307.42 --> 4308.56] because his presence +[4308.56 --> 4309.90] is always +[4309.90 --> 4311.12] and forever +[4311.12 --> 4312.00] with you, +[4312.08 --> 4313.24] because his spirit +[4313.24 --> 4314.82] is granting faith +[4314.82 --> 4315.64] by grace +[4315.64 --> 4316.42] if you believe, +[4316.66 --> 4316.80] right? +[4316.84 --> 4318.24] We are given +[4318.24 --> 4319.74] eyes to see +[4319.74 --> 4320.82] God at work +[4320.82 --> 4321.88] in this way. +[4323.00 --> 4323.90] And not only +[4323.90 --> 4324.86] do we get to see +[4324.86 --> 4325.76] God at work +[4325.76 --> 4326.40] more clearly, +[4326.62 --> 4327.72] but in seeing +[4327.72 --> 4329.04] God more clearly, +[4329.20 --> 4330.54] it's like holding up +[4330.54 --> 4330.98] a mirror, +[4331.14 --> 4331.82] we begin to see +[4331.82 --> 4332.64] ourselves +[4332.64 --> 4333.96] more truly +[4333.96 --> 4334.58] as well. +[4335.98 --> 4336.46] And I believe +[4336.46 --> 4336.92] that there is +[4336.92 --> 4337.88] a clarity +[4337.88 --> 4338.78] of mind +[4338.78 --> 4339.66] and purpose +[4339.66 --> 4341.16] that comes, +[4341.28 --> 4341.78] a clarity +[4341.78 --> 4342.96] of identity +[4342.96 --> 4344.46] for who you are +[4344.46 --> 4344.96] in the world, +[4345.04 --> 4345.86] who I am, +[4346.20 --> 4346.82] that comes +[4346.82 --> 4347.76] when we see +[4347.76 --> 4349.98] God most clearly +[4349.98 --> 4351.06] as he is revealed +[4351.06 --> 4352.26] to us in the Bible, +[4352.36 --> 4353.20] as he gives himself +[4353.20 --> 4354.22] to us by grace +[4354.22 --> 4355.00] through faith, +[4355.12 --> 4356.18] as he makes union +[4356.18 --> 4357.24] with us possible +[4357.24 --> 4358.36] through Christ Jesus. +[4358.60 --> 4359.62] All of a sudden, +[4360.20 --> 4361.30] we get a better +[4361.30 --> 4362.44] and a more clear +[4362.44 --> 4363.42] picture of what it +[4363.42 --> 4364.72] means to be human, +[4365.16 --> 4366.02] fully alive +[4366.02 --> 4366.70] to the glory +[4366.70 --> 4367.62] of God. +[4368.64 --> 4369.44] That's why it's +[4369.44 --> 4370.00] the believer +[4370.00 --> 4371.10] who knows +[4371.10 --> 4371.70] that God has +[4371.70 --> 4372.50] knit us together +[4372.50 --> 4373.64] in our mother's wombs. +[4373.86 --> 4374.54] That's why it's +[4374.54 --> 4375.08] the believer +[4375.08 --> 4376.32] who can praise God +[4376.32 --> 4377.02] because she is +[4377.02 --> 4377.48] fearfully +[4377.48 --> 4378.86] and wonderfully made. +[4379.12 --> 4379.68] That's why it's +[4379.68 --> 4380.22] the believer +[4380.22 --> 4380.74] who knows +[4380.74 --> 4381.56] that personhood +[4381.56 --> 4382.48] or that humanity, +[4382.98 --> 4383.82] that story +[4383.82 --> 4384.62] and life +[4384.62 --> 4385.26] are rooted +[4385.26 --> 4386.38] not in +[4386.38 --> 4388.68] my physical expression, +[4388.86 --> 4389.42] but actually +[4389.42 --> 4390.90] in the being +[4390.90 --> 4391.46] of God. +[4392.84 --> 4393.48] That's why +[4393.48 --> 4394.24] believers are +[4394.24 --> 4394.96] for life +[4394.96 --> 4396.08] from conception +[4396.08 --> 4397.04] to death +[4397.04 --> 4398.08] and it has +[4398.08 --> 4398.86] nothing to do +[4398.86 --> 4399.48] with your body +[4399.48 --> 4400.14] or my body. +[4400.90 --> 4401.76] It has everything +[4401.76 --> 4402.32] to do +[4402.32 --> 4403.62] with who God is +[4403.62 --> 4405.56] and what your +[4405.56 --> 4406.62] identity in him +[4406.62 --> 4408.10] is rooted in. +[4408.78 --> 4409.42] That's why +[4409.42 --> 4410.18] it's the believer +[4410.18 --> 4411.56] who can say, +[4412.12 --> 4412.64] how precious +[4412.64 --> 4413.34] to me +[4413.34 --> 4414.40] are your thoughts, +[4415.04 --> 4415.56] O God. +[4416.92 --> 4417.80] Now that one line +[4417.80 --> 4418.72] is worth drilling down +[4418.72 --> 4419.50] for just a second. +[4419.62 --> 4420.42] That's verse 17. +[4422.42 --> 4423.04] How precious +[4423.04 --> 4423.62] to me +[4423.62 --> 4424.42] are your thoughts, +[4424.56 --> 4424.98] O God. +[4424.98 --> 4426.20] how vast +[4426.20 --> 4427.50] the sum of them. +[4429.52 --> 4430.42] Now in this psalm, +[4431.56 --> 4432.18] David has written +[4432.18 --> 4432.70] for us, +[4434.04 --> 4435.64] what have been +[4435.64 --> 4436.34] the thoughts +[4436.34 --> 4436.96] of God +[4436.96 --> 4437.50] about? +[4438.04 --> 4438.98] Or more precisely, +[4439.50 --> 4440.84] who have been +[4440.84 --> 4441.36] the thoughts +[4441.36 --> 4442.02] of God about? +[4443.02 --> 4443.88] In this psalm, +[4443.98 --> 4445.30] who is in the mind +[4445.30 --> 4445.80] of God? +[4446.66 --> 4447.90] It's the psalmist. +[4448.14 --> 4448.86] It's David. +[4450.64 --> 4451.82] It's the believer +[4451.82 --> 4453.00] who praises God. +[4453.38 --> 4454.66] David is cherishing +[4454.66 --> 4455.26] the thoughts +[4455.26 --> 4455.92] of God +[4455.92 --> 4456.54] because +[4456.54 --> 4458.20] in this moment, +[4458.46 --> 4459.40] he is recognizing +[4459.40 --> 4460.42] that those thoughts +[4460.42 --> 4461.04] are God +[4461.04 --> 4461.78] thinking about +[4461.78 --> 4462.48] how cherished +[4462.48 --> 4463.40] David is to him. +[4465.36 --> 4466.08] And when you +[4466.08 --> 4466.86] are the object +[4466.86 --> 4467.72] of God's love +[4467.72 --> 4468.28] and affection, +[4468.54 --> 4469.16] when you are +[4469.16 --> 4469.74] the recipient +[4469.74 --> 4470.48] of his grace +[4470.48 --> 4471.30] and his mercy, +[4471.30 --> 4472.14] when you have been +[4472.14 --> 4473.42] on the mind of God +[4473.42 --> 4473.98] so that you have +[4473.98 --> 4475.02] received his gift +[4475.02 --> 4475.70] of salvation, +[4475.96 --> 4477.34] there is no more +[4477.34 --> 4478.24] precious thought +[4478.24 --> 4478.84] to you +[4478.84 --> 4479.90] or to me +[4479.90 --> 4481.06] than the believer +[4481.06 --> 4482.92] who recognizes +[4482.92 --> 4484.18] this truth +[4484.18 --> 4485.22] and that this is +[4485.22 --> 4486.72] what God +[4486.72 --> 4487.78] has been +[4487.78 --> 4488.78] thinking about. +[4489.68 --> 4489.98] You. +[4491.26 --> 4491.70] You. +[4494.12 --> 4494.40] And so, +[4494.58 --> 4496.32] the praise testimony +[4496.32 --> 4497.96] of this third section +[4497.96 --> 4498.86] of verse 13 +[4498.86 --> 4499.98] through 18 +[4499.98 --> 4501.16] will naturally +[4501.16 --> 4502.12] flow out +[4502.12 --> 4502.68] if +[4502.68 --> 4503.50] verses 1 +[4503.50 --> 4504.10] through 12 +[4504.10 --> 4504.86] are true. +[4506.42 --> 4506.66] Right? +[4506.66 --> 4507.62] Since God knows +[4507.62 --> 4508.64] everything about you +[4508.64 --> 4509.28] and since God +[4509.28 --> 4509.82] is everywhere +[4509.82 --> 4510.64] with you +[4510.64 --> 4511.46] and those realities +[4511.46 --> 4512.20] come together +[4512.20 --> 4512.88] in you +[4512.88 --> 4514.12] and in your story +[4514.12 --> 4515.16] to bring out +[4515.16 --> 4516.40] comfort and peace, +[4516.48 --> 4517.36] to bring praise +[4517.36 --> 4518.68] out of who you are +[4518.68 --> 4519.78] even in the darkest +[4519.78 --> 4520.66] of circumstances. +[4528.14 --> 4529.08] This is the +[4529.08 --> 4530.34] gift +[4530.34 --> 4531.82] of the truth +[4531.82 --> 4533.34] of God's word +[4533.34 --> 4534.16] showing us +[4534.16 --> 4534.70] the truth +[4534.70 --> 4535.94] of who God is +[4535.94 --> 4536.40] so that we +[4536.40 --> 4536.66] can see +[4536.66 --> 4537.22] the truth +[4537.22 --> 4538.24] of who we +[4538.24 --> 4538.56] are +[4538.56 --> 4539.90] in relationship +[4539.90 --> 4540.30] to him. +[4541.90 --> 4542.66] God knows +[4542.66 --> 4543.74] everything about you +[4543.74 --> 4544.96] and God is +[4544.96 --> 4545.46] everywhere +[4545.46 --> 4546.54] with you +[4546.54 --> 4547.02] and so +[4547.02 --> 4547.52] we have +[4547.52 --> 4548.02] comfort +[4548.02 --> 4548.92] and peace +[4548.92 --> 4549.34] and we'll +[4549.34 --> 4549.96] praise God +[4549.96 --> 4550.78] for who he is +[4550.78 --> 4552.60] and so +[4552.60 --> 4553.08] lastly, +[4553.54 --> 4555.00] God will +[4555.00 --> 4555.90] deal with +[4555.90 --> 4557.08] everyone. +[4558.84 --> 4559.34] Now, +[4559.38 --> 4559.80] this is the +[4559.80 --> 4560.14] part of +[4560.14 --> 4561.40] Psalm 139 +[4561.40 --> 4562.12] that most people +[4562.12 --> 4562.82] forget about +[4562.82 --> 4564.36] or that most +[4564.36 --> 4565.06] people ignore +[4565.06 --> 4566.08] or don't read. +[4567.44 --> 4568.26] In some other +[4568.26 --> 4569.04] church traditions +[4569.04 --> 4569.62] and older +[4569.62 --> 4570.56] Reformed traditions +[4570.56 --> 4571.18] when we used +[4571.18 --> 4571.54] to sing +[4571.54 --> 4572.52] only the Psalms, +[4572.86 --> 4573.70] this is the +[4573.70 --> 4575.42] 18th +[4575.42 --> 4576.70] to 20th +[4576.70 --> 4576.98] verses +[4576.98 --> 4577.62] that you +[4577.62 --> 4578.24] wouldn't sing +[4578.24 --> 4579.08] on Sunday +[4579.08 --> 4579.76] because it was +[4579.76 --> 4580.30] too long. +[4580.78 --> 4581.24] Really, +[4581.38 --> 4581.68] it's because +[4581.68 --> 4582.00] it made us +[4582.00 --> 4582.42] uncomfortable +[4582.42 --> 4583.38] and we don't +[4583.38 --> 4583.86] like it. +[4584.70 --> 4585.32] When people +[4585.32 --> 4586.76] say Psalm 139 +[4586.76 --> 4587.54] is their favorite, +[4587.76 --> 4588.22] they usually +[4588.22 --> 4589.18] mean verse 13 +[4589.18 --> 4589.74] and 14, +[4589.74 --> 4590.62] for you created +[4590.62 --> 4591.10] me in my +[4591.10 --> 4591.66] inmost being, +[4591.76 --> 4592.12] you knit me +[4592.12 --> 4592.72] together in my +[4592.72 --> 4593.18] mother's womb, +[4593.24 --> 4593.86] I praise you +[4593.86 --> 4594.38] because I am +[4594.38 --> 4595.00] fearfully and +[4595.00 --> 4595.72] wonderfully made, +[4596.10 --> 4596.78] your works are +[4596.78 --> 4597.14] wonderful, +[4597.26 --> 4597.76] I know that +[4597.76 --> 4598.22] full well. +[4598.56 --> 4599.52] Sometimes they +[4599.52 --> 4600.26] mean the first +[4600.26 --> 4601.12] three sections +[4601.12 --> 4603.70] but most often +[4603.70 --> 4605.64] not these +[4605.64 --> 4605.96] verses. +[4607.36 --> 4608.12] And maybe +[4608.12 --> 4608.88] it feels like +[4608.88 --> 4609.48] there's a shift +[4609.48 --> 4610.68] in tone here +[4610.68 --> 4611.38] in this fourth +[4611.38 --> 4612.22] and final section +[4612.22 --> 4612.84] but I actually +[4612.84 --> 4613.72] want to suggest +[4613.72 --> 4614.18] to you that +[4614.18 --> 4614.74] the tone +[4614.74 --> 4615.74] is just +[4615.74 --> 4616.46] reaching +[4616.46 --> 4617.20] logical +[4617.20 --> 4618.04] consequence. +[4619.74 --> 4620.84] If it is true +[4620.84 --> 4621.74] or since +[4621.74 --> 4622.54] it is true +[4622.54 --> 4623.46] that God +[4623.46 --> 4624.46] knows everything +[4624.46 --> 4625.24] about you, +[4625.64 --> 4626.52] that he sees +[4626.52 --> 4627.06] the depths +[4627.06 --> 4627.92] of your heart, +[4628.24 --> 4629.06] since it is true +[4629.06 --> 4629.74] that God is +[4629.74 --> 4630.34] with you +[4630.34 --> 4631.12] everywhere, +[4631.30 --> 4631.56] that there's +[4631.56 --> 4632.14] no place +[4632.14 --> 4632.56] where you are +[4632.56 --> 4633.16] able to flee +[4633.16 --> 4634.08] from his presence, +[4635.70 --> 4636.48] it must also +[4636.48 --> 4637.02] be true +[4637.02 --> 4638.10] that the +[4638.10 --> 4639.14] injustices +[4639.14 --> 4640.76] seen, +[4641.34 --> 4641.88] that the +[4641.88 --> 4642.52] atrocities +[4642.52 --> 4643.20] committed, +[4643.34 --> 4643.58] that the +[4643.58 --> 4644.44] realities of +[4644.44 --> 4645.00] sin and +[4645.00 --> 4645.40] darkness +[4645.40 --> 4646.10] that are so +[4646.10 --> 4647.06] clear and +[4647.06 --> 4648.08] so exposed +[4648.08 --> 4648.72] to who God +[4648.72 --> 4649.08] is, +[4649.48 --> 4650.42] must be +[4650.42 --> 4651.40] dealt with. +[4652.98 --> 4653.66] They must +[4653.66 --> 4653.88] be. +[4655.12 --> 4655.80] If God +[4655.80 --> 4656.36] were to see +[4656.36 --> 4657.14] those things +[4657.14 --> 4657.94] and not +[4657.94 --> 4658.48] deal with +[4658.48 --> 4658.70] them, +[4659.54 --> 4660.62] that would +[4660.62 --> 4661.02] mean he's +[4661.02 --> 4661.58] an unjust +[4661.58 --> 4662.04] God. +[4662.64 --> 4662.94] But that's +[4662.94 --> 4663.26] not the God +[4663.26 --> 4663.70] I read about +[4663.70 --> 4664.16] in the Bible. +[4664.86 --> 4665.36] That would +[4665.36 --> 4665.72] mean he's +[4665.72 --> 4666.48] an unrighteous +[4666.48 --> 4666.84] God. +[4666.92 --> 4667.18] But again, +[4667.24 --> 4667.46] that's not +[4667.46 --> 4667.68] the God +[4667.68 --> 4668.20] I read about +[4668.20 --> 4669.36] in the Bible. +[4670.18 --> 4670.72] In short, +[4670.84 --> 4671.12] if God +[4671.12 --> 4671.54] were to see +[4671.54 --> 4672.02] those things +[4672.02 --> 4672.58] and then not +[4672.58 --> 4673.06] deal with +[4673.06 --> 4673.22] them, +[4673.36 --> 4673.80] he would +[4673.80 --> 4674.36] no longer +[4674.36 --> 4675.34] be God. +[4675.42 --> 4675.76] And that +[4675.76 --> 4676.44] cannot +[4676.44 --> 4678.12] be true. +[4679.68 --> 4679.96] And so +[4679.96 --> 4680.30] the real +[4680.30 --> 4681.34] question for +[4681.34 --> 4682.50] us as we +[4682.50 --> 4683.00] enter into +[4683.00 --> 4683.60] this moment +[4683.60 --> 4684.84] is will +[4684.84 --> 4685.84] our sins, +[4686.04 --> 4686.54] will our +[4686.54 --> 4687.28] darknesses, +[4687.34 --> 4687.62] will the +[4687.62 --> 4688.52] injustice of +[4688.52 --> 4688.92] our own +[4688.92 --> 4689.26] heart, +[4689.48 --> 4689.98] will they +[4689.98 --> 4690.68] be dealt +[4690.68 --> 4691.60] with on +[4691.60 --> 4692.24] the cross +[4692.24 --> 4693.26] by Jesus +[4693.26 --> 4695.34] or will +[4695.34 --> 4696.20] they be dealt +[4696.20 --> 4697.20] with on +[4697.20 --> 4697.54] the day of +[4697.54 --> 4697.86] judgment? +[4699.20 --> 4699.78] Because make +[4699.78 --> 4700.38] no mistake, +[4700.78 --> 4701.26] because of +[4701.26 --> 4701.62] who God +[4701.62 --> 4701.92] is, +[4702.04 --> 4702.48] they will +[4702.48 --> 4703.02] be dealt +[4703.02 --> 4703.36] with. +[4705.34 --> 4706.26] The question +[4706.26 --> 4707.04] of grace +[4707.04 --> 4707.54] for us +[4707.54 --> 4708.10] this morning +[4708.10 --> 4709.28] is by +[4709.28 --> 4709.60] whom? +[4711.92 --> 4712.82] Who will +[4712.82 --> 4714.72] deal with +[4714.72 --> 4714.96] them? +[4716.24 --> 4716.88] Because this +[4716.88 --> 4718.20] is exactly +[4718.20 --> 4718.60] where the +[4718.60 --> 4719.28] gospel gets +[4719.28 --> 4719.80] its legs. +[4720.66 --> 4721.10] This is where +[4721.10 --> 4721.48] the truth +[4721.48 --> 4721.82] of God +[4721.82 --> 4722.54] stands apart +[4722.54 --> 4723.26] from any +[4723.26 --> 4723.80] other news +[4723.80 --> 4724.02] that you +[4724.02 --> 4724.30] have ever +[4724.30 --> 4724.58] heard. +[4725.94 --> 4726.92] Hebrews 4 +[4726.92 --> 4727.60] verse 13 +[4727.60 --> 4727.98] says, +[4728.78 --> 4729.44] nothing in +[4729.44 --> 4730.22] all creation +[4730.22 --> 4730.64] is hidden +[4730.64 --> 4731.38] from God's +[4731.38 --> 4731.62] sight. +[4732.08 --> 4732.46] Everything +[4732.46 --> 4733.20] is uncovered +[4733.20 --> 4733.94] and laid +[4733.94 --> 4734.56] bare before +[4734.56 --> 4735.26] the eyes +[4735.26 --> 4735.64] of him +[4735.64 --> 4736.28] to whom +[4736.28 --> 4737.00] we must +[4737.00 --> 4737.74] give account. +[4738.14 --> 4738.68] The question +[4738.68 --> 4739.06] is, +[4739.74 --> 4740.46] when God +[4740.46 --> 4740.84] looks at +[4740.84 --> 4741.18] you, +[4741.88 --> 4742.46] will he +[4742.46 --> 4742.84] see +[4742.84 --> 4743.94] Jesus? +[4745.16 --> 4746.02] Because that's +[4746.02 --> 4746.56] what happens +[4746.56 --> 4747.30] in the great +[4747.30 --> 4747.88] exchange of +[4747.88 --> 4748.34] the gospel. +[4748.94 --> 4749.88] Jesus comes +[4749.88 --> 4750.44] into the +[4750.44 --> 4750.80] world and +[4750.80 --> 4751.48] he lives +[4751.48 --> 4751.92] the life +[4751.92 --> 4752.34] I should +[4752.34 --> 4752.70] have lived, +[4753.06 --> 4753.50] perfectly +[4753.50 --> 4754.46] keeping all +[4754.46 --> 4755.04] the commands +[4755.04 --> 4755.72] of God, +[4755.92 --> 4756.30] perfectly +[4756.30 --> 4757.12] living in +[4757.12 --> 4757.68] righteousness +[4757.68 --> 4758.76] every day +[4758.76 --> 4759.18] and in +[4759.18 --> 4759.80] every way. +[4760.16 --> 4760.40] And by +[4760.40 --> 4761.04] grace through +[4761.04 --> 4762.24] faith unites +[4762.24 --> 4763.04] me to +[4763.04 --> 4763.42] his +[4763.42 --> 4764.16] perfection. +[4765.08 --> 4766.12] Faith grants +[4766.12 --> 4766.68] me his +[4766.68 --> 4767.42] perfection. +[4767.64 --> 4768.08] The perfect +[4768.08 --> 4768.58] righteousness +[4768.58 --> 4769.28] of Jesus +[4769.28 --> 4769.96] is counted +[4769.96 --> 4770.80] in my +[4770.80 --> 4771.52] place. +[4773.30 --> 4773.70] And then, +[4774.58 --> 4776.30] all those +[4776.30 --> 4776.88] things that +[4776.88 --> 4777.56] God sees +[4777.56 --> 4777.88] when he +[4777.88 --> 4778.48] looks at +[4778.48 --> 4779.48] my heart, +[4779.54 --> 4779.72] at the +[4779.72 --> 4780.78] truth and +[4780.78 --> 4781.68] the depths +[4781.68 --> 4782.12] of my +[4782.12 --> 4782.40] own +[4782.40 --> 4783.34] brokenness +[4783.34 --> 4783.94] and sin +[4783.94 --> 4784.50] and darkness, +[4784.62 --> 4785.04] all of +[4785.04 --> 4785.54] those things +[4785.54 --> 4786.22] that God +[4786.22 --> 4786.74] sees when +[4786.74 --> 4787.16] he looks +[4787.16 --> 4787.50] into the +[4787.50 --> 4788.00] very depths +[4788.00 --> 4788.46] of my +[4788.46 --> 4788.92] being, +[4788.92 --> 4789.76] all of +[4789.76 --> 4790.38] those things +[4790.38 --> 4791.46] are given +[4791.46 --> 4791.90] over to +[4791.90 --> 4792.84] Christ on +[4792.84 --> 4793.38] the cross +[4793.38 --> 4793.94] as he +[4793.94 --> 4794.48] bears the +[4794.48 --> 4794.92] punishment +[4794.92 --> 4795.90] for them, +[4795.94 --> 4796.38] as he +[4796.38 --> 4797.08] endures the +[4797.08 --> 4797.90] death that +[4797.90 --> 4798.70] I deserve. +[4800.12 --> 4800.64] And when +[4800.64 --> 4801.08] that is +[4801.08 --> 4801.50] true for +[4801.50 --> 4801.80] you, +[4802.74 --> 4803.68] if that +[4803.68 --> 4804.12] is true +[4804.12 --> 4804.64] for you, +[4805.28 --> 4805.64] then it's +[4805.64 --> 4806.18] no wonder +[4806.18 --> 4806.96] that we +[4806.96 --> 4807.44] can say +[4807.44 --> 4807.92] with the +[4807.92 --> 4808.28] psalmist, +[4808.48 --> 4809.14] how precious +[4809.14 --> 4809.72] are your +[4809.72 --> 4810.04] thoughts, +[4810.16 --> 4810.56] oh God. +[4810.78 --> 4811.40] No wonder +[4811.40 --> 4812.26] we can say +[4812.26 --> 4812.68] with the +[4812.68 --> 4812.98] psalmist, +[4813.08 --> 4813.66] I praise +[4813.66 --> 4814.10] you because +[4814.10 --> 4814.40] I am +[4814.40 --> 4814.94] fearfully +[4814.94 --> 4815.86] and wonderfully +[4815.86 --> 4816.16] made. +[4816.22 --> 4816.62] No wonder +[4816.62 --> 4817.42] we can say +[4817.42 --> 4817.74] with the +[4817.74 --> 4818.04] psalmist, +[4818.20 --> 4819.06] such knowledge +[4819.06 --> 4819.92] is too +[4819.92 --> 4820.42] wonderful +[4820.42 --> 4821.34] for me. +[4822.50 --> 4822.74] You see, +[4822.80 --> 4823.28] the gospel +[4823.28 --> 4823.82] of Jesus +[4823.82 --> 4824.92] brings comfort +[4824.92 --> 4825.60] and peace +[4825.60 --> 4826.38] because God +[4826.38 --> 4827.86] sees everything +[4827.86 --> 4828.98] in you +[4828.98 --> 4830.24] and he +[4830.24 --> 4831.62] loves you. +[4834.18 --> 4835.12] He has +[4835.12 --> 4835.66] shown you +[4835.66 --> 4836.28] that love +[4836.28 --> 4837.54] in Jesus +[4837.54 --> 4838.02] Christ. +[4839.24 --> 4839.94] The gospel +[4839.94 --> 4840.70] brings comfort +[4840.70 --> 4841.36] and peace +[4841.36 --> 4842.24] because God +[4842.24 --> 4843.02] is present +[4843.02 --> 4844.12] with you +[4844.12 --> 4845.16] everywhere +[4845.16 --> 4846.72] knowing what +[4846.72 --> 4847.26] it is +[4847.26 --> 4848.16] to feel +[4848.16 --> 4848.74] and to +[4848.74 --> 4849.40] experience +[4849.40 --> 4849.76] knowing +[4849.76 --> 4850.22] whatever +[4850.22 --> 4850.78] it is +[4850.78 --> 4851.34] you feel +[4851.34 --> 4852.36] and experience +[4852.36 --> 4852.92] and he +[4852.92 --> 4853.54] has shown +[4853.54 --> 4853.94] you that +[4853.94 --> 4854.44] truth +[4854.44 --> 4855.40] in Jesus +[4855.40 --> 4855.88] Christ. +[4856.96 --> 4857.82] The only +[4857.82 --> 4858.66] question left +[4858.66 --> 4859.10] is how +[4859.10 --> 4859.76] will you +[4859.76 --> 4860.62] respond? +[4862.06 --> 4862.56] In this +[4862.56 --> 4862.92] place +[4862.92 --> 4863.22] we +[4863.22 --> 4864.04] worship. +[4864.96 --> 4865.48] Together +[4865.48 --> 4866.06] we gather +[4866.06 --> 4866.40] and we +[4866.40 --> 4867.00] give God +[4867.00 --> 4868.00] glory but +[4868.00 --> 4868.82] your response +[4868.82 --> 4870.08] also matters +[4870.08 --> 4870.46] when you +[4870.46 --> 4871.14] go from +[4871.14 --> 4871.52] this +[4871.52 --> 4872.28] place. +[4872.28 --> 4874.36] David +[4874.36 --> 4874.76] says +[4874.76 --> 4876.70] do I +[4876.70 --> 4877.16] not hate +[4877.16 --> 4877.64] those +[4877.64 --> 4878.36] who hate +[4878.36 --> 4878.52] you +[4878.52 --> 4878.76] Lord +[4878.76 --> 4879.74] and +[4879.74 --> 4880.08] abhor +[4880.08 --> 4880.46] those +[4880.46 --> 4880.60] who +[4880.60 --> 4880.76] are +[4880.76 --> 4880.88] in +[4880.88 --> 4881.22] rebellion +[4881.22 --> 4881.62] against +[4881.62 --> 4881.92] you? +[4883.36 --> 4883.66] Because +[4883.66 --> 4884.16] God +[4884.16 --> 4884.50] loves +[4884.50 --> 4884.82] you +[4884.82 --> 4885.12] you +[4885.12 --> 4885.58] love +[4885.58 --> 4885.88] what +[4885.88 --> 4886.42] God +[4886.42 --> 4886.96] loves +[4886.96 --> 4887.48] and +[4887.48 --> 4887.80] you +[4887.80 --> 4888.06] ought +[4888.06 --> 4888.28] to +[4888.28 --> 4888.74] flee +[4888.74 --> 4889.30] from +[4889.30 --> 4889.82] what +[4889.82 --> 4890.12] he +[4890.12 --> 4890.80] doesn't. +[4891.98 --> 4892.16] You +[4892.16 --> 4892.30] ought +[4892.30 --> 4892.72] to flee +[4892.72 --> 4893.16] from +[4893.16 --> 4893.38] what +[4893.38 --> 4893.48] it +[4893.48 --> 4893.68] is +[4893.68 --> 4893.84] that +[4893.84 --> 4894.16] God +[4894.16 --> 4894.98] abhors. +[4896.30 --> 4896.84] Search +[4896.84 --> 4897.06] me +[4897.06 --> 4897.34] God +[4897.34 --> 4897.52] and +[4897.52 --> 4897.96] know +[4897.96 --> 4898.22] my +[4898.22 --> 4898.42] heart +[4898.42 --> 4898.84] test +[4898.84 --> 4899.08] me +[4899.08 --> 4899.30] and +[4899.30 --> 4899.48] know +[4899.48 --> 4899.68] my +[4899.68 --> 4899.98] anxious +[4899.98 --> 4900.36] thoughts +[4900.36 --> 4901.38] see if +[4901.38 --> 4901.70] there is +[4901.70 --> 4902.08] any +[4902.08 --> 4902.68] offensive +[4902.68 --> 4903.18] way +[4903.18 --> 4903.72] in +[4903.72 --> 4903.92] me +[4903.92 --> 4904.14] and +[4904.14 --> 4904.58] lead +[4904.58 --> 4904.88] me +[4904.88 --> 4905.08] in +[4905.08 --> 4905.20] the +[4905.20 --> 4905.56] way +[4905.56 --> 4906.62] everlasting. +[4908.34 --> 4908.98] Our +[4908.98 --> 4909.50] life +[4909.50 --> 4909.88] lived +[4909.88 --> 4910.30] together +[4910.30 --> 4910.70] and +[4910.70 --> 4910.94] out +[4910.94 --> 4911.18] in +[4911.18 --> 4911.34] the +[4911.34 --> 4911.64] world +[4911.64 --> 4912.00] ought +[4912.00 --> 4912.28] to +[4912.28 --> 4912.66] be +[4912.66 --> 4913.22] a +[4913.22 --> 4913.70] pleasing +[4913.70 --> 4914.34] aroma +[4914.34 --> 4914.62] to +[4914.62 --> 4914.78] the +[4914.78 --> 4915.02] Lord. +[4916.38 --> 4916.94] That's +[4916.94 --> 4917.42] how +[4917.42 --> 4917.82] and why +[4917.82 --> 4918.28] worship +[4918.28 --> 4918.94] starts +[4918.94 --> 4919.36] here +[4919.36 --> 4919.82] in +[4919.82 --> 4920.06] this +[4920.06 --> 4920.36] place +[4920.36 --> 4920.54] but +[4920.54 --> 4920.76] that's +[4920.76 --> 4921.06] also +[4921.06 --> 4921.34] how +[4921.34 --> 4921.58] it +[4921.58 --> 4921.82] then +[4921.82 --> 4922.58] continues +[4922.58 --> 4923.30] for +[4923.30 --> 4923.42] the +[4923.42 --> 4923.58] next +[4923.58 --> 4923.84] six +[4923.84 --> 4924.20] days +[4924.20 --> 4924.68] until +[4924.68 --> 4924.88] we +[4924.88 --> 4925.12] gather +[4925.12 --> 4925.52] again. +[4925.52 --> 4930.16] maybe +[4930.16 --> 4931.44] today +[4931.44 --> 4933.06] it's +[4933.06 --> 4933.40] time +[4933.40 --> 4933.62] to +[4933.62 --> 4934.00] stop +[4934.00 --> 4934.66] hiding +[4934.66 --> 4935.46] under +[4935.46 --> 4935.66] a +[4935.66 --> 4935.88] clear +[4935.88 --> 4936.18] rubber +[4936.18 --> 4936.42] made +[4936.42 --> 4936.72] tote +[4936.72 --> 4939.10] because +[4939.10 --> 4939.28] God +[4939.28 --> 4939.60] sees +[4939.60 --> 4939.84] you. +[4940.76 --> 4941.22] He +[4941.22 --> 4941.54] sees +[4941.54 --> 4941.70] you. +[4941.76 --> 4941.82] He +[4941.82 --> 4942.04] knows +[4942.04 --> 4942.54] everything +[4942.54 --> 4943.34] about +[4943.34 --> 4943.66] you. +[4944.66 --> 4944.90] By +[4944.90 --> 4945.14] his +[4945.14 --> 4945.58] grace +[4945.58 --> 4946.76] he +[4946.76 --> 4947.00] loves +[4947.00 --> 4947.28] you. +[4949.08 --> 4949.62] God +[4949.62 --> 4949.72] is +[4949.72 --> 4950.10] everywhere +[4950.10 --> 4950.86] with +[4950.86 --> 4951.04] you +[4951.04 --> 4951.14] and +[4951.14 --> 4951.22] he +[4951.22 --> 4951.32] will +[4951.32 --> 4951.48] never +[4951.48 --> 4951.94] leave +[4951.94 --> 4952.26] you +[4952.26 --> 4952.88] nor +[4952.88 --> 4953.30] forsake +[4953.30 --> 4953.48] you +[4953.48 --> 4953.58] and +[4953.58 --> 4953.76] he +[4953.76 --> 4954.04] will +[4954.04 --> 4954.60] deal +[4954.60 --> 4955.14] with +[4955.14 --> 4956.06] everyone +[4956.06 --> 4956.36] either +[4956.36 --> 4956.72] on the +[4956.72 --> 4957.16] cross +[4957.16 --> 4957.52] or +[4957.52 --> 4958.22] on +[4958.22 --> 4958.40] that +[4958.40 --> 4958.66] day +[4958.66 --> 4958.98] to +[4958.98 --> 4959.28] come +[4959.28 --> 4959.70] and +[4959.70 --> 4960.22] all +[4960.22 --> 4960.52] of +[4960.52 --> 4961.00] this +[4961.00 --> 4962.48] is +[4962.48 --> 4962.68] for +[4962.68 --> 4962.90] your +[4962.90 --> 4963.30] comfort +[4963.30 --> 4964.64] and +[4964.64 --> 4965.08] peace. +[4965.74 --> 4966.04] Amen? +[4967.32 --> 4967.88] Join +[4967.88 --> 4968.10] your heart +[4968.10 --> 4968.30] with me +[4968.30 --> 4968.42] in +[4968.42 --> 4968.62] prayer. +[4977.62 --> 4978.30] Lord +[4978.30 --> 4978.44] our +[4978.44 --> 4978.68] God +[4978.68 --> 4981.26] help +[4981.26 --> 4981.82] us +[4981.82 --> 4982.28] to +[4982.28 --> 4983.48] know +[4983.48 --> 4984.08] the +[4984.08 --> 4984.48] comfort +[4984.48 --> 4985.16] and +[4985.16 --> 4985.66] peace +[4985.66 --> 4986.10] that +[4986.10 --> 4986.58] comes +[4986.58 --> 4986.82] from +[4986.82 --> 4987.18] being +[4987.18 --> 4987.78] known +[4987.78 --> 4988.54] by +[4988.54 --> 4989.06] you. +[4992.48 --> 4993.18] This +[4993.18 --> 4993.54] morning +[4993.54 --> 4996.46] if we +[4996.46 --> 4996.60] are +[4996.60 --> 4997.12] unsure +[4997.12 --> 4998.44] or if +[4998.44 --> 4998.56] we +[4998.56 --> 4998.74] have +[4998.74 --> 4999.00] never +[4999.00 --> 4999.34] made +[4999.34 --> 4999.66] that +[4999.66 --> 5000.56] profession +[5000.56 --> 5002.02] this +[5002.02 --> 5002.34] morning +[5002.34 --> 5002.76] if +[5002.76 --> 5002.92] we +[5002.92 --> 5003.12] are +[5003.12 --> 5003.86] feeling +[5003.86 --> 5004.18] your +[5004.18 --> 5004.78] spirit +[5004.78 --> 5005.46] tug +[5005.46 --> 5005.66] at +[5005.66 --> 5005.84] our +[5005.84 --> 5006.36] hearts +[5006.36 --> 5008.44] this +[5008.44 --> 5008.76] morning +[5008.76 --> 5009.02] I +[5009.02 --> 5009.28] pray +[5009.28 --> 5009.52] Lord +[5009.52 --> 5009.76] God +[5009.76 --> 5009.92] you +[5009.92 --> 5010.08] would +[5010.08 --> 5010.34] take +[5010.34 --> 5010.66] this +[5010.66 --> 5011.12] truth +[5011.12 --> 5011.40] and +[5011.40 --> 5011.68] make +[5011.68 --> 5011.86] it +[5011.86 --> 5012.16] the +[5012.16 --> 5012.64] most +[5012.64 --> 5013.54] real +[5013.54 --> 5013.88] and +[5013.88 --> 5014.46] compelling +[5014.46 --> 5015.36] truth +[5015.36 --> 5015.62] in +[5015.62 --> 5015.82] our +[5015.82 --> 5016.20] minds +[5016.20 --> 5016.60] today +[5016.60 --> 5020.78] help +[5020.78 --> 5021.02] us +[5021.02 --> 5021.72] to see +[5021.72 --> 5022.30] today +[5022.30 --> 5022.62] that +[5022.62 --> 5022.98] you +[5022.98 --> 5024.02] are +[5024.02 --> 5025.38] here +[5025.38 --> 5026.48] that +[5026.48 --> 5026.64] you +[5026.64 --> 5027.18] see +[5027.18 --> 5028.12] us +[5028.12 --> 5028.60] and +[5028.60 --> 5028.76] that +[5028.76 --> 5028.90] you +[5028.90 --> 5029.16] go +[5029.16 --> 5029.64] with +[5029.64 --> 5030.28] us +[5030.28 --> 5030.80] and +[5030.80 --> 5030.98] then +[5030.98 --> 5031.32] help +[5031.32 --> 5031.78] us +[5031.78 --> 5032.10] to +[5032.10 --> 5032.74] live +[5032.74 --> 5033.34] out +[5033.34 --> 5033.68] of +[5033.68 --> 5034.00] the +[5034.00 --> 5034.70] truth +[5034.70 --> 5035.04] of +[5035.04 --> 5035.30] that +[5035.30 --> 5035.78] reality +[5035.78 --> 5035.98] the +[5035.98 --> 5036.22] truth +[5036.22 --> 5036.38] of +[5036.38 --> 5037.12] who +[5037.12 --> 5037.36] you +[5037.36 --> 5037.60] have +[5037.60 --> 5038.14] created +[5038.14 --> 5038.68] us +[5038.68 --> 5039.28] to +[5039.28 --> 5039.64] be +[5039.64 --> 5040.54] of +[5040.54 --> 5041.08] who +[5041.08 --> 5041.34] you +[5041.34 --> 5041.60] have +[5041.60 --> 5042.20] redeemed +[5042.20 --> 5042.70] us +[5042.70 --> 5043.08] in +[5043.08 --> 5043.40] Jesus +[5043.40 --> 5043.92] Christ +[5043.92 --> 5044.72] to +[5044.72 --> 5044.92] be +[5044.92 --> 5047.74] we +[5047.74 --> 5047.96] come +[5047.96 --> 5048.16] to +[5048.16 --> 5048.46] you +[5048.46 --> 5048.76] for +[5048.76 --> 5049.20] comfort +[5049.20 --> 5049.72] and +[5049.72 --> 5050.08] peace +[5050.08 --> 5050.34] and +[5050.34 --> 5050.74] so +[5050.74 --> 5051.52] meet +[5051.52 --> 5052.20] us +[5052.20 --> 5055.28] console +[5055.28 --> 5056.08] us +[5056.08 --> 5058.04] encourage +[5058.04 --> 5058.72] us +[5058.72 --> 5060.04] fill +[5060.04 --> 5060.26] us +[5060.26 --> 5060.56] up +[5060.56 --> 5061.62] and +[5061.62 --> 5062.04] send +[5062.04 --> 5062.28] us +[5062.28 --> 5062.66] out +[5062.66 --> 5063.18] in +[5063.18 --> 5063.32] the +[5063.32 --> 5063.72] power +[5063.72 --> 5064.42] of +[5064.42 --> 5064.62] your +[5064.62 --> 5064.96] name +[5064.96 --> 5065.52] and +[5065.52 --> 5065.66] the +[5065.66 --> 5066.44] power +[5066.44 --> 5067.18] the +[5067.18 --> 5067.70] truth +[5067.70 --> 5068.28] of +[5068.28 --> 5068.44] the +[5068.44 --> 5068.86] gospel +[5068.86 --> 5069.18] of +[5069.18 --> 5069.44] Jesus +[5069.44 --> 5069.92] Christ +[5069.92 --> 5070.32] in +[5070.32 --> 5070.72] whose +[5070.72 --> 5071.06] name +[5071.06 --> 5071.30] we +[5071.30 --> 5071.62] pray +[5071.62 --> 5072.86] amen +[5072.86 --> 5078.92] we +[5078.92 --> 5079.10] have +[5079.10 --> 5079.38] a 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--> 5098.76] we +[5098.76 --> 5099.18] have +[5099.18 --> 5099.76] refused +[5099.76 --> 5100.28] to +[5100.28 --> 5100.68] give +[5100.68 --> 5100.92] to +[5100.92 --> 5101.26] God +[5101.26 --> 5101.50] even +[5101.50 --> 5102.00] though +[5102.00 --> 5102.78] he +[5102.78 --> 5103.08] sees +[5103.08 --> 5103.32] them +[5103.32 --> 5104.68] we +[5104.68 --> 5104.90] come +[5104.90 --> 5105.30] here +[5105.30 --> 5105.56] that +[5105.56 --> 5105.70] we +[5105.70 --> 5105.96] might +[5105.96 --> 5106.72] receive +[5106.72 --> 5107.44] encouragement +[5107.44 --> 5108.58] to +[5108.58 --> 5109.30] receive +[5109.30 --> 5109.70] from +[5109.70 --> 5110.14] God +[5110.14 --> 5110.50] that +[5110.50 --> 5111.02] same +[5111.02 --> 5111.54] grace +[5111.54 --> 5111.74] that +[5111.74 --> 5111.84] he +[5111.84 --> 5111.98] has +[5111.98 --> 5112.32] offered +[5112.32 --> 5112.86] in +[5112.86 --> 5113.10] Jesus +[5113.10 --> 5113.48] Christ +[5113.48 --> 5113.68] that +[5113.68 --> 5113.92] same +[5113.92 --> 5114.48] encouragement +[5114.48 --> 5114.96] that +[5114.96 --> 5115.10] he +[5115.10 --> 5115.30] has +[5115.30 --> 5115.90] proclaimed +[5115.90 --> 5116.22] over +[5116.22 --> 5116.50] us +[5116.50 --> 5116.66] in +[5116.66 --> 5116.82] his +[5116.82 --> 5117.12] word +[5117.12 --> 5117.54] now +[5117.54 --> 5118.02] is +[5118.02 --> 5118.40] presented +[5118.40 --> 5118.72] at +[5118.72 --> 5118.96] this +[5118.96 --> 5119.36] table +[5119.36 --> 5120.54] as we +[5120.54 --> 5120.72] come +[5120.72 --> 5120.86] to +[5120.86 --> 5121.04] this +[5121.04 --> 5121.32] table +[5121.32 --> 5121.52] we +[5121.52 --> 5121.74] come +[5121.74 --> 5122.08] as a +[5122.08 --> 5122.32] church +[5122.32 --> 5122.80] family +[5122.80 --> 5123.34] as those +[5123.34 --> 5123.62] who +[5123.62 --> 5124.34] profess +[5124.34 --> 5124.66] to +[5124.66 --> 5125.12] believe +[5125.12 --> 5125.74] in +[5125.74 --> 5126.16] our +[5126.16 --> 5126.72] God +[5126.72 --> 5126.88] who +[5126.88 --> 5127.42] belong +[5127.42 --> 5127.88] in +[5127.88 --> 5128.22] covenant +[5128.22 --> 5128.86] relationship +[5128.86 --> 5129.50] to +[5129.50 --> 5129.72] him +[5129.72 --> 5130.42] and so +[5130.42 --> 5130.58] we +[5130.58 --> 5130.76] do +[5130.76 --> 5131.04] this +[5131.04 --> 5131.32] as +[5131.32 --> 5131.58] an +[5131.58 --> 5131.86] act +[5131.86 --> 5132.14] of +[5132.14 --> 5132.50] worship +[5132.50 --> 5132.96] together +[5132.96 --> 5133.74] and so +[5133.74 --> 5133.92] there +[5133.92 --> 5134.08] will +[5134.08 --> 5134.20] be +[5134.20 --> 5134.40] some +[5134.40 --> 5134.80] liturgy +[5134.80 --> 5135.04] and +[5135.04 --> 5135.32] words +[5135.32 --> 5135.50] for +[5135.50 --> 5135.68] you +[5135.68 --> 5135.88] to +[5135.88 --> 5136.26] speak +[5136.26 --> 5136.82] and +[5136.82 --> 5137.06] join +[5137.06 --> 5137.28] in +[5137.28 --> 5137.44] they +[5137.44 --> 5137.56] will +[5137.56 --> 5137.72] be +[5137.72 --> 5139.06] over +[5139.06 --> 5139.26] my +[5139.26 --> 5139.56] shoulder +[5139.56 --> 5140.14] on +[5140.14 --> 5140.28] the +[5140.28 --> 5140.50] screen +[5140.50 --> 5140.80] behind +[5140.80 --> 5141.48] me +[5141.48 --> 5142.08] come +[5142.08 --> 5142.22] to +[5142.22 --> 5142.36] the +[5142.36 --> 5142.68] table +[5142.68 --> 5143.68] of +[5143.68 --> 5143.80] our +[5143.80 --> 5144.06] Lord +[5144.06 --> 5144.74] lift +[5144.74 --> 5144.92] up +[5144.92 --> 5145.06] your +[5145.06 --> 5145.44] hearts +[5145.44 --> 5148.80] let +[5148.80 --> 5149.00] us +[5149.00 --> 5149.24] give +[5149.24 --> 5149.68] thanks +[5149.68 --> 5149.88] to +[5149.88 --> 5150.02] the +[5150.02 --> 5150.26] Lord +[5150.26 --> 5150.46] our +[5150.46 --> 5150.80] God +[5150.80 --> 5154.70] and +[5154.70 --> 5154.82] it +[5154.82 --> 5154.94] is +[5154.94 --> 5155.12] right +[5155.12 --> 5155.28] for +[5155.28 --> 5155.42] us +[5155.42 --> 5155.56] to +[5155.56 --> 5155.78] pray +[5155.78 --> 5156.10] let's +[5156.10 --> 5156.24] pray +[5156.24 --> 5156.58] together +[5156.58 --> 5159.08] with +[5159.08 --> 5159.54] joy +[5159.54 --> 5159.88] we +[5159.88 --> 5160.36] praise +[5160.36 --> 5160.74] you +[5160.74 --> 5161.36] gracious +[5161.36 --> 5162.02] God +[5162.02 --> 5162.98] for +[5162.98 --> 5163.20] you +[5163.20 --> 5163.42] have +[5163.42 --> 5163.92] created +[5163.92 --> 5164.40] heaven +[5164.40 --> 5164.62] and +[5164.62 --> 5164.92] earth +[5164.92 --> 5165.76] you +[5165.76 --> 5165.92] have +[5165.92 --> 5166.16] made +[5166.16 --> 5166.44] us +[5166.44 --> 5166.68] in +[5166.68 --> 5166.84] your +[5166.84 --> 5167.32] image +[5167.32 --> 5168.08] fearfully +[5168.08 --> 5168.62] and +[5168.62 --> 5169.12] wonderfully +[5169.12 --> 5169.66] and +[5169.66 --> 5169.78] you +[5169.78 --> 5169.92] have +[5169.92 --> 5170.16] kept +[5170.16 --> 5170.66] covenant +[5170.66 --> 5170.98] with +[5170.98 --> 5171.18] us +[5171.18 --> 5171.60] even +[5171.60 --> 5172.24] when +[5172.24 --> 5172.40] we +[5172.40 --> 5172.64] fell +[5172.64 --> 5172.86] into +[5172.86 --> 5173.10] sin +[5173.10 --> 5174.48] we +[5174.48 --> 5174.66] give +[5174.66 --> 5174.80] you +[5174.80 --> 5175.12] thanks +[5175.12 --> 5175.30] for +[5175.30 --> 5175.56] Jesus +[5175.56 --> 5176.02] Christ +[5176.02 --> 5176.28] who +[5176.28 --> 5176.54] by +[5176.54 --> 5176.80] his +[5176.80 --> 5177.14] life +[5177.14 --> 5177.48] death +[5177.48 --> 5177.72] and +[5177.72 --> 5178.18] resurrection +[5178.18 --> 5178.68] opened +[5178.68 --> 5178.92] to +[5178.92 --> 5179.18] us +[5179.18 --> 5179.38] the +[5179.38 --> 5179.72] way +[5179.72 --> 5180.26] of +[5180.26 --> 5180.82] everlasting +[5180.82 --> 5181.38] life +[5181.38 --> 5182.32] in +[5182.32 --> 5182.48] his +[5182.48 --> 5182.70] name +[5182.70 --> 5182.88] we +[5182.88 --> 5183.14] pray +[5183.14 --> 5184.22] amen +[5184.22 --> 5188.74] our +[5188.74 --> 5188.92] Lord +[5188.92 --> 5189.24] Jesus +[5189.24 --> 5190.04] before +[5190.04 --> 5190.30] he +[5190.30 --> 5190.72] suffered +[5190.72 --> 5191.52] gave +[5191.52 --> 5191.92] us +[5191.92 --> 5192.32] this +[5192.32 --> 5192.98] memorial +[5192.98 --> 5193.56] of +[5193.56 --> 5194.18] his +[5194.18 --> 5194.80] sacrifice +[5194.80 --> 5195.20] until +[5195.20 --> 5195.36] he +[5195.36 --> 5195.56] comes +[5195.56 --> 5195.88] again +[5195.88 --> 5197.12] the +[5197.12 --> 5197.28] Lord +[5197.28 --> 5197.62] Jesus +[5197.62 --> 5198.00] on +[5198.00 --> 5198.16] the +[5198.16 --> 5198.40] night +[5198.40 --> 5198.60] that +[5198.60 --> 5198.90] he +[5198.90 --> 5199.38] was +[5199.38 --> 5199.90] betrayed +[5199.90 --> 5200.62] took +[5200.62 --> 5200.96] bread +[5200.96 --> 5201.84] and +[5201.84 --> 5201.98] when +[5201.98 --> 5202.10] he +[5202.10 --> 5202.22] had +[5202.22 --> 5202.46] given +[5202.46 --> 5203.02] thanks +[5203.02 --> 5203.34] he +[5203.34 --> 5203.96] broke +[5203.96 --> 5204.16] it +[5204.16 --> 5204.34] and +[5204.34 --> 5204.58] said +[5204.58 --> 5204.94] this +[5204.94 --> 5205.30] is +[5205.30 --> 5205.56] my +[5205.56 --> 5206.00] body +[5206.00 --> 5206.46] which +[5206.46 --> 5206.64] is +[5206.64 --> 5206.84] for +[5206.84 --> 5207.12] you +[5207.12 --> 5207.92] do +[5207.92 --> 5208.40] this +[5208.40 --> 5208.76] in +[5208.76 --> 5209.38] remembrance +[5209.38 --> 5209.88] of +[5209.88 --> 5210.18] me +[5210.18 --> 5211.48] in +[5211.48 --> 5211.62] the +[5211.62 --> 5211.84] same +[5211.84 --> 5212.24] way +[5212.24 --> 5213.74] after +[5213.74 --> 5214.64] supper +[5214.64 --> 5214.98] he +[5214.98 --> 5215.18] took +[5215.18 --> 5215.34] the +[5215.34 --> 5215.62] cup +[5215.62 --> 5216.52] saying +[5216.52 --> 5216.86] this +[5216.86 --> 5217.24] cup +[5217.24 --> 5217.82] is +[5217.82 --> 5218.02] the +[5218.02 --> 5218.24] new +[5218.24 --> 5218.64] covenant +[5218.64 --> 5219.50] in +[5219.50 --> 5219.70] my +[5219.70 --> 5220.08] blood +[5220.08 --> 5221.30] do +[5221.30 --> 5221.80] this +[5221.80 --> 5222.26] whenever +[5222.26 --> 5222.56] you +[5222.56 --> 5222.86] drink +[5222.86 --> 5223.10] it +[5223.10 --> 5223.66] in +[5223.66 --> 5224.12] remembrance +[5224.12 --> 5225.16] of +[5225.16 --> 5225.44] me +[5225.44 --> 5226.26] for +[5226.26 --> 5226.52] whenever +[5226.52 --> 5226.74] you +[5226.74 --> 5226.96] eat +[5226.96 --> 5227.20] this +[5227.20 --> 5227.54] bread +[5227.54 --> 5227.86] and +[5227.86 --> 5228.22] drink +[5228.22 --> 5228.56] this +[5228.56 --> 5228.96] cup +[5228.96 --> 5229.22] we +[5229.22 --> 5229.74] proclaim +[5229.74 --> 5229.98] the +[5229.98 --> 5230.34] Lord's +[5230.34 --> 5230.64] death +[5230.64 --> 5231.52] until +[5231.52 --> 5232.04] he +[5232.04 --> 5232.36] comes +[5232.36 --> 5232.72] again +[5232.72 --> 5234.24] this +[5234.24 --> 5235.14] is +[5235.14 --> 5235.44] the +[5235.44 --> 5236.02] mystery +[5236.02 --> 5236.66] of +[5236.66 --> 5237.00] our +[5237.00 --> 5237.46] faith +[5237.46 --> 5239.28] your +[5239.28 --> 5239.64] death +[5239.64 --> 5239.90] of +[5239.90 --> 5240.34] Christ +[5240.34 --> 5240.74] we +[5240.74 --> 5241.18] proclaim +[5241.18 --> 5242.34] your +[5242.34 --> 5242.90] resurrection +[5242.90 --> 5243.38] we +[5243.38 --> 5243.78] affirm +[5243.78 --> 5244.08] with +[5244.08 --> 5244.46] joy +[5244.46 --> 5245.40] your +[5245.40 --> 5245.84] coming +[5245.84 --> 5246.14] we +[5246.14 --> 5246.54] await +[5246.54 --> 5246.82] with +[5246.82 --> 5247.18] hope +[5247.18 --> 5248.36] glory +[5248.36 --> 5248.92] be to +[5248.92 --> 5249.16] you +[5249.16 --> 5249.48] Lord +[5249.48 --> 5249.88] Jesus +[5249.88 --> 5252.04] church +[5252.04 --> 5252.38] family +[5252.38 --> 5253.38] the +[5253.38 --> 5253.64] Lord +[5253.64 --> 5253.92] has +[5253.92 --> 5254.32] prepared +[5254.32 --> 5254.88] his +[5254.88 --> 5255.58] table +[5255.58 --> 5255.86] for +[5255.86 --> 5256.18] all +[5256.18 --> 5256.38] who +[5256.38 --> 5256.66] love +[5256.66 --> 5257.00] him +[5257.00 --> 5257.44] and +[5257.44 --> 5257.58] for +[5257.58 --> 5257.78] all +[5257.78 --> 5257.94] who +[5257.94 --> 5258.30] trust +[5258.30 --> 5258.48] in +[5258.48 --> 5258.72] him +[5258.72 --> 5259.16] alone +[5259.16 --> 5259.40] for +[5259.40 --> 5259.62] their +[5259.62 --> 5260.08] salvation +[5260.08 --> 5260.66] and +[5260.66 --> 5260.94] so +[5260.94 --> 5261.38] come +[5261.38 --> 5261.76] to +[5261.76 --> 5262.48] this +[5262.48 --> 5263.00] table +[5263.00 --> 5263.34] you +[5263.34 --> 5263.56] who +[5263.56 --> 5263.80] have +[5263.80 --> 5264.06] much +[5264.06 --> 5264.36] faith +[5264.36 --> 5264.58] and +[5264.58 --> 5264.76] you +[5264.76 --> 5264.90] who +[5264.90 --> 5265.16] would +[5265.16 --> 5265.90] like +[5265.90 --> 5266.40] more +[5266.40 --> 5267.42] come +[5267.42 --> 5267.62] to +[5267.62 --> 5267.84] this +[5267.84 --> 5268.14] table +[5268.14 --> 5268.42] you +[5268.42 --> 5268.64] who +[5268.64 --> 5268.86] have +[5268.86 --> 5269.10] been +[5269.10 --> 5269.28] to +[5269.28 --> 5269.52] this +[5269.52 --> 5270.10] sacrament +[5270.10 --> 5270.80] often +[5270.80 --> 5271.08] and +[5271.08 --> 5271.30] you +[5271.30 --> 5271.48] who +[5271.48 --> 5271.64] have +[5271.64 --> 5271.88] not +[5271.88 --> 5272.14] been +[5272.14 --> 5272.46] for +[5272.46 --> 5272.86] a +[5272.86 --> 5273.06] long +[5273.06 --> 5273.38] time +[5273.38 --> 5273.86] here +[5273.86 --> 5274.44] in +[5274.44 --> 5274.74] this +[5274.74 --> 5275.10] moment +[5275.10 --> 5275.32] the +[5275.32 --> 5275.84] invitation +[5275.84 --> 5276.18] of +[5276.18 --> 5276.48] Jesus +[5276.48 --> 5276.90] come +[5276.90 --> 5277.10] to +[5277.10 --> 5277.32] this +[5277.32 --> 5277.70] table +[5277.70 --> 5278.20] you +[5278.20 --> 5278.44] who +[5278.44 --> 5278.58] have +[5278.58 --> 5278.92] tried +[5278.92 --> 5279.14] to +[5279.14 --> 5279.42] follow +[5279.42 --> 5279.82] Jesus +[5279.82 --> 5280.50] and +[5280.50 --> 5280.68] you +[5280.68 --> 5280.82] who +[5280.82 --> 5281.00] have +[5281.00 --> 5281.30] failed +[5281.30 --> 5282.62] come +[5282.62 --> 5282.82] to +[5282.82 --> 5283.04] this +[5283.04 --> 5283.40] table +[5283.40 --> 5284.58] because +[5284.58 --> 5285.16] Jesus +[5285.16 --> 5286.00] is +[5286.00 --> 5286.92] raised +[5286.92 --> 5288.28] come +[5288.28 --> 5288.94] if +[5288.94 --> 5289.06] you +[5289.06 --> 5289.18] are +[5289.18 --> 5289.48] here +[5289.48 --> 5289.72] in +[5289.72 --> 5290.14] person +[5290.14 --> 5290.62] or +[5290.62 --> 5290.72] if +[5290.72 --> 5290.82] you're +[5290.82 --> 5291.06] joining +[5291.06 --> 5291.28] us +[5291.28 --> 5291.74] online +[5291.74 --> 5292.44] come +[5292.44 --> 5292.80] because +[5292.80 --> 5292.96] it +[5292.96 --> 5293.10] is +[5293.10 --> 5293.62] Christ +[5293.62 --> 5294.30] who +[5294.30 --> 5294.84] invites +[5294.84 --> 5295.28] us +[5295.28 --> 5295.90] to +[5295.90 --> 5296.38] his +[5296.38 --> 5297.18] feast +[5297.18 --> 5298.40] the +[5298.40 --> 5298.64] gifts +[5298.64 --> 5298.80] of +[5298.80 --> 5299.18] God +[5299.18 --> 5300.02] for +[5300.02 --> 5300.14] the +[5300.14 --> 5300.48] people +[5300.48 --> 5301.04] of +[5301.04 --> 5301.38] God +[5301.38 --> 5303.52] if +[5303.52 --> 5303.66] you +[5303.66 --> 5303.80] are +[5303.80 --> 5303.96] a +[5303.96 --> 5304.16] guest +[5304.16 --> 5304.36] with +[5304.36 --> 5304.64] us +[5304.64 --> 5305.76] we +[5305.76 --> 5306.76] celebrate +[5306.76 --> 5307.04] the +[5307.04 --> 5307.40] Lord's +[5307.40 --> 5307.66] Supper +[5307.66 --> 5308.24] by +[5308.24 --> 5308.56] coming +[5308.56 --> 5308.98] forward +[5308.98 --> 5309.26] in +[5309.26 --> 5309.70] groups +[5309.70 --> 5310.38] gathering +[5310.38 --> 5310.74] in +[5310.74 --> 5310.90] a +[5310.90 --> 5311.28] circle +[5311.28 --> 5312.12] passing +[5312.12 --> 5312.66] the +[5312.66 --> 5313.14] elements +[5313.14 --> 5313.54] to +[5313.54 --> 5313.70] the +[5313.70 --> 5314.04] person +[5314.04 --> 5314.76] beside +[5314.76 --> 5314.98] you +[5314.98 --> 5315.38] so +[5315.38 --> 5315.50] we +[5315.50 --> 5315.60] will +[5315.60 --> 5315.70] have +[5315.70 --> 5316.18] serving +[5316.18 --> 5316.50] elders +[5316.50 --> 5316.76] who +[5316.76 --> 5316.90] will +[5316.90 --> 5317.42] indicate +[5317.42 --> 5317.92] your +[5317.92 --> 5318.48] time +[5318.48 --> 5318.68] to +[5318.68 --> 5318.90] come +[5318.90 --> 5319.04] up +[5319.04 --> 5319.16] to +[5319.16 --> 5319.30] the +[5319.30 --> 5319.58] front +[5319.58 --> 5320.52] when +[5320.52 --> 5320.64] you +[5320.64 --> 5320.82] come +[5320.82 --> 5320.94] up +[5320.94 --> 5321.06] to +[5321.06 --> 5321.18] the +[5321.18 --> 5321.46] front +[5321.46 --> 5322.62] we +[5322.62 --> 5322.80] have +[5322.80 --> 5323.16] bread +[5323.16 --> 5323.44] and +[5323.44 --> 5323.58] we +[5323.58 --> 5323.72] have +[5323.72 --> 5324.06] juice +[5324.06 --> 5324.38] there's +[5324.38 --> 5324.62] also +[5324.62 --> 5324.96] gluten +[5324.96 --> 5325.28] free +[5325.28 --> 5325.58] bread +[5325.58 --> 5326.00] available +[5326.00 --> 5326.28] for +[5326.28 --> 5326.54] those +[5326.54 --> 5326.74] who +[5326.74 --> 5326.90] need +[5326.90 --> 5327.08] it +[5327.08 --> 5327.78] if +[5327.78 --> 5327.90] you +[5327.90 --> 5328.04] are +[5328.04 --> 5328.56] unable +[5328.56 --> 5328.82] to +[5328.82 --> 5329.02] come +[5329.02 --> 5329.18] up +[5329.18 --> 5329.32] to +[5329.32 --> 5329.46] the +[5329.46 --> 5329.68] front +[5329.68 --> 5329.86] but +[5329.86 --> 5330.02] would +[5330.02 --> 5330.30] like +[5330.30 --> 5330.50] to +[5330.50 --> 5331.06] receive +[5331.06 --> 5331.30] the +[5331.30 --> 5331.64] Lord's +[5331.64 --> 5331.88] Supper +[5331.88 --> 5332.28] please +[5332.28 --> 5332.70] indicate +[5332.70 --> 5333.08] that +[5333.08 --> 5333.26] to +[5333.26 --> 5333.50] the +[5333.50 --> 5334.02] elders +[5334.02 --> 5334.24] who +[5334.24 --> 5334.38] are +[5334.38 --> 5334.88] ushering +[5334.88 --> 5335.06] and +[5335.06 --> 5335.22] they +[5335.22 --> 5335.44] will +[5335.44 --> 5335.82] come +[5335.82 --> 5336.12] and +[5336.12 --> 5336.44] bring +[5336.44 --> 5336.70] the +[5336.70 --> 5337.12] elements +[5337.12 --> 5337.52] to +[5337.52 --> 5337.88] you +[5337.88 --> 5338.42] where +[5338.42 --> 5338.60] you +[5338.60 --> 5338.76] are +[5338.76 --> 5339.02] seated +[5339.02 --> 5340.44] when +[5340.44 --> 5340.56] you +[5340.56 --> 5340.74] come +[5340.74 --> 5340.88] to +[5340.88 --> 5341.02] the +[5341.02 --> 5341.28] front +[5341.28 --> 5341.58] and +[5341.58 --> 5342.34] the +[5342.34 --> 5342.78] bread +[5342.78 --> 5343.04] is +[5343.04 --> 5343.40] passed +[5343.40 --> 5343.68] to +[5343.68 --> 5343.96] you +[5343.96 --> 5344.22] we +[5344.22 --> 5344.62] invite +[5344.62 --> 5344.84] you +[5344.84 --> 5345.06] to +[5345.06 --> 5345.46] say +[5345.46 --> 5345.74] to +[5345.74 --> 5345.88] the +[5345.88 --> 5346.20] person +[5346.20 --> 5346.50] next +[5346.50 --> 5346.70] to +[5346.70 --> 5347.00] you +[5347.00 --> 5347.44] the +[5347.44 --> 5347.76] body +[5347.76 --> 5347.96] of +[5347.96 --> 5348.32] Christ +[5348.32 --> 5348.66] given +[5348.66 --> 5348.90] for +[5348.90 --> 5349.20] you +[5349.20 --> 5349.60] as +[5349.60 --> 5349.74] you +[5349.74 --> 5350.02] pass +[5350.02 --> 5350.20] it +[5350.20 --> 5350.88] similarly +[5350.88 --> 5351.42] when +[5351.42 --> 5351.52] you +[5351.52 --> 5351.92] receive +[5351.92 --> 5352.32] the +[5352.32 --> 5352.68] juice +[5352.68 --> 5352.86] we +[5352.86 --> 5353.14] invite +[5353.14 --> 5353.28] you +[5353.28 --> 5353.44] to +[5353.44 --> 5358.30] our +[5358.30 --> 5358.58] first +[5358.58 --> 5358.90] table +[5358.90 --> 5359.14] is +[5359.14 --> 5359.28] going +[5359.28 --> 5359.36] to +[5359.36 --> 5359.50] be +[5359.50 --> 5359.82] those +[5359.82 --> 5360.02] who +[5360.02 --> 5360.30] are +[5360.30 --> 5361.00] helping +[5361.00 --> 5361.42] serve +[5361.42 --> 5361.66] whether +[5361.66 --> 5361.90] that's +[5361.90 --> 5362.02] the +[5362.02 --> 5362.30] elders +[5362.30 --> 5362.54] or +[5362.54 --> 5362.68] the +[5362.68 --> 5362.92] worship +[5362.92 --> 5363.46] volunteers +[5363.46 --> 5363.72] or +[5363.72 --> 5363.96] meeting +[5363.96 --> 5364.36] people +[5364.36 --> 5364.54] at +[5364.54 --> 5364.64] the +[5364.64 --> 5364.92] back +[5364.92 --> 5365.86] also +[5365.86 --> 5366.22] we +[5366.22 --> 5366.48] have +[5366.48 --> 5367.22] people +[5367.22 --> 5367.50] who +[5367.50 --> 5367.64] are +[5367.64 --> 5367.96] available +[5367.96 --> 5368.22] to +[5368.22 --> 5368.50] pray +[5368.50 --> 5369.18] and +[5369.18 --> 5369.30] so +[5369.30 --> 5369.44] they +[5369.44 --> 5369.58] will +[5369.58 --> 5369.72] be +[5369.72 --> 5369.88] in +[5369.88 --> 5370.04] the +[5370.04 --> 5370.36] foyer +[5370.36 --> 5370.66] at +[5370.66 --> 5370.78] the +[5370.78 --> 5371.04] back +[5371.04 --> 5371.22] if +[5371.22 --> 5371.34] you +[5371.34 --> 5371.46] would +[5371.46 --> 5371.64] like +[5371.64 --> 5371.78] to +[5371.78 --> 5372.02] receive +[5372.02 --> 5372.46] prayer +[5372.46 --> 5372.96] before +[5372.96 --> 5373.22] or +[5373.22 --> 5373.58] after +[5373.58 --> 5374.12] or +[5374.12 --> 5374.36] in +[5374.36 --> 5374.56] lieu +[5374.56 --> 5374.82] of +[5374.82 --> 5375.10] coming +[5375.10 --> 5375.28] to +[5375.28 --> 5375.42] the +[5375.42 --> 5375.68] table +[5375.68 --> 5375.92] you +[5375.92 --> 5376.08] may +[5376.08 --> 5376.24] do +[5376.24 --> 5376.50] that +[5376.50 --> 5377.00] with +[5377.00 --> 5377.16] them +[5377.16 --> 5377.40] back +[5377.40 --> 5377.64] there +[5377.64 --> 5377.92] so +[5377.92 --> 5378.06] I'm +[5378.06 --> 5378.14] going +[5378.14 --> 5378.20] to +[5378.20 --> 5378.48] invite +[5378.48 --> 5378.78] those +[5378.78 --> 5378.94] who +[5378.94 --> 5379.12] are +[5379.12 --> 5379.90] volunteering +[5379.90 --> 5380.18] who +[5380.18 --> 5380.30] are +[5380.30 --> 5380.56] part +[5380.56 --> 5380.68] of +[5380.68 --> 5380.82] our +[5380.82 --> 5381.12] service +[5381.12 --> 5381.32] to +[5381.32 --> 5381.48] come +[5381.48 --> 5381.84] forward +[5381.84 --> 5382.10] we +[5382.10 --> 5382.22] will +[5382.22 --> 5382.38] do +[5382.38 --> 5382.60] the +[5382.60 --> 5383.14] first +[5383.14 --> 5383.44] round +[5383.44 --> 5383.66] and +[5383.66 --> 5383.84] then +[5383.84 --> 5384.02] they +[5384.02 --> 5384.16] will +[5384.16 --> 5384.34] lead +[5384.34 --> 5384.50] us +[5384.50 --> 5384.66] in +[5384.66 --> 5385.06] song +[5385.06 --> 5385.62] through +[5385.62 --> 5385.92] the +[5385.92 --> 5386.34] remaining +[5386.34 --> 5387.74] invitations +[5387.74 --> 5388.08] to the +[5388.08 --> 5388.30] table +[5407.92 --> 5419.84] and +[5419.84 --> 5420.68] to +[5420.68 --> 5420.98] a +[5420.98 --> 5421.82] Mr. +[5421.82 --> 5422.40] T tea +[5422.40 --> 5424.40] Amen. +[5452.40 --> 5454.40] Amen. +[5482.40 --> 5484.40] Amen. +[5512.40 --> 5514.40] Amen. +[5542.40 --> 5544.40] Amen. +[5572.40 --> 5574.40] Amen. +[5602.40 --> 5604.40] Amen. +[5632.40 --> 5643.22] What grace to be found in Him, Heaven's glorious King. +[5645.58 --> 5658.66] Father, what grace, raising us to life, choosing us in Christ. +[5658.66 --> 5665.66] Father, what grace. +[5665.66 --> 5683.66] Deep is the joy that fills your courts above, while angels wander at your redeeming love. +[5683.66 --> 5698.66] And as you gaze with joy upon your side, your eyes are on the ones His love has won. +[5698.66 --> 5700.66] Amen. +[5700.66 --> 5710.66] What grace to be found in Him, Heaven's glorious King. +[5710.66 --> 5724.66] Father, what grace, raising us to life, choosing us in Christ. +[5724.66 --> 5731.66] Father, what grace. +[5731.66 --> 5733.66] Amen. +[5733.66 --> 5734.66] Amen. +[5734.66 --> 5735.66] Amen. +[5735.66 --> 5736.66] Amen. +[5736.66 --> 5737.66] Amen. +[5737.66 --> 5738.66] Amen. +[5738.66 --> 5741.66] Amen. +[5741.66 --> 5745.66] Amen. +[5745.66 --> 5746.66] Amen. +[5746.66 --> 5747.76] Amen. +[5748.66 --> 5751.54] Amen. +[5751.54 --> 5755.66] Amen. +[5755.66 --> 5756.66] Ass earned. +[5756.66 --> 5765.34] Our hearts forever where our treasure is +[5765.34 --> 5772.56] What grace to be found in Him +[5772.56 --> 5777.24] Heaven's glorious King +[5777.24 --> 5786.10] Father, what grace raising us to life +[5786.10 --> 5791.16] Choosing us in Christ +[5791.16 --> 5799.38] Father, what grace to be found in Him +[5799.38 --> 5803.88] Heaven's glorious King +[5803.88 --> 5812.84] Father, what grace raising us to life +[5812.84 --> 5816.90] Choosing us in Christ +[5816.90 --> 5822.90] Father, what grace +[5822.90 --> 5827.96] What grace +[5827.96 --> 5829.96] What grace +[5829.96 --> 5848.94] What grace +[5848.94 --> 5873.72] What, what my hands have done +[5873.72 --> 5879.36] Can't save my guilty soul +[5879.36 --> 5885.72] Not what my toiling flesh and poor +[5885.72 --> 5891.10] Can make my spirit whole +[5891.10 --> 5897.08] Not what I feel or do +[5897.08 --> 5903.70] Can give me peace with God +[5903.70 --> 5910.58] Not all my prayers and sighs and tears +[5910.58 --> 5916.46] Can bear my awful Lord +[5916.46 --> 5922.70] Your voice alone, O Lord +[5923.26 --> 5929.08] Can speak to me of grace +[5929.08 --> 5935.74] Your power alone, O Son of God +[5935.74 --> 5941.08] Can all my sin erase +[5941.08 --> 5947.58] No other work but yours +[5947.58 --> 5953.52] No other blood will do +[5953.52 --> 5959.96] No strength but that which is divine +[5959.96 --> 5965.08] Can bear me safely through +[5965.08 --> 5973.16] I praise the Christ of God +[5973.16 --> 5977.84] I rest on the divine +[5977.84 --> 5985.24] And with unfolding lip and heart +[5985.24 --> 5991.90] I call this Savior God +[5991.90 --> 5997.24] My Lord has saved my life +[5997.24 --> 6002.24] And freely pardoned gifts +[6002.24 --> 6009.32] I love because He first loved me +[6009.32 --> 6016.44] I live because He lives +[6016.44 --> 6025.10] And with tomb and weeks +[6025.10 --> 6026.54] I pray and love with Jesus +[6026.54 --> 6026.94] The grace of God +[6026.94 --> 6026.98] And with eternal eternal salvation +[6026.98 --> 6027.76] Until He says love +[6028.44 --> 6028.72] It will not let him +[6028.72 --> 6029.90] Yes, that is what he has +[6029.90 --> 6030.70] In the final틀 +[6030.70 --> 6035.08] And否 +[6035.08 --> 6061.88] My Lord, what love is this +[6061.88 --> 6069.18] That pays so dearly +[6069.18 --> 6077.10] That I, the guilty one +[6077.10 --> 6083.62] May your faith +[6083.62 --> 6089.50] Amazing love, oh what sacrifice +[6089.50 --> 6096.50] The Son of God, here for me +[6097.12 --> 6100.78] My death He pays +[6100.78 --> 6104.50] And my death He dies +[6104.50 --> 6110.50] That I might live +[6110.50 --> 6117.50] That I might live +[6117.50 --> 6129.58] And so they watched Him die +[6129.58 --> 6135.16] Despised, rejected +[6135.16 --> 6144.32] But oh, the blood He shed +[6144.32 --> 6149.32] For me +[6149.32 --> 6157.32] Amazing love, oh what sacrifice +[6157.32 --> 6164.32] The Son of God, give for me +[6164.32 --> 6167.32] My death He pays +[6167.32 --> 6171.32] And my death He dies +[6171.32 --> 6177.32] That I might live +[6177.32 --> 6183.32] That I might live +[6183.32 --> 6190.32] And now +[6190.32 --> 6196.32] This love of Christ +[6196.94 --> 6198.32] Shall flow +[6198.32 --> 6203.32] Like rivers +[6203.32 --> 6210.32] Come wash your guilt away +[6210.32 --> 6213.32] Live +[6213.32 --> 6214.32] Live +[6214.32 --> 6217.32] Amen +[6217.32 --> 6223.32] Amazing love, oh what sacrifice +[6223.32 --> 6230.32] The Son of God, give for me +[6230.32 --> 6234.32] My death He pays +[6234.32 --> 6238.32] And my death He dies +[6238.32 --> 6244.32] That I, I live +[6244.32 --> 6249.32] That I, I live +[6249.32 --> 6252.32] That I, I live +[6252.32 --> 6262.32] That I, I live +[6262.32 --> 6265.32] That I, I live +[6265.32 --> 6269.32] That I, I live +[6269.32 --> 6270.32] That I love +[6270.32 --> 6294.60] Before the throne of God above +[6294.60 --> 6300.18] I have a strong and perfect plea +[6300.18 --> 6305.50] A great high priest whose name is love +[6305.50 --> 6310.96] Whoever lives and pleads for me +[6310.96 --> 6316.48] My name is written on his hands +[6316.48 --> 6321.92] My name is written on his heart +[6321.92 --> 6327.06] I know that while in heaven he stands +[6327.06 --> 6331.92] No tongue can bid me thence depart +[6331.92 --> 6336.92] No tongue can bid me thence depart +[6336.92 --> 6349.92] When Satan tempts me to despair +[6349.92 --> 6356.06] And tells me of the guilt within +[6356.06 --> 6361.24] Upward I look and see him there +[6361.24 --> 6366.62] Who made an end of all my sin +[6366.62 --> 6371.24] Because the sinless Savior died +[6371.84 --> 6376.24] My sinful soul is counted free +[6376.80 --> 6381.24] For God the just is satisfied +[6381.24 --> 6387.24] To look on him and pardon me +[6387.24 --> 6392.24] To look on him and pardon me +[6392.24 --> 6405.24] Behold him there the risen Lamb +[6405.24 --> 6410.24] My perfect spotless righteousness +[6410.24 --> 6416.24] The great unchangeable I am +[6416.24 --> 6422.24] The King of glory and of grace +[6422.24 --> 6426.24] One in himself I cannot die +[6426.24 --> 6432.24] My soul is purchased by his blood +[6432.24 --> 6437.24] My life is hid with Christ on high +[6437.24 --> 6442.24] With Christ my Savior and my God +[6442.24 --> 6447.24] With Christ my Savior and my God +[6447.24 --> 6454.24] With Christ my Savior and my God +[6454.24 --> 6464.24] My life is hid with Christ on high +[6464.24 --> 6469.24] With Christ my Savior and my God +[6469.24 --> 6476.24] With Christ my Savior and my God +[6476.24 --> 6486.24] You willOLD outer to the land +[6486.24 --> 6490.24] All over my grace where He stands +[6491.24 --> 6492.24] and may now, with His sign +[6496.24 --> 6496.54] He will upon your grace +[6496.54 --> 6522.62] O to see the dawn of the darkest day +[6522.62 --> 6530.62] Christ on a road to Calvary +[6530.62 --> 6536.52] Tried by sinful land +[6536.52 --> 6540.94] Torn and beaten land +[6540.94 --> 6548.36] Nailed to a cross of wood +[6548.36 --> 6557.62] This the path of the cross +[6557.62 --> 6560.36] Christ became +[6560.36 --> 6565.36] Sin for us +[6566.08 --> 6569.36] Took the blame +[6569.36 --> 6575.68] For the wrath we stand forgiven +[6575.68 --> 6579.36] At the cross +[6579.36 --> 6592.06] Won't you see the pain +[6592.06 --> 6596.58] Written on your face +[6596.58 --> 6604.62] Bearing the awesome weight of sin +[6604.62 --> 6609.62] Every bitter thought +[6609.62 --> 6613.88] Every evil deed +[6613.88 --> 6617.52] Counting your blood +[6617.52 --> 6620.62] Stay proud +[6620.62 --> 6624.62] This the hope +[6624.62 --> 6628.62] Of the cross +[6628.62 --> 6631.62] Christ became +[6631.62 --> 6636.62] Sin for us +[6636.62 --> 6640.62] Took the blame +[6640.62 --> 6645.62] For the wrath we stand +[6645.62 --> 6646.62] For the grace +[6646.62 --> 6647.36] For the grace of God +[6647.36 --> 6654.88] And the grace of God +[6654.88 --> 6662.80] Now the daylight flees +[6662.80 --> 6667.12] Now the brown beef +[6667.12 --> 6675.76] Quakes as its maker bows its head +[6675.76 --> 6680.00] Curtain torn in two +[6680.00 --> 6684.24] Dead are raised to the light +[6684.24 --> 6691.44] Finish the victory cry +[6691.44 --> 6699.28] This the heart of the cross +[6699.28 --> 6707.24] Christ became sin for us +[6707.24 --> 6711.20] Took the pain +[6711.20 --> 6721.14] For the wrath we stand forgiven at the cross +[6721.14 --> 6732.36] Oh, to see my name +[6732.36 --> 6736.76] Written in the wounds +[6736.76 --> 6740.80] For through your suffering +[6740.80 --> 6744.76] I am free +[6744.76 --> 6749.48] Death is crushed to death +[6751.14 --> 6753.76] It's right to live +[6753.76 --> 6760.36] Born with your selfless love +[6760.36 --> 6768.78] This the heart of the cross +[6768.78 --> 6771.40] Son of God +[6771.40 --> 6776.44] Sing for us +[6776.44 --> 6780.00] Water of all +[6780.00 --> 6782.00] Water of all +[6782.00 --> 6785.26] Peace that forgiven +[6785.26 --> 6788.00] At the cross +[6788.00 --> 6815.16] If you would like to chat with me or with someone else +[6815.16 --> 6817.94] About how the comfort +[6817.94 --> 6819.92] And the peace of God +[6819.92 --> 6821.86] Seeing all of who you are +[6821.86 --> 6823.46] And being with you in the midst of it +[6823.46 --> 6824.94] How that can be made yours +[6824.94 --> 6826.88] Please grab me after the service +[6826.88 --> 6827.38] Today +[6827.38 --> 6830.26] Or someone else with a name tag on +[6830.26 --> 6832.38] They would love to connect with you +[6832.38 --> 6833.86] Following our worship +[6833.86 --> 6835.38] There's a time of fellowship together +[6835.38 --> 6837.12] I have it on good authority +[6837.12 --> 6838.48] That there is coffee this week +[6838.48 --> 6840.00] So we're grateful for that +[6840.00 --> 6841.36] And for the people who pulled that together +[6841.36 --> 6842.74] And again +[6842.74 --> 6843.76] If you would like prayer +[6843.76 --> 6845.44] After service +[6845.44 --> 6847.92] There should be someone with a yellow name tag on +[6847.92 --> 6848.46] Grab them +[6848.46 --> 6849.66] They would love to pray with you +[6849.66 --> 6851.32] Or turn to anyone around you +[6851.32 --> 6852.70] They would love to pray with you as well +[6852.70 --> 6854.16] As you go +[6854.16 --> 6857.06] Go with the blessing of our God +[6857.06 --> 6860.46] God go before you +[6860.46 --> 6861.34] To lead you +[6861.34 --> 6863.12] God go behind you +[6863.12 --> 6864.02] To protect you +[6864.02 --> 6865.42] God go beneath you +[6865.42 --> 6866.36] To support you +[6866.36 --> 6868.00] God go beside you +[6868.00 --> 6869.02] To befriend you +[6869.02 --> 6871.72] Do not be afraid +[6871.72 --> 6873.32] Let the blessing of God +[6873.32 --> 6874.28] Come upon you today +[6874.28 --> 6875.86] Do not be afraid +[6875.86 --> 6877.94] But go in peace +[6877.94 --> 6880.56] To love and serve the Lord +[6880.56 --> 6882.14] Amen +[6882.14 --> 6905.08] As you go +[6905.08 --> 6906.00] May you know +[6906.00 --> 6907.30] The love of Christ +[6907.30 --> 6909.86] How deep and long +[6909.86 --> 6911.86] How high and wide +[6911.86 --> 6914.04] As you leave +[6914.04 --> 6916.30] May you seek to win the prize +[6916.30 --> 6918.46] And find his death +[6918.46 --> 6921.52] To be your life +[6921.52 --> 6922.96] May you go +[6922.96 --> 6923.78] In the love +[6923.78 --> 6925.98] Of your Father God +[6925.98 --> 6927.36] May you go +[6927.36 --> 6929.56] In the grace of Christ +[6929.56 --> 6931.82] May you go +[6931.82 --> 6934.70] In the power of the Spirit now +[6934.70 --> 6936.34] To bring him glory +[6936.34 --> 6939.04] With your life +[6939.04 --> 6940.62] As you go +[6940.62 --> 6941.24] May you go +[6941.24 --> 6941.50] May you know +[6941.50 --> 6942.00] May you go +[6942.00 --> 6951.36] grace is very strength for what's to come as you leave may you feel its mind in hand +[6952.48 --> 6962.80] guarding your steps in the race you run may you go in the love of your father god may you go +[6962.80 --> 6973.52] in the grace of christ may you go in the power of the spirit now to bring him glory with your life +[6974.96 --> 6982.56] as you go may you show his heart to bless the ones with less the blind and lost +[6983.92 --> 6991.20] as you leave may you be the light of christ and show our hope is in the cross +[6992.80 --> 7000.32] may you go in the love of your father god may you go in the grace of christ +[7001.68 --> 7009.12] may you go in the power of the spirit now to bring him glory with your life +[7010.64 --> 7018.48] may you go in the love of your father god may you go in the grace of christ +[7018.48 --> 7038.00] may you go in the power of the spirit now to bring him glory with your life +[7038.00 --> 7040.08] 있어 +[7040.08 --> 7070.06] Thank you. +[7070.08 --> 7100.06] Thank you. +[7100.08 --> 7130.06] Thank you. +[7130.08 --> 7160.06] Thank you. +[7160.08 --> 7190.06] Thank you. +[7190.08 --> 7220.06] Thank you. +[7220.08 --> 7250.06] Thank you. diff --git a/Sunday Worship, January 21, 2024_summary.txt b/Sunday Worship, January 21, 2024_summary.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000000000000000000000000000000000000..4d072ed1536ebb6c510d4c6a259c2235c1de9e76 --- /dev/null +++ b/Sunday Worship, January 21, 2024_summary.txt @@ -0,0 +1,146 @@ +• Announcements for upcoming events +• Introduction and welcome by Kevin Lobert +• Release of church podcast, "The Narthex" +• Video promotion for summer camp at Cascade Family Bible Camp +• Testimony about the importance of a "spirit thing" (undefined concept) in one's life +• Discussion of a bocce ball tournament with potential participants from the church +• Promotion of KSK Family Battle Camp as a fun event for all ages +• Invitation to participate in the camp, highlighting its safety and family-friendly atmosphere +• Mention of a discount for Canadians and first-time attendees +• Pastor Chris leads worship and invites congregation to greet each other +• Scripture reading and hymn singing +• Worship and adoration of God +• Recognition of God's sovereignty over creation +• Confession of personal shortcomings and sinfulness +• Request for forgiveness and mercy through Jesus' grace +• Expression of gratitude for God's love and redemption +• Reflection on the human condition and need for spiritual guidance +• Baptism of Jane as a covenant child +• Explanation of why infants are baptized in the church's tradition +• Discussion of the meaning and significance of baptism in relation to God's promises and Jesus' life and death +• Reference to biblical passages (Genesis 15, Acts 2:39, 1 Peter 2) to support the practice of infant baptism +• Questions asked to Jesus and Megan regarding their commitment to raise Jane in the Christian faith +• Baptism of Jane +• Significance of water in baptism and spiritual rebirth +• Invitation for congregation to promise love and support +• Gift-giving ceremony and presentation of certificate and book +• Transition from candidate's life as an individual to part of the church family +• Responsibility and commitment to lead and guide her in faith +• The speaker expresses the desire for a young girl, Jane, to stand up and claim her faith in Jesus Christ as her own. +• A prayer is offered for Jane and the congregation, thanking God for the sacrament of baptism and asking Him to cause faith in Jane to take deep root and grow. +• The speaker prays that Jane will know God's presence and blessing throughout her life, and that she will always turn to God and see His face. +• A song of response is led by the worship team as a continuation of worship together. +• Praise to God's goodness +• Faithfulness of God throughout speaker's life +• Trust in God through darkest times +• Surrendering everything to God +• Gratitude for God's grace and goodness +• Offerings being given to Advocate +• Psalm 139 reading: creation and purpose in womb +• Praises and thanksgiving to Jesus +• Discussion of children's fears and anxieties +• Introduction to a lesson on trusting God with fears and worries +• Call for the congregation to stand up and participate in the lesson +• Congregational prayer led by Andy, including praise, thanksgiving, and petitioning +• Mention of recent deaths and prayer for comfort and preparation for mortality +• Prayer for specific individuals and families, including recovery from illness and safe returns home +• Prayers for various countries and situations around the world +• Discussion of the Jewish people's struggles with hatred and violence +• Request to God to allow His Holy Spirit to work in the hearts of Jews, that they may see Jesus as their Messiah +• Prayer for the return of Jesus Christ and renewal/ restoration of the earth +• Blessing and prayer for Pastor Chris as he preaches the word of God +• A personal anecdote about receiving a message from Jesus regarding a baptism on January 21st, coinciding with the day's focus on Romans 11:25-32 +• Introduction to the passage in Romans 11:25-32, noting its difficulty and importance +• The passage of scripture mentions the salvation of all Israel and quotes from various biblical sources to support this idea. +• Discussion of whether "all Israel" refers to ethnic Israel, the country of Israel, or a broader group including past, present, and future individuals who identify as Israel. +• Exploration of what is meant by the "full number of Gentiles" and how it relates to Jesus' return. +• Questions about when this salvation will happen, whether it's already occurring, and how one can know or see it. +• The speaker notes that they won't be able to answer all questions raised during the discussion, but encourages listeners to continue exploring their queries through study and small groups. +• The speaker wants to discuss discipleship with a starting point for an ongoing conversation +• Paul's statement that "all Israel will be saved" is questioned, specifically what he means by "all Israel without distinction" +• The mechanism for this salvation is also discussed +• Assumptions are made about the interpretation of scripture, including: + • That Paul won't contradict himself in Romans chapters 9-11 and throughout his letters + • That there are no contradictions within the New Testament canon + • That there are no contradictions between the Old and New Testaments +• Consistency of Scripture +• Shared doctrine of inspiration +• No contradictions in the Bible, but difficult passages to reconcile +• Scripture's infallibility and God-breathed nature +• Need for context and understanding Scripture as a whole to interpret individual teachings +• Paul's teaching on salvation by faith in Jesus Christ +• The speaker explains that it can be confusing to understand who Paul is referring to as "all Israel" in Galatians 26 +• Paul distinguishes between ethnic Israel and spiritual Israel in Galatians 9:6-8, stating that not all descendants of Israel are truly part of Israel +• He emphasizes that children of the promise (Abraham's descendants) are true Israelites +• In Galatians 10:12, Paul reiterates that there is no difference between Jew and Gentile in terms of salvation by faith +• The speaker notes that Paul returns to distinguishing ethnic Israel from spiritual Israel in Galatians 10:16-21 +• He highlights the concept of a remnant chosen by God's grace in Galatians 11:5 +• The speaker discusses the meaning of "Israel" in Romans 11 +• Different interpretations of what "all Israel" refers to: ethnic or spiritual Israel +• The speaker disagrees with John Calvin's interpretation that it refers to a spiritual marker, not an ethnic one +• The use of the tree metaphor in Romans 11 is discussed and contrasted with Paul's actual usage of the word +• The concept of salvation coming to Gentiles to make Israel envious is referenced +• The concept of "Gentiles" as an ethnic marker for non-Jewish people is discussed +• Paul's promise in verse 23 that Israel will be grafted back in if they do not persist in unbelief +• The metaphor of the olive tree, where unbelieving Israel has been cut off and believing Gentiles have been grafted back in +• Paul's promise that Israel can be grafted back into the tree as a natural branch +• The contrast between Gentiles who believe and ethnic Israel who does not (or did not) believe +• The speaker describes Paul's explanation of Israel as a mystery +• The speaker argues that if Paul was only referring to elected Gentiles and the remnant of Jews, it wouldn't be a mystery +• The speaker believes that the concept of "all Israel" is difficult to understand, which is why it's more likely to be true +• The speaker explains that when Paul uses the word "all", he means ethnic Israel in a general sense +• The speaker references 2 Chronicles 12:1 as an example of how the phrase "all Israel" can refer to a broader group +• The speaker argues that Rehoboam, king of Judah, is referred to as "king over all Israel" in Chronicles, demonstrating how the term can be used to refer to a larger entity +• The Chronicles of Israel are interesting because all Israel had abandoned the law of the Lord, yet a prophet prophesied about a king named Josiah who would bring the people back to God. +• In 1 Kings 13, there is a recounting of a man of God from Judah who prophesies that a king will come and gives his name as Josiah in the line of David. +• Josiah becomes king around 300 years after Rehoboam and brings reforms to bring the people back to God. +• The Bible describes all Israel as walking away, but with exceptions, allowing for distinctions within it. +• This distinction is relevant because Paul's reference to "all Israel" in Romans 11:26 may be referring to a mass of Jewish people who will be saved. +• Paul's use of the word "Israel" in Romans chapter 11 +• Israel as referring to both ethnic and spiritual identities +• The concept of a believing remnant within Israel +• Possible interpretations of Paul's words, including end times or mass revival scenarios +• Contrasting views among scholars on what Paul intended +• Paul's language allows for a steady but growing number of Jews to become Christian +• This process would eventually lead to most believing in Jesus +• Paul's confidence comes from his interpretation of Isaiah and God's plan of salvation +• Ethnic Israel matters in God's plan of salvation, and a day will come when most of them remember their role +• The ground of their salvation is the same as for others +• Salvation is granted by God's mercy +• Paul says that if they do not persist in unbelief, they will be grafted in +• The promise must be believed for it to be effective +• Faith is necessary for the promise to be realized +• Scripture should interpret Scripture when studying the Bible +• Salvation is a gift from God's grace +• Faith in Christ unites us to Him and grants salvation +• The true descendants of Father Abraham are those who do His will, recognizing Jesus as the one true Son +• It is by God's choosing and grace that we are saved through faith +• Salvation is not earned by works but is a gift from God. +• The way of salvation is the same for Israel as it is for all people +• Belief in Jesus as Messiah and Lord is required for salvation +• Faith is granted to the elect, but also requires human response +• God's mercy is the determining factor for salvation, not human effort or desire +• God can use unbelief among one group (Israel) to spur faith among another group (Gentiles) +• Gentile believers are included as heirs of the promise and seeds of Abraham +• God will eventually bring Israel back to faith through the example of Gentile believers. +• The concept of the "boomerang of salvation" where God's mercy is given to Gentiles due to Jewish rejection, but ultimately returns to Israel +• Belief in Jesus as Messiah, Lord, and Son of God is necessary for salvation for both Gentiles and ethnic Israel +• There will be a greater number of Jews who believe than expected, with Paul's hope rooted in God's promise and call +• The reality that God's word accomplishes its purpose, and all peoples (Gentiles and Jews) will receive mercy and believe through faith by grace +• The concept of God's mercy being available to all peoples, regardless of faith background. +• The idea that humility is necessary for Gentile believers, as emphasized by Paul in chapter 11. +• The reassurance that nothing can thwart God's plan of salvation, including rejection or stubbornness. +• The comfort and assurance that God will ultimately bring about the salvation He has decreed. +• The speaker has a plan that will not be thwarted, regardless of the efforts of parents +• God's mission through the church is to proclaim the gospel to all people +• Jesus Christ lived the life we should have lived and died the death we deserve, making him the Lord over all creation +• This undergirds our call to mission and encourages us to go forth and proclaim the gospel +• No one comes to God except through Jesus Christ +• The assurance of eternal salvation through Jesus +• Mission to proclaim the truth of the gospel and make it known who Jesus is and what He has done +• Trusting in God's strength and grace during difficult times +• Being strong in Savior's love and recognizing Him as Lord, even in the midst of storms +• Waiting for Jesus' return with trumpet sound and desiring to be found dressed in His righteousness alone +• The speaker expresses gratitude for God's name +• Repetition of "I will choose to send you" +• Multiple iterations of the same phrase continue throughout the transcript \ No newline at end of file diff --git a/Sunday Worship, January 21, 2024_transcript.txt b/Sunday Worship, January 21, 2024_transcript.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000000000000000000000000000000000000..45b26318f62e733502805d91147b19152507b416 --- /dev/null +++ b/Sunday Worship, January 21, 2024_transcript.txt @@ -0,0 +1,2899 @@ +[0.00 --> 29.98] Thank you. +[30.00 --> 59.98] Thank you. +[60.00 --> 89.98] Thank you. +[90.00 --> 92.00] Thank you. +[120.00 --> 122.00] Thank you. +[150.00 --> 152.00] Thank you. +[180.00 --> 182.00] Thank you. +[210.00 --> 212.00] Thank you. +[212.00 --> 214.00] Thank you. +[214.00 --> 243.98] Thank you. +[244.00 --> 273.98] Thank you. +[274.00 --> 274.64] What hockey game? +[277.02 --> 279.12] Good morning, everyone. +[281.68 --> 285.16] Good morning, everyone. +[286.00 --> 287.06] There we go. +[287.14 --> 289.60] Welcome to Langley Manual CRC this morning. +[289.68 --> 290.80] My name is Kevin Lobert. +[291.00 --> 292.58] I'm the youth pastor here. +[293.08 --> 300.08] An extra welcome to any family and guests here to celebrate with us the baptism of Jane Hernandez. +[300.08 --> 302.10] It's so good to see you all here as well. +[302.52 --> 308.12] Before we get going in worship this morning, there's just a few announcements I'd like to bring to your attention. +[308.94 --> 315.98] The first is that this Tuesday night, council will be meeting this week to chat about the end of last year and the beginning of this year. +[316.00 --> 317.30] And we'll be rolling with that. +[317.62 --> 319.70] So council members, we'll see you there. +[319.82 --> 321.80] Church, just know that that's happening in the background. +[321.80 --> 325.20] 2020 is tonight for all of you youth. +[325.42 --> 330.52] So if you are a youth or a leader here today, we'll see you tonight here at the church, 6.30 p.m. +[330.90 --> 332.34] Looking forward to that as well. +[332.34 --> 337.20] So finally, a third announcement for you this morning is something new. +[337.36 --> 342.16] This week, for the first time, our church is actually going to be releasing a podcast. +[342.98 --> 347.40] This is a project that Pastor Chris, Josh, and myself have been a little bit excited about for the last little bit. +[347.48 --> 349.50] And we finally got rolling on it. +[349.56 --> 354.64] And so this podcast will be talking about the previous Sunday's sermons. +[354.64 --> 358.54] And we'll be talking about church and theology and current events and those types of things. +[358.54 --> 362.38] And so they'll be about 30 minutes long or so, and they will come out every week. +[362.54 --> 367.22] And so if that's something that you're interested in, the link to those will be in both the bulletin and on the website. +[367.52 --> 372.22] But you can also download them wherever you download any of your podcasts. +[372.38 --> 373.60] So they will be available everywhere. +[373.92 --> 375.72] The podcast is called The Narthex. +[375.90 --> 378.70] So give a look for that and hear more about that. +[378.92 --> 382.78] It stars one of our dear friends as well, who's smiling at me right now. +[382.86 --> 385.00] So see if you can figure out who that is. +[385.00 --> 393.06] Finally, the last announcement this morning is we have a video to show you promoing a summer camp happening this summer. +[393.16 --> 394.54] And so the video is going to play right now. +[394.94 --> 397.32] And then Aaron Wagener and I are going to talk about that for a little bit. +[397.32 --> 397.38] Thank you. +[415.00 --> 436.14] It's not a family trait. +[436.14 --> 438.08] It's nothing that I ain't. +[438.26 --> 441.96] And it didn't come from skating with holy rotors. +[442.20 --> 444.14] It's an early warning sign. +[444.42 --> 446.12] It keeps my life in line. +[446.32 --> 447.98] But it's so hard to define. +[448.24 --> 449.04] Never mind. +[449.14 --> 450.82] It's just a spirit thing. +[451.02 --> 452.90] It's just a hole in touch. +[453.12 --> 456.10] It's like a circuit judge in the brain. +[456.78 --> 458.88] It's just a spirit thing. +[459.08 --> 460.94] It's here to guard my heart. +[461.08 --> 464.06] It's just a little hard to explain. +[464.06 --> 470.16] It pushes when I quit. +[470.46 --> 472.14] It smells like counterfeit. +[472.50 --> 475.86] Sometimes it works a bit like a teleprompter. +[476.48 --> 478.18] When it's teleprompter new. +[478.56 --> 480.20] I pray you let it do. +[480.54 --> 482.20] And I'll help you with the how. +[482.40 --> 485.04] But for now it's just a spirit thing. +[485.22 --> 487.08] It's just a hole in touch. +[487.08 --> 490.40] It's like a circuit judge in the brain. +[490.92 --> 493.08] It's just a spirit thing. +[493.26 --> 495.12] It's here to guard my heart. +[495.30 --> 498.16] It's just a little hard to explain. +[498.16 --> 518.40] And you know he doesn't. +[518.40 --> 533.44] And so as the video showed you, +[533.58 --> 535.52] that is Cascade Family Bible Camp +[535.52 --> 537.84] at Warm Beach down in Washington. +[537.84 --> 540.82] It's going to take place this July, July 4 to 8. +[541.98 --> 544.08] And Aaron's up here to talk about that. +[544.14 --> 545.64] I'm going to hold the mic just for a little bit longer. +[545.82 --> 547.62] We got invited out last year, +[547.62 --> 549.78] the youth ministry, the youth leaders and I +[549.78 --> 553.52] to lead the youth ministry at Warm Beach there last year. +[553.54 --> 554.40] And it was so much fun. +[554.52 --> 555.50] So we had a great time. +[555.54 --> 557.38] Myself and four youth leaders went down. +[557.78 --> 559.76] We met up with a few other members from this church. +[559.90 --> 560.82] The Chepkamas were there. +[561.08 --> 561.70] Hi, Chepkamas. +[561.98 --> 563.04] Yeah, they were there. +[563.10 --> 563.84] We hung out with them. +[564.12 --> 566.52] I heard they got second place in a bocce ball tournament. +[566.52 --> 568.96] And so if you want to try to take them on in that, +[569.28 --> 570.48] maybe they'll be back this year. +[570.80 --> 571.86] The Hubards were there as well. +[571.92 --> 573.54] And there's a few others from our church as well, +[573.64 --> 574.48] plus these wagonards. +[574.60 --> 575.94] So it was a great time. +[575.94 --> 578.44] I'm going to let Aaron describe it a little bit more in depth. +[578.58 --> 579.84] But do think about coming this year. +[580.88 --> 581.52] Good morning. +[581.74 --> 585.20] So I've been going to KSK Family Battle Camp +[585.20 --> 586.34] since I was about 12. +[586.80 --> 590.06] And so my kids have not missed a year. +[590.76 --> 591.60] So that was pretty cool. +[591.82 --> 595.52] And I was so glad that some of the people from church +[595.52 --> 596.12] were able to hear. +[596.28 --> 597.56] Kevin and Nikki did a great job. +[597.92 --> 598.80] Josh and Heather, +[599.10 --> 600.72] and they did a great job with the youth. +[600.86 --> 603.08] I would love to see more people from church. +[603.08 --> 606.12] When I was a kid, it was packed. +[606.68 --> 608.62] And Canadians were all over the place. +[608.84 --> 609.58] And it was awesome. +[610.10 --> 611.58] And I'd like to get that back to that point. +[611.80 --> 616.58] There is a discount for Canadians and first-time comers. +[616.86 --> 619.76] So I'll get Kevin that information and he can get it out. +[620.30 --> 621.48] There's something for everyone, +[622.04 --> 627.42] from little kids to people that have years under their belt. +[627.42 --> 629.78] And there's bikes. +[630.06 --> 630.82] You've got to take bikes. +[630.96 --> 632.54] Kids are riding bikes all over the place. +[632.68 --> 635.38] And it's just a very safe place for kids to just be kids +[635.38 --> 637.54] and just roam free. +[637.92 --> 641.52] And so I'd love to see people show up and have a good time. +[641.92 --> 642.28] Thank you. +[643.34 --> 645.76] We're going to make a little Emanuel Village there this year. +[645.82 --> 647.26] So let's see if we can sign up in droves. +[647.26 --> 649.48] I'm going to invite Pastor Chris forward now, +[649.62 --> 652.32] and he is going to lead us in God's greeting this morning. +[655.92 --> 657.16] Good morning. +[657.42 --> 658.30] Good morning. +[658.40 --> 662.14] Can I ask you to stand, if you are able, and where you are at? +[663.22 --> 667.20] We gather in this place because God calls us into his presence, +[667.36 --> 669.42] and we receive that presence. +[669.56 --> 673.28] We mark that presence by receiving God's greeting. +[673.48 --> 676.46] And so I invite you to open your heart, maybe even your hands, +[676.88 --> 681.16] take on a posture to receive God's greeting in this space together. +[682.78 --> 685.82] Grace, mercy, and peace to you. +[685.82 --> 690.02] From God our Father, from the Lord Jesus Christ, Son, and our Savior, +[690.44 --> 692.68] through the presence and power of the Holy Spirit. +[693.36 --> 694.14] All God's people said? +[695.00 --> 695.48] Amen. +[696.08 --> 698.38] I'm going to invite you to turn to those around you +[698.38 --> 700.02] and welcome them into worship. +[700.32 --> 702.52] Please remember it's cold and flu season, +[702.70 --> 706.92] and so not everyone wants to shake hands or hug or holy kiss or the like. +[706.92 --> 708.62] So greet each other appropriately. +[711.62 --> 712.36] Peace of Christ. +[712.36 --> 730.80] Thank you. +[735.02 --> 736.04] Thank you so much. +[736.04 --> 748.70] Who has held the oceans in his hands? +[749.62 --> 752.24] Who has numbered every grain of sand? +[753.48 --> 756.80] Kings and nations tremble at his voice, +[756.80 --> 760.14] and all creation trembles at his voice. +[761.10 --> 765.18] Behold our God, seated on his throne, +[766.02 --> 768.04] come let us adore him. +[768.94 --> 772.68] Behold our King, nothing can compare, +[773.68 --> 776.62] come let us adore him. +[777.70 --> 778.76] Let's sing those words. +[778.76 --> 795.48] Who has held the oceans in his hands? +[795.48 --> 801.98] Who has numbered every grain of sand? +[802.62 --> 808.82] Kings and nations tremble at his voice, +[808.82 --> 815.82] all creation rises to rejoice. +[817.58 --> 824.68] Behold our God, seated on his throne, +[825.68 --> 829.98] come let us adore him. +[829.98 --> 837.48] Behold our King, nothing can compare, +[837.48 --> 844.48] come let us adore him. +[844.48 --> 856.72] Who has given counsel to the Lord? +[856.72 --> 862.88] Who can question any of his words? +[863.42 --> 869.32] Who can be the one who knows all things? +[869.32 --> 873.96] Who can't fathom all his word? +[873.96 --> 875.40] The Lord? +[875.40 --> 881.30] Would you love our grace, +[881.30 --> 889.40] come let us adore him? +[889.40 --> 904.40] Behold on Him, nothing will appear, and let us adore Him. +[904.40 --> 922.40] Who has felt the nails upon His hands, bearing all the guilt of sinful men? +[922.40 --> 936.18] Lord eternal, humble to the grave, Jesus Savior, risen now to reign. +[936.18 --> 949.18] Behold on God, singing on His throne, come let us adore Him. +[949.18 --> 962.96] Behold on Him, nothing will appear, and let us adore Him. +[962.96 --> 969.96] Behold on Him, nothing will appear, and let us adore Him. +[969.96 --> 977.96] Behold on Him, nothing will appear, and let us adore Him. +[977.96 --> 984.96] Behold on Him, nothing will appear, and let us adore Him. +[984.96 --> 992.96] Behold on Him, nothing will appear, and let us adore Him. +[992.96 --> 999.96] Behold on Him, nothing will appear. +[999.96 --> 1006.44] Let your glory for the Lord +[1006.44 --> 1012.28] Let your glory for the Lord +[1012.28 --> 1018.36] Let your glory for the Lord +[1018.36 --> 1023.56] Behold our God +[1023.56 --> 1026.76] Seated on His throne +[1026.76 --> 1031.16] God let us adore Him +[1031.16 --> 1036.16] Behold our King +[1036.16 --> 1039.16] Let your glory for the Lord +[1039.16 --> 1044.16] Let us adore Him +[1044.16 --> 1049.16] Behold our God +[1049.16 --> 1052.76] Seated on His throne +[1052.76 --> 1057.16] Come let us adore Him +[1057.16 --> 1062.16] Behold our King +[1062.16 --> 1066.16] Nothing can compare +[1066.16 --> 1072.16] Come let us adore Him +[1072.16 --> 1075.56] Come let us adore Him +[1075.56 --> 1077.96] I am King +[1077.96 --> 1084.36] merciful +[1084.96 --> 1088.96] mirror +[1088.96 --> 1090.96] answering +[1090.96 --> 1094.10] and +[1094.10 --> 1104.98] You are Lord of creation and all of the world +[1104.98 --> 1109.28] Lord of land and the sea +[1109.28 --> 1113.04] Lord of land and the sea +[1113.04 --> 1115.10] Lord of the sky +[1115.10 --> 1119.26] Lord of all for you will be +[1119.26 --> 1121.38] We bow down +[1121.38 --> 1124.38] We bow down +[1124.38 --> 1126.38] We bow down +[1126.38 --> 1129.38] We bow down +[1129.38 --> 1131.38] We bow down +[1131.38 --> 1133.38] We bow down +[1133.38 --> 1135.38] We bow down +[1135.38 --> 1139.38] Lord of all for you will be +[1139.38 --> 1147.38] You are King of creation and King of my life +[1147.38 --> 1151.38] The King of land and the sea +[1151.38 --> 1153.38] Lord of the land and the sea +[1153.38 --> 1155.38] Lord of the heavens +[1155.38 --> 1157.38] Lord of the sky +[1157.38 --> 1159.38] We bow down +[1159.38 --> 1161.38] We bow down +[1161.38 --> 1163.38] We bow down +[1163.38 --> 1165.38] We bow down +[1165.38 --> 1167.38] We bow down +[1167.38 --> 1171.38] We bow down +[1171.38 --> 1173.38] We bow down +[1173.38 --> 1175.38] We bow down +[1175.38 --> 1177.38] We bow down +[1177.38 --> 1179.38] We welcome to our name +[1179.38 --> 1185.24] Let's pray. +[1188.82 --> 1195.50] O Lord, you are our shepherd, and yet we selfishly want. +[1196.66 --> 1201.08] We confess that we take comfort in earthly things rather than in you. +[1202.08 --> 1206.12] We wander tempting paths when our eyes should be on you. +[1206.12 --> 1209.70] We look away when we should act. +[1210.76 --> 1214.28] We get angry when we could offer peace. +[1215.40 --> 1220.18] We hate our enemies when we should love them as we love ourselves. +[1221.10 --> 1225.92] We search for financial security when you provide all we need. +[1227.56 --> 1233.38] Dear God, we fall so short of being the Christian example that we should be. +[1233.38 --> 1237.94] We admit that we can feel like we are broken. +[1239.42 --> 1241.74] Lord, we ask for your forgiveness. +[1245.24 --> 1249.26] We know that your mercy is from everlasting to everlasting, +[1249.66 --> 1256.52] and are reminded that in your amazing grace through Jesus, we are forgiven. +[1256.52 --> 1260.36] What love you have shown us, Lord. +[1261.44 --> 1263.24] Your love is beyond measure. +[1264.54 --> 1268.56] Help us to always put you at the center of our lives, we pray. +[1269.64 --> 1270.00] Amen. +[1270.00 --> 1286.10] You're alone. +[1286.10 --> 1305.84] All these pieces broken in sky +[1305.84 --> 1313.02] In mercy gathered, man dead and old +[1313.02 --> 1319.76] Empty hands, and humble Savior +[1319.76 --> 1325.84] I'm inside, I'm inside +[1325.84 --> 1334.34] Amazing grace, and sweet answer +[1334.34 --> 1339.84] Savior, I wish I could +[1339.84 --> 1350.58] Oh, I once was mine, and I was blind +[1350.58 --> 1357.32] Oh, I can see you now +[1357.32 --> 1367.44] Oh, I can see the love in your eyes +[1367.44 --> 1374.18] Laying your surprise +[1374.18 --> 1382.18] Praise in your love and to the Lord +[1382.18 --> 1400.92] You take our fear, you take our weakness +[1400.92 --> 1406.92] You set your treasure in jars of clay +[1406.92 --> 1413.66] So take this humble, happy earth +[1413.66 --> 1420.40] And I'm so, no way to see your love in me +[1420.40 --> 1428.40] Amazing grace, and sweet and sad +[1428.40 --> 1433.40] And save the flesh of you +[1433.40 --> 1442.14] Oh, I once was lost, but now I am blind +[1442.14 --> 1446.14] It's blind, but now I see +[1446.14 --> 1451.14] Oh, I can see your love +[1451.14 --> 1460.14] Oh, I can see the love in your eyes +[1460.14 --> 1466.88] Oh, I can see your love in your eyes +[1466.88 --> 1473.88] Amazing and broken to life +[1473.88 --> 1475.62] Amazing and holy, to the stars +[1475.62 --> 1484.62] Thank you, thank you +[1484.62 --> 1487.22] April and to the stars +[1487.22 --> 1490.16] Now I am +[1490.16 --> 1511.34] In this embrace, I see the sun, but set a march like me. +[1511.34 --> 1523.58] Oh, I once was lost, but never thought it was gone, but now I see. +[1524.80 --> 1528.04] Oh, I can see you now. +[1528.04 --> 1549.70] Oh, I can see the love in your eyes, laying yours on top, raising up a broken child. +[1558.04 --> 1567.16] Why don't you take a seat together? +[1567.16 --> 1567.22] Okay. +[1575.22 --> 1587.12] This morning, it is our great privilege to come together and administer the sacrament of baptism to Jane. +[1588.04 --> 1595.68] One of our, though no longer the youngest, one of our youngest worship participants and members here. +[1596.52 --> 1598.72] Before we do this, I want to be really clear. +[1599.08 --> 1606.94] In our church, we don't believe that there's anything magical about the water that we are about to apply to Jane. +[1607.30 --> 1611.94] The water doesn't wash away original sin or save this child. +[1612.14 --> 1615.10] Only Jesus' life and death does that. +[1615.20 --> 1615.36] Amen? +[1615.36 --> 1630.78] We believe, like the Bible teaches, that this child is sinful by nature and that the promises of God for the forgiveness of sins and life lived in the Holy Spirit are offered to her. +[1631.26 --> 1632.96] That's Acts 2, verse 39. +[1632.96 --> 1642.66] And so, in our church, we baptize infants not out of superstition or even out of tradition or because we like really cute babies. +[1642.78 --> 1645.18] And if you haven't met Jane yet, she's super adorable. +[1646.42 --> 1653.32] We baptize infants because they are covenant children and should therefore receive the sign of the covenant. +[1653.32 --> 1655.64] But what is a covenant? +[1656.18 --> 1657.30] And what are these signs? +[1658.64 --> 1665.12] In Genesis 15, all the way back in the beginning of the Bible, God made a covenant with Abraham. +[1665.88 --> 1673.00] But this covenant was sealed and signed with the symbol, the sign of circumcision in Genesis 17. +[1673.66 --> 1675.28] And God blessed Abraham. +[1675.28 --> 1678.72] Now, for Abraham, that meant two particular things. +[1678.86 --> 1681.90] It meant offspring, children, and it meant land. +[1683.16 --> 1691.76] But at the heart of the covenant is God's promise that he would be God to Abraham and to his children. +[1692.60 --> 1699.36] And so God cut a covenant into Israel's flesh, carving out a people for himself. +[1699.36 --> 1705.80] And then in the fullness of time, God sent his son, Jesus, to be our savior. +[1706.48 --> 1710.22] And in his death on the cross, our old self is dead and buried. +[1710.44 --> 1718.34] And in his resurrection, we rise to new life and look forward to the new creation, the end. +[1719.72 --> 1723.86] And so when we baptize in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, +[1723.86 --> 1731.84] the triune God seals our adoption and seals the promise, rather, of our adoption as his children +[1731.84 --> 1735.58] and writes his name invisibly on our foreheads. +[1736.30 --> 1737.60] He says in 1 Peter 2, +[1737.76 --> 1744.74] You are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God. +[1744.90 --> 1749.26] Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God. +[1749.26 --> 1756.34] By baptism, we recognize the promise of a new identity in Jesus Christ. +[1757.80 --> 1762.88] And so as we come together today to administer the sacrament of baptism to Jane, +[1763.32 --> 1767.86] we do so with the weight of church history to encourage us +[1767.86 --> 1772.66] and with the example of redemptive history to confirm our practice. +[1773.22 --> 1776.48] We baptize in obedience to Christ's command, +[1776.48 --> 1786.28] and the sacrament that we are about to administer is a sign of the inclusion in the covenant community, +[1786.64 --> 1787.98] just as circumcision was. +[1788.36 --> 1792.70] The water that we are about to pour is a sign of the cleansing from sin, +[1793.08 --> 1796.76] just as the sprinkled blood of bulls and goats in the Old Testament was. +[1796.76 --> 1804.18] And it is our prayer today that Jane will take advantage of all her covenant privileges, +[1804.18 --> 1808.76] of all her regular hearing of these promises offered out to her, +[1808.82 --> 1811.92] and that she will acknowledge her Lord all the days of her life +[1811.92 --> 1815.68] and by faith make these promises her own. +[1816.88 --> 1819.18] So Jesus and Megan, I'm going to invite you to the front. +[1819.18 --> 1821.78] You're going to take a place up here. +[1822.28 --> 1823.66] I'm going to ask you just two questions, +[1823.92 --> 1827.54] and then we will baptize Jane together. +[1831.74 --> 1833.10] So I'm going to ask you two questions, +[1833.18 --> 1836.20] and I invite you to respond by saying we do with God's help. +[1838.80 --> 1839.70] Jesus and Megan, +[1839.70 --> 1842.24] Do you believe that Jane, +[1842.86 --> 1844.34] though sinful by nature, +[1844.48 --> 1847.98] is received by God in Christ as members of his covenant +[1847.98 --> 1849.76] and therefore ought to be baptized? +[1851.04 --> 1852.16] And then do you promise, +[1852.32 --> 1853.58] in reliance on the Holy Spirit +[1853.58 --> 1855.86] and with the help of the Christian community, +[1855.86 --> 1858.84] to do all you can in your power +[1858.84 --> 1860.04] to instruct Jane +[1860.04 --> 1862.62] and any other children the Lord may bless you with +[1862.62 --> 1863.90] in the Christian faith +[1863.90 --> 1865.34] and to lead her, +[1865.70 --> 1866.42] by example, +[1866.66 --> 1869.20] into the life of Christian discipleship? +[1869.20 --> 1870.20] What is your answer? +[1872.06 --> 1872.54] Amen. +[1873.80 --> 1875.18] Our Lord Jesus said, +[1875.48 --> 1877.08] Let the little children come to me +[1877.08 --> 1879.12] and do not hinder them, +[1879.24 --> 1881.40] for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. +[1881.48 --> 1883.30] And so we're going to follow that practice of Jesus. +[1884.06 --> 1886.12] Little children or children at heart, +[1886.54 --> 1887.86] if you'd like to come forward, +[1888.02 --> 1890.22] you can grab a seat here down at the front +[1890.22 --> 1892.46] and you can see a little bit more clearly +[1892.46 --> 1894.00] what's going on. +[1894.00 --> 1896.48] And you can remember that for many of you, +[1896.86 --> 1898.16] this was also done +[1898.16 --> 1900.30] when you were just an infant. +[1900.96 --> 1901.70] Come right in, +[1901.72 --> 1902.72] just right here on the floor +[1902.72 --> 1904.08] will be perfect. +[1908.18 --> 1908.96] Awesome job. +[1909.08 --> 1910.68] Oh, even with an excavator? +[1910.86 --> 1911.44] Love it. +[1911.44 --> 1918.96] All right. +[1918.96 --> 1919.82] I'm going to bring her in here. +[1922.98 --> 1924.78] So guys, we're going to take this water +[1924.78 --> 1927.42] and we're going to pour it +[1927.42 --> 1929.74] on Jane's head +[1929.74 --> 1930.82] in the name of the Father +[1930.82 --> 1931.62] and the Son +[1931.62 --> 1932.52] and the Holy Spirit. +[1932.84 --> 1934.34] And that's a picture for us, +[1934.38 --> 1935.90] a reminder for us, right, +[1935.96 --> 1938.36] that Jesus loved us so much +[1938.36 --> 1939.68] that he came into the world +[1939.68 --> 1941.68] to wash us and make us new +[1941.68 --> 1943.28] and that out of that same love +[1943.28 --> 1944.88] he calls us to be his own. +[1945.44 --> 1949.32] This water is a sign of that promise +[1949.32 --> 1952.50] and we make it real in this practice. +[1952.50 --> 1958.96] Janica Ramona Hernandez. +[1959.38 --> 1960.96] I baptize you in the name of the Father, +[1962.46 --> 1963.56] in the name of the Son, +[1964.80 --> 1966.16] in the name of the Holy Spirit. +[1967.08 --> 1967.38] Amen. +[1969.52 --> 1969.92] Amen. +[1969.92 --> 1970.12] Amen. +[1977.96 --> 1978.36] Amen. +[1978.36 --> 1978.48] Amen. +[1982.50 --> 1987.72] Church family, +[1988.28 --> 1989.80] congregation of the Lord Jesus Christ, +[1989.98 --> 1992.40] friends who are here visiting in support, +[1992.82 --> 1995.52] you also have an opportunity now +[1995.52 --> 1997.84] to promise your love and encouragement. +[1998.20 --> 1999.24] And so I'm going to ask you, +[1999.36 --> 2000.22] again, as you're able, +[2000.54 --> 2001.32] if you would stand +[2001.32 --> 2004.32] and I will ask you a series of questions +[2004.32 --> 2006.18] and then I will invite you to respond +[2006.18 --> 2006.96] by saying, +[2006.96 --> 2008.90] we do with God's help. +[2008.90 --> 2011.66] And so do you, +[2011.86 --> 2012.62] gathered here, +[2012.80 --> 2014.40] promise to love and courage +[2014.40 --> 2015.48] and support Jesus, +[2016.10 --> 2016.36] Megan, +[2016.50 --> 2016.96] and Jane +[2016.96 --> 2018.32] by welcoming them +[2018.32 --> 2020.00] into our church family, +[2020.36 --> 2021.80] by teaching the gospel +[2021.80 --> 2022.74] of God's love +[2022.74 --> 2024.28] and by being an example +[2024.28 --> 2025.28] of Christian faith +[2025.28 --> 2025.88] and character +[2025.88 --> 2027.18] and by giving them +[2027.18 --> 2028.24] strong support, +[2028.74 --> 2029.72] the strong support +[2029.72 --> 2030.80] of God's family +[2030.80 --> 2031.44] in fellowship, +[2032.00 --> 2032.26] prayer, +[2032.26 --> 2033.28] and service. +[2033.54 --> 2034.36] What is your answer? +[2034.96 --> 2035.48] Amen. +[2035.48 --> 2039.84] Now I often say, +[2040.06 --> 2041.20] when you hear that promise, +[2041.56 --> 2042.86] take advantage of it. +[2043.74 --> 2045.86] You've seen it in this past couple weeks +[2045.86 --> 2047.26] in meals and things like that, +[2047.28 --> 2048.22] but it doesn't have to stop there. +[2048.76 --> 2049.54] If you need a date night, +[2049.66 --> 2050.48] call someone from church +[2050.48 --> 2051.38] and be like, +[2051.42 --> 2052.40] remember your baptism. +[2054.88 --> 2055.90] You may have a seat. +[2056.40 --> 2058.68] You guys too may also have a seat. +[2060.04 --> 2060.94] You can stay up here. +[2061.48 --> 2062.42] Eric's already up here. +[2062.58 --> 2064.50] So Eric is an elder in our church. +[2064.50 --> 2065.68] He has a little gift +[2065.68 --> 2067.30] to mark this occasion, +[2067.42 --> 2067.90] a certificate, +[2068.18 --> 2068.76] and a little book +[2068.76 --> 2069.60] that we give out +[2069.60 --> 2070.64] to every family +[2070.64 --> 2071.84] who has baptism here. +[2075.52 --> 2076.36] May I take her? +[2081.76 --> 2082.48] I know. +[2085.96 --> 2089.38] So this is one of my favorite parts +[2089.38 --> 2091.22] of a baptism service. +[2092.58 --> 2093.90] Because what we just witnessed +[2093.90 --> 2098.34] marks the beginning of a journey of faith +[2098.34 --> 2100.42] that we pray will continue +[2100.42 --> 2102.00] for the rest of Jane's life +[2102.00 --> 2105.38] where she will find herself among you. +[2106.28 --> 2108.30] She will find herself among us +[2108.30 --> 2109.32] as a church family, +[2109.52 --> 2111.08] and that in that too, +[2111.24 --> 2113.90] she will find faith in the Lord Jesus. +[2115.04 --> 2117.46] And so this beautiful little girl +[2117.46 --> 2119.74] is among you now +[2119.74 --> 2122.00] as a sign of your responsibility +[2122.00 --> 2123.22] and commitment to her. +[2123.22 --> 2125.66] That you will lead her +[2125.66 --> 2127.02] in the way of faith. +[2127.16 --> 2129.22] That you will help her to grow +[2129.22 --> 2131.16] and to see Jesus in the way +[2131.16 --> 2132.76] that we live life together, +[2133.28 --> 2134.54] sharing our stories, +[2134.86 --> 2136.30] sharing our struggles, +[2136.80 --> 2138.24] sharing our burdens. +[2138.98 --> 2143.48] This is her story now among us. +[2145.18 --> 2146.38] She is embraced, +[2146.70 --> 2147.28] I pray, +[2147.62 --> 2148.60] by each of us +[2148.60 --> 2149.72] in this journey of faith. +[2149.72 --> 2150.84] Because one day, +[2151.56 --> 2153.82] just as her parents stood up here, +[2154.20 --> 2155.58] we long to see her +[2155.58 --> 2156.80] stand up here again +[2156.80 --> 2158.54] and to claim this faith +[2158.54 --> 2159.56] as her own. +[2160.16 --> 2161.94] We long to see her stand up here +[2161.94 --> 2162.42] and to say, +[2162.62 --> 2162.86] yes, +[2163.08 --> 2164.78] this I believe, +[2164.92 --> 2166.86] that Jesus Christ is Lord +[2166.86 --> 2168.24] and that God has raised him +[2168.24 --> 2168.86] from the dead. +[2170.00 --> 2171.16] And when that day comes, +[2171.26 --> 2172.50] we will see the fulfillment +[2172.50 --> 2175.82] of God's promise spoken today. +[2175.98 --> 2176.20] Amen? +[2176.20 --> 2176.36] Amen. +[2177.36 --> 2177.64] Amen. +[2178.98 --> 2179.84] Here you guys go. +[2198.36 --> 2199.92] As you guys make your way +[2199.92 --> 2200.50] to your seats, +[2200.58 --> 2201.78] I'm just going to offer a prayer +[2201.78 --> 2203.80] for Jane and for us together. +[2203.98 --> 2204.74] Would you join your heart +[2204.74 --> 2205.36] with me in prayer? +[2210.00 --> 2210.48] Lord, +[2210.68 --> 2211.82] our God, +[2212.46 --> 2214.76] you are good +[2214.76 --> 2215.96] and today we see +[2215.96 --> 2216.54] your goodness +[2216.54 --> 2218.32] in such a clear +[2218.32 --> 2219.90] and compelling way. +[2220.58 --> 2221.48] Today we see +[2221.48 --> 2222.90] the promises of faith +[2222.90 --> 2223.76] that are held out +[2223.76 --> 2224.48] before us +[2224.48 --> 2226.00] and we see our chance +[2226.00 --> 2226.84] to respond +[2226.84 --> 2228.50] and we are invited +[2228.50 --> 2229.78] by your grace +[2229.78 --> 2233.06] to experience +[2233.06 --> 2234.06] your nearness +[2234.06 --> 2235.60] in these moments. +[2236.22 --> 2237.14] We thank you, +[2237.34 --> 2237.38] God, +[2237.46 --> 2239.56] for the sacrament +[2239.56 --> 2240.20] of baptism +[2240.20 --> 2241.08] for the sign +[2241.08 --> 2241.72] and seal +[2241.72 --> 2242.70] that is now placed +[2242.70 --> 2243.34] on Jane +[2243.34 --> 2245.24] as a covenant child. +[2246.38 --> 2247.20] We pray, +[2247.38 --> 2247.72] Lord God, +[2247.78 --> 2248.72] that you would cause +[2248.72 --> 2249.76] faith in her +[2249.76 --> 2251.76] to take deep root, +[2252.42 --> 2253.40] cause faith in her +[2253.40 --> 2254.00] to grow +[2254.00 --> 2255.10] that she might bear +[2255.10 --> 2256.08] much fruit +[2256.08 --> 2257.02] for the kingdom. +[2257.02 --> 2258.92] And we pray, +[2259.08 --> 2259.26] God, +[2259.32 --> 2260.32] from this day +[2260.32 --> 2261.06] forward, +[2261.18 --> 2262.04] all the days +[2262.04 --> 2263.10] of her life, +[2263.18 --> 2264.08] she would know +[2264.08 --> 2264.78] that you +[2264.78 --> 2266.40] have blessed her +[2266.40 --> 2267.26] and that you +[2267.26 --> 2268.16] keep her. +[2269.04 --> 2269.80] That you, +[2269.92 --> 2270.26] Lord God, +[2270.30 --> 2271.18] would make your face +[2271.18 --> 2272.48] to shine visibly +[2272.48 --> 2273.64] upon her +[2273.64 --> 2274.40] and that you +[2274.40 --> 2275.44] would be gracious +[2275.44 --> 2276.58] to her. +[2278.20 --> 2279.60] May she always +[2279.60 --> 2280.48] and forever +[2280.48 --> 2281.54] turn to you +[2281.54 --> 2283.92] and see your face +[2283.92 --> 2285.22] and may she know +[2285.22 --> 2286.06] the peace +[2286.06 --> 2287.88] that you give. +[2289.26 --> 2290.52] In this way, +[2290.78 --> 2291.02] Lord, +[2291.12 --> 2292.12] you put your name +[2292.12 --> 2292.68] on her +[2292.68 --> 2293.74] and you make her +[2293.74 --> 2294.60] your own. +[2294.70 --> 2296.20] May she cling +[2296.20 --> 2297.36] to that promise. +[2297.90 --> 2298.88] In Jesus Christ, +[2299.04 --> 2299.46] we pray. +[2300.34 --> 2300.68] Amen. +[2301.68 --> 2302.04] Amen. +[2302.04 --> 2304.72] I'm going to +[2304.72 --> 2305.26] invite the worship +[2305.26 --> 2305.96] team back up +[2305.96 --> 2306.38] and they're going +[2306.38 --> 2306.98] to lead us +[2306.98 --> 2307.68] in a song +[2307.68 --> 2308.62] of response +[2308.62 --> 2309.90] and continue +[2309.90 --> 2310.32] our worship +[2310.32 --> 2310.60] together. +[2310.60 --> 2310.70] Amen. +[2332.04 --> 2360.32] I love you, Lord. +[2360.32 --> 2362.32] Amen. +[2362.32 --> 2364.50] Oh, your mercy +[2364.50 --> 2366.62] never gives me +[2366.62 --> 2370.54] all my days. +[2370.78 --> 2372.14] I've been held +[2372.14 --> 2374.56] in your hands. +[2375.70 --> 2377.84] Only that I may +[2377.84 --> 2378.76] know +[2378.76 --> 2382.32] until I lay my hands. +[2383.44 --> 2385.32] I will sing +[2385.32 --> 2387.12] of the goodness +[2387.12 --> 2388.86] of God. +[2388.86 --> 2394.82] all my life +[2394.82 --> 2397.42] you have been faithful. +[2397.42 --> 2402.46] All my life +[2402.46 --> 2404.46] you have been so, +[2404.54 --> 2406.48] so good. +[2408.42 --> 2410.12] Every breath +[2410.12 --> 2412.54] that I have made +[2412.54 --> 2415.92] I will sing +[2415.92 --> 2417.62] of the goodness +[2417.62 --> 2420.24] of God. +[2421.10 --> 2424.48] I love your voice. +[2426.14 --> 2427.94] You have made me +[2427.94 --> 2429.64] through the fire +[2429.64 --> 2433.22] in the darkest night. +[2434.10 --> 2435.24] You are close +[2435.24 --> 2437.06] like no other. +[2437.06 --> 2439.02] I know you +[2439.02 --> 2439.66] I know you +[2439.66 --> 2441.32] as a father +[2441.32 --> 2443.64] I know you +[2443.64 --> 2445.62] as a friend +[2445.62 --> 2447.66] I have made +[2447.66 --> 2450.66] in the goodness +[2450.66 --> 2452.66] of God. +[2452.66 --> 2456.34] God's grace. +[2456.34 --> 2458.02] All my life +[2458.02 --> 2460.22] you have been faithful. +[2460.22 --> 2461.22] All my life +[2461.22 --> 2462.22] you have been faithful. +[2462.22 --> 2465.62] All my life +[2465.62 --> 2467.64] you have been so, +[2467.72 --> 2469.22] so alone. +[2469.22 --> 2473.22] With every breath +[2473.22 --> 2475.46] that I am made +[2475.46 --> 2476.38] Lord, +[2476.38 --> 2479.02] I will sing +[2479.02 --> 2480.78] of the goodness +[2480.78 --> 2483.26] of God. +[2483.26 --> 2485.26] God's grace. +[2485.26 --> 2486.26] God's grace. +[2486.26 --> 2487.62] Your goodness +[2487.62 --> 2489.22] is one and out +[2489.22 --> 2489.58] for me. +[2489.58 --> 2491.38] It's one and out +[2491.38 --> 2492.22] for me. +[2493.64 --> 2495.22] Your goodness +[2495.22 --> 2496.84] is one and out +[2496.84 --> 2497.22] for me. +[2497.22 --> 2498.96] It's one and out +[2498.96 --> 2500.36] for me. +[2500.56 --> 2501.54] If my life +[2501.54 --> 2502.52] lay down, +[2502.64 --> 2503.22] it's a brand +[2503.22 --> 2504.54] of God. +[2505.00 --> 2505.96] Give you +[2505.96 --> 2507.08] everything. +[2507.08 --> 2519.76] My sins +[2519.76 --> 2533.30] will +[2533.30 --> 2534.58] be +[2534.58 --> 2538.58] We give you everything I need +[2538.58 --> 2541.84] Your goodness is coming out +[2541.84 --> 2544.58] And joy and happiness +[2544.58 --> 2555.12] All my life you have been faithful +[2555.12 --> 2564.56] All my life you have been so, so good +[2564.56 --> 2570.30] In every breath that I am able +[2570.30 --> 2577.64] I will sing of the goodness of God +[2577.64 --> 2585.60] I will sing of the goodness of God +[2594.56 --> 2611.30] Good morning, my name is Yap +[2611.30 --> 2613.30] I'm a deacon here at Langley-Emmanuel +[2613.30 --> 2617.16] This morning's offering will be for Advocate +[2617.16 --> 2621.88] Advocate provides safe, confidential, and compassionate care +[2621.88 --> 2625.64] That is dedicated to serving and supporting women struggling +[2625.64 --> 2629.46] With an unexpected pregnancy or a pregnancy loss +[2629.46 --> 2633.12] From Psalm 139, verse 13 +[2633.12 --> 2635.34] For you created my inmost being +[2635.34 --> 2637.96] You knit me together in my mother's womb +[2637.96 --> 2639.82] Thank you +[2639.82 --> 2639.90] Thank you +[2639.90 --> 2641.90] Thank you +[2641.90 --> 2643.90] Thank you +[2643.90 --> 2645.90] Thank you +[2645.90 --> 2647.90] Thank you +[2647.90 --> 2649.90] Thank you +[2649.90 --> 2650.90] Thank you +[2650.90 --> 2651.90] Thank you +[2651.90 --> 2653.90] Thank you +[2653.90 --> 2655.90] Thank you +[2655.90 --> 2657.90] Thank you +[2657.90 --> 2659.90] Thank you +[2659.90 --> 2664.64] Thank you +[2664.64 --> 2667.68] Thank you +[2672.64 --> 2678.16] Jesus have my heart that will be my soul +[2678.16 --> 2693.92] Jesus, have my hopes, my dreams, my hope, the joy I ate in the world, the joy I cast for the night, Jesus, have you all. +[2693.92 --> 2716.92] To you I bring my praise, my lips, my song, a living sacrifice as one reborn, your life is now my hope, your will is what I want, Jesus, have you all. +[2716.92 --> 2730.92] Jesus, have it all, Jesus, have it all, give me all the glory, praise the Lord and all. +[2730.92 --> 2746.92] Jesus, have it all, Jesus, have it all, the blessing and the wonder, the majesty and the eye, Jesus, have it all. +[2746.92 --> 2768.92] Jesus, have your church, your love, your pride, joy for which you breathe, the hope of life, radiant and white, washed and beautiful, Jesus, have it all. +[2768.92 --> 2798.90] Jesus, have it all, the blessing and the glory, Jesus, have it all. +[2798.90 --> 2828.88] Jesus, have it all, the blessing and the glory, Jesus, have it all, the blessing and the glory, Jesus, have it all. +[2828.88 --> 2858.86] Jesus, have it all. +[2858.86 --> 2862.86] Jesus, how did I? +[2888.86 --> 2918.84] Jesus, how did I? +[2918.86 --> 2948.84] Jesus, how did I? +[2948.86 --> 2978.84] Jesus, how did I? +[2978.84 --> 2979.62] Good. +[2980.36 --> 2982.08] I have a question for you today. +[2982.94 --> 2989.54] Can you tell me one thing that you're nervous or afraid of? +[2990.54 --> 2991.46] What do you think? +[2992.36 --> 2992.58] Hayley? +[2993.32 --> 2994.00] Spiders? +[2994.98 --> 2995.18] Levi? +[2997.84 --> 2999.20] Riding your scooter? +[2999.44 --> 2999.76] Malachi? +[2999.76 --> 3003.42] You're afraid of school? +[3003.42 --> 3003.86] Emma? +[3003.86 --> 3005.92] Emma? +[3005.92 --> 3012.04] Mosquitoes? +[3012.10 --> 3013.54] That's a good one to be afraid of. +[3013.54 --> 3014.54] Amelia? +[3014.54 --> 3015.54] Amelia? +[3015.54 --> 3015.60] Amelia? +[3018.06 --> 3018.74] Pardon me? +[3019.78 --> 3020.66] Stink bugs. +[3021.06 --> 3021.18] Yeah? +[3024.52 --> 3025.26] The dark? +[3025.56 --> 3027.76] Yeah, these are all very good things to be afraid of. +[3027.76 --> 3033.82] So today in children's worship time, we are going to learn that when we put all our fears +[3033.82 --> 3041.12] into God, that he will take them away and we will not be afraid anymore. +[3041.12 --> 3043.54] So can everybody stand up? +[3047.54 --> 3048.54] You guys ready? +[3048.76 --> 3049.60] Look at the parents. +[3049.94 --> 3052.10] Turn around and look at the congregation. +[3052.82 --> 3053.82] Okay, here we go. +[3053.82 --> 3082.90] Good morning. +[3083.82 --> 3085.68] My name is Andy. +[3085.86 --> 3087.16] I'm a member in this church. +[3088.16 --> 3091.84] And I have been with my wife for, I figured out, 20 years. +[3092.30 --> 3093.14] Man, time flies. +[3095.02 --> 3100.76] So it's my privilege this morning to lead you in our weekly congregational family prayer. +[3102.34 --> 3108.38] And I thought there might be some pre-prayer announcements, but there's none. +[3108.38 --> 3112.14] So I'll just, let's go bow our heads and go to God in prayer. +[3113.82 --> 3125.24] Dear God and Heavenly Father, once again, we may come before you in communal prayer to praise you, +[3125.24 --> 3129.46] to thank you, and to lay our petitions at your throne. +[3129.46 --> 3138.88] So we want to praise you for who you are to us, as we have already done in word, deed, and song. +[3139.32 --> 3145.90] And we'll continue to do, not just in this worship service, but all day and every day during this week, +[3146.38 --> 3149.46] at work or at play, at home or away. +[3149.46 --> 3154.36] We'd like all of our activities to be acts of worship to you. +[3155.54 --> 3161.58] Even though we know that all of them and our best intentions are stained by sin and weaknesses, +[3161.58 --> 3168.46] we know that you will accept our praise and worship through the atoning sacrifice of Jesus, +[3169.12 --> 3173.34] which washes us and our worship clean and white as snow. +[3174.68 --> 3177.44] God, in your mercy, hear our prayer. +[3177.44 --> 3207.42] God, in your mercy, hear our prayer. +[3207.62 --> 3208.96] And we embrace you as Lord and Savior. +[3211.26 --> 3215.92] We also mourn with those who mourn the loss of loved ones. +[3217.34 --> 3225.32] Lately, we've seen many, older and even not so old, spouses, parents, grandparents, or other relatives pass on. +[3226.44 --> 3232.50] And while we pray for your comfort in these deaths, we are also reminded of our own mortality, +[3232.50 --> 3235.94] something we don't necessarily want to think about. +[3236.72 --> 3238.66] But we ask you to grant your spirit +[3238.66 --> 3242.32] to prepare our hearts to be ready to meet you when you call. +[3245.48 --> 3247.56] We thank you with Joanne Miles +[3247.56 --> 3251.26] that she and her family were able to celebrate her mom's 100th birthday. +[3252.56 --> 3255.36] God, quite a milestone that you've given. +[3257.44 --> 3261.14] We also continue to pray for Jerry Jansen's granddaughter Christina +[3261.14 --> 3262.74] who is still struggling with lupus +[3262.74 --> 3264.98] and was hospitalized with pneumonia +[3264.98 --> 3267.06] but was able to come home. +[3268.16 --> 3269.16] We thank you for that +[3269.16 --> 3272.72] and will you provide a speedy and total recovery, Lord. +[3274.18 --> 3276.10] We also thank you with the Wynn family +[3276.10 --> 3278.24] that Emmett could recover and come home again. +[3279.88 --> 3282.04] We also thank you that Weeb and Marga Bisser +[3282.04 --> 3285.46] could come home safely from their six-week trip to Suriname +[3285.46 --> 3287.62] and give thanks with them for the arrival +[3287.62 --> 3290.34] of a new granddaughter there named Ariana. +[3291.14 --> 3293.84] God, in your mercy, hear our prayer. +[3297.52 --> 3301.32] Father, when we look around us to this world, +[3302.36 --> 3305.14] it seems to be falling apart at the seams. +[3307.54 --> 3311.38] We see how Satan seems to be winning his war +[3311.38 --> 3314.70] of turning your truth into a blatant lie +[3314.70 --> 3316.10] and vice versa. +[3316.10 --> 3320.86] How justice is being taken over by injustice and corruption. +[3322.10 --> 3325.12] How your order in creation is called into question +[3325.12 --> 3327.22] by the woke gender theories. +[3328.18 --> 3331.56] How violence and terrorism seem to be accepted practices +[3331.56 --> 3332.70] throughout this world. +[3332.70 --> 3337.94] We are hearing the drums of war sounding louder and louder +[3337.94 --> 3341.50] and we continue to see how hatred and racism +[3341.50 --> 3343.58] are now pervasive everywhere. +[3343.58 --> 3353.80] We see and hear of volcanoes, earthquakes, and other disasters such as floods, droughts, fires, etc. +[3353.80 --> 3355.36] plague your creation. +[3356.32 --> 3359.38] And we hear it groaning under the curse. +[3359.38 --> 3363.14] And we plead with you to call a halt to it all. +[3364.08 --> 3366.76] We know you are in control and you can't stop it. +[3366.76 --> 3370.32] We think of the country of Ukraine, +[3371.10 --> 3375.40] which is engaged in a brutal defensive war for its existence against Russia. +[3376.40 --> 3378.54] And we pray that they may be successful. +[3379.90 --> 3381.28] We think of Sudan, +[3382.12 --> 3384.50] where thousands are being killed in an ethnic war +[3384.50 --> 3387.04] and so many other places in this world +[3387.04 --> 3391.54] where dictators are repressing the poor and needy populations. +[3391.54 --> 3396.12] We think of the Jewish people in general +[3396.12 --> 3397.86] and the Jewish nation in particular +[3397.86 --> 3402.30] who once again are facing vicious and violent hatred +[3402.30 --> 3405.84] not just from their neighbors but from everywhere in this world. +[3407.10 --> 3408.30] Even in our own country, +[3408.58 --> 3411.16] we hear the cries of death to the Jews. +[3413.16 --> 3414.12] Father God, +[3414.86 --> 3416.84] these are the people of your first love. +[3418.10 --> 3420.66] Please allow your Holy Spirit to work in them +[3420.66 --> 3425.64] so they may open their eyes to Isaiah 53, +[3426.04 --> 3427.90] which is part of their own Torah, +[3428.68 --> 3431.74] and see that their long-awaited Messiah has already come +[3431.74 --> 3436.30] and fulfilled his task of taking the sin of the world upon his shoulders. +[3438.08 --> 3439.02] Father God, +[3439.14 --> 3441.66] grant that the return of your Son, Jesus Christ, +[3441.74 --> 3442.52] may happen soon +[3442.52 --> 3447.22] so that this earth may be renewed and restored to its perfection +[3447.22 --> 3450.92] as you had intended it when you created it. +[3452.30 --> 3452.78] God, +[3452.88 --> 3453.44] in your mercy, +[3454.32 --> 3455.08] hear our prayer. +[3457.94 --> 3460.38] We now ask you to bless Pastor Chris +[3460.38 --> 3463.10] as he preaches your word to us this morning, +[3463.60 --> 3465.10] that it may be clear and true +[3465.10 --> 3468.92] as we will look at the letter to the Romans once again. +[3468.92 --> 3471.46] for Jesus' sake, +[3472.32 --> 3472.56] amen. +[3472.56 --> 3472.66] Amen. +[3472.66 --> 3473.66] Amen. +[3502.66 --> 3505.26] So Monday, I was sitting at home. +[3506.04 --> 3508.06] Monday is my day off usually. +[3508.50 --> 3511.78] And all of a sudden I get a text from Jesus. +[3512.46 --> 3515.34] And Jesus said, hey, we had a baby. +[3515.56 --> 3517.54] We want to do the baptism on the 21st. +[3518.82 --> 3520.68] And I said, excellent. +[3521.04 --> 3523.56] Boy, girl, what's her name? +[3524.58 --> 3525.92] Is mom feeling all right? +[3526.00 --> 3526.58] How are we doing? +[3528.84 --> 3530.46] Straight to business, that one. +[3532.66 --> 3535.46] And he did tell me her name. +[3535.54 --> 3536.46] He did remember that. +[3538.26 --> 3542.32] And we went ahead and booked our baptism for today. +[3543.10 --> 3546.84] But at the same time as we were having that conversation, +[3547.24 --> 3549.82] I was thinking, oh, man. +[3551.30 --> 3555.14] January 21st is our jump back into the book of Romans, +[3555.18 --> 3558.48] which we've been in for I don't know how long it feels like to you, +[3558.56 --> 3560.00] but I can tell you it's only been a year. +[3560.00 --> 3567.06] And it's Romans 11, 25 to 32, +[3567.94 --> 3573.54] which if you are unfamiliar with the book of Romans, +[3573.68 --> 3576.12] and in particular chapters 9, 10, and 11, +[3576.60 --> 3581.20] let me just tell you that this section of Scripture, +[3581.38 --> 3582.12] these verses, +[3582.12 --> 3587.92] are some of the most difficult and widely contested +[3587.92 --> 3591.88] and debated passages of Scripture in the entire Bible. +[3593.48 --> 3595.40] And so if you are a guest here, +[3596.20 --> 3600.00] you can blame Jesus after the service +[3600.00 --> 3601.92] for what he made you endure. +[3601.92 --> 3606.26] If you are a guest here and you want to talk, +[3606.38 --> 3608.60] I will be at the Connect booth afterwards. +[3609.14 --> 3610.26] You don't have to find Jesus. +[3610.80 --> 3611.76] Although you can, +[3612.08 --> 3613.88] but just to give him your love and encouragement +[3613.88 --> 3615.20] and the blessing of today. +[3616.56 --> 3618.76] We're going to read this passage together, +[3618.76 --> 3621.44] and I trust you will see pretty quickly +[3621.44 --> 3624.30] why it is such a challenging one. +[3624.30 --> 3627.08] As we go through it the first time, +[3627.46 --> 3629.78] it will be on the screen behind me, +[3629.90 --> 3632.26] but I do encourage you, +[3632.32 --> 3633.94] if you have a Bible either with you +[3633.94 --> 3635.84] or on a device that you brought, +[3635.92 --> 3636.88] to have that in front of you +[3636.88 --> 3639.76] because we will refer back pretty regularly +[3639.76 --> 3641.68] here this morning. +[3642.48 --> 3643.86] Let me read this together. +[3645.64 --> 3648.40] Romans 11, we're going to start at verse 25. +[3648.40 --> 3655.06] I do not want you to be ignorant of this mystery, +[3655.28 --> 3656.24] brothers and sisters, +[3656.60 --> 3659.18] so that you may not be conceited. +[3660.22 --> 3663.64] Israel has experienced a hardening in part +[3663.64 --> 3667.30] until the full number of Gentiles has come in, +[3667.62 --> 3669.48] and in this way, +[3669.98 --> 3672.14] all Israel will be saved. +[3673.08 --> 3674.18] As it is written, +[3674.66 --> 3676.64] the deliverer will come from Zion, +[3676.64 --> 3679.58] he will turn godlessness away from Jacob, +[3680.42 --> 3683.08] and this is my covenant with them +[3683.08 --> 3684.58] when I take away their sins. +[3685.60 --> 3687.94] As far as the gospel is concerned, +[3688.14 --> 3689.84] they are enemies for your sake, +[3689.98 --> 3692.44] but as far as election is concerned, +[3692.90 --> 3695.76] they are loved on account of the patriarchs, +[3695.76 --> 3699.18] for God's gifts and his call are irrevocable. +[3700.06 --> 3701.26] Just as you, +[3701.44 --> 3703.92] who were at one time disobedient to God, +[3703.98 --> 3705.12] have now received mercy +[3705.12 --> 3707.34] as a result of their disobedience, +[3707.54 --> 3710.68] so they too have now become disobedient +[3710.68 --> 3713.46] in order that they may too now receive mercy +[3713.46 --> 3715.48] as a result of God's mercy to you. +[3716.54 --> 3719.92] For God has bound everyone over to disobedience, +[3720.08 --> 3723.32] so that he may have mercy on them all. +[3724.18 --> 3725.52] This is the word of the Lord. +[3725.52 --> 3736.48] Now maybe as I was reading it, +[3737.28 --> 3740.38] you had a bunch of questions pop in your mind. +[3741.40 --> 3742.98] I know I do, +[3743.14 --> 3745.78] and the first time I read it this week in preparation, +[3746.34 --> 3749.70] and the hundredth time I read it this week in preparation, +[3749.86 --> 3752.12] I still was coming up with new questions. +[3752.12 --> 3756.42] One of the questions I had is the title of this sermon, +[3756.84 --> 3757.68] which is, +[3757.96 --> 3759.34] All Israel? Really? +[3760.68 --> 3762.64] All Israel will be saved? +[3763.70 --> 3765.20] That's just the first verse. +[3765.84 --> 3766.86] And the first question, +[3767.96 --> 3769.58] does that mean ethnic Israel? +[3770.10 --> 3772.18] Does that mean the country of Israel? +[3772.64 --> 3773.92] Does that mean all the people +[3773.92 --> 3777.78] who have all ever identified as Israel, +[3778.12 --> 3779.96] past, present, and future? +[3780.70 --> 3782.56] Another question that I have when I read this is, +[3782.56 --> 3785.24] what is the full number of Gentiles? +[3786.20 --> 3786.40] Right? +[3786.46 --> 3787.12] Does that mean like, +[3787.36 --> 3788.48] in my head when I read that, +[3788.72 --> 3790.92] I picture a countdown clock in heaven? +[3791.30 --> 3791.80] Right? +[3791.86 --> 3793.56] That has Gentiles over top of it, +[3793.66 --> 3795.06] and it's counting down +[3795.06 --> 3797.32] until we get to the full number, +[3797.44 --> 3799.24] and that's finally when Jesus will return? +[3800.38 --> 3801.70] No, that's probably not actually +[3801.70 --> 3802.68] what's happening in heaven. +[3802.80 --> 3803.00] Okay? +[3803.08 --> 3804.20] Don't take that. +[3805.40 --> 3806.82] But that's what I wonder. +[3806.94 --> 3808.78] Who and how and how many? +[3808.78 --> 3810.78] I read this, +[3810.84 --> 3811.14] and I wonder, +[3811.32 --> 3811.52] when? +[3812.26 --> 3813.48] When is this going to happen? +[3813.92 --> 3815.20] Is it already happening? +[3815.68 --> 3816.70] How will we see it? +[3816.76 --> 3817.46] How will we know? +[3818.08 --> 3818.90] Will we see it? +[3819.02 --> 3819.78] Will we know it? +[3821.36 --> 3821.64] Now, +[3822.62 --> 3824.38] as we +[3824.38 --> 3826.36] dig into this +[3826.36 --> 3827.56] text this morning, +[3827.80 --> 3829.46] I don't +[3829.46 --> 3830.62] imagine that we +[3830.62 --> 3831.38] will answer +[3831.38 --> 3832.14] every one +[3832.14 --> 3833.56] of your questions. +[3833.82 --> 3833.90] We, +[3834.28 --> 3834.98] to be honest, +[3835.02 --> 3835.70] just don't have time +[3835.70 --> 3836.30] for that. +[3836.30 --> 3838.20] what I do hope +[3838.20 --> 3838.64] you do, +[3838.72 --> 3838.88] though, +[3838.92 --> 3839.86] is you take +[3839.86 --> 3840.62] your questions, +[3841.28 --> 3842.02] and you take +[3842.02 --> 3842.74] some of the answers +[3842.74 --> 3843.38] that we give +[3843.38 --> 3844.16] here this morning, +[3844.16 --> 3845.32] and you continue +[3845.32 --> 3846.08] to dig deeper. +[3846.20 --> 3846.66] You continue +[3846.66 --> 3848.04] to wrestle with them, +[3848.06 --> 3848.76] that you ask +[3848.76 --> 3849.54] and explore +[3849.54 --> 3850.84] and follow +[3850.84 --> 3851.86] your curiosity +[3851.86 --> 3853.16] into the word +[3853.16 --> 3853.66] of God, +[3853.66 --> 3854.34] and that can happen +[3854.34 --> 3855.70] in your grow groups, +[3855.82 --> 3856.36] care groups, +[3856.44 --> 3856.98] that can happen +[3856.98 --> 3858.48] in your small groups, +[3858.52 --> 3859.74] or wherever that happens, +[3859.74 --> 3860.86] I pray that you +[3860.86 --> 3861.50] take this +[3861.50 --> 3862.86] as a starting point +[3862.86 --> 3864.04] to an ongoing +[3864.04 --> 3864.78] conversation +[3864.78 --> 3866.02] with discipleship. +[3867.88 --> 3868.80] The question +[3868.80 --> 3869.16] that I want +[3869.16 --> 3869.96] to begin with +[3869.96 --> 3872.40] is this. +[3873.28 --> 3874.34] When Paul +[3874.34 --> 3875.20] says, +[3875.68 --> 3876.30] all Israel +[3876.30 --> 3877.50] will be saved, +[3878.00 --> 3878.50] who +[3878.50 --> 3879.68] does he +[3879.68 --> 3880.42] mean? +[3881.78 --> 3882.30] Like, +[3882.38 --> 3883.00] all Israel +[3883.00 --> 3884.34] without distinction? +[3885.50 --> 3886.22] And then, +[3886.26 --> 3886.66] I want to ask +[3886.66 --> 3887.24] the question, +[3887.46 --> 3887.86] how +[3887.86 --> 3888.90] will this +[3888.90 --> 3889.18] happen? +[3889.18 --> 3891.16] You know, +[3892.42 --> 3893.94] as is often +[3893.94 --> 3895.10] prudent and wise +[3895.10 --> 3896.08] before we begin, +[3896.76 --> 3897.98] I just want to name +[3897.98 --> 3898.80] an assumption +[3898.80 --> 3900.40] that I'm carrying +[3900.40 --> 3901.08] into +[3901.08 --> 3902.28] this +[3902.28 --> 3903.52] explanation. +[3904.18 --> 3904.38] Now, +[3904.42 --> 3905.40] I hope for most of us +[3905.40 --> 3906.40] it's a shared assumption, +[3906.62 --> 3907.82] but I imagine +[3907.82 --> 3908.96] it's not for all of us. +[3909.30 --> 3910.16] And the assumption +[3910.16 --> 3911.10] that I'm carrying +[3911.10 --> 3912.08] into this +[3912.08 --> 3912.96] is +[3912.96 --> 3914.74] to give Paul +[3914.74 --> 3915.42] a particular +[3915.42 --> 3916.40] amount of credit, +[3916.88 --> 3917.52] or to give him +[3917.52 --> 3918.26] a certain amount +[3918.26 --> 3919.00] of trust, right? +[3919.00 --> 3920.32] What I mean is +[3920.32 --> 3921.44] I'm going to assume +[3921.44 --> 3922.12] that Paul, +[3922.30 --> 3923.56] when he is writing, +[3924.02 --> 3924.80] is not going to +[3924.80 --> 3925.86] contradict himself. +[3926.96 --> 3927.14] Right? +[3927.16 --> 3928.02] Especially in these +[3928.02 --> 3928.72] three chapters +[3928.72 --> 3929.20] that we've been +[3929.20 --> 3930.10] looking at for a while, +[3930.16 --> 3930.92] the hard ones, +[3931.00 --> 3932.00] 9, 10, and 11. +[3932.48 --> 3932.78] Right? +[3932.80 --> 3933.28] I'm assuming +[3933.28 --> 3934.04] that there's no +[3934.04 --> 3935.02] contradictions. +[3936.46 --> 3936.90] Also, +[3937.10 --> 3938.04] I don't believe +[3938.04 --> 3938.80] that Paul +[3938.80 --> 3939.32] is going to +[3939.32 --> 3940.08] contradict himself +[3940.08 --> 3941.06] in the larger scale, +[3941.14 --> 3941.42] that is, +[3941.56 --> 3942.16] in the whole +[3942.16 --> 3942.66] of the letter +[3942.66 --> 3943.36] to the Romans, +[3943.50 --> 3944.56] but also in the +[3944.56 --> 3945.26] other letters +[3945.26 --> 3945.96] that he wrote +[3945.96 --> 3946.86] in the New Testament. +[3947.64 --> 3948.12] And then, +[3948.12 --> 3948.96] not just Paul, +[3949.08 --> 3949.78] I'm going to go +[3949.78 --> 3950.32] into this +[3950.32 --> 3950.78] assuming +[3950.78 --> 3952.00] that +[3952.00 --> 3953.60] the +[3953.60 --> 3955.50] entire +[3955.50 --> 3956.50] New Testament +[3956.50 --> 3958.76] canon, +[3959.06 --> 3959.68] the writings +[3959.68 --> 3960.50] of the New Testament, +[3961.02 --> 3961.86] aren't going to +[3961.86 --> 3963.06] contradict themselves +[3963.06 --> 3963.90] either. +[3964.50 --> 3965.20] And then, +[3965.24 --> 3965.84] we'll go one +[3965.84 --> 3966.52] step further +[3966.52 --> 3967.26] and then say +[3967.26 --> 3968.56] that I don't believe +[3968.56 --> 3969.56] there are contradictions +[3969.56 --> 3970.26] in the Old +[3970.26 --> 3970.94] and New Testament +[3970.94 --> 3971.72] together. +[3972.74 --> 3973.00] Right? +[3973.06 --> 3973.92] That the +[3973.92 --> 3974.92] Word of God, +[3975.16 --> 3976.44] the God-breathed, +[3976.44 --> 3977.96] God-inspired Word +[3977.96 --> 3978.86] given to us +[3978.86 --> 3980.18] in our tradition +[3980.18 --> 3981.30] in two Testaments, +[3981.42 --> 3981.84] the Old +[3981.84 --> 3982.50] and the New, +[3983.50 --> 3984.80] the Bible +[3984.80 --> 3986.38] is +[3986.38 --> 3987.98] internally +[3987.98 --> 3989.20] consistent. +[3990.30 --> 3990.48] Now, +[3990.52 --> 3991.12] this assumption, +[3991.42 --> 3992.04] to put a name +[3992.04 --> 3992.38] on it, +[3992.40 --> 3993.30] is part of +[3993.30 --> 3994.86] our shared +[3994.86 --> 3995.42] doctrine +[3995.42 --> 3996.58] of inspiration. +[3997.16 --> 3997.30] Right? +[3997.32 --> 3997.86] How we believe +[3997.86 --> 3999.32] God inspired +[3999.32 --> 3999.92] the Bible +[3999.92 --> 4000.82] to be written. +[4000.90 --> 4001.72] And I don't believe, +[4001.84 --> 4002.02] then, +[4002.06 --> 4002.46] that there are +[4002.46 --> 4003.16] contradictions +[4003.16 --> 4004.12] within it. +[4004.62 --> 4004.84] Now, +[4004.86 --> 4005.64] let me be really clear, +[4005.64 --> 4005.86] right? +[4005.90 --> 4006.82] Because even though +[4006.82 --> 4007.16] there are no +[4007.16 --> 4007.70] contradictions, +[4007.84 --> 4008.66] there are difficult +[4008.66 --> 4009.16] passages. +[4010.34 --> 4010.64] And that's +[4010.64 --> 4011.62] absolutely the case. +[4012.16 --> 4012.82] And there are +[4012.82 --> 4013.64] parts of Scripture +[4013.64 --> 4014.26] that are really +[4014.26 --> 4015.34] hard to reconcile +[4015.34 --> 4016.80] one to the other. +[4017.66 --> 4018.58] And there are +[4018.58 --> 4019.42] parts of Scripture +[4019.42 --> 4020.46] and doctrines +[4020.46 --> 4021.10] that it teaches +[4021.10 --> 4022.02] that are ultimately, +[4022.32 --> 4022.86] in their fullness, +[4023.32 --> 4024.20] beyond human +[4024.20 --> 4024.80] comprehension. +[4026.68 --> 4027.16] But, +[4027.54 --> 4028.50] because Scripture +[4028.50 --> 4029.48] is God-breathed, +[4029.56 --> 4030.16] because it is +[4030.16 --> 4031.58] inspired by God, +[4031.90 --> 4032.82] it follows, +[4033.18 --> 4033.92] in my mind, +[4034.06 --> 4034.86] that the revelation +[4034.86 --> 4035.48] of God, +[4035.56 --> 4036.82] His Word to us, +[4037.64 --> 4039.20] is infallible. +[4039.90 --> 4040.82] And that's a fancy +[4040.82 --> 4041.78] theological word +[4041.78 --> 4042.22] that means +[4042.22 --> 4043.98] without falsification +[4043.98 --> 4044.76] or error +[4044.76 --> 4045.50] or deceit. +[4046.66 --> 4047.14] Now, +[4047.22 --> 4048.02] all of that +[4048.02 --> 4048.64] together, +[4049.20 --> 4049.50] right, +[4049.58 --> 4050.18] means that +[4050.18 --> 4050.94] for us to +[4050.94 --> 4051.80] understand +[4051.80 --> 4053.02] a difficult +[4053.02 --> 4053.68] passage +[4053.68 --> 4055.12] like this one, +[4055.20 --> 4055.66] a difficult +[4055.66 --> 4056.36] verse like +[4056.36 --> 4057.42] these ones, +[4057.60 --> 4058.88] we need to +[4058.88 --> 4059.68] look to +[4059.68 --> 4060.60] other verses +[4060.60 --> 4061.96] to make sense +[4061.96 --> 4062.12] of it. +[4062.16 --> 4062.80] We need to let +[4062.80 --> 4064.10] Scripture interpret +[4064.10 --> 4064.78] Scripture. +[4065.74 --> 4067.02] We must zoom out +[4067.02 --> 4067.84] to see the whole +[4067.84 --> 4068.80] teaching in order +[4068.80 --> 4069.62] to understand +[4069.62 --> 4070.56] a particular +[4070.56 --> 4071.70] teaching. +[4073.60 --> 4074.58] And so, +[4074.82 --> 4077.30] here's what I think, +[4077.40 --> 4077.66] then, +[4077.74 --> 4079.30] is the big idea +[4079.30 --> 4080.06] or the thesis +[4080.06 --> 4081.06] of Paul's point +[4081.06 --> 4081.82] in this text, +[4082.40 --> 4083.14] the particular +[4083.14 --> 4083.98] teaching that he's +[4083.98 --> 4084.80] making that I think +[4084.80 --> 4085.78] we can zoom out +[4085.78 --> 4086.80] to undergird +[4086.80 --> 4087.50] together. +[4088.80 --> 4089.44] And that is +[4089.44 --> 4090.78] that at some point, +[4090.78 --> 4091.74] all Israel +[4091.74 --> 4092.86] will be saved +[4092.86 --> 4093.50] by God +[4093.50 --> 4094.96] and their salvation +[4094.96 --> 4096.02] will be +[4096.02 --> 4097.06] by the means +[4097.06 --> 4098.14] common to us +[4098.14 --> 4098.56] all, +[4099.52 --> 4099.96] namely, +[4100.16 --> 4101.12] believing in Jesus +[4101.12 --> 4102.32] as a result +[4102.32 --> 4103.30] of God's grace. +[4104.58 --> 4105.16] So, +[4105.24 --> 4105.58] if you are +[4105.58 --> 4106.74] a note-taker, +[4107.10 --> 4108.40] that's your heading. +[4108.80 --> 4109.68] We'll explain +[4109.68 --> 4110.08] through +[4110.08 --> 4111.18] in the rest. +[4112.48 --> 4112.74] And so, +[4112.82 --> 4112.98] then, +[4113.04 --> 4113.70] to see that, +[4113.78 --> 4114.52] let's first +[4114.52 --> 4115.74] establish together +[4115.74 --> 4116.90] who it is +[4116.90 --> 4117.58] that Paul is +[4117.58 --> 4118.62] referring to +[4118.62 --> 4120.22] in verse 26 +[4120.22 --> 4121.46] when he says, +[4121.84 --> 4122.88] all Israel. +[4123.52 --> 4124.98] Because it can be +[4124.98 --> 4125.58] confusing. +[4126.60 --> 4127.18] And in fact, +[4127.30 --> 4128.08] because it's, +[4128.30 --> 4129.06] part of its confusion +[4129.06 --> 4129.66] is because +[4129.66 --> 4131.86] there's a compounding +[4131.86 --> 4132.90] of distinctions +[4132.90 --> 4134.66] that are being made +[4134.66 --> 4135.76] already in this +[4135.76 --> 4136.56] section. +[4137.30 --> 4138.22] I'm going to walk you +[4138.22 --> 4138.68] through this +[4138.68 --> 4139.44] really quickly. +[4139.62 --> 4140.52] The verses will be +[4140.52 --> 4141.12] on the screen +[4141.12 --> 4142.16] behind me +[4142.16 --> 4143.38] so you can see them +[4143.38 --> 4143.94] and don't have to +[4143.94 --> 4145.02] flip through. +[4146.08 --> 4148.04] But in chapter 9, +[4148.04 --> 4149.16] verse 6, +[4150.04 --> 4151.02] Paul says, +[4151.12 --> 4152.00] rather explicitly, +[4152.36 --> 4153.16] not all who are +[4153.16 --> 4154.60] descended from Israel +[4154.60 --> 4155.86] are Israel. +[4156.68 --> 4157.18] And then again +[4157.18 --> 4157.78] in verse 8, +[4157.86 --> 4158.44] he continues, +[4158.90 --> 4159.52] it is children +[4159.52 --> 4160.56] of the promise +[4160.56 --> 4161.58] who are +[4161.58 --> 4163.42] Abraham's descendants. +[4164.76 --> 4165.10] So, +[4165.14 --> 4165.56] when we looked +[4165.56 --> 4166.36] at these verses, +[4166.66 --> 4167.36] we noted that +[4167.36 --> 4168.46] Paul is here +[4168.46 --> 4169.42] making a distinction +[4169.42 --> 4171.36] between ethnic Israel +[4171.36 --> 4174.10] and spiritual Israel. +[4175.56 --> 4175.88] Right? +[4175.94 --> 4176.84] In terms of, +[4176.96 --> 4177.04] then, +[4177.04 --> 4178.40] belief and believing +[4178.40 --> 4179.34] and of receiving +[4179.34 --> 4180.64] salvation by grace +[4180.64 --> 4181.78] and by the mercy +[4181.78 --> 4182.38] of God, +[4182.52 --> 4183.20] Paul continues +[4183.20 --> 4184.78] these distinctions +[4184.78 --> 4185.34] and he says +[4185.34 --> 4186.50] in chapter 10, +[4186.62 --> 4187.36] verse 12, +[4188.04 --> 4188.96] for again, +[4189.14 --> 4190.50] there is no difference +[4190.50 --> 4191.44] between Jew +[4191.44 --> 4192.64] and Gentile. +[4193.10 --> 4193.56] But again, +[4193.68 --> 4193.84] right, +[4193.90 --> 4195.02] Paul is confirming +[4195.02 --> 4197.42] the spiritual reality +[4197.42 --> 4199.88] that makes true Israel +[4199.88 --> 4200.58] inclusive +[4200.58 --> 4202.40] of all who believe, +[4202.50 --> 4203.06] all who are +[4203.06 --> 4204.74] children of Abraham. +[4204.74 --> 4206.22] and then we keep +[4206.22 --> 4206.58] going. +[4207.24 --> 4207.98] In verse 16 +[4207.98 --> 4208.92] of chapter 10, +[4209.04 --> 4209.62] it says, +[4210.06 --> 4211.48] but not all Israel +[4211.48 --> 4212.94] accepted the good news. +[4213.76 --> 4213.96] Now, +[4214.00 --> 4214.22] you see, +[4214.26 --> 4214.96] he's left behind +[4214.96 --> 4215.56] the distinction +[4215.56 --> 4218.20] of the spiritual Israel +[4218.20 --> 4219.78] and has returned +[4219.78 --> 4221.56] to ethnic Israel. +[4221.56 --> 4221.80] Right? +[4221.86 --> 4222.40] Very clearly, +[4222.40 --> 4223.38] he's returned here +[4223.38 --> 4224.58] because he's making +[4224.58 --> 4225.26] the distinction +[4225.26 --> 4226.92] within the people +[4226.92 --> 4227.76] of Israel. +[4227.76 --> 4229.14] And then he continues +[4229.14 --> 4230.46] in chapter 11, +[4230.60 --> 4231.44] verse 5, +[4231.60 --> 4233.14] where we read, +[4233.34 --> 4234.58] at the present time, +[4234.86 --> 4235.86] there is a remnant +[4235.86 --> 4237.76] chosen by grace. +[4238.34 --> 4238.70] And so here, +[4238.76 --> 4239.70] he's naming that distinction +[4239.70 --> 4240.20] again, +[4240.54 --> 4241.24] but saying there are +[4241.24 --> 4242.34] those who are Israel +[4242.34 --> 4243.90] who are ethnic Israel +[4243.90 --> 4244.98] and those who are Israel +[4244.98 --> 4246.26] who are spiritual Israel +[4246.26 --> 4247.46] and the two aren't +[4247.46 --> 4248.62] one to one the same. +[4249.40 --> 4250.56] He continues in verse 7, +[4250.66 --> 4251.74] what the people of Israel +[4251.74 --> 4253.88] sought to so earnestly +[4253.88 --> 4255.26] they did not obtain. +[4255.26 --> 4257.22] The elect among them did, +[4257.56 --> 4258.54] but the others were hardened. +[4260.10 --> 4261.44] So Israel here +[4261.44 --> 4263.32] means that the elect +[4263.32 --> 4264.90] and the hardened, +[4265.06 --> 4266.06] the remnant who believe +[4266.06 --> 4267.98] and those who don't. +[4269.60 --> 4269.96] And so, +[4270.06 --> 4271.38] pulling all this together +[4271.38 --> 4271.94] slowly, +[4273.24 --> 4275.04] what we're beginning to see +[4275.04 --> 4275.86] is that maybe +[4275.86 --> 4277.00] in our text, +[4277.22 --> 4278.16] all Israel +[4278.16 --> 4280.26] isn't only +[4280.80 --> 4282.70] the true Israel +[4282.70 --> 4284.16] or the spiritual Israel +[4284.16 --> 4285.66] of Abraham's descendants +[4285.66 --> 4286.34] that were mentioned +[4286.34 --> 4287.50] in earlier verses. +[4288.44 --> 4288.72] Now, +[4288.76 --> 4289.54] I want to make that point +[4289.54 --> 4291.34] as clearly as I can, +[4292.06 --> 4292.22] right, +[4292.28 --> 4293.72] that all Israel, +[4293.88 --> 4294.96] I think here, +[4295.18 --> 4296.60] means ethnic Israel, +[4296.76 --> 4298.04] not the spiritual, +[4298.56 --> 4299.36] true Israel +[4299.36 --> 4300.08] that's inclusive +[4300.08 --> 4301.32] of Gentiles +[4301.32 --> 4302.16] and Jews, +[4303.12 --> 4304.00] because there are +[4304.00 --> 4305.18] some really good teachers +[4305.18 --> 4305.76] of the Bible +[4305.76 --> 4307.16] who disagree +[4307.70 --> 4308.84] with the way +[4308.84 --> 4309.60] I just framed that. +[4310.56 --> 4310.76] Right, +[4310.80 --> 4311.62] that when Paul says +[4311.62 --> 4312.42] all Israel, +[4312.42 --> 4313.88] he means only +[4313.88 --> 4314.68] the remnant, +[4314.78 --> 4315.42] only the true +[4315.42 --> 4316.42] spiritual descendants. +[4316.62 --> 4317.42] He means the fullness +[4317.42 --> 4319.06] of believing Gentiles. +[4319.56 --> 4320.16] In fact, +[4320.44 --> 4321.58] this was the position +[4321.58 --> 4322.50] of John Calvin. +[4323.64 --> 4323.84] Now, +[4323.90 --> 4325.00] in the Christian Reformed Church, +[4325.14 --> 4325.52] generally, +[4325.66 --> 4326.64] it's a good rule of thumb +[4326.64 --> 4328.10] to agree with John Calvin, +[4328.96 --> 4330.16] but I don't, +[4330.92 --> 4332.00] at least here. +[4332.88 --> 4334.40] In almost every other place, +[4334.50 --> 4334.74] yes, +[4335.12 --> 4335.78] but here, +[4335.86 --> 4337.60] I think he is wrong, +[4337.64 --> 4338.28] and I'll get into +[4338.28 --> 4338.68] some of that. +[4338.68 --> 4340.92] his argument +[4340.92 --> 4341.84] is that it's not +[4341.84 --> 4342.92] an ethnic marker, +[4343.14 --> 4344.62] but it's a spiritual marker +[4344.62 --> 4345.66] that refers to, +[4345.74 --> 4346.78] this is from his commentary +[4346.78 --> 4347.76] on Romans, +[4348.04 --> 4348.94] the whole tree, +[4349.20 --> 4349.36] right? +[4349.50 --> 4350.50] As we read there, +[4350.62 --> 4351.22] the example, +[4351.36 --> 4351.70] the metaphor +[4351.70 --> 4353.08] that Paul uses +[4353.08 --> 4353.66] of a tree +[4353.66 --> 4354.46] that includes +[4354.46 --> 4355.50] the faithful branches +[4355.50 --> 4357.12] and the wild branches +[4357.12 --> 4358.04] that have been grafted +[4358.04 --> 4358.50] back in. +[4360.70 --> 4361.18] But, +[4361.18 --> 4363.36] I don't think +[4363.36 --> 4363.98] that's how Paul +[4363.98 --> 4364.74] uses the word. +[4366.12 --> 4366.24] Right? +[4366.26 --> 4366.86] He continues +[4366.86 --> 4368.62] in verse 11, +[4368.84 --> 4369.18] again, +[4369.54 --> 4371.04] in chapter 11, +[4371.12 --> 4371.60] verse 11, +[4371.70 --> 4372.26] we didn't read it, +[4372.32 --> 4372.80] but that's why +[4372.80 --> 4373.46] you have your Bibles. +[4374.28 --> 4374.72] He says, +[4374.80 --> 4375.74] salvation has come +[4375.74 --> 4376.62] to the Gentiles +[4376.62 --> 4377.76] to make Israel +[4377.76 --> 4378.48] envious. +[4379.48 --> 4380.14] I take pride +[4380.14 --> 4380.78] in my ministry +[4380.78 --> 4381.24] in the hope +[4381.24 --> 4381.98] that I may somehow +[4381.98 --> 4383.18] arouse my own people +[4383.18 --> 4383.60] to envy +[4383.60 --> 4384.58] and save some +[4384.58 --> 4385.42] of them. +[4386.48 --> 4386.88] Again, +[4387.12 --> 4387.32] right, +[4387.38 --> 4387.76] you can see +[4387.76 --> 4388.20] the line +[4388.20 --> 4388.86] that is being drawn. +[4388.96 --> 4389.64] There's a contrast +[4389.64 --> 4390.90] between Gentiles, +[4390.90 --> 4391.74] the word Gentiles, +[4391.84 --> 4393.82] which is an ethnic marker +[4393.82 --> 4394.72] for people +[4394.72 --> 4395.94] who are not Jewish, +[4396.34 --> 4396.48] right, +[4396.52 --> 4397.00] all people +[4397.00 --> 4397.66] who are not Jewish, +[4397.78 --> 4398.72] and that contrast +[4398.72 --> 4399.96] of an ethnic identity +[4399.96 --> 4401.74] is marked against Israel. +[4402.38 --> 4402.58] So, +[4402.62 --> 4403.20] I'm suggesting +[4403.20 --> 4405.04] that it's an ethnic marker. +[4406.54 --> 4407.06] And so, +[4407.26 --> 4408.62] in verse 23, +[4409.10 --> 4411.02] Paul makes this promise. +[4412.12 --> 4412.58] He writes, +[4413.20 --> 4414.74] if they do not persist +[4414.74 --> 4415.92] in unbelief, +[4416.24 --> 4416.50] they, +[4416.62 --> 4417.32] that is Israel, +[4417.60 --> 4419.32] will be grafted in. +[4419.32 --> 4421.00] Now, +[4421.24 --> 4422.38] remember that line, +[4422.50 --> 4423.68] if they do not persist +[4423.68 --> 4424.36] in unbelief. +[4424.48 --> 4424.94] Park that +[4424.94 --> 4425.84] in the corner +[4425.84 --> 4426.32] of your brain +[4426.32 --> 4426.76] because we're going +[4426.76 --> 4429.04] to pick that back up +[4429.04 --> 4429.78] because it will become +[4429.78 --> 4431.40] important for the second half. +[4432.04 --> 4432.84] But notice, +[4433.02 --> 4434.08] the point that Paul +[4434.08 --> 4434.66] is making +[4434.66 --> 4435.50] is that +[4435.50 --> 4437.70] the ethnic Israel +[4437.70 --> 4438.90] who believes +[4438.90 --> 4440.20] will be grafted back in. +[4441.46 --> 4441.76] And then, +[4441.84 --> 4442.52] in verse 26, +[4442.84 --> 4443.34] he says, +[4443.48 --> 4444.40] in this way, +[4444.40 --> 4445.26] all Israel +[4445.26 --> 4446.52] will be saved. +[4448.30 --> 4449.56] This is the culmination +[4449.56 --> 4450.56] of the image, +[4450.66 --> 4451.12] the metaphor +[4451.12 --> 4452.50] of the olive tree, +[4452.80 --> 4454.20] which unbelieving Israel +[4454.20 --> 4455.70] has been cut off from +[4455.70 --> 4456.60] for a period +[4456.60 --> 4458.00] and believing Gentiles +[4458.00 --> 4458.94] have been grafted +[4458.94 --> 4459.86] back into. +[4460.08 --> 4460.34] And then, +[4460.40 --> 4460.94] the promise +[4460.94 --> 4461.96] that Paul speaks +[4461.96 --> 4463.06] is that Israel +[4463.06 --> 4463.94] can be grafted +[4463.94 --> 4465.18] back into the tree +[4465.18 --> 4466.58] as a natural branch. +[4466.62 --> 4466.94] And he says, +[4467.04 --> 4467.30] in fact, +[4467.44 --> 4468.62] it's even easier +[4468.62 --> 4469.86] for them to be grafted +[4469.86 --> 4470.36] back in +[4470.36 --> 4471.64] as a natural branch. +[4472.64 --> 4472.82] So, +[4472.88 --> 4473.80] if you have your own Bible +[4473.80 --> 4474.76] and you're reading along, +[4475.50 --> 4476.68] you might want to circle +[4476.68 --> 4478.38] in this way +[4478.38 --> 4479.32] in verse 26 +[4479.32 --> 4480.82] and then circle, +[4481.10 --> 4481.98] they will be grafted +[4481.98 --> 4482.50] back in +[4482.50 --> 4483.24] in verse 29 +[4483.24 --> 4484.32] and draw a line +[4484.32 --> 4485.50] back to that +[4485.50 --> 4486.76] because that's how +[4486.76 --> 4489.18] they will be grafted +[4489.18 --> 4489.66] or that's the +[4489.66 --> 4490.38] in this way. +[4490.50 --> 4491.14] In what way? +[4491.60 --> 4492.82] By being grafted back in. +[4493.76 --> 4493.96] Now, +[4494.00 --> 4494.42] notice, +[4494.94 --> 4496.02] in that image, +[4496.14 --> 4496.34] right, +[4496.42 --> 4496.88] importantly, +[4497.44 --> 4499.22] there's only one tree. +[4500.70 --> 4501.62] All Israel, +[4501.64 --> 4503.00] is grafted +[4503.00 --> 4504.22] back in. +[4506.74 --> 4507.28] And so, +[4507.62 --> 4509.44] to recap so far, +[4509.54 --> 4510.84] my point has been +[4510.84 --> 4512.42] that when Paul says +[4512.42 --> 4513.36] all Israel +[4513.36 --> 4514.32] in verse 26, +[4514.72 --> 4516.14] he does mean +[4516.14 --> 4518.22] ethnic Israel. +[4519.38 --> 4520.16] The contrast +[4520.16 --> 4521.48] has been between +[4521.48 --> 4522.68] Gentiles who believe +[4522.68 --> 4523.56] and Israel +[4523.56 --> 4524.62] who doesn't +[4524.62 --> 4525.16] or at least +[4525.16 --> 4526.50] who doesn't yet. +[4527.82 --> 4528.86] It wouldn't be, +[4529.10 --> 4529.72] Paul describes it +[4529.72 --> 4530.66] as a mystery. +[4531.40 --> 4532.02] I do not want you +[4532.02 --> 4532.46] to be ignorant +[4532.46 --> 4533.22] of this mystery. +[4533.56 --> 4534.42] It wouldn't be +[4534.42 --> 4535.14] a mystery +[4535.14 --> 4536.88] if Paul was only +[4536.88 --> 4537.68] talking about +[4537.68 --> 4538.94] elected Gentiles +[4538.94 --> 4539.78] and the remnant +[4539.78 --> 4540.34] of Jews. +[4542.08 --> 4542.56] Right? +[4542.62 --> 4543.24] That would be, +[4543.84 --> 4545.12] that would make sense +[4545.12 --> 4545.70] and wouldn't be +[4545.70 --> 4546.14] a mystery. +[4546.14 --> 4547.16] But precisely +[4547.16 --> 4548.54] because this is +[4548.54 --> 4549.66] hard to wrap +[4549.66 --> 4550.46] our heads around, +[4551.04 --> 4551.92] that's what makes +[4551.92 --> 4552.48] it a mystery. +[4553.14 --> 4553.82] And I think +[4553.82 --> 4554.64] precisely because +[4554.64 --> 4555.16] it's the more +[4555.16 --> 4556.66] difficult understanding, +[4556.80 --> 4557.52] that's what makes it +[4557.52 --> 4558.38] more likely +[4558.38 --> 4559.12] to be true. +[4560.32 --> 4560.96] Now the next +[4560.96 --> 4561.64] question is, +[4561.84 --> 4562.52] then, +[4563.30 --> 4564.18] how does Paul +[4564.18 --> 4565.14] use the word +[4565.14 --> 4565.84] all? +[4566.62 --> 4567.24] So if we're talking +[4567.24 --> 4568.08] about ethnic Israel, +[4568.20 --> 4570.00] what is all Israel? +[4570.80 --> 4571.06] Right? +[4571.10 --> 4571.62] When we read +[4571.62 --> 4572.34] all Israel, +[4572.56 --> 4573.42] what does that +[4573.42 --> 4574.08] mean? +[4574.08 --> 4574.90] Now, +[4575.90 --> 4580.24] I don't think +[4580.24 --> 4582.92] that all Israel +[4582.92 --> 4585.14] means every single +[4585.14 --> 4585.96] Israelite +[4585.96 --> 4587.08] without exception. +[4588.70 --> 4589.18] Instead, +[4590.06 --> 4591.68] what Paul means +[4591.68 --> 4593.22] is Israel +[4593.22 --> 4594.24] as a whole. +[4594.92 --> 4595.12] Right? +[4595.14 --> 4595.96] He's talking about +[4595.96 --> 4596.88] ethnic Israel +[4596.88 --> 4598.40] in a general sense. +[4599.52 --> 4599.98] Now let me make +[4599.98 --> 4600.42] this point +[4600.42 --> 4601.58] by looking somewhere else +[4601.58 --> 4602.42] because Israel +[4602.42 --> 4603.42] and even the phrase +[4603.42 --> 4604.20] all Israel +[4604.20 --> 4605.72] is used this way +[4605.72 --> 4606.46] in lots of other +[4606.46 --> 4607.26] places in the Bible. +[4608.02 --> 4609.08] One really clear +[4609.08 --> 4610.06] example is from +[4610.06 --> 4611.70] 2 Chronicles 12, +[4612.04 --> 4612.74] verse 1. +[4612.92 --> 4613.82] So this is back +[4613.82 --> 4615.20] in the Old Testament. +[4616.56 --> 4617.10] It says, +[4617.70 --> 4619.58] after Rehoboam's +[4619.58 --> 4620.60] position as king +[4620.60 --> 4621.38] was established +[4621.38 --> 4622.52] and he had become +[4622.52 --> 4623.12] strong, +[4623.40 --> 4625.42] he and all Israel +[4625.42 --> 4626.42] with him +[4626.42 --> 4627.96] abandoned the law +[4627.96 --> 4628.84] of the Lord. +[4630.42 --> 4631.06] Now I use this +[4631.06 --> 4631.76] as an example +[4631.76 --> 4632.68] because it's really +[4632.68 --> 4633.16] interesting +[4633.16 --> 4634.10] for two reasons. +[4634.82 --> 4635.68] First of all, +[4636.12 --> 4636.78] Rehoboam +[4636.78 --> 4638.60] is the first king +[4638.60 --> 4640.18] in what's called +[4640.18 --> 4641.28] the divided kingdom. +[4642.04 --> 4643.06] So after Solomon, +[4643.56 --> 4644.86] the kingdom of Israel +[4644.86 --> 4645.56] is divided +[4645.56 --> 4646.48] into the northern +[4646.48 --> 4647.66] kingdom called Israel +[4647.66 --> 4648.52] and the southern +[4648.52 --> 4649.66] kingdom called Judah. +[4650.96 --> 4652.14] At this point, +[4652.94 --> 4653.62] Rehoboam +[4653.62 --> 4654.50] becomes king +[4654.50 --> 4656.02] not in the northern +[4656.02 --> 4656.98] kingdom of Israel +[4656.98 --> 4658.46] but in Judah. +[4658.46 --> 4660.56] And so when they write +[4660.56 --> 4661.16] in Chronicles, +[4661.30 --> 4662.12] all Israel +[4662.12 --> 4663.34] had abandoned +[4663.34 --> 4663.86] the Lord, +[4664.66 --> 4665.38] actually, +[4666.14 --> 4667.50] he's king in Judah +[4667.50 --> 4668.72] and so they're using +[4668.72 --> 4670.40] Israel as a name +[4670.40 --> 4671.22] or a placeholder +[4671.22 --> 4671.78] for something +[4671.78 --> 4672.68] that is not directly, +[4672.80 --> 4673.08] but again, +[4673.18 --> 4674.10] referring to +[4674.10 --> 4674.90] the whole. +[4677.08 --> 4677.92] This part of +[4677.92 --> 4680.58] Chronicles +[4680.58 --> 4681.02] then, +[4681.36 --> 4681.96] also, +[4682.18 --> 4682.78] the second reason +[4682.78 --> 4683.44] why it's interesting +[4683.44 --> 4686.40] is that all Israel +[4686.40 --> 4687.14] with him +[4687.14 --> 4687.80] had abandoned +[4687.80 --> 4688.30] the law +[4688.30 --> 4688.86] of the Lord. +[4689.50 --> 4689.86] And yet, +[4689.96 --> 4690.52] when you read +[4690.52 --> 4691.70] the other telling +[4691.70 --> 4692.70] of this story, +[4692.82 --> 4693.32] it's recorded +[4693.32 --> 4694.64] in 1 Kings 13, +[4695.22 --> 4696.36] there's a fascinating +[4696.36 --> 4697.72] recounting +[4697.72 --> 4698.50] of a prophet +[4698.50 --> 4699.58] who doesn't have +[4699.58 --> 4700.52] any name given +[4700.52 --> 4702.18] but who is identified +[4702.18 --> 4703.42] in 1 Kings 13 +[4703.42 --> 4703.98] verse 1 +[4703.98 --> 4705.10] only as +[4705.10 --> 4706.36] a man of God +[4706.36 --> 4707.00] who came +[4707.00 --> 4708.12] from Judah. +[4708.12 --> 4710.54] Now, +[4710.60 --> 4711.76] this man prophesies +[4711.76 --> 4712.56] that one day +[4712.56 --> 4713.64] a king will come +[4713.64 --> 4714.34] and he even +[4714.34 --> 4714.98] gives his name. +[4715.06 --> 4715.96] He says his name +[4715.96 --> 4717.10] will be a son +[4717.10 --> 4718.52] called Josiah +[4718.52 --> 4719.94] in the line of David. +[4721.26 --> 4721.84] And so this too +[4721.84 --> 4722.50] is to the southern +[4722.50 --> 4723.22] kingdom. +[4724.04 --> 4724.14] Now, +[4724.20 --> 4725.20] about 300 years +[4725.20 --> 4726.18] after Rehoboam, +[4727.78 --> 4728.32] Josiah +[4728.32 --> 4729.58] becomes king +[4729.58 --> 4731.16] and he's actually +[4731.16 --> 4731.52] credited +[4731.52 --> 4732.22] with all sorts +[4732.22 --> 4732.84] of reforms +[4732.84 --> 4733.60] that brought +[4733.60 --> 4734.08] the people +[4734.08 --> 4734.90] back to God. +[4735.74 --> 4736.06] Right? +[4736.12 --> 4736.70] And a lineage +[4736.70 --> 4737.72] of really bad +[4737.72 --> 4738.36] kings +[4738.36 --> 4739.66] leading the people +[4739.66 --> 4740.10] away, +[4740.30 --> 4741.28] Josiah comes +[4741.28 --> 4742.14] and is one +[4742.14 --> 4743.34] that leads +[4743.34 --> 4743.88] the people +[4743.88 --> 4745.14] back to God. +[4746.64 --> 4747.22] The reason why +[4747.22 --> 4747.90] this is an important +[4747.90 --> 4749.36] point and is pertinent +[4749.36 --> 4749.74] for here +[4749.74 --> 4750.84] because the Bible +[4750.84 --> 4752.88] describes all Israel +[4752.88 --> 4753.94] as walking away +[4753.94 --> 4754.52] and yet, +[4754.68 --> 4755.36] obviously, +[4755.82 --> 4756.94] there's a distinction +[4756.94 --> 4759.40] within that phrase +[4759.40 --> 4760.62] because there is +[4760.62 --> 4761.54] a man of God +[4761.54 --> 4762.50] who prophesies +[4762.50 --> 4764.98] and who told +[4764.98 --> 4765.68] the truth +[4765.68 --> 4766.68] about Josiah +[4766.68 --> 4767.70] who we can +[4767.70 --> 4767.96] then, +[4768.16 --> 4768.36] I think, +[4768.56 --> 4769.18] conclude +[4769.18 --> 4770.44] didn't abandon +[4770.44 --> 4771.24] the law +[4771.24 --> 4772.08] of the Lord +[4772.08 --> 4773.18] because he's +[4773.18 --> 4773.80] a man of God. +[4775.58 --> 4775.70] Right? +[4775.76 --> 4776.74] Using the phrase +[4776.74 --> 4777.72] all Israel +[4777.72 --> 4778.98] still allows +[4778.98 --> 4781.10] for exceptions +[4781.10 --> 4782.90] or for distinctions +[4782.90 --> 4784.42] within it. +[4784.42 --> 4787.92] now, +[4788.18 --> 4790.44] that means that +[4790.44 --> 4791.06] it's most +[4791.06 --> 4792.66] likely the case +[4792.66 --> 4794.34] that what Paul +[4794.34 --> 4795.62] is referring +[4795.62 --> 4796.70] to here +[4796.70 --> 4797.48] back in +[4797.48 --> 4798.68] Romans 11 +[4798.68 --> 4799.76] 26 now +[4799.76 --> 4801.28] is +[4801.28 --> 4804.62] a great +[4804.62 --> 4805.26] mass +[4805.26 --> 4806.30] of +[4806.30 --> 4807.86] Jewish +[4807.86 --> 4808.56] people +[4808.56 --> 4809.42] who will +[4809.42 --> 4810.10] come to +[4810.10 --> 4810.52] believe. +[4810.52 --> 4812.26] Paul is +[4812.26 --> 4812.92] not saying +[4812.92 --> 4813.72] that every +[4813.72 --> 4814.40] Jew +[4814.40 --> 4815.08] will be +[4815.08 --> 4815.62] saved +[4815.62 --> 4816.02] but that +[4816.02 --> 4816.56] the vast +[4816.56 --> 4816.94] number +[4816.94 --> 4817.20] of +[4817.20 --> 4817.98] Israelites +[4817.98 --> 4819.40] will join +[4819.40 --> 4820.30] the believing +[4820.30 --> 4821.02] remnant +[4821.02 --> 4821.70] at some +[4821.70 --> 4822.22] point +[4822.22 --> 4823.38] in history. +[4823.90 --> 4824.48] Maybe it's a +[4824.48 --> 4825.38] future thing, +[4825.46 --> 4825.96] maybe it's a +[4825.96 --> 4826.64] concurrent thing, +[4826.70 --> 4827.16] we'll dig into +[4827.16 --> 4827.40] that. +[4829.34 --> 4829.92] The use +[4829.92 --> 4830.62] of this +[4830.62 --> 4831.18] word +[4831.18 --> 4831.66] in this +[4831.66 --> 4832.08] way, +[4832.96 --> 4833.62] the word +[4833.62 --> 4834.00] Israel +[4834.00 --> 4834.58] in this +[4834.58 --> 4834.80] way, +[4834.94 --> 4835.36] matches +[4835.36 --> 4836.68] also how +[4836.68 --> 4837.08] it's used +[4837.08 --> 4837.38] in the +[4837.38 --> 4838.26] rest of +[4838.26 --> 4838.78] the chapter +[4838.78 --> 4839.52] and in +[4839.52 --> 4839.86] the rest +[4839.86 --> 4840.14] of this +[4840.14 --> 4840.32] little +[4840.32 --> 4840.68] section. +[4841.12 --> 4841.38] Remember, +[4841.60 --> 4841.84] we're +[4841.84 --> 4842.70] looking for +[4842.70 --> 4843.26] contradictions. +[4845.30 --> 4845.98] Paul +[4845.98 --> 4846.90] often uses +[4846.90 --> 4847.34] the word +[4847.34 --> 4847.74] Israel +[4847.74 --> 4848.62] to refer +[4848.62 --> 4849.36] to the +[4849.36 --> 4849.86] majority +[4849.86 --> 4850.96] of Israel +[4850.96 --> 4851.58] over +[4851.58 --> 4852.10] against +[4852.10 --> 4852.66] the +[4852.66 --> 4853.50] minority +[4853.50 --> 4854.74] of +[4854.74 --> 4855.24] Jews +[4855.24 --> 4855.80] who did +[4855.80 --> 4856.20] come to +[4856.20 --> 4856.58] believe +[4856.58 --> 4857.32] in Jesus +[4857.32 --> 4857.80] at the +[4857.80 --> 4858.06] time. +[4859.02 --> 4859.42] And so, +[4859.76 --> 4860.28] for instance, +[4860.42 --> 4860.76] when Paul +[4860.76 --> 4861.34] speaks about +[4861.34 --> 4861.78] Israel +[4861.78 --> 4862.32] rejecting +[4862.32 --> 4862.96] the gospel, +[4863.38 --> 4863.60] he's +[4863.60 --> 4864.16] obviously +[4864.16 --> 4864.60] not +[4864.60 --> 4865.08] including +[4865.08 --> 4865.66] himself +[4865.66 --> 4866.28] in +[4866.28 --> 4866.62] that, +[4867.38 --> 4867.62] right, +[4867.68 --> 4868.32] because he's +[4868.32 --> 4868.82] an example +[4868.82 --> 4869.36] that not +[4869.36 --> 4869.84] all Israel +[4869.84 --> 4871.18] has rejected +[4871.18 --> 4871.78] the gospel, +[4872.30 --> 4872.86] even though +[4872.86 --> 4873.58] he is part +[4873.58 --> 4874.86] of ethnic +[4874.86 --> 4875.70] Israel. +[4877.98 --> 4878.66] Now, +[4879.20 --> 4880.02] as we +[4880.02 --> 4882.58] wade +[4882.58 --> 4883.30] our way +[4883.30 --> 4884.04] through +[4884.04 --> 4884.62] this, +[4885.36 --> 4886.00] it's also +[4886.00 --> 4886.80] important to +[4886.80 --> 4887.94] realize at +[4887.94 --> 4888.46] this point +[4888.46 --> 4888.90] that there +[4888.90 --> 4890.14] are many +[4890.14 --> 4890.88] people, +[4891.30 --> 4891.66] Bible +[4891.66 --> 4892.10] scholars, +[4892.32 --> 4892.66] teachers +[4892.66 --> 4893.18] alike, +[4893.18 --> 4894.78] who think +[4894.78 --> 4895.52] that Paul +[4895.52 --> 4896.54] must be +[4896.54 --> 4897.46] talking about +[4897.46 --> 4898.24] some sort +[4898.24 --> 4899.06] of last +[4899.06 --> 4899.52] minute, +[4899.78 --> 4901.02] large scale, +[4901.52 --> 4902.54] end times, +[4902.72 --> 4903.66] mass revival +[4903.66 --> 4904.66] of Christianity +[4904.66 --> 4905.34] among the +[4905.34 --> 4905.94] Jewish people. +[4907.10 --> 4907.96] And honestly, +[4908.06 --> 4908.64] that could be +[4908.64 --> 4909.16] the case. +[4910.86 --> 4911.76] But the +[4911.76 --> 4912.34] language that +[4912.34 --> 4912.86] Paul uses +[4912.86 --> 4914.66] here doesn't +[4914.66 --> 4915.40] require that +[4915.40 --> 4916.02] that is the +[4916.02 --> 4916.34] case, +[4916.74 --> 4917.08] or doesn't +[4917.08 --> 4917.94] necessitate that +[4917.94 --> 4918.28] that's the +[4918.28 --> 4918.82] only way +[4918.82 --> 4920.14] to understand +[4920.14 --> 4920.54] it. +[4920.54 --> 4921.50] Paul's +[4921.50 --> 4921.90] language +[4921.90 --> 4922.96] here could +[4922.96 --> 4923.58] allow, +[4924.14 --> 4924.92] and tip my +[4924.92 --> 4925.14] hand, +[4925.22 --> 4925.48] I think +[4925.48 --> 4926.24] actually probably +[4926.24 --> 4927.14] leans in this +[4927.14 --> 4927.38] way, +[4927.70 --> 4928.40] could allow +[4928.40 --> 4929.08] for a +[4929.08 --> 4930.22] steady but +[4930.22 --> 4930.72] growing, +[4930.88 --> 4932.50] slowly increasing +[4932.50 --> 4933.44] number of +[4933.44 --> 4933.98] Jews who +[4933.98 --> 4934.38] become +[4934.38 --> 4934.90] Christian +[4934.90 --> 4935.92] until we +[4935.92 --> 4936.64] arrive at a +[4936.64 --> 4937.56] time when +[4937.56 --> 4938.26] it is more +[4938.26 --> 4939.38] or most +[4939.38 --> 4941.14] who believe +[4941.14 --> 4942.24] in Jesus. +[4942.24 --> 4942.38] Jesus. +[4943.56 --> 4944.18] In fact, +[4944.26 --> 4944.56] I think +[4944.56 --> 4945.50] this move, +[4946.26 --> 4947.00] whether it's +[4947.00 --> 4947.76] a large +[4947.76 --> 4949.10] conversion +[4949.10 --> 4949.82] near the +[4949.82 --> 4950.32] end of +[4950.32 --> 4950.98] time or +[4950.98 --> 4951.50] a more +[4951.50 --> 4952.76] slow and +[4952.76 --> 4953.28] progressive +[4953.28 --> 4954.22] culmination +[4954.22 --> 4954.68] of things, +[4954.98 --> 4955.32] I think +[4955.32 --> 4956.38] it's the +[4956.38 --> 4957.28] conclusion of +[4957.28 --> 4958.32] that that +[4958.32 --> 4958.92] gives Paul +[4958.92 --> 4959.92] confidence +[4959.92 --> 4961.76] to quote +[4961.76 --> 4962.90] from Isaiah, +[4963.14 --> 4964.16] which he does +[4964.16 --> 4965.50] immediately following. +[4965.62 --> 4966.06] He says, +[4966.58 --> 4967.62] the deliverer +[4967.62 --> 4968.20] will come +[4968.20 --> 4968.92] from Zion, +[4969.12 --> 4969.92] he will turn +[4969.92 --> 4970.76] godlessness +[4970.76 --> 4972.14] away from +[4972.14 --> 4972.52] Jacob. +[4972.90 --> 4973.40] Now remember, +[4973.56 --> 4974.22] Jacob's name +[4974.22 --> 4974.90] was changed +[4974.90 --> 4976.98] to Israel. +[4978.16 --> 4978.64] And then he +[4978.64 --> 4978.78] says, +[4978.88 --> 4979.46] this is my +[4979.46 --> 4980.08] covenant with +[4980.08 --> 4980.64] them when I +[4980.64 --> 4981.24] take away +[4981.24 --> 4982.24] their sins. +[4983.22 --> 4984.16] This confidence +[4984.16 --> 4985.04] that Paul has, +[4985.10 --> 4985.52] I think, +[4985.58 --> 4986.24] is the same +[4986.24 --> 4987.46] confidence that's +[4987.46 --> 4988.32] expressed in +[4988.32 --> 4989.84] verse 28 when +[4989.84 --> 4990.36] he says, +[4990.68 --> 4991.22] as far as +[4991.22 --> 4992.10] election is +[4992.10 --> 4992.68] concerned, +[4992.86 --> 4993.42] they are loved +[4993.42 --> 4994.04] on account of +[4994.04 --> 4995.00] the patriarchs, +[4995.00 --> 4995.68] for God's +[4995.68 --> 4996.56] gifts and his +[4996.56 --> 4997.58] call are +[4997.58 --> 4998.38] irrevocable. +[4999.78 --> 5000.60] So what we're +[5000.60 --> 5001.16] seeing is that +[5001.16 --> 5002.50] ethnic Israel +[5002.50 --> 5004.20] matters in +[5004.20 --> 5004.90] God's plan +[5004.90 --> 5005.56] of salvation. +[5006.78 --> 5007.42] And a day +[5007.42 --> 5008.20] will come +[5008.20 --> 5009.54] when most +[5009.54 --> 5010.08] of them +[5010.08 --> 5011.46] remember that. +[5012.70 --> 5013.34] And when +[5013.34 --> 5014.02] they remember +[5014.02 --> 5014.44] that, +[5014.62 --> 5015.28] salvation will +[5015.28 --> 5015.68] come to +[5015.68 --> 5015.86] them. +[5016.18 --> 5016.82] That's Paul's +[5016.82 --> 5017.08] hope. +[5018.90 --> 5020.52] But the +[5020.52 --> 5021.14] ground of +[5021.14 --> 5021.92] their salvation +[5021.92 --> 5023.38] is still the +[5023.38 --> 5024.50] same as the +[5024.50 --> 5025.34] ground of our +[5025.34 --> 5025.94] salvation, +[5026.18 --> 5027.22] of all salvation +[5027.22 --> 5027.82] that has been +[5027.82 --> 5028.52] granted by +[5028.52 --> 5029.64] God's mercy. +[5030.60 --> 5031.06] That's the +[5031.06 --> 5031.76] second question +[5031.76 --> 5033.12] of our +[5033.12 --> 5033.48] text. +[5033.68 --> 5035.02] How are +[5035.02 --> 5035.60] they saved? +[5036.22 --> 5036.60] And here's +[5036.60 --> 5036.92] where I want +[5036.92 --> 5037.52] you to +[5037.52 --> 5039.22] unpack that +[5039.22 --> 5039.74] line from +[5039.74 --> 5040.40] verse 23. +[5040.56 --> 5040.80] Remember, +[5040.96 --> 5041.42] Paul said, +[5041.80 --> 5042.24] if they do +[5042.24 --> 5043.04] not persist +[5043.04 --> 5044.12] in unbelief, +[5044.74 --> 5045.20] they will be +[5045.20 --> 5045.74] grafted in. +[5047.16 --> 5047.60] Now, +[5047.72 --> 5048.30] let me remind +[5048.30 --> 5048.54] you, +[5048.62 --> 5049.38] we've already +[5049.38 --> 5050.16] agreed on the +[5050.16 --> 5051.12] assumption that +[5051.12 --> 5051.90] Paul wouldn't +[5051.90 --> 5052.98] contradict himself +[5052.98 --> 5054.02] in this section, +[5054.16 --> 5055.08] nor would Paul +[5055.08 --> 5055.94] contradict other +[5055.94 --> 5056.78] parts of his +[5056.78 --> 5057.30] letter to the +[5057.30 --> 5057.56] Romans, +[5057.66 --> 5058.32] or the rest of +[5058.32 --> 5058.80] his letters, +[5058.98 --> 5059.68] or the New +[5059.68 --> 5060.70] Testament more +[5060.70 --> 5061.10] generally. +[5062.20 --> 5062.60] And so, +[5062.74 --> 5063.06] remember, +[5063.22 --> 5063.82] even when Paul +[5063.82 --> 5064.52] says in chapter +[5064.52 --> 5064.88] 9, +[5064.96 --> 5065.48] verse 8, +[5065.58 --> 5066.00] it is the +[5066.00 --> 5066.46] children of +[5066.46 --> 5066.94] the promise +[5066.94 --> 5067.28] who are +[5067.28 --> 5067.84] Abraham's +[5067.84 --> 5068.32] descendants, +[5069.14 --> 5069.30] right? +[5069.42 --> 5070.28] The promise +[5070.28 --> 5071.16] has to be +[5071.16 --> 5072.90] believed for +[5072.90 --> 5073.28] it to be +[5073.28 --> 5073.76] effective. +[5075.56 --> 5076.02] In chapter +[5076.02 --> 5076.56] 4, +[5076.94 --> 5077.60] we read, +[5078.14 --> 5079.00] or you can +[5079.00 --> 5079.40] read, +[5080.04 --> 5080.62] for verse +[5080.62 --> 5081.10] 16, +[5081.32 --> 5081.74] it says, +[5081.86 --> 5082.44] the promise +[5082.44 --> 5083.12] comes by +[5083.12 --> 5083.72] faith, +[5084.00 --> 5084.68] so that it +[5084.68 --> 5085.22] may be by +[5085.22 --> 5085.86] grace and +[5085.86 --> 5086.12] may be +[5086.12 --> 5086.94] guaranteed to +[5086.94 --> 5088.24] all Abraham's +[5088.24 --> 5088.64] offspring, +[5089.04 --> 5089.82] not only those +[5089.82 --> 5090.34] who have the +[5090.34 --> 5090.62] law, +[5090.76 --> 5092.16] but also those +[5092.16 --> 5092.80] who have the +[5092.80 --> 5093.40] faith of +[5093.40 --> 5093.80] Abraham. +[5094.12 --> 5095.08] He is the +[5095.08 --> 5096.08] father of +[5096.08 --> 5096.62] us all. +[5097.56 --> 5098.22] The promise +[5098.22 --> 5099.04] is believed +[5099.04 --> 5100.06] by faith as +[5100.06 --> 5101.46] a result of +[5101.46 --> 5102.30] grace. +[5103.20 --> 5103.74] And again, +[5104.12 --> 5104.56] Paul's not +[5104.56 --> 5104.84] going to +[5104.84 --> 5105.86] contradict himself, +[5106.02 --> 5106.24] right? +[5106.64 --> 5107.64] Even in other +[5107.64 --> 5108.56] letters that he +[5108.56 --> 5108.90] has written. +[5110.08 --> 5110.44] And so, +[5110.64 --> 5111.42] let's continue +[5111.42 --> 5111.84] to let +[5111.84 --> 5112.22] Scripture +[5112.22 --> 5113.54] interpret Scripture. +[5113.68 --> 5114.06] Whenever you +[5114.06 --> 5114.64] are studying the +[5114.64 --> 5115.06] Bible and you +[5115.06 --> 5115.62] have a question, +[5115.72 --> 5116.16] what on earth +[5116.16 --> 5116.76] does it mean +[5116.76 --> 5118.72] look for other +[5118.72 --> 5119.48] places in the +[5119.48 --> 5120.06] Bible where it's +[5120.06 --> 5121.04] talked about and +[5121.04 --> 5121.96] you can begin +[5121.96 --> 5122.84] to understand. +[5123.68 --> 5125.08] In Galatians 3, +[5125.28 --> 5126.16] verse 7, +[5126.54 --> 5127.34] another letter of +[5127.34 --> 5127.68] Paul, +[5128.02 --> 5128.82] we read, +[5129.88 --> 5130.90] understand then +[5130.90 --> 5131.78] those who have +[5131.78 --> 5132.86] faith are the +[5132.86 --> 5133.56] children of +[5133.56 --> 5133.90] Abraham. +[5134.50 --> 5135.02] And then later +[5135.02 --> 5135.64] down in verse +[5135.64 --> 5136.14] 29, +[5136.58 --> 5137.52] if you belong to +[5137.52 --> 5137.98] Christ, +[5138.10 --> 5138.56] then you are +[5138.56 --> 5139.80] Abraham's seed and +[5139.80 --> 5141.10] heirs according to +[5141.10 --> 5141.62] the promise. +[5141.74 --> 5141.96] And so, +[5142.18 --> 5143.24] start stacking these +[5143.24 --> 5144.24] things together. +[5144.24 --> 5144.32] together. +[5145.52 --> 5145.94] It is the +[5145.94 --> 5146.70] grace of God +[5146.70 --> 5147.26] or the mercy +[5147.26 --> 5147.90] of God that +[5147.90 --> 5148.82] grants faith in +[5148.82 --> 5149.70] the promises of +[5149.70 --> 5150.74] God that then +[5150.74 --> 5152.12] unites you to +[5152.12 --> 5153.12] Christ, that makes +[5153.12 --> 5154.68] you belong to +[5154.68 --> 5155.34] him. +[5155.42 --> 5156.00] And it is the +[5156.00 --> 5156.94] belonging to +[5156.94 --> 5158.20] Christ that +[5158.20 --> 5158.74] saves you. +[5158.82 --> 5159.22] It is the +[5159.22 --> 5160.02] living and +[5160.02 --> 5161.16] loving Jesus +[5161.16 --> 5162.12] and the living +[5162.12 --> 5163.08] and loving of +[5163.08 --> 5164.12] Jesus that +[5164.12 --> 5164.88] brings salvation. +[5166.04 --> 5166.46] And again, +[5166.98 --> 5167.64] Paul's not going +[5167.64 --> 5168.52] to contradict the +[5168.52 --> 5169.14] rest of the New +[5169.14 --> 5169.78] Testament. +[5169.98 --> 5170.30] And so, +[5170.42 --> 5171.20] you can actually +[5171.20 --> 5172.28] dig even further +[5172.28 --> 5173.36] and find agreement +[5173.36 --> 5174.20] with this truth +[5174.20 --> 5175.20] also from the +[5175.20 --> 5175.90] very words of +[5175.90 --> 5177.00] Jesus himself. +[5177.98 --> 5178.86] In John 8, +[5178.94 --> 5179.60] verse 39, +[5180.66 --> 5181.14] and I won't +[5181.14 --> 5181.60] read the whole +[5181.60 --> 5182.06] thing, but you +[5182.06 --> 5182.44] can write it +[5182.44 --> 5183.20] down, John 8, +[5183.28 --> 5184.24] 39, and look +[5184.24 --> 5184.56] it up. +[5184.70 --> 5185.44] I'll paraphrase. +[5186.08 --> 5186.88] Jesus makes +[5186.88 --> 5188.04] clear using this +[5188.04 --> 5188.96] language that the +[5188.96 --> 5189.96] true descendants +[5189.96 --> 5191.28] of Father Abraham +[5191.28 --> 5192.64] are the ones who +[5192.64 --> 5194.04] do his, Jesus, +[5194.48 --> 5195.78] and God's, his +[5195.78 --> 5196.74] father's, will. +[5197.42 --> 5198.06] The ones who +[5198.06 --> 5199.58] recognize in Jesus +[5199.58 --> 5200.56] the one true +[5200.56 --> 5201.66] son loved by the +[5201.66 --> 5202.70] father and who +[5202.70 --> 5203.82] therefore love +[5203.82 --> 5204.86] Jesus. +[5206.78 --> 5207.40] Throughout this +[5207.40 --> 5208.16] whole section, +[5208.38 --> 5208.72] throughout this +[5208.72 --> 5209.52] whole letter of +[5209.52 --> 5210.24] Romans, throughout +[5210.24 --> 5211.08] the whole New +[5211.08 --> 5212.30] Testament, you can +[5212.30 --> 5213.64] see that it is +[5213.64 --> 5215.38] God's choosing by +[5215.38 --> 5216.20] grace. +[5218.18 --> 5219.18] We've seen this +[5219.18 --> 5220.24] and you can read +[5220.24 --> 5221.92] it in Ephesians 2, +[5222.04 --> 5222.52] verse 8. +[5223.40 --> 5224.42] For it is by grace +[5224.42 --> 5225.74] you have been +[5225.74 --> 5226.70] saved through +[5226.70 --> 5227.34] faith. +[5227.98 --> 5228.62] And this is not +[5228.62 --> 5229.22] from yourselves, +[5229.32 --> 5230.22] it is the gift of +[5230.22 --> 5231.46] God, not by works, +[5231.46 --> 5232.22] so that no one +[5232.22 --> 5233.14] can boast. +[5234.66 --> 5235.42] Back in chapter +[5235.42 --> 5236.32] 10 of Romans, +[5236.58 --> 5237.28] you read, +[5237.54 --> 5238.34] if you declare +[5238.34 --> 5239.08] with your mouth +[5239.08 --> 5240.10] Jesus is Lord +[5240.10 --> 5240.98] and believe in +[5240.98 --> 5241.70] your heart God +[5241.70 --> 5242.24] raised him from +[5242.24 --> 5242.64] the dead, +[5242.78 --> 5243.94] you will be +[5243.94 --> 5244.72] saved. +[5246.12 --> 5247.30] And all of +[5247.30 --> 5249.42] that doesn't +[5249.42 --> 5251.60] change when it +[5251.60 --> 5253.12] comes to +[5253.12 --> 5253.58] Israel. +[5255.12 --> 5256.14] The way of +[5256.14 --> 5257.26] salvation doesn't +[5257.26 --> 5258.34] change for Israel +[5258.34 --> 5258.76] Israel who +[5258.76 --> 5259.96] will come and +[5259.96 --> 5260.82] are coming to +[5260.82 --> 5261.42] believe its +[5261.42 --> 5262.30] truth and who +[5262.30 --> 5263.26] will recognize +[5263.26 --> 5264.26] Jesus as their +[5264.26 --> 5265.38] Messiah and the +[5265.38 --> 5265.60] Lord. +[5265.78 --> 5266.86] Belief is what +[5266.86 --> 5267.80] is required. +[5268.08 --> 5268.94] Faith is +[5268.94 --> 5270.00] granted to the +[5270.00 --> 5270.30] elect. +[5270.42 --> 5271.20] The same is +[5271.20 --> 5272.20] true and will +[5272.20 --> 5273.16] be true for the +[5273.16 --> 5274.06] Israelites who +[5274.06 --> 5274.40] believe. +[5274.54 --> 5275.54] That's why in +[5275.54 --> 5276.80] chapter 11, at the +[5276.80 --> 5277.82] beginning, Paul uses +[5277.82 --> 5278.84] himself as an +[5278.84 --> 5279.70] example of this +[5279.70 --> 5280.02] truth. +[5280.90 --> 5283.14] For faith, for +[5283.14 --> 5284.50] God's gift, we +[5284.50 --> 5285.70] read, which is +[5285.70 --> 5286.70] faith and his +[5286.70 --> 5287.52] call, that is +[5287.52 --> 5288.52] to believe and +[5288.52 --> 5289.48] the belief itself, +[5289.88 --> 5291.26] for God's gift and +[5291.26 --> 5292.70] his call are +[5292.70 --> 5293.42] irrevocable. +[5296.70 --> 5298.28] And, like we +[5298.28 --> 5299.94] read in chapter +[5299.94 --> 5301.12] 9, 15, I will +[5301.12 --> 5301.94] have mercy on +[5301.94 --> 5302.44] whom I have +[5302.44 --> 5302.82] mercy. +[5303.56 --> 5303.94] It does not +[5303.94 --> 5304.60] therefore depend +[5304.60 --> 5305.48] on human desire +[5305.48 --> 5306.46] or effort, but +[5306.46 --> 5307.74] on God's +[5307.74 --> 5308.48] mercy. +[5309.90 --> 5311.68] The future and +[5311.68 --> 5313.14] emerging salvation +[5313.14 --> 5314.06] of Israel doesn't +[5314.06 --> 5315.04] depend on their +[5315.04 --> 5316.32] effort, but on +[5316.32 --> 5317.50] God's mercy. +[5318.92 --> 5319.68] And thus, it +[5319.68 --> 5321.14] seems to me, as +[5321.14 --> 5322.06] we continue then +[5322.06 --> 5323.22] plotting our way +[5323.22 --> 5324.32] through, verse 30 +[5324.32 --> 5326.08] and 31, tell the +[5326.08 --> 5328.24] story of how God +[5328.24 --> 5330.00] used Israel's +[5330.00 --> 5331.14] unbelief to +[5331.14 --> 5332.64] spur or to +[5332.64 --> 5333.94] instigate +[5333.94 --> 5335.58] Gentile belief, +[5335.84 --> 5336.88] thereby including +[5336.88 --> 5338.60] them, Gentiles, as +[5338.60 --> 5339.34] heirs of the +[5339.34 --> 5339.92] promise, as +[5339.92 --> 5341.36] seeds of Abraham, +[5341.36 --> 5343.00] and then how God +[5343.00 --> 5344.54] will in turn do +[5344.54 --> 5345.58] the same with +[5345.58 --> 5346.44] the Gentiles +[5346.44 --> 5347.60] back to or +[5347.60 --> 5349.32] for Israel, so +[5349.32 --> 5350.56] that they, Israel, +[5350.78 --> 5351.98] will believe and +[5351.98 --> 5353.32] have faith from +[5353.32 --> 5354.30] the mercy and +[5354.30 --> 5355.26] grace of God. +[5355.80 --> 5356.86] The means of +[5356.86 --> 5357.76] their coming to +[5357.76 --> 5359.08] belief and faith +[5359.08 --> 5360.80] at some point is, +[5361.00 --> 5362.28] in fact, their +[5362.28 --> 5363.92] rejection of Jesus +[5363.92 --> 5365.28] in his own day, +[5365.34 --> 5366.46] or in Paul's day, +[5366.80 --> 5368.58] because, what Paul is +[5368.58 --> 5369.62] saying, God will +[5369.62 --> 5371.40] use the Gentiles +[5371.40 --> 5372.90] who professed faith +[5372.90 --> 5374.34] and received mercy +[5374.34 --> 5375.46] and grace to +[5375.46 --> 5377.04] move the chosen +[5377.04 --> 5378.54] of ethnic Israel +[5378.54 --> 5379.64] back to him. +[5380.70 --> 5381.86] That's the mystery. +[5382.96 --> 5384.34] That's the amazing +[5384.34 --> 5385.84] grace of God, and +[5385.84 --> 5386.86] to be clear, it's +[5386.86 --> 5387.92] no wonder that as +[5387.92 --> 5388.88] Paul walks through +[5388.88 --> 5390.08] this, he ends and +[5390.08 --> 5391.02] breaks out in a big +[5391.02 --> 5392.36] hymn of praise, and +[5392.36 --> 5392.84] we'll look at that +[5392.84 --> 5393.36] next time. +[5394.22 --> 5396.08] But this moving +[5396.08 --> 5397.40] through in the +[5397.40 --> 5398.72] history of redemption +[5398.72 --> 5401.00] is what Michael +[5401.00 --> 5402.50] Byrd calls the +[5402.50 --> 5403.50] boomerang of +[5403.50 --> 5404.92] salvation, and I +[5404.92 --> 5405.34] think that's a +[5405.34 --> 5406.18] cool image. +[5406.26 --> 5406.70] It helps me +[5406.70 --> 5407.44] understand what's +[5407.44 --> 5407.96] going on. +[5408.26 --> 5409.78] The gospel goes +[5409.78 --> 5411.96] out because of +[5411.96 --> 5413.40] Jewish rejection, +[5414.04 --> 5415.02] and so the +[5415.02 --> 5416.28] Gentiles receive +[5416.28 --> 5417.92] salvation, and +[5417.92 --> 5418.72] it's the Gentiles +[5418.72 --> 5420.36] receiving mercy and +[5420.36 --> 5421.74] believing, then, +[5421.86 --> 5422.78] that will be used +[5422.78 --> 5423.60] by God that will +[5423.60 --> 5425.28] come back to have +[5425.28 --> 5426.26] the Jewish people +[5426.26 --> 5427.88] receive mercy and +[5427.88 --> 5428.26] believe. +[5429.16 --> 5430.20] That's verse 31. +[5430.40 --> 5431.74] So they, too, have +[5431.74 --> 5433.24] now become disobedient +[5433.24 --> 5434.10] in order that they, +[5434.24 --> 5435.58] too, may now receive +[5435.58 --> 5437.30] mercy as a result of +[5437.30 --> 5439.46] God's mercy on you. +[5441.12 --> 5443.60] But in both cases, for +[5443.60 --> 5444.80] Gentiles and for +[5444.80 --> 5446.06] Israel, it is +[5446.06 --> 5446.58] belief. +[5446.86 --> 5448.44] It is right belief in +[5448.44 --> 5450.32] Jesus as Messiah, as +[5450.32 --> 5451.70] Lord, as the Son of +[5451.70 --> 5452.98] God, as raised from +[5452.98 --> 5454.02] the dead, that is +[5454.02 --> 5455.18] necessary for +[5455.18 --> 5455.64] salvation. +[5456.32 --> 5457.12] There's not some +[5457.12 --> 5458.86] new or third way or +[5458.86 --> 5460.26] some loophole for +[5460.26 --> 5461.44] ethnic Israel to get +[5461.44 --> 5461.70] in. +[5461.86 --> 5462.92] They must believe. +[5463.96 --> 5465.28] And in fact, they +[5465.28 --> 5466.96] will believe because +[5466.96 --> 5467.76] God's plan of +[5467.76 --> 5468.66] redemption will not +[5468.66 --> 5470.38] be thwarted even by +[5470.38 --> 5472.30] the rejection of +[5472.30 --> 5473.68] Israel or by the +[5473.68 --> 5475.52] rejection of anyone. +[5476.52 --> 5477.64] Part of the amazing +[5477.64 --> 5479.12] thing that Paul is +[5479.12 --> 5480.40] telling us is that +[5480.40 --> 5483.80] there will be more of +[5483.80 --> 5485.94] them who believe than +[5485.94 --> 5487.14] we could by looking at +[5487.14 --> 5488.02] the world around us +[5488.02 --> 5489.08] now or that Paul could +[5489.08 --> 5489.70] by looking at the +[5489.70 --> 5490.50] world around him then +[5490.50 --> 5491.70] than he could possibly +[5491.70 --> 5492.20] imagine. +[5493.94 --> 5494.06] Right? +[5494.10 --> 5494.98] Paul's reason for +[5494.98 --> 5495.74] hope and his +[5495.74 --> 5497.02] confidence that they +[5497.02 --> 5498.26] will believe is rooted +[5498.26 --> 5499.48] in the fact that God's +[5499.48 --> 5501.76] promise and in the +[5501.76 --> 5503.42] truth of God's call +[5503.42 --> 5505.52] and in the reality that +[5505.52 --> 5507.30] God's word does not go +[5507.30 --> 5508.16] out without +[5508.16 --> 5510.04] accomplishing, or does not +[5510.04 --> 5510.78] come back to him +[5510.78 --> 5511.88] without accomplishing the +[5511.88 --> 5513.54] purposes for which it +[5513.54 --> 5514.24] was sent. +[5515.46 --> 5515.56] Right? +[5515.68 --> 5517.26] Just as the fullness of +[5517.26 --> 5518.86] Gentiles will come to +[5518.86 --> 5520.28] God, so too the fullness +[5520.28 --> 5522.38] or all Israel will +[5522.38 --> 5524.82] receive God's mercy and +[5524.82 --> 5525.50] believe. +[5526.48 --> 5528.08] This is the picture of +[5528.08 --> 5529.88] full inclusion, of full +[5529.88 --> 5531.92] equality before God. +[5532.64 --> 5533.84] That's verse 32 now. +[5534.42 --> 5535.36] For God has bound +[5535.36 --> 5536.74] everyone over to +[5536.74 --> 5537.76] disobedience, that is +[5537.76 --> 5539.14] Gentile and Jew alike, +[5539.24 --> 5540.76] everyone over, so that he +[5540.76 --> 5542.90] might have mercy on all +[5542.90 --> 5544.16] of them, that is Gentile +[5544.16 --> 5545.84] and Jew together by +[5545.84 --> 5546.72] grace through faith. +[5547.64 --> 5547.86] Right? +[5547.88 --> 5548.70] Or to paraphrase it +[5548.70 --> 5550.62] another way, all +[5550.62 --> 5552.60] peoples, both Gentiles +[5552.60 --> 5553.74] and Jews, have been +[5553.74 --> 5555.82] disobedient and yet all +[5555.82 --> 5557.18] peoples from the +[5557.18 --> 5558.26] Gentiles and from the +[5558.26 --> 5560.12] Jews will be found by +[5560.12 --> 5561.30] God's mercy. +[5562.44 --> 5563.90] God's mercy comes +[5563.90 --> 5565.38] without distinction, +[5566.66 --> 5568.96] but not without +[5568.96 --> 5569.90] exception. +[5570.76 --> 5572.52] because Jesus is still +[5572.52 --> 5574.24] true when he says, +[5574.44 --> 5575.66] no one comes to the +[5575.66 --> 5577.14] Father except +[5577.14 --> 5579.40] through me. +[5581.22 --> 5582.26] Now I get +[5582.26 --> 5584.20] that that's a lot +[5584.20 --> 5586.28] and that's heavy. +[5586.92 --> 5588.16] So I want to land this +[5588.16 --> 5590.28] plane really quickly +[5590.28 --> 5592.70] with just a couple +[5592.70 --> 5594.92] points of application. +[5594.92 --> 5596.86] first of all, first of all, +[5597.42 --> 5597.96] first of all, remember, +[5598.68 --> 5601.12] in chapter 11, +[5602.36 --> 5604.90] Paul is encouraging the +[5604.90 --> 5606.30] Gentile Christians who +[5606.30 --> 5608.56] believe and who are +[5608.56 --> 5610.46] experiencing the rejection +[5610.46 --> 5613.02] of Israel to not be +[5613.02 --> 5614.48] conceited or proud. +[5614.60 --> 5616.10] He's encouraging them to +[5616.10 --> 5616.98] have humility. +[5617.80 --> 5618.12] Right? +[5618.18 --> 5619.44] The point of Paul's call +[5619.44 --> 5622.02] here is humility for +[5622.02 --> 5622.92] Gentile believers. +[5622.92 --> 5623.02] believers. +[5624.08 --> 5624.54] And so, +[5625.30 --> 5627.06] as we make a +[5627.06 --> 5628.12] pastoral application, +[5629.28 --> 5630.32] whether you are born +[5630.32 --> 5631.56] in a Christian home +[5631.56 --> 5632.68] to loving Christian +[5632.68 --> 5633.92] parents who brought +[5633.92 --> 5634.80] you to church for +[5634.80 --> 5636.90] baptism before you +[5636.90 --> 5638.18] were three weeks old, +[5638.30 --> 5639.52] just two weeks old, +[5640.10 --> 5643.78] or if you're dealing +[5643.78 --> 5645.08] drugs and murdering +[5645.08 --> 5646.08] people on the streets, +[5646.08 --> 5648.60] it's all the amazing +[5648.60 --> 5649.40] grace of God. +[5655.00 --> 5655.96] And so, +[5656.90 --> 5661.10] practice humility +[5661.10 --> 5664.26] with deep gratitude. +[5665.80 --> 5667.12] With deep gratitude +[5667.12 --> 5668.46] and a worshiping heart +[5668.46 --> 5670.62] for what God has done. +[5670.62 --> 5672.64] And then two, +[5672.90 --> 5673.28] remember, +[5673.62 --> 5674.74] that nothing, +[5675.52 --> 5677.68] not even stubbornness +[5677.68 --> 5678.84] or rejection, +[5679.54 --> 5680.72] is going to thwart +[5680.72 --> 5682.02] God's plan of salvation. +[5684.12 --> 5685.38] That there is nothing +[5685.38 --> 5687.92] that you can do +[5687.92 --> 5688.88] that will stop +[5688.88 --> 5690.06] God's mercy +[5690.06 --> 5691.20] from overcoming it. +[5691.20 --> 5696.10] God has decreed +[5696.10 --> 5697.58] that some +[5697.58 --> 5698.58] would be +[5698.58 --> 5699.30] saved +[5699.30 --> 5700.06] and he +[5700.06 --> 5701.26] will make +[5701.26 --> 5702.58] that salvation +[5702.58 --> 5703.96] come about. +[5704.18 --> 5705.22] You can be +[5705.22 --> 5706.14] sure +[5706.14 --> 5707.14] of that. +[5707.86 --> 5708.28] And so, +[5708.36 --> 5709.64] even as you look +[5709.64 --> 5710.86] at your life, +[5710.98 --> 5711.78] even as you look +[5711.78 --> 5712.46] at the lives +[5712.46 --> 5713.12] of the people +[5713.12 --> 5713.98] you love +[5713.98 --> 5714.70] who maybe +[5714.70 --> 5715.92] don't seem like +[5715.92 --> 5716.64] they're following +[5716.64 --> 5717.44] after God, +[5717.52 --> 5718.18] who maybe aren't +[5718.18 --> 5719.50] yet professing +[5719.50 --> 5720.74] this truth, +[5721.94 --> 5724.36] that doesn't mean +[5724.36 --> 5725.16] they never will. +[5727.06 --> 5728.18] Because God's +[5728.18 --> 5729.02] plan of salvation +[5729.02 --> 5731.16] will not be thwarted +[5731.16 --> 5732.74] by anyone +[5732.74 --> 5734.10] or anything +[5734.10 --> 5735.24] in all +[5735.24 --> 5736.42] of creation. +[5737.62 --> 5738.06] And so, +[5738.58 --> 5739.78] last or thirdly, +[5740.12 --> 5741.18] take this as +[5741.18 --> 5741.66] comfort +[5741.66 --> 5742.80] and assurance +[5742.80 --> 5744.10] into today. +[5744.26 --> 5744.90] Take this as +[5744.90 --> 5745.90] comfort and assurance +[5745.90 --> 5746.84] into your +[5746.84 --> 5747.72] raising of Jane. +[5748.18 --> 5750.18] that God +[5750.18 --> 5750.78] has a plan +[5750.78 --> 5751.32] for her +[5751.32 --> 5752.08] and that it +[5752.08 --> 5752.74] will not be +[5752.74 --> 5753.20] thwarted +[5753.20 --> 5754.12] no matter how +[5754.12 --> 5755.08] awesome of parents +[5755.08 --> 5755.52] you are +[5755.52 --> 5756.40] or how bad +[5756.40 --> 5757.02] you are. +[5757.94 --> 5758.58] No matter how +[5758.58 --> 5759.44] well you bless +[5759.44 --> 5760.22] them or how +[5760.22 --> 5761.42] badly you +[5761.42 --> 5762.32] traumatize them. +[5764.18 --> 5764.78] God +[5764.78 --> 5765.58] will not +[5765.58 --> 5766.06] be +[5766.06 --> 5767.04] overcome. +[5768.18 --> 5769.16] He will +[5769.16 --> 5769.72] overcome. +[5770.82 --> 5771.68] And he has +[5771.68 --> 5772.22] made those +[5772.22 --> 5772.96] who believe +[5772.96 --> 5773.82] overcomers. +[5775.42 --> 5776.16] And then +[5776.16 --> 5776.54] lastly, +[5776.76 --> 5777.28] and I'm +[5777.28 --> 5777.60] going to say +[5777.60 --> 5779.22] most importantly, +[5780.30 --> 5780.96] what this +[5780.96 --> 5781.82] text does +[5781.82 --> 5782.70] for us +[5782.70 --> 5783.76] is undergird +[5783.76 --> 5784.82] the absolute +[5784.82 --> 5786.10] critical +[5786.10 --> 5787.26] importance +[5787.26 --> 5788.86] of God's +[5788.86 --> 5789.22] mission +[5789.22 --> 5789.90] through the +[5789.90 --> 5790.26] church +[5790.26 --> 5791.16] to all +[5791.16 --> 5791.54] people. +[5792.58 --> 5793.52] God's mission +[5793.52 --> 5793.94] through the +[5793.94 --> 5794.16] church +[5794.16 --> 5794.86] to proclaim +[5794.86 --> 5795.48] the gospel +[5795.48 --> 5796.38] of Jesus +[5796.38 --> 5797.08] Christ as +[5797.08 --> 5797.48] Lord, +[5797.84 --> 5798.84] raised from +[5798.84 --> 5799.24] the dead, +[5799.48 --> 5800.00] as Jesus +[5800.00 --> 5800.64] Christ having +[5800.64 --> 5801.10] lived the +[5801.10 --> 5801.64] life I should +[5801.64 --> 5801.96] have lived +[5801.96 --> 5802.44] and dying +[5802.44 --> 5802.82] the death +[5802.82 --> 5803.10] that I +[5803.10 --> 5803.46] deserve, +[5803.70 --> 5804.30] as Jesus +[5804.30 --> 5804.76] Christ, +[5804.86 --> 5805.60] as Lord +[5805.60 --> 5806.16] over all +[5806.16 --> 5806.74] creation, +[5807.16 --> 5807.76] proclaiming +[5807.76 --> 5808.74] that truth +[5808.74 --> 5809.44] to the +[5809.44 --> 5809.76] world, +[5809.76 --> 5810.86] so that by +[5810.86 --> 5811.44] grace through +[5811.44 --> 5811.92] faith, +[5812.60 --> 5813.52] people might +[5813.52 --> 5814.48] know and +[5814.48 --> 5815.00] be saved. +[5815.66 --> 5817.18] This undergirds +[5817.18 --> 5818.16] our call to +[5818.16 --> 5819.08] mission that +[5819.08 --> 5819.56] the fullness +[5819.56 --> 5820.64] of Gentiles +[5820.64 --> 5821.88] and all +[5821.88 --> 5823.30] Israel might +[5823.30 --> 5824.34] believe. +[5825.12 --> 5826.24] This is +[5826.24 --> 5827.74] your call. +[5828.20 --> 5829.20] This is your +[5829.20 --> 5829.68] comfort, +[5830.02 --> 5830.66] this is your +[5830.66 --> 5831.02] care, +[5831.02 --> 5831.78] and this +[5831.78 --> 5832.38] is your +[5832.38 --> 5833.10] burden, +[5833.38 --> 5833.76] to go +[5833.76 --> 5834.68] forth and +[5834.68 --> 5835.74] proclaim the +[5835.74 --> 5836.84] gospel of +[5836.84 --> 5838.00] Jesus Christ. +[5838.90 --> 5839.60] No one +[5839.60 --> 5840.14] comes to +[5840.14 --> 5840.64] the Father +[5840.64 --> 5842.28] except through +[5842.28 --> 5843.08] him. +[5843.58 --> 5843.88] Amen? +[5844.64 --> 5845.50] Let's pray +[5845.50 --> 5845.82] together. +[5848.42 --> 5850.08] Lord Jesus, +[5850.58 --> 5852.00] our God. +[5852.38 --> 5853.20] Lord Jesus, +[5853.86 --> 5854.68] our Savior. +[5854.92 --> 5855.58] Lord Jesus, +[5855.92 --> 5857.20] our Messiah. +[5857.48 --> 5858.44] Lord Jesus, +[5858.44 --> 5860.26] our brother +[5860.26 --> 5861.14] and friend, +[5862.64 --> 5864.20] send us out +[5864.20 --> 5865.34] in the sure +[5865.34 --> 5866.74] conviction and +[5866.74 --> 5867.64] assurance that +[5867.64 --> 5868.96] nothing will +[5868.96 --> 5870.20] thwart God's +[5870.20 --> 5871.12] plan of +[5871.12 --> 5871.48] redemption. +[5872.84 --> 5873.80] Send us out +[5873.80 --> 5874.52] in the assurance +[5874.52 --> 5875.60] that the +[5875.60 --> 5876.18] Father has +[5876.18 --> 5876.90] given to you, +[5877.04 --> 5877.52] Lord Jesus, +[5877.72 --> 5878.92] all those whom +[5878.92 --> 5879.82] are written in +[5879.82 --> 5880.26] the book of +[5880.26 --> 5880.98] life, and you +[5880.98 --> 5882.08] will not lose +[5882.08 --> 5883.20] a single one. +[5883.20 --> 5886.06] send us out +[5886.06 --> 5887.34] with that +[5887.34 --> 5888.30] mission to +[5888.30 --> 5888.98] proclaim the +[5888.98 --> 5889.58] truth of the +[5889.58 --> 5890.56] gospel that +[5890.56 --> 5891.90] all might come +[5891.90 --> 5892.82] to see and +[5892.82 --> 5894.22] know who +[5894.22 --> 5894.82] you are, +[5895.40 --> 5896.04] what you have +[5896.04 --> 5896.90] done, what +[5896.90 --> 5897.76] you will do, +[5898.12 --> 5899.04] and how it +[5899.04 --> 5899.82] is that you +[5899.82 --> 5900.36] will carry +[5900.36 --> 5901.88] history through +[5901.88 --> 5903.12] to completion so +[5903.12 --> 5903.68] that in all +[5903.68 --> 5904.70] things you +[5904.70 --> 5905.64] might be +[5905.64 --> 5906.48] glorified. +[5907.04 --> 5907.74] In Jesus' +[5908.08 --> 5908.56] name we +[5908.56 --> 5908.88] pray. +[5909.52 --> 5909.92] Amen. +[5910.02 --> 5910.10] Amen. +[5910.10 --> 5911.10] Amen. +[5940.10 --> 5946.06] Always one can watch kimse +[5946.06 --> 5953.10] I dare not trust the strength wind +[5953.10 --> 5960.14] But only pure and Jesus car +[5963.70 --> 5968.98] Paul to fulfillment +[5969.64 --> 5974.18] When Jesus was in weit you see +[5974.18 --> 5980.96] How can I trust this água mere +[5981.92 --> 5989.24] The warning was Jesus' name +[5989.72 --> 5996.94] As your word vomited soul +[5996.94 --> 6003.84] We've been strong in Savior's love +[6003.84 --> 6014.76] Through the storm He is Lord, Lord of all +[6014.76 --> 6024.78] When God is singing to God His name +[6024.78 --> 6031.62] I rest on His own singing grace +[6031.62 --> 6038.14] In every highest glory day +[6038.14 --> 6043.92] My anger holds within the place +[6043.92 --> 6050.58] My anger holds within the place +[6050.58 --> 6059.18] Christ alone, waters full +[6059.18 --> 6065.74] We've been strong in Savior's love +[6065.74 --> 6075.42] Through the storm He is Lord, Lord of all +[6075.42 --> 6087.02] When He shall come with trumpet sound +[6087.02 --> 6093.14] Oh, may I then in Him be found +[6093.14 --> 6099.74] Dressed in His righteousness alone +[6099.74 --> 6106.54] Hold this stand before the throne +[6106.54 --> 6118.56] This in heaven with睡爸爸 +[6118.56 --> 6119.58] and in His name +[6119.58 --> 6120.18] At shoulder His nigh +[6120.18 --> 6150.16] Thank you. +[6150.18 --> 6180.16] Thank you. +[6180.18 --> 6210.16] Thank you. +[6210.18 --> 6240.16] Thank you. +[6240.16 --> 6242.16] Thank you. +[6270.16 --> 6272.16] Thank you. +[6300.16 --> 6301.82] Do not be afraid. +[6302.32 --> 6304.30] Let the blessing of God come upon you today. +[6304.58 --> 6305.94] Do not be afraid. +[6306.26 --> 6310.48] Go in peace to love and serve the Lord. +[6310.48 --> 6311.92] Amen. +[6311.92 --> 6311.94] Amen. +[6311.94 --> 6313.94] Amen. +[6313.94 --> 6315.94] Amen. +[6315.94 --> 6333.46] Blessed be your name +[6333.46 --> 6337.14] In a land that is plentiful +[6337.14 --> 6341.38] Receive God abundant soul +[6341.38 --> 6343.30] Blessed be your name +[6343.30 --> 6349.38] Blessed be your name +[6349.38 --> 6353.30] For I'll be the desert place +[6353.30 --> 6357.22] For I'll walk through the wilderness +[6357.22 --> 6358.66] For I'll be the desert +[6358.66 --> 6365.70] Let me bless you for our love +[6365.70 --> 6369.14] Turn back to praise +[6369.14 --> 6373.62] When darkness closes in on +[6373.62 --> 6376.26] Still I will say +[6376.26 --> 6380.10] Blessed be the name of the Lord +[6380.10 --> 6383.22] Blessed be your name +[6383.22 --> 6388.10] Blessed be the name of the Lord +[6388.10 --> 6392.82] Blessed be your glory as to name +[6392.82 --> 6398.90] Blessed be your name +[6398.90 --> 6402.82] In the sun shining down on me +[6402.82 --> 6406.98] In the world's eyes it should be +[6406.98 --> 6408.98] Let's pray your name +[6408.98 --> 6414.74] Blessed be your name +[6414.74 --> 6418.58] For Lord my lips are for me +[6418.58 --> 6422.50] Let me pray in the honor of the Lord +[6422.50 --> 6424.66] Blessed be your name +[6424.66 --> 6430.58] And the blessing be forever +[6430.58 --> 6433.86] Turn back to praise +[6433.86 --> 6438.74] When the darkness closes in on +[6438.74 --> 6440.66] Still I will say +[6440.66 --> 6444.58] Blessed be the name of the Lord +[6444.58 --> 6457.62] Let me pray in the Son +[6457.62 --> 6460.98] Lord thank you for your name +[6460.98 --> 6461.58] I will say +[6461.58 --> 6463.22] To say +[6463.22 --> 6466.88] For I'll never shorten the way +[6466.88 --> 6468.34] How can choose to sing +[6468.34 --> 6469.62] Lord thank you for your name +[6469.62 --> 6485.38] I will choose to send you +[6485.38 --> 6499.60] I will choose to send you +[6499.62 --> 6529.60] I will choose to send you +[6529.62 --> 6559.60] I will choose to send you +[6559.60 --> 6589.58] I will choose to send you +[6589.58 --> 6619.56] I will choose to send you +[6619.56 --> 6649.54] I will choose to send you +[6649.54 --> 6679.52] I will choose to send you +[6679.52 --> 6709.50] I will choose to send you +[6709.52 --> 6739.50] Thank you. +[6739.52 --> 6769.50] Thank you. diff --git a/Sunday Worship, January 28, 2024_summary.txt b/Sunday Worship, January 28, 2024_summary.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000000000000000000000000000000000000..3a280469d2833712a97487719f14d6046cf6e3ea --- /dev/null +++ b/Sunday Worship, January 28, 2024_summary.txt @@ -0,0 +1,143 @@ +• Personnel roles for a service: call to worship, confession and assurance, prayer +• Multiple "thank you" statements +• Worship song with lyrics mentioning God, King, strength, inheritance, treasure, Jesus, promises +• Welcome to Langley Emanuel CRC +• Introduction of Kevin Lover, youth pastor +• Baptism announcement: little Ava Rose +• Greetings to visitors and new attendees +• Invitation to stay after the service for coffee and refreshments +• Upcoming events at the church: walk for Gateway of Hope on February 24th, leading a worship service at Sunridge Gardens next Saturday +• Ministry updates: HCBC meeting today after the service, Worship Through the Decades event tonight at 6 p.m. +• Cadet Sunday is happening today at Living Hope CRC in Abbotsford +• Upcoming announcements and activities to be featured in the church bulletin +• Praise and worship songs about God's glory and majesty +• Psalm 19 quoted as a basis for confession +• Importance of keeping God's laws and commands +• Request to be forgiven from hidden faults and willful sins +• Desires to please God with words and actions +• Jesus Christ as the worthy subject of praise and worship +• Jesus is the name above every other name +• The worthiness and value of Jesus +• Praise and worship of God's love and faithfulness +• Baptism as a symbol of Jesus' life, death, and resurrection +• Covenant relationship between God and his children +• Infants are baptized as covenant children due to their birth into sin +• The baptism of Ava Rose Skipper is discussed +• Dave and Sheila are asked if they believe their child should be baptized as a member of God's covenant +• They are also asked to promise to instruct Ava in the Christian faith and lead her by example +• The pastor explains the significance of baptism, using water to symbolize Jesus' blood washing us clean +• Ava is baptized in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit +• The congregation is invited to respond with a promise to love and support Dave, Sheila, Dawson, and Ava +• A certificate and book are presented as a gift to mark the occasion +• The speaker reflects on God's presence and love, describing it as "undeniable" and "unexplainable" +• They emphasize God's goodness and perfection +• The speaker discusses their personal relationship with a person named Marlene Bilinga, who is being honored for her service to the Emmanuel Church Family +• Marlene's story starts with Matthew 25 verse 35, where Jesus welcomes strangers +• The speaker shares stories about Marlene's hospitality and compassion towards others, particularly students from international backgrounds +• Marlene is being honored by the church community for her contributions and attitude +• A prayer is given for Marlene's safe travels and blessing as she moves back home to Vernon +• The church prays for Marlene's continued faithfulness and commitment to her community +• A collection is taken in support of the Refugee Committee, which Marlene is a part of +• The speaker reflects on the church's past efforts in social justice, including supporting refugees and sponsoring families +• The current refugee sponsorship program is discussed and funds are needed to bring in a new family +• Nicolai, a representative from World Renew Refugee Sponsorship, is mentioned +• Discussion of identity and who God created individuals to be +• Introduction of Hank the dog as a friend of the speaker +• Examples of Hank's language skills in French and his preferences (sticks, bacon, chasing things) +• Explanation that identity means being true to one's nature or character +• Discussion about identities and what God sees when he looks at us +• Connection between knowing Jesus and understanding one's identity +• Upcoming activities: kids' blessing, lesson in the back room +• Prayers for guidance and learning more about oneself and God +• Update on the church's full council meeting, including: + • Emmanuel By the Numbers report highlighting growth and engagement + • Classes Southwest and upcoming nominations for elders and deacons +• Church is looking for two new elders and one deacon +• Congregation members are encouraged to pray and consider serving in these roles +• Baptisms of Jane and Ava Rose Skipper were celebrated +• Support is needed for students making life decisions +• A new podcast, NorthX, was launched and Pastor Chris and others are thanked for their efforts +• Death notices were mentioned for Mary Jones' dad and Arnie Dela Cruz, with a request for comfort for the families +• Prayers were offered for church leaders to be guided by God's wisdom and strength +• The passage from a biblical text is read, quoting Romans 11:33-36. +• The Enlightenment period in the 16th to 18th century saw people begin to think about the world differently and at a greater distance from the Bible. +• The term "homo sapien" started being used during this time, with its first recorded usage by Lord Mondobo in 1774. +• Homo sapien is derived from Latin, meaning "creature or human wise". +• The concept of humanity's unique ability to think and cognate was explored by philosophers such as Descartes, who famously said "I think, therefore I am". +• The concept of humans as thinking creatures vs. desiring creatures +• James K.A. Smith's challenge to the fundamental assumption that humans are primarily thinking creatures +• The idea that humans are created by love and worship, rather than just thought +• A critique of the "brain on a stick" approach to human identity and an alternative perspective of being a "heart with a soul" +• The importance of liturgical practices in shaping our love and identity +• A proposed new motto: "Adoro ergo sum" (I worship, therefore I am) as a more accurate understanding of what it means to be human. +• Worship is acknowledging the supreme worth or value of something in our lives +• Worship is where attention goes and what we give it to reveals what we worship +• Thinking and loving come together in worship +• Worship shapes practices which shape lives +• What we worship determines who we are +• The importance of reflecting on what shapes our worship +• Good theology leads naturally into praise (doxology) +• Superficial ideas about God lead to superficial worship +• Deep understanding and knowledge of God can evoke deeper affections and worship +• Paul's teaching in Romans demonstrates how good theology turns into doxology (speaking glory or a word of praise) +• The doxology is a song sung after worship that expresses praise to God. +• The speaker will use Romans 11:34-36 as the basis for discussing the structure of right worship. +• Right worship involves recognizing that all blessings flow from God and adoring Him. +• Worship should be centered on understanding who we are in light of our understanding of who God is. +• The speaker references Irenaeus, a church father from the 2nd century, to emphasize this point. +• The glory of God is the human being fully alive +• Right worship involves exalting who God is and what He does +• Paul's theology reveals the richness and abundance of God's kindness and forbearance +• The right object of worship must be recognized to have right worship. +• The riches of God's plan for redemption and salvation +• The magnitude of God's mercy and scope of His redemption +• Paul's reaction to the depth of God's wisdom, omniscience, and other characteristics that make Him worthy of praise +• The importance of right theology in worship and doxology +• The relationship between knowing who God is and worshiping Him correctly +• The nature of true worship and its relationship to God's revelation +• The importance of not substituting personal experience for an experience of God in worship +• The role of mystery in right worship, as revealed in Paul's doxology +• The limitations of human understanding and the necessity of humility in worshiping the true God +• The distinction between what is necessary to be known about God versus knowing the whole of who God is +• The speaker questions the assumption that God's actions must make sense to humans +• This perspective is not supported by biblical examples of individuals who struggled with understanding God's ways +• Mystery and the unknown are essential aspects of human experience with God +• Examples from the Bible, such as Job, Habakkuk, Ezekiel, Mary, and baptism, illustrate this concept +• Recognizing the mystery in our experience of God is crucial for developing a balanced theology +• Necessity of engaging with God's mysteries for genuine worship +• Understanding that doubts and questions are part of faith, not a sign of weak faith +• Faith-seeking understanding and humility in the face of mystery +• The role of worship as a place to bring doubts and questions into the light +• Embracing the unknown and unknowable aspects of God's nature +• Recognizing the journey of faith as one of seeking understanding while acknowledging limitations +• The importance of questions and doubts in worship +• Paul's questions in Romans 11:34-35 as examples of questioning God +• The connection between Descartes' "cogito ergo sum" and doubting one's existence +• The value of bringing questions and doubts into the presence of God in worship +• The submission of questions to scripture and the role of the preached word in worship +• Worship is not just about what we receive from God, but also about what we give to Him. +• Humble submission to God's will and sovereignty is essential in worship. +• The traditional question "I didn't get anything out of worship" should be reframed to ask what we can bring to God during worship. +• Worship gives us a right perspective on God and ourselves, leading to fullness of life and glorifying God. +• The ultimate goal of human existence is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever. +• Discussion of Paul's writings in Romans and Colossians +• Comparison between Romans 11:36 and Colossians 1:16-17 +• Christ hymn in Colossians 1, emphasizing Jesus as image of God and fullness of deity +• Importance of looking to Jesus when discussing human identity and worship +• The humility of God revealed through Jesus' life and death +• Worship is about Jesus +• The meaning of "Amen" and its use in worship +• The concept that saying "Amen" takes the truth spoken and proclaims it as one's own +• Voluntary participation in worship and acknowledging God's glory +• Worship exalts God, celebrates mystery, invites questions, requires humble submission, and acknowledges the truths of God +• Worship and exaltation of a higher power +• Mystery and unfathomability of one's identity or nature +• Submission to and seeking guidance from this power +• Prayer and petition for answers to questions and doubts +• Recognition of human limitations and need for divine guidance +• Acknowledgment of the power and majesty of a holy God +• The speaker discusses a theme of worship and adoration for God +• Invitation to pray with someone or receive prayer after the service +• Invitation to stay for fellowship and refreshments after the service +• Upcoming worship gathering at 6 p.m. +• Benediction, including prayers for protection, support, and guidance \ No newline at end of file diff --git a/Sunday Worship, January 28, 2024_transcript.txt b/Sunday Worship, January 28, 2024_transcript.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000000000000000000000000000000000000..1e9af91613a4c2373f92900391b9ae624f1d3812 --- /dev/null +++ b/Sunday Worship, January 28, 2024_transcript.txt @@ -0,0 +1,2831 @@ +[0.00 --> 1.00] finns +[1.00 --> 3.00] de +[3.00 --> 4.00] t +[4.00 --> 10.00] d +[13.06 --> 15.06] n +[23.06 --> 25.06] improving +[25.06 --> 26.44] c +[26.56 --> 28.56] ana +[28.56 --> 53.04] Courtney. +[53.04 --> 53.08] Courtney. +[54.92 --> 57.20] Linda is doing the call to worship. +[57.20 --> 59.94] I am doing the confession and assurance. +[60.94 --> 62.34] And Pete is doing the prayer. +[67.24 --> 70.66] And Pete is doing the prayer. +[71.22 --> 72.18] Perfect. +[72.18 --> 72.70] Thank you. +[87.20 --> 102.08] Thank you. +[102.08 --> 132.06] Thank you. +[132.08 --> 162.06] Thank you. +[162.08 --> 192.06] Thank you. +[192.08 --> 194.08] Thank you. +[222.08 --> 224.08] Thank you. +[224.08 --> 226.08] Thank you. +[226.08 --> 228.08] Thank you. +[228.08 --> 230.08] Thank you. +[230.08 --> 232.08] Thank you. +[232.08 --> 234.08] Thank you. +[234.08 --> 236.08] Thank you. +[236.08 --> 238.08] Thank you. +[238.08 --> 242.08] Thank you. +[242.08 --> 244.08] Thank you. +[244.08 --> 246.08] Thank you. +[247.08 --> 256.08] Thank you. +[256.08 --> 258.08] Thank you. +[258.08 --> 262.28] in the presence of my King. +[263.32 --> 268.52] Oh, you're the only one I ever need. +[269.98 --> 274.88] Your majesty is all I want to see. +[274.88 --> 280.88] Oh, all I want is you. +[282.72 --> 287.20] Yes, all I want is you. +[288.08 --> 293.44] Oh, I'm so long, demon-faced, +[293.44 --> 296.68] before the Lord in this place. +[297.10 --> 302.12] You're the source of my strength, Yahweh. +[303.44 --> 306.38] Forever home in your house, +[306.64 --> 309.68] I'm standing on holy ground, +[309.98 --> 314.74] where all I want has been found, Yahweh. +[318.08 --> 319.62] Oh, you're the only one, +[319.62 --> 321.42] I owe you all right now . +[321.42 --> 324.08] Cute great nice vengeance. +[331.18 --> 341.42] Partジesteuos. +[341.42 --> 371.40] Thank you. +[371.42 --> 401.40] Thank you. +[401.42 --> 403.42] Thank you. +[431.42 --> 433.42] Thank you. +[461.42 --> 463.42] Thank you. +[463.42 --> 464.42] Emma. +[464.42 --> 465.42] Emma. +[465.42 --> 467.42] Say hey or something. +[467.42 --> 469.42] Oh. +[469.42 --> 477.42] I can't wait. +[477.42 --> 479.42] I can't wait. +[479.42 --> 485.42] I can't wait. +[485.42 --> 487.42] Oh +[515.42 --> 517.42] Oh +[545.42 --> 547.42] Oh +[575.42 --> 577.42] Oh +[605.42 --> 607.42] Oh +[635.42 --> 637.42] Oh +[637.42 --> 639.42] Oh +[639.42 --> 641.42] Oh +[641.42 --> 643.42] I will rejoice +[643.42 --> 651.42] You're bound to me +[651.42 --> 653.42] Your promises +[653.42 --> 657.42] Have fallen in pleasant places +[657.42 --> 659.42] My beautiful +[659.42 --> 661.42] Inheritance +[661.42 --> 663.66] My treasure is found +[663.66 --> 664.76] In Jesus +[664.76 --> 672.34] Your galleries, your promises have fallen in pleasant places. +[673.04 --> 679.78] My beautiful inheritance, my treasure is found in Jesus. +[680.66 --> 687.30] Your galleries, your promises have fallen in pleasant places. +[687.30 --> 694.74] My beautiful inheritance, my treasure is found in Jesus. +[694.76 --> 724.74] My beautiful inheritance, my treasure is found in Jesus. +[724.76 --> 754.74] My beautiful inheritance, my treasure is found in Jesus. +[754.74 --> 757.74] In this I will rejoice. +[761.74 --> 764.74] In this I will rejoice. +[764.74 --> 766.74] In this I will rejoice. +[766.74 --> 767.74] In this I will rejoice. +[767.74 --> 771.74] In this I will rejoice. +[771.74 --> 778.74] In this I will rejoice. +[778.74 --> 781.74] In this I will rejoice. +[781.74 --> 782.74] I will rejoice. +[782.74 --> 783.74] In this I will rejoice. +[783.74 --> 784.62] Good morning, everyone. +[785.10 --> 785.78] Good morning. +[786.30 --> 789.34] Welcome to Langley, Emanuel CRC this morning. +[789.44 --> 791.88] My name is Kevin Lover and I am the youth pastor here. +[792.26 --> 794.68] And it's so good to see you here this morning. +[795.36 --> 798.10] Today we've got an exciting day ahead of us. +[798.18 --> 802.20] We have another baptism happening in our church today, the baptism of little Ava Rose. +[802.34 --> 807.06] And so if you're visiting and are here for that purpose, extra greetings to you today. +[807.52 --> 812.02] And if you're a visitor here just joining us, checking us out for the first time, we +[812.02 --> 812.72] welcome you as well. +[812.72 --> 813.90] Please stick around after the service. +[814.00 --> 815.78] We'll have some coffee and refreshments afterwards. +[816.04 --> 820.18] And if you're interested in connecting with myself or Pastor Chris or one of the other +[820.18 --> 824.24] staff here, there should be some cards in the back of the seats there you can fill out or +[824.24 --> 826.86] you can come and find us at the Connect booth after the service. +[827.64 --> 829.30] A few announcements this morning. +[829.64 --> 834.84] In February, we are participating once again in an event called Coldest Night of the Year. +[835.26 --> 838.90] There's going to be some more information coming out later this week in the bulletin and then +[838.90 --> 840.26] also next Sunday as well. +[840.26 --> 845.74] But essentially on February 24th, we will be joining a whole host of people from Langley +[845.74 --> 847.90] and going for a walk together. +[848.16 --> 854.64] And before that, raising money for the Gateway of Hope, which is a shelter for those who are +[854.64 --> 858.26] unhoused in the area and in need of help. +[858.36 --> 862.54] And so if that's something that you are interested in joining, please do consider doing that. +[862.60 --> 865.24] More information is going to be coming out, like I said, in the bulletin this week. +[865.24 --> 870.44] Or you can talk to me or my wife Nikki, who's not here today, or one of the staff here at +[870.44 --> 871.02] the church as well. +[871.06 --> 874.96] We'd love to see a team of you join us for that walk on February 24th. +[875.66 --> 880.56] Next week, Saturday, we are participating in leading a worship service at Sunridge Gardens +[880.56 --> 881.42] just up the hill. +[881.50 --> 885.68] It's a really great time to join together with some of the senior members who live there in +[885.68 --> 887.20] our church, but also as a church community. +[887.52 --> 889.44] If you're interested in coming to that, please do join us. +[889.48 --> 892.02] That'll be Saturday, this coming Saturday at 2 p.m. +[892.02 --> 894.16] And then finally, some ministry things. +[894.60 --> 898.00] Youth, we have HCBC today, but it is at an unusual time. +[898.08 --> 900.12] We are going to meet right after the service this morning. +[900.22 --> 902.00] We will run that from noon until 1. +[902.42 --> 904.12] So I have a little snack lunch for you. +[904.54 --> 908.98] We will manage just fine, and we will do HCBC today from noon until 1. +[909.26 --> 913.56] And we're doing it at that time because tonight, all of the church, you're all enjoyed it, to +[913.56 --> 917.64] join us for a worship service tonight here at 6 p.m. +[917.64 --> 922.14] as we participate in an event we are calling Worship Through the Decades. +[922.56 --> 925.26] And so it'll be an evening of worship starting at 6 p.m. +[925.26 --> 926.36] Please come join us for that. +[926.78 --> 927.94] Invite your friends, invite your neighbors. +[928.04 --> 928.96] It should be a lovely time. +[929.42 --> 932.92] And finally, if you look around and you're asking yourself, where are some of the boys? +[933.56 --> 937.04] Cadet Sunday is happening today at Living Hope CRC in Abbotsford. +[937.12 --> 942.48] And so that's where a number of our cadet leaders and our young cadets are at today as well. +[942.92 --> 945.72] So that is the run-through of the announcements today. +[945.72 --> 950.20] I am now going to invite up Pastor Chris, and he is going to lead us in God's opening blessing. +[953.90 --> 955.56] Good morning, everyone. +[959.26 --> 966.62] So later on in our sermon, I'm going to invite some voluntary participation on your behalf. +[966.86 --> 968.64] So just remember that. +[968.90 --> 971.46] Do better than what you just did when I said good morning. +[972.36 --> 973.14] Good morning. +[973.50 --> 973.90] Good morning. +[974.34 --> 975.12] Thank you. +[975.12 --> 976.32] Welcome to worship. +[976.64 --> 978.64] We are excited to gather and worship our God. +[978.72 --> 985.48] And so I'm going to invite you to stand if you are able to receive God's greeting, because he is in this place. +[985.64 --> 990.44] Our worship is centered around him, and he invites us to himself. +[990.84 --> 992.84] And so we receive his greeting. +[992.96 --> 994.98] Receive the greeting of our God. +[994.98 --> 999.14] Grace, mercy, and peace to you. +[999.14 --> 1006.50] From God our Father, from the Lord Jesus Christ, his Son, and our Savior, through the presence and power of the Holy Spirit. +[1007.50 --> 1008.02] Amen. +[1008.02 --> 1009.74] Let's worship God this morning. +[1009.74 --> 1009.82] Amen. +[1009.82 --> 1010.34] Let's worship God this morning. +[1010.34 --> 1017.92] From Psalm 19, we hear, +[1017.92 --> 1020.28] The heavens declare the glory of God. +[1020.28 --> 1023.06] The skies proclaim the works of his hands. +[1023.52 --> 1025.72] Day after day they pour forth speech. +[1025.88 --> 1027.84] Night after night they reveal knowledge. +[1028.44 --> 1029.48] They have no speech. +[1029.62 --> 1030.62] They use no words. +[1031.02 --> 1032.48] No sound is heard from them. +[1032.66 --> 1035.54] Yet their voice goes out into all the earth. +[1035.66 --> 1037.48] Their words to the ends of the world. +[1037.48 --> 1042.38] May our voices now join all creation as we declare the glory of God. +[1042.38 --> 1043.38] Amen. +[1067.48 --> 1072.44] How great, how awesome is he. +[1073.10 --> 1075.34] Together we sing. +[1078.22 --> 1080.66] Everyone sing. +[1083.34 --> 1087.64] Holy is the Lord, God Almighty. +[1089.04 --> 1092.88] The earth is filled with its glory. +[1093.54 --> 1097.46] Holy is the Lord, God Almighty. +[1097.48 --> 1102.90] The earth is filled with His glory +[1102.90 --> 1107.88] The earth is filled with His glory +[1107.88 --> 1118.60] We stand and lift up our hands +[1118.60 --> 1123.12] For the joy of the Lord is our strength +[1123.12 --> 1129.08] We bow down and worship Him now +[1129.08 --> 1133.12] How great, how awesome is He +[1133.12 --> 1135.90] Together we sing +[1135.90 --> 1142.50] Everyone sing +[1142.50 --> 1147.84] Holy is the Lord, the God Almighty +[1147.84 --> 1152.90] The earth is filled with His glory +[1152.90 --> 1157.86] Holy is the Lord, the God Almighty +[1157.86 --> 1162.86] The earth is filled with His glory +[1162.86 --> 1167.86] The earth is filled with His glory +[1167.86 --> 1171.82] It's rising up +[1171.82 --> 1177.82] All around is the anthem of the Lord's renown +[1177.82 --> 1181.78] It's rising up +[1181.78 --> 1189.74] All around is the anthem of the Lord's renown +[1189.74 --> 1194.70] Together we sing +[1194.70 --> 1199.66] Everyone sing +[1199.66 --> 1204.66] Holy is the Lord, the God Almighty +[1204.66 --> 1209.66] The earth is filled with His glory +[1209.66 --> 1214.66] Holy is the Lord, the God Almighty +[1214.66 --> 1219.62] The earth is filled with His glory +[1219.62 --> 1224.62] The earth is filled with His glory +[1224.62 --> 1230.58] Holy is the Lord, the God Almighty +[1230.58 --> 1232.58] The earth is filled with His glory +[1232.58 --> 1234.58] The earth is filled with His glory +[1234.58 --> 1244.54] The earth is filled with His glory +[1244.54 --> 1246.54] The earth is filled with His glory +[1246.54 --> 1248.54] The earth is filled with His glory +[1248.54 --> 1252.50] Lord of all creation +[1252.50 --> 1258.46] Of water, earth and earth +[1258.46 --> 1272.42] And sky +[1272.42 --> 1286.38] Heavens are your tattered and gold +[1286.38 --> 1292.38] Heavens are your tattered and gold +[1292.38 --> 1310.34] Glory to the Lord, the Lord Almighty +[1310.34 --> 1313.00] He plends Your majesty +[1313.00 --> 1320.34] You are holy, holy +[1320.34 --> 1325.56] Lord of heaven and earth +[1325.56 --> 1332.34] Lord of heaven and earth +[1332.34 --> 1337.56] Early in the morning +[1337.56 --> 1344.14] I will celebrate the light +[1344.14 --> 1349.34] When I stumble in the darkness +[1349.34 --> 1356.34] I will call You day by night +[1356.34 --> 1360.84] God of waters beyond our galaxy +[1360.84 --> 1368.12] You are holy, holy +[1368.12 --> 1372.72] You live earth to cleanse Your majesty +[1372.72 --> 1380.06] You are holy, holy +[1380.06 --> 1385.08] Lord of heaven and earth +[1385.08 --> 1391.36] Lord of heaven and earth +[1391.36 --> 1394.90] Hallelujah +[1394.90 --> 1399.36] To the Lord of heaven and earth +[1399.36 --> 1400.96] Hallelujah +[1400.96 --> 1405.56] To the Lord of heaven and earth +[1405.56 --> 1407.36] Hallelujah +[1407.36 --> 1413.64] Lord of heaven and earth +[1413.64 --> 1419.24] You are holy, holy +[1419.24 --> 1421.24] Holy, holy +[1421.24 --> 1422.24] Holy +[1422.24 --> 1425.52] The mercy of God and earth +[1425.52 --> 1431.12] You are holy, holy +[1431.12 --> 1433.12] Holy +[1433.12 --> 1438.52] Lord of heaven and earth +[1438.52 --> 1440.52] Lord of heaven and earth +[1440.52 --> 1444.52] Lord of heaven and earth +[1444.52 --> 1451.80] Our confession this morning comes from Psalm 19 +[1451.80 --> 1453.08] Where it says +[1453.08 --> 1455.76] The law of the Lord is perfect +[1455.76 --> 1457.84] Refreshing the soul +[1457.84 --> 1460.98] The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy +[1460.98 --> 1463.06] Making wise the simple +[1463.06 --> 1466.34] The precepts of the Lord are right +[1466.34 --> 1468.04] Giving joy to the heart +[1468.04 --> 1471.12] The commands of the Lord are radiant +[1471.12 --> 1473.30] Giving light to the eyes +[1473.30 --> 1475.78] The fear of the Lord is pure +[1475.78 --> 1477.06] Enduring forever +[1477.06 --> 1479.86] The decrees of the Lord are firm +[1479.86 --> 1482.14] And all of them are righteous +[1482.14 --> 1484.92] They are more precious than gold +[1484.92 --> 1487.68] More than much more pure gold +[1487.68 --> 1489.76] They are sweeter than honey +[1489.76 --> 1491.54] Than honey from the honeycomb +[1491.54 --> 1494.62] By them your servant is warned +[1494.62 --> 1497.54] In keeping them there is great reward +[1497.54 --> 1500.86] But who can discern their own errors +[1500.86 --> 1503.24] Forgive my hidden faults +[1503.24 --> 1506.90] Keep your servant also from willful sins +[1506.90 --> 1509.24] May they not rule over me +[1509.24 --> 1511.48] Then I will be blameless +[1511.48 --> 1513.94] Innocent of great transgression +[1513.94 --> 1516.80] May these words of my mouth +[1516.80 --> 1518.78] And this meditation of my heart +[1518.78 --> 1520.78] Be pleasing in your sight +[1520.78 --> 1523.56] Lord, my rock and my redeemer +[1527.54 --> 1535.80] Innocent of great transgression +[1535.80 --> 1537.04] There are manynelows +[1537.04 --> 1538.36] The 몸 is Sek都是 +[1538.36 --> 1540.80] That he is 젊은한zen +[1540.80 --> 1555.90] May he deox +[1555.90 --> 1558.86] We could ever sing +[1558.86 --> 1563.32] Worthy of all the praise +[1563.32 --> 1565.40] We could ever bring +[1565.40 --> 1569.96] Worthy of every wealth +[1569.96 --> 1571.68] We could ever bring +[1571.68 --> 1573.76] We bid for you +[1573.76 --> 1583.74] Jesus, be the brother +[1583.74 --> 1585.64] Every other knee +[1585.64 --> 1590.58] Jesus, be the only one +[1590.58 --> 1592.70] We could ever sing +[1592.70 --> 1597.36] Worthy of every wealth +[1597.36 --> 1599.08] We could ever bring +[1599.08 --> 1601.26] We bid for you +[1601.26 --> 1604.80] We bid for you +[1604.80 --> 1612.16] Holy, there is no one like you +[1612.16 --> 1615.48] There is none beside you +[1615.48 --> 1620.14] Open up my eyes in wonder +[1620.14 --> 1622.20] And show me +[1622.20 --> 1625.50] Who you are and fill me +[1625.50 --> 1628.64] With your heart and beating +[1628.64 --> 1633.30] Give it in love to those around me +[1633.30 --> 1641.96] Jesus, the name of the Lord +[1641.96 --> 1653.80] Jesus, the name above every other name +[1653.80 --> 1660.52] Jesus, the only one we could ever sing +[1660.52 --> 1660.86] We could ever sing +[1660.86 --> 1665.18] Worthy of every wealth +[1665.18 --> 1666.64] We could ever bring +[1666.64 --> 1668.96] We bid for you +[1668.96 --> 1671.86] We bid for you +[1671.86 --> 1679.52] Holy, there is no one like you +[1679.52 --> 1682.92] There is none beside you +[1682.92 --> 1683.52] Holy, there is no one like you +[1683.52 --> 1685.02] There is none beside you +[1685.02 --> 1693.68] Who you are and fill me +[1693.68 --> 1696.04] With your heart and beating +[1696.04 --> 1701.56] Give your love to those around me +[1701.56 --> 1706.22] And I will build my life +[1706.22 --> 1731.12] I will build my life +[1731.12 --> 1732.12] Upon your love +[1732.12 --> 1734.28] Upon your love +[1734.28 --> 1738.84] It is a Lord's foundation +[1738.84 --> 1739.84] And I will build my life +[1739.84 --> 1743.50] And I will build my life +[1743.50 --> 1744.12] And I will build my life +[1744.12 --> 1746.56] In you alone +[1746.56 --> 1752.26] And I will not be shaken +[1752.26 --> 1755.72] And I will build my life +[1755.72 --> 1759.98] Upon your love +[1759.98 --> 1777.98] There is none beside you +[1777.98 --> 1789.58] Open up my eyes +[1789.58 --> 1790.58] Give your love +[1790.58 --> 1791.24] In you alone +[1791.24 --> 1793.24] And show me +[1793.24 --> 1794.86] Who you are +[1794.86 --> 1796.52] And fill me +[1796.52 --> 1799.44] With your heart and beating +[1799.44 --> 1805.00] Give your love to those around me +[1805.00 --> 1816.96] Father, forgive our hidden faults +[1816.96 --> 1821.34] And keep us from willfully sinning against you +[1821.34 --> 1825.52] May the words of our mouth +[1825.52 --> 1828.46] And the meditations of our heart +[1828.46 --> 1829.98] Be pleasing to you, Lord +[1829.98 --> 1831.88] My rock and my redeemer +[1831.88 --> 1832.84] Amen +[1832.84 --> 1833.38] Amen +[1833.38 --> 1845.86] Amen +[1845.86 --> 1875.84] Great is thy faithfulness, O God, +[1875.84 --> 1877.46] my Father. +[1878.40 --> 1885.44] There is no shadow of turning with thee. +[1886.08 --> 1891.58] Thou changest strong, but thou crushest safe, +[1891.58 --> 1893.08] fail not. +[1893.48 --> 1900.00] And thou hast seen, thou forever wilt be. +[1900.00 --> 1908.00] Great is thy faithfulness, great is thy faithfulness. +[1908.38 --> 1914.48] Morning by morning new mercies I see. +[1914.48 --> 1922.02] All I have needed thy hand hath provided. +[1923.12 --> 1929.48] Great is thy faithfulness, Lord, unto thee. +[1929.48 --> 1939.66] Summer and winter and springtime and harvest, +[1939.66 --> 1946.78] sun, moon, and stars in their courses above. +[1947.18 --> 1953.72] Joy with all nature in manifold witness, +[1953.72 --> 1961.72] To thy great faithfulness mercy hath come. +[1961.72 --> 1969.18] Great is thy faithfulness, great is thy faithfulness. +[1969.28 --> 1975.72] Morning by morning new mercies I see. +[1975.72 --> 1982.72] All I have needed thy hand hath provided. +[1982.72 --> 1990.72] Great is thy faithfulness, Lord, unto thee. +[1990.72 --> 1991.72] Lord, unto thee. +[1991.72 --> 1992.72] Amen. +[1992.72 --> 2000.72] Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth. +[2000.72 --> 2008.18] Thy own dear presence to cheer and to guide. +[2008.18 --> 2015.22] Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow. +[2015.22 --> 2022.22] Blessings all mine with ten thousand mercies I see. +[2022.22 --> 2030.22] Great is thy faithfulness, great is thy faithfulness. +[2030.22 --> 2031.22] Great is thy faithfulness. +[2031.22 --> 2037.22] Morning by morning new mercies I see. +[2037.22 --> 2044.22] All I have needed thy hand hath provided. +[2044.22 --> 2052.22] Great is thy faithfulness, Lord, unto thee. +[2052.22 --> 2056.22] Great is thy faithfulness, Lord, unto thee. +[2056.22 --> 2058.22] Thank you, Jesus. +[2058.22 --> 2060.22] Amen. +[2060.22 --> 2062.22] Amen. +[2062.22 --> 2063.22] Amen. +[2063.22 --> 2064.22] Amen. +[2064.22 --> 2065.22] Amen. +[2065.22 --> 2066.22] Amen. +[2066.22 --> 2067.22] Amen. +[2067.22 --> 2074.22] This morning, as part of our worship, we get to administer and participate in the +[2074.22 --> 2078.22] sacrament of baptism for one of our little children. +[2078.22 --> 2084.22] Now, as we come to the sacrament of baptism, let me be clear, we do not believe that the +[2084.22 --> 2089.22] water itself cleanses from sin. +[2089.22 --> 2095.22] Rather, what we're saying here is that this water symbolizes for us Jesus' life, death, +[2095.22 --> 2100.92] and resurrection and the promise of forgiveness by that life death and +[2100.92 --> 2110.64] resurrection. This child, Ava, is born with a sinful nature into sin and still +[2110.64 --> 2116.52] the promises of God are offered to her for forgiveness and new life by the Holy +[2116.52 --> 2124.56] Spirit. So we baptize infants not out of superstition or because we like cute +[2124.56 --> 2130.10] babies, we baptize them because they are covenant children and therefore ought to +[2130.10 --> 2136.28] be baptized. This idea of covenant is rooted in God's promise to Abraham and +[2136.28 --> 2143.94] sealed in the sign of circumcision and in baptism now our triune God seals the +[2143.94 --> 2150.32] promise of our adoption as his children making for us a new identity in Jesus +[2150.32 --> 2156.90] Christ. And so we baptize in obedience to Christ's command in line with the history +[2156.90 --> 2162.18] of the Christian church and the teaching of the Bible throughout God's redemptive +[2162.18 --> 2168.62] work from creation until the day Jesus Christ returns. Baptism signifies for us +[2168.62 --> 2175.22] the inclusion into the covenant community and symbolizes the cleansing of sin. We +[2175.22 --> 2180.26] pray this morning that Ava embraces her covenant privileges, that she will +[2180.26 --> 2186.04] acknowledge her Lord all the days of her life, and that we will be used of God to +[2186.04 --> 2191.46] grow that faith in her. Dave and Sheila, I'm going to invite you guys up to the front +[2191.46 --> 2210.92] with Dawson and Ava. In presenting Ava for baptism, I have two questions that I'm going to ask you, +[2211.08 --> 2217.42] and these are the same questions that have been asked of generations of Christians before. Likely, +[2217.42 --> 2224.12] your parents were asked these same questions when you both were baptized. Do you believe that your +[2224.12 --> 2229.54] children, though sinful by nature, are received by God in Christ as members of his covenant and +[2229.54 --> 2236.62] therefore ought to be baptized? And second, do you promise in reliance on the Holy Spirit and with the +[2236.62 --> 2243.10] help of the Christian community to do all in your power to instruct Ava and all your children in the +[2243.10 --> 2249.12] Christian faith and to lead them by your example into the life of Christian discipleship? Dave and +[2249.12 --> 2257.96] Sheila, what is your answer? Amen. We do with God's help. We all need God's help. Our Lord Jesus said, +[2258.10 --> 2263.04] let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as +[2263.04 --> 2268.58] these. And so as is our practice, if you are a young child here or young at heart, you're invited to +[2268.58 --> 2274.70] come up and just have a seat here on the floor so you can see firsthand and close what is happening +[2274.70 --> 2284.50] over here. Awesome. Malachi, why don't you just lean right in here and maybe you'll get in the splash +[2284.50 --> 2294.40] zone. So in just a moment, guys, we're going to take this water and pour it over Ava's head. And just +[2294.40 --> 2300.96] like many of you probably had a shower or a bath last night in order to come to church, this water +[2300.96 --> 2309.40] symbolizes for us how Jesus' blood washes us and makes us clean. This water is one of the ways that +[2309.40 --> 2317.44] Jesus writes his name on our foreheads as his covenant children. And so we mark that together in worship. +[2317.44 --> 2330.76] Ava Rose Skipper, I baptize you in the name of the Father, in the name of the Son, +[2332.60 --> 2335.62] and the name of the Holy Spirit. Amen. +[2335.62 --> 2335.82] Amen. +[2335.82 --> 2335.90] Amen. +[2346.10 --> 2349.18] Water was a little colder this morning than it has been in the past. +[2352.94 --> 2359.24] As we have participated and witnessed God's action towards us in the sacrament, we now have an +[2359.24 --> 2367.68] opportunity to respond to that action of God by also offering a promise on behalf of you representing +[2367.68 --> 2373.58] the church family everywhere. And so I'm going to invite you, congregation, to stand. I will ask you +[2373.58 --> 2382.52] a question and then invite you to respond with the phrase, we do with God's help. And so do you, +[2382.52 --> 2387.28] church family here at Langley, Emanuel, and friends and family who have come in support, +[2387.28 --> 2393.64] do you promise to love and encourage and support Dave and Sheila, Dawson, and now Ava, +[2394.20 --> 2400.52] by welcoming them into our church family, by teaching the gospel of God's love, and by being +[2400.52 --> 2405.88] an example of Christian faith and character, and by giving in strong support of God's family +[2405.88 --> 2409.42] in fellowship, prayer, and service? What is your answer? +[2410.06 --> 2411.70] We do with God's help. +[2412.22 --> 2414.66] Amen. Amen. You may have a seat. +[2417.28 --> 2423.94] Amen. I invite you to take advantage of that promise offered to you this morning. May I +[2423.94 --> 2426.22] take her for a little walk? Yeah. +[2429.06 --> 2430.18] Hi, sweet pea. +[2432.64 --> 2434.18] Hey, I know. +[2436.88 --> 2442.36] We got to hang out already on Tuesday when Sheila was here for coffee break, so she knows me. +[2442.36 --> 2452.68] Today, in baptism, we mark the beginning of what we hope to be a journey of faithful response +[2452.68 --> 2461.00] for Ava. And yet, we know that all of us fall short of God's design and God's plan, and so may +[2461.00 --> 2469.32] you be a community of grace and encouragement, a community that fosters faith in her as she looks to +[2469.32 --> 2476.74] you for help and for strength and for growth. Today begins a journey for her that we hope will +[2476.74 --> 2483.86] culminate in seeing her stand in front of us in however many years the Lord takes to work this in her, +[2484.60 --> 2493.14] that she then proclaims her faith for herself. She takes advantage of the promise spoken over her today +[2493.14 --> 2502.10] and makes that promise her own. But she cannot do that alone. None of us can do that alone. We journey +[2502.10 --> 2511.58] in covenant community together. And so even as I stand here with her, you also hold her in faith. +[2512.54 --> 2519.30] And so receive the charge and the call of God and remember her in your prayers so that we can +[2519.30 --> 2526.18] celebrate the goodness of God together. Amen? Amen. We're going to stand and sing +[2526.18 --> 2529.92] together. Good, good Father. +[2536.70 --> 2543.02] Before we stand and sing, we do have a gift to mark this occasion. And so Eric Hubert has a certificate +[2543.02 --> 2548.68] and a little book for Ava. Encourage you to read that with her and to remind her of what took place +[2548.68 --> 2553.40] on this day together. God bless. Let's stand together. +[2553.40 --> 2553.46] Amen. +[2553.46 --> 2553.50] Amen. +[2553.50 --> 2553.54] Amen. +[2553.54 --> 2555.54] Amen. +[2555.54 --> 2557.54] Amen. +[2557.54 --> 2558.06] Amen. +[2558.06 --> 2558.54] Amen. +[2558.54 --> 2559.54] Amen. +[2559.54 --> 2560.54] Amen. +[2560.54 --> 2561.54] Amen. +[2561.54 --> 2562.54] Amen. +[2562.54 --> 2563.54] Amen. +[2563.54 --> 2564.54] Amen. +[2564.54 --> 2565.54] Amen. +[2565.54 --> 2566.54] Amen. +[2566.54 --> 2567.54] Amen. +[2567.54 --> 2568.54] Amen. +[2568.54 --> 2569.54] Amen. +[2569.54 --> 2570.54] Amen. +[2570.54 --> 2570.58] Amen. +[2573.02 --> 2574.28] Amen. +[2574.28 --> 2584.50] Ever heard a thousand stories I want, they paint your life, and I have heard a tender +[2584.50 --> 2596.18] razor of love, in the dead of my head tonight, I tell thee that you will see me not +[2596.18 --> 2598.18] I'm never alone. +[2600.00 --> 2603.58] The good, good mother, it's who you are. +[2604.22 --> 2605.74] It's who you are. +[2606.44 --> 2608.18] It's who you are. +[2608.54 --> 2610.36] And I love you. +[2610.88 --> 2612.14] It's who I am. +[2612.80 --> 2614.30] It's who I am. +[2614.96 --> 2617.46] It's who I am. +[2620.10 --> 2626.10] I have seen many searching for answers. +[2626.18 --> 2634.18] Far and wide when I know we're all searching for answers. +[2635.14 --> 2644.18] Only you know my ways to know just what we need before we say a word. +[2645.70 --> 2648.30] It's who you are. +[2648.94 --> 2650.38] It's who you are. +[2651.06 --> 2652.18] It's who you are. +[2652.18 --> 2654.18] It's who you are. +[2654.18 --> 2656.18] It's who you are. +[2656.18 --> 2658.18] It's who you are. +[2658.18 --> 2660.18] It's who I am. +[2660.18 --> 2662.18] It's who I am. +[2662.18 --> 2664.18] It's who I am. +[2664.18 --> 2666.18] It's who you are. +[2666.18 --> 2668.18] It's who you are. +[2668.18 --> 2670.18] It's who you are. +[2670.18 --> 2675.78] Wow +[2683.30 --> 2683.78] you are +[2683.78 --> 2713.76] You are perfect in all of your ways, you are. +[2713.78 --> 2721.82] Love so undeniable, I can hardly speak. +[2722.42 --> 2732.66] Peace so unexplainable, I can hardly think that you call me. +[2732.66 --> 2736.86] Be first, you as you call me. +[2737.24 --> 2740.98] Be first, you as you call me. +[2741.34 --> 2744.10] Be first, you into love. +[2744.54 --> 2748.22] Love, love, love, good, good Father. +[2748.70 --> 2750.00] It's who you are. +[2750.50 --> 2751.92] It's who you are. +[2752.62 --> 2753.66] It's who you are. +[2753.66 --> 2763.52] Help, love, love, love, love, love. +[2763.52 --> 2764.44] Love, love, love, good Father. +[2765.20 --> 2766.62] It's who you are. +[2766.62 --> 2768.60] It's who you are. +[2769.22 --> 2770.96] It's who you are. +[2771.34 --> 2771.94] Help, love, love, love, love, love, love. +[2771.94 --> 2775.34] Love, love, love, love, love, love, love. +[2775.34 --> 2778.20] Love, love, love, love, love, love, love, love. +[2778.20 --> 2780.20] Who I am. +[2799.20 --> 2801.20] Good morning. +[2801.20 --> 2813.20] As some of you are more know, Marlene Bilinga is her official last Sunday at Emanuel Church Family. +[2813.20 --> 2818.20] And I was asked to speak a few words about Marlene. +[2818.20 --> 2825.20] And I wanted to start with Matthew 25 verse 35 and that's where my story starts. +[2825.20 --> 2828.20] And her story starts. +[2828.20 --> 2832.20] Matthew 25 verse 35 says, +[2832.20 --> 2836.20] I was a stranger and you invited me in. +[2838.20 --> 2842.20] So together with my husband Bert and our family, +[2842.20 --> 2852.20] we've known Marlene and her family and this church family, Emmanuel, our loving church family, +[2852.20 --> 2854.20] for more than 25 years. +[2854.20 --> 2860.20] But years ago, in the early 90s, when our four kids were little, +[2860.20 --> 2870.20] I met Marlene as a friendly neighbor, down the street, with her four little blonde boys in tow, +[2870.20 --> 2874.20] at our local outdoor swimming pool. +[2874.20 --> 2880.20] Who knew that a few years later, we as family would meet again, Marlene, +[2880.20 --> 2890.20] now as the official friendly face of welcome to our Langley Christian School community. +[2890.20 --> 2900.20] I will never forget how she prayed with me on the phone, making us feel welcome as strangers. +[2900.20 --> 2906.20] As we became colleagues and our children attended school together and we did life together, +[2906.20 --> 2908.20] at home and at school and at church, +[2908.20 --> 2916.20] Marlene continued to model hospitality to strangers, to new students in her job, +[2916.20 --> 2920.20] as coordinator of international students. +[2920.20 --> 2928.20] She administered, she organized, she fostered connecting with the other. +[2928.20 --> 2934.20] She planned conferences and for students and teachers alike. +[2934.20 --> 2938.20] She planned meals together and special events. +[2938.20 --> 2944.20] She was also Mrs. Bailinka, Mrs. Mom at the office. +[2944.20 --> 2950.20] She was a shoulder to cry on, but above all, a listening ear, +[2950.20 --> 2962.20] especially to all the students who came from Korea, China, Japan, Macau, Burma, Cuba, over the years. +[2962.20 --> 2972.20] In other words, she was a presence, a compassionate presence, a home base for those far from home. +[2972.20 --> 2980.20] Throughout all the chapters of life together, as family and as church family, +[2980.20 --> 2990.20] through springtime joys and winter sorrows, floods and fires and loss, +[2990.20 --> 2996.20] being in the choir singing together, being in the choir singing together and being still together. +[2996.20 --> 3004.20] Marlene has shown to be an example of being a steadfast student of God's word +[3004.20 --> 3014.20] and wanted to share God's story of redemption. +[3014.20 --> 3024.20] In her compassionate way and care of welfare for others, she also worked for the Society of Christian Schools +[3024.20 --> 3030.20] and has been involved in bringing refugees to a new world here. +[3030.20 --> 3040.20] And she's been involved in coffee break and listening to others in need and responding and caring. +[3040.20 --> 3046.20] To sum up in the words of another fellow friend and church member, +[3046.20 --> 3054.20] Marlene has contributed a pleasant, caring attitude to Emmanuel. +[3054.20 --> 3060.20] She is quick to listen, quick to understand, and quick to empathize. +[3060.20 --> 3068.20] We will all miss her faithful, cheery presence as she moves back home to Vernon. +[3068.20 --> 3076.20] And like I said to her this morning, you will now have two homes because you can always feel at home here. +[3076.20 --> 3086.20] And I just wanted to end with another psalm, one that our family always has used when we depart on a journey. +[3086.20 --> 3090.20] It's Psalm 121. +[3090.20 --> 3096.20] I lift up my eyes to the hills, whether the hills are here or in Vernon. +[3096.20 --> 3100.20] Where does our help come from? +[3100.20 --> 3104.20] Our help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth. +[3104.20 --> 3107.20] He will watch over your life, Marlene. +[3107.20 --> 3112.20] He will watch over your coming and your going from now and evermore. +[3112.20 --> 3114.20] Thank you. +[3116.20 --> 3118.20] Thank you. +[3118.20 --> 3120.20] Thank you. +[3125.20 --> 3127.20] Marlene, we would like to pray for you. +[3127.20 --> 3130.20] Is it too much to ask for you to come to the front? +[3130.20 --> 3132.20] No, it's not too much? +[3132.20 --> 3133.20] Would you come to the front? +[3133.20 --> 3139.20] I'm going to ask if you would like, if you have supported Marlene as an elder or a pastor, +[3139.20 --> 3142.20] if you have walked a journey of faith with her, if you would also come up to the front +[3142.20 --> 3146.20] and we can surround her in the laying on of hands in prayer as well. +[3146.20 --> 3163.20] If you would like to, where you're seated, also hold out a hand as a sign of the Spirit flowing through you into Marlene, +[3163.20 --> 3179.20] and blessing her on this journey ahead, I invite you to do so as well. +[3179.20 --> 3183.20] Let's pray together. +[3183.20 --> 3189.20] Holy God, this morning we are amazed at your covenant faithfulness to us. +[3189.20 --> 3202.20] We see it in little Ava's baptism, and we see it in the testimony of faithfulness in Marlene's life and her commitment to this church family. +[3202.20 --> 3208.20] We pray now your blessing upon Marlene. +[3208.20 --> 3214.20] We pray that as she goes to Vernon and plants deep roots in community there, +[3214.20 --> 3218.20] alongside deep roots she already has planted with family, +[3218.20 --> 3222.20] we pray, Lord God, that you would bless her and keep her. +[3222.20 --> 3229.20] That you would continue to make your face to shine upon her and be gracious to her. +[3229.20 --> 3237.20] That you, Lord God, would turn your face toward her and in all things give her your peace. +[3237.20 --> 3242.20] We pray this blessing in the name of Jesus Christ alone. +[3242.20 --> 3243.20] Amen. +[3243.20 --> 3245.20] Amen. +[3257.20 --> 3258.20] Good morning. +[3258.20 --> 3262.20] Good morning, everyone. +[3262.20 --> 3264.20] I'm representing the deacons here. +[3264.20 --> 3268.20] I'm not a deacon, but Lene asked me to speak to the collection for this morning. +[3268.20 --> 3272.20] That was very touching, Marlene. +[3272.20 --> 3276.20] Marlene is on the Refugee Committee. +[3276.20 --> 3278.20] The collection today is for the Refugee Committee. +[3278.20 --> 3284.20] I want to, yesterday, a couple, two things happened. +[3284.20 --> 3290.20] One is, 13 years ago our pastor, Bill Verstate, passed away. +[3290.20 --> 3297.20] And the reason I'm bringing this up this morning is, Bill was with Life Water Canada. +[3297.20 --> 3303.20] He also had a, had a, felt a mission and a calling for doing something more than just the church. +[3303.20 --> 3311.20] And so he was involved in, in doing a work of bringing water to communities that didn't have water. +[3311.20 --> 3319.20] Um, yesterday also was, um, remembrance, world remembrance for the Holocaust day. +[3319.20 --> 3337.20] And, um, the reason I'm, I'm bringing that up is, uh, obviously Israel's in, in Palestine, the Palestinians are in, in, uh, maybe I should say Hamas, are, um, in huge conflict right now. +[3337.20 --> 3347.20] But, before and during the Second World War, over six million Jews were, um, were killed and murdered. +[3347.20 --> 3359.20] And, um, the reason I raise this is, even in Canada, there was a boatload of Jewish people who would come here to try to escape the, uh, what was going on in Germany. +[3359.20 --> 3362.20] And, and our country turned them back. +[3362.20 --> 3372.20] And, uh, so I think we're very sensitive, uh, and I noticed in this church too, we've been sensitive to anything that has to do with social justice. +[3372.20 --> 3380.20] And that's why since, uh, 2015, we've supported the refugee sponsorship program in our church. +[3380.20 --> 3387.20] And, uh, I feel, I feel very, very, I feel very, very humbled by that, by that. +[3387.20 --> 3388.20] But I also feel very, very good. +[3388.20 --> 3391.20] Because that's an important aspect of our church's ministry. +[3391.20 --> 3394.20] Currently, we are sponsoring a family. +[3394.20 --> 3400.20] We, um, there's a, they're in southern Lebanon at the moment. +[3400.20 --> 3404.20] And if you follow the news carefully, the Hezbollah is there. +[3404.20 --> 3410.20] And the Hezbollah are related to the Hamas, whose basic mission is to destroy Israel. +[3410.20 --> 3422.20] They, which has meant all kinds of disruption, which means there's a lot of people looking for asylum, that are looking to get out of countries where there's this persecution. +[3422.20 --> 3426.20] And so, in all, one small way, we can be a part of that. +[3426.20 --> 3429.20] So, we're asking you to continue to support it. +[3429.20 --> 3433.20] We have already 30,000 in the bank, over 30,000 in the bank. +[3433.20 --> 3438.20] We need, the government now expects us to have enough to bring in a family. +[3438.20 --> 3441.20] So, slowly but surely, it's adding up. +[3441.20 --> 3443.20] And we want to thank you for your faithfulness. +[3443.20 --> 3456.20] Sometimes this gets confused with the Dean of Nicolai, who's our classes representative in the Lower Mainland, or British Columbia, who works with, uh, connection with World Renew. +[3456.20 --> 3458.20] And World Renew Refugee Sponsorship. +[3458.20 --> 3461.20] But this one is specific to our church. +[3461.20 --> 3463.20] Thank you very much. +[3463.20 --> 3488.20] Thank you very much. +[3488.20 --> 3516.20] Thank you very much. +[3518.20 --> 3546.20] Oh Martine, thank you very much. +[3546.20 --> 3551.10] I'm destined for you. +[3555.10 --> 3564.02] And I'm lost without you. +[3576.20 --> 3606.18] I'm lost without you. +[3606.20 --> 3636.18] I'm lost without you. +[3636.20 --> 3646.20] And I'm destined for you. +[3646.20 --> 3658.20] And I'm lost without you. +[3658.20 --> 3672.20] And I'm destined for you. +[3672.20 --> 3686.20] And I'm lost without you. +[3686.20 --> 3702.20] You are the air I breathe. +[3702.20 --> 3710.20] You are the air I breathe. +[3710.20 --> 3725.20] I would love to invite all of the kids to come up to the front. +[3725.36 --> 3727.80] Come and join me up here if you will. +[3727.80 --> 3732.80] Here you all come. +[3734.20 --> 3734.94] Here you all. +[3734.96 --> 3736.06] He's a little shy though. +[3737.26 --> 3740.62] Now, welcome up here. +[3740.62 --> 3743.76] I see mostly familiar faces. +[3744.00 --> 3745.24] Some new faces. +[3745.62 --> 3748.68] I have a friend that usually joins me up here. +[3749.02 --> 3751.02] For you who have come up before, who is that? +[3751.62 --> 3752.26] Hank. +[3752.62 --> 3754.12] He's my dog friend. +[3754.22 --> 3755.50] But he's a little bit shy. +[3756.10 --> 3759.44] So can you all say good morning, Hank? +[3759.90 --> 3761.62] Good morning, Hank. +[3761.62 --> 3763.62] Hi, everyone. +[3763.62 --> 3764.32] Hi, everyone. +[3765.82 --> 3767.16] How are you? +[3768.58 --> 3769.26] Good. +[3769.68 --> 3770.74] Hank, how was France? +[3771.06 --> 3771.66] Great. +[3772.48 --> 3776.16] I went to France over Christmas break, apparently. +[3777.16 --> 3778.42] And was it fun? +[3778.64 --> 3779.06] Mm-hmm. +[3779.68 --> 3781.02] Did you learn a new language? +[3781.66 --> 3782.08] Yep. +[3782.58 --> 3783.60] What was that language? +[3784.28 --> 3784.80] French. +[3785.34 --> 3786.52] Can you give us an example? +[3787.32 --> 3789.94] Je m'appelle Hank. +[3790.90 --> 3792.20] Pretty good, Hank. +[3792.42 --> 3793.16] Anything else? +[3793.76 --> 3794.16] Mm-mm. +[3794.66 --> 3795.00] Oh, no? +[3795.08 --> 3795.52] Why not? +[3795.92 --> 3798.06] It was hard to talk without you there. +[3798.28 --> 3798.50] Oh. +[3799.58 --> 3800.96] I guess that makes sense. +[3802.08 --> 3805.78] We are going to talk about something called... +[3805.78 --> 3808.52] It's a big word, and I want to see if you kids know what it means. +[3809.14 --> 3809.40] All right? +[3809.40 --> 3812.36] We're going to talk about identity today. +[3812.78 --> 3813.70] What's identity? +[3814.22 --> 3815.52] What does identity mean? +[3816.06 --> 3816.76] Anybody know? +[3816.88 --> 3817.80] It's a big word. +[3818.80 --> 3819.58] Hank, do you know? +[3819.84 --> 3820.24] Oh, yeah? +[3821.36 --> 3825.24] Identity means that anything that you... +[3825.24 --> 3829.86] That's right. +[3829.86 --> 3831.86] So, like, identity is who... +[3832.52 --> 3833.52] Do you want to try Malachi? +[3837.16 --> 3838.90] You don't think Hank learned how to... +[3838.90 --> 3840.00] How did you get to France? +[3840.94 --> 3841.30] Airports. +[3841.62 --> 3843.32] They're a beautiful thing. +[3845.90 --> 3846.26] Identity. +[3846.54 --> 3847.68] Do you know what identity means? +[3849.94 --> 3851.18] You went on a plane, too. +[3851.36 --> 3851.90] Me, too. +[3852.06 --> 3854.04] It was a long flight, let me tell you. +[3855.62 --> 3856.80] Oh, that is exciting. +[3857.36 --> 3859.92] We're going to circle back to planes when we get to the back room. +[3859.98 --> 3863.14] But identity means who we are. +[3863.14 --> 3866.46] So it's kind of like who God created you to be, right? +[3866.58 --> 3869.36] So, Hank, I've got a question for you. +[3869.56 --> 3870.46] Who are you? +[3870.92 --> 3872.62] I am Hank the Hound. +[3873.16 --> 3875.14] And how do you spell Hank? +[3875.34 --> 3876.80] I don't know. +[3877.46 --> 3880.36] So, what are some things you love, Hank? +[3880.60 --> 3882.28] I love sticks. +[3882.68 --> 3884.12] I love bacon. +[3884.12 --> 3887.42] I love chasing things. +[3887.80 --> 3889.50] And is there anything maybe you don't like? +[3889.66 --> 3890.18] Cats! +[3890.44 --> 3892.80] I don't like cats. +[3893.34 --> 3895.06] I kind of forgot about that, hey? +[3895.38 --> 3895.76] Mm-hmm. +[3896.52 --> 3898.98] So, what we're going to learn about, though, +[3899.08 --> 3901.56] is sometimes we think of our identities, +[3901.70 --> 3903.64] we think about things we like or we love, +[3903.72 --> 3904.84] like Hank just did, right? +[3905.08 --> 3905.30] Yeah? +[3905.80 --> 3906.32] Do you have a question? +[3906.32 --> 3911.08] Oh, yeah? +[3911.80 --> 3912.36] That's fun. +[3914.32 --> 3915.32] We're playing outside? +[3916.12 --> 3917.68] Well, we're going to talk about all of those things +[3917.68 --> 3919.12] that we love to do in a second. +[3919.40 --> 3921.04] But what we're going to learn is that +[3921.04 --> 3923.20] sometimes we look at our identity +[3923.20 --> 3924.26] and we ask ourselves, +[3924.36 --> 3926.28] what are things we like or who we are? +[3926.70 --> 3928.82] But do you know what God sees +[3928.82 --> 3930.30] when he sees us in heaven? +[3931.62 --> 3933.30] He sees us for who we are, +[3933.30 --> 3936.90] but he also sees us through the lens +[3936.90 --> 3938.38] or through the eyes of Jesus. +[3938.92 --> 3940.90] He sees Jesus when he sees us. +[3941.00 --> 3941.90] And so we're going to learn that +[3941.90 --> 3944.34] the more we know and learn about Jesus, +[3944.66 --> 3946.12] the more we get to know about +[3946.12 --> 3948.44] who we actually are inside as well. +[3948.52 --> 3949.36] Does that sound pretty good? +[3949.90 --> 3951.36] So we're going to talk about that in the back, okay? +[3951.48 --> 3952.08] Sound good, Hank? +[3952.32 --> 3952.64] Yep! +[3953.28 --> 3954.88] All right, so we're going to pray +[3954.88 --> 3956.68] and then we're going to do the kid's blessing +[3956.68 --> 3957.92] and then we'll go to the back room, okay? +[3958.02 --> 3958.32] Are you ready? +[3958.40 --> 3960.84] Let's bow our heads and fold our hands +[3960.84 --> 3961.30] and let's pray. +[3961.38 --> 3962.48] Dear God, we thank you for this day. +[3962.48 --> 3964.14] Thank you that we could be in church today +[3964.14 --> 3965.42] and that we could learn more +[3965.42 --> 3967.14] about who you created us to be. +[3967.54 --> 3968.62] Will you be with us today +[3968.62 --> 3969.80] as we learn more about that +[3969.80 --> 3971.54] and be with the grownups as they stay here +[3971.54 --> 3973.08] and learn more about you as well? +[3973.26 --> 3974.24] We pray this in your name. +[3974.68 --> 3974.98] Amen. +[3975.68 --> 3976.70] All right, let's stand up +[3976.70 --> 3979.08] and in a second we're going to say together, +[3979.50 --> 3981.14] the Lord be with you, okay? +[3981.26 --> 3983.36] And then the church is going to say that back to us +[3983.36 --> 3985.12] and the boys are going to stay here the whole time. +[3985.18 --> 3985.64] Right, boys? +[3986.02 --> 3986.68] Here we go. +[3987.06 --> 3988.22] We're going to say it at the same time. +[3988.66 --> 3989.52] One, two, three. +[3989.52 --> 3992.04] The Lord be with you. +[3992.04 --> 3993.92] And also to be with you. +[3994.02 --> 3995.12] All right, let's head to the back. +[3995.12 --> 4017.74] I get to follow that every time. +[4017.74 --> 4020.66] My name is Paul. +[4020.80 --> 4021.50] I'm an elder here +[4021.50 --> 4027.58] and I was asked to give up a little bit of an update +[4027.58 --> 4030.00] on our past full council meeting, +[4030.16 --> 4032.90] which was this week, this past week. +[4034.04 --> 4035.78] A couple of things from that meeting +[4035.78 --> 4037.84] that I wanted to let you know about. +[4037.84 --> 4041.76] Pastor Chris walked us through, +[4042.40 --> 4046.14] it was called By the Numbers, +[4046.26 --> 4047.26] Emmanuel By the Numbers. +[4047.62 --> 4051.10] So, and that sounds kind of dry for some people. +[4051.22 --> 4052.18] Some people love numbers, +[4052.36 --> 4055.46] but what it meant was, +[4056.02 --> 4061.22] and what we saw through the past year +[4061.22 --> 4063.62] that God has been super gracious +[4063.62 --> 4065.48] and faithful to this community. +[4067.04 --> 4070.00] Many people joined us as a community. +[4070.90 --> 4072.10] There were baptisms. +[4073.44 --> 4075.60] Our family came together +[4075.60 --> 4078.28] when Sybisir passed away, +[4079.10 --> 4082.16] but there's an engagement here +[4082.16 --> 4084.70] that is obvious by those numbers. +[4084.70 --> 4088.24] Another thing we talked about +[4088.24 --> 4090.84] was that classes is going to be coming up +[4090.84 --> 4095.30] and some people volunteered to attend that +[4095.30 --> 4097.50] and be our representatives there. +[4098.66 --> 4100.56] Classes Southwest, British Columbia. +[4102.54 --> 4106.36] And something that is going to be coming up +[4106.36 --> 4110.34] is nominations for new elders and deacons. +[4110.34 --> 4112.90] The terms will, +[4113.42 --> 4117.82] a number of people from the council +[4117.82 --> 4122.08] will be coming to a close for them +[4122.08 --> 4124.40] this time later on this spring. +[4125.10 --> 4126.98] So we're going to have a process. +[4128.00 --> 4129.74] A number of those will be asked +[4129.74 --> 4131.50] to actually extend their term +[4131.50 --> 4134.70] because we ended up with a little bit of a lag +[4134.70 --> 4135.90] because of COVID. +[4136.92 --> 4139.16] So some will be extending their terms, +[4139.16 --> 4142.78] but we'll be looking for two elders +[4142.78 --> 4144.30] and one deacon. +[4145.30 --> 4147.78] So please pray and consider +[4147.78 --> 4150.76] putting your name forward for that. +[4152.70 --> 4155.18] And I think that's it. +[4156.30 --> 4157.06] Thank you. +[4169.16 --> 4181.68] I'm Eric Hubertz, an elder here at Emmanuel. +[4182.14 --> 4184.10] I'll be leading you in our church family prayer. +[4185.98 --> 4186.84] Praise the Lord. +[4187.50 --> 4189.86] How good it is to sing praises to our God. +[4190.30 --> 4192.20] How pleasant and fitting to praise Him. +[4193.74 --> 4195.20] Reflecting in this past week +[4195.20 --> 4197.76] about all of life's chapters. +[4198.08 --> 4200.08] It's comforting knowing the church family +[4200.08 --> 4200.80] here at Emmanuel +[4200.80 --> 4203.88] has been here since supporting on life's journeys. +[4204.50 --> 4205.56] This last week, +[4206.28 --> 4210.18] we celebrated the baptisms of Jane. +[4212.82 --> 4214.60] Jane and this week, +[4214.68 --> 4216.64] it was Ava Rose Skipper today +[4216.64 --> 4217.68] for their baptism. +[4217.68 --> 4220.62] And just help all of us members +[4220.62 --> 4222.02] of the congregation here +[4222.02 --> 4223.22] be support to each other +[4223.22 --> 4225.14] on these journeys at different stages. +[4226.14 --> 4227.14] I know at this time, +[4227.72 --> 4228.64] there are many students +[4228.64 --> 4230.70] that are having to make some big decisions +[4230.70 --> 4232.26] in what's next, +[4232.40 --> 4234.16] whether that's from elementary school +[4234.16 --> 4234.86] to high school +[4234.86 --> 4236.10] or high school to university +[4236.10 --> 4238.28] or university on. +[4238.40 --> 4239.48] Where do I go to school? +[4239.66 --> 4240.52] Where do I move? +[4240.76 --> 4241.66] Where do I work? +[4241.92 --> 4243.30] Can I find work? +[4243.30 --> 4245.28] We trust in you, Lord, +[4245.40 --> 4246.30] that you will continue +[4246.30 --> 4247.54] to guide us on this journey. +[4248.62 --> 4249.20] This week, +[4249.30 --> 4250.82] we launched our new podcast, +[4251.82 --> 4252.76] NorthX. +[4253.28 --> 4255.26] Bless Pastor Chris, Kevin, and Joss +[4255.26 --> 4257.06] in this new podcast +[4257.06 --> 4258.74] where faith meets real life +[4258.74 --> 4260.70] one conversation at a time. +[4262.14 --> 4263.34] In these last few months, +[4263.46 --> 4265.66] we've had to deal with many deaths +[4265.66 --> 4267.32] within our extended congregation +[4267.32 --> 4267.96] and family. +[4268.70 --> 4270.06] Please continue to support +[4270.06 --> 4271.24] those who need comfort. +[4271.24 --> 4272.64] This week, +[4272.74 --> 4273.78] we learned about the death +[4273.78 --> 4275.42] of Mary Jones' dad, +[4276.18 --> 4277.84] Arnie Dela Cruz. +[4278.46 --> 4280.54] Comfort the family at this time. +[4282.24 --> 4284.14] Our merciful Father in heaven, +[4284.30 --> 4285.34] we thank you that we are, +[4286.18 --> 4287.44] you've provided our faithful +[4287.44 --> 4288.46] and gifted people +[4288.46 --> 4289.82] to serve here at Emmanuel, +[4290.22 --> 4291.26] elders and deacons, +[4291.70 --> 4294.50] to continue to fulfill them +[4294.50 --> 4295.58] with wisdom +[4295.58 --> 4297.42] and grant them the strength +[4297.42 --> 4298.54] that makes them faithful +[4298.54 --> 4301.46] workers in your vineyard. +[4302.38 --> 4303.38] May you bless us +[4303.38 --> 4304.82] as we go through the week +[4304.82 --> 4306.00] and ground us +[4306.00 --> 4307.16] and root us in your word. +[4307.54 --> 4308.26] In Jesus' name, +[4308.64 --> 4309.02] we pray. +[4309.46 --> 4309.68] Amen. +[4309.68 --> 4309.80] Amen. +[4309.80 --> 4327.64] I'm going to invite you +[4327.64 --> 4329.52] to turn in your Bible +[4329.52 --> 4330.74] or turn on your Bible, +[4330.86 --> 4331.82] whatever the case may be. +[4332.16 --> 4333.02] We're going to continue +[4333.02 --> 4334.96] looking at the letter +[4334.96 --> 4335.74] to the Romans. +[4335.74 --> 4339.12] We are going to finish +[4339.12 --> 4339.98] this morning +[4339.98 --> 4341.70] the really dense section +[4341.70 --> 4344.58] of chapters 9 through 11 +[4344.58 --> 4348.12] with a text about worship +[4348.12 --> 4350.12] and a text of worship +[4350.12 --> 4351.88] in Romans 11, +[4352.08 --> 4354.12] verse 33 to 36. +[4356.40 --> 4357.84] It will be on the screen +[4357.84 --> 4359.38] behind me the first time through +[4359.38 --> 4360.46] and I encourage you +[4360.46 --> 4361.46] to keep it in front of you +[4361.46 --> 4362.14] as we go. +[4362.14 --> 4365.42] This is the word of the Lord. +[4366.52 --> 4368.48] Oh, the depth of the riches +[4368.48 --> 4369.50] of the wisdom +[4369.50 --> 4371.32] and knowledge of God. +[4371.94 --> 4373.36] How unsearchable +[4373.36 --> 4374.50] His judgments +[4374.50 --> 4375.64] and His paths +[4375.64 --> 4377.12] beyond tracing out. +[4378.08 --> 4379.20] Who has known +[4379.20 --> 4380.48] the mind of the Lord +[4380.48 --> 4381.66] or who has been +[4381.66 --> 4382.36] His counselor? +[4383.28 --> 4385.42] Who has ever given to God +[4385.42 --> 4387.22] that God should repay them? +[4388.32 --> 4389.38] For from Him +[4389.38 --> 4390.80] and through Him +[4390.80 --> 4392.44] and for Him +[4392.44 --> 4394.30] are all things. +[4394.46 --> 4394.98] To Him +[4394.98 --> 4397.08] be the glory forever. +[4397.90 --> 4398.26] Amen. +[4399.42 --> 4400.76] This is the word of the Lord. +[4400.76 --> 4401.86] Thank you. +[4406.06 --> 4407.44] Sometime +[4407.44 --> 4408.62] in the +[4408.62 --> 4410.82] Enlightenment period, +[4412.08 --> 4412.78] and so that's +[4412.78 --> 4413.56] the sort of +[4413.56 --> 4415.02] late 16th +[4415.02 --> 4417.14] to mid 18th century, +[4417.72 --> 4419.06] sometime there +[4419.06 --> 4421.30] people began +[4421.30 --> 4422.84] thinking about +[4422.84 --> 4423.72] the world +[4423.72 --> 4426.58] with increasing +[4426.58 --> 4427.62] distance +[4427.62 --> 4429.68] to the Bible +[4429.68 --> 4430.88] or to how +[4430.88 --> 4432.58] they had thought +[4432.58 --> 4433.26] previously +[4433.26 --> 4434.46] using the Bible +[4434.46 --> 4435.46] in the world. +[4436.28 --> 4437.82] At the same time, +[4438.22 --> 4439.42] areas like +[4439.42 --> 4440.62] natural sciences +[4440.62 --> 4442.28] explode +[4442.28 --> 4443.42] and develop +[4443.42 --> 4445.52] even if +[4445.52 --> 4446.28] that explosion +[4446.28 --> 4447.02] comes from +[4447.02 --> 4447.80] many scientists +[4447.80 --> 4448.34] who were +[4448.34 --> 4448.88] themselves +[4448.88 --> 4449.92] largely Christian +[4449.92 --> 4450.62] trying to +[4450.62 --> 4451.12] understand the +[4451.12 --> 4451.94] world that +[4451.94 --> 4453.06] they find +[4453.06 --> 4453.68] themselves in. +[4454.72 --> 4455.56] The reason I +[4455.56 --> 4456.58] introduce in this +[4456.58 --> 4457.46] way is because +[4457.46 --> 4458.34] a term +[4458.34 --> 4459.48] started being +[4459.48 --> 4460.68] used for +[4460.68 --> 4461.30] humans, +[4461.46 --> 4462.04] for people, +[4462.04 --> 4463.30] during this time. +[4463.92 --> 4465.12] As far as I could +[4465.12 --> 4465.86] tell in my +[4465.86 --> 4466.84] quick research, +[4467.02 --> 4467.88] the first usage +[4467.88 --> 4468.62] of this term +[4468.62 --> 4469.06] is from +[4469.06 --> 4470.42] 1774 +[4470.42 --> 4471.62] by Lord +[4471.62 --> 4472.40] Mondobo, +[4472.80 --> 4473.94] who was a judge +[4473.94 --> 4474.76] and a philosopher. +[4474.76 --> 4475.64] And the term +[4475.64 --> 4476.30] is +[4476.30 --> 4477.68] homo sapien. +[4479.22 --> 4480.54] Homo sapien +[4480.54 --> 4482.56] literally means +[4482.56 --> 4483.62] in Latin +[4483.62 --> 4486.06] creature +[4486.06 --> 4487.14] or human +[4487.14 --> 4488.20] wise +[4488.20 --> 4489.14] or wise +[4489.14 --> 4489.68] human +[4489.68 --> 4491.02] or thinking +[4491.02 --> 4492.10] person. +[4492.64 --> 4493.50] The idea +[4493.50 --> 4494.30] is that +[4494.30 --> 4494.66] what's +[4494.66 --> 4495.36] separating +[4495.36 --> 4496.30] humanity +[4496.30 --> 4497.54] from the +[4497.54 --> 4498.22] genus +[4498.22 --> 4499.34] of homo +[4499.34 --> 4500.88] is our +[4500.88 --> 4501.50] ability +[4501.50 --> 4502.60] to think, +[4503.14 --> 4504.18] to cognate. +[4506.02 --> 4506.74] Descartes, +[4506.98 --> 4507.48] famously, +[4507.98 --> 4508.84] some hundred +[4508.84 --> 4509.58] years before +[4509.58 --> 4510.08] the term +[4510.08 --> 4510.80] homo sapien +[4510.80 --> 4511.30] is used, +[4511.70 --> 4512.00] says, +[4512.20 --> 4512.82] cogito +[4512.82 --> 4513.82] ergo sum. +[4514.70 --> 4515.28] In fact, +[4515.42 --> 4515.92] in French, +[4516.46 --> 4517.00] je pense, +[4517.22 --> 4517.92] donc je suis. +[4517.92 --> 4519.36] I think, +[4519.80 --> 4520.34] therefore I +[4520.34 --> 4520.68] am. +[4521.86 --> 4522.34] And that +[4522.34 --> 4522.98] way of +[4522.98 --> 4523.68] understanding +[4523.68 --> 4524.08] what it +[4524.08 --> 4524.58] means to +[4524.58 --> 4525.30] be human +[4525.30 --> 4526.16] sort of +[4526.16 --> 4527.38] sets the +[4527.38 --> 4529.12] agenda +[4529.12 --> 4530.20] for +[4530.20 --> 4531.22] anthropology, +[4531.58 --> 4532.12] for thoughts +[4532.12 --> 4532.88] about being +[4532.88 --> 4533.34] human, +[4533.66 --> 4534.52] for the +[4534.52 --> 4534.94] next +[4534.94 --> 4535.90] centuries +[4535.90 --> 4537.86] and continues +[4537.86 --> 4538.26] in many +[4538.26 --> 4538.72] respects +[4538.72 --> 4539.56] to today. +[4541.64 --> 4541.90] Now, +[4541.98 --> 4542.80] more recently, +[4543.22 --> 4544.08] a Christian +[4544.08 --> 4544.86] philosopher +[4544.86 --> 4546.10] by the +[4546.10 --> 4546.64] name of +[4546.64 --> 4547.24] James K. +[4547.30 --> 4547.44] A. +[4547.50 --> 4547.80] Smith +[4547.80 --> 4549.76] challenges +[4549.76 --> 4550.58] the +[4550.58 --> 4551.28] fundamental +[4551.28 --> 4551.90] assumption +[4551.90 --> 4552.64] that +[4552.64 --> 4553.62] humans +[4553.62 --> 4554.12] are +[4554.12 --> 4554.92] primarily +[4554.92 --> 4555.82] thinking +[4555.82 --> 4556.54] creatures, +[4556.68 --> 4557.04] or that's +[4557.04 --> 4557.88] what defines +[4557.88 --> 4558.60] who we +[4558.60 --> 4558.80] are. +[4559.10 --> 4559.48] Instead, +[4560.16 --> 4561.04] Jamie Smith +[4561.04 --> 4562.04] says that +[4562.04 --> 4562.94] humans are +[4562.94 --> 4564.16] desiring +[4564.16 --> 4565.54] creatures. +[4567.42 --> 4568.18] Right? +[4568.26 --> 4568.50] That we +[4568.50 --> 4568.96] are +[4568.96 --> 4570.72] creatures +[4570.72 --> 4572.06] who love +[4572.06 --> 4573.00] first. +[4573.98 --> 4574.16] And so +[4574.16 --> 4574.48] there's a +[4574.48 --> 4575.18] contrast, +[4575.34 --> 4575.60] right, +[4575.76 --> 4576.88] that's going +[4576.88 --> 4577.46] on here +[4577.46 --> 4577.94] between +[4577.94 --> 4579.20] our human +[4579.20 --> 4579.66] people, +[4579.86 --> 4580.36] primarily +[4580.36 --> 4581.58] what Smith +[4581.58 --> 4582.36] characterizes +[4582.36 --> 4583.04] as a brain +[4583.04 --> 4583.76] on a stick, +[4584.20 --> 4585.14] or are you +[4585.14 --> 4585.68] a heart +[4585.68 --> 4586.90] with a soul? +[4587.78 --> 4588.52] Smith writes, +[4588.62 --> 4589.30] and you can +[4589.30 --> 4589.64] see it, +[4589.64 --> 4590.76] we are what +[4590.76 --> 4591.50] we love, +[4591.64 --> 4592.22] and our love +[4592.22 --> 4592.92] is shaped, +[4593.34 --> 4593.92] primed, +[4593.98 --> 4594.58] and aimed +[4594.58 --> 4595.54] by liturgical +[4595.54 --> 4596.56] practices that +[4596.56 --> 4597.22] take hold of +[4597.22 --> 4598.28] our gut and +[4598.28 --> 4598.88] aim our +[4598.88 --> 4599.58] heart to +[4599.58 --> 4600.36] certain ends. +[4601.96 --> 4602.26] And so +[4602.26 --> 4603.72] to speak +[4603.72 --> 4604.78] like Descartes, +[4605.28 --> 4607.82] ammo ergo sum, +[4608.24 --> 4609.02] I love, +[4609.32 --> 4610.64] therefore I am. +[4611.64 --> 4612.20] Now this +[4612.20 --> 4612.60] morning, +[4613.32 --> 4614.50] with credit to +[4614.50 --> 4616.20] Jamie Smith and +[4616.20 --> 4617.06] to the tradition +[4617.06 --> 4618.36] of Descartes, +[4618.46 --> 4619.66] I would like to +[4619.66 --> 4620.64] take those two +[4620.64 --> 4621.26] things, +[4621.32 --> 4622.60] I think and I +[4622.60 --> 4623.02] love, +[4623.02 --> 4623.90] therefore I am, +[4623.98 --> 4624.78] and put them +[4624.78 --> 4625.88] together into +[4625.88 --> 4626.58] what I think is +[4626.58 --> 4627.24] more accurate +[4627.24 --> 4630.08] and a more +[4630.08 --> 4631.66] faithful understanding +[4631.66 --> 4632.38] of what it means +[4632.38 --> 4633.00] to be human. +[4633.76 --> 4634.52] To that end, +[4634.62 --> 4635.54] I think we can +[4635.54 --> 4636.08] say, +[4636.56 --> 4638.64] adoro ergo sum, +[4639.40 --> 4640.54] I worship, +[4641.34 --> 4643.04] therefore I am. +[4643.04 --> 4644.86] I am. +[4644.86 --> 4644.98] I am going to +[4644.98 --> 4645.94] suggest to you +[4645.94 --> 4647.16] that humans +[4647.16 --> 4648.88] are first +[4648.88 --> 4649.84] and foremost +[4649.84 --> 4651.00] worshipping +[4651.00 --> 4652.16] creatures. +[4653.78 --> 4654.12] And yes, +[4654.20 --> 4654.58] this is an +[4654.58 --> 4655.26] aspect of what +[4655.26 --> 4656.00] Smith talks about +[4656.00 --> 4656.74] his desiring, +[4657.18 --> 4657.84] but it is also +[4657.84 --> 4658.84] an aspect of +[4658.84 --> 4659.84] our thinking +[4659.84 --> 4660.68] and our reflection. +[4661.90 --> 4662.02] Right? +[4662.10 --> 4662.78] This isn't a +[4662.78 --> 4663.42] question of +[4663.42 --> 4664.24] whether or not +[4664.24 --> 4664.88] we worship, +[4665.68 --> 4666.44] but who +[4666.44 --> 4667.78] or what +[4667.78 --> 4668.36] and in what +[4668.36 --> 4669.56] way do we +[4669.56 --> 4669.82] worship. +[4670.68 --> 4670.90] Now, +[4671.12 --> 4671.94] let us make sure +[4671.94 --> 4672.26] we are on the +[4672.26 --> 4672.88] same page +[4672.88 --> 4673.70] and we will +[4673.70 --> 4674.34] define some +[4674.34 --> 4675.14] terms for a +[4675.14 --> 4675.38] moment. +[4676.12 --> 4677.16] Simply put, +[4677.90 --> 4679.60] worship is +[4679.60 --> 4681.08] acknowledging the +[4681.08 --> 4682.58] supreme worth +[4682.58 --> 4684.38] or value of +[4684.38 --> 4685.52] something in +[4685.52 --> 4686.18] our lives. +[4686.82 --> 4687.94] Worship is the +[4687.94 --> 4688.78] thing that you +[4688.78 --> 4690.48] pursue at the +[4690.48 --> 4691.34] expense of +[4691.34 --> 4692.10] other things. +[4693.58 --> 4693.90] Or, +[4694.00 --> 4694.44] even more +[4694.44 --> 4694.84] simply, +[4695.08 --> 4696.12] and you can +[4696.12 --> 4697.78] quantitatively +[4697.78 --> 4698.50] check this for +[4698.50 --> 4699.18] your own life, +[4699.40 --> 4701.40] worship is where +[4701.40 --> 4702.32] your attention +[4702.32 --> 4703.32] goes. +[4704.96 --> 4705.16] So, +[4705.22 --> 4705.46] what do you +[4705.46 --> 4705.92] spend your +[4705.92 --> 4706.92] time reflecting +[4706.92 --> 4708.06] on or doing? +[4708.16 --> 4708.68] What we give +[4708.68 --> 4709.56] our attention +[4709.56 --> 4712.02] to is what +[4712.02 --> 4712.56] we worship +[4712.56 --> 4713.40] or reveals +[4713.40 --> 4714.58] what we +[4714.58 --> 4714.86] worship. +[4716.22 --> 4717.30] And so, +[4717.50 --> 4718.42] it is the +[4718.42 --> 4720.30] thinking and +[4720.30 --> 4720.92] the loving +[4720.92 --> 4721.90] that come +[4721.90 --> 4723.54] together in +[4723.54 --> 4724.10] our worship, +[4724.70 --> 4725.06] in our +[4725.06 --> 4725.60] worshiping. +[4726.24 --> 4726.92] And I think +[4726.92 --> 4728.20] that since the +[4728.20 --> 4729.20] thinking and the +[4729.20 --> 4729.92] loving come +[4729.92 --> 4731.34] together in +[4731.34 --> 4732.22] our worship +[4732.22 --> 4732.90] and in this +[4732.90 --> 4733.88] act of worship +[4733.88 --> 4735.32] and worshiping, +[4735.66 --> 4737.12] I want to say +[4737.12 --> 4737.86] that that is +[4737.86 --> 4740.20] fundamental to +[4740.20 --> 4741.38] our anthropology, +[4741.70 --> 4742.14] to what it +[4742.14 --> 4743.16] means to be +[4743.16 --> 4743.90] human. +[4744.78 --> 4745.80] The kinds of +[4745.80 --> 4746.38] things that we +[4746.38 --> 4747.44] think about and +[4747.44 --> 4748.38] the kinds of +[4748.38 --> 4749.48] things or the +[4749.48 --> 4750.52] people or the +[4750.52 --> 4751.48] beings who we +[4751.48 --> 4752.92] love matters. +[4754.24 --> 4754.82] And so, +[4754.90 --> 4755.24] of course, +[4755.30 --> 4756.34] it's important for +[4756.34 --> 4757.28] us to reflect on +[4757.28 --> 4758.42] that and to +[4758.42 --> 4759.08] spend some time +[4759.08 --> 4760.00] thinking about +[4760.00 --> 4760.62] what shapes +[4760.62 --> 4762.08] those loves +[4762.08 --> 4763.08] and practices +[4763.08 --> 4764.16] and worship. +[4765.06 --> 4765.98] Our worship +[4765.98 --> 4767.08] shapes our +[4767.08 --> 4768.18] practices and +[4768.18 --> 4769.14] so our practices +[4769.14 --> 4770.64] in turn shape +[4770.64 --> 4771.26] our lives. +[4772.48 --> 4772.96] That's just +[4772.96 --> 4773.48] another way of +[4773.48 --> 4774.12] saying what we +[4774.12 --> 4775.04] do impacts +[4775.04 --> 4775.58] who we are. +[4776.52 --> 4777.14] What we +[4777.14 --> 4777.74] worship, +[4778.10 --> 4778.70] therefore, +[4778.88 --> 4780.62] determines who +[4780.62 --> 4781.04] we are. +[4782.38 --> 4782.68] Now, +[4782.72 --> 4783.32] given this +[4783.32 --> 4784.32] clear truth, +[4784.38 --> 4785.14] I think it's +[4785.14 --> 4786.08] really important +[4786.08 --> 4787.60] to reflect on +[4787.60 --> 4788.32] the kinds of +[4788.32 --> 4789.02] things that +[4789.02 --> 4790.14] cause us to +[4790.14 --> 4790.54] worship, +[4790.68 --> 4791.20] the kinds of +[4791.20 --> 4791.96] things that +[4791.96 --> 4793.10] shape our +[4793.10 --> 4794.08] worshiping. +[4794.76 --> 4795.66] In the Bible +[4795.66 --> 4796.14] text this +[4796.14 --> 4796.44] morning, +[4797.16 --> 4798.38] Paul gives +[4798.38 --> 4799.12] us what I +[4799.12 --> 4799.86] believe to be +[4799.86 --> 4800.64] an excellent +[4800.64 --> 4801.88] example of +[4801.88 --> 4803.10] how good +[4803.10 --> 4803.94] theology, +[4804.92 --> 4806.04] and theology +[4806.04 --> 4807.46] is good ideas +[4807.46 --> 4808.18] and doctrines +[4808.18 --> 4808.86] about who God +[4808.86 --> 4809.18] is, +[4809.34 --> 4809.84] that good +[4809.84 --> 4810.56] theology +[4810.56 --> 4811.62] naturally +[4811.62 --> 4813.02] turns into +[4813.02 --> 4813.84] praise. +[4813.84 --> 4817.66] let me put +[4817.66 --> 4818.00] it together +[4818.00 --> 4818.50] another way. +[4821.24 --> 4821.84] Superficial +[4821.84 --> 4822.92] ideas about +[4822.92 --> 4824.54] God will +[4824.54 --> 4825.08] lead to +[4825.08 --> 4825.64] superficial +[4825.64 --> 4826.54] worship of +[4826.54 --> 4826.84] God. +[4828.66 --> 4829.24] Think of it +[4829.24 --> 4829.78] by analogy. +[4830.12 --> 4830.48] The more +[4830.48 --> 4831.00] you know +[4831.00 --> 4831.48] someone, +[4831.66 --> 4831.94] the more +[4831.94 --> 4832.42] you know +[4832.42 --> 4832.82] about +[4832.82 --> 4833.32] someone, +[4833.46 --> 4834.00] the deeper +[4834.00 --> 4834.98] your affections +[4834.98 --> 4835.62] for them +[4835.62 --> 4836.14] can be. +[4837.56 --> 4838.28] In our +[4838.28 --> 4838.64] series, +[4838.78 --> 4839.08] through the +[4839.08 --> 4839.52] book of +[4839.52 --> 4839.92] Romans, +[4840.08 --> 4840.56] Paul has +[4840.56 --> 4841.00] just spent +[4841.00 --> 4841.40] the last +[4841.40 --> 4842.28] three chapters +[4842.28 --> 4844.58] digging deep +[4844.58 --> 4845.44] into the +[4845.44 --> 4845.94] sovereignty +[4845.94 --> 4846.62] of God, +[4846.74 --> 4847.38] digging deep +[4847.38 --> 4847.86] into the +[4847.86 --> 4848.30] hope and +[4848.30 --> 4848.86] the promise +[4848.86 --> 4849.66] of salvation, +[4850.16 --> 4850.82] digging deep +[4850.82 --> 4851.40] into the +[4851.40 --> 4852.00] complexities +[4852.00 --> 4852.66] and the +[4852.66 --> 4853.10] mysteries +[4853.10 --> 4854.24] of election, +[4854.78 --> 4855.40] digging deep +[4855.40 --> 4856.02] into the +[4856.02 --> 4856.90] unsearchable +[4856.90 --> 4858.26] and unfathomable +[4858.26 --> 4859.38] beyond tracing +[4859.38 --> 4860.36] out ways +[4860.36 --> 4860.90] of God. +[4860.98 --> 4861.30] And now +[4861.30 --> 4861.86] he comes +[4861.86 --> 4862.20] to the +[4862.20 --> 4862.86] point at +[4862.86 --> 4863.20] the end +[4863.20 --> 4863.54] of all +[4863.54 --> 4864.02] that deep +[4864.02 --> 4864.28] digging, +[4864.78 --> 4865.84] and he +[4865.84 --> 4866.94] can't help +[4866.94 --> 4868.20] but worship. +[4868.20 --> 4870.32] good +[4870.32 --> 4871.04] theology +[4871.04 --> 4872.04] leads +[4872.04 --> 4872.64] to +[4872.64 --> 4873.86] doxology. +[4875.48 --> 4876.14] Doxology +[4876.14 --> 4876.86] is the +[4876.86 --> 4877.44] word we +[4877.44 --> 4877.92] use in +[4877.92 --> 4878.36] the church +[4878.36 --> 4879.22] that means +[4879.22 --> 4880.70] speaking glory +[4880.70 --> 4881.22] or a +[4881.22 --> 4881.96] word of +[4881.96 --> 4882.48] glory. +[4882.66 --> 4882.84] It's a +[4882.84 --> 4883.14] combination +[4883.14 --> 4883.84] of two +[4883.84 --> 4884.20] Greek +[4884.20 --> 4884.60] words, +[4885.06 --> 4885.42] doxa, +[4885.58 --> 4885.88] which means +[4885.88 --> 4886.38] praise or +[4886.38 --> 4886.70] glory, +[4886.86 --> 4887.42] and logos, +[4887.70 --> 4888.00] which means +[4888.00 --> 4888.52] word or +[4888.52 --> 4889.04] to speak. +[4889.62 --> 4890.26] Doxology. +[4890.68 --> 4891.40] Doxology +[4891.40 --> 4892.04] then is an +[4892.04 --> 4892.90] expression of +[4892.90 --> 4894.02] praise to +[4894.02 --> 4894.54] God. +[4894.64 --> 4894.92] It's a +[4894.92 --> 4895.52] confession +[4895.52 --> 4897.28] of adoration. +[4898.20 --> 4899.68] If you've +[4899.68 --> 4900.18] been around +[4900.18 --> 4901.62] churches, +[4901.90 --> 4902.34] and especially +[4902.34 --> 4902.94] our church +[4902.94 --> 4903.44] tradition, +[4903.74 --> 4904.70] for a while, +[4904.82 --> 4905.16] you might +[4905.16 --> 4906.00] know that +[4906.00 --> 4906.66] sometimes at +[4906.66 --> 4906.96] the end +[4906.96 --> 4907.40] of worship +[4907.40 --> 4907.94] we sing +[4907.94 --> 4908.38] a song +[4908.38 --> 4908.66] that's +[4908.66 --> 4909.02] called +[4909.02 --> 4909.28] the +[4909.28 --> 4910.02] doxology, +[4910.54 --> 4910.68] right? +[4910.80 --> 4911.10] Praise +[4911.10 --> 4911.48] God +[4911.48 --> 4912.04] from whom +[4912.04 --> 4912.74] all blessings +[4912.74 --> 4913.14] flow. +[4913.32 --> 4913.62] Praise +[4913.62 --> 4913.94] him, +[4914.02 --> 4914.54] all creatures +[4914.54 --> 4915.12] here below. +[4917.92 --> 4918.42] And so +[4918.42 --> 4920.10] using this +[4920.10 --> 4922.02] text from +[4922.02 --> 4922.82] Romans 11, +[4923.60 --> 4924.76] these four +[4924.76 --> 4925.48] verses here, +[4925.88 --> 4926.48] I would +[4926.48 --> 4927.28] like for +[4927.28 --> 4927.88] us to +[4927.88 --> 4928.56] spend the +[4928.56 --> 4928.80] rest of +[4928.80 --> 4929.32] our time +[4929.32 --> 4930.30] outlining +[4930.30 --> 4931.02] some of +[4931.02 --> 4931.78] the things, +[4931.90 --> 4932.14] some of +[4932.14 --> 4932.76] the ideas, +[4932.88 --> 4933.14] or some +[4933.14 --> 4933.38] of the +[4933.38 --> 4933.92] structures +[4933.92 --> 4935.50] that ought +[4935.50 --> 4936.08] to be +[4936.08 --> 4936.68] included +[4936.68 --> 4938.80] in our +[4938.80 --> 4939.48] approach +[4939.48 --> 4940.04] to +[4940.04 --> 4940.58] right +[4940.58 --> 4941.56] worship. +[4943.14 --> 4943.50] Okay, +[4943.54 --> 4943.80] now this +[4943.80 --> 4944.04] isn't +[4944.04 --> 4944.54] comprehensive, +[4945.12 --> 4945.52] there will +[4945.52 --> 4945.84] be things +[4945.84 --> 4946.04] that we +[4946.04 --> 4946.38] don't touch +[4946.38 --> 4946.92] upon today, +[4947.10 --> 4947.70] but at +[4947.70 --> 4948.46] least these +[4948.46 --> 4949.40] four things +[4949.40 --> 4950.42] need to +[4950.42 --> 4951.28] shape part +[4951.28 --> 4952.04] of our +[4952.04 --> 4952.90] understanding +[4952.90 --> 4953.84] of worship. +[4954.02 --> 4954.64] And then, +[4954.82 --> 4955.30] based on +[4955.30 --> 4955.56] that, +[4955.62 --> 4955.94] I want us +[4955.94 --> 4956.54] to recognize +[4956.54 --> 4957.18] that if +[4957.18 --> 4957.72] we are +[4957.72 --> 4958.76] worshiping +[4958.76 --> 4959.66] creatures, +[4960.40 --> 4961.30] right worship +[4961.30 --> 4962.86] means living +[4962.86 --> 4963.66] in line +[4963.66 --> 4964.78] with our +[4964.78 --> 4965.52] purpose. +[4966.80 --> 4967.34] And so +[4967.34 --> 4968.80] getting worship +[4968.80 --> 4969.60] right and +[4969.60 --> 4970.66] rightly oriented +[4970.66 --> 4971.20] or rightly +[4971.20 --> 4971.66] directed, +[4971.92 --> 4972.70] rightly weighted, +[4973.20 --> 4973.96] that means +[4973.96 --> 4975.00] getting our +[4975.00 --> 4975.72] humanity +[4975.72 --> 4976.78] right. +[4978.06 --> 4978.62] And so +[4978.62 --> 4979.16] this is all +[4979.16 --> 4980.18] actually about +[4980.18 --> 4981.10] understanding +[4981.10 --> 4981.70] who you +[4981.70 --> 4982.26] are +[4982.26 --> 4983.94] in light +[4983.94 --> 4984.82] of our +[4984.82 --> 4985.36] understanding +[4985.36 --> 4985.80] of who +[4985.80 --> 4986.20] God +[4986.20 --> 4987.04] is. +[4988.36 --> 4988.60] In fact, +[4988.72 --> 4989.30] Irenaeus +[4989.30 --> 4990.32] is a +[4990.32 --> 4990.82] church father +[4990.82 --> 4991.20] from the +[4991.20 --> 4991.86] early second +[4991.86 --> 4992.44] century +[4992.44 --> 4993.38] of the +[4993.38 --> 4993.70] Christian +[4993.70 --> 4994.12] church, +[4994.14 --> 4994.46] and he +[4994.46 --> 4994.92] says, +[4995.40 --> 4996.46] rather plainly, +[4996.56 --> 4997.12] the glory +[4997.12 --> 4997.86] of God +[4997.86 --> 4998.48] is the +[4998.48 --> 4999.38] human being +[4999.38 --> 5000.00] fully +[5000.00 --> 5000.88] alive. +[5002.16 --> 5002.90] Part of +[5002.90 --> 5003.24] what that +[5003.24 --> 5003.76] means is +[5003.76 --> 5004.08] that for +[5004.08 --> 5004.56] us to +[5004.56 --> 5005.12] be fully +[5005.12 --> 5005.56] human, +[5005.76 --> 5006.04] fully +[5006.04 --> 5006.64] alive, +[5006.82 --> 5007.50] it means +[5007.50 --> 5007.86] we need +[5007.86 --> 5008.38] to rightly +[5008.38 --> 5009.18] encounter +[5009.18 --> 5010.50] and engage +[5010.50 --> 5011.84] and glorify +[5011.84 --> 5012.52] God. +[5014.24 --> 5014.56] And so +[5014.56 --> 5015.02] as we look +[5015.02 --> 5015.32] at what +[5015.32 --> 5016.30] Paul says +[5016.30 --> 5016.48] here, +[5016.56 --> 5016.78] we will +[5016.78 --> 5017.28] make four +[5017.28 --> 5017.76] points. +[5017.84 --> 5018.26] The first +[5018.26 --> 5019.12] point to +[5019.12 --> 5020.50] make is +[5020.50 --> 5021.56] that right +[5021.56 --> 5022.68] worship is +[5022.68 --> 5024.16] exalting in +[5024.16 --> 5024.92] who God +[5024.92 --> 5025.76] is and +[5025.76 --> 5026.52] what God +[5026.52 --> 5027.08] does. +[5028.06 --> 5028.76] Verse 33 +[5028.76 --> 5029.26] says, +[5029.98 --> 5030.18] Oh, +[5030.30 --> 5030.96] the depths +[5030.96 --> 5031.44] of the +[5031.44 --> 5032.12] riches of +[5032.12 --> 5032.64] the wisdom +[5032.64 --> 5033.20] and the +[5033.20 --> 5034.18] knowledge of +[5034.18 --> 5034.50] God. +[5035.60 --> 5035.82] Now, +[5036.16 --> 5037.28] if you +[5037.28 --> 5037.74] have +[5037.74 --> 5039.04] the eyes +[5039.04 --> 5039.52] to see +[5039.52 --> 5039.92] and to +[5039.92 --> 5040.30] remember +[5040.30 --> 5041.00] this long +[5041.00 --> 5041.28] journey +[5041.28 --> 5041.76] that we've +[5041.76 --> 5042.30] been on, +[5042.42 --> 5043.04] this is +[5043.04 --> 5043.64] not new +[5043.64 --> 5044.42] language for +[5044.42 --> 5044.74] Paul. +[5045.72 --> 5046.28] In the +[5046.28 --> 5046.80] beginning of +[5046.80 --> 5047.10] the letter, +[5047.20 --> 5047.74] already in +[5047.74 --> 5048.52] chapter 2, +[5049.02 --> 5049.68] Paul says, +[5049.86 --> 5050.18] Do you +[5050.18 --> 5050.94] show contempt +[5050.94 --> 5051.48] for the +[5051.48 --> 5052.30] riches of +[5052.30 --> 5053.14] his kindness, +[5053.68 --> 5054.34] forbearance, +[5054.48 --> 5055.06] and patience? +[5055.86 --> 5056.32] Throughout, +[5056.52 --> 5056.96] Paul's +[5056.96 --> 5057.58] theology +[5057.58 --> 5058.72] reveals the +[5058.72 --> 5059.08] riches, +[5059.38 --> 5060.48] the magnitude, +[5060.88 --> 5061.60] the abundance +[5061.60 --> 5062.52] of God's +[5062.52 --> 5063.06] kindness, +[5063.72 --> 5064.48] and his +[5064.48 --> 5065.36] forbearance. +[5065.78 --> 5066.42] That's a +[5066.42 --> 5067.48] fancy word +[5067.48 --> 5067.88] for his +[5067.88 --> 5068.54] waiting in +[5068.54 --> 5068.90] mercy, +[5069.10 --> 5069.38] his +[5069.38 --> 5070.16] forbearance, +[5070.24 --> 5070.84] and his +[5070.84 --> 5071.62] patience. +[5073.00 --> 5073.58] Paul uses +[5073.58 --> 5074.26] this same +[5074.26 --> 5075.26] language of +[5075.26 --> 5076.06] riches in +[5076.06 --> 5076.80] chapter 9, +[5076.90 --> 5077.68] in verse 23. +[5078.68 --> 5079.14] He says, +[5079.28 --> 5080.00] What if God +[5080.00 --> 5080.72] did this +[5080.72 --> 5081.24] to make +[5081.24 --> 5081.98] the riches +[5081.98 --> 5082.82] of his +[5082.82 --> 5083.94] glory known +[5083.94 --> 5084.44] to the +[5084.44 --> 5084.98] objects +[5084.98 --> 5085.74] of his +[5085.74 --> 5086.10] mercy? +[5087.68 --> 5088.48] If the +[5088.48 --> 5089.30] question of +[5089.30 --> 5090.28] right worship +[5090.28 --> 5091.70] centers around +[5091.70 --> 5092.24] the right +[5092.24 --> 5093.10] object of +[5093.10 --> 5093.46] worship, +[5093.78 --> 5094.38] we must +[5094.38 --> 5095.02] recognize, +[5095.22 --> 5095.38] therefore, +[5095.38 --> 5095.80] that it +[5095.80 --> 5096.88] is God +[5096.88 --> 5097.48] who is +[5097.48 --> 5098.30] rich in +[5098.30 --> 5099.14] glory, +[5099.82 --> 5100.22] and that +[5100.22 --> 5100.58] it means +[5100.58 --> 5100.94] that it +[5100.94 --> 5101.48] is God +[5101.48 --> 5101.92] who is +[5101.92 --> 5102.74] rich in +[5102.74 --> 5103.50] worthiness +[5103.50 --> 5103.94] to be +[5103.94 --> 5104.44] praised, +[5104.78 --> 5105.44] who is +[5105.44 --> 5106.24] the most +[5106.24 --> 5106.74] holy, +[5106.94 --> 5107.36] the most +[5107.36 --> 5107.78] righteous, +[5107.98 --> 5108.56] true light +[5108.56 --> 5109.48] of true +[5109.48 --> 5109.82] light. +[5111.40 --> 5112.00] And then +[5112.00 --> 5112.54] Paul continues +[5112.54 --> 5112.88] in the +[5112.88 --> 5114.42] same chapter, +[5115.06 --> 5115.96] Paul uses +[5115.96 --> 5116.40] the language +[5116.40 --> 5116.82] of riches +[5116.82 --> 5117.26] again, +[5117.58 --> 5118.12] talking about +[5118.12 --> 5118.80] the Gentiles +[5118.80 --> 5119.10] and the +[5119.10 --> 5119.56] Israelites +[5119.56 --> 5120.84] being saved +[5120.84 --> 5121.16] by the +[5121.16 --> 5121.58] mercy of +[5121.58 --> 5121.82] God. +[5121.90 --> 5122.16] In verse +[5122.16 --> 5122.44] 11, +[5122.52 --> 5122.86] he says, +[5123.38 --> 5123.86] if their +[5123.86 --> 5124.62] transgression +[5124.62 --> 5125.68] means riches +[5125.68 --> 5126.20] for the +[5126.20 --> 5127.20] world and +[5127.20 --> 5127.74] their loss +[5127.74 --> 5128.32] means riches +[5128.32 --> 5128.68] for the +[5128.68 --> 5129.18] Gentiles, +[5129.28 --> 5129.72] how much +[5129.72 --> 5130.56] greater riches +[5130.56 --> 5131.12] will their +[5131.12 --> 5132.16] full inclusion +[5132.16 --> 5132.96] bring? +[5133.84 --> 5134.50] The point +[5134.50 --> 5135.18] here that +[5135.18 --> 5136.00] brings Paul +[5136.00 --> 5136.70] to worship +[5136.70 --> 5137.34] is the +[5137.34 --> 5138.50] riches of +[5138.50 --> 5139.30] the magnitude +[5139.30 --> 5139.98] of God's +[5139.98 --> 5140.58] plan for +[5140.58 --> 5141.58] redemption, +[5141.82 --> 5142.46] for salvation. +[5143.42 --> 5143.64] And it +[5143.64 --> 5144.42] makes him +[5144.42 --> 5145.22] worthy of +[5145.22 --> 5145.58] praise, +[5145.68 --> 5146.20] makes God +[5146.20 --> 5146.88] worthy of +[5146.88 --> 5147.14] praise. +[5147.58 --> 5148.72] The scope +[5148.72 --> 5149.32] of God's +[5149.32 --> 5149.76] mercy, +[5149.88 --> 5150.30] the scope +[5150.30 --> 5150.78] of God's +[5150.78 --> 5151.22] redemption, +[5151.60 --> 5152.66] it is so +[5152.66 --> 5154.24] massive and +[5154.24 --> 5155.54] the majesty +[5155.54 --> 5156.20] of it just +[5156.20 --> 5157.52] makes Paul +[5157.52 --> 5158.38] sing. +[5159.70 --> 5160.14] He sings +[5160.14 --> 5160.64] about who +[5160.64 --> 5161.40] God is. +[5162.68 --> 5163.28] The depths +[5163.28 --> 5163.74] of the +[5163.74 --> 5164.20] riches of +[5164.20 --> 5164.68] God make +[5164.68 --> 5165.20] him worthy +[5165.20 --> 5165.82] of our +[5165.82 --> 5166.20] praise. +[5166.40 --> 5167.02] The depths +[5167.02 --> 5167.46] of the +[5167.46 --> 5167.92] riches of +[5167.92 --> 5168.52] the wisdom +[5168.52 --> 5169.14] of God, +[5169.24 --> 5170.42] his omniscience +[5170.42 --> 5170.98] make him +[5170.98 --> 5171.74] worthy of +[5171.74 --> 5172.18] praise. +[5173.64 --> 5174.64] It's his +[5174.64 --> 5175.90] wisdom and +[5175.90 --> 5176.64] his knowledge, +[5176.94 --> 5177.74] his omniscience +[5177.74 --> 5178.48] that in part +[5178.48 --> 5179.42] make God +[5179.42 --> 5179.82] God. +[5180.30 --> 5180.98] They're +[5180.98 --> 5181.70] characteristics +[5181.70 --> 5182.68] of his +[5182.68 --> 5183.84] Godness. +[5186.52 --> 5187.48] What we +[5187.48 --> 5187.78] begin to +[5187.78 --> 5188.36] see is +[5188.36 --> 5189.74] that right +[5189.74 --> 5190.74] doxology, +[5191.72 --> 5192.36] right worship, +[5192.88 --> 5193.70] requires +[5193.70 --> 5195.58] right theology. +[5196.58 --> 5197.12] Worship +[5197.12 --> 5198.42] exalts in +[5198.42 --> 5199.12] who God +[5199.12 --> 5199.96] is and +[5199.96 --> 5200.58] what God +[5200.58 --> 5201.42] does, +[5201.52 --> 5201.74] but it +[5201.74 --> 5202.68] is only +[5202.68 --> 5203.22] God's +[5203.22 --> 5203.78] revelation +[5203.78 --> 5204.62] of himself +[5204.62 --> 5205.22] then that +[5205.22 --> 5205.90] can inform +[5205.90 --> 5206.84] our worship +[5206.84 --> 5207.62] of God's +[5207.62 --> 5208.08] self. +[5208.08 --> 5208.90] right? +[5208.94 --> 5209.20] If we +[5209.20 --> 5210.18] begin to +[5210.18 --> 5210.62] substitute +[5210.62 --> 5211.32] personal +[5211.32 --> 5212.04] experience +[5212.04 --> 5212.38] in the +[5212.38 --> 5212.80] place of +[5212.80 --> 5212.90] an +[5212.90 --> 5213.44] experience +[5213.44 --> 5214.08] of God, +[5214.72 --> 5215.76] we miss +[5215.76 --> 5216.34] and are +[5216.34 --> 5216.70] missing +[5216.70 --> 5217.58] true worship +[5217.58 --> 5218.86] and therefore, +[5219.32 --> 5219.80] in line with +[5219.80 --> 5220.48] my thesis +[5220.48 --> 5220.94] for you this +[5220.94 --> 5221.22] morning, +[5221.64 --> 5221.92] we are +[5221.92 --> 5222.28] missing +[5222.28 --> 5223.12] our true +[5223.12 --> 5223.78] humanity. +[5225.46 --> 5225.74] Worship +[5225.74 --> 5226.90] is exalting +[5226.90 --> 5227.34] in who +[5227.34 --> 5228.02] God is +[5228.02 --> 5228.66] and what +[5228.66 --> 5229.10] God +[5229.10 --> 5229.88] has +[5229.88 --> 5230.50] done. +[5230.50 --> 5231.50] God +[5231.50 --> 5232.26] is +[5232.26 --> 5232.58] the second +[5232.58 --> 5232.98] thing to +[5232.98 --> 5234.32] see from +[5234.32 --> 5234.84] Paul's +[5234.84 --> 5235.56] doxology +[5235.56 --> 5237.52] is that +[5237.52 --> 5238.44] right worship +[5238.44 --> 5240.32] will involve, +[5240.48 --> 5241.10] necessarily +[5241.10 --> 5241.98] involves, +[5242.54 --> 5243.06] mystery. +[5244.14 --> 5244.40] At the +[5244.40 --> 5245.18] second part +[5245.18 --> 5245.58] of verse +[5245.58 --> 5246.08] 33, +[5246.72 --> 5247.16] Paul says +[5247.16 --> 5248.54] how unsearchable +[5248.54 --> 5249.36] his judgments +[5249.36 --> 5250.16] and his +[5250.16 --> 5251.30] path beyond +[5251.30 --> 5252.44] tracing out. +[5253.80 --> 5254.44] The reality +[5254.44 --> 5254.74] here, +[5254.78 --> 5254.94] right, +[5255.00 --> 5255.62] is that if +[5255.62 --> 5256.12] we are +[5256.12 --> 5256.82] worshiping +[5256.82 --> 5257.30] the true +[5257.30 --> 5258.16] God as +[5258.16 --> 5258.58] he is +[5258.58 --> 5259.26] revealed in +[5259.26 --> 5259.74] the Bible, +[5259.74 --> 5260.78] that also +[5260.78 --> 5261.56] means there +[5261.56 --> 5262.58] will necessarily +[5262.58 --> 5263.60] be things +[5263.60 --> 5264.36] about God +[5264.36 --> 5265.04] that we +[5265.04 --> 5265.50] cannot +[5265.50 --> 5266.96] or do +[5266.96 --> 5267.68] not and +[5267.68 --> 5268.56] will never +[5268.56 --> 5269.30] comprehend. +[5274.28 --> 5275.26] If the +[5275.26 --> 5275.88] God you +[5275.88 --> 5276.44] worship +[5276.44 --> 5277.56] makes sense +[5277.56 --> 5278.02] to you, +[5278.98 --> 5279.58] he is not +[5279.58 --> 5279.88] God. +[5282.06 --> 5282.30] Now, +[5283.30 --> 5284.14] God wants +[5284.14 --> 5284.84] to be known +[5284.84 --> 5285.50] and he wants +[5285.50 --> 5285.92] to make +[5285.92 --> 5286.72] himself known +[5286.72 --> 5287.10] and so +[5287.10 --> 5287.90] what is +[5287.90 --> 5288.78] necessary to +[5288.78 --> 5289.20] be known +[5289.20 --> 5289.66] about God +[5289.66 --> 5290.18] can be +[5290.18 --> 5290.82] known about +[5290.82 --> 5291.04] him. +[5292.14 --> 5292.88] But don't +[5292.88 --> 5293.44] mistake what +[5293.44 --> 5294.08] is necessary +[5294.08 --> 5294.64] to be known +[5294.64 --> 5295.12] about God +[5295.12 --> 5295.44] for the +[5295.44 --> 5296.40] whole of +[5296.40 --> 5296.78] who God +[5296.78 --> 5297.08] is. +[5300.40 --> 5300.88] Now, +[5300.92 --> 5301.24] this means +[5301.24 --> 5302.60] a couple +[5302.60 --> 5302.96] things. +[5305.56 --> 5306.28] But most +[5306.28 --> 5306.74] importantly, +[5307.14 --> 5307.54] perhaps, +[5308.58 --> 5309.52] it means +[5309.52 --> 5311.10] that +[5311.10 --> 5313.46] it is +[5313.46 --> 5314.38] unreasonable +[5314.38 --> 5315.70] God is +[5315.70 --> 5316.16] for me +[5316.16 --> 5316.90] to have +[5316.90 --> 5316.92] to have +[5316.92 --> 5316.94] to have +[5316.94 --> 5318.66] an expectation +[5318.66 --> 5319.64] that everything +[5319.64 --> 5320.56] God does +[5320.56 --> 5321.20] or everything +[5321.20 --> 5322.38] God will +[5322.38 --> 5323.12] do will +[5323.12 --> 5323.76] make sense +[5323.76 --> 5324.22] to me, +[5325.16 --> 5325.82] will make +[5325.82 --> 5326.56] sense to my +[5326.56 --> 5327.26] experience, +[5327.26 --> 5327.84] or will make +[5327.84 --> 5328.40] sense to my +[5328.40 --> 5328.72] brain. +[5330.80 --> 5331.70] Some of us +[5331.70 --> 5332.96] have been so +[5332.96 --> 5333.80] angry with +[5333.80 --> 5334.56] God because +[5334.56 --> 5335.16] it doesn't make +[5335.16 --> 5336.10] sense what +[5336.10 --> 5336.70] he is doing +[5336.70 --> 5337.36] or what he is +[5337.36 --> 5337.98] not doing +[5337.98 --> 5338.94] that we've just +[5338.94 --> 5339.76] denied his +[5339.76 --> 5340.52] existence as a +[5340.52 --> 5340.78] result. +[5340.78 --> 5341.10] But that +[5341.10 --> 5341.74] rests on the +[5341.74 --> 5342.72] idea that +[5342.72 --> 5343.34] whatever God +[5343.34 --> 5344.08] does has to +[5344.08 --> 5344.50] make sense +[5344.50 --> 5344.86] to me. +[5345.94 --> 5346.60] But that's +[5346.60 --> 5347.06] not the God +[5347.06 --> 5347.54] of the Bible. +[5348.70 --> 5349.68] It can't be +[5349.68 --> 5350.92] that simple. +[5352.50 --> 5353.10] And in fact, +[5353.62 --> 5354.90] if we read +[5354.90 --> 5355.56] the Bible from +[5355.56 --> 5355.96] beginning to +[5355.96 --> 5356.40] end, you +[5356.40 --> 5356.80] have people +[5356.80 --> 5357.52] like Job, +[5358.36 --> 5358.76] right, who +[5358.76 --> 5359.38] tried to +[5359.38 --> 5359.84] think that +[5359.84 --> 5360.18] way. +[5361.00 --> 5361.40] And if you +[5361.40 --> 5361.64] know the +[5361.64 --> 5362.28] end of Job, +[5362.98 --> 5363.86] sure changed. +[5364.38 --> 5364.60] You have +[5364.60 --> 5365.02] people like +[5365.02 --> 5366.12] Habakkuk or +[5366.12 --> 5367.32] Ezekiel who +[5367.32 --> 5368.46] were overwhelmed +[5368.46 --> 5369.58] by the mystery +[5369.58 --> 5370.52] of this +[5370.52 --> 5371.28] amazing God. +[5371.32 --> 5371.68] Or you have +[5371.68 --> 5372.10] people like +[5372.10 --> 5372.54] Mary, +[5372.90 --> 5373.58] blessed Mary, +[5373.82 --> 5374.12] when the +[5374.12 --> 5374.76] angel came to +[5374.76 --> 5375.22] her and said +[5375.22 --> 5375.68] this is going +[5375.68 --> 5375.96] on, she +[5375.96 --> 5376.50] said, how +[5376.50 --> 5377.30] can this +[5377.30 --> 5377.94] be? +[5379.46 --> 5380.42] There will +[5380.42 --> 5381.50] be a +[5381.50 --> 5382.70] mystery in +[5382.70 --> 5383.48] our experience +[5383.48 --> 5384.28] of God and +[5384.28 --> 5385.26] so there must +[5385.26 --> 5386.68] be a mystery +[5386.68 --> 5387.86] in our theology. +[5388.00 --> 5388.34] There must be +[5388.34 --> 5389.50] room for the +[5389.50 --> 5390.06] mystery, for +[5390.06 --> 5391.02] the unknown. +[5391.78 --> 5392.12] And in fact, +[5392.54 --> 5393.30] we participated +[5393.30 --> 5394.48] in some of +[5394.48 --> 5395.08] that mystery +[5395.08 --> 5395.72] this morning +[5395.72 --> 5396.46] in baptism. +[5397.60 --> 5397.72] Right? +[5397.82 --> 5398.80] Precisely how +[5398.80 --> 5399.64] a sacrament +[5399.64 --> 5400.96] is used by +[5400.96 --> 5401.52] God as a +[5401.52 --> 5401.96] means of +[5401.96 --> 5402.84] grace, whether +[5402.84 --> 5403.52] it's baptism +[5403.52 --> 5404.28] in the water +[5404.28 --> 5405.28] calling this +[5405.28 --> 5406.30] child, beautiful +[5406.30 --> 5407.24] Ava, into a +[5407.24 --> 5408.04] covenant relationship +[5408.04 --> 5408.88] with God, or +[5408.88 --> 5409.76] whether next week +[5409.76 --> 5410.34] when we come to +[5410.34 --> 5411.06] the Lord's table +[5411.06 --> 5412.08] it's the mystery +[5412.08 --> 5412.70] of how the +[5412.70 --> 5413.70] bread and the +[5413.70 --> 5414.46] juice become +[5414.46 --> 5415.32] for us the +[5415.32 --> 5416.30] real spiritual +[5416.30 --> 5417.20] presence of the +[5417.20 --> 5417.90] body and blood +[5417.90 --> 5418.42] of Jesus. +[5418.80 --> 5420.04] These mysteries +[5420.04 --> 5421.12] are necessary +[5421.12 --> 5422.98] for us to +[5422.98 --> 5423.84] engage and be +[5423.84 --> 5425.52] engaged by God. +[5425.52 --> 5425.54] God. +[5428.24 --> 5428.94] And here's +[5428.94 --> 5429.28] what I want +[5429.28 --> 5429.78] you to hear +[5429.78 --> 5431.80] because even +[5431.80 --> 5432.48] as confusing +[5432.48 --> 5432.86] and as +[5432.86 --> 5433.58] difficult and +[5433.58 --> 5435.46] as obfuscating +[5435.46 --> 5436.04] as the +[5436.04 --> 5436.76] mysteries of +[5436.76 --> 5437.26] God are, +[5437.34 --> 5437.96] and I use +[5437.96 --> 5438.26] that word +[5438.26 --> 5438.74] intentionally +[5438.74 --> 5439.62] because the +[5439.62 --> 5440.40] word obfuscate +[5440.40 --> 5440.86] means to +[5440.86 --> 5441.44] confuse and +[5441.44 --> 5441.84] whenever you +[5441.84 --> 5442.32] hear it you're +[5442.32 --> 5442.92] confused about +[5442.92 --> 5443.36] what the word +[5443.36 --> 5443.74] means. +[5445.58 --> 5446.40] These things +[5446.40 --> 5447.30] are necessary +[5447.30 --> 5448.24] for our +[5448.24 --> 5449.46] worship to +[5449.46 --> 5450.78] be genuine, +[5450.96 --> 5451.64] both genuine +[5451.64 --> 5452.32] in the sense +[5452.32 --> 5453.08] of the +[5453.08 --> 5453.76] worshiping of +[5453.76 --> 5454.26] the one true +[5454.26 --> 5454.98] God, but also +[5454.98 --> 5455.70] genuine in the +[5455.70 --> 5456.60] sense of this +[5456.60 --> 5457.34] is me, all +[5457.34 --> 5458.22] of who I am, +[5458.58 --> 5459.32] questions and +[5459.32 --> 5460.16] doubts and +[5460.16 --> 5461.40] struggles alike +[5461.40 --> 5462.36] in the presence +[5462.36 --> 5463.52] of this God +[5463.52 --> 5463.90] is. +[5464.16 --> 5464.88] Because there is +[5464.88 --> 5465.74] mystery in God +[5465.74 --> 5466.56] that means we +[5466.56 --> 5467.24] can bring our +[5467.24 --> 5468.36] doubts and our +[5468.36 --> 5469.34] things unknown +[5469.34 --> 5470.68] and the things +[5470.68 --> 5471.84] unknown of our +[5471.84 --> 5472.72] lives and of our +[5472.72 --> 5473.84] stories into the +[5473.84 --> 5475.06] relationship that +[5475.06 --> 5475.90] we have with God, +[5475.98 --> 5476.60] into the very +[5476.60 --> 5478.10] worship of who +[5478.10 --> 5479.08] God is. +[5479.56 --> 5480.52] Having doubts +[5480.52 --> 5481.80] and being amazed +[5481.80 --> 5482.46] at the mysteries +[5482.46 --> 5483.74] of faith is not +[5483.76 --> 5484.76] a weak faith, +[5484.88 --> 5485.70] it is an act +[5485.70 --> 5486.58] of faith. +[5487.74 --> 5488.66] The journey of +[5488.66 --> 5489.26] faith for the +[5489.26 --> 5490.22] Christian and +[5490.22 --> 5491.52] of discipleship is +[5491.52 --> 5492.32] faith-seeking +[5492.32 --> 5493.68] understanding, yes +[5493.68 --> 5494.94] and amen, but it +[5494.94 --> 5496.76] is also faith-seeking +[5496.76 --> 5497.40] humility. +[5498.66 --> 5499.92] It is a faith-seeking +[5499.92 --> 5500.88] a right recognition +[5500.88 --> 5501.82] of who God is +[5501.82 --> 5502.68] and what that means +[5502.68 --> 5503.40] for my willingness +[5503.40 --> 5504.70] to accept and +[5504.70 --> 5505.88] to worship in the +[5505.88 --> 5506.48] midst of those +[5506.48 --> 5507.14] things that I do +[5507.14 --> 5508.78] not know, in the +[5508.78 --> 5509.22] midst of those +[5509.22 --> 5509.68] things that I +[5509.68 --> 5510.60] cannot understand. +[5510.60 --> 5511.60] faith-seeking +[5511.60 --> 5513.84] and let me be +[5513.84 --> 5515.64] really clear about +[5515.64 --> 5516.12] this then. +[5517.22 --> 5519.66] Far from rejecting +[5519.66 --> 5521.42] your doubts, far +[5521.42 --> 5523.56] from ignoring your +[5523.56 --> 5524.78] doubts, far from +[5524.78 --> 5525.96] trying to bury them +[5525.96 --> 5527.46] deep within us and +[5527.46 --> 5528.68] not being a place +[5528.68 --> 5529.42] here where we can +[5529.42 --> 5530.22] talk about them and +[5530.22 --> 5531.44] engage them and hold +[5531.44 --> 5532.24] them up and ask +[5532.24 --> 5533.46] questions and bring +[5533.46 --> 5534.22] them into the light, +[5534.54 --> 5535.72] far from that, right +[5535.72 --> 5537.46] worship is precisely +[5537.46 --> 5538.82] the place to bring +[5538.82 --> 5539.36] your doubts. +[5540.52 --> 5541.22] Right worship is +[5541.22 --> 5542.30] precisely the place +[5542.30 --> 5543.86] to enter into the +[5543.86 --> 5546.12] things unknown as +[5546.12 --> 5546.92] we're met by God +[5546.92 --> 5547.56] here. +[5548.52 --> 5549.58] In fact, this moves +[5549.58 --> 5550.54] us right into the +[5550.54 --> 5551.74] third thing to see +[5551.74 --> 5553.24] from Paul's doxology +[5553.24 --> 5555.44] that helps us inform +[5555.44 --> 5556.90] our worship together. +[5557.60 --> 5559.72] Paul himself brings +[5559.72 --> 5560.54] his questions. +[5561.54 --> 5562.64] You notice in verse +[5562.64 --> 5564.80] 34 and 35 he's +[5564.80 --> 5565.46] asking questions. +[5566.28 --> 5567.12] Who has known the +[5567.12 --> 5568.00] mind of the Lord or +[5568.00 --> 5568.94] who has been his +[5568.94 --> 5569.36] counselor? +[5569.86 --> 5570.78] Who has ever given +[5570.78 --> 5571.82] to God that God +[5571.82 --> 5572.64] should repay them? +[5573.44 --> 5574.10] If you have +[5574.10 --> 5575.36] questions, bring them +[5575.36 --> 5577.76] to worship because +[5577.76 --> 5579.22] we are thinking +[5579.22 --> 5579.76] creatures. +[5580.32 --> 5580.94] We will have +[5580.94 --> 5581.44] questions. +[5581.58 --> 5582.30] We will have +[5582.30 --> 5583.00] doubts. +[5583.44 --> 5585.28] In fact, I +[5585.28 --> 5586.36] mentioned Descartes +[5586.36 --> 5587.40] earlier, his famous +[5587.40 --> 5588.64] line, cogito ergo +[5588.64 --> 5588.92] sum. +[5589.78 --> 5591.22] Later in life, in a +[5591.22 --> 5592.86] posthumously published +[5592.86 --> 5594.14] essay that he wrote, +[5594.46 --> 5596.12] he actually expands that +[5596.12 --> 5597.48] idea and he says, +[5597.86 --> 5599.50] I doubt, therefore I +[5599.50 --> 5601.84] think, and so I am. +[5603.38 --> 5604.66] Ask your questions. +[5605.52 --> 5606.36] Have your doubts. +[5606.80 --> 5607.90] Wrestle with them and +[5607.90 --> 5609.92] bring them into the +[5609.92 --> 5611.90] place where God is. +[5612.52 --> 5613.86] Having doubts, asking +[5613.86 --> 5615.40] questions is part of what +[5615.40 --> 5617.00] it means to be human. +[5618.00 --> 5619.98] And so it also needs to +[5619.98 --> 5621.48] be part of what it means +[5621.48 --> 5623.62] to encounter God in +[5623.62 --> 5624.44] worship. +[5625.82 --> 5626.94] Now it's also worth +[5626.94 --> 5628.50] noting that these two +[5628.50 --> 5629.52] questions that Paul +[5629.52 --> 5631.32] asks are quotes from +[5631.32 --> 5632.60] Old Testament passages. +[5633.46 --> 5634.90] The first question in +[5634.90 --> 5636.32] verse 34 is a quote +[5636.32 --> 5637.78] from Isaiah 40 verse +[5637.78 --> 5641.88] 13 from the Greek +[5641.88 --> 5643.12] translation of the Old +[5643.12 --> 5644.00] Testament and then the +[5644.00 --> 5645.70] next one is from Job +[5645.70 --> 5647.48] 41 verse 11. +[5647.48 --> 5650.32] Now these questions +[5650.32 --> 5652.12] themselves are an +[5652.12 --> 5654.06] exalting of who God +[5654.06 --> 5654.48] is. +[5655.82 --> 5656.60] So hold those two +[5656.60 --> 5657.08] things together. +[5657.26 --> 5658.94] Questions are welcome +[5658.94 --> 5660.28] and are necessary in the +[5660.28 --> 5661.08] life of the believer, +[5661.38 --> 5663.06] but our questions must +[5663.06 --> 5664.94] also be brought under +[5664.94 --> 5667.26] the perspective of +[5667.26 --> 5668.40] God's word. +[5669.58 --> 5671.10] Paul uses scripture to +[5671.10 --> 5672.10] speak his questions, +[5672.30 --> 5672.86] but then he also +[5672.86 --> 5674.90] submits his questions to +[5674.90 --> 5676.26] the rule of scripture. +[5676.26 --> 5678.76] And so in our worship +[5678.76 --> 5680.30] we submit ourselves to +[5680.30 --> 5681.22] the rule of scripture. +[5681.34 --> 5682.68] That's why the preached +[5682.68 --> 5683.96] word is in many +[5683.96 --> 5685.18] respects the culmination +[5685.18 --> 5686.02] of our worship +[5686.02 --> 5687.12] experiences together. +[5687.58 --> 5688.74] Not because I'm any +[5688.74 --> 5689.60] good at this job, +[5690.42 --> 5691.84] but because God is +[5691.84 --> 5693.18] good and he is +[5693.18 --> 5694.60] faithful and he has +[5694.60 --> 5695.66] revealed himself in +[5695.66 --> 5697.02] this way to us. +[5697.54 --> 5698.40] This is where God +[5698.40 --> 5699.86] speaks to our hearts +[5699.86 --> 5700.72] and to our minds. +[5700.84 --> 5701.66] This is where in +[5701.66 --> 5703.22] chapter 12 we will see +[5703.22 --> 5704.26] he does the transforming +[5704.82 --> 5706.24] of our minds by the +[5706.24 --> 5708.24] renewing and work +[5708.24 --> 5709.22] of the Holy Spirit. +[5709.38 --> 5710.96] This is what shapes +[5710.96 --> 5712.28] our spiritual acts +[5712.28 --> 5713.26] of worship as we +[5713.26 --> 5714.24] leave this place +[5714.24 --> 5715.08] together. +[5716.76 --> 5718.12] Which then brings us +[5718.12 --> 5719.46] to the fourth thing +[5719.46 --> 5722.10] in this doxology +[5722.10 --> 5723.54] of Paul that informs +[5723.54 --> 5725.14] our worship. +[5727.66 --> 5729.72] Doxology requires +[5729.72 --> 5731.54] humble submission +[5731.54 --> 5733.06] salvation before the +[5733.06 --> 5734.22] throne of God. +[5735.28 --> 5736.20] Verse 36. +[5737.20 --> 5737.82] Paul says, +[5738.36 --> 5739.12] For from him +[5739.12 --> 5740.10] and through him +[5740.10 --> 5741.28] and for him +[5741.28 --> 5743.24] are all things. +[5744.68 --> 5745.58] So where does +[5745.58 --> 5746.38] everything come from? +[5747.00 --> 5747.78] It comes from him, +[5748.08 --> 5748.32] God. +[5748.88 --> 5749.92] How does everything +[5749.92 --> 5750.58] come to be? +[5751.00 --> 5751.58] Through him, +[5751.90 --> 5752.18] God. +[5752.66 --> 5753.50] Why does everything +[5753.50 --> 5753.84] exist? +[5753.96 --> 5754.70] Who is it for? +[5754.92 --> 5755.70] It's for him, +[5756.08 --> 5756.40] God. +[5756.40 --> 5756.48] God. +[5757.48 --> 5758.46] And so really +[5758.46 --> 5759.04] practically, +[5760.48 --> 5765.42] if it has become +[5765.42 --> 5767.94] commonplace for you +[5767.94 --> 5769.24] after worship +[5769.24 --> 5770.36] to say something +[5770.36 --> 5770.78] like, +[5771.38 --> 5772.50] I didn't get anything +[5772.50 --> 5773.54] out of worship today +[5773.54 --> 5774.94] or I didn't get +[5774.94 --> 5775.76] anything out of the +[5775.76 --> 5776.50] service today, +[5776.86 --> 5777.82] I want to challenge +[5777.82 --> 5779.38] you with Paul's call +[5779.38 --> 5780.24] to humble submission. +[5780.60 --> 5781.70] And I want to reframe +[5781.70 --> 5782.64] the question for you. +[5783.60 --> 5784.52] Instead of saying, +[5784.66 --> 5785.30] I didn't get anything +[5785.30 --> 5785.80] out of worship, +[5785.94 --> 5786.78] I want you to ask, +[5786.96 --> 5788.42] what did I give to God +[5788.42 --> 5789.22] during worship? +[5791.48 --> 5792.92] What did I give to God +[5792.92 --> 5793.86] when the fellowship +[5793.86 --> 5794.64] of the saints +[5794.64 --> 5795.52] gathered together, +[5795.62 --> 5796.54] when the body of Jesus +[5796.54 --> 5797.48] Christ came together? +[5797.64 --> 5799.06] What did I bring to him? +[5803.78 --> 5804.54] And I don't think +[5804.54 --> 5805.54] it's too strong to say, +[5805.80 --> 5807.42] if you reframe +[5807.42 --> 5808.38] that question +[5808.38 --> 5810.02] and if you shape +[5810.02 --> 5810.82] your entrance +[5810.82 --> 5811.98] into this sanctuary +[5811.98 --> 5813.20] as you come through +[5813.20 --> 5813.72] those doors +[5813.72 --> 5814.48] every morning, +[5814.76 --> 5815.34] every Sunday +[5815.34 --> 5815.76] by saying, +[5815.86 --> 5816.76] what can I bring to you +[5816.76 --> 5817.44] in worship today, +[5817.52 --> 5817.74] God? +[5818.84 --> 5820.00] I can promise +[5820.00 --> 5821.22] that will begin +[5821.22 --> 5822.42] to work in you +[5822.42 --> 5823.72] and that will change +[5823.72 --> 5824.82] what you get +[5824.82 --> 5825.74] out of worship. +[5827.10 --> 5828.14] Because you have +[5828.14 --> 5829.28] changed your posture +[5829.28 --> 5830.48] in entering into +[5830.48 --> 5830.98] this place +[5830.98 --> 5831.34] and saying, +[5831.54 --> 5832.12] it is about +[5832.12 --> 5833.06] who God is +[5833.06 --> 5834.24] and exalting him +[5834.24 --> 5835.08] and so I am going +[5835.08 --> 5836.02] to give myself +[5836.02 --> 5837.02] to him. +[5839.82 --> 5840.30] Worship, +[5840.56 --> 5840.80] right? +[5840.80 --> 5842.34] Worship gives you +[5842.34 --> 5843.32] a right perspective +[5843.32 --> 5844.12] on God +[5844.12 --> 5845.46] which then in turn +[5845.46 --> 5846.46] gives you a right +[5846.46 --> 5847.66] perspective on yourself. +[5848.84 --> 5850.04] That's why the glory +[5850.04 --> 5851.10] of God is the human +[5851.10 --> 5852.16] being fully alive. +[5852.30 --> 5853.04] That's why the +[5853.04 --> 5853.90] Westminster Shorter +[5853.90 --> 5854.96] Catechism puts it +[5854.96 --> 5856.20] in this way. +[5856.32 --> 5857.32] It asks the question, +[5857.44 --> 5858.36] what is the chief +[5858.36 --> 5860.20] end of every person? +[5861.50 --> 5862.30] And the answer is +[5862.30 --> 5863.74] to glorify God +[5863.74 --> 5865.38] and enjoy him +[5865.38 --> 5866.56] forever. +[5866.56 --> 5866.66] forever. +[5870.30 --> 5870.82] Now, +[5871.22 --> 5873.12] we would miss +[5873.12 --> 5874.76] the majesty +[5874.76 --> 5876.86] of this humble +[5876.86 --> 5877.52] submission. +[5878.60 --> 5879.52] We would miss +[5879.52 --> 5880.20] the majesty +[5880.20 --> 5881.32] of who this God +[5881.32 --> 5882.48] is if we did +[5882.48 --> 5883.76] not also notice +[5883.76 --> 5884.92] that what Paul +[5884.92 --> 5885.44] says here, +[5885.54 --> 5886.10] for from him +[5886.10 --> 5886.64] and through him +[5886.64 --> 5887.26] and for him +[5887.26 --> 5888.00] are all things, +[5888.06 --> 5888.94] to him be the glory +[5888.94 --> 5889.40] forever. +[5889.80 --> 5890.78] What Paul says here +[5890.78 --> 5893.16] sounds to my ear +[5893.16 --> 5895.38] so much like +[5895.38 --> 5896.24] what Paul writes +[5896.24 --> 5897.38] in Colossians 1. +[5898.04 --> 5898.92] Colossians 1, +[5899.00 --> 5900.06] 16 and 17, +[5900.66 --> 5901.32] Paul says, +[5901.84 --> 5903.06] now of Jesus +[5903.06 --> 5904.94] all things +[5904.94 --> 5905.88] have been created +[5905.88 --> 5906.72] through him +[5906.72 --> 5908.02] and for him. +[5908.10 --> 5908.86] He is before +[5908.86 --> 5909.58] all things +[5909.58 --> 5910.54] and in him +[5910.54 --> 5911.52] all things +[5911.52 --> 5912.72] hold together. +[5913.92 --> 5914.96] That text in Colossians +[5914.96 --> 5915.80] is about Jesus +[5915.80 --> 5917.10] and yet you see +[5917.10 --> 5918.24] how remarkably +[5918.24 --> 5920.04] similar it is +[5920.04 --> 5920.58] to what Paul +[5920.58 --> 5921.16] says here. +[5921.76 --> 5922.74] And in Colossians, +[5923.16 --> 5924.14] Paul goes through +[5924.14 --> 5925.12] this amazing +[5925.12 --> 5926.36] Christ hymn +[5926.36 --> 5927.52] exalting Jesus +[5927.52 --> 5928.20] saying that +[5928.20 --> 5929.60] he is the image +[5929.60 --> 5931.28] of the invisible God +[5931.28 --> 5931.76] saying that +[5931.76 --> 5932.96] God chose to have +[5932.96 --> 5933.56] the fullness +[5933.56 --> 5934.62] of who he is +[5934.62 --> 5936.32] dwell in Jesus +[5936.32 --> 5937.32] that in all things +[5937.32 --> 5938.54] Christ might have +[5938.54 --> 5939.16] the supremacy. +[5940.16 --> 5940.82] And so when we +[5940.82 --> 5941.86] gather in this place +[5941.86 --> 5942.72] and we talk about +[5942.72 --> 5943.50] what does it mean +[5943.50 --> 5944.42] to be fully human, +[5944.78 --> 5945.54] fully alive, +[5945.86 --> 5946.98] we must look to Jesus. +[5947.88 --> 5948.56] When we gather +[5948.56 --> 5949.10] in this place +[5949.10 --> 5949.66] and we talk about +[5949.66 --> 5950.24] what does it mean +[5950.24 --> 5951.32] to worship God, +[5951.50 --> 5952.60] we must look to Jesus. +[5952.74 --> 5953.76] who is God +[5953.76 --> 5954.36] and made himself +[5954.36 --> 5955.32] known to us, +[5955.54 --> 5956.40] made himself visible +[5956.40 --> 5956.94] to us. +[5957.06 --> 5957.80] When we gather +[5957.80 --> 5958.66] in this place +[5958.66 --> 5959.72] to worship God +[5959.72 --> 5960.66] and to wrestle +[5960.66 --> 5962.04] with our humanity, +[5962.04 --> 5963.22] we must see +[5963.22 --> 5963.98] the humility +[5963.98 --> 5965.00] of God himself +[5965.00 --> 5965.48] in Jesus +[5965.48 --> 5967.20] who took on +[5967.20 --> 5967.74] the form +[5967.74 --> 5968.56] of a slave +[5968.56 --> 5969.96] and being found +[5969.96 --> 5971.54] in human likeness +[5971.54 --> 5972.44] became obedient +[5972.44 --> 5973.52] unto death, +[5973.64 --> 5974.42] even death +[5974.42 --> 5975.52] on the cross. +[5976.12 --> 5976.42] You see, +[5976.52 --> 5977.42] this is who +[5977.42 --> 5978.28] God is. +[5978.28 --> 5979.06] This is what +[5979.06 --> 5979.94] God has done. +[5980.04 --> 5980.74] This is why +[5980.74 --> 5981.92] we exalt in him +[5981.92 --> 5982.86] because Jesus, +[5983.28 --> 5983.96] God himself, +[5984.12 --> 5985.04] came into this world +[5985.04 --> 5985.94] and lived the life +[5985.94 --> 5986.94] I should have lived +[5986.94 --> 5987.90] and died the death +[5987.90 --> 5989.06] that I deserve. +[5989.20 --> 5990.34] And so now +[5990.34 --> 5991.48] I see the truth +[5991.48 --> 5992.50] of who I am +[5992.50 --> 5994.10] revealed in the truth +[5994.10 --> 5995.84] of who Jesus is +[5995.84 --> 5997.64] and so I will +[5997.64 --> 5999.08] praise him. +[5999.08 --> 6002.52] worship is about +[6002.52 --> 6003.52] Jesus. +[6007.22 --> 6008.46] And then the last word. +[6009.88 --> 6010.90] The last word. +[6011.06 --> 6011.90] To him be the glory +[6011.90 --> 6012.38] forever. +[6013.72 --> 6014.10] Amen. +[6015.38 --> 6015.76] Amen. +[6016.66 --> 6017.40] Now let me be +[6017.40 --> 6018.80] real quick on this. +[6018.96 --> 6020.64] Amen is a word +[6020.64 --> 6021.46] that means +[6021.46 --> 6022.02] trustworthy +[6022.02 --> 6023.30] or true. +[6024.62 --> 6025.18] Colloquially, +[6025.60 --> 6026.90] it's like when you +[6026.90 --> 6027.74] or your friends +[6027.74 --> 6028.48] say something +[6028.48 --> 6029.48] that you agree with +[6029.48 --> 6030.08] or that you think +[6030.08 --> 6030.64] is important +[6030.64 --> 6031.72] and if you're +[6031.72 --> 6032.30] a millennial +[6032.30 --> 6032.78] you might have +[6032.78 --> 6033.22] said something +[6033.22 --> 6033.86] like truth. +[6035.08 --> 6035.92] If you're +[6035.92 --> 6036.84] younger than +[6036.84 --> 6037.34] a millennial +[6037.34 --> 6037.86] you might say +[6037.86 --> 6038.38] something like +[6038.38 --> 6038.84] facts. +[6041.28 --> 6042.22] In the Jewish +[6042.22 --> 6043.24] synagogue tradition +[6043.24 --> 6045.28] then carried over +[6045.28 --> 6046.36] into early Christianity +[6046.36 --> 6047.62] when someone +[6047.62 --> 6048.78] finished reading +[6048.78 --> 6050.16] or giving a discourse +[6050.16 --> 6051.36] or had offered +[6051.36 --> 6052.26] a powerful prayer +[6052.26 --> 6052.90] to God +[6052.90 --> 6054.10] the other people +[6054.10 --> 6054.92] in the assembly +[6054.92 --> 6055.94] would respond +[6055.94 --> 6056.76] by saying +[6056.76 --> 6057.22] amen. +[6057.74 --> 6058.66] And the idea +[6058.66 --> 6059.34] there is that +[6059.34 --> 6059.80] it takes +[6059.80 --> 6060.40] what was just +[6060.40 --> 6060.76] said +[6060.76 --> 6061.42] and it makes +[6061.42 --> 6062.20] it your own. +[6063.18 --> 6063.82] So when you +[6063.82 --> 6064.58] say amen +[6064.58 --> 6065.48] it takes the +[6065.48 --> 6065.98] truth +[6065.98 --> 6067.32] that I am +[6067.32 --> 6067.70] saying +[6067.70 --> 6068.24] or that the +[6068.24 --> 6068.82] speaker is +[6068.82 --> 6069.20] saying +[6069.20 --> 6069.72] and it +[6069.72 --> 6070.56] proclaims it +[6070.56 --> 6071.10] for yourself +[6071.10 --> 6071.84] saying yes +[6071.84 --> 6073.12] this is mine. +[6073.90 --> 6074.68] It's like you +[6074.68 --> 6075.34] saying yes +[6075.34 --> 6075.80] Lord +[6075.80 --> 6077.18] this is +[6077.18 --> 6077.64] true +[6077.64 --> 6078.28] make it +[6078.28 --> 6078.82] so +[6078.82 --> 6079.64] for me. +[6082.26 --> 6083.26] You got it. +[6084.40 --> 6085.12] Remember at the +[6085.12 --> 6085.52] beginning of the +[6085.52 --> 6086.12] service I said +[6086.12 --> 6086.80] at some point +[6086.80 --> 6087.20] you will have +[6087.20 --> 6087.64] a voluntary +[6087.64 --> 6088.20] participation. +[6088.80 --> 6089.56] This is your +[6089.56 --> 6090.46] perhaps less than +[6090.46 --> 6091.40] voluntary participation +[6091.40 --> 6091.92] point. +[6093.78 --> 6094.08] Worship +[6094.08 --> 6095.38] exalts God. +[6095.48 --> 6095.64] Amen? +[6097.26 --> 6098.54] Worship celebrates +[6098.54 --> 6099.18] the mystery +[6099.18 --> 6099.86] and has room +[6099.86 --> 6100.60] for your doubts. +[6102.06 --> 6103.26] Worship invites +[6103.26 --> 6103.96] your questions +[6103.96 --> 6104.86] and calls you +[6104.86 --> 6105.70] to submit them +[6105.70 --> 6106.36] to the scriptures. +[6108.46 --> 6109.24] That's a harder +[6109.24 --> 6109.80] one isn't it? +[6109.80 --> 6111.92] And worship +[6111.92 --> 6113.20] requires humble +[6113.20 --> 6113.84] submission +[6113.84 --> 6115.86] seeing yourself +[6115.86 --> 6116.58] as you truly +[6116.58 --> 6117.58] are before God. +[6118.76 --> 6119.74] And worship +[6119.74 --> 6120.66] says that we +[6120.66 --> 6121.10] will hear +[6121.10 --> 6122.06] these truths +[6122.06 --> 6123.24] of God +[6123.24 --> 6123.88] and we +[6123.88 --> 6124.78] will say +[6124.78 --> 6125.82] amen. +[6126.28 --> 6126.98] Let's pray +[6126.98 --> 6127.34] together. +[6132.72 --> 6133.44] Amen +[6133.44 --> 6135.08] and amen. +[6135.08 --> 6137.20] God you +[6137.20 --> 6138.10] are good. +[6138.22 --> 6138.72] Who you +[6138.72 --> 6140.00] are is +[6140.00 --> 6140.74] amazing +[6140.74 --> 6142.14] to us +[6142.14 --> 6142.46] and so +[6142.46 --> 6143.44] we exalt +[6143.44 --> 6145.06] your name. +[6146.94 --> 6147.42] Who you +[6147.42 --> 6147.88] are +[6147.88 --> 6149.36] well known +[6149.36 --> 6150.00] to us +[6150.00 --> 6151.90] in necessary +[6151.90 --> 6152.58] and small +[6152.58 --> 6152.96] measure +[6152.96 --> 6153.98] is ultimately +[6153.98 --> 6155.02] unfathomable +[6155.02 --> 6155.60] and so +[6155.60 --> 6155.96] we +[6155.96 --> 6156.86] worship +[6156.86 --> 6157.62] you. +[6159.48 --> 6160.40] Who you +[6160.40 --> 6161.44] are invites +[6161.44 --> 6162.54] our doubts +[6162.54 --> 6163.58] calls for +[6163.58 --> 6164.96] our questions +[6164.96 --> 6165.88] and we +[6165.88 --> 6166.78] shape our +[6166.78 --> 6167.20] worship +[6167.20 --> 6167.84] through +[6167.84 --> 6168.56] them +[6168.56 --> 6169.28] seeking +[6169.28 --> 6170.26] you. +[6174.02 --> 6174.76] And who +[6174.76 --> 6175.20] you are +[6175.20 --> 6175.70] requires +[6175.70 --> 6176.32] our +[6176.32 --> 6176.92] submission +[6176.92 --> 6178.10] to you. +[6178.72 --> 6179.16] And so +[6179.16 --> 6179.64] we submit +[6179.64 --> 6180.14] our hearts +[6180.14 --> 6180.72] this morning +[6180.72 --> 6182.24] asking that +[6182.24 --> 6182.48] you would +[6182.48 --> 6183.00] hear our +[6183.00 --> 6183.34] prayers +[6183.34 --> 6183.60] that you +[6183.60 --> 6183.88] would hear +[6183.88 --> 6184.42] the cry +[6184.42 --> 6184.84] of our +[6184.84 --> 6185.14] souls +[6185.14 --> 6185.44] that you +[6185.44 --> 6185.90] would hear +[6185.90 --> 6186.86] our worship +[6186.86 --> 6187.76] from lament +[6187.76 --> 6188.84] and question +[6188.84 --> 6189.90] to praise +[6189.90 --> 6190.78] and thanksgiving +[6190.78 --> 6191.06] that you +[6191.06 --> 6191.38] would hear +[6191.38 --> 6191.80] it all. +[6192.54 --> 6193.50] And that +[6193.50 --> 6193.92] in this +[6193.92 --> 6194.32] time +[6194.32 --> 6194.82] we would +[6194.82 --> 6195.58] see most +[6195.58 --> 6196.00] clearly +[6196.00 --> 6196.40] what it +[6196.40 --> 6196.78] means to +[6196.78 --> 6197.22] be fully +[6197.22 --> 6197.64] human +[6197.64 --> 6198.80] fully alive +[6198.80 --> 6199.18] as we +[6199.18 --> 6199.80] look to +[6199.80 --> 6200.14] our +[6200.14 --> 6200.54] Lord +[6200.54 --> 6200.92] Jesus +[6200.92 --> 6201.42] Christ. +[6201.94 --> 6202.46] In his +[6202.46 --> 6202.92] name we +[6202.92 --> 6203.20] pray. +[6203.98 --> 6204.42] Amen. +[6211.42 --> 6212.20] Let's all +[6212.20 --> 6212.92] stand and +[6212.92 --> 6213.82] join together +[6213.82 --> 6214.10] in our +[6214.10 --> 6214.34] voices. +[6222.54 --> 6242.00] who else +[6242.00 --> 6243.08] commands all +[6243.08 --> 6244.02] the hosts +[6244.02 --> 6245.18] of heaven +[6245.18 --> 6247.30] who else +[6247.30 --> 6248.04] could make +[6248.04 --> 6248.84] everything +[6248.84 --> 6250.54] round down +[6250.54 --> 6252.64] who else +[6252.64 --> 6252.90] who +[6252.90 --> 6253.40] whispers +[6253.40 --> 6254.00] and +[6254.00 --> 6254.68] darkness +[6254.68 --> 6255.74] jumbled +[6255.74 --> 6258.26] only a +[6258.26 --> 6259.00] holy +[6259.00 --> 6260.92] God +[6260.92 --> 6268.96] come and +[6268.96 --> 6269.34] need +[6269.34 --> 6270.76] minute +[6270.76 --> 6274.46] thy +[6274.46 --> 6274.92] ån +[6274.92 --> 6281.92] majesty rules with justice only a holy God +[6281.92 --> 6293.10] come and behold him the one and the only +[6293.10 --> 6301.10] cry of sing holy forever a holy God +[6301.10 --> 6305.90] come and worship the holy God +[6305.90 --> 6327.70] now the glory consumes like fire +[6327.70 --> 6332.50] what other power can raise my debt +[6332.50 --> 6338.50] what other name in the kingdom we bear +[6338.50 --> 6343.50] holy and holy God +[6343.50 --> 6352.50] come and behold him the one and the only +[6352.50 --> 6361.30] cry of sing holy forever a holy God +[6361.30 --> 6365.30] come and worship the holy God +[6365.30 --> 6373.30] come and behold him the one and the only +[6373.30 --> 6381.30] cry of sing holy forever a holy God +[6381.30 --> 6386.10] come and worship the holy God +[6386.10 --> 6396.90] who else could rescue me from my feet +[6396.90 --> 6404.90] who else could offer his only son +[6404.90 --> 6409.70] who else could rescue me from my feet +[6409.70 --> 6415.70] who else could offer his only son +[6415.70 --> 6419.70] who else could rise me to call him father +[6419.70 --> 6424.50] come and behold him the one and the only +[6424.50 --> 6430.50] cry of sing holy forever a holy God +[6430.50 --> 6438.50] come and behold him the one and the only +[6438.50 --> 6442.50] cry of sing holy forever a holy God +[6442.50 --> 6453.30] come and worship the holy God +[6453.30 --> 6459.30] come and behold him the one and the only +[6459.30 --> 6465.30] cry of sing holy forever a holy God +[6465.30 --> 6471.60] Holy God, come and worship the Holy God. +[6479.60 --> 6488.38] Before our final song and before we receive God's blessing, please go with a couple invitations. +[6488.38 --> 6497.40] First of all, if you would like to have prayer or be prayed over or with, there will be someone who comes up to the front here after service. +[6497.52 --> 6499.60] They will have a name tag on with a yellow square. +[6499.96 --> 6502.82] They would love to meet you and pray with you there. +[6503.40 --> 6508.52] As well, go with an invitation to stick around following our worship for a time of fellowship together. +[6508.68 --> 6513.74] There should be some refreshments available, although the last time I said that I was proved wrong. +[6513.74 --> 6516.48] So whatever happens back there is all grace. +[6516.48 --> 6524.34] And please do stick around, take opportunity to congratulate Dave and Sheila as well. +[6524.66 --> 6530.24] And then the last invitation, remember we are gathering again to continue our worship. +[6530.90 --> 6535.72] To worship our good God tonight at 6 p.m. for worship through the decades. +[6535.88 --> 6540.50] And so join us as we continue singing praises to our God together. +[6541.22 --> 6542.96] Receive the blessing of God. +[6542.96 --> 6546.38] God, go before you to lead you. +[6546.94 --> 6548.90] God, go behind you to protect you. +[6549.24 --> 6551.30] God, go beneath you to support you. +[6551.64 --> 6553.96] God, go beside you to befriend you. +[6554.70 --> 6556.46] Do not be afraid. +[6556.92 --> 6558.82] Let the blessing of God come upon you today. +[6558.98 --> 6565.28] Do not be afraid, but go in peace to love and serve the Lord. +[6565.28 --> 6566.84] Amen. +[6566.84 --> 6567.04] Amen. +[6567.04 --> 6567.08] Amen. +[6572.96 --> 6573.76] Amen. +[6573.76 --> 6574.04] Amen. +[6581.82 --> 6582.06] Amen. +[6582.28 --> 6582.42] Amen. +[6582.92 --> 6585.60] Amen. +[6585.60 --> 6587.68] See you next week. +[6587.68 --> 6591.72] Am Soxtashi. +[6591.74 --> 6596.04] Amen. +[6596.14 --> 6597.36] Amen. +[6597.36 --> 6600.46] We'll gather the nations before you. +[6601.04 --> 6607.36] And the eyes of all men will be fixed on the land as who was crucified. +[6608.88 --> 6616.08] With wisdom and mercy and justice you'll reign at your Father's side. +[6616.08 --> 6623.60] And the angels will our tail of the land. +[6623.60 --> 6629.72] Who was saved for the world's rolling crown. +[6631.66 --> 6638.88] And the earth will reply, who shall win? +[6639.36 --> 6644.00] As the King of all kings and the Lord of all kings. +[6644.00 --> 6655.50] There's a shield in our hand and a sword at our side. +[6655.72 --> 6659.34] There's a fire in our spirits that cannot be denied. +[6659.34 --> 6663.40] As the Father has told us for thee to have high. +[6663.64 --> 6666.66] For the nations who gathered before you. +[6666.66 --> 6673.90] And the ears of all men be to hear of the Lamb who was crucified. +[6675.12 --> 6682.32] Who descended to heaven, who was raised up to him at his Father's side. +[6682.32 --> 6688.78] And the angels of God, hail the Lamb. +[6690.78 --> 6696.12] Who was saved for the world's rolling crown. +[6698.12 --> 6703.78] And the earth will reply, who shall win? +[6703.78 --> 6710.10] As the King of all kings and the Lord of all kings. +[6710.24 --> 6714.84] And the angels of God, hail the Lamb. +[6714.84 --> 6723.84] Who was saved for the world's rolling crown. +[6723.84 --> 6731.24] And the earth will reply, who shall win. +[6731.24 --> 6737.70] As the King of all kings and the Lord of all kings. +[6737.70 --> 6742.70] As the King of all kings and the Lord of all kings. +[6742.70 --> 6749.72] And the Lord of all kings. +[6749.94 --> 6750.40] And the Lord of all kings. +[6750.58 --> 6750.86] Who hang on the hand, who shall win. +[6750.86 --> 6752.86] Amen. +[6780.86 --> 6782.86] Amen. +[6810.86 --> 6812.86] Amen. diff --git a/Sunday Worship, January 7, 2024_summary.txt b/Sunday Worship, January 7, 2024_summary.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000000000000000000000000000000000000..dfc3eddde146221a3ff92d5356e6335975f69472 --- /dev/null +++ b/Sunday Worship, January 7, 2024_summary.txt @@ -0,0 +1,43 @@ +• Theme of being a prodigal +• Importance of not losing one's soul +• Longing for something or someone that feels like home +• Rejection of worldly pursuits and desires +• Desire to return to a state of innocence or simplicity (Eden) +• Feeling lost in the world, but searching for a way back +• Discussion of repetitive "thank you" statements +• Interpretation of a biblical passage (psalm or poem) describing God's power in nature +• Explanation that God is not inherent in nature, but rather controls it through his voice +• Warning against worshiping or idolizing nature as if it were God +• The voice of God is spoken in the Bible, creating and controlling +• Promises made by God are fulfilled through Jesus Christ's life, death, and resurrection +• Self-help books and voices dominate culture, offering improvement advice +• Political voices echo in hearts and online platforms, aligning with party affiliations +• Online influencers (celebrities, athletes, actors) carry significant influence, but not the most impactful on individuals +• Personal relationships and social media posts from loved ones are often the most listened to, leading to comparison and contrast +• The speaker discusses the importance of discerning between good and bad influences in various areas of life +• Self-help books and social media can be helpful, but also potentially problematic if not used wisely +• The voice of God can be drowned out by other voices, including self-help sections and social media +• A story is shared about a soccer team's experience with overbearing parents, and how the coach advised them to ignore external voices and focus on their own leader (the coach) +• Psalm 29 is referenced as a guide for acknowledging God above all other influences and distractions +• The importance of acknowledging and honoring God, despite noise and distractions, in order to hear His voice clearly. +• The importance of acknowledging God's glory and worshiping him above all things +• Recognizing the influence of various voices in daily life (Scripture, screens, social media, etc.) +• Prioritizing God's voice over other distracting voices +• Receiving peace from God through worship and faith +• Distinguishing between worldly noise and the transcendent voice of God +• The voice of God is present with his people, as seen in various biblical accounts +• The incarnation of Jesus is the central message of the gospel and the word becoming flesh and dwelling among us +• Examples from Scripture show the voice of God speaking to and through Jesus, including at baptism, transfiguration, and during a storm on a boat +• Jesus' life, death, and resurrection demonstrate the power and nature of God's voice +• The voice of God is still active today, speaking to believers through Scripture, the Holy Spirit, and other means +• Distractions and competing voices in the world +• Need to listen to Jesus' voice +• Praying for discipline and determination to cut through noise +• Listening to God's voice in everyday life +• Seeking guidance from God to discern actions and decisions +• Praising God's greatness and salvation +• Discussion of the hymn "How Great Thou Art" +• Invitation to join fellowship or coffee in the sanctuary +• Prayer and spiritual support offered by members with yellow name tags +• Reading from Numbers 6:22, the priestly blessing +• Final praise and worship of God as King of Kings \ No newline at end of file diff --git a/Sunday Worship, January 7, 2024_transcript.txt b/Sunday Worship, January 7, 2024_transcript.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000000000000000000000000000000000000..bf64d6706412c2899569e317bc6951069630a13e --- /dev/null +++ b/Sunday Worship, January 7, 2024_transcript.txt @@ -0,0 +1,664 @@ +[0.00 --> 3.00] Oh, I'm the prodigal +[3.00 --> 8.00] I don't need the money +[8.00 --> 12.30] I don't want the fame +[12.30 --> 17.40] I don't want what I can't take with me +[17.40 --> 19.00] In the grave +[19.56 --> 22.24] Oh, and I don't want to lose my soul +[22.24 --> 25.50] Chasing out the things that don't lead me +[25.50 --> 32.10] Straight to you and I'm lost in a feeling +[32.10 --> 39.34] That I came from this world +[39.34 --> 42.60] Going back to Eden +[42.60 --> 44.76] Ain't gonna be easy +[44.76 --> 48.40] But it leads me straight to you +[48.40 --> 50.50] And I'm running home +[50.50 --> 53.50] Like the prodigal +[55.50 --> 58.56] I don't want to lose my soul +[58.56 --> 61.70] Chasing out the things that don't lead me +[61.70 --> 63.64] Straight to you +[63.64 --> 65.88] I don't want to lose my gaze +[65.88 --> 67.68] When I meet you face to face +[67.68 --> 70.18] Well done, well, come on +[70.18 --> 72.30] Now I'm running home +[72.30 --> 75.20] Like the prodigal +[75.20 --> 80.14] Oh, I'm lost in a feeling +[80.14 --> 87.46] That I came from this world +[87.46 --> 90.80] Going back to Eden +[90.80 --> 92.92] Ain't gonna be easy +[92.92 --> 96.46] But it leads me straight to you +[96.46 --> 98.38] Now I'm running home +[98.38 --> 102.20] Like a prodigal +[102.20 --> 105.38] I'm lost in a feeling +[105.38 --> 123.36] Like a prodigal +[123.36 --> 127.32] Like a prodigal +[127.32 --> 157.30] Like a prodigal +[157.32 --> 161.42] Gl Journey +[161.42 --> 162.46] I'm lost in a feeling +[162.46 --> 163.48] I'm running home +[163.48 --> 166.10] I'm searching for a dying +[166.10 --> 167.60] Like a prodigal +[167.60 --> 167.62] I'm collapsing +[167.62 --> 169.30] Well, I'm losing my erk tai +[169.30 --> 170.46] Life is no +[170.50 --> 173.94] All I need is pen +[173.94 --> 175.38] And even +[175.38 --> 176.50] Lately +[176.50 --> 178.24] I'm losing my feet +[178.24 --> 178.82] But we couldn'tpod +[178.82 --> 179.86] Like a prodigal +[179.86 --> 180.80] Like a prodigal +[180.80 --> 182.34] Help me +[182.34 --> 184.12] Oh something +[184.12 --> 185.02] Like a prodigal +[185.02 --> 215.00] Thank you. +[215.02 --> 245.00] Thank you. +[245.02 --> 275.00] Thank you. +[275.02 --> 305.00] Thank you. +[305.02 --> 335.00] Thank you. +[335.02 --> 365.00] Thank you. +[365.02 --> 395.00] Thank you. +[395.02 --> 425.00] Thank you. +[425.02 --> 455.00] Thank you. +[455.02 --> 485.00] Thank you. +[485.02 --> 515.00] Thank you. +[515.02 --> 545.00] Thank you. +[545.02 --> 575.00] Thank you. +[575.00 --> 604.98] Thank you. +[604.98 --> 634.96] Thank you. +[634.96 --> 664.94] Thank you. +[664.96 --> 694.94] Thank you. +[694.96 --> 724.94] Thank you. +[724.98 --> 754.94] Thank you. +[754.94 --> 756.94] Thank you. +[784.94 --> 814.92] Thank you. +[814.94 --> 844.92] Thank you. +[844.94 --> 874.92] Thank you. +[874.94 --> 904.92] Thank you. +[904.94 --> 934.92] Thank you. +[934.94 --> 964.92] Thank you. +[964.94 --> 994.92] Thank you. +[994.94 --> 1024.92] Thank you. +[1024.94 --> 1054.92] Thank you. +[1054.94 --> 1084.92] Thank you. +[1084.94 --> 1114.92] Thank you. +[1114.94 --> 1144.92] Thank you. +[1144.94 --> 1146.94] Thank you. +[1174.94 --> 1204.92] Thank you. +[1204.94 --> 1234.92] Thank you. +[1234.94 --> 1264.92] Thank you. +[1264.94 --> 1294.92] Thank you. +[1294.94 --> 1324.92] Thank you. +[1324.94 --> 1354.92] Thank you. +[1354.94 --> 1384.92] Amen. +[1384.92 --> 1414.90] Thank you. +[1414.90 --> 1444.90] Thank you. +[1444.90 --> 1474.88] Thank you. +[1474.90 --> 1504.88] Good morning. +[1504.88 --> 1534.86] Thank you. +[1534.88 --> 1564.86] Thank you. +[1564.88 --> 1594.86] Thank you. +[1594.88 --> 1624.86] Thank you. +[1624.86 --> 1654.84] Thank you. +[1654.86 --> 1684.84] Thank you. +[1684.84 --> 1714.82] Thank you. +[1714.84 --> 1744.82] Thank you. +[1744.84 --> 1774.82] Thank you. +[1774.84 --> 1804.82] Thank you. +[1804.82 --> 1834.80] Thank you. +[1834.80 --> 1864.78] Thank you. +[1864.80 --> 1894.78] Thank you. +[1894.80 --> 1924.78] Thank you. +[1924.80 --> 1954.78] Thank you. +[1954.80 --> 1984.78] Thank you. +[1984.80 --> 2014.78] Thank you. +[2014.80 --> 2044.78] Thank you. +[2044.80 --> 2074.78] Thank you. +[2074.80 --> 2104.78] Thank you. +[2104.78 --> 2134.76] Thank you. +[2134.78 --> 2164.76] Thank you. +[2164.78 --> 2194.76] Thank you. +[2194.78 --> 2224.76] Thank you. +[2224.76 --> 2254.76] Thank you. +[2254.76 --> 2284.74] Thank you. +[2284.74 --> 2314.72] Thank you. +[2314.72 --> 2344.70] Thank you. +[2344.70 --> 2374.68] Thank you. +[2374.68 --> 2404.66] Thank you. +[2404.66 --> 2434.64] Thank you. +[2434.64 --> 2464.62] Thank you. +[2464.64 --> 2494.62] Thank you. +[2494.62 --> 2524.60] Thank you. +[2524.62 --> 2554.60] Thank you. +[2554.62 --> 2584.60] Thank you. +[2584.62 --> 2614.60] Take you. +[2614.62 --> 2644.60] Thank you. +[2644.62 --> 2674.60] Thank you. +[2674.62 --> 2704.60] Thank you. +[2704.62 --> 2734.60] Thank you. +[2734.60 --> 2764.58] Thank you. +[2764.60 --> 2794.58] Thank you. +[2794.58 --> 2824.56] Thank you. +[2824.56 --> 2854.54] Thank you. +[2854.54 --> 2884.52] Thank you. +[2884.52 --> 2914.50] Thank you. +[2914.50 --> 2944.48] Thank you. +[2944.48 --> 2974.46] Thank you. +[2974.46 --> 3004.44] Thank you. +[3004.44 --> 3034.42] Thank you. +[3034.44 --> 3064.42] Thank you. +[3064.44 --> 3094.42] Thank you. +[3094.44 --> 3124.42] Thank you. +[3124.42 --> 3154.40] Thank you. +[3154.40 --> 3184.38] Thank you. +[3184.40 --> 3214.38] Thank you. +[3214.40 --> 3244.38] Thank you. +[3244.38 --> 3274.36] Good morning. +[3274.36 --> 3304.36] Thank you. +[3304.36 --> 3334.34] Thank you. +[3334.34 --> 3364.32] Thank you. +[3364.34 --> 3394.32] Thank you. +[3394.34 --> 3424.32] Thank you. +[3424.34 --> 3454.32] Thank you. +[3454.32 --> 3484.30] Thank you. +[3484.32 --> 3514.30] Thank you. +[3514.30 --> 3544.28] Good morning. +[3544.28 --> 3574.28] Thank you. +[3574.28 --> 3604.26] Thank you. +[3604.26 --> 3634.24] today. +[3634.26 --> 3664.24] We're going to do. +[3664.24 --> 3694.22] And everybody stand up. +[3694.22 --> 3724.20] Thank you. +[3724.22 --> 3754.20] Thank you. +[3754.20 --> 3784.18] Thank you. +[3784.18 --> 3814.16] Thank you. +[3814.16 --> 3844.16] Thank you. +[3844.16 --> 3874.14] Lord, that you're going to do. +[3874.14 --> 3904.12] Thank you. +[3904.12 --> 3934.12] Thank you. +[3934.12 --> 3964.12] Thank you. +[3964.12 --> 3994.10] Thank you. +[3994.12 --> 4024.10] Thank you. +[4024.12 --> 4054.10] Thank you. +[4054.12 --> 4084.10] Thank you. +[4084.12 --> 4114.10] Good morning. +[4114.10 --> 4144.10] Thank you. +[4144.10 --> 4174.10] Thank you. +[4174.10 --> 4204.10] And you're going to do. +[4204.10 --> 4234.10] Thank you. +[4234.10 --> 4264.10] Thank you. +[4264.10 --> 4294.10] Thank you. +[4294.10 --> 4324.10] +[4324.10 --> 4354.10] Thank you. +[4354.10 --> 4384.10] +[4384.10 --> 4414.10] Thank you. +[4414.10 --> 4444.10] Thank you. +[4444.10 --> 4474.10] God's power. +[4474.10 --> 4504.10] Thank you. +[4504.10 --> 4534.10] Thank you. +[4534.10 --> 4564.10] And you're going to do. +[4564.10 --> 4564.26] +[4594.10 --> 4600.20] powerful here, but it becomes even more powerful when we come to understand that the pagan gods +[4600.20 --> 4606.60] that the Canaanites believed in, they were nature worshipers, and they believed that their gods +[4606.60 --> 4612.58] lived in those mountains. Again, at the top of our screen there, that those false gods lived +[4612.58 --> 4620.36] in the mountains that this storm is just wreaking havoc on. David is saying that the Lord has no time +[4620.36 --> 4627.14] for these puny, impotent gods. He comes and he shakes their little houses with thunder and flashes of +[4627.14 --> 4634.86] lightning, shakes their houses with merely his voice. Think of this as like a big bad wolf and +[4634.86 --> 4640.02] three little pigs situation, except the pigs are the false gods, and they never really got into +[4640.02 --> 4646.30] masonry, and they're actually completely made up. And then God is not really a big bad wolf. He's +[4646.30 --> 4652.44] actually a really good, big, powerful God who controls everything by the power of his voice. +[4653.18 --> 4658.64] And now a quick note for you theology students, don't compare the God of the cosmos to the big +[4658.64 --> 4666.84] bad wolf because it's a terrible analogy, but you get the idea. This storm starts in the waters. +[4667.22 --> 4675.82] It moves onto land. It thunders the largest mountains. It snaps the largest trees where these made-up homes +[4675.82 --> 4681.98] to these made-up gods live. And then in verses 8 and 9, it continues, the voice of the Lord moves this +[4681.98 --> 4689.28] storm south, shaking the deserts of Kadesh, again at the bottom of the map there, and it twists the oaks +[4689.28 --> 4700.36] and strips the forest bare along the way. The whole land, from sea to sky, from east to west, from north to south, +[4700.36 --> 4713.52] is utterly dominated by this storm, by the voice of God, his power, his sovereign authority over all things. +[4714.52 --> 4721.96] And in one poem, in seven verses in the middle there, we read how God is not in nature. +[4721.96 --> 4733.22] God speaks, and nature is. God is not in nature. He made it, and he controls it. And while we're +[4733.22 --> 4739.56] encouraged, of course, to enjoy nature, we should always remember that we are not made to worship +[4739.56 --> 4747.42] nature or turn it into an idol, thinking that God is in it somehow. Because as great as nature is, +[4747.42 --> 4754.54] it is nothing compared to the God who created and controls it with merely a voice. +[4756.68 --> 4762.06] The voice of God here is over the waters and the mountains. The voice of God is powerful +[4762.06 --> 4769.10] and majestic. It thunders and snaps unbreakable things. The voice of God strikes and shakes and +[4769.10 --> 4775.16] twists. The voice of the Lord creates and controls. Throughout the whole Bible, Genesis 1, +[4775.16 --> 4783.54] God speaks, and the world is created. In Genesis 6 and 15 and 17 and in Exodus and in all of the +[4783.54 --> 4789.74] promises we read this morning and sang to this morning, God speaks and his promises are fulfilled. +[4792.86 --> 4798.52] He will be theirs and they will be his, and he will redeem us all from their sin. +[4798.52 --> 4806.44] These promises spoken by God and fulfilled both already and not yet in the life, death, and +[4806.44 --> 4812.22] resurrection of Christ his Son and in his future return when he will come and usher in the new +[4812.22 --> 4817.84] heaven and the new earth. That is the awe and the wonder of the voice of God. +[4817.84 --> 4824.96] And so what voice do we listen to? +[4826.96 --> 4835.60] What are the voices that we submit to in our world? What voice dominates our narratives? +[4835.60 --> 4845.52] What voice dominates our narratives? What voice dominates our narratives? What voice dominates our +[4845.52 --> 4853.12] culture quite loudly? The self-help book genre was still flying off the shelf in 2023 as people desire +[4853.12 --> 4858.40] to be better, whatever that means, but they're looking for any edge over other people to improve +[4858.40 --> 4865.76] themselves by working hard. Again, improving however that means. Books like Outlive, which is a book +[4865.76 --> 4872.32] helping us achieve longevity in this world, or Hidden Potential, a book about meant to help you become +[4872.32 --> 4879.44] more successful in this world, or a book called 4,000 Weeks, Time Management for Mortals, a book about +[4879.44 --> 4885.92] managing your time well, which I find ironic. Or if you would rather take your advice from famous people, +[4885.92 --> 4891.76] a couple more top self-help books that came out last year, Build Your Life, or Build the Life You +[4891.76 --> 4898.48] Want by Oprah Winfrey, no doubt an easy bar for us all to achieve. Or Be Useful, Seven Tools for Life +[4898.48 --> 4905.76] by Arnold Schwarzenegger, hopefully tools that the average person can lift. The point is those self-help +[4905.76 --> 4913.68] voices are out there, and they're loud. Maybe those voices aren't distracting us. Maybe we're more +[4913.68 --> 4919.20] distracted by the political voices out there. Political platforms, they speak to issues that we care about. +[4919.76 --> 4924.96] And those voices, they start to echo in our hearts and in our heads and eventually in our echo chambers online. +[4925.52 --> 4932.64] We align ourselves with a party, be it conservative or liberal or NDP, and we feel the need to bleed into +[4932.64 --> 4938.80] American politics even. And we align ourselves and set up camp with our Democrat friends or our Republican friends, +[4938.80 --> 4943.76] and we start to think we better stick to everything that this platform is saying, lest we be accused of +[4943.76 --> 4949.68] being an outsider or unloyal, which that's not a word. And we allow the voices of political jargon just to +[4949.68 --> 4958.40] keep our feet firmly planted in whatever camp that we feel we need to land in. And our fingers just firing +[4958.40 --> 4964.00] away on online posts threatening the voices of our political platform that we've become numb to hearing +[4964.00 --> 4970.48] over and over again. We got to defend that political stance, right? Or maybe it's not self-help or maybe +[4970.48 --> 4978.32] it's not political voices we hear too loudly, but maybe it's the voices of online influencers that are +[4978.32 --> 4984.48] ringing in our ears. The social media world is vast and the voices there are copious. There's always +[4984.48 --> 4992.16] athletes like Cristiano Ronaldo to keep tabs on. You can do that along with 787 million other people +[4992.16 --> 4998.96] following him online. Or actors like Selena Gomez with her 499 million followers. Or maybe the most +[4998.96 --> 5007.52] listened to artist in 2003 or 2023. Who was the most listened to musician in 2023? Anyone? Taylor Swift. +[5007.52 --> 5013.84] That's right. She's always trending, especially now that she basically owns the NFL. But it's not just +[5013.84 --> 5019.60] celebrities online that carry influence. There's people online that you've probably never heard of. +[5019.60 --> 5026.16] Michelle Lewin. She's a fitness influencer. You heard of her? 15 million people follow her and they have +[5026.16 --> 5032.80] her help them with their health. A beauty influencer, Becky G. She has 34 million followers trying to look +[5032.80 --> 5038.00] suave and sexy because of her influence. Or tech influencer, I think some of you will know this one, +[5038.00 --> 5044.16] Mark Rober. He's got 23 million subscribers and he can show you all sorts of avenues to pursue in the +[5044.16 --> 5055.04] world of popular science and engineering. But honestly, it's not even the well-known influencers on social +[5055.04 --> 5060.72] media with millions of followers that affect us the most online. Though they are the voices that perhaps +[5060.72 --> 5069.12] speak the loudest. Generally, it's your friends or your family, the people that you follow to see how life is +[5069.12 --> 5075.92] going. The posts you read and the voices you hear from the people you love and see either daily or +[5075.92 --> 5084.24] weekly or monthly or perhaps annually. So many are listening to the voices on social media. They see +[5084.24 --> 5090.72] their posts. They see their pictures. The lives they share. We compare and we contrast and we wish and we +[5090.72 --> 5096.32] can dream that our lives could be like that and none of it's real. Because all of it is just glimpses. +[5096.32 --> 5103.12] Mostly posed glimpses of moments in time where things are going really well. +[5105.12 --> 5114.08] And it's crippling a lot of us who compare what they see online, compare what they see on the socials +[5115.12 --> 5122.00] with what they experience in their own life. These are the voices in the world. These are the voices +[5122.00 --> 5128.56] competing for your attention, be it self-help, be it politics, be it online forums and social media. +[5128.56 --> 5134.80] These voices are out there. And I think if we have any self-awareness at all, we know that they're there. +[5136.80 --> 5139.60] So what voices are you listening to? +[5139.60 --> 5145.12] What voices are dominating your narrative, dominating your story? +[5146.72 --> 5153.04] Celebrity musings on bettering yourself? Political platforms meant to entrench you firmly? Social media +[5153.04 --> 5158.64] influencers inviting you to compare what they've got and what you have? +[5158.64 --> 5168.16] Now please hear this. This is not meant to be some rant like an old man sitting on his rocking chair on the +[5168.16 --> 5173.20] front porch of his house just yelling at people to get off of his lawn, something that I aspire to be one day. +[5173.20 --> 5184.80] There is a place for self-help books, though discerning the good ones from the cash grabs is important. There is a place for political loyalty. +[5185.44 --> 5189.92] So long as we understand that the platforms we align with are as depraved as we are, +[5190.72 --> 5195.52] and we are obligated to separate the good from the bad of any party that we support. +[5196.32 --> 5200.88] There's a place for social media, even following helpful media influencers. +[5200.88 --> 5213.20] So long as we are not blinded by their posts and thrust into some depression or anxiety because our everyday lives aren't as shiny as the three seconds that they demonstrate for us online. +[5214.80 --> 5218.56] The fact that these voices exist is not the problem. +[5220.96 --> 5228.00] The problem is that these voices drown out the only voice that does. +[5228.00 --> 5232.16] The voice that is powerful and majestic. +[5233.36 --> 5239.20] The voice that creates and controls the voice of the Lord that we see so powerfully in our text today. +[5240.40 --> 5247.04] The voice of the Lord is getting drowned out by self-help sections and social media doom scrolling. +[5247.04 --> 5256.72] I remember years ago, when I was a teenager, which is becoming more and more years ago as the calendars flip, +[5257.36 --> 5261.60] I was playing soccer for a rep team on Vancouver Island where I grew up. +[5262.00 --> 5268.32] I must have been in grade 10 or 11 because as the competition increased and as the level of play got better and better, +[5268.32 --> 5273.92] the parental involvement on the sidelines got louder and louder. +[5275.44 --> 5279.44] Now, I'm sure many of you high school or even university athletes can relate to that. +[5279.44 --> 5281.36] Perhaps a lot of you parents can relate to that. +[5281.36 --> 5288.00] I don't know what it is about high school sports, but whatever it is, it usually brings out the most obnoxious of our adult friends, doesn't it? +[5288.80 --> 5290.88] Anyways, early on in this particular season, +[5290.88 --> 5296.24] our team was becoming aware that the parents of us were becoming louder and louder. +[5297.36 --> 5300.72] They were yelling at calls made by the referees or the linesmen. +[5300.72 --> 5305.04] There was cheers of excitement or yells of frustration. +[5305.60 --> 5307.44] They seemed to be happening more regularly. +[5308.00 --> 5312.80] We even had four or five games that year where parents got red cards and got kicked off of the field. +[5312.80 --> 5316.92] And I think more parents got kicked out that season than players on my soccer team. +[5316.92 --> 5326.76] But perhaps the most problematic was that parents were regularly yelling instructions to us, to their kids, to the players, +[5327.56 --> 5331.32] explaining where they should go, what passes they should be doing, who should be supporting you, +[5331.32 --> 5335.00] what runs they should be doing, what set plays should be happening on free kicks, +[5335.40 --> 5342.28] and generally just backseat coaching with limited knowledge of the game or the tactics that we are trying to pull off. +[5342.28 --> 5349.64] Well, in a lesson that I will never forget, in one of his pre-game pep talks, our coach pulled the whole team aside, +[5349.96 --> 5352.04] and he said this, and I will remember this always. +[5352.04 --> 5358.20] He said, guys, you're hearing a lot of voices out there, a lot of parents telling you what you should do or shouldn't do. +[5358.92 --> 5361.48] I need you to ignore all of it. +[5362.28 --> 5363.40] Don't acknowledge them. +[5363.80 --> 5364.84] Don't look at them. +[5365.48 --> 5366.60] Don't respond to them. +[5367.32 --> 5368.60] Ignore it all completely. +[5368.60 --> 5372.04] You need to just listen to my voice. +[5372.92 --> 5378.46] If you listen to me, we will be unified and we will be able to accomplish what we set out to accomplish. +[5379.00 --> 5380.24] Ignore everyone else. +[5383.48 --> 5389.48] So how do we make sure that the Lord's voice is the one that we are hearing? +[5389.48 --> 5396.70] How do we make sure that it is the Lord's voice we hear amongst all the other voices out there? +[5397.60 --> 5402.44] How do we cut through the distracting voices around us because they're going to be there? +[5403.74 --> 5404.56] That's a given. +[5406.40 --> 5410.12] Psalm 29 gives us the right posture to do this. +[5412.22 --> 5413.74] Ascribe and worship. +[5414.28 --> 5415.50] Notice verses 1 and 2. +[5415.62 --> 5418.64] David teased this up right from the start. +[5418.64 --> 5421.40] Ascribe to the Lord, you heavenly beings. +[5421.60 --> 5424.18] Ascribe to the Lord glory and strength. +[5424.36 --> 5426.72] Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name. +[5427.22 --> 5431.04] Worship the Lord in the splendor of his holiness. +[5431.56 --> 5434.94] Ascribe, ascribe, ascribe, worship. +[5436.40 --> 5437.54] There's repetition again. +[5437.54 --> 5444.24] The word ascribe here is the Hebrew word yahav, which means to give or to acknowledge, to honor. +[5444.96 --> 5445.92] Acknowledge the Lord. +[5446.12 --> 5446.82] Honor the Lord. +[5446.98 --> 5448.50] Give the Lord glory. +[5448.62 --> 5449.14] He is due. +[5449.46 --> 5451.46] And finally, worship the Lord. +[5451.46 --> 5462.20] In order to allow the voice of the Lord to be heard above the noise around us, we are first and foremost to acknowledge him for who he is. +[5463.26 --> 5466.46] It starts with acknowledging him above all the noise. +[5466.66 --> 5468.74] Honoring him amongst the noise. +[5469.18 --> 5471.72] Glorifying him despite the noise. +[5472.06 --> 5474.92] And worshiping him not the noise. +[5474.92 --> 5481.04] Psalm 29 starts with this refrain in order to put God above all things. +[5482.24 --> 5493.44] And then, after we have heard of this great and powerful storm caused by God's voice, we see it come back to the same spot that it started in verse 9. +[5493.96 --> 5498.44] And all, and in his temple, all cry glory. +[5498.44 --> 5498.56] Glory. +[5500.20 --> 5504.06] This psalm starts with glory and it ends with glory. +[5504.16 --> 5512.88] The bookends of this psalm teach us that our response to the king over all creation is to first and foremost, above all things, acknowledge him. +[5514.90 --> 5516.32] Worship him. +[5517.26 --> 5522.48] God's power over creation declares him as king and calls us to worship him. +[5522.48 --> 5528.96] So again, with us, the question for you today, for me today, is this. +[5529.66 --> 5530.54] Do we do that? +[5531.86 --> 5532.82] Do we do that? +[5532.92 --> 5535.82] Do we acknowledge him above all things? +[5536.76 --> 5540.00] What do we recognize first and foremost in our lives? +[5540.56 --> 5542.12] What comes first for us? +[5542.80 --> 5543.92] Do we start our days? +[5544.02 --> 5544.86] Do we start our weeks? +[5544.94 --> 5546.72] Do we start our lives glorifying? +[5547.86 --> 5551.26] Because what we worship is what we're often ruminating on. +[5552.48 --> 5555.78] So real, just quick, what comes first in your life? +[5556.42 --> 5558.04] Scripture or screens? +[5559.76 --> 5561.22] Prayers or posts? +[5562.72 --> 5568.00] In the morning, are you quicker to turn your phone on and scroll your way through what's happening in the social media world? +[5568.68 --> 5570.26] Or open up the Bible app? +[5571.26 --> 5574.22] Is it more natural for you to listen to your favorite news anchor? +[5574.50 --> 5576.74] Or to turn on some worship music and praise his name? +[5576.74 --> 5581.04] Are you quicker to respond to your friend's Instagram story? +[5582.06 --> 5584.76] Or comment perhaps on the latest news article you read? +[5585.82 --> 5590.18] Or kneel before the Lord and offer him the glory that he deserves? +[5591.82 --> 5594.22] Does your day start and end with God? +[5594.56 --> 5596.80] Or start and end with some other voice? +[5596.80 --> 5601.12] Maybe that's what our resolution should be this year. +[5601.20 --> 5605.54] Maybe as a manual CRC, we decide every day to look at Scripture before screens. +[5605.86 --> 5608.00] Maybe as a church, we pray before we post. +[5608.66 --> 5611.18] And if that seems too pointed and direct for you, that's fine. +[5611.22 --> 5611.60] I get it. +[5611.88 --> 5615.56] I get some people don't love prescribed applications telling you how to live your life. +[5615.70 --> 5616.48] And that's cool. +[5616.56 --> 5620.26] You don't have to follow these specific instructions if you're bristling at it. +[5620.26 --> 5625.40] But maybe, maybe we're bristling because this is hitting home a little. +[5627.02 --> 5628.40] So think about it. +[5629.58 --> 5633.36] What voices are you putting first in your life? +[5633.88 --> 5637.28] What voice influences you most in your day to day? +[5637.98 --> 5642.08] Every day, every week, in your coming, in your going, what comes first? +[5643.54 --> 5644.42] God's voice? +[5645.82 --> 5647.72] Or the voices we see in this world? +[5647.72 --> 5656.80] And what can you do to ensure that being heard, that the only voice that matters is being heard above the noise? +[5659.68 --> 5660.96] I'm going to conclude here. +[5661.28 --> 5664.86] The end of Psalm 29 tells us why this matters so much. +[5665.78 --> 5667.08] Verses 10 and 11 says this. +[5667.28 --> 5669.64] The Lord sits enthroned over the flood. +[5670.20 --> 5672.12] The Lord is enthroned as king forever. +[5672.50 --> 5674.44] The Lord gives strength to his people. +[5674.44 --> 5677.48] The Lord blesses his people. +[5677.72 --> 5678.50] With peace. +[5679.68 --> 5681.54] The Lord is over the flood. +[5681.90 --> 5682.92] And is king forever. +[5683.26 --> 5686.02] He gives strength to his people every day. +[5686.46 --> 5690.50] And he blesses us with peace. +[5693.18 --> 5693.82] Peace. +[5694.20 --> 5698.42] This theme of receiving peace from our God is a theme throughout scripture. +[5698.56 --> 5700.14] Romans 5, 1-2 says this. +[5700.14 --> 5706.10] Since we have just been, or since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. +[5706.24 --> 5711.50] Through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. +[5711.76 --> 5713.60] Philippians 4, verse 7 says this. +[5713.60 --> 5721.96] And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. +[5721.96 --> 5726.24] Church, the 6 o'clock news makes us depressed. +[5726.24 --> 5728.98] The socials just bring us anxiety. +[5729.20 --> 5734.48] The noise of politics drives us to obnoxious rants in comment sections online. +[5734.48 --> 5741.02] But the voice of the Lord brings us peace, which transcends all understanding. +[5741.02 --> 5747.84] Giving the king of glory the worship he deserves above all. +[5749.50 --> 5751.98] Beyond the distracting voices of the world. +[5752.10 --> 5755.16] This will allow us to receive this transcendent peace. +[5755.34 --> 5759.80] Which is only available because we worship a transcendent God. +[5759.80 --> 5767.54] Because the voice of God that creates and controls even the most powerful storms that we read about in Psalm 29. +[5767.96 --> 5773.82] Is the same voice that came down from heaven and dwelt with his people. +[5774.94 --> 5777.32] Just a couple of weeks ago we celebrated Christmas. +[5778.16 --> 5783.00] The day we remember and we celebrate the transcendent God who came to be with us. +[5783.30 --> 5784.54] God with us. +[5784.70 --> 5785.06] Emmanuel. +[5785.06 --> 5785.18] Emmanuel. +[5786.22 --> 5793.62] In fact, when our Lord was born, the angels sang portions of Psalm 29 to the shepherds. +[5793.66 --> 5795.08] In Luke 2.13 we read, +[5795.16 --> 5799.58] Suddenly there was a multitude of heavenly hosts praising God and saying, +[5800.30 --> 5802.16] Glory to God in the highest heaven. +[5802.28 --> 5803.84] Verse 1 of Psalm 29. +[5804.08 --> 5807.74] And peace on earth to the people he favors. +[5808.48 --> 5809.74] Verse 11 of our psalm. +[5810.86 --> 5815.00] The voice of God came down to earth to be with us all. +[5815.28 --> 5824.72] In fact, the gospel truth of Jesus' life, death, and resurrection is so often centered on the fact that the voice or the word of God was active and present with his people. +[5826.36 --> 5827.68] John 1 verse 1. +[5827.76 --> 5830.42] The Christmas message from John's gospel says this. +[5830.70 --> 5833.28] The word became flesh and dwelt among us. +[5833.36 --> 5835.04] The word became flesh. +[5835.12 --> 5836.04] Matthew 3.17. +[5836.04 --> 5837.16] Jesus gets baptized. +[5837.80 --> 5839.84] And the voice of God calls down from heaven. +[5840.20 --> 5842.82] This is my son whom I am well pleased. +[5843.96 --> 5844.96] Or whom I love. +[5845.02 --> 5846.12] With him I am well pleased. +[5846.20 --> 5847.36] In Matthew 17.5. +[5847.40 --> 5848.92] At the transfiguration of Christ. +[5849.14 --> 5852.02] The voice of God calls down once more and says a similar thing. +[5852.30 --> 5854.10] This is my son whom I love. +[5854.16 --> 5856.00] With him I am well pleased. +[5856.42 --> 5857.38] Listen to him. +[5857.38 --> 5859.84] In John 6.68. +[5859.98 --> 5862.74] Peter, one of Jesus' disciples, says to Christ, +[5863.16 --> 5865.72] You have the words of eternal life. +[5866.44 --> 5869.82] We have come to believe and know that you are the Holy One of God. +[5870.80 --> 5871.84] Mark 4.39. +[5872.28 --> 5876.16] Jesus is on this boat and a large storm comes and terrifies his disciples, +[5876.36 --> 5878.58] many of whom are expert fishermen. +[5878.58 --> 5884.78] And he comes out on deck and he calms the storm saying simply, +[5885.64 --> 5886.00] Quiet. +[5886.54 --> 5887.18] Be still. +[5888.24 --> 5890.26] Proving he is God. +[5890.52 --> 5891.98] Lord over the flood. +[5892.64 --> 5893.84] As Psalm 29 says. +[5894.58 --> 5895.88] And all of this matters. +[5896.42 --> 5900.08] Because the voice of God who controls the storms of this world, +[5900.38 --> 5902.64] who speaks everything into existence, +[5903.10 --> 5905.22] came down, put on flesh, +[5905.64 --> 5907.76] experienced this life that we live. +[5907.76 --> 5910.76] He lived the life that we all should have lived. +[5910.86 --> 5914.10] And then he died the death that you and I all deserve to die. +[5914.44 --> 5916.60] And with his voice on the cross, +[5916.74 --> 5917.62] he proclaimed, +[5918.08 --> 5919.90] Father, forgive them, +[5920.18 --> 5921.72] for they do not know what they do. +[5922.34 --> 5924.54] And finally, with his voice, he cried out, +[5924.80 --> 5925.66] It is finished. +[5927.26 --> 5928.84] But then, three days later, +[5928.92 --> 5930.48] that same word become flesh, +[5930.84 --> 5931.82] rose from the dead, +[5931.90 --> 5934.12] defeating sin and death once and for all. +[5934.18 --> 5936.12] He appeared to over 500 people +[5936.12 --> 5937.58] before ascending to heaven, +[5937.58 --> 5941.10] where he sits at God's right hand on the throne +[5941.10 --> 5942.74] and uses his voice +[5942.74 --> 5947.30] to mediate on behalf of all who come +[5947.30 --> 5949.00] to him +[5949.00 --> 5950.78] with repentant hearts, +[5951.58 --> 5954.46] offering grace for all who believe. +[5954.46 --> 5959.68] His voice is still active in your life. +[5961.42 --> 5962.50] In my life. +[5962.84 --> 5965.88] That same voice was there at the beginning of time, +[5966.30 --> 5968.38] speaking over the storm in Psalm 29. +[5968.88 --> 5970.24] And then, one day, +[5970.98 --> 5972.18] this voice came down +[5972.18 --> 5974.92] and was cooing to his mother as a baby. +[5976.34 --> 5977.42] This voice grew up, +[5977.54 --> 5979.08] calmed the storms once again, +[5979.08 --> 5981.08] and declared the truth of his purpose +[5981.08 --> 5982.96] and the fulfillment of his promises +[5982.96 --> 5983.78] for generations. +[5983.96 --> 5984.74] And this voice +[5984.74 --> 5986.14] is now speaking +[5986.14 --> 5988.30] for you +[5988.30 --> 5991.12] by his Father's throne in heaven. +[5993.66 --> 5994.22] Speaking +[5994.22 --> 5995.64] to you +[5995.64 --> 5996.98] through the words +[5996.98 --> 5997.92] of Scripture. +[5997.92 --> 6001.08] Jesus, the voice of God +[6001.08 --> 6002.52] is speaking to you today, +[6002.82 --> 6003.58] saying the words +[6003.58 --> 6005.00] of Matthew 11, 28, +[6005.46 --> 6006.14] Come to me, +[6006.24 --> 6007.70] all you who are weary +[6007.70 --> 6008.68] and burdened, +[6008.68 --> 6011.44] and I will give you rest. +[6012.00 --> 6012.94] His voice +[6012.94 --> 6013.84] is there. +[6014.96 --> 6015.96] He speaks to us +[6015.96 --> 6016.72] through the Spirit, +[6017.08 --> 6017.82] in your hearts, +[6017.96 --> 6019.28] through your brothers and sisters, +[6019.52 --> 6021.14] and powerfully through his word. +[6021.14 --> 6022.84] Do you hear it? +[6024.70 --> 6026.04] Or are the distractions +[6026.04 --> 6028.76] and the voices of this world +[6028.76 --> 6029.48] drowning it out? +[6030.76 --> 6031.96] There's a lot of voices +[6031.96 --> 6032.78] in the world today, +[6032.88 --> 6033.44] but Jesus +[6033.44 --> 6034.96] is speaking. +[6036.34 --> 6037.60] Are we listening? +[6038.76 --> 6039.08] Amen. +[6039.54 --> 6040.34] Please pray with me. +[6042.62 --> 6043.40] Father God, +[6043.50 --> 6044.40] your voice +[6044.40 --> 6046.40] has been there +[6046.40 --> 6048.34] throughout the dawn of time. +[6048.44 --> 6049.00] You spoke +[6049.00 --> 6050.24] and this world was created. +[6050.24 --> 6050.96] You spoke +[6050.96 --> 6052.02] and promises were made. +[6052.10 --> 6052.60] You spoke +[6052.60 --> 6053.44] and you said +[6053.44 --> 6054.48] you would be our God +[6054.48 --> 6055.92] and we would be your people. +[6056.26 --> 6057.24] And those words +[6057.24 --> 6058.38] are true, +[6058.52 --> 6059.86] have always been true, +[6059.88 --> 6061.30] and will continue to be true. +[6062.20 --> 6062.98] And yet, God, +[6063.04 --> 6063.76] in this world, +[6063.84 --> 6065.56] there are so many voices +[6065.56 --> 6067.02] competing for space +[6067.02 --> 6067.70] in our heads. +[6069.22 --> 6070.52] God, may you +[6070.52 --> 6072.70] cut through the noise. +[6074.18 --> 6075.32] God, allow us +[6075.32 --> 6076.58] the discipline, +[6077.22 --> 6077.96] the effort, +[6078.94 --> 6079.70] the determination +[6079.70 --> 6080.62] and the will +[6080.62 --> 6082.20] to cut through the noise +[6082.20 --> 6083.30] to listen to you, +[6084.12 --> 6085.58] to open up your words, +[6086.16 --> 6087.64] to listen to how you speak +[6087.64 --> 6088.14] through others +[6088.14 --> 6089.06] into our lives, +[6089.76 --> 6090.64] and to discern +[6090.64 --> 6091.84] what it is you are calling +[6091.84 --> 6092.88] for us to do +[6092.88 --> 6093.66] each and every day. +[6095.36 --> 6097.04] Lord, may you be the voice +[6097.04 --> 6098.34] that rises above the rest +[6098.34 --> 6099.06] in our lives. +[6099.52 --> 6101.14] And may you bring us +[6101.14 --> 6101.98] this year +[6101.98 --> 6103.12] to a place +[6103.12 --> 6103.92] where we allow that +[6103.92 --> 6104.40] to happen. +[6105.14 --> 6106.18] God, stir in our hearts +[6106.18 --> 6107.34] what it is we need to do +[6107.34 --> 6108.34] in our lives, +[6108.38 --> 6108.96] what things need +[6108.96 --> 6109.78] to be shaken up, +[6110.20 --> 6111.00] what changes need +[6111.00 --> 6111.48] to be made, +[6111.56 --> 6113.68] so that we put your voice +[6113.68 --> 6117.04] above the rest. +[6118.26 --> 6119.00] And God, we pray this +[6119.00 --> 6119.50] in your name. +[6120.20 --> 6120.50] Amen. +[6124.26 --> 6125.02] As we sing. +[6125.02 --> 6143.94] God, God dijo, +[6143.94 --> 6146.10] God says, +[6146.10 --> 6167.06] O Lord my God, when I in awesome wonder +[6167.06 --> 6174.68] Consider all thy works, thy hands at me +[6174.68 --> 6182.96] I see the stars, I hear the rolling thunder +[6182.96 --> 6190.62] Thy power through all the universe display +[6190.62 --> 6199.18] Then cease my soul, my favor, God to me +[6199.18 --> 6207.46] How great thou art, how great thou art +[6207.46 --> 6215.18] Then cease my soul, my Savior, God to me +[6215.18 --> 6223.40] How great thou art, how great thou art +[6223.40 --> 6231.68] And through the world, and for its faith I wander +[6231.68 --> 6239.68] I hear the birds sing sweetly in the trees +[6239.68 --> 6247.96] When I look down from lofty mountain tender +[6247.96 --> 6255.16] And hear the brook, and feel the gentle breeze +[6255.16 --> 6262.96] Then cease my soul, my Savior, God to me +[6262.96 --> 6271.24] How great thou art, how great thou art +[6271.24 --> 6278.24] It sings my soul, my Savior, God to me +[6278.24 --> 6286.82] How great thou art, how great thou art +[6286.82 --> 6288.82] How great thou art, how great thou art, how great thou art +[6288.82 --> 6295.10] And when I think that God is sung not sparing +[6295.10 --> 6303.10] Sent him to die, I scarce can take it in +[6303.10 --> 6311.38] That on the cross, my burden gladly buried +[6311.38 --> 6319.38] He bled and died to take away my sin +[6319.38 --> 6327.10] And sings my soul, my Savior, God to me +[6327.10 --> 6329.10] How great thou art, how great thou art +[6329.10 --> 6335.10] How great thou art, how great thou art +[6335.10 --> 6343.10] It sings my soul, my Savior, God to me +[6343.10 --> 6351.10] How great thou art, how great thou art +[6351.10 --> 6359.10] Then I shall come with shadow of acclimation +[6359.10 --> 6367.10] And drink it home, for joy shall fill my heart +[6367.10 --> 6375.10] Then I shall come in humble adoration +[6375.10 --> 6377.10] And hear the brook, and help her son +[6377.10 --> 6379.10] And hear the brook, my God to me +[6379.10 --> 6383.10] How great thou art, how great thou art +[6383.10 --> 6391.10] And sings my soul, my Savior, God to me +[6391.10 --> 6395.10] How great thou art, how great thou art +[6395.10 --> 6399.10] How great thou art, how great thou art +[6399.10 --> 6405.66] It sings my soul, my Savior God to me. +[6407.12 --> 6414.82] How brave thou art, how brave thou art. +[6420.26 --> 6427.54] As we go from this place, please be invited to join us in the fellowship hall or in the sanctuary for some coffee refreshments. +[6427.54 --> 6430.72] We'd love to spend some time with you today before you head on home. +[6430.92 --> 6438.04] If something is stirring in your heart and you need prayer this morning, there will be a prayer member up here or perhaps even in the back. +[6438.18 --> 6440.16] They'll have a name tag with yellow on it. +[6440.18 --> 6440.86] Please seek them out. +[6440.88 --> 6444.02] They will happily pray for you or turn to someone else around you. +[6444.06 --> 6446.20] They will also be happy to pray for you in this church. +[6446.80 --> 6453.92] And as we go from this place, please hear these words from number six, verse 22, the priestly blessing. +[6453.92 --> 6458.86] As we go from this place to hear the voice of the Lord in all that we do. +[6459.64 --> 6462.52] The Lord bless you and keep you. +[6463.00 --> 6466.44] The Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you. +[6466.86 --> 6471.92] The Lord turn his face toward you and give you his peace. +[6472.42 --> 6473.72] And all God's people said. +[6473.72 --> 6474.22] Amen. +[6474.22 --> 6488.62] Great is he who's the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords. +[6488.62 --> 6491.30] He is wonderful. +[6491.30 --> 6514.52] Great is he who's the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords. +[6514.52 --> 6517.32] He is wonderful. +[6517.32 --> 6527.60] Great is he who's the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords. +[6527.60 --> 6530.34] He is wonderful. +[6531.92 --> 6540.76] Great is he who's the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords. +[6540.76 --> 6570.74] He is wonderful. +[6570.76 --> 6600.74] Great is he who's the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords. +[6600.74 --> 6603.00] Thank you. +[6603.00 --> 6603.34] You're welcome. +[6603.78 --> 6605.70] Great is he who Roman国ai República. +[6605.70 --> 6606.04] Thank you. +[6610.28 --> 6612.62] Thank you again. +[6612.76 --> 6613.24] Do it work. +[6614.24 --> 6619.74] Thank you. +[6619.74 --> 6620.20] Thank you. +[6620.58 --> 6624.52] Thank you. +[6624.52 --> 6625.72] Thank you. +[6625.72 --> 6655.70] Thank you. diff --git a/Sunday Worship, July 14, 2024_summary.txt b/Sunday Worship, July 14, 2024_summary.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000000000000000000000000000000000000..28e52489fa5b8bf4cee4d609034687aa284cfa61 --- /dev/null +++ b/Sunday Worship, July 14, 2024_summary.txt @@ -0,0 +1,82 @@ +• God's kindness and mercy pursue the speaker +• The speaker will sing despite death +• God is the speaker's armor and covering +• Whatever comes against the speaker, God covers them +• The speaker is safe under God's wings +• God gives the speaker everything they need +• Trust in God even when it hurts +• The pastor is away and Todd Statham from UBCO introduces himself. +• Introduction to a praise by the pond event on July 28th at 7pm at the Denhans place. +• Invitation for attendees to bring a chair and a treat to share. +• Greeting from the book of Revelation, calling everyone to greet their neighbors with words of grace and peace. +• Call to worship based on Psalm 98, encouraging people to shout for joy to the Lord. +• Singing of hymns, including "Holy is the Lord God Almighty" and "The earth is filled with its glory". +• Worship service +• Bible verses (Matthew 12:34-36, Matthew 11:28-30) +• The heart and what it speaks +• Resting in God and learning from Him +• Forgiveness and acceptance through Jesus' sacrifice +• Amazing Love song lyrics +• Worship song lyrics +• Collection and distribution of food for the Langley Food Bank +• The importance of showing mercy, compassion, and forgiveness to those in need +• The role of the church in serving the poor and vulnerable +• A call to invest time, energy, and money in serving others +• Prayer for summer and appreciation of creation +• Acknowledgment of needs in the world, such as poverty, homelessness, and environmental damage +• Confession of being blind to these needs and focusing on oneself +• Request for forgiveness and prompting to do one's part to help those in need +• Gratitude for a community food drive and community support +• Prayer for leaders and guidance +• Prayer for personal and family concerns, including health issues and losses +• Prayer for specific individuals going through challenging times +• Congratulations are given for several upcoming and recent events, including weddings, a 50th anniversary, and Ethan and Paige's marriage. +• The congregation is prayed for, asking God to be with them and guide their teachings and interactions. +• Pastor Todd Statham introduces himself as a Christian reform pastor and missionary at the University of British Columbia's campus in the Okanagan. +• He thanks the congregation for supporting his work through classical ministry shares and secondary offerings. +• He discusses his role on campus, spending time with students and professors to share faith and challenge existing beliefs. +• He highlights two exciting developments: expanding the campus ministry to the local community college and teaching a UBC course on the Bible. +• He expresses gratitude for the congregation's support and requests prayers for the challenges he faces on campus. +• A story from Acts 8 about an Ethiopian eunuch who becomes a follower of Jesus +• The eunuch, a high-ranking official in the queen's treasury, is reading Isaiah and asks Philip to explain it +• Philip explains that the passage is about Jesus and leads the eunuch to faith and baptism +• The story highlights the early church's mission to share the gospel with people from different cultures and backgrounds +• The eunuch was a black African, making him one of the first recorded non-Jewish converts to Christianity +• The story emphasizes the importance of sharing one's faith with others and being Christ's ambassadors in the world +• Christian Reformed Church members may feel uncomfortable sharing their faith +• Common objections to sharing faith include feeling awkward or unsure of what to say +• God has called Christians to share their faith, even in an increasingly post-Christian world +• The story of Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch in Acts 8 demonstrates that sharing faith often requires stepping out of one's comfort zone +• It is okay for Christians to feel uncomfortable when sharing their faith, as it is a normal part of obeying God's call +• The comfort and confidence that comes from knowing God is present in uncomfortable conversations +• The idea that God calls us into these conversations and has a role in them +• The story of Acts 8:26-40 as an example of God's presence in conversation, specifically the encounter between Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch +• The importance of sharing faith with others, even when it feels awkward or uncomfortable +• The power of questions in facilitating genuine conversations about faith +• The role of God's providence in bringing people together for spiritual conversations +• The comfort and confidence that comes from trusting in God's presence and guidance in these conversations +• The importance of having the right question over the right answer in sharing faith +• The story of Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch, where questions are used to build a relationship and share faith +• The role of questions in a good conversation about faith +• How questions can be used by God to comfort and challenge people +• Examples of simple yet powerful questions that invite response, such as "Who do you think Jesus is?" or "Would you like me to pray for you?" +• The idea that questions can clear away clutter and get to the heart of what really matters in sharing faith +• The cultural context of a post-Christian world where people are often hostile to faith due to misinformation +• Justin Martyr's example from the second century of writing an apology (defense) of Christianity to clarify its teachings and beliefs in response to criticisms +• The importance of asking questions to declutter misconceptions and allow for genuine conversations about faith, as seen in both ancient and modern contexts +• A personal anecdote about a young woman being misinformed about Christians and the need to correct these misconceptions +• The example of Philip's interactions with the Ethiopian eunuch in Acts, highlighting the value of listening and asking questions to engage with an individual's unique story and concerns +• The effectiveness of starting conversations with genuine interest and asking open-ended questions rather than leading questions or assumptions. +• The importance of sharing one's faith with others +• The fear of not having all the right answers can hinder sharing faith +• Listening carefully and asking questions is a more effective way to share faith +• Questions are essential for clearing misunderstandings and building relationships +• An anecdote about Christian-Muslim conversations highlights the power of asking questions in sharing faith +• Seeds were planted in a Muslim student's heart through quiet, respectful conversation and questioning +• Praise to God's faithfulness, mercy, and love +• Morning mercies and provision from God +• Strength for today and hope for tomorrow +• Blessings and gratitude to God +• Scripture readings from 2 Thessalonians and the Bible +• Jesus Christ's sacrifice for the world +• Worship and praise to God, with repetition of themes \ No newline at end of file diff --git a/Sunday Worship, July 14, 2024_transcript.txt b/Sunday Worship, July 14, 2024_transcript.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000000000000000000000000000000000000..4fe08eb780c92b1f32689146219abe8ed55dc6c9 --- /dev/null +++ b/Sunday Worship, July 14, 2024_transcript.txt @@ -0,0 +1,1086 @@ +[0.00 --> 10.86] Here's my heart, Lord, take and seal it, seal it for the courts above. +[13.52 --> 24.08] How your kindness yet pursues me, how your mercy never fails me. +[24.08 --> 34.08] Till the day that death shall lose me, I will sing, oh, I will sing. +[34.94 --> 45.26] How your kindness yet pursues me, how your mercy never fails me. +[45.26 --> 55.54] Till the day that death shall lose me, I will sing, oh, I will sing. +[55.54 --> 67.14] Till the day that death shall lose me, I will sing, oh, I will sing. +[67.14 --> 77.14] Till the day that death shall lose me, I will sing. +[77.14 --> 94.42] Here's my heart, Lord, take and seal it, seal it for the courts above. +[95.80 --> 105.18] Here's my heart, Lord, take and seal it, seal it for the courts above. +[105.18 --> 106.16] Testing one, two, three. +[106.24 --> 106.60] Good morning. +[107.14 --> 116.42] When 10,000 arrows take flight +[116.42 --> 119.54] Remind me that you are my armor +[119.54 --> 122.72] There's always a place I can hide +[122.72 --> 125.96] When I am desperate for shelter +[125.96 --> 130.52] You're my covering +[130.52 --> 134.66] I'm saying +[134.66 --> 138.40] I'm saying +[138.40 --> 144.00] Whatever comes at me +[144.00 --> 147.28] I'm saying +[147.28 --> 150.54] I'm saying +[150.54 --> 154.00] You've got me under your wings +[154.00 --> 155.58] Under your wings +[155.58 --> 157.98] I'm under, I'm under your wings +[157.98 --> 160.24] You've got me, you cover me +[160.24 --> 161.84] You cover me +[161.84 --> 164.34] I'm under, I'm under your wings +[164.34 --> 167.02] With every step that I take +[167.02 --> 170.40] You are before and behind me +[170.40 --> 173.74] And every fear that I face +[173.74 --> 176.58] I'm constantly finding +[176.58 --> 181.08] You're my covering +[181.08 --> 182.82] I'm saying +[182.82 --> 184.82] I'm saying +[184.82 --> 188.82] I'm saying +[188.82 --> 194.66] Whatever comes at me +[194.66 --> 197.54] I'm saying +[197.54 --> 200.82] I'm saying +[200.82 --> 204.52] You've got me under your wings +[204.52 --> 206.10] Under your wings +[206.10 --> 208.50] I'm under, I'm under your wings +[208.50 --> 212.72] You're my covering +[213.00 --> 213.24] I'm saying +[213.24 --> 214.88] You've got me +[214.88 --> 215.48] You cover me +[215.48 --> 220.84] You're my covering +[220.84 --> 222.66] You cover me +[222.66 --> 227.66] You cover me, you cover me, I'm under, I'm under your wings. +[228.62 --> 231.54] You're my covering. +[233.62 --> 239.54] I'm safe, I'm safe. +[239.54 --> 251.54] Whatever comes at me, I'm safe, I'm safe. +[252.66 --> 255.66] I'm safe, I'm safe. +[257.66 --> 260.66] I'm safe. +[262.66 --> 266.66] I'm safe, I'm safe. +[267.66 --> 271.66] I'm safe, I'm safe. +[271.66 --> 278.66] Even the sparrow +[278.66 --> 284.12] has a place to lay it set +[284.12 --> 290.66] so why would I let worries steal my bread +[290.66 --> 294.32] even the roses +[294.32 --> 300.82] you have clothed in brilliant red +[300.82 --> 307.92] still I'm the one you love more than this +[307.92 --> 311.32] you give me everything +[311.32 --> 315.40] you give me everything +[315.40 --> 320.50] you give me everything +[320.50 --> 323.44] I need +[337.92 --> 343.32] even the oceans +[343.32 --> 348.92] push and pull at your command +[348.92 --> 353.32] so you can steal my heart +[353.32 --> 355.32] with your head +[355.32 --> 359.72] you tell the seasons +[359.72 --> 365.60] when it's time for them to turn +[365.60 --> 371.72] so I will trust you even when it hurts +[371.72 --> 377.12] you give me everything +[377.12 --> 380.56] you give me everything +[380.56 --> 385.56] you give me everything +[385.56 --> 392.96] you give me everything +[392.96 --> 396.84] you give me everything +[396.84 --> 401.84] you give me everything +[401.84 --> 406.68] you give me everything +[406.68 --> 409.22] when I can't see you lead me +[409.22 --> 413.30] when I can't hear you show me +[413.30 --> 418.74] when I can't stand you carry me +[418.74 --> 426.14] When I'm lost, you will find me. +[426.86 --> 429.90] When I'm with you, I'm mighty. +[431.00 --> 438.02] You are everything I need. +[438.82 --> 441.48] You give me everything. +[442.64 --> 445.66] You give me everything. +[445.66 --> 454.22] You give me everything I need. +[454.40 --> 457.86] You give me everything. +[458.86 --> 461.82] You give me everything. +[463.02 --> 469.92] You give me everything I need. +[469.92 --> 474.48] You give me everything. +[474.48 --> 483.04] You give me everything. +[483.04 --> 483.22] You give me everything. +[483.22 --> 491.78] You give me everything. +[491.78 --> 493.96] You give me everything. +[493.96 --> 497.96] You give me everything. +[497.96 --> 502.52] You give me everything. +[506.52 --> 506.56] You give me everything. +[506.56 --> 509.32] You give me everything. +[509.32 --> 510.78] You give me everything. +[510.78 --> 514.74] You give me everything. +[514.74 --> 544.72] Thank you. +[544.74 --> 574.72] Thank you. +[574.74 --> 604.72] Thank you. +[604.74 --> 606.74] Thank you. +[634.74 --> 636.74] Thank you. +[664.74 --> 666.74] Thank you. +[694.74 --> 696.74] Thank you. +[724.74 --> 726.74] Thank you. +[754.74 --> 756.74] Thank you. +[784.74 --> 786.74] Thank you. +[814.74 --> 816.74] Thank you. +[816.74 --> 820.74] Thank you. +[820.74 --> 822.74] Thank you. +[822.74 --> 824.74] Thank you. +[824.74 --> 832.74] Thank you. +[836.74 --> 838.74] Thank you. +[838.74 --> 847.08] This goes for your glory. +[847.08 --> 851.90] Your honor to your strength. +[851.90 --> 861.36] And if you like your glory you will be the first resource to craft classes. +[861.36 --> 870.16] Oh turn your, oh turn your eyes upon Jesus +[891.36 --> 893.36] You +[921.36 --> 931.20] Good morning everyone +[931.20 --> 940.00] Special welcome here to any visitors to Langley Emanuel +[940.00 --> 943.84] And yeah, welcome to church this morning +[943.84 --> 946.68] I think Leslie had a quick announcement she wanted to make +[946.68 --> 950.76] I'm told I'm supposed to do it from here +[950.76 --> 956.02] I missed the bulletin because I had a crazy week and missed it completely +[956.02 --> 959.52] But I meant to put in there that on July the 28th +[959.52 --> 960.50] So in two weeks +[960.50 --> 963.72] In the evening we're going to do a praise by the pond +[963.72 --> 966.24] It's been a few years and it's time to do one again +[966.24 --> 968.62] So we're going to do it at the Denhans place +[968.62 --> 972.12] Seven o'clock on the 28th +[972.12 --> 975.44] You just need to bring a chair and a treat to share +[975.44 --> 977.86] And yes, I rhymed that on purpose +[977.86 --> 980.44] So see you on the 28th +[980.44 --> 981.52] Thank you +[981.52 --> 985.00] This morning with our pastors away +[985.00 --> 989.12] It's my pleasure to introduce Todd Statham from UBCO +[989.12 --> 992.00] He's been there since 2016 +[992.00 --> 993.88] He's on campus there +[993.88 --> 995.92] So I welcome him to the pulpit this morning +[995.92 --> 1006.84] Good morning everyone +[1006.84 --> 1007.56] Can you hear me? +[1008.84 --> 1009.30] No? +[1009.72 --> 1009.98] Yes? +[1010.08 --> 1010.62] Now I'm in +[1010.62 --> 1011.22] Good, okay +[1011.22 --> 1013.76] Please rise for God's greeting +[1013.76 --> 1016.44] These words come from the book of Revelation +[1016.44 --> 1018.36] Grace to you and peace +[1018.36 --> 1021.90] From he who is and who was and who is to come +[1021.90 --> 1024.66] And from the seven spirits that are before his throne +[1024.66 --> 1025.64] That is the Holy Spirit +[1025.64 --> 1027.44] And from Jesus Christ +[1027.44 --> 1028.92] The faithful witness +[1028.92 --> 1030.76] The firstborn from among the dead +[1030.76 --> 1033.86] And the ruler of the kings of the earth +[1033.86 --> 1034.76] Amen +[1034.76 --> 1036.58] And as God has greeted us as his people +[1036.58 --> 1038.38] Let us greet our neighbours around us +[1038.38 --> 1039.82] With words of grace and peace +[1039.82 --> 1047.28] Morning +[1047.28 --> 1047.84] Morning +[1047.84 --> 1051.84] Morning +[1051.84 --> 1072.94] Our call to worship this morning +[1072.94 --> 1076.46] Comes from Psalm 98 +[1076.46 --> 1078.76] There are so many places in the Psalms +[1078.76 --> 1083.24] Where we are told to shout for joy to the Lord +[1083.24 --> 1086.16] Psalm 98 verses 4 through 6 +[1086.16 --> 1088.98] Encourages us to shout for joy to the Lord +[1088.98 --> 1089.96] All the earth +[1089.96 --> 1093.10] Burst into jubilant song with music +[1093.10 --> 1095.80] Make music to the Lord with the harp +[1095.80 --> 1098.76] With the harp and the sound of singing +[1098.76 --> 1102.38] With trumpet and the blast of ram's horn +[1102.38 --> 1105.44] Shout for joy before the Lord, the King +[1105.44 --> 1108.18] Let us join our voices in celebration +[1108.18 --> 1110.24] For God's love for us +[1110.24 --> 1124.62] We stand and lift up our hands +[1124.62 --> 1128.80] For the joy of the Lord is our strength +[1128.80 --> 1134.52] We bow down and worship him now +[1134.52 --> 1138.58] How great, how awesome is he +[1138.58 --> 1141.00] Together we sing +[1141.00 --> 1146.06] Everyone sing +[1146.06 --> 1152.74] Holy is the Lord God Almighty +[1152.74 --> 1157.70] The earth is filled with its glory +[1157.70 --> 1161.76] Holy is the Lord God Almighty +[1161.76 --> 1167.18] The earth is filled with its glory +[1167.18 --> 1172.04] The earth is filled with its glory +[1172.04 --> 1177.42] We stand and lift up our hands +[1177.42 --> 1181.70] For the joy of the Lord is our strength +[1181.70 --> 1187.76] We bow down and worship him now +[1187.76 --> 1191.18] How great, how awesome is he +[1191.18 --> 1193.76] Together we sing +[1193.76 --> 1195.82] Everyone sing +[1195.82 --> 1197.82] Everyone sing +[1197.82 --> 1198.82] Everyone sing +[1198.82 --> 1205.34] Holy is the Lord God Almighty +[1205.34 --> 1207.40] The earth is filled with its glory +[1207.40 --> 1210.40] The earth is filled with its glory +[1210.40 --> 1214.72] Holy is the Lord God Almighty +[1214.72 --> 1219.58] The earth is filled with its glory +[1219.58 --> 1224.64] The earth is filled with its glory +[1224.64 --> 1229.96] And it's rising up all around +[1229.96 --> 1234.64] It's the anthem of the Lord's renown +[1234.64 --> 1239.34] It's rising up all around +[1239.34 --> 1244.58] It's the anthem of the Lord's renown +[1244.58 --> 1246.64] Together we sing +[1246.64 --> 1247.64] Together we sing +[1247.64 --> 1251.64] Everyone sing +[1251.64 --> 1253.64] Everyone sing +[1253.64 --> 1259.12] Holy is the Lord God Almighty +[1259.12 --> 1263.86] The earth is filled with its glory +[1263.86 --> 1268.28] Holy is the Lord God Almighty +[1268.28 --> 1272.92] The earth is filled with its glory +[1272.92 --> 1277.48] The earth is filled with its glory +[1277.48 --> 1302.90] The earth is filled with its glory +[1302.90 --> 1306.38] Alec +[1308.10 --> 1312.68] A +[1312.70 --> 1313.60] The earth is filled with its glory +[1313.60 --> 1315.06] The earth is filled with its glory +[1315.06 --> 1316.30] The earth is filled with its glory +[1316.30 --> 1323.90] rises we wait upon the lord we will wait upon the lord we will wait upon the lord our god +[1325.18 --> 1327.18] you reign forever +[1330.62 --> 1334.62] our hope our strong deliver +[1334.62 --> 1355.02] you are the everlasting god the everlasting god you do not faint you won't grow weary +[1355.02 --> 1372.62] you're the defender of the wind you comfort those in need you lift us upon wings like eagles +[1372.62 --> 1391.34] strength will rise as we wait upon the lord we will wait upon the lord we will wait upon the lord +[1391.34 --> 1398.86] rises we wait upon the lord we will wait upon the lord we will wait upon the lord our god +[1400.14 --> 1401.98] you reign forever +[1405.50 --> 1408.54] our hope a strong +[1414.14 --> 1417.98] you are the everlasting god +[1417.98 --> 1421.98] the everlasting god +[1423.66 --> 1429.50] you do not faint you won't grow weary +[1430.86 --> 1444.70] you're the defender of the wing you comfort those in need you lift us up on wings like +[1444.70 --> 1450.38] you are the everlasting god +[1450.38 --> 1452.38] god +[1452.38 --> 1456.06] the everlasting god +[1456.06 --> 1458.06] you do not +[1458.06 --> 1460.06] you do not +[1460.06 --> 1461.74] you do not faint you won't grow weary +[1461.74 --> 1477.42] you're the defender of the weak you comfort those in need you lift us up on wings like +[1477.42 --> 1479.42] you +[1486.70 --> 1487.74] invite you to be seated +[1487.74 --> 1493.74] you +[1495.82 --> 1498.22] matthew 12 34 to 36 says +[1499.02 --> 1505.82] for the mouth speaks what the heart is full of a good man brings good things out of the good stored +[1505.82 --> 1511.10] in up in him and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in him +[1512.14 --> 1516.30] i don't know about you but i think we like to think of ourselves as being good +[1517.10 --> 1523.58] the problem is i find that when i forget to rest in the lord or when i pick up burdens that i thought +[1523.58 --> 1524.62] i've left at the cross +[1527.82 --> 1529.50] my heart gets full of the wrong things +[1530.54 --> 1533.34] if you're like me you can hear it by what you're thinking +[1534.38 --> 1537.82] but you can also hear it by what comes out of your mouth and it's +[1539.02 --> 1540.30] not all that good +[1541.02 --> 1543.34] but the holy spirit calls us back reminding us +[1543.34 --> 1545.66] of jesus words in +[1546.38 --> 1548.94] matthew 11 28 to 30 +[1550.62 --> 1555.66] there it says come to me all you who are weary and burdened and i will give you rest +[1556.62 --> 1560.94] take my yoke upon you and learn from me for i am gentle and humble in heart +[1561.66 --> 1566.78] and you will find rest for your souls for my yoke is easy and my burden is light +[1567.42 --> 1572.94] and that's where i find my answer so let's ask jesus to give us a heart like his +[1573.34 --> 1575.42] a gentle and humble heart let's bow +[1579.90 --> 1587.34] abba father forgive us once again for trying to live life on our own and not resting in you +[1590.06 --> 1598.70] open our eyes to your gentle humble heart and help us to learn from you learn that your yoke is easy +[1598.70 --> 1605.02] and your burden is light and that our souls can trust and rest in you +[1606.38 --> 1613.58] with the help of your holy spirit may our mouths speak your love from an overflowing heart amen +[1613.58 --> 1627.58] why don't we stand and continue worship +[1627.58 --> 1638.14] i'm forgiven because you were forsaken +[1640.14 --> 1644.46] i'm accepted you were condemned +[1644.46 --> 1651.02] i'm alive and well your spirit is within me +[1651.02 --> 1664.22] i'm forgiven because you were forsaken +[1664.22 --> 1670.78] i'm accepted you were condemned +[1670.78 --> 1677.26] i'm alive and well your spirit is within me +[1677.26 --> 1681.82] because you died and rose again +[1681.82 --> 1688.38] amazing love +[1688.38 --> 1690.38] how can it be +[1690.38 --> 1695.42] that you my king would die for me +[1695.42 --> 1700.38] amazing love +[1700.38 --> 1703.26] i know it's true +[1703.26 --> 1707.82] it's my joy to honor you +[1707.82 --> 1709.82] and it's my joy to honor you +[1709.82 --> 1711.82] in all i do +[1711.82 --> 1715.26] i honor you +[1715.26 --> 1719.26] i'm forgiven +[1719.26 --> 1728.94] i'm forgiven +[1728.94 --> 1733.26] i'm forgiven +[1733.26 --> 1735.26] because you were forsaken +[1735.26 --> 1738.54] i'm accepted +[1738.54 --> 1739.82] i'm accepted +[1739.82 --> 1743.82] i'm forgiven +[1743.82 --> 1745.82] amazing love +[1745.82 --> 1747.82] amazing love +[1747.82 --> 1749.82] how can it be +[1749.82 --> 1755.82] that you my king would die for me +[1755.82 --> 1759.82] amazing love +[1759.82 --> 1762.54] i know it's true +[1762.54 --> 1767.82] and it's my joy to honor you +[1767.82 --> 1771.82] in all i do +[1771.82 --> 1775.82] i honor you +[1775.82 --> 1785.82] you are my king +[1785.82 --> 1791.82] you are my king +[1791.82 --> 1797.82] jesus you are my king +[1797.82 --> 1805.82] jesus you are my king +[1805.82 --> 1807.82] amazing love +[1807.82 --> 1811.82] how can it be +[1811.82 --> 1817.82] that you my king would die for me +[1817.82 --> 1819.82] amazing love +[1819.82 --> 1821.82] amazing love +[1821.82 --> 1823.82] i know it's true +[1823.82 --> 1829.82] and it's my joy to honor you +[1829.82 --> 1831.82] in all i do +[1831.82 --> 1835.82] i honor you +[1835.82 --> 1839.82] in all i do +[1839.82 --> 1843.82] i honor you +[1843.82 --> 1871.82] worthy of every song we could ever sing +[1871.82 --> 1877.82] worthy of all the praise we could ever bring +[1877.82 --> 1883.82] worthy of every breath we could ever breathe +[1883.82 --> 1885.82] we live for you +[1885.82 --> 1889.82] we live for you +[1893.82 --> 1899.82] jesus the name above every other day +[1899.82 --> 1905.82] jesus the only one who could ever say +[1905.82 --> 1911.82] worthy of every breath we could ever breathe +[1911.82 --> 1913.82] we live for you +[1913.82 --> 1915.82] we live for you +[1915.82 --> 1917.82] we live for you +[1917.82 --> 1921.82] holy there is no one like you +[1921.82 --> 1925.82] there is no one like you +[1925.82 --> 1927.82] there is none beside you +[1927.82 --> 1931.82] open up my eyes in wonder +[1931.82 --> 1933.82] and show me +[1933.82 --> 1935.82] who you are +[1935.82 --> 1937.82] and fill me +[1937.82 --> 1939.82] with your heart +[1939.82 --> 1941.82] and lead me +[1941.82 --> 1943.82] in your love to those around me +[1943.82 --> 1945.82] those around me +[1945.82 --> 1949.82] jesus the name above every other name +[1949.82 --> 1953.82] jesus the name above every other name +[1953.82 --> 1957.82] jesus the only one who could ever say +[1957.82 --> 1973.82] jesus the name above every other name +[1973.82 --> 1975.82] jesus the only one who could ever say +[1975.82 --> 1982.06] we could ever breathe we live for you we live for you +[1985.18 --> 1999.42] holy there is no one like you there is one beside you open up my eyes in wonder and show me +[1999.42 --> 2021.02] who you are and fill me with your heart and lead me in your love to those around me +[2029.42 --> 2043.42] and i will build my life upon your love it is +[2043.42 --> 2057.42] is +[2057.42 --> 2071.42] not be shaken i will build my life upon your love it is +[2071.42 --> 2085.42] is +[2085.42 --> 2099.42] holy there is no one like you there is none beside you open up my eyes in wonder and show me +[2099.42 --> 2113.42] who you are and fill me with your heart and lead me in your love to those around me +[2115.58 --> 2127.42] invite you to be seated +[2129.42 --> 2131.42] thank you +[2134.46 --> 2135.02] good morning +[2137.10 --> 2143.50] this morning our offering is for the budget and also for the langley food bank as you can see +[2145.58 --> 2151.58] most of us know we're aware of we've supported the langley food bank for years and years through +[2151.58 --> 2157.34] different ways whether you're a student at school whether it's in the community through our church +[2157.34 --> 2157.66] here +[2157.66 --> 2161.74] um lots of different ways and the langley food bank really appreciates it +[2161.74 --> 2166.78] um i just want to read to you something that was on that is on their website +[2166.78 --> 2175.74] um it says the langley food bank we believe that god has a special concern for those who cannot care for their own needs +[2175.74 --> 2181.74] he clearly calls his people to share his concern and express his compassion to the poor and the needy +[2181.74 --> 2190.78] god's heart towards the poor is not one of harshness or judgment but rather one of mercy compassion forgiveness and help +[2190.78 --> 2200.78] scripture tells us to aggressively work to rescue the poor from the oppression of poverty through our good works and to administer true justice on their behalf +[2200.78 --> 2204.78] which includes showing mercy and compassion +[2205.66 --> 2212.78] the langley food bank is an effective voice in preaching the gospel to the poor through the good works of its volunteers +[2212.78 --> 2216.78] because actions often speak louder than words +[2216.78 --> 2220.78] actions will often create the pathway for those words to be heard +[2220.78 --> 2232.78] god's call to the church is to identify with the poor the weak and the vulnerable and to invest our time energy and money in serving them +[2232.78 --> 2240.78] the long-term objective in all that we do the food bank is to effect lasting transformation in the lives of our clients +[2240.78 --> 2246.78] to bring them from a life of poverty to a life of productivity and hope +[2246.78 --> 2264.78] we recognize the absolute need for the intervention and the work of the holy spirit as crucial crucial to this process as well as the vital necessity for a new and living relationship with god the father through jesus christ his son +[2264.78 --> 2274.78] and i know that when josh from the food bank comes this week to come and pick up um this he will be overwhelmed and he will be um thankful for that he will be +[2274.78 --> 2296.78] um and i think those of you who have contributed um our murrayville community who came out um and brought things and the opportunity we had yesterday at the festival as well to also engage with some of those from from our community so thank you very much +[2296.78 --> 2298.78] um +[2298.78 --> 2300.78] he still has stuff to bring up they can at this point um +[2300.78 --> 2302.78] um +[2302.78 --> 2304.78] um +[2304.78 --> 2306.78] um +[2306.78 --> 2308.78] um +[2308.78 --> 2310.78] um +[2310.78 --> 2312.78] um +[2312.78 --> 2314.78] um +[2314.78 --> 2316.78] um +[2316.78 --> 2318.78] um +[2318.78 --> 2320.78] um +[2320.78 --> 2322.78] um +[2322.78 --> 2324.78] um +[2324.78 --> 2326.78] um +[2326.78 --> 2350.78] um +[2350.78 --> 2352.78] um +[2352.78 --> 2354.78] um +[2354.78 --> 2356.78] um +[2356.78 --> 2358.78] um +[2358.78 --> 2360.78] um +[2360.78 --> 2362.78] um +[2362.78 --> 2364.78] um +[2364.78 --> 2372.78] um +[2372.78 --> 2374.78] um +[2374.78 --> 2376.78] um +[2376.78 --> 2378.78] um +[2378.78 --> 2390.78] um +[2390.78 --> 2392.78] um +[2392.78 --> 2394.78] um +[2394.78 --> 2396.78] um +[2396.78 --> 2398.78] um +[2398.78 --> 2400.78] um +[2400.78 --> 2402.78] um +[2402.78 --> 2414.78] um +[2414.78 --> 2416.78] um +[2416.78 --> 2418.78] um +[2418.78 --> 2420.78] um +[2420.78 --> 2422.78] um +[2422.78 --> 2424.78] um +[2424.78 --> 2426.78] um +[2426.78 --> 2438.78] um +[2438.78 --> 2440.78] um +[2440.78 --> 2442.78] um +[2442.78 --> 2444.78] um +[2444.78 --> 2446.78] um +[2446.78 --> 2448.78] um +[2448.78 --> 2462.78] um +[2462.78 --> 2464.78] um +[2464.78 --> 2466.78] um +[2466.78 --> 2468.78] um +[2468.78 --> 2470.78] um +[2470.78 --> 2472.78] um +[2472.78 --> 2474.78] um +[2474.78 --> 2476.78] um +[2476.78 --> 2478.78] um +[2478.78 --> 2480.78] um +[2480.78 --> 2482.78] um +[2482.78 --> 2484.78] um +[2484.78 --> 2486.78] um +[2486.78 --> 2488.78] um +[2488.78 --> 2490.78] um +[2490.78 --> 2492.78] um +[2492.78 --> 2498.78] um +[2498.78 --> 2500.78] um +[2500.78 --> 2502.78] um +[2502.78 --> 2504.78] two +[2504.78 --> 2506.78] um +[2506.78 --> 2508.78] um +[2508.78 --> 2510.78] do +[2510.78 --> 2512.78] um +[2512.78 --> 2514.78] um +[2514.78 --> 2516.78] um +[2516.78 --> 2518.78] um +[2518.78 --> 2520.78] um +[2520.78 --> 2532.66] Good morning again. +[2533.78 --> 2536.44] Here to lead you in family prayer this morning. +[2537.08 --> 2537.78] Let's pray. +[2539.46 --> 2544.04] Our Heavenly Father, we come before you on this beautiful summer Sunday morning +[2544.04 --> 2545.56] and acknowledge you are the Creator, +[2546.32 --> 2550.10] that you spoke our world into being and that the world speaks out your majesty +[2550.10 --> 2553.60] and your power, a world that we often don't understand, +[2553.88 --> 2556.58] but we take great comfort in knowing you are in control. +[2557.60 --> 2562.60] Lord, you give us the pleasure and experience of the rhythms of life, +[2562.86 --> 2565.52] the rising and setting of the sun, the changing seasons, +[2565.52 --> 2566.98] each with its own character. +[2567.66 --> 2571.36] With summer now before us, we are thankful for the beauty of creation all around us. +[2571.44 --> 2574.90] We are thankful for experiencing the flowers in the forest, +[2575.28 --> 2579.06] witnessing mountain peaks and oceans and rivers and lakes and streams. +[2579.06 --> 2582.92] For many of us, summer is a time of rest and restoration, +[2583.64 --> 2585.12] and for that we are very thankful. +[2585.68 --> 2588.28] For those traveling, we pray for their safety. +[2589.44 --> 2594.06] But Lord, even in summer, help us to continue to see the many needs in our world and communities. +[2595.16 --> 2600.26] We think of poverty, homelessness, refugees, political unrest, and our damaged environment. +[2601.34 --> 2606.42] Lord, we confess that we are often blind to all that you offer and provide for us. +[2606.42 --> 2610.42] We become focused on ourselves and our own perceived needs and desires, +[2610.54 --> 2613.58] so we close our eyes to the needs of those around us. +[2614.10 --> 2619.86] Needs in our world we live in, needs in our country and our province, as well in our local community. +[2619.86 --> 2626.64] We confess that we really have no excuse not to reach out to feed those that are hungry, +[2626.64 --> 2631.88] to clothe the poor and visit those in need, and treat them as equals, as they are in your sight. +[2632.28 --> 2638.28] Father, forgive us, and use your spirit to prompt and move each of us to do our part. +[2638.74 --> 2642.54] We are very thankful for the food drive held yesterday in our community, +[2642.54 --> 2646.24] and for those that all helped organize and contribute. +[2649.00 --> 2653.78] Thank you, Lord, for reminding us that you are in control and that you are always there. +[2654.90 --> 2656.76] Where can we go from your spirit? +[2657.18 --> 2658.18] Lord, you are in the heavens. +[2658.70 --> 2659.62] You are in the depths. +[2659.90 --> 2662.14] You are everywhere, in every corner of our lives, +[2662.18 --> 2664.14] and your hand will guide us and hold us fast. +[2664.14 --> 2668.58] Lord, we pray for our world, our nation, our communities. +[2668.76 --> 2671.18] We bring all leaders who govern before you. +[2671.60 --> 2676.86] We pray that you will bless them and guide them in the very difficult job of leadership +[2676.86 --> 2680.56] and working towards solutions of the many challenges we face. +[2681.66 --> 2685.22] We also continue to bring our needs, concerns, and joys before you. +[2685.56 --> 2690.48] We pray for those in our church body who struggle with physical, emotional, or other issues. +[2690.48 --> 2692.82] We pray for their strength and comfort. +[2693.84 --> 2698.28] We pray for those that have lost family and friends and continue to mourn. +[2698.58 --> 2702.20] Lord, comfort them and send them your special measure of your healing grace. +[2703.28 --> 2707.70] We pray for Emo Smith, who goes for open heart surgery this week. +[2707.86 --> 2711.14] We pray for a successful surgery and a smooth recovery. +[2711.60 --> 2718.76] We pray for peace and strength for Emo and Benita during this time of waiting and preparation. +[2720.48 --> 2724.30] We are thankful for the healing Everly Vartstra has experienced, +[2724.64 --> 2728.80] and we pray that all goes well with her upcoming MRI later this month. +[2729.70 --> 2732.04] We pray for those who are shut in and lonely. +[2732.44 --> 2733.74] We pray you grant them comfort. +[2734.68 --> 2738.96] We pray with joy and excitement as we celebrate with the Spohr family. +[2740.24 --> 2743.20] Congratulations to Ethan and Paige, who were married yesterday in Ontario. +[2743.84 --> 2746.88] And we pray for the Hubberts family as they make final preparations +[2746.88 --> 2748.96] for Noah and Lauren's wedding next weekend. +[2748.96 --> 2756.68] And we also celebrate with Case and Anne-Marie Ben-Muin as they celebrate their 50th anniversary this month. +[2756.84 --> 2760.74] We pray for God's continued faithfulness to them and their family. +[2761.70 --> 2765.82] Lord, help us to remember you're always there and that you call us to follow your teachings, +[2765.98 --> 2769.20] to live in fellowship and communion with you and with one another. +[2769.62 --> 2771.12] And in all things, pray continually. +[2772.16 --> 2774.40] Be with Pastor Todd as he leads us this morning. +[2774.40 --> 2776.46] We thank you that you have brought him here this morning, +[2776.58 --> 2777.92] and we ask you to bless this message. +[2778.70 --> 2781.28] We pray all this in the name of Jesus Christ, +[2782.28 --> 2783.48] our Son, your Son, +[2784.60 --> 2785.38] our Lord and Savior. +[2785.80 --> 2786.02] Amen. +[2786.02 --> 2786.12] Amen. +[2786.12 --> 2786.16] Amen. +[2786.16 --> 2786.18] Amen. +[2786.18 --> 2786.20] Amen. +[2786.20 --> 2786.22] Amen. +[2786.22 --> 2786.24] Amen. +[2786.24 --> 2786.30] Amen. +[2786.30 --> 2788.30] Amen. +[2788.30 --> 2788.34] Amen. +[2788.34 --> 2790.30] Amen. +[2790.30 --> 2792.30] Amen. +[2792.30 --> 2794.30] Amen. +[2794.30 --> 2796.30] Amen. +[2796.30 --> 2798.30] Amen. +[2798.30 --> 2800.30] Amen. +[2800.30 --> 2802.30] Amen. +[2802.30 --> 2804.30] Amen. +[2805.02 --> 2826.02] Amen. +[2826.42 --> 2834.26] Amen. +[2834.26 --> 2834.28] Amen. +[2834.28 --> 2849.28] My name is Todd Statham, I'm a Christian reform pastor and a missionary of this church and our classes to the students, staff, and faculty at the University of British Columbia's campus in the Okanagan. +[2849.28 --> 2853.28] And I'm going into my seventh year doing this, which is remarkable. +[2853.28 --> 2873.28] This is a strategic mission field and I'm delighted to be part of a church denomination and a church generally that believes that we want a gospel presence on public secular universities in Canada, like UBC Okanagan where I work. +[2873.28 --> 2876.28] So thank you for making all this possible. +[2876.28 --> 2884.28] You support my work through your classical ministry shares, also through taking secondary offerings, and I'm very grateful for it. +[2884.28 --> 2896.28] And I'm not here to talk about my work this morning because it's not really the point I'm here just to preach, but it is just a chance for me to say thank you for this really valuable, I believe very valuable work. +[2896.28 --> 2924.28] I spend most of my time drinking coffee with students and professors, which doesn't sound like a job, but it is a job and it's an important one because it gives me the chance to share faith and to deepen faith and to challenge faith across a wide spectrum of people from committed Christians who want to go deeper to students who've left the faith, the students who are not religious at all, but are curious and want to have a conversation. +[2924.28 --> 2930.28] And as you can imagine the secular university campus is full of opportunities, it's also full of great challenges. +[2930.28 --> 2932.28] So I'll cover your prayers as well. +[2932.28 --> 2937.28] A couple of things I just wanted to draw your attention to that I'm, oh thank you. +[2937.28 --> 2940.28] It's very good service. +[2940.28 --> 2946.28] A couple of things to draw your attention to that I'm really excited about just to share. +[2946.28 --> 2955.28] So this last year for the very first time we were able to expand the campus ministry to the local community college in Kelowna. +[2955.28 --> 2959.28] Okanagan College is the largest community college in BC's interior. +[2959.28 --> 2969.28] And Curtis Malista who for many years was a youth pastor at Willoughby CRC, is now living in the Okanagan studying to be a pastor in the Christian reform church. +[2969.28 --> 2979.28] Works for me one day a week at Okanagan college and it's just exciting because of, really because of the financial support of congregations like yours we're able to employ Curtis. +[2979.28 --> 2989.28] And for the very first time Okanagan college has had a Christian Bible study meeting weekly under Curtis's auspices, which is wonderful. +[2989.28 --> 2994.28] Second thing, really excited about, also please keep me in prayer. +[2994.28 --> 3010.28] For the last two years I've been able to teach a UBC course on the Bible, which took, believe me, it took me many years of advocacy and persistent questioning to get to the point where I was able to teach an actual UBC course. +[3010.28 --> 3015.28] Lots of opposition to the idea that a Christian pastor would be teaching a UBC course. +[3015.28 --> 3020.28] This is a course in the English department, the Bible and literature, but really what it is, is kind of adult Sunday school. +[3020.28 --> 3031.28] I'm teaching 35 unchurched students Bible stories so that they can understand the poems and the novels that they're reading, which draw on lots of biblical themes. +[3031.28 --> 3038.28] God is opening up lots of opportunities in campus ministry at UBC and I'm happy, I'm just delighted in what he's doing. +[3038.28 --> 3042.28] But at the same time, it's a challenge and I need your prayers. +[3042.28 --> 3048.28] We've had a big pro-Palestinian encampment going on all summer, just raises the tension level on campus. +[3048.28 --> 3057.28] I'm going to be around after the service, so if you're interested in talking to me about what I do, how you can support it, if you're just curious, what does my day look like, come and talk to me. +[3057.28 --> 3068.28] All right, I'll be having a coffee and happy to chat. +[3068.28 --> 3073.28] God's word for this this morning comes from the book of Acts. +[3073.28 --> 3078.28] I'm reading Acts chapter 8. +[3078.28 --> 3086.28] Starting in verse 26 to the end of the chapter, this is the story of Philip and the Ethiopian. +[3086.28 --> 3093.28] Hear God's word, what the Spirit has to say to Emmanuel Christian Reformed Church this morning. +[3093.28 --> 3103.28] Now an angel of the Lord said to Philip, go south to the road, the desert road that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza. +[3103.28 --> 3114.28] So he started out and on his way, he met an Ethiopian eunuch, an important official in charge of all the treasury of Kandake, Queen of the Ethiopians. +[3114.28 --> 3122.28] This man had gone to Jerusalem to worship and on his way home was sitting in his chariot, reading the book of Isaiah the prophet. +[3122.28 --> 3128.28] The spirit told Philip, go to that chariot and stay near it. +[3128.28 --> 3133.28] Then Philip ran up to the chariot and heard the man reading the prophet Isaiah. +[3133.28 --> 3136.28] Do you understand what you're reading? Philip asked. +[3136.28 --> 3140.28] How can I? He said, unless someone explains it to me. +[3140.28 --> 3144.28] So he invited Philip to come up and sit with him. +[3144.28 --> 3148.28] The eunuch was reading this passage of scripture. +[3148.28 --> 3150.28] This is from Isaiah 53. +[3150.28 --> 3157.28] He was led like a sheep to the slaughter and as a lamb before the shearer is silent, so he did not open his mouth. +[3157.28 --> 3161.28] In his humiliation, he was deprived of justice. +[3161.28 --> 3166.28] Who can speak of his descendants? For his life was taken away from the earth. +[3166.28 --> 3175.28] The eunuch asked Philip, tell me please, who is the prophet talking about himself or someone else? +[3175.28 --> 3182.28] Then Philip began with that very passage of scripture and he told him the good news of Jesus. +[3182.28 --> 3187.28] As they traveled together along the road, they came to some water and the eunuch said, look, here's water. +[3187.28 --> 3192.28] Why shouldn't I be baptized? And he gave orders to stop the chariot. +[3192.28 --> 3198.28] Then both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water and Philip baptized him. +[3198.28 --> 3204.28] When they came up out of the water, the spirit of the Lord suddenly took Philip away and the eunuch did not see him again. +[3204.28 --> 3206.28] But he went on his way rejoicing. +[3206.28 --> 3215.28] Philip, however, appeared at Azotus and traveled about preaching the gospel in all the towns until he reached Caesarea. +[3215.28 --> 3222.28] Amen. May God add his blessing to the reading and to the proclamation of his word. +[3222.28 --> 3230.28] Are you familiar with this story from Acts 8? Have you heard it before? +[3230.28 --> 3235.28] It's lots of people nodding. It's a familiar story, I think. +[3235.28 --> 3238.28] This is one of my favorite stories in the New Testament. +[3238.28 --> 3241.28] Really, one of my all-time favorite stories. +[3241.28 --> 3249.28] It shows the early church, the first Christians, after Pentecost, after the spirit is poured down on the church, +[3249.28 --> 3256.28] reaching out to people of different races and places with the good news of Jesus Christ. +[3256.28 --> 3265.28] It's like the gospel is kind of radiating from this epicenter that is Jerusalem to new countries, new places. +[3265.28 --> 3275.28] The church is sharing with others its faith in the great thing that God has done in Jesus Christ for us and for our salvation. +[3275.28 --> 3282.28] And here we have in this story the very first black African becoming a follower of Jesus. +[3282.28 --> 3289.28] I worked as a missionary for four years in Central Africa with the Presbyterian Church and taught at the seminary there. +[3289.28 --> 3294.28] One of my research fields is the history of Christianity in Africa. +[3294.28 --> 3299.28] And when I started my lectures on the history of the church in Africa, I'd start with this story. +[3299.28 --> 3305.28] Acts chapter 8, the first black African becoming a follower of Jesus. +[3305.28 --> 3310.28] He's a powerful bureaucrat. We would think of him as a diplomat. +[3310.28 --> 3320.28] From this land that the Bible calls Ethiopia or Nubia, the modern country of Ethiopia takes its name from him, not the other way around. +[3320.28 --> 3322.28] He is Nubian. He's a black African. +[3322.28 --> 3330.28] And he works in the service of the powerful Nubian queen, the Kandake or the Candace. +[3330.28 --> 3337.28] And in conversation with Philip, he hears for the first time that God's son, Jesus, died and was resurrected, +[3337.28 --> 3345.28] not just for Jews, but for all people, including an African like him or a European like me. +[3345.28 --> 3349.28] And then he's baptized as a follower of Jesus. +[3349.28 --> 3362.28] A great story to remind the church here and now that we have a mission in the power of the Spirit to share the good news of what God has done in Jesus Christ for the salvation of the world. +[3362.28 --> 3366.28] This is a story that sets the tone for us today. +[3366.28 --> 3368.28] The Apostle Paul says, +[3368.28 --> 3384.28] When we gather as a church, what we're doing right now, God is making his appeal to the world through us. +[3384.28 --> 3396.28] When we go out as a church into the world, giving food to the food bank, going into our schools, our works, our jobs, our homes, doing the just and the true and the beautiful, +[3396.28 --> 3399.28] God is making his appeal to the world through us. +[3399.28 --> 3401.28] We are his ambassadors. +[3401.28 --> 3417.28] And of course, when we share our faith, when we talk about our faith in Jesus with other people, sharing a word of encouragement, of faith in Jesus, when we do that, God is making his appeal to the world through us. +[3417.28 --> 3419.28] We are Christ's ambassadors. +[3419.28 --> 3429.28] That's why it's so important for us to share our faith, to be able to talk to our friends and neighbors about what God has done for us in Jesus. +[3429.28 --> 3435.28] I know I just lost about half of you when I said that, that we need to share our faith, right? +[3435.28 --> 3437.28] Some of you are already looking out the window. +[3437.28 --> 3439.28] You're like, uh-oh. +[3439.28 --> 3441.28] Christian Reformed folk are good at lots of things. +[3441.28 --> 3446.28] One thing we're not very good at though is talking to other people about our faith. +[3446.28 --> 3447.28] Are we? +[3447.28 --> 3448.28] Are we? +[3448.28 --> 3449.28] Come on. +[3449.28 --> 3450.28] We're not. +[3450.28 --> 3452.28] We're not. +[3452.28 --> 3458.28] For a long time, the Christian Reformed Church thought we could grow our churches by making lots of babies. +[3458.28 --> 3462.28] And it works, but it can't be sustained forever. +[3462.28 --> 3468.28] And it doesn't answer this key question, is God making his appeal to the world through us? +[3468.28 --> 3471.28] Are we Christ's ambassadors? +[3471.28 --> 3476.28] Christian Reformed folk get uncomfortable with the idea of sharing faith. +[3476.28 --> 3477.28] I get it. +[3477.28 --> 3480.28] Some of you right now are thinking, I'm not that kind of person. +[3480.28 --> 3481.28] I'm not that kind of person. +[3481.28 --> 3482.28] Some of you are cynical. +[3482.28 --> 3485.28] And you're thinking, I don't need to share my faith. +[3485.28 --> 3488.28] That's what we pay our pastors to do, right? +[3488.28 --> 3490.28] You are so cynical. +[3490.28 --> 3492.28] But you're thinking it. +[3492.28 --> 3494.28] Most of you are just afraid. +[3494.28 --> 3497.28] You're thinking, I don't feel comfortable. +[3497.28 --> 3499.28] I feel awkward doing that. +[3499.28 --> 3503.28] What if someone asks me a question and I don't know the answer, right? +[3503.28 --> 3510.28] You're thinking, I don't have a graduate degree in theology like Pastor Chris does or Pastor Kevin or me, right? +[3510.28 --> 3514.28] Listen, I'm on your side, okay? +[3514.28 --> 3516.28] I know all these objections. +[3516.28 --> 3518.28] I say them often in my own head. +[3518.28 --> 3522.28] I am like an off-the-chart introvert, right? +[3522.28 --> 3526.28] I don't like talking to people generally unless I have to. +[3526.28 --> 3533.28] And yet God has called me into a job where really about 60% of the time that's what I'm doing. +[3533.28 --> 3537.28] I'm sitting down talking about faith with people. +[3537.28 --> 3542.28] And I'm more and more convinced that we as a Christian Reformed Church, as a denomination, +[3542.28 --> 3547.28] we really need to take seriously this call to share faith. +[3547.28 --> 3551.28] This is the post-Christian world that we live in, right? +[3551.28 --> 3553.28] Lots of people have left faith. +[3553.28 --> 3555.28] Lots of people are no longer interested in faith. +[3555.28 --> 3558.28] After COVID, lots of people left the church. +[3558.28 --> 3564.28] We need to address these people, those who've left the church, those who never joined in the first place, +[3564.28 --> 3568.28] and share with them what God has done in Jesus Christ. +[3568.28 --> 3570.28] But this question is how? +[3570.28 --> 3571.28] How do we do that? +[3571.28 --> 3573.28] It's fine for me to say this from the pulpit. +[3573.28 --> 3575.28] You start to feel guilty about it. +[3575.28 --> 3576.28] That's not what I want to do. +[3576.28 --> 3578.28] How do we do this? +[3578.28 --> 3582.28] How do we go about just talking to people about Jesus? +[3582.28 --> 3587.28] I'm not very good at this. +[3587.28 --> 3589.28] I'm not, because I'm an introvert. +[3589.28 --> 3596.28] But one thing that God has done over my career as a campus pastor is kind of teach me how to do it. +[3596.28 --> 3604.28] And one place that I've learned from, I've learned how to do this from, is this story from Acts chapter 8. +[3604.28 --> 3613.28] This story is a wonderful story to prime us a little bit about how we actually go about having conversations with others about Jesus Christ. +[3613.28 --> 3619.28] So I want to pass on a couple of the things I've learned from this story to you. +[3619.28 --> 3620.28] Okay? +[3620.28 --> 3628.28] Now the very first thing I learned from this story, it's that sharing our faith definitely takes us out of our comfort zone. +[3628.28 --> 3631.28] And it's okay to admit this. +[3631.28 --> 3633.28] It's just okay to admit it. +[3633.28 --> 3639.28] You don't have to feel bad like you're a bad Christian if you don't feel comfortable talking to others about Jesus. +[3639.28 --> 3641.28] And we know this from the story. +[3641.28 --> 3643.28] It's embedded in the story. +[3643.28 --> 3644.28] Let me show you how. +[3644.28 --> 3655.28] So, Philip is called by God to go out of the city where he had been working into the desert and the wilderness. +[3655.28 --> 3659.28] Now, if you've been reading your Bible your whole life, like many of you had, +[3659.28 --> 3664.28] any time you hear the word wilderness or desert, you should set off a little bell in your ear. +[3664.28 --> 3667.28] Like, ding! Important word. +[3667.28 --> 3672.28] The phrase, go to the south, also means go at noon. +[3672.28 --> 3674.28] Some translations will translate it that way. +[3674.28 --> 3680.28] Because back then people used to use the sun to tell time and to give direction, right? +[3680.28 --> 3685.28] So the story says, go at noon into the desert. +[3685.28 --> 3690.28] What do you know about the Middle Eastern desert at noon? +[3690.28 --> 3692.28] It's hot. +[3692.28 --> 3696.28] It's hotter than Kelowna, which was 39 degrees yesterday. +[3696.28 --> 3699.28] It is hot and uncomfortable. +[3699.28 --> 3701.28] It is not the place you want to be. +[3701.28 --> 3707.28] In fact, you avoid traveling in the desert and especially the desert in the middle of the day. +[3707.28 --> 3714.28] And the point the story is making is that Philip is being moved out of his comfort zone +[3714.28 --> 3719.28] into a place of profound discomfort in order to share faith. +[3719.28 --> 3722.28] That's it. +[3722.28 --> 3729.28] The Spirit of God moves people out of our comfort zone into places where we share faith. +[3729.28 --> 3737.28] Now, I find it gives me a lot of comfort, a lot of encouragement actually, as an introvert, +[3737.28 --> 3744.28] to simply admit from Scripture that sharing faith with others, talking to Jesus, +[3744.28 --> 3751.28] talking about Jesus with others, isn't the most comfortable thing to do for most of us. +[3751.28 --> 3761.28] Even an apostle, Philip, is called out of his comfort zone into an uncomfortable place in order to share faith. +[3761.28 --> 3764.28] So I take heart from that, and you should too. +[3764.28 --> 3768.28] You're not a bad Christian if this makes you feel awkward. +[3768.28 --> 3771.28] You're just like an apostle, right? +[3771.28 --> 3772.28] Think of yourself that way. +[3772.28 --> 3774.28] We're just like apostles. +[3774.28 --> 3776.28] Take heart. +[3776.28 --> 3778.28] And this is my second point. +[3778.28 --> 3787.28] God calls us into these uncomfortable conversations where we have this opportunity to share Jesus with others. +[3787.28 --> 3789.28] These don't just happen. +[3789.28 --> 3792.28] God calls us to them. +[3792.28 --> 3794.28] He's in the conversation. +[3794.28 --> 3795.28] He's there before it. +[3795.28 --> 3797.28] He's there through it. +[3797.28 --> 3799.28] And he is there after it. +[3799.28 --> 3803.28] And this not only comforts us, it should give us some confidence. +[3803.28 --> 3808.28] Yeah, sharing our faith with friends and coworkers, school classmates, whatever. +[3808.28 --> 3810.28] That pushes us out of our comfort zone. +[3810.28 --> 3811.28] But God is there. +[3811.28 --> 3813.28] He's in it all through and through. +[3813.28 --> 3815.28] And this is clear from our story too. +[3815.28 --> 3820.28] When we pay attention to whom the main character of this story is. +[3820.28 --> 3825.28] And when I say main character, I don't mean Philip, and I don't mean the Ethiopian. +[3825.28 --> 3829.28] The main character is God. +[3829.28 --> 3833.28] From start to finish, the story is about God. +[3833.28 --> 3835.28] The story begins with him, right? +[3835.28 --> 3840.28] In verse 26, the angel of the Lord says to Philip, go and rise. +[3840.28 --> 3846.28] And long before Philip even showed up, the Holy Spirit was at work in this Ethiopian eunuch's heart. +[3846.28 --> 3848.28] I mean, think of this, he's half a world away. +[3848.28 --> 3855.28] He's half a world away from his home in Jerusalem to worship God. +[3855.28 --> 3857.28] He's seeking. +[3857.28 --> 3859.28] The spirit is at work in him. +[3859.28 --> 3864.28] Why else would someone be reading the Bible on a bumpy chariot? +[3864.28 --> 3867.28] This is not an ideal place to read. +[3867.28 --> 3868.28] He's hungry. +[3868.28 --> 3871.28] God is in this conversation. +[3871.28 --> 3875.28] And this conversation then happens through the spirit. +[3875.28 --> 3880.28] Verse 29, the spirit says to Philip, go over and join this chariot. +[3880.28 --> 3884.28] And of course, the story ends with God at the very end of the chapter. +[3884.28 --> 3889.28] They come up out of the water and the spirit of God carries Philip away. +[3889.28 --> 3893.28] The eunuch goes on his way, rejoicing. +[3893.28 --> 3900.28] From first to last, God is through and through this conversation. +[3900.28 --> 3901.28] God builds this church. +[3901.28 --> 3906.28] God makes his appeal through us. +[3906.28 --> 3908.28] We can trust in this God and have confidence. +[3908.28 --> 3914.28] I mean, imagine you're in Costco and you run into your friend and your friend's not a believer. +[3914.28 --> 3916.28] And she tells you that she's struggling. +[3916.28 --> 3918.28] You want to say something hopeful. +[3918.28 --> 3923.28] You want to share with her how your faith in Jesus got you through a really hard time in life. +[3923.28 --> 3927.28] Or you've said a prayer and God has answered it. +[3927.28 --> 3932.28] Or maybe you just want to add the words, I'm going to pray for you on to the end of your sentence. +[3932.28 --> 3934.28] But what do you do if you're like me? +[3934.28 --> 3936.28] You don't say anything, right? +[3936.28 --> 3937.28] You just balk. +[3937.28 --> 3938.28] It's awkward. +[3938.28 --> 3940.28] We're in public. +[3940.28 --> 3942.28] But God is in this conversation. +[3942.28 --> 3948.28] His providence has brought us together at this point and for this purpose. +[3948.28 --> 3954.28] He is going to use whatever comes out of your mouth for her good, for her blessing. +[3954.28 --> 3956.28] That's what God does. +[3956.28 --> 3959.28] His providence is through all of our conversations. +[3959.28 --> 3961.28] And we can take confidence in this. +[3961.28 --> 3962.28] Take heart. +[3962.28 --> 3970.28] I don't know how I could handle my job on a secular, often hostile campus, if I wasn't constantly +[3970.28 --> 3976.28] reminding myself, like every day when I go to work, reminding myself that like Philip, +[3976.28 --> 3985.28] the spirit of the ascended Christ is before, behind, and in front of every conversation I will have. +[3985.28 --> 3986.28] That's true. +[3986.28 --> 3988.28] And it's true for you as well. +[3988.28 --> 3993.28] God makes his appeal through us. +[3993.28 --> 3999.28] He prepares us for these encounters and prepares these encounters for us. +[3999.28 --> 4003.28] Even if you don't feel it, that's what he's doing. +[4003.28 --> 4010.28] What else can we learn from this story, Acts 8, about sharing our faith? +[4010.28 --> 4012.28] A lot. +[4012.28 --> 4017.28] One more thing, though, I want to just share that I've learned from this story about sharing +[4017.28 --> 4018.28] faith. +[4018.28 --> 4019.28] And it's this. +[4019.28 --> 4022.28] It's the power of questions. +[4022.28 --> 4028.28] Questions are the keys to great conversations. +[4028.28 --> 4029.28] Genuine conversation. +[4029.28 --> 4030.28] Genuine conversation. +[4030.28 --> 4033.28] Conversation in which we can share our faith in Jesus with others. +[4033.28 --> 4040.28] If I were to poll you as a congregation right now and say, what prevents you from talking +[4040.28 --> 4042.28] about Jesus with your neighbors or your friends? +[4042.28 --> 4047.28] Most of you would probably say, I'm afraid to. +[4047.28 --> 4051.28] I'm anxious that someone, that I don't know what to say, right? +[4051.28 --> 4053.28] I don't have the right answer. +[4053.28 --> 4054.28] That's pretty typical. +[4054.28 --> 4066.28] The thing is, in sharing faith, having the right question is often more important than +[4066.28 --> 4069.28] having the right answer. +[4069.28 --> 4074.28] Having the right question is more important than having the right answer. +[4074.28 --> 4076.28] We know this from the story. +[4076.28 --> 4078.28] This is what I've really taken away from this story. +[4078.28 --> 4080.28] And I'm going to slow it down. +[4080.28 --> 4085.28] We're going to go slow motion here, frame by frame. +[4085.28 --> 4090.28] First of all, Philip listens to the Ethiopian. +[4090.28 --> 4092.28] Did you notice that? +[4092.28 --> 4094.28] Philip's called to go speak with the Ethiopian. +[4094.28 --> 4096.28] We think, oh, he's got a message. +[4096.28 --> 4099.28] He doesn't speak first though. +[4099.28 --> 4101.28] Philip listens. +[4101.28 --> 4107.28] He listens to the Ethiopian reading out loud. +[4107.28 --> 4109.28] Then Philip preaches. +[4109.28 --> 4110.28] No, he doesn't. +[4110.28 --> 4114.28] Then Philip asks a question. +[4114.28 --> 4117.28] Do you understand what you're reading? +[4117.28 --> 4119.28] That's a pretty simple question, hey? +[4119.28 --> 4121.28] You could ask that question. +[4121.28 --> 4124.28] I ask that question a lot of students. +[4124.28 --> 4129.28] Do you understand what you're reading? +[4129.28 --> 4133.28] Then the Ethiopian asks Philip a question. +[4133.28 --> 4135.28] How can I? +[4135.28 --> 4138.28] Look at all these questions going back and forth. +[4138.28 --> 4141.28] This is a real conversation happening. +[4141.28 --> 4145.28] Then Philip jumps into the chariot. +[4145.28 --> 4147.28] No, he doesn't. +[4147.28 --> 4153.28] The Ethiopian invites Philip into his life. +[4153.28 --> 4156.28] Come into my chariot. +[4156.28 --> 4159.28] Come meet me for a coffee. +[4159.28 --> 4161.28] Let's go out for a beer. +[4161.28 --> 4163.28] Here's my cell phone number. +[4163.28 --> 4164.28] Right? +[4164.28 --> 4168.28] This is a relationship that's forming. +[4168.28 --> 4173.28] Words are being shared as hearts are being shared. +[4173.28 --> 4175.28] We need to slow this story down. +[4175.28 --> 4179.28] Take it frame by frame and see what God is teaching us. +[4179.28 --> 4187.28] More questions follow after reading the passage of Scripture from Isaiah. +[4187.28 --> 4190.28] The Ethiopian eunuch asks Philip to explain it. +[4190.28 --> 4193.28] And then he asks Philip to baptize him. +[4193.28 --> 4196.28] Philip does not have an agenda. +[4196.28 --> 4201.28] He's not pushing a tract at the Ethiopian eunuch. +[4201.28 --> 4204.28] He's not ramming answers down his throat. +[4204.28 --> 4207.28] He's listening. +[4207.28 --> 4209.28] Genuinely listening. +[4209.28 --> 4214.28] And then he's responding by asking questions. +[4214.28 --> 4222.28] All these questions back and forth are marks of a good conversation about faith. +[4222.28 --> 4228.28] Questions are one of the main ways that the Holy Spirit changes people. +[4228.28 --> 4240.28] What I mean is that questions, the questions we ask, might be the very same questions that Jesus asked into people's life when he was ministering on earth. +[4240.28 --> 4242.28] Words of comfort and challenge. +[4242.28 --> 4247.28] God uses questions to comfort people and to challenge them. +[4247.28 --> 4249.28] Jesus often asks questions. +[4249.28 --> 4251.28] Who do you say I am? +[4251.28 --> 4254.28] Why are you so afraid? +[4254.28 --> 4258.28] These are questions that invite response. +[4258.28 --> 4264.28] Questions that begin conversations about what really matters. +[4264.28 --> 4268.28] And the ascended Christ does the same thing through his church now. +[4268.28 --> 4275.28] He poses questions to the world, to the people we meet through us, making his appeal that way. +[4275.28 --> 4279.28] Questions to broken people, to a broken world. +[4279.28 --> 4283.28] Questions that might transform or convert. +[4283.28 --> 4288.28] The questions might be as simple as, who do you think Jesus is? +[4288.28 --> 4291.28] Would you like me to pray for you? +[4291.28 --> 4294.28] How are you really doing? +[4294.28 --> 4299.28] I ask questions like this all the time. +[4299.28 --> 4302.28] In my work as a campus pastor. +[4302.28 --> 4306.28] There's this iconic novel by Jack Kerouac called On the Road. +[4306.28 --> 4313.28] It's a great scene where two young men are drifting along the highway traveling and they bump into this old farmer. +[4313.28 --> 4317.28] I always imagine him as a kind of old Dutch CRC farmer. +[4317.28 --> 4323.28] And he says to these young men, you guys going somewhere? +[4323.28 --> 4325.28] Or are you just going? +[4325.28 --> 4327.28] Great question. +[4327.28 --> 4330.28] I use a variation of this question all the time with students. +[4330.28 --> 4332.28] You guys going somewhere? +[4332.28 --> 4333.28] What are you doing? +[4333.28 --> 4335.28] What's the point of it all? +[4335.28 --> 4336.28] Right? +[4336.28 --> 4338.28] This is this great existential question. +[4338.28 --> 4340.28] It's not a question that closes conversations down. +[4340.28 --> 4344.28] It opens them up so that we can talk about things that really matter. +[4344.28 --> 4349.28] Questions invite response. +[4349.28 --> 4352.28] They're how God can challenge and comfort people. +[4352.28 --> 4356.28] The other thing that questions do when we're sharing faith is they clear away clutter. +[4356.28 --> 4359.28] They clear away clutter really fast. +[4359.28 --> 4362.28] And this is important in the moment we're in right now culturally. +[4362.28 --> 4365.28] We're in this so-called post-Christian world, right? +[4365.28 --> 4369.28] Where people are often very hostile to faith. +[4369.28 --> 4373.28] But they're hostile to a faith they don't really know anything about. +[4373.28 --> 4376.28] Have you noticed this if you ever talk to people about Christianity? +[4376.28 --> 4381.28] They think they know what we believe and what we're like, but they really don't. +[4381.28 --> 4386.28] And they say all sorts of ludicrous things that they've got from the media about what Christians are like. +[4386.28 --> 4389.28] I get this all the time in my work. +[4389.28 --> 4393.28] We're not the first generation in history to have to deal with this. +[4393.28 --> 4395.28] If you could bring up the next slide. +[4395.28 --> 4397.28] I was reading this recently. +[4397.28 --> 4402.28] There's a second century Christian philosopher named Justin Martyr. +[4402.28 --> 4407.28] And his name is Justin Martyr because around the year 170 he's martyred. +[4407.28 --> 4409.28] He's killed for his faith. +[4409.28 --> 4413.28] But he's a philosopher who converts to Christianity. +[4413.28 --> 4417.28] And at some point in his career he writes what's called an apology. +[4417.28 --> 4420.28] Not I'm saying sorry, an apology like a defense. +[4420.28 --> 4428.28] He writes a defense of Christianity because as he explains it, +[4428.28 --> 4432.28] I propose to him, this is the people who are criticizing Christianity, +[4432.28 --> 4439.28] certain questions on this subject and spoke with him and found most convincingly that he in truth knows nothing. +[4439.28 --> 4444.28] So he writes this to the Senate of Rome, a defense of Christianity, +[4444.28 --> 4449.28] because what he's hearing when he's asking questions of people, +[4449.28 --> 4450.28] what do Christians believe? +[4450.28 --> 4451.28] What are we like? +[4451.28 --> 4453.28] He's hearing all this nonsense. +[4453.28 --> 4462.28] And so he's asking questions to declutter the field so that we can share faith properly. +[4462.28 --> 4463.28] And I find this so heartening. +[4463.28 --> 4465.28] I come across this all the time. +[4465.28 --> 4473.28] In September, a young woman texted me from at UBC saying she wanted to meet with me for a coffee. +[4473.28 --> 4477.28] And I know this young woman from a local church. +[4477.28 --> 4480.28] So we sat down and sort of, what's on your mind? +[4480.28 --> 4487.28] And she had just been in a first year anthropology class, like Anthropology 101. +[4487.28 --> 4493.28] And the professor was describing religious groups, including Christianity. +[4493.28 --> 4496.28] And as soon as I hear this in my head, I'm thinking, oh, no. +[4496.28 --> 4503.28] And she says, so my professor says that most Christians are white supremacists. +[4503.28 --> 4506.28] This is a fact, right? +[4506.28 --> 4508.28] She's like, is this true? +[4508.28 --> 4514.28] My question, do you know that the vast majority of Christians in the world aren't white? +[4514.28 --> 4516.28] I didn't know that. +[4516.28 --> 4519.28] Why don't you ask your professor that? +[4519.28 --> 4522.28] Maybe he doesn't know that either. +[4522.28 --> 4525.28] Most Christians in the world, the vast majority of Christians in the world are not white. +[4525.28 --> 4526.28] Okay? +[4526.28 --> 4529.28] So it's kind of hard to put the two together. +[4529.28 --> 4530.28] Most Christians in the world are not white. +[4530.28 --> 4533.28] And yet, apparently, most Christians are white supremacists. +[4533.28 --> 4534.28] No. +[4534.28 --> 4544.28] Questions are powerful things for removing the clutter so that we can have real conversations about faith. +[4544.28 --> 4547.28] It was true back then in the second century. +[4547.28 --> 4556.28] It's just as true today in the 21st century in this secular post-Christian world in which we live. +[4556.28 --> 4558.28] This is the last thing I want to say about questions. +[4558.28 --> 4560.28] And it's an important one. +[4560.28 --> 4573.28] The fact that Philip is asking so many questions of the Ethiopian eunuch shows that he really values the Ethiopian eunuch as an individual person, as a unique person that God has put before him. +[4573.28 --> 4587.28] Like, I know, I've heard, I've never experienced this, but I've heard that in some Christian traditions, they encourage people to do evangelism by, you know, knocking on doors and leading with a question like, oh, you know, if you died tonight, would you go to heaven or hell? +[4587.28 --> 4588.28] Something like that. +[4588.28 --> 4595.28] I don't find that's a very effective way of sharing our faith because it starts with a leading question. +[4595.28 --> 4598.28] And it's a stock question. +[4598.28 --> 4606.28] I think Philip shows us a much better way of listening, genuinely listening to the unique person that God has put before him. +[4606.28 --> 4615.28] And then responding with questions that intersect and engage that person's unique story, their place in life. +[4615.28 --> 4617.28] What are you reading? +[4617.28 --> 4619.28] Do you understand it? +[4619.28 --> 4626.28] These are the kind of questions someone asks who's genuinely listening to what's happening in the life of the person before him. +[4626.28 --> 4628.28] I find that so much better. +[4628.28 --> 4639.28] Questions, listening and then asking questions shows that we're taking the person before us and their story as a unique story that God wants us to engage with. +[4639.28 --> 4645.28] You know, we believe as Christians that Jesus is the answer. +[4645.28 --> 4646.28] Absolutely. +[4646.28 --> 4659.28] He is the answer to questions that arise from people, all sorts of people in particular seasons of life and moments of life with very different sins and fears, burdens and hurts. +[4659.28 --> 4663.28] Let's listen to those stories and then ask questions. +[4663.28 --> 4666.28] Questions that show that we care, that we're interested. +[4666.28 --> 4672.28] Then we share how God has touched our life in Jesus Christ. +[4672.28 --> 4678.28] Then we share with them what God is doing in us, just like Philip did with the eunuch. +[4678.28 --> 4687.28] Now, I know it's intimidating to think that we should share our faith with others if we think we have to have all the right answers beforehand. +[4687.28 --> 4700.28] But it's not intimidating to think about sharing our faith in Jesus if it means listening carefully and then asking questions as that relationship emerges. +[4700.28 --> 4702.28] We can all do that, right? +[4702.28 --> 4715.28] Then sharing our faith with our new friend or an old family member about how we've experienced Jesus in the Bible becomes a genuine conversation in which Jesus Christ is shared, +[4715.28 --> 4720.28] in which God makes his appeal through us. +[4720.28 --> 4725.28] So those are a few things I've learned from this story in my work. +[4725.28 --> 4728.28] God has taught me from this story about sharing faith. +[4728.28 --> 4734.28] And I'll just close with this little anecdote as a way of making, maybe making everything concrete. +[4734.28 --> 4743.28] So one thing I do often, I've done throughout the years, is organize what I call faith conversations. +[4743.28 --> 4749.28] And these are conversations between people of different faiths, usually between Christians and Muslims. +[4749.28 --> 4752.28] And these are great experiences. +[4752.28 --> 4761.28] Our goal is simply to share faith, to explain with others why we believe what we believe and why we do what we do. +[4761.28 --> 4764.28] You can see a couple of examples here. One of them was during COVID. +[4764.28 --> 4766.28] How do we keep faith during COVID? +[4766.28 --> 4770.28] Another one had to do with time, like holy times and holy days and things like that. +[4770.28 --> 4777.28] And in these conversations, questions are prominent. +[4777.28 --> 4783.28] Why do you do this? Why do you believe that? What does that mean to you? +[4783.28 --> 4788.28] And from both sides, going back and forth. Why do Christians do that? +[4788.28 --> 4794.28] Questions are important for decluttering the conversation too. +[4794.28 --> 4798.28] Muslims think they know what Christians believe. +[4798.28 --> 4804.28] Why do you guys worship the Trinity, the Father, Mary and Jesus? +[4804.28 --> 4808.28] We don't actually, right? But they think we do. +[4808.28 --> 4812.28] Questions are important for clearing the ground. +[4812.28 --> 4817.28] And questions are important for building these relationships. +[4817.28 --> 4822.28] And the one story that comes to mind is the one that probably happened three years ago. +[4822.28 --> 4827.28] And two young women who are Christian joined this conversation. +[4827.28 --> 4831.28] And they were very shy. They sat on the edge. They didn't talk very much. +[4831.28 --> 4835.28] They would be the first to admit that they didn't know very much about Christianity. +[4835.28 --> 4840.28] Although they'd grown up in the church. And they didn't quite know what to say. +[4840.28 --> 4849.28] But they asked questions. And because they asked questions, they began to form real relationships with a couple of young Muslims. +[4849.28 --> 4858.28] And after this session concluded, the conversation continued on social media. +[4858.28 --> 4862.28] They were back and forth by text. Various questions about faith. +[4862.28 --> 4866.28] And then finally comes the big question. One of the Muslim students says, +[4866.28 --> 4874.28] Can I come to church with you? It's an invitation. Can I be part of your life and faith? +[4874.28 --> 4880.28] And so these young women, again, the first to admit they know very little about their own faith. +[4880.28 --> 4883.28] Of course you can come to church with us. +[4883.28 --> 4891.28] And so for the last, I think, six weeks of that term, this student was, this Muslim student was about to graduate. +[4891.28 --> 4895.28] For the last six weeks of that term, the Muslim went to church with these two Christians. +[4895.28 --> 4899.28] And listened and asked more questions. +[4899.28 --> 4903.28] Now this student has graduated. I don't know what's happened to him. +[4903.28 --> 4910.28] But seeds were planted there. And seeds were planted, not because these Christians knew all the answers. +[4910.28 --> 4917.28] And were bold to share the faith. But because they were quiet and shy. +[4917.28 --> 4925.28] And took the time to listen. And then ask meaningful questions based on the person that God had put in their life before them. +[4925.28 --> 4929.28] And I don't know what happened to that Muslim student. +[4929.28 --> 4935.28] But my hope and prayer is that he, like the Ethiopian eunuch, will one day go on his way rejoicing, +[4935.28 --> 4940.28] having encountered the living God revealed in Jesus Christ. +[4940.28 --> 4945.28] So take heart. Have the courage to share our faith. +[4945.28 --> 4949.28] You don't have to have all the answers. +[4949.28 --> 4953.28] You just need to love people enough to listen to them. +[4953.28 --> 4956.28] Ask questions that touch their lives. +[4956.28 --> 4963.28] Answers, or questions that touch their lives and questions that point to the answer. +[4963.28 --> 4968.28] Jesus Christ, who is much bigger and greater than any of our conversations. +[4968.28 --> 4976.28] My hope and prayer for our Reformed churches is that we will become better at sharing faith in this post-Christian world in which we live. +[4976.28 --> 4983.28] Because through us, God is making his appeal to this hurting, broken, and sinful world. +[4983.28 --> 4991.28] And through us, his Son is being glorified. And his kingdom is being revealed. Amen. +[4991.28 --> 4996.28] Invite the worship team to come up for a song of response. +[4996.28 --> 5021.28] And we all rise as we sing this great is thy faithfulness. +[5021.28 --> 5024.20] we sing this, Great is Thy Faithfulness. +[5051.28 --> 5064.80] Great is Thy faithfulness, O God my Father, +[5064.80 --> 5071.80] there is no shadow of turning with Thee. +[5072.58 --> 5078.80] Thou changest not, Thy compassions they fail not, +[5078.80 --> 5085.80] as Thou hast been, Thou forever wilt be. +[5086.92 --> 5092.80] Great is Thy faithfulness, Great is Thy faithfulness, +[5093.96 --> 5099.80] morning by morning new mercies I see. +[5100.74 --> 5106.52] All I have needed Thy hand has provided, +[5106.52 --> 5113.52] Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me. +[5115.52 --> 5121.52] Summer and winter and springtime and harvest, +[5121.52 --> 5128.52] Sun, moon and stars in their courses above. +[5128.52 --> 5135.52] Join with all nature in manifold witness, +[5135.52 --> 5142.52] To Thy great faithfulness, mercy and love. +[5142.52 --> 5149.52] Great is Thy faithfulness, Great is Thy faithfulness, +[5150.52 --> 5155.52] Morning by morning new mercies I see. +[5155.52 --> 5162.52] All I have needed Thy hand has provided, +[5162.52 --> 5169.52] Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me. +[5169.52 --> 5185.52] Thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide, +[5185.52 --> 5192.52] Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow, +[5192.52 --> 5199.52] Blessings all mine with ten thousand beside. +[5199.52 --> 5202.52] Great is Thy faithfulness, Great is Thy faithfulness, +[5202.52 --> 5204.52] Great is Thy faithfulness. +[5204.52 --> 5207.52] Great is Thy faithfulness, Great is Thy faithfulness, +[5207.52 --> 5213.52] Morning by morning new mercies I see. +[5214.52 --> 5219.52] All I have needed Thy hand has provided, +[5220.52 --> 5223.52] Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me. +[5223.52 --> 5227.84] faithfulness Lord unto me. +[5235.04 --> 5241.06] As we depart, God blesses his people with these words from 2 Thessalonians. +[5241.20 --> 5246.90] Receive God's blessing. May the Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father +[5246.90 --> 5252.60] who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, +[5252.60 --> 5260.76] encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and every good word. Amen. +[5260.76 --> 5261.76] Amen. +[5290.76 --> 5292.76] Amen. +[5292.76 --> 5294.72] Who was slain for the world? +[5294.72 --> 5303.20] you and the eyes of all men will be fixed on the lamb who was crucified +[5303.20 --> 5309.44] with wisdom and mercy and justice +[5309.44 --> 5316.24] and the angels will cry +[5316.24 --> 5324.24] who was slain for the world +[5324.24 --> 5328.24] in power +[5328.24 --> 5336.24] and the earth will reply you shall reign +[5336.24 --> 5344.24] as the king of all kings and the lord of all lords +[5346.24 --> 5352.24] there's a shield in our hand and a sword at our side +[5352.24 --> 5356.24] there's a fire in our spirit that cannot be denied +[5356.24 --> 5360.24] that the father has told us for these you have died +[5360.24 --> 5364.24] for the nations that gather before you +[5364.24 --> 5372.24] and the ears of all men need to hear of the lamb who was crucified +[5372.24 --> 5376.24] ascended to hell yet was raised up to reign as he'll fall +[5376.24 --> 5378.24] on earth's side +[5378.24 --> 5380.24] and the angels will cry +[5380.24 --> 5384.24] hail the lamb +[5384.24 --> 5388.24] who was slain for the world +[5388.24 --> 5390.24] ruling +[5390.24 --> 5394.24] and the earth will reply +[5394.24 --> 5396.24] you shall +[5396.24 --> 5398.24] raise +[5398.24 --> 5402.24] as the king of all kings and the lord of all lords +[5402.24 --> 5404.24] and the angels will cry +[5404.24 --> 5406.24] hail the lamb +[5406.24 --> 5408.24] who was slain for the world +[5408.24 --> 5410.24] and the angels will cry +[5410.24 --> 5412.24] hail the lamb +[5412.24 --> 5414.24] who was slain for the world +[5414.24 --> 5416.24] who was slain for the world +[5416.24 --> 5418.24] who was slain for the world +[5418.24 --> 5422.24] and the earth will reply +[5422.24 --> 5426.24] you shall raise +[5426.24 --> 5430.24] as the king of all kings and the lord of all lords +[5430.24 --> 5432.24] as the king of all kings and the lord of all lords +[5432.24 --> 5438.24] as the king of all kings and the lord of all lords +[5438.24 --> 5440.24] the lord of all lords +[5440.24 --> 5442.24] in the religion +[5442.24 --> 5444.24] who was slain for the world +[5444.24 --> 5446.24] are out réseau +[5446.24 --> 5448.24] as the king of all kings and the lord of all lords +[5448.24 --> 5458.40] and his Interesting +[5460.24 --> 5462.24] plays out +[5462.24 --> 5464.24] when Chris in heaven +[5464.24 --> 5466.24] and conversation +[5466.24 --> 5468.24] strikes +[5468.24 --> 5498.22] Thank you. +[5498.24 --> 5528.22] Thank you. diff --git a/Sunday Worship, July 21, 2024_summary.txt b/Sunday Worship, July 21, 2024_summary.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000000000000000000000000000000000000..be09d55d5b88c1b443aa44b2713890608f4726bb --- /dev/null +++ b/Sunday Worship, July 21, 2024_summary.txt @@ -0,0 +1,56 @@ +• The speaker expresses gratitude repeatedly throughout the transcript. +• A worship service is mentioned, but no details are provided. +• The Holy Spirit's role in creating a community or "us" is discussed. +• Baptism is referenced as an outcome of accepting the message of Jesus. +• Approximately 3,000 people were added to their number on the day the story takes place. +• The speaker touches on the idea that the Holy Spirit comes to individuals but ultimately creates a sense of community and church. +• The Holy Spirit gives a transforming power that creates a community shaped by the grace of God +• This transformation can sometimes be counterintuitive and unexpected +• Five characteristics of a church are outlined as the "5 B's": Bible together, being together, bread together, bowing together, and burgeoning together +• The first "B" is Bible together: a church must prioritize the preaching, teaching, and living of the Word of God to be considered a true church +• A church that does not center around the Word of God becomes a social club rather than a community of believers +• God's Word is living and active, able to transform lives through heart and soul surgery on His people. +• The importance of being deeply saturated with God's Word, as represented by not wearing a blindfold or earplugs in church. +• The concept of fellowship going beyond just hanging out or being together, but rather participating together towards a common goal. +• The biblical example of the early church in Acts 2, where believers shared possessions and resources to help those in need. +• The idea that fellowship involves caring for both our own within the church community and showing love and service to those outside the church as well. +• The definition of fellowship as "participating together towards a common goal" through the Greek word koinonia. +• The necessity of having a clear mission or goal for the church, such as gathering, growing, and going out on mission. +• Jesus Christ as shared goal +• Two critical things for moving towards this goal: discipleship and discipline +• Discipleship involves training up others and studying to be shaped by mission +• Discipline requires accountability and letting someone speak into your life +• Bread together, breaking bread in homes and celebrating the Lord's Supper +• Breaking bread is not just a meal, but an encounter with God that unites us with Jesus and each other +• Prayer as the lifeblood of the church, necessary for it to be alive and active +• A Dutch woman's fiery spirit and prayer life is described as beautiful and Pentecostal. +• The importance of praying together, reading the Bible together, breaking bread together, and bowing together in a church setting. +• The concept of "burgeoning" or growing together inwardly and outwardly in a church community. +• The role of mission and sending people out to spread the Gospel globally. +• A quote from Goheen and Bartholomew on the radiating light of the kingdom and drawing people into it. +• A passage from an unknown writer, Epistle to Diognetus, describing early Christians as living in a post-Christian world but not being distinguishable by their country, language, customs, or manner of life. +• Discussion of Christians being hunted and persecuted throughout history +• Reference to Julian the Apostate's quote about Christians being like the soul in the body +• Importance of community and the Holy Spirit in the church +• Description of how the church functions, including studying scripture, doing life together, and celebrating Eucharist +• Prayer for the congregation to be transformed by the Holy Spirit +• Explanation of the liturgy used during communion +• Invitation to all members of the congregation to come to the table, regardless of their faith or background +• Instructions on how to participate in communion, including passing bread and juice to one's left or right +• Repeated phrases of "Thank you" and "Come, Lord Jesus, come" +• References to the blood of Christ +• Repeated lyrics from a song or hymn about sacrifice, death, and new life +• A conversation with someone who may be an usher +• Statements declaring one's identity as God +• Song: "Amazing Grace" sung by a congregation +• Invitation to fellowship and prayer after service +• Blessing of God's presence for protection, support, and friendship +• Call to love and serve the Lord without fear +• Worship songs with lyrics such as "Behold He comes", "Lift your voice" +• Miscellaneous snippets of song or hymn lyrics in a foreign language +• Reference to a holy cross and light shining like the sun +• Discussion of Jehovah as a unique god +• Call to be calm, lift one's voice, and shine a good sound at the trumpet call +• Mention of salvation coming, but out of sight +• References to video games or events, including "Gonzalez", "Alice in the win too" +• Repeated expression of gratitude ("Thank you") \ No newline at end of file diff --git a/Sunday Worship, July 21, 2024_transcript.txt b/Sunday Worship, July 21, 2024_transcript.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000000000000000000000000000000000000..b2eb7f8fddf228d250a79a70916a2b9f3133a5ba --- /dev/null +++ b/Sunday Worship, July 21, 2024_transcript.txt @@ -0,0 +1,671 @@ +[0.00 --> 29.98] Thank you. +[30.00 --> 59.98] Thank you. +[60.00 --> 89.98] Thank you. +[90.00 --> 119.98] Thank you. +[120.00 --> 149.98] Thank you. +[150.00 --> 179.98] Thank you. +[180.00 --> 209.98] Thank you. +[210.00 --> 239.98] Thank you. +[240.00 --> 269.98] Thank you. +[270.00 --> 299.98] Thank you. +[300.00 --> 329.98] Thank you. +[330.00 --> 359.98] Thank you. +[360.00 --> 389.98] Thank you. +[390.00 --> 419.98] Thank you. +[420.00 --> 449.98] Thank you. +[450.00 --> 479.98] Thank you. +[480.00 --> 509.98] Thank you. +[510.00 --> 539.98] Thank you. +[540.00 --> 569.98] Thank you. +[570.00 --> 599.98] Thank you. +[600.00 --> 629.98] Thank you. +[630.00 --> 659.98] Thank you. +[660.00 --> 689.98] Thank you. +[690.00 --> 719.98] Thank you. +[720.00 --> 749.98] Thank you. +[749.98 --> 779.96] Thank you. +[779.96 --> 809.94] Thank you. +[809.96 --> 839.94] Thank you. +[839.96 --> 869.96] Thank you. +[869.96 --> 899.94] Thank you. +[899.96 --> 929.94] Thank you. +[929.96 --> 959.94] Thank you. +[959.96 --> 989.94] Thank you. +[989.94 --> 1019.92] Let's worship together in song. +[1019.92 --> 1049.90] Thank you. +[1049.92 --> 1079.90] Thank you. +[1079.92 --> 1109.90] Thank you. +[1109.90 --> 1139.88] Thank you. +[1139.90 --> 1169.88] Thank you. +[1169.90 --> 1199.88] Thank you. +[1199.90 --> 1229.88] Thank you. +[1229.90 --> 1259.88] Thank you. +[1259.90 --> 1289.88] Thank you. +[1289.90 --> 1319.88] Thank you. +[1319.88 --> 1349.88] Thank you. +[1349.88 --> 1379.86] Thank you. +[1379.88 --> 1409.86] Thank you. +[1409.88 --> 1439.86] Thank you. +[1439.86 --> 1469.84] Thank you. +[1469.86 --> 1499.84] Thank you. +[1499.86 --> 1529.84] Thank you. +[1529.86 --> 1559.84] Thank you. +[1559.86 --> 1589.84] Thank you. +[1589.86 --> 1619.84] Thank you. +[1619.86 --> 1649.84] Thank you. +[1649.84 --> 1679.82] Thank you. +[1679.82 --> 1709.80] Thank you. +[1709.80 --> 1739.78] Thank you. +[1739.80 --> 1769.78] Thank you. +[1769.80 --> 1799.78] Good morning. +[1799.78 --> 1829.76] Thank you. +[1829.78 --> 1859.76] Thank you. +[1859.78 --> 1889.76] Thank you. +[1889.76 --> 1919.74] Thank you. +[1919.74 --> 1949.72] Thank you. +[1949.74 --> 1979.72] Thank you. +[1979.72 --> 2009.70] Thank you. +[2009.72 --> 2039.70] Thank you. +[2039.70 --> 2069.68] Thank you. +[2069.68 --> 2099.66] Thank you. +[2099.66 --> 2129.64] Thank you. +[2129.64 --> 2159.62] Thank you. +[2159.64 --> 2189.64] Thank you. +[2189.64 --> 2219.62] Thank you. +[2219.64 --> 2249.64] Thank you. +[2249.64 --> 2279.64] Thank you. +[2279.64 --> 2309.64] May you. +[2309.64 --> 2339.64] Thank you. +[2339.64 --> 2369.64] God, God. +[2369.64 --> 2399.62] Thank you. +[2399.64 --> 2429.64] Thank you. +[2429.64 --> 2459.62] And then, you know, +[2459.64 --> 2489.62] And so, you know, you're going to be here. +[2489.62 --> 2519.60] And then, you know, you're going to be here. +[2519.60 --> 2549.58] And then, you're going to be here. +[2549.58 --> 2579.58] And then, you're going to be here. +[2579.58 --> 2609.56] You're going to be here. +[2609.56 --> 2639.54] Peter, you're going to be here. +[2639.54 --> 2669.54] And then, you're going to be here. +[2669.54 --> 2699.52] And you, you're going to be here. +[2699.52 --> 2729.50] And then, you're going to be here. +[2729.50 --> 2759.50] And then, you're going to be here. +[2759.50 --> 2789.48] And then, you're going to be here. +[2789.48 --> 2819.46] And then, you're going to be here. +[2819.48 --> 2849.46] And then, you're going to be here. +[2849.46 --> 2879.44] And then, you're going to be here. +[2879.46 --> 2909.44] And then, you're going to be here. +[2909.44 --> 2910.44] And then, you're going to be here. +[2910.44 --> 2912.44] And then, you're going to be here. +[2912.44 --> 2914.44] And then, you're going to be here. +[2914.44 --> 2916.44] And then, you're going to be here. +[2916.44 --> 2917.44] And then, you're going to be here. +[2917.44 --> 2919.44] And then, you're going to be here. +[2919.44 --> 2920.44] And then, you're going to be here. +[2920.44 --> 2923.44] And then, you're going to be here. +[2923.44 --> 2930.84] receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. And then Luke, who wrote this book, tells us those who +[2930.84 --> 2936.18] accepted his message were baptized and about 3,000 were added to their number that day. +[2937.36 --> 2943.14] So what we're seeing and hearing and looking at in this story is that by grace, the Holy Spirit +[2943.14 --> 2952.30] comes to you and to me and to the individual, but the Holy Spirit then creates the us, the we, +[2952.30 --> 2960.88] the church, right? The Holy Spirit creates the church. And immediately following the individual +[2960.88 --> 2969.32] decision to repent and be baptized, Luke gives a picture of the common life of their number together. +[2970.40 --> 2977.54] And that's the point for this morning, that the Holy Spirit is and gives a transforming power +[2977.54 --> 2986.46] to ignite a community made by grace, right? The Holy Spirit is and gives a transforming power, +[2986.46 --> 2993.66] and that transforming power creates something, starts something, and that something is a community +[2993.66 --> 2999.80] that's shaped by the grace of God. We can actually already start taking that a step further, +[2999.80 --> 3007.32] right? By the Word of God preached and proclaimed and read and studied, the Holy Spirit transforms +[3007.32 --> 3014.08] lives, right? And then that in turn, in the transformation of individual lives, that in turn +[3014.08 --> 3019.42] transforms homes and communities and cities and through it all, the world. +[3019.42 --> 3027.66] But what we'll begin to see, I hope, is that this transformation can sometimes look a little bit +[3027.66 --> 3038.00] counterintuitive. It can sometimes even be an inversion of your expectations. And at minimum, what it is, +[3038.00 --> 3048.52] is unexpected. And from that second part of the passage, the last six verses, we can see +[3048.52 --> 3056.10] five characteristics of a church as church. These are going to help us answer the question, +[3056.26 --> 3062.96] why is church better than brunch? Or what does it mean to be and to go to church? I'm going to call +[3062.96 --> 3071.14] these the five B's, or how to be a church together. So how you be a church together, you've got Bible +[3071.14 --> 3077.98] together, being together, bread together, bowing together, and burgeoning together. Now that's a weird +[3077.98 --> 3084.06] word, but I needed a B, I'll explain it when we get there. Let's start with the first one, Bible +[3084.06 --> 3092.56] together. One of the defining characteristics of the church, according to Acts 2, is being together +[3092.56 --> 3100.96] in the Bible, reading the Bible together, studying the Bible together, listening to the teaching of the +[3100.96 --> 3108.02] apostles to biblical teaching and to the exposition of the Bible. Right? We read that they devoted +[3108.02 --> 3117.56] themselves to the apostles' teaching. A church that is not centered around the preaching, teaching, +[3117.56 --> 3126.86] and living of the Word of God is simply not a church. Now for ears to hear, that might sound like a +[3126.86 --> 3133.04] controversial statement. And if it doesn't sound like a controversial statement, one, you're taking +[3133.04 --> 3138.74] for granted where you're sitting, or two, you didn't actually hear what I said. Because a church +[3138.74 --> 3145.38] that is not centered and built upon the Word of God is not actually a church. It's a social club. +[3147.22 --> 3151.80] It's maybe a fun place to go, although if that's why you're going, you're wondering, yeah, you know what, +[3151.84 --> 3156.66] brunch probably is better. I mean, what's better than hollandaise over top of lightly poached eggs? +[3156.86 --> 3169.66] This. This. This. Every day they met together in the temple courts. They went to study and to learn +[3169.66 --> 3177.82] and to hear. A church is a church when we study and learn and hear the Word of God. A church is and +[3177.82 --> 3185.08] does so much more than that, absolutely, and amen, but without the first priority of God's Word, +[3185.08 --> 3193.76] we cease to be a church. Now, a church doesn't have to do it the way that we do it, right? There's lots +[3193.76 --> 3198.44] of culturally conditioned reasons why we do this, lots of history as to why we structure ourselves +[3198.44 --> 3204.30] in the way that we do. They don't have to preach the way that I preach, right? And maybe in the right +[3204.30 --> 3209.82] setting with the right people, there isn't even a preacher, but everyone sits in a circle and digs into +[3209.82 --> 3216.78] the Bible together. The point is, whatever form it takes, the Bible, the teaching of the apostles, +[3217.00 --> 3224.80] needs to be held up. The gospel of Jesus, just like Peter's first sermon, needs to be the central +[3224.80 --> 3233.72] defining message of the body. And it has to come to us from the Bible read and explained and applied. +[3233.72 --> 3241.90] What you can't do, and I've actually heard people say this to me, and I've heard church leaders say +[3241.90 --> 3246.44] this, right, is that we don't read the Word, we don't preach the Word, we live the Word. +[3248.34 --> 3256.72] And a church preaches and teaches the Bible in community. That's Bible together, right? The Word +[3256.72 --> 3263.30] of God, we read, is living and active. So let's let it loose, right? The Word of God is sharper than any +[3263.30 --> 3270.52] double-edged sword. It's able to separate bone from marrow. It's a scalpel on the heart, right? God, +[3270.64 --> 3277.02] by His Holy Spirit, uses the Word to do heart and soul surgery on His people, right? To take the heart +[3277.02 --> 3285.76] of stone that we live with and in and out of and turn it into, transform it into a heart of flesh. +[3287.10 --> 3291.90] Right? God's Word, we read, is useful for teaching, correcting, rebuking, and training in righteousness, +[3292.10 --> 3298.90] right? God is teaching us a master class on life as He has designed and intended for us to live, +[3298.90 --> 3306.30] and He makes that possible in you through His Word, right? He uses His Word to shape you +[3306.30 --> 3316.70] like a potter shapes their bowl, to transform you into the image of His Son and to renew your mind. +[3318.30 --> 3324.20] Sometimes I hear people say something like, I just wish I could hear God speak to me. +[3325.26 --> 3330.42] And then I ask, well, how often are you reading the Word? +[3330.42 --> 3338.78] And the answer that I usually get is, well, not really at all, right? Or I try to, but then I just +[3338.78 --> 3344.36] fall asleep. Or, you know, I wish I could. I know that I should. I just don't have time. +[3345.72 --> 3350.90] And if that's you, if that's your answer, it shouldn't surprise you that you don't hear God speak +[3350.90 --> 3356.92] because you're not listening, right? Don't get me wrong, of course. God can speak audibly. +[3356.92 --> 3362.04] God can speak through a gentle whisper. God can speak through a revelation. God can speak through +[3362.04 --> 3367.84] a dream. He can speak through creation. I believe all of that is true. But the primary way that God +[3367.84 --> 3377.50] speaks to us is right here in this Word, is right here in this moment. God is speaking. +[3377.50 --> 3386.10] I can illustrate that by saying like this. If I say to you, I want to go watch a movie, +[3387.26 --> 3393.78] but then when I go to the theater, I put a blindfold on and earplugs in, right? I hear +[3393.78 --> 3400.26] muffled voices and all the explosions. And maybe depending on how bright things get, I can see +[3400.26 --> 3405.24] that there's a change in the amount of light that comes through. I know that something is happening, +[3405.24 --> 3409.42] right? That someone is talking, that there's incredible things happening in front of me, +[3409.54 --> 3417.12] and it's exciting, but I just don't know what it is. That's kind of like what happens if you're not +[3417.12 --> 3422.70] in your Bible and you come to church on Sunday and you walk away going, I just don't actually get +[3422.70 --> 3430.80] anything from God. Because you're putting a blindfold on. You're putting earplugs in by not being deeply +[3430.80 --> 3439.76] saturated with His Word. God reveals Himself through the pages of the Bible, and He shows you what His +[3439.76 --> 3447.84] design and intent for life is. And to be a church, we must believe and practice that. +[3450.64 --> 3457.40] Bible together. The second one is being together. They devoted themselves to fellowship. +[3457.40 --> 3466.18] Now, I'm fully aware that fellowship is a church word. I have not met somebody under 40 +[3466.18 --> 3473.82] who doesn't go to church and uses the word fellowship. It just doesn't happen, right? You +[3473.82 --> 3479.84] don't hear people at the pub saying, I'm just here for the fellowship. At least I've never heard it. +[3479.98 --> 3485.88] Maybe you have different friends than I do. Is a fellowship then a word that we really understand? +[3485.88 --> 3490.94] Right? I'll stand up here and invite you to fellowship after the service, or you'll go to +[3490.94 --> 3496.48] someone's house for dinner, and maybe even your kids will pray, Jesus, thank you for this fellowship. +[3497.72 --> 3503.26] Those are weird kids. I mean, those are our kids, don't get me wrong, but that's not how people normally +[3503.26 --> 3511.26] talk. In the biblical image of fellowship, there's so much more than just hanging out or being together. +[3511.26 --> 3516.46] Right? For most of us, that's what fellowship might be, hanging out, drinking coffee, sharing a meal, +[3516.60 --> 3521.14] but there's so much more. Look at how Acts 2 builds on the idea of fellowship. +[3522.36 --> 3528.14] Right? All the believers were together, and they had everything in common. They sold property and +[3528.14 --> 3536.60] possessions to give to everyone who has need. Now, if you're of a certain generation, older than me, +[3536.60 --> 3543.40] immediately, right, your flags of red commies are going off right now. This isn't 20th century +[3543.40 --> 3550.24] communism. Right? Notice that the giving is voluntary. People still maintain their personal +[3550.24 --> 3556.24] possessions like homes and property. Right? This isn't communism or even communalism, +[3556.24 --> 3560.00] as it's sometimes been defined, but it is community. +[3560.00 --> 3569.44] A better analogy might actually be a family. Right? The church is a family. And this is true +[3569.44 --> 3577.94] here locally and universally. Right? As brothers and sisters, we take care of each other. We take care +[3577.94 --> 3583.78] of our own. But also, again, this idea of fellowship is even bigger than that because it's not just our +[3583.78 --> 3592.04] own. Did you notice in verse 47? Right? They were together praising God and enjoying the favor of all +[3592.04 --> 3600.72] the people. Enjoying the favor of all the people. Now, surely, all people means all people in that +[3600.72 --> 3608.14] moment. Right? So, not just those who are inside the family of the church, but the earliest church in +[3608.14 --> 3614.20] Acts enjoyed the favor of all people, at least they did for a period of time, because by the time you get to +[3614.20 --> 3619.40] the end of the book of Acts, things have changed a little bit. But they're enjoying the favor of all people +[3619.40 --> 3627.08] because they gave themselves for the sake of all people. They loved their neighbors, their neighbors who are +[3627.08 --> 3636.38] in and out of church. Last weekend here, when we did the food bank or the food drive for Langley Food Bank, how +[3636.38 --> 3644.14] many of our neighbors came and said, thanks so much for doing this. This is such a great idea. We're +[3644.14 --> 3652.78] enjoying the favor of all people. In fact, in the fourth century, there was an emperor named Julian. +[3653.50 --> 3659.48] History has called him Julian the Apostate, and that's because he rejected the Christianity that was +[3659.48 --> 3665.18] burgeoning at the time and tried to bring the empire back to its pagan roots because simultaneous to +[3665.18 --> 3671.10] this is the decline of the Roman Empire. And so he thinks if we get back to our roots, we'll be strong again. +[3671.74 --> 3685.48] But Julian the Apostate, who reigned from 355 to 363, said to his leaders and the high priests in his temple +[3685.48 --> 3694.70] systems, if we want to save paganism, we need to be like the Christians. Helping one another, serving the poor, +[3694.70 --> 3703.26] raising the children that we have cast out. The early church worked together for a purpose, and it made +[3703.26 --> 3712.86] them appear some certain way in the world around them. And that is the best definition of fellowship +[3712.86 --> 3720.52] that we have. The Greek word here in Acts is koinonia, and it's a word that means, in its fullest sense, +[3720.52 --> 3728.18] participating together towards a common goal. Not just coffee after church, but participating together +[3728.18 --> 3735.88] towards a common goal. Being together, fellowship is around a common goal. And so what's our common goal? +[3736.92 --> 3744.02] Do we have one? And again, I don't think it's too strong to say this, but a church without a mission +[3744.02 --> 3752.70] is not a church. Or at least it's a floundering church. It's an aimlessly wandering church. So what +[3752.70 --> 3757.54] is the goal? What is the mission? What is the target and direction towards which we are working? +[3759.70 --> 3767.28] And maybe it's not an oversimplification to say our mission is to gather, grow, and go. +[3767.28 --> 3774.10] Right? That's our common goal. Right? We gather here, and we grow together, and then we go out +[3774.10 --> 3779.18] on mission to all of those places along the back. We go into those places and those spaces +[3779.18 --> 3787.04] to reveal Jesus Christ in His life, death, resurrection, and exaltation. Right? That's our common goal. +[3787.20 --> 3791.50] At least, it's our stated common goal. Whether or not it's actually common is up to you. +[3791.50 --> 3801.32] But if there's a shared goal, right? Know this, that moving together towards that goal +[3801.32 --> 3809.84] is going to involve two critical things. One, discipleship. That is, we are going to have to +[3809.84 --> 3818.04] train up each other and the next generation of Christian leaders. We will have to study and +[3818.04 --> 3825.42] commit our lives to studying and being together and shaping people in line with this mission to +[3825.42 --> 3833.90] gather, grow, and go. Discipleship is critical to this idea of being together. The second thing +[3833.90 --> 3840.40] that is critical to this is discipline. Now, immediately, some of you start bristling +[3840.40 --> 3849.44] because there's two ways that word is used, right? And one, we can get behind. One is like an athlete +[3849.44 --> 3856.36] who is training for their sport. Right? You are disciplined in the training. One is like a musician +[3856.36 --> 3863.06] who is learning her instrument. You are disciplined in that work. You commit to practicing at least 30 +[3863.06 --> 3874.18] minutes a week, a day. Right? However much you put in is what you'll get out. That requires discipline. +[3875.06 --> 3883.86] But also, discipline requires accountability. It requires letting someone speak into your life saying, +[3884.26 --> 3890.60] I don't think you're doing this properly or right or well. It requires letting someone speak into your +[3890.60 --> 3897.32] life that says, I think you need to cut this out to stop what you are doing so that you might be more +[3897.32 --> 3904.84] and more transformed into the image of Jesus Christ. The church throughout time and place, except maybe +[3904.84 --> 3912.68] for the last 50 to 100 years, has always had an incredibly high bar of what it means to be +[3912.68 --> 3924.36] a disciple of Jesus in every area of our lives together. And that seems to have gotten lower and lower and lower. +[3925.24 --> 3935.64] Maybe it's time to pick that up again, to mutually, to communally come together and be disciplined +[3935.64 --> 3947.32] in our discipleship to Jesus. Fellowship, being together, is disciples on mission, disciplining ourselves +[3947.32 --> 3958.20] to what we could easily call radical obedience. Third, bread together. And just so we're clear, each one of +[3958.20 --> 3964.04] these gets progressively shorter. Although I haven't been here for a couple weeks, so maybe I have more +[3964.04 --> 3970.84] to say. Bread together. They devoted themselves to the breaking of bread. They broke bread in their houses +[3970.84 --> 3980.04] and ate with glad and sincere hearts. For the church to be the church, we must break bread together. +[3980.04 --> 3988.12] And this is more than just a meal together in our homes, although it does include that. Right? And in fact, +[3988.12 --> 3995.96] as pastoral elders in the last number of years, we have taken up the practice of starting our meetings +[3995.96 --> 4001.56] together with a meal together for at least three of those meetings every year, sometimes four, +[4001.56 --> 4008.76] if we're lucky and Kevin volunteers to cook. But we start with a meal together and that has changed +[4008.76 --> 4016.20] the tone and the tenor of our room together. That's changed the way we come together and the work +[4016.20 --> 4023.48] that we do together and how we do that work. It is a beautiful, beautiful thing. But for us, +[4023.48 --> 4030.12] more specifically, it is eating this meal together. It's eating the Lord's meal together, the Lord's +[4030.12 --> 4036.92] Supper, the Eucharist, the communion meal. Right? In the early church and in some places, this is a meal +[4036.92 --> 4042.36] that would happen in the service. So the churches would gather and they would share a meal together. +[4042.36 --> 4049.64] And then at some point, a leader would stand up and they would transition to this part of the meal. +[4050.92 --> 4057.32] They would have the Lord's Supper together. And for the church to be the church, we must be breaking +[4057.32 --> 4064.20] bread together. We must be celebrating the sacrament of the Lord's Supper. And as we come to the table +[4064.20 --> 4072.44] today, here's what I want you to reflect on as you walk forward. That this table is more than just a +[4072.44 --> 4080.44] remembering. We are coming here and we are remembering, but that act of remembering is used by the Holy +[4080.44 --> 4088.76] Spirit, is transformed by the Holy Spirit through His presence among us to turn this moment into an +[4088.76 --> 4097.32] encounter with God. Such that as you take that bread and drink that juice, right, it becomes spiritually +[4097.32 --> 4109.08] for us the body and blood of Jesus. Here we are literally taking in Jesus' flesh so that we might be +[4109.08 --> 4118.04] united to Him in our spirits. This is more than just a remembering. But it's not only that we're united to +[4118.04 --> 4122.92] Jesus, that's why when we come to this table, we're going to do it in a circle together around in +[4122.92 --> 4130.12] different groups, because we're being united to each other, right? Our union with Jesus is indelibly +[4130.12 --> 4137.24] connected to our union with each other. And that's what happens when we come here. +[4137.24 --> 4145.96] Right? This Lord's Supper liturgy even that we will speak has elements that date all the way back to +[4145.96 --> 4153.32] the first centuries of the church. We are standing on the tradition of those who have gone before us. +[4153.32 --> 4162.20] And we are professing the faith of the apostles. And we are being united to Jesus Christ and to each other. +[4162.20 --> 4173.96] We break bread together. And then we bow together. Notice here, they devoted themselves to prayer. +[4175.48 --> 4183.00] And prayer, I've said before, is the lifeblood of the church, right? For the church to be the church alive +[4183.00 --> 4192.84] and active, it must be praying. Right? So part of what I do is pray for all of you. Every week, +[4193.56 --> 4198.84] pray for all of you. Part of what the elders do when we gather is to pray for all of you. +[4200.28 --> 4206.36] Part of what others in this church do over and over and over again is to pray for us here and to pray +[4206.36 --> 4214.44] for the church around the world. Right? Whatever we do has to be fueled with prayer. And so whether it's +[4214.44 --> 4223.24] formally at an event here or privately in your own time of devotion, pray fervently, urgently, and expectantly. +[4224.52 --> 4231.08] That's the church. I will never forget in the church I served before coming here, +[4231.08 --> 4238.44] there was this little old Dutch woman. Now you can picture what you think that might mean in your head. +[4239.32 --> 4250.12] But she, as frail as she looked, was the most fiery spirit I have ever met. And even at 88 years old, +[4250.92 --> 4258.76] when she prayed, you could tell that something was happening in her and coming out of her. And it was +[4258.76 --> 4266.12] so beautiful. And I've described it before as her words were reformed, but her posture, her demeanor +[4266.12 --> 4274.52] was full on Pentecostal. And she would pray for the church and for the movement of the spirit. She +[4274.52 --> 4279.64] would pray for the children of the church and for the young families in the church. She would pray for +[4279.64 --> 4286.60] the leaders of the church. And it was a beautiful thing to behold. This is how we pray. In the confidence +[4286.60 --> 4293.64] of our sovereign God, urging, pleading for him to be at work among us and in the world. +[4294.68 --> 4301.40] And not only do we pray together, but we burgeon together. We burgeon together. We read, +[4301.40 --> 4305.80] the Lord added to their number daily those who are being saved. +[4308.04 --> 4314.92] Growing together, inwardly and outwardly, is burgeoning together. Right? Here's what I believe, +[4314.92 --> 4322.36] that if a church is doing Bible together, is being together, is breaking bread together, is bowing +[4322.36 --> 4329.56] together, the people of that church will burgeon. That is, they will grow. Burgeon literally means +[4329.56 --> 4338.20] to produce new buds or leaves, to swell and develop into leaves and flowers. Right? We want to grow. +[4338.20 --> 4346.12] Now that growth may be inward. It may be internal. But my prayer always is that it's also outward +[4346.12 --> 4352.68] and in numbers. Right? That new people are gathered into the church that is doing these kinds of things. +[4353.72 --> 4360.12] But not only that, that we as a church are also sending people out in global mission. +[4360.12 --> 4367.80] Right? It's been a little while in our churches today where we have celebrated those who have been +[4367.80 --> 4376.76] called to be a missionary far flung around the world and in places yet unknown. To languages yet +[4376.76 --> 4384.60] translated for a Bible. But that's what we need in the world today. And a church that is being the church +[4384.60 --> 4393.00] will see that sort of thing happen among them. Goheen and Bartholomew, two professors of mine, +[4393.00 --> 4398.68] they reflect on this line. They say that the life and power of the Spirit of Christ in the believing +[4398.68 --> 4406.84] community radiates the light of the kingdom and draws people in from the darkness. This is what's +[4406.84 --> 4413.40] happening in the church. The amazing truth of this story from the early church as it continues into our +[4413.40 --> 4422.36] age is that Jesus by the Holy Spirit continues to draw people to himself using feeble, inept, broken people +[4423.00 --> 4435.48] like me and even like you. There's a quote that comes to us from +[4435.48 --> 4447.96] a writer who is unknown. We don't know their name, but he writes an epistle to Diognetus in the second +[4447.96 --> 4455.24] century. Now what we know is he's an apologist. Now an apologist isn't someone who says, I'm sorry. +[4455.24 --> 4462.60] An apologist is someone who defends the truth of the Bible and of Scripture. And I want to share with you +[4462.60 --> 4470.12] this quote because as we live in this time of an increasingly post-Christian world, I think it's +[4470.12 --> 4476.44] really valuable for us to look to the pre-Christian world for example and illustration. Now this quote +[4476.44 --> 4482.20] is a little bit long, but it's beautiful and it will be on the screen behind me as I read it. This is +[4482.20 --> 4487.00] where we'll begin to land the plane together. So here are these words. +[4487.00 --> 4495.80] Christians cannot be distinguished from the rest of the human race by country or language or customs. +[4496.68 --> 4502.20] They do not live in cities of their own. They do not use a peculiar form of speech, +[4502.20 --> 4509.48] except maybe the word fellowship. They do not follow an eccentric manner of life. This doctrine of theirs has +[4509.48 --> 4516.04] not been discovered by the ingenuity or deep thought of inquisitive men, nor do they put forward a merely human +[4516.04 --> 4523.56] teaching as some people do. Yet, although they live in Greek and barbarian cities alike, as each man's +[4523.56 --> 4529.32] lot has been cast and follow the customs of the country in clothing and food and other matters of +[4529.32 --> 4537.00] daily living, at the same time they give proof of the remarkable and admittedly extraordinary constitution +[4537.00 --> 4544.76] of their own commonwealth. They live in their own countries, but only as aliens. They have a share in +[4544.76 --> 4552.20] everything as citizens and endure everything as foreigners. Every foreign land is their fatherland, +[4552.20 --> 4559.16] and yet for them every fatherland is a foreign land. They marry like everyone else and beget children, +[4559.16 --> 4565.32] but they do not cast out their offspring. Now that refers to the abhorrent practice that was common in the +[4565.32 --> 4571.16] Roman world. If you had a child that you didn't want primarily, and often if it was a girl, they would just go +[4571.16 --> 4577.00] outside the city limits and leave them in the garbage heap. That's casting out of children. In fact, +[4577.00 --> 4580.84] early Christians would go to those places and collect those babies and raise them as their own. +[4583.16 --> 4589.16] They share their board, their table, with each other, but not their marriage bed. It is true that they are +[4589.16 --> 4594.76] in the flesh, but they do not live according to the flesh. They busy themselves on earth, but their +[4594.76 --> 4603.56] citizenship is in heaven. They obey the established laws, but in their own lives they go far beyond what +[4603.56 --> 4612.04] the laws require. They love all men and by all men are persecuted. They are unknown and still they are +[4612.04 --> 4618.36] condemned. They are put to death and yet they are brought to life. They are poor and yet they make many +[4618.36 --> 4623.80] rich. They are completely destitute and yet they enjoy complete abundance. They are dishonored and in their +[4623.80 --> 4630.36] very dishonored and glorified. They are defamed and are vindicated. They are reviled and yet they bless. +[4630.36 --> 4636.52] When they are affronted, they still pay due respect. When they do good, they are punished as evildoers, +[4636.52 --> 4641.16] undergoing punishment. They rejoice as they are brought to life. They are treated by Jews as +[4641.16 --> 4646.76] foreigners and enemies and are hunted down by the Greeks. And all the time, those who hate them +[4646.76 --> 4652.76] find it impossible to justify their enmity. Remember the words of Julian the Apostate? +[4654.20 --> 4662.20] To put it simply, what the soul is in the body, that Christians are in the world. +[4664.92 --> 4670.84] When the church is the church, it can be an animating spirit, +[4670.84 --> 4681.08] bringing joy and life to the world around us, even as the world may hate what we stand for. +[4682.84 --> 4689.80] From the beginning and in a world of sheer opposition, this is how the church has functioned. +[4690.92 --> 4698.60] Because the Holy Spirit is and gives a transforming power to ignite a community made by grace, we study +[4698.60 --> 4704.76] God's word together, we do life together, we eat together, and we celebrate the Eucharist together, +[4704.76 --> 4717.00] we pray together, and we gather, grow, and go together. This is who we are. My prayer is that this will be +[4717.64 --> 4724.20] who we are becoming even more and more. Amen? Amen. Let's pray together. +[4728.60 --> 4735.32] Lord our God, we have heard from your word, and so now we come to your table. +[4737.00 --> 4743.56] We pray that you would take the truth of these words spoken and proclaim out of your word to us, +[4743.56 --> 4750.84] and you would allow us to taste and see their truth as we come together to this table. +[4750.84 --> 4752.92] Lord our God, we pray that you would love to us. +[4752.92 --> 4760.76] Transform our lives by your Holy Spirit, that as we go from this place, we might go as a people renewed, +[4761.24 --> 4768.60] as a people refreshed, and as a people encouraged and convicted to be disciples on mission with you. +[4769.24 --> 4775.00] Holy Spirit, empower us to that end, to the end of the glory of your name, +[4775.00 --> 4783.00] and the revealing of your kingdom come and coming. In Jesus Christ we pray. Amen. Amen. +[4785.64 --> 4791.96] As we have said, as we come to this table, there's a liturgy that we will speak and you will speak +[4791.96 --> 4800.60] in response to, and parts of these things have been with the church from the second and third and fourth +[4800.60 --> 4808.76] centuries. And so we are standing in a long line of those who remember and who receive the grace of +[4808.76 --> 4819.64] our God as we come to this table. And so lift up your hearts. Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. +[4823.08 --> 4823.88] Let's pray together. +[4823.88 --> 4832.44] Father, with joy we praise you, gracious God. For you have created heaven and earth, you have made us +[4832.44 --> 4839.40] in your image, and have kept covenant with us even when we fell into sin. We give you thanks for Jesus +[4839.40 --> 4846.84] Christ, who by his life, death, and resurrection opened to us the way of everlasting life. Amen. +[4846.84 --> 4857.72] Now our Lord Jesus, before he suffered, gave us this memorial of his sacrifice until he comes again. +[4858.68 --> 4865.00] The Lord Jesus, on the night that he was betrayed, took bread. And when he had given thanks, he broke it +[4865.00 --> 4874.36] and said, this is my body, which is for you. Do this in remembrance of me. And in the same way, +[4874.36 --> 4885.56] after supper, he took the cup, saying, this cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this in remembrance of me. +[4885.56 --> 4899.64] For whenever we eat this bread and drink this cup, we proclaim the Lord's death until he comes again. +[4900.68 --> 4912.52] This is the mystery of our faith. Your death, O Christ, we proclaim. Your resurrection, we affirm with joy. +[4912.52 --> 4918.28] Your coming, we await with hope. Glory be to you, Lord Jesus. +[4920.52 --> 4928.20] Church family, the Lord has prepared his table for all who love him and trust in him alone for their salvation. +[4929.24 --> 4937.18] And so, come to this table, you who have much faith and you who would like to have more. +[4937.18 --> 4944.36] Come to this table, you who have been to this sacrament often and you who have not been for a long time. +[4944.64 --> 4952.18] Come to this table, you who have tried to follow Jesus and you who have failed, because at this table, you are in good company. +[4953.24 --> 4957.18] Come to this table because Jesus is raised. +[4957.18 --> 4963.66] Come to this table, if you are here or if you are at home participating in your own way. +[4964.04 --> 4967.96] Come because it is Christ who invites us to meet him here. +[4968.06 --> 4972.72] It is Christ who carries us and it is Christ who receives us. +[4974.68 --> 4979.12] These are the gifts of God for the people of God. +[4979.12 --> 4991.26] As we come to this table, as I have said, we will do so in groups and we will take a circle and you will pass the bread to your left or to your right. +[4991.50 --> 4996.00] As you pass that, we invite you to say the body of Christ given for you. +[4996.30 --> 5000.86] As you pass the juice, you may say the blood of Christ shed for you. +[5000.86 --> 5009.88] As we move through, we will do so first with the worship volunteers and the others who are helping us serve. +[5010.68 --> 5018.64] And then you will be indicated, your rose will be indicated when it is your turn to come up to the front by the ushers who are there. +[5019.22 --> 5024.72] If you are unable to come to the front but would like to receive the elements, please just indicate that to the ushers +[5024.72 --> 5028.46] and they will come serve you in your seats where you are at. +[5028.46 --> 5034.90] As you receive the bread as well, just a note, the center cup is gluten-free bread. +[5035.42 --> 5038.40] And so if you require that, you may take from there as well. +[5039.54 --> 5045.36] If you are a guest with us here this morning as well, the juice that goes around is all juice. +[5045.82 --> 5048.42] There is no wine in these glasses here. +[5048.42 --> 5055.16] So I invite those volunteers and other leaders who are going to help us serve this morning. +[5058.46 --> 5076.02] The body of Christ given for you. +[5077.86 --> 5079.22] The body of Christ given for you. +[5079.22 --> 5079.24] The body of Christ given for you. +[5079.24 --> 5084.56] I'm going to go around here. +[5084.56 --> 5085.24] There you go. +[5085.24 --> 5087.76] There you go. +[5087.76 --> 5088.82] There you go. +[5088.82 --> 5118.80] Thank you. +[5118.82 --> 5124.16] Eat and remember. +[5135.16 --> 5136.82] Blood of Christ shed for you. +[5140.42 --> 5142.06] Blood of Christ shed for you. +[5148.82 --> 5155.78] Blood of Christ shed for you. +[5155.78 --> 5161.98] Blood of Christ shed for you. +[5161.98 --> 5164.44] Blood of Christ shed for you. +[5164.44 --> 5168.06] Blood eyesень Holor. +[5168.06 --> 5169.02] What did we say? +[5169.02 --> 5170.42] It was our usher. +[5170.42 --> 5172.72] Okay. +[5172.72 --> 5202.70] Thank you. +[5202.72 --> 5232.70] Thank you. +[5232.72 --> 5262.70] Thank you. +[5262.72 --> 5264.72] Thank you. +[5292.72 --> 5294.72] Thank you. +[5322.72 --> 5324.72] Thank you. +[5352.72 --> 5354.72] Thank you. +[5382.72 --> 5384.72] Thank you. +[5412.72 --> 5414.72] Thank you. +[5442.72 --> 5444.72] Thank you. +[5472.72 --> 5474.72] Thank you. +[5502.72 --> 5504.72] Thank you. +[5504.72 --> 5506.72] Thank you. +[5506.72 --> 5508.72] Thank you. +[5508.72 --> 5510.72] Thank you. +[5510.72 --> 5512.72] Thank you. +[5512.72 --> 5514.72] Thank you. +[5514.72 --> 5516.72] Thank you. +[5516.72 --> 5518.72] Thank you. +[5518.72 --> 5520.72] Thank you. +[5520.72 --> 5522.72] Thank you. +[5522.72 --> 5526.72] Thank you. +[5526.72 --> 5528.72] Thank you. +[5528.72 --> 5536.04] Come, Lord Jesus, come. +[5537.64 --> 5544.70] Come, Lord Jesus, come. +[5558.72 --> 5588.70] Come, Lord Jesus, come. +[5588.72 --> 5602.72] So dearly that I, the guilty one, make a free. +[5603.96 --> 5614.72] A busy life of unsacrifice, the Son of God before me. +[5614.72 --> 5621.04] My death he pays and my death he dies. +[5621.52 --> 5626.72] That I might live. +[5627.14 --> 5632.72] That I might live. +[5632.72 --> 5641.04] And so they watched and died. +[5641.04 --> 5647.04] I despise the sweet charitable. +[5647.84 --> 5653.04] But all the money share. +[5654.16 --> 5658.04] Come, Lord Jesus. +[5658.04 --> 5664.04] I'll praise the love of unsacrifice. +[5664.04 --> 5670.04] And so they watched and died. +[5670.04 --> 5676.04] My death he pays and my death he dies. +[5676.84 --> 5681.04] That I might live. +[5682.34 --> 5687.04] That I might live. +[5687.04 --> 5689.04] And so they watched and died. +[5689.04 --> 5693.04] And so they watched and died. +[5693.04 --> 5695.04] And so they watched and died. +[5695.04 --> 5699.04] And so they watched and died. +[5699.04 --> 5701.04] And so they watched and died. +[5701.04 --> 5703.04] And so they watched and died. +[5703.04 --> 5705.04] And so they watched and died. +[5705.04 --> 5705.90] That I passed and died. +[5713.94 --> 5716.28] So and soats and died. +[5716.28 --> 5718.86] Come, Lord Jesus, come. +[5718.86 --> 5722.40] Look, amen. +[5722.40 --> 5741.40] I'm a man, I'm a man, I'm a man. +[5752.40 --> 5782.38] Thank you. +[5782.40 --> 5812.38] Thank you. +[5812.40 --> 5814.40] Thank you. +[5842.40 --> 5844.40] Thank you. +[5844.40 --> 5846.40] Thank you. +[5846.40 --> 5848.40] Thank you. +[5848.40 --> 5850.40] Thank you. +[5850.40 --> 5852.40] Thank you. +[5852.40 --> 5854.40] Thank you. +[5854.40 --> 5856.40] Thank you. +[5856.40 --> 5858.40] Thank you. +[5858.40 --> 5860.40] Thank you. +[5860.40 --> 5862.40] Thank you. +[5862.40 --> 5864.40] Thank you. +[5864.40 --> 5866.40] Thank you. +[5866.40 --> 5868.40] Thank you. +[5868.40 --> 5870.40] Thank you. +[5870.40 --> 5872.40] Thank you. +[5872.40 --> 5874.40] Thank you. +[5874.40 --> 5876.40] Thank you. +[5876.40 --> 5878.40] Thank you. +[5878.40 --> 5880.40] Thank you. +[5880.40 --> 5882.40] Thank you. +[5882.40 --> 5884.40] Thank you. +[5884.40 --> 5886.40] Thank you. +[5886.40 --> 5888.40] Thank you. +[5888.40 --> 5890.40] Thank you. +[5890.40 --> 5892.40] Thank you. +[5892.40 --> 5894.40] Thank you. +[5894.40 --> 5896.40] Thank you. +[5896.40 --> 5900.40] Well, +[5900.40 --> 5904.40] Lord, +[5904.40 --> 5906.40] I am +[5906.40 --> 5908.40] God. +[5908.40 --> 5910.40] Darn +[5910.40 --> 5914.98] Again and again +[5914.98 --> 5920.40] I call unto you +[5920.40 --> 5925.36] Again and again +[5925.36 --> 5930.60] You are my love +[5930.60 --> 5934.92] In times and troubles +[5934.92 --> 5941.62] You lift me up +[5941.62 --> 5945.44] When I bow down +[5945.44 --> 5949.74] All through the storm +[5949.74 --> 5958.66] Your love is the anchor +[5958.66 --> 5965.36] My hope is in you +[5965.36 --> 5971.66] All through the storm +[5971.66 --> 5981.44] Your love is the anchor +[5981.44 --> 5988.54] My hope is in you +[5988.54 --> 5989.90] Alone +[5989.90 --> 5995.68] Available +[5995.68 --> 5998.90] As to me +[5998.90 --> 6007.10] My hope is in you +[6007.10 --> 6010.88] All through the storm +[6010.88 --> 6040.86] Amazing grace +[6040.86 --> 6044.36] How sweet the sound +[6044.36 --> 6050.86] That saved a wretch like me +[6050.86 --> 6057.56] I once was lost but now without +[6057.56 --> 6063.86] Was blind but now I see +[6063.86 --> 6071.86] T'was grace that taught my heart to hear +[6071.86 --> 6076.86] Grace my fears and relief +[6076.86 --> 6083.86] How precious in that grace appear +[6083.86 --> 6089.86] The hour I first see me +[6089.86 --> 6095.86] My chains are gone, I'll be taking +[6095.86 --> 6102.86] My God, my Savior, what will I be? +[6102.86 --> 6108.86] And I have won His mercy reign +[6108.86 --> 6114.86] Unending love, amazing grace +[6114.86 --> 6125.86] The Lord has promised good to me +[6125.86 --> 6131.86] His word my hope secures +[6131.86 --> 6139.86] He will my shield and portion be +[6139.86 --> 6143.86] As long as I will +[6143.86 --> 6152.86] Through many dangers, toils and snails +[6152.86 --> 6158.86] I have already found +[6158.86 --> 6162.86] His grace that taught me +[6162.86 --> 6164.86] Sing the song +[6164.86 --> 6170.86] And grace will lead me home +[6170.86 --> 6176.86] My chains are gone, I've been set free +[6176.86 --> 6182.86] My God, my Savior, has risen me +[6182.86 --> 6189.86] And like a flood, His mercy reigns +[6189.86 --> 6194.86] Unending love, amazing grace +[6194.86 --> 6206.86] When we've been there ten thousand years +[6206.86 --> 6212.86] Bright shining as the sun +[6212.86 --> 6219.86] We've known last days to sing God's praise +[6219.86 --> 6225.86] Than when we first begun +[6225.86 --> 6231.86] My chains are gone, I've been set free +[6231.86 --> 6237.86] My God, my Savior, has risen me +[6237.86 --> 6244.86] And like a flood, His mercy reigns +[6244.86 --> 6246.86] Unending love, amazing grace +[6246.86 --> 6256.86] My chains are gone, I've been set free +[6256.86 --> 6262.86] My God, my Savior, has risen me +[6262.86 --> 6270.86] And like a flood, His mercy reigns +[6270.86 --> 6276.86] Unending love, amazing grace +[6276.86 --> 6297.86] Before you receive God's blessing, I want to invite you all to stick around after service for a time of... +[6297.86 --> 6299.86] Yeah, fellowship +[6299.86 --> 6300.86] Yeah, fellowship +[6300.86 --> 6302.86] I was going to see if anyone said koinonia +[6302.86 --> 6304.86] But a time of fellowship +[6304.86 --> 6307.86] And I encourage you, use that time to connect with someone +[6307.86 --> 6309.86] Maybe even someone new +[6309.86 --> 6312.86] Use that time to pray with someone +[6312.86 --> 6315.86] As they have need or as they are celebrating +[6315.86 --> 6317.86] If you would like prayer specifically +[6317.86 --> 6321.86] There will be someone here after service with a yellow name tag on +[6321.86 --> 6326.86] They would love to meet you and pray with you about whatever it is that you'd like lifted up in prayer +[6326.86 --> 6332.86] As you go, know that God goes with you and so receive His blessing +[6332.86 --> 6334.86] The promise of His presence +[6334.86 --> 6338.86] God goes before you to lead you +[6338.86 --> 6340.86] God goes behind you to protect you +[6340.86 --> 6343.86] God goes beneath you to support you +[6343.86 --> 6346.86] And God goes beside you to befriend you +[6346.86 --> 6348.86] Do not be afraid +[6348.86 --> 6350.86] Let the blessing of God come upon you today +[6350.86 --> 6352.86] Do not be afraid +[6352.86 --> 6357.86] But go in peace to love and serve the Lord +[6357.86 --> 6359.86] Amen +[6359.86 --> 6365.86] Behold He comes +[6365.86 --> 6367.86] Riding on the clouds +[6367.86 --> 6369.86] Shining like the sun +[6369.86 --> 6372.86] At the tropical +[6372.86 --> 6375.86] Lift your voice +[6375.86 --> 6377.86] To hear a jubilee +[6377.86 --> 6379.86] When you're weak +[6379.86 --> 6380.86] How리 +[6380.86 --> 6381.86] Know God +[6381.86 --> 6382.86] ποιなあ +[6382.86 --> 6383.86] 夢 +[6383.86 --> 6384.86] Is +[6384.86 --> 6385.86] To hear +[6385.86 --> 6386.86] Know +[6386.86 --> 6388.86] How +[6388.86 --> 6389.86] Since +[6389.86 --> 6390.86] 임 +[6407.86 --> 6417.86] is +[6417.86 --> 6421.90] From every day the way of love +[6421.90 --> 6424.26] The holy cross +[6424.26 --> 6426.48] Running on ground +[6426.48 --> 6428.68] Shining like the sun +[6428.68 --> 6432.96] After we call with your voice +[6432.96 --> 6435.16] Hear to me +[6435.16 --> 6439.56] How does time till salvation come? +[6442.84 --> 6445.72] With peace on the days of the Savior +[6445.72 --> 6450.62] The trials he died in his head +[6450.62 --> 6454.52] And these are the days of his servant +[6454.52 --> 6459.36] Day that he built in a temple of grace +[6459.36 --> 6463.94] And these are the days of the harvest +[6463.94 --> 6467.42] The fields are as high as the world +[6467.42 --> 6473.08] And we are the laborers in your favor +[6473.08 --> 6476.32] And declaring the word of the Lord +[6476.32 --> 6478.60] The holy cross +[6478.60 --> 6480.74] Lighting on ground +[6480.74 --> 6483.00] Shining like the sun +[6483.00 --> 6484.88] At the trumpet wall +[6484.88 --> 6487.28] With your voice +[6487.28 --> 6489.38] Hear to me +[6489.38 --> 6493.88] How does time till salvation come? +[6493.88 --> 6499.70] Climate Jet +[6499.70 --> 6499.96] There's no God like Jehovah +[6499.96 --> 6500.34] There's no God like Jehovah +[6500.34 --> 6503.20] There's no God like Jehovah +[6503.20 --> 6505.20] There's no God like Jehovah +[6505.20 --> 6506.74] There's no God like Jehovah +[6506.74 --> 6507.56] There's no God like Jehovah +[6507.56 --> 6507.96] There's no God like Jehovah +[6507.96 --> 6508.42] There's no God like Jehovah +[6508.42 --> 6508.94] There's no God like Jehovah +[6508.94 --> 6509.94] There's no God like Jehovah +[6509.94 --> 6511.20] There's no God like Jehovah +[6511.20 --> 6514.04] Let your heart be full. +[6514.04 --> 6519.50] Be calm, light on the clouds, shine a good sound. +[6519.50 --> 6523.84] At the trumpet call, lift your voice. +[6523.84 --> 6530.38] Hear a delivery, out of sight, till the salvation comes. +[6530.38 --> 6536.86] Be calm, light on the clouds, shine a good sound. +[6536.86 --> 6541.26] At the trumpet call, lift your voice. +[6541.26 --> 6549.10] Hear a delivery, out of sight, till the salvation comes. +[6566.86 --> 6573.86] ihr +[6583.30 --> 6584.80] am +[6585.98 --> 6589.14] overall +[6589.14 --> 6619.12] Thank you. +[6619.14 --> 6621.14] This was the Gonzalez, a come on weekend, +[6621.14 --> 6624.44] the winner, now, as you could head over to a video garden. +[6624.44 --> 6626.44] One in the last couple is a comeback. +[6626.44 --> 6627.44] Alice in the win too. +[6627.44 --> 6629.44] In the last couple is playing às часaults. +[6629.44 --> 6631.24] One in the last few am. +[6632.14 --> 6638.44] One in the last 13. +[6638.44 --> 6643.14] Curl by Oswaldovets Lopez to the impossible +[6643.14 --> 6654.70] This is turning theев4900 you know when signals look like a philor +[6655.14 --> 6661.38] Physical time to Center +[6661.54 --> 6664.38] In MBA +[6666.50 --> 6668.94] I can't believe something +[6668.94 --> 6698.92] Thank you. +[6698.94 --> 6728.92] Thank you. +[6728.94 --> 6758.92] Thank you. +[6758.94 --> 6788.92] Thank you. +[6788.94 --> 6790.94] Thank you. +[6790.94 --> 6792.94] Thank you. +[6792.94 --> 6794.94] Thank you. +[6794.94 --> 6796.94] Thank you. +[6824.94 --> 6826.94] Thank you. +[6826.94 --> 6828.94] Thank you. +[6828.94 --> 6832.94] Thank you. +[6832.94 --> 6834.94] Thank you. +[6834.94 --> 6840.94] Thank you. +[6840.94 --> 6842.94] Thank you. +[6842.94 --> 6844.94] Thank you. +[6844.94 --> 6874.92] Thank you. +[6874.94 --> 6904.92] Thank you. +[6904.94 --> 6934.92] Thank you. +[6934.94 --> 6964.92] Thank you. +[6964.94 --> 6994.92] Thank you. +[6994.94 --> 7024.92] Thank you. +[7024.94 --> 7054.92] Thank you. +[7054.94 --> 7084.92] Thank you. +[7084.94 --> 7114.92] Thank you. +[7114.94 --> 7144.92] Thank you. diff --git a/Sunday Worship, July 28, 2024_summary.txt b/Sunday Worship, July 28, 2024_summary.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000000000000000000000000000000000000..fcad0569921ba1eab154014bd6669408333470ea --- /dev/null +++ b/Sunday Worship, July 28, 2024_summary.txt @@ -0,0 +1,81 @@ +• Welcome and introduction by Pastor Chris +• Announcement about Reactivate Youth Conference and need for volunteers +• Call to worship from Psalm 96 +• Singing of a new song with lyrics about God's glory and kingdom +• Lord's Prayer recited +• Blessing and honor given to the ancient of days +• Praise and worship to God as the ancient of days +• Discussing a song called "Desert Song" about praising God in difficult times +• Reflection on Hebrews 12:1-3 about running the Christian life with perseverance +• Encouragement to hold onto Jesus through all circumstances and praise Him in every season +• The importance of fixing one's eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith +• Christ enduring opposition from sinners for his joy set before him +• Encouragement not to grow weary or lose heart in the face of challenges +• Worshiping God as the Lion of the Lord with great power and authority +• The blood of Christ breaking chains and freeing us +• Daily bowing before Him in worship and praise +• Declarations of the Lord's almighty power and dominion +• Praise and thanksgiving to God, the Father, Son, and Spirit +• The congregation is invited to pray together, led by Elder Ken. +• A prayer is offered for the beauty of creation and God's power and love. +• Concerns are prayed for regarding war and conflict, wildfires, and health issues within the congregation. +• Specific prayers are offered for individuals including Imo and Benita, Clem, Everly, and a young family. +• The congregation is reminded to seek safety and protection during the summer season of travel and vacations. +• Pastor Chris's sermon is blessed with a request for open hearts and ears to hear God's will. +• The congregation is invited to participate in a children's activity where they draw pictures based on the sermon. +• Peter and John heal a lame man in the name of Jesus Christ +• The apostles are challenged by temple officials about their authority +• Peter gives a speech defending his actions, stating that healing was done through Jesus' name +• The rulers and elders question the apostles but can't deny the miracle +• They command Peter and John to stop preaching in Jesus' name +• Peter and John refuse, citing that they cannot help speaking about what they've seen and heard +• The rulers release them after further threats due to public pressure +• The disciples face potential persecution for their actions, but continue to boldly proclaim the gospel. +• Jesus commands his disciples to listen to him and obey everything he has commanded +• The command to obey is rooted in a moral obligation to God, but also comes with a cost as they will face opposition and persecution +• Disciples are willing to pay this price and choose obedience despite the risks +• In modern times, Christians may face government restrictions or persecution for sharing the gospel or calling for conversion +• The desire to obey is fueled by a deeper commitment to worshiping and magnifying Jesus +• The miraculous healing of a lame man from birth through faith in Jesus' name +• Peter explains the healing as the result of Jesus' name and the faith that comes through him +• The Holy Spirit's power and Jesus' name are the keys to understanding the healing +• The act of proclaiming Jesus' name is an expression of worship and magnification of His glories +• Human nature tends to proclaim and share amazing things, especially when they believe them to be magnificent +• The importance of magnifying or proclaiming something that is magnificent and miraculous +• The resurrection of Jesus as a miraculous reason for boldly proclaiming the gospel +• The experience of being touched by God in worship or seeing an unexpected answer to prayer +• Sharing personal stories of transformation and changed lives +• The mercy reason: salvation through no other name but Jesus Christ +• The Son of God is necessary for eternal life +• Jesus is the only way to the Father and salvation +• Exclusivity is inherent in any truth or claim +• The Bible teaches that salvation comes through faith in Christ, not through other means or methods +• The message of Christ's exclusivity is often misunderstood as arrogant, but it is simply a statement of fact based on God's Word +• Polycarp, the bishop of Smyrna, is arrested by Roman soldiers +• He welcomes his arrest calmly and asks for time to pray before going with them willingly +• At his trial, Quintus, the proconsul, urges him to renounce his faith and swear by Caesar's fortune to save his life +• Polycarp refuses to renounce his faith and responds that he has served Christ for 86 years and cannot blaspheme his king and savior +• He steadfastly refuses to renounce his faith despite being urged by Quintus +• Polycarp is being pressured by the proconsul to abandon his faith +• Polycarp remains unshaken and says the fire of judgment will be eternal for the ungodly, not temporary as threatened +• The crowd demands Polycarp be burned alive +• Polycarp prays while being lit on fire and miraculously is not harmed by it +• A Roman guard eventually kills Polycarp with a sword +• This story is used to illustrate the legacy of faith and the continued cost of proclaiming one's Christian beliefs +• A modern example of this is Pastor Andrew Bunsen, who was arrested in Turkey in 2016 on espionage and terrorism charges for his Christian beliefs +• The story of John Chow, a missionary who attempted to evangelize the Sentinelese people on North Sentinel Island +• Contrast between the two main interpretations: Chow as a colonizer or as someone faithful to God's call to preach the gospel +• Discussion of whether mercy, magnify, and moral reasons for not preaching are legitimate +• The importance of proclaiming Jesus Christ as the only name by which men must be saved +• Command from God to make disciples and teach others to obey in Judea, Samaria, and to the ends of the earth (including remote islands) +• The importance of proclaiming the gospel +• Being bold in sharing one's faith, even with those who disagree or mock +• The command to listen to Jesus and share His message +• The power of God's grace and the Holy Spirit to guide and empower believers +• The need for courage and boldness to speak about what has been seen and heard +• Upcoming event: Praise by the Pond at the Den Hans +• Invitation to attend an event at the Den Hans for Praise by the Pond +• Offer of refreshments and fellowship after the event +• Blessings and prayers for attendees, including God's guidance, protection, support, and friendship +• Recitation of phrases in praise of Christ, such as "Christ eternal, the King of peace" +• Repeated expressions of gratitude and thanks \ No newline at end of file diff --git a/Sunday Worship, July 28, 2024_transcript.txt b/Sunday Worship, July 28, 2024_transcript.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000000000000000000000000000000000000..8a980e66ef28b6eaa4c92eff23cffa75fa550e94 --- /dev/null +++ b/Sunday Worship, July 28, 2024_transcript.txt @@ -0,0 +1,1289 @@ +[0.92 --> 8.36] Welcome to worship. A special welcome if you are a guest with us in visiting this summer. +[8.54 --> 15.74] It's so good to gather together and to worship our good God and to praise the name of Jesus. +[15.92 --> 21.54] My name is Chris. I'm one of the pastors here, and it's my privilege, along with these others you see on stage, +[21.68 --> 25.14] to lead in our shared worship together this morning. +[25.14 --> 31.58] So, there's only one announcement that I am aware of before our service, +[31.74 --> 36.62] and that is just a reminder for you regular members and regular worshipers here. +[37.68 --> 40.48] Reactivate Youth Conference is coming up in September, +[40.48 --> 44.58] and we're looking for volunteers to help staff out that weekend event, +[44.62 --> 50.28] where we've got teenagers from Christian Reformed churches all over B.C. who come down here +[50.28 --> 56.26] and hang out for the weekend, worship God, and learn about what it means to be a disciple of Jesus. +[56.48 --> 61.58] And so, our church really steps up in hosting that and requires volunteers. +[61.82 --> 66.92] And so, there's a sign-up sheet for that that's in the e-bulletin that goes out every weekend. +[67.16 --> 71.02] And so, if you aren't signed up for the e-bulletin, you can talk to the office, +[71.22 --> 75.24] and they'll get you signed up, and then you can follow through the sign-up sheet there. +[75.24 --> 76.88] I believe that's it. +[77.64 --> 79.80] And so, unless someone tells me otherwise, +[80.72 --> 84.96] let's stand together, be welcomed into God's presence. +[87.22 --> 90.78] As we gather, we do so in the presence of God, +[90.88 --> 93.82] who is here in the power of the Holy Spirit. +[93.92 --> 97.24] And we mark that presence, we receive that presence, +[97.42 --> 102.26] and we stand in that presence by receiving the greeting of God. +[102.26 --> 106.70] And then we make that presence known by extending that greeting to each other. +[106.96 --> 109.34] And so, after I greet you in the Lord's name, +[109.40 --> 113.64] I encourage you to turn to those around you and to greet them in the name of Jesus. +[113.82 --> 117.00] You can say, peace of Christ be with you, or the Lord be with you, +[117.06 --> 119.04] or you can just say, hey, what's up? +[119.68 --> 120.86] However you want to do that. +[121.60 --> 123.44] Receive the greeting of our good God. +[123.44 --> 128.10] Grace, mercy, and peace to you, +[128.54 --> 129.64] from God our Father, +[129.98 --> 132.82] from the Lord Jesus Christ, His Son, and our Savior, +[133.38 --> 135.98] through the presence and power of the Holy Spirit. +[136.88 --> 137.26] Amen. +[137.86 --> 138.92] Greet one another in Christ. +[153.44 --> 170.72] This call to worship comes from Psalm 96. +[171.46 --> 173.32] Sing to the Lord a new song. +[173.70 --> 175.46] Sing to the Lord all the earth. +[175.86 --> 177.78] Sing to the Lord, praise His name. +[178.16 --> 180.50] Proclaim His salvation day after day. +[180.50 --> 183.38] Declare His glory among the nations. +[183.80 --> 186.50] His marvelous deeds among all peoples. +[186.50 --> 187.84] chant by Bible +[196.84 --> 198.62] neaiella +[198.62 --> 212.62] Oh God, I take heaven, how a redeemer I lay +[212.62 --> 219.62] I've been led to glory, I've been led to love you, God +[219.62 --> 230.62] Oh God, I remember the rocks high at your feet +[230.62 --> 237.62] I will let your glory come and let your glory fall +[237.62 --> 248.62] I will sing, sing a new song, I will sing, sing a new song +[248.62 --> 256.62] I will sing, sing a new song to the Lord +[256.62 --> 261.62] Let your kingdom come and let your will be done +[261.62 --> 265.62] For earth as it is in heaven +[265.62 --> 270.62] Every hour will gain, just the hour will gain +[270.62 --> 275.62] For earth as it is in heaven +[275.62 --> 292.62] Forgive us, you every morning, mercy is daily bread +[292.62 --> 300.62] In the name of Jesus, in the name of Jesus we pray +[300.62 --> 310.62] And lead us not to temptation, but deliver us with your hand +[310.62 --> 318.62] For in the name of Jesus, in the name of Jesus we pray +[318.62 --> 326.62] I will sing, sing a new song +[326.62 --> 335.62] I will sing, sing a new song to the Lord +[335.62 --> 339.62] Let your kingdom come and let your will be done +[339.62 --> 343.62] On earth as it is in heaven +[343.62 --> 347.62] Every heart proclaim the mercy of your name +[347.62 --> 352.62] On earth as it is in heaven +[352.62 --> 357.62] For the kingdom is yours and the power is yours +[357.62 --> 362.62] And the glory forever, amen +[362.62 --> 372.62] For the kingdom is yours and the power is yours +[372.62 --> 382.62] And the glory forever, amen +[382.62 --> 384.62] And the kingdom is yours and the power is yours +[384.62 --> 386.62] And the glory forever, amen +[386.62 --> 390.62] Let your kingdom come, let your will be done +[390.62 --> 396.62] On earth as it is in heaven +[396.62 --> 400.62] Every heart proclaim the mercy of your name +[400.62 --> 406.62] On earth as it is in heaven +[406.62 --> 408.62] In life +[408.62 --> 414.62] Every heart proclaim the mercy of your name +[414.62 --> 419.62] frustrate, amen +[419.62 --> 422.12] On earth as it is Warren +[422.62 --> 423.62] There many others +[423.62 --> 424.62] For scène as it is written +[424.62 --> 429.62] For a kingdom, retreat +[429.62 --> 430.62] Even with half Thin +[430.62 --> 431.62] Amen +[431.62 --> 433.62] Lord +[433.62 --> 435.62] Amen +[435.62 --> 456.20] Blessing and honor, glory and power, be unto the ancient of days. +[456.20 --> 466.02] All of every nation, all of creation, now before the ancient of days. +[467.22 --> 472.20] Every town in heaven and earth shall declare your glory. +[472.46 --> 480.28] Every shall mount your throne, in worship you will be exalted, O God. +[480.28 --> 488.14] And your kingdom shall not come to the end, O ancient of days. +[491.78 --> 500.60] Blessing and honor, glory and power, be unto the ancient of days. +[500.60 --> 510.10] All of every nation, all of creation, now before the ancient of days. +[511.10 --> 516.40] Every town in heaven and earth shall declare your glory. +[516.60 --> 524.46] Every year shall mount your throne, in worship you will be exalted, O God. +[524.46 --> 532.16] And your kingdom shall not pass away, O ancient of days. +[534.96 --> 544.46] Your kingdom shall reign over all the earth, sing unto the ancient of days. +[544.46 --> 553.96] For none can compare to your master's throne, sing unto the ancient of days. +[554.96 --> 560.60] All of every town in heaven and earth shall declare your glory. +[560.60 --> 568.40] Every year shall mount your throne, in worship you will be exalted, O God. +[568.40 --> 576.00] And your kingdom shall not pass away, O ancient of days. +[581.90 --> 592.32] Our next song that we will be singing has the lyrics, +[593.00 --> 595.74] I will bring praise, I will bring praise. +[595.74 --> 600.22] No weapon that's formed me against me shall remain. +[600.46 --> 606.02] I will rejoice, I will declare, God is my victory and he is here. +[607.10 --> 612.84] It struck me that this is a chorus in a song with a title, Desert Song. +[613.66 --> 616.48] We all go through our moments in the desert. +[617.32 --> 620.04] Some of you may be experiencing this right now. +[620.04 --> 625.24] It may be sin that so easily entangles, like it says in Hebrews. +[625.76 --> 629.92] Or perhaps it's pain or sorrow or hurt. +[630.84 --> 635.06] In all these moments, though, we are called to declare praise. +[636.00 --> 643.24] It may be in those times of praise during the desert that someone is encouraged in their faith because of how we are responding. +[643.24 --> 648.60] So hold on to Jesus, no matter your circumstance. +[650.00 --> 654.88] Let's take a few moments to focus our hearts on Jesus now in silent prayer, +[655.46 --> 659.26] asking him for the strength to praise in all circumstances. +[659.26 --> 660.26] Amen. +[660.38 --> 664.78] Amen. +[669.94 --> 670.76] Amen. +[677.76 --> 679.70] Amen. +[679.70 --> 681.20] Amen. +[681.20 --> 682.28] Amen. +[682.70 --> 684.44] Amen. +[684.44 --> 685.48] Amen. +[685.48 --> 687.40] Amen. +[687.40 --> 687.76] Amen. +[688.14 --> 688.74] Amen. +[688.74 --> 703.94] This is my prayer in the desert +[703.94 --> 709.34] When all that's within me feels dry +[709.34 --> 715.92] This is my prayer in my hunger and need +[715.92 --> 720.18] My God is the God who provides +[720.18 --> 725.34] This is my prayer in the fire +[725.34 --> 731.12] In weakness or trial or pain +[731.12 --> 736.82] There is a breakthrough for work and go +[736.82 --> 740.80] So refine me, Lord, through the flame +[740.80 --> 746.14] I will bring praise, I will bring praise +[746.14 --> 750.80] No weapon formed against me shall remain +[750.80 --> 755.64] I will rejoice, I will declare +[755.64 --> 760.80] God is my victory and He is here +[760.80 --> 774.06] This is my prayer in the battle +[774.06 --> 778.74] When triumph is still on its way +[778.74 --> 785.06] I am a conqueror and poor and will rise +[785.06 --> 789.10] So firm on His promise I'll stand +[789.10 --> 794.24] I will bring praise, I will bring praise +[794.24 --> 799.06] No weapon formed against me shall remain +[799.06 --> 803.72] I will rejoice, I will declare +[803.72 --> 810.06] God is my victory and He is me +[810.06 --> 822.98] All of my life, in every season +[822.98 --> 829.52] You are still God, I have a reason to sing +[829.52 --> 836.52] I have a reason to sing +[836.52 --> 838.52] I have a reason to sing +[838.52 --> 843.52] All of my life, in every season +[843.52 --> 849.52] You are still God, I have a reason to sing +[849.52 --> 862.84] I have a reason to sing +[862.84 --> 864.48] I have a reason to sing +[864.52 --> 866.52] I have a reason to sing +[866.52 --> 868.56] I have a reason to sing +[868.56 --> 870.56] to sing +[871.36 --> 878.56] i have a reason to worship +[878.88 --> 882.56] all of my life +[886.16 --> 890.56] i have a reason to sing +[890.96 --> 896.56] i have a reason to worship +[896.56 --> 900.56] i will bring praise +[900.56 --> 902.56] i will bring praise +[902.56 --> 906.56] no weapon fought against me shall remain +[906.56 --> 908.56] i will rejoice +[908.56 --> 910.56] i will declare +[910.56 --> 912.56] god is my victory +[912.56 --> 916.56] and he is here +[916.56 --> 930.56] this is my prayer in the harvest +[930.56 --> 932.56] favor and providence +[932.56 --> 934.56] flow +[934.56 --> 936.56] i know +[936.56 --> 938.56] i feel to be +[938.56 --> 940.56] empty again +[940.56 --> 942.56] the seed i've received +[942.56 --> 952.56] i will sow +[952.56 --> 956.56] please stand as we hear the words of viewers +[956.56 --> 966.56] can +[966.56 --> 968.56] we +[968.56 --> 974.56] day +[974.56 --> 976.56] night +[976.56 --> 981.10] It helps if you turn it on. +[984.64 --> 989.64] Hebrews 12, verse 1 to 3, for assurance. +[990.46 --> 991.00] It says, +[991.00 --> 995.10] Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, +[995.84 --> 1000.78] let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, +[1000.78 --> 1007.48] and let us run with perseverance the race marked before us, +[1008.08 --> 1011.52] fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. +[1012.12 --> 1015.44] For the joy set before him, he endured the cross, +[1016.20 --> 1021.52] scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. +[1022.10 --> 1025.40] Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, +[1025.82 --> 1028.56] so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. +[1030.78 --> 1060.38] Lord, let us pray. +[1060.78 --> 1065.10] I reach in the name +[1065.10 --> 1066.96] With love and grace +[1066.96 --> 1069.24] And God is free +[1069.24 --> 1071.94] On the top of the Lord +[1071.94 --> 1073.78] All I need +[1073.78 --> 1077.34] Our God is the Lion +[1077.34 --> 1080.08] The Lion of the Lord +[1080.08 --> 1082.58] He warred the power +[1082.58 --> 1085.14] With mighty power +[1085.14 --> 1088.14] Every love will come +[1088.14 --> 1089.98] Before Him +[1089.98 --> 1093.36] The Lord is the Lion +[1093.36 --> 1095.38] The Lion of the Lord +[1095.38 --> 1098.92] For the sins of the Lord +[1098.92 --> 1101.66] His blood breaks the chain +[1101.66 --> 1104.30] Every day we bow +[1104.30 --> 1107.08] For the Lion of the Lord +[1107.08 --> 1109.76] Every day we bow +[1109.76 --> 1111.68] Before Him +[1111.68 --> 1112.18] Ha ha h… +[1112.28 --> 1114.14] The Lion of the Lord +[1114.14 --> 1115.14] Amen. +[1144.14 --> 1146.14] Amen. +[1174.14 --> 1176.14] Amen. +[1193.60 --> 1198.12] Who can stop the Lord Almighty? +[1198.12 --> 1228.10] Who can stop the Lord Almighty? +[1228.12 --> 1232.12] Who can stop the Lord Almighty? +[1234.12 --> 1237.12] Who can stop the Lord? +[1237.12 --> 1239.12] Who can stop the Lord Almighty? +[1239.12 --> 1241.12] Who can stop the Lord Almighty? +[1241.12 --> 1243.12] Who can stop the Lord Almighty? +[1243.12 --> 1245.12] Who can stop the Lord Almighty? +[1245.12 --> 1247.12] Who can stop the Lord Almighty? +[1247.12 --> 1249.12] Who can stop the Lord Almighty? +[1249.12 --> 1251.12] Who can stop the Lord Almighty? +[1251.12 --> 1253.12] Who can stop the Lord Almighty? +[1253.12 --> 1261.70] Who can tr +[1262.12 --> 1266.12] Who can stop the Lord Almighty? +[1266.12 --> 1266.60] Amen. +[1266.60 --> 1296.58] Thank you. +[1296.60 --> 1326.58] Thank you. +[1326.60 --> 1328.60] Thank you. +[1356.60 --> 1358.60] Thank you. +[1386.60 --> 1388.60] Thank you. +[1416.60 --> 1418.60] Thank you. +[1418.60 --> 1420.60] Thank you. +[1420.60 --> 1422.60] Thank you. +[1422.60 --> 1424.60] Thank you. +[1424.60 --> 1426.60] Thank you. +[1426.60 --> 1428.60] Thank you. +[1454.60 --> 1456.60] Thank you. +[1484.60 --> 1486.60] Thank you. +[1486.60 --> 1488.60] Thank you. +[1488.60 --> 1490.60] Thank you. +[1490.60 --> 1492.60] Thank you. +[1492.60 --> 1494.60] Thank you. +[1494.60 --> 1508.60] Praise the Father, praise the Son, praise the Spirit, free in honor. +[1508.60 --> 1522.60] God of glory, majesty, praise forever to the King of the King. +[1522.60 --> 1524.60] Thank you. +[1524.60 --> 1526.60] Thank you. +[1526.60 --> 1528.60] Thank you. +[1528.60 --> 1530.60] Thank you. +[1530.60 --> 1532.60] Thank you. +[1532.60 --> 1534.60] Thank you. +[1534.60 --> 1536.60] Thank you. +[1536.60 --> 1538.60] Thank you. +[1538.60 --> 1540.60] Thank you. +[1540.60 --> 1542.60] Thank you. +[1542.60 --> 1544.60] Thank you. +[1544.60 --> 1548.78] And the angels stood in awe +[1548.78 --> 1551.60] For the souls of all who come +[1552.12 --> 1555.76] To the Father of His soul +[1555.76 --> 1558.60] When the curse of Christ was born +[1559.16 --> 1562.88] And the Spirit lit the flame +[1562.88 --> 1565.60] Does His gospel truth of all +[1566.40 --> 1569.96] Who shall not heal and fail of faith +[1569.96 --> 1573.46] By His blood and His name +[1573.46 --> 1576.96] In His freedom I am free +[1576.96 --> 1580.50] For the love of Jesus Christ +[1580.50 --> 1584.82] Good and perfect in me +[1584.82 --> 1593.56] Praise the Father +[1593.56 --> 1596.90] Praise the Son +[1596.90 --> 1600.90] Praise the Spirit +[1600.90 --> 1604.40] Three in one +[1604.40 --> 1607.94] God of glory +[1607.94 --> 1608.94] Spread His terror +[1608.94 --> 1611.48] For the love I am free +[1611.82 --> 1613.52] Pharaoh +[1613.52 --> 1632.36] Praise the Father, praise the Son, praise the Spirit, three in one. +[1632.36 --> 1648.74] God of glory, majesty, praise forever to the King of Peace. +[1662.36 --> 1674.18] All right. Can I have kids who are aged three to kindergarten? Is that right? +[1675.82 --> 1682.46] Sure, why not? Maybe even older. Come on up to the front. We're going to pray together, +[1682.76 --> 1689.68] and then we're going to do the kids' blessing, and those of you whose parents know and have given +[1689.68 --> 1694.72] you permission may head to the back for a special children's worship time together. +[1696.14 --> 1700.68] You guys ready? You excited? Can we pray together? Let's pray for a minute. +[1701.90 --> 1709.00] Lord Jesus, we thank you for the truth that out of the mouths of children and infants you have +[1709.00 --> 1715.24] ordained praise. We thank you for these little ones among us, and we pray a blessing on them as they +[1715.24 --> 1722.58] go to learn about you. Father God, show them your love. In Jesus' name, amen. +[1723.84 --> 1727.22] All right, you guys stand up together, and everybody else can stand as well. +[1728.58 --> 1733.88] I'm going to invite you, congregation, to hold your hands up, and then after the kids say, +[1733.96 --> 1738.30] the Lord be with you, you're going to respond by saying, and also with you. Ready, guys? Together. +[1738.30 --> 1743.30] The Lord be with you. Amen. +[1745.24 --> 1768.60] Good morning. My name is Ken. I'm an elder here at Emanuel Church, and this morning I have the +[1768.60 --> 1774.22] privilege of leading us as a congregation together to our Lord in prayer. So let's bow our heads and +[1774.22 --> 1781.38] our hearts together, and let's pray to our God. Lord of all creation, we come to you on this +[1781.38 --> 1787.72] beautiful sunny Sunday morning, joyfully singing your praises along with your creation. The heavens +[1787.72 --> 1794.24] declare the glory of God. The floods lift up their voice. The rivers clap their hands. The mountains +[1794.24 --> 1799.96] praise the Lord. We thank you, God, for the beauty all around us and the testimony it is to your amazing +[1799.96 --> 1805.66] power and love. That as God of the universe, you are mindful of each of us, and we're willing to +[1805.66 --> 1812.16] sacrifice your Son to save us from our sins. But amid the shouting and rejoicing of the heavens and the +[1812.16 --> 1818.00] earth, we can hear the sound of creation's groans too, Lord. There's a lot of pain and strife in our +[1818.00 --> 1824.58] world today. Help us remember that present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be +[1824.58 --> 1830.62] revealed in us. Lord, we pray for the many people who are presently living in a time and place of war +[1830.62 --> 1837.02] and conflict. We think of Israel and Palestine, Russia and Ukraine, but also the dozens of other +[1837.02 --> 1843.86] armed conflicts presently ongoing that we can so easily forget. Help us not take the peace we live in +[1843.86 --> 1851.16] for granted, but help us proclaim the peace of God that surpasses all understanding. Lord, we pray for the +[1851.16 --> 1857.64] many people affected by wildfires this season. We see fires in California, Alberta, and here in BC with +[1857.64 --> 1863.94] devastating property damage, destroyed communities, and displaced people. Give strength to those who are +[1863.94 --> 1870.50] fighting the fires and to those who are dealing with the aftermath of them. Lord, we pray for healing for +[1870.50 --> 1875.66] those in our congregation who have various ailments and health concerns at this time. Lord, you heal the +[1875.66 --> 1884.00] brokenhearted and bind up our wounds. We lift up Imo and Benita as Imo's open heart surgery has been pushed +[1884.00 --> 1890.02] out to later in August. Lord, we ask that you allow the surgery to take place and that it will be successful. +[1891.40 --> 1897.74] Lord, we praise you with Clem as he had a successful and long-awaited knee surgery and is now getting back on +[1897.74 --> 1905.54] his feet, feeling relief from a long ongoing pain. Lord, we pray for continued healing for Everly as she has an +[1905.54 --> 1911.02] MRI to ensure that everything is clear. And Lord, we pray for your nearness to this young family. +[1912.36 --> 1918.36] Lord, we also pray for those who quietly struggle with physical and mental health challenges and any +[1918.36 --> 1924.86] other struggles and difficulties at this time. Lord, help us to know that we are not alone, but you are +[1924.86 --> 1932.56] near to us always, and help us to turn to you in our times of struggle. God, as we're in the summer season +[1932.56 --> 1939.66] of vacations and travel, we ask for safety and your protection for each one of us. Help us find times +[1939.66 --> 1947.76] of refreshing and reflection on your love and grace, and help us still our hearts and open your word +[1947.76 --> 1954.36] and hear you speak to us regularly. And Lord, today in the service, as we open your word this morning, +[1954.48 --> 1960.30] we ask for your blessing on Pastor Chris as he brings us your message. Open our hearts and ears to hear +[1960.30 --> 1967.54] your will for our lives today. And as we go out from this place to wherever you lead us. Lord, we ask all these +[1967.54 --> 1972.76] things in your blessed name and in the grace of our Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen. +[1972.76 --> 1972.84] Amen. +[1987.90 --> 1998.02] This morning we're going to read from Acts 4. I'm going to read before we begin the first 22 verses +[1998.02 --> 2005.22] in that story for us, and then we'll spend some time looking at that. The first time through, +[2005.34 --> 2010.42] you'll see it on the screen, but I encourage you, as always, to either have a Bible you brought from +[2010.42 --> 2015.42] home or one on your phone or device, or if you would like, you can grab one from the back there, +[2015.62 --> 2021.66] turn that to Acts 4 and keep that open, because we will be referring back to that text pretty regularly +[2021.66 --> 2030.68] throughout our time together. Additionally, this summer, I have a special call out to the kids, +[2030.76 --> 2035.60] especially the kids who normally go to our children's worship time during the regular school +[2035.60 --> 2042.06] year. The clipboards at the back, actually, you can thank Maria from the office for this, +[2042.46 --> 2046.84] have on them now a piece of paper that is just left blank and says, +[2046.84 --> 2051.58] a picture for Pastor Chris based on the sermon. So, I'm collecting your pictures this summer, +[2052.22 --> 2057.72] and I'm going to make a little book of them all. And so, if you draw a picture or hear something that +[2057.72 --> 2063.04] I say and sparks an idea or an image or something, I encourage you to just draw that out, and then if +[2063.04 --> 2067.52] you're willing, let me have that after the service. Or if you want to keep it, I'll make a copy of it, +[2067.56 --> 2073.14] and you can keep the original. But that would be great for me and for tracking what we hear and +[2073.14 --> 2081.00] receive from God as we gather around His Word. With that in mind, let's read together from Acts 4. +[2086.44 --> 2096.36] A little bit of context. Peter and John were walking near the temple, and there was a man, +[2096.36 --> 2103.92] we are told in Acts 3, who was lame from birth. That is, he wasn't able to walk. His entire life, +[2104.10 --> 2108.86] he wasn't able to walk. And at the very end of the chapter, we're going to read verse 22, +[2109.40 --> 2118.52] we're told that he's 40 years old, this man. And so, for 40 years, he had been lame and unable to walk, +[2118.62 --> 2125.40] and for most of his adult years, probably, friends of his or family members of his carded him to +[2125.40 --> 2130.78] one of the temple gates called Beautiful, and he would sit there and beg, asking for money. +[2131.62 --> 2136.28] Peter and John walk by, and hear this man begging, and Peter turns to him and says, +[2136.40 --> 2141.74] silver and gold I do not have, but what I have I will give in the name of Jesus Christ. Stand up and +[2141.74 --> 2147.58] walk. And immediately, we're told, he gets up, he walks, and he goes walking and leaping and praising +[2147.58 --> 2151.94] God. If you grew up in the 80s or 90s, you're probably singing the song in your head right now. +[2151.94 --> 2158.34] And he went out, and Peter and John, now, in the text that we are about to read, +[2159.02 --> 2166.22] are called in front of the leading officials and the temple officials, asking them, challenging them, +[2166.56 --> 2171.12] by what power and authority do they do these things? So that's where we are in the story. +[2171.12 --> 2173.10] Chapter 4. +[2174.20 --> 2179.86] The priests and the captain of the temple guard and the Sadducees came up to Peter and John while +[2179.86 --> 2185.22] they were speaking to the people. They were greatly disturbed because the apostles were teaching the +[2185.22 --> 2191.60] people, proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection of the dead. They seized Peter and John, and because it +[2191.60 --> 2197.26] was evening, they put them in jail until the next day. But many who heard the message believed, +[2197.26 --> 2204.14] so the number of men who believed grew to about 5,000. The next day, the rulers, the elders, and +[2204.14 --> 2210.56] the teachers of the law met in Jerusalem. Annas, the high priest, was there, and so were Caiaphas, +[2210.70 --> 2216.96] John, Alexander, and others of the high priest's family. They had Peter and John brought before +[2216.96 --> 2225.04] them and began to question them, by what power or what name did you do this? Then Peter, filled with +[2225.04 --> 2231.82] the Holy Spirit, said to them, rulers and elders of the people, if we are being called to account +[2231.82 --> 2237.56] today for an act of kindness shown to a man who was lame and are being asked how he was healed, +[2237.98 --> 2245.34] then know this, you and all the people of Israel, it is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, +[2245.48 --> 2251.66] whom you crucified, but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed. +[2251.66 --> 2261.04] Jesus is the stone you builders rejected, which has become the cornerstone. Salvation is found in +[2261.04 --> 2266.84] no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved. +[2268.62 --> 2274.78] When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, +[2275.06 --> 2278.84] they were astonished and took note that these men had been with Jesus. +[2278.84 --> 2284.80] But since they could see the men who had been healed standing there with them, there was nothing +[2284.80 --> 2290.82] they could say. So they ordered them to withdraw from the Sanhedrin and then conferred together. +[2292.14 --> 2297.28] What are we going to do with these men? They asked. Everyone living in Jerusalem knows they have +[2297.28 --> 2303.50] performed a notable sign. We cannot deny it, but to stop this thing from spreading any further among the +[2303.50 --> 2311.06] people, we must warn them to speak no longer to anyone in this name. Then they called Peter and +[2311.06 --> 2316.66] John in again and commanded them not to preach or teach at all in the name of Jesus. But Peter and John +[2316.66 --> 2327.74] replied, which is right in God's eyes, to listen to you or to him? You be the judges. As for us, +[2327.74 --> 2335.96] we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard. And after further threats, they let them go. +[2336.70 --> 2341.20] They could not decide how to punish them because all the people were praising God for what had +[2341.20 --> 2348.62] happened. For the man who was miraculously healed was over 40 years old. This is the word of the Lord. +[2348.62 --> 2360.44] Now, there's a lot going on in this story, but for our time together this morning, I want to focus on +[2360.44 --> 2368.00] one idea that really comes out of verse 20. Verse 20 is part of Peter's response, and he says, +[2368.38 --> 2376.74] as for us, we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard. Peter and John cannot help +[2376.74 --> 2382.64] speaking. Now, what that means is they can't but speak, right? There's nothing that's going to stop +[2382.64 --> 2389.08] them from telling the people in front of them, whoever they happen to be, and whatever it might cost +[2389.08 --> 2398.18] them what they have seen and heard and experienced and witnessed. Even if it costs them social capital, +[2398.58 --> 2404.58] even if it costs them the pleasure of and the goodwill of the people around them, even if it costs +[2404.58 --> 2410.90] them political power, even if it costs them an opportunity to influence leaders, even if it +[2410.90 --> 2421.08] costs them their lives, they cannot help but speak. This is a continuation of a theme in many respects. +[2421.62 --> 2430.98] At Pentecost, recorded for us in Acts 2, what this not helping but speak looked like is that +[2430.98 --> 2437.56] the crowds that had gathered from all over Jerusalem thought the disciples were drunk, +[2438.34 --> 2445.18] and they laughed at them, right? That's a social capital that they forfeited, that they had to +[2446.62 --> 2453.30] endure. Here in this story, it refers to the political and religious elites, which are sort of +[2453.30 --> 2460.06] one in the same in Jerusalem, the powerful of Jewish society. It's costing them political standing. +[2460.98 --> 2466.86] And puts them in prison overnight. Later in the book of Acts, in front of the Roman authorities, +[2466.86 --> 2474.48] it's going to cost some of them their lives. But still, even with all of that, they cannot help +[2474.48 --> 2481.76] but speak about what they've seen and what they've heard. And that's really our theme for this morning +[2481.76 --> 2489.46] from Acts 4, right? A boldness in proclaiming the gospel despite the cost. Boldness in proclaiming the +[2489.46 --> 2496.40] gospel despite what it might cost the disciples to do. Now, I want to suggest this morning, +[2497.02 --> 2504.00] and what we'll frame the rest of our time together around, is there are at least three reasons from our +[2504.00 --> 2510.64] text why Peter and John and the rest of the apostles and the rest of the early church lived and +[2510.64 --> 2519.04] experienced and proclaimed out of this boldness. And those three reasons, there's a moral reason, +[2519.72 --> 2528.04] there's what I'm calling a magnify reason, and there's a mercy reason. Three Ms. Moral, magnify, mercy. +[2529.12 --> 2535.52] And so let's start with that first one, the moral reason. To put it simply and plainly, +[2535.52 --> 2542.88] the moral reason that they have to boldly proclaim is because Jesus told them to. He commanded them +[2542.88 --> 2550.22] to. They were commanded by God to listen to Jesus. Actually, in the story of the transfiguration, +[2550.46 --> 2556.90] one of the places you can read about that is in Matthew 17. Jesus takes Peter, James, and John, +[2557.12 --> 2562.78] the same Peter and John that we read about in Acts 4. He takes them up a mountain, and before them, +[2562.78 --> 2569.54] Jesus is transfigured. And what that means is he appears before them, his clothes are white as +[2569.54 --> 2577.12] light, and his face shines like the sun, and beside him in this glory cloud appears Moses and Elijah, +[2577.12 --> 2586.18] and they hear a voice from heaven that says, this is my son whom I love. With him I am well pleased. +[2586.18 --> 2596.88] Listen to him. Right? The voice of God the Father says, listen to him. Obey him. God the Father speaks +[2596.88 --> 2603.94] from heaven, and he tells his disciples who are standing there, listen to my son. And at the end +[2603.94 --> 2610.06] of the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus commands those same disciples, right, not just Peter, James, and John, +[2610.06 --> 2617.34] but all of them. He commands them in Matthew 28, saying, therefore go, make disciples of all nations, +[2617.50 --> 2622.54] baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to +[2622.54 --> 2629.32] obey everything I have commanded you. And it's the same thing in the beginning of the book of Acts, +[2629.46 --> 2636.98] right? In chapter 1, before his ascension to heaven, Jesus says to the disciples, you will receive power +[2636.98 --> 2641.56] when the Holy Spirit when the Holy Spirit comes on you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, +[2641.56 --> 2650.04] and Judea, and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. Right? Jesus commands them, go, make disciples, +[2650.84 --> 2663.34] baptize them, teach them, be my witnesses. And so there's a moral reason for them to obey. Even +[2663.34 --> 2670.22] though, Jesus warned them that when he gave these kinds of commands, it would be hard for them, +[2670.60 --> 2676.56] and they would face opposition. There would be a cost to it, right? Jesus explicitly says that the +[2676.56 --> 2684.24] world would hate them, right? In John 15, Jesus says, if the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated +[2684.24 --> 2692.48] me first. And if you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to +[2692.48 --> 2700.58] the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you. And when Jesus sent +[2700.58 --> 2707.40] the 12 disciples out in Matthew again, he said, you will be hated by everyone because of me, but the one +[2707.40 --> 2714.72] who stands firm to the end will be saved. Right? The disciples knew the cost, and they knew the command, +[2714.72 --> 2724.64] and they would choose to obey the command of Jesus even with the cost. That's why Peter asks in verse 19, +[2724.76 --> 2731.04] he says, which is right in God's eyes? Verse 19 of our text, chapter 4, which is right in God's eyes, +[2731.12 --> 2741.44] to listen to you or to him? Right? If the choice is between obeying God or heeding the opinions of the +[2741.44 --> 2751.90] world, disciples of Jesus choose obeying God. Now, fast forward 2,000 years, and this question is just +[2751.90 --> 2758.44] as prescient for us. Right? What happens, and I don't want to fear monger, but I want to propose a +[2758.44 --> 2766.62] possibility to you. What happens if our government, and God forbid this ever becomes true, but what +[2766.62 --> 2774.84] happens if our government decided that calling for conversion, like genuine conversion, right? +[2775.42 --> 2781.40] Repentance of life and sin, and walking away from what the Bible calls sin, what happens if our +[2781.40 --> 2789.44] government ever said that's hate speech? Are we willing to pay that price and still call for the +[2789.44 --> 2797.22] conversion of people to Jesus? Are we willing to obey in the face of a loss of social capital or +[2797.22 --> 2802.56] privilege? Are we willing to pay in the face of fines that might be given or prison that might result? +[2805.40 --> 2809.32] Now, there are places in the world where this is already happening. +[2811.06 --> 2815.44] Are we willing to do that? Are we willing to endure that? +[2815.44 --> 2823.70] What about Christians in other parts of the world? I know a young woman, a friend of ours, who's a missionary +[2823.70 --> 2831.28] in a North African country where it's illegal to be a missionary, and she has to very carefully +[2831.28 --> 2838.66] code her communications back to her supporters and her family, in part because she's worried that that +[2838.66 --> 2842.74] email or that letter might be intercepted by the government and looked at. +[2842.74 --> 2853.38] And if there's any mention of Jesus or mission or gospel in there, she's threatened, likely, with prison. +[2854.72 --> 2862.74] And yet, this woman remains there and has for years quietly serving and seeing Jesus transform lives +[2862.74 --> 2864.62] in this community that she lives in. +[2864.62 --> 2872.96] And I've talked with missionaries and with pastors who've served in China or who have snuck across the border into North Korea, +[2872.96 --> 2878.88] some of whom have been arrested and served time in prison, that the price that they are willing to pay +[2878.88 --> 2885.48] and a cross that they are willing to bear because they are choosing obedience to God first. +[2885.48 --> 2892.92] Now, these are really important realities for us to consider, really important questions for us to ask. +[2893.46 --> 2898.08] And because of that, I also think it's important for us to see that their desire to obey, +[2898.22 --> 2909.76] the disciples' desire to obey, must be fueled by something deeper than just a commitment to right or wrong, +[2909.76 --> 2912.64] than just a commitment to the rule of God. +[2915.28 --> 2922.16] I think we see that in our text, which is the second reason that we have, the magnify reason. +[2922.98 --> 2930.46] And when I use the word magnify, what I mean is the make-much-of-Jesus reason, the worshipful reason, right? +[2930.46 --> 2941.76] There's something supernatural, otherworldly, beautifully transcendent about why the disciple makes the bold choice to proclaim the gospel. +[2942.30 --> 2948.80] Notice in verse 7, right, the question that is asked of Peter and John is, +[2949.00 --> 2952.04] by what power or what name did you do this? +[2953.00 --> 2957.76] Now, again, remember, Peter and John are called in front of the priests and the temple guards +[2957.76 --> 2960.76] and the Sadducees, the rulers and the elders, the teachers of the law, +[2961.10 --> 2965.76] all of the movers and shakers and power players of the Jewish population, +[2966.62 --> 2972.82] to explain how it is and why it is that a man who was lame from birth, +[2972.98 --> 2975.72] who sat begging and was known by everyone, +[2976.12 --> 2981.16] is now standing and singing and shouting and jumping in praise to God. +[2982.36 --> 2983.66] How could that happen? +[2983.66 --> 2988.80] Peter explains in verse 16 of chapter 3, he says, +[2989.22 --> 2994.34] By faith in the name of Jesus, this man whom you see and know was made strong. +[2994.90 --> 2999.50] It is Jesus' name and the faith that comes through him that has completely healed him, +[2999.94 --> 3001.72] as you can all see. +[3003.28 --> 3007.18] And so now in our text, the leaders ask that same question, +[3007.30 --> 3010.48] by what power or name did you do this? +[3010.48 --> 3013.26] And then we have two answers. +[3014.04 --> 3015.76] In verse 8, we read, +[3016.18 --> 3019.90] Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them. +[3020.84 --> 3024.18] That little line, filled with the Holy Spirit, is crucial, +[3024.52 --> 3026.38] because it's the power of the Holy Spirit, +[3026.68 --> 3028.74] whom they have received at Pentecost, +[3028.84 --> 3033.04] and whom has charged them and made them to be witnesses. +[3034.08 --> 3036.88] Jesus commanded them to wait on the Spirit, +[3036.88 --> 3039.18] and now they're following his command, +[3039.48 --> 3040.62] having received the Spirit, +[3040.70 --> 3042.52] to be witnesses and to make disciples, +[3042.86 --> 3044.22] and to teach others to obey, +[3044.34 --> 3047.82] to boldly and with courage proclaim the gospel. +[3049.00 --> 3051.62] And then Peter, in the power of the Holy Spirit, +[3051.72 --> 3052.42] he tells them, +[3052.94 --> 3056.28] It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, +[3056.38 --> 3057.52] whom you crucified, +[3058.04 --> 3059.94] but whom God raised from the dead, +[3060.12 --> 3062.96] that this man stands before you healed. +[3062.96 --> 3066.20] It is by the name of Jesus Christ. +[3067.50 --> 3069.30] By what power or what name? +[3069.80 --> 3073.32] The Holy Spirit and the name of Jesus. +[3074.56 --> 3074.94] Right? +[3075.04 --> 3078.56] This is the magnification of Jesus' name +[3078.56 --> 3082.38] that answers the how and the why they must boldly proclaim. +[3082.64 --> 3084.96] It's this magnification of Jesus' name +[3084.96 --> 3086.86] and the power of the Holy Spirit +[3086.86 --> 3090.22] that makes them able to obey the moral reason +[3090.22 --> 3092.52] and want to live in that way +[3092.52 --> 3094.64] and to declare as they have been called. +[3094.96 --> 3095.04] Right? +[3095.10 --> 3098.68] The act of proclaiming the name of Jesus Christ +[3098.68 --> 3101.58] is lauding the glories of Christ. +[3102.02 --> 3105.02] And just as the man who was healed +[3105.02 --> 3107.46] went walking and leaping and praising God, +[3107.60 --> 3110.94] so too Peter and John go praising God +[3110.94 --> 3113.62] by their proclamation of the name of Jesus, +[3113.80 --> 3116.86] by their proclamation of the life, death, resurrection, +[3116.86 --> 3119.44] and exaltation of Jesus. +[3120.90 --> 3124.46] Their ongoing worship moves them +[3124.46 --> 3127.50] to magnify Jesus in the streets. +[3128.00 --> 3129.50] They cannot but help it. +[3130.46 --> 3134.22] They cannot help speaking about what they have seen and heard +[3134.22 --> 3135.84] because it is magnificent. +[3137.94 --> 3139.76] And let's be real candid here +[3139.76 --> 3142.68] because it's human nature, I believe, +[3142.78 --> 3144.80] human nature to proclaim, +[3144.80 --> 3147.14] to shout from the mountaintops +[3147.14 --> 3149.56] those things that we believe to be magnificent. +[3151.02 --> 3151.50] Right? +[3151.52 --> 3153.02] When you're amazed by something, +[3153.18 --> 3155.14] you share it with the people around you. +[3156.64 --> 3159.30] And have you ever tried to show someone something +[3159.30 --> 3162.22] that you found or that you thought was amazing? +[3162.62 --> 3163.84] Maybe it's a sports highlight. +[3164.46 --> 3167.40] Maybe it's a car that you see on the road +[3167.40 --> 3169.06] or something that you're super interested +[3169.06 --> 3169.90] and that you love. +[3170.06 --> 3171.50] And you show them and you say, +[3171.58 --> 3172.62] isn't this magnificent? +[3172.62 --> 3174.90] And they look at you and they go, +[3175.40 --> 3176.42] I guess so. +[3177.08 --> 3177.44] Maybe. +[3178.38 --> 3180.00] I mean, you love it, so okay. +[3180.70 --> 3182.32] Has that ever happened to you or is that only me? +[3184.22 --> 3184.80] Only me. +[3184.90 --> 3185.54] Okay, thank you. +[3186.58 --> 3188.28] But even still, right, +[3188.34 --> 3189.10] you love it, +[3189.34 --> 3190.44] so you're undaunted. +[3191.90 --> 3192.24] Right? +[3192.28 --> 3193.30] You think it's magnificent, +[3193.52 --> 3194.66] so you go, okay, fine. +[3194.72 --> 3195.42] If you don't care, +[3195.50 --> 3196.74] then I'm going to find someone who does. +[3196.74 --> 3202.78] Malachi and I like to watch highlights of Lionel Messi +[3202.78 --> 3204.92] running down the field +[3204.92 --> 3207.14] and deacon out 10 other players on the other team +[3207.14 --> 3209.30] and then beautifully putting it top bins. +[3209.52 --> 3210.00] Right, Malachi? +[3211.82 --> 3212.76] Rachel doesn't care. +[3213.48 --> 3214.92] So we find someone who does. +[3216.20 --> 3217.56] We go and share that +[3217.56 --> 3218.92] because we think it's magnificent. +[3220.36 --> 3220.46] Right? +[3221.02 --> 3222.30] Magnifying something +[3222.30 --> 3224.80] motivates you to make it known. +[3224.80 --> 3229.40] Now this magnifying reason, +[3229.50 --> 3231.08] I think actually could also be called +[3231.08 --> 3233.30] a miraculous reason. +[3234.10 --> 3234.22] Right? +[3234.24 --> 3235.38] It's a miraculous reason +[3235.38 --> 3237.10] because something miraculous +[3237.10 --> 3238.42] has happened in front of them. +[3239.08 --> 3240.22] Notice again what Peter says. +[3240.60 --> 3241.94] Jesus Christ of Nazareth, +[3242.08 --> 3243.04] whom you crucified, +[3243.48 --> 3244.24] you killed him. +[3244.66 --> 3245.56] He was dead, +[3246.02 --> 3249.06] but whom God raised from the dead. +[3250.32 --> 3251.90] And then that miracle of resurrection +[3251.90 --> 3253.86] is reason enough for them +[3253.86 --> 3255.10] to boldly proclaim. +[3256.04 --> 3256.14] Right? +[3256.16 --> 3257.74] If God can raise the dead, +[3258.18 --> 3260.04] surely he can raise dead hearts. +[3261.30 --> 3261.46] Right? +[3261.48 --> 3262.66] If God can raise the dead, +[3263.04 --> 3264.34] surely I can stand here +[3264.34 --> 3265.36] in the face of death +[3265.36 --> 3266.34] and not be afraid. +[3268.54 --> 3269.82] God raised the dead. +[3269.94 --> 3272.06] The disciples saw Jesus dead +[3272.06 --> 3273.70] and then three days later, +[3273.78 --> 3274.82] they saw him alive +[3274.82 --> 3276.00] and they lived with him +[3276.00 --> 3276.76] and talked with him +[3276.76 --> 3277.46] and walked with him +[3277.46 --> 3279.34] and ate with this resurrected Jesus +[3279.34 --> 3280.62] for 40 days +[3280.62 --> 3281.86] before he was taken up +[3281.86 --> 3283.12] in front of their very eyes. +[3283.26 --> 3285.12] Of course they're going to talk about that. +[3286.06 --> 3287.00] How could they not? +[3287.96 --> 3288.84] It's magnificent. +[3289.24 --> 3290.10] It's amazing. +[3290.30 --> 3291.14] It's majestic. +[3291.32 --> 3292.12] It's miraculous. +[3293.18 --> 3296.14] And the same must be true for us today. +[3296.22 --> 3297.18] How could it not be? +[3297.46 --> 3297.58] Right? +[3297.62 --> 3298.76] When you experience +[3298.76 --> 3299.74] this miraculous, +[3300.00 --> 3301.00] resurrected Jesus +[3301.00 --> 3302.22] as real, +[3302.48 --> 3304.40] how could you not proclaim that? +[3304.54 --> 3306.18] How could you not magnify him? +[3307.28 --> 3307.52] Right? +[3307.54 --> 3309.86] When you see an unexpected answer to prayer, +[3310.82 --> 3312.92] when you're touched by God in worship, +[3314.24 --> 3315.92] don't you want to tell someone about that? +[3317.20 --> 3318.72] Can't you but share it? +[3320.18 --> 3320.36] Right? +[3320.40 --> 3321.96] When God has changed your life, +[3322.72 --> 3325.14] tell the story of God changing your life +[3325.14 --> 3327.26] because that's what God does. +[3327.92 --> 3329.10] He changes lives. +[3329.10 --> 3331.52] Part of our magnifying him +[3331.52 --> 3333.42] is telling the story +[3333.42 --> 3334.94] of him changing our lives, +[3335.10 --> 3336.50] transforming us. +[3339.00 --> 3340.46] Now this brings us +[3340.46 --> 3342.10] then to the third +[3342.10 --> 3343.72] and final reason +[3343.72 --> 3345.38] to boldly proclaim the gospel. +[3346.30 --> 3347.12] And I'm calling this +[3347.12 --> 3348.80] the mercy reason. +[3349.58 --> 3351.12] Notice what Peter says in verse 12. +[3351.98 --> 3352.36] He says, +[3352.48 --> 3354.42] Salvation is found in no one else +[3354.42 --> 3355.58] for there's no under name +[3355.58 --> 3356.56] under heaven +[3356.56 --> 3357.42] given to mankind +[3357.42 --> 3359.84] by which we must be saved. +[3359.84 --> 3362.58] Now the third reason here +[3362.58 --> 3364.64] is sort of the capstone reason +[3364.64 --> 3366.48] and it might be the most important +[3366.48 --> 3367.58] because working backwards +[3367.58 --> 3368.72] it changes all the others +[3368.72 --> 3371.70] and supports all the others. +[3372.46 --> 3373.38] We cannot help +[3373.38 --> 3375.48] speaking about what we have seen and heard +[3375.48 --> 3377.04] because what we have seen and heard +[3377.04 --> 3378.62] is the only way +[3378.62 --> 3380.66] that God has made salvation possible. +[3381.18 --> 3382.72] There's no other name +[3382.72 --> 3383.54] under heaven +[3383.54 --> 3384.44] given to mankind +[3384.44 --> 3386.48] by which we must be saved. +[3386.48 --> 3388.80] Now, +[3389.54 --> 3391.18] if you have ears to hear that +[3391.18 --> 3393.90] in today's pluralistic world +[3393.90 --> 3395.40] that is an impossibly +[3395.40 --> 3396.78] controversial thing to say. +[3398.38 --> 3399.68] But just so you don't think +[3399.68 --> 3400.58] these are my words +[3400.58 --> 3402.42] hear these words +[3402.42 --> 3403.28] from Jesus. +[3403.52 --> 3404.66] Matthew 11, 27. +[3405.10 --> 3406.44] No one knows the Father +[3406.44 --> 3407.52] except the Son +[3407.52 --> 3408.86] and those to whom +[3408.86 --> 3409.92] the Son chooses +[3409.92 --> 3411.24] to reveal Him. +[3412.44 --> 3413.70] Or John 3, 16. +[3414.18 --> 3414.42] Right? +[3414.42 --> 3415.82] Most of us know that first verse. +[3415.98 --> 3417.06] For God so loved the world +[3417.06 --> 3418.80] that He gave His one and only Son +[3418.80 --> 3420.02] that whoever believes in Him +[3420.02 --> 3420.78] shall not perish +[3420.78 --> 3421.92] but have eternal life. +[3422.08 --> 3422.84] How many of us know +[3422.84 --> 3424.00] the second verse is here? +[3424.38 --> 3426.02] For God did not send His Son +[3426.02 --> 3426.74] into the world +[3426.74 --> 3427.66] to condemn the world +[3427.66 --> 3428.86] but to save the world +[3428.86 --> 3429.58] through Him. +[3430.00 --> 3431.64] Whoever believes in Him +[3431.64 --> 3432.96] is not condemned. +[3434.20 --> 3435.78] But whoever does not believe +[3435.78 --> 3437.38] stands condemned already +[3437.38 --> 3439.20] because they have not believed +[3439.20 --> 3440.76] in the name of God's one +[3440.76 --> 3442.32] and only Son. +[3442.32 --> 3445.80] Jesus explicitly +[3445.80 --> 3447.34] in John 14, verse 6 +[3447.34 --> 3447.58] says, +[3447.82 --> 3448.38] I am the way, +[3448.50 --> 3448.86] the truth, +[3448.90 --> 3449.36] and the life. +[3449.76 --> 3451.16] No one comes to the Father +[3451.16 --> 3452.66] except through Me. +[3453.46 --> 3454.16] Or Paul writes +[3454.16 --> 3454.82] in 1 Timothy, +[3454.94 --> 3456.20] for there is one God +[3456.20 --> 3457.04] and one mediator +[3457.04 --> 3458.44] between God and mankind, +[3458.58 --> 3459.74] the man Jesus Christ. +[3460.30 --> 3461.18] Or in 1 John, +[3461.44 --> 3462.70] the same John possibly +[3462.70 --> 3463.48] who was here, +[3463.76 --> 3464.36] probably, +[3464.56 --> 3465.86] who was here in this moment +[3465.86 --> 3467.78] writes to the elders +[3467.78 --> 3468.58] and to the churches +[3468.58 --> 3469.56] in 1 John 5. +[3469.64 --> 3469.92] He says, +[3469.92 --> 3471.00] whoever has the Son +[3471.00 --> 3471.78] has life, +[3472.12 --> 3473.18] whoever does not have +[3473.18 --> 3474.00] the Son of God +[3474.00 --> 3476.06] does not have life. +[3478.24 --> 3478.64] Now again, +[3478.80 --> 3479.54] some people +[3479.54 --> 3481.04] in our world today, +[3481.18 --> 3482.76] even us sitting here +[3482.76 --> 3483.40] this morning, +[3483.66 --> 3484.36] might say, +[3484.66 --> 3485.32] Pastor, +[3485.44 --> 3487.20] that's a really hard teaching. +[3488.40 --> 3489.38] This message +[3489.38 --> 3490.50] on the exclusivity +[3490.50 --> 3491.42] of Christ +[3491.42 --> 3494.68] is not very fair +[3494.68 --> 3496.80] in the world around us. +[3496.80 --> 3499.08] But can I just say +[3499.08 --> 3502.26] that all truth, +[3502.44 --> 3503.12] any claim +[3503.12 --> 3504.30] to a particular idea +[3504.30 --> 3505.06] is exclusive. +[3506.26 --> 3506.90] At any time +[3506.90 --> 3508.04] we claim one thing, +[3508.24 --> 3509.12] it means we're +[3509.12 --> 3510.82] excluding the other things +[3510.82 --> 3511.62] from it. +[3512.00 --> 3513.28] No matter what you do +[3513.28 --> 3514.32] or what you say, +[3514.40 --> 3514.98] you're always +[3514.98 --> 3516.00] excluding something. +[3516.10 --> 3516.70] It's impossible +[3516.70 --> 3517.64] to not. +[3520.14 --> 3520.94] And so maybe, +[3521.70 --> 3523.26] at least for this moment, +[3523.92 --> 3524.62] we'll trust +[3524.62 --> 3525.76] the words of Jesus +[3525.76 --> 3526.68] when He says +[3526.68 --> 3528.00] that He's the only way +[3528.00 --> 3529.40] or the words +[3529.40 --> 3530.40] of Peter and John +[3530.40 --> 3530.92] when they say +[3530.92 --> 3531.44] that salvation +[3531.44 --> 3532.68] is found in no one else +[3532.68 --> 3535.98] because it's come to us +[3535.98 --> 3537.64] by the Spirit of God +[3537.64 --> 3538.92] to hear that. +[3539.78 --> 3541.06] And it's not arrogant +[3541.06 --> 3542.24] to say that +[3542.24 --> 3543.86] when it turns out +[3543.86 --> 3544.56] that it's right. +[3545.86 --> 3547.56] It's just true. +[3547.56 --> 3551.76] In fact, +[3552.20 --> 3554.66] to not say it +[3554.66 --> 3556.62] isn't to just deny +[3556.62 --> 3557.42] its truth. +[3557.94 --> 3558.90] What we're hearing here +[3558.90 --> 3560.46] is to actually rob people +[3560.46 --> 3562.14] of the joy of salvation, +[3562.50 --> 3563.24] of the possibility +[3563.24 --> 3563.88] of salvation. +[3564.24 --> 3564.70] And so, +[3564.90 --> 3566.72] we must boldly proclaim +[3566.72 --> 3567.78] this idea +[3567.78 --> 3568.84] and this truth. +[3568.84 --> 3574.02] But to do so +[3574.02 --> 3574.96] will cost something. +[3577.20 --> 3578.28] There's a story +[3578.28 --> 3580.86] from the second century +[3580.86 --> 3582.94] about the arrest, +[3583.38 --> 3583.70] trial, +[3583.86 --> 3584.52] and ultimately +[3584.52 --> 3585.48] martyrdom, +[3585.62 --> 3586.10] execution, +[3586.48 --> 3588.30] of a man named Polycarp. +[3588.98 --> 3590.22] He's the bishop +[3590.22 --> 3591.42] of Smyrna. +[3592.70 --> 3592.86] Now, +[3592.98 --> 3593.72] Polycarp +[3593.72 --> 3597.20] is connected to +[3597.20 --> 3598.14] as a disciple, +[3598.88 --> 3599.80] John, +[3600.08 --> 3600.78] mentioned here +[3600.78 --> 3601.88] in the text. +[3602.92 --> 3603.04] Now, +[3603.06 --> 3604.14] Polycarp is betrayed +[3604.14 --> 3605.36] by a servant +[3605.36 --> 3606.94] and is arrested +[3606.94 --> 3608.16] by Roman soldiers. +[3609.38 --> 3610.14] The story goes +[3610.14 --> 3610.80] that he welcomes +[3610.80 --> 3611.62] them calmly +[3611.62 --> 3612.98] and he asks +[3612.98 --> 3614.18] for a time to pray +[3614.18 --> 3615.50] and then he goes +[3615.50 --> 3616.18] with them willingly. +[3617.08 --> 3618.00] And then he's taken +[3618.00 --> 3619.30] to a stadium +[3619.30 --> 3620.24] where there's +[3620.24 --> 3621.02] a large crowd +[3621.02 --> 3621.76] that has gathered +[3621.76 --> 3622.54] and awaited +[3622.54 --> 3623.62] and the proconsul +[3623.62 --> 3624.60] Quintus +[3624.60 --> 3625.68] urges him +[3625.68 --> 3626.82] to renounce +[3626.82 --> 3627.48] his faith +[3627.48 --> 3628.36] and to swear +[3628.36 --> 3629.40] by the fortune +[3629.40 --> 3630.38] of Caesar. +[3630.92 --> 3631.16] Right? +[3631.22 --> 3631.72] In so doing +[3631.72 --> 3632.80] to curse Christ +[3632.80 --> 3633.56] in order to save +[3633.56 --> 3634.04] his life. +[3634.42 --> 3634.56] Now, +[3634.62 --> 3635.04] interestingly, +[3635.54 --> 3636.64] we have documents +[3636.64 --> 3637.48] from this time +[3637.48 --> 3638.70] that name Quintus +[3638.70 --> 3639.94] as the proconsul +[3639.94 --> 3641.28] of the region +[3641.28 --> 3641.86] of Smyrna. +[3642.78 --> 3643.82] So this really happened. +[3646.08 --> 3646.94] And Polycarp +[3646.94 --> 3648.42] standing before Quintus +[3648.42 --> 3649.80] famously responds. +[3649.96 --> 3650.28] He says, +[3651.04 --> 3652.32] Eighty and six years +[3652.32 --> 3653.26] have I served him. +[3653.62 --> 3654.70] For those of you +[3654.70 --> 3655.66] for whom math is hard, +[3655.74 --> 3656.22] that means he's +[3656.22 --> 3657.28] 86 years old. +[3658.34 --> 3658.68] Right? +[3658.72 --> 3659.50] He's not a young man. +[3660.92 --> 3661.14] Right? +[3661.22 --> 3662.06] He is old +[3662.06 --> 3662.72] and bold +[3662.72 --> 3663.84] in his faith. +[3664.56 --> 3665.60] Eighty and six years +[3665.60 --> 3666.56] have I served him +[3666.56 --> 3668.04] and he has done me +[3668.04 --> 3669.10] no wrong. +[3669.66 --> 3670.30] How then +[3670.30 --> 3671.46] can I blaspheme +[3671.46 --> 3672.10] my king +[3672.10 --> 3673.24] and my savior? +[3674.34 --> 3675.36] And his speech continues. +[3675.48 --> 3676.34] He steadfastly +[3676.34 --> 3677.52] refuses to renounce +[3677.52 --> 3677.96] his faith. +[3678.28 --> 3678.48] In fact, +[3678.52 --> 3679.04] at one point, +[3679.10 --> 3679.70] he looks straight +[3679.70 --> 3680.38] at Quintus, +[3680.46 --> 3681.18] the proconsul, +[3681.26 --> 3681.84] the leader, +[3682.22 --> 3682.70] the governing +[3682.70 --> 3683.66] Roman authority +[3683.66 --> 3684.86] and he says, +[3685.30 --> 3686.74] since you are insisting +[3686.74 --> 3687.58] that I should swear +[3687.58 --> 3688.70] by Caesar's fortune +[3688.70 --> 3689.64] and act like +[3689.64 --> 3690.94] you don't know +[3690.94 --> 3691.74] who I am, +[3691.84 --> 3692.62] let me tell you +[3692.62 --> 3694.18] clearly and with boldness, +[3694.40 --> 3695.62] I am a Christian. +[3696.48 --> 3697.40] And I love this. +[3697.72 --> 3697.98] He says, +[3698.08 --> 3698.94] if you want to learn +[3698.94 --> 3700.00] about Christian beliefs, +[3700.52 --> 3701.06] set a time +[3701.06 --> 3701.66] and I'll explain +[3701.66 --> 3702.18] them for you. +[3703.44 --> 3704.22] And so he's standing +[3704.22 --> 3705.04] in front of this guy +[3705.04 --> 3705.94] who's about to kill him +[3705.94 --> 3706.34] and he says, +[3706.50 --> 3707.50] do you want me +[3707.50 --> 3708.54] to tell you about Jesus? +[3709.78 --> 3710.66] Let's set a time. +[3710.78 --> 3711.76] Maybe it can be next week. +[3712.52 --> 3712.98] You know, +[3713.00 --> 3713.62] we don't have to follow +[3713.62 --> 3714.16] through with this, +[3714.28 --> 3715.02] but he says, +[3715.06 --> 3715.72] let me tell you +[3715.72 --> 3716.68] about Jesus. +[3717.90 --> 3719.00] Now the proconsul +[3719.00 --> 3720.62] continues to pressure him, +[3720.74 --> 3721.22] threatening him +[3721.22 --> 3722.00] with wild beasts +[3722.00 --> 3722.66] and with fire +[3722.66 --> 3724.30] and Polycop remains +[3724.30 --> 3725.44] unshaken, +[3725.60 --> 3725.92] saying, +[3726.26 --> 3726.58] actually, +[3726.72 --> 3727.26] that the fire +[3727.26 --> 3728.16] that you threaten me +[3728.16 --> 3729.18] with will be temporary. +[3729.78 --> 3730.68] The fire of judgment +[3730.68 --> 3731.84] reserved for all those +[3731.84 --> 3733.24] ungodly is eternal, +[3733.46 --> 3734.28] so I don't care +[3734.28 --> 3734.96] about your fire. +[3735.94 --> 3736.86] And so the crowd +[3736.86 --> 3737.80] starts to demand +[3737.80 --> 3739.16] Polycarp be burned alive +[3739.16 --> 3740.06] and so he's taken +[3740.06 --> 3741.30] to a stake +[3741.30 --> 3742.30] where they offer +[3742.30 --> 3743.72] to nail him to it +[3743.72 --> 3744.30] because, +[3744.78 --> 3745.48] as you can imagine, +[3745.58 --> 3746.14] when people start +[3746.14 --> 3746.82] feeling the flames, +[3746.90 --> 3747.64] they try to run away. +[3748.52 --> 3749.62] And Polycarp says, +[3750.90 --> 3751.78] God will give me +[3751.78 --> 3752.98] the strength to endure. +[3753.36 --> 3754.00] You don't need +[3754.00 --> 3754.80] to nail me +[3754.80 --> 3755.78] to this pyre. +[3756.00 --> 3756.78] I will stay. +[3758.24 --> 3759.64] And as the fire is lit, +[3760.02 --> 3761.34] Polycarp prays, +[3761.42 --> 3761.94] thanks God +[3761.94 --> 3762.66] for the opportunity +[3762.66 --> 3763.90] to join the martyrs +[3763.90 --> 3764.86] and to partake +[3764.86 --> 3765.96] in Christ's suffering. +[3766.42 --> 3767.20] And as the story +[3767.20 --> 3767.90] is told, +[3768.32 --> 3769.14] miraculously, +[3769.38 --> 3770.00] the flames +[3770.00 --> 3771.14] did not touch him. +[3771.42 --> 3772.14] As you read it, +[3772.34 --> 3773.70] it says that they appeared +[3773.70 --> 3775.02] in like a dome +[3775.02 --> 3775.80] around him +[3775.80 --> 3776.46] and they could not +[3776.46 --> 3776.92] come in. +[3777.22 --> 3778.04] And so eventually, +[3778.72 --> 3779.98] one of the Roman guards +[3779.98 --> 3780.76] had to go +[3780.76 --> 3781.10] and kill him +[3781.10 --> 3781.60] with a sword. +[3782.76 --> 3783.62] I imagine that guard +[3783.62 --> 3784.16] got burned +[3784.16 --> 3785.70] in doing that. +[3787.46 --> 3788.66] This is the legacy +[3788.66 --> 3789.86] of our faith +[3789.86 --> 3790.54] and those who +[3790.54 --> 3791.54] boldly proclaim +[3791.54 --> 3793.60] regardless of the cost. +[3793.60 --> 3795.38] And let me be really clear, +[3795.46 --> 3797.00] this continues to today. +[3797.22 --> 3797.74] How many of you +[3797.74 --> 3800.14] remember or heard +[3800.14 --> 3800.74] the story +[3800.74 --> 3803.22] of Pastor Andrew Bunsen? +[3803.34 --> 3804.60] He's an American pastor. +[3805.06 --> 3805.76] In 2016, +[3805.76 --> 3806.74] he was arrested +[3806.74 --> 3807.36] in Turkey. +[3808.38 --> 3809.10] He was accused +[3809.10 --> 3810.14] of espionage +[3810.14 --> 3810.90] and terrorism +[3810.90 --> 3812.78] charges that he +[3812.78 --> 3813.58] and his supporters +[3813.58 --> 3814.42] have continued +[3814.42 --> 3815.56] to deny. +[3816.50 --> 3818.14] But during his imprisonment, +[3818.24 --> 3819.08] he's written a book +[3819.08 --> 3819.42] on it, +[3819.60 --> 3821.14] he remains steadfast +[3821.14 --> 3821.82] and faithful +[3821.82 --> 3822.62] and he continues +[3822.62 --> 3823.64] to proclaim +[3823.64 --> 3824.88] his Christian beliefs. +[3825.50 --> 3826.12] And his case +[3826.12 --> 3826.88] eventually drew +[3826.88 --> 3827.96] international attention +[3827.96 --> 3829.36] and he was eventually +[3829.36 --> 3830.60] released in 2018 +[3830.60 --> 3832.18] after significant +[3832.18 --> 3833.48] diplomatic efforts. +[3834.76 --> 3836.06] But he has gone on +[3836.06 --> 3836.48] to say +[3836.48 --> 3837.44] that he would do it +[3837.44 --> 3837.88] all again +[3837.88 --> 3839.46] for the gospel. +[3840.74 --> 3841.34] Or, +[3841.52 --> 3842.42] how many of you +[3842.42 --> 3843.48] remember the story +[3843.48 --> 3845.52] of one John Chow, +[3845.98 --> 3846.82] who was a missionary +[3846.82 --> 3849.24] who was attempting +[3849.24 --> 3850.94] to evangelize +[3850.94 --> 3854.08] the Sentinelese people +[3854.08 --> 3856.18] on North Sentinel Island, +[3856.70 --> 3859.00] which is in the Andaman +[3859.00 --> 3861.32] and Nicobar Islands. +[3861.84 --> 3862.84] Now, the Sentinelese +[3862.84 --> 3863.62] are known +[3863.62 --> 3864.66] for their isolation +[3864.66 --> 3865.92] from the outside world. +[3866.26 --> 3866.68] They're known +[3866.68 --> 3867.80] for their hostility +[3867.80 --> 3869.02] toward anyone +[3869.02 --> 3869.82] who sets foot +[3869.82 --> 3870.48] on their sand. +[3871.82 --> 3872.82] And Chow is eventually +[3872.82 --> 3873.30] killed +[3873.30 --> 3874.72] by the Sentinelese people +[3874.72 --> 3876.12] in November of 2018 +[3876.12 --> 3877.56] for his attempt +[3877.56 --> 3878.68] to preach to them. +[3879.84 --> 3880.92] And at the time, +[3881.02 --> 3881.64] if you remember, +[3881.72 --> 3883.10] this was widely covered +[3883.10 --> 3883.90] by the media +[3883.90 --> 3885.96] and there were two stories +[3885.96 --> 3886.64] being told. +[3887.96 --> 3888.10] Right? +[3888.16 --> 3889.02] On the one hand, +[3889.30 --> 3890.18] you heard the story +[3890.18 --> 3893.22] of a colonizer +[3893.22 --> 3894.80] who tried to bring +[3894.80 --> 3895.64] a Christian gospel +[3895.64 --> 3896.92] to a non-Christian nation +[3896.92 --> 3898.28] and how dare he +[3898.28 --> 3899.82] have the audacity +[3899.82 --> 3900.90] to do that. +[3902.56 --> 3903.58] And on the other hand, +[3903.86 --> 3905.02] you heard the story +[3905.02 --> 3907.54] of someone +[3907.54 --> 3909.08] who was faithful +[3909.08 --> 3909.96] to God's call +[3909.96 --> 3910.70] on their life +[3910.70 --> 3911.76] to go and preach +[3911.76 --> 3912.30] the gospel, +[3913.18 --> 3914.54] to go and declare +[3914.54 --> 3915.28] that salvation +[3915.28 --> 3915.80] is found +[3915.80 --> 3916.56] in no other name +[3916.56 --> 3917.40] than Jesus Christ. +[3917.58 --> 3919.08] And where you stood +[3919.08 --> 3920.90] on that issue +[3920.90 --> 3923.62] in large part +[3923.62 --> 3925.30] has to do with +[3925.30 --> 3926.54] whether or not +[3926.54 --> 3927.18] you think +[3927.18 --> 3928.26] the mercy reason, +[3928.40 --> 3929.42] the magnify reason, +[3929.42 --> 3930.44] and the moral reason +[3930.44 --> 3931.68] are legitimate, +[3932.32 --> 3932.96] are true. +[3932.96 --> 3935.56] Right? +[3935.60 --> 3936.86] If you really believe +[3936.86 --> 3938.12] that there is +[3938.12 --> 3939.04] no other name +[3939.04 --> 3939.94] in heaven +[3939.94 --> 3941.38] and on the earth +[3941.38 --> 3942.22] by which men +[3942.22 --> 3943.38] must be saved, +[3944.52 --> 3945.20] then you will go +[3945.20 --> 3945.94] and declare it +[3945.94 --> 3946.88] and proclaim it. +[3947.32 --> 3948.58] If you really believe +[3948.58 --> 3949.72] that an extension +[3949.72 --> 3951.58] of our worshiping life +[3951.58 --> 3952.22] in Jesus +[3952.22 --> 3954.28] is to tell this thing, +[3954.56 --> 3955.52] this amazing, +[3955.74 --> 3957.00] amazing story, +[3958.00 --> 3959.38] then you're going to go +[3959.38 --> 3960.54] and do it. +[3960.54 --> 3962.92] And if you really believe +[3962.92 --> 3964.54] that God has commanded us +[3964.54 --> 3965.14] to go +[3965.14 --> 3966.80] to listen to His Son +[3966.80 --> 3967.82] and to make disciples +[3967.82 --> 3968.94] and teach them to obey, +[3969.06 --> 3970.08] to be witnesses +[3970.08 --> 3971.62] in Judea and Samaria +[3971.62 --> 3972.54] and to the ends +[3972.54 --> 3972.98] of the earth, +[3973.10 --> 3975.08] even the Sanateles Islands, +[3976.28 --> 3977.04] then you're going to go +[3977.04 --> 3978.50] and you're going to do it. +[3979.00 --> 3980.04] Now let me be really clear. +[3980.38 --> 3980.82] There were some +[3980.82 --> 3982.00] significant questions +[3982.00 --> 3982.76] about the wisdom +[3982.76 --> 3983.80] of how He did it +[3983.80 --> 3984.80] and the support systems +[3984.80 --> 3986.02] that He didn't have in place. +[3986.50 --> 3988.04] And those are legitimate questions +[3988.04 --> 3988.72] worth asking +[3988.72 --> 3989.68] and reflecting upon. +[3989.94 --> 3991.00] But the issue +[3991.00 --> 3992.38] at hand +[3992.38 --> 3995.82] is will you hear +[3995.82 --> 3998.22] the moral +[3998.22 --> 3999.86] and the magnificent +[3999.86 --> 4002.52] and the merciful reasons +[4002.52 --> 4003.30] of God +[4003.30 --> 4004.00] to go +[4004.00 --> 4005.60] and to boldly +[4005.60 --> 4006.40] proclaim +[4006.40 --> 4008.56] this gospel. +[4010.28 --> 4011.06] Now let me, again, +[4011.16 --> 4012.22] be abundantly clear. +[4012.42 --> 4013.86] Not every one of us +[4013.86 --> 4014.96] is going to have to stand +[4014.96 --> 4015.82] before leaders +[4015.82 --> 4016.54] and officials +[4016.54 --> 4018.42] and make this kind of case. +[4019.88 --> 4021.08] But every one of us +[4021.08 --> 4022.10] will have to stand +[4022.10 --> 4023.54] before a friend +[4023.54 --> 4025.04] who disagrees +[4025.04 --> 4026.50] or a teammate +[4026.50 --> 4027.90] who's making fun, +[4028.92 --> 4029.08] right, +[4029.12 --> 4030.20] or a colleague +[4030.20 --> 4030.90] at work +[4030.90 --> 4031.82] who just doesn't get it. +[4032.74 --> 4034.16] And in that moment +[4034.16 --> 4036.34] will the magnificence +[4036.34 --> 4037.34] of Jesus, +[4037.90 --> 4038.76] in that moment +[4038.76 --> 4039.92] will the mercy +[4039.92 --> 4041.58] of God's grace, +[4042.00 --> 4042.82] in that moment +[4042.82 --> 4043.98] will the command +[4043.98 --> 4044.78] of God Himself +[4044.78 --> 4046.28] to listen to His Son +[4046.28 --> 4047.48] be enough +[4047.48 --> 4048.06] for us +[4048.06 --> 4049.64] to boldly proclaim +[4049.64 --> 4052.06] His gospel. +[4053.90 --> 4055.36] I pray that it is. +[4056.76 --> 4057.42] And I pray +[4057.42 --> 4058.04] that we see +[4058.04 --> 4058.70] the fruit +[4058.70 --> 4060.18] of that boldness +[4060.18 --> 4061.08] every day +[4061.08 --> 4064.12] because of the grace +[4064.12 --> 4065.18] of God +[4065.18 --> 4065.98] and the work +[4065.98 --> 4067.50] of His Holy Spirit +[4067.50 --> 4068.12] among us. +[4068.58 --> 4068.82] Amen? +[4069.66 --> 4070.74] Let's pray together. +[4070.74 --> 4075.04] Lord, +[4075.20 --> 4076.48] our God, +[4076.58 --> 4077.52] You are so good. +[4077.64 --> 4079.34] You are so magnificent. +[4080.28 --> 4081.92] You are majestic. +[4083.88 --> 4085.36] Move in us +[4085.36 --> 4087.56] to boldly declare +[4087.56 --> 4089.14] this truth. +[4089.80 --> 4090.58] Remind us +[4090.58 --> 4091.66] of Your gospel +[4091.66 --> 4093.44] and transform us +[4093.44 --> 4094.16] as we go +[4094.16 --> 4095.00] from this place +[4095.00 --> 4095.76] today. +[4095.76 --> 4098.88] fill us +[4098.88 --> 4100.34] so with courage +[4100.34 --> 4101.48] and boldness +[4101.48 --> 4102.28] that we cannot +[4102.28 --> 4103.72] but speak +[4103.72 --> 4105.04] of what we have +[4105.04 --> 4105.50] seen +[4105.50 --> 4106.66] and heard. +[4107.46 --> 4108.12] We pray this, +[4108.26 --> 4108.40] Jesus, +[4108.58 --> 4109.16] in Your name. +[4109.84 --> 4110.18] Amen. +[4110.18 --> 4110.28] Amen. +[4110.28 --> 4110.32] Amen. +[4110.32 --> 4110.34] Amen. +[4110.34 --> 4110.36] Amen. +[4110.36 --> 4110.40] Amen. +[4125.76 --> 4126.78] Please stand with us +[4126.78 --> 4127.38] as we sing +[4127.38 --> 4128.92] How Great is Our God. +[4128.92 --> 4130.92] Amen. +[4158.92 --> 4160.92] Amen. +[4188.92 --> 4190.92] Amen. +[4218.92 --> 4220.92] Amen. +[4248.92 --> 4250.92] Amen. +[4278.92 --> 4280.92] Amen. +[4308.92 --> 4310.92] Amen. +[4338.92 --> 4340.92] Amen. +[4340.92 --> 4346.92] How great is our God. +[4355.92 --> 4366.02] Before we go this morning, I just want to remind you that tonight we are having Praise by the Pond, +[4366.02 --> 4369.44] which is just a small, informal, or maybe not small. +[4369.60 --> 4375.68] All of you all come, and it won't be small, but it will be an informal worship evening at the Den Hans. +[4375.92 --> 4378.02] And so we're going to gather in their backyard. +[4378.82 --> 4379.70] They have beautiful property. +[4380.44 --> 4381.02] There'll be snacks. +[4381.96 --> 4383.94] You're encouraged to bring a snack to share. +[4384.04 --> 4386.08] There'll be other refreshments provided. +[4386.60 --> 4391.84] And bring a lawn chair, or you have to stand the entire time, which might be fine for you too. +[4392.30 --> 4395.06] And we'll begin that at 7 p.m. +[4395.06 --> 4399.66] And so if you would like to know more details about that, John and Pearl are in the middle. +[4399.76 --> 4400.88] Can you guys just raise your hands? +[4401.34 --> 4401.94] Nice and high. +[4402.02 --> 4402.44] Very good. +[4402.54 --> 4403.68] They can answer your questions. +[4404.04 --> 4405.68] Or I can answer some of your questions. +[4405.78 --> 4407.48] Or Jackie can answer some of your questions. +[4407.94 --> 4412.44] We'd love to see you there, 7 o'clock tonight, at the Den Hans for Praise by the Pond. +[4412.44 --> 4423.40] Also, we'd love for you to stick around now and to have time of fellowship and coffee and refreshments together following our time. +[4423.72 --> 4428.68] Those doors will open up, and there should be goodies there, assuming everything worked according to plan. +[4428.68 --> 4433.68] As you go then, go with God's blessing. +[4433.68 --> 4439.54] God goes before you to lead you. +[4439.94 --> 4441.92] God goes behind you to protect you. +[4442.28 --> 4444.36] God goes beneath you to support you. +[4444.72 --> 4447.10] God goes beside you to befriend you. +[4447.44 --> 4449.04] Do not be afraid. +[4449.56 --> 4451.48] Let the blessing of God come upon you today. +[4451.58 --> 4453.02] Do not be afraid. +[4453.02 --> 4461.38] But go in peace to love and proclaim the good news of our Lord Jesus. +[4462.32 --> 4462.70] Amen. +[4463.68 --> 4467.46] Amen. +[4467.46 --> 4468.88] Amen. +[4468.90 --> 4469.90] Amen. +[4491.88 --> 4492.30] Amen. +[4492.32 --> 4493.10] Amen. +[4493.18 --> 4493.44] Amen. +[4493.52 --> 4493.64] Amen. +[4493.64 --> 4500.64] and the grace of Christ's risen Son +[4500.64 --> 4507.58] and the fellowship of God the Spirit +[4507.58 --> 4513.86] keep our eyes and rise within His love +[4513.86 --> 4520.74] and to Him He prays for His glorious reign +[4520.74 --> 4527.04] from the depths of earth to the heights of heaven +[4527.04 --> 4533.32] He declare the name of the loved ones slain +[4533.32 --> 4539.80] Christ eternal, the King of peace +[4539.80 --> 4548.40] He may His peace surpass His understanding +[4548.40 --> 4554.70] and His grace which pays us what we are +[4554.70 --> 4560.78] and His fellowship of His communion +[4560.78 --> 4566.86] make us one in spirit in God +[4566.86 --> 4572.86] and to give Him He prays for His glorious reign +[4573.56 --> 4579.74] from the depths of earth to the heights of heaven +[4579.74 --> 4585.92] He declare the name of the loved ones slain +[4585.92 --> 4590.86] Christ eternal, the King of peace +[4590.86 --> 4592.86] Christ eternal, the King of peace +[4592.86 --> 4596.86] Christ eternal, the King of peace +[4596.86 --> 4597.86] Christ eternal, the King of peace +[4597.86 --> 4603.86] Christ eternal, the King of peace +[4603.86 --> 4614.86] We declare the name of the left one sing. Christ eternal, the King of peace. +[4614.86 --> 4622.86] Christ eternal, the King of peace. +[4633.86 --> 4648.86] Christ eternal, the King of peace. +[4648.86 --> 4663.86] Christ eternal, the King of peace. +[4663.86 --> 4669.86] Christ eternal, the King of peace. +[4669.86 --> 4684.86] Christ eternal, the King of peace. +[4684.86 --> 4690.86] Christ eternal, the King of peace. +[4690.86 --> 4707.86] Christ eternal, the King of peace. +[4720.86 --> 4735.86] Christ eternal, the King of peace. +[4739.86 --> 4741.86] . +[4741.86 --> 4771.84] Thank you. +[4771.86 --> 4801.84] Thank you. +[4801.86 --> 4831.84] Thank you. +[4831.86 --> 4861.84] Thank you. +[4861.86 --> 4891.84] Thank you. +[4891.86 --> 4921.84] Thank you. +[4921.86 --> 4951.84] Thank you. diff --git a/Sunday Worship, July 7, 2024_summary.txt b/Sunday Worship, July 7, 2024_summary.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000000000000000000000000000000000000..094fde13ad07958db450a1ecaa1e6dce8c54ca4f --- /dev/null +++ b/Sunday Worship, July 7, 2024_summary.txt @@ -0,0 +1,97 @@ +• The worship song "Who You Say I Am" is sung by a choir +• Pastor Jonathan Wang from Hope Community Church leads the service due to the absence of regular pastors +• A food drive is announced, with volunteers needed to help canvas neighborhoods and distribute bags for groceries or donations +• Extra bags are available for people to take home for their friends and family +• Praise to God with various instruments and expressions +• Reading from Psalm 98, calling to worship and praising the Lord +• Singing of "Shout to the North" and other songs about Jesus as Savior +• Worship service continues with more singing and praise to God +• Prayer of silent confession and turning hearts towards Jesus +• Exposing sin and wrongdoing, looking to Jesus for light and forgiveness +• The concept of Jesus' sacrifice and redemption +• Worship songs and hymns referencing Jesus and salvation +• Encouragement to come to the altar for forgiveness and healing +• The precious blood of Jesus Christ as a symbol of forgiveness +• The Father's arms being open wide for those seeking forgiveness +• Invitation to bear one's cross and wait for the crown +• Call to respond with a reading and join in worship +• Discussion on living out the fruit of the Spirit in tangible ways +• The Ten Commandments from Exodus 20 are recited +• Loving God and loving one's neighbor is the heart of these commandments +• Discussion of key themes in the Bible, including worshiping only God and honoring parents +• Reference to Amazing Grace hymn and its lyrics +• Introduction of a deacon named Mike who explains the church's partnership with Teen Challenge ministry +• Discussion of the love of God and its endurance through time +• The saints and angels sing about the love of God +• The magnitude and purity of God's love is described as measureless and strong +• Prayers are offered for specific individuals including Everly, Emma Smith, Rosvita, and those dealing with mental health issues +• The congregation prays for healing and strength in the face of illness and difficult situations +• Prayers are also offered for families affected by natural disasters such as floods and hurricanes +• Praying for a blessing on those traveling and away from the congregation +• Thankfulness for the food bank drive and praying for volunteers and donations +• Prayer for guest pastor Jonathan Wang to bring God's word with clarity and truth +• Requesting guidance and leading of the Holy Spirit as members go about their daily tasks +• Recognition of the church community and thanking God for blessings +• Introduction of a new sermon series: "Learning to Live with Grace" +• Jesus teaches about addressing sin within the community +• The process of confronting sin involves private confrontation, gathering witnesses, and if necessary, involving the church or treating the person as an outsider +• Forgiveness is a harder and more complex process than simply holding a grudge or forgetting past issues +• A community where members care for each other can lead to confrontation and correction of one another's sins +• Jesus teaches that restoration should be done gently and with concern for the potential temptations of those doing the correcting. +• The speaker shares a personal story of being confronted by an older youth in their church about their misbehaviors during puberty. +• The confrontation was not judgmental or condescending but rather caring and gentle, with the goal of encouraging growth and change. +• The speaker emphasizes that confronting sin and seeking reconciliation is hard work and not a one-time event. +• Jesus and Paul teach that being a Christian means carrying each other's burdens by confronting sin with gentleness and love. +• A community that seeks reconciliation and restoration reflects God's goodness and serves as a witness to the world. +• The Bible acknowledges that people are broken and sinful, but through forgiveness and the power of salvation, they can seek reconciliation. +• Jesus and Paul discuss deliberate patterns of sin that hinder church growth +• The Holy Spirit convicts individuals of sin to promote Christ-like holiness +• Jesus commands believers to address faults in fellow Christians, similar to the Holy Spirit's ministry within them +• Seeking reconciliation is a core part of Christian identity and identity as people of God +• Old Testament passages (Proverbs 27 and Leviticus) reflect the importance of seeking reconciliation with others +• Discussion on caring enough to confront and convict others +• Importance of receiving reproval as care and encouragement for growth +• Christian legalism and the challenge of pointing out faults with care and gentleness +• Authority to point out sin and the heart of Jesus' teaching +• Deliberate patterns of living contrary to God's Word vs. simple mistakes or struggles +• The role of the Holy Spirit in nudging believers towards growth and service +• A deliberate pattern of life against God's way is discussed as the topic +• Self-righteousness and pride are mentioned as common patterns to confront +• The importance of reconciliation and confronting sin directly +• Jesus' language of "winning someone over" is compared to the parable of the prodigal son +• A step-by-step process for confronting sin, involving private confrontation, gathering witnesses, and church community involvement +• The need for loving patience and exhaust all means to win back a lost individual +• Baptism and dedication ceremonies +• The importance of community in spiritual growth +• Responsibility among church members +• Accountability and encouragement within the church fellowship +• Jesus' teaching on reconciliation and its limitations +• The reality of a broken world where reconciliation may not always be possible +• The importance of the Spirit's guidance and not relying on human wisdom +• The authority of the church as a body of believers, given by Jesus himself +• Abuse of authority in some church communities and its negative impact +• The need for gentleness when rebuking sins within the church, as taught by Paul +• Righteous anger against injustice and sin, which is not sinful in itself +• The importance of addressing sin and injustice in the world with passion, but also being mindful not to let anger lead to sin. +• The need for careful confrontation when pointing out someone's sin, and being aware that we might be tempted to sin as well. +• A quote from an early church father about avoiding two extremes: consenting to evil or being negligent and not reprove it. +• The ongoing struggle in the Christian life to seek forgiveness, living out a Christian identity of shalom, and seeking reconciliation. +• The difficulty of accountability and reproving someone's unhealthy patterns in today's hyper-individualistic culture. +• Paul's message to the whole church as a body of believers, not just one individual leader, about carrying each other's burdens and journeying together towards growth. +• Jesus' radical teaching of grace emphasizes treating sinners as individuals and embodying a lifestyle of forgiveness +• The church disciplines Christians effectively by demonstrating a humble, gentle posture in seeking reconciliation +• Seeking shalom through humility and gentleness is key to reflecting God's kingdom on earth +• Accountability and reconciliation are important steps in living out one's faith +• Jesus empowers believers through His Spirit to take difficult steps to live out their faith +• The body of Christ is called to seek shalom, reflect God's kingdom, and forgive as those who have been forgiven +• Prayer for relationships within the church and among individuals +• Asking God to guide them through His spirit and reveal what His kingdom is like on earth +• Empowerment to be witnesses and reflect God's loving goodness in the world +• Thanking God for the good news of Jesus Christ +• Expressions of gratitude and praise to God, including His faithfulness, mercy, and grace +• Parting blessing with the hope that God's love, fellowship, and presence will accompany those who continue to live out their identity as people of God. +• The speaker asks God to bless the individual +• The speaker prays for the person's need and safety +• Christ and the cross are invoked as sources of hope +• The speaker asks God to grant love, grace, and power to the individual through their relationship with the Father +• Praise is given to God for granting life and glory \ No newline at end of file diff --git a/Sunday Worship, July 7, 2024_transcript.txt b/Sunday Worship, July 7, 2024_transcript.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000000000000000000000000000000000000..4562ad56c4e2e4b7209ba3ecfb8b26f1279eb52a --- /dev/null +++ b/Sunday Worship, July 7, 2024_transcript.txt @@ -0,0 +1,1702 @@ +[0.00 --> 5.10] Cause I hear a voice and he calls me redeemed +[5.10 --> 8.20] Will never say I'll never be alone +[8.20 --> 13.44] And greater is the one living inside of me +[13.44 --> 16.62] Than he who is living in the world +[16.62 --> 19.50] In the world +[19.50 --> 23.00] In the world +[23.00 --> 29.28] In the world +[29.28 --> 31.04] In the world +[31.04 --> 33.00] In the world +[33.00 --> 34.50] In the world +[34.50 --> 35.04] In the world +[35.04 --> 37.00] In the world +[37.00 --> 37.08] In the world +[37.08 --> 38.04] In the world +[38.04 --> 39.02] In the world +[39.02 --> 41.00] In the world +[41.00 --> 43.00] And greater is the one living inside of me +[43.00 --> 46.00] Than he who is living in the world +[46.00 --> 47.54] Come on, hey, hey +[47.54 --> 48.00] There are things I lose +[48.00 --> 50.00] The battle of grace says that it doesn't matter +[50.00 --> 52.00] Cause I've already won the world +[52.00 --> 64.00] is +[72.88 --> 78.40] oh i've heard a thousand stories of what +[78.40 --> 90.40] they think you're like but i've heard the tender whisper of love +[90.40 --> 100.40] the dead of night and you tell me that you're pleased and that i'm never alone +[100.40 --> 110.40] you're a good good father it's who you are it's who you are +[110.40 --> 122.40] it's who you are and i'm loved by you it's who i am it's who i am it's who i am +[122.40 --> 144.40] oh and i've seen many searching for answers far and wide but i know we're all searching for answers +[144.40 --> 156.40] only you provide cause you know just what we need before we say your word you're a good +[156.40 --> 168.40] good +[168.40 --> 170.40] it's who i am +[170.40 --> 172.40] it's who i am +[172.40 --> 174.40] it's who i am +[174.40 --> 188.40] because you are perfect in all of your ways +[188.40 --> 202.40] oh +[202.40 --> 206.40] you're perfect in all of your ways +[206.40 --> 210.40] you are perfect in all of your ways +[210.40 --> 212.40] to us +[212.40 --> 216.40] oh +[216.40 --> 220.40] oh it's love so undeniable +[220.40 --> 222.40] i +[222.40 --> 226.40] i can hardly speak +[226.40 --> 228.40] peace so +[228.40 --> 230.40] unexplainable +[230.40 --> 232.40] i +[232.40 --> 236.40] i can hardly think as you call me +[236.40 --> 248.40] deeper still as you call me +[248.40 --> 250.40] deeper still as you call me +[250.40 --> 252.40] deeper still into love +[252.40 --> 254.40] love love +[254.40 --> 256.40] you're a good good father +[256.40 --> 258.40] it's who you are +[258.40 --> 260.40] it's who you are +[260.40 --> 262.40] it's who you are +[262.40 --> 264.40] it's who you are +[264.40 --> 294.38] It's who I am. +[294.40 --> 299.98] Good morning, everyone. Obviously, the sound system is working well. +[301.30 --> 304.12] I'm here to welcome you to Emmanuel Church this morning. +[305.26 --> 308.86] Both of our regular pastors are away or not available today, +[309.00 --> 315.18] so we will be having Pastor Jonathan Wang from Hope Community Church with us this morning. +[315.32 --> 319.56] He'll be leading us in God's Word. He'll be giving us a greeting in a few minutes. +[319.56 --> 325.74] I'd like to give the mic over to Mike to tell us about the food drive. +[326.94 --> 332.56] Yeah, I just did an announcement about the upcoming Murrayville food drive that our church is hosting. +[333.10 --> 339.60] It's coming up this coming Saturday where we'll have the food drive and the big community festival here like we've done for many years. +[339.60 --> 344.16] But today is our sort of day we're hoping to canvas the neighborhood. +[344.48 --> 347.62] So there's been a few emails and different communications about this, +[347.72 --> 352.58] but today is the day we're hoping to start visiting people with handfuls of bags, +[352.68 --> 358.96] with little flyers and some information for people so that they have the week ahead of them to fill that bag with groceries or diapers or whatever +[358.96 --> 361.46] and bring it and join us for the festival on Saturday. +[361.46 --> 368.76] So after the service, Brenda and I will be at some tables and we've kind of organized things into piles +[368.76 --> 372.72] and we've got kind of lower Murrayville all separated into seven different areas +[372.72 --> 378.82] and we're hoping we can have some teams of people go out and, yeah, knock on doors or deliver the bags and whatever else. +[379.04 --> 380.34] They're kind of organized by district. +[380.70 --> 383.88] We won't be too niggly about that. +[383.96 --> 386.58] We'll just make it work with whoever is available to help us out +[386.58 --> 391.10] and, yeah, hopefully we can just spread a little bit of love in this community and bless the food bank. +[391.46 --> 391.70] So. +[394.72 --> 395.24] Oh, yeah. +[395.60 --> 396.10] Thanks, Brenda. +[396.40 --> 399.36] We also have a healthy stack of extra bags. +[399.70 --> 403.24] So if you feel like you want to hit your local neighborhood +[403.24 --> 405.84] or you want to take some home for you and your friends and family, +[406.04 --> 407.84] we've got several hundred extra bags. +[408.06 --> 409.14] So don't be shy. +[411.54 --> 414.26] I'd like to welcome Jonathan up for the Lord's greeting. +[421.46 --> 424.80] Good morning. +[426.72 --> 429.62] It is a privilege to join you in worship this morning. +[430.36 --> 434.66] And this is the Lord's greeting from Psalm 150. +[434.66 --> 437.34] Praise the Lord. +[437.92 --> 439.44] Praise God in his sanctuary. +[440.12 --> 441.70] Praise him in his mighty heavens. +[442.52 --> 444.38] Praise him for his acts of power. +[444.92 --> 446.80] Praise him for his surpassing greatness. +[447.78 --> 449.34] Praise him with the sounding of the trumpet. +[450.20 --> 451.74] Praise him with the harp and lyre. +[452.62 --> 454.28] Praise him with the timbrel and dancing. +[455.14 --> 456.68] Praise him with the strings and pipe. +[457.42 --> 459.34] Praise him with the clash of cymbals even. +[460.06 --> 462.08] Praise him with resounding cymbals. +[462.08 --> 464.88] Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. +[465.54 --> 466.30] Praise the Lord. +[467.16 --> 469.80] At this time, I invite you to greet those around you +[469.80 --> 471.10] and share the peace of Christ. +[492.08 --> 506.88] Good morning, brothers and sisters in Christ. +[507.60 --> 511.92] Our call to worship this morning comes from Psalm 98, 4 to 9. +[513.84 --> 515.80] Shout to the Lord, all the earth. +[516.60 --> 519.14] Break out in praise and sing for joy. +[519.14 --> 522.06] Sing your praise to the Lord with the harp, +[522.52 --> 524.48] with the harp and melodious song, +[525.10 --> 527.90] with trumpets and the sound of the ram's horn. +[528.76 --> 531.32] Make a joyful symphony before the Lord, the King. +[532.10 --> 534.94] Let the sea and everything in it shout his praise. +[535.68 --> 538.00] Let the earth and all living things join in. +[538.58 --> 540.46] Let the rivers clap their hands in glee. +[540.94 --> 544.16] Let the hills sing out their songs of joy before the Lord, +[544.42 --> 546.34] for he is coming to judge the earth. +[546.34 --> 550.34] He will judge the world with justice and the nations with fairness. +[550.88 --> 553.36] Please join us in our opening song, Shout to the North. +[553.36 --> 557.70] Let the Earth andוסi. +[557.70 --> 559.70] Amen. +[587.70 --> 589.70] Amen. +[592.70 --> 610.70] Shout to the north and the south, sing to the east and the west, Jesus is Savior to all, Lord of heaven and earth. +[610.70 --> 629.70] Rise up, women of the truth, stand and sing to broken hearts, who can know the healing power of our awesome King of love. +[629.70 --> 647.70] Shout to the north and the south, sing to the east and the west, Jesus is Savior to all, Lord of heaven and earth. +[647.70 --> 649.70] Amen. +[649.70 --> 659.70] We've been through fire, we've been through rain, we've been refined by the power of His name. +[659.70 --> 667.70] We've fallen deeper in love with You, You've burned the truth on our names. +[669.70 --> 685.70] Shout to the north and the south, sing to the east and the west, Jesus is Savior to all, Lord of heaven and earth. +[685.70 --> 687.70] Amen. +[687.70 --> 705.70] Rise up, church, with broken wings, fill this place with songs again, of our God who reigns on high, by His grace again we'll fly. +[705.70 --> 722.70] Shout to the north and the south, sing to the east and the west, Jesus is Savior to all, Lord of heaven and earth. +[722.70 --> 743.70] Lord of heaven and earth. +[743.70 --> 773.68] Father to you, with songs of love we come, into your presence we come. +[773.68 --> 792.68] Jesus, in all of all you've done, brought here with joy, before your throne of grace, and in the sun you love, given our place. +[792.68 --> 802.68] Father, what grace to be found in Him, Heaven's glorious King. +[804.68 --> 817.66] Father, what grace, raising us to life, choosing us in Christ. +[817.66 --> 819.66] Father, what grace. +[819.66 --> 824.66] Father, what grace. +[824.66 --> 829.66] Father, what grace, raising us in Christ. +[829.66 --> 842.66] Deep is the joy that fills your course above, while angels wonder at your redeeming love. +[842.66 --> 856.66] And as you gaze with joy upon your Son, your eyes are on the ones, His love has won. +[856.66 --> 858.66] Father, what grace, raising us in Christ. +[858.66 --> 859.66] Father, what grace. +[859.66 --> 868.66] What grace, raising us to life, choosing us in Christ. +[868.66 --> 873.66] Father, what grace. +[873.66 --> 874.66] Father, what grace. +[874.66 --> 875.66] Father, what grace. +[875.66 --> 880.66] Father, what grace. +[880.66 --> 881.66] Christ, what grace. +[881.66 --> 882.66] Father, what grace. +[882.66 --> 887.66] Father, what grace. +[887.66 --> 893.66] Father, what grace. +[893.66 --> 894.66] Father, what grace. +[894.66 --> 908.90] call and to be heirs with him so let your passion burn for heavenly things seated with christ +[913.78 --> 918.90] our hearts forever where our treasure is +[918.90 --> 924.90] is +[932.90 --> 942.90] father what grace raising us to life choosing us in christ +[942.90 --> 954.90] father what grace to be found in him heaven's glorious king +[954.90 --> 960.90] father what grace +[960.90 --> 968.90] raising us to life choosing us in christ +[968.90 --> 974.90] father what grace +[980.90 --> 982.90] what grace +[982.90 --> 996.90] please be seated and join us in a prayer of silent confession +[996.90 --> 1008.90] brothers and sisters the lord will bring what is hidden into the light and will expose the motives of the heart +[1008.90 --> 1026.90] have nothing to do with these fruitless deeds of darkness but rather turn your eyes upon jesus +[1026.90 --> 1040.90] exposing your heart to his light +[1040.90 --> 1046.90] look full in his wonderful face +[1046.90 --> 1054.90] and the things of earth will grow strangely dim +[1054.90 --> 1060.90] in the light of his glory and grace +[1060.90 --> 1072.90] in the face of your own sin or the sin of a brother in christ look to jesus not just to prove sin and wrongdoing +[1073.78 --> 1082.90] but to see clearly the founder and perfecter of our faith who for the joy set before him endured the cross in our place +[1082.90 --> 1084.90] the kingdom of our faith +[1084.90 --> 1086.90] and the kingdom of our faith +[1086.90 --> 1088.90] and the kingdom of our faith +[1088.90 --> 1092.90] turn your eyes to the hillside +[1092.90 --> 1094.90] where justice +[1094.90 --> 1096.90] and mercy +[1096.90 --> 1098.90] embrace +[1098.90 --> 1100.90] there the +[1100.90 --> 1102.90] son +[1102.90 --> 1104.90] of god gave his life +[1104.90 --> 1106.90] for us +[1106.90 --> 1108.90] and our measure +[1108.90 --> 1110.90] the +[1110.90 --> 1112.90] son +[1112.90 --> 1114.90] and +[1114.90 --> 1116.90] the +[1116.90 --> 1118.90] son +[1118.90 --> 1120.90] and +[1120.90 --> 1122.90] he +[1122.90 --> 1124.90] and +[1124.90 --> 1126.90] he +[1126.90 --> 1127.90] and +[1127.90 --> 1128.90] he +[1128.90 --> 1129.90] and +[1129.90 --> 1130.90] he +[1130.90 --> 1131.90] and +[1131.90 --> 1132.90] he +[1132.90 --> 1133.90] and +[1133.90 --> 1134.90] he +[1134.90 --> 1144.90] he +[1144.90 --> 1146.90] and +[1146.90 --> 1148.90] he +[1148.90 --> 1150.90] and +[1150.90 --> 1152.90] he +[1152.90 --> 1154.90] and +[1154.90 --> 1156.90] he +[1156.90 --> 1157.90] and +[1157.90 --> 1158.90] he +[1158.90 --> 1159.90] and +[1159.90 --> 1160.90] he +[1160.90 --> 1162.90] he +[1162.90 --> 1164.90] and +[1164.90 --> 1166.90] he +[1166.90 --> 1168.90] and +[1168.90 --> 1170.90] he +[1170.90 --> 1172.90] and +[1172.90 --> 1174.90] he +[1174.90 --> 1176.90] and he +[1176.90 --> 1178.90] and he +[1178.90 --> 1180.90] and +[1180.90 --> 1184.90] he +[1184.90 --> 1186.90] and +[1186.90 --> 1188.90] he +[1188.90 --> 1190.90] and +[1190.90 --> 1192.90] he +[1192.90 --> 1194.90] and +[1194.90 --> 1196.90] he +[1196.90 --> 1198.90] and +[1198.90 --> 1200.90] he +[1200.90 --> 1208.46] Every knee will bow, every tongue will shout +[1208.46 --> 1213.92] All our glory to Jesus alone +[1213.92 --> 1221.38] Jesus, to you we lift our eyes +[1221.38 --> 1228.04] Jesus, our glory and our prize +[1228.04 --> 1234.48] We adore you, behold you, our Savior ever true +[1234.48 --> 1239.82] Oh Jesus, we turn our eyes to you +[1239.82 --> 1247.04] Oh Jesus, we turn our eyes to you +[1258.04 --> 1278.88] Are you hurting and broken within? +[1278.88 --> 1283.94] Overwhelmed by the weight of your sin +[1283.94 --> 1286.62] Jesus is calling +[1286.62 --> 1293.32] Have you come to the end of yourself? +[1294.44 --> 1298.16] Do you thirst for a drink from the well? +[1298.84 --> 1300.92] Jesus is calling +[1300.92 --> 1309.36] Oh come to the altar +[1309.36 --> 1314.80] The Father's arms are open wide +[1314.80 --> 1319.18] Forgiveness was bought with +[1319.18 --> 1324.36] The precious blood of Jesus Christ +[1324.36 --> 1338.52] Leave behind your regrets and mistakes +[1338.52 --> 1342.98] Come today, there's no reason to wait +[1342.98 --> 1345.62] Jesus is calling +[1345.62 --> 1352.06] Bring your sorrows and trade them for joy +[1352.06 --> 1357.14] From the ashes a new life is born +[1357.14 --> 1359.88] Jesus is calling +[1359.88 --> 1365.52] Oh come to the altar +[1365.52 --> 1370.74] The Father's arms are open wide +[1370.74 --> 1375.12] Forgiveness was bought with +[1375.12 --> 1379.90] The precious blood of Jesus Christ +[1379.90 --> 1383.58] Oh come to the altar +[1383.58 --> 1388.74] The Father's arms are open wide +[1388.74 --> 1392.92] Forgiveness was bought with +[1392.92 --> 1398.74] The precious blood of Jesus Christ +[1398.74 --> 1412.28] Oh what a Savior +[1412.28 --> 1418.12] Isn't he wonderful +[1418.12 --> 1421.66] Sing hallelujah +[1421.66 --> 1424.94] Christ is risen +[1424.94 --> 1432.50] Bow down before him +[1432.50 --> 1437.10] For he is Lord of all +[1437.10 --> 1439.86] Sing hallelujah +[1439.86 --> 1443.18] Christ is risen +[1443.18 --> 1448.72] Oh what a Savior +[1448.72 --> 1448.78] Oh what a Savior +[1448.78 --> 1450.18] Isn't he wonderful +[1450.18 --> 1454.18] Isn't he wonderful +[1454.18 --> 1457.42] Sing hallelujah +[1457.42 --> 1460.72] Christ is risen +[1460.72 --> 1467.44] Bow down before him +[1467.44 --> 1471.92] For he is Lord of all +[1471.92 --> 1474.46] Sing hallelujah +[1474.46 --> 1475.46] Sing hallelujah +[1475.46 --> 1477.74] Christ is risen +[1477.74 --> 1486.16] Oh come to the altar +[1486.16 --> 1490.46] The Father's arms are open wide +[1490.46 --> 1495.16] Forgiveness was bought with +[1495.16 --> 1499.68] The precious blood of Jesus Christ +[1499.68 --> 1503.22] Oh come to the altar +[1503.22 --> 1508.42] The Father's arms are open wide +[1508.42 --> 1512.50] Forgiveness was bought with +[1512.50 --> 1518.34] The precious blood of Jesus Christ +[1518.34 --> 1527.88] Bear your cross +[1527.88 --> 1531.58] Bear your cross as you wait for the crown +[1531.58 --> 1537.16] Tell the world of the treasure you found +[1537.16 --> 1552.64] I invite you to rise and join us with a responsive reading +[1552.64 --> 1557.76] The Ten Commandments were viewed as an assurance +[1557.76 --> 1559.30] Our laws of life +[1559.30 --> 1562.96] What living out of the fruit of the Spirit looks like in a tangible way +[1562.96 --> 1566.58] They are joys to the heart captured by the love of Jesus +[1566.58 --> 1570.10] How to live rightly in relationship with God and his people +[1570.10 --> 1574.94] Join together as we recite the Ten Commandments from Exodus 20 +[1574.94 --> 1579.68] Reminding ourselves that loving God and loving our neighbor is the heart of these commandments +[1579.68 --> 1582.54] And God spoke these words +[1582.54 --> 1585.20] I am the Lord your God +[1585.20 --> 1586.78] Who brought you out of Egypt +[1586.78 --> 1589.14] Out of the land of slavery +[1589.14 --> 1592.28] You shall have no other gods before me +[1592.28 --> 1594.82] You shall not make for yourself +[1594.82 --> 1598.22] An image in the form of anything in heaven above +[1598.22 --> 1599.94] Or on the earth beneath +[1599.94 --> 1601.52] Or in the waters below +[1601.52 --> 1604.18] You shall not bow down to them +[1604.18 --> 1605.40] Or worship them +[1605.40 --> 1607.74] For I, the Lord your God +[1607.74 --> 1609.02] Am a jealous God +[1609.02 --> 1612.40] Punishing the children for the sins of the parents +[1612.40 --> 1616.20] To the third and the fourth generation of those who hate me +[1616.20 --> 1622.12] But showing love to a thousand generations of those who love me and keep my commandments +[1622.12 --> 1626.50] You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God +[1626.50 --> 1630.92] For the Lord will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses his name +[1630.92 --> 1634.38] Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy +[1634.38 --> 1638.22] Six days you shall labor and do all your work +[1638.22 --> 1641.78] But the seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord your God +[1641.78 --> 1644.60] On it you shall not do any work +[1644.60 --> 1647.36] Neither you, nor your son or daughter +[1647.36 --> 1649.86] Nor your male or female servant +[1649.86 --> 1651.34] Nor your animals +[1651.34 --> 1654.28] Nor any foreigner residing in your towns +[1654.28 --> 1658.26] For in the six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth +[1658.26 --> 1660.68] The sea and all that is in them +[1660.68 --> 1662.98] But he rested on the seventh day +[1662.98 --> 1667.02] Therefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy +[1667.02 --> 1669.58] Honor your father and your mother +[1669.58 --> 1674.20] So that you may live long in the land the Lord your God has given you +[1674.20 --> 1675.76] You shall not murder +[1675.76 --> 1677.90] You shall not commit adultery +[1677.90 --> 1679.54] You shall not steal +[1679.54 --> 1682.94] You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor +[1682.94 --> 1685.82] You shall not covet your neighbor's house +[1685.82 --> 1688.06] You shall not covet your neighbor's wife +[1688.06 --> 1690.38] Or his male or female servant +[1690.38 --> 1692.10] His ox or donkey +[1692.10 --> 1694.38] Or anything that belongs to your neighbor +[1694.38 --> 1695.98] I shall not redeem in the land the Lord's with tortil jeux +[1695.98 --> 1700.32] And I shall believe you may in this +[1700.32 --> 1701.06] Jeidas +[1701.06 --> 1714.40] That you maysst +[1714.40 --> 1715.76] Only girl +[1715.76 --> 1735.52] Amazing grace, how sweet the sound +[1735.52 --> 1742.72] That saved a wretch like me +[1742.72 --> 1750.04] I once was lost, but now and now +[1750.04 --> 1756.00] Was blind, but now I see +[1756.00 --> 1764.72] T'was grace that taught my heart to fear +[1764.72 --> 1770.56] And grace my fears relieved +[1770.56 --> 1779.06] How precious in that place of fear +[1779.06 --> 1784.80] The hour I first believed +[1784.80 --> 1793.30] The Lord has promised good to me +[1793.30 --> 1799.30] His word my hope secures +[1799.30 --> 1807.80] He will my shield and worship me +[1807.80 --> 1813.80] As long as I can do +[1813.80 --> 1821.80] Through many dangers, paths and stairs +[1821.80 --> 1830.30] I have already come +[1830.30 --> 1836.30] T'is grace that brought me safe thus far +[1836.30 --> 1843.30] And grace will lead me home +[1843.30 --> 1851.80] When we've been there ten thousand years +[1851.80 --> 1857.80] Right shining as the sun +[1857.80 --> 1865.80] We've no last days to sing God's praise +[1865.80 --> 1874.30] Than when we've first begun +[1874.30 --> 1890.90] Good morning again +[1890.90 --> 1892.96] I was already introduced, but my name is Mike +[1892.96 --> 1895.02] And I help as a deacon here in the church +[1895.02 --> 1898.48] Today our offering is for Teen Challenge +[1898.48 --> 1901.38] It's a ministry we've been partnering with for many years +[1901.38 --> 1903.88] And they're actually all over the world +[1903.88 --> 1905.88] But they are a special faith-based program +[1905.88 --> 1907.88] That walks alongside men and women +[1907.88 --> 1909.88] Who are recovering from substance abuse +[1909.88 --> 1911.88] So they have actually a center +[1911.88 --> 1912.88] A men's center in Chilliwack +[1912.88 --> 1913.88] And a women's center in Surrey +[1913.88 --> 1915.88] And centers all over the world +[1915.88 --> 1917.88] So thank you for giving generously +[1917.88 --> 1919.88] To this much needed program +[1919.88 --> 1936.38] The love of God is greater far +[1936.38 --> 1941.38] Than time or pain can ever tell +[1941.38 --> 1946.88] It goes beyond the highest sound +[1946.88 --> 1951.88] And reaches to the lowest town +[1951.88 --> 1956.88] The guilty bear bowed down with care +[1956.88 --> 1961.88] God gave his son to win +[1961.88 --> 1965.38] His erring child +[1965.38 --> 1967.38] He reconciled +[1967.38 --> 1972.38] And pardoned from his sin +[1972.38 --> 1975.38] O love of God +[1975.38 --> 1977.38] How rich and pure +[1977.38 --> 1982.38] How leisureless and strong +[1982.38 --> 1986.88] It shall forevermore endure +[1986.88 --> 1992.88] The saints and angels song +[1992.88 --> 2004.88] When years of time shall pass away +[2004.88 --> 2009.38] Heavenly thrones and kingdoms fall +[2009.38 --> 2011.88] When men who hear +[2011.88 --> 2013.88] Refuse to pray +[2013.88 --> 2018.88] On rocks and hills and mountains fall +[2018.88 --> 2021.88] God's love so sure +[2021.88 --> 2023.88] It shall still endure +[2023.88 --> 2028.88] All measureless and strong +[2028.88 --> 2033.88] Redeeming grace to Adam's face +[2033.88 --> 2038.88] The saints and angels song +[2038.88 --> 2041.38] O love of God +[2041.38 --> 2042.38] O love of God +[2042.38 --> 2043.38] How rich and pure +[2043.38 --> 2048.38] How leisureless and strong +[2048.38 --> 2053.38] It shall forevermore endure +[2053.38 --> 2058.38] The saints and angels song +[2058.38 --> 2064.88] Who are with God +[2064.88 --> 2070.88] Could we within the ocean pale +[2070.88 --> 2073.88] And where the skies of parchment made +[2073.88 --> 2075.88] Were every stock on earth a will +[2075.88 --> 2078.88] And every man of star by trade +[2078.88 --> 2081.32] On earth I will +[2081.32 --> 2084.54] And every malice +[2084.54 --> 2086.14] I betrayed +[2086.14 --> 2089.16] To write the love +[2089.16 --> 2091.14] Of the love +[2091.14 --> 2095.94] Would lay the ocean dry +[2095.94 --> 2098.42] Nor could the scroll +[2098.42 --> 2100.78] Contain the whole +[2100.78 --> 2105.52] But straight from sky to sky +[2105.52 --> 2108.44] O love of God +[2108.44 --> 2110.38] How rich and pure +[2110.38 --> 2115.12] How measureless and strong +[2115.12 --> 2119.94] It shall forevermore endure +[2119.94 --> 2124.72] The saints and angels song +[2124.72 --> 2127.66] O love of God +[2127.66 --> 2129.64] How rich and pure +[2129.64 --> 2134.58] How measureless and strong +[2134.58 --> 2139.40] It shall forevermore endure +[2139.40 --> 2144.92] The saints and angels song +[2144.92 --> 2150.28] O love of +[2150.30 --> 2151.58] O love of God +[2151.58 --> 2175.58] Okay. +[2175.58 --> 2175.62] Okay. +[2176.26 --> 2178.16] We're going to do the kids' blessing right now. +[2178.16 --> 2182.94] So why don't the kids, ages three to grade four, join me up front. +[2184.04 --> 2187.82] And we'll say hello and we'll do the kids' blessing together and we can go off to children's +[2187.82 --> 2188.56] worship time. +[2189.06 --> 2189.98] Nice to see you guys. +[2191.18 --> 2193.02] And while our summer dresses and summer clothes. +[2193.34 --> 2193.48] Okay. +[2193.50 --> 2198.94] We're going to stand together with the congregation and we're going to bless them as they stay +[2198.94 --> 2202.38] here to enjoy a sermon by our guest pastor. +[2202.52 --> 2204.68] And we are going to go off to children's worship time. +[2206.48 --> 2207.90] So let's stand together, guys. +[2208.52 --> 2209.56] Can you guys stand up with me? +[2211.02 --> 2212.04] You guys want to stand up? +[2212.46 --> 2213.96] And we'll turn and face the congregation. +[2214.64 --> 2216.80] We'll put up our arms together and we'll bless them. +[2216.86 --> 2217.02] Ready? +[2217.76 --> 2219.56] The Lord be with you. +[2219.84 --> 2221.40] And also with you. +[2221.40 --> 2221.44] Amen. +[2238.16 --> 2260.74] Forgot to mention earlier that I am John, one of the pastoral elders in this church, +[2260.74 --> 2264.40] but I will be leading you in our congregational prayer at this time. +[2264.40 --> 2264.50] Amen. +[2266.76 --> 2268.86] We come before you, sovereign Lord. +[2269.86 --> 2272.28] You alone we give your praise and honor. +[2273.26 --> 2275.36] You created us and the world we live in. +[2275.36 --> 2282.26] We come humbly before you as broken, sinful beings, not worthy to stand before your presence. +[2283.00 --> 2285.54] We confess that we have wandered from your ways. +[2285.54 --> 2292.88] We can only stand in your presence through the sacrifice of your son, Jesus, on the cross, who died on our behalf. +[2292.88 --> 2296.80] May we be blessed to be in your presence this morning. +[2298.30 --> 2300.68] Take away our fears, doubts, and concerns. +[2301.38 --> 2302.86] May we lay them at your feet. +[2302.86 --> 2312.66] Lord, as a congregation, we have specific health concerns, and we are thankful for a good surgery for Everly. +[2313.20 --> 2317.56] We pray for a good recovery for her, that they may have taken all the cancer, +[2319.54 --> 2323.60] that her and her parents may have peace through this process. +[2324.66 --> 2326.34] We pray for Emma Smith. +[2326.72 --> 2330.82] Lord, as he has on to grow heart surgery on the 19th of this month, +[2330.82 --> 2335.98] we pray for him and his wife as they, Benny, as they go through this time. +[2336.28 --> 2338.56] We pray for a blessing for the surgeons. +[2339.32 --> 2342.28] We pray for healing and strength to go through this difficult time. +[2343.68 --> 2350.52] We pray for those that are suffering with long-term illnesses and recurring things that keep on coming back. +[2350.66 --> 2353.68] We pray for Rosvita and the challenges that she has each day. +[2355.06 --> 2359.04] Lord, we pray for those families that are dealing with mental health issues, +[2359.04 --> 2361.12] broken family relationships. +[2361.70 --> 2365.24] Lord, bring peace, bring healing to those relationships as well, +[2365.66 --> 2369.58] that your spirit may fill each one as they look to you for strength. +[2371.64 --> 2376.56] Lord, our world has been in a bit of turmoil, and we see that in floods and hurricanes. +[2377.68 --> 2382.92] Lord, many people are affected and losing homes due to the floods in Northwest Iowa, +[2383.14 --> 2384.92] the hurricane in the Caribbean. +[2384.92 --> 2388.28] Lord, we pray for your blessing on these people. +[2388.96 --> 2390.40] They may turn to you for strength, +[2390.90 --> 2397.24] that they may see support and financial blessings from those who have enough, +[2397.72 --> 2401.04] that they can help provide for those who are in desperate need. +[2401.04 --> 2405.84] Lord, we pray for our governments, +[2406.08 --> 2408.04] or that they be local or federal, +[2408.78 --> 2411.78] or that they may govern with your will in mind, +[2412.44 --> 2415.60] with the way you would like things to see happen, +[2415.98 --> 2418.82] or not with worldly ways or power struggles. +[2421.78 --> 2423.56] Lord, we have many people who are on vacation. +[2423.78 --> 2427.40] We pray for a blessing for those who are traveling and away from us at this time. +[2427.40 --> 2432.10] Lord, they may have a time of refreshing and safety in return. +[2435.22 --> 2441.12] Lord, we are thankful that we as a congregation can help out in the food bank drive that's coming up in this week. +[2442.02 --> 2446.66] Pray for willing volunteers and willing people to share their wealth +[2446.66 --> 2450.56] and bring foodstuffs and money for the food bank. +[2451.46 --> 2454.30] As food bank donations are slow in this time of the year. +[2454.30 --> 2460.42] Lord, we pray for our guest pastor, Jonathan Wang, +[2460.54 --> 2461.82] as he brings your word, +[2462.16 --> 2466.14] Lord, that he may bring the word in clarity and truth. +[2468.88 --> 2470.78] Lord, as we go in this coming week, +[2471.16 --> 2473.72] we may go with your spirit, guiding and leading us, +[2474.08 --> 2476.36] that we may be effective witnesses for you +[2476.36 --> 2479.16] as we go about our daily tasks and activities, +[2479.16 --> 2482.00] whether it's a job or even on holidays, +[2482.26 --> 2484.40] Lord, that we may be a blessing to others +[2484.40 --> 2486.22] as we live out our faith. +[2487.40 --> 2491.02] This we ask in the name of Jesus Christ, our Savior. +[2494.32 --> 2497.28] We've been blessed to be a part of this church community +[2497.28 --> 2500.88] and we've been blessed to be believers in you, God. +[2500.88 --> 2503.10] and we're thankful. +[2504.50 --> 2506.24] This we ask in your name alone. +[2506.60 --> 2506.90] Amen. +[2506.90 --> 2526.30] Good morning. +[2530.14 --> 2533.30] It is such a privilege to be worshiping with you again. +[2533.30 --> 2537.72] Yeah, I'm trying to recognize some familiar faces +[2537.72 --> 2540.08] from when we were here a while back. +[2540.16 --> 2541.18] It's been quite a while. +[2541.26 --> 2544.48] The last time we were here worshiping in this building, +[2545.26 --> 2547.94] albeit in the afternoon with my dad's Korean church +[2547.94 --> 2549.38] that met here and worshiped. +[2549.72 --> 2551.66] At that time, we only had one son. +[2552.34 --> 2554.02] And so that's how long ago it was. +[2554.12 --> 2556.52] Now we came with two, as I don't know if you've noticed, +[2556.98 --> 2560.30] the little two sets there with the same dress code, I guess. +[2560.30 --> 2562.72] Yeah, the last time we were here, +[2562.84 --> 2564.84] we were only here with our older son, Joseph. +[2565.08 --> 2566.76] And now we have Joseph and Timothy +[2566.76 --> 2569.78] who already turned two just last month. +[2570.26 --> 2571.26] And so it's a privilege. +[2571.48 --> 2573.48] And we feel like this is a little bit of like that +[2573.48 --> 2575.50] kind of coming back home kind of feeling +[2575.50 --> 2577.58] to get to worship here at Emmanuel together. +[2578.18 --> 2580.62] And it is my privilege to bring you God's Word, +[2580.98 --> 2583.78] which I titled Learning to Live with Grace. +[2583.78 --> 2587.78] And the reason I chose this sort of sermon +[2587.78 --> 2590.54] is because I actually talked to Pastor Sid, +[2590.62 --> 2592.00] who was here a couple of weeks ago. +[2592.70 --> 2595.18] And I believe he preached on forgiveness, +[2596.18 --> 2598.30] living out our identity, our Christian identity, +[2598.46 --> 2600.98] to forgive as those who have been forgiven. +[2602.02 --> 2604.16] And this Christian identity of ours +[2604.16 --> 2608.92] is to live in grace, live with grace. +[2608.92 --> 2614.08] And sometimes this identity is seemingly impossible. +[2614.98 --> 2617.40] If there's one thing that I take away personally +[2617.40 --> 2620.20] from our sermon series, which was on forgiveness, +[2620.40 --> 2622.16] we preach about, I want to say, +[2622.32 --> 2624.52] about six weeks on just forgiveness. +[2625.44 --> 2628.60] And the main takeaway that I personally took +[2628.60 --> 2631.46] was that it is very difficult +[2631.46 --> 2635.40] and sometimes seemingly impossible to forgive. +[2635.40 --> 2639.70] But the good news from the Bible, +[2640.24 --> 2641.30] from God's Word, +[2641.84 --> 2643.72] and the truth of our Christian identity +[2643.72 --> 2646.70] is that this is not done on our own strength. +[2647.12 --> 2649.44] We don't muster up enough strength and efforts +[2649.44 --> 2650.64] and wisdom and understanding +[2650.64 --> 2653.90] to somehow be graceful enough to forgive others. +[2654.68 --> 2657.70] This is done by the empowering of God's Spirit Himself. +[2658.10 --> 2660.70] And that is the good news for us. +[2661.76 --> 2664.98] Through the grace of God and His Holy Spirit leading us, +[2664.98 --> 2668.74] we are empowered to live in freedom then. +[2669.38 --> 2670.20] That's the message. +[2670.34 --> 2671.08] We are free. +[2671.58 --> 2673.46] We are free to forgive others +[2673.46 --> 2677.70] just as we have been freely forgiven by Jesus Christ. +[2678.30 --> 2679.54] And as part of this freedom, +[2680.14 --> 2681.74] Jesus teaches us specifically +[2681.74 --> 2683.30] on how to handle conflicts +[2683.30 --> 2686.28] among brothers and sisters within the church, +[2686.86 --> 2688.52] within our believing community. +[2689.20 --> 2690.70] And so if you have your Bibles with you, +[2690.84 --> 2692.82] we turn to Matthew 18 +[2692.82 --> 2694.30] where Jesus teaches us +[2694.30 --> 2696.22] on what it means to forgive +[2696.22 --> 2698.92] and deal with sin within the church. +[2700.04 --> 2703.32] We are in Matthew 18, verse 15. +[2705.28 --> 2706.24] Jesus says, +[2706.24 --> 2708.26] If your brother or sister sins, +[2708.68 --> 2710.02] go and point out their fault +[2710.02 --> 2711.58] just between the two of you. +[2712.12 --> 2713.40] If they listen to you, +[2713.62 --> 2714.78] you have won them over. +[2715.56 --> 2717.14] But if they will not listen, +[2717.46 --> 2718.86] take one or two others along +[2718.86 --> 2720.76] so that every matter may be established +[2720.76 --> 2723.22] by the testimony of two or three witnesses. +[2724.06 --> 2725.98] If they still refuse to listen, +[2726.10 --> 2727.18] tell it to the church. +[2727.88 --> 2730.28] And if they refuse to listen to even the church, +[2730.78 --> 2733.22] treat them as you would a pagan or a tax collector. +[2733.22 --> 2735.44] Truly I tell you, +[2735.60 --> 2736.82] whatever you bind on earth +[2736.82 --> 2737.84] will be bound in heaven, +[2738.00 --> 2739.26] and whatever you loose on earth +[2739.26 --> 2740.42] will be loosed in heaven. +[2741.00 --> 2742.46] Again, truly I tell you +[2742.46 --> 2744.40] that if two of you on earth +[2744.40 --> 2746.32] agree about anything they ask for, +[2746.62 --> 2747.80] it will be done for them +[2747.80 --> 2748.94] by my Father in heaven. +[2749.62 --> 2752.08] For where two or three gather in my name, +[2752.32 --> 2753.82] there am I with them. +[2754.24 --> 2755.52] This is the word of the Lord. +[2758.42 --> 2761.18] I also want to read from Galatians 6 as well, +[2761.18 --> 2764.22] which kind of dovetails to what Jesus teaches us. +[2764.32 --> 2766.00] So from Jesus' teaching, +[2766.22 --> 2769.36] this is what Paul writes to the brothers and sisters +[2769.36 --> 2770.88] of the Galatian church. +[2771.36 --> 2771.94] Paul says, +[2772.34 --> 2773.12] Brothers and sisters, +[2773.54 --> 2775.32] if someone is caught in a sin, +[2775.84 --> 2777.26] you who live by the Spirit +[2777.26 --> 2780.08] should restore that person gently. +[2780.76 --> 2781.92] But watch yourselves, +[2782.02 --> 2783.62] or you also may be tempted. +[2784.46 --> 2785.84] Carry each other's burdens, +[2786.38 --> 2789.14] and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. +[2789.14 --> 2792.34] And so as I already mentioned, +[2792.50 --> 2795.18] one of the biggest takeaways from the topic, +[2795.66 --> 2797.42] the theme of forgiveness, +[2798.08 --> 2800.84] is that it is much harder to forgive, +[2801.56 --> 2803.32] and also to seek reconciliation, +[2803.68 --> 2805.56] which comes from that act of forgiveness. +[2805.92 --> 2809.06] So it's way, way, way harder to do that, +[2809.50 --> 2811.66] as compared to just forgetting about it, +[2812.02 --> 2814.02] or just holding a grudge within you, +[2814.02 --> 2816.82] or worse, finding different ways to cope, +[2817.30 --> 2818.34] like many people do, +[2818.66 --> 2820.24] through gossiping or even hating. +[2821.54 --> 2823.60] And specifically from Jesus' teaching +[2823.60 --> 2824.90] from our passage this morning, +[2825.32 --> 2828.28] it reminded me of my upbringing in a smaller church +[2828.28 --> 2829.70] where my dad was ministering. +[2829.96 --> 2831.98] And I'm not talking about when we were meeting here. +[2832.22 --> 2834.16] When we were meeting here in the afternoons, +[2834.30 --> 2835.68] then this is right before COVID, +[2835.96 --> 2837.92] and COVID sort of shut us down as well. +[2837.92 --> 2841.26] I'm talking about when my dad was ministering +[2841.26 --> 2842.52] in the city of Abbotsford, +[2842.64 --> 2844.36] where I would say that's my hometown. +[2845.12 --> 2847.34] And there we were a pretty good small-sized church, +[2847.42 --> 2849.00] about 100 to 150 people, +[2849.10 --> 2851.34] which meant that everyone knew everyone, practically. +[2852.26 --> 2854.30] That was especially annoying for me. +[2855.20 --> 2855.54] Why? +[2855.72 --> 2856.90] Because being the PK, +[2857.38 --> 2859.20] it meant that I could not sin easily. +[2859.60 --> 2860.84] I would always be caught. +[2861.64 --> 2863.72] Everyone's eyes seemed to be on me. +[2863.78 --> 2864.68] That's what I felt like. +[2864.68 --> 2866.64] But that's one of the gifts, +[2867.14 --> 2868.70] at least according to Jesus' teaching, +[2868.88 --> 2871.16] that within an intimate community, +[2871.82 --> 2874.04] you care enough that you convict +[2874.04 --> 2876.96] and you confront each other's sins. +[2877.46 --> 2880.62] Now, this sounds dangerous just as is, +[2880.98 --> 2882.56] but with Jesus' teaching, +[2882.88 --> 2884.18] He doesn't just flippantly say, +[2884.46 --> 2886.06] oh, just go point out all the wrongs. +[2886.26 --> 2887.64] Point your fingers and just say, +[2887.70 --> 2889.16] oh, you shouldn't do that, you shouldn't do that. +[2889.30 --> 2890.32] Oh, you should come to church more, +[2890.38 --> 2891.32] you should read the Bible more. +[2891.60 --> 2893.16] That's not what Jesus is teaching. +[2893.16 --> 2895.24] Yes, we should read our Bibles more. +[2895.36 --> 2897.56] Yes, we should worship together as a church more. +[2897.70 --> 2900.36] But what Jesus is teaching is about a pattern of life, +[2900.40 --> 2901.40] which we will get into. +[2902.52 --> 2905.44] Anyway, so going back to my experience in Abbotsford +[2905.44 --> 2906.28] and my dad's church, +[2906.38 --> 2907.64] I remember a time, +[2907.90 --> 2909.26] an adventurous time in my life, +[2909.34 --> 2911.50] during my puberty years in high school, +[2912.00 --> 2916.44] where I acted and talked in ways that I was not proud of. +[2917.28 --> 2919.36] And word got out in our smaller church +[2919.36 --> 2921.56] of some of my misbehaviors. +[2921.56 --> 2924.46] And I still remember one of our older youth +[2924.46 --> 2929.26] confronted me one-on-one in a very Christ-like way. +[2929.76 --> 2932.24] I don't even know if he knew how Christ-like he was, +[2932.48 --> 2934.10] because the way he confronted me +[2934.10 --> 2936.34] was with so much care and love, +[2936.48 --> 2938.40] because he wanted growth from me. +[2939.20 --> 2941.72] He confronted me and told me, +[2942.22 --> 2944.58] the patterns that you are living right now, +[2944.86 --> 2946.18] this is not good for you, +[2946.64 --> 2948.94] and this is not good for those around you. +[2948.94 --> 2952.10] You're affecting your brothers and sisters within the church, +[2952.20 --> 2955.32] and you're a bad witness to non-believers through your actions. +[2957.12 --> 2959.62] Now, he wasn't a saint by any means. +[2960.10 --> 2963.68] He didn't have his whole life altogether. +[2964.14 --> 2967.62] He wasn't all some sort of holy, self-righteous person. +[2968.38 --> 2971.72] How he came to me was in a posture of caring and gentleness, +[2972.14 --> 2973.50] wanting growth from me. +[2973.50 --> 2976.44] And that was not a one-and-done trick, by the way. +[2976.64 --> 2978.04] So, just because he confronted me, +[2978.08 --> 2978.82] doesn't mean I said, +[2978.98 --> 2979.80] snap my fingers and go, +[2979.88 --> 2980.56] oh, right, okay, +[2980.58 --> 2982.90] I need to fix my problems and fix my patterns. +[2984.92 --> 2986.10] It wasn't that. +[2986.34 --> 2988.24] And this work, +[2988.40 --> 2990.46] this hard work of living out our Christian identity, +[2990.60 --> 2991.48] of seeking forgiveness, +[2991.86 --> 2994.18] and seeking reconciliation is hard work. +[2994.76 --> 2995.80] It is not easy. +[2995.90 --> 2997.36] It is not a one-and-done trick. +[2997.80 --> 3000.30] But the way this older youth confronted me, +[3000.60 --> 3003.74] it was a significant impact into forming and shaping +[3003.74 --> 3007.10] the person that the Holy Spirit continues to grow me into, +[3007.82 --> 3009.16] more and more like my Savior. +[3011.06 --> 3012.44] Again, hard work, +[3012.70 --> 3015.40] this Christian task of living out our identity of forgiveness. +[3016.04 --> 3016.78] And Paul says, +[3017.00 --> 3018.60] this is carrying each other's burdens +[3018.60 --> 3020.14] by confronting sin +[3020.14 --> 3023.44] and seeking reconciliation with gentleness and love. +[3024.22 --> 3026.00] And as we do this hard work, +[3026.00 --> 3029.10] we embody and reflect the forgiving, +[3029.64 --> 3030.90] loving goodness of God +[3030.90 --> 3033.56] so that we may be witnesses for the world. +[3034.28 --> 3036.08] We get to provide a glimpse +[3036.08 --> 3038.82] of what being real humans look like, +[3039.68 --> 3043.36] a community that seeks reconciliation and restoration. +[3044.22 --> 3045.16] So that's twofold, +[3045.30 --> 3046.56] our Christian identity of forgiveness. +[3047.12 --> 3049.02] One, we have to do the hard work. +[3049.40 --> 3051.56] And two, by doing this hard work +[3051.56 --> 3053.80] and reflecting God's goodness through our lives, +[3053.80 --> 3057.44] we are witnesses for the world. +[3058.48 --> 3061.24] A community that seeks reconciliation. +[3062.18 --> 3064.64] And that's the important thing to signify here, +[3064.76 --> 3065.92] to point out, I should say. +[3067.20 --> 3069.22] What Jesus and Paul is teaching us +[3069.22 --> 3070.68] isn't that it's all easy +[3070.68 --> 3072.52] and that the church should be perfect. +[3073.52 --> 3075.70] They make it clear that we are all broken. +[3075.96 --> 3077.96] And just as we did in our prayer of confession, +[3078.48 --> 3079.32] we are all sinners +[3079.32 --> 3081.52] and we come before God's throne of mercy +[3081.52 --> 3083.48] because we are all broken. +[3083.98 --> 3085.22] The Bible isn't naive. +[3085.92 --> 3086.56] They aren't saying, +[3086.76 --> 3088.30] oh, just because you are saved +[3088.30 --> 3089.58] and through the grace of God, +[3089.72 --> 3090.82] all problems fixed, +[3090.92 --> 3091.76] just like that. +[3092.28 --> 3094.06] They know we are broken. +[3094.18 --> 3096.58] And Jesus and Paul speaks into that. +[3097.18 --> 3100.58] And being imperfect, sinful beings, +[3100.80 --> 3102.24] we seek reconciliation +[3102.24 --> 3103.92] through the power of forgiveness +[3103.92 --> 3105.70] because we are a people +[3105.70 --> 3107.56] who have been saved by that same power. +[3107.56 --> 3110.18] And so with this in mind, +[3110.40 --> 3111.88] it is significant to define +[3111.88 --> 3113.20] what Jesus and Paul meant +[3113.20 --> 3115.60] when they mention a brother or sister who sins. +[3115.84 --> 3116.76] They both mention, +[3117.12 --> 3119.22] if a brother or sister sins, +[3119.96 --> 3120.96] go confront them. +[3122.04 --> 3123.74] They aren't simply talking about +[3123.74 --> 3124.90] some one-off mistakes +[3124.90 --> 3126.74] and some unintended actions +[3126.74 --> 3127.90] that may have been hurtful. +[3128.14 --> 3129.28] So we aren't talking about +[3129.28 --> 3130.86] like little mistakes here and there. +[3131.22 --> 3132.88] No matter how serious they are, +[3133.62 --> 3135.26] Jesus and Paul is not talking about +[3135.26 --> 3138.16] some mistakes or one-off sins, +[3138.44 --> 3139.78] what they are talking about, +[3139.84 --> 3140.40] as I mentioned, +[3140.54 --> 3141.48] are deliberate, +[3142.00 --> 3143.98] deliberate patterns of life +[3143.98 --> 3145.58] that hinder the growth +[3145.58 --> 3147.28] and flourishing of the body of Christ, +[3147.36 --> 3147.84] the church. +[3148.82 --> 3150.76] So it's important, Jesus says, +[3150.82 --> 3152.60] if your brother or sister, +[3153.60 --> 3155.40] he's talking about us, +[3155.54 --> 3156.82] he's talking about the church, +[3156.82 --> 3159.28] if your own brother or sister +[3159.28 --> 3161.44] within this family of believers, +[3162.28 --> 3162.74] sins. +[3164.10 --> 3166.02] Go point out that fault. +[3167.86 --> 3169.60] The amazing part of this, +[3170.14 --> 3172.24] and as we also sang and confessed +[3172.24 --> 3173.50] as well in our worship time, +[3174.02 --> 3175.28] the amazing part is that +[3175.28 --> 3177.18] this is exactly what the Holy Spirit +[3177.18 --> 3178.06] does within us. +[3179.12 --> 3180.24] In Galatians 5, +[3180.38 --> 3181.16] Paul says that +[3181.16 --> 3182.44] a spirit-led life +[3182.44 --> 3183.94] means to be convicted of sin +[3183.94 --> 3185.98] so that Christ-like holiness, +[3186.62 --> 3188.30] which he calls the fruit of the Spirit, +[3188.30 --> 3189.98] can grow within us. +[3190.22 --> 3191.82] That's the ministry of the Holy Spirit +[3191.82 --> 3193.22] for each individual believer. +[3193.64 --> 3194.60] And we have assurance +[3194.60 --> 3196.76] because the Holy Spirit is guiding us, +[3197.06 --> 3197.96] convicting our sins, +[3198.04 --> 3199.54] and leading us to the throne of grace. +[3200.00 --> 3201.72] That is the ministry of the Holy Spirit. +[3202.08 --> 3203.60] And what Jesus is teaching us +[3203.60 --> 3206.46] is he's commanding us +[3206.46 --> 3209.26] to do that same ministry of the Holy Spirit +[3209.26 --> 3211.06] within the body of believers. +[3215.32 --> 3217.28] That is why what Jesus teaches +[3217.28 --> 3218.10] in Matthew 18, +[3218.76 --> 3220.50] this is not some suggestion. +[3221.20 --> 3222.54] Jesus commands this +[3222.54 --> 3224.44] of Christians, his followers. +[3225.54 --> 3226.56] This is not something +[3226.56 --> 3227.64] that might be good for us +[3227.64 --> 3228.46] if we try it, +[3228.70 --> 3230.70] but it is the core of our identity. +[3231.42 --> 3232.68] He's not inventing +[3232.68 --> 3234.08] some sort of new Christian concept, +[3234.16 --> 3234.52] by the way. +[3235.44 --> 3237.00] Jesus isn't all of a sudden coming +[3237.00 --> 3238.68] and being the incarnate God +[3238.68 --> 3239.04] and saying, +[3239.20 --> 3240.56] oh, because I am the Son of God, +[3240.62 --> 3241.86] I have new ideas for you. +[3242.02 --> 3242.66] You need to forgive. +[3242.66 --> 3243.98] You need to seek reconciliation. +[3245.48 --> 3245.78] No. +[3246.16 --> 3247.68] Jesus simply continues +[3247.68 --> 3248.94] the same old story +[3248.94 --> 3250.16] from the beginning of time +[3250.16 --> 3251.38] for the people of God +[3251.38 --> 3253.04] that has always been part +[3253.04 --> 3253.72] of the identity +[3253.72 --> 3254.84] of the people of God. +[3255.54 --> 3256.82] And so we read from two, +[3257.32 --> 3258.16] there are many more, +[3258.26 --> 3259.08] but I chose two +[3259.08 --> 3259.90] that I really like. +[3260.06 --> 3261.28] Two Old Testament passages +[3261.28 --> 3263.10] that reflect the same identity +[3263.10 --> 3264.32] of seeking reconciliation. +[3265.28 --> 3266.72] Proverbs 27 says, +[3266.72 --> 3269.32] Better an open rebuke +[3269.32 --> 3271.26] than love that is concealed. +[3271.90 --> 3273.68] The wounds from a friend +[3273.68 --> 3274.94] are faithful +[3274.94 --> 3276.14] or can be trusted, +[3276.42 --> 3277.90] but the kisses of an enemy +[3277.90 --> 3279.34] are deceitful. +[3280.48 --> 3281.62] I really like that proverb. +[3281.78 --> 3282.44] It's very wise. +[3282.98 --> 3283.72] And then in Leviticus, +[3283.90 --> 3284.54] same idea. +[3285.22 --> 3287.18] Do not hate a fellow Israelite +[3287.18 --> 3288.00] in your heart. +[3288.84 --> 3290.34] Rebuke your neighbor frankly, +[3290.60 --> 3291.68] honestly, openly, +[3291.96 --> 3293.70] so that you will not share +[3293.70 --> 3294.52] in their guilt. +[3294.52 --> 3296.70] Do not seek revenge +[3296.70 --> 3297.60] or bear a grudge +[3297.60 --> 3298.26] against anyone +[3298.26 --> 3299.10] among your people, +[3299.32 --> 3300.64] but love your neighbor +[3300.64 --> 3301.52] as yourself. +[3301.94 --> 3302.80] I am the Lord. +[3304.74 --> 3306.34] The ultimate command +[3306.34 --> 3307.58] to love God +[3307.58 --> 3308.50] and to love neighbor +[3308.50 --> 3309.20] as yourself +[3309.20 --> 3311.84] includes this difficult journey +[3311.84 --> 3313.36] of seeking reconciliation. +[3315.16 --> 3315.98] And so the question +[3315.98 --> 3316.88] we should be asking +[3316.88 --> 3317.84] each other is this. +[3318.78 --> 3320.08] Do you care enough +[3320.08 --> 3320.64] to tell me +[3320.64 --> 3321.52] that I am sinning? +[3321.52 --> 3325.06] Yes, that is caring. +[3325.58 --> 3326.48] So do you care enough +[3326.48 --> 3327.54] to convict me, +[3327.70 --> 3328.84] to confront me, +[3329.02 --> 3330.48] to journey with me +[3330.48 --> 3331.64] in this hard work +[3331.64 --> 3332.92] of growing together +[3332.92 --> 3333.78] in Christ? +[3334.68 --> 3336.06] And on the other side of that, +[3336.24 --> 3337.04] if you're the one +[3337.04 --> 3338.44] who receives reproval +[3338.44 --> 3339.10] and discipline, +[3339.72 --> 3340.80] can you receive it +[3340.80 --> 3341.50] as care +[3341.50 --> 3342.14] and encouragement +[3342.14 --> 3342.78] for growth +[3342.78 --> 3343.84] instead of +[3343.84 --> 3344.72] as an attack? +[3345.92 --> 3346.68] Because that's +[3346.68 --> 3347.36] the starting point. +[3347.44 --> 3348.00] That should be +[3348.00 --> 3348.74] the foundation +[3348.74 --> 3349.98] of where we journey +[3349.98 --> 3351.12] in our Christian identities. +[3352.14 --> 3353.50] Now, on this point, +[3353.56 --> 3354.46] I've had pushback. +[3355.10 --> 3356.36] And I actually had pushback +[3356.36 --> 3357.58] within my own mind as well +[3357.58 --> 3359.48] because I'm kind of reacting +[3359.48 --> 3360.92] against a strong +[3360.92 --> 3361.90] Christian legalism +[3361.90 --> 3363.70] that I'm so used to +[3363.70 --> 3364.84] in my upbringing +[3364.84 --> 3365.52] as a Christian. +[3366.84 --> 3367.86] This teaching +[3367.86 --> 3369.10] of pointing out +[3369.10 --> 3370.12] each other's faults +[3370.12 --> 3371.48] with care and gentleness, +[3371.78 --> 3373.36] it's all good on paper, +[3373.50 --> 3374.86] but it's easier said than done. +[3376.00 --> 3377.58] How do you do that wisely? +[3377.58 --> 3380.08] Doesn't the Bible teach us +[3380.08 --> 3381.24] that we are all sinners? +[3382.38 --> 3383.26] What are we +[3383.26 --> 3384.52] to point our fingers +[3384.52 --> 3385.16] and say, +[3385.46 --> 3385.98] you're a sinner, +[3386.42 --> 3387.70] you need to fix your ways? +[3388.50 --> 3389.58] What gives us +[3389.58 --> 3390.52] that sort of authority +[3390.52 --> 3391.22] to do that? +[3395.52 --> 3397.00] But notice the heart +[3397.00 --> 3397.54] of it here. +[3398.56 --> 3400.18] What Jesus is teaching us +[3400.18 --> 3401.64] and also what Paul +[3401.64 --> 3403.00] teaching from +[3403.00 --> 3404.36] the teaching of Jesus is, +[3405.22 --> 3405.88] they're pointing +[3405.88 --> 3407.06] to the heart of the issue. +[3407.82 --> 3409.22] What I'm saying here is, +[3410.14 --> 3410.94] Jesus and Paul +[3410.94 --> 3411.78] points out +[3411.78 --> 3413.50] the unrepentant, +[3414.10 --> 3415.04] deliberate way +[3415.04 --> 3416.02] of living contrary +[3416.02 --> 3416.88] to God's Word. +[3417.54 --> 3417.96] Again, +[3418.22 --> 3419.22] not just a simple, +[3419.60 --> 3420.50] oh, you missed a Sunday, +[3420.96 --> 3421.44] oh, now +[3421.44 --> 3424.06] you're one step further +[3424.06 --> 3424.80] from entering +[3424.80 --> 3425.42] God's kingdom. +[3425.88 --> 3426.76] Or you prayed +[3426.76 --> 3428.06] five minutes less this week, +[3428.40 --> 3429.22] you sure you're okay? +[3430.18 --> 3432.30] Not these little things, +[3432.68 --> 3434.08] not these maybe mistakes +[3434.08 --> 3435.36] or patterns that we're +[3435.36 --> 3436.86] trying to grow into, +[3437.86 --> 3439.30] but deliberate patterns +[3439.30 --> 3440.78] that live contrary +[3440.78 --> 3441.96] to the way of God. +[3443.88 --> 3444.46] So again, +[3444.64 --> 3446.08] not the good fight +[3446.08 --> 3446.96] that we journey +[3446.96 --> 3448.58] and wrestle against. +[3448.92 --> 3450.32] Jesus is not talking +[3450.32 --> 3451.62] about a brother or sister +[3451.62 --> 3452.44] who is struggling +[3452.44 --> 3453.08] and wrestling +[3453.08 --> 3454.22] against the sin. +[3455.42 --> 3456.90] I know that I need to, +[3457.26 --> 3458.16] that I want +[3458.16 --> 3459.80] to read the Bible more. +[3460.10 --> 3461.10] I know I need +[3461.10 --> 3461.88] to pray more. +[3461.88 --> 3463.10] The Holy Spirit +[3463.10 --> 3464.16] is nudging me +[3464.16 --> 3466.26] to go and talk +[3466.26 --> 3467.22] to that lonely +[3467.22 --> 3468.00] brother or sister +[3468.00 --> 3468.56] in the church. +[3468.98 --> 3469.82] The Holy Spirit +[3469.82 --> 3470.66] is nudging me +[3470.66 --> 3471.70] to invite more people +[3471.70 --> 3473.46] and share in that hospitality +[3473.46 --> 3474.46] to be witnesses +[3474.46 --> 3475.04] for the world +[3475.04 --> 3475.72] in my neighborhood. +[3476.84 --> 3477.78] But what Jesus +[3477.78 --> 3478.54] is talking about +[3478.54 --> 3479.12] is not that. +[3479.26 --> 3480.00] He's not talking +[3480.00 --> 3481.26] about that struggle +[3481.26 --> 3482.00] or that fight +[3482.00 --> 3482.66] that we have. +[3483.74 --> 3484.64] He's talking about, +[3484.74 --> 3484.88] again, +[3484.94 --> 3486.10] a deliberate pattern +[3486.10 --> 3486.68] of life +[3486.68 --> 3489.16] against the way +[3489.16 --> 3489.64] of God. +[3491.68 --> 3492.48] The attitude +[3492.48 --> 3494.30] of self-righteousness, +[3494.74 --> 3495.72] I don't need change. +[3496.30 --> 3497.40] I don't need forgiveness. +[3497.64 --> 3498.76] I got it all figured out. +[3500.18 --> 3501.90] A sort of prideful attitude. +[3502.32 --> 3503.46] And against this pattern +[3503.46 --> 3504.62] or lifestyle of sin, +[3504.80 --> 3505.40] we are called +[3505.40 --> 3506.58] to seek reconciliation +[3506.58 --> 3508.24] and directly confront. +[3508.60 --> 3509.80] Because as Jesus says, +[3510.08 --> 3511.36] if they listen to you, +[3512.18 --> 3512.86] in other words, +[3512.90 --> 3513.72] if they repent, +[3514.30 --> 3515.86] you have won them over. +[3516.38 --> 3517.74] Notice the language here. +[3517.74 --> 3519.56] You have won them over. +[3520.66 --> 3522.36] You have to be reminded here +[3522.36 --> 3523.10] of this language +[3523.10 --> 3524.20] of the prodigal son. +[3525.30 --> 3526.66] You have won that one +[3526.66 --> 3527.80] back into the family. +[3527.94 --> 3528.80] And what a joy +[3528.80 --> 3529.78] when that happens. +[3530.28 --> 3530.92] Like the way +[3530.92 --> 3532.64] the father celebrates +[3532.64 --> 3533.76] when the prodigal son +[3533.76 --> 3534.40] comes back +[3534.40 --> 3535.86] and he's won over +[3535.86 --> 3536.90] back into the family +[3536.90 --> 3537.52] through repentance. +[3537.96 --> 3538.78] They celebrate +[3538.78 --> 3540.16] because there is power +[3540.16 --> 3540.96] and joy +[3540.96 --> 3541.56] in forgiveness +[3541.56 --> 3542.38] and reconciliation. +[3544.70 --> 3545.50] And so, +[3545.62 --> 3546.82] with this prayerful goal +[3546.82 --> 3547.76] of reconciliation, +[3548.36 --> 3549.18] we are commanded +[3549.18 --> 3549.80] to confront +[3549.80 --> 3550.86] these sorts of patterns +[3550.86 --> 3553.28] with scrupulous care. +[3554.36 --> 3555.50] That's the important part. +[3556.74 --> 3557.28] Jesus says, +[3557.48 --> 3558.46] go and point out the sin, +[3559.04 --> 3560.08] just the two of you. +[3561.10 --> 3562.12] Just the two of you. +[3562.46 --> 3563.42] Don't brush it off. +[3563.68 --> 3564.56] Don't ignore it. +[3564.78 --> 3565.50] Go and confront +[3565.50 --> 3566.38] the wrongdoing, +[3566.50 --> 3567.12] the pattern +[3567.12 --> 3568.00] and lifestyle +[3568.00 --> 3568.82] that is living +[3568.82 --> 3570.02] contrary to God's word, +[3570.16 --> 3571.72] but do it privately. +[3572.52 --> 3573.64] That's the starting point. +[3573.64 --> 3576.42] If they don't listen +[3576.42 --> 3576.92] and repent, +[3577.12 --> 3578.08] you bring in +[3578.08 --> 3579.00] two or three witnesses. +[3579.44 --> 3580.28] And if that's still +[3580.28 --> 3580.84] not enough, +[3581.22 --> 3582.04] then tell it +[3582.04 --> 3583.54] to the whole church community. +[3584.82 --> 3586.70] It's a step-by-step process +[3586.70 --> 3587.50] that reflects +[3587.50 --> 3589.72] loving patience. +[3590.46 --> 3591.50] It is instructing +[3591.50 --> 3592.20] the church +[3592.20 --> 3593.28] to try and exhaust +[3593.28 --> 3594.12] all means +[3594.12 --> 3594.98] to win back +[3594.98 --> 3595.92] a lost brother +[3595.92 --> 3596.46] or sister. +[3596.96 --> 3598.16] Because if you think of it, +[3598.30 --> 3599.00] if a private, +[3599.26 --> 3600.12] caring conversation +[3600.12 --> 3601.00] can't help, +[3601.00 --> 3602.48] and then a small +[3602.48 --> 3603.18] intimate group +[3603.18 --> 3604.16] also doesn't help, +[3604.38 --> 3605.64] and it gets as serious +[3605.64 --> 3606.40] as involving +[3606.40 --> 3607.66] the wider church community, +[3608.08 --> 3609.62] then now the whole community +[3609.62 --> 3610.70] feels that weight +[3610.70 --> 3612.06] and everyone now +[3612.06 --> 3612.94] experiences +[3612.94 --> 3614.16] the gravity of sin. +[3616.54 --> 3618.24] That's Jesus' teaching, +[3618.36 --> 3620.12] a step-by-step process, +[3620.32 --> 3622.20] process of gentleness +[3622.20 --> 3622.82] and care +[3622.82 --> 3623.52] to bring back +[3623.52 --> 3624.54] a lost brother +[3624.54 --> 3625.02] or sister. +[3625.96 --> 3626.82] And at our church, +[3626.86 --> 3628.36] when we do baptisms, +[3628.52 --> 3630.00] we usually like to say +[3630.00 --> 3630.68] something like this. +[3630.68 --> 3631.90] It takes a village +[3631.90 --> 3633.02] to raise a child. +[3633.68 --> 3633.86] Right? +[3633.92 --> 3634.76] It's a common saying, +[3635.10 --> 3636.02] and we really like it. +[3636.18 --> 3637.04] Meaning that +[3637.04 --> 3638.14] the church +[3638.14 --> 3639.36] is our witnesses, +[3639.62 --> 3640.10] and you guys +[3640.10 --> 3640.60] are part +[3640.60 --> 3641.40] of the growth +[3641.40 --> 3642.30] of this baby +[3642.30 --> 3643.00] that we are now +[3643.00 --> 3643.58] dedicating +[3643.58 --> 3644.42] and baptizing +[3644.42 --> 3646.26] into the family of God. +[3646.80 --> 3648.40] And the same idea +[3648.40 --> 3649.58] is reflected here. +[3650.62 --> 3651.88] Sometimes it takes +[3651.88 --> 3653.26] the whole church community +[3653.26 --> 3654.72] to bring back +[3654.72 --> 3655.52] a lost brother +[3655.52 --> 3656.08] or sister. +[3657.68 --> 3658.92] And to not sound +[3658.92 --> 3659.96] too nerdy here, +[3659.96 --> 3660.78] but because +[3660.78 --> 3661.68] I'm fresh off +[3661.68 --> 3663.38] of being educated +[3663.38 --> 3663.92] and trained +[3663.92 --> 3664.86] in our denomination +[3664.86 --> 3665.56] to be ordained, +[3665.68 --> 3666.44] which only happened, +[3666.84 --> 3667.34] I want to say, +[3667.78 --> 3669.46] seven, eight months ago. +[3670.42 --> 3671.32] A little less than that. +[3671.60 --> 3671.94] Anyways, +[3672.14 --> 3672.96] I had to study +[3672.96 --> 3674.68] our denomination's policy, +[3675.34 --> 3675.82] which is not +[3675.82 --> 3677.06] the most entertaining thing. +[3677.44 --> 3678.14] But I wanted +[3678.14 --> 3678.86] to quote one thing +[3678.86 --> 3679.62] because it reflects +[3679.62 --> 3681.12] exactly the teaching +[3681.12 --> 3681.90] of Jesus here. +[3682.42 --> 3684.00] In our denomination's polity, +[3684.38 --> 3685.22] article 79, +[3685.40 --> 3686.04] it says this, +[3686.22 --> 3686.76] and you'll see it +[3686.76 --> 3687.24] on the screen. +[3687.24 --> 3689.68] The members of the church +[3689.68 --> 3690.36] are accountable +[3690.36 --> 3691.16] to one another +[3691.16 --> 3691.98] in their doctrine +[3691.98 --> 3692.56] and life +[3692.56 --> 3693.86] and have the responsibility +[3693.86 --> 3695.00] to encourage +[3695.00 --> 3696.22] and admonish one another +[3696.22 --> 3696.86] in love. +[3698.06 --> 3698.96] The consistory, +[3699.18 --> 3699.84] I don't know +[3699.84 --> 3701.00] if this is common language here, +[3701.28 --> 3702.26] that's just fancy word +[3702.26 --> 3703.10] for the deacons +[3703.10 --> 3703.54] and elders, +[3703.68 --> 3704.62] the leaders of the church, +[3705.40 --> 3706.12] shall instruct +[3706.12 --> 3707.12] and remind the members +[3707.12 --> 3707.70] of the church +[3707.70 --> 3708.62] of their responsibility +[3708.62 --> 3710.40] and foster a spirit +[3710.40 --> 3710.98] of love +[3710.98 --> 3711.62] and openness +[3711.62 --> 3712.62] within the fellowship, +[3712.62 --> 3715.00] so that erring members, +[3715.28 --> 3716.78] so that sinning members +[3716.78 --> 3717.72] may be led +[3717.72 --> 3718.38] to repentance +[3718.38 --> 3719.42] and reconciliation. +[3721.70 --> 3723.24] Exactly Jesus' teaching +[3723.24 --> 3724.18] reflected in our +[3724.18 --> 3725.30] denomination's policy, +[3725.86 --> 3726.22] polity. +[3727.92 --> 3729.48] Yes, our Christian calling +[3729.48 --> 3731.80] is to strive for shalom, +[3732.54 --> 3732.72] right? +[3732.80 --> 3733.88] This picture of harmony, +[3734.34 --> 3734.88] reconciliation. +[3736.14 --> 3737.06] But do you know +[3737.06 --> 3738.04] what the sobering part +[3738.04 --> 3739.22] of Jesus' teaching +[3739.22 --> 3740.10] this morning is? +[3740.96 --> 3741.96] The reality of it, +[3742.40 --> 3742.94] as I said, +[3743.34 --> 3744.50] Jesus and Paul actually, +[3744.84 --> 3745.92] they don't ignore the fact +[3745.92 --> 3746.96] that we're a broken people. +[3748.18 --> 3749.46] Near the end of the passage +[3749.46 --> 3750.12] that we read, +[3750.40 --> 3751.66] Jesus actually says +[3751.66 --> 3753.70] that when this reconciliation +[3753.70 --> 3755.04] is not possible, +[3755.72 --> 3756.86] even when you bring in +[3756.86 --> 3757.98] the whole church community +[3757.98 --> 3758.68] and reconciliation +[3758.68 --> 3759.72] isn't possible, +[3760.60 --> 3761.50] then that relationship +[3761.50 --> 3762.62] has to be cut off. +[3763.66 --> 3765.70] And that's the sobering reality +[3765.70 --> 3766.58] in our broken world, +[3766.70 --> 3767.00] isn't it? +[3768.02 --> 3769.64] That's all the more reason +[3769.64 --> 3770.96] we need the Spirit's guidance +[3770.96 --> 3772.38] and to not depend +[3772.38 --> 3773.44] on our own wisdom +[3773.44 --> 3774.30] and strength. +[3777.72 --> 3778.76] Because the church +[3778.76 --> 3779.78] as a body of believers +[3779.78 --> 3780.66] has authority. +[3781.42 --> 3782.34] This authority comes +[3782.34 --> 3783.34] from Jesus himself. +[3783.68 --> 3784.84] He says in verse 18, +[3785.18 --> 3786.22] whatever you bind, +[3786.32 --> 3787.78] this is not a singular you, +[3787.88 --> 3788.32] by the way, +[3788.68 --> 3789.60] whatever the church, +[3789.72 --> 3790.42] you plural, +[3790.86 --> 3792.12] bind or loose in heaven +[3792.12 --> 3792.88] will be bound +[3792.88 --> 3794.14] and loosed on earth +[3794.14 --> 3794.84] here as well. +[3795.02 --> 3796.24] That's the sort of authority +[3796.24 --> 3797.96] that Jesus entrusts +[3797.96 --> 3799.54] his body with. +[3801.46 --> 3802.80] But I don't know about you, +[3803.24 --> 3804.70] but when I was reading this +[3804.70 --> 3806.22] and when I was wrestling with it, +[3806.56 --> 3807.62] I sort of cringed. +[3808.06 --> 3809.54] Because as soon as I hear +[3809.54 --> 3810.12] the phrase, +[3810.24 --> 3811.36] authority of the church, +[3811.92 --> 3813.46] I go back to my +[3813.46 --> 3814.76] kind of younger days, +[3815.14 --> 3816.74] having heard of all the conflict +[3816.74 --> 3817.50] that was happening, +[3817.78 --> 3819.02] that has been happening +[3819.02 --> 3820.06] in the church, +[3820.30 --> 3821.50] the wider church community. +[3821.50 --> 3823.00] You know, +[3823.10 --> 3825.12] like I've heard horror stories +[3825.12 --> 3826.68] within church communities +[3826.68 --> 3828.44] of some infamous cases, +[3828.60 --> 3830.02] not everything's like this, +[3830.08 --> 3830.74] and I don't want to paint +[3830.74 --> 3832.28] such a negative picture +[3832.28 --> 3833.42] of like the Korean church, +[3833.82 --> 3835.50] but in some infamous cases, +[3836.72 --> 3837.72] a pastor would like +[3837.72 --> 3839.14] abuse the pulpit here +[3839.14 --> 3840.42] to voice their own +[3840.42 --> 3841.52] personal rebuke +[3841.52 --> 3843.64] against certain individuals +[3843.64 --> 3844.34] or groups. +[3845.64 --> 3847.06] How do you think that went? +[3847.06 --> 3850.44] That would lead to people +[3850.44 --> 3852.16] shouting and screaming +[3852.16 --> 3852.90] at the pastor +[3852.90 --> 3853.84] even in the middle +[3853.84 --> 3854.34] of a sermon. +[3855.72 --> 3857.28] Don't get any ideas now. +[3857.54 --> 3858.32] Like, I don't want to +[3858.32 --> 3859.52] give you guys any ideas +[3859.52 --> 3860.60] to try it out +[3860.60 --> 3861.58] with Pastor Chris +[3861.58 --> 3862.42] or Kevin or anything, +[3862.70 --> 3865.02] but like think of +[3865.02 --> 3866.98] and picture a heated debate +[3866.98 --> 3868.02] in the House of Commons. +[3868.58 --> 3868.68] Right? +[3868.72 --> 3869.56] That's sort of the picture +[3869.56 --> 3870.68] that I grew up with +[3870.68 --> 3872.36] because the authority +[3872.36 --> 3873.02] of the church +[3873.02 --> 3874.12] or authority of a pastor +[3874.12 --> 3874.64] or a leader +[3874.64 --> 3876.18] has been abused. +[3877.06 --> 3878.20] And I think we live +[3878.20 --> 3878.84] in a generation +[3878.84 --> 3880.82] that's kind of reacting +[3880.82 --> 3881.56] against that. +[3883.10 --> 3885.80] But that's exactly why +[3885.80 --> 3888.18] Paul, from Jesus' teaching, +[3888.94 --> 3891.44] says you have to confront +[3891.44 --> 3892.50] a brother or sister +[3892.50 --> 3893.64] with what? +[3894.62 --> 3895.96] With gentleness, +[3896.44 --> 3898.14] with a spirit of gentleness. +[3899.74 --> 3900.66] He says, +[3900.94 --> 3902.38] be careful in your rebuke +[3902.38 --> 3903.40] of sins in the church +[3903.40 --> 3904.92] for fellow brothers and sisters +[3904.92 --> 3907.12] because in that rebuke, +[3907.42 --> 3909.02] you also may be tempted +[3909.02 --> 3909.62] to sin. +[3912.56 --> 3913.64] Is it just me +[3913.64 --> 3914.78] or do you relate +[3914.78 --> 3917.56] that when you get angry, +[3917.94 --> 3919.34] and sometimes rightly so, +[3919.84 --> 3921.10] anger in itself +[3921.10 --> 3921.96] is not a sin. +[3923.22 --> 3924.28] There is such a thing +[3924.28 --> 3925.40] called righteous anger. +[3925.74 --> 3927.04] And against injustice +[3927.04 --> 3928.30] and sin that is happening, +[3928.38 --> 3929.18] we should be angry. +[3929.52 --> 3930.92] We should share in God's heart +[3930.92 --> 3931.82] and mourn +[3931.82 --> 3932.56] and be angry +[3932.56 --> 3933.02] and passionate +[3933.02 --> 3934.44] against the sin +[3934.44 --> 3935.04] and injustice +[3935.04 --> 3935.76] and the brokenness +[3935.76 --> 3936.28] of the world. +[3936.84 --> 3939.08] But in that anger, +[3939.18 --> 3940.48] it is so easy +[3940.48 --> 3941.46] to go across +[3941.46 --> 3942.46] that borderline +[3942.46 --> 3944.58] and sin in that anger +[3944.58 --> 3945.06] as well +[3945.06 --> 3946.14] and say things +[3946.14 --> 3946.64] that maybe +[3946.64 --> 3947.56] we shouldn't have said. +[3948.74 --> 3949.90] That's the warning +[3949.90 --> 3951.34] that Jesus and Paul +[3951.34 --> 3952.44] is teaching us with. +[3953.38 --> 3955.38] In that confrontation, +[3956.04 --> 3956.92] in that careful +[3957.50 --> 3959.14] pointing out of sin, +[3959.14 --> 3960.58] be careful +[3960.58 --> 3961.34] because you might +[3961.34 --> 3962.34] be tempted as well. +[3964.40 --> 3965.36] This is what +[3965.36 --> 3967.10] an early church father said +[3967.10 --> 3968.16] on this point. +[3968.26 --> 3969.10] He says it so well. +[3969.34 --> 3969.74] He said, +[3970.68 --> 3971.24] So then, +[3971.36 --> 3973.16] be neither consenting +[3973.16 --> 3973.74] to evil +[3973.74 --> 3975.28] so as to approve it, +[3975.68 --> 3976.88] nor negligent +[3976.88 --> 3978.74] so as not to reprove it, +[3979.04 --> 3980.10] nor proud +[3980.10 --> 3981.42] so as to reprove it +[3981.42 --> 3982.92] in a tone of insult. +[3984.84 --> 3986.30] This we're talking like +[3986.30 --> 3987.22] way back +[3987.22 --> 3988.30] in early church days. +[3988.30 --> 3989.66] Same struggle, +[3990.20 --> 3991.16] same fight, +[3991.98 --> 3993.30] same seeking forgiveness +[3993.30 --> 3994.14] and living out +[3994.14 --> 3995.04] this Christian identity +[3995.04 --> 3996.28] of shalom +[3996.28 --> 3997.42] and seeking reconciliation +[3997.42 --> 3999.74] because this is hard work. +[4001.32 --> 4002.88] It's much easier +[4002.88 --> 4004.08] to avoid accountability +[4004.08 --> 4005.24] and to avoid +[4005.24 --> 4006.46] reproving somebody's +[4006.46 --> 4007.22] unhealthy patterns. +[4007.70 --> 4008.62] It's much easier +[4008.62 --> 4009.50] to just let them be. +[4010.14 --> 4010.88] That's your life. +[4011.68 --> 4012.40] And think about it. +[4012.80 --> 4013.48] Our culture +[4013.48 --> 4014.18] that we live in, +[4014.36 --> 4016.46] in a very hyper-individualistic culture, +[4016.46 --> 4018.20] that's what's reflected anyways. +[4018.66 --> 4019.34] You do you. +[4019.60 --> 4020.66] You do whatever you want. +[4020.92 --> 4022.42] Just follow your heart. +[4022.82 --> 4023.38] Doesn't matter +[4023.38 --> 4026.58] what the word of God says. +[4027.00 --> 4028.30] Just you do you. +[4028.48 --> 4029.26] That's fine. +[4030.40 --> 4031.34] That's the culture +[4031.34 --> 4032.06] we live in. +[4032.44 --> 4033.36] That's why this is +[4033.36 --> 4034.50] so much more difficult. +[4034.50 --> 4037.26] You don't need me +[4037.26 --> 4038.28] to point out your faults, +[4038.42 --> 4039.20] speak into your life, +[4039.30 --> 4040.98] journey toward growth together. +[4041.28 --> 4042.16] That's the message +[4042.16 --> 4042.82] of the culture. +[4043.10 --> 4043.74] And we all say +[4043.74 --> 4044.98] that's way too much work. +[4045.36 --> 4046.30] Well, just pay the pastors +[4046.30 --> 4047.06] to do that. +[4048.12 --> 4048.56] Sure, +[4048.70 --> 4049.90] it is the job of a pastor. +[4050.90 --> 4052.22] But Paul and Jesus +[4052.22 --> 4053.00] is not writing +[4053.00 --> 4053.90] to one individual, +[4054.16 --> 4055.48] one individual leader +[4055.48 --> 4056.12] in the church. +[4056.24 --> 4056.84] He's writing +[4056.84 --> 4057.96] to the whole church +[4057.96 --> 4059.18] as a body of believers. +[4059.68 --> 4060.42] He, Paul says, +[4060.56 --> 4062.08] carry each other's burdens, +[4062.08 --> 4063.00] not pastor, +[4063.18 --> 4064.14] carry everyone's burdens, +[4064.54 --> 4065.34] point out their faults, +[4065.76 --> 4066.38] journey with them +[4066.38 --> 4067.14] toward growth. +[4067.62 --> 4069.94] This is our identity together +[4069.94 --> 4071.32] as Christians. +[4075.04 --> 4076.16] Dale Bruner, +[4076.26 --> 4076.98] a commentator, +[4077.34 --> 4077.78] he says, +[4078.26 --> 4079.72] real lovelessness, +[4080.38 --> 4081.14] wrong judging, +[4081.58 --> 4082.30] is to drop +[4082.30 --> 4083.46] another person altogether +[4083.46 --> 4084.62] without any attempt +[4084.62 --> 4085.98] at seeking conversations, +[4086.32 --> 4086.68] repentance, +[4086.84 --> 4088.04] or reconciliation at all. +[4088.70 --> 4089.54] But in Jesus' +[4089.78 --> 4091.36] radical teaching of grace, +[4091.36 --> 4092.52] the sinner +[4092.52 --> 4093.66] is taken seriously +[4093.66 --> 4094.38] as a person +[4094.38 --> 4095.10] and is treated +[4095.10 --> 4096.46] as the sequence shows +[4096.46 --> 4097.22] in Matthew 18 +[4097.22 --> 4098.56] with an impressive +[4098.56 --> 4100.04] carefulness. +[4102.02 --> 4103.24] Because in this way, +[4103.38 --> 4103.90] we embody +[4103.90 --> 4105.42] a lifestyle of forgiveness, +[4105.80 --> 4106.54] a way of life +[4106.54 --> 4107.62] that is spirit-led. +[4108.10 --> 4108.78] And when the church +[4108.78 --> 4110.06] disciplines Christians, +[4110.54 --> 4111.42] the church will be +[4111.42 --> 4112.42] more effectively +[4112.42 --> 4113.86] be able to disciple +[4113.86 --> 4115.10] non-Christians. +[4115.54 --> 4116.34] We are witnesses +[4116.34 --> 4117.40] and a glimpse +[4117.40 --> 4118.52] of God's kingdom +[4118.52 --> 4120.30] seeking shalom +[4120.30 --> 4121.88] through a humble, +[4122.12 --> 4123.00] gentle posture +[4123.00 --> 4125.12] of seeking that healing +[4125.12 --> 4125.68] and forgiveness +[4125.68 --> 4126.96] and bearing one another's +[4126.96 --> 4127.78] burdens +[4127.78 --> 4129.74] so that we may grow together. +[4130.18 --> 4131.64] And so that is the invitation +[4131.64 --> 4132.50] for us this morning +[4132.50 --> 4134.36] and maybe for this summer season. +[4135.14 --> 4136.30] Who is someone +[4136.30 --> 4137.96] you care enough about +[4137.96 --> 4139.62] to hold accountable, +[4140.40 --> 4141.92] to name and seek +[4141.92 --> 4143.12] reconciliation with? +[4143.12 --> 4145.34] Who comes to mind +[4145.34 --> 4145.74] for you +[4145.74 --> 4146.40] when this question +[4146.40 --> 4146.92] is asked? +[4148.58 --> 4149.52] And the warning again +[4149.52 --> 4150.90] is to be careful +[4150.90 --> 4151.60] not to sin +[4151.60 --> 4152.76] and fall into temptation, +[4153.24 --> 4154.54] to just hold a grudge +[4154.54 --> 4155.78] or gossip about them. +[4156.72 --> 4157.22] Instead, +[4157.60 --> 4158.62] one step at a time, +[4159.12 --> 4159.80] can you just go +[4159.80 --> 4160.82] grab a coffee with them? +[4162.72 --> 4164.08] Because the good news, +[4164.20 --> 4164.46] again, +[4164.58 --> 4165.56] is that the foundation +[4165.56 --> 4167.08] of where we lean on +[4167.08 --> 4168.32] is that we journey +[4168.32 --> 4169.44] through all of this +[4169.44 --> 4170.20] hard work +[4170.20 --> 4171.30] of seeking reconciliation +[4171.30 --> 4173.46] with the ultimate hope +[4173.46 --> 4174.40] in the forgiver +[4174.40 --> 4175.78] of all of our sins. +[4176.12 --> 4176.90] That's where +[4176.90 --> 4178.24] our foundation lies. +[4180.28 --> 4180.64] Jesus, +[4181.02 --> 4181.94] He is the one +[4181.94 --> 4182.92] who is with us, +[4183.28 --> 4184.54] dwells within us, +[4184.60 --> 4185.58] and empowers us +[4185.58 --> 4186.28] through His Spirit +[4186.28 --> 4188.32] to take those difficult steps +[4188.32 --> 4189.96] to live out our faith. +[4192.96 --> 4194.28] That is our calling. +[4195.42 --> 4197.20] That is our identity. +[4198.22 --> 4199.38] And it is a privilege +[4199.38 --> 4200.72] to live that out together +[4200.72 --> 4202.38] as the body of Christ here. +[4203.08 --> 4204.00] This is my blessing +[4204.00 --> 4205.14] for Emmanuel +[4205.14 --> 4205.88] as we enter +[4205.88 --> 4207.06] into these summer months +[4207.06 --> 4209.30] to seek shalom, +[4209.88 --> 4211.74] to reflect God's kingdom +[4211.74 --> 4212.50] here on earth. +[4213.58 --> 4214.30] Let's pray. +[4221.38 --> 4222.12] Father God, +[4222.18 --> 4222.94] we come before you +[4222.94 --> 4223.52] this morning +[4223.52 --> 4225.48] in gratitude. +[4225.48 --> 4228.06] we thank you +[4228.06 --> 4229.64] for your forgiving heart +[4229.64 --> 4231.70] that although +[4231.70 --> 4233.06] we all fall short, +[4233.90 --> 4235.30] through your grace, +[4235.50 --> 4236.70] we may approach +[4236.70 --> 4237.82] your throne of grace, +[4238.64 --> 4240.44] that we are saved +[4240.44 --> 4241.80] through your grace. +[4243.12 --> 4244.06] We thank you +[4244.06 --> 4245.06] for this good news. +[4245.42 --> 4246.14] We thank you +[4246.14 --> 4247.04] for granting us +[4247.04 --> 4247.66] that forgiveness. +[4248.24 --> 4248.70] And Lord, +[4249.02 --> 4250.18] we pray that you +[4250.18 --> 4250.98] would guide us +[4250.98 --> 4253.20] and you would empower us +[4253.20 --> 4254.82] to do this hard work +[4254.82 --> 4255.46] of reflecting +[4255.46 --> 4257.38] our Christian identities +[4257.38 --> 4258.48] to forgive +[4258.48 --> 4259.22] as those +[4259.22 --> 4260.10] who have been forgiven. +[4261.46 --> 4262.62] I pray for +[4262.62 --> 4263.60] our relationships, +[4264.44 --> 4265.26] relationships +[4265.26 --> 4266.38] with one another +[4266.38 --> 4267.32] within the church, +[4267.84 --> 4268.82] relationship with you, +[4269.60 --> 4270.42] relationship with +[4270.42 --> 4271.32] ourselves, +[4271.94 --> 4273.92] that we may be able +[4273.92 --> 4274.44] to forgive +[4274.44 --> 4275.70] and seek reconciliation +[4275.70 --> 4276.64] and shalom. +[4278.06 --> 4278.28] Lord, +[4278.32 --> 4278.74] guide us +[4278.74 --> 4279.54] through your spirit +[4279.54 --> 4281.04] that we may glimpse +[4281.04 --> 4281.72] a little bit +[4281.72 --> 4282.64] of what your kingdom +[4282.64 --> 4283.18] is like +[4283.18 --> 4284.40] here on earth +[4284.40 --> 4285.20] as it is in heaven. +[4286.24 --> 4287.48] May we be empowered +[4287.48 --> 4288.36] to be witnesses +[4288.36 --> 4290.00] for those around us, +[4290.12 --> 4291.04] for our communities, +[4292.04 --> 4294.08] that we may be light +[4294.08 --> 4295.64] that shines brightly +[4295.64 --> 4296.26] in the darkness, +[4296.90 --> 4297.84] that we may reflect +[4297.84 --> 4299.42] your loving goodness +[4299.42 --> 4300.00] for the world. +[4301.30 --> 4301.86] We thank you +[4301.86 --> 4302.78] for this good news +[4302.78 --> 4303.60] and in Jesus' name +[4303.60 --> 4303.98] we pray. +[4304.98 --> 4305.28] Amen. +[4309.54 --> 4328.58] Great is your faithfulness, +[4328.58 --> 4329.80] O God. +[4332.74 --> 4337.08] You wrestle with the sinner's +[4337.08 --> 4338.74] restless heart. +[4338.74 --> 4344.56] beauty as my still water +[4344.56 --> 4346.74] brings into mercy +[4346.74 --> 4353.70] when nothing can keep us apart. +[4355.76 --> 4359.82] So remember your people, +[4359.82 --> 4363.72] remember your children, +[4363.72 --> 4367.94] remember your promise, +[4368.18 --> 4369.54] O God. +[4371.54 --> 4374.72] Your grace is enough, +[4374.72 --> 4378.72] Your grace is enough, +[4378.72 --> 4384.72] Your grace is enough for me. +[4384.72 --> 4391.72] You lead us in the song of your salvation, +[4391.72 --> 4398.62] You lead us in the song of your salvation, +[4398.62 --> 4400.30] the strong +[4400.30 --> 4406.52] You lead us in the song +[4406.52 --> 4408.54] of your salvation +[4408.54 --> 4413.38] And all your people +[4413.38 --> 4415.60] sing along +[4415.60 --> 4419.46] So remember +[4419.46 --> 4421.46] your people +[4421.46 --> 4425.38] Remember your children +[4425.38 --> 4429.52] Remember your promise +[4429.52 --> 4431.14] O God +[4431.14 --> 4436.68] Your grace is enough +[4436.68 --> 4440.46] Your grace is enough +[4440.46 --> 4444.22] Your grace is enough +[4444.22 --> 4446.40] for me +[4446.40 --> 4451.92] Your grace is enough +[4451.92 --> 4455.76] Heaven reaches out to us +[4455.76 --> 4459.46] Your grace is enough +[4459.46 --> 4461.62] for me +[4461.62 --> 4467.04] Your grace is enough +[4467.04 --> 4470.82] I'm covering your love +[4470.82 --> 4474.62] Your grace is enough +[4474.62 --> 4476.84] for me +[4476.84 --> 4493.00] Amen +[4493.00 --> 4496.90] So receive this parting blessing +[4496.90 --> 4500.28] May the grace of the Lord +[4500.28 --> 4501.26] Jesus Christ +[4501.26 --> 4502.76] and the love of God +[4502.76 --> 4503.70] and the fellowship +[4503.70 --> 4504.78] of the Holy Spirit +[4504.78 --> 4506.04] be with you all +[4506.04 --> 4506.90] as we continue +[4506.90 --> 4507.68] to live out +[4507.68 --> 4508.40] our identity +[4508.40 --> 4510.02] as people of God +[4510.02 --> 4511.86] people who seek shalom +[4511.86 --> 4513.50] All God's people said +[4513.50 --> 4514.82] Amen +[4514.82 --> 4534.40] As you go +[4534.40 --> 4535.28] may you know +[4535.28 --> 4536.58] the love of Christ +[4536.58 --> 4538.72] How do you walk +[4538.72 --> 4540.70] how high and wide +[4540.70 --> 4543.02] As you need +[4543.02 --> 4543.84] may you see +[4543.84 --> 4545.14] in Christ +[4545.14 --> 4547.30] And find His death +[4547.30 --> 4550.00] to be your life +[4550.00 --> 4551.62] May you go +[4551.62 --> 4552.70] in the love +[4552.70 --> 4554.46] of your Father God +[4554.46 --> 4555.82] May you go +[4555.82 --> 4557.84] in the grace of Christ +[4557.84 --> 4560.08] May you go +[4560.08 --> 4561.10] in the power +[4561.10 --> 4562.96] of the Spirit now +[4562.96 --> 4592.94] May you go +[4592.94 --> 4593.68] May you go +[4593.68 --> 4594.70] in the power +[4594.70 --> 4596.52] of the Spirit now +[4596.52 --> 4598.08] To bring you glory +[4598.08 --> 4600.10] with your love +[4600.10 --> 4602.00] As you go +[4602.00 --> 4602.86] may you show +[4602.86 --> 4604.10] His heart to bless +[4604.10 --> 4606.34] No one to bless +[4606.34 --> 4608.24] with blind and lost +[4608.24 --> 4610.42] As you need +[4610.42 --> 4611.18] may you be +[4611.18 --> 4612.44] in the light of Christ +[4612.44 --> 4614.66] And show our hope +[4614.66 --> 4617.64] is in the cross +[4617.64 --> 4618.82] May you go +[4618.82 --> 4619.82] in love +[4619.82 --> 4621.62] of your Father God +[4621.62 --> 4622.96] May you go +[4622.96 --> 4624.96] with the grace of Christ +[4624.96 --> 4626.96] May you go +[4626.96 --> 4628.06] in the power +[4628.06 --> 4629.80] of the Spirit now +[4629.80 --> 4631.42] To bring you glory +[4631.42 --> 4633.08] with your life +[4633.08 --> 4635.32] May you go +[4635.32 --> 4636.30] in love +[4636.30 --> 4638.14] of your Father God +[4638.14 --> 4639.50] May you go +[4639.50 --> 4641.46] in the grace of Christ +[4641.46 --> 4643.72] May you go +[4643.72 --> 4672.94] May you go +[4673.72 --> 4703.70] Thank you. +[4703.72 --> 4733.70] Thank you. +[4733.72 --> 4763.70] Thank you. +[4763.72 --> 4793.70] Thank you. diff --git a/Sunday Worship, June 16, 2024_summary.txt b/Sunday Worship, June 16, 2024_summary.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000000000000000000000000000000000000..43b403f3b82b35b792158a2553804c8a8877966b --- /dev/null +++ b/Sunday Worship, June 16, 2024_summary.txt @@ -0,0 +1,87 @@ +• Making diamonds out of dust +• Being accepted and loved for who you are, not who you ought to be +• Feeling guilty and ashamed, but being forgiven and set free +• God's love making us more than enough and giving us a reason to sing +• Living like we're loved, valued, and free in God's grace +• Miracles and God's power +• Struggling with feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt +• Receiving love and strength from God despite difficult circumstances +• Celebrating Father's Day, acknowledging both joy and difficulty in relationships with fathers and children +• Announcements about church events and Pastor Chris's absence at Synod +• Baby Bottle Campaign: returns due by the end of the service +• Food Bank Drive: July 7th collection, July 13th return and community event +• Congregational meeting and barbecue: next Sunday +• Children's Worship Time volunteers needed for summer schedule +• Seeking coordinator to replace Amy, who is stepping down in September +• God's greeting from Revelation chapter 1 +• Praise and worship of Jesus Christ as the faithful witness and ruler of the kings of the earth +• Psalm-like declaration of dependence on God, comparing Him to a rock and salvation +• Turning to God in times of need, finding strength and hope +• Praises to God for salvation and His sovereignty +• Confession of sin and seeking forgiveness +• Discussion of 1 Peter 2 regarding various sins and growth in salvation +• The concept of being living stones chosen by God and built into a spiritual house +• Quotes from Scripture referencing the stone in Zion and its significance to believers +• Prayers for purity and holiness, including requests to be cleansed from sin and made holy +• Discussion of holiness as a fire or light that makes one holy and perfect in heart +• Reference to the blood of Jesus and its role in making one holy and renewing them +• Explanation of World Renew's refugee sponsorship and resettlement efforts +• Call for giving to support these efforts and other church activities +• Discussion of God's righteousness as justification +• Explanation of what a hike is and the importance of staying on a path while hiking +• Analogy between Jesus being the path to follow in life and staying on a marked path during a hike +• Introduction to children's worship theme: following Jesus as our path +• Praying for blessings and thanksgiving +• Thanking God for the sun, rain, and abundant gifts +• Expressing gratitude for salvation through Jesus Christ +• Asking for strength, faith, health, and joy for dads on Father's Day +• Praying for those struggling with absence, loss, or strained relationships with their fathers +• Requesting comfort and peace for the DeGroote family +• Praying for healing and recovery for Faye Shonit and Kobe DeBorsap +• Thanking God for good news regarding Everly's health scans +• Asking for wisdom and guidance for doctors and medical professionals +• Praying for teachers, students, and upcoming Synod meetings in Grand Rapids, Michigan +• Requesting protection and blessings for the church family +• Discussion on deviating from a previous series on Romans due to schedule constraints +• Mention of lectionary guidelines for selecting Bible passages +• Explanation of Ezekiel chapter 17 as a passage that fits the theme of Father's Day, featuring eagles +• Reading and explanation of Ezekiel 17:1-24 as an allegory about the king of Babylon and his treaty with Jerusalem +• Interpretation of the passage as a warning against rebelling against God's plans and treaties +• The passage from Ezekiel is about God using Babylon as an instrument of judgment for Judah's sins +• Israel was split into two nations, Israel and Judah, around 330 years before the events described in Ezekiel +• Israel was destroyed by Assyria in 721 BC, while Judah was eventually conquered by Babylon in 597 BC and its people were taken captive to Babylon +• Ezekiel is a prophet who wrote his book during this time of exile, warning God's people that their punishment is part of God's plan +• The passage from Ezekiel includes a parable about a vine planted by an eagle, which grows towards another eagle but withers and dies because it looked away from its original roots +• The parable is meant to illustrate how Judah will be punished for looking away from God and towards other nations (represented by the second eagle) +• The two eagles represent Babylon and Egypt, with Jerusalem (Judah) being the vine they both seek to control +• The parable explains how Babylon took the topmost shoot of Jerusalem's cedar tree, representing King Zedekiah and Judah's nobles, bringing them back to Babylon as a puppet state +• The vine's growth is limited by its dependence on Babylon, and it withers when looking towards Egypt for help +• God warns through Ezekiel that attempting to rebel against Babylon or seeking help from Egypt will end in destruction +• The parable was likely written around 590 BC during the sixth year of Judah's exile in Babylon +• King Zedekiah, the puppet king of Judah, is warned that he will fail and be destroyed for breaking his treaty with Nebuchadnezzar and seeking help from Egypt. +• Zedekiah's disobedience and reliance on Egypt +• Babylonian siege of Jerusalem and its consequences +• God's plan to use Babylon as an instrument +• Promise of a new cedar, symbolizing Israel's restoration +• Tree and vine imagery in Scripture, including Jesus as the true vine +• Kingdom of God as branches or a tree +• Jesus' role in salvation and redemption +• The promise in Ezekiel 17 is fulfilled through Jesus' life, death, and resurrection +• Believers are already redeemed and do not need to fear judgment +• God's plan always plays out, but the context of Israel's exile does not apply to Christians +• Christians choose to live in "exile" from the world, remaining in Christ and bearing fruit for Him +• 1 Peter emphasizes that believers are called to live as exiles, abstaining from worldly desires and living good lives among non-believers +• The choice to be grafted into Jesus is a voluntary decision, rather than a punishment or judgment +• Jesus' life, death, and resurrection have changed everything +• God's plan to save and redeem creation has been played out through history +• Believers are saved and grafted into the vine, bearing fruit for Jesus' name +• Responding in obedience is essential as part of God's kingdom plan +• Sharing God's love with others through actions and words is crucial +• The promises of God's love and salvation should be remembered and relied upon +• Prayer partners and community outreach efforts are available. +• The lyrics of a song about the power and love of Christ +• God's power to overcome sin and death +• Salvation through faith in Christ +• Protection from hell and man's schemes +• The singer's gratitude for Christ's love and protection +• Repetition of thank you's at varying time stamps \ No newline at end of file diff --git a/Sunday Worship, June 16, 2024_transcript.txt b/Sunday Worship, June 16, 2024_transcript.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000000000000000000000000000000000000..d9b9693c357692ae47eeac9fddd0a479ffdff3f7 --- /dev/null +++ b/Sunday Worship, June 16, 2024_transcript.txt @@ -0,0 +1,1055 @@ +[0.00 --> 5.00] Making diamonds out of dust +[5.00 --> 8.00] I won't be afraid to shine +[8.00 --> 13.00] I won't be afraid to shine +[13.00 --> 16.00] I won't be afraid to shine +[16.84 --> 21.32] Cause he's making diamonds out of dust +[21.32 --> 26.06] Making diamonds out of dust +[30.00 --> 35.00] Making diamonds out of dust +[35.00 --> 50.00] I want you as you are, not as you ought to be +[50.00 --> 55.00] Won't you lay down your guard and come to me +[55.00 --> 60.00] The shame that grips you now is crippling +[60.00 --> 66.00] It breaks my heart to see you suffering +[66.00 --> 69.00] Cause I am for you +[69.00 --> 73.00] I'm not against you +[73.00 --> 78.00] If you wanna know how far my love can go +[78.00 --> 82.00] Just how deep, just how wide +[82.00 --> 86.00] If you wanna see how much you mean to me +[86.00 --> 89.00] Look at my hands, look at my side +[89.00 --> 95.00] If you could count the times and say you are forgiven +[95.00 --> 99.00] It's more than the drops in the ocean +[106.00 --> 111.00] Don't think you need to settle for a substitute +[112.00 --> 116.00] When I'm the only love that changes you +[116.00 --> 117.00] And I am for you +[117.00 --> 118.00] And I am for you +[118.00 --> 119.00] And I am for you +[120.00 --> 122.00] I'm not against you +[123.00 --> 126.00] I am for you +[127.00 --> 129.00] I'm not against you +[129.00 --> 135.00] If you wanna know how far my love can go +[135.00 --> 137.00] Just how deep, just how wide +[137.00 --> 138.00] Just how wide +[138.00 --> 139.00] Just how wide +[139.00 --> 142.00] If you wanna see how much you mean to me +[142.00 --> 144.00] Look at my hands, look at my side +[144.00 --> 148.00] If you could count the times and say you are forgiven +[148.00 --> 150.00] It's more than the drops in the ocean +[150.00 --> 154.00] Drops in the ocean +[154.00 --> 158.00] Drops in the ocean +[158.00 --> 164.00] Open your heart +[164.00 --> 167.00] It's time that we start again +[167.00 --> 171.00] Open your heart +[171.00 --> 174.00] It's time that we start again +[174.00 --> 175.00] Open your heart +[175.00 --> 177.00] It's time that we start again +[178.00 --> 180.00] If you wanna know how far my love can go +[180.00 --> 184.00] Just how deep, just how wide +[184.00 --> 188.48] If you want to see how much you mean to me +[188.48 --> 191.78] Look at my hands, look at my side +[191.78 --> 197.48] If you could count the times that day you are forgiven +[197.48 --> 200.94] It's more than the drops in the ocean +[200.94 --> 208.32] The drops in the ocean +[214.00 --> 221.26] I am for you, I'm not against you +[221.26 --> 228.86] I am for you, I'm not against you +[244.00 --> 250.76] You're not the only one who feels like this +[250.76 --> 254.52] Feeling like you lose more than you win +[254.52 --> 258.64] Like life is just an endless hill you climb +[258.64 --> 263.02] You try and try, but never arrive +[263.02 --> 266.04] I'm telling you something +[266.04 --> 268.04] This racing, this running +[268.04 --> 270.78] Oh, you're working way too hard +[270.78 --> 274.02] And this perfection you're chasing +[274.02 --> 276.14] It's just energy wasted +[276.14 --> 278.82] Cause he loves you like you are +[278.82 --> 282.26] So go ahead and live like you're loved +[282.26 --> 286.84] It's okay to act like you've been set free +[286.84 --> 290.30] His love has made you more than enough +[290.30 --> 295.06] So go ahead and be who he made you to be +[295.06 --> 297.78] And live like you're loved +[297.78 --> 303.24] Live like you're loved +[303.24 --> 307.24] Live like you're loved +[307.24 --> 310.04] Live like you're loved +[310.04 --> 314.10] And live like you know you're valuable +[314.10 --> 318.60] Like you know the one that holds your soul +[318.60 --> 322.78] Cause mercy has called you by your name +[322.78 --> 327.08] Don't be afraid to live in that grace +[327.08 --> 330.02] Oh, I'm telling you something +[330.02 --> 332.24] This God we believe in +[332.24 --> 334.74] Yeah, he changed everything +[334.74 --> 337.88] No more guilt, no more shame +[337.88 --> 339.86] He took all that away +[339.86 --> 343.06] Gave us a reason to sing +[343.06 --> 346.24] So go ahead and live like you're loved +[346.24 --> 350.84] It's okay to act like you've been set free +[350.84 --> 354.30] His love has made you more than enough +[354.30 --> 359.06] So go ahead and be who he made you to be +[359.06 --> 362.70] And live like you're loved +[362.70 --> 365.70] Live like you're loved +[365.70 --> 371.16] Live like you're loved +[371.16 --> 375.16] Live like you're loved +[375.16 --> 377.16] Live like you're loved +[377.16 --> 379.04] Walk like you're free +[379.04 --> 383.06] Stand like you know who he made you to be +[383.06 --> 385.16] Live like you're loved +[385.16 --> 387.04] Like you believe +[387.04 --> 391.08] His love is all that you'll ever need +[391.08 --> 394.26] So go ahead and live like you're loved +[394.26 --> 402.30] His love has made you more than enough +[402.30 --> 410.24] So go ahead and live like you're loved +[410.24 --> 414.92] It's okay to act like you've been set free +[414.92 --> 418.58] His love has made you more than enough +[418.58 --> 423.12] So go ahead and be who he made you to be +[423.12 --> 426.12] And live like you're loved +[426.12 --> 427.10] And live like you're loved +[427.10 --> 431.10] Live like you're loved +[431.10 --> 439.74] Live like you're loved +[439.74 --> 441.16] Live like you're loved +[441.16 --> 443.06] Walk like you're free +[443.06 --> 447.04] Stand like you know who he made you to be +[447.04 --> 449.16] Live like you're loved +[449.16 --> 455.10] Like you believe, his love is all that you'll ever need +[455.10 --> 457.34] A man like your love +[457.34 --> 487.32] A man like your love +[487.34 --> 489.38] And you're holding on +[489.38 --> 492.12] But feel like you're falling +[492.12 --> 495.56] With every option exhausted +[495.56 --> 499.70] You tried everything you know +[499.70 --> 504.22] You saw light then you lost it +[504.22 --> 507.34] But there is still hope +[507.34 --> 511.26] Like the fire in the night +[511.26 --> 515.20] Like the ocean parted wide +[515.20 --> 519.02] Like the grave empty inside +[519.02 --> 523.04] You will see he's still dead +[523.04 --> 524.52] Miracles +[524.52 --> 526.52] Miracles +[526.52 --> 528.34] Miracles +[528.34 --> 530.34] Miracles +[530.34 --> 534.54] Even if you don't see it now +[534.54 --> 536.24] Without a doubt +[536.24 --> 538.94] He's already moving +[538.94 --> 542.46] There's not a pain that you hold +[542.46 --> 544.06] He doesn't know +[544.06 --> 546.78] And he isn't using +[546.78 --> 550.20] With every option exhausted +[550.20 --> 554.44] You tried everything you know +[554.44 --> 559.04] So reach for something beyond it +[559.04 --> 561.96] Cause he is our hope +[561.96 --> 565.88] Like the fire in the night +[565.88 --> 569.82] Like the ocean parted wide +[569.82 --> 573.64] Like the grave empty inside +[573.64 --> 577.62] You will see he's still dead +[577.62 --> 579.14] Miracles +[579.14 --> 581.48] Miracles +[581.48 --> 582.96] Miracles +[582.96 --> 584.96] Miracles +[584.96 --> 586.96] Miracles +[586.96 --> 588.64] Miracles +[588.64 --> 590.96] Miracles +[590.96 --> 592.96] Miracles +[592.96 --> 594.96] Miracles +[595.46 --> 595.74] Miracles +[595.74 --> 596.46] Intro +[596.74 --> 598.40] Miracles +[598.48 --> 599.34] Miracles +[599.34 --> 600.36] Miracles +[600.36 --> 600.82] Miracles +[600.82 --> 600.98] Miracles +[600.98 --> 601.84] Miracles +[601.84 --> 602.68] Miracles +[602.68 --> 603.46] Miracles +[603.46 --> 603.86] Miracles +[603.86 --> 604.28] Miracles +[604.28 --> 604.98] Miracles +[604.98 --> 606.86] Miracles +[606.86 --> 607.88] Miracles +[607.88 --> 608.88] Miracles +[608.88 --> 610.78] Miracles +[610.78 --> 611.28] Miracles +[611.28 --> 612.86] Miracles +[612.86 --> 614.76] Miracles +[614.76 --> 615.38] Miracles +[615.38 --> 616.80] Miracles +[616.92 --> 619.10] Miracles +[619.10 --> 620.78] Miracles +[620.78 --> 621.14] Miracles +[621.14 --> 622.08] Miracles +[622.08 --> 629.08] You will see he still does miracles +[629.08 --> 639.08] He still does +[639.08 --> 642.08] He still does +[642.08 --> 646.08] You're the new can't I dream +[646.08 --> 650.08] More than you have nothing +[650.08 --> 654.08] Destination +[654.08 --> 656.08] Destination +[656.08 --> 660.08] Miracle +[680.08 --> 690.08] Destination +[690.08 --> 700.08] I keep fighting voices in my mind that say I'm not enough +[700.08 --> 710.08] Every single lie that tells me I will never measure +[710.08 --> 720.08] Love +[720.08 --> 724.08] Am I more than just the sum of every high and every low +[724.08 --> 738.08] Remind me once again just who I am because I need to know +[738.08 --> 748.08] You say I'm loved when I can't feel a thing +[748.08 --> 756.08] You say I'm strong when I think I'm weak +[756.08 --> 762.08] Good morning everyone +[762.08 --> 766.08] Welcome to Langley Emanuel CRC this morning +[766.08 --> 769.08] It's good to see that this section showed up today +[769.08 --> 772.08] We'll see if the other sections come too +[772.08 --> 775.08] Happy Father's Day to everyone out there +[775.08 --> 779.08] We are so grateful and thankful for all of you dads out there +[779.08 --> 781.08] So a special Father's Day to you +[781.08 --> 784.08] We know that this is a very exciting day and a fun day for so many +[784.08 --> 788.08] We also pray alongside of many of you where this is a difficult day +[788.08 --> 792.08] We know that Father's Day brings a lot of different contexts with families +[792.08 --> 794.08] There are people who have lost dads +[794.08 --> 795.08] There's dads who have lost kids +[795.08 --> 799.08] There's people who have strained relationships with their fathers as well +[799.08 --> 800.08] And we are praying for you +[800.08 --> 801.08] We are here for you as well +[801.08 --> 807.08] We pray that today is a day that God our Father brings you a sense of peace as well +[808.08 --> 811.08] I'm going to go through a couple of announcements this morning +[811.08 --> 813.08] I'm going to invite Brenda Elkema up for it +[813.08 --> 815.08] She's got an announcement or two as well +[815.08 --> 817.08] Before you get to my announcements +[817.08 --> 821.08] Pastor Chris is not here today because he is at Synod +[821.08 --> 823.08] At Synod this week +[823.08 --> 825.08] And so he is in Grand Rapids doing that +[825.08 --> 829.08] And so my name if I didn't introduce myself is Kevin +[829.08 --> 832.08] I'm the youth pastor here and that's why I am up here right now +[832.08 --> 834.08] So I'm going to throw it over to Brenda Elkema +[834.08 --> 838.08] And she's going to have a couple of announcements on behalf of the Deacons +[839.08 --> 841.08] Good morning and welcome here +[841.08 --> 844.08] Yes, I have a couple of announcements from the Deacons +[844.08 --> 850.08] One is today is sort of officially our last day for the Baby Bottle Campaign +[850.08 --> 852.08] For the Hope for Women +[852.08 --> 856.08] You can return them if you have them with you +[856.08 --> 858.08] You can return them to me +[858.08 --> 861.08] I'll be in the back at the Connect booth after the service +[861.08 --> 865.08] If you forgot or anything like that, that's fine +[865.08 --> 866.08] We've got next week +[866.08 --> 871.08] If you'd still like to take a bottle today and fill it and return it next week +[871.08 --> 872.08] That's possible too +[872.08 --> 874.08] So come and see me afterwards +[874.08 --> 879.08] The other announcement I have has to do with our annual +[879.08 --> 881.08] It's become an annual +[881.08 --> 886.08] Food Bank Drive that we've done the last couple of years in July +[886.08 --> 890.08] It's a time for the Food Bank that they can really use our support +[890.08 --> 892.08] They've really appreciated it +[892.08 --> 898.08] And we've set the date this year for July the 7th +[898.08 --> 907.08] Sunday July the 7th will be the day that we go out and we hand out grocery bags to our neighborhood +[907.08 --> 909.08] Around here in Murrayville +[909.08 --> 913.08] There will be routes, maps, all of that sort of thing +[913.08 --> 918.08] You will be, maybe should be contacted by your elder +[918.08 --> 920.08] I know all the elders don't know that yet +[920.08 --> 922.08] But you're getting an email too +[922.08 --> 929.08] To just gather some of those from your district to be able to hand out the grocery bags +[929.08 --> 932.08] Then on July the 13th, the following Saturday +[932.08 --> 936.08] We will have our community event +[936.08 --> 940.08] Where people can bring back their filled grocery bags +[940.08 --> 944.08] And we'll have a pancake breakfast and activity stations +[944.08 --> 946.08] That's where you all come in +[946.08 --> 954.08] I have and will have in the back church a sign up for you to put your name and phone number +[954.08 --> 960.08] For any event, any part of that event that you would be able to help out with +[960.08 --> 967.08] There's set up, there's clean up, there's pancake flippers that we need +[967.08 --> 969.08] There's a welcome booth +[969.08 --> 974.08] We need some people to drive, like to pick up the bouncy castle +[974.08 --> 977.08] And then there's activity stations as well +[977.08 --> 979.08] So if you're able to help out, that would be great +[979.08 --> 981.08] I'll put these at the Connect booth as well +[981.08 --> 982.08] Thanks +[982.08 --> 988.08] A couple more announcements this morning +[988.08 --> 991.08] Next week Sunday, the 23rd +[991.08 --> 994.08] You're all invited to stay following the AM service +[994.08 --> 997.08] We're going to have a very brief, I've seen the agenda +[997.08 --> 998.08] Congregational meeting +[998.08 --> 1001.08] And then a very exciting barbecue as well +[1001.08 --> 1003.08] So come stay for a barbecue lunch +[1003.08 --> 1004.08] Stay for a congregational meeting +[1004.08 --> 1006.08] We've got to give the thumbs up to some finances +[1006.08 --> 1008.08] That should be a fun Sunday as well +[1008.08 --> 1010.08] So please stick around for that +[1010.08 --> 1013.08] Finally, on behalf of Children's Worship Time +[1013.08 --> 1015.08] We are looking for a little bit of help +[1015.08 --> 1019.08] The final Sunday of our regular schedule for Children's Worship Time on Sunday +[1019.08 --> 1021.08] Is coming to an end in a couple weeks +[1021.08 --> 1023.08] And then we're going to hit summer mode +[1023.08 --> 1025.08] And in order for summer Children's Worship Time to happen +[1025.08 --> 1027.08] For our younger kids +[1027.08 --> 1030.08] We're looking for a number of teachers out there as well +[1030.08 --> 1033.08] I think we're still in need of like 13 people to sign up for a Sunday +[1033.08 --> 1035.08] So if you can do that, that's all found online +[1035.08 --> 1037.08] It's also at the back at the Children's Worship booth +[1037.08 --> 1039.08] Or you can talk to me, or you can talk to Amy +[1039.08 --> 1040.08] Or you can talk to Amy +[1040.08 --> 1041.08] She's waving through the glass +[1041.08 --> 1043.08] If you all turned around, you can see her +[1043.08 --> 1044.08] She's waving at everyone +[1044.08 --> 1045.08] It's all very exciting +[1045.08 --> 1047.08] Go talk to her as well +[1047.08 --> 1048.08] Finally, about Amy +[1048.08 --> 1051.08] Amy has been coordinating Children's Worship Time for the past three years +[1051.08 --> 1055.08] But she is looking to step away from the Children's Coordinator position +[1055.08 --> 1057.08] Starting in September +[1057.08 --> 1060.08] And so we are looking for one or two or three people +[1060.08 --> 1063.08] To help coordinate that Children's Worship Time ministry +[1063.08 --> 1066.08] As an added bonus, you get to work with me a little bit +[1066.08 --> 1067.08] So that's fun +[1067.08 --> 1073.08] But we are looking for that to get set up for Sundays in September +[1073.08 --> 1075.08] Amy is happy to help out with some scheduling +[1075.08 --> 1077.08] And do a little bit of a transition with that +[1077.08 --> 1080.08] But if that is an area that you are interested in helping out with +[1080.08 --> 1083.08] Please come speak to me or to Amy +[1083.08 --> 1087.08] And we'd love to have that rolling sooner than later as well +[1087.08 --> 1090.08] I'm going to invite you now to please rise +[1090.08 --> 1095.08] And hear God's greeting for us this Sunday morning +[1095.08 --> 1102.08] God's greeting this morning comes from Revelation chapter 1 +[1102.08 --> 1103.08] Where it says +[1103.08 --> 1105.08] Grace and peace to you +[1105.08 --> 1109.08] From him who is and who was and who is to come +[1109.08 --> 1112.08] And from the seven spirits that are before his throne +[1112.08 --> 1115.08] And from Jesus Christ who is the faithful witness +[1115.08 --> 1117.08] The firstborn of the dead +[1117.08 --> 1120.08] And the ruler of the kings of the earth +[1120.08 --> 1122.08] And all God's people said +[1122.08 --> 1124.08] As God has greeted us this morning +[1124.08 --> 1127.08] Please take a moment to greet those around you +[1150.08 --> 1162.08] And the Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer +[1162.08 --> 1166.08] My God is my rock in whom I take refuge +[1166.08 --> 1168.08] My shield and the horn of my salvation +[1168.08 --> 1172.08] He is my stronghold, my refuge and my savior +[1172.08 --> 1174.08] For who is God besides the Lord +[1174.08 --> 1176.08] And who is the rock except our God +[1176.08 --> 1179.08] The Lord lives, praise be to my rock +[1179.08 --> 1182.08] Exalted be my God, the rock my savior +[1182.08 --> 1187.08] Therefore I will praise you, Lord among the nations +[1187.08 --> 1189.08] I will sing the praises of your name +[1189.08 --> 1191.08] Oder and sing the praise and praise +[1191.08 --> 1192.08] For who is the rock of my salvation +[1192.08 --> 1202.08] Lord of mine, my chia +[1202.08 --> 1206.08] Speak on l exhibited three Societown in the name of His throne +[1206.08 --> 1211.08] The Lord theuine world +[1211.08 --> 1225.08] Praise is rising +[1225.08 --> 1230.08] Eyes are turning to you +[1230.08 --> 1234.08] We turn to you +[1234.08 --> 1240.08] Hope is turning +[1240.08 --> 1244.08] Eyes are turning +[1244.08 --> 1247.08] For you +[1247.08 --> 1251.08] We long for you +[1251.08 --> 1253.08] When we see you +[1253.08 --> 1255.08] We find strength +[1255.08 --> 1259.08] To face the day +[1259.08 --> 1261.08] In your presence +[1261.08 --> 1263.08] All our demons +[1263.08 --> 1265.08] Are washed away +[1265.08 --> 1269.08] Washed away +[1269.08 --> 1273.08] Hosanna +[1273.08 --> 1276.08] Hosanna +[1276.08 --> 1280.08] You are the God who saved us +[1280.08 --> 1284.08] Worthy of all our praises +[1284.08 --> 1288.08] Hosanna +[1288.08 --> 1291.08] Hosanna +[1291.08 --> 1301.08] wis them +[1302.08 --> 1312.08] Hun Chaik +[1312.08 --> 1315.08] If we turn to you +[1317.08 --> 1325.08] In your kingdom broken by dying +[1327.08 --> 1330.08] If you make a new +[1331.08 --> 1337.08] Cause when we see you we find strength to face the day +[1337.08 --> 1344.08] In your presence all our fears are washed away +[1345.08 --> 1348.08] Washed away +[1349.08 --> 1355.08] Hosanna, Hosanna +[1356.08 --> 1359.08] You are the God who saved us +[1360.08 --> 1363.08] Worthy of all our praise to Him +[1363.08 --> 1370.08] Hosanna, Hosanna +[1371.08 --> 1374.08] Now have your way among us +[1375.08 --> 1378.08] We love you in fear, Lord Jesus +[1379.08 --> 1385.08] Hosanna, Hosanna +[1385.08 --> 1389.08] You are the God who saved us +[1390.08 --> 1393.08] Worthy of all our praises +[1394.08 --> 1399.08] Hosanna, Hosanna +[1400.08 --> 1404.08] God have your way among us +[1405.08 --> 1408.08] We love you in fear, Lord Jesus +[1408.08 --> 1410.08] Hosanna +[1411.08 --> 1414.08] Hosanna, Hosanna +[1415.08 --> 1417.08] As a God of all our spirits +[1418.08 --> 1420.08] Hosanna, Hosanna +[1421.08 --> 1423.08] Hosanna, Hosanna +[1424.08 --> 1427.08] Hosanna, Hosanna +[1427.08 --> 1429.08] Hosanna +[1429.08 --> 1431.08] Hosanna, Hosanna +[1431.08 --> 1460.08] From the depths of the sea, from the heights of the heaven, your name be praised. +[1460.08 --> 1481.08] From the hearts of the weak, from the shouts of the strong, from the lips of all people, this song we raise on. +[1481.08 --> 1493.08] Throughout the endless ages, you will be crowned with praises, Lord, most high. +[1493.08 --> 1509.08] Exalted in every nation, sovereign of all creation, Lord, most highly mankind. +[1509.08 --> 1531.08] From the depths of the sea, from the depths of the sea, from the heights of heaven, your name be praised. +[1531.08 --> 1550.08] From the hearts of the weak, from the shouts of the strong, from the lips of all people, this song we raise, Lord. +[1550.08 --> 1562.08] Throughout the endless ages, you will be crowned with praises, Lord, most high. +[1562.08 --> 1576.08] Exalted in every nation, sovereign of all creation, Lord, most high. +[1576.08 --> 1578.08] Be magnified. +[1578.08 --> 1580.08] Be magnified. +[1580.08 --> 1582.08] Be magnified. +[1582.08 --> 1589.08] You may have a seat. +[1589.08 --> 1601.08] In 1 Peter 2, there are words of various sins that each of us can commit at any given time. +[1601.08 --> 1611.08] Deceit, hypocrisy, envy, slander are just a few that are mentioned there. +[1611.08 --> 1620.08] And if we think through our week, I'm sure each of us can be aware of at least one, if not more, that we have committed this week. +[1620.08 --> 1622.08] I know I have. +[1622.08 --> 1625.08] But 1 Peter 2 continues when it says, +[1625.08 --> 1636.08] Like newborn babies crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, now that you have tasted that the Lord is good. +[1636.08 --> 1657.08] As you come to him, the living stone, rejected by humans, but chosen by God and precious to him, you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. +[1657.08 --> 1660.08] For in Scripture it says, +[1660.08 --> 1670.08] See, I lay a stone in Zion, a chosen and precious cornerstone, and the one who trusts in him will never be put to shame. +[1670.08 --> 1674.08] Now to you who believe, this stone is precious. +[1674.08 --> 1686.08] But to those who do not believe, the stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone, and a stone that causes people to stumble and a rock that makes them fall. +[1686.08 --> 1693.08] They stumble because they disobey the message, which is also what they were destined for. +[1693.08 --> 1700.08] Pure and by my heart, let me be a soul. +[1700.08 --> 1707.08] Pure and by my heart, let me be a soul. +[1707.08 --> 1713.58] Pure and by my heart, let me be a soul. +[1713.58 --> 1716.08] Pure and by my heart, let me be a soul. +[1716.08 --> 1723.48] Precious silver, purify my heart. +[1723.48 --> 1732.28] Let me be as gold, pure gold. +[1732.82 --> 1736.90] Reef my dear smile. +[1736.90 --> 1750.80] My heart's one desire is to be holy. +[1752.02 --> 1763.82] Set apart for you, Lord, I choose to be holy. +[1763.82 --> 1776.88] Set apart for you, my Master, ready to do your will. +[1776.88 --> 1786.88] Purify my heart. +[1787.48 --> 1789.88] Cleanse me from within. +[1791.98 --> 1795.10] And make me holy. +[1795.84 --> 1798.88] Purify my heart. +[1798.88 --> 1803.88] Cleanse me from my sin. +[1804.88 --> 1807.88] Deep within. +[1808.88 --> 1812.88] Reef my dear smile. +[1814.88 --> 1825.88] My heart's one desire is to be holy. +[1825.88 --> 1838.88] Set apart for you, Lord, I choose to be holy. +[1838.88 --> 1850.88] Set apart for you, my Master, ready to do your will. +[1850.88 --> 1863.70] Please stand with us together as we continue to hear words from 1 Peter 2. +[1863.70 --> 1867.50] Where he goes on and says, +[1867.70 --> 1875.18] But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God's special possession, +[1875.56 --> 1881.50] that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. +[1882.38 --> 1886.78] Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God. +[1886.78 --> 1892.40] Once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy. +[1892.40 --> 1897.40] Lord, yes, is your life in me, making me queen through your love. +[1897.40 --> 1921.40] Holiness is your fire in me, making me queen through your love. +[1921.40 --> 1931.40] Holiness is your fire in me, perfect in my heart like a flower. +[1931.40 --> 1941.40] I know you are perfect in holiness. +[1941.40 --> 1948.40] Holiness is your life in yours,citoeness is your life in me. +[1948.40 --> 1952.40] Living твоему, С его ими любит меня. +[1952.40 --> 1959.40] Только ты лай на газ� в Фурусную господио crippс bacterial пinta. +[1959.40 --> 1966.40] ilty +[1989.40 --> 1998.24] Making me holy, holy the blood of Jesus. +[2002.44 --> 2010.62] Holiness is your light in me, making me clean through your blood. +[2010.62 --> 2019.92] Holiness is your fire in me, purging my heart like a flood. +[2022.32 --> 2030.12] I know you are perfect in holiness. +[2030.12 --> 2040.42] Holiness is your light in me, setting me free, making me holy. +[2041.64 --> 2048.36] Holiness is your blood of Jesus, covered all of my sins. +[2050.36 --> 2059.20] Holiness is your blood of Jesus, renews me from within. +[2060.12 --> 2068.12] Your blood is enough, your mercy complete. +[2070.04 --> 2078.12] Your worth of atonement, gave all my debts, making me holy. +[2080.12 --> 2084.86] Holy the blood of Jesus. +[2090.12 --> 2102.00] Good morning again. +[2102.00 --> 2103.00] Thank you. +[2103.00 --> 2104.00] Thank you. +[2104.00 --> 2110.24] This morning we continue our worship with the giving of our gifts and for the budget of +[2110.24 --> 2111.22] Emanuel Church here. +[2111.22 --> 2117.60] Our special offering today is for World Renew, the refugee sponsorship and resettlement. +[2118.60 --> 2124.40] Just to make a clarification, there is the World Renew refugee sponsorship and resettlement, +[2124.66 --> 2130.52] and there is also a Langley Emanuel refugee sponsorship. +[2130.52 --> 2134.62] This is for the World Renew, just to be clear there. +[2135.62 --> 2142.50] Since 1979, World Renew has partnered with churches, other faith-based organizations and sponsoring groups +[2142.50 --> 2148.54] to respond to the needs of refugees around the world and has successfully sponsored and resettled +[2148.54 --> 2151.14] more than 11,000 refugees to Canada. +[2151.14 --> 2154.14] No one is a refugee by choice. +[2154.74 --> 2160.28] Inspired by scripture and God's love for all, World Renew is committed to helping families +[2160.28 --> 2162.00] rebuild their lives with dignity. +[2162.96 --> 2168.32] Sponsorship and resettlement provides refugees with protection and a hope for the future. +[2169.08 --> 2174.80] It's a way of putting faith into action that can change lives, those of refugees and those +[2174.80 --> 2176.02] who advocate for them. +[2176.02 --> 2182.10] We are thankful that our church continues to be an active partner with World Renew in bringing +[2182.10 --> 2183.88] hope and love to these families. +[2184.34 --> 2186.14] Let's give as God has blessed us. +[2198.14 --> 2203.84] Your word alone is solid ground +[2203.84 --> 2209.72] The mighty rock on which we build +[2209.72 --> 2214.92] In every line the truth is found +[2214.92 --> 2220.80] And every page where glory fails +[2220.80 --> 2228.38] Through faithful Lord we come to you +[2228.38 --> 2234.00] We have no marriage we can claim +[2234.00 --> 2239.46] Sure that your promise is all true +[2239.46 --> 2245.14] We place our hope in tears of pain +[2245.14 --> 2249.70] Gloria, Gloria +[2249.70 --> 2255.46] Glory to God alone +[2255.46 --> 2258.46] Gloria, Gloria +[2258.46 --> 2260.46] Gloria, Gloria +[2260.46 --> 2266.94] Gloria to God alone +[2266.94 --> 2279.46] In Christ alone we're justified +[2279.46 --> 2281.46] His righteousness is all our cheat +[2281.46 --> 2287.26] His righteousness is all our keep +[2287.26 --> 2288.46] Your lost amen +[2288.46 --> 2289.50] Our satisfied +[2289.50 --> 2290.44] His righteousness is all our keep +[2290.44 --> 2293.98] Your lofty man is all our keep +[2293.98 --> 2294.54] Your lostery man is all our start is wide +[2294.54 --> 2296.58] His perfect work has set us free +[2296.58 --> 2307.58] Gloria, Gloria, glory to God alone. +[2308.80 --> 2318.18] Gloria, Gloria, glory to God alone. +[2326.58 --> 2332.44] By grace alone we have been saved. +[2332.96 --> 2337.72] All that we are has come from you. +[2338.68 --> 2343.68] Hearts that were once by sin enslaved, +[2344.14 --> 2348.78] now by your power has been made new. +[2348.78 --> 2355.78] Gloria, Gloria, glory to God alone. +[2356.58 --> 2369.58] Gloria, Gloria, glory to God alone. +[2369.58 --> 2380.58] Gloria, Gloria, glory to God alone. +[2380.58 --> 2392.58] Gloria, Gloria, glory to God alone. +[2392.58 --> 2404.90] Good morning. +[2405.22 --> 2408.64] My name is Mrs. Nikki, and I'd like to welcome all the kids to come forward, +[2408.78 --> 2411.58] age three all the way up to grade four. +[2411.58 --> 2421.84] There's just a few of us here right now. +[2422.92 --> 2424.72] You guys get to be extra talkative. +[2425.90 --> 2426.48] Sound good? +[2427.36 --> 2429.70] Before we head off to children's worship time, +[2429.82 --> 2432.58] I wanted to talk a little bit about hiking. +[2433.42 --> 2434.88] Has anyone ever been on a hike? +[2435.68 --> 2436.04] Yeah? +[2436.18 --> 2437.28] A bunch of you have been on a hike? +[2437.28 --> 2437.80] What do you do? +[2437.90 --> 2438.88] What is a hike? +[2438.94 --> 2441.32] In case maybe there are some people who don't know what a hike is. +[2441.74 --> 2442.08] Karis? +[2443.26 --> 2445.10] When you climb up a mountain, yeah? +[2445.28 --> 2447.06] Yes, when you walk in a forest. +[2447.28 --> 2448.28] You walk in a forest? +[2448.82 --> 2449.00] Yeah? +[2449.74 --> 2449.98] Yes. +[2450.34 --> 2451.24] And you bag. +[2451.44 --> 2452.98] You might take a bag, that's right. +[2453.08 --> 2455.20] My dad wants to go down mountain. +[2455.92 --> 2458.34] Oh, yeah, that's kind of like hiking except on a bike, +[2458.52 --> 2459.86] the same area, Malachi? +[2459.86 --> 2459.96] Malachi? +[2459.96 --> 2461.44] You can hike? +[2461.52 --> 2463.96] Well, there's definitely lots of trees in the forest where you're hiking. +[2464.56 --> 2467.56] When you're hiking, usually trying to make it up to, like, +[2467.62 --> 2470.06] maybe the top of a mountain where there's a beautiful view +[2470.06 --> 2473.82] or maybe up to a lake where you can take a little swim +[2473.82 --> 2477.96] or you might just want to enjoy the surroundings as you're going up. +[2479.08 --> 2481.62] When you go hiking, something that's really important +[2481.62 --> 2484.16] is that you stay on the path, right? +[2484.42 --> 2486.18] There's usually a path that you have to follow. +[2486.18 --> 2487.90] Why might you have to stay on the path? +[2489.32 --> 2490.28] Why do we think? +[2490.80 --> 2491.06] Levi? +[2491.06 --> 2491.18] Levi? +[2493.96 --> 2502.62] Oh, because there might be, that's right, +[2502.68 --> 2504.94] there's lots of wild animals that live in the forest. +[2505.00 --> 2506.14] We don't want to run into them. +[2506.32 --> 2507.20] Everly, what do you think? +[2508.20 --> 2509.60] To be safe, definitely. +[2510.24 --> 2510.64] Karis? +[2512.82 --> 2514.78] Yeah, so you go up to the right place in the end. +[2514.84 --> 2516.56] So it's really important to stay on the path. +[2517.12 --> 2519.62] So, yeah, sometimes there is. +[2519.62 --> 2521.42] So as long as you're on the marked path, +[2521.46 --> 2523.96] sometimes there's little, like, little diamonds on the trees +[2523.96 --> 2524.88] so you know where you're going. +[2525.32 --> 2527.94] So in children's worship today, we're going to talk about Jesus +[2527.94 --> 2533.08] and how he is our path, how he is the way, the truth, and the life, +[2533.08 --> 2536.74] and how we need to follow Jesus and stay on his path. +[2536.98 --> 2538.78] So that's going to be our theme today. +[2539.30 --> 2542.56] Before we go, we're going to just stand up and do our blessing, +[2542.56 --> 2544.86] and then we're going to continue our worship. +[2572.56 --> 2576.92] My name is Paul, and I'm an elder here, +[2577.16 --> 2580.92] and I'd like to lead you in our family prayer. +[2585.44 --> 2587.64] I better put my reading glasses on. +[2591.88 --> 2593.00] Let's go to our Father. +[2593.00 --> 2593.04] Father. +[2596.56 --> 2599.84] Holy Father in heaven, we praise your name. +[2599.84 --> 2603.48] We exalt you above all the earth. +[2604.68 --> 2605.60] Holy is your name. +[2606.54 --> 2608.62] We lift your name above all things +[2608.62 --> 2611.76] because you have created everything that we see. +[2613.46 --> 2616.80] Lord, we have the privilege to live in this beautiful place. +[2618.58 --> 2621.50] We only have to look around us to see your handiwork. +[2622.36 --> 2625.66] We give thanks for all this world and its immense beauty, +[2626.20 --> 2627.84] its heights, its depths, +[2627.84 --> 2631.26] the breath of it beyond our knowing. +[2632.36 --> 2634.30] And yet you know it, +[2634.90 --> 2636.42] and you know us. +[2637.38 --> 2638.90] You have made yourself known. +[2640.22 --> 2643.00] For the abundance of the gifts you give us, +[2643.08 --> 2643.70] we thank you. +[2644.52 --> 2648.28] For the sun and the rains that allow the land to flourish, +[2648.44 --> 2649.10] we thank you. +[2650.26 --> 2653.82] Your blessings are poured out on each and every one of us, +[2653.90 --> 2657.20] regardless of what we do and how we live our lives. +[2657.84 --> 2662.42] We thank you that also in times of disappointments and failures +[2662.42 --> 2667.20] that lead us to acknowledge our dependence on you alone. +[2667.20 --> 2673.58] And especially we thank you for your saving grace that you've shown us through your son, +[2673.74 --> 2674.52] Jesus Christ. +[2675.78 --> 2679.52] Open our hearts so that we allow your spirit to lead us, +[2679.72 --> 2682.68] so that we may walk in your ways. +[2682.68 --> 2685.06] With your spirit, +[2685.06 --> 2685.98] help us to pray, +[2685.98 --> 2688.78] because we don't know how to pray what we should, +[2689.84 --> 2693.28] but intercede for us with sighs too deep for words. +[2695.04 --> 2697.66] So, Lord, we come to you now with these petitions. +[2697.66 --> 2701.40] It's Father's Day, +[2701.40 --> 2704.94] and we thank God for the many wonderful dads in our midst. +[2705.72 --> 2706.80] We thank you, +[2707.52 --> 2712.72] and we ask you to bless them for continued strength and faith and health and joy. +[2712.72 --> 2717.16] We also pray for those who struggle with absence, +[2717.68 --> 2718.08] loss, +[2718.26 --> 2720.44] or strained relationships with their fathers. +[2721.44 --> 2724.36] Comfort them in their grief and loneliness. +[2725.50 --> 2731.26] We ask that you will help them remember that you are our perfect father +[2731.26 --> 2733.96] that has unending love and presence. +[2733.96 --> 2740.98] We pray for the DeGroote family as they navigate this weekend without their husband, +[2741.22 --> 2741.62] father, +[2741.82 --> 2742.46] and grandfather, +[2742.64 --> 2742.94] Dennis. +[2743.84 --> 2747.12] We ask you to be near to them during this time of grief. +[2749.52 --> 2751.28] We pray for Faye Shonit, +[2752.22 --> 2755.44] who was in a serious car accident this past Tuesday evening. +[2756.18 --> 2758.68] We thank you that she was not seriously injured +[2758.68 --> 2761.46] and was able to be discharged from the hospital quickly. +[2761.46 --> 2764.92] We ask for complete healing for Faye. +[2767.30 --> 2770.92] We thank you that Kobe DeBorsap is doing quite well +[2770.92 --> 2772.84] considering all that she's been through. +[2773.82 --> 2777.20] We pray that when her chemo treatments are done, +[2777.54 --> 2779.30] that she can go home soon. +[2781.04 --> 2784.78] We pray that the new stem cells will truly help her body. +[2786.62 --> 2790.14] We're thankful, along with Kern and Stephen Varsha, +[2790.14 --> 2792.58] for some good news that they received this week. +[2793.58 --> 2797.18] We praise you that the news of Everly scans have come back clear, +[2797.94 --> 2802.80] and we pray for continued clear scans and the upcoming surgery, +[2803.10 --> 2806.60] for strength on this journey and wisdom for the doctors. +[2806.60 --> 2812.34] We thank you for the opportunities and blessings that you have provided +[2812.34 --> 2814.22] throughout this past school year. +[2814.22 --> 2817.96] As we approach the end of the academic year, +[2818.06 --> 2822.60] we pray for our teachers and students that they may finish well. +[2824.10 --> 2828.00] We also bring before you the meetings of Synod in Grand Rapids, Michigan, +[2828.00 --> 2831.94] where many things are being discussed and decisions are being made +[2831.94 --> 2834.16] for our denomination in North America. +[2834.16 --> 2837.96] We pray for our pastor Chris, +[2838.10 --> 2841.90] as he is doing the work of being a delegate for Synod this year. +[2844.74 --> 2848.18] We ask you for your protection for this church family. +[2849.28 --> 2853.16] We pray you will continue to bless the ongoing ministries of this church, +[2854.54 --> 2855.98] sustain us in the present, +[2856.46 --> 2857.88] and guide us into the future +[2857.88 --> 2861.78] as we hear your will for us this morning +[2861.78 --> 2864.18] through the word preached by Pastor Kevin. +[2865.00 --> 2866.90] Bind us together in Christ. +[2868.44 --> 2870.70] Keep us focused on our purpose +[2870.70 --> 2873.44] and fill us with the Holy Spirit. +[2874.72 --> 2878.12] We pray that we will grow in love and truth +[2878.12 --> 2880.66] and righteousness and peace, +[2881.48 --> 2882.52] hope and faith. +[2882.52 --> 2886.44] Help us to grow in Jesus +[2886.44 --> 2889.18] that we may become more and more like him +[2889.18 --> 2890.70] in character and soul. +[2892.94 --> 2895.82] Fulfill your will and purposes among us. +[2896.90 --> 2898.48] Advance your kingdom through us +[2898.48 --> 2900.96] so that your holy name is glorified. +[2903.24 --> 2905.62] Who are we that we should share +[2905.62 --> 2907.58] in your love and tender care, +[2907.90 --> 2909.50] raised to an exalted height +[2909.50 --> 2912.48] and crowned with honor in your sight? +[2913.48 --> 2915.06] How great is your name! +[2916.08 --> 2917.08] Come quickly, Lord, +[2917.24 --> 2921.32] and bring our redemption to completeness. +[2922.96 --> 2924.92] Gloria, Gloria, +[2925.92 --> 2927.60] glory to God alone. +[2928.82 --> 2931.94] We pray for all these things in your holy name. +[2932.64 --> 2932.92] Amen. +[2942.52 --> 2954.78] Well, last week, +[2954.96 --> 2957.38] we finished our sermon series +[2957.38 --> 2958.64] on the book of Romans. +[2959.20 --> 2960.94] It only took two years, +[2961.34 --> 2962.38] 39 sermons, +[2962.52 --> 2963.26] and a few breaks +[2963.26 --> 2964.48] sort of scattered about. +[2965.16 --> 2966.00] But it was good, right? +[2966.00 --> 2972.96] Yeah, yeah, yeah. Okay, good, good, good. Because it's been a long time since, like, +[2973.00 --> 2977.66] the schedule didn't dictate what text we were looking at, but I thought people liked it so +[2977.66 --> 2982.62] much. If it ain't broke, why fix it? We're just going to go back to Romans 1 today and just start +[2982.62 --> 2987.58] all over again. But then Chris said we can't do the same series twice in a row. That's not allowed. +[2987.66 --> 2992.64] And so I thought I'd check the lectionary then on what text we should be looking at today. And +[2992.64 --> 2998.26] there's a handful of Bible passages, but one of them was Ezekiel chapter 17. And after reading it, +[2998.30 --> 3002.06] I thought, well, that's a pretty cool passage, and it's a little bit different than the letter +[3002.06 --> 3007.52] writing of Paul. So we're going to look at this passage from Ezekiel this morning because I thought +[3007.52 --> 3013.14] it was cool, and it was in the lectionary. Plus, it's Father's Day, and this passage has eagles in +[3013.14 --> 3017.98] it, and my dad loves birds, and especially eagles, and so I thought it was fitting in that way too. +[3017.98 --> 3024.76] So please grab your Bibles. There are some in the back as well if you need to get up and grab those. +[3025.14 --> 3032.44] You can also open your Bible apps on your phones. That works well too. And turn to chapter 17 of +[3032.44 --> 3037.78] Ezekiel this morning. As always, and especially today, please have that open throughout the +[3037.78 --> 3041.94] passages. We're going to be going back to this regularly, and it's not always going to be on +[3041.94 --> 3047.26] the screen. So to start, though, Ezekiel 17 will be up there, but I invite you to flip to that, +[3047.46 --> 3054.18] chapter 17, and we're going to read the whole chapter this morning. So Ezekiel chapter 17. +[3055.30 --> 3062.86] The word of the Lord came to me. Son of man, set forth an allegory and tell it to the Israelites as +[3062.86 --> 3071.50] a parable. Say to them, this is what the sovereign Lord says. A great eagle with powerful wings, long +[3071.50 --> 3078.52] feathers, and full plumage of varied colors came to Lebanon. Taking hold of the top of a cedar, he broke +[3078.52 --> 3084.94] off its topmost shoot and carried it away to a land of merchants, where he planted it in a city of +[3084.94 --> 3091.92] traders. He took one of the seedlings of the land and put it in fertile soil. He planted it like a willow +[3091.92 --> 3099.24] by abundant water, and it sprouted and became a low-spreading vine. Its branches turned towards +[3099.24 --> 3105.96] him, but its roots remained under it. So it became a vine and produced branches and put out leafy bows. +[3107.48 --> 3113.26] But there was another great eagle with powerful wings and full plumage. The vine now sent out its +[3113.26 --> 3119.04] roots toward him from the plot where it was planted and stretched out its branches to him for water. +[3119.04 --> 3124.80] It had been planted in good soil by abundant water so that it would produce branches, bear fruit, and +[3124.80 --> 3132.28] become a splendid vine. Say to them, this is what the sovereign Lord says, will it thrive? Will it not +[3132.28 --> 3137.24] be uprooted and stripped of its fruit so that it withers? All its new growth will wither. It will not +[3137.24 --> 3142.80] take a strong arm or many people to pull it by the roots. It has been planted, but will it thrive? +[3142.80 --> 3148.88] Will it not wither completely when the east wind strikes it? Wither away in the plot where it grew. +[3150.72 --> 3154.94] Then the word of the Lord came to me, say this to the rebellious people, do you not know what these +[3154.94 --> 3160.48] things mean? Say to them, the king of Babylon went to Jerusalem and carried off her king and her nobles, +[3160.84 --> 3165.70] bringing them back with him to Babylon. Then he took a member of the royal family and made a treaty with +[3165.70 --> 3170.86] him, putting him under oath. He also carried away the leading men of the land so that the kingdom +[3170.86 --> 3179.02] would be brought low, unable to rise again, surviving only by keeping his treaty. But the king rebelled +[3179.02 --> 3185.40] against him by sending his envoys to Egypt to get horses and a large army. Will he succeed? +[3186.86 --> 3195.32] Will he who does such things escape? Will he break the treaty and yet escape? As surely as I live, +[3195.38 --> 3200.44] declares the sovereign Lord, he shall die in Babylon, in the land of the king who put him on the throne, +[3200.44 --> 3205.86] whose oath he despised and whose treaty he broke. Pharaoh with his mighty army and great horde will +[3205.86 --> 3212.20] be of no help to him in war. When ramps are built and siege works erected to destroy many lives, +[3212.92 --> 3218.08] he despised the oath by breaking the covenant because he had given his hand in pledge and yet +[3218.08 --> 3224.10] did all these things, he shall not escape. Therefore, this is what the sovereign Lord says, +[3224.18 --> 3230.30] as surely as I live, I will repay him for despising my oath and breaking my covenant. I will spread my net +[3230.30 --> 3237.66] for him and he will be caught in my snare. I will bring him to Babylon and execute judgment on him +[3237.66 --> 3242.90] there because he was unfaithful to me. All his choice troops will fall by the sword and the +[3242.90 --> 3247.68] survivors will be scattered to the winds. Then you will know that I, the Lord, have spoken. +[3249.26 --> 3255.10] This is what the sovereign Lord says, I myself will take a shoot from the very top of a cedar and plant it. +[3255.10 --> 3261.74] I will break off a tender sprig from its topmost shoots and plant it on a high lofty mountain. On +[3261.74 --> 3266.86] the mountain heights of Israel, I will plant it. It will produce branches and bear fruit and become a +[3266.86 --> 3272.76] splendid cedar. Birds of every kind will nest in it. They will find their shelter in the shade of its +[3272.76 --> 3277.98] branches. All the trees of the forest will know that I, the Lord, bring down the tall tree and make +[3277.98 --> 3286.88] the low tree grow tall. I dry up the green tree and I make the dry tree flourish. I, the Lord, have spoken +[3286.88 --> 3297.48] and I will do it. The word of the Lord. I told you it was kind of a cool passage. So what's going on here? +[3297.48 --> 3306.66] What is happening that Ezekiel writes this passage and that God tells Ezekiel to tell this parable? +[3307.56 --> 3312.74] So a little bit of Bible history here before we get too far. Just stick with me while we lay down a +[3312.74 --> 3319.32] little bit of a foundation. So at this point in time, the people of Israel are in a bit of a mess. +[3320.34 --> 3327.34] About 330 years earlier, the nation of Israel split into two nations, Israel and Judah. +[3327.48 --> 3333.40] Israel made up the 10 tribes to the north and Judah made up two tribes to the south. It's kind of like +[3333.40 --> 3338.22] Langley City and Langley Township. They both had their own residents, their own systems, their own +[3338.22 --> 3347.04] kings. We call them mayors. The 10 tribes to the north, called the nation of Israel, they had an awful +[3347.04 --> 3352.50] run. They never had a faithful king. They were terrible. They were disobedient. They were all very +[3352.50 --> 3360.84] sinful. And eventually in 721 BC, Assyria just comes sweeping through and takes them out. They're +[3360.84 --> 3366.28] either wiped out, they're integrated into Assyrian culture, and we don't hear from them again. That's +[3366.28 --> 3375.20] the end of their story. The two southern tribes though, Judah, they were still pretty terrible. But at least +[3375.20 --> 3383.84] they had a few good and faithful kings. And so they survived a little bit longer. But in 597 BC, Babylon +[3383.84 --> 3390.90] comes to Nakan and overtakes them as well. And the people of Judah are taken captive to Babylon. Now they +[3390.90 --> 3398.88] aren't wiped out completely like Israel was, but they're in exile to the Babylonians. Ezekiel, the prophet +[3398.88 --> 3405.48] whose passage we just read today, Ezekiel is a prophet to God's people during this time, during this time +[3405.48 --> 3411.34] in exile. And now one last thing that's important to this text. While this passage today was written +[3411.34 --> 3417.20] to God's people who are already in captivity, they were already in exile, and life wasn't looking great, +[3417.86 --> 3425.16] it also wasn't as bad as it was going to get. They were still in somewhat of a soft exile, if you can +[3425.16 --> 3433.04] call it that. The worst was still to come. And in fact, today's passage is about Ezekiel warning God's +[3433.04 --> 3440.38] people of exactly that. See, Ezekiel writes this passage, this parable is told in order to tell God's +[3440.38 --> 3447.66] people that Babylon, that their very exile that they're in, was being used as an instrument of God's +[3447.66 --> 3455.04] plan, promise, and judgment for their sins. Ezekiel is warning them that all of this punishment is +[3455.04 --> 3462.44] God's plan. So trying to circumvent any of it won't work. Because of their unfaithfulness, because of +[3462.44 --> 3469.10] their wickedness, because they followed and worshiped other gods over the one true God, Judah needed to be +[3469.10 --> 3482.60] in exile to the Babylonians. Exile was the plan. Exile was God's plan. Now in many ways, Ezekiel, if you read +[3482.60 --> 3489.02] his whole book, it's long, but it's fascinating, Ezekiel throughout his book is actually pro-Babylon, +[3489.20 --> 3494.18] which sounds weird, but he says throughout the book over and over again that the Babylonians are an +[3494.18 --> 3502.60] instrument in which God was bringing judgment, and that judgment could not be stopped. But, but, +[3502.60 --> 3511.42] God was also working in and through the exile of his people to bring forward his redemption plan. +[3512.56 --> 3522.10] The big idea from our text is that God's plan always plays out. God's plan always plays out. +[3524.40 --> 3529.22] Today's text both foreshadows the judgment that was always going to come about and tells of a +[3529.22 --> 3534.42] redemption plan that was already in the works. So let's look at this text then. Let's take a look +[3534.42 --> 3540.28] at what we just read from Ezekiel 17. It's actually very conveniently broken into three parts for us, +[3540.40 --> 3547.22] which is handy. So verses 3 to 10 is the parable that God tells Ezekiel to bring to the people. +[3547.92 --> 3555.50] Verses 11 to 21 is an explanation of that parable. And verses 22 to 24 is a promise for all people. +[3555.50 --> 3559.34] So we're going to look at the parable first. We'll do this in order. That makes good sense. +[3559.60 --> 3565.04] Take a look at verses 3 to 10 with me again. So here's the parable. An eagle comes, a big, +[3565.40 --> 3571.98] beautiful eagle, colorful plumage, long feathers, powerful wings, and this eagle heads into Lebanon, +[3572.40 --> 3578.16] which was a part of Israel at the time. And it takes the topmost shoot of a cedar in its beak. +[3578.16 --> 3586.08] He flies back and plants it into fertile soil ground by running water. Now the shoot that it +[3586.08 --> 3592.22] plants, it sprouts, and it turns into this low spreading vine with branches. Now that vine grows, +[3592.66 --> 3600.28] and it grows low, and it reaches towards the eagle that planted it. All right, it didn't grow tall, +[3600.78 --> 3606.70] but it did grow low to the ground, and it produced roots and leafy bows and reaches to the eagle that +[3606.70 --> 3615.04] planted it. But there was another eagle, which lets me use that very popular saying that we've been +[3615.04 --> 3621.90] using for millennia, there's always another eagle. Hasn't been used. I'm making it up today. We're +[3621.90 --> 3629.12] going to let it stick. It's going to take off. I know it. Well, this other eagle, it was also great. +[3629.50 --> 3633.84] It had powerful wings. It had full plumage. But look at the text. Notice in verse 7, +[3633.84 --> 3640.80] the eagle actually doesn't do anything. It really doesn't do much. This eagle just sits there. +[3641.90 --> 3648.64] But that vine that was planted starts to reach out and grow towards this other eagle. +[3649.36 --> 3655.42] There's always another eagle. This vine starts sending its roots towards this other eagle, and the +[3655.42 --> 3662.44] vine starts to weaken. The Lord then asks Israel in verses 9 and 10, what's going to happen to that vine? +[3662.44 --> 3668.66] It's not going to thrive. In fact, it's going to wither. Its new growth and its fruit will be +[3668.66 --> 3673.90] stripped, and it wouldn't even take a strong arm or many people to pull it out of the ground and +[3673.90 --> 3680.40] destroy it. All because that vine started looking towards another eagle. There's always another eagle. +[3681.82 --> 3688.00] So because it looked towards that other eagle, the vine would be destroyed. So that's the parable +[3688.00 --> 3693.88] that's told in verses 3 to 10. But what does it mean? Well, again, fortunately for us, +[3694.50 --> 3700.82] this parable gets explained to us in the next 10, 11 verses. Verses 11 to 21, explain it for us. You +[3700.82 --> 3705.76] can take a peek with me. Follow along there, starting in verse 11. So the two eagles in this story, +[3705.96 --> 3712.78] they represent two nations, all right? Babylon and Egypt, or Nebuchadnezzar, which is Babylon's king, +[3712.78 --> 3720.70] and Pharaoh, which is Egypt's king. Now the first eagle, Babylon, went into Lebanon and made its way +[3720.70 --> 3726.86] towards Jerusalem, which is represented by this giant cedar tree. So Jerusalem is the giant cedar tree. +[3727.30 --> 3733.06] Babylon then, or sorry, yeah, Babylon then took the topmost shoot of the cedar, the topmost shoot +[3733.06 --> 3740.56] of Jerusalem, which our text in verse 12 says is the king and all of its noble people. Takes them from +[3740.56 --> 3746.88] Judah, and the eagle brings them back to Babylon to the fertile ground. Now this eagle, you'll see in +[3746.88 --> 3754.20] verse 5 of our text, he takes this seedling from this shoot. And in this case, it's referring to a +[3754.20 --> 3761.58] king named Zedekiah, all right? And he plants that king, he plants that seedling in fertile ground. So in +[3761.58 --> 3767.66] essence, this is what Babylon did. This is what they did, was they went to Jerusalem, and they brought all +[3767.66 --> 3773.20] its kings, all its leaders, all its nobles back with them to Babylon, and then put a guy named Zedekiah +[3773.20 --> 3780.56] in charge of Judah, with no power, no military, and a sworn oath or treaty that they were going to lead +[3780.56 --> 3787.82] and follow Nebuchadnezzar. And that's what happened. That's the context of the people of God that they +[3787.82 --> 3791.64] found themselves in. They had been captured by Babylon, and they were living under the thumb of +[3791.64 --> 3798.06] Nebuchadnezzar, but they were still like ruled, giant air quotes, by Zedekiah, even though he had +[3798.06 --> 3804.98] no power, no military, no political sway. He was a puppet king. He was in charge, but with no power. He +[3804.98 --> 3810.64] could only operate under the command of the puppet master of Babylon, Nebuchadnezzar. +[3811.72 --> 3818.16] Now the parable tells us how the kingdom of Judah could still grow. The Babylonian soil was rich, +[3818.16 --> 3823.14] but it was never going to be able to rise. It could only function by keeping the treaty with +[3823.14 --> 3828.12] Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon. It could function as long as it looked towards Babylon, as long as it looked +[3828.12 --> 3834.08] towards Babylon for support, for everything. And all of that is explained in verses 12 to 14 of our text. +[3835.60 --> 3843.92] But there's always another eagle. Now this other eagle, Egypt, doesn't do anything. Egypt just sits +[3843.92 --> 3852.12] there, but it's beautiful, and it's powerful, and it's alluring to this vine, Zedekiah, this puppet king. +[3852.44 --> 3858.14] This puppet king starts to look towards Egypt, starts to reach towards Egypt, looking for some help, +[3858.64 --> 3862.36] looking for some help from this other nation in order to rebel against Babylon. +[3863.12 --> 3868.06] It didn't have a military to rebel itself, so they started looking to Egypt for help. +[3868.06 --> 3873.16] And that's the end of the story. That's the end of the explanation of the parable. +[3873.86 --> 3878.00] The end of the story hasn't happened yet, but the question then shows up in our text again in verse +[3878.00 --> 3884.84] 14. Will he succeed? Will he be able to find help from Egypt and overthrow Babylon? What's going to +[3884.84 --> 3892.40] happen to the vine? And again, God answers these questions. Just like the vine in the parable will +[3892.40 --> 3900.60] wither up and die, because it spread its roots towards another eagle, there's always another +[3900.60 --> 3908.96] eagle. Just like the vine withers up, so too this king will be destroyed. God exclaims. Look at verse +[3908.96 --> 3915.04] 16 and 17 of our text today. As surely as I live, declares the Lord, he, that is Zedekiah, +[3915.64 --> 3920.90] shall die in Babylon in the land of the king who put him on the throne, whose oath he despised, +[3920.90 --> 3927.86] and whose treaty he broke. Pharaoh with his mighty army and great horde will be of no help to him in +[3927.86 --> 3936.30] war when ramps are built and siege works erected to destroy many lives. So God, through Ezekiel, +[3936.36 --> 3943.08] is warning Zedekiah and warning all of the people of Israel that Babylon was being used as an +[3943.08 --> 3949.10] instrument of God's plan, promise, and judgment for their sins. This exile was not meant to be +[3949.10 --> 3954.72] circumvented, and any attempts to do so, any attempts to look anywhere else for help, was going to be +[3954.72 --> 3960.98] met with destruction. If Zedekiah was going to look to Egypt to help him out in this exile, +[3961.38 --> 3969.54] he was going to fail, and it was going to be bad. So what happened? Like in real life, what happened, +[3969.54 --> 3977.58] you may be asking. So today's text, this Ezekiel 17 passage, was likely written around 591 or 590 BC, +[3977.58 --> 3984.18] the sixth or seventh year of exile in Babylon. We know that because in Ezekiel chapter 8, +[3984.90 --> 3989.80] so nine chapters earlier, it says that they were in the sixth year of exile, and then in Ezekiel +[3989.80 --> 3994.74] chapter 20, which is three chapters after this text, they are in their seventh year of exile, +[3994.86 --> 3999.32] it says. And then this text falls in between that, so we can know that to be true. We also know that +[3999.32 --> 4006.28] exile started in 597 BC because history tells us that. Both the Babylonian Nebuchadnezzar +[4006.28 --> 4010.94] Chronicle, which is a tablet that was discovered that had Babylonian history written on it, +[4011.10 --> 4017.80] as well as the Bible in 2 Kings 24, 10 to 16, they teach us that. Those dates align. So the dates +[4017.80 --> 4023.72] align, and it's known historically to be true. So this parable is written and spoken in about 590-ish BC, +[4023.88 --> 4030.24] which is right around the time when King Zedekiah, that puppet king in Judah, starts looking to Egypt +[4030.24 --> 4037.22] for help. Well, historically, despite the warnings in this parable, Zedekiah keeps looking towards Egypt, +[4037.56 --> 4044.48] and he gets nothing from them. Worse than that, Nebuchadnezzar finds out that Zedekiah was looking +[4044.48 --> 4052.88] towards Egypt for help, and you can read a very rough, very aggressive story in 2 Kings 25, verses 1 to 7, +[4053.06 --> 4059.08] that details the demise of Zedekiah for doing that. Feel free to read it, though if this was a movie, +[4059.08 --> 4067.18] it would likely come with an 18A rating. Basically, I'll sum it up, for two years, Babylon surrounds the +[4067.18 --> 4071.96] city of Jerusalem with their siege weaponry, which again, check verse 17 of our text today, +[4072.22 --> 4077.78] says it would happen. They surround Jerusalem with their siege weaponry and cause a major famine +[4077.78 --> 4083.40] and drought in the city. Eventually, with Jerusalem cut off from the outside world, from all food and +[4083.40 --> 4088.76] water, the Babylonians enter and take over the city. All of Zedekiah's army and family were either +[4088.76 --> 4093.46] killed or scattered, and Zedekiah, for his disobedience to God and his disobedience to +[4093.46 --> 4101.12] Nebuchadnezzar, was tortured and killed. This all comes to fruition in 587 BC, which is three years +[4101.12 --> 4113.48] after this Ezekiel 17 text. Now, in many ways, this is a very hard parable to hear, to read, especially +[4113.48 --> 4118.52] because the warnings that were dished out in the parable were not heeded, and the exile only got +[4118.52 --> 4126.74] worse and worse for God's people. But remember all along that God was telling his people that Babylon +[4126.74 --> 4135.02] was being used as an instrument for his plan. God's plan always plays out. +[4137.34 --> 4146.04] Also, at the end of our text, we hear about this glorious promise. Verses 22 to 24 of our text +[4146.04 --> 4153.28] details that promise. It says this, this is God speaking, he says, I myself will take a shoot from +[4153.28 --> 4158.90] the very top of a cedar and plant it. I will break off a tender sprig from its topmost shoots and +[4158.90 --> 4164.56] plant it on a high and lofty mountain. On the mountain heights of Israel, I will plant it. It +[4164.56 --> 4171.40] will produce branches and bear fruit and become a splendid cedar. Birds of every kind will nest in it. +[4172.26 --> 4176.82] They will find shelter in the shade of its branches. All the trees of the forest will know that I, +[4176.96 --> 4183.16] the Lord, bring down the tall cedar and make the low tree grow tall. I dry up the green tree and make +[4183.16 --> 4192.98] the dry tree flourish. I myself, the Lord says, I myself will take a shoot. He's using the same +[4192.98 --> 4197.48] imagery here as he used in the parable, except instead of an eagle swooping in and planting it, +[4197.56 --> 4203.78] he's going to do it. God's going to do it. He will plant a tender sprig on a mountain and it will turn +[4203.78 --> 4211.44] into a new cedar, a new city. It will be so magnificent, so tall, so beautiful that birds of +[4211.44 --> 4220.74] every kind will nest in its branches. God loves to use tree and vine imagery in his word. And +[4220.74 --> 4226.24] throughout scripture, we see it everywhere. In the Old Testament, if you read 1 Kings 4, verses 25, +[4226.34 --> 4232.04] it talks about how all of Israel and Judah lived in the safety under their own vines and their own +[4232.04 --> 4238.48] fig trees, at least for a while. In Hosea 10, verse 1, it speaks of Israel again and it says, +[4238.48 --> 4244.28] Israel was spreading the vine and it brought forth fruit for himself. Again, at least for a little +[4244.28 --> 4250.06] while. Ezekiel 19, verses 10 and 11, just two chapters after the text that we read today, speaks +[4250.06 --> 4255.40] of branches and vines again when it describes Israel as a vine in your vineyard planted by the water. +[4255.64 --> 4261.86] It was fruitful, full of branches because of abundant water. Its branches were strong, fit for a rule +[4261.86 --> 4269.98] scepter. Once again, at least for a little while. See, in each of those verses, Israel starts off as the +[4269.98 --> 4275.42] vine and the branches that were healthy and strong, but eventually they turn away from God and they start +[4275.42 --> 4282.24] bearing no fruit. They were uprooted, they were destroyed. But the branch and vine imagery changes a +[4282.24 --> 4287.42] little bit in the New Testament. See, it's no longer Israel that's the vine, it's Jesus that becomes the +[4287.42 --> 4294.66] ultimate vine that never weakens. John 15, 1 to 4, I am the vine, I am the true vine, and my Father is the +[4294.66 --> 4301.24] gardener. Remain in me as I remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself, it must remain in the vine. +[4301.58 --> 4308.84] Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. In the promise of Ezekiel 17, Jesus is the tender +[4308.84 --> 4316.24] sprig that gets planted on the high hill. He is the true vine, the only one that never gets uprooted. It is +[4316.24 --> 4322.32] only when we remain in Him that the vine, in that vine, that we produce good fruit. +[4324.10 --> 4330.24] The kingdom of God also gets described as branches. We read in Matthew 13, 31 to 32, +[4330.24 --> 4336.04] the kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed which a man took and planted in its field. Though it is the +[4336.04 --> 4340.92] smallest of all seeds, yet when it grows, it is the largest of garden plants and becomes a tree +[4340.92 --> 4348.30] so that the birds come and perch in its branches. So this kingdom of God becomes this massive tree +[4348.30 --> 4353.92] that the birds come and nest. This is a direct correlation to this parable that we read of in +[4353.92 --> 4362.10] Ezekiel. The tender sprig, Jesus came down and was planted in this world. He lived this perfect life +[4362.10 --> 4368.94] that you and I fail to live each and every day. And then Jesus died a death that you and I deserved. +[4368.94 --> 4374.32] But three days later, He rose again from the grave. He defeated sin and death forever. And now, +[4374.56 --> 4379.76] whoever calls on His name as the Savior and Redeemer of the world can rest in His branches +[4379.76 --> 4386.32] and know that they are saved forevermore. And more than that, when we remain in Him, +[4386.48 --> 4391.54] we have purpose in this world too, to bear His fruit and never wither and never die. +[4391.54 --> 4402.36] Our identities are rooted in Him. Our purpose is found in Him. Our hope is Him. He is the mighty vine +[4402.36 --> 4409.60] which we can root ourselves in. He is the mighty tree who welcomes the birds of all kinds, +[4409.92 --> 4416.90] people of every nation's into. See, this is the glorious promise that is found at the end of Ezekiel 17. +[4416.90 --> 4422.72] And this is the glorious promise that came to fruition already in Jesus' life, death, and resurrection. +[4423.34 --> 4427.28] We have the privilege here today of living on the other side of that promise. +[4429.02 --> 4435.02] We know that Jesus lives. We know that He reigns and we know that we are united in Him, +[4435.34 --> 4441.94] grafted into His vine, bearing fruit in His name. The root has been planted. The vine has extended. +[4441.94 --> 4448.30] The birds have been invited. The victory has been won. God's plan always plays out. +[4451.30 --> 4454.42] However, we are not Israel here. +[4457.22 --> 4462.46] I think oftentimes when we read a text like Ezekiel 17 and we try to apply it to our lives, +[4462.52 --> 4469.04] we think, oh, how am I in exile? How is God using this exile as an instrument of His plan like He did +[4469.04 --> 4475.20] for Israel? How is He using my exile? How is He using my burdens? What are my burdens? And how is +[4475.20 --> 4484.82] God judging me for wandering from His plan? But that's the wrong question. We aren't in exile like +[4484.82 --> 4491.74] Israel was, at least not in the same sense. The Israelites' exile in Babylon was contextual and +[4491.74 --> 4497.68] historically unique to them. God isn't punishing His people here in Langley as part of His plan to +[4497.68 --> 4505.42] redeem us like He was Israel. He's already redeemed us. That's happened already. Christ has already +[4505.42 --> 4512.80] come. Redemption is already here. See, the promise in Ezekiel has already been fulfilled, +[4513.42 --> 4517.94] and it's going to be fulfilled in its completion when Christ comes back again to bring in the new +[4517.94 --> 4526.26] heaven and the new earth. We don't have to fear judgment because Christ already paid the penalty. +[4526.26 --> 4537.08] The judge took the judgment. The Israelites in this text today were trying to circumvent God's judgment +[4537.08 --> 4543.60] to escape exile. The wonderful news for us today is that we don't have to circumvent judgment because +[4543.60 --> 4551.12] there's no judgment to circumvent for believers. Christ took the punishment. Christ bore the judgment. +[4551.12 --> 4565.68] But here's the unique rub here. Because of that, we choose exile. We choose to live in exile. +[4566.90 --> 4571.40] We choose to live in exile? Wait, what? That can't be right. The Israelites didn't choose their exile. +[4571.56 --> 4575.64] God chose that for them, and it was a punishment. It was a judgment. I thought we were free from judgment. +[4575.64 --> 4582.34] Yes, but remember, our context is different than Israel. We're on the other side of this promise. +[4586.00 --> 4590.32] We're going to read a little bit from 1 Peter today. I loved it because we used it as our assurance +[4590.32 --> 4595.50] this morning, at least parts of it, but look at 1 Peter chapters 1 and 2 for me today. Right out of +[4595.50 --> 4602.52] the gate, 1 Peter 1 verse 1, to God's elect, exiles scattered throughout the provinces who have been +[4602.52 --> 4607.52] chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father to be obedient to Jesus Christ and sprinkled +[4607.52 --> 4612.64] with His blood. Grace and peace be yours in abundance. We are addressed as exiles right out +[4612.64 --> 4618.56] of the gate. A little bit later, verses 17 and 18. Since you are called on a father, or since you call +[4618.56 --> 4624.72] on a father who judges each person's work importantly, live out your time as foreigners here, can be +[4624.72 --> 4630.90] translated as exiles, in reverent fear. For you know that it was not with perishable things such as gold or +[4630.90 --> 4635.92] silver that you were redeemed from the empty way of life, handed down to you from your ancestors, +[4636.46 --> 4644.16] but with the precious blood of Jesus Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect. And then one more +[4644.16 --> 4650.40] chunk, just a little bit later, over in chapter 2, verses 11 and 12. Dear friends, I urge you as +[4650.40 --> 4658.62] foreigners and exiles to abstain from sinful desires which wage war against your soul. Live such good lives +[4658.62 --> 4664.04] among the pagans that though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify +[4664.04 --> 4672.58] God on the day He visits us. Peter is telling us that we are called to live our lives as exiles here +[4672.58 --> 4679.32] on earth, not trusting in perishable things such as gold or silver, but abstaining from the comforts +[4679.32 --> 4685.72] of this world and living such model lives, both in word and deed, so that those who do not call Christ +[4685.72 --> 4691.54] as their Savior will have nothing bad to say about us and will come to desire the life-giving source +[4691.54 --> 4702.88] of the vine. We do not fear judgment, but we do choose exile, exile from the comforts of the world, +[4703.56 --> 4715.20] remaining in His branches. We abide in Him as fruit-bearing branches. We don't abide in the world, +[4715.20 --> 4722.82] we abide in the word, and that makes us exiles, strangers, ambassadors for the kingdom of God. +[4723.62 --> 4730.54] See, there's many, many who desire to reach out, to lean into, to grow towards the comforts and +[4730.54 --> 4739.20] distractions of this world. For them, there's always another eagle, but the world offers this comfort +[4739.20 --> 4747.44] that's false and idols and distractions that are so compelling to reach towards. But Jesus changes +[4747.44 --> 4755.96] everything. Once we know the true power of salvation that comes from the gospel truth of Jesus' life, +[4756.10 --> 4761.18] death, and resurrection, we don't have to fear death. We don't have to fear judgment. +[4761.18 --> 4771.76] We get to live for eternal glory, and we choose exile. We choose to be grafted into Jesus, not grafted +[4771.76 --> 4778.88] into the world anymore. And so may we abide in the life-giving branches of our Lord, attached to the +[4778.88 --> 4786.80] promise that He is the vine. We remain in Him. We are united with Him, and we fear no judgment. We choose +[4786.80 --> 4796.90] exile with Jesus instead of the eagles of this world. Because the root's been planted, the vine has +[4796.90 --> 4803.00] extended, the birds have been invited, and the victory over sin and death has been won. In our case, +[4803.12 --> 4810.66] church, there is no other eagle. If you know that Jesus' life, death, and resurrection has changed +[4810.66 --> 4819.54] everything, then you can rest assured knowing that you are part of God's eternal kingdom plan all along. +[4820.40 --> 4829.20] And that's the greatest news ever, because God's plan always plays out. Amen? Let's pray. +[4833.54 --> 4840.34] Father in heaven, God, we know that you are a sovereign God ruling over all things. +[4841.06 --> 4847.44] We know that you have had a plan all along to save and redeem creation. We know that that plan +[4847.44 --> 4854.34] started with Abraham and moved through a nation, became this nation of Israel, and led us to Jesus, +[4855.34 --> 4861.06] who lived and died and rose again, ascended to heaven, and now seated, intermediating on our behalf. +[4862.50 --> 4867.22] Lord, that plan is always played out, and we know that you will come again to bring in the new heaven +[4867.22 --> 4872.44] and the new earth. Lord, we know that if we believe that, if we believe in your Son, +[4873.26 --> 4878.76] that we are saved, that we are grafted into the vine, and we bear fruit in his name. +[4879.94 --> 4887.78] Lord, thank you for that plan. And God, in our day to day, as we go from this place into our weeks, +[4887.78 --> 4893.22] whether that's to work, to school, in our homes, on our soccer fields, or baseball diamonds, +[4893.48 --> 4901.16] wherever we find ourselves, Lord, may we know that we are a part of that plan. +[4901.16 --> 4910.70] And may we respond in obedience. May we respond in grateful obedience to how you call us to live +[4910.70 --> 4918.60] our lives, not to save us, but because we are saved. And may the world around us know that you +[4918.60 --> 4925.82] are God by what we say and what we do, and may they be drawn to you, the vine, as well. Lord, +[4925.82 --> 4928.86] we pray this in your Son's precious and holy name. Amen. +[4928.86 --> 4928.96] Amen. +[4928.96 --> 4928.98] Amen. +[4955.82 --> 4956.56] Amen. +[4985.82 --> 4992.44] My sin weighed upon your shoulders +[4992.44 --> 4997.14] My soul now to stand +[4997.14 --> 5004.00] So what can I say? +[5006.14 --> 5010.50] And what can I do? +[5010.50 --> 5019.96] I offer this heart, O God +[5019.96 --> 5025.50] Completely to you +[5026.14 --> 5034.48] So I'll walk upon salvation +[5034.48 --> 5041.80] Your spirit alive in me +[5041.80 --> 5047.94] My life to declare your promise +[5047.94 --> 5051.58] My soul now to stand +[5051.58 --> 5057.04] So what can I say? +[5061.04 --> 5064.04] And what can I do? +[5064.04 --> 5073.50] I offer this heart, O God +[5073.50 --> 5078.50] Completely to you +[5078.50 --> 5083.50] So what can I say? +[5083.50 --> 5089.96] What can I do? +[5092.96 --> 5097.96] I offer this heart, O God +[5097.96 --> 5102.96] Completely to you +[5102.96 --> 5117.16] So I'll stand +[5117.16 --> 5120.96] With heart's high and heart abandoned +[5120.96 --> 5127.42] In awe of the one who gave it all +[5127.42 --> 5132.12] I'll stand, my soul, Lord +[5132.12 --> 5134.46] To you surrendered all +[5134.46 --> 5136.88] My hand is yours +[5136.88 --> 5142.70] And I'll stand +[5142.70 --> 5146.42] With heart's high and heart abandoned +[5146.42 --> 5153.26] In awe of the one who gave it all +[5153.26 --> 5159.26] I'll stand, my soul, Lord +[5159.26 --> 5161.30] You surrendered all +[5161.30 --> 5162.28] I'll stand, my soul, Lord +[5162.28 --> 5163.42] To you surrendered all +[5163.42 --> 5167.40] I'll stand, my soul, Lord +[5167.40 --> 5172.50] to you surrendered all +[5172.50 --> 5186.50] is +[5202.50 --> 5210.66] and so as we go from this place maybe remember those promises and the awe of what jesus +[5210.66 --> 5216.42] accomplished for all of us if you are in need of prayer this morning there will be prayer partners +[5216.42 --> 5220.74] available here off to the side and i believe in the back as well and also remember that connect +[5220.74 --> 5225.94] booth has a little bit of sign up necessary for that awesome community food bank drive and +[5225.94 --> 5231.06] festival happening july 13th and potentially for a new children's worship time coordinator +[5231.06 --> 5238.26] if you've got it on your hearts to do that as we go from this place please hear god's parting +[5238.26 --> 5246.90] blessing the priestly blessing from numbers six the lord bless you and keep you the lord make his face +[5246.90 --> 5254.42] shine upon you and be gracious to you the lord turn his face towards you and give you his peace +[5254.42 --> 5256.66] and all god's people said amen +[5261.06 --> 5272.26] night +[5272.26 --> 5283.14] In Christ alone my hope is found +[5283.14 --> 5287.88] He is my life, my strength, my song +[5287.88 --> 5293.30] His cornerstone, His solid ground +[5293.30 --> 5297.92] Burned through the fiercest drought and storm +[5297.92 --> 5302.98] What fights of love, what depths of peace +[5302.98 --> 5307.96] When fears are still, my striving cease +[5307.96 --> 5313.26] My love on earth, my all in all +[5313.26 --> 5317.88] Here in the love of Christ I stand +[5327.92 --> 5332.98] In Christ alone who took on flesh +[5332.98 --> 5337.60] Fall is the God in helpless pain +[5337.60 --> 5341.56] His gift of love and righteousness +[5341.56 --> 5347.32] Scored by the ones He gave to save +[5347.32 --> 5352.34] Till on their cross as Jesus died +[5352.34 --> 5357.40] No wrath of God was satisfied +[5357.40 --> 5362.70] For every sin on Him was laid +[5362.70 --> 5368.40] Here in the death of Christ I live +[5368.40 --> 5382.40] There in the ground His body lay +[5382.40 --> 5387.46] Light of the world by darkness slain +[5387.46 --> 5392.64] Then bursting forth in glorious day +[5392.64 --> 5396.40] Up from the pretty rose again +[5396.40 --> 5401.46] And as He stands in victory +[5401.46 --> 5406.40] Sin's curse has lost its grip on me +[5407.16 --> 5412.40] For I am His and He is mine +[5412.40 --> 5417.72] Father, the precious blood of Christ +[5417.72 --> 5432.48] No guilt in life, no fear in death +[5432.48 --> 5437.44] This is the power of Christ in me +[5437.44 --> 5442.72] From life's worst try to find a way +[5442.72 --> 5446.78] Jesus, defense my destiny +[5446.78 --> 5452.88] No power of hell, no scheme of man +[5452.88 --> 5457.86] In ever love He brought His hand +[5457.86 --> 5462.78] To leave His hand for those below +[5462.78 --> 5467.72] Here in the power of Christ I stand +[5467.72 --> 5472.72] No power of hell, no scheme of man +[5472.72 --> 5473.60] No power of hell, no scheme of man +[5473.60 --> 5478.72] Can ever block me from His hand +[5478.72 --> 5484.72] Till He returns or calls me home +[5484.72 --> 5490.72] Here in the power of Christ I stand +[5490.72 --> 5500.78] In ever love of Him +[5500.78 --> 5501.72] I fall in and of in ever love +[5501.72 --> 5504.66] Now I can ever hold on to Him +[5504.68 --> 5510.26] For for for for For for for for for for for for for for all +[5510.26 --> 5540.24] Thank you. +[5540.26 --> 5570.24] Thank you. +[5570.26 --> 5600.24] Thank you. +[5600.26 --> 5630.24] Thank you. +[5630.26 --> 5660.24] Thank you. +[5660.26 --> 5690.24] Thank you. +[5690.26 --> 5720.24] Thank you. +[5720.26 --> 5750.24] Thank you. +[5750.26 --> 5780.24] Thank you. +[5780.26 --> 5810.24] Thank you. +[5810.26 --> 5840.24] Thank you. +[5840.26 --> 5870.24] Thank you. +[5870.26 --> 5872.26] Thank you. +[5900.26 --> 5902.26] Thank you. +[5930.26 --> 5932.26] Thank you. diff --git a/Sunday Worship, June 2, 2024_summary.txt b/Sunday Worship, June 2, 2024_summary.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000000000000000000000000000000000000..ad7d404680aa137f716d7370622654bce060bf71 --- /dev/null +++ b/Sunday Worship, June 2, 2024_summary.txt @@ -0,0 +1,97 @@ +• The glory and majesty of God's unfolding plan +• Faith and trust in God's promises +• Redemption through Jesus Christ +• Worship and praise of God as Redeemer +• God's love and provision in every need +• Call to worship and thanksgiving +• Introduction by Kevin Lobert, youth pastor at Langley Emanuel CRC +• Announcement of Reactivate Youth Conference in September with 200+ youth from multiple churches attending +• Call for volunteers to help with conference setup and operations +• July camp announcement: Christian Reformed Church has a camp at Warren Beach Camp in Stanwood from July 4-7, open to all ages +• The Netherlands is mentioned in relation to completing a day of Worm Beach. +• Youth activities are discussed, including a coffee event and a presentation by Jennifer from Safe Families. +• A new closed-loop sound system is being tested. +• There's a warning about not touching wires running on the floor. +• Pastor Chris leads God's greeting during the service. +• Discussion of a hymn or worship song, "How Can I Keep from Singing Your Praise" +• Testimony of being loved by the King and wanting to sing +• Assurance that God is present in all circumstances: doubt, fear, failure, silence, questions +• Promise of God's presence and guidance through Jesus Christ +• Invitation for a group of children to come up on stage and perform the song "My Lighthouse" +• Performance of the song "My Lighthouse" with actions and participation from the congregation +• Lighthouse as a symbol of peace and guidance +• Separation from God's love despite circumstances or failures +• Confidence in God's presence and power through scripture (Romans 8, Matthew) +• Prayer for celebration of God's love and presence +• Acknowledgment of need for God's guidance and righteousness +• Repetition of theme: "I need you" and "My one defense, my righteousness" +• Introduction to a church installation ceremony +• Gratitude and thanksgiving for outgoing office bearers +• Explanation of the roles of admin elders, pastoral elders, and deacons +• Ordination and installation of new office bearers (admin elder, pastoral elder, two deacons) +• Affirmation of acceptance of responsibilities through questioning and response +• Prayer of ordination and commissioning +• Scriptures are given to Clary as admin elder and Paul as pastoral elder for guidance +• Responsibilities of office bearers: encouraging others, praying continually, being mastered by the Lord +• Deacons' responsibilities: holding deep truths with a clear conscience, serving the church with the spirit and wisdom +• Congregation is charged to receive office bearers as Christ's gift, hold them in honor, and take their counsel seriously +• Special offering for benevolence, highlighting the importance of knowing names and faces behind the giving +• Collection of baby bottles for Safe Families campaign +• Discussion of Jesus as a source of strength +• Explanation of what it means to be part of a "family" +• Importance of relationships and getting to know others +• Introduction to the Safe Families Lower Mainland program and its mission to support families in crisis +• Personal story of Jennifer Gamache's experience with the organization +• The speaker shares their personal experience of receiving support from a community, which led them to find Christ +• They discuss how Safe Families provides temporary support for families in crisis, allowing kids and parents to stay together +• Examples are given of volunteers making a significant impact on families' lives, including fixing appliances and providing companionship +• The speaker emphasizes the importance of community and relationships in helping families overcome difficulties +• Volunteer roles within Safe Families are outlined as hosting kids temporarily, being a family friend, supplying resources, or acting as family coaches +• The organization's goal is to provide hope and healing through relationships built on Christian love +• Prayers for a new Lord's Day and celebration of God's name +• Confession of sin and thanksgiving for Jesus' sacrifice +• Installation of new office bearers and request for guidance and strength +• Upcoming synod meeting and prayer for delegates +• Praise for Safe Families Canada and their work +• Prayers for congregation members with health challenges +• Prayers for students, teachers, and those affected by floods in Brazil +• Prayers for war zones around the world +• Prayer for Pastor Chris as he leads the study of Romans +• Paul warns the Romans against those who cause divisions and obstacles contrary to his teachings +• The God of peace will soon crush Satan under their feet, implying ultimate victory over evil forces +• Greetings are sent from Timothy, Lucius, Jason, Sosipater, Tertius, Gaius, Erastus, and Quartus +• Paul lists his missionary team, including Timothy and other co-workers +• The historical context of the letter is discussed, with scholars agreeing on a date between 55-58 AD +• Archaeological evidence supports the names mentioned in the letter, such as Erastus being listed as director of public works +• Paul's warning to watch out for those who cause divisions and obstacles is repeated +• The tendency to follow and teach contrary to a leader's original message +• The dangers of imposing new rules or regulations on followers, such as legalism +• The subtlety of new social pressures that can become unspoken laws +• The distinction between the gospel and imposed rules, with the gospel offering freedom in Christ Jesus through faith and union with Him +• Double imputation: sins handed over to Jesus who bore punishment on the cross +• Salvation by faith in Jesus, not through works or earning it +• Union with Jesus transforms reality and gives power to live obedient life +• Gospel is the power of God unto salvation, transforming minds and behavior +• Christians can overcome addictions, heal relationships, and resist temptation through Holy Spirit's power +• False teaching: some say people don't need to change or be transformed +• The importance of living a God-filled, Spirit-powered life +• The dangers of settling for a comfortable, superficial faith +• The need to be transformed by Jesus Christ and familiar with his word +• The gospel as the foundation of true love and obedience +• The warning against false teachers who serve their own appetites rather than Christ +• The importance of being wise about what is good and innocent about evil +• The call to go deeply rooted in God's word and cling to Jesus in union with him. +• Prayer and worship +• Promises of transformation by the Spirit +• Union with Jesus and its impact on life +• Trust in Jesus' blood and righteousness +• Song: "My Hope Is Built on Nothing Less" +• Encouragement to stay after service for community, refreshments, and prayer +• Invitation to learn about Safe Families Canada +• The protection and guidance of God +• The blessing and peace of God +• Jesus Christ as the Lion of Judah and the Lamb who was slain +• Jesus' reign at the end of the age +• Jesus' ruling power and authority over all nations and people +• The importance of hearing and proclaiming Jesus' message +• A call to go in peace, love, and serve the Lord \ No newline at end of file diff --git a/Sunday Worship, June 2, 2024_transcript.txt b/Sunday Worship, June 2, 2024_transcript.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000000000000000000000000000000000000..6c034c70f2fa00367b14dc156a4ed65e6b617361 --- /dev/null +++ b/Sunday Worship, June 2, 2024_transcript.txt @@ -0,0 +1,1300 @@ +[0.00 --> 3.16] The glorious unfolding +[3.16 --> 7.64] Just you wait and see +[7.64 --> 12.46] And you will be amazed +[12.46 --> 15.96] We've just got to believe +[15.96 --> 20.00] The story is so far from over +[20.00 --> 24.00] So hold on to every promise +[24.56 --> 27.66] God has made to us +[27.66 --> 32.36] And watch this glorious unfolding +[32.36 --> 40.96] We were made to run +[40.96 --> 43.08] Through fields of forever +[43.08 --> 47.06] Singing songs to our Savior and King +[47.06 --> 49.40] So let us remember +[49.40 --> 51.48] This life we're living +[51.48 --> 53.56] Is just the beginning +[53.56 --> 55.78] Of the beginning +[55.78 --> 61.54] Of this glorious unfolding +[61.54 --> 66.14] We will watch and see +[66.14 --> 69.78] And we will be amazed +[69.78 --> 74.40] If we just keep on believing +[74.40 --> 78.36] The story is so far from over +[78.36 --> 83.06] And hold on to every promise +[83.06 --> 86.06] God has made to us +[86.06 --> 90.72] We'll see the glorious unfolding +[90.72 --> 99.12] Just watch and see +[99.12 --> 101.22] Unfounding +[101.22 --> 107.80] This is just the beginning +[107.80 --> 109.92] Of the beginning +[109.92 --> 109.98] Of the beginning +[109.98 --> 111.58] I'm voting +[111.58 --> 125.28] Of the beginning +[125.28 --> 129.28] Of the beginning +[129.28 --> 131.08] Of the beginning +[131.08 --> 132.34] Of the beginning +[132.34 --> 133.04] Of the beginning +[133.04 --> 148.04] You traded riches +[148.04 --> 153.04] To run to my rescue +[153.04 --> 157.74] Oh my Redeemer +[157.74 --> 162.52] You take the pieces +[162.52 --> 167.96] And turn them to praises +[167.96 --> 172.46] Oh my Redeemer +[172.46 --> 179.80] Oh my Redeemer +[179.80 --> 185.56] Love I cannot deny +[185.56 --> 189.74] Sure as the morning light +[189.74 --> 194.44] Jesus my Redeemer +[194.44 --> 205.70] You paid my ransom +[205.70 --> 210.94] You chose to suffer +[210.94 --> 215.40] Oh my Redeemer +[215.40 --> 217.22] Oh my Redeemer +[217.22 --> 221.22] Oh my Redeemer +[221.22 --> 222.22] Oh my Redeemer +[222.22 --> 223.22] Oh my Redeemer +[223.22 --> 226.22] Oh my Redeemer +[226.22 --> 228.22] Love I cannot deny +[228.22 --> 232.22] Sure as the morning light +[232.90 --> 236.22] Jesus my Redeemer +[236.22 --> 238.04] My Redeemer +[238.04 --> 243.04] Now I'm not ashamed +[243.04 --> 247.22] To you be the highest praise +[247.22 --> 252.04] Jesus my Redeemer +[252.04 --> 255.04] My Redeemer +[255.04 --> 269.98] No other one +[269.98 --> 272.66] So glorious +[272.66 --> 280.30] You outshine the sun +[280.30 --> 284.38] No other love +[284.38 --> 287.12] Like Jesus +[287.12 --> 294.74] You outshine the sun +[294.74 --> 302.18] You outshine the sun +[302.18 --> 309.00] You outshine the sun +[309.00 --> 315.00] Yeah you outshine the sun +[315.00 --> 317.00] Yeah you outshine the sun +[317.00 --> 319.00] Yeah +[319.00 --> 328.82] You outshine the sun +[328.82 --> 329.82] You outshine the sun +[329.82 --> 329.88] You outshine the sun +[329.88 --> 330.88] You outshine the sun +[330.88 --> 331.82] You outshine the sun +[331.82 --> 332.82] You outshine the sun +[332.82 --> 333.82] Yeah +[333.82 --> 335.82] Love I cannot deny +[335.82 --> 338.32] Sure as the morning light +[338.32 --> 340.14] Jesus my Redeemer +[340.14 --> 344.14] Jesus my Redeemer +[344.14 --> 345.14] Oh my Redeemer +[345.14 --> 347.14] Oh my Redeemer +[347.14 --> 350.14] Now I'm not ashamed +[350.14 --> 351.14] Now I'm not ashamed +[351.14 --> 354.14] So you be the highest praise +[354.14 --> 357.14] Jesus my Redeemer +[357.14 --> 359.14] My Redeemer +[359.14 --> 361.14] My Redeemer +[361.14 --> 362.14] My Redeemer +[362.14 --> 375.46] My Redeemer +[375.46 --> 379.22] Do you shine +[379.22 --> 380.72] How you shine +[380.72 --> 386.24] My Redeemer +[386.24 --> 386.96] When you shine +[386.96 --> 388.72] My Redeemer +[388.72 --> 418.70] Thank you. +[418.72 --> 448.70] Thank you. +[448.72 --> 478.70] Thank you. +[478.72 --> 508.70] Thank you. +[508.72 --> 510.72] Thank you. +[538.72 --> 540.72] Thank you. +[568.72 --> 570.72] Thank you. +[570.72 --> 572.72] Thank you. +[572.72 --> 574.72] Thank you. +[574.72 --> 576.72] Thank you. +[576.72 --> 580.72] Thank you. +[580.72 --> 584.30] I need +[584.30 --> 600.34] You give me everything, You give me everything, You give me everything I need. +[600.34 --> 616.14] You give me everything, You give me everything, You give me everything I need. +[616.14 --> 641.20] You give me everything, You give me everything, You give me everything. +[641.20 --> 648.74] Everything I need +[671.20 --> 699.82] Come Thou Fount of every blessing +[699.82 --> 705.02] Tune my heart to sing Thy grace +[705.02 --> 710.48] Streams of mercy never ceasing +[710.48 --> 715.60] Call for songs of loudest praise +[715.60 --> 721.02] Teach me some melodious sonnet +[721.02 --> 726.16] Sung by flaming tongues above +[726.16 --> 731.74] Praise the mount I'm fixed upon it +[731.74 --> 736.66] Mount of Thy redeeming love +[736.66 --> 744.16] Here I raise my Ebenezer +[744.80 --> 749.44] Hither by Thy help I come +[749.44 --> 755.32] And I hope by Thy good pleasure +[755.32 --> 760.14] Safely to arrive at home +[760.14 --> 765.92] Jesus sought me when a stranger +[765.92 --> 770.44] Wandering from the fold of God +[770.44 --> 776.60] He to rescue me from danger +[776.60 --> 781.44] Interposed His precious blood +[781.44 --> 789.94] How Your kindness yet pursues me +[789.94 --> 800.52] Now you're in the middle +[800.52 --> 802.48] Good morning, everyone. +[803.02 --> 806.52] Good morning, everyone. +[806.52 --> 807.52] That was not bad. Not bad. +[807.58 --> 808.28] Good morning, everyone. +[808.42 --> 811.50] Welcome to Langley Emanuel CRC this morning. +[811.90 --> 813.04] My name is Kevin Lobert. +[813.10 --> 814.48] I'm the youth pastor here, +[814.84 --> 817.22] and it's great to see so many of you here today. +[817.22 --> 819.68] Before we get going started with the service, +[819.74 --> 821.94] I've got just a few announcements here on my phone. +[823.16 --> 827.80] Announcement number one is reactivate a youth conference, +[827.90 --> 831.34] a reformed youth conference that we've been doing for the last decade. +[831.48 --> 836.08] It's once again being hosted by this church come September. +[836.26 --> 839.70] So September 6, 7, 8, we'll have about 200 youth +[839.70 --> 843.64] from anywhere between 10 and 15 churches in B.C., +[843.64 --> 845.64] possibly Alberta, possibly Washington, +[845.64 --> 847.06] descending on this place. +[847.20 --> 848.86] We're very excited about that. +[849.38 --> 851.56] But in order for that conference, +[851.68 --> 853.52] that three-day conference to run well, +[853.88 --> 855.82] like last year, we need a lot of volunteers. +[856.36 --> 860.10] And that volunteer sign-up is coming out this week. +[860.22 --> 862.80] I'm not sure if it's going to be today or Tuesday, +[863.10 --> 864.26] but keep your eyes open. +[864.42 --> 865.24] It'll be coming out. +[865.80 --> 867.06] There's lots of ways to serve. +[867.12 --> 870.18] If you want to help prepare, clean up meals, +[870.66 --> 871.86] help out with hosting, +[872.10 --> 874.08] help out with parking or overnight security, +[874.08 --> 877.02] we need people helping us move chairs around +[877.02 --> 878.74] and setting up various canopies. +[879.12 --> 882.32] We need some people to pick up stuff from turkeys +[882.32 --> 884.80] or from Willoughby or from Buns Master. +[884.96 --> 887.18] So that list will come out with all of the opportunities, +[887.34 --> 888.82] with all of the times we need people. +[889.18 --> 891.64] And I really, really, really invite you all +[891.64 --> 894.92] to look at that list and find a place where you can help out. +[895.42 --> 899.16] Last year, this church showed up in droves for this event, +[899.16 --> 900.32] and it was so wonderful. +[900.32 --> 902.16] So I do encourage you to take a look at that list +[902.16 --> 904.02] and see how you can help out with that. +[904.30 --> 906.36] I'm going to invite Aaron up front now with me. +[906.46 --> 908.18] He's going to be the face of this next announcement +[908.18 --> 911.60] because if I'm the face of announcements, nothing happens. +[911.90 --> 913.82] But if Aaron's the face of announcements, +[914.40 --> 916.06] we're going to get people, I think. +[916.58 --> 918.12] Aaron, what's happening in July? +[919.66 --> 920.26] Good morning. +[920.48 --> 922.44] July 4th through the 7th, +[923.70 --> 925.16] the, I think I've said this before, +[925.16 --> 928.22] but the Christian Reformed Church has a camp +[928.22 --> 930.00] at Warren Beach Camp in Stanwood. +[931.22 --> 934.92] I've been going for, since I was 12, about. +[935.32 --> 936.88] So 30-some years. +[937.84 --> 939.62] And when I was a kid, +[939.68 --> 941.84] there was a lot of Canadians that showed up, a lot. +[942.78 --> 945.92] And now there's not so many. +[946.76 --> 948.24] And so I'd love, Kevin's going to be there. +[948.24 --> 952.16] Kevin and Josh and Heather are all going to be there. +[952.68 --> 954.26] And, oh, Mark. +[955.00 --> 956.12] Oh, yeah. +[956.56 --> 957.76] Margaret, yeah, yeah. +[958.08 --> 959.18] Margaret's going to be there. +[959.44 --> 960.34] Freddie will be there. +[961.24 --> 962.60] Yeah, there's a lot of people. +[963.30 --> 966.80] And there is July 4th through 7th. +[967.04 --> 967.84] Registration's open. +[968.50 --> 971.08] You can Google Cascade Family Bible Camp +[971.08 --> 972.04] to find out about it. +[972.12 --> 975.56] There's stuff for all ages from, you know, +[975.56 --> 976.82] if you want to get rid of your kids, +[976.82 --> 979.14] you could do that kind of here. +[979.70 --> 983.40] And so from nursery all the way up to retired age, +[983.52 --> 985.62] sports, games. +[987.16 --> 991.14] Great speaker this year coming from Michigan, I think. +[992.32 --> 992.94] Holland, Michigan. +[993.36 --> 993.58] Yep. +[993.80 --> 994.46] Thank you. +[995.10 --> 996.56] I have to read the flyer better. +[997.92 --> 999.64] And, yeah, if you have any questions, +[999.84 --> 1003.46] my kids have always enjoyed it, +[1003.46 --> 1004.64] even as they're growing older. +[1004.80 --> 1006.06] One year we were going to the Netherlands. +[1006.82 --> 1008.94] And they wanted to postpone their trip to the Netherlands +[1008.94 --> 1011.44] so they could finish one more day of Worm Beach. +[1011.88 --> 1013.24] And I said, we can't do that. +[1013.78 --> 1016.34] And so, but Kevin's done a great job with the youth. +[1017.04 --> 1019.94] And, yeah, if you have any questions, find me or Kevin. +[1020.84 --> 1021.60] It's fun. +[1021.70 --> 1023.72] If you can't come for the whole weekend, come for a day. +[1023.98 --> 1024.86] Just show up for a day. +[1025.54 --> 1026.02] It's fun. +[1026.02 --> 1027.72] Anything else? +[1027.90 --> 1028.48] Did I miss, Elise? +[1029.28 --> 1029.60] Okay. +[1030.40 --> 1031.06] It's fun. +[1031.94 --> 1032.44] Thanks, Aaron. +[1032.48 --> 1033.02] It is fun. +[1033.14 --> 1033.70] Do come out. +[1033.82 --> 1034.32] Take a look. +[1034.68 --> 1035.96] It's a great time for sure. +[1036.60 --> 1038.48] A couple quick hitter announcements. +[1038.70 --> 1040.14] Today, youth, we've got youth coffee. +[1040.26 --> 1042.02] After the service, it'll be at the Porter's House. +[1042.44 --> 1043.68] Address is in your emails. +[1043.78 --> 1044.34] Give that a look. +[1044.48 --> 1045.20] That should be fun. +[1045.94 --> 1048.16] This one's an interesting one. +[1048.48 --> 1051.42] We are testing out a new closed loop sound system today. +[1051.80 --> 1052.74] So that's happening. +[1052.82 --> 1053.82] We're going to see how that works. +[1054.86 --> 1056.82] There's a wire running on the floor here. +[1056.92 --> 1059.72] This is one of those announcements that I feel a little bit silly saying. +[1059.92 --> 1061.64] But there's a wire running on the floor here. +[1062.10 --> 1063.42] Please don't pull the wire. +[1064.16 --> 1065.28] Like, don't touch the wires. +[1065.42 --> 1067.38] We have three rules in youth. +[1067.44 --> 1068.52] Youth, what's rule number one? +[1068.58 --> 1068.78] Anyone? +[1070.20 --> 1071.10] Don't be dumb. +[1071.84 --> 1074.20] This feels like that fits in that category. +[1074.20 --> 1076.28] Okay, don't pull the wires. +[1076.40 --> 1078.24] Hopefully, that closed loop system works well. +[1078.34 --> 1079.46] We'll get that up and running soon. +[1079.78 --> 1080.46] That will be good. +[1080.86 --> 1087.62] Finally, in the middle of the service, we have an announcement on a presentation from Jennifer from Safe Families. +[1087.72 --> 1092.44] So she's going to be introducing herself, doing a little presentation from Safe Families during the service, +[1092.48 --> 1100.04] and then afterwards, having a bigger, probably more robust presentation out in the multipurpose room that we're all invited to join for that as well. +[1100.04 --> 1104.02] So if that's something that you're interested or curious about, please come out after the service. +[1104.20 --> 1105.18] And hear that as well. +[1105.32 --> 1107.84] I'm going to invite Pastor Chris forward right now. +[1108.14 --> 1111.36] He is going to lead us in God's greeting this morning. +[1115.78 --> 1116.52] Thanks, Kevin. +[1116.78 --> 1121.38] It is good to be with you all and in the presence of our God together. +[1121.38 --> 1127.10] I'm going to invite you to stand as you're able and where you are, and we're going to be greeted by God. +[1127.24 --> 1133.12] And then following God's greeting, we have the opportunity to share that greeting around as well. +[1133.60 --> 1140.38] And you can do that by shaking hands, by nodding your head and just saying hello. +[1140.38 --> 1143.04] You can do that by passing the peace of Christ. +[1143.64 --> 1148.48] And so I encourage you, after receiving God's greeting, to greet those around you in our worship together. +[1149.14 --> 1150.98] Receive the greeting of our God. +[1151.86 --> 1158.94] Grace, mercy, and peace to you from God our Father, from the Lord Jesus Christ, His Son, and our Savior, +[1159.38 --> 1161.82] through the presence and power of the Holy Spirit. +[1163.04 --> 1163.44] Amen. +[1163.44 --> 1163.58] Amen. +[1165.58 --> 1166.20] Good morning. +[1166.36 --> 1166.90] Peace of Christ. +[1167.30 --> 1168.10] Peace of Christ. +[1170.38 --> 1200.36] Peace of Christ. +[1200.38 --> 1215.64] Our call to worship this morning is coming to us from Psalm 108, where it says, +[1216.10 --> 1218.48] My heart, O God, is steadfast. +[1218.78 --> 1221.98] I will sing and make music with all my soul. +[1222.96 --> 1224.56] Awake, harp and lyre. +[1224.88 --> 1226.44] I will awaken the dawn. +[1226.44 --> 1229.18] I will praise you, Lord, among the nations. +[1230.06 --> 1232.46] I will sing of you among the peoples. +[1232.66 --> 1235.78] For great is your love, higher than the heavens. +[1236.32 --> 1238.80] Your faithfulness reaches to the skies. +[1239.70 --> 1241.86] Be exalted, O God, above the heavens. +[1242.14 --> 1244.50] Let your glory be over all the earth. +[1245.08 --> 1248.26] Let's join our voices to sing with our whole soul, +[1248.44 --> 1252.72] to sing of God's great love, a love that's higher than the heavens. +[1252.72 --> 1263.10] 21 Idol +[1263.10 --> 1263.46] donde no 하나감이 +[1263.46 --> 1264.60] than the heavens. +[1264.60 --> 1266.04] gio be an hour +[1266.04 --> 1267.06] number 215, +[1267.06 --> 1272.24] There is an endless song +[1272.24 --> 1282.24] Echoes in my soul, I hear the music ring. +[1282.24 --> 1295.24] And though other storms may come, I am holding on to the rock I play. +[1295.24 --> 1304.24] How can I keep from singing your praise? +[1304.24 --> 1312.24] How can I ever say enough? How amazing is your love? +[1312.24 --> 1318.24] How can I keep from shouting your name? +[1318.24 --> 1333.24] I know I am loved by the King, and it makes my heart want to sing. +[1333.24 --> 1347.24] I will lift my eyes in the darkest night, for I know my Savior lives. +[1347.24 --> 1362.24] And I will walk with you, knowing you'll see me through, and sing the songs you give. +[1362.24 --> 1369.24] How can I keep from singing your praise? +[1369.24 --> 1377.24] How can I ever say enough? How amazing is your love? +[1377.24 --> 1383.24] How can I keep from shouting your name? +[1383.24 --> 1394.24] I know I am loved by the King, and it makes my heart want to sing. +[1394.24 --> 1409.12] I can sing in the troubled times, sing when I win. I can sing when I lose my step and fall down again. +[1409.12 --> 1423.12] I can sing as you pick me up, sing as you're there. I can sing as you hear me, Lord, when I call to you in prayer. +[1423.12 --> 1437.32] I can sing with my last breath. I can sing for I know that I'll sing when the angels and the saints are on the throne. +[1439.12 --> 1459.02] How can I keep from singing your praise? How can I ever say enough? How amazing is your love? How can I keep from shouting your name? +[1459.02 --> 1483.02] I know I am loved by the King and it makes my heart want to sing. +[1483.02 --> 1486.02] далеко +[1486.02 --> 1516.00] Thank you. +[1516.02 --> 1528.32] Jesus, hope of the nations, Jesus, comfort for all who mourn. +[1528.32 --> 1533.70] You are the songs of heaven so honored. +[1536.46 --> 1544.60] Jesus, light in the darkness, Jesus, truth in each circumstance. +[1546.02 --> 1552.02] You are the source of heaven's light on earth. +[1552.98 --> 1557.14] In history you lived and died. +[1557.56 --> 1562.02] You broke the chains you rose to life. +[1562.02 --> 1592.02] +[1592.02 --> 1595.56] Living for all who will receive. +[1597.56 --> 1600.02] Lord, we believe. +[1600.02 --> 1617.02] Jesus, hope of the nations, Jesus, comfort for all who mourn. +[1617.02 --> 1625.06] You are the source of heaven's hope on earth. +[1625.28 --> 1633.74] Jesus, light in the darkness, Jesus, truth in each circumstance. +[1633.74 --> 1640.74] You are the source of heaven's light on earth. +[1640.74 --> 1645.96] In history you lived and died. +[1645.96 --> 1651.90] You broke the chains you rose to life. +[1651.90 --> 1656.02] You are the hope living in us. +[1656.02 --> 1660.32] You are the rock in whom we trust. +[1660.96 --> 1666.90] You are the light shining for all the world to see. +[1666.90 --> 1673.10] You rose from the dead, conquering fear. +[1673.10 --> 1677.42] Our prince of peace drawing us near. +[1677.42 --> 1683.90] Jesus, our hope living for all who will receive. +[1683.90 --> 1687.90] Lord, we believe. +[1687.90 --> 1691.90] Lord, we believe. +[1691.90 --> 1696.90] Lord, we believe. +[1696.90 --> 1698.90] Lord, we believe. +[1698.90 --> 1702.76] I invite you to be seated. +[1704.76 --> 1707.58] Our confession today comes from Matthew 28. +[1707.58 --> 1713.48] And surely I am with you always to the very end of the age. +[1714.40 --> 1717.88] These are the last words of Jesus to his disciples. +[1718.30 --> 1720.54] A promise we can take with us. +[1721.24 --> 1723.10] I am with you always. +[1724.32 --> 1728.10] I am with you even in your doubts, in your fears and failures. +[1728.80 --> 1732.38] I am with you in the silence and in our questions. +[1733.14 --> 1735.10] I am with you always. +[1735.10 --> 1739.86] We are going to be singing My Lighthouse now. +[1739.86 --> 1743.64] And I was wondering, I was at chapel on Friday. +[1743.64 --> 1748.64] And, Linda, you did it to me too. +[1748.64 --> 1750.64] Let's share. +[1750.64 --> 1757.52] Anyway, I think chapel from grades like kindergarten to grade five, +[1757.52 --> 1761.94] they did such an awesome job singing this song and doing the actions. +[1761.94 --> 1765.24] And I was wondering if they could come up and help us with that song. +[1765.24 --> 1770.74] Is there anybody willing to come up, show us like the clapping, the reverse? +[1770.74 --> 1771.44] Oh, yes. +[1771.44 --> 1772.94] Thank you so much. +[1772.94 --> 1776.70] Anyone else want to come up and show us what it looks like? +[1776.70 --> 1778.70] Right on. +[1778.70 --> 1780.70] All right. +[1780.70 --> 1784.28] Now that you're on the stage, I think we can stand and sing this song too. +[1784.28 --> 1791.28] Thank you so much for coming up and helping. +[1791.28 --> 1805.56] Feel free to join them in the actions. +[1805.56 --> 1807.50] Here we go. +[1807.50 --> 1808.50] Okay. +[1808.50 --> 1809.50] Come on. +[1809.50 --> 1818.12] In my wrestling and in my doubts, in my failures you won't walk out. +[1818.12 --> 1822.70] Your great love will lead me through. +[1822.70 --> 1827.32] You are the peace in my troubles. +[1827.32 --> 1831.32] Oh, you are the peace in my troubles. +[1831.32 --> 1835.32] Oh, you are the peace in my troubles. +[1835.32 --> 1839.78] In the silence you won't let go. +[1839.78 --> 1844.50] In the questions your truth will hold. +[1844.50 --> 1848.82] Your great love will lead me through. +[1848.82 --> 1853.44] You are the peace in my troubles. +[1853.44 --> 1857.44] Oh, you are the peace in my troubles. +[1857.44 --> 1861.44] In the darkness you won't follow you. +[1861.44 --> 1866.44] My lighthouse, my lighthouse. +[1866.44 --> 1870.44] Shining in the darkness I will follow you. +[1870.44 --> 1875.44] Oh, my lighthouse, my lighthouse. +[1875.44 --> 1877.44] You will carry me. +[1877.44 --> 1883.06] You will carry me safe to shore. +[1883.06 --> 1888.06] Safe to shore. +[1888.06 --> 1892.06] Safe to shore. +[1892.06 --> 1898.06] Safe to shore. +[1898.06 --> 1902.68] I won't fear what tomorrow brings. +[1902.68 --> 1906.68] With each morning I'll rise and sing. +[1906.68 --> 1911.68] My God's love will lead me through. +[1911.68 --> 1915.68] You are the peace in my troubled sea. +[1915.68 --> 1923.68] Oh, you are the peace in my troubled sea. +[1923.68 --> 1928.30] My lighthouse, my lighthouse. +[1928.30 --> 1932.30] Shining in the darkness I will follow you. +[1932.30 --> 1937.30] Oh, my lighthouse, my lighthouse. +[1937.30 --> 1939.30] I will carry you. +[1939.30 --> 1944.92] You will carry me safe to shore. +[1944.92 --> 1949.92] Safe to shore. +[1949.92 --> 1953.92] Safe to shore. +[1953.92 --> 1957.92] Safe to shore. +[1957.92 --> 1961.92] Fire before us. +[1961.92 --> 1974.54] You will lead us through the storms. +[1974.54 --> 1979.54] Fire before us. +[1979.54 --> 1986.54] You will lead us through the storms. +[1986.54 --> 1989.54] Fire before us. +[1989.54 --> 1992.16] You are the brightest. +[1992.16 --> 1995.16] You will lead us through the storm. +[1995.16 --> 2000.16] My lighthouse, my lighthouse. +[2000.16 --> 2004.16] Shining in the darkness I will follow you. +[2004.16 --> 2009.16] Oh, my lighthouse, my lighthouse. +[2009.16 --> 2011.16] I will trust the promise. +[2011.16 --> 2016.78] You will carry me safe to shore. +[2016.78 --> 2020.78] Safe to shore. +[2020.78 --> 2025.78] Safe to shore. +[2025.78 --> 2027.78] Safe to shore. +[2027.78 --> 2030.78] Well, thank you so much. +[2030.78 --> 2033.78] I'm glad to be seated. +[2033.78 --> 2042.40] Thank you. +[2042.40 --> 2046.60] Carrying on with that confession, Paul puts it so clearly in Romans 8. +[2046.60 --> 2048.36] Romans 8, it says, +[2048.36 --> 2054.12] For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither this present +[2054.12 --> 2061.86] nor the future, nor any powers, neither heights nor depths, nor anything else in all creation +[2061.86 --> 2066.72] will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. +[2066.72 --> 2075.84] If it reflects what we read in Matthew, I am with you always to the very end of the age. +[2075.84 --> 2085.24] And yet in stressful times, it's easy to be overwhelmed and have circumstances blind us to God's love for us. +[2085.24 --> 2086.62] Let's bow our heads. +[2086.62 --> 2094.78] Father, you make it so clear. +[2094.78 --> 2099.74] You tell us so plainly. +[2099.74 --> 2104.74] I am with you always. +[2104.74 --> 2109.54] Yet I hear myself asking, really? +[2109.54 --> 2116.60] My failures won't separate me from your love? +[2116.60 --> 2119.52] And we hear you through your words in Romans. +[2119.52 --> 2121.08] Say that, yes, nothing. +[2121.78 --> 2123.66] Nothing can separate us from your love. +[2125.48 --> 2129.32] Help us to celebrate your ever-endearing love for us. +[2130.02 --> 2133.92] Help us to know this deeply that you are always with us. +[2134.42 --> 2136.08] That nothing can separate us. +[2136.94 --> 2138.52] We need you, Lord Jesus. +[2139.00 --> 2139.22] Amen. +[2139.22 --> 2139.36] Amen. +[2144.36 --> 2147.14] Why don't you rise as we sing this one? +[2147.14 --> 2148.14] Amen. +[2148.14 --> 2149.14] Amen. +[2149.14 --> 2150.14] Amen. +[2150.14 --> 2151.14] Amen. +[2151.14 --> 2152.14] Amen. +[2152.14 --> 2153.14] Amen. +[2153.14 --> 2155.14] Amen. +[2155.14 --> 2156.52] Lord, I come. +[2156.52 --> 2159.94] I confess. +[2159.94 --> 2169.00] Bowing here, I find my rest. +[2169.00 --> 2174.92] And without you, I fall apart. +[2174.92 --> 2183.76] You're the one that guides my heart. +[2183.76 --> 2190.06] Lord, I need you. +[2190.06 --> 2194.80] Oh, I need you. +[2194.80 --> 2201.72] Every hour I need you. +[2201.72 --> 2208.96] My one defense, my righteousness. +[2208.96 --> 2214.78] Oh, God, how I need you. +[2214.78 --> 2225.70] Where sin runs deep, your grace is more. +[2225.70 --> 2232.70] Where grace is found is where you are. +[2232.70 --> 2247.62] Holiness is Christ in me. +[2247.62 --> 2254.54] And where you are, Lord, I am free. +[2254.54 --> 2263.54] Holiness is Christ in me. +[2263.54 --> 2266.46] Lord, I need you. +[2266.46 --> 2268.46] Lord, I need you. +[2268.46 --> 2273.46] Oh, I need you. +[2273.46 --> 2280.46] Every hour I need you. +[2280.46 --> 2287.38] My one defense, my righteousness. +[2287.38 --> 2293.38] Oh, God, how I need you. +[2293.38 --> 2306.30] Jesus, you're my hope and stay. +[2306.30 --> 2311.22] And when I cannot stand, I'll fall on you. +[2311.22 --> 2318.22] Jesus, you're my hope and stay. +[2318.22 --> 2324.22] And when I cannot stand, I'll fall on you. +[2324.22 --> 2330.14] Jesus, you're my hope and stay. +[2330.14 --> 2335.14] Lord, I need you. +[2335.14 --> 2337.00] Lord, I need you. +[2337.00 --> 2341.14] Oh, I need you. +[2341.14 --> 2348.34] Every hour I need you. +[2348.34 --> 2355.26] My one defense, my righteousness. +[2355.26 --> 2361.26] Oh, God, how I need you. +[2361.26 --> 2364.26] I need you. +[2364.26 --> 2369.26] Oh, I need you. +[2369.26 --> 2376.26] Every hour I need you. +[2376.26 --> 2383.18] My one defense, my righteousness. +[2383.18 --> 2389.18] Oh, God, how I need you. +[2389.18 --> 2397.18] My one defense, my righteousness. +[2397.18 --> 2404.18] Oh, God, how I need you. +[2404.18 --> 2407.10] I invite you to be seated. +[2407.10 --> 2408.10] Thank you. +[2408.10 --> 2409.10] Thank you. +[2409.10 --> 2410.10] Thank you. +[2410.10 --> 2411.10] Thank you. +[2411.10 --> 2412.10] Thank you. +[2412.10 --> 2414.10] Thank you. +[2414.10 --> 2415.10] Thank you. +[2415.10 --> 2416.10] Thank you. +[2416.10 --> 2423.54] We've got a lot going on in our midst today and in this season of life for our church. +[2423.54 --> 2432.06] And so at this point, we have the opportunity to install new office bearers for service here. +[2432.06 --> 2438.98] We are grateful to God for his provision of our church leaders together. +[2438.98 --> 2445.46] We want to thank Eric Van Heusen, who served as an admin elder and chair of council. +[2445.46 --> 2448.86] We want to thank Daryl Wind, who served as a pastoral elder. +[2448.86 --> 2455.66] And then also we thank Mike Rorsma and Clem Molenkamp, who served this past season as deacons. +[2455.66 --> 2462.14] In the office bearers of the church, we see Jesus' love for his people. +[2462.14 --> 2470.90] Jesus appoints leaders to govern in his name, promoting the health and growth of the church and the maturation of our church family. +[2470.90 --> 2480.58] Admin elders oversee the church in Jesus' name, dealing with the administration of our society and coordinating our governance with full council. +[2480.58 --> 2487.94] Pastoral elders provide spiritual and theological leadership, giving pastoral guidance to those in need. +[2487.94 --> 2494.52] And deacons lead us in serving the Lord through ministries of mercy and justice. +[2495.58 --> 2505.64] Elders and deacons must be Christ-like, must be mature in faith, and they must exercise their offices with prayer, patience, and humility. +[2505.64 --> 2515.28] Today, by the grace of God and in the Spirit's power, we ordain and install an admin elder, pastoral elder, and two deacons. +[2515.28 --> 2518.70] And so when I call your name, I'm going to invite you to come to the front. +[2519.64 --> 2523.64] Clary will be serving and installed as an admin elder. +[2524.22 --> 2527.10] Paul will be installed as a pastoral elder. +[2527.84 --> 2532.36] And Allison and Pearl will be installed as deacons in our midst. +[2532.36 --> 2537.24] Yeah, right up, right on stage. +[2548.42 --> 2550.84] Order doesn't matter as much when you're up here. +[2550.90 --> 2551.40] You're up here. +[2553.62 --> 2559.98] To affirm your acceptance of these responsibilities, I'm going to ask you four questions. +[2559.98 --> 2563.56] So I'll ask all four questions, and then I'll ask, say, Clary, what is your answer? +[2563.90 --> 2572.14] Invite you to respond, saying, I do with God's help, or I do God helping me, or I do with Jesus, however you choose to respond. +[2574.62 --> 2582.98] First, do you believe that in the call of this congregation, God himself is calling you to these holy offices? +[2582.98 --> 2590.72] Second, do you believe that the Old and New Testaments are the word of God, the only infallible rule of faith and life? +[2591.80 --> 2597.50] Three, do you subscribe to the doctrinal standards of this church, rejecting all teaching which contradicts them? +[2598.18 --> 2603.36] And four, do you promise to do the work of your offices faithfully in a way worthy of your calling, +[2603.78 --> 2607.96] and in submission to the government and discipleship of this church? +[2608.88 --> 2610.36] Clary, what is your answer? +[2610.36 --> 2611.78] I do, God helping me. +[2611.90 --> 2612.14] Amen. +[2612.38 --> 2613.48] Paul, what is your answer? +[2613.72 --> 2614.74] I do, God helping me. +[2614.80 --> 2615.10] Amen. +[2615.36 --> 2616.46] Allison, what is your answer? +[2616.74 --> 2617.70] I do, God helping me. +[2617.76 --> 2618.00] Amen. +[2618.24 --> 2619.52] And Pearl, what is your answer? +[2619.76 --> 2620.92] I do, God helping me. +[2621.06 --> 2621.42] Amen. +[2622.04 --> 2622.40] Amen. +[2623.68 --> 2626.90] We're going to ordain them with a prayer. +[2627.28 --> 2630.08] And to do that, what I'd like you to do is just to move down here, +[2630.18 --> 2634.74] and then I'm going to invite the outgoing office bearers, the currently serving office bearers, +[2634.74 --> 2639.64] and then the family of those, these people here who will serve together, +[2640.32 --> 2645.16] as well anyone else who feels led to come forward and to lay hands on. +[2646.00 --> 2648.78] If you aren't wanting to come forward to lay hands on, +[2648.78 --> 2656.64] you are invited just to hold a hand up and out as a gesture and a symbol of our laying hands on here. +[2656.64 --> 2670.74] In the scriptures, the laying on of hands is a picture of God's Holy Spirit at work +[2670.74 --> 2678.14] through the body of believers, commissioning these people, sending these people to serve in our midst. +[2678.66 --> 2683.10] And so we offer this prayer of ordination and commissioning. +[2683.24 --> 2684.62] Join your heart with me in prayer. +[2686.64 --> 2691.92] God, our Heavenly Father, who has called you to these sacred offices, +[2692.44 --> 2697.34] guide you by his word, equip you with his spirit, and prosper your ministries. +[2698.20 --> 2701.62] Lord Jesus, make them faithful workers in your vineyard. +[2702.74 --> 2708.46] Under their guidance, may your church grow in spiritual grace, faith, and committed service. +[2709.18 --> 2712.94] Help them perform their duties with enthusiasm and humility. +[2712.94 --> 2718.24] Grant in them sustained awe rooted in daily adoration of you. +[2719.22 --> 2723.14] Through them, may your name be honored and your church be served. +[2724.54 --> 2728.74] And help us, we pray, your people, to accept them gladly, +[2729.30 --> 2734.30] to encourage them, and to respect them for the sake of your Son, our Lord, +[2734.40 --> 2735.66] in whose name we pray. +[2736.16 --> 2738.32] All God's people said, Amen. +[2739.40 --> 2739.72] Amen. +[2739.72 --> 2742.14] You may all take your seat together. +[2751.64 --> 2759.00] For this next portion, I'm going to read the charge that comes from the Scriptures +[2759.00 --> 2762.32] to those who are serving in these offices. +[2762.32 --> 2768.06] And so, even as I address you by name, as you've just been installed and ordained, +[2768.48 --> 2773.46] this applies to all of us who serve as elders and deacons in this church. +[2774.12 --> 2775.52] And so, Clary, first. +[2775.52 --> 2780.48] As admin elder, I charge you with these scriptures to guide your work. +[2781.60 --> 2787.14] Hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught so that you can encourage others. +[2788.30 --> 2790.52] Pray continually for the church. +[2791.48 --> 2796.90] And remember that true spiritual leadership requires being mastered by your Lord. +[2796.90 --> 2801.08] Everything must be done so that the church may be built up. +[2801.92 --> 2806.30] Ensure that everything should be done in a fitting and orderly way. +[2807.66 --> 2809.78] And Paul, where did you go? +[2809.86 --> 2810.28] There you are. +[2810.54 --> 2815.82] Paul, as a pastoral elder, I charge you with these scriptures to guide your work. +[2816.78 --> 2819.94] Hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught, +[2820.04 --> 2825.34] so that you may encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it. +[2825.34 --> 2828.50] Pray continually for the church. +[2829.46 --> 2831.02] Remember, our Lord Jesus said, +[2831.36 --> 2835.34] Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me, +[2835.70 --> 2839.40] and so be a friend and Christ-like example to children. +[2840.28 --> 2843.08] Give clear and cheerful guidance to young people. +[2843.86 --> 2849.96] Know the scriptures which are useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness. +[2850.80 --> 2854.50] And remember at all times that if you would truly give spiritual leadership +[2854.50 --> 2859.28] in the household of faith, you must be completely mastered by your Lord. +[2860.54 --> 2867.06] And Allison and Pearl, to you, I charge you with these scriptures to guide your work as deacons. +[2867.86 --> 2871.98] Hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught, +[2872.06 --> 2874.70] so that you can encourage others. +[2874.70 --> 2878.94] You are to be worthy of respect and sincere. +[2879.70 --> 2883.56] Deacons must keep hold of the deep truths of the faith with a clear conscience. +[2884.40 --> 2887.50] And so serve the church with the spirit and wisdom. +[2888.04 --> 2894.32] And teach us to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with our God. +[2894.32 --> 2899.50] And then to the congregation, to the church family gathered here at Emmanuel, +[2899.88 --> 2907.06] I charge you, people of God, to receive these office bearers as Christ's gift to the church. +[2908.24 --> 2912.60] Recognize in them the Lord's provision for a healthy congregational life. +[2913.10 --> 2914.10] Hold them in honor. +[2914.30 --> 2915.84] Take their counsel seriously. +[2916.32 --> 2918.42] Respond with obedience and respect. +[2918.80 --> 2920.80] And accept their help with thanks. +[2920.80 --> 2925.02] Participate wholeheartedly in the ministries they lead. +[2925.38 --> 2929.96] Sustain them in prayer and support them, especially when they feel burdened. +[2930.86 --> 2934.64] And acknowledge them as the Lord's servants among you. +[2936.14 --> 2939.94] And so you, congregation, family of God, have a question as well. +[2940.22 --> 2942.32] And I invite you to respond as you see. +[2942.32 --> 2947.64] Do you, congregation, pledge to receive them as you have been charged? +[2948.32 --> 2950.50] We do with God's help. +[2951.42 --> 2951.78] Amen. +[2952.38 --> 2954.22] Let's continue in our worship with the offering. +[2954.40 --> 2956.26] I'll invite the deacons forward to lead us in that. +[2956.26 --> 2956.44] Amen. +[2965.12 --> 2965.94] Was that better? +[2966.14 --> 2966.62] Sound wise? +[2966.84 --> 2967.30] Yeah, yeah, yeah. +[2967.30 --> 2967.48] Okay. +[2972.14 --> 2972.78] Good morning. +[2973.00 --> 2975.22] My name is Brenda and I'm a deacon here at Emmanuel. +[2975.22 --> 2979.30] We continue our worship with the giving of our gifts, first to the budget. +[2980.04 --> 2983.04] And our special offering today is for benevolence. +[2984.54 --> 2998.24] And as a congregation here, every Sunday you get to see one of us deacons come up here and tell you about the cause, the organization, the mission or ministry that you are giving to. +[2998.24 --> 3002.78] And all of those typically have a name to it. +[3003.70 --> 3006.80] We have Jennifer here today from Safe Families. +[3006.96 --> 3008.00] She's going to talk to us. +[3008.46 --> 3016.84] We have the baby bottle campaign going on, which this is just a reminder that if you haven't gotten your baby bottle from the back yet, you can still take one. +[3016.84 --> 3020.86] But all of those have names to them. +[3021.80 --> 3024.60] Our offering for today is for benevolence. +[3025.30 --> 3032.42] Benevolence is a term that for me, having grown up in the Christian Reformed Church, I've heard this term, I guess, all my life. +[3033.38 --> 3036.04] Kind of knew what it was, that sort of thing. +[3036.04 --> 3046.00] But these last two years for me as serving as a deacon have really showed to me that benevolence also has, it's maybe more generic, but it also has a name. +[3046.84 --> 3056.46] It's names and faces of people that most of us don't get to meet, people who are struggling, people, whether it's in this congregation, whether it's in our local community. +[3056.46 --> 3071.40] But we have the privilege and the ability, this church has been incredibly generous, to support these people, these situations that come up, maybe one time, maybe ongoing. +[3072.44 --> 3084.20] So today I just ask that you consider, yes, it's a title, it's a benevolence, but there are names and faces and building of relationships that happen through the giving that you give. +[3084.20 --> 3087.86] So I ask that you bless as God has blessed you. +[3114.20 --> 3136.46] Jesus, Jesus, be the center, be my source, be my light, Jesus. +[3136.46 --> 3136.50] Jesus, be the center, be my source, be my light, Jesus. +[3136.50 --> 3166.48] Jesus, be my source, be my source, Jesus. +[3166.48 --> 3185.98] Jesus, be the fire in my heart, be the wind in these sails, be the reason that I live, Jesus. +[3185.98 --> 3189.04] Jesus, Jesus. +[3189.04 --> 3196.04] Jesus, Jesus. +[3196.48 --> 3211.48] Jesus, be my source, be my source, be my source, be my source, be my source, and be the Lord. +[3211.48 --> 3213.88] Jesus, Jesus. +[3217.88 --> 3225.92] Be the fire in my heart, be the wind in these sails, be the light, Jesus. +[3225.92 --> 3236.16] In these cells be the reason that I live +[3236.16 --> 3241.08] Jesus, Jesus +[3241.08 --> 3255.34] Jesus, be the center +[3255.34 --> 3263.34] Be my source, be my light +[3263.98 --> 3266.18] Jesus +[3266.18 --> 3269.34] Jesus +[3269.34 --> 3282.50] Okay, I'd like to invite all the kids age 3 to grade 4. +[3282.58 --> 3283.66] We've got some keeners here. +[3285.34 --> 3291.98] Did you say the girls are always first? +[3293.10 --> 3293.54] Okay. +[3293.80 --> 3294.80] Did boys, did you hear that? +[3296.00 --> 3296.52] Alright. +[3297.52 --> 3298.24] Good morning. +[3298.30 --> 3299.12] How's everybody doing? +[3299.64 --> 3300.02] Good. +[3300.02 --> 3301.42] Right on. +[3301.58 --> 3306.42] Today or the last couple weeks we've been talking a bit about family and children's worship time. +[3306.48 --> 3307.20] Do you remember that? +[3308.08 --> 3309.38] Now what does family mean? +[3309.44 --> 3312.28] Does family mean just like the people in your home? +[3312.48 --> 3315.40] Or is it mean, is there greater family around? +[3315.66 --> 3316.88] Yeah, what does family mean to you? +[3316.88 --> 3317.42] Okay. +[3317.42 --> 3317.48] Okay. +[3317.48 --> 3325.30] When you have family, it's like sometimes we talk about family. +[3325.30 --> 3326.68] That's the people in our home. +[3326.76 --> 3330.24] But family, like everybody here in this church is kind of part of your family, aren't they? +[3330.38 --> 3330.62] Yeah. +[3331.18 --> 3332.64] So I got a question for you. +[3332.70 --> 3336.74] When you go and meet somebody else, what's the best way to meet somebody? +[3336.80 --> 3338.72] Like on the playground or at the park or something? +[3338.74 --> 3339.34] What do you got to do? +[3339.96 --> 3340.68] Shake hands. +[3340.74 --> 3341.38] What's something else? +[3342.38 --> 3343.12] Introduce yourself. +[3343.22 --> 3343.58] What else? +[3344.46 --> 3345.30] Say hi. +[3345.30 --> 3345.36] Hi. +[3346.20 --> 3349.52] So sometimes when you want to meet somebody new, you ask questions. +[3349.74 --> 3352.78] So it might be like, and I don't, I know some of you guys pretty good. +[3352.84 --> 3356.38] But if I ask you a question like, what's your favorite color? +[3357.60 --> 3358.00] Purple. +[3358.16 --> 3359.58] So I know something new about you. +[3360.06 --> 3360.88] How about you? +[3360.94 --> 3362.06] Do you guys have a pet at home? +[3362.48 --> 3363.56] What kind of pet do you have? +[3364.50 --> 3365.46] You have a dog. +[3365.76 --> 3366.18] Okay. +[3366.94 --> 3369.90] And do you like candy? +[3370.68 --> 3373.16] Oh, I learned all kinds of new things about some people. +[3373.16 --> 3376.98] So as I learn new things about people, it's easier for you. +[3377.08 --> 3380.96] You can be part of my friend group, and I can share God's love with you because I have +[3380.96 --> 3382.04] a relationship with you. +[3382.14 --> 3384.70] So that's what we're going to learn about today in children's worship time. +[3384.76 --> 3385.72] Does that sound like a good idea? +[3386.08 --> 3386.30] Yes. +[3387.06 --> 3390.14] How about we stand up right now, and we'll bless the congregation. +[3391.62 --> 3392.92] And they'll bless us. +[3393.56 --> 3393.82] Ready? +[3394.90 --> 3397.30] The Lord be with you. +[3397.30 --> 3399.30] And also with you. +[3403.16 --> 3419.00] Hi. +[3419.12 --> 3423.44] My name is Jennifer Gamache, and this is really like coming home. +[3423.44 --> 3429.54] I used to teach next door, and I'm running into some of my students who now have families +[3429.54 --> 3431.80] of their own, and that makes me feel a little bit old. +[3432.38 --> 3434.06] But great to see everybody. +[3434.34 --> 3435.72] So my name is Jennifer Gamache. +[3435.84 --> 3438.86] I'm the chapter director of Safe Families Lower Mainland. +[3439.08 --> 3442.46] We currently serve families from Chilliwack to Cloverdale. +[3442.46 --> 3450.48] And what we do is we try, and our motto is to keep kids safe and families together through +[3450.48 --> 3453.34] community, through a circle of support. +[3453.78 --> 3456.84] And our motto is that everyone can do something. +[3457.36 --> 3462.14] And all the little somethings add up to a really big difference. +[3462.80 --> 3468.10] The reason I can be so passionate about this cause is I'm standing here before you today +[3468.10 --> 3473.94] because someone, when crisis struck my family, someone from the church reached out, and my +[3473.94 --> 3475.44] life has never been the same. +[3476.44 --> 3481.64] My dad left when I was three, and not only did he leave me and my mom, but he left my mom +[3481.64 --> 3483.24] who had a degenerative disease. +[3483.72 --> 3484.74] She didn't drive. +[3484.94 --> 3488.26] I was three, four, five, having to care for her. +[3488.80 --> 3490.88] I should have been put into foster care. +[3491.30 --> 3496.06] But the reason I wasn't put into foster care was because one person from the church came +[3496.06 --> 3499.74] to my family in crisis, and that began a relationship. +[3500.40 --> 3503.52] And someone every week drove us to get groceries on a Saturday. +[3504.10 --> 3505.82] Somebody paid for me to go to camp. +[3506.24 --> 3508.78] Somebody hosted me while my mom was in the hospital. +[3509.14 --> 3514.70] All these little pieces allowed me to be here today knowing Christ. +[3514.84 --> 3515.96] My mom found Christ. +[3516.08 --> 3517.06] I found Christ. +[3517.48 --> 3521.48] My kids, it didn't only change my life, but it changed generations to follow. +[3521.48 --> 3527.38] And so that's why I can stand here so passionate about safe families, because in the church, +[3527.44 --> 3529.22] we know what community is. +[3529.80 --> 3535.94] But since starting this job, I'm telling you honestly, people have no one. +[3536.64 --> 3541.34] One example would be a single mom with two kids, and she was going in for a C-section. +[3541.82 --> 3547.72] She was taking a cab to the hospital to have her baby, and she had nowhere for her two kids +[3547.72 --> 3548.20] to go. +[3548.82 --> 3551.52] So we were, you're thinking, can you call a neighbor? +[3551.68 --> 3552.60] Can you call your mom? +[3552.72 --> 3553.66] Can you call a sister? +[3554.10 --> 3555.14] They have nobody. +[3555.78 --> 3560.10] Safe Families was able to host her two children for five days while the mom could go in. +[3560.44 --> 3563.46] We paired her with a family friend who drove her to the hospital. +[3563.96 --> 3565.84] Part of the church created a meal train. +[3566.00 --> 3567.56] Somebody came in and cleaned her house. +[3567.56 --> 3574.96] We supported them in temporary crisis so that the family doesn't fall apart. +[3574.96 --> 3580.38] So we try and keep kids and families together through support, through the church. +[3581.32 --> 3582.92] All of us can do something. +[3583.08 --> 3585.38] We have volunteers that are 18 years old. +[3585.48 --> 3587.10] We have volunteers who are 82. +[3587.90 --> 3593.88] We have a wonderful 82-year-old man that delivers groceries to three single moms every single week. +[3594.04 --> 3595.88] He's like, this is my greatest joy. +[3596.04 --> 3597.78] He goes, this is not a chore for me. +[3598.28 --> 3602.58] We have a 25-year-old plumber that I did a presentation at a young adults group. +[3602.58 --> 3606.46] And he's like, well, I can't really do much, but I'm a plumber. +[3606.52 --> 3607.42] Would that be useful? +[3607.94 --> 3609.56] I'm like, that would be very useful. +[3609.94 --> 3611.46] Two weeks ago, we had a single mom. +[3611.52 --> 3615.40] Her dishwasher broke, flooded the kitchen. +[3615.60 --> 3619.18] He went there, fixed it, mopped the floor, was playing with the kids. +[3619.26 --> 3624.56] He's like, I sure hope some more dishwashers break because that was really, really a blessing to me. +[3624.56 --> 3630.98] And so if you think of your worst crisis that you've been in and think who came around you, +[3631.54 --> 3635.06] but then think of that crisis in having no one coming around you. +[3635.58 --> 3638.64] That's what our families, the place that they're in right now. +[3638.84 --> 3641.22] So we have four different volunteer roles. +[3641.36 --> 3642.76] So everyone can do something. +[3642.92 --> 3644.60] Some are hosting kids temporarily. +[3645.22 --> 3646.58] Some are a family friend. +[3647.04 --> 3650.16] Some help supply resources like boots or diapers. +[3650.68 --> 3652.36] And some are family coaches. +[3652.36 --> 3655.80] And so I would love for you to come and hear more of my story, +[3656.04 --> 3660.32] more of Safe Families, and how we're impacting the community. +[3660.74 --> 3664.16] The biggest thing that I find with our families is they come and they say, +[3664.52 --> 3666.28] why are you doing this? +[3667.46 --> 3668.74] Nobody is getting paid. +[3668.88 --> 3674.92] They cannot wrap their head around why people are building relationship and friendship with them. +[3675.58 --> 3679.44] It gives us the opportunity to say why we're doing this. +[3679.60 --> 3681.06] Christ loved us first. +[3681.06 --> 3684.02] And where are they going to find true hope and healing? +[3684.50 --> 3686.08] Is through Christ Jesus. +[3686.40 --> 3688.96] And so this has been a wonderful opportunity. +[3690.02 --> 3691.72] I gave up my teaching job. +[3691.90 --> 3694.28] I taught for most of my life. +[3694.48 --> 3697.76] I really felt like God was bringing about something different. +[3697.92 --> 3700.28] So I resigned not knowing what I was going to do. +[3700.64 --> 3703.16] My husband and I were looking into doing foster care. +[3703.78 --> 3705.98] Somebody posted about Safe Families. +[3706.12 --> 3707.88] I said, Jeff, this is what we need to do. +[3707.88 --> 3709.68] We want to keep families together. +[3710.18 --> 3713.68] We want these kids going into Christian-loving, safe homes. +[3713.98 --> 3718.72] I'll tell you countless stories in the presentation of families right here in Langley, +[3718.94 --> 3725.56] where their lives have been absolutely changed by friendship and community and feeling like they're not alone. +[3725.56 --> 3731.66] It's when kids and families are isolated and withdrawn is often when kids become unsafe. +[3732.00 --> 3735.30] This is not necessarily parents who are poor parents. +[3735.42 --> 3736.94] They're parents without support. +[3737.48 --> 3741.00] And so I would love for you to come and hear more about Safe Families Lower Mainland. +[3741.00 --> 3743.62] It's been great to see all of you. +[3744.02 --> 3746.52] We'll be in the back room there after the service. +[3746.90 --> 3747.34] Thank you. +[3747.34 --> 3763.22] Thank you, Jennifer. +[3763.34 --> 3764.14] That was good to hear. +[3764.94 --> 3765.98] My name is Dave. +[3766.10 --> 3767.70] I am one of the elders in this church. +[3768.22 --> 3772.72] And it is my blessing to be able to lead you in our church family prayer. +[3773.32 --> 3774.00] Let us pray. +[3774.00 --> 3778.32] Father, this is the day that you have made. +[3778.70 --> 3780.64] We rejoice and we are glad in it. +[3781.36 --> 3784.04] Father, we praise you and thank you for this Lord's Day, +[3784.28 --> 3787.96] a time where we gather with Christians everywhere and we celebrate your name. +[3788.94 --> 3793.76] Father, we confess that we are flawed human beings and we have a sinful nature. +[3794.52 --> 3799.20] Like the Apostle Paul, we desire to do what is good and cannot carry it out. +[3799.20 --> 3805.54] We do not do the good we want to do, but the evil we do not want to do, this we keep on doing. +[3805.54 --> 3814.20] We thank you that we do not have to bear the guilt of our sin, for Jesus has taken our burden to the cross and we don't have to bear it anymore. +[3814.60 --> 3816.82] We thank you for that unspeakable gift. +[3816.82 --> 3822.36] Father, we thank you for this special Sunday where we get to install new office bearers. +[3822.74 --> 3829.70] We thank you for new elders and deacons and the important work that they do, the governance of this congregation and service for your people. +[3830.42 --> 3833.62] Give them guidance and strength as they do this important work. +[3834.04 --> 3837.08] We promise them our love, encouragement and prayers. +[3837.08 --> 3840.52] We thank you for the synod that we'll be meeting soon. +[3840.98 --> 3844.88] We thank you that Pastor Chris has the opportunity to serve as a delegate at that synod. +[3845.30 --> 3847.76] We pray for him and every other delegate. +[3848.30 --> 3851.24] They have important and sometimes difficult matters to discuss. +[3851.90 --> 3859.22] Give them wisdom, understanding and insight so that they might be able to discern your will for your church and act accordingly. +[3859.22 --> 3867.36] Father, we thank you for Safe Families Canada and the important work that they are doing. +[3868.12 --> 3875.20] And maybe they're just doing volunteer work in small ways, but they are in situations where people are in need. +[3875.46 --> 3877.06] We thank you for the work that they do. +[3877.40 --> 3879.32] We ask that you will continue to bless them. +[3880.06 --> 3884.60] We think about members of our congregation and people connected to it. +[3884.60 --> 3889.78] We thank you that Kobe DeBoer-Sap has had a bone marrow transplant and is continuing +[3889.78 --> 3893.08] radiation chemotherapy. +[3893.08 --> 3895.14] This is a difficult treatment to get. +[3895.14 --> 3898.04] We pray for strength and for healing. +[3898.04 --> 3904.32] Father, we thank you Everly Vartstra who has been diagnosed with melanoma. +[3904.32 --> 3908.36] We are grateful that the prognosis is helpful but we know that there is lots of work that +[3908.36 --> 3909.54] needs to be done. +[3909.54 --> 3913.80] Please be with her and family as they endure this challenge as well. +[3913.80 --> 3918.70] We pray for Rose Vita who has experienced her own health challenges and other struggles. +[3918.70 --> 3923.18] We pray that you be very close to her and give her what she stands in need of. +[3923.18 --> 3929.10] We think about Judy Dykstra's friend Vera who has been experiencing shingles for some time. +[3929.10 --> 3930.74] This is a very painful condition. +[3930.74 --> 3935.34] We pray that she will experience some relief. +[3935.34 --> 3939.12] At the end of this school year we pray for the students and teachers at Langley Christian +[3939.12 --> 3941.56] School and all other schools. +[3941.56 --> 3946.46] We pray that they will be able to finish well and look forward to a summer break. +[3946.46 --> 3950.66] Whether it be travel or rest or work or spending time with family. +[3950.66 --> 3952.94] We ask that you bless this time for them. +[3952.94 --> 3957.38] Father, we thank you about the severe floods that have taken place in southern Brazil with +[3957.38 --> 3960.26] widespread damage and loss of life. +[3960.26 --> 3964.96] We pray that national and international efforts will be able to come together and to help all +[3964.96 --> 3969.36] those who have been injured, to help those who have been displaced. +[3969.36 --> 3974.72] Father, once again we pray for the war zones of the world. +[3974.72 --> 3976.46] We think about Israel and Gaza. +[3976.46 --> 3978.92] We think about Ukraine and Russia. +[3978.92 --> 3983.04] We know that there are other places that are experiencing tension and conflict. +[3983.04 --> 3986.82] We pray for those who are suffering and those who are living in fear. +[3986.82 --> 3992.92] We pray for the injured, for the families of the dead, for the families of the hostages. +[3992.92 --> 3996.54] We pray for a real peace, a meaningful peace. +[3996.54 --> 4003.32] Not just one where the shooting stops, but where everyone learns to live together as neighbors. +[4003.32 --> 4006.70] We pray for Pastor Chris as he leads us in your word. +[4006.70 --> 4011.58] We pray that our study, we value our study of Paul's letter to the Romans. +[4011.58 --> 4017.82] It gives us valuable insights on our sin, your love, your grace, and faith in you. +[4017.82 --> 4023.06] Give Chris the words so that we can listen and apply them to the rest of our lives, so +[4023.06 --> 4027.66] that all the Gentiles may come to the obedience that comes from faith. +[4027.66 --> 4032.56] To the only wise God be glory forever through Jesus Christ. +[4032.56 --> 4032.86] Amen. +[4035.32 --> 4058.32] As Dave prayed there, we are going to continue in our look through the book of Romans. +[4059.00 --> 4066.14] We are coming near the end this week and next, and we have made it all the way through from +[4066.14 --> 4076.26] beginning to end. It will be almost exactly 18 months since we started in Romans, and so a +[4076.26 --> 4084.04] testament to you and your endurance in this work together. We're going to read today from Romans 16 +[4084.04 --> 4093.10] starting at verse 17, and then I'll read through to the end of verse 23. It will be on the screen +[4093.10 --> 4098.68] behind me as we go through the first time, but I encourage you, if you have a Bible or a Bible app, +[4098.82 --> 4104.98] to have that open and keep that open as we will, of course, be digging in and going through in +[4104.98 --> 4109.00] particular. Hear the words of Paul. +[4109.00 --> 4119.50] I urge you, brothers and sisters, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles +[4119.50 --> 4127.14] in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Keep away from them, for such people +[4127.14 --> 4135.62] are not serving our Lord, but their own appetites. By smooth talk and flattery, they deceive the minds +[4135.62 --> 4143.14] of naive people. Everyone has heard about your obedience, so I rejoice because of you, but I want +[4143.14 --> 4151.94] you to be wise about what is good and innocent about what is evil. The God of peace will soon crush Satan +[4151.94 --> 4162.20] under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you. Timothy, my co-worker, sends his greetings to you, +[4162.20 --> 4171.54] as do Lucius, Jason, and Sosipater, my fellow Jews. I, Tertius, who wrote down this letter, greet you in the +[4171.54 --> 4179.70] Lord. Gaius, whose hospitality I and the whole church here enjoy, sends you his greetings. +[4181.52 --> 4188.58] Erastus, who is the city's director of public works, and our brother Quartus send you their greetings. +[4188.58 --> 4202.80] This is the word of the Lord. I want to just jump right in for us together this morning, +[4202.80 --> 4213.68] so as to not beat around the bush, so as to ensure that we hear and that we don't miss +[4213.68 --> 4223.60] precisely what it is that Paul is telling us to watch out for. Simply put, Paul says, +[4224.06 --> 4229.90] watch out for those who would rob you of the power of the gospel. +[4233.66 --> 4238.34] Watch out for those who would offer you something else. Watch out for those who would offer you +[4238.34 --> 4243.48] something less. Watch out for those who would offer you something that sounds great on the surface, +[4243.48 --> 4250.32] but in the end proves hollow. Watch out for those who would seek to divide you and to break you apart. +[4250.78 --> 4256.54] Watch out for those who would rob you of the power of the gospel. +[4256.54 --> 4269.16] Now, if you look at the whole of chapter 16, this little seeming interruption, this interlude in +[4269.16 --> 4277.70] verse 17 through 20 seems a little bit strange, right? In the first part of the chapter, and we +[4277.70 --> 4283.76] looked at this last week, there's a list of people that Paul ministered with and who are probably known +[4283.76 --> 4290.98] to the church in Rome. And then verse 21 continues with Paul's missionary team with another list of +[4290.98 --> 4301.94] people. Now, it's important to see here that Paul wrote this letter sometime around the sort of mid-AD +[4301.94 --> 4310.38] 50s, sometime between like 55 and 58. Some scholars narrow that down to 57 to 58. And he's staying +[4310.38 --> 4318.36] in Corinth before making his trip to Jerusalem. In fact, he's staying, we read it, in Gaius's house, +[4319.12 --> 4326.24] right? Verse 23, Gaius, whose hospitality and I, the whole church, enjoy. 1 Corinthians 1 verse 14 +[4326.24 --> 4333.66] mentions that Paul baptized Gaius, probably on his second missionary journey when he stayed there in +[4333.66 --> 4338.82] Corinth for a year and a half with Priscilla and Aquila, two other leaders in the Corinthian church +[4338.82 --> 4346.36] who came from Rome and who are mentioned in the first half of this chapter. But now, Paul is on his +[4346.36 --> 4352.14] third missionary journey and he's getting ready to head back from Jerusalem and he spends three months +[4352.14 --> 4360.70] or so living in Gaius's house. You can read about this in the book of Acts. And he tells us, continuing his +[4360.70 --> 4369.46] list, that Timothy is there with him and that Timothy is a co-worker with Paul. Now, Paul met Timothy in a +[4369.46 --> 4375.88] city called Lystra on his second missionary journey. And Paul and Timothy have had a special relationship +[4375.88 --> 4384.36] from the beginning. Paul refers to Timothy as my true son in the faith. He calls him his deeply loved son. +[4384.36 --> 4392.32] In Philippians, we can read that Paul says, Timothy serves with him as a son with a father in the work of the +[4392.32 --> 4400.70] gospel. And so, Paul and Timothy are together and they are close and they work in this. And Timothy is a +[4400.70 --> 4407.58] recurring character in the story of Paul and the missionary work of Paul. He adds more names. He lists +[4407.58 --> 4416.08] Lucius, Jason, and Sosipater. Jason may be referred to, may refer to the person that Paul stayed with +[4416.08 --> 4421.82] in Thessaloniki, which is the city he was in before coming to Corinth on this time around, but we can't +[4421.82 --> 4429.86] guarantee that. And then, continuing the list in verse 22, we meet a man named Tersias who wrote down +[4429.86 --> 4437.68] this letter. Now, it's common practice for writers and authors of the day to use trained or professional +[4437.68 --> 4444.88] writers. So, the apostle Paul is the author and then Tersias is the writer of this letter. +[4446.42 --> 4455.72] And then lastly, right, we hear a greeting from Erastus and Cortus. And Erastus is listed as the +[4455.72 --> 4462.62] director of public works. Now, I think this is amazing, but I geek out on these kinds of things. +[4463.42 --> 4473.94] In the early 1920s, and then again in the 1960s, a plaque was found in the ancient ruins of the city +[4473.94 --> 4481.96] of Corinth. It dates to the first century, so the time of Paul to this very time. And on it is the name +[4481.96 --> 4490.92] Erastus. And there's an inscription that's carved there that says he was a city official who used +[4490.92 --> 4500.30] his wealth to pave a road in the city of Corinth. So, he used his own wealth and his own public station +[4500.30 --> 4507.04] to serve the community. And this is recorded in stone, literally. And this is another example, +[4507.04 --> 4513.88] I think, of evidence from archaeology confirming the truth and the historicity of the Bible and what +[4513.88 --> 4523.50] Paul is writing about here. Now, all of these names are cool. All of these stories are fascinating to +[4523.50 --> 4536.72] think on. But for us this morning, I want to focus instead on Paul's one last urging. +[4537.04 --> 4545.04] He says, I urge you, brothers and sisters, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles +[4545.04 --> 4549.12] in your way that are contrary to the teaching that you have learned. +[4551.24 --> 4559.62] Now, the Apostle Paul is very familiar with people and with groups of people who come after him, +[4559.92 --> 4565.48] that is, who come to a place after he has established a church there or after he has taught and spent time +[4565.48 --> 4571.72] there. A group of people come and follow after him. And it seems like, as we read the history of it, +[4571.76 --> 4577.02] there's an intentionality to it in that they wait for him to leave and then they follow in. +[4577.36 --> 4585.40] And they teach contrary to what he has taught. And this is a situation, for example, in the church +[4585.40 --> 4591.60] of Galatia. Right? In the book of Galatians, Paul says very pointedly, he says, +[4591.60 --> 4597.14] I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting the one who called you to live in the grace of +[4597.14 --> 4603.72] Christ and are turning to a different gospel, which is really no gospel at all. Evidently, +[4603.80 --> 4609.30] some people are throwing you into confusion and are trying to pervert the gospel of Christ. +[4609.30 --> 4616.96] And to this group of people, right, who are causing divisions and putting obstacles in the way, +[4617.04 --> 4622.60] to this group of people in Galatia, he pulls no punches and he calls them foolish and he says that +[4622.60 --> 4629.62] they have been bewitched. In the same way, actually, Paul warns Timothy when he says, +[4630.62 --> 4636.96] for a time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own +[4636.96 --> 4642.24] desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears +[4642.24 --> 4648.72] want to hear. They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths. +[4650.90 --> 4656.00] He warns the Ephesian church in the same way, in a message that he preached to them when he was +[4656.00 --> 4661.14] visiting them. We read this in the book of Acts. He says, keep watch over yourselves and all the flock +[4661.14 --> 4666.22] of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which he +[4666.22 --> 4672.62] bought with his own blood. And here he says explicitly, I know that after I leave, savage +[4672.62 --> 4679.18] wolves will come in among you and will not spare the flock. Even from your own number, men will rise +[4679.18 --> 4684.86] and distort the truth in order to draw away disciples after them. So be on your guard. +[4686.86 --> 4692.70] Now, we just installed elders this morning. Elders, this is one of your chief tasks, +[4692.70 --> 4700.70] right? Do not miss the responsibility to be on your guard because it is a gift to us as a church family. +[4702.86 --> 4710.06] And in these circumstances of Paul, he's urging the Roman church to watch out for the same sorts of +[4710.06 --> 4717.32] things. And I want to suggest to you that as we have read the letter to the Romans, as we look at the +[4717.32 --> 4725.56] rest of the New Testament, as we hold up history, the kinds of things that Paul is urging us to watch out +[4725.56 --> 4735.24] for are generally a version of two different things. And so let's do this work for a moment. On the one +[4735.24 --> 4747.08] hand, you have a group of people who want to keep the rules and the regulations for belonging really high. +[4747.32 --> 4755.88] Now, sometimes in the Bible scholarly study, this group of people are called Judaizers, +[4756.36 --> 4762.20] right? They're a group of people who follow after Paul and who come in and they teach that the Jewish +[4762.20 --> 4768.44] laws and the Jewish regulations about dietary concerns or about ceremonial identity have to be +[4768.44 --> 4774.68] followed if you want to be a faithful disciple of Jesus. And so they advocate for things like +[4774.68 --> 4780.92] circumcision. They advocate for things like different ceremonial regulations. This is exactly what +[4780.92 --> 4790.12] happens in Galatians. Now, this is a version and a broader way of understanding this is a version of +[4790.12 --> 4796.04] legalism that is of returning to the law. And this idea continues to today. +[4796.04 --> 4804.52] Right? On the one hand, like we have to watch out for imposing a new law, a new social order on those who have +[4804.52 --> 4812.12] received freedom in Christ Jesus. Because this is our new gospel reality. It is for freedom that Christ has set you free. +[4812.12 --> 4823.96] Now, most often as these sorts of things continue, they show up in much more subtle ways. They show up in sort of unspoken social pressures. +[4823.96 --> 4831.88] Right? One that doesn't apply to us here, so we can use it as a good example. +[4831.88 --> 4835.88] But maybe some of you are familiar with this growing up in certain kinds of churches. +[4835.88 --> 4841.80] Right? If you didn't wear black socks, you got in trouble. +[4841.80 --> 4849.64] Or if you didn't wear a tie to church, right, you would have an elder come up to you afterwards and say, +[4849.64 --> 4855.00] here in the lost and found, we have spare ties. Please put this on before you go in. +[4855.00 --> 4858.92] And we kind of chuckle at it, but like these things happened. +[4858.92 --> 4865.56] Right? This is a new social pressure that's being added. And there's a phrase for this in Latin. +[4865.56 --> 4874.52] It's nova lex, which means new law. Right? And people, this new law is offered to keep people in, +[4874.52 --> 4881.64] but also to keep people out. And this new law is offered to keep people comfortable. +[4882.68 --> 4887.96] Because it's easy to manage. The expectations are clear. And I know exactly which box I have to tick +[4887.96 --> 4897.80] in order to keep these people satisfied. Instead, what's actually happening in this, +[4897.80 --> 4910.84] right, is that the people of God are being reburdened with a law. Right? The gospel, though, +[4910.84 --> 4918.28] doesn't reburden us with new rules in order to satisfy God. Instead, very clearly, the gospel of +[4918.28 --> 4925.08] Jesus Christ says that He lived the life I should have lived. That He has perfectly kept all the +[4925.08 --> 4931.64] commands of God. That the law of God is perfectly fulfilled in the obedience of Jesus Christ. +[4931.64 --> 4938.44] And through our union with Him, by grace through faith, His righteousness is granted to us. +[4939.80 --> 4946.44] It is imputed on us, is the old theological word. Such that now, whenever God looks at you, +[4947.80 --> 4953.80] He doesn't see black socks or no tie. He sees His Son, Jesus Christ. +[4955.08 --> 4963.40] That's the gospel. He sees the perfect righteousness of the spotless Lamb. So that I can stand and say, +[4963.40 --> 4970.52] I am whiter than snow because I have been clothed with Christ. You can stand and say, +[4970.52 --> 4977.88] I am made new because Christ has raised me up in newness of life. That's the first part of the gospel. +[4977.88 --> 4985.48] And then the second part, right? The double imputation here is that my sins have been handed over to Jesus. +[4986.04 --> 4992.36] That He bore the punishment for them on the cross. Right? He is the sacrifice of propitiation. +[4992.36 --> 4995.96] He is the atoning one. 1 John 4 says, +[4995.96 --> 5004.28] And this is love. Not that we loved God, but that He loved us and gave His Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. +[5005.72 --> 5010.28] He lived the life I should have lived and died the death that I deserved. +[5011.16 --> 5014.28] And so what we're seeing, right, is that there's nothing that I can do. +[5014.28 --> 5020.76] I'm unable to earn my salvation, so I need the perfect righteousness of Jesus Christ. +[5020.76 --> 5027.40] I am unable to pay the price for my sin, and so I need the perfect sacrifice for Jesus Christ. +[5027.40 --> 5034.44] And because He has paid it all, because He has done it all, we are free from the burdens of the law. +[5034.44 --> 5039.80] And the new command for Christians is to love one another. +[5045.56 --> 5054.44] But remember, I said that there are two versions of the kinds of things that Paul tells us we need to be on the watch out for. +[5054.44 --> 5060.04] And on the one hand, we have these legalistic structures reburdening people with a new law. +[5060.04 --> 5070.04] But equally as dangerous, and I want to suggest actually even more common in the world today, +[5070.04 --> 5081.32] and in and among churches today, is the idea that the gospel doesn't transform us. +[5083.40 --> 5085.64] Okay, this is what we've seen all along in the book of Romans. +[5085.64 --> 5089.80] The gospel is the power of God unto salvation. That's Romans 1.16. +[5090.04 --> 5096.52] And so we are transformed by the renewal of our minds, so we no longer conform to the pattern of this world. +[5096.52 --> 5098.36] That's Romans 12.2. +[5098.36 --> 5101.80] Paul writes explicitly of this very thing in Romans 6. +[5101.80 --> 5104.28] He says, and I think this one's on screen, there you go. +[5105.00 --> 5108.44] Shall we sin because we're not under the law, but under grace? +[5109.00 --> 5110.36] By no means! +[5110.36 --> 5114.36] Don't you know that when you offer yourselves to someone as obedient slaves, +[5114.36 --> 5116.44] you are slaves to the one you obey? +[5116.44 --> 5121.16] Whether you are slaves to sin, which leads to death, or to obedience, which leads to righteousness. +[5122.04 --> 5127.80] But thanks be to God that, though you used to be slaves to sin, you have come to obey from your heart +[5127.80 --> 5130.52] the pattern of teaching that has now claimed your allegiance. +[5131.08 --> 5134.92] You have been set free from sin and have become slaves to righteousness. +[5134.92 --> 5137.24] Right? +[5137.24 --> 5137.64] Hear that. +[5137.64 --> 5142.36] Your union with Jesus, if it is sincere, changes everything. +[5143.96 --> 5149.00] Your union with Jesus, if it is true, redefines your lived reality. +[5149.00 --> 5150.36] Right? +[5150.36 --> 5155.80] Your union with Jesus, because it is made real by the work of the Holy Spirit in you, +[5155.80 --> 5160.68] gives you the very power of God to live the life that He has called you to live. +[5160.68 --> 5164.36] To live the obedient life that He has designed you to live. +[5164.36 --> 5168.28] To live the way that He has called you and made you and reshaped you. +[5168.28 --> 5173.00] The way that He has regenerated you, taken you out of death into life to live. +[5173.00 --> 5181.32] Because Christ has won the victory for you over sin and death, you have overcome all the different ways +[5181.32 --> 5185.16] sin and deathliness are showing up in your life right now. +[5187.00 --> 5196.04] And I really believe, I really believe that one of the greatest sadnesses in the Christian church in the West today +[5196.04 --> 5203.72] is our lack of belief, our lack of faith, our lack of trust in the power of God to transform you +[5204.44 --> 5206.52] by your union with Jesus Christ. +[5208.36 --> 5215.64] But hear this, you can actually really overcome your addictions by the power of God. +[5217.16 --> 5222.60] You can actually really heal your marriages by the power of God. +[5222.60 --> 5227.88] You can actually overcome pornography by the power of God. +[5227.88 --> 5234.76] You are no longer slaves to your desires, whichever way they are oriented or disoriented, +[5234.76 --> 5242.60] because the Holy Spirit in you, right, because of the Holy Spirit in you, temptation only has the power you give it. +[5242.60 --> 5249.40] Even the kind of gossip that slips out of your mouth without a thought +[5249.40 --> 5256.92] can be stopped in you because of your union with Jesus Christ. +[5258.12 --> 5260.60] He makes you able. +[5262.92 --> 5264.04] He makes that real. +[5265.32 --> 5266.68] He makes that possible. +[5266.68 --> 5276.28] And the problem in the world today is that there are teachers who will stand on a stage like this one +[5276.28 --> 5281.72] and tell you that you will always be the way that you currently are and that that's okay. +[5284.28 --> 5288.36] The problem is that there are people who will say that's just who you are +[5288.36 --> 5290.68] and you don't have to change. +[5294.76 --> 5296.44] But if you hear the power of God +[5301.56 --> 5306.76] that breaks my heart +[5306.76 --> 5313.56] because when someone stands before you and says you don't have to be changed, +[5317.40 --> 5322.04] when someone stands before you and says you don't have to be transformed, +[5323.48 --> 5328.36] it breaks my heart because they are robbing you of the power of the gospel. +[5328.36 --> 5333.40] They are robbing you of the power of your union with Jesus Christ. +[5333.40 --> 5337.16] They are robbing you of what he gives in the Holy Spirit. +[5338.44 --> 5338.76] Right? +[5338.76 --> 5344.60] They are robbing you of the truth that he has lived the life I should have lived and died the death that I deserved. +[5344.84 --> 5347.48] They are robbing you of the glory of God, +[5348.36 --> 5353.88] which, as the ancient church father Irenaeus said, is the human being fully alive. +[5353.88 --> 5367.24] They are robbing you of real, authentic, genuine, Christ-shaped, God-filled, Spirit-powered life. +[5371.56 --> 5372.68] And we just settle for it. +[5376.44 --> 5377.40] We just accept it. +[5380.84 --> 5381.88] Because it sounds good. +[5381.88 --> 5385.56] It sounds a little bit easier, actually. +[5390.04 --> 5391.08] It's comfortable. +[5393.40 --> 5396.12] I don't actually have to change. +[5397.96 --> 5405.48] See, on both sides, whether it's illegalism, which is a re-burdening of a nova lex, a new law, +[5405.64 --> 5410.68] or antinomialism, which is a rejection of laws and rules, +[5410.68 --> 5414.76] or whether it is a denying of the power of God to transform lives. +[5416.04 --> 5422.84] All of these ideas on both sides miss the truth that the command of Jesus to love one another +[5423.08 --> 5428.52] informs our new obedience and the new possibility of our obedience. +[5428.84 --> 5433.40] Loving one another starts with being transformed to be like him. +[5433.40 --> 5437.96] Loving one another starts with the truth that you are not your own, but you have been bought. +[5438.76 --> 5440.20] You have been paid for. +[5440.44 --> 5442.96] You belong to Jesus Christ. +[5443.16 --> 5445.84] That's the gospel of God's love for us. +[5445.84 --> 5456.00] Loving one another is then calling us all to love each other in the same way, +[5456.00 --> 5458.40] in the way of sacrifice. +[5461.84 --> 5469.92] Sacrificing for each other, but also sacrificing ourselves, our own pride, +[5469.92 --> 5482.32] our own privilege, our own status, our own desires, our own flesh, taking up our cross daily and following after Jesus is the act of love. +[5483.52 --> 5488.96] Proclaiming the truth of the gospel is a call to this kind of love. +[5488.96 --> 5492.24] Proclaiming the truth of the gospel is a call to this kind of love. +[5492.24 --> 5501.60] Paul says, watch out, because their false teaching causes divisions and creates obstacles. +[5505.60 --> 5512.88] The only way to see clearly the truth and the real gospel, +[5512.88 --> 5518.68] the only way to stand against the division and to step over the obstacle, +[5518.96 --> 5529.12] is to be intimately and deeply filled with Jesus Christ and intimately and deeply familiar with his word. +[5532.56 --> 5538.16] Because you see, the gospel itself is enough of a stumbling block for people to trip over. +[5539.20 --> 5543.68] 1 Corinthians 1 says that the gospel is foolishness and a stumbling block. +[5544.64 --> 5546.64] We don't need to add to it. +[5546.64 --> 5548.64] 1 Corinthians 1 says that the gospel is not a place of love. +[5548.64 --> 5548.96] 1 Corinthians 1 says that the gospel is not a place of love. +[5548.96 --> 5556.96] And of these kinds of teachers, Paul says, such people are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own appetites. +[5558.16 --> 5559.04] And notice that, right? +[5559.04 --> 5564.96] When he says they're serving their own appetites, it means they're serving their own desires, their own ends, their own priorities. +[5565.60 --> 5568.96] And we saw this already, all the way back in Romans 1. +[5568.96 --> 5572.16] If you have ears to hear and eyes to see, right? +[5572.16 --> 5582.16] In Romans 1, we saw that sin starts with a desire that causes someone to exchange the truth of God for a lie. +[5582.16 --> 5584.72] Romans 1, 24 and 25. +[5586.56 --> 5594.04] No matter how good it sounds, whether by smooth talk and flattery, they are deceiving the minds of God's people. +[5594.04 --> 5598.34] And it denies the gospel. +[5600.12 --> 5601.32] Denies the gospel. +[5602.28 --> 5606.18] And that is not good. +[5606.96 --> 5608.38] And so watch out. +[5609.14 --> 5610.14] Watch out. +[5610.84 --> 5616.20] Paul says, instead, I want you to be wise about what is good and innocent about what is evil. +[5616.20 --> 5625.64] And so as we go this morning into whatever this week brings for you, know that you go in Jesus. +[5626.64 --> 5626.86] Right? +[5626.94 --> 5628.50] Go united to him. +[5628.86 --> 5631.04] Go transformed by him. +[5631.60 --> 5636.22] Go clinging to the gospel, which is the truth that Jesus clings to you. +[5636.22 --> 5642.48] Go clinging to Jesus in union with him and watch your life be transformed. +[5642.48 --> 5647.02] And go in the word. +[5647.86 --> 5655.90] Go deeply rooted and established in what God has said to us in the very voice of Jesus for our lives of faith. +[5655.90 --> 5659.56] So that you may test and know. +[5659.76 --> 5661.82] So that you may guard the good deposit. +[5661.98 --> 5672.62] So that you may watch out for these teachers who would rob you of the joy of the Lord. +[5673.48 --> 5675.96] Who would rob you of his gospel. +[5675.96 --> 5685.18] And then go in and with this community of faith. +[5686.96 --> 5688.22] Go in Jesus. +[5689.26 --> 5690.20] In the word. +[5691.06 --> 5692.20] And in the community. +[5693.34 --> 5697.12] And then go under the banner. +[5697.66 --> 5705.04] Under the truth that the God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. +[5705.04 --> 5708.58] I don't know how many of you remember Genesis 3.13. +[5708.82 --> 5711.44] But in that very beginning of the story. +[5711.54 --> 5720.44] God promises that the son of Eve would come who would crush the head of the serpent. +[5722.74 --> 5724.04] Satan is crushed. +[5724.80 --> 5726.16] He is being crushed. +[5726.16 --> 5728.52] And he will be crushed. +[5728.52 --> 5732.62] This is the gospel of your peace. +[5733.08 --> 5735.64] And so go in Jesus. +[5736.12 --> 5737.16] In his word. +[5737.48 --> 5738.48] And in the community. +[5739.26 --> 5739.80] Knowing. +[5741.50 --> 5742.54] Knowing. +[5743.22 --> 5747.12] That he has won the victory. +[5748.10 --> 5752.18] That he has given you his gospel. +[5752.58 --> 5755.76] And that changes everything. +[5755.76 --> 5756.76] That he has given you his gospel. +[5756.76 --> 5757.70] Someone needs to say amen. +[5759.06 --> 5760.40] Let's stand and pray together. +[5768.78 --> 5770.32] Lord Jesus Christ. +[5770.56 --> 5775.04] You have promised transformation by your spirit. +[5775.18 --> 5780.96] You have promised that we would be made new in the hearing and in the believing of your word. +[5780.96 --> 5786.80] You have promised that we would be so filled with to overflowing with your love. +[5786.88 --> 5790.30] That we would be sent out in the power of your name. +[5790.42 --> 5795.34] And so send us out in the power of your name. +[5796.12 --> 5800.38] Send us out deeply convicted of the truth of the gospel. +[5800.84 --> 5806.42] Send us out deeply convicted of our union with you that changes everything about who we are. +[5806.42 --> 5809.42] So that we may not be burdened again with a new law. +[5809.52 --> 5815.40] But also so that we may be transformed into newness of life to be like you. +[5818.28 --> 5820.14] Hear our prayer. +[5820.14 --> 5823.14] We pray in Jesus name. +[5823.94 --> 5824.38] Amen. +[5825.30 --> 5825.74] Amen. +[5836.42 --> 5857.64] My hope is built on nothing less Than Jesus' blood and righteousness +[5857.64 --> 5865.04] I dare not trust the sweetest friend +[5865.04 --> 5873.04] But wholly trust in Jesus' name +[5873.04 --> 5883.46] My hope is built on nothing less +[5883.46 --> 5887.76] In Jesus' blood and righteousness +[5887.76 --> 5895.46] I dare not trust the sweetest friend +[5895.46 --> 5902.46] But wholly trust in Jesus' name +[5902.46 --> 5910.46] Christ alone, cornerstone +[5910.46 --> 5917.88] Weak made strong in the Savior's love +[5917.88 --> 5928.46] Through the storm He is Lord, Lord of all +[5928.46 --> 5939.88] When darkness seems to hide His face +[5939.88 --> 5945.88] I rest on His unchanging grace +[5945.88 --> 5953.30] In every high and stormy gale +[5953.30 --> 5959.30] My anchor holds within the veil +[5959.30 --> 5966.72] My anchor holds within the veil +[5966.72 --> 5974.14] Christ alone, cornerstone +[5974.14 --> 5980.14] Weak made strong in the Savior's love +[5980.14 --> 5992.14] Through the storm He is Lord, Lord of all +[5992.14 --> 6001.56] When He shall come with trumpet sound +[6001.56 --> 6007.56] Oh, may I then in Him be found +[6007.56 --> 6014.56] Dressed in His righteousness alone +[6014.56 --> 6021.98] Fall, let's stand before the throne +[6021.98 --> 6029.40] Christ alone, Lord of all +[6029.40 --> 6042.82] Christ alone, cornerstone +[6042.82 --> 6050.24] Weak made strong in the Savior's love +[6050.24 --> 6055.66] Christ alone, cornerstone +[6055.66 --> 6060.66] Weak made strong in the Savior's love +[6060.66 --> 6061.66] In the Savior's love +[6061.66 --> 6067.66] Through the storm He is Lord, Lord of all +[6067.66 --> 6068.66] Christ alone, cornerstone +[6068.66 --> 6075.08] Weak made strong in the Savior's love +[6075.08 --> 6076.08] Christ alone, cornerstone +[6076.08 --> 6077.08] Weak made strong in the Savior's love +[6077.08 --> 6081.08] Christ alone, cornerstone +[6081.08 --> 6082.08] Weak made strong in the Savior's love +[6082.08 --> 6086.08] Weak made strong in the Savior's love +[6086.08 --> 6090.08] Through the storm He is Lord, Lord of all +[6090.08 --> 6095.08] He is Lord, Lord of all +[6095.08 --> 6125.06] Lord of all +[6125.06 --> 6127.06] Weak made strong in the Savior's love +[6127.06 --> 6128.88] Just an encouragement, go with two +[6128.88 --> 6131.14] Maybe three invitations +[6131.14 --> 6134.98] First, stick around following our service +[6134.98 --> 6137.12] To gather in community +[6137.12 --> 6139.10] There will be some refreshments available +[6139.10 --> 6141.04] Spend some time together +[6141.04 --> 6143.50] Sharing what God has been up to in your life +[6143.50 --> 6145.62] Asking for prayer, receiving prayer +[6145.62 --> 6146.90] Celebrating, giving thanks +[6146.90 --> 6148.52] And expressing need +[6148.52 --> 6150.78] If you would like specific prayers +[6150.78 --> 6152.90] There will be someone up front here +[6152.90 --> 6154.74] With a yellow name tag on +[6154.74 --> 6155.68] They would love to meet you +[6155.68 --> 6157.54] And lead you in prayer there +[6157.54 --> 6159.32] That is your second invitation +[6159.32 --> 6160.70] And then thirdly +[6160.70 --> 6161.88] Your last invitation +[6161.88 --> 6165.14] Please, if you are curious +[6165.14 --> 6166.62] About Safe Families Canada +[6166.62 --> 6167.80] And the work that they do +[6167.80 --> 6171.60] We'll say in 15 minutes +[6171.60 --> 6173.50] We'll start the presentation +[6173.50 --> 6174.78] In the multi-purpose room +[6174.78 --> 6176.58] So there's a chance to grab a coffee +[6176.58 --> 6177.96] And connect with a couple people +[6177.96 --> 6179.72] And then we'll move over that way +[6179.72 --> 6181.40] To help facilitate that +[6181.40 --> 6182.46] I need someone who knows +[6182.46 --> 6183.56] How to make an Apple +[6183.56 --> 6185.72] A MacBook computer +[6185.72 --> 6188.38] Work on the projector in there +[6188.38 --> 6189.58] Through screen mirroring +[6189.58 --> 6190.82] So talk to me after service +[6190.82 --> 6191.70] If you know how to do that +[6191.70 --> 6194.32] As you go, receive +[6194.32 --> 6196.46] The blessing of our God +[6196.46 --> 6199.98] God go before you +[6199.98 --> 6200.94] To lead you +[6200.94 --> 6202.78] God go behind you +[6202.78 --> 6203.70] To protect you +[6203.70 --> 6205.44] God go beneath you +[6205.44 --> 6206.34] To support you +[6206.34 --> 6207.96] And God go beside you +[6207.96 --> 6209.00] To befriend you +[6209.00 --> 6210.88] Do not be afraid +[6210.88 --> 6212.46] But let the blessing of God +[6212.46 --> 6213.40] Come upon you today +[6213.40 --> 6215.04] Do not be afraid +[6215.04 --> 6217.76] But go in peace +[6217.76 --> 6221.12] To love and serve the Lord +[6221.12 --> 6222.82] Amen +[6239.00 --> 6242.80] You're the Lion of Judah +[6242.80 --> 6244.98] The Lamb who was slain +[6244.98 --> 6246.82] You ascended to heaven +[6246.82 --> 6248.92] And evermore will reign +[6248.92 --> 6250.90] At the end of the age +[6250.90 --> 6253.02] When the earth you reclaimed +[6253.02 --> 6256.66] They will gather the nations before you +[6256.66 --> 6258.98] And the eyes of all men +[6258.98 --> 6261.12] Will be fixed on the Lamb +[6261.12 --> 6263.50] Who was crucified +[6263.50 --> 6268.28] With wisdom and mercy and justice +[6268.28 --> 6272.74] You'll reign at your Father's side +[6272.74 --> 6275.24] And the angels will cry +[6275.24 --> 6279.38] Hail the Lamb +[6279.38 --> 6282.96] Who was slain for the world +[6282.96 --> 6286.26] Ruling power +[6286.26 --> 6290.76] And the earth will reply +[6290.76 --> 6294.26] You shall reign +[6294.26 --> 6298.64] As the King of all kings +[6298.64 --> 6300.84] And the Lord of all kings +[6300.84 --> 6310.34] There's a shield in our hand +[6310.34 --> 6312.42] And a sword in our side +[6312.42 --> 6314.42] There's a fire in our spirit +[6314.42 --> 6316.26] That cannot be denied +[6316.26 --> 6318.58] As the Father has told us +[6318.58 --> 6320.38] For these you have died +[6320.38 --> 6324.02] For the nations that gather before you +[6324.02 --> 6326.24] And the ears of all men +[6326.24 --> 6328.30] Need to hear of the Lamb +[6328.30 --> 6330.88] Who was crucified +[6330.88 --> 6334.20] Who descended to hell +[6334.20 --> 6336.24] Yet was raised up to reign +[6336.24 --> 6339.62] At His Father's side +[6339.62 --> 6342.18] And the angels will cry +[6342.18 --> 6345.74] Hail the Lamb +[6345.74 --> 6349.88] Who was slain for the world +[6349.88 --> 6353.22] Ruling power +[6353.22 --> 6357.48] And the earth will reply +[6357.48 --> 6362.48] You shall reign +[6362.48 --> 6365.10] As the King of all kings +[6365.10 --> 6367.14] And the Lord of all lords +[6367.14 --> 6369.12] And the angels will cry +[6369.12 --> 6373.48] Hail the Lamb +[6373.48 --> 6376.72] Who was slain for the world +[6376.72 --> 6379.48] Ruling power +[6379.48 --> 6384.26] And the earth will reply +[6384.26 --> 6389.26] You shall reign +[6389.26 --> 6392.02] As the King of all kings +[6392.02 --> 6394.18] And the Lord of all lords +[6394.18 --> 6396.00] As the King of all kings +[6396.00 --> 6400.10] And the Lord of all lords +[6400.10 --> 6401.18] Go in peace +[6401.18 --> 6410.10] . +[6422.64 --> 6424.94] 0t +[6424.94 --> 6431.94] so +[6431.94 --> 6461.92] Let's go. +[6461.94 --> 6491.92] Let's go. diff --git a/Sunday Worship, June 23, 2024_summary.txt b/Sunday Worship, June 23, 2024_summary.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000000000000000000000000000000000000..d6929698679b2ca388c6383e3737598c50e26456 --- /dev/null +++ b/Sunday Worship, June 23, 2024_summary.txt @@ -0,0 +1,65 @@ +• Repeated thank-yous +• Repeated good mornings +• Discussion of forgiveness and letting people get away with their actions +• Mention of cancellation for wrongdoing, even if willing to change +• Tribalization and division +• The importance of forgiveness in reconciliation +• Relationship between forgiveness and humility +• Scripture's emphasis on forgiving as we have been forgiven +• Case study: the woman who anointed Jesus' feet (Luke 7) +• Connection between being forgiven and loving others +• Contrast between those with much or little to forgive +• The woman's sins are forgiven by Jesus +• Simon, a religious leader, is critical of the woman and contrasts her with his own perceived righteousness +• Forgiveness requires faith and a willingness to receive it +• People who feel profoundly forgiven will love profoundly +• Unforgiveness leads to death and keeps us trapped in lies, unawareness, and relational dysfunction +• Receiving God's forgiveness requires acknowledging our brokenness +• Forgiveness is essential for receiving and giving love like Jesus +• Forgiveness isn't forgetting, but rather acknowledging and processing pain +• Memory plays a role in forgiveness, as it's part of understanding and healing from hurt +• Genuine confession and accountability are necessary for true forgiveness and healing +• Forgiveness is not just about feeling, but also making a choice to forgive despite difficult emotions +• Humility and choosing love over being right can redefine broken moments and lead to forgiveness +• The need to surrender to grace, love of others, and God's presence +• Jesus' teaching on forgiveness, including "they know not what they do" on the cross +• The distinction between genuine forgiveness and simply letting go or minimizing sin +• Naming and confronting sin in order to truly forgive +• Forgiveness as a process that involves working towards health and healing +• A critique of superficial apologies and the importance of holding wrongdoers accountable +• Rachel's words and tone on forgiveness +• Forgiveness as a discipline and practice, not a one-time event +• Returning justice to God, allowing Him to carry out vengeance +• Desire for good instead of evil, freeing us from seeking harm +• Consequences for bad behavior, including 175 years in jail for Dr. Nassar +• The hope of good for those who have harmed others +• Forgiveness as an unmerited gift that is given, not earned +• Discussion of forgiveness in relation to Christianity +• Importance of forgiving others despite their flaws +• Personal story of forgiving a parent with flaws and learning to love them +• Understanding that forgiveness is not just for others, but also for oneself +• Realizing that everyone has flaws and is deserving of forgiveness +• Bitterness and unforgiveness can destroy us +• The importance of forgiving others as Christ forgives us +• Confessing sin and pain to others for healing and forgiveness +• Learning to love much through forgiveness and community +• The process of forgiveness is hard, but necessary for freedom and healing +• The importance of owning and confessing one's pain and mistakes to God and others +• The 12-step program as a model for recovery and healing, particularly in making amends for past harm +• The process of forgiveness and restoration, which can be a lifelong journey +• The power of confession and community in promoting healing and growth +• A personal story about experiencing the power of forgiveness in one's own life +• Community members reveal and confess their sins +• People from all walks of life feel compelled to break free from old ways +• Stolen goods are returned, enemies reconciled, marriages healed, crimes confessed, and grudges let go +• Forgiveness is discussed as a key to the kingdom +• The importance of choosing to use forgiveness and extend God's grace to others +• A prayer is offered for forgiveness, repentance, and healing +• A hymn is sung praising Jesus Christ as the living Lord +• Bible passages and quotes +• Kate Bowler's blessings +• God's blessing and justice +• Forgiveness and peace +• The Lord's days of famine, darkness, and preparation +• Prophecies from Ezekiel, David, and Elijah +• Salvation and Jehovah \ No newline at end of file diff --git a/Sunday Worship, June 23, 2024_transcript.txt b/Sunday Worship, June 23, 2024_transcript.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000000000000000000000000000000000000..6b7f25980141a88f47850247d98631765bb9441b --- /dev/null +++ b/Sunday Worship, June 23, 2024_transcript.txt @@ -0,0 +1,1119 @@ +[0.00 --> 29.98] Thank you. +[30.00 --> 59.98] Thank you. +[60.00 --> 89.98] Thank you. +[90.00 --> 119.98] Thank you. +[120.00 --> 149.98] Thank you. +[150.00 --> 179.98] Thank you. +[180.00 --> 209.98] Thank you. +[210.00 --> 239.98] Thank you. +[240.00 --> 269.98] Thank you. +[270.00 --> 299.98] Thank you. +[300.00 --> 329.98] Thank you. +[330.00 --> 359.98] Thank you. +[360.00 --> 389.98] Thank you. +[390.00 --> 419.98] Thank you. +[420.00 --> 449.98] Thank you. +[450.00 --> 479.98] Thank you. +[480.00 --> 488.00] Thank you. +[510.00 --> 539.98] Thank you. +[540.00 --> 569.98] Thank you. +[570.00 --> 599.98] Thank you. +[600.00 --> 629.98] Thank you. +[630.00 --> 659.98] Thank you. +[660.00 --> 689.98] Thank you. +[690.00 --> 719.98] Thank you. +[720.00 --> 749.98] Thank you. +[750.00 --> 779.98] Thank you. +[780.00 --> 809.98] Thank you. +[809.98 --> 839.96] Thank you. +[839.96 --> 869.94] Thank you. +[869.94 --> 899.92] Thank you. +[899.94 --> 929.92] Thank you. +[929.92 --> 959.90] Thank you. +[959.90 --> 989.88] Amen to that. +[989.88 --> 1019.88] Thank you. +[1019.88 --> 1049.88] +[1049.88 --> 1079.86] Thank you. +[1079.88 --> 1109.86] Thank you. +[1109.88 --> 1139.86] Good morning. +[1139.86 --> 1169.86] Thank you. +[1169.86 --> 1199.84] Thank you. +[1199.86 --> 1201.86] Thank you. +[1229.86 --> 1259.84] Thank you. +[1259.86 --> 1289.84] Thank you. +[1289.86 --> 1319.84] Thank you. +[1319.86 --> 1349.84] Thank you. +[1349.86 --> 1379.84] Thank you. +[1379.86 --> 1409.84] Thank you. +[1409.86 --> 1439.84] Thank you. +[1439.86 --> 1469.84] Thank you. +[1469.86 --> 1499.84] Thank you. +[1499.86 --> 1529.84] Thank you. +[1529.86 --> 1559.84] Thank you. +[1559.86 --> 1589.84] Thank you. +[1589.84 --> 1619.82] Thank you. +[1619.84 --> 1649.82] Thank you. +[1649.84 --> 1679.82] Thank you. +[1679.84 --> 1709.82] Thank you. +[1709.84 --> 1739.82] Thank you. +[1739.84 --> 1769.82] Thank you. +[1769.82 --> 1799.80] I haven't. +[1799.80 --> 1829.80] Thank you. +[1829.80 --> 1859.78] Thank you. +[1859.80 --> 1889.78] Thank you. +[1889.80 --> 1919.78] Please rise. +[1919.78 --> 1949.76] Thank you. +[1949.76 --> 1979.74] Thank you. +[1979.76 --> 2009.74] Thank you. +[2009.74 --> 2039.72] Thank you. +[2039.72 --> 2069.70] Thank you. +[2069.70 --> 2099.68] Thank you. +[2099.70 --> 2129.68] Thank you. +[2129.70 --> 2159.68] Thank you. +[2159.68 --> 2189.66] Thank you. +[2189.66 --> 2219.64] Thank you. +[2219.66 --> 2249.64] Thank you. +[2249.66 --> 2279.64] Thank you. +[2279.66 --> 2309.64] Thank you. +[2309.66 --> 2339.64] Thank you. +[2339.64 --> 2369.62] Thank you. +[2369.62 --> 2399.62] Thank you. +[2399.62 --> 2429.60] Thank you. +[2429.60 --> 2459.58] Thank you. +[2459.60 --> 2489.58] Thank you. +[2489.58 --> 2519.56] Thank you. +[2519.58 --> 2549.56] Thank you. +[2549.58 --> 2579.56] Thank you. +[2579.58 --> 2609.56] Thank you. +[2609.58 --> 2639.56] Thank you. +[2639.56 --> 2669.56] Thank you. +[2669.56 --> 2699.54] Thank you. +[2699.54 --> 2729.54] Thank you. +[2729.54 --> 2759.52] Thank you. +[2759.52 --> 2789.50] Thank you. +[2789.50 --> 2819.48] In this. +[2819.48 --> 2849.48] Thank you. +[2849.48 --> 2879.46] Thank you. +[2879.48 --> 2909.46] Good morning, +[2909.46 --> 2939.44] You lost your voice. +[2939.44 --> 2969.44] Thank you. +[2969.44 --> 2999.44] Thank you. +[2999.44 --> 3029.42] Thank you. +[3029.44 --> 3059.42] Thank you. +[3059.42 --> 3089.40] Thank you. +[3089.40 --> 3119.38] Thank you. +[3119.38 --> 3149.36] Thank you. +[3149.36 --> 3179.36] Thank you. +[3179.36 --> 3209.34] Thank you. +[3209.34 --> 3239.34] You. +[3239.34 --> 3269.34] Thank you. +[3269.34 --> 3299.32] Thank you. +[3299.34 --> 3329.32] Thank you. +[3329.34 --> 3359.32] Thank you. +[3359.34 --> 3389.32] Thank you. +[3389.34 --> 3419.32] All the stuff. +[3419.34 --> 3449.32] Good morning. +[3449.34 --> 3479.34] Thank you. +[3479.34 --> 3509.34] +[3509.34 --> 3539.34] I don't think you're, +[3539.34 --> 3569.32] you're, you know, +[3569.32 --> 3599.30] Harpers, you're, you know, but we've got a little hero, but I think of, you. +[3599.30 --> 3602.86] The article goes on to kind of describe it as when we forgive, +[3602.98 --> 3607.32] it feels like we're letting people get away with the stuff they did. +[3607.92 --> 3612.78] And if you're in the wrong, well, cancel you, even if you're willing to change. +[3614.02 --> 3617.70] It's kind of the world we live in a little bit, so tribalized. +[3618.68 --> 3623.12] Now, forgiveness, quick forgiveness can be a problem when it doesn't include justice, +[3623.26 --> 3625.22] and I think that's what that's poking at a bit. +[3625.22 --> 3630.22] But without forgiveness, reconciliation is not possible. +[3631.26 --> 3634.36] It only keeps divisiveness going. +[3635.22 --> 3637.90] And that's why Scripture says, forgive as you've been forgiven, +[3638.20 --> 3642.92] because it recognizes that we all need forgiveness in order to see healing. +[3644.02 --> 3647.82] Forgiveness is an essential to our relational fabric of our lives, +[3647.98 --> 3651.46] our relationship with God, and our relationships with one another. +[3651.46 --> 3658.04] Because without that, we won't stay humble knowing that we need forgiveness too. +[3659.42 --> 3664.42] And the people who know how to forgive, they know how to receive forgiveness. +[3664.58 --> 3666.54] Those two go hand in hand. +[3668.04 --> 3670.42] So, we're going to jump a little bit into some Scriptures, +[3671.20 --> 3674.90] and I'm going to offer you some ideas about what forgiveness isn't, +[3675.00 --> 3676.54] and then what forgiveness is. +[3676.54 --> 3679.98] Matthew 6, we read this. +[3680.90 --> 3681.94] Hopefully it's all up there. +[3682.04 --> 3682.38] Ah, good. +[3684.04 --> 3684.82] Jesus says, +[3684.94 --> 3687.46] And forgive us our debts, our trespasses, our sins. +[3687.54 --> 3691.42] Forgive us our debts, as we have forgiven those who have sinned, or are debtors. +[3692.14 --> 3695.66] And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. +[3695.68 --> 3696.22] And then this. +[3697.06 --> 3700.46] For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, +[3700.56 --> 3702.70] your heavenly Father will also forgive you. +[3702.70 --> 3706.32] But if you do not forgive others their sins, +[3706.52 --> 3709.72] your Father will not forgive your sins. +[3711.62 --> 3713.70] That ought to freak us out a little bit. +[3715.18 --> 3717.58] That ought to stop us in our tracks. +[3718.74 --> 3723.78] If I don't forgive somebody else, I won't be forgiven. +[3724.64 --> 3727.62] And then my prayers are kind of a waste of time. +[3729.74 --> 3731.68] My sins will be held against me. +[3732.70 --> 3733.74] That ought to stop us. +[3734.86 --> 3736.58] How does that even go? +[3738.02 --> 3738.26] Right? +[3739.00 --> 3742.02] I'd like to look at a case study out of the life of Jesus there. +[3742.32 --> 3746.22] The case study of the woman who comes to the Pharisee's house, +[3746.48 --> 3749.56] and she anoints Jesus' feet, and then she wipes his feet with her hair. +[3750.00 --> 3752.76] Let's look at what Luke says on that. +[3752.76 --> 3759.02] When the Pharisee who had invited him saw this, this is Luke 7, 39, +[3759.38 --> 3761.00] he said to himself, +[3761.82 --> 3765.08] if this man were a prophet, he would know who was touching him +[3765.08 --> 3769.06] and what kind of woman she is, that she is a sinner. +[3769.06 --> 3773.14] Jesus answered him, this Pharisee, +[3773.22 --> 3774.32] Simon, I have something to tell you. +[3774.46 --> 3775.44] Tell me, teacher, he said. +[3775.94 --> 3778.58] All right, two people owed money to a certain moneylender. +[3778.82 --> 3781.88] One owed him 500 denarii, the other 50. +[3782.20 --> 3783.86] Neither of them had the money to pay him back, +[3784.02 --> 3785.68] so he forgave the debts of both. +[3785.80 --> 3787.26] Now, which will love him more? +[3788.22 --> 3789.10] And Simon replied, +[3789.10 --> 3790.84] I suppose the one who had the bigger debt forgiven. +[3791.38 --> 3793.72] You have judged correctly, Jesus said. +[3794.54 --> 3795.60] And I love this picture. +[3795.74 --> 3797.14] Just see it in your mind here. +[3797.48 --> 3799.04] Then he turned toward the woman. +[3799.14 --> 3800.68] So now they're looking at the woman, +[3800.78 --> 3801.90] but he's still talking to Simon. +[3802.14 --> 3803.32] Then he turned toward the woman, +[3803.40 --> 3804.08] and he said to Simon, +[3804.40 --> 3806.02] do you see this woman? +[3807.72 --> 3809.32] It's a real honest question. +[3809.44 --> 3811.38] Do you actually see her? +[3812.74 --> 3814.62] That's more than just a piece of dirt. +[3816.10 --> 3817.24] Do you see her? +[3817.24 --> 3819.26] I came into your house. +[3819.60 --> 3821.10] You did not give me any water for my feet, +[3821.16 --> 3822.04] which would have been customary, +[3822.20 --> 3823.80] but she wet my feet with her tears +[3823.80 --> 3824.80] and wiped them with her hair. +[3825.20 --> 3826.40] You did not give me a kiss, +[3826.46 --> 3827.18] which is a greeting, +[3827.58 --> 3829.24] but this woman from the time I answered +[3829.24 --> 3830.52] has not stopped kissing my feet. +[3830.84 --> 3832.62] You did not put oil on my head, +[3832.74 --> 3833.82] which was also customary, +[3833.98 --> 3835.62] and she has poured perfume on my feet. +[3836.24 --> 3838.50] Therefore, I tell you, +[3838.60 --> 3840.60] her many sins have been forgiven, +[3841.44 --> 3843.84] as her great love has shown. +[3844.60 --> 3846.98] But whoever has been forgiven little, +[3847.24 --> 3848.82] loves little. +[3848.92 --> 3850.06] Let that one sink in. +[3850.38 --> 3852.18] Whoever has been forgiven little, +[3852.46 --> 3853.88] loves little. +[3854.60 --> 3855.46] Then Jesus said, +[3855.52 --> 3856.50] your sins are forgiven. +[3857.52 --> 3859.84] The other guests began to say among themselves, +[3859.98 --> 3862.10] who is this who even forgives sins? +[3862.84 --> 3863.80] And Jesus said to the woman, +[3863.92 --> 3865.10] your faith has saved you. +[3866.04 --> 3867.40] Go in peace. +[3868.42 --> 3869.46] And here we see Simon, +[3869.46 --> 3870.92] a religious leader, +[3871.30 --> 3873.12] who certainly doesn't put himself +[3873.12 --> 3874.92] in the same place as this woman. +[3875.88 --> 3877.16] What a sinner. +[3877.38 --> 3878.46] And I'm going to ask you, +[3878.58 --> 3880.88] picture where you might do something similar. +[3882.30 --> 3883.38] What a sinner. +[3883.68 --> 3884.70] I'm not in the same place. +[3884.80 --> 3885.56] And this Jesus, +[3885.68 --> 3886.02] look at him. +[3886.20 --> 3887.08] He engages with her. +[3887.12 --> 3888.08] He lets her touch him. +[3888.14 --> 3889.80] What kind of religious leader is he? +[3889.80 --> 3892.76] And we see this religious leader's reaction to sin +[3892.76 --> 3895.14] versus this clearly sinful woman. +[3895.40 --> 3896.46] Or we might say, +[3896.78 --> 3898.86] we have one blind to his own sins +[3898.86 --> 3902.30] versus one who knows her sins only too well. +[3904.66 --> 3906.76] And only one of these people is forgiven. +[3907.68 --> 3908.20] Guess who? +[3910.44 --> 3912.46] Forgive as you've been forgiven. +[3912.46 --> 3915.82] And now here's the thought. +[3917.48 --> 3920.96] But if you don't think you've been forgiven profoundly, +[3922.20 --> 3922.94] profoundly, +[3923.54 --> 3926.62] you won't know how to forgive profoundly. +[3927.32 --> 3931.02] And you then won't know how to love profoundly. +[3933.40 --> 3935.40] Imagine the desperation of this woman +[3935.40 --> 3936.58] coming into this house. +[3936.68 --> 3938.08] She went into the house of the Pharisee +[3938.08 --> 3939.52] knowing full well how they felt about her. +[3940.14 --> 3941.74] But she went in with her sins, +[3941.74 --> 3942.58] with her desperation. +[3942.80 --> 3944.84] She went in to see Jesus. +[3945.52 --> 3947.74] Her tears flowing in an act of worship +[3947.74 --> 3950.60] because she sees the possibility +[3950.60 --> 3952.70] of grace with Jesus. +[3954.30 --> 3957.64] And that draws her more than her fear of the judgment. +[3959.02 --> 3961.46] For those who have been forgiven much, +[3961.98 --> 3964.90] well, there's great love and great grace available. +[3965.32 --> 3967.22] But whoever has been forgiven little, +[3967.60 --> 3968.62] loves little. +[3970.52 --> 3971.42] And I don't want to ask you, +[3971.42 --> 3973.86] do you feel profoundly forgiven? +[3978.38 --> 3980.84] I think it's what we need to be hearing alongside of Simon. +[3981.02 --> 3983.64] We need to hear that we've been forgiven much +[3983.64 --> 3986.58] in order to make us desperate enough +[3986.58 --> 3989.22] to be receiving and open to profound forgiveness. +[3989.64 --> 3991.82] That's what you actually need. +[3991.82 --> 3994.62] Not just a little prayer, +[3994.76 --> 3995.98] okay, Lord, forgive me of my sins, +[3996.04 --> 3997.06] whatever they might be. +[4000.36 --> 4002.28] Because with that comes profound love. +[4004.46 --> 4006.18] Much love, as the Scripture says here. +[4007.18 --> 4009.06] And you can hear a sign, +[4009.14 --> 4011.04] are you saying I'm as bad as her? +[4011.04 --> 4012.04] Yeah. +[4012.04 --> 4013.04] Yeah. +[4013.46 --> 4014.04] Yeah. +[4014.04 --> 4020.46] All have profoundly sinned and fall short of the glory of God. +[4020.46 --> 4021.04] That's Scripture. +[4021.58 --> 4024.68] Jesus died not because of your little bit of sinfulness. +[4025.00 --> 4027.30] He died because your sins were so great, +[4027.52 --> 4029.36] it demanded His death. +[4030.68 --> 4031.66] Do you believe that? +[4033.78 --> 4036.44] Do you believe Jesus had to die +[4036.44 --> 4038.62] because your sin? +[4038.62 --> 4048.08] You know, when we read through the Gospels, +[4048.18 --> 4050.94] we see the centrality of forgiveness for everyone. +[4051.26 --> 4054.68] It's not, you never come across someone who didn't need it badly. +[4055.34 --> 4057.86] Forgiveness is essential to our very lives. +[4058.10 --> 4060.26] And if we don't see that, we can't receive it, +[4060.40 --> 4062.82] and we won't know how to give it. +[4064.80 --> 4066.06] Unforgiveness is death. +[4066.06 --> 4069.24] It keeps us trapped in lies, in unawareness, +[4069.46 --> 4070.84] in relational dysfunction. +[4071.46 --> 4074.38] You need to forgive, and you need to receive forgiveness. +[4074.66 --> 4074.90] Both. +[4075.14 --> 4076.66] You can't receive God's forgiveness +[4076.66 --> 4079.62] without knowing the depth of your brokenness. +[4080.04 --> 4080.92] How's that going? +[4085.58 --> 4088.28] And only then will you be able to forgive profound brokenness +[4088.28 --> 4089.48] that harms you. +[4092.16 --> 4094.64] In that honesty, we can then come to the Father +[4094.64 --> 4096.62] and then begin to love and forgive like Him. +[4097.74 --> 4099.66] Now, let me say a few things about +[4099.66 --> 4101.92] some things that forgiveness isn't. +[4103.16 --> 4105.36] Forgiveness isn't forgetting, right? +[4105.58 --> 4107.26] You've heard the phrase, forgive and forget. +[4107.88 --> 4109.62] It's even a title of a very good book. +[4111.04 --> 4112.74] We are people who remember. +[4114.10 --> 4118.06] Although I caution you not to replace the word remember with rehearse. +[4118.42 --> 4119.62] Forgive and rehearse. +[4119.78 --> 4122.78] Rehearse the wrong done to you over and over and over again. +[4122.78 --> 4125.12] That's not what we're talking about here at all. +[4125.50 --> 4129.32] Where you actually stew on and relive the events you claim to forgive. +[4130.68 --> 4134.28] But, memory is part of the pain of forgiveness. +[4135.28 --> 4137.76] The couple who live with the deep pain of betrayal +[4137.76 --> 4139.44] don't forget the betrayal. +[4140.14 --> 4141.52] They learn to love again. +[4141.58 --> 4141.82] How? +[4142.06 --> 4143.22] With the pain. +[4144.82 --> 4146.20] With that pain. +[4146.20 --> 4149.86] And that requires honesty. +[4150.02 --> 4151.22] And that requires accountability. +[4151.56 --> 4153.06] And that likely requires counseling. +[4153.40 --> 4155.34] And there's a path for healing that is needed. +[4155.72 --> 4159.06] Forgiveness isn't simply tossing the pain aside. +[4160.60 --> 4163.10] Folks, I've seen marriages over the years of being a pastor +[4163.10 --> 4164.60] survive and thrive +[4164.60 --> 4167.98] when genuine confession leads to genuine forgiveness +[4167.98 --> 4169.76] and long-term healing. +[4169.96 --> 4170.60] Is it easy? +[4170.72 --> 4171.70] It is not. +[4171.70 --> 4174.26] And the one who is wrong +[4174.26 --> 4175.68] needs to be deeply aware +[4175.68 --> 4178.66] of how much forgiveness they need too. +[4180.36 --> 4182.18] Because then you can stand together +[4182.18 --> 4183.56] in your brokenness. +[4185.82 --> 4187.34] Another thing forgiveness isn't. +[4188.84 --> 4190.50] Forgiveness is not merely a feeling. +[4191.72 --> 4192.84] There will be times +[4192.84 --> 4194.32] when we will choose to forgive +[4194.32 --> 4195.72] even though our feelings say otherwise. +[4197.48 --> 4199.64] Anyone here ever have a nasty fight +[4199.64 --> 4200.58] with someone they love? +[4202.36 --> 4203.44] No, just me? +[4204.24 --> 4204.56] Okay. +[4205.82 --> 4206.18] Okay. +[4206.40 --> 4206.70] All right. +[4206.78 --> 4206.96] Yeah. +[4207.12 --> 4207.36] Right? +[4207.42 --> 4207.96] We all have. +[4208.48 --> 4208.64] Right? +[4208.72 --> 4209.42] Those are, in fact, +[4209.92 --> 4211.16] I've been hurt, you know, +[4211.20 --> 4212.20] by my wife and me +[4212.20 --> 4213.12] and her and me +[4213.12 --> 4215.56] because when you're that much in love +[4215.56 --> 4217.80] you're also creating that much pain sometimes too, +[4217.86 --> 4218.26] doesn't it? +[4219.06 --> 4219.68] And my wife, +[4219.88 --> 4220.74] she knows it well, +[4220.80 --> 4221.72] she married a sinner. +[4222.72 --> 4222.92] Right? +[4223.44 --> 4225.98] And in moments of intense feelings +[4225.98 --> 4227.38] things can be said +[4227.38 --> 4228.32] that shouldn't have been said. +[4228.32 --> 4230.78] And maybe it even feels satisfying +[4230.78 --> 4231.46] in those moments +[4231.46 --> 4232.86] to have said those things. +[4233.92 --> 4236.56] I have the spiritual gift of sarcasm. +[4239.24 --> 4241.22] But it doesn't always serve me +[4241.22 --> 4242.90] particularly well in my marriage. +[4242.96 --> 4244.96] And I found that out relatively quickly. +[4245.26 --> 4246.88] Apparently my wife hates sarcasm. +[4248.22 --> 4248.90] Go figure. +[4249.08 --> 4249.78] There's some sarcasm. +[4249.88 --> 4250.08] Anyways. +[4251.82 --> 4253.74] And it does feel satisfying sometimes. +[4253.88 --> 4254.00] You know, +[4254.04 --> 4254.78] sometimes I think, +[4254.78 --> 4256.50] oh, I'm amazed with the brilliance +[4256.50 --> 4257.38] of my own sarcasm. +[4257.68 --> 4258.98] As opposed to say, +[4259.06 --> 4260.82] wow, I'm really causing pain with this. +[4265.88 --> 4268.16] As one who has been forgiven by Jesus, +[4268.74 --> 4270.62] I need to allow the Spirit of God +[4270.62 --> 4272.72] to intervene into my thoughts +[4272.72 --> 4275.50] and I need to choose humility before my Lord +[4275.50 --> 4277.98] instead of being dictated by my feelings. +[4277.98 --> 4280.66] And then ignore those strong feelings +[4280.66 --> 4282.28] and choose to allow forgiveness +[4282.28 --> 4283.30] and humility +[4283.30 --> 4285.30] to redefine the broken moment. +[4285.58 --> 4286.68] I think for some of us, +[4286.86 --> 4288.52] we'd rather be right than loving. +[4291.32 --> 4292.78] I want the argument +[4292.78 --> 4294.02] feels way better than +[4294.02 --> 4296.48] I humbly walked away from it +[4296.48 --> 4297.76] because it was going poorly. +[4297.76 --> 4304.52] And this isn't pretending, +[4304.92 --> 4306.28] about pretending we're not hurt. +[4306.82 --> 4308.46] Or it's not about an excuse +[4308.46 --> 4310.76] to excuse or condone. +[4311.10 --> 4313.16] But it is not the place +[4313.16 --> 4315.34] where we allow emotion to run wild +[4315.34 --> 4316.60] and then dictate the moment. +[4317.80 --> 4318.94] I think most of us have been there. +[4319.82 --> 4322.20] And we need to surrender the moment to grace +[4322.20 --> 4324.04] and to love of the other +[4324.04 --> 4325.96] and to coming before the Lord +[4325.96 --> 4326.94] somehow together +[4326.94 --> 4328.36] and then to follow Jesus +[4328.36 --> 4329.98] to those hard places. +[4330.68 --> 4331.84] Jesus who said, +[4332.32 --> 4333.24] forgive them, +[4333.52 --> 4334.48] when He said it on the cross, +[4334.72 --> 4335.38] forgive them, +[4335.46 --> 4337.34] they know not what they do. +[4339.52 --> 4341.06] Well, what do you mean +[4341.06 --> 4342.04] they know not what He do? +[4342.24 --> 4343.36] They put them up there accidentally? +[4345.78 --> 4346.64] But Jesus is saying, +[4346.86 --> 4349.12] they really don't see the big picture at all, +[4349.18 --> 4349.56] do they? +[4350.80 --> 4351.46] Do they? +[4352.20 --> 4352.36] Right? +[4352.68 --> 4354.60] And I think we need to say the same thing. +[4354.84 --> 4355.82] Lord, forgive us. +[4355.82 --> 4357.46] We don't know what we're doing. +[4360.10 --> 4361.52] We really don't. +[4362.22 --> 4364.66] We don't see the whole picture by a long shot. +[4364.74 --> 4366.62] We get caught up in the moments. +[4367.96 --> 4369.66] Forgiveness does not mean, +[4369.82 --> 4370.84] hear me well here, +[4371.28 --> 4372.46] forgiveness does not mean +[4372.46 --> 4374.12] something was not sin. +[4376.32 --> 4378.16] Actually, just the opposite. +[4379.10 --> 4381.86] Forgiveness is about seeing the sin, +[4381.86 --> 4385.04] not disregarding it. +[4386.52 --> 4388.42] Sometimes in our Christian worldview, +[4389.46 --> 4391.70] at times we do something that's not right. +[4392.42 --> 4393.90] In the name of forgiveness, +[4394.04 --> 4395.10] we want to minimize the sin. +[4397.82 --> 4398.90] Just let it go. +[4399.90 --> 4400.80] That's forgiveness, right? +[4400.86 --> 4401.48] Just let it go. +[4402.84 --> 4404.24] After all, I forgive you. +[4404.24 --> 4405.90] It's not that. +[4406.80 --> 4409.14] We need to name the sin +[4409.14 --> 4410.54] and then forgive that, +[4410.74 --> 4413.26] which will mean working toward health and healing. +[4413.78 --> 4415.76] Otherwise, it's kind of like, +[4416.22 --> 4417.88] I was a teacher for many years. +[4418.76 --> 4421.16] I think I even saw a former student here, +[4421.30 --> 4422.24] which makes me feel old. +[4422.36 --> 4422.56] But anyway, +[4422.56 --> 4426.28] sometimes then it's like that kid +[4426.28 --> 4427.40] who says sorry too fast. +[4428.92 --> 4429.08] You know, +[4429.16 --> 4429.54] you say, +[4429.74 --> 4430.14] why did you, +[4430.24 --> 4430.60] oh, sorry. +[4431.64 --> 4432.50] They don't even hear. +[4432.60 --> 4433.34] They really say, +[4433.42 --> 4434.28] just go away. +[4434.34 --> 4435.28] I don't want to hear about this. +[4436.18 --> 4437.82] I want this done and over with. +[4438.08 --> 4438.16] Here, +[4438.28 --> 4439.72] and so you just say sorry +[4439.72 --> 4440.78] as fast as you can. +[4440.86 --> 4441.78] Hopefully, it'll go away. +[4442.36 --> 4444.36] Forgiveness and justice go hand in hand, +[4444.60 --> 4445.74] which is so different +[4445.74 --> 4447.20] than payback and vengeance +[4447.20 --> 4447.98] and getting evil. +[4448.94 --> 4449.92] So with that in mind, +[4449.92 --> 4453.70] forgiveness is not allowing +[4453.70 --> 4456.10] wrongdoers to carry on. +[4457.42 --> 4459.16] How many of you remember the story +[4459.16 --> 4461.68] about Rachel Denhollander? +[4463.32 --> 4463.80] Anyone here? +[4465.36 --> 4467.18] She was a gymnast. +[4468.46 --> 4469.08] Well, maybe you remember +[4469.08 --> 4471.36] the villain's name in the story, +[4472.10 --> 4473.76] Larry Nassar. +[4475.60 --> 4476.08] Right? +[4476.68 --> 4478.36] And yeah, +[4478.36 --> 4481.52] Nassar sexually abused +[4481.52 --> 4483.52] a whack of these girls, +[4483.64 --> 4484.36] these gymnasts. +[4484.88 --> 4487.02] He was the U.S. gymnastic team doctor. +[4488.96 --> 4490.32] Rachel was 15 years old +[4490.32 --> 4492.44] when Nassar started abusing her +[4492.44 --> 4493.60] and she was the first +[4493.60 --> 4494.66] to make public allegations +[4494.66 --> 4496.44] against this respected doctor. +[4497.62 --> 4498.70] Denhollander became +[4498.70 --> 4501.70] the last of more than 150 survivors, +[4502.04 --> 4502.68] all women, +[4502.78 --> 4503.82] almost all of them gymnasts, +[4503.82 --> 4505.56] to share her impact statement +[4505.56 --> 4506.86] in court with Nassar +[4506.86 --> 4507.90] who was convicted +[4507.90 --> 4508.84] of seven counts +[4508.84 --> 4510.84] of first degree criminal sexual contact +[4510.84 --> 4513.78] and sentenced up to 175 years +[4513.78 --> 4514.76] in prison. +[4517.28 --> 4519.66] This is what Rachel said to him +[4519.66 --> 4520.26] in court. +[4521.98 --> 4522.98] Rachel, who, by the way, +[4523.02 --> 4523.86] is a devout Christian. +[4525.30 --> 4526.38] Here are her words. +[4526.38 --> 4529.54] I pray you experience +[4529.54 --> 4532.40] the soul-crushing guilt +[4532.40 --> 4535.44] so that you may someday +[4535.44 --> 4537.86] experience true repentance +[4537.86 --> 4540.98] and true forgiveness from God, +[4541.76 --> 4542.92] which you need far more +[4542.92 --> 4544.30] than forgiveness from me, +[4544.80 --> 4546.84] though I extend that to you +[4546.84 --> 4548.52] as well. +[4550.22 --> 4551.30] You hear it? +[4551.42 --> 4552.20] You hear the tone? +[4552.20 --> 4557.32] You need to feel, Dr. Nassar, +[4557.60 --> 4559.18] the pain you cause. +[4559.36 --> 4562.42] You need to let it crush you +[4562.42 --> 4565.66] and then come to God +[4565.66 --> 4569.30] so that you can find true repentance. +[4574.64 --> 4576.20] You can see her speak +[4576.20 --> 4578.60] on YouTube and stuff, too. +[4578.72 --> 4580.74] It's powerful stuff. +[4582.20 --> 4584.94] With that in mind, +[4585.08 --> 4588.10] forgiveness isn't a one-moment thing, +[4588.14 --> 4589.28] a one-and-done thing, +[4589.34 --> 4589.90] a season. +[4590.12 --> 4590.78] It's a discipline. +[4590.90 --> 4591.52] It's a practice. +[4591.88 --> 4592.72] It involves following +[4592.72 --> 4593.96] and forgiving like Jesus +[4593.96 --> 4595.02] on an ongoing matter. +[4595.96 --> 4597.56] So now some thoughts around, +[4597.84 --> 4598.48] I've been talking about +[4598.48 --> 4599.44] what forgiveness isn't, +[4599.50 --> 4600.04] some thoughts around +[4600.04 --> 4600.98] what forgiveness is. +[4601.38 --> 4602.64] Forgiveness is +[4602.64 --> 4604.54] when we return to God +[4604.54 --> 4606.74] the right to carry out justice +[4606.74 --> 4609.52] now and in the days to come. +[4610.00 --> 4611.02] Vengeance is mine, +[4611.20 --> 4611.78] says the Lord. +[4612.20 --> 4613.34] We can feel like +[4613.34 --> 4614.20] we know better +[4614.20 --> 4615.30] the desire for vengeance, +[4615.46 --> 4616.44] for getting evil, +[4616.78 --> 4617.42] even rather, +[4617.80 --> 4619.58] as if we know it all. +[4623.88 --> 4625.72] And we confess God knows best +[4625.72 --> 4626.94] so we give God the reins. +[4628.36 --> 4629.32] That doesn't mean to say, +[4629.40 --> 4629.66] by the way, +[4629.68 --> 4630.66] that we don't seek justice. +[4632.12 --> 4633.78] Forgiveness is when we desire +[4633.78 --> 4635.66] to do good instead of evil. +[4635.66 --> 4636.22] Right? +[4636.34 --> 4638.98] It frees us from seeking out harm. +[4639.08 --> 4640.08] You hear that in Rachel +[4640.08 --> 4641.30] and Hollander's line there, +[4641.36 --> 4641.56] right? +[4641.90 --> 4642.00] Right? +[4642.22 --> 4643.88] That you get to that place, +[4644.00 --> 4644.68] Dr. Nasser, +[4644.92 --> 4646.46] of true repentance. +[4646.90 --> 4648.20] That's where you need to go. +[4648.34 --> 4649.82] I will give you forgiveness. +[4650.36 --> 4651.60] But that's not really +[4651.60 --> 4652.52] what you need. +[4652.52 --> 4657.40] So yeah, +[4657.52 --> 4659.40] consequences for bad behavior. +[4659.52 --> 4659.62] Yeah, +[4659.68 --> 4661.02] 175 years in jail, +[4661.06 --> 4661.76] you're going to die in jail. +[4661.84 --> 4661.96] Yeah, +[4662.04 --> 4662.92] that's fitting. +[4666.20 --> 4667.72] But the hope of good +[4667.72 --> 4669.16] for the one who harmed us +[4669.16 --> 4670.46] can be a part of that. +[4673.66 --> 4674.34] Scripture says, +[4674.48 --> 4675.58] beauty for ashes. +[4675.58 --> 4681.98] Forgiveness is an unmerited gift. +[4683.28 --> 4684.78] It isn't earned. +[4685.14 --> 4685.84] It's given. +[4686.30 --> 4686.50] You know, +[4686.54 --> 4687.36] we may tend to be +[4687.36 --> 4688.48] like the Pharisee, right? +[4688.74 --> 4689.76] Evil is evil. +[4689.92 --> 4690.44] Avoid it. +[4690.66 --> 4691.66] There's some truth to that. +[4691.98 --> 4693.08] Keep yourself clean +[4693.08 --> 4694.10] by avoiding all those +[4694.10 --> 4694.62] who are evil +[4694.62 --> 4696.82] because you're better than them. +[4701.12 --> 4702.72] We can look around in the world +[4702.72 --> 4703.00] and +[4703.00 --> 4707.24] sometimes I see +[4707.24 --> 4708.24] Christian reactions. +[4710.94 --> 4712.16] I get discouraged. +[4713.68 --> 4714.46] I've never seen a picture +[4714.46 --> 4715.02] of a +[4715.02 --> 4716.88] protest +[4716.88 --> 4717.70] against the +[4717.70 --> 4718.40] gay movement +[4718.40 --> 4718.98] but, you know, +[4719.04 --> 4720.02] people holding up signs +[4720.02 --> 4720.24] saying, +[4720.34 --> 4721.40] God hates fags. +[4721.58 --> 4721.68] I go, +[4722.68 --> 4723.20] oh, +[4723.56 --> 4725.28] I understand +[4725.28 --> 4726.30] where you're coming from +[4726.30 --> 4726.68] that, you know, +[4726.72 --> 4727.58] we're trying to +[4727.58 --> 4728.52] address this +[4728.52 --> 4730.58] but not like that. +[4731.96 --> 4732.96] Not like that. +[4733.00 --> 4739.32] So, +[4739.46 --> 4739.72] forgiveness +[4739.72 --> 4740.78] may happen, +[4741.32 --> 4741.54] you know, +[4741.58 --> 4742.46] when we sometimes +[4742.46 --> 4743.44] get to those places. +[4743.90 --> 4745.02] Forgiveness might happen +[4745.02 --> 4746.38] if I think I'm better than you +[4746.38 --> 4747.28] but only when you +[4747.28 --> 4748.28] clean yourself up +[4748.28 --> 4749.16] and not until then. +[4752.64 --> 4753.12] Forgiveness +[4753.12 --> 4754.10] is given +[4754.10 --> 4754.96] in the trenches. +[4755.16 --> 4755.86] It's given +[4755.86 --> 4757.34] in the brokenness. +[4757.48 --> 4759.34] While we were yet sinners, +[4759.52 --> 4760.44] Christ came to us. +[4760.66 --> 4761.64] He didn't come to us +[4761.64 --> 4761.86] and say, +[4761.96 --> 4762.32] well, okay, +[4762.62 --> 4763.32] clean yourself up +[4763.32 --> 4764.28] and I might show up later. +[4764.36 --> 4765.02] He didn't say that. +[4765.48 --> 4766.86] It's not easy +[4766.86 --> 4767.56] to forgive. +[4767.56 --> 4772.74] You know, +[4772.80 --> 4772.96] my, +[4773.02 --> 4776.30] my dad passed away +[4776.30 --> 4777.14] about five years ago. +[4780.92 --> 4781.30] And, +[4781.52 --> 4783.78] my dad was very loving +[4783.78 --> 4784.44] but he was also, +[4784.90 --> 4785.94] he created a lot of pain +[4785.94 --> 4786.40] in my life. +[4788.08 --> 4789.42] A lot of it involved +[4789.42 --> 4791.28] rage and anger issues. +[4793.60 --> 4794.88] He was a complicated guy. +[4794.88 --> 4794.92] He was a complicated guy. +[4794.92 --> 4800.74] It took me a long time +[4800.74 --> 4801.86] to get to that place +[4801.86 --> 4803.16] where I could forgive, +[4804.14 --> 4805.96] where I was healthy enough +[4805.96 --> 4807.78] to forgive. +[4809.26 --> 4810.30] A lot of counseling, +[4811.02 --> 4812.20] a lot of prayer. +[4813.50 --> 4814.30] I once read a quote +[4814.30 --> 4814.62] that says, +[4814.70 --> 4815.64] forgiveness is setting +[4815.64 --> 4816.20] someone free +[4816.20 --> 4816.76] and realizing +[4816.76 --> 4817.70] the person is you. +[4817.70 --> 4822.28] I remember somebody, +[4822.46 --> 4823.26] I shared my story +[4823.26 --> 4823.56] with somebody +[4823.56 --> 4823.90] and they said, +[4823.98 --> 4824.04] oh, +[4824.10 --> 4824.32] how did, +[4824.80 --> 4825.14] you know, +[4825.18 --> 4826.08] my dad was still alive +[4826.08 --> 4827.04] at the time +[4827.04 --> 4827.38] and I said, +[4827.56 --> 4828.00] how are you, +[4828.12 --> 4829.28] how do you deal with that? +[4830.00 --> 4830.62] And I answered, +[4830.70 --> 4831.30] I don't +[4831.30 --> 4832.40] but eventually +[4832.40 --> 4833.24] I'm going to kick +[4833.24 --> 4834.42] the crap out of his coffin. +[4840.12 --> 4840.62] I don't, +[4840.82 --> 4841.68] I didn't feel that way +[4841.68 --> 4842.12] when he died +[4842.12 --> 4845.56] because I did the hard work +[4845.56 --> 4847.16] of forgiveness +[4847.16 --> 4849.92] and I died +[4849.92 --> 4851.70] or he died +[4851.70 --> 4852.32] with me +[4852.32 --> 4853.38] and the family +[4853.38 --> 4853.82] with him +[4853.82 --> 4854.54] and loving him +[4854.54 --> 4855.46] and caring for him +[4855.46 --> 4857.48] and it was a whole lot better +[4857.48 --> 4858.66] than where I was +[4858.66 --> 4859.24] at one point. +[4859.24 --> 4865.70] When I forgave +[4865.70 --> 4866.50] and learned to forgive, +[4866.72 --> 4867.60] I felt more free +[4867.60 --> 4868.62] to love my broken dad +[4868.62 --> 4870.50] and I learned +[4870.50 --> 4871.74] to become far more aware +[4871.74 --> 4873.78] of how forgiven I am +[4873.78 --> 4875.46] and I realized this +[4875.46 --> 4876.96] and this was an important lesson +[4876.96 --> 4879.08] and that I was not better +[4879.08 --> 4879.84] than him. +[4883.36 --> 4884.60] He was a broken man, +[4886.10 --> 4888.22] a sinner like me +[4888.22 --> 4889.22] and I was not better +[4889.24 --> 4890.60] but forgiveness +[4890.60 --> 4891.70] frees us +[4891.70 --> 4893.02] and hopefully +[4893.02 --> 4894.88] frees the one, +[4895.48 --> 4896.80] hopefully to forgive +[4896.80 --> 4898.32] the one who has harmed us. +[4899.68 --> 4900.50] Hebrews 12, +[4900.70 --> 4901.66] because here's the other option, +[4901.78 --> 4903.00] Hebrews 12, 15 says, +[4903.46 --> 4904.24] where scripture says, +[4904.32 --> 4905.26] see to it that no one +[4905.26 --> 4906.10] falls short +[4906.10 --> 4907.08] of the grace of God. +[4907.14 --> 4908.04] What does that mean? +[4908.22 --> 4909.24] Fall short of the grace of God. +[4909.54 --> 4910.70] That no bitter root +[4910.70 --> 4911.72] grows up +[4911.72 --> 4912.34] to cause trouble +[4912.34 --> 4912.90] and defile many. +[4913.32 --> 4915.12] If you don't forgive well, +[4915.50 --> 4917.26] bitterness is the other option. +[4919.96 --> 4921.70] And bitterness destroys. +[4923.70 --> 4925.08] Unforgiveness enslaves us. +[4925.16 --> 4926.04] I've seen it too often. +[4926.36 --> 4927.04] And we need to go +[4927.04 --> 4928.56] to that place of slavery +[4928.56 --> 4930.00] and uproot that bitterness +[4930.00 --> 4930.84] and that pain +[4930.84 --> 4931.76] and that grudge keeping +[4931.76 --> 4932.64] and that score keeping. +[4932.88 --> 4934.16] And we need to learn to forgive +[4934.16 --> 4936.52] because Christ forgives you +[4936.52 --> 4937.54] profoundly. +[4937.54 --> 4943.26] God takes it all +[4943.26 --> 4944.36] and He gives us His peace +[4944.36 --> 4945.00] and His freedom +[4945.00 --> 4945.60] and His spirit +[4945.60 --> 4946.18] and His healing. +[4947.36 --> 4947.84] And then this, +[4948.00 --> 4948.76] we do forgiveness +[4948.76 --> 4949.40] in community. +[4950.58 --> 4952.02] I appreciated the guitar player, +[4952.14 --> 4952.40] right, +[4952.54 --> 4953.78] when he started talking +[4953.78 --> 4954.12] a little bit +[4954.12 --> 4954.76] about his own stuff +[4954.76 --> 4955.16] a little bit. +[4956.00 --> 4956.26] And yeah, +[4956.34 --> 4957.22] thinking of James 5, +[4957.34 --> 4958.80] therefore confess your sins +[4958.80 --> 4959.38] to one another +[4959.38 --> 4960.32] and pray for each other +[4960.32 --> 4961.24] so that you may be healed. +[4961.56 --> 4961.84] And the prayer +[4961.84 --> 4962.62] of the righteous person +[4962.62 --> 4963.64] is powerful and effective. +[4963.64 --> 4966.84] So we're going to break up +[4966.84 --> 4967.64] into little groups now +[4967.64 --> 4968.40] and I want you to confess +[4968.40 --> 4969.46] your deepest, darkest sin +[4969.46 --> 4970.62] to the person next to you. +[4972.22 --> 4973.14] How many are in? +[4973.72 --> 4973.88] Yeah. +[4974.62 --> 4974.84] Right? +[4975.82 --> 4976.42] But somebody. +[4978.72 --> 4979.12] Somebody. +[4982.40 --> 4983.90] Hiding is one of the signs +[4983.90 --> 4985.02] of really unhealthiness. +[4988.42 --> 4989.74] And I might add this too +[4989.74 --> 4990.36] to that verse. +[4990.72 --> 4992.34] Confess the pain of sin +[4992.34 --> 4992.80] to another +[4992.80 --> 4993.68] that you may be healed. +[4993.80 --> 4994.70] Sometimes there's that. +[4994.94 --> 4996.54] Know the pain you cause +[4996.54 --> 4997.80] and share the pain +[4997.80 --> 4998.64] you've received. +[4999.24 --> 5000.30] This is part of the process +[5000.30 --> 5001.20] of healing forgiveness. +[5001.82 --> 5003.06] And I do want to encourage you +[5003.06 --> 5003.88] to practice that. +[5003.96 --> 5004.92] Maybe sometime this week +[5004.92 --> 5005.58] or the next couple weeks, +[5005.64 --> 5006.20] sometime this summer. +[5006.64 --> 5008.36] Maybe with some trusted other, +[5008.80 --> 5011.04] reflect and say it out loud +[5011.04 --> 5012.82] on how you've been forgiven +[5012.82 --> 5013.70] by God. +[5015.04 --> 5015.70] Share that. +[5016.42 --> 5017.22] Share that with somebody. +[5018.66 --> 5019.42] Get specific +[5019.42 --> 5021.90] so that you can, +[5022.42 --> 5023.74] so that we can be moved +[5023.74 --> 5025.44] to not self-loathing, +[5025.86 --> 5027.20] but to love much. +[5027.92 --> 5029.52] Because I know that cycle too. +[5030.34 --> 5031.54] I'm just a piece of garbage. +[5031.76 --> 5033.36] I keep doing the same things +[5033.36 --> 5033.92] over and over again. +[5033.96 --> 5034.88] I'm just useless. +[5035.06 --> 5036.28] You may as well just give up on me. +[5036.38 --> 5037.16] You know, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah. +[5037.28 --> 5037.42] Right? +[5037.88 --> 5038.86] No, this is about learning +[5038.86 --> 5039.48] to love much. +[5040.32 --> 5041.22] And out of that love, +[5041.28 --> 5042.48] we learn to forgive like Christ. +[5042.48 --> 5045.36] Forgiveness is hard. +[5046.60 --> 5047.82] It makes us feel vulnerable. +[5049.92 --> 5051.90] When I hurt my wife's heart, +[5052.86 --> 5055.84] I don't like to dwell on that. +[5055.90 --> 5057.24] I like to move on a little faster. +[5057.50 --> 5058.82] Because I don't want to be that guy. +[5059.96 --> 5061.46] But I need to own that pain +[5061.46 --> 5062.58] that I've caused. +[5063.06 --> 5064.32] Confess that to my God +[5064.32 --> 5065.78] and to my wife. +[5066.34 --> 5067.82] And trust that God is at work +[5067.82 --> 5068.98] in this path of forgiveness +[5068.98 --> 5070.20] to heal me +[5070.20 --> 5072.14] and those I've harmed. +[5072.48 --> 5078.06] Where are you, +[5078.50 --> 5079.44] where are those places +[5079.44 --> 5081.60] where you need to confess first to God +[5081.60 --> 5083.56] and then to someone you've hurt? +[5083.70 --> 5085.44] Maybe even somewhat unintentionally. +[5086.90 --> 5087.12] Right? +[5087.28 --> 5089.16] And I think AA's got it right. +[5090.24 --> 5090.46] Right? +[5090.50 --> 5091.68] When you do the 12 steps, +[5091.76 --> 5092.50] I don't know how many of you +[5092.50 --> 5094.26] are aware of the 12 steps, +[5094.38 --> 5095.42] but they do it right. +[5095.54 --> 5095.64] Right? +[5095.70 --> 5096.40] You know, first of all, +[5096.88 --> 5097.70] hi, I'm Sid. +[5097.72 --> 5098.40] I'm an alcoholic. +[5098.62 --> 5098.76] Right? +[5098.76 --> 5099.76] You know, we're right away, +[5099.92 --> 5101.66] we're right away on common ground. +[5102.48 --> 5104.68] And fearless moral inventory. +[5105.82 --> 5108.26] I'm going to name all my stuff. +[5108.48 --> 5110.40] And you do that fearless moral inventory +[5110.40 --> 5111.96] and then you share it +[5111.96 --> 5112.94] with somebody you trust. +[5113.92 --> 5114.72] And I've got to hear +[5114.72 --> 5116.66] several fearless moral inventories. +[5116.66 --> 5118.28] and then, +[5118.88 --> 5119.78] eventually that step +[5119.78 --> 5121.38] of making amends. +[5123.38 --> 5124.90] You don't just confess it. +[5125.00 --> 5125.12] You know, +[5125.18 --> 5126.50] now go back to all the people +[5126.50 --> 5127.90] you've harmed as much as possible +[5127.90 --> 5129.00] and you try to make things right. +[5130.10 --> 5130.24] Whew. +[5132.24 --> 5132.84] 12 steps. +[5132.84 --> 5137.54] Yeah, and it doesn't always +[5137.54 --> 5138.82] get cleaned up nice and tidy, +[5138.90 --> 5139.26] does it? +[5140.64 --> 5141.88] Dan Hollander described it +[5141.88 --> 5142.88] as being a lifelong thing. +[5143.22 --> 5143.86] And she said this, +[5143.98 --> 5144.94] this side of heaven, +[5145.06 --> 5146.32] we don't get complete restoration. +[5147.12 --> 5148.60] I never got a nice, +[5148.76 --> 5149.96] clean confession from my dad +[5149.96 --> 5150.86] about the hurt he caused. +[5150.86 --> 5153.74] But God brought me some healing +[5153.74 --> 5154.56] anyways over time +[5154.56 --> 5155.46] with lots of counseling +[5155.46 --> 5156.06] and praying +[5156.06 --> 5157.14] and reading and reflecting +[5157.14 --> 5157.98] and sharing with friends. +[5158.64 --> 5160.10] And more healing to come, +[5160.14 --> 5161.20] I'm convinced of that. +[5162.12 --> 5163.02] Because I've experienced +[5163.02 --> 5163.70] the power of forgiveness +[5163.70 --> 5164.50] in my own life. +[5165.18 --> 5166.10] My holy God +[5166.10 --> 5167.24] gave His only Son +[5167.24 --> 5168.32] so I could receive +[5168.32 --> 5169.20] His forgiveness, +[5169.62 --> 5170.20] His love, +[5170.42 --> 5171.86] forgiveness I deeply need +[5171.86 --> 5173.12] and continue to need. +[5173.12 --> 5173.94] And in that, +[5174.06 --> 5174.68] I've learned to take +[5174.68 --> 5175.98] deep, deep hurts +[5175.98 --> 5177.20] and forgive them +[5177.20 --> 5178.54] because I need to follow +[5178.54 --> 5180.72] Jesus and His great love. +[5182.70 --> 5184.52] Let me conclude with a story, +[5185.38 --> 5186.30] one that expresses +[5186.30 --> 5187.02] the power of forgiveness +[5187.02 --> 5187.60] in community. +[5188.62 --> 5189.40] There was an event +[5189.40 --> 5190.40] called the Awakening +[5190.40 --> 5191.92] at Motlingen, Germany. +[5192.10 --> 5193.98] It was on New Year's Eve, 1843. +[5195.34 --> 5196.58] There was a young man +[5196.58 --> 5197.28] and he was known +[5197.28 --> 5198.58] for wild living +[5198.58 --> 5200.20] and a violent temper. +[5200.66 --> 5201.18] And one day, +[5201.22 --> 5202.16] he came to the door +[5202.16 --> 5202.90] of his pastor +[5202.90 --> 5205.20] Pastor Christoph Blumhart. +[5206.40 --> 5207.86] He came in desperation +[5207.86 --> 5209.16] to confess his sins +[5209.16 --> 5209.98] to the pastor. +[5210.56 --> 5211.40] This isn't a Catholic +[5211.40 --> 5212.06] confessional thing, +[5212.10 --> 5213.36] this was a Protestant thing. +[5213.72 --> 5214.60] And this created +[5214.60 --> 5216.36] an unprecedented wave +[5216.36 --> 5216.98] of confession +[5216.98 --> 5218.02] in the community +[5218.02 --> 5219.44] where one remorseful +[5219.44 --> 5220.50] villager after another +[5220.50 --> 5221.92] came to reveal +[5221.92 --> 5222.88] and confess +[5222.88 --> 5224.58] sins and reconcile. +[5225.06 --> 5225.98] Pierced to the heart, +[5226.32 --> 5227.28] people from all walks +[5227.28 --> 5228.22] of life felt compelled +[5228.22 --> 5228.74] from within +[5228.74 --> 5229.66] to break out +[5229.66 --> 5230.62] of their old ways. +[5231.00 --> 5231.74] Stolen goods +[5231.74 --> 5232.50] were returned +[5232.50 --> 5234.08] enemies reconciled, +[5234.34 --> 5235.28] marriages healed, +[5235.64 --> 5236.70] crimes confessed, +[5237.10 --> 5238.24] grudges let go. +[5240.24 --> 5240.84] Imagine. +[5245.00 --> 5245.96] Jesus offered +[5245.96 --> 5246.58] his followers +[5246.58 --> 5247.76] the keys of the kingdom. +[5249.50 --> 5250.40] I picture forgiveness +[5250.40 --> 5251.46] as one of the keys, right? +[5251.62 --> 5252.92] We hold the key +[5252.92 --> 5253.42] of forgiveness +[5253.42 --> 5254.14] in our hands +[5254.14 --> 5255.66] and now we must choose +[5255.66 --> 5257.22] whether to use it or not. +[5257.22 --> 5260.06] Christ wants to use +[5260.06 --> 5260.78] our hands, +[5261.50 --> 5262.88] wounded as they may be, +[5263.72 --> 5264.44] to extend +[5264.44 --> 5265.18] his forgiveness +[5265.18 --> 5266.18] and his grace +[5266.18 --> 5267.32] to the world +[5267.32 --> 5268.30] and to those around us. +[5270.34 --> 5271.14] What will you do +[5271.14 --> 5271.52] with the key? +[5273.44 --> 5274.04] Let's pray. +[5277.90 --> 5278.56] Father God, +[5278.62 --> 5279.42] we come before you +[5279.42 --> 5280.14] and Lord, +[5280.22 --> 5280.96] we just thank you +[5280.96 --> 5284.04] for forgiving us. +[5284.04 --> 5288.00] Lord, +[5288.04 --> 5288.70] I pray that everyone +[5288.70 --> 5289.44] here may have +[5289.44 --> 5290.72] a profound sense +[5290.72 --> 5291.78] of their own brokenness, +[5292.24 --> 5293.90] not to beat themselves up +[5293.90 --> 5295.06] but to find the freedom +[5295.06 --> 5295.92] that is only found +[5295.92 --> 5296.80] in deep repentance +[5296.80 --> 5297.72] and deep grace +[5297.72 --> 5299.48] through deep forgiveness. +[5301.42 --> 5301.64] Lord, +[5301.68 --> 5302.30] I pray for those +[5302.30 --> 5303.04] who have been harmed +[5303.04 --> 5305.76] and need to forgive +[5305.76 --> 5306.42] someone who +[5306.42 --> 5308.24] needs to be held +[5308.24 --> 5308.70] accountable, +[5309.70 --> 5310.02] of course, +[5310.12 --> 5311.10] but also forgiven. +[5311.10 --> 5314.24] And I pray, +[5314.40 --> 5314.48] Lord, +[5314.56 --> 5315.16] that we will humble +[5315.16 --> 5315.72] ourselves, +[5318.02 --> 5318.98] that we will get honest, +[5320.90 --> 5322.48] humble and grace-filled +[5322.48 --> 5323.68] people who know +[5323.68 --> 5324.86] how to receive forgiveness +[5324.86 --> 5326.30] and out of receiving +[5326.30 --> 5327.02] that forgiveness +[5327.02 --> 5328.70] know how to love well +[5328.70 --> 5331.04] so that we can be +[5331.04 --> 5331.38] like you, +[5331.46 --> 5331.64] Jesus. +[5333.32 --> 5334.38] Lead us in all that +[5334.38 --> 5335.40] in Jesus' name. +[5336.00 --> 5336.24] Amen. +[5336.24 --> 5336.34] Amen. +[5341.10 --> 5342.62] auch in die +[5360.68 --> 5361.78] groove +[5361.78 --> 5374.82] How great the chasm that lay between us, how high a mountain I could not part. +[5374.82 --> 5386.88] In desperation I turned to heaven and spoke your name into the blood. +[5386.88 --> 5398.70] Through the darkness your unkindness, or through the shadows of my soul. +[5398.70 --> 5411.52] The work is finished, the end is written, Jesus Christ my living Lord. +[5411.52 --> 5426.52] Who could imagine so great a mercy? What heart could travel such boundless grace? +[5426.52 --> 5438.52] The God of ages sent out one glory to bear my sin and bear my shame. +[5438.52 --> 5450.52] The cross has spoken, I am forgiven. The King of kings calls me His own. +[5451.80 --> 5463.52] Beautiful Savior, I'm yours forever. Jesus Christ my living Lord. +[5463.52 --> 5476.52] Alleluia, praise the one who set me free. Alleluia, death has lost its reward. +[5476.52 --> 5488.52] You have broken your wishing, new salvation in your name. Jesus Christ my living Lord. +[5488.52 --> 5501.52] Alleluia, praise the one who set me free. Alleluia, death has lost its reward. +[5501.52 --> 5513.52] You have broken your wishing, new salvation in your name. Jesus Christ my living Lord. +[5513.52 --> 5520.52] You have broken your place in your name. Your Bye- знакомs all my finances, +[5520.52 --> 5523.52] Listen to God that gave wars that your living Lord are full of forever. +[5523.52 --> 5529.52] Our Lord is blessed. You have broken your own truth. +[5529.52 --> 5533.52] That loving stone the Re дорDoing wasis thatijnul�, death was a 1994 historian, +[5533.52 --> 5539.52] My fate of correction for his sins that��ores the virginрим. +[5539.52 --> 5551.44] me +[5557.76 --> 5562.56] is +[5569.52 --> 5583.52] is +[5599.52 --> 5613.52] is +[5614.32 --> 5627.52] jesus +[5629.52 --> 5639.52] is +[5644.16 --> 5652.96] receive god's blessing i'm sharing a blessing from a gal named uh kate bowler she writes these +[5652.96 --> 5660.72] beautiful blessings i want to share one with you blessed am i when i'm starving for justice +[5661.84 --> 5666.08] when the world around me seems so unfair that i could scream but no one seems to be listening +[5666.80 --> 5672.48] no one seems to care and may justice flow like a river blessed am i when someone hurts me when i +[5672.48 --> 5678.16] feel offended and i don't return insult with insult instead i forgive recognizing the number of times +[5678.16 --> 5685.28] i've needed to be forgiven blessed am i when i strip away all the extras when i see the world as it really +[5685.28 --> 5691.36] is broken tender fragile beautiful these are the same eyes that god sees everything with too +[5692.80 --> 5699.04] blessed am i when i take the hard road the winding one that doesn't opt for shortcuts of rage +[5699.04 --> 5705.60] or resentment of unkind words that doesn't pave over night trite niceties but walks toward peacemaking +[5706.48 --> 5713.04] from god's child blessed am i when i face hardships of all sorts insults hurt feelings lies +[5713.04 --> 5719.84] addictive neighbors blessed am i when i work to usher god's kingdom of love and compassion and justice +[5719.84 --> 5728.16] and forgiveness and forgiveness and peace even when it's hard blessed are we the imperfect and don't have +[5728.16 --> 5735.04] it all together god's beloved people who are forgiven and so forgive amen +[5735.04 --> 5739.52] amen +[5739.52 --> 5753.52] behold he comes riding on the clouds shining like the sun have the trumpet call +[5754.72 --> 5759.28] lift your voice it's the year of jubilee +[5759.28 --> 5766.72] and out of zion's hill salvation comes +[5766.72 --> 5776.72] these are the days of elijah declaring the word of the lord +[5776.72 --> 5786.72] and these are the days of your servant roses righteousness being restored +[5786.72 --> 5794.16] and though these are the days of the lord +[5794.16 --> 5798.16] of famine and darkness and so on +[5798.16 --> 5803.20] still we are the voids in the desert +[5803.20 --> 5808.16] crying preparing the way of the lord +[5808.16 --> 5809.92] the holy of the lord +[5809.92 --> 5810.96] the holy gods +[5810.96 --> 5811.60] the holy gods +[5811.60 --> 5813.52] rising on the clouds +[5813.52 --> 5815.60] rising like the sun +[5815.60 --> 5817.60] and the trumpet call +[5817.60 --> 5819.60] lift your voice +[5819.60 --> 5821.60] lift your voice +[5821.60 --> 5823.60] to hear our jubilee +[5823.60 --> 5825.76] heaven's science +[5825.76 --> 5827.60] in salvation +[5827.60 --> 5829.60] come +[5829.60 --> 5837.10] And these are the days of Ezekiel +[5837.10 --> 5841.54] The tribals becoming a saint +[5841.54 --> 5846.22] And these are the days of the servant +[5846.22 --> 5851.82] David rebuilding a temple of grace +[5851.82 --> 5856.50] And these are the days of the harvest +[5856.50 --> 5861.84] The fields are as white in the world +[5861.84 --> 5867.74] And these are the laborers in your vineyard +[5867.74 --> 5871.20] Declaring the word of the Lord +[5871.20 --> 5876.28] He will be kind, shining like a cloud +[5876.28 --> 5881.52] Shining like a sun at the trumpet call +[5881.52 --> 5885.86] Lift your voice, steer up to lead +[5885.86 --> 5889.98] God inspires little salvation +[5889.98 --> 5897.86] There's no God like Jehovah +[5897.86 --> 5913.20] There's no God like Jehovah +[5913.20 --> 5919.20] He holds the dust, burning like a cloud +[5919.20 --> 5923.86] Shining like a sun at the trumpet call +[5923.86 --> 5928.20] Lift your voice, steer up to lead +[5928.20 --> 5932.32] God inspires little salvation +[5932.32 --> 5936.20] Come, be holding up +[5936.20 --> 5938.70] And it's on the world +[5938.70 --> 5943.20] Shining like a sun at the trumpet call +[5943.20 --> 5948.54] Lift your voice, steer up to lead +[5948.54 --> 5953.54] God, enjoy it till salvation comes +[5953.54 --> 5971.88] God bless you +[5971.88 --> 5974.88] OOP +[5974.88 --> 6002.92] If everyone can recall, we have an AGM here at the moment. +[6002.92 --> 6009.22] So if everyone can remain in your seats so we can finish that. +[6009.80 --> 6016.62] If you're a guest here, you're invited to grab a coffee out in the foyer there. +[6016.92 --> 6020.34] If you have kids in the nursery, you can go grab them and bring them back if you'd like. +[6032.92 --> 6062.90] Thank you. +[6062.92 --> 6074.06] I'd like to get this going ASAP. +[6074.48 --> 6077.42] So hey Steve, back there, can you close the doors maybe? +[6077.52 --> 6078.00] Steve Rook. +[6078.00 --> 6078.04] Steve Rook. +[6078.04 --> 6089.18] Steve Rook. +[6089.18 --> 6090.32] Steve Rook. +[6090.32 --> 6090.52] Steve Rook. +[6090.52 --> 6091.32] Steve Rook. diff --git a/Sunday Worship, June 30, 2024_summary.txt b/Sunday Worship, June 30, 2024_summary.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000000000000000000000000000000000000..67639e65e39f5f868f5aa769efb1597a423d8ed1 --- /dev/null +++ b/Sunday Worship, June 30, 2024_summary.txt @@ -0,0 +1,106 @@ +• The speaker expresses gratitude for God's redeeming love +• References to Psalm 118:24 ("This is the day that the Lord has made") +• Acknowledgment of temptation to wander from God, but commitment to be sealed in God's courts above +• Declaration of Jesus as Redeemer and Savior +• Comparison of Jesus' love to the outshining of the sun +• Reflection on trust in God despite pain or uncertainty +• Worship service announcements +• Recap discussion on Synod 2024 after service +• Summer food drive and volunteering opportunities +• Seeking new children's worship time coordinator +• Passing of the peace and welcome to God's presence in the congregation +• Worship call from Psalm 89 +• Opening prayer to see faithfulness throughout lives +• Message about coming to Jesus, satisfying thirst for mercy and goodness +• The power of hell defeated by God's love +• Praise for the wonders of God's love and goodness +• Testimonies of personal experiences with God's mercy and faithfulness +• Praise and worship song +• Professions of faith: Casey, Ally, and Madden +• Casey shares his testimony about finding faith in Jesus +• Ryan (Casey's brother) makes a video message to support Casey's profession of faith +• Discussion of the church community and spreading the word of Jesus +• Expressing appreciation for Casey's growth in community service and faith +• Madden sharing her spiritual journey, including her struggles with professing her faith and finding confidence in it +• Citing personal experiences that have shaped her understanding of God's presence and love in her life +• Recalling a transformative outreach trip to New York and learning to see God's work in all aspects of life, including sports +• Expressing desire to fully accept Jesus into her life and dedicate herself to Him +• Quoting Jeremiah 17:7-8 as inspiration for living out her faith in the future +• A passage from Ephesians is read, emphasizing trusting in God and His power. +• Ally shares her testimony about growing up in a Christian home but struggling with trusting in God as an adult until recently. +• She discusses the concept of not knowing what the future holds, but trusting in God's plans for her life. +• Kim Prince speaks on Ally's behalf, highlighting her growth in faith and maturity over the past couple years. +• Kim shares two Bible passages: 1 Timothy 4:12 and Hebrews 11:1, emphasizing setting an example through actions and living by faith despite not having all the answers. +• Faithfulness and testimony of three young people +• Recognition of the fruit of God's labor in their lives +• Profession of faith by Casey, Madden, and Ali through four questions +• Welcome to full communion and participation in church life for Casey, Madden, and Ali +• Invitation for congregation to speak a word of encouragement to new members +• Prayer over Casey, Madden, and Ali +• Song "Death Was Arrested" sung by the congregation +• Worship song about freedom from shame and debt +• Offering for The Well church plant in Kelowna, BC +• Prayer or devotion by Yap, a deacon at Langley Emanuel +• Song about being in God's love and wanting more of Him +• Announcement about children's worship time and activities +• Highlights from the last council meeting before summer, including welcoming new members and thanking outgoing ones +• Review of financial statements and recommendations from finance committee +• Update on kitchen planning committee's progress and additional feasibility assessments +• Ongoing staff evaluation process +• Update from board of stewards +• Handover of chair position to Paul Kuhl and election of Clary Klosterhoff as vice-chair +• Prayer for church family, including those who have professed their faith, the grieving, shut-ins, and a member undergoing surgery +• Intercession for community, nation, and world +• Thanking God for faithfulness, blessings of community and fellowship, and gift of life +• Introduction to the service +• Encouragement to children to bring their own Bibles to church +• Reading from 2 Corinthians 8:1-15 about generosity and giving +• Discussion on the Macedonian churches' example of generosity in the midst of poverty +• Exhortation for the congregation to excel in this act of grace, to give themselves first to God and then to others +• Introduction to a profession of faith Sunday with talk of money and wealth as a test of sincerity +• Reframing the discussion as the words of God rather than the pastor's words +• The gospel changes everything, including one's approach to money +• Serving God and serving money are mutually exclusive +• The single most indicative way to show the truth of God's grace is how one handles money +• Paul's point in the text is that giving should be an extension of the unmerited grace offered in Jesus +• Giving should not be seen as a duty or obligation, but rather as a response to the freedom and generosity of God +• The example of the Macedonian churches demonstrates the impact of living with a heart turned towards God. +• Overflowing joy comes from knowing God +• Generosity is a demonstration of God's grace +• The Macedonians' generosity was a result of receiving God's grace, not wealth +• Giving is motivated by gospel joy, not personal gain +• Where there is joy in God's grace, even poverty cannot stop it from leading to generosity +• Receiving God's grace leads to overflowing with joy and meeting needs +• Giving sacrificially is a model of the New Testament, not just giving from excess +• The example of the Corinthian church shows generosity as proof of receiving God's grace +• Generosity with money is a test of sincerity in appropriating Jesus' life and resurrection +• In a culture obsessed with money and happiness, giving away what others pursue is a testimony to having received God's love +• Priorities in giving reflect what we truly love and who we truly love +• The importance of loving and following God's will +• Professing faith in church and doing what God does +• The significance of giving and generosity, with money being a test of love +• Jesus Christ's sacrifice for humanity and the concept of becoming rich through his poverty +• The joy and fulfillment that comes from generous living +• The principle of giving out of what one has, not out of excess or what they don't have +• Generosity as a key aspect of God's work +• The concept of generosity and giving is connected to reflecting Jesus' character +• Sacrificial giving, not the amount given, is what truly matters +• Generosity can be tested by seeing if it makes a difference and costs something +• Spiritual health is linked to generous giving as a sign of receiving God's grace +• A priority between personal wealth and spiritual health must be considered +• Everyone, including children, has the capacity for generosity and should strive to give more +• Unity in the Spirit and Lord +• Importance of love as a identifier of Christians +• Walking with each other in unity and spreading God's message +• Praise to the Father, Christ Jesus, and Holy Spirit +• Encouragement to go into the week with God's blessing +• Reminders about upcoming events (food drive, Connect booth) +• Discussion group on Synod +• Blessing of God for protection and guidance +• The speaker's blood has covered their sin and is now free from shame +• Their pain has been healed in the name of God +• They believe in God's power to conquer death and raise them up +• They will raise a banner proclaiming God's victory over the grave +• They are lifted by God's burden-lifting power and rise with Him +• They will dance on a mountaintop to see God's kingdom come +• God is their Redeemer who lives, repeatedly stated throughout the passage \ No newline at end of file diff --git a/Sunday Worship, June 30, 2024_transcript.txt b/Sunday Worship, June 30, 2024_transcript.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000000000000000000000000000000000000..8d1ba3dad4cf795ec89222744fb2dbd26ba16bc9 --- /dev/null +++ b/Sunday Worship, June 30, 2024_transcript.txt @@ -0,0 +1,1295 @@ +[0.00 --> 3.16] I redeeming love. +[5.40 --> 11.28] Here I raise my Ebenezer. +[11.68 --> 15.88] Hither by thy help I come. +[17.04 --> 21.68] And I hope by thy good pleasure +[21.68 --> 26.50] safely to arrive at home. +[26.50 --> 32.40] Jesus sought me when a stranger +[32.40 --> 37.56] wandering from the fold of God. +[38.44 --> 43.06] He to rescue me from danger +[43.06 --> 48.18] interposed His precious blood. +[50.26 --> 56.38] How your kindness yet pursues me +[56.38 --> 61.68] how your mercy never fails me +[61.68 --> 67.02] till the day that death shall lose me. +[67.02 --> 72.70] I will sing, oh I will sing. +[72.70 --> 80.00] Oh to grace how great a debtor +[80.00 --> 85.34] daily I'm constrained to be +[85.34 --> 90.64] let thy goodness like a fetter +[90.64 --> 95.98] bind my wandering heart to thee +[95.98 --> 101.28] prone to wander Lord I feel it +[101.28 --> 106.62] prone to leave the God I love +[106.62 --> 111.92] here's my heart Lord take and seal it +[111.92 --> 117.26] seal it for thy courts above +[117.26 --> 127.90] seal it for thy courts above +[127.90 --> 133.56] how your kindness yet pursues me +[133.56 --> 138.86] how your kindness yet pursues me +[138.86 --> 144.20] how your mercy never fails me +[144.20 --> 149.50] till the day that death shall lose me. +[149.50 --> 154.84] I will sing, oh I will sing. +[154.84 --> 165.48] Till the day that death shall lose me +[165.48 --> 167.48] I will sing, oh I will sing. +[167.48 --> 169.48] Till the day that death shall lose me +[169.48 --> 172.06] I will sing, oh I will sing. +[172.06 --> 179.06] Till the day that death shall lose me +[179.06 --> 184.70] I will sing, oh I will sing. +[184.70 --> 190.70] Till the day that death shall lose me +[194.70 --> 199.34] prune to wander Lord I feel it +[199.34 --> 204.26] prone to leave the God I love +[204.26 --> 209.96] here's my heart Lord take and seal it +[209.96 --> 214.80] Seal it for Thy courts above +[214.80 --> 217.90] Here's my heart, Lord +[217.90 --> 220.64] Take and seal it +[220.64 --> 225.36] Seal it for Thy courts above +[239.96 --> 255.16] You traded riches +[255.16 --> 260.50] To run to my rescue +[260.50 --> 264.98] Oh, my Redeemer +[264.98 --> 269.46] You take the pieces +[269.46 --> 274.86] And turn them to praises +[274.86 --> 279.30] Oh, my Redeemer +[279.30 --> 286.74] Oh, my Redeemer +[286.74 --> 293.38] Love I cannot deny +[293.38 --> 296.62] Sure as the morning light +[296.62 --> 302.02] Jesus, my Redeemer +[302.02 --> 312.48] You paid my ransom +[312.48 --> 317.82] You chose to suffer +[317.82 --> 322.42] Oh, my Redeemer +[322.42 --> 329.88] Oh, my Redeemer +[329.88 --> 335.28] Love I cannot deny +[335.28 --> 339.28] Sure as the morning light +[339.28 --> 344.68] Jesus, my Redeemer +[344.68 --> 346.74] Jesus, my Redeemer +[346.74 --> 350.80] Now I'm not ashamed +[350.80 --> 354.20] To You be the highest praise +[354.20 --> 358.64] Jesus, my Redeemer +[358.64 --> 361.10] My Redeemer +[361.10 --> 361.62] Oh, my Redeemer +[361.62 --> 362.56] My Redeemer +[362.56 --> 376.90] No other one +[376.90 --> 379.56] So glorious. +[382.56 --> 387.26] You outshine the sun. +[387.26 --> 394.04] No other love like Jesus. +[396.32 --> 401.62] You outshine the sun. +[401.62 --> 408.78] You outshine the sun. +[410.78 --> 415.96] You outshine the sun. +[418.16 --> 423.20] Yeah, you outshine the sun. +[423.20 --> 425.20] Yeah. +[431.62 --> 436.78] You outshine the sun. +[436.78 --> 438.78] You outshine the sun. +[438.78 --> 439.78] Yeah. +[439.78 --> 442.78] Love I cannot deny. +[442.78 --> 445.78] Sure as a morning light. +[445.78 --> 451.74] Jesus, my redeemer. +[451.74 --> 454.40] My redeemer. +[454.40 --> 457.36] Now I'm not ashamed. +[457.36 --> 461.58] To you be my highest praise. +[461.58 --> 466.02] Jesus, my redeemer. +[466.02 --> 467.70] My redeemer. +[467.94 --> 469.64] My redeemer. +[469.64 --> 469.82] My redeemer. +[475.78 --> 486.76] My redeemer. +[486.76 --> 487.68] Yeah. +[487.68 --> 491.94] My redeemer. +[491.94 --> 492.38] Yeah. +[492.38 --> 494.26] Yeah. +[494.26 --> 494.52] My redeemer. +[494.52 --> 503.72] At least I don't try there +[517.46 --> 523.10] Welcome to Mc pulsing +[523.10 --> 537.10] Even the sparrow has a place to lay it set +[537.10 --> 543.10] So why would I let worry steal my breath? +[543.10 --> 554.10] Even the roses You have clothed in brilliant red +[554.10 --> 561.10] Still I'm the one you love more than this +[561.10 --> 569.10] You give me everything You give me everything +[569.10 --> 576.10] You give me everything I need +[576.10 --> 596.10] Even the oceans +[596.10 --> 603.10] Push and pull at your command +[603.10 --> 609.10] So you can steal my heart with your hand +[609.10 --> 619.10] You tell the seasons When it's time for them to turn +[619.10 --> 626.10] So I would trust you even when it hurts +[626.10 --> 635.10] You give me everything, you give me everything +[635.10 --> 639.10] You give me everything, you give me everything +[639.10 --> 642.10] I need +[642.10 --> 646.10] You give me everything +[646.10 --> 650.10] You give me everything +[650.10 --> 655.10] You give me everything +[655.10 --> 658.10] I need +[658.10 --> 663.10] When I can't see you lead me +[663.10 --> 667.10] When I can't hear you show me +[667.10 --> 674.10] When I can't stand you carry me +[674.10 --> 679.10] When I'm lost you will find me +[679.10 --> 683.10] When I'm with you I'm mighty +[683.10 --> 691.10] You are everything I need +[691.10 --> 695.10] You give me everything +[695.10 --> 699.10] You give me everything +[699.10 --> 703.10] You give me everything +[703.10 --> 707.10] I need +[707.10 --> 711.10] You give me everything +[711.10 --> 715.10] You give me everything +[715.10 --> 719.10] You give me everything +[719.10 --> 725.10] You give me everything +[725.10 --> 729.10] You give me everything +[729.10 --> 733.10] You give me everything +[733.10 --> 737.10] Everything I need +[737.10 --> 741.02] I need you. +[741.02 --> 744.02] You give me everything. +[750.42 --> 755.50] Everything I need. +[767.10 --> 797.08] Everything I need. +[797.10 --> 827.08] Everything I need. +[827.10 --> 857.08] Everything I need. +[857.10 --> 887.08] Everything I need. +[887.08 --> 890.62] Good morning. +[892.24 --> 894.88] Welcome to worship. +[895.16 --> 897.32] Welcome to Langley Emanuel Church. +[897.42 --> 900.84] A special welcome if you are a guest with us this morning. +[901.26 --> 906.14] We are in the midst of the full-on lived experience of summer. +[906.96 --> 916.52] And so thank you for being here, especially if you're a guest to participate in and witness the profession of faith from three of our members later in our service. +[916.52 --> 921.48] We're excited to have you all here together and worship our God. +[921.54 --> 924.48] Before we begin, we have a couple announcements to make. +[924.48 --> 937.30] First of all, after service today, if you are interested, I will be leading a recap discussion on the events and decisions of Synod 2024. +[937.30 --> 942.34] Synod is the bi-national gathering of leaders from the Christian Reformed Church. +[942.34 --> 944.32] It happened a couple weeks ago. +[944.32 --> 953.90] And there's some decisions that are made and coming out of that, some impacts for our life and shared ministry as Christian Reformed Churches. +[953.90 --> 961.16] And so after service, about 15 minutes after we end, so you'll have time to grab a coffee and chat with some people. +[961.28 --> 963.08] But then we'll meet in the multipurpose room. +[963.46 --> 968.54] And then I'll walk you through what my experience as a delegate this year was like. +[968.54 --> 980.32] Additionally, the deacons are working on putting together and hosting our annual summer food drive. +[980.90 --> 988.04] And so the way this is facilitated is that we have grocery bags donated from different local grocery chains. +[988.04 --> 991.24] And we put a little tag on them, a flyer on them. +[991.24 --> 1002.68] And then on July 7, groups of people will canvas the neighborhood, giving out those bags with the instructions on when to return them full of groceries. +[1003.46 --> 1012.48] And so we're looking for people to help on July 7th to hand out those bags and different routes through the neighborhood around our church. +[1012.48 --> 1028.68] And then to help on July 13th, when we're going to host a bit of a family fun day and festival, a pancake breakfast, and an opportunity to drop those bags off full of groceries so that we can then bring them to the Langley Food Bank. +[1029.30 --> 1037.86] One of the things we know during the summer, donations to the food bank drop precipitously, but need goes up. +[1037.86 --> 1041.74] Because kids aren't receiving food programs at school and the like. +[1042.26 --> 1045.54] And so they're at home more and then need more food at home. +[1046.28 --> 1051.76] And so it creates a bit of a hard time for the food bank because their need goes up, but their donations go down. +[1051.82 --> 1055.02] And so we want to try to fill a gap for them in this way. +[1055.02 --> 1065.02] And so please, there will be a deacon, I think it'll be Brenda, at the Connect booth after service to get details about how you can help and sign up and participate in that. +[1065.02 --> 1072.16] And there's also a sign up in the e-bulletin that goes out every week for you to get involved in that. +[1073.14 --> 1082.60] And lastly, we are also looking for a new children's worship time coordinator to take up that role when we start again in September. +[1083.62 --> 1087.92] And so if that's something you might be interested in, you can talk to Pastor Kevin or to myself. +[1088.56 --> 1092.28] We'd happily share what that is like and what's involved there. +[1092.28 --> 1095.84] That's a great opportunity to serve with a team of people. +[1096.18 --> 1101.64] And so if you and a couple friends want to take that on, that's a great time and way to serve in our community there. +[1102.52 --> 1103.68] I think that's it for announcements. +[1103.82 --> 1103.96] Yeah? +[1104.38 --> 1104.70] Good. +[1105.30 --> 1106.40] Kevin gives me the thumbs up. +[1106.46 --> 1107.34] That means it must be so. +[1107.90 --> 1113.44] I'm going to invite you, as you are able, to stand and we can be ushered into God's presence together. +[1113.44 --> 1124.64] Father, we come into this place because God has called us and he meets us here and we mark God's presence by receiving his greeting. +[1124.98 --> 1130.42] But God not only comes to us from this stage down, but also in the midst of his body. +[1130.42 --> 1138.98] And so after I give you God's greeting, I invite you to turn to those around you and to welcome them into worship by passing the peace of Christ, +[1139.06 --> 1141.80] saying the peace of Christ be with you or saying the Lord be with you. +[1141.98 --> 1145.50] And we mark God's presence in our midst in that way as well. +[1145.84 --> 1147.64] Receive the greeting of our God. +[1148.76 --> 1156.12] Grace, mercy, and peace to you from God our Father, from the Lord Jesus Christ, Son and our Savior, +[1156.12 --> 1158.96] through the presence and power of the Holy Spirit. +[1159.96 --> 1160.28] Amen. +[1160.42 --> 1160.72] Amen. +[1190.42 --> 1201.94] Our call to worship this morning comes from Psalm 89. +[1201.94 --> 1206.34] I will sing of the Lord's great love forever. +[1206.60 --> 1212.58] With my mouth, I will make your faithfulness known through all generations. +[1212.58 --> 1221.28] I will declare that your love stands firm forever, that you have established your faithfulness in heaven itself. +[1223.00 --> 1224.24] Let's open with prayer. +[1224.24 --> 1229.34] Father, Father, open our eyes to see your faithfulness throughout our lives. +[1229.52 --> 1233.24] As we worship this morning, help us to sing of your great love and faithfulness. +[1233.66 --> 1234.94] We long to worship you. +[1235.44 --> 1235.76] Amen. +[1235.76 --> 1235.92] Amen. +[1265.76 --> 1280.28] runs dry. Drink of the water, come and thirst no more. Come all you sinners, come find his +[1280.28 --> 1290.54] mercy. Come to the table, he will satisfy. Taste of his goodness, find what you're looking +[1290.54 --> 1306.90] for. For God so loved the world, he gave us his one and only son to save us. Whoever believes +[1306.90 --> 1320.52] in him will live forever. Bring all your failures, bring your addictions, come lay them down. +[1320.54 --> 1336.00] Down at the foot of the cross, Jesus is waiting there with open arms. For God so loved the world +[1336.00 --> 1347.50] that he gave us, his one and only son to save us. Whoever believes in him will live forever. +[1350.54 --> 1362.50] The power of hell, forever defeated, now it is well. I'm walking in freedom for God so loved, +[1362.88 --> 1369.54] God so loved the world. Praise God, praise God, from whom all blessings flow. Praise him, +[1369.54 --> 1395.54] praise him, praise him, for the wonders of his love. Praise God, praise God, from whom all blessings flow. +[1395.54 --> 1404.54] praise him, praise him, praise him, for the wonders of his love. +[1404.54 --> 1417.54] For God so loved the world that he gave us, his one and only son to save us. For God so loved the world that he gave us, his one and only son to save us. +[1417.54 --> 1424.54] Whoever believes in him will live forever. +[1424.54 --> 1432.54] Whoever believes in him will live forever. The power of hell, forever defeated, now it is well. I'm walking in freedom for God so loved. +[1432.54 --> 1453.54] God so loved the world. God so loved the world. +[1453.54 --> 1474.54] God so loved the world. +[1474.54 --> 1492.54] God so loved the world. +[1492.54 --> 1493.54] God so loved the world. +[1493.54 --> 1494.02] I love you, Lord. +[1494.02 --> 1496.54] I love you, Lord. +[1497.54 --> 1497.74] God so loved you, Lord. +[1497.74 --> 1501.54] Oh, your mercy never fails me. +[1501.54 --> 1503.54] God so loved you, Lord. +[1503.54 --> 1506.54] God so loved me Theatre вещи in Christ, Terre Haure, +[1506.54 --> 1509.54] God so loved you. +[1509.54 --> 1511.82] your mercy never failed me. +[1511.82 --> 1515.54] All my days I have been held in your hands. +[1515.54 --> 1526.42] I lay my head I will sing of the goodness of God +[1529.22 --> 1535.70] and all my life you have been faithful +[1537.22 --> 1544.98] and all my life you have been so so good +[1544.98 --> 1556.18] with every breath that I am able I will sing of the goodness of God +[1558.58 --> 1565.86] I love your voice you have led me through the fire +[1565.86 --> 1578.90] in darkest night you are close like no other I've known you as a father +[1578.90 --> 1590.10] I've known you as a friend and I have lived in the goodness of God +[1590.10 --> 1598.82] and all my life you have been faithful +[1598.82 --> 1608.02] and all my life you have been so so good +[1608.02 --> 1620.98] with every breath that I am able I will sing of the goodness of God +[1620.98 --> 1630.34] your goodness is running after it's running after me +[1630.34 --> 1638.18] your goodness is running after it's running after me +[1638.18 --> 1644.34] with my life laid down I'm surrendered now I give you everything +[1644.34 --> 1653.54] your goodness is running after it's running after me +[1653.54 --> 1664.74] your goodness is running after it's running after me +[1664.74 --> 1669.94] your goodness is running after me +[1669.94 --> 1683.94] your goodness is running after it's running after me +[1683.94 --> 1691.22] your goodness is running after me +[1691.22 --> 1701.14] your goodness is running after me +[1701.14 --> 1705.14] your goodness is running after me +[1705.14 --> 1707.54] all good +[1707.54 --> 1710.52] with every breath +[1710.52 --> 1713.10] that I am able +[1713.10 --> 1716.88] I will sing +[1716.88 --> 1718.42] of the goodness +[1718.42 --> 1720.76] of God +[1720.76 --> 1725.00] I will sing +[1725.00 --> 1726.50] of the goodness +[1726.50 --> 1728.82] of God +[1735.14 --> 1753.40] worthy is +[1753.40 --> 1755.14] the +[1755.14 --> 1757.04] lamb who was +[1757.04 --> 1758.88] slain +[1758.88 --> 1760.86] holy, holy +[1760.86 --> 1763.04] is he +[1763.04 --> 1767.04] sing +[1767.04 --> 1769.04] a new song +[1769.80 --> 1771.30] to him +[1771.30 --> 1773.04] who sits on +[1773.76 --> 1775.28] heaven's +[1775.28 --> 1776.24] mercy +[1776.24 --> 1778.04] see +[1778.04 --> 1781.04] worthy +[1782.52 --> 1784.04] is the +[1784.04 --> 1785.04] lamb +[1786.18 --> 1786.84] who was +[1786.84 --> 1787.04] slain +[1788.70 --> 1790.76] holy, holy +[1790.76 --> 1792.04] is he +[1793.04 --> 1795.04] sing +[1797.04 --> 1798.04] a new song +[1799.66 --> 1801.00] to him +[1801.00 --> 1802.04] who sits on +[1803.40 --> 1804.04] heaven's +[1804.98 --> 1805.04] mercy +[1805.92 --> 1806.04] see +[1807.04 --> 1814.04] holy, holy, holy +[1814.04 --> 1815.80] is the Lord +[1815.80 --> 1817.38] God almighty +[1817.38 --> 1819.38] who was +[1819.38 --> 1820.34] and is +[1820.34 --> 1821.18] and is +[1821.18 --> 1822.38] to come +[1822.38 --> 1826.84] with all +[1826.84 --> 1827.38] creation +[1827.90 --> 1829.02] I sing +[1829.02 --> 1830.20] praise to +[1830.20 --> 1831.26] the King of +[1831.26 --> 1831.38] kings +[1831.38 --> 1833.38] you are +[1834.12 --> 1835.02] my everything +[1835.02 --> 1837.54] and I will +[1837.54 --> 1839.38] adore you +[1839.38 --> 1847.40] redeems +[1847.40 --> 1847.52] are +[1847.52 --> 1852.38] o each +[1852.38 --> 1853.62] of their +[1853.72 --> 1855.38] for all +[1855.38 --> 1855.58] of the +[1855.58 --> 1856.80] de ver +[1856.80 --> 1860.04] in rain app +[1860.04 --> 1861.24] he is a +[1861.24 --> 1861.42] holiday +[1861.42 --> 1862.50] Benny +[1862.50 --> 1865.76] cleaner +[1865.76 --> 1878.24] blessing and honor strength and glory and power be to you the old man +[1878.24 --> 1880.08] wise king +[1884.08 --> 1893.76] holy holy holy is the lord god almighty who was and is and is to come +[1895.76 --> 1923.76] with all creation i sing praise to the king of kings you are my everything and i will adore you +[1925.76 --> 1937.76] filled with wonder awestruck wonder at the mention of your name +[1937.76 --> 1951.76] filled with wonder awestruck wonder at the mention of your name +[1951.76 --> 1965.76] jesus your name is power breath and living water such a marvelous mystery +[1965.76 --> 1979.76] holy holy holy holy is the lord god almighty who was and is and is to come +[1979.76 --> 1983.76] is to come +[1984.96 --> 1997.76] with all creation i sing praise to the king of kings you are my everything and i will adore you +[1997.76 --> 2027.76] +[2027.76 --> 2041.76] you may be seated +[2041.76 --> 2062.48] oh i there it is i would love to invite up madden and ally and casey to the front +[2063.20 --> 2068.64] as uh they are going to do their professions if you guys could stand up and start coming up right now +[2068.64 --> 2072.72] i'm gonna have all three of you come all the way up here uh these three are going to be doing their +[2072.72 --> 2077.52] professions of faith today and uh i mean i'm pretty excited about that uh and so they're going to come +[2077.52 --> 2079.68] up this is the way this is going to work they're going to come up they're going to share their +[2079.68 --> 2083.92] testimonies and then one of their mentors are going to come up as well and share on behalf of +[2083.92 --> 2089.60] them too um usually we do ladies first but i'm going to make casey go first is that fine today yeah +[2089.60 --> 2094.64] casey you're going to go first yeah so casey's going to share his testimony this is casey van heemert +[2094.64 --> 2098.64] you can go get that right now +[2100.00 --> 2103.52] hello everyone my name is casey van heemert and i believe +[2107.60 --> 2112.08] i'm standing up here today confidently being able to say that jesus really died on the cross to +[2112.08 --> 2116.64] forgive our sins that he really rose from the grave three days later and that he really is my savior +[2116.64 --> 2122.96] my king my rescuer and my hero i believe this through i believe this through true and genuine +[2122.96 --> 2128.64] faith i've spent my entire life in the christian reform community in my childhood i was brought and +[2128.64 --> 2135.44] sometimes even dragged to church every sunday i attended an awesome christian school lcs and i even +[2135.44 --> 2139.68] watched hours of veggie tales which helped me learn about the classic stories of the bible +[2139.68 --> 2146.40] as a young lad i became numb to it all i was getting bored of christianity i sang the same +[2146.40 --> 2150.80] songs during church services and school chapels every week and i already heard stories like noah +[2150.80 --> 2157.12] and the whale david versus goliath and jesus feeding the 5 000 about a million times so i wondered why would +[2157.12 --> 2164.00] i need to hear them again then i grew up a little bit god has constantly worked for me and has revealed +[2164.00 --> 2168.96] himself to me my whole life but i only really started to notice this throughout high school i started to +[2168.96 --> 2174.88] realize that all these things have been learning about all this time were miraculously true i should +[2174.88 --> 2180.72] and i should glorify glorify him because of this truth god has given me loads of opportunities to do +[2180.72 --> 2186.40] this in recent years i've been able to lead at a super fun summer camp go on some amazing service +[2186.40 --> 2192.00] trips and attend some pretty sweet youth conferences these have been these have become really cool memories +[2192.00 --> 2196.72] where god has worked in me and through me to spread the joy of jesus to others so that they may also +[2196.72 --> 2201.36] experience the greatness of him i've been able to learn tons about what it means to live for jesus +[2201.36 --> 2207.12] and love like him too god has also provided me with some of the greatest family friends youth groups +[2207.12 --> 2211.92] teachers and teammates i could ever ask for i know he has surrounded me with incredible people for a +[2211.92 --> 2216.40] reason so that we may spread his joy and love to others in the world who do not know the good news yet +[2217.12 --> 2222.40] god has an amazing purpose god has an amazing purpose for my family my friends this church our +[2222.40 --> 2228.32] community and even me i'm convinced that jesus is the messiah so i want to hand my life over to him +[2228.32 --> 2232.72] i want to spend my life doing his works on earth and spreading the incredible news of jesus to the +[2232.72 --> 2237.20] world to end my profession of faith i want to read a verse that really stood out to me while writing +[2237.20 --> 2242.64] this it is from ephesians 2 verse 8 which says for it is by grace you have been saved through faith +[2242.64 --> 2247.84] and this is not from yourselves it is the gift of god we are given grace through faith and because of +[2247.84 --> 2262.24] my faith i want to live my life to glorify god so casey has asked his older brother ryan to come up +[2262.24 --> 2267.36] and speak on his behalf but ryan lives in ontario and so what ryan has done is made a little video +[2268.08 --> 2271.20] and that's going to come on the screen right now that you get to watch from up here hi everyone +[2271.92 --> 2278.16] if you don't know me i'm ryan and i'm casey's older brother unfortunately i'm unable to be in +[2278.16 --> 2282.88] person today but i'm still extremely excited and happy to be able to share a couple of words of +[2282.88 --> 2289.36] encouragement for casey's profession of faith casey's love for jesus shows in everything that he does +[2290.08 --> 2294.40] his care for others and his sense of community have always stood out but i think that they've grown +[2295.36 --> 2300.72] more prominent in the last couple of years here while it's been a little bit since i've gone on the +[2300.72 --> 2305.92] service trip with casey i have had the opportunity to go on a couple with him i think that these +[2305.92 --> 2314.08] trips have really shaped his faith with these trips i've seen him grow in the sense that he is +[2314.08 --> 2319.20] always willing to give a helping hand he's always there to encourage and celebrate others for their +[2319.20 --> 2326.88] achievements and he's very slow to judge but very quick to love i've seen this both both as a +[2326.88 --> 2332.80] brother i've seen this as a friend i've also seen this um just in the random people that he interacts +[2332.80 --> 2341.52] with on a day-to-day basis these are all clear examples of the love of jesus in his life in the +[2341.52 --> 2346.72] next year casey's going to meet a lot of new people whether they're fellow students fellow teammates +[2347.52 --> 2354.16] players on opposing teams professors or the many little random interactions that he has throughout the +[2354.16 --> 2360.48] day i hope casey that you are able to continue reflecting christ's love in all of these +[2360.48 --> 2366.80] interactions and i know that you'll be able to do so congratulations on this really big step in your +[2366.80 --> 2372.88] faith journey i and all the other people in your life and in this church congregation are really proud +[2372.88 --> 2380.40] of you and really happy for you i'm extremely excited to see how your faith continues in your life +[2380.40 --> 2383.20] over these next couple years and forever +[2386.88 --> 2388.80] thanks ryan he's watching online he said +[2393.44 --> 2395.20] all right which one of you two wants to go next +[2402.08 --> 2407.60] hi everyone my name is madden um i just graduated from laying the christian i did pastor's class last +[2407.60 --> 2412.72] year and when the time came to decide whether i do my profession of faith i decided not to but i +[2412.72 --> 2418.40] wasn't really sure why um i talked to kevin about it a bit and i came to the conclusion that even though +[2418.40 --> 2422.32] i've grown up in this church and in a christian home and never really had any like life-altering +[2422.32 --> 2427.04] struggles that like rocked my faith it was because i still had lots of questions and doubts and that was +[2427.04 --> 2432.96] okay although that is still true this past year has been one where my relationship with christ has really +[2432.96 --> 2437.52] grown and looking back i'm realizing that my understanding of what i'm professing has improved so +[2437.60 --> 2444.40] much that i feel fully confident in my decision now uh shoot and i can see god's hand in my +[2444.40 --> 2449.12] decision of waiting until this year i think a lot of christians struggle with not having a finding +[2449.12 --> 2453.60] moment in their walks of faith but all that means to me is that god has been defining and shaping my +[2453.60 --> 2458.88] life from the beginning of course i've had struggles and moments when my faith was weaker but he has never +[2458.88 --> 2463.44] left me and looking back it's so obvious my testimony shows god's faithfulness in my life +[2463.44 --> 2467.36] this past year of high school the small moments when the best people have supported me or the +[2467.36 --> 2472.00] right words were said at the right moment or whatever else i could see him working i went on +[2472.00 --> 2476.56] an outreach trip to new york with the school in the spring and it was incredibly transformative i +[2476.56 --> 2480.48] bonded with so many of the kids there and really experienced a much more different lifestyle than i +[2480.48 --> 2485.44] could have imagined i saw god everywhere even in the most heartbreaking parts and that completely +[2485.44 --> 2490.32] changed my perspective to one of gratitude for my life and appreciation for the ways he is working in +[2490.32 --> 2495.28] lives around the world sports have also always been a big part of my life and the people god +[2495.28 --> 2499.44] surround me with through that the big exciting moments and the hard lessons i've experienced +[2499.44 --> 2504.24] and the injuries i've had have all taught me more about jesus and helped shape me not only that looking +[2504.24 --> 2509.36] towards a different life without sports i've learned a lot about myself and who god is and how he works +[2510.16 --> 2515.76] what jesus has done in my life is amazing and moving on to the next chapter of my life i want to fully +[2515.76 --> 2521.12] accept that and dedicate myself to him it's exciting to be moving on to university next year and i want +[2521.12 --> 2526.32] to do it in the way that he wants me to he sacrificed himself for me so i could stand here today and fully +[2526.32 --> 2532.00] accept him into my life but blessed is the one who trusts in the lord whose confidence is in him +[2532.64 --> 2537.52] they will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream it does not fear +[2537.52 --> 2542.88] when heat comes its leaves are always green it has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit +[2542.88 --> 2548.96] uh that's from jeremiah 17 verse 7 to 8 and this is a verse that i recently read and it's become one +[2548.96 --> 2552.80] that i keep going back to because i think it describes what my life with jesus should look like +[2552.80 --> 2557.76] going forward if i trust in him and stay firmly rooted in him and with jesus's help i'm going to +[2557.76 --> 2561.36] do my best to live it out thank you +[2561.36 --> 2573.36] so madden's uh spiritual mentor she asked uh savannah moeller to come and speak on her path +[2573.36 --> 2578.40] but sadly savannah can't be here today either but savannah has written something and so while i'm +[2578.40 --> 2586.56] reading this just picture like savannah instead of me all right so savannah says i have been madden's +[2586.56 --> 2591.28] youth leader since she started high school right from the start i could tell that she was a thinker +[2591.28 --> 2596.48] over the years i've seen madden willing to open up and share her thoughts and contribute to discussions +[2597.36 --> 2602.24] in large groups she's been an example to other youth committed to being there and excited to learn +[2602.24 --> 2607.84] in small group when put on the spot she doesn't shy away from sharing madden is confident in who she +[2607.84 --> 2613.20] is and what she believes she has a strong knowledge of the bible which has shaped her it has been a +[2613.20 --> 2618.48] blessing to get to know you madden and i'm excited savannah savannah's excited i'm excited to witness +[2618.48 --> 2623.84] you do this online she's watching right now that's what that means uh she's excited to see you take +[2623.84 --> 2628.88] this important step in your faith my encouragement for you is to continue to learn and grow from his +[2628.88 --> 2635.60] word make time for him in prayer and trust god in wherever he leads you keep jesus as a priority in +[2635.60 --> 2640.80] your life at the center of all you do and he will keep his promise to hold you steadfast i'll leave +[2640.80 --> 2646.48] you with this passage from ephesians 3 16 to 19 i pray that out of his glorious riches he may +[2646.48 --> 2651.28] strengthen you with power through his spirit in your inner being so that christ may dwell in your +[2651.28 --> 2657.04] hearts through faith and i pray that you being rooted and established in love may have power together +[2657.04 --> 2663.44] with all the lord's holy people to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of christ and +[2663.44 --> 2668.88] to know this love that surpasses knowledge that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of god +[2668.88 --> 2670.56] thanks savannah +[2675.20 --> 2677.20] all right and now i'm going to invite ally up front +[2680.80 --> 2684.64] hello my name is ally and i would like to share a bit of my testimony with you today +[2685.36 --> 2689.44] i got to grow up in a home where we prayed before every meal we read the bible after dinner and we went +[2689.44 --> 2694.48] to church every sunday i always knew that god was the reason that we did those things that he died on +[2694.48 --> 2700.08] the cross for our sins and we praise him for that but i never let that be my reason for me i often let +[2700.08 --> 2704.88] other things get in the way and i struggled to see god through it and i didn't let him be my reason +[2705.76 --> 2710.96] i am someone who loves timelines if you give me a schedule i'll follow it but in life we don't really +[2710.96 --> 2717.12] get one of those jesus doesn't give us a monthly planner that we can follow um but i have learned that +[2717.12 --> 2721.76] i've learned i've learned over the past year that it's okay to not know what's happening because god does and +[2721.76 --> 2726.24] he's in control that used to be such an empty statement to me just something youth leaders +[2726.24 --> 2730.80] would tell you when you were in a stressful situation but now it speaks a lot of truth +[2731.76 --> 2736.24] at the end of the day i don't know what's going to happen tomorrow or next week and god has god has +[2736.24 --> 2741.44] let me see that in such a positive light rather than a negative it's exciting to not know the future +[2741.44 --> 2747.44] when you trust in someone who does jeremiah 29 verse 11 says for i know the plans i have i have for +[2747.44 --> 2752.80] you declares the lord plans to prosper you and not to harm you plans to give you hope and a future +[2753.92 --> 2758.56] i don't know the answer to most questions about faith and life but i do know that i have this life +[2758.56 --> 2764.24] because of the lord the lord has blessed me with amazing family and amazing friends who often feel +[2764.24 --> 2769.68] like family he doesn't need me to know all the answers but he needs me to love and trust in him +[2769.68 --> 2775.04] i will mess up i am in no way perfect and i'm never going to try to be so today is a point for me to +[2775.04 --> 2780.40] say i trust in the lord i put my trust in him and not myself i will put my anxieties on him because +[2780.40 --> 2786.32] he can handle it more than i ever could i trust in the steadfast love of god forever and ever i will +[2786.32 --> 2791.04] thank you forever because you have done it i will wait for your name for it is good in the presence +[2791.04 --> 2798.40] of the godly psalm 52 8. you can stay right up here too because i'm going to invite kim forward +[2798.40 --> 2804.40] allie has asked kim prince to come forward and speak on her behalf +[2811.92 --> 2819.92] oh okay um you guys did so good i like i'm shaking anyways uh i'm just super emotional to see like +[2820.56 --> 2825.92] the future of our church right here this is amazing this is beautiful so um but i'm here to talk about +[2825.92 --> 2833.12] ally so uh i've had the honor of hanging out with ally for the last couple years we started hanging +[2833.12 --> 2839.28] out in gyms now we were very good uh but they kicked us out and we headed to youth group so that's where +[2839.28 --> 2845.84] we've been doing our life together uh and it's been amazing to see ally mature mature and grow in her +[2845.84 --> 2852.80] faith um ally i have two passages for you uh two that came to my mind the first one was instant +[2852.80 --> 2858.96] uh and it comes from first timothy 4 verse 12 don't let anyone look down on you because you're young +[2862.00 --> 2868.96] i'm just gonna just calm my heart a little bit hold on uh but set an example for the believers in +[2868.96 --> 2876.40] speech in conduct in love in faith and in purity i already see you i've already seen you be this +[2876.40 --> 2882.72] individual ally through your actions as staff at camp lcs for the last several years through volunteering +[2882.72 --> 2889.60] as a youth um position in the new ground committee which is like for all of canada which is incredible +[2890.40 --> 2895.84] um the way that you always welcome new people with your warmness and your excitement for them +[2896.56 --> 2903.92] and you're volunteering in the church which comes in many forms you are an example but what i've really +[2903.92 --> 2909.04] loved watching last couple years which you actually spoke to today is that that wrestling with faith +[2909.04 --> 2916.88] um i have i've seen you go through some some hard questions in life and i've seen you seek out +[2916.88 --> 2922.24] answers for those and and be satisfied with not having answers and i think that's been really beautiful +[2923.12 --> 2929.52] um yes and all that wrestling has brought you here to this moment where you might not have all the +[2929.52 --> 2931.84] answers but you are confident in who your god is +[2931.84 --> 2941.44] yes almost done okay second second passage is hebrews 11 verse 1. now faith is confident in what we hope +[2941.44 --> 2943.44] for and assurance about what we do not see +[2948.96 --> 2957.52] ally may you continue to be an example walk in faith and know who god is +[2957.52 --> 2972.32] so now i'm going to invite all three of you to come to the scary part right in the center of the +[2972.32 --> 2976.48] stage here and i'm going to invite pastor chris to come forward and he's going to lead you in +[2976.48 --> 2980.40] the rest of your profession faith so you can stand nice in a row here and i'm going to get out of the way +[2980.40 --> 2991.68] to be clear this isn't the scary part this is the good part why don't you move over just a little bit +[2991.68 --> 3000.24] that way is it the scary spot i don't know casey's fine with it uh we have opportunity this morning +[3000.24 --> 3006.96] to celebrate god's goodness to celebrate god's faithfulness we've heard that testimony we've seen +[3006.96 --> 3012.32] it lived in the lives of these three young people and in the people that have walked with them in +[3012.32 --> 3023.36] faith these sundays are my favorite sundays because you guys are for us a lived example of god's goodness +[3026.48 --> 3035.28] three times already i've been on the verge of tears because you are for us the fruit of the lord's labor +[3035.28 --> 3042.24] in our midst and now you get to join us in that same labor as you already have as you've already +[3042.24 --> 3048.80] been doing but now in a new and particular way and so as you profess your faith we're going to ask you +[3049.36 --> 3055.76] four questions i'll ask all four questions and then address you each by name to give your answer +[3055.76 --> 3062.56] you can respond by saying i do with god's help cool if you forget i'll show you the paper and you can see it +[3062.56 --> 3071.44] it i'll ask all four questions and then i'll start with casey first do you believe that jesus christ is +[3071.44 --> 3078.24] the son of god sent to redeem the world do you love and trust him as the one who saves you from your sin +[3078.24 --> 3086.08] and do you with repentance and joy embrace him as lord of your life and then second do you believe that +[3086.08 --> 3091.68] the bible is the word of god revealing christ and his redemption and that the confessions of this church +[3091.68 --> 3099.36] faithfully reflect this revelation third do you accept the gracious promises of god sealed to you in your +[3099.36 --> 3107.68] baptism and do you affirm your union with christ and his church which your baptism signifies and then fourth +[3108.56 --> 3114.08] do you promise to do all that you can with the help of the holy spirit to strengthen your love and commitment +[3114.08 --> 3120.40] and commitment to christ by sharing faithfully in the life of this church honoring and submitting to +[3120.40 --> 3126.24] its authority and do you join with the people of god in doing the work of the lord everywhere +[3126.96 --> 3135.44] casey what is your answer i do with god's help amen madden what is your answer i do with god's help amen +[3135.44 --> 3147.36] now in the name of our lord jesus christ i welcome you to the privileges of full communion i welcome +[3147.36 --> 3154.32] you to full participation in the life of the church i welcome you to its responsibilities and its joys and +[3154.32 --> 3161.44] its trials and its sufferings and made the god of peace who through the blood of the eternal covenant +[3161.44 --> 3167.28] brought back from the dead our lord jesus christ that great shepherd of the sheep equip you with +[3167.28 --> 3176.00] everything good for doing his will and may he work in you what is pleasing to him through christ jesus +[3176.00 --> 3184.48] to whom be glory forever and ever amen amen congregation i'm going to invite you to thank god +[3184.48 --> 3191.36] and to stand as you do so so thank god by clapping because this is an amazing opportunity +[3201.28 --> 3208.56] now as they have made their professions and commitments you also may speak a word of encouragement +[3208.56 --> 3215.12] to them and so i'm going to ask you one question as well and then i'll invite you to respond with +[3215.12 --> 3222.88] we do with god's help and so do you people of god from emmanuel and representing the people of god +[3222.88 --> 3229.92] around the world do you promise your love encouragement and prayers for casey and for madden and for ali +[3229.92 --> 3239.76] you do with god's help and amen amen you may have a seat together at this point i'm going to invite +[3239.76 --> 3244.32] eric huberts to come forward as an elder of the church he's going to give you guys a gift +[3245.36 --> 3250.08] and then after eric gives a gift we're going to pray over you and so we'll move down there after eric comes +[3250.08 --> 3268.88] up here to give you his gift thanks eric all right if you guys move down here i'm going to invite +[3269.76 --> 3277.20] elders and family members and youth leaders teachers people who have walked with these +[3277.20 --> 3281.60] folks in their journeys of life and faith together that have brought them to this day +[3281.60 --> 3284.48] i'm going to invite you to the front and we're going to lay our hands on them +[3285.36 --> 3291.76] we're going to pray over them a blessing if you don't want to come to the front you may also just +[3291.76 --> 3297.44] hold your hand out and offer the blessing in that way as well because it's probably going to be a large +[3297.44 --> 3306.00] group don't hesitate come on up excellent if you can't reach casey madden or ali touch the shoulder of +[3306.00 --> 3310.64] the person behind or behind or behind the spirit works through us all together +[3317.36 --> 3318.32] let's pray together +[3320.72 --> 3330.00] lord our god we thank you for your word and spirit through which we come to know jesus christ as lord +[3330.00 --> 3330.64] and savior +[3333.04 --> 3342.48] may casey and madden and ali having professed their faith today never cease to wonder in what you have +[3342.48 --> 3350.48] done for them never cease to praise your name for the goodness of your gospel to them and so help them +[3350.48 --> 3357.92] to continue firmly in the faith to bear witness to your love and to let the holy spirit shape their lives +[3357.92 --> 3365.12] wherever it is that you may take them take them good shepherd into your care that they may +[3365.12 --> 3375.04] loyally endure opposition in serving you and may we with all your children live together in the joy and +[3375.04 --> 3386.40] the power of the holy spirit we ask this lord jesus in the hope of your coming again and all god's people said amen amen +[3386.40 --> 3396.40] we're going to stand and sing a song professing our shared faith together in the words of death was arrested +[3406.40 --> 3412.56] please rise and join us in this song this uh song death was arrested is the uh the anthem that these uh +[3412.56 --> 3426.56] uh that madden and ali and casey requested to sing after their profession of faith +[3426.56 --> 3428.56] the uh +[3431.60 --> 3446.56] alone in my sorrow and dead in my sin lost without hope with no place to begin your love made a way to let mercy come in +[3446.56 --> 3451.78] with that +[3455.44 --> 3460.42] we will +[3463.84 --> 3465.60] excuse me +[3465.60 --> 3467.60] the +[3467.60 --> 3476.80] Morning quiet my feet rose to dance, when death was arrested and my life began. +[3478.88 --> 3487.80] Oh, your grace so free, washes over me. +[3488.80 --> 3495.20] You have made me new, now life begins with you. +[3497.60 --> 3506.14] It's your endless love, pouring down on us. +[3506.14 --> 3513.62] You have made us new, now life begins with you. +[3515.16 --> 3520.10] Released from my chains, I'm a prisoner no more. +[3520.86 --> 3525.10] My shame was ransomed, he faithfully bore. +[3525.10 --> 3531.30] He canceled my debt and he called me his friend. +[3531.54 --> 3535.64] When death was arrested and my life began. +[3538.74 --> 3546.64] Oh, your grace so free, washes over me. +[3546.64 --> 3553.38] You have made me new, now life begins with you. +[3553.38 --> 3564.14] It's your endless love, pouring down on us. +[3564.14 --> 3570.82] You have made us new, now life begins with you. +[3570.82 --> 3578.36] Our Savior displayed on a criminal's cross. +[3581.36 --> 3587.10] Darkness rejoiced as though heaven had lost. +[3587.10 --> 3594.84] But then Jesus rose with our freedom in hand. +[3595.64 --> 3600.74] That's when death was arrested and my life began. +[3600.74 --> 3611.50] Oh, your grace so free, washes over me. +[3611.50 --> 3618.18] You have made me new, now life begins with you. +[3618.18 --> 3628.38] It's your endless love, pouring down on us. +[3628.38 --> 3635.18] You have made us new, now life begins with you. +[3635.18 --> 3641.18] Oh, we're free, free, forever we're free. +[3641.62 --> 3645.22] Come join the song of all the redeemed. +[3645.22 --> 3649.08] Yeah, we're free, free, forever again. +[3649.54 --> 3653.24] When death was arrested and my life began. +[3653.24 --> 3657.48] Oh, we're free, free, forever we're free. +[3657.48 --> 3661.44] Come join the song of all the redeemed. +[3661.44 --> 3665.32] Yeah, we're free, free, forever again. +[3665.78 --> 3669.64] When death was arrested and my life began. +[3669.64 --> 3673.94] When death was arrested and my life began. +[3673.94 --> 3678.60] When death was arrested and my life began. +[3681.90 --> 3682.90] Please have a seat. +[3687.48 --> 3701.60] Good morning. +[3701.60 --> 3707.60] Is that better? +[3707.78 --> 3708.14] There we go. +[3708.78 --> 3709.86] Good morning, my name is Yap. +[3709.86 --> 3712.28] I'm a deacon here at Langley Emanuel. +[3712.84 --> 3715.24] This morning's offering will be for the well. +[3715.24 --> 3719.04] The well is a church plant based out of Kelowna, BC. +[3719.04 --> 3722.78] The well's hope is to create a space for belonging. +[3722.78 --> 3727.82] And also that all who may, that all who come may encounter Jesus. +[3727.82 --> 3733.46] And that they would leave having been seen and heard and inspired to live a little more faithfully. +[3734.46 --> 3739.88] If you wish to give to the general budget, just mark the envelopes in the seats and write it on there. +[3739.98 --> 3741.54] Otherwise, everything else will go to the well. +[3742.10 --> 3742.52] Thank you. +[3745.24 --> 3746.70] Thank you. +[3746.70 --> 3750.10] Thank you. +[3763.92 --> 3764.44] Thank you. +[3764.44 --> 3788.16] would rather be no place I would rather be no place I would rather be +[3788.16 --> 3793.18] than here in your love, here in your love. +[3793.18 --> 3801.24] To set a fire down in my soul that I can't contain, that I can't control. +[3801.90 --> 3808.84] I want more of you, God. I want more of you, God. +[3809.30 --> 3816.38] To set a fire down in my soul that I can't contain, that I can't control. +[3816.38 --> 3824.56] I want more of you, God. I want more of you, God. +[3824.56 --> 3830.74] I want more of you, God. +[3830.74 --> 3832.74] I want more of you, God. +[3832.74 --> 3842.92] No place I would rather be +[3842.92 --> 3846.76] No place I would rather be +[3846.76 --> 3850.34] No place I would rather be +[3850.34 --> 3854.40] Than here in your love, here in your love +[3854.40 --> 3858.02] No place I would rather be +[3858.02 --> 3861.78] No place I would rather be +[3861.78 --> 3865.42] No place I would rather be +[3865.42 --> 3870.26] Than here in your love, here in your love +[3870.26 --> 3873.82] To set a fire down in my soul +[3873.82 --> 3877.68] That I can't contain, that I can't control. +[3877.68 --> 3884.68] I want more of you, God. I want more of you, God. +[3884.68 --> 3892.68] To set a fire down in my soul that I can't contain, that I can't control. +[3892.68 --> 3900.68] I want more of you, God. I want more of you, God. +[3900.68 --> 3907.68] I want more of you, God. I want more of you, God. +[3907.68 --> 3917.68] I want more of you, God. I want more of you, God. +[3917.68 --> 3921.68] Who is a fire down in my soul that I can't control. +[3921.68 --> 3925.68] I want more of you, God. I want more of you, God. +[3925.68 --> 3940.02] Good morning. +[3940.02 --> 3947.12] If you are age three, well, anyway, kids can come up here, up to the front, age three, up to whoever wants to. +[3947.52 --> 3951.64] In the summer for children's worship time, we have a preschool class. +[3951.64 --> 3956.66] So if you are three or four or even going into kindergarten, you're welcome to come. +[3956.84 --> 3962.38] And the rest of the kids, you are going to have the joy of joining the rest of us in church. +[3963.08 --> 3972.82] There are little clipboards out at the booth, if you didn't see that, that have some little activities that are related to what Pastor Chris will be speaking on. +[3972.92 --> 3976.74] And those will be available throughout the summer for the kids who are staying in the service. +[3976.74 --> 3982.08] All right, we're going to stand up and do the blessing right away. +[3982.56 --> 3989.48] And then if you are the preschool kids, you can head off to your regular classroom and enjoy that. +[4006.74 --> 4012.26] Good morning, everyone. +[4012.86 --> 4013.80] My name is Eric. +[4013.94 --> 4017.38] I'm just going to give you a, we had our last council meeting before the summer. +[4017.72 --> 4024.46] And I'm just giving you some highlights of what we were talking about there so you're aware that we're meeting and getting things done. +[4025.24 --> 4029.30] We had a chance to welcome new council members and thank the outgoing members. +[4029.30 --> 4036.58] We reviewed and accepted the recommendations from finance on the financial statements. +[4037.70 --> 4045.22] We received an update from the kitchen planning committee and council is going to pursue additional feasibility assessments on that. +[4045.92 --> 4050.40] We received an update on the ongoing staff evaluation process. +[4050.40 --> 4062.40] So personnel is currently meeting with the staff that we have right now and we're getting someone, a third party in this summer to do an evaluation of Kevin and Chris as well. +[4063.84 --> 4066.60] We also received an update from the board of stewards. +[4069.04 --> 4073.38] We elected, this is my last duty as council chair. +[4073.50 --> 4077.82] So the keys to the chair suite have been passed off to Paul Kuhl. +[4077.82 --> 4079.96] He's going to be the chair of council going forward. +[4080.40 --> 4087.46] Clary Klosterhoff is full council vice and Steve Verkike is going to stay on as a reporter. +[4087.84 --> 4088.40] Thank you. +[4099.52 --> 4100.16] Thanks, Eric. +[4100.34 --> 4103.70] And thank you to all the council members for their faithful service as well. +[4104.10 --> 4105.70] I think that deserves a hand as well. +[4105.70 --> 4106.20] Thank you. +[4110.40 --> 4113.52] Please join me in our church family prayer. +[4113.52 --> 4126.70] Heavenly Father, as we gather in your presence today, we are grateful for your unfailing love and grace that sustain us through every season of life. +[4127.66 --> 4131.56] Your spirit fills this place and your peace surrounds us. +[4132.30 --> 4135.60] We come before you with hearts lifted in praise and thanksgiving. +[4135.60 --> 4143.04] Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come. +[4143.92 --> 4146.92] With all creation, we join in singing your praises. +[4147.64 --> 4150.86] You are the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. +[4153.04 --> 4156.44] Forgive us, Lord, for we have fallen short of your glory. +[4156.44 --> 4160.52] We confess our sins and ask for your mercy and forgiveness. +[4161.48 --> 4164.96] Help us to walk in purity and in obedience to your will. +[4167.10 --> 4173.90] Today we lift up to you Casey, Madden, and Allie as they have publicly professed their faith in Jesus Christ. +[4174.54 --> 4176.46] Thank you for their dedication and courage. +[4177.06 --> 4181.04] But even more than that, thank you for your faithfulness in bringing them to this day. +[4181.04 --> 4185.62] Bless them with your wisdom and strength as they grow in their journey with you. +[4187.38 --> 4190.92] Lord, we also bring before you those who are grieving the loss of loved ones. +[4192.12 --> 4197.28] Comfort them with your presence and surround them with your peace that surpasses all understanding. +[4198.32 --> 4202.92] Bring healing to their hearts and remind them of the hope that we have because of Christ. +[4205.04 --> 4207.80] We pray for our shut-ins and lonely members, Lord. +[4207.80 --> 4212.42] May they feel your loving embrace and the support of this church family. +[4213.60 --> 4219.62] Grant them moments of joy and companionship and strengthen them with your grace in their times of solitude. +[4221.58 --> 4226.98] We also pray for strength and courage for the Vartstra family with Everly's pending surgery on Thursday. +[4228.28 --> 4231.12] Grant wisdom to the doctors and full healing for Everly. +[4233.48 --> 4237.66] We intercede for our community, for our nation, and the world. +[4237.80 --> 4243.06] May your kingdom come and your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. +[4244.10 --> 4249.96] Bring healing to the sick, comfort to the suffering, and reconciliation to the brokenhearted. +[4252.72 --> 4256.00] Thank you, Lord, for your faithfulness that endures forever. +[4256.88 --> 4260.78] We rejoice in the blessings of community and fellowship within this church. +[4261.44 --> 4265.92] Thank you for the gift of life and for every good and perfect gift that comes from you. +[4265.92 --> 4270.14] We also thank you for the word that we are about to hear, +[4270.40 --> 4273.32] and we pray for your blessing on Pastor Chris as he brings it to us. +[4273.96 --> 4278.32] May we have ears to listen and hearts of flesh that can be moved by your word. +[4280.40 --> 4284.84] As we conclude our time of prayer, we unite our voices with the heavenly chorus. +[4285.64 --> 4287.38] Worthy is the Lamb who was slain. +[4287.90 --> 4289.30] Holy, holy is he. +[4289.96 --> 4293.20] Sing a new song to him who sits on heaven's mercy seat. +[4293.20 --> 4298.24] May your peace guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus, +[4298.72 --> 4301.46] and may we continue to shine your light in the world. +[4302.36 --> 4303.56] In Jesus' name we pray. +[4304.26 --> 4304.62] Amen. +[4304.62 --> 4304.72] Amen. +[4304.72 --> 4304.78] Amen. +[4304.78 --> 4304.82] Amen. +[4304.82 --> 4304.84] Amen. +[4304.84 --> 4304.88] Amen. +[4304.88 --> 4306.84] Amen. +[4306.84 --> 4306.88] Amen. +[4306.88 --> 4306.92] Amen. +[4306.92 --> 4308.76] Amen. +[4308.76 --> 4308.80] Amen. +[4323.20 --> 4324.32] Amen. +[4324.32 --> 4325.16] Amen. +[4326.28 --> 4326.74] Amen. +[4334.68 --> 4335.78] Amen. +[4335.78 --> 4336.00] Amen. +[4336.40 --> 4336.92] Amen. +[4336.92 --> 4337.24] Amen. +[4337.48 --> 4337.98] Amen. +[4337.98 --> 4339.98] Amen. +[4340.38 --> 4340.90] Amen. +[4340.90 --> 4343.28] Amen. +[4345.42 --> 4346.14] Amen. +[4346.26 --> 4346.60] Amen. +[4346.60 --> 4347.26] Amen. +[4347.26 --> 4347.84] Amen. +[4347.84 --> 4348.28] Amen. +[4348.28 --> 4348.60] Amen. +[4348.60 --> 4348.78] Amen. +[4348.78 --> 4350.58] Amen. +[4350.58 --> 4350.62] Amen. +[4350.62 --> 4350.74] shooter. +[4350.74 --> 4350.88] Amen. +[4351.40 --> 4351.76] Amen. +[4351.76 --> 4352.70] Amen. +[4352.70 --> 4359.02] and follow along. And I'm mindful of the fact that we have kids in our worship for the summer. +[4359.96 --> 4365.16] And so for you kids, I want to encourage you to talk with your parents, but try to make a regular +[4365.16 --> 4372.48] habit of bringing your own Bibles into church so that you can read with us and then maybe +[4372.48 --> 4379.44] underline some things or draw some pictures or whatever. And for the kids, if you're drawing +[4379.44 --> 4385.04] pictures during the service, I'd love to see them afterwards. I have a collection of kids' drawings +[4385.04 --> 4389.20] actually from sermons. Some of them are hilarious because they're pictures of me, and some of them +[4389.20 --> 4392.60] are hilarious because they have nothing to do with anything we said. But you know what? We're all in +[4392.60 --> 4397.66] this together, and the Spirit works through broken vessels like me and like the rest of us here. +[4398.42 --> 4404.94] I'm going to read 2 Corinthians 8, verse 1 through 15 for us to start. +[4404.94 --> 4415.54] And now, brothers and sisters, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the +[4415.54 --> 4423.42] Macedonian churches. In the midst of a very severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme +[4423.42 --> 4431.52] poverty welled up in rich generosity. For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, +[4431.52 --> 4439.30] and even beyond their ability, entirely on their own. They urgently pleaded with us for the privilege +[4439.30 --> 4445.34] of sharing in this service to the Lord's people, and they exceeded our expectations. +[4446.50 --> 4452.62] They gave themselves first of all to the Lord, and then by the will of God also to us. +[4453.76 --> 4460.38] And so we urged Titus, just as he had earlier made a beginning, to bring also to completion this +[4460.38 --> 4467.60] act of grace on your part. But since you excel in everything, in faith, in speech, in knowledge, +[4467.72 --> 4474.34] in complete earnestness, and in the love we have kindled in you, see that you also excel in this +[4474.34 --> 4483.68] grace of giving. I am not commanding you, but I want to test the sincerity of your love by comparing +[4483.68 --> 4491.28] it with the earnestness of others. For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was +[4491.28 --> 4498.26] rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you, through his poverty, might become rich. +[4500.06 --> 4506.08] And here is my judgment about what is best for you in this matter. Last year, you who were the first +[4506.08 --> 4512.40] not only to give, but also to have the desire to do so, now finish the work, so that your eager +[4512.40 --> 4519.16] willingness to do it may be matched by your completion of it according to your means. For if +[4519.16 --> 4525.04] the willingness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what +[4525.04 --> 4531.42] one does not have. Our desire is not that others might be relieved while you are hard-pressed, but +[4531.42 --> 4538.22] that there might be equality. At the present time, your plenty will supply what they need, so that in +[4538.22 --> 4544.72] turn, their plenty will supply what you need. The goal is equality, as it is written, the one who has +[4544.72 --> 4551.44] gathered much did not have too much, and the one who gathered little did not have too little. This is +[4551.44 --> 4560.56] the word of the Lord. Now, I want to, at the outset, start by saying, +[4560.56 --> 4572.46] on a profession of faith Sunday, is it weird that the pastor is going to talk about giving and about +[4572.46 --> 4580.40] money? And I know that what I'm about to say might be controversial, because sometimes we bristle +[4580.40 --> 4590.00] at money sermons. But I want to follow in the line of Jesus, who says that there is no more spiritually +[4590.00 --> 4599.80] indicative matter than how you handle your money. The gift of money and wealth is a test of the +[4599.80 --> 4608.70] sincerity of your profession of faith. And so, this is for all of us, not just specifically those of you +[4608.70 --> 4620.16] who have made profession of faith, but in the face of your potential frustration with the words that I am +[4620.16 --> 4628.16] about to say as we talk about money, let me reframe that to say these are the words of God to us. +[4629.36 --> 4636.62] And so, at least start from the perspective that says, what if this is so? What is God trying to say to +[4636.62 --> 4643.50] me in this moment? Not what did that pastor say when he stood in front of us and told us what to do? +[4644.00 --> 4650.84] Start with the perspective that God is speaking to us here. And then, if you have follow-up, you can +[4650.84 --> 4656.70] talk to Pastor Kevin, because I'm going away on vacation for two weeks. But then he's going on +[4656.70 --> 4663.84] vacation in a week. So, you've got about four days to figure that out. All right, let's jump in. So, I +[4663.84 --> 4673.66] heard a story this week about a woman who had grown up in church, but because of circumstances that many +[4673.66 --> 4681.04] of us can imagine and perhaps are familiar with, she left because of what she saw and experienced and +[4681.04 --> 4687.88] what happened to her in that community. And according to her own record of this, to her own account of +[4687.88 --> 4695.10] that, she left because she believed that God accepts us, or what she was taught was that God +[4695.10 --> 4705.48] accepts us based on our own moral effort and based on conforming to a particularly narrow-defined strict +[4705.48 --> 4713.78] rule for life. And so, that made, in her mind, God into some bygone being in the sky that needs to be +[4713.78 --> 4723.00] placated and won over in order to earn his favor. Now, the woman is telling this story because years +[4723.00 --> 4731.50] later, when she started feeling pulled into something again, and she started going back to church, +[4731.88 --> 4740.68] and she started hearing, in her own heart, for the first time, the gospel of free grace in Jesus Christ, +[4740.68 --> 4747.96] by which he loves us and forgives us in spite of ourselves, right, in spite of our efforts or its +[4747.96 --> 4755.10] lack, in spite of our inability to do anything to please him, when she started hearing this truth, +[4755.52 --> 4762.42] her whole world was changed. And when she heard the gospel in this way, her response was, +[4762.42 --> 4774.40] this is a really scary idea. It's good scary, she said, but still scary. And so, when she was asked, +[4774.48 --> 4782.26] what do you mean, good scary? All right, what's so scary about unmerited and free grace? She answered, +[4783.14 --> 4789.26] if I was saved by my good works, then there would be a limit to what God can ask of me, +[4789.26 --> 4796.20] right? If I was saved by my good works, I would be like a taxpayer with certain rights. But if it's +[4796.20 --> 4802.42] really true, she said, that I am a sinner saved by sheer grace at infinite cost to God himself, +[4802.72 --> 4813.28] then there's nothing he can't ask of me. And that's scary. And for some of us, hearing that put +[4813.28 --> 4821.32] that way, this is a terrible realization, right, if my very life, now and eternally, is based entirely +[4821.32 --> 4827.98] on the unmerited, always and forever love of God revealed to us in the life, death, resurrection of +[4827.98 --> 4834.32] Jesus Christ, and that's what we believe the Bible says, then that's going to work its way back and +[4834.32 --> 4840.96] things are going to be different in how I approach the rest of my life, right? Since the gift is +[4840.96 --> 4848.16] infinitely more than I can earn on my own, having received that gift, there's now no limit to what +[4848.16 --> 4855.08] God can ask of me. And if you look at church history, and if you look at the church around the +[4855.08 --> 4864.98] world, even if that means being faithful unto death, or poverty, or moving across the world in response to +[4864.98 --> 4872.04] God's call to be a missionary, or living as a missionary right now in your neighborhood, having +[4872.04 --> 4880.58] to put up with that neighbor who you just can't get along with, if the gospel changes everything, +[4880.96 --> 4889.10] like we say over and over and over again in this church, that includes your money, and your time, +[4889.10 --> 4899.08] and your life. If the gospel changes everything, that includes your money, and your time, and your life. +[4899.52 --> 4908.10] That's the banner under which we work this morning. The gospel changes our approach to money. +[4909.22 --> 4915.92] Jesus makes this abundantly clear. He says explicitly in Matthew 6, and then in Luke 12, +[4915.92 --> 4922.08] no one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to +[4922.08 --> 4929.56] the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money. Or he went on to say in Luke 12, +[4929.88 --> 4938.18] for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. So think about this, right? In a culture like +[4938.18 --> 4948.68] ours, a culture that is in so many ways celebrating of greed, of big business, of freedom 55, right? Or 65, +[4948.96 --> 4955.46] or 75, if the cost of living keeps going the way it's going. The single most indicative way that you +[4955.46 --> 4961.90] can show the truth of God's grace in your life in that kind of culture, right? Is how you approach, +[4961.90 --> 4969.78] or think about, or use money? And if you know and have experienced the unmerited, always and forever +[4969.78 --> 4977.28] love of God, your heart is turned towards him. And then how you handle money will give substance to +[4977.28 --> 4984.12] the words you use, to the profession of faith that you make, right? Your appropriation of the new life +[4984.12 --> 4993.92] in Christ that is offered to you. And this, to me, is Paul's point in the text that we read this morning. +[4994.82 --> 5000.96] Right? Paul contrasts the generosity of the Macedonian churches with his hopes for the +[5000.96 --> 5009.30] Corinthian churches based on the gospel truth that, in verse 9, though Jesus was rich, yet for your sake +[5009.30 --> 5018.26] he became poor, so that you, through his poverty, might become rich. And by this, Paul hopes to take +[5018.26 --> 5025.38] the matter of giving, right, of giving in support of this mission, out of the realm of obligation +[5025.38 --> 5032.50] and law, and to shift it, and our perception of it, into the world of unmerited grace. +[5033.58 --> 5038.52] Right? Paul wants to reframe the experience of giving, of offering, +[5038.52 --> 5046.40] so that it becomes an extension of the grace offered to you in Jesus. Right? By grace you have been +[5046.40 --> 5054.50] saved, and so by grace you give. A little background to help us make sense of this text. +[5056.10 --> 5064.02] Sometime earlier, Paul wrote another letter to the Corinthian church, which we have recorded as +[5064.02 --> 5068.68] 1 Corinthians. And in that letter, he writes, +[5068.68 --> 5075.00] Now, about the collection for the Lord's people, do what I told the Galatian churches to do. +[5075.44 --> 5080.16] On the first day of every week, each one of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with +[5080.16 --> 5085.62] your income, saving it up, so that when I come, no collections will have to be made. Then, when I +[5085.62 --> 5091.00] arrive, I will give letters of introduction to the men you approve, and send them with your gift +[5091.00 --> 5098.80] to Jerusalem. And now, Paul is on his way to Corinth to gather this collection and to take it +[5098.80 --> 5106.04] to Jerusalem. He heads north around the Aegean Sea through Troas, through the region of Macedonia, +[5106.04 --> 5114.50] and then he's going to come down south there towards Corinth. And on the way, he writes this letter that +[5114.50 --> 5120.42] we have as 2 Corinthians, so that they'll be ready for him when he arrives. And this part of the letter, +[5120.62 --> 5127.70] he hopes to unify, encourage, and motivate the believers in their giving, in their promised giving. +[5128.44 --> 5135.12] Now, notice very clearly, right, Paul doesn't want to guilt people or to force them into giving. +[5135.90 --> 5141.30] This isn't a guilt letter, and I hope you hear it very clearly, this is not a guilt sermon. +[5141.30 --> 5145.82] Rather, Paul says of the Macedonians in verse 2, +[5146.24 --> 5151.84] in the midst of a very severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty +[5151.84 --> 5154.42] welled up in rich generosity. +[5155.50 --> 5161.50] Out of overflowing joy comes generosity. A joy that comes from knowing God +[5161.50 --> 5164.44] leads inevitably to a rich generosity. +[5165.70 --> 5169.86] But notice, again, before Paul commends the Macedonians, +[5169.86 --> 5171.24] he opens by saying, +[5171.34 --> 5177.20] and now, brothers and sisters, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonians. +[5178.12 --> 5183.12] The Macedonians' generosity is a demonstration of God's grace. +[5184.58 --> 5189.06] And so ultimately, Paul is recognizing God's grace in the Macedonians, +[5189.28 --> 5194.18] and crediting them for living out of that grace in a consequent way, +[5194.18 --> 5195.42] in a way that declares, +[5195.42 --> 5196.76] this I believe. +[5197.80 --> 5201.34] God's grace to you makes God's grace come out of you, +[5201.92 --> 5204.34] or from you to others. +[5205.60 --> 5209.86] And the way of God's grace is a way of joy, of true joy, right? +[5210.02 --> 5210.80] Paul will say elsewhere, +[5210.92 --> 5211.94] rejoice always. +[5212.28 --> 5214.36] Again, I say rejoice. +[5215.34 --> 5216.36] And the way of God +[5216.36 --> 5219.68] doesn't make the Macedonians rich in money. +[5219.68 --> 5221.30] In fact, Paul acknowledges, right? +[5221.36 --> 5222.00] Did you catch it? +[5222.20 --> 5223.50] That they live in poverty. +[5224.70 --> 5228.60] God makes them rich in joy because of their appropriation. +[5228.80 --> 5229.74] They're gathering up, +[5229.88 --> 5232.32] and they're receiving of God's grace for life, +[5232.46 --> 5235.62] and for overcoming sin and death by that grace. +[5236.42 --> 5238.50] And so the motive, then, for them, +[5238.84 --> 5241.18] for giving to the church ministry, +[5241.18 --> 5243.56] for the work of Paul and to the church in Jerusalem, +[5243.70 --> 5246.98] the motive for them is gospel joy. +[5246.98 --> 5251.54] And fundamentally, the message of God +[5251.54 --> 5254.18] is a message of comfort and joy, +[5254.34 --> 5256.90] joy inspired by the grace of God. +[5256.98 --> 5259.38] And where there is joy in God's grace, +[5259.78 --> 5264.26] even poverty can't stop it from welling up in generosity. +[5266.16 --> 5269.66] In fact, it's this welling up of generosity +[5269.66 --> 5273.26] that led the Macedonian churches to beg, +[5273.26 --> 5276.98] beg to be included in the offering. +[5277.12 --> 5278.96] In verse 3, Paul writes, +[5279.08 --> 5282.10] For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, +[5282.22 --> 5283.98] and even beyond their ability, +[5284.38 --> 5285.70] entirely on their own, +[5286.02 --> 5288.22] they urgently pleaded with us +[5288.22 --> 5290.60] for the privilege of sharing in this service +[5290.60 --> 5291.92] to the Lord's people. +[5293.92 --> 5296.40] When grace is received and acknowledged +[5296.40 --> 5297.50] and appropriated, +[5297.66 --> 5300.48] joy overflows and needs are met. +[5300.48 --> 5304.20] I visited a church once +[5304.20 --> 5306.24] that had thousands of members. +[5307.22 --> 5309.56] And when it came time in the worship service +[5309.56 --> 5310.78] for the offering, +[5311.74 --> 5313.74] one of the leaders of the church, +[5313.82 --> 5314.54] a deacon in the church, +[5314.62 --> 5315.76] went up to the front and said, +[5315.86 --> 5317.36] Okay, brothers and sisters, +[5317.54 --> 5319.80] we're going to pass the joy box around, +[5320.02 --> 5321.42] and we invite you to give. +[5322.32 --> 5324.20] And for the next five minutes, +[5324.24 --> 5326.22] as the joy boxes were passed through the church, +[5326.22 --> 5328.76] people were literally clapping and celebrating +[5328.76 --> 5330.14] in giving. +[5331.54 --> 5335.06] Giving what they had been given, +[5335.24 --> 5337.24] responding to God's grace +[5337.24 --> 5338.86] and overflowing with joy. +[5340.78 --> 5342.86] I got to be honest and candid with you, +[5343.40 --> 5345.04] when the deacons walk up here +[5345.04 --> 5346.28] to pass our bags around, +[5346.62 --> 5347.78] rarely do I think about clapping. +[5348.66 --> 5349.66] But maybe we should. +[5350.94 --> 5352.34] This is our chance to respond +[5352.34 --> 5354.04] to what God has done in us +[5354.04 --> 5355.42] and is doing through us. +[5356.90 --> 5358.16] Whenever God's grace +[5358.16 --> 5359.86] strikes us to the core, +[5360.24 --> 5361.84] when God gives us +[5361.84 --> 5363.66] what we couldn't ever have earned, +[5363.98 --> 5366.96] our approach to everything else changes. +[5368.88 --> 5370.60] Even that week in and week out +[5370.60 --> 5371.96] liturgical act +[5371.96 --> 5373.18] of passing the bag +[5373.18 --> 5374.38] through the seats. +[5375.82 --> 5376.86] Receiving grace, +[5377.08 --> 5378.12] receiving Christ, +[5378.54 --> 5379.48] our treasure +[5379.48 --> 5380.86] is transformed +[5380.86 --> 5382.10] from the things +[5382.10 --> 5383.32] of this world +[5383.32 --> 5384.80] where moth and rust +[5384.80 --> 5385.44] destroyed, +[5385.78 --> 5387.38] transformed to the joys +[5387.38 --> 5388.92] of knowing Jesus. +[5389.90 --> 5391.46] The Macedonian churches, +[5391.70 --> 5393.24] as an example to us all, +[5393.50 --> 5394.70] looked at their budgets +[5394.70 --> 5395.32] and they were +[5395.32 --> 5396.52] carried forward +[5396.52 --> 5397.30] by the joy +[5397.30 --> 5398.40] of receiving grace. +[5398.54 --> 5399.40] And they gave more +[5399.40 --> 5399.92] than they could, +[5400.12 --> 5400.38] quote, +[5400.42 --> 5401.60] afford to give. +[5401.86 --> 5403.54] They begged for the opportunity +[5403.54 --> 5406.32] to increase their poverty +[5406.32 --> 5408.58] so that the mission of God +[5408.58 --> 5409.86] might be accomplished. +[5411.86 --> 5413.04] Sometimes in our churches, +[5413.70 --> 5413.92] right, +[5413.92 --> 5414.92] we talk about giving +[5414.92 --> 5416.10] from our excess, +[5416.98 --> 5418.16] but that's not the model +[5418.16 --> 5418.90] of the New Testament. +[5420.64 --> 5421.80] The model of the New Testament, +[5422.54 --> 5422.78] right, +[5422.82 --> 5423.64] we're told to give +[5423.64 --> 5424.54] half +[5424.54 --> 5426.18] or all. +[5427.58 --> 5428.40] We're told to give +[5428.40 --> 5429.12] sacrificially. +[5430.84 --> 5432.02] The example that Paul +[5432.02 --> 5432.84] holds up here +[5432.84 --> 5434.30] in the Corinthian church, +[5434.58 --> 5435.66] and this is the example +[5435.66 --> 5436.38] that's held up +[5436.38 --> 5437.70] to us today, +[5437.82 --> 5438.62] Paul says in +[5438.62 --> 5440.08] verse 7 and 8, +[5440.86 --> 5442.56] but since you excel +[5442.56 --> 5443.52] in everything, +[5443.78 --> 5444.28] in faith +[5444.28 --> 5444.98] and in speech +[5444.98 --> 5445.62] and knowledge +[5445.62 --> 5447.24] in complete earnestness +[5447.24 --> 5447.94] and in the love +[5447.94 --> 5449.04] we have kindled in you, +[5449.50 --> 5451.48] see that you also excel +[5451.48 --> 5452.92] in this grace of giving. +[5453.94 --> 5455.06] I'm not commanding you, +[5455.28 --> 5456.18] but I want to test +[5456.18 --> 5456.92] the sincerity +[5456.92 --> 5457.82] of your love +[5457.82 --> 5459.08] by comparing it +[5459.08 --> 5460.12] with the earnestness +[5460.12 --> 5461.26] of others. +[5462.26 --> 5463.38] I want you to hear that. +[5463.38 --> 5466.40] Paul very intentionally +[5466.40 --> 5468.54] avoids commanding +[5468.54 --> 5469.30] people to give. +[5470.64 --> 5470.74] Right, +[5470.96 --> 5471.52] generosity +[5471.52 --> 5473.24] with money, +[5473.38 --> 5473.72] however, +[5473.84 --> 5474.88] is proof +[5474.88 --> 5477.10] of our treasure. +[5477.76 --> 5478.78] It's an indication +[5478.78 --> 5479.96] of receiving +[5479.96 --> 5481.48] the grace of God. +[5482.02 --> 5482.18] Right, +[5482.22 --> 5482.78] how much +[5482.78 --> 5483.68] or how little +[5483.68 --> 5484.50] we give +[5484.50 --> 5485.32] is proof, +[5485.50 --> 5486.78] is testing +[5486.78 --> 5487.66] the sincerity +[5487.66 --> 5489.70] of our appropriation +[5489.70 --> 5490.20] of the life +[5490.20 --> 5491.12] of Jesus' death +[5491.12 --> 5491.80] and resurrection +[5491.80 --> 5492.96] in our place. +[5493.80 --> 5494.62] And in a culture +[5494.62 --> 5495.62] that is dominated +[5495.62 --> 5496.94] so clearly +[5496.94 --> 5497.88] by a love +[5497.88 --> 5498.32] of money +[5498.32 --> 5499.10] and a pursuit +[5499.10 --> 5499.98] of happiness +[5499.98 --> 5501.84] outside of relationship +[5501.84 --> 5502.40] to God +[5502.40 --> 5503.18] in Jesus Christ, +[5503.50 --> 5504.74] perhaps the single +[5504.74 --> 5505.92] greatest testimony +[5505.92 --> 5507.58] that we can give +[5507.58 --> 5509.50] of having received +[5509.50 --> 5510.68] God's love +[5510.68 --> 5512.62] is giving away +[5512.62 --> 5514.18] what everyone else +[5514.18 --> 5515.18] so earnestly +[5515.18 --> 5516.06] pursues for. +[5517.22 --> 5517.64] Right, +[5517.68 --> 5518.72] in line with Jesus' words, +[5518.72 --> 5519.72] the best way +[5519.72 --> 5520.40] to reveal +[5520.40 --> 5521.16] our treasure +[5521.16 --> 5522.04] to the world +[5522.04 --> 5523.42] is by giving away +[5523.42 --> 5524.54] to the world +[5524.54 --> 5525.36] everything that's +[5525.36 --> 5525.98] not our treasure. +[5527.46 --> 5527.58] Right, +[5527.60 --> 5528.38] our priorities +[5528.38 --> 5529.48] in giving +[5529.48 --> 5530.38] reflect what +[5530.38 --> 5531.76] we truly love. +[5531.84 --> 5532.48] Our priorities +[5532.48 --> 5532.90] in giving +[5532.90 --> 5533.76] reflect who +[5533.76 --> 5535.56] we truly love. +[5535.62 --> 5536.40] And if our heart +[5536.40 --> 5537.06] is in line +[5537.06 --> 5538.06] with the heart +[5538.06 --> 5538.52] of grace +[5538.52 --> 5539.24] that we have received +[5539.24 --> 5539.74] from God, +[5539.80 --> 5540.62] we will love +[5540.62 --> 5541.92] what God loves +[5541.92 --> 5542.74] and we will do +[5542.74 --> 5544.14] what God does. +[5545.40 --> 5546.10] And so in a church, +[5546.20 --> 5546.80] we profess +[5546.80 --> 5548.72] and we do +[5548.72 --> 5549.94] and we do +[5549.94 --> 5550.68] and we want impact +[5550.68 --> 5554.18] and we want to see +[5554.18 --> 5554.42] the lost +[5554.42 --> 5554.98] and we want to see +[5554.98 --> 5556.20] the lost saved. +[5556.26 --> 5556.78] We profess +[5556.78 --> 5557.44] and we proclaim +[5557.44 --> 5558.08] that we love +[5558.08 --> 5558.82] the church +[5558.82 --> 5559.96] and we want to see +[5559.96 --> 5561.82] this church built up. +[5562.80 --> 5563.84] What you do +[5563.84 --> 5564.70] with your money +[5564.70 --> 5565.44] is a test +[5565.44 --> 5566.30] of the sincerity +[5566.30 --> 5567.60] of your love. +[5567.70 --> 5568.24] What you do +[5568.24 --> 5569.10] with your wealth +[5569.10 --> 5571.30] and with your poverty +[5571.30 --> 5573.60] is a testimony +[5573.60 --> 5574.78] of the profession +[5574.78 --> 5582.58] of faith, whether you made it this morning or you make it every week when we gather here in this +[5582.58 --> 5594.50] place. Now, I believe that we here, most of us, many of us, I pray all of us, if we don't already, +[5594.62 --> 5600.68] we are becoming, that we here know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, +[5600.68 --> 5608.06] yet for our sake he became poor so that we, through his poverty, might become rich. Right, Jesus Christ, +[5608.28 --> 5615.28] none other than God Almighty himself, through whom the whole world was made, who upholds all things by +[5615.28 --> 5621.04] his power and word, right, the one who existed in perfect communion with the Father and with the +[5621.04 --> 5628.08] Spirit, who knew nothing other than immense joy and perfect fellowship, who basked in the glory of the +[5628.08 --> 5635.98] Godhead. From this infinite, incomprehensible heights and incomparable riches, this Jesus emptied +[5635.98 --> 5645.24] himself and took on the form of a slave. He came down and he belittled himself to be born in a feeding +[5645.24 --> 5651.26] trough in a forgotten part of a forgotten town. He came down and belittled himself to the point of death, +[5651.26 --> 5658.84] an innocent man dying on a criminal's cross. And he did all of this in order that you, that we, +[5658.96 --> 5665.26] might become rich. And not rich in the way of the world, not rich in money or status or other things +[5665.26 --> 5676.62] that fade away, but rich in joy, rich in generosity, rich in love. This is the act of God. This is the grace +[5676.62 --> 5685.96] of God that turns otherwise selfish people into joyful givers. And yes, this can be scary, right? +[5687.58 --> 5698.00] But I pray good scary, right? An unsettling, holy discontent scary because God gave himself up and gave up +[5698.00 --> 5705.12] everything so that we could live, we too, in response, can give up everything for him. +[5707.28 --> 5714.90] It's too easy to think that holding on to things and keeping more and more, or trying to gather other +[5714.90 --> 5720.50] and new and different, or the next best thing, it's too easy to think that that will provide joy and +[5720.50 --> 5730.88] happiness. But God tells us, right, that his purpose in sending Jesus was to provide joy and true blessing. +[5732.74 --> 5740.24] Either God alone is the true source of this joy or something else is. It cannot be both. +[5740.24 --> 5752.80] And this morning, and every day, I'm banking on God. And this morning, as we've heard testimonies from +[5752.80 --> 5759.02] these three young people, they're banking on God. They're calling us to do the same. I plead with you, +[5759.02 --> 5769.66] do the same. Right? And if God values joyful, loving generosity so much that he sent his only son, +[5769.66 --> 5775.82] whom he loves to create a people of joy and generosity, we can be assured that when we are +[5775.82 --> 5784.74] more generous, we will be more fulfilled. And yes, even more joy filled, because we are about the very +[5784.74 --> 5797.62] work of God. Now, as we land this plane and wrap this up, notice by way of application, very intentionally +[5797.62 --> 5807.80] this morning, I have not once put a number or a percentage on our giving, on what you are called +[5807.80 --> 5814.46] to give. Not once have we talked about a specific amount or a percentage or a requirement. And this is, +[5814.46 --> 5822.60] as we've said, intentional, because it's about grace. It's not about rules. And a rule in this cannot be +[5822.60 --> 5828.02] applied across the board. Notice what Paul says. He gives instructions for this in verse 11 and 12. +[5828.88 --> 5835.64] Now finish the work that your eager willingness to do, so that your eager willingness to do it may be +[5835.64 --> 5841.36] matched by your completion of it according to your means. For if the willingness is there, the gift is +[5841.36 --> 5848.26] acceptable according to what one has, not according to what one does not have. So hear that, right? A +[5848.26 --> 5854.76] principle for your giving. You give out of what you have, not out of what you don't have. Now, that's not the +[5854.76 --> 5862.60] same as saying we give out of our excess, right? The hard truth of this is that most of us have more than we +[5862.60 --> 5870.58] give. But what this principle is saying is that a person who makes $25,000 a year and gives a certain percent +[5870.58 --> 5876.94] of that is far more generous than a person who makes $250,000 a year and gives the same percent. +[5879.10 --> 5884.80] Right? There are very wealthy people who give away 90 percent, and they have the ability to live on all +[5884.80 --> 5891.70] the rest, right? That's what generosity can look like. And like the Macedonians, when you have less, +[5891.86 --> 5899.00] the generosity of your giving is more. And if people who have lost their jobs or who have lost a large +[5899.00 --> 5906.40] portion of their savings because of whatever has happened in the previous year, right, that rich +[5906.40 --> 5915.36] generosity, that generosity becomes rich, becomes more because it's coming out of less. And it's more +[5915.36 --> 5921.64] costly, it's more sacrificial, and thus it's more generous. And the more generous we are, the more +[5921.64 --> 5927.44] closely we reflect Jesus. The priority is not the number, hear this, it's the sacrifice. +[5927.44 --> 5934.94] The priority is the reflection of the grace of God. The joy is in the sacrifice, not the number. +[5936.58 --> 5943.44] And so, do you want to test the sincerity of your love? Give until you feel it. +[5944.96 --> 5951.00] Until it makes a difference. Until there's a choice between giving to the mission of God and something +[5951.00 --> 5957.46] else that you like, something else that you love. And then right when you're at that line, give more. +[5958.72 --> 5963.66] Then you're testing the sincerity of your love, when it actually costs you something. +[5965.00 --> 5971.06] Let me be really, really clear, okay? This right here, if you're visiting with us, right, don't hear what +[5971.06 --> 5978.24] I'm not saying. Because this is a super generous church. This church knows how to give and respond +[5978.24 --> 5984.86] to need. And I know that many of you give with this generous attitude and this generous heart. +[5985.26 --> 5989.82] Right, last week at our congregational meeting, someone said we had a $30,000 need, they made a few +[5989.82 --> 5993.24] phone calls, and boom, it was gone. That's amazing. +[5993.24 --> 6003.60] And I know that that is because the gospel changes everything. And I know that you know, +[6003.68 --> 6008.84] it's not enough just to say that, right, that you show it by your giving. +[6010.70 --> 6018.76] But what we also are seeing here is that generous giving is a matter of spiritual health. It's a sign +[6018.76 --> 6026.32] of you having received grace and understanding the cost of grace, not for you, but born by Jesus in +[6026.32 --> 6031.62] your place. And the choice that you are being asked to consider, that we are being asked to consider, +[6031.62 --> 6042.00] is a priority between personal wealth and spiritual health. And don't let the truth that some people +[6042.00 --> 6047.68] here, many people here, are super generous. Don't let the truth of the generosity of this church, +[6047.68 --> 6054.50] by and large, be an excuse for you not to be generous yourself. Don't let the fact that the +[6054.50 --> 6063.36] high cost of living or high inflation be an excuse for low or for not giving. Jesus knew exactly what +[6063.36 --> 6070.92] it would cost him to save you. And because it costs us nothing, we give him everything. And again, +[6070.92 --> 6079.02] let me be really clear, this is for everyone, even you kids here this morning. A couple weeks ago, +[6079.06 --> 6087.10] we started the bottle campaign in the back, right? And on the bottles, it says, donate and save a life. +[6087.74 --> 6093.76] And Malachi, my son, who's nine years old, really wanted one of those bottles. So he went to the back +[6093.76 --> 6100.04] and he worked with Brenda to get it all filled out and then he went home and he emptied his piggy bank +[6100.04 --> 6106.58] into the bottle. And he brought it to Rachel, my wife, and he said, mom, I hope I saved more than one life. +[6108.74 --> 6116.64] That's his heart. Right? Even the youngest among us can show us the generosity of giving. +[6116.64 --> 6129.60] Even you could be an example to us. And to Casey and Madden and Allie, you are an example to us. +[6130.82 --> 6133.82] And let's all be an example to each other. +[6136.30 --> 6142.26] And yes, to be abundantly clear, we spent all morning talking about money and about giving as the +[6142.26 --> 6147.00] test of the sincerity of your love, because that's what our text does. +[6148.22 --> 6150.80] But we all know that this is about so much more than money. +[6152.44 --> 6156.60] Right? Every bit of your life is transformed by the gospel. +[6157.38 --> 6160.58] Right? Jesus said on the cross, it is finished. +[6160.80 --> 6167.36] And when you stand and profess to believe that, that means your new life in him has just begun. +[6167.36 --> 6172.54] And that's what we get to live. That's who we get to be. +[6173.48 --> 6180.02] And I, for one, am excited to see the joy and the generosity that comes from that. +[6180.94 --> 6184.38] All God's people said, amen. Let's pray together. +[6188.32 --> 6190.28] Holy, holy God. +[6190.28 --> 6191.32] Holy, holy God. +[6191.76 --> 6192.08] Holy, holy God. +[6192.72 --> 6197.20] Your gospel is for us true riches. +[6197.54 --> 6200.44] Your gospel is for us true joy. +[6201.12 --> 6207.82] Out of the depths of our own sin, out of the death of our own realities, +[6208.28 --> 6211.16] you have saved us and made us new. +[6212.16 --> 6218.90] And so may our lives together be marked by your grace as we give generously, +[6218.90 --> 6222.76] as we give out of our own grace received +[6222.76 --> 6226.20] so that we might be a people of grace. +[6227.54 --> 6230.84] And God, I praise your name for your goodness, +[6231.06 --> 6232.36] your faithfulness to us +[6232.36 --> 6235.12] as displayed in the professions of faith made, +[6235.38 --> 6238.32] as displayed in the gathering each week of our worship +[6238.32 --> 6240.44] where we boldly proclaim this gospel +[6240.44 --> 6242.24] and we receive the power of your spirit. +[6242.52 --> 6245.62] And I praise your name for the testimonies, +[6245.78 --> 6248.64] for the sincerity of our love for you +[6248.64 --> 6251.84] that is displayed in the giving of this church. +[6252.52 --> 6254.92] Stretch us and grow us, we pray, +[6255.52 --> 6258.44] that we might in ever-increasing measure +[6258.44 --> 6261.84] be more like Jesus in the world around us. +[6262.32 --> 6263.80] It's in his name that we pray. +[6264.48 --> 6264.84] Amen. +[6264.84 --> 6264.98] Amen. +[6271.20 --> 6273.18] Please rise as we respond in song. +[6278.64 --> 6281.72] We are one in the Spirit, +[6281.72 --> 6284.88] we are one in the Lord. +[6284.88 --> 6288.34] We are one in the Spirit, +[6288.72 --> 6291.58] we are one in the Lord. +[6291.84 --> 6295.34] And we pray that all unity +[6295.34 --> 6298.34] may one day be restored. +[6298.34 --> 6298.84] Amen. +[6298.84 --> 6299.14] Amen. +[6299.14 --> 6299.16] Amen. +[6300.22 --> 6304.02] And they'll know we are Christians +[6304.02 --> 6305.48] by our love, +[6305.60 --> 6307.42] by our love. +[6307.50 --> 6310.58] Yes, they'll know we are Christians +[6310.58 --> 6312.54] by our love. +[6316.54 --> 6320.32] We will walk with each other, +[6320.50 --> 6323.34] we will walk hand in hand, +[6323.34 --> 6326.88] we will walk with each other, +[6326.88 --> 6329.84] we will walk hand in hand, +[6329.84 --> 6333.88] and together we'll spread the news +[6333.88 --> 6337.74] that God is in our land. +[6338.54 --> 6341.72] And they'll know we are Christians +[6341.72 --> 6343.12] by our love, +[6343.36 --> 6345.08] by our love. +[6345.16 --> 6348.12] Yes, they'll know we are Christians +[6348.12 --> 6350.00] by our love. +[6350.00 --> 6350.58] Amen. +[6350.58 --> 6351.58] Amen. +[6351.58 --> 6352.58] Amen. +[6352.58 --> 6354.96] Amen. +[6354.96 --> 6357.90] We will walk with each other, +[6358.12 --> 6360.94] we will walk side by side, +[6361.04 --> 6364.38] we will walk with each other, +[6364.62 --> 6367.46] we will walk side by side, +[6367.56 --> 6370.96] and we'll guard each man's dignity +[6370.96 --> 6374.70] and save each man's pride. +[6376.02 --> 6379.00] And they'll know we are Christians +[6379.00 --> 6380.34] by our love, +[6380.60 --> 6382.28] by our love, +[6382.28 --> 6385.38] yes, they'll know we are Christians +[6385.38 --> 6387.82] by our love. +[6391.82 --> 6395.44] All praise to the Father, +[6395.66 --> 6398.48] from whom all things come, +[6398.86 --> 6402.24] and all praise to Christ Jesus, +[6402.24 --> 6404.94] His only Son, +[6404.94 --> 6408.04] and all praise to the Spirit, +[6408.04 --> 6412.04] who makes us one. +[6412.04 --> 6416.72] And they'll know we are Christians +[6416.72 --> 6418.10] by our love, +[6418.26 --> 6419.90] by our love, +[6419.90 --> 6422.98] yes, they'll know we are Christians +[6422.98 --> 6425.32] by our love. +[6425.32 --> 6437.14] As you go into this week, +[6437.14 --> 6439.74] go with the blessing of God. +[6440.20 --> 6441.00] Just a reminder, +[6441.20 --> 6442.02] before you do go, +[6442.80 --> 6445.02] find Casey and Allie and Madden +[6445.02 --> 6445.78] and encourage them +[6445.78 --> 6446.74] and congratulate them. +[6447.28 --> 6448.78] There will be a time of gathering +[6448.78 --> 6450.96] and refreshment afterwards available. +[6450.96 --> 6451.90] Please stick around. +[6452.70 --> 6454.98] Remember that Brenda is at the Connect booth +[6454.98 --> 6457.52] to talk to you about the food drive +[6457.52 --> 6458.16] that's upcoming +[6458.16 --> 6459.94] and the work that needs to be done +[6459.94 --> 6460.84] in the next couple weeks. +[6461.52 --> 6464.22] And in 15 minutes +[6464.22 --> 6465.94] after the last song, +[6466.32 --> 6467.28] so you can look at the clock +[6467.28 --> 6468.36] and then do the math from there, +[6468.44 --> 6470.50] 15 minutes after we sing our last song, +[6471.04 --> 6472.76] I'll lead a discussion group +[6472.76 --> 6475.26] about Synod in the multi-purpose room. +[6475.26 --> 6475.66] Amen. +[6475.66 --> 6477.84] Receive the blessing of God. +[6479.04 --> 6481.62] God, go before you to lead you. +[6482.02 --> 6484.38] God, go behind you to protect you. +[6484.66 --> 6486.52] God, go beneath you to support you. +[6486.62 --> 6489.06] And God, go beside you to befriend you. +[6489.54 --> 6491.24] Do not be afraid. +[6491.82 --> 6493.74] Let the blessing of God come upon you today. +[6493.86 --> 6495.24] Do not be afraid, +[6495.80 --> 6499.80] but go in peace to love and serve the Lord. +[6500.80 --> 6501.12] Amen. +[6501.12 --> 6501.26] Amen. +[6505.26 --> 6522.34] I know He rescued my soul. +[6522.90 --> 6525.54] His blood has covered my sin. +[6525.62 --> 6526.26] I believe. +[6529.06 --> 6530.06] I believe. +[6530.06 --> 6530.62] I believe. +[6530.62 --> 6537.36] My shame He's taken away. +[6537.86 --> 6541.00] My pain is sealed in His name. +[6541.08 --> 6542.22] I believe. +[6544.68 --> 6545.68] I believe. +[6549.76 --> 6552.22] I'll raise a banner. +[6553.96 --> 6556.98] My Lord has conquered the grave. +[6556.98 --> 6560.26] My Redeemer lives. +[6560.26 --> 6564.50] My Redeemer lives. +[6564.50 --> 6567.50] My Redeemer lives. +[6567.50 --> 6571.50] My Redeemer lives. +[6571.50 --> 6576.64] I know He rescued my soul. +[6576.64 --> 6579.96] His blood has covered my sin. +[6580.00 --> 6581.20] I believe. +[6583.58 --> 6584.88] I believe. +[6584.88 --> 6592.12] My shame He's taken away. +[6592.12 --> 6595.66] My pain is healed in His name. +[6595.66 --> 6597.12] I believe. +[6597.12 --> 6598.12] I believe. +[6598.12 --> 6600.12] I believe. +[6600.12 --> 6601.12] I believe. +[6601.12 --> 6607.20] I'll raise a banner. +[6607.22 --> 6611.96] My Lord has conquered the grave. +[6611.96 --> 6628.10] My Redeemer lives, My Redeemer lives, My Redeemer lives, My Redeemer lives. +[6628.10 --> 6635.54] You lift my burdens, I'll rise with you. +[6635.54 --> 6644.56] I'm dancing on this mountaintop to see your kingdom come. +[6644.56 --> 6663.92] My Redeemer lives, My Redeemer lives, My Redeemer lives, My Redeemer lives, +[6663.92 --> 6676.92] My Redeemer lives, My Redeemer lives, My Redeemer lives. +[6676.92 --> 6681.92] My Redeemer lives, My Redeemer lives. +[6681.92 --> 6686.92] My Redeemer lives, My Redeemer lives. +[6686.92 --> 6688.92] My Redeemer lives, My而不平 on your Ihren虚 Quizyounger. +[6688.92 --> 6691.92] My Redeemer lives, Mygrief, My Bh demeanor lives. +[6691.92 --> 6695.92] My sedan gives the Lord the day and the Lord has myいい. +[6695.92 --> 6700.92] My Redeemer lives, My Redeemer lives. +[6700.92 --> 6704.92] My Redeemer lives, My presidency Может enthcast 수가 imbealled, +[6704.92 --> 6706.92] My Redeemer lives with aoux button. +[6706.92 --> 6736.90] Thank you. +[6736.92 --> 6766.90] Thank you. +[6766.92 --> 6768.92] Thank you. diff --git a/Sunday Worship, June 9, 2024_summary.txt b/Sunday Worship, June 9, 2024_summary.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000000000000000000000000000000000000..d4de6dba12aea801f13b0feac28fc27745883972 --- /dev/null +++ b/Sunday Worship, June 9, 2024_summary.txt @@ -0,0 +1,128 @@ +• Hallelujah and praise to Christ +• The love of Christ and freedom from death +• Jesus as a faithful God and source of joy +• Faith in Christ and the promise of salvation +• Praise and worship through music and song +• The story of a person's spiritual journey with Christ +• Assurance of eternal life and the blessings of salvation +• Discussion of the Holy Spirit and its enduring presence in the church +• Announcements for a new session called Campfire and a discussion on prayer +• Introduction to the Lord's Prayer and its significance +• Church family prayer led by an elder, Ken, with requests and announcements +• Memorial service announcement for Dennis DeGroote, a former teacher at Fraser Valley Christian and Surrey Christian +• Worship song and prayer with various hymns and Bible verses +• Prayers for students and teachers to finish the school year well +• Prayers for guidance and discernment for those seeking their next step in life +• Gratitude for communities, province, and nation's opportunities and privileges +• Request not to take these opportunities for granted +• Prayers for justice, peace, and an end to hunger and war around the world +• Celebrating the Agile family becoming Canadian citizens +• Prayers for those dealing with illness, including Kobe DeBoersap and Everly Vartstra +• Prayers for strength, peace, and healing for these individuals +• Gratitude for positive reports of healing in some cases +• Prayers for Rose Vita, Vera (struggling with shingles), Lena (with a recent fall) +• Requests for quick healing and relief for these individuals +• Prayers for others dealing with illness within the congregation or connections +• Encouragement to remain confident in God's goodness in times of struggle +• Prayers for those grieving loved ones who have passed away, including the DeGroote family +• Prayers for the church, its leadership, and ministry +• Requests for wisdom and guidance for synod delegates +• Prayers for Pastor Chris, Sean, and Sonia as they prepare for significant conversations and work +• Discussion of printing materials +• Reading from Romans 16:25-27 +• Reflection on ending the book of Romans +• The importance of the gospel throughout Romans +• Bookend of themes between the first and last chapters of Romans +• Comparison of the language used in verses 1-5 and 25-27 +• The gospel is grounded in the person and work of Jesus Christ +• The purpose of the gospel is to bring Gentiles (non-Jewish people) to obedience through faith +• Paul's letter includes a repeated message about surrounding the gospel with doxology (words of praise) +• The gospel transforms believers into worshipers +• God gives the gospel to start and sustain lives of glorifying gratitude +• Four questions will be explored: what is the gospel? +• Romans 1:16-17, emphasizing that the power of God is unto salvation +• The gospel as the power of God unto salvation, revealing the righteousness of God by faith +• Jesus as the righteousness of God, who lived the life we should have lived and died the death we deserved +• Christ's substitutionary atonement, paying the penalty for our sin and bearing God's wrath +• The resurrection of Jesus, making him victorious over sin and death +• Our call to be witnesses of Jesus' message, proclaiming his victory to the ends of the earth +• The Holy Spirit has been sent to help people live out the truth in the world +• The gospel is not just about loving God and loving others, but it's a more specific message that comes from Jesus Christ +• The order of things matters: the gospel must come first, followed by transformation and living out one's faith +• Regeneration (being born again) precedes faith; people can't believe in the gospel without already being spiritually transformed +• Believing in the gospel unites us with Christ. +• The gospel cannot be exchanged for human law or messaging +• The gospel is a message that gives eternal hope, not terrestrial hope or lesser glory +• God makes the gospel known through various means and ensures we receive it accurately +• Believing in Jesus as Lord and His resurrection from the dead is essential to salvation +• Calling on the name of the Lord requires hearing and believing in Him first +• Hearing about Jesus comes through someone preaching, which requires them being called by God +• This creates a cycle where people must be called, hear, believe, preach, and then call others +• The gospel is given by God through sending out preachers. +• Those who speak God's word have a unique calling to build up the church and equip its members for their faith expression. +• Everyone who believes is called to preach the gospel. +• Faith comes from hearing the message, which is heard through the word of Christ. +• Sometimes, people may misunderstand the message and think it's enough to simply live out the gospel rather than preaching it. +• The example of the speaker or others is not sufficient for salvation +• People are saved by believing in the message, not just following an example +• The life one lives confirms their faith and validates the truth of the gospel +• Salvation requires hearing and confessing Jesus as Lord, and believing He was raised from the dead +• Preaching the gospel requires using words, scriptures, and the Holy Spirit to transform lives +• God promises to use broken vessels like us to accomplish His purposes. +• The Word of God will accomplish its purpose and return to Him +• God gives the seed of the gospel, causes it to grow, and take root +• Believers proclaim His kingdom and are ambassadors of the gospel +• The message of the gospel sustains Christian lives through faith +• God is able to establish and strengthen believers in their faith through the gospel +• The gospel is not just a way into Christian faith but also the way of Christian faith +• Faith starts by believing in the gospel and is transformed by it +• Justification and sanctification come from believing the gospel +• Romans 6:5-7 emphasizes the union with Christ through death to sin, leading to new life +• The gospel transforms every aspect of life when applied to it +• Victory over sin and addictions comes from being united to Christ through the gospel. +• The importance of a personal relationship with Jesus Christ +• The distinction between experiential/emotional expression and spiritual/internal reality +• The unity of believers with Jesus, redefining their reality and changing everything about them +• The gospel as the means of being united with Jesus, resulting in God-glorifying gratitude and worship +• The magnitude of God's grace and its effects on our lives +• Worshiping through gratitude as a result of understanding God's goodness +• Connection between work, worship, and the gospel +• The good news of the gospel and its transformative power +• The importance of proclaiming and sharing this message with others +• Prayer for continued establishment in accordance with God's gospel and for faith and obedience. +• The significance of Jesus' gift of a meal to recognize Him and take in His truth +• The gospel being proclaimed through word, including at the table during communion +• Gathering as a body of believers to receive God's grace confirmed +• Prayer and thanksgiving to God for creation, covenant, and salvation through Jesus Christ +• The significance of Christ's death and resurrection +• Welcoming all to the Lord's table, regardless of faith or past experiences +• The process for coming forward to receive communion, including usher guidance +• Saying specific phrases over the elements (bread and juice) during communion +• Accommodating those unable to come forward due to mobility issues +• Meal service for a group +• Gluten-free bread options available +• Service to begin with a specific table +• Worship leaders and elders invited to participate +• Prayer requests can be made before or after the meal +• Blood of Christ shed for you is mentioned multiple times throughout the transcript. +• Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection +• Praise and worship songs +• Personal devotion and surrender ("I am not my own") +• Mindfulness of upcoming challenges and blessings +• Recognition of belonging to one's Savior, Jesus Christ +• Blessings from God are given to lead, protect, support, and befriend +• Announcement about refugee sponsorship committee's achievement of Agile family's citizenship +• Description of Agile family members and their progress +• Introduction of Talal Agile as a hearing-impaired individual sponsored by the committee +• News that Talal is getting married to someone in Morocco and will travel there on July 2 +• Plans to bring a person over to Canada +• Serving cake and explaining the process to others +• Discussing Noof's family history in Canada +• Mention of Noof's kids being in school and doing well +• Discussion of sports preferences (soccer vs. Canucks) +• Celebrating Canadian citizenship with O Canada song +• Appreciation for support from an organization +• Repetition of the Canadian national anthem lyrics "O Canada" +• Confusion or questioning about standing on guard for Canada +• Reference to being from West Africa +• Mention of being with fire and differing from something (though unclear) \ No newline at end of file diff --git a/Sunday Worship, June 9, 2024_transcript.txt b/Sunday Worship, June 9, 2024_transcript.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000000000000000000000000000000000000..2d0360f3b32022ea6ea72c82580fcbe1aed1b4e1 --- /dev/null +++ b/Sunday Worship, June 9, 2024_transcript.txt @@ -0,0 +1,2352 @@ +[0.00 --> 9.00] Hallelujah! All I have is Christ! +[9.00 --> 19.00] Hallelujah! Jesus is my life! +[19.00 --> 28.00] Hallelujah! All I have is Christ! +[28.00 --> 39.00] Hallelujah! Jesus is my life! +[58.00 --> 60.00] Amen! +[60.00 --> 61.00] Amen! +[61.00 --> 63.00] Amen! +[63.00 --> 65.00] Amen! +[65.00 --> 67.00] Amen! +[67.00 --> 68.00] Amen! +[68.00 --> 72.00] Amen! +[72.00 --> 76.00] Amen! +[76.00 --> 77.00] Amen! +[77.00 --> 81.48] Make out the love of Christ for me. +[81.48 --> 86.20] And my death is made that I may be free. +[86.48 --> 90.92] Oh, come, Lord, ever in me reside. +[91.18 --> 95.62] When the tender seems to be my faithful God. +[95.86 --> 100.22] Joy of promises for me to do. +[100.50 --> 105.18] For the battle be fine and be so. +[107.00 --> 109.50] Rest in assurance. +[111.60 --> 114.50] Jesus is mine. +[114.50 --> 118.50] Oh, what a fortune. +[120.24 --> 122.50] The glory divine. +[125.06 --> 127.50] Hell of salvation. +[129.52 --> 131.86] Purchase of God. +[131.86 --> 132.86] Purchase of God. +[132.86 --> 136.36] For now, His spirit. +[136.36 --> 141.36] He washed me in blood. +[141.36 --> 147.74] In whom can He do the Savior's light? +[148.00 --> 152.32] Did He spell my thoughts in the blackest night? +[152.58 --> 156.86] Did He part His power to my soul redeem? +[156.86 --> 161.58] The wounds which all my sorrows fear? +[161.58 --> 166.12] In His transgressive, in His image we. +[166.36 --> 170.76] And by your power to His grace I'll be. +[171.00 --> 175.42] On the faith beside that prayer be prayed. +[175.42 --> 179.92] When we all leave Jesus' face to face. +[180.86 --> 180.92] His intention and mercy on His grant. +[180.92 --> 182.48] The魔法 to His strontops she sự. +[182.48 --> 186.22] And by his breath is in daily living. +[186.26 --> 187.58] Paul and region. +[187.58 --> 187.62] Jesus is our landed, Lord, ever in us faith. +[187.62 --> 189.12] He pursuit the love of His slaves. +[189.12 --> 191.06] This is what our faith is. +[191.06 --> 191.48] When you're left, he's running. +[191.48 --> 193.18] For now, the Lord is ourах. +[193.26 --> 193.88] Father, ever in ever in ever in His reign. +[195.72 --> 196.24] And He puts us together with this. +[196.24 --> 196.96] With His Son, He puts us to pay. +[197.38 --> 198.90] If His Son, He puts us to stand on the 95th. +[198.94 --> 201.38] Purchase of God. +[201.38 --> 227.66] This my story, this my song, born of spirit washed in blood. +[227.66 --> 236.48] This my story, this my song, in my Savior I belong. +[237.48 --> 246.00] This my story, this my song, born of spirit washed in blood. +[246.00 --> 254.78] This my story, this my song, in my Savior I belong. +[254.78 --> 263.78] This my story, this my song, born of spirit washed in blood. +[264.66 --> 272.78] This my story, this my song, in my Savior I belong. +[272.78 --> 282.66] Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine. +[282.66 --> 291.90] Oh, what a poor place, the poor we need to lie. +[292.44 --> 299.42] The care of salvation, the purchase of love. +[301.34 --> 307.66] Born of spirit washed in blood. +[307.66 --> 314.66] Born of spirit washed in blood. +[314.66 --> 316.66] Born of spirit washed in blood. +[316.66 --> 318.66] I bet you this is mine. +[318.66 --> 320.66] Good morning. +[320.66 --> 327.66] The special offering for today is for King's University. +[327.66 --> 332.66] For over 40 years, King's University has been committed to the highest level of excellence +[332.66 --> 333.66] in teaching and research. +[333.66 --> 340.66] Located in Edmonton, King's offers exceptional liberal arts education from a Christian perspective. +[340.66 --> 342.66] And serves students from across Canada and around the world. +[342.66 --> 343.66] Thank you. +[343.66 --> 344.66] Thank you. +[344.66 --> 351.66] This next song is new to us. +[351.66 --> 352.66] And it is a little peppy. +[352.66 --> 358.66] So feel free to listen along and join us if you get used to the melody. +[358.66 --> 365.66] Or just listen because it has a lot of truths about what we've been learning. +[365.66 --> 367.66] It comes directly from Romans 1. +[367.66 --> 370.66] So here is We Are Not Ashamed. +[370.66 --> 373.66] And it comes directly from Romans 1. +[373.66 --> 375.66] So here is We Are Not Ashamed. +[375.66 --> 377.66] And it comes directly from Romans 1. +[377.66 --> 380.66] And it comes directly from Romans 1. +[380.66 --> 387.66] So here is We Are Not Ashamed. +[387.66 --> 390.66] We Are Not Ashamed. +[390.66 --> 409.66] The news of Jesus Christ. +[409.66 --> 410.66] The crucified. +[410.66 --> 419.66] The risen raining at the Father's sky. +[419.66 --> 425.66] His foolishness to those who cannot see. +[425.66 --> 432.66] Blinded by the hearts they can't believe. +[432.66 --> 433.66] The risen rain. +[433.66 --> 435.66] So let the church arise. +[435.66 --> 439.66] Let the anthem ring. +[439.66 --> 443.66] To all the world's pastors. +[443.66 --> 447.66] Christ the risen King. +[447.66 --> 451.66] The Son of the King. +[451.66 --> 454.66] The holy we shall sing. +[454.66 --> 460.66] The home of all the world is Christ the risen King. +[460.66 --> 463.66] For we, we are not ashamed. +[463.66 --> 473.66] For the gospel is the power of Christ to stay. +[473.66 --> 479.66] Yes, we, we are not ashamed. +[479.66 --> 480.66] To all Eve bookings. +[480.66 --> 489.66] We are not ashamed. +[489.66 --> 508.66] For us, you live. +[508.66 --> 515.74] The Holy Spirit in their every starving name +[515.74 --> 521.72] The Mary Gage and Gospel will endure +[521.72 --> 528.50] The Spirit's within the church forevermore +[528.50 --> 533.50] So let the church arise +[533.50 --> 536.64] Let the end of the day +[536.64 --> 539.44] To all the world that's heard +[539.44 --> 543.12] The Christ the risen King +[543.12 --> 546.36] The song of every king +[546.36 --> 549.38] The holy we shall sing +[549.38 --> 552.42] The home of all the world +[552.42 --> 556.12] The Christ the risen King +[556.12 --> 560.94] Oh, we, we are not ashamed +[560.94 --> 564.74] Oh, we're not ashamed +[564.74 --> 569.42] We are not afraid to stay +[569.42 --> 574.46] Yes, we, we are not ashamed +[574.46 --> 582.22] Oh, we have no other Savior to sustain +[582.22 --> 587.46] Oh, we, we are not ashamed +[587.46 --> 591.26] Oh, we have no other Savior to sustain +[591.26 --> 599.14] Yes, we, we are not ashamed +[599.14 --> 603.10] Oh, we have no other Savior to sustain +[603.10 --> 618.74] Oh, we are not ashamed +[618.74 --> 627.26] Good morning, everybody. +[627.54 --> 631.60] Can I have all the preschoolers up to grade four come up to the front? +[631.92 --> 638.24] And while they're coming up to the front, we have a couple weeks left in our regular season, +[638.24 --> 642.12] and we are starting to look for people for our summer season. +[642.12 --> 650.18] So if anybody's interested in teaching the preschoolers, we have a link on our bulletin that you can just sign in on, +[650.42 --> 653.42] or you can come talk to me if you have any other questions. +[654.46 --> 656.06] Good morning, guys. How are you? +[656.94 --> 662.30] So today we're going to start a new session, and it's called Campfire. +[662.76 --> 666.18] So when we sit around a campfire, what kind of things do we do? +[667.74 --> 668.12] Okay. +[669.24 --> 670.24] You tell stories? +[670.24 --> 672.52] What else do we do around a campfire? +[676.18 --> 677.32] Roast marshmallows. +[677.50 --> 678.36] What else do we do? +[680.16 --> 683.58] Around a campfire, maybe, but not too close. +[684.56 --> 685.70] What else do we do? +[685.92 --> 687.48] We hang out with our family. +[687.66 --> 691.38] We hang out with friends, and we have discussions. +[692.14 --> 692.84] Pardon me, Malachi? +[693.54 --> 695.72] We sit around the campfire and have discussions. +[695.72 --> 703.22] So basically, in the next couple of weeks until this, until summertime, is we are going to talk about different topics. +[703.80 --> 706.10] So today, we are going to talk about prayer. +[706.56 --> 714.56] So we are going to learn, we're going to learn about the story that we, that Jesus taught his disciples how to pray, +[714.66 --> 716.70] and we're going to talk about the Lord's Prayer. +[716.70 --> 718.30] So can everybody stand up? +[722.62 --> 725.06] And look at your parents and the congregation. +[725.06 --> 729.62] And one, two, three, the Lord be with you. +[729.82 --> 731.50] And also with you. +[731.50 --> 756.50] Thank you. +[756.50 --> 757.50] Good morning. +[757.50 --> 758.50] My name is Ken. +[758.50 --> 763.50] I'm an elder here at Emanuel, and I will be leading us in our church family prayer. +[763.50 --> 770.50] So all of you should have access to the e-bulletin, and every week we see numerous items for prayer +[770.50 --> 774.80] requests, and I encourage each of us to look at those not only on Sunday, but just throughout +[774.80 --> 778.18] the week and keep each other upheld in prayer. +[778.18 --> 783.50] In addition to the items in the bulletin right now, there's one other situation or announcement +[783.50 --> 789.44] I have, and many of you would know, Dennis DeGroote, who was a teacher at Fraser Valley +[789.44 --> 794.64] Christian and Surrey Christian, and he passed away on Friday. +[794.64 --> 801.26] And so there's going to be a service, a memorial for him on Friday, this coming Friday at 2 +[801.26 --> 804.18] p.m. at Fleetwood CRC. +[804.18 --> 808.56] So let's all uphold the DeGroote family in our prayers as well. +[808.56 --> 810.12] Let's bow our heads together. +[810.12 --> 819.50] Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, all your works shall praise your name in earth and sky +[819.50 --> 821.12] and sea. +[821.12 --> 825.70] What a blessing it is to worship you this morning and to praise your holy name. +[825.70 --> 831.60] In our singing songs of praise, in the teaching and hearing of your word, in fellowship, in +[831.60 --> 835.96] breaking bread, and in prayer, we praise you, Lord our God. +[835.96 --> 840.04] We cry out, hallelujah, all we have is Christ. +[840.04 --> 843.14] Hallelujah, Jesus is our life. +[843.14 --> 849.66] Lord, when we examine our lives, we see blessings beyond what we can count, and your grace beyond +[849.66 --> 851.70] what we can measure. +[851.70 --> 855.64] We can give you all the glory and praise to you alone. +[855.64 --> 860.54] But still, we find ourselves carrying burdens that make us tired and weary. +[860.54 --> 864.74] Lord, we lift up our burdens to you, knowing that you are the creator of the ends of the +[864.74 --> 865.92] earth. +[865.92 --> 871.82] You will not grow tired or weary, and your understanding is beyond our comprehension. +[871.82 --> 876.42] Lord, you give us strength to the weary and increase the power of the weak. +[876.42 --> 881.60] This morning we lift up our praise and concerns to you, knowing that those who hope in the Lord, +[881.60 --> 885.54] will renew their strength and soar on wings like eagles. +[885.54 --> 889.96] We will run and not grow weary, walk and not be faint. +[889.96 --> 893.58] We thank you, Lord, for the opportunities and blessings you have provided throughout this +[893.58 --> 896.92] school year to students and to their teachers. +[896.92 --> 901.48] We ask you for strength to enable them to finish this school year well. +[901.48 --> 905.48] We pray, Lord, that you provide discernment and guidance for all who are seeking out what +[905.48 --> 910.80] to do in the next chapter of their lives after the school year ends. +[910.80 --> 914.74] We thank you for our communities, this beautiful province, and our nation. +[914.74 --> 918.04] Lord, we have so many opportunities and privileges. +[918.04 --> 920.78] Help us not take them for granted. +[920.78 --> 927.18] We pray for your world and many places that are suffering in a time of injustice, hunger, +[927.18 --> 928.66] and war. +[928.66 --> 933.20] Help us not lose sight of the ministry and mission you have for your church in this time +[933.20 --> 936.60] and place and throughout the world. +[936.60 --> 941.48] Lord, we celebrate with the Agile family as they have become Canadian citizens. +[941.48 --> 946.10] As we have walked this process with them over the years, we see your faithfulness and guidance +[946.10 --> 950.14] and praise you for all you have done in this. +[950.14 --> 953.52] We pray, Lord, for those who are dealing with burdens of illness. +[953.52 --> 959.32] Lord, you sustain them on their sick bed and restore them from their beds of illness. +[959.32 --> 964.70] We lift up Kobe DeBoersap as she continues radiation and chemo treatment after bone marrow and stem +[964.70 --> 966.86] cell transplants. +[966.86 --> 970.40] Lord, we pray for strength and peace for Kobe and her family. +[970.40 --> 976.24] Grant Kobe a return to strength and health and recovery from this leukemia. +[976.24 --> 981.72] We pray, Lord, for Everly Vartstra and ask for complete healing for her melanoma. +[981.72 --> 988.32] Please grant Stephen and Karen your peace and patience in these times of testing and waiting. +[988.32 --> 993.22] We ask for wisdom for the medical teams that provide treatment and care to Everly. +[993.22 --> 997.86] We're grateful, Lord, to hear positive reports this week and pray for continued healing along +[997.86 --> 1002.14] this long road to full healing for Everly. +[1002.14 --> 1007.42] We also pray for Rose Vita as she faces health challenges and other struggles. +[1007.42 --> 1011.04] Lord, give her your healing touch and renew her strength. +[1011.04 --> 1015.46] We pray for Judy Dykstra's friend, Vera, who has been struggling with shingles for a long +[1015.46 --> 1016.98] time. +[1016.98 --> 1020.90] Please grant her healing and relief and help her get the support that she needs in this +[1020.90 --> 1022.62] time. +[1022.62 --> 1027.22] We also lift up Lena who had a fall and required stitches this week, Lord, and we ask for quick +[1027.22 --> 1029.22] healing for her as well. +[1029.22 --> 1034.18] Lord, we pray for others who are dealing with illness in our congregation or in our circles +[1034.18 --> 1038.12] of connections, many that we know of and some that we do not. +[1038.12 --> 1042.64] Lord, we pray that you'd help us remain confident that we will see the goodness of the Lord in +[1042.64 --> 1044.40] the land of the living. +[1044.40 --> 1049.50] Help us be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord in all of these things. +[1049.50 --> 1054.74] Lord, we also lift up those who are grieving loved ones who have passed away. +[1054.74 --> 1059.44] We thank especially of the DeGroote family as they're in a time of mourning and pray your +[1059.44 --> 1063.64] blessing on the memorial service this upcoming Friday. +[1063.64 --> 1070.38] Lord, we lift up our church, this church family here and our ministry here at Emanuel and throughout +[1070.38 --> 1071.74] our region and denomination. +[1072.46 --> 1077.54] We pray for the work of our church council and staff, our classes and synod. +[1078.06 --> 1082.72] Lord, please be near to each of the workers that you have put in place to lead. +[1082.72 --> 1089.30] As synod begins later this week, we pray for all the delegates and we pray for Pastor Chris +[1089.30 --> 1093.90] and Sean from New Life and Sonia from Willoughby as they are leaving for synod this week. +[1094.54 --> 1099.18] And as they prepare for some significant and important conversations and work to be done. +[1100.04 --> 1105.64] Holy Spirit, we ask that you work in the hearts and minds of the delegates to lead them. +[1106.16 --> 1112.08] Help them correctly handle the word of truth and boldly lead your church to do likewise. +[1112.72 --> 1117.84] Lord, this morning as we hear your word and share in the Lord's Supper around the table, +[1118.24 --> 1122.54] we pray that you will speak into our hearts and lives in old and new ways alike. +[1123.16 --> 1123.56] Hallelujah. +[1124.14 --> 1125.66] All we have is Christ. +[1126.30 --> 1126.70] Hallelujah. +[1127.24 --> 1128.48] Jesus is our life. +[1128.98 --> 1129.20] Amen. +[1129.20 --> 1129.30] Amen. +[1142.72 --> 1158.24] This morning we are going to close out our series in the book of Romans. +[1158.24 --> 1165.60] If you are a guest with us this morning, we have been living in the book of Romans for the last year and a half. +[1165.60 --> 1167.16] 18 months. +[1168.00 --> 1175.70] 39 sermons including today and lots of conversations and this past year starting in January. +[1176.18 --> 1177.40] Podcasts and the like. +[1178.70 --> 1181.28] And so I want to say first of all, thank you. +[1181.80 --> 1184.94] Thank you for your encouragement and your feedback and for your engagement. +[1184.94 --> 1193.40] Thank you for pressing into the challenges and for wrestling and for allowing us to go on this road. +[1193.76 --> 1201.22] To Josh and Kevin as well, thank you for your participation in this and for taking this challenge up with me. +[1201.76 --> 1206.86] I have been truly blessed and I know at least three of you have been as well. +[1207.60 --> 1210.84] And so hopefully it's more, but thank you for your gracious feedback. +[1210.84 --> 1220.38] Someone asked me a little while ago if we could provide an overview of the series with the texts and with the big idea from each sermon. +[1220.98 --> 1223.20] And so we have a few of these available. +[1223.42 --> 1227.06] They're cards that you can just slip in your Bible, maybe at the beginning of Romans. +[1227.50 --> 1231.52] And you can go and hold it alongside of what you have there. +[1231.60 --> 1234.20] And so we printed 40 of these. +[1234.88 --> 1237.00] I'm not sure we will need all 40. +[1237.00 --> 1241.78] But if we happen to run out, just touch base with me and I'll get the office to print off some more. +[1242.18 --> 1244.38] They're at the Connect booth later. +[1245.88 --> 1250.56] We're going to end today with just three verses. +[1250.84 --> 1256.28] And so we're going to read together from Romans 16, 25 through 27. +[1256.54 --> 1259.60] If you have a Bible, of course, I encourage you to open that up. +[1259.68 --> 1260.42] Keep that in front of you. +[1260.52 --> 1262.06] There are Bibles available at the back. +[1262.14 --> 1265.78] You can also get it on your phone or whatever device you have there. +[1265.78 --> 1268.36] The first time through, at least, it should be over my shoulder. +[1268.92 --> 1269.64] Let's read together. +[1272.16 --> 1277.54] Now to him who is able to establish you in accordance with my gospel, +[1277.94 --> 1280.80] the message I proclaim about Jesus Christ, +[1280.80 --> 1285.32] in keeping with the revelation of the mystery hidden for long ages past, +[1285.60 --> 1291.50] but now revealed and made known through the prophetic writings by the command of the eternal God, +[1291.64 --> 1295.34] so that all the Gentiles might come to the obedience that comes from faith, +[1295.34 --> 1301.62] to the only wise God be glory forever through Jesus Christ. +[1302.38 --> 1302.76] Amen. +[1304.30 --> 1305.54] This is the word of the Lord. +[1310.24 --> 1313.60] So this morning, as our sort of weigh in, +[1313.60 --> 1314.72] I want to ask the question, +[1315.12 --> 1320.04] how would you end perhaps the greatest letter ever written? +[1320.04 --> 1323.72] Now throughout this series on Romans, +[1324.18 --> 1329.02] we've been talking about and in hearing about the impact of this letter, +[1329.12 --> 1330.34] this book of the Bible. +[1331.12 --> 1333.34] Pastor Kevin, in one of his messages, +[1333.88 --> 1337.28] shared how Bible scholars say that +[1337.28 --> 1341.82] in this letter is the most important paragraph ever written, +[1342.16 --> 1343.24] is how Kevin put it. +[1343.24 --> 1349.08] A verse from this letter changed the course of church history. +[1349.42 --> 1350.68] Romans 1 verse 17. +[1350.80 --> 1351.82] We'll see that in a little bit. +[1352.24 --> 1354.36] Three chapters from this letter +[1354.36 --> 1357.46] have shaped conversations in biblical theology +[1357.46 --> 1359.58] for literally millennia. +[1360.60 --> 1362.02] That's chapters 9 through 11. +[1363.28 --> 1363.88] Personally, +[1364.22 --> 1366.18] my favorite chapter in the whole Bible +[1366.18 --> 1367.52] is in the book of Romans. +[1368.50 --> 1370.10] Maybe yours is too, +[1370.10 --> 1371.92] because a lot of people love Romans 8. +[1374.18 --> 1374.80] And so, +[1375.54 --> 1376.96] Tony Merida asks, +[1377.36 --> 1381.56] how do you end the greatest letter ever written? +[1383.04 --> 1385.08] And the answer that I hope we'll see +[1385.08 --> 1388.56] is the same way you started it. +[1389.72 --> 1391.38] The same way you started it. +[1391.44 --> 1391.52] Right? +[1391.58 --> 1392.48] From the beginning, +[1393.14 --> 1394.60] the letter to the Romans +[1394.60 --> 1397.32] has been about one thing. +[1398.58 --> 1401.52] The gospel of Jesus Christ. +[1402.74 --> 1402.90] Right? +[1402.94 --> 1404.82] From the deep, unsettling truth +[1404.82 --> 1406.64] of our need for the gospel +[1406.64 --> 1407.56] to the reality +[1407.56 --> 1408.76] of how the gospel +[1408.76 --> 1411.00] works out in the order of salvation +[1411.00 --> 1411.84] to the truth +[1411.84 --> 1413.10] of how the gospel continues +[1413.10 --> 1414.16] to work itself out +[1414.16 --> 1415.26] in the lives of those +[1415.26 --> 1416.76] who are transformed by it +[1416.76 --> 1417.34] and the truth +[1417.34 --> 1418.46] of how the gospel +[1418.46 --> 1420.76] shapes the community of people +[1420.76 --> 1422.58] who are made by it. +[1423.30 --> 1423.44] Right? +[1423.44 --> 1425.16] These themes are found +[1425.16 --> 1427.14] throughout the entire letter. +[1427.26 --> 1428.08] And what we have said +[1428.08 --> 1429.06] over and over +[1429.06 --> 1429.94] is that Romans +[1429.94 --> 1431.74] from first to last +[1431.74 --> 1434.10] has been about the gospel. +[1435.86 --> 1437.36] You end the letter +[1437.36 --> 1439.04] the same way you started. +[1439.90 --> 1440.38] In fact, +[1440.50 --> 1441.48] the language of +[1441.48 --> 1444.20] verses 25 through 27 +[1444.20 --> 1446.08] echo the language +[1446.08 --> 1449.30] of the first five verses +[1449.30 --> 1450.40] of the book. +[1450.40 --> 1453.58] There's a nice bookend +[1453.58 --> 1454.70] to the way Paul +[1454.70 --> 1456.56] concludes this letter. +[1457.22 --> 1458.44] Did we have this image, Linda? +[1461.44 --> 1463.12] So, you can see +[1463.12 --> 1465.80] maybe +[1465.80 --> 1477.26] the first five books +[1477.26 --> 1478.02] of the Bible +[1478.02 --> 1478.88] have themes +[1478.88 --> 1479.88] that correspond +[1479.88 --> 1480.74] Linda can get it up +[1480.74 --> 1481.44] as she gets it +[1481.44 --> 1483.84] to these ones here. +[1485.30 --> 1485.54] Right? +[1485.58 --> 1486.88] In the first five verses +[1486.88 --> 1488.90] and in these last three verses +[1488.90 --> 1490.74] Paul talks about the gospel. +[1490.88 --> 1492.26] He talks about being set apart +[1492.26 --> 1493.84] for the gospel. +[1493.84 --> 1495.84] Right? +[1495.88 --> 1497.48] He grounds this gospel +[1497.48 --> 1499.28] in the person +[1499.28 --> 1500.86] and work of Jesus Christ. +[1501.84 --> 1502.72] And he shows +[1502.72 --> 1504.02] how this gospel +[1504.02 --> 1505.38] has been God's plan +[1505.38 --> 1506.40] all along +[1506.40 --> 1507.66] revealed in the writings +[1507.66 --> 1508.30] of the prophets +[1508.30 --> 1509.38] and in the writings +[1509.38 --> 1510.20] of Holy Scripture. +[1511.30 --> 1512.18] The purpose +[1512.18 --> 1513.72] has been +[1513.72 --> 1514.52] always +[1514.52 --> 1515.66] so that +[1515.66 --> 1516.62] the Gentiles +[1516.62 --> 1517.32] that is people +[1517.32 --> 1518.28] who are not Jewish +[1518.28 --> 1519.58] you and me +[1519.58 --> 1521.18] might come to +[1521.18 --> 1522.18] obedience +[1522.18 --> 1523.06] that comes +[1523.06 --> 1524.22] from faith. +[1525.08 --> 1525.38] In fact, +[1525.46 --> 1525.88] if you hold +[1525.88 --> 1526.64] these two things +[1526.64 --> 1527.68] side by each +[1527.68 --> 1529.52] it's pretty masterful +[1529.52 --> 1530.30] letter writing +[1530.30 --> 1531.64] that's going on here. +[1533.28 --> 1533.90] But +[1533.90 --> 1535.70] what is +[1535.70 --> 1536.70] specifically +[1536.70 --> 1538.14] unique +[1538.14 --> 1539.46] about +[1539.46 --> 1540.36] verses 25 +[1540.36 --> 1541.20] through 27 +[1541.20 --> 1542.70] is how Paul +[1542.70 --> 1543.96] then surrounds +[1543.96 --> 1544.62] this +[1544.62 --> 1545.52] repeated +[1545.52 --> 1546.72] message. +[1547.92 --> 1548.32] Right? +[1548.32 --> 1550.00] this call +[1550.00 --> 1551.20] is to +[1551.20 --> 1551.96] surround +[1551.96 --> 1553.02] the gospel +[1553.02 --> 1554.86] with doxology +[1554.86 --> 1556.20] with words +[1556.20 --> 1557.04] of praise +[1557.04 --> 1558.22] and of blessing. +[1559.04 --> 1559.12] Right? +[1559.12 --> 1559.98] Notice how he starts +[1559.98 --> 1560.70] our text. +[1560.82 --> 1561.08] He says +[1561.08 --> 1562.18] now to him +[1562.18 --> 1562.92] who is able +[1562.92 --> 1564.10] to establish you +[1564.10 --> 1564.72] in accordance +[1564.72 --> 1566.16] with my gospel. +[1566.26 --> 1567.10] And then he continues +[1567.10 --> 1568.36] as we have seen +[1568.36 --> 1569.52] repeating themes +[1569.52 --> 1570.28] from the first +[1570.28 --> 1571.34] five verses +[1571.34 --> 1572.08] of the letter +[1572.08 --> 1573.50] and then he comes +[1573.50 --> 1574.38] back to +[1574.38 --> 1575.08] this idea +[1575.08 --> 1576.00] of doxology. +[1576.56 --> 1576.68] Right? +[1577.28 --> 1578.46] Now to him +[1578.46 --> 1579.42] the wise +[1579.42 --> 1580.02] God +[1580.02 --> 1580.74] be glory +[1580.74 --> 1581.42] forever +[1581.42 --> 1582.32] through Jesus +[1582.32 --> 1582.92] Christ. +[1583.70 --> 1584.04] Amen. +[1585.12 --> 1585.88] And this is +[1585.88 --> 1586.86] the same idea +[1586.86 --> 1587.68] that we have seen +[1587.68 --> 1588.52] over and over +[1588.52 --> 1589.40] and over again +[1589.40 --> 1590.28] in the letter +[1590.28 --> 1590.84] to the Romans +[1590.84 --> 1591.66] that the gospel +[1591.66 --> 1593.26] transforms us +[1593.26 --> 1593.96] into +[1593.96 --> 1595.12] worshipers. +[1596.92 --> 1597.96] The gospel +[1597.96 --> 1599.20] transforms us +[1599.20 --> 1600.08] into worshipers +[1600.08 --> 1601.66] and that's +[1601.66 --> 1602.72] actually the theme +[1602.72 --> 1603.74] for this morning. +[1604.80 --> 1604.90] Right? +[1605.00 --> 1606.16] God gives the gospel +[1606.16 --> 1607.30] to start +[1607.30 --> 1608.48] and sustain +[1608.48 --> 1609.66] our lives +[1609.66 --> 1610.50] of God +[1610.50 --> 1611.54] glorifying +[1611.54 --> 1612.40] gratitude. +[1614.24 --> 1615.10] Now to help +[1615.10 --> 1615.82] make this idea +[1615.82 --> 1616.90] make sense to us +[1616.90 --> 1617.94] coming out of this text +[1617.94 --> 1619.24] I'll frame +[1619.24 --> 1619.86] what's left +[1619.86 --> 1620.34] of our time +[1620.34 --> 1620.76] this morning +[1620.76 --> 1621.76] around four +[1621.76 --> 1623.14] questions. +[1624.16 --> 1624.82] And the first +[1624.82 --> 1625.50] question +[1625.50 --> 1627.18] has to be +[1627.18 --> 1628.66] what is the gospel? +[1629.76 --> 1629.90] Right? +[1629.90 --> 1630.82] What is the gospel? +[1631.58 --> 1632.06] Earlier +[1632.06 --> 1633.52] we sang a song +[1633.52 --> 1634.68] We Are Not Ashamed +[1634.68 --> 1635.66] and that idea +[1635.66 --> 1636.36] comes from +[1636.36 --> 1637.04] Romans 1 +[1637.04 --> 1638.26] verse 16 +[1638.26 --> 1638.72] it says +[1638.72 --> 1639.82] I'm not ashamed +[1639.82 --> 1640.56] of the gospel +[1640.56 --> 1641.80] for it is the power +[1641.80 --> 1642.56] of God +[1642.56 --> 1643.48] unto salvation. +[1644.36 --> 1644.92] The power +[1644.92 --> 1645.34] of God +[1645.34 --> 1646.06] unto salvation +[1646.06 --> 1647.10] is the gospel. +[1647.22 --> 1647.62] The gospel +[1647.62 --> 1648.40] is the power +[1648.40 --> 1648.80] of God +[1648.80 --> 1649.84] unto salvation. +[1650.02 --> 1650.32] And then in +[1650.32 --> 1651.58] Romans 17 +[1651.58 --> 1653.06] he continues +[1653.06 --> 1654.08] in the gospel +[1654.08 --> 1654.90] the righteousness +[1654.90 --> 1655.58] of God +[1655.58 --> 1656.22] is revealed +[1656.22 --> 1657.16] a righteousness +[1657.16 --> 1658.44] that is by faith +[1658.44 --> 1659.16] from first +[1659.16 --> 1660.00] to last +[1660.00 --> 1661.92] just as it is written +[1661.92 --> 1662.84] the righteous +[1662.84 --> 1663.66] will live +[1663.66 --> 1664.94] by faith. +[1665.96 --> 1666.64] Jesus +[1666.64 --> 1668.12] is +[1668.12 --> 1669.00] the righteousness +[1669.00 --> 1670.30] of God. +[1670.80 --> 1671.58] The truth +[1671.58 --> 1672.54] is that in Adam +[1672.54 --> 1673.50] all sin +[1673.50 --> 1674.56] and death +[1674.56 --> 1675.50] has now entered +[1675.50 --> 1676.34] the world +[1676.34 --> 1677.16] through sin +[1677.16 --> 1678.64] and in Christ +[1678.64 --> 1680.04] the gospel reality +[1680.04 --> 1681.02] is that all +[1681.02 --> 1682.28] are made alive +[1682.28 --> 1683.02] that life +[1683.02 --> 1683.72] is granted +[1683.72 --> 1684.80] by him. +[1684.80 --> 1686.40] This is the gospel +[1686.40 --> 1687.04] in its most +[1687.04 --> 1687.78] fundamental +[1687.78 --> 1689.44] core form. +[1690.36 --> 1691.22] The idea +[1691.22 --> 1691.68] that I am +[1691.68 --> 1692.34] more sinful +[1692.34 --> 1693.00] than I would +[1693.00 --> 1694.26] ever dare +[1694.26 --> 1694.98] admit +[1694.98 --> 1696.72] and yet +[1696.72 --> 1698.14] I am more +[1698.14 --> 1698.84] loved +[1698.84 --> 1699.34] than I could +[1699.34 --> 1700.66] ever imagine +[1700.66 --> 1701.62] possible. +[1702.80 --> 1703.20] And out +[1703.20 --> 1704.44] of this love +[1704.44 --> 1704.86] God +[1704.86 --> 1705.90] came into +[1705.90 --> 1706.42] the world +[1706.42 --> 1707.50] in Jesus Christ +[1707.50 --> 1708.18] and he lived +[1708.18 --> 1708.70] the life +[1708.70 --> 1709.58] I should have +[1709.58 --> 1709.96] lived. +[1712.10 --> 1712.90] In living +[1712.90 --> 1713.40] the life +[1713.40 --> 1713.98] I should have +[1713.98 --> 1714.58] lived even +[1714.58 --> 1715.20] though he +[1715.20 --> 1716.06] was innocent +[1716.06 --> 1716.96] and perfect +[1716.96 --> 1717.58] even though +[1717.58 --> 1718.06] he kept +[1718.06 --> 1718.46] all the +[1718.46 --> 1718.98] requirements +[1718.98 --> 1720.08] of the law +[1720.08 --> 1721.10] even though +[1721.10 --> 1721.52] he was +[1721.52 --> 1721.86] innocent +[1721.86 --> 1722.56] this same +[1722.56 --> 1723.16] Jesus +[1723.16 --> 1724.10] died the +[1724.10 --> 1724.46] death +[1724.46 --> 1725.14] that I +[1725.14 --> 1725.66] deserved. +[1726.84 --> 1727.38] And that in +[1727.38 --> 1727.82] dying the +[1727.82 --> 1728.34] death that I +[1728.34 --> 1728.92] deserved for +[1728.92 --> 1729.48] sin he +[1729.48 --> 1730.06] paid the +[1730.06 --> 1730.34] penalty. +[1730.52 --> 1730.98] He bore +[1730.98 --> 1731.74] the wrath +[1731.74 --> 1732.20] of God +[1732.20 --> 1732.62] for sin +[1732.62 --> 1732.98] so that +[1732.98 --> 1733.74] I might +[1733.74 --> 1734.20] not have +[1734.20 --> 1734.40] to. +[1735.16 --> 1735.76] That's the +[1735.76 --> 1736.22] gospel. +[1737.42 --> 1738.08] That he +[1738.08 --> 1738.52] lived the +[1738.52 --> 1738.86] life I +[1738.86 --> 1739.18] should have +[1739.18 --> 1739.54] lived and +[1739.54 --> 1739.96] died the +[1739.96 --> 1740.32] death that +[1740.32 --> 1740.78] I deserved +[1740.78 --> 1741.02] and that +[1741.02 --> 1741.64] three days +[1741.64 --> 1742.40] later he +[1742.40 --> 1743.02] was raised +[1743.02 --> 1743.56] again. +[1743.98 --> 1744.66] victorious +[1744.66 --> 1745.50] over sin +[1745.50 --> 1746.02] and death +[1746.02 --> 1746.56] and now +[1746.56 --> 1747.04] he has +[1747.04 --> 1747.74] called us +[1747.74 --> 1748.22] to be +[1748.22 --> 1748.68] his +[1748.68 --> 1749.08] witnesses +[1749.08 --> 1749.82] in Judea +[1749.82 --> 1750.50] and Samaria +[1750.50 --> 1751.00] and to the +[1751.00 --> 1751.44] ends of the +[1751.44 --> 1751.62] earth. +[1751.92 --> 1752.38] He has +[1752.38 --> 1753.02] ascended to +[1753.02 --> 1753.44] the right +[1753.44 --> 1754.22] hand of +[1754.22 --> 1754.60] God the +[1754.60 --> 1754.86] Father +[1754.86 --> 1755.26] and from +[1755.26 --> 1755.64] there +[1755.64 --> 1756.28] together +[1756.28 --> 1756.66] they have +[1756.66 --> 1757.20] sent the +[1757.20 --> 1757.96] Holy Spirit +[1757.96 --> 1758.54] so that +[1758.54 --> 1759.14] we might +[1759.14 --> 1760.04] live this +[1760.04 --> 1761.36] truth out +[1761.36 --> 1761.80] in the +[1761.80 --> 1762.10] world. +[1764.24 --> 1764.96] That's the +[1764.96 --> 1765.44] gospel. +[1767.18 --> 1767.96] And here's +[1767.96 --> 1768.36] what I want +[1768.36 --> 1768.76] us to make +[1768.76 --> 1769.44] sure we hear +[1769.44 --> 1769.98] coming out +[1769.98 --> 1770.70] of this +[1770.70 --> 1771.52] letter to +[1771.52 --> 1771.68] the +[1771.68 --> 1772.00] Romans. +[1773.58 --> 1774.52] The gospel +[1774.52 --> 1775.48] is not +[1775.48 --> 1776.90] that you +[1776.90 --> 1778.36] love God +[1778.36 --> 1778.74] and love +[1778.74 --> 1779.10] your neighbor. +[1780.74 --> 1781.58] The gospel +[1781.58 --> 1782.36] is not +[1782.36 --> 1783.02] that you +[1783.02 --> 1783.50] try to be +[1783.50 --> 1783.86] good to +[1783.86 --> 1784.34] everyone. +[1785.52 --> 1786.40] The gospel +[1786.40 --> 1787.06] isn't that +[1787.06 --> 1787.38] you love +[1787.38 --> 1787.96] your enemies +[1787.96 --> 1789.28] and the +[1789.28 --> 1789.98] gospel isn't +[1789.98 --> 1790.30] that you're +[1790.30 --> 1790.84] created in +[1790.84 --> 1791.18] the image +[1791.18 --> 1791.58] of God +[1791.58 --> 1792.08] and loved +[1792.08 --> 1792.94] just how +[1792.94 --> 1793.40] you are +[1793.40 --> 1794.30] and remain +[1794.30 --> 1794.60] there. +[1795.18 --> 1796.12] Even though +[1796.12 --> 1796.80] every one +[1796.80 --> 1797.14] of those +[1797.14 --> 1797.60] things is +[1797.60 --> 1798.22] true except +[1798.22 --> 1798.56] for the +[1798.56 --> 1798.88] remaining +[1798.88 --> 1799.24] there a +[1799.24 --> 1799.42] bit. +[1801.28 --> 1802.00] In some +[1802.00 --> 1802.50] way every +[1802.50 --> 1802.84] one of +[1802.84 --> 1803.36] those things +[1803.36 --> 1803.74] is a +[1803.74 --> 1804.56] calling and +[1804.56 --> 1805.06] a reality +[1805.06 --> 1805.40] that we're +[1805.40 --> 1805.92] supposed to +[1805.92 --> 1806.52] live out +[1806.52 --> 1807.50] after the +[1807.50 --> 1808.32] gospel has +[1808.32 --> 1808.68] been made +[1808.68 --> 1809.28] effective in +[1809.28 --> 1809.64] our lives. +[1809.72 --> 1810.22] The order +[1810.22 --> 1811.08] matters. +[1812.50 --> 1813.44] The gospel +[1813.44 --> 1814.60] as the +[1814.60 --> 1815.14] gospel, +[1815.64 --> 1816.10] the good +[1816.10 --> 1816.74] news of +[1816.74 --> 1817.88] Jesus Christ +[1817.88 --> 1819.32] matters here. +[1820.02 --> 1820.32] And too +[1820.32 --> 1821.14] many times +[1821.14 --> 1821.72] too many +[1821.72 --> 1822.16] people, +[1822.32 --> 1822.68] Christian +[1822.68 --> 1823.36] people, +[1823.48 --> 1823.98] well-meaning +[1823.98 --> 1824.62] people, +[1824.84 --> 1825.72] invert the +[1825.72 --> 1826.04] order. +[1826.78 --> 1827.22] Too many +[1827.22 --> 1828.26] times people +[1828.26 --> 1829.34] change the +[1829.34 --> 1830.14] expectations. +[1831.40 --> 1831.78] Too many +[1831.78 --> 1832.40] times Christians +[1832.40 --> 1832.92] say you +[1832.92 --> 1833.34] need to +[1833.34 --> 1833.90] live the +[1833.90 --> 1834.40] way we +[1834.40 --> 1835.32] live before +[1835.32 --> 1836.28] you have +[1836.28 --> 1836.44] the +[1836.44 --> 1836.96] transformation +[1836.96 --> 1837.94] we have. +[1840.36 --> 1841.22] The gospel +[1841.22 --> 1842.40] is the +[1842.40 --> 1843.14] good news +[1843.14 --> 1843.70] of Jesus +[1843.70 --> 1844.28] Christ. +[1844.70 --> 1845.30] And it's +[1845.30 --> 1846.16] laying hold +[1846.16 --> 1846.48] of the +[1846.48 --> 1847.22] gospel that +[1847.22 --> 1847.82] transforms +[1847.82 --> 1848.22] us. +[1848.50 --> 1849.08] By grace +[1849.08 --> 1849.70] through faith +[1849.70 --> 1850.22] when people +[1850.22 --> 1850.98] believe this +[1850.98 --> 1851.38] truth, +[1851.68 --> 1852.08] you are +[1852.08 --> 1852.76] transformed. +[1853.18 --> 1853.80] The gospel +[1853.80 --> 1854.72] transforms you +[1854.72 --> 1855.48] because God +[1855.48 --> 1856.46] has already +[1856.46 --> 1857.76] regenerated your +[1857.76 --> 1858.26] heart so +[1858.26 --> 1858.56] that you +[1858.56 --> 1859.50] can believe. +[1860.14 --> 1860.22] Right? +[1860.32 --> 1861.00] Regeneration +[1861.00 --> 1861.78] precedes +[1861.78 --> 1862.36] faith. +[1862.46 --> 1862.68] We had a +[1862.68 --> 1863.14] whole sermon +[1863.14 --> 1863.64] on that +[1863.64 --> 1864.40] from Romans +[1864.40 --> 1865.12] 9, 30 +[1865.12 --> 1865.96] to 10, 13. +[1867.40 --> 1867.92] Believing +[1867.92 --> 1869.12] this gospel +[1869.12 --> 1870.74] unites us +[1870.74 --> 1871.78] to Christ. +[1873.50 --> 1874.02] And so we +[1874.02 --> 1875.30] cannot exchange +[1875.30 --> 1876.00] the gospel +[1876.00 --> 1877.06] for what we've +[1877.06 --> 1877.42] called a +[1877.42 --> 1878.22] nova lex, +[1878.30 --> 1878.78] a new +[1878.78 --> 1879.44] law. +[1880.22 --> 1880.84] And we +[1880.84 --> 1881.72] cannot exchange +[1881.72 --> 1882.38] the gospel +[1882.38 --> 1883.52] for no +[1883.52 --> 1884.04] law. +[1885.00 --> 1885.50] We can't +[1885.50 --> 1886.12] exchange the +[1886.12 --> 1886.76] gospel for +[1886.76 --> 1887.26] the messaging +[1887.26 --> 1888.00] of the +[1888.00 --> 1888.40] world. +[1889.38 --> 1889.92] The gospel +[1889.92 --> 1890.72] is a +[1890.72 --> 1891.60] message and +[1891.60 --> 1892.20] an eternal +[1892.20 --> 1893.00] message that +[1893.00 --> 1893.66] gives us an +[1893.66 --> 1894.56] eternal hope. +[1895.22 --> 1895.68] And we +[1895.68 --> 1896.20] can't settle +[1896.20 --> 1896.80] for a +[1896.80 --> 1897.40] terrestrial +[1897.40 --> 1898.68] hope and +[1898.68 --> 1899.08] a lesser +[1899.08 --> 1899.82] glory in +[1899.82 --> 1900.44] its place. +[1901.26 --> 1901.92] But all +[1901.92 --> 1902.58] too often +[1902.58 --> 1903.78] that's what +[1903.78 --> 1904.16] we do. +[1906.02 --> 1906.74] And so that +[1906.74 --> 1907.16] brings us to +[1907.16 --> 1907.52] the second +[1907.52 --> 1908.06] question. +[1909.00 --> 1909.46] How does +[1909.46 --> 1910.26] God give +[1910.26 --> 1911.24] the gospel? +[1911.24 --> 1912.20] How does +[1912.20 --> 1912.64] God make +[1912.64 --> 1913.34] known this +[1913.34 --> 1913.76] truth? +[1913.98 --> 1914.28] How do +[1914.28 --> 1914.82] we ensure +[1914.82 --> 1915.14] that we're +[1915.14 --> 1915.48] getting the +[1915.48 --> 1916.06] real thing +[1916.06 --> 1916.36] and not +[1916.36 --> 1917.20] some lesser +[1917.20 --> 1918.02] gospel, +[1918.22 --> 1919.14] some substitute? +[1919.94 --> 1920.34] And how do +[1920.34 --> 1921.26] we have other +[1921.26 --> 1922.08] people hear +[1922.08 --> 1922.78] this truth +[1922.78 --> 1923.16] and be +[1923.16 --> 1923.86] convicted by +[1923.86 --> 1924.10] it and +[1924.10 --> 1924.36] believe? +[1925.64 --> 1926.26] We've seen +[1926.26 --> 1926.82] this too. +[1927.46 --> 1928.38] Romans 10 +[1928.38 --> 1929.28] tells us +[1929.28 --> 1930.68] very clearly, +[1930.88 --> 1931.48] if you declare +[1931.48 --> 1932.20] with your mouth +[1932.20 --> 1933.18] Jesus is Lord +[1933.18 --> 1933.78] and believe +[1933.78 --> 1934.38] in your heart +[1934.38 --> 1934.74] that God +[1934.74 --> 1935.24] raised him +[1935.24 --> 1935.60] from the +[1935.60 --> 1935.82] dead, +[1935.92 --> 1936.40] you will +[1936.40 --> 1937.04] be saved. +[1938.16 --> 1938.44] And there's +[1938.44 --> 1939.04] another summary +[1939.04 --> 1939.66] of the gospel. +[1939.84 --> 1940.72] Jesus is Lord +[1940.72 --> 1941.22] and God +[1941.22 --> 1941.80] raised him +[1941.80 --> 1942.18] from the +[1942.18 --> 1942.40] dead. +[1943.28 --> 1943.90] That's all +[1943.90 --> 1944.28] it takes +[1944.28 --> 1944.58] to be +[1944.58 --> 1944.86] saved. +[1945.88 --> 1946.32] Believing +[1946.32 --> 1946.88] this truth +[1946.88 --> 1947.24] is the +[1947.24 --> 1947.76] gift of +[1947.76 --> 1948.16] God +[1948.16 --> 1948.94] by grace +[1948.94 --> 1949.58] through faith. +[1950.44 --> 1950.72] And Paul +[1950.72 --> 1951.48] says very +[1951.48 --> 1952.46] clearly to +[1952.46 --> 1953.12] everyone who +[1953.12 --> 1953.90] calls on +[1953.90 --> 1954.14] the name +[1954.14 --> 1954.38] of the +[1954.38 --> 1954.58] Lord +[1954.58 --> 1955.12] that you +[1955.12 --> 1955.80] will be +[1955.80 --> 1956.24] saved. +[1957.68 --> 1958.24] But again, +[1958.96 --> 1959.52] that begs +[1959.52 --> 1960.26] the question, +[1960.88 --> 1961.48] how can +[1961.48 --> 1962.14] they call +[1962.14 --> 1962.50] on the +[1962.50 --> 1962.76] name of +[1962.76 --> 1963.04] the Lord? +[1963.12 --> 1963.60] How will +[1963.60 --> 1964.44] they hear +[1964.44 --> 1964.80] the name +[1964.80 --> 1965.02] of the +[1965.02 --> 1965.36] Lord in +[1965.36 --> 1965.68] order to +[1965.68 --> 1966.46] call on +[1966.46 --> 1966.66] him? +[1967.68 --> 1967.82] And +[1967.82 --> 1968.06] scripture +[1968.06 --> 1968.68] has this +[1968.68 --> 1969.30] answer too. +[1969.30 --> 1970.62] How then +[1970.62 --> 1970.96] can they +[1970.96 --> 1971.40] call on +[1971.40 --> 1971.78] the one +[1971.78 --> 1973.12] they have +[1973.12 --> 1973.66] not believed +[1973.66 --> 1973.94] in? +[1974.18 --> 1974.44] And how +[1974.44 --> 1974.74] can they +[1974.74 --> 1975.26] believe in +[1975.26 --> 1975.72] one of +[1975.72 --> 1976.10] whom they +[1976.10 --> 1976.48] have not +[1976.48 --> 1976.80] heard? +[1977.04 --> 1977.40] And how +[1977.40 --> 1977.72] can they +[1977.72 --> 1978.72] hear without +[1978.72 --> 1979.50] someone preaching +[1979.50 --> 1979.94] to them? +[1979.98 --> 1980.26] And how +[1980.26 --> 1980.86] can anyone +[1980.86 --> 1981.74] preach unless +[1981.74 --> 1982.20] they are +[1982.20 --> 1982.58] sent? +[1983.72 --> 1984.64] God gives +[1984.64 --> 1985.28] the gospel +[1985.28 --> 1986.04] by sending +[1986.04 --> 1987.28] out preachers. +[1988.04 --> 1988.64] And let me +[1988.64 --> 1989.08] be really +[1989.08 --> 1989.42] clear, +[1989.56 --> 1989.70] okay, +[1989.74 --> 1990.22] it is true +[1990.22 --> 1990.60] that I +[1990.60 --> 1990.98] have a +[1990.98 --> 1991.26] unique +[1991.26 --> 1991.76] calling +[1991.76 --> 1992.62] standing on +[1992.62 --> 1993.04] this stage +[1993.04 --> 1993.28] as a +[1993.28 --> 1993.50] preacher, +[1993.66 --> 1994.18] Pastor Kevin, +[1994.52 --> 1995.06] Pastor Josh, +[1995.14 --> 1995.58] anyone who +[1995.58 --> 1996.02] comes up +[1996.02 --> 1996.68] here and +[1996.68 --> 1997.60] is given +[1997.60 --> 1998.42] to speak +[1998.42 --> 1998.86] God's +[1998.86 --> 1999.24] word to +[1999.24 --> 1999.52] you has +[1999.52 --> 2000.00] a unique +[2000.00 --> 2000.68] calling in +[2000.68 --> 2001.18] a way that +[2001.18 --> 2002.02] is intended +[2002.02 --> 2002.52] to build +[2002.52 --> 2002.82] up the +[2002.82 --> 2003.28] church and +[2003.28 --> 2003.86] to equip +[2003.86 --> 2004.70] you for +[2004.70 --> 2005.68] your expression +[2005.68 --> 2006.68] of faith, +[2006.78 --> 2007.22] for your +[2007.22 --> 2008.72] expression of +[2008.72 --> 2009.64] the same +[2009.64 --> 2010.48] calling. +[2011.42 --> 2012.30] Because you, +[2012.68 --> 2013.46] every one of +[2013.46 --> 2013.76] you who +[2013.76 --> 2014.08] believe, +[2014.20 --> 2014.64] are called +[2014.64 --> 2015.16] to preach +[2015.16 --> 2015.78] the gospel. +[2016.46 --> 2017.02] That's how +[2017.02 --> 2017.76] people hear, +[2018.08 --> 2018.48] that's how +[2018.48 --> 2019.18] people know, +[2019.52 --> 2020.04] that's how +[2020.04 --> 2020.66] God gives +[2020.66 --> 2021.08] us the +[2021.08 --> 2021.52] message. +[2022.34 --> 2022.66] Again, +[2022.76 --> 2023.08] in Romans +[2023.08 --> 2023.40] 10, +[2023.52 --> 2023.96] Paul says, +[2023.96 --> 2024.96] consequently, +[2025.20 --> 2025.86] faith comes +[2025.86 --> 2026.52] from hearing +[2026.52 --> 2027.24] the message +[2027.24 --> 2027.56] and the +[2027.56 --> 2028.08] message is +[2028.08 --> 2028.96] heard through +[2028.96 --> 2029.58] the word +[2029.58 --> 2030.90] of Christ. +[2033.22 --> 2033.96] And here, +[2034.40 --> 2035.28] I'm going to +[2035.28 --> 2036.02] slow down +[2036.02 --> 2037.80] because I +[2037.80 --> 2038.28] want to be +[2038.28 --> 2039.74] really clear +[2039.74 --> 2040.90] about the +[2040.90 --> 2041.32] next thing +[2041.32 --> 2041.76] I say. +[2042.98 --> 2043.56] Because +[2043.56 --> 2044.30] sometimes, +[2045.06 --> 2045.88] well-meaning +[2045.88 --> 2047.00] people hear +[2047.00 --> 2048.22] this message, +[2048.34 --> 2048.84] hear this +[2048.84 --> 2049.50] truth, +[2049.80 --> 2050.78] and immediately +[2050.78 --> 2052.72] our brains +[2052.72 --> 2053.26] have been +[2053.26 --> 2053.78] conditioned +[2053.78 --> 2054.78] to hear +[2054.78 --> 2055.34] the words +[2055.34 --> 2055.94] of Francis +[2055.94 --> 2056.44] Assisi, +[2057.36 --> 2057.96] who said, +[2058.40 --> 2058.92] always preach +[2058.92 --> 2059.52] the gospel, +[2060.12 --> 2061.50] if necessary, +[2062.20 --> 2062.92] use words. +[2064.36 --> 2065.38] The idea +[2065.38 --> 2066.10] there being +[2066.10 --> 2067.04] that if you +[2067.04 --> 2067.96] live the +[2067.96 --> 2068.88] kind of life +[2068.88 --> 2069.62] that the +[2069.62 --> 2070.40] gospel talks +[2070.40 --> 2070.84] about, +[2071.18 --> 2072.62] and people +[2072.62 --> 2073.32] see that, +[2073.94 --> 2075.26] then they +[2075.26 --> 2075.78] will see +[2075.78 --> 2076.50] that life +[2076.50 --> 2077.38] and want +[2077.38 --> 2078.02] that life, +[2078.06 --> 2078.68] and you +[2078.68 --> 2079.46] don't actually +[2079.46 --> 2080.08] have to say +[2080.08 --> 2080.46] anything. +[2080.74 --> 2081.30] You don't +[2081.30 --> 2081.86] actually have +[2081.86 --> 2082.72] to use words. +[2082.72 --> 2084.28] but hear +[2084.28 --> 2084.54] this, +[2084.60 --> 2084.84] this is +[2084.84 --> 2085.14] really +[2085.14 --> 2085.74] important, +[2086.14 --> 2086.24] right? +[2086.74 --> 2087.34] Salvation +[2087.34 --> 2088.20] doesn't come +[2088.20 --> 2089.18] to anyone +[2089.18 --> 2091.14] by following +[2091.14 --> 2092.38] someone's +[2092.38 --> 2093.04] example. +[2096.12 --> 2096.68] Now, +[2096.72 --> 2096.94] don't hear +[2096.94 --> 2097.16] what I'm +[2097.16 --> 2097.66] not saying. +[2098.40 --> 2098.90] Set a +[2098.90 --> 2099.54] good example. +[2101.06 --> 2101.88] But it is +[2101.88 --> 2102.78] not by your +[2102.78 --> 2104.06] example that +[2104.06 --> 2104.52] people are +[2104.52 --> 2104.82] saved. +[2104.98 --> 2105.48] It's not +[2105.48 --> 2106.04] even by +[2106.04 --> 2106.86] following the +[2106.86 --> 2107.64] example of +[2107.64 --> 2108.66] Jesus that +[2108.66 --> 2109.16] people are +[2109.16 --> 2109.54] saved. +[2109.54 --> 2109.60] saved. +[2110.48 --> 2111.30] Because in +[2111.30 --> 2112.02] following the +[2112.02 --> 2112.52] example, +[2112.84 --> 2113.28] what do we +[2113.28 --> 2113.58] do? +[2114.66 --> 2115.30] At least +[2115.30 --> 2115.70] what do I +[2115.70 --> 2115.96] do? +[2116.74 --> 2117.66] I fail +[2117.66 --> 2118.84] all the +[2118.84 --> 2119.22] time. +[2120.06 --> 2120.74] I can't +[2120.74 --> 2121.24] do it. +[2121.70 --> 2122.40] I can't +[2122.40 --> 2122.92] keep it +[2122.92 --> 2123.66] perfectly. +[2124.72 --> 2125.00] And so +[2125.00 --> 2125.44] it's true +[2125.44 --> 2125.86] for people +[2125.86 --> 2126.38] who follow +[2126.38 --> 2127.30] me as +[2127.30 --> 2127.90] an example. +[2128.06 --> 2128.40] You're not +[2128.40 --> 2128.60] going to +[2128.60 --> 2128.86] do it +[2128.86 --> 2129.30] because I +[2129.30 --> 2129.60] can't +[2129.60 --> 2129.96] do it. +[2130.68 --> 2131.34] People are +[2131.34 --> 2132.04] saved not +[2132.04 --> 2132.78] by following +[2132.78 --> 2133.92] the example +[2133.92 --> 2135.38] but by +[2135.38 --> 2136.82] believing the +[2136.82 --> 2137.34] message. +[2137.34 --> 2137.42] message. +[2139.00 --> 2139.26] And so +[2139.26 --> 2139.84] again, let +[2139.84 --> 2140.36] me be really +[2140.36 --> 2140.62] clear. +[2140.94 --> 2141.78] The life +[2141.78 --> 2142.70] you live +[2142.70 --> 2144.46] confirms that +[2144.46 --> 2144.96] you believe +[2144.96 --> 2145.70] this message. +[2146.28 --> 2146.92] The life +[2146.92 --> 2147.66] you live +[2147.66 --> 2149.36] helps validate +[2149.36 --> 2150.50] the truth of +[2150.50 --> 2151.04] the gospel +[2151.04 --> 2151.50] that you +[2151.50 --> 2152.08] declare. +[2153.16 --> 2153.76] But for +[2153.76 --> 2154.54] people to +[2154.54 --> 2155.84] receive salvation +[2155.84 --> 2156.56] and to be +[2156.56 --> 2157.24] saved by +[2157.24 --> 2157.88] their believing, +[2158.02 --> 2158.46] they have to +[2158.46 --> 2159.36] hear the +[2159.36 --> 2160.02] message of +[2160.02 --> 2161.42] Jesus and +[2161.42 --> 2162.26] confess that +[2162.26 --> 2162.94] Jesus is +[2162.94 --> 2163.66] Lord and +[2163.66 --> 2164.24] believe that +[2164.24 --> 2164.72] God raised +[2164.72 --> 2165.04] him from +[2165.04 --> 2165.42] the dead. +[2165.42 --> 2171.08] the life +[2171.08 --> 2171.50] you live +[2171.50 --> 2172.54] confirms the +[2172.54 --> 2173.02] truth of +[2173.02 --> 2173.58] the gospel +[2173.58 --> 2175.36] but it +[2175.36 --> 2175.66] doesn't +[2175.66 --> 2176.18] preach it. +[2177.40 --> 2178.22] To preach +[2178.22 --> 2178.92] it, you've +[2178.92 --> 2179.38] got to use +[2179.38 --> 2179.78] words. +[2180.50 --> 2181.08] You've got to +[2181.08 --> 2181.40] use the +[2181.40 --> 2181.68] scriptures. +[2181.86 --> 2182.16] You've got to +[2182.16 --> 2182.70] rely on the +[2182.70 --> 2183.16] Holy Spirit +[2183.16 --> 2183.96] to transform +[2183.96 --> 2184.66] lives by +[2184.66 --> 2184.86] it. +[2185.40 --> 2186.02] But here's +[2186.02 --> 2186.50] the promise +[2186.50 --> 2186.92] that comes +[2186.92 --> 2187.18] with the +[2187.18 --> 2187.48] gospel, +[2187.76 --> 2188.02] that he +[2188.02 --> 2188.40] will do +[2188.40 --> 2188.64] it, +[2189.08 --> 2189.36] that he +[2189.36 --> 2189.96] will use +[2189.96 --> 2190.56] you and +[2190.56 --> 2190.82] me. +[2191.12 --> 2191.44] The good +[2191.44 --> 2192.06] news of +[2192.06 --> 2192.86] our call +[2192.86 --> 2193.34] to mission +[2193.34 --> 2193.94] together is +[2193.94 --> 2194.32] that God +[2194.32 --> 2195.26] promises to +[2195.26 --> 2196.02] use broken +[2196.02 --> 2197.22] vessels like +[2197.22 --> 2198.22] us to +[2198.22 --> 2199.00] accomplish his +[2199.00 --> 2199.46] purposes. +[2200.44 --> 2200.90] God says +[2200.90 --> 2201.24] that when he +[2201.24 --> 2201.82] sends out +[2201.82 --> 2202.32] his word, +[2202.48 --> 2203.18] it will not +[2203.18 --> 2203.78] return to +[2203.78 --> 2204.60] him except +[2204.60 --> 2205.54] for accomplishing +[2205.54 --> 2206.16] the purposes +[2206.16 --> 2206.74] that he has +[2206.74 --> 2207.08] sent it. +[2207.26 --> 2208.00] He promises +[2208.00 --> 2209.04] to use our +[2209.04 --> 2209.54] feeble +[2209.54 --> 2210.18] attempts. +[2210.30 --> 2210.78] He promises +[2210.78 --> 2211.58] to use our +[2211.58 --> 2212.14] stumbling +[2212.14 --> 2212.86] words. +[2213.00 --> 2213.50] He promises +[2213.50 --> 2215.10] to use our +[2215.10 --> 2216.94] boring examples +[2216.94 --> 2218.18] and our bad +[2218.18 --> 2220.14] sermons because +[2220.14 --> 2220.74] he is a good +[2220.74 --> 2222.34] God who can +[2222.34 --> 2222.82] do that. +[2222.82 --> 2224.88] God gives +[2224.88 --> 2225.64] the seed of +[2225.64 --> 2226.22] the gospel. +[2226.50 --> 2226.96] He gives +[2226.96 --> 2227.22] it the +[2227.22 --> 2227.54] growth. +[2227.86 --> 2228.56] He causes +[2228.56 --> 2228.96] it to +[2228.96 --> 2229.52] take root. +[2231.12 --> 2231.68] So God +[2231.68 --> 2232.18] gives the +[2232.18 --> 2232.92] gospel through +[2232.92 --> 2233.56] his word +[2233.56 --> 2234.90] proclaimed by +[2234.90 --> 2235.30] you and +[2235.30 --> 2235.54] me. +[2236.30 --> 2236.92] God gives +[2236.92 --> 2237.68] the message +[2237.68 --> 2238.72] when we are +[2238.72 --> 2239.40] not ashamed +[2239.40 --> 2239.86] and we +[2239.86 --> 2240.46] declare it +[2240.46 --> 2240.74] to the +[2240.74 --> 2241.12] nations. +[2242.44 --> 2243.28] You are +[2243.28 --> 2244.02] his witnesses +[2244.02 --> 2245.22] through Judea +[2245.22 --> 2245.88] and Samaria +[2245.88 --> 2246.54] and to all +[2246.54 --> 2247.16] the nations +[2247.16 --> 2247.76] of the world. +[2248.08 --> 2248.94] You proclaim +[2248.94 --> 2249.58] his kingdom +[2249.58 --> 2250.30] come and his +[2250.30 --> 2250.90] kingdom coming. +[2250.90 --> 2252.32] You are the +[2252.32 --> 2253.70] ambassadors of +[2253.70 --> 2254.26] the gospel. +[2255.88 --> 2256.70] And when we +[2256.70 --> 2257.94] go out with +[2257.94 --> 2258.86] this message +[2258.86 --> 2260.24] lives are +[2260.24 --> 2260.72] changed. +[2262.08 --> 2262.86] The world +[2262.86 --> 2263.66] is transformed +[2263.66 --> 2265.28] because that's +[2265.28 --> 2265.78] how God has +[2265.78 --> 2266.40] set it up +[2266.40 --> 2267.74] in that order. +[2268.78 --> 2269.28] That's our +[2269.28 --> 2270.40] third question, +[2270.48 --> 2271.18] our third point +[2271.18 --> 2271.74] this morning. +[2272.14 --> 2273.12] How then does +[2273.12 --> 2273.78] the gospel +[2273.78 --> 2275.32] from start to +[2275.32 --> 2276.80] finish sustain +[2276.80 --> 2277.86] our lives? +[2278.68 --> 2279.40] Believing in the +[2279.40 --> 2280.12] gospel is how we +[2280.12 --> 2280.82] are born again. +[2281.34 --> 2281.84] Believing in the +[2281.84 --> 2282.44] gospel is how +[2282.44 --> 2283.20] Christian life +[2283.20 --> 2283.76] starts. +[2284.28 --> 2285.14] But believing +[2285.14 --> 2285.96] and applying +[2285.96 --> 2286.82] the gospel is +[2286.82 --> 2288.32] also how our +[2288.32 --> 2289.08] Christian life +[2289.08 --> 2289.92] is sustained. +[2290.98 --> 2291.74] Paul writes +[2291.74 --> 2292.36] in our text, +[2292.52 --> 2293.20] now to him +[2293.20 --> 2293.92] who is able +[2293.92 --> 2294.72] to establish +[2294.72 --> 2295.70] you in +[2295.70 --> 2296.44] accordance with +[2296.44 --> 2297.08] my gospel. +[2297.92 --> 2298.50] Sometimes I +[2298.50 --> 2298.94] think when we +[2298.94 --> 2299.44] hear the word +[2299.44 --> 2299.94] establish, +[2300.50 --> 2300.92] we think of +[2300.92 --> 2301.38] the beginning. +[2302.12 --> 2302.48] We think of +[2302.48 --> 2303.04] the start, +[2303.46 --> 2304.12] the new thing +[2304.12 --> 2304.66] that is done. +[2304.78 --> 2305.24] God is able +[2305.24 --> 2305.86] to establish +[2305.86 --> 2307.14] you by faith +[2307.14 --> 2307.80] in the gospel. +[2308.42 --> 2309.28] But the word +[2309.28 --> 2309.96] here that's +[2309.96 --> 2311.14] translated establish +[2311.14 --> 2312.30] also means +[2312.30 --> 2312.94] strengthen. +[2313.98 --> 2314.54] In fact, +[2314.62 --> 2315.36] if you read +[2315.36 --> 2315.76] a different +[2315.76 --> 2316.44] translation of +[2316.44 --> 2316.82] the Bible, +[2316.98 --> 2317.64] you might see +[2317.64 --> 2318.50] something like +[2318.50 --> 2319.72] who is able +[2319.72 --> 2320.40] to make you +[2320.40 --> 2321.08] strong or +[2321.08 --> 2321.64] who is able +[2321.64 --> 2322.24] to strengthen +[2322.24 --> 2322.60] you. +[2323.40 --> 2323.96] The gospel +[2323.96 --> 2324.58] isn't just +[2324.58 --> 2325.46] the way into +[2325.46 --> 2326.32] Christian faith, +[2326.46 --> 2327.36] it is the way +[2327.36 --> 2328.18] of Christian +[2328.18 --> 2328.58] faith. +[2329.80 --> 2330.40] Our faith +[2330.40 --> 2331.00] is started +[2331.00 --> 2331.70] by believing +[2331.70 --> 2332.28] in the gospel +[2332.28 --> 2332.98] and we are +[2332.98 --> 2333.58] transformed +[2333.58 --> 2334.70] by believing +[2334.70 --> 2335.32] the gospel. +[2336.12 --> 2336.88] To put this +[2336.88 --> 2337.42] in theological +[2337.42 --> 2337.94] terms that +[2337.94 --> 2338.26] we've used +[2338.26 --> 2338.58] before, +[2338.70 --> 2339.52] we are justified +[2339.52 --> 2340.96] when we believe +[2340.96 --> 2341.50] the gospel +[2341.50 --> 2342.52] and we are +[2342.52 --> 2343.78] sanctified in +[2343.78 --> 2344.56] our believing +[2344.56 --> 2345.50] of the gospel. +[2346.52 --> 2347.32] This is actually +[2347.32 --> 2348.12] the point we saw +[2348.12 --> 2349.00] in Romans 6 +[2349.00 --> 2350.66] verse 5 to 7. +[2350.74 --> 2351.18] It's a little bit +[2351.18 --> 2352.18] longer but it's +[2352.18 --> 2353.00] worth reading again. +[2354.60 --> 2355.76] For if we have +[2355.76 --> 2356.82] been united with +[2356.82 --> 2357.66] him in a death +[2357.66 --> 2358.40] like his, +[2358.78 --> 2359.54] we will certainly +[2359.54 --> 2360.98] also be united +[2360.98 --> 2361.64] with him in a +[2361.64 --> 2362.84] resurrection like +[2362.84 --> 2363.18] his. +[2363.18 --> 2364.54] For we know +[2364.54 --> 2365.26] that our old +[2365.26 --> 2366.24] self was crucified +[2366.24 --> 2367.12] with him so +[2367.12 --> 2367.68] that the body +[2367.68 --> 2368.54] ruled by sin +[2368.54 --> 2369.00] might be done +[2369.00 --> 2369.48] away with, +[2369.68 --> 2370.18] that we should +[2370.18 --> 2370.96] no longer be +[2370.96 --> 2371.96] slaves to sin +[2371.96 --> 2373.16] because anyone +[2373.16 --> 2373.98] who has died +[2373.98 --> 2374.68] has been set +[2374.68 --> 2375.56] free from sin. +[2375.98 --> 2376.86] Now if we died +[2376.86 --> 2377.44] with Christ, +[2377.54 --> 2378.22] we believe that +[2378.22 --> 2378.70] we will also +[2378.70 --> 2379.80] live with him +[2379.80 --> 2381.34] for we know +[2381.34 --> 2382.26] that since Christ +[2382.26 --> 2382.86] was raised +[2382.86 --> 2383.42] from the dead, +[2383.52 --> 2384.38] he cannot die +[2384.38 --> 2384.80] again. +[2385.28 --> 2386.22] Death no longer +[2386.22 --> 2387.02] has mastery +[2387.02 --> 2387.72] over him. +[2388.06 --> 2389.06] The death he died, +[2389.16 --> 2390.10] he died to sin +[2390.10 --> 2390.96] once for all, +[2391.02 --> 2392.38] but the life he lives, +[2392.38 --> 2395.06] he lives for God. +[2395.62 --> 2396.84] The life he lives, +[2396.92 --> 2398.06] he lives for God +[2398.06 --> 2399.54] because of the gospel. +[2400.90 --> 2401.96] And I can't overstate +[2401.96 --> 2402.50] this truth. +[2402.88 --> 2403.78] It is applying +[2403.78 --> 2405.06] the gospel to +[2405.06 --> 2406.32] every aspect +[2406.32 --> 2407.54] of our lives +[2407.54 --> 2408.52] that transforms +[2408.52 --> 2409.84] every aspect +[2409.84 --> 2410.88] of our lives. +[2412.12 --> 2412.64] And so how do we +[2412.64 --> 2413.68] have victory over sin +[2413.68 --> 2414.26] in our lives? +[2414.34 --> 2415.04] How do we overcome +[2415.04 --> 2416.74] addictions and pain +[2416.74 --> 2417.76] and our brokenness? +[2417.96 --> 2418.86] It's through the gospel. +[2418.86 --> 2420.60] It's through our being +[2420.60 --> 2421.84] united to Christ. +[2422.10 --> 2423.24] It's by the application +[2423.24 --> 2424.00] of the gospel +[2424.00 --> 2425.16] in every corner +[2425.16 --> 2426.02] of our hearts +[2426.02 --> 2426.86] and in every corner +[2426.86 --> 2427.66] of our being +[2427.66 --> 2428.92] that our union +[2428.92 --> 2429.58] with Christ +[2429.58 --> 2430.44] is made more +[2430.44 --> 2431.54] and more effective +[2431.54 --> 2432.60] in the lives +[2432.60 --> 2433.12] that we live. +[2439.12 --> 2440.24] My heart, +[2440.62 --> 2442.86] my heart is burdened +[2443.50 --> 2445.20] for this truth +[2445.20 --> 2446.72] in the church today. +[2446.72 --> 2450.04] And I'm afraid +[2450.04 --> 2450.74] that what you're +[2450.74 --> 2451.66] hearing me say +[2451.66 --> 2454.44] is that you need +[2454.44 --> 2455.12] to have a personal +[2455.12 --> 2455.70] relationship +[2455.70 --> 2456.56] with Jesus Christ. +[2458.94 --> 2459.96] That somehow +[2459.96 --> 2460.80] what we're talking +[2460.80 --> 2461.48] about here +[2461.48 --> 2462.42] is that you need +[2462.42 --> 2463.74] to have this emotive, +[2463.92 --> 2465.58] experiential expression +[2465.58 --> 2466.90] of this personal +[2466.90 --> 2467.86] relationship +[2467.86 --> 2468.84] with Jesus Christ. +[2469.14 --> 2469.30] Now, +[2470.68 --> 2471.30] I want you +[2471.30 --> 2472.02] to have that. +[2473.14 --> 2474.12] But when I'm talking +[2474.12 --> 2474.84] about union +[2474.84 --> 2475.70] with Christ, +[2475.70 --> 2476.56] I'm talking +[2476.56 --> 2477.48] one step +[2477.48 --> 2478.56] before that even. +[2479.60 --> 2479.72] Right? +[2479.76 --> 2481.12] If the experiential +[2481.12 --> 2482.62] emotional reality +[2482.62 --> 2484.26] is what is expressed, +[2484.48 --> 2485.22] I want to talk +[2485.22 --> 2486.52] about the spiritual +[2486.52 --> 2487.80] internal reality, +[2487.96 --> 2489.90] the new ontological truth +[2489.90 --> 2491.24] that you have been +[2491.24 --> 2492.34] united with Jesus +[2492.34 --> 2493.70] and that redefines +[2493.70 --> 2494.54] reality. +[2494.80 --> 2495.56] It's less about +[2495.56 --> 2496.60] your expression +[2496.60 --> 2497.80] and your feeling +[2497.80 --> 2498.72] and more about +[2498.72 --> 2500.18] His reality +[2500.18 --> 2501.52] of being connected +[2501.52 --> 2502.04] to you. +[2502.04 --> 2506.10] My heart is burdened +[2506.10 --> 2507.58] for us as a church +[2507.58 --> 2508.62] and for all the church +[2508.62 --> 2509.10] to know +[2509.10 --> 2510.58] that the reality +[2510.58 --> 2512.10] of being a Christian +[2512.10 --> 2513.76] means you are united +[2513.76 --> 2514.50] with Jesus, +[2514.66 --> 2515.82] that you and He +[2515.82 --> 2516.66] are one. +[2518.56 --> 2519.98] And that changes +[2519.98 --> 2522.34] everything about you. +[2522.84 --> 2524.32] That changes everything +[2524.32 --> 2526.06] possible for you. +[2527.06 --> 2528.70] Broken are made whole, +[2528.90 --> 2530.24] not because we feel it, +[2530.24 --> 2531.14] but because Jesus +[2531.14 --> 2531.84] has done it. +[2533.60 --> 2533.82] Right? +[2533.88 --> 2534.40] The hurting +[2534.40 --> 2535.22] are helped, +[2535.40 --> 2536.76] not because our problems +[2536.76 --> 2537.38] are solved, +[2537.56 --> 2538.50] but because Jesus +[2538.50 --> 2539.44] is in us +[2539.44 --> 2540.16] and with us +[2540.16 --> 2541.70] and working through us. +[2541.70 --> 2545.30] this is the reality +[2545.30 --> 2546.74] that we declare +[2546.74 --> 2547.64] as Christians +[2547.64 --> 2549.14] proclaiming the gospel +[2549.14 --> 2550.46] that if you confess +[2550.46 --> 2551.22] with your mouth +[2551.22 --> 2552.44] and believe in your heart +[2552.44 --> 2553.94] that God raised Him +[2553.94 --> 2554.48] from the dead, +[2554.78 --> 2555.92] you, by grace +[2555.92 --> 2556.48] through faith, +[2556.62 --> 2558.64] are united to Him. +[2559.02 --> 2561.04] And that changes +[2561.04 --> 2561.70] everything. +[2566.70 --> 2567.58] Which brings us +[2567.58 --> 2568.16] to the last +[2568.16 --> 2569.34] and final question. +[2569.34 --> 2571.82] God gives the gospel +[2571.82 --> 2573.08] to start and sustain +[2573.08 --> 2573.92] our lives +[2573.92 --> 2576.92] of God-glorifying gratitude. +[2578.60 --> 2580.52] Why God-glorifying gratitude? +[2582.24 --> 2583.14] Well, in a word, +[2584.02 --> 2585.06] how could we not? +[2586.06 --> 2587.28] How could we not +[2587.28 --> 2588.10] if we're united +[2588.10 --> 2589.62] with this Jesus Christ? +[2589.70 --> 2590.42] How could we not +[2590.42 --> 2591.40] if we've been saved +[2591.40 --> 2592.40] from the wrath of God +[2592.40 --> 2593.26] and the depths of hell +[2593.26 --> 2594.04] for our sin? +[2594.16 --> 2595.18] How could we not +[2595.18 --> 2596.92] but give praise to Him? +[2596.92 --> 2599.52] How could we not +[2599.52 --> 2602.32] worship this good God? +[2603.04 --> 2604.16] And that's what Paul does. +[2604.62 --> 2604.88] He says, +[2605.12 --> 2605.54] Now to Him +[2605.54 --> 2607.00] who is able to establish you +[2607.00 --> 2608.62] to the only wise God +[2608.62 --> 2610.24] be glory forever +[2610.24 --> 2612.70] through Jesus Christ. +[2613.88 --> 2615.42] In this journey of Romans, +[2615.54 --> 2616.20] we have seen +[2616.20 --> 2617.52] the depth of our guilt. +[2617.66 --> 2618.28] We have seen +[2618.28 --> 2619.12] the magnitude +[2619.12 --> 2620.58] of God's grace. +[2620.84 --> 2622.20] And now we live +[2622.20 --> 2623.56] in gratitude. +[2623.56 --> 2625.82] In this journey +[2625.82 --> 2626.48] through Romans, +[2626.60 --> 2627.50] we have moved +[2627.50 --> 2629.88] from our worry in life +[2629.88 --> 2631.38] to worshiping +[2631.38 --> 2632.76] through our worry. +[2632.88 --> 2633.70] In this journey +[2633.70 --> 2634.26] through Romans, +[2634.38 --> 2635.24] we have seen +[2635.24 --> 2636.18] how our work +[2636.18 --> 2637.30] and our worship +[2637.30 --> 2639.20] are connected together. +[2640.00 --> 2641.06] In this journey +[2641.06 --> 2641.88] through Romans, +[2642.06 --> 2643.34] we have seen +[2643.34 --> 2645.04] just how good +[2645.04 --> 2646.04] and great +[2646.04 --> 2647.44] our God is +[2647.44 --> 2648.56] because we have heard +[2648.56 --> 2649.86] over and over +[2649.86 --> 2650.90] and over again +[2650.90 --> 2651.76] from the first +[2651.76 --> 2652.66] to the last +[2652.66 --> 2654.76] just how good +[2654.76 --> 2656.14] the good news +[2656.14 --> 2657.18] of the gospel +[2657.18 --> 2658.80] really is. +[2658.96 --> 2659.66] And so how +[2659.66 --> 2660.94] could we not +[2660.94 --> 2663.56] worship our God? +[2666.36 --> 2668.62] God has given us +[2668.62 --> 2669.10] Himself +[2669.10 --> 2670.60] in the gospel. +[2670.84 --> 2671.92] God has united us +[2671.92 --> 2672.94] to Jesus Christ +[2672.94 --> 2674.30] in the gospel. +[2674.76 --> 2676.34] God has taken us +[2676.34 --> 2677.14] from death +[2677.14 --> 2678.38] into life +[2678.38 --> 2679.86] by the gospel. +[2679.86 --> 2683.80] God gives the gospel +[2683.80 --> 2685.14] to start +[2685.14 --> 2686.68] and to strengthen, +[2686.94 --> 2687.68] to sustain +[2687.68 --> 2688.90] our lives +[2688.90 --> 2690.56] of God-glorifying +[2690.56 --> 2691.28] gratitude. +[2692.76 --> 2693.62] That's why +[2693.62 --> 2694.50] we gather here. +[2695.58 --> 2696.30] And that's why +[2696.30 --> 2697.28] you go from here +[2697.28 --> 2697.72] today +[2697.72 --> 2698.60] to proclaim +[2698.60 --> 2701.22] this same truth. +[2702.08 --> 2703.96] Go with this message +[2703.96 --> 2704.90] of grace. +[2705.06 --> 2705.78] Go with this +[2705.78 --> 2707.38] beautiful gospel. +[2707.38 --> 2708.86] Go as a people +[2708.86 --> 2709.92] who can't help +[2709.92 --> 2711.28] but praise +[2711.28 --> 2712.24] our God +[2712.24 --> 2713.14] and proclaim +[2713.14 --> 2714.88] His goodness +[2714.88 --> 2716.00] to the world. +[2716.16 --> 2716.96] Go because +[2716.96 --> 2718.28] this is who +[2718.28 --> 2719.14] He has +[2719.14 --> 2720.48] made you +[2720.48 --> 2721.70] to be. +[2722.26 --> 2722.66] Amen. +[2723.44 --> 2724.68] Let's pray together. +[2729.42 --> 2730.22] Lord, +[2730.38 --> 2731.94] our God, +[2731.94 --> 2735.28] we ask here +[2735.28 --> 2736.08] that you would +[2736.08 --> 2737.22] continue +[2737.22 --> 2738.56] to establish +[2738.56 --> 2739.32] us +[2739.32 --> 2740.18] in accordance +[2740.18 --> 2741.70] with your gospel. +[2742.72 --> 2743.28] Continue +[2743.28 --> 2744.40] to reveal +[2744.40 --> 2745.00] to us +[2745.00 --> 2745.56] the truth +[2745.56 --> 2747.10] of Jesus Christ, +[2747.26 --> 2747.82] the revelation +[2747.82 --> 2748.42] of the mystery +[2748.42 --> 2749.02] that was hidden +[2749.02 --> 2749.72] for so long +[2749.72 --> 2750.24] but has now +[2750.24 --> 2750.76] been revealed +[2750.76 --> 2751.24] to us +[2751.24 --> 2752.20] through the scriptures +[2752.20 --> 2752.92] and through +[2752.92 --> 2753.76] His life, +[2753.88 --> 2754.12] death, +[2754.30 --> 2754.74] resurrection, +[2755.22 --> 2755.74] through the working +[2755.74 --> 2756.32] and the power +[2756.32 --> 2757.24] of the Holy Spirit +[2757.24 --> 2758.16] so that we +[2758.16 --> 2758.90] all here +[2758.90 --> 2759.82] might come +[2759.82 --> 2760.70] to believe +[2760.70 --> 2762.10] and to the obedience +[2762.10 --> 2763.14] that comes +[2763.14 --> 2764.30] from faith. +[2766.78 --> 2767.84] And may we +[2767.84 --> 2769.02] go from this +[2769.02 --> 2769.52] place +[2769.52 --> 2770.86] to the table +[2770.86 --> 2771.84] and then out +[2771.84 --> 2772.82] to the world +[2772.82 --> 2774.72] to give You +[2774.72 --> 2776.16] glory forever +[2776.16 --> 2778.08] through Jesus Christ +[2778.08 --> 2778.74] our Lord. +[2779.74 --> 2780.40] In Your name +[2780.40 --> 2780.90] we pray. +[2781.84 --> 2782.20] Amen. +[2782.20 --> 2782.38] Amen. +[2783.96 --> 2784.64] Amen. +[2784.64 --> 2784.70] Amen. +[2784.70 --> 2794.40] One of the things +[2794.40 --> 2795.06] that our Lord +[2795.06 --> 2796.14] Jesus has done +[2796.14 --> 2797.96] is given us +[2797.96 --> 2798.60] a meal +[2798.60 --> 2800.04] by which +[2800.04 --> 2800.94] we recognize +[2800.94 --> 2801.46] Him, +[2802.14 --> 2802.78] by which +[2802.78 --> 2803.24] we take +[2803.24 --> 2803.74] the truth +[2803.74 --> 2804.66] of the words +[2804.66 --> 2805.66] of His revelation +[2805.66 --> 2806.90] and we hold +[2806.90 --> 2807.64] them in our hands +[2807.64 --> 2808.10] that we might +[2808.10 --> 2809.14] taste and see +[2809.14 --> 2810.12] that the Lord +[2810.12 --> 2810.56] is good. +[2811.72 --> 2812.34] The truth +[2812.34 --> 2813.04] of the gospel +[2813.04 --> 2813.76] is proclaimed +[2813.76 --> 2814.32] in word +[2814.32 --> 2814.98] and it is +[2814.98 --> 2815.40] proclaimed +[2815.40 --> 2816.68] here at the +[2816.68 --> 2817.00] table. +[2817.82 --> 2818.22] So we're going +[2818.22 --> 2818.84] to come to the +[2818.84 --> 2819.54] table together. +[2819.68 --> 2820.08] We have some +[2820.08 --> 2821.18] liturgy that will +[2821.18 --> 2822.16] usher us into +[2822.16 --> 2822.88] the presence of +[2822.88 --> 2823.66] God here to +[2823.66 --> 2824.64] receive from Him +[2824.64 --> 2825.46] His grace +[2825.46 --> 2826.10] confirmed. +[2827.60 --> 2828.06] And we will +[2828.06 --> 2828.46] gather +[2828.46 --> 2830.08] as a body of +[2830.08 --> 2831.04] those who believe +[2831.04 --> 2832.78] and who profess +[2832.78 --> 2834.34] this truth. +[2835.16 --> 2835.88] And so lift +[2835.88 --> 2837.06] up your hearts. +[2837.06 --> 2840.72] let us give +[2840.72 --> 2841.50] thanks to the +[2841.50 --> 2842.44] Lord our God. +[2845.38 --> 2846.10] Let's pray +[2846.10 --> 2846.44] together. +[2847.90 --> 2848.80] With joy +[2848.80 --> 2849.50] we praise +[2849.50 --> 2850.24] you gracious +[2850.24 --> 2851.34] God for you +[2851.34 --> 2852.06] have created +[2852.06 --> 2853.12] heaven and +[2853.12 --> 2853.54] earth. +[2854.26 --> 2854.64] You've made +[2854.64 --> 2855.22] us in your +[2855.22 --> 2855.90] image and you +[2855.90 --> 2856.32] have kept +[2856.32 --> 2857.12] covenant with +[2857.12 --> 2858.36] us even when +[2858.36 --> 2859.04] we fell into +[2859.04 --> 2859.34] sin. +[2860.26 --> 2861.06] We give you +[2861.06 --> 2861.74] thanks for +[2861.74 --> 2862.54] Jesus Christ +[2862.54 --> 2863.30] who by His +[2863.30 --> 2864.30] life, death, +[2864.30 --> 2865.02] and resurrection +[2865.02 --> 2866.20] opened to us +[2866.20 --> 2866.98] the way of +[2866.98 --> 2868.32] everlasting life. +[2869.20 --> 2869.54] Amen. +[2872.24 --> 2873.46] Our Lord Jesus +[2873.46 --> 2874.70] before He +[2874.70 --> 2875.62] suffered gave +[2875.62 --> 2876.40] us this +[2876.40 --> 2877.58] memorial of +[2877.58 --> 2878.62] His sacrifice +[2878.62 --> 2879.64] until He +[2879.64 --> 2880.30] comes again. +[2881.32 --> 2881.90] And the Lord +[2881.90 --> 2883.42] Jesus on the +[2883.42 --> 2883.92] night that He +[2883.92 --> 2884.60] was betrayed +[2884.60 --> 2885.96] took bread. +[2886.64 --> 2887.04] And when He +[2887.04 --> 2887.36] had given +[2887.36 --> 2888.06] thanks He +[2888.06 --> 2888.78] broke it and +[2888.78 --> 2889.62] He said this +[2889.62 --> 2890.66] is my body +[2890.66 --> 2892.38] which is for +[2892.38 --> 2892.64] you. +[2893.20 --> 2893.96] Do this +[2893.96 --> 2894.74] in remembrance +[2894.74 --> 2895.84] of me. +[2897.02 --> 2897.86] In the same +[2897.86 --> 2898.40] way He +[2898.40 --> 2898.84] took the +[2898.84 --> 2899.80] cup after +[2899.80 --> 2901.34] supper saying +[2901.34 --> 2902.78] this cup is +[2902.78 --> 2903.24] the new +[2903.24 --> 2904.08] covenant in +[2904.08 --> 2904.70] my blood. +[2905.22 --> 2906.06] Do this +[2906.06 --> 2907.02] whenever you +[2907.02 --> 2908.06] drink it in +[2908.06 --> 2909.46] remembrance of +[2909.46 --> 2909.76] me. +[2910.64 --> 2911.34] For whenever +[2911.34 --> 2912.64] we eat this +[2912.64 --> 2913.36] bread and +[2913.36 --> 2914.02] drink this +[2914.02 --> 2914.90] cup we +[2914.90 --> 2915.76] proclaim the +[2915.76 --> 2916.52] Lord's death +[2916.52 --> 2917.88] until He +[2917.88 --> 2918.62] comes again. +[2919.30 --> 2920.92] This is the +[2920.92 --> 2922.22] mystery of +[2922.22 --> 2922.78] our faith. +[2923.96 --> 2925.20] Your death +[2925.20 --> 2925.96] of Christ +[2925.96 --> 2926.78] we proclaim +[2926.78 --> 2927.94] your +[2927.94 --> 2928.52] resurrection +[2928.52 --> 2929.50] we affirm +[2929.50 --> 2930.14] with joy +[2930.14 --> 2931.58] your coming +[2931.58 --> 2932.32] we await +[2932.32 --> 2932.98] with hope +[2932.98 --> 2934.76] glory be to +[2934.76 --> 2935.52] you Lord +[2935.52 --> 2936.06] Jesus. +[2937.12 --> 2938.34] Church family +[2938.34 --> 2939.42] the Lord has +[2939.42 --> 2940.06] prepared His +[2940.06 --> 2941.08] table for all +[2941.08 --> 2942.14] who love +[2942.14 --> 2942.92] Him and +[2942.92 --> 2943.66] trust in Him +[2943.66 --> 2944.40] alone for +[2944.40 --> 2945.04] their salvation +[2945.04 --> 2946.28] and so come +[2946.28 --> 2948.00] to this table +[2948.00 --> 2950.08] you who have +[2950.08 --> 2950.90] been here +[2950.90 --> 2951.38] before. +[2952.38 --> 2952.82] Come to +[2952.82 --> 2953.56] this table +[2953.56 --> 2954.52] you who +[2954.52 --> 2955.30] have much +[2955.30 --> 2955.92] faith and +[2955.92 --> 2956.32] you who +[2956.32 --> 2956.72] would like +[2956.72 --> 2957.10] to have +[2957.10 --> 2957.44] more. +[2958.22 --> 2958.80] Come to +[2958.80 --> 2959.32] this table +[2959.32 --> 2959.80] you who +[2959.80 --> 2960.14] have been +[2960.14 --> 2960.54] to this +[2960.54 --> 2960.96] sacrament +[2960.96 --> 2962.20] often and +[2962.20 --> 2962.58] you who +[2962.58 --> 2963.06] have not +[2963.06 --> 2964.08] been for a +[2964.08 --> 2964.54] long time. +[2964.68 --> 2965.08] Come to +[2965.08 --> 2965.58] this table +[2965.58 --> 2966.22] you who +[2966.22 --> 2967.20] have tried +[2967.20 --> 2967.84] to follow +[2967.84 --> 2969.18] Jesus and +[2969.18 --> 2969.66] you who +[2969.66 --> 2970.36] have failed. +[2970.78 --> 2971.30] Come to +[2971.30 --> 2971.94] this table +[2971.94 --> 2972.72] because Jesus +[2972.72 --> 2973.50] is raised +[2973.50 --> 2974.22] and He +[2974.22 --> 2975.02] invites you. +[2975.34 --> 2975.72] Come to +[2975.72 --> 2976.24] this table +[2976.24 --> 2976.92] because this +[2976.92 --> 2977.60] is His +[2977.60 --> 2978.86] table set +[2978.86 --> 2980.00] for you. +[2981.20 --> 2981.64] These are +[2981.64 --> 2982.00] the gifts +[2982.00 --> 2982.62] of God +[2982.62 --> 2983.54] for the +[2983.54 --> 2984.68] people of +[2984.68 --> 2985.04] God. +[2986.40 --> 2987.10] As we +[2987.10 --> 2988.08] come to +[2988.08 --> 2988.70] this table +[2988.70 --> 2989.80] we have a +[2989.80 --> 2990.20] bit of a +[2990.20 --> 2991.06] process that +[2991.06 --> 2991.72] we do here. +[2992.16 --> 2992.94] We come up +[2992.94 --> 2993.50] in groups +[2993.50 --> 2994.02] and so we +[2994.02 --> 2994.30] will have +[2994.30 --> 2995.00] ushers that +[2995.00 --> 2995.60] will indicate +[2995.60 --> 2996.00] when it's +[2996.00 --> 2996.44] time for +[2996.44 --> 2996.88] your row +[2996.88 --> 2997.30] to come +[2997.30 --> 2997.74] forward +[2997.74 --> 2998.80] and then +[2998.80 --> 2999.06] we will +[2999.06 --> 2999.32] gather +[2999.32 --> 2999.88] around +[2999.88 --> 3000.56] and we +[3000.56 --> 3001.02] will pass +[3001.02 --> 3001.66] the elements +[3001.66 --> 3003.12] to the +[3003.12 --> 3003.62] left or +[3003.62 --> 3003.92] to your +[3003.92 --> 3004.42] right depending +[3004.42 --> 3004.78] on which +[3004.78 --> 3005.04] way you +[3005.04 --> 3005.24] go. +[3005.32 --> 3005.66] As you +[3005.66 --> 3006.16] pass the +[3006.16 --> 3006.98] bread we +[3006.98 --> 3007.48] invite you +[3007.48 --> 3007.90] to say +[3007.90 --> 3008.42] the body +[3008.42 --> 3008.96] of Christ +[3008.96 --> 3009.46] given for +[3009.46 --> 3009.70] you. +[3009.92 --> 3010.26] As you +[3010.26 --> 3010.74] pass the +[3010.74 --> 3011.26] juice we +[3011.26 --> 3011.66] invite you +[3011.66 --> 3012.04] to say +[3012.04 --> 3012.78] the blood +[3012.78 --> 3013.32] of Christ +[3013.32 --> 3013.90] shed for +[3013.90 --> 3014.12] you. +[3014.88 --> 3015.32] If you +[3015.32 --> 3015.78] are unable +[3015.78 --> 3016.18] to come +[3016.18 --> 3016.46] to the +[3016.46 --> 3016.86] front but +[3016.86 --> 3017.20] would like +[3017.20 --> 3017.92] to participate +[3017.92 --> 3018.32] in the +[3018.32 --> 3018.88] supper please +[3018.88 --> 3019.62] indicate that +[3019.62 --> 3019.96] to the +[3019.96 --> 3020.64] ushers and +[3020.64 --> 3020.90] they will +[3020.90 --> 3021.44] meet you +[3021.44 --> 3021.86] where you +[3021.86 --> 3022.34] are and +[3022.34 --> 3023.00] serve you +[3023.00 --> 3023.50] in your +[3023.50 --> 3024.16] seat in +[3024.16 --> 3024.54] the same +[3024.54 --> 3025.12] manner as +[3025.12 --> 3025.38] we are +[3025.38 --> 3025.74] all being +[3025.74 --> 3026.26] served up +[3026.26 --> 3026.44] here. +[3027.20 --> 3027.66] As well +[3027.66 --> 3028.12] on each +[3028.12 --> 3028.70] tray of +[3028.70 --> 3029.16] bread there +[3029.16 --> 3029.62] is little +[3029.62 --> 3030.10] cups in +[3030.10 --> 3030.40] the middle +[3030.40 --> 3030.76] that has +[3030.76 --> 3031.36] gluten-free +[3031.36 --> 3032.34] bread for +[3032.34 --> 3032.78] those who +[3032.78 --> 3033.52] would prefer +[3033.52 --> 3034.40] that. +[3034.98 --> 3035.34] We are +[3035.34 --> 3035.50] going to +[3035.50 --> 3036.34] begin with +[3036.34 --> 3036.82] the first +[3036.82 --> 3037.62] table and +[3037.62 --> 3037.82] that is +[3037.82 --> 3038.00] going to +[3038.00 --> 3038.48] be those +[3038.48 --> 3039.06] worship +[3039.06 --> 3039.92] volunteers and +[3039.92 --> 3040.46] others who +[3040.46 --> 3040.92] are helping +[3040.92 --> 3041.82] facilitate this +[3041.82 --> 3042.82] service so +[3042.82 --> 3043.16] that they +[3043.16 --> 3043.76] can then lead +[3043.76 --> 3044.28] us in +[3044.28 --> 3045.50] song as +[3045.50 --> 3045.96] we come +[3045.96 --> 3046.62] table by +[3046.62 --> 3047.42] table together. +[3047.70 --> 3047.94] So I am +[3047.94 --> 3048.06] going to +[3048.06 --> 3048.68] invite those +[3048.68 --> 3049.62] worship +[3049.62 --> 3050.16] leaders and +[3050.16 --> 3051.54] elders to +[3051.54 --> 3051.98] come up to +[3051.98 --> 3053.36] the front to +[3053.36 --> 3054.24] participate in +[3054.24 --> 3054.74] this table. +[3054.74 --> 3064.76] as they +[3064.76 --> 3065.08] are making +[3065.08 --> 3065.48] their way +[3065.48 --> 3065.86] forward. +[3066.68 --> 3067.12] Additionally, +[3067.34 --> 3067.64] if you would +[3067.64 --> 3068.76] like to meet +[3068.76 --> 3069.30] someone for +[3069.30 --> 3069.92] prayer, there +[3069.92 --> 3070.46] will be people +[3070.46 --> 3071.12] in the foyer +[3071.12 --> 3071.78] at the back +[3071.78 --> 3072.26] with yellow +[3072.26 --> 3073.06] name tags on +[3073.06 --> 3073.84] who will +[3073.84 --> 3074.42] meet you and +[3074.42 --> 3075.04] will pray with +[3075.04 --> 3075.58] you, for +[3075.58 --> 3076.16] you, over +[3076.16 --> 3077.32] you, either +[3077.32 --> 3077.90] before you +[3077.90 --> 3078.48] come up or +[3078.48 --> 3078.98] in lieu of +[3078.98 --> 3079.54] coming up. +[3080.06 --> 3080.86] Please share +[3080.86 --> 3081.64] with them your +[3081.64 --> 3083.20] thanksgivings and +[3083.20 --> 3084.26] your petitions. +[3084.74 --> 3090.92] body of +[3090.92 --> 3091.40] Christ given +[3091.40 --> 3091.80] for you. +[3095.46 --> 3096.02] Body of +[3096.02 --> 3096.48] Christ given +[3096.48 --> 3096.84] for you. +[3114.74 --> 3115.06] eats, works, won't +[3115.06 --> 3116.08] drink, and +[3116.08 --> 3116.58] when you +[3116.58 --> 3117.56] will be +[3117.78 --> 3124.62] número 45. +[3133.40 --> 3134.10] And you +[3134.10 --> 3134.80] visit your +[3134.80 --> 3135.24] example to +[3135.24 --> 3139.70] the +[3139.70 --> 3141.26] people in the +[3141.26 --> 3141.88] country who +[3141.88 --> 3145.26] eat and remember. +[3155.60 --> 3157.12] The blood of Christ shed for you. +[3160.74 --> 3162.12] The blood of Christ shed for you. +[3171.88 --> 3201.86] The blood of Christ shed for you. +[3201.88 --> 3231.86] The blood of Christ shed for you. +[3231.88 --> 3233.88] The blood of Christ shed for you. +[3233.88 --> 3237.88] The blood of Christ shed for you. +[3237.88 --> 3241.88] The blood of Christ shed for you. +[3241.88 --> 3243.88] Amen. +[3271.88 --> 3273.88] Amen. +[3301.88 --> 3303.88] Amen. +[3331.88 --> 3333.88] Amen. +[3361.88 --> 3363.88] Amen. +[3391.88 --> 3393.88] Amen. +[3421.88 --> 3423.88] Amen. +[3451.88 --> 3453.88] Amen. +[3481.88 --> 3483.88] Amen. +[3511.88 --> 3513.88] Amen. +[3513.88 --> 3515.88] Amen. +[3515.88 --> 3517.88] Amen. +[3517.88 --> 3532.88] I cast my mind to Calvary, where Jesus bled and died for me. +[3532.88 --> 3549.88] I see His wounds, His hands, His feet, my Savior on that cursed tree. +[3549.88 --> 3564.88] His body bound and drenched in tears, they laid Him down in Joseph's tomb. +[3564.88 --> 3579.88] The entrance sealed by heavy stone, Messiah still and all alone. +[3579.88 --> 3581.88] Amen. +[3581.88 --> 3589.88] O praise the name of the Lord our God. +[3589.88 --> 3596.88] O praise His name forevermore. +[3596.88 --> 3603.88] For endless days we will sing Your praise. +[3603.88 --> 3609.88] O Lord, O Lord our God. +[3609.88 --> 3610.88] O Lord our God. +[3610.88 --> 3612.88] O Lord our God. +[3612.88 --> 3614.88] O Lord our God. +[3614.88 --> 3626.88] Then on the third at break of dawn, the Son of Heaven rose again. +[3626.88 --> 3632.88] O trampled death, where is Your sting? +[3632.88 --> 3633.88] The angels roar. +[3633.88 --> 3634.88] The angels roar. +[3634.88 --> 3639.88] For Christ our King. +[3639.88 --> 3652.88] O praise the name of the Lord our God. +[3652.88 --> 3658.88] O praise His name forevermore. +[3658.88 --> 3665.88] For endless days we will sing Your praise. +[3665.88 --> 3671.88] O Lord, O Lord our God. +[3671.88 --> 3682.88] We shall return in rose of light. +[3682.88 --> 3689.88] The pleasing sun shall pierce the light. +[3689.88 --> 3697.88] And I will rise among the saints. +[3697.88 --> 3705.88] My gates shall stand on Jesus' face. +[3705.88 --> 3720.88] Theaving נ dramatic Palmet. +[3720.88 --> 3727.88] che'l抑รbirthCI Right little Tears. +[3727.88 --> 3728.88] Amen. +[3757.88 --> 3759.88] Amen. +[3787.88 --> 3789.88] Amen. +[3817.88 --> 3819.88] Amen. +[3847.88 --> 3849.88] Amen. +[3877.88 --> 3879.88] Amen. +[3907.88 --> 3909.88] Amen. +[3937.88 --> 3939.88] Amen. +[3967.88 --> 3969.88] Amen. +[3997.88 --> 3999.88] Amen. +[4027.88 --> 4029.88] Amen. +[4057.88 --> 4059.88] Amen. +[4087.88 --> 4089.88] Amen. +[4117.88 --> 4119.88] Amen. +[4147.88 --> 4149.88] Amen. +[4177.88 --> 4179.88] Amen. +[4179.88 --> 4195.84] God has given me and God reassure me and God bless You innegotiable peace as I have made from You. +[4195.84 --> 4202.78] For Word, phone, responsibility are Mahdi. +[4202.88 --> 4204.82] rig FEES +[4204.82 --> 4215.54] I would love to make one request and do one last song because this has been an anthem to our church for a bit. +[4216.34 --> 4217.66] I am not my own. +[4234.82 --> 4264.80] I am not my own. +[4264.82 --> 4267.82] I am not my own. +[4269.62 --> 4273.94] When the precious blood will set me free. +[4276.34 --> 4279.82] I am not my own. +[4281.20 --> 4283.86] But be loved. +[4284.40 --> 4286.82] Body and soul. +[4286.82 --> 4289.82] In my life. +[4290.70 --> 4292.82] And in death. +[4292.82 --> 4296.98] And to you Lord. +[4297.46 --> 4300.66] God is my Lord. +[4301.94 --> 4307.82] You deserve my life in such a way that without you. +[4308.70 --> 4311.78] Not I dare can fall from me. +[4311.78 --> 4313.78] I am not my own. +[4313.78 --> 4317.78] I am not my own. +[4317.78 --> 4319.78] I am not my own. +[4319.78 --> 4321.78] I am not my own. +[4321.78 --> 4326.78] All things work together for my salvation. +[4326.78 --> 4328.78] I am not my own. +[4328.78 --> 4331.78] I am not my own. +[4331.78 --> 4333.78] I am not my own. +[4333.78 --> 4334.78] But be loved. +[4334.78 --> 4337.78] Body and soul. +[4337.78 --> 4339.78] In my life. +[4339.78 --> 4341.78] In my life. +[4341.78 --> 4344.78] And in death. +[4344.78 --> 4347.78] To you Lord. +[4347.78 --> 4351.78] Christ my Lord. +[4351.78 --> 4352.78] You are. +[4352.78 --> 4354.78] For you Lord. +[4354.78 --> 4355.78] For you Lord. +[4355.78 --> 4356.78] You are. +[4356.78 --> 4358.78] For you Lord. +[4358.78 --> 4360.78] For you Lord. +[4360.78 --> 4361.78] Amen. +[4390.78 --> 4392.78] Amen. +[4420.78 --> 4422.78] Amen. +[4450.78 --> 4451.78] Amen. +[4451.78 --> 4459.40] To you, Lord, Christ my Lord. +[4470.08 --> 4478.40] As we sing that song, I'm mindful of what I am going into in this next week +[4478.40 --> 4481.72] and what some of you are going into in this next week. +[4482.06 --> 4485.74] I'm mindful that I don't know what you're going into this next week. +[4487.34 --> 4493.74] But we go as those over whom God says you are not your own. +[4494.42 --> 4494.94] You're bought. +[4496.06 --> 4499.14] You belong to your Savior, Jesus Christ. +[4500.08 --> 4503.30] I'm mindful, again, knowing what I'm going into this week, +[4503.40 --> 4505.02] knowing what some of you are going into this week, +[4505.06 --> 4507.58] and not knowing what others of you are going into this week. +[4507.58 --> 4511.62] I am mindful that this blessing that you are about to receive +[4511.62 --> 4515.54] is a word from God over whatever it is to come. +[4516.38 --> 4520.52] And so receive the blessing of God today. +[4522.04 --> 4524.96] God, go before you to lead you. +[4525.82 --> 4528.54] God, go behind you to protect you. +[4529.22 --> 4531.12] God, go beneath you to support you. +[4531.50 --> 4533.72] God, go beside you to befriend you. +[4534.64 --> 4537.06] Do not be afraid. +[4537.58 --> 4540.02] Let the blessing of God come upon you today. +[4540.18 --> 4541.92] Do not be afraid. +[4542.84 --> 4547.72] But go in peace to love and serve the Lord. +[4548.86 --> 4549.18] Amen. +[4550.78 --> 4554.52] After our final song, I'm going to invite you to be seated +[4554.52 --> 4557.30] because there's one quick announcement that will be made, +[4557.38 --> 4558.66] an explanation of process, +[4558.78 --> 4563.66] before we move into the foyer for fellowship and time to spend there. +[4563.66 --> 4566.08] So after our song, please just take a quick seat. +[4566.08 --> 4566.94] So after our song, please us to jump on. +[4566.96 --> 4567.74] Amen. +[4567.94 --> 4568.24] Let's go. +[4568.40 --> 4568.92] Thank you. +[4569.02 --> 4569.54] God, I will not take you to pray every time. +[4569.72 --> 4569.76] I have a great idea. +[4569.82 --> 4570.58] Thank you. +[4574.62 --> 4575.12] Let's pray in thisう qui polarThey, +[4581.82 --> 4582.64] who will continue our time to row. +[4582.82 --> 4583.34] I will go. +[4583.34 --> 4585.24] Put your ground on watch among them. +[4585.24 --> 4585.44] Thank you. +[4585.52 --> 4585.62] Thank you. +[4585.68 --> 4586.84] God, I will lift you prepared. +[4587.00 --> 4588.34] I will get you prepared for the incomplete messages, +[4588.34 --> 4588.84] which will continue� Zhig. +[4588.96 --> 4589.88] And Matthew, +[4589.88 --> 4591.46] and he will continue to be taken +[4591.64 --> 4592.84] through the тр ind unaware keeps you Loud. +[4592.84 --> 4593.84] Amen. +[4622.84 --> 4624.84] Amen. +[4652.84 --> 4654.84] Amen. +[4682.84 --> 4683.84] Amen. +[4712.84 --> 4732.58] Good morning, congregation. +[4732.58 --> 4739.48] The reason for my being here is if you enter the sanctuary, you'll see all these little +[4739.48 --> 4741.74] flags and cake out there. +[4741.74 --> 4744.02] You're probably wondering what that's about. +[4744.02 --> 4750.34] We've invited the Agile family to be here about this time, and I noticed Talala's here. +[4750.34 --> 4756.76] But anyway, what I'm going to do is rather than wait around for them to show up, I just +[4756.76 --> 4764.94] want to say that as a refugee sponsorship committee that we've been so thankful that the Agile +[4764.94 --> 4770.14] family has achieved their citizenship, so they are now Canadian citizens. +[4770.14 --> 4773.58] And they also, each of them, have a passport. +[4773.58 --> 4779.52] So first of all, there's the family, Nawaf and Noof, and they came here with two children, +[4779.52 --> 4781.82] Mohammed and Ibrahim. +[4781.82 --> 4785.76] And since that time they've been here, they've had another one. +[4785.76 --> 4794.80] And so with citizenship, before you get that, you have a certain level of language understanding, +[4794.80 --> 4796.50] and they have achieved that. +[4796.50 --> 4801.18] And they've been to school, and all these different types of things. +[4801.18 --> 4805.00] And they've had another, they've had a baby while they're here. +[4805.00 --> 4808.44] Talal, come here. +[4808.44 --> 4809.44] Anyway. +[4809.44 --> 4824.44] Talal is totally hearing impaired, and so if you wonder why, he's my buddy, my buddy here. +[4824.44 --> 4830.02] But anyway, with, with, he came with his, with his brother Nawaf and Noof and their two, and +[4830.02 --> 4835.06] their two children, in September 2017. +[4835.06 --> 4841.06] And so, we're looking at almost six, seven years to, to get the process. +[4841.06 --> 4844.40] And as you know, through COVID and everything, everything slowed down. +[4844.40 --> 4848.10] But they have all the documentation now, including a passport. +[4848.10 --> 4852.10] As a matter of fact, Nawaf and Noof had saved up enough money. +[4852.10 --> 4857.06] And so once they had their passport, they flew to Kuwait to connect with their family over +[4857.06 --> 4858.06] there. +[4858.06 --> 4860.20] And so that was awesome. +[4860.20 --> 4863.42] That was awesome for them. +[4863.42 --> 4866.94] So Talal is the brother of Nawaf. +[4866.94 --> 4872.90] And Talal, as, when, when the committee we looked at, at sponsoring, we knew that he was +[4872.90 --> 4878.74] coming along, and we, we, we were certainly happy to have him come. +[4878.74 --> 4884.60] But he's been a wonderful friend, and a great addition to a Canadian society. +[4884.60 --> 4891.66] So Nawaf also works, has had a steady job right from the get-go, and with, actually with Eric +[4891.66 --> 4893.94] Paquette's company. +[4893.94 --> 4902.66] And Talal works for my son Eric's, and Tracy's company in the, in the landscape division. +[4902.66 --> 4907.66] Anyway, the interesting thing here is for, for Talal. +[4907.66 --> 4919.24] All right, what does that, so online he's discovered that there is a girl in Morocco who he's, he's +[4919.24 --> 4920.80] going to visit. +[4920.80 --> 4930.16] He leaves on July 2, he'll be flying over there, and then he'll be, everything's set up for him +[4930.16 --> 4933.96] to go with the girl, to, to get married. +[4933.96 --> 4939.16] And then he'll come back at the end of July, and then we'll begin the process of bringing +[4939.16 --> 4943.16] her over to, to, to Canada. +[4943.16 --> 4944.16] Anyway, let's. +[4944.16 --> 4950.16] What are you, what's your, uh, they're here? +[4950.16 --> 4952.16] They're coming. +[4952.16 --> 4953.16] They're coming. +[4953.16 --> 4962.16] Okay, so what we want to do, of course, is, uh, we want to, uh, serve you cake when you're, +[4962.16 --> 4963.16] you're out there. +[4963.16 --> 4970.16] Many of you have had access, many of you have known, have been supporters, uh, of, for when +[4970.16 --> 4971.16] we began. +[4971.16 --> 4976.16] And so it, it's going to be nice just to, uh, explain that, uh, to them. +[4976.16 --> 4981.16] You, you're just going to have to wait, uh, 15 seconds. +[4981.16 --> 4982.16] Okay, here comes Noof. +[4982.16 --> 4983.16] All right. +[4983.16 --> 4984.16] All right. +[4984.16 --> 4985.16] All right. +[4985.16 --> 4986.16] Good morning. +[4986.16 --> 4987.16] Good morning. +[4987.16 --> 4988.16] Good morning. +[4988.16 --> 4989.16] Hello, Noof. +[4989.16 --> 4990.16] How are you? +[4990.16 --> 4991.16] And, Noof? +[4991.16 --> 5006.16] And, you know, so this, this, this fellow here, he was four, I think, when he came here, +[5006.16 --> 5007.16] uh, Canada, right? +[5007.16 --> 5008.16] So how are, how, how are you now? +[5008.16 --> 5009.16] How old are you now? +[5009.16 --> 5010.16] How old are you now? +[5010.16 --> 5011.16] How old are you now? +[5011.16 --> 5012.16] Ten. +[5012.16 --> 5013.16] Ten. +[5013.16 --> 5014.16] There you go. +[5014.16 --> 5021.16] Seven years ago, they came, Noof and Noof, we picked them up at YVR, and, uh, Ibrahim was +[5021.16 --> 5026.16] just a little guy, and since that time, Omar, Omar came. +[5026.16 --> 5035.16] So, um, and these boys are in school, and they're doing really, really well, but you know what +[5035.16 --> 5042.16] they, what, uh, do you think they, uh, they're supporting, uh, the Vancouver Canucks? +[5042.16 --> 5047.16] Or, or are they into soccer? +[5047.16 --> 5048.16] Football. +[5048.16 --> 5049.16] Football. +[5049.16 --> 5050.16] Yeah. +[5050.16 --> 5054.16] These boys can really, really kick a ball around, right, Ibrahim? +[5054.16 --> 5055.16] Yeah, for sure. +[5055.16 --> 5058.16] And then, Omar, how old is Omar? +[5058.16 --> 5059.16] Four. +[5059.16 --> 5060.16] Four. +[5060.16 --> 5062.16] Four, yes. +[5062.16 --> 5067.16] So, I gave a little speech about you, and about your history, and about when you came, +[5067.16 --> 5073.16] September 2017, and how you had to take English lessons, and you had to find jobs, and make +[5073.16 --> 5078.16] your way, and how your kids are all doing well at school, and everything so far is going +[5078.16 --> 5082.16] right, and you've traveled to Kuwait and Iraq to see your family. +[5082.16 --> 5083.16] Awesome. +[5083.16 --> 5084.16] Just so awesome. +[5084.16 --> 5088.16] But we're very thankful that we could support you, and so there's going to be some cake, +[5088.16 --> 5091.16] cake out there, and, uh, so much. +[5091.16 --> 5097.16] So, um, yeah, anyway, we just wanted, we're very happy for you, and we just wanted, now +[5097.16 --> 5099.16] that you were a Canadian citizen. +[5099.16 --> 5104.16] So, you know what we're going to try to do, is we're going to try and sing, uh, O Canada. +[5104.16 --> 5105.16] Alright? +[5105.16 --> 5106.16] Do you know, do you know O Canada? +[5106.16 --> 5107.16] Do you know that song? +[5107.16 --> 5108.16] Let's go for it. +[5108.16 --> 5109.16] Oh. +[5109.16 --> 5110.16] Oh. +[5110.16 --> 5112.16] Oh, let's stand up. +[5112.16 --> 5113.16] Hat off. +[5113.16 --> 5127.16] Oh, Canada, our home and native land. +[5127.16 --> 5137.16] True, great, true love, when all our songs commend. +[5137.16 --> 5147.16] And, though in hearts we see thee rise, the true Lord strong and free. +[5147.16 --> 5156.16] From far and wide, O Canada, we stand on guard for thee. +[5156.16 --> 5157.16] O Canada, we stand on guard for thee. +[5157.16 --> 5163.16] O Canada, we stand on guard for thee. +[5163.16 --> 5164.16] O Canada, we stand on guard for thee. +[5164.16 --> 5170.16] O Canada, we stand on guard for thee. +[5170.16 --> 5171.16] O Canada, we stand on guard for thee. +[5171.16 --> 5177.16] O Canada, we stand on guard for thee. +[5177.16 --> 5187.16] O Canada, we stand on guard for thee. +[5187.16 --> 5188.16] Aw Theory. +[5188.16 --> 5193.16] O Canada, we stand on guard for thee. +[5193.16 --> 5194.16] O Canada, we stand on guard for thee. +[5194.16 --> 5195.16] Okay? +[5195.16 --> 5196.16] O Canada, we stand on guard for thee. +[5196.16 --> 5197.16] oxyl Deligy from Gabлам thousand and ㅇ logo. +[5197.16 --> 5198.16] O Canada, we stand on guard for thee. +[5198.16 --> 5199.16] O Canada, we stand on guard for thee. +[5199.16 --> 5200.16] O Canada, we stand on guard for thee. +[5200.16 --> 5201.16] O Canada, we stand on guard for thee. +[5201.16 --> 5202.16] O Canada, we stand on guard for thee. +[5202.16 --> 5203.16] كن to say thy praise and behold. +[5203.16 --> 5205.16] O Canada, we stand on guard for thee. +[5205.16 --> 5206.62] O Canada, we stand on guard for thee. +[5206.62 --> 5207.66] How am I standing on guard for thee. +[5207.66 --> 5208.66] What do i differ? +[5208.66 --> 5209.66] Today, I'm with fire you, I am from West Africa. +[5209.66 --> 5215.66] We stand on guard for thee. diff --git a/Sunday Worship, May 12, 2024_summary.txt b/Sunday Worship, May 12, 2024_summary.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000000000000000000000000000000000000..5fef5a99f4028a5119fb6c7b09a9ff6bb5d63af6 --- /dev/null +++ b/Sunday Worship, May 12, 2024_summary.txt @@ -0,0 +1,97 @@ +• Prayer for mothers and those struggling with motherhood +• Celebration of Jerry Jansen's upcoming 95th birthday +• Request for healing for John Koning from stage four melanoma +• Introduction of new office bearers to the congregation +• Gratitude for outgoing council members' service +• Awareness of community needs and requests for prayer +• Struggles with modern life, including mental health, social media, and relationships +• Need for a deeper connection with God and His Holy Spirit +• Praise for Chris and Kevin's sermon series on Romans and their dedication to preaching the gospel +• Reading from Romans 15:14-33, discussing Paul's ministry and his desire to preach the gospel to those who have not heard it +• Plans for visiting Jerusalem and then Spain, with a request for prayer support +• Paul expresses his joy and thankfulness for the state of the church in Rome. +• He writes to them as a reminder, not to correct or introduce new gospel knowledge, but to encourage their existing faith. +• The life of a Christian requires sacrifice, specifically the sacrifice of everything with love and joy. +• Paul explains that he is offering the Gentiles to Christ through his ministry, likening it to a priestly duty. +• He describes this sacrifice as a thanksgiving offering, not a sin offering, and compares it to the sacrifice of the firstborn lamb in the Old Testament. +• Christians are called to live as living sacrifices, placing every part of themselves on an altar daily. +• Paul's ministry is seen as a giant thanksgiving offering to God for the gift of Christ and his conversion. +• Paul's ministry as a priest to the Gentiles +• His role in proclaiming Jesus' name to those who have not heard it before +• Connection to Isaiah 52 and its prophecy of people coming to know and understand the servant of the Lord, Jesus +• The suffering servant passage in Isaiah 53 and its relation to Paul's ministry +• Israel's refusal to see God's plan and the Gentiles' understanding instead +• The fulfillment of Isaiah 52's prophecy in the Roman church's faith +• Paul's focus on spreading the gospel to a place beyond Rome, specifically Spain +• Paul's population of Spain is mostly Gentile +• Paul's missionary journeys highlighted on maps +• Four missionary journeys: + + First: Cyprus, Pamphylia, Galatia + + Second: Lycia, Pamphylia, Galatia, Macedonia, Achaia + + Third: Galatia, Asia, Macedonia, Achaia, Jerusalem + + Fourth (not recorded in Acts): imprisonment in Caesarea, appeal to Caesar, journey to Rome and then Spain +• Christianity's reach by the second century, highlighted on a map around the Mediterranean +• The spread of Christianity in the first century +• Paul's missionary journeys and the areas he reached by his death +• The expansion of Christianity in the second century +• Paul's potential visit to Spain and its significance +• The importance of spreading faith to "the ends of the earth" +• Jesus' command to the disciples to spread the gospel to all nations +• The Lord tells the disciples they will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes to them. +• They will be witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. +• Paul sees his work as bringing the name of Jesus Christ and good news to the ends of the earth. +• He is willing to sacrifice everything to spread the message to Spain and beyond. +• Paul has a deposit of money from Greek churches to bring to the poor in Jerusalem. +• The Roman church is asked to support this effort, as they have shared in spiritual blessings with the Jews. +• This passage is often misunderstood as implying Christians owe a debt to Israel, but it actually refers to supporting the poor among the saints in Jerusalem. +• Paul's letter emphasizes the importance of helping persecuted Christians. +• The passage discusses the theme of sacrifice and giving in response to persecution. +• A humorous example is given about emptying bank accounts for a fundraising campaign. +• Prayer is specifically mentioned as an important aspect of supporting Paul, who faces challenges. +• An analysis of Acts shows that Paul did eventually make it back to Jerusalem safely. +• The speaker compares prayer to martial arts training, emphasizing the need for focus and dedication +• The Church of Rome is compared to a "corner man" in a boxing match against evil forces +• The book of Acts illustrates how Paul was able to overcome obstacles due to Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit, and prayers from the saints +• The speaker encourages listeners to pray with fervor and intensity like Jacob did when wrestling with God +• God is calling believers to ask for impossible and miraculous things in prayer +• The passage relates to the Mexico missions team and how their work builds on the foundation laid by previous missionaries +• Praying with dedication and energy for the church of Langley +• Sacrificing everything, like the Roman Church and other missions teams +• Recognizing the needs of others in ministry and being willing to provide resources and support +• Interceding for missionaries and their work around the world +• Joining forces with missions teams from distant locations through prayer and material aid +• Two types of Christians: those who provide and pray, and those who do the work +• The distinction between "over there" and "here" is not accurate; both are equally called to serve and pray for each other +• Evidence of volunteer work in various ministries within the congregation +• The importance of sacrifice in a Christian's life +• Jesus Christ sacrificed everything to redeem humanity, and so must followers surrender their own desires and needs +• Prayers and hymns +• Sacrifice and faith +• Grace and the Lord's table +• Worship and giving thanks +• Praise to Christ and his power +• Promise of God's presence and guidance +• The Lord's Supper and its significance in commemorating Jesus' sacrifice +• Participation in the sacrament, including those with varying levels of faith or attendance history +• Invitation to come to the table, regardless of spiritual background or experience +• Passing of elements (bread and juice) and saying prayers as part of the communion service +• Instructions for how to participate in the communion service at Emmanuel church +• Announcement for guests unable to attend the front +• Instructions for service at seats +• Invitation to gather at the Lord's table +• Prayer and scripture readings +• Communion service: meaning, significance, and participation +• Reflection on Jesus' sacrifice and forgiveness +• Sharing of bread and drink as a symbol of peace and unity +• Eucharistic prayer and reflection on Christ's sacrifice +• Reference to sharing in bread and wine as a sign of love and bonds around the table of the king +• Description of Christ's blood as cleansing every stain of sin +• Discussion of Christ's gift, crucifixion, and sacrifice +• Praise for the Lamb of God and washing in precious blood +• Reflection on Christ's role in redemption and forgiveness +• Praise for the hands that stirred the bread, feet that walked the dusty roads, and body of Christ +• Praise and worship song about the body of Christ +• References to the resurrection of Christ and its significance +• Blessings from God, including the Lord's blessing and prayer for peace +• Declaration of Christ's eternal kingship and reign +• Repetition of phrases expressing thanks and appreciation \ No newline at end of file diff --git a/Sunday Worship, May 12, 2024_transcript.txt b/Sunday Worship, May 12, 2024_transcript.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000000000000000000000000000000000000..2160cbf89f8a45a383fc8e21fa13829583f9199d --- /dev/null +++ b/Sunday Worship, May 12, 2024_transcript.txt @@ -0,0 +1,1740 @@ +[0.00 --> 13.12] was +[30.00 --> 59.98] Thank you. +[60.00 --> 89.98] Thank you. +[90.00 --> 119.98] Thank you. +[120.00 --> 149.98] Thank you. +[150.00 --> 179.98] Thank you. +[180.00 --> 209.98] Thank you. +[210.00 --> 239.98] Thank you. +[240.00 --> 269.98] Thank you. +[270.00 --> 299.98] Thank you. +[300.00 --> 329.98] Thank you. +[330.00 --> 359.98] Thank you. +[359.98 --> 389.96] Thank you. +[389.98 --> 419.96] Thank you. +[419.98 --> 449.96] Thank you. +[449.98 --> 479.96] Thank you. +[479.98 --> 509.96] Thank you. +[509.98 --> 539.96] Thank you. +[539.96 --> 569.94] Thank you. +[569.96 --> 599.94] Thank you. +[599.94 --> 629.92] Thank you. +[629.92 --> 659.90] Thank you. +[659.92 --> 689.90] Thank you. +[689.92 --> 719.90] So, as we come to the table, we're going to be here. +[719.94 --> 749.88] Thank you. +[749.88 --> 779.86] Thank you. +[779.86 --> 809.84] Thank you. +[809.84 --> 839.82] Thank you. +[839.82 --> 869.80] Thank you. +[869.82 --> 899.80] Thank you. +[899.82 --> 929.80] Thank you. +[929.82 --> 959.80] Thank you. +[959.80 --> 989.78] Thank you. +[989.80 --> 1019.78] Thank you. +[1019.80 --> 1049.78] Thank you. +[1049.80 --> 1079.78] Thank you. +[1079.80 --> 1109.78] Thank you. +[1109.80 --> 1139.78] Thank you. +[1139.80 --> 1169.78] Thank you. +[1169.80 --> 1199.78] Thank you. +[1199.80 --> 1229.78] Thank you. +[1229.78 --> 1259.76] Thank you. +[1259.78 --> 1289.76] Thank you. +[1289.76 --> 1319.74] Thank you. +[1319.74 --> 1349.72] Thank you. +[1349.72 --> 1379.70] Thank you. +[1379.70 --> 1409.68] Thank you. +[1409.70 --> 1439.68] Thank you. +[1439.70 --> 1469.68] Thank you. +[1469.70 --> 1499.68] Thank you. +[1499.70 --> 1529.68] Thank you. +[1529.70 --> 1559.68] Thank you. +[1559.70 --> 1589.68] Thank you. +[1589.68 --> 1619.68] Thank you. +[1619.68 --> 1649.66] Thank you. +[1649.66 --> 1679.64] Thank you. +[1679.64 --> 1709.62] Thank you. +[1709.62 --> 1739.60] Thank you. +[1739.60 --> 1769.58] Thank you. +[1769.60 --> 1799.58] Thank you. +[1799.60 --> 1829.58] Thank you. +[1829.60 --> 1859.58] Thank you. +[1859.60 --> 1889.58] Thank you. +[1889.60 --> 1919.58] Thank you. +[1919.60 --> 1949.58] Thank you. +[1949.60 --> 1979.58] Thank you. +[1979.58 --> 2009.56] Thank you. +[2009.56 --> 2039.54] Thank you. +[2039.54 --> 2069.52] Thank you. +[2069.52 --> 2099.50] Thank you. +[2099.52 --> 2129.50] Thank you. +[2129.50 --> 2159.48] Thank you. +[2159.48 --> 2189.46] Thank you. +[2189.48 --> 2219.46] Thank you. +[2219.48 --> 2249.46] Thank you. +[2249.48 --> 2279.46] Good morning. +[2279.46 --> 2309.44] Thank you. +[2309.44 --> 2339.44] So, +[2339.44 --> 2369.44] Thank you. +[2369.44 --> 2371.44] Can everyone, can everyone, +[2399.44 --> 2429.44] good morning, +[2429.44 --> 2459.42] turn in, you know, +[2459.44 --> 2489.44] cancer, and you know, +[2489.44 --> 2519.44] lovely, clear debut. +[2519.44 --> 2523.36] presence of the Northern Lights the past and nights are a testament to your power and greatness +[2523.36 --> 2530.32] and flair for beauty and surprises in nature that you share with us. Today is Mother's Day, Lord, +[2530.36 --> 2536.10] and we take this day in the year to be intentional about celebrating our mothers. Our moms have a +[2536.10 --> 2542.22] difficult job, but also a rewarding one. The blessing moms are to us for the commitment they +[2542.22 --> 2548.46] have to the responsibility of being a mom is amazing. So Lord, we pray for blessings on them. +[2548.46 --> 2555.62] We pray for strength, health, and joy in their journey as a mom. We also pray, Lord, for those +[2555.62 --> 2561.48] who find Mother's Day difficult, whether it's the longing to be a mom, losing a mom, losing a child, +[2561.62 --> 2567.84] or due to strained relationships. Grant these moms, Lord, comfort and peace and the insurance of your +[2567.84 --> 2573.98] presence in their lives. Lord, we are excited about the 95th birthday for Jerry Jansen this week. +[2573.98 --> 2579.64] She's still a ball of energy and always has a quick time for a quick conversation, whether here at the +[2579.64 --> 2585.52] church or when she's doing her laps up in Murrayville. We are thankful, Lord, for the healing of John +[2585.52 --> 2593.98] Koning as he has received healing from his stage four melanoma. We come to this time of the year, +[2594.06 --> 2598.60] Lord, where we present new office spares to the congregation. We are grateful, Lord, for the +[2598.60 --> 2603.12] commitment of Paul Hummelman, Clary Clostroth, Alison Philpott, and Pearl DeHaan for putting their names +[2603.12 --> 2609.52] forward for these leadership roles. We ask your blessing on the voting process in a couple weeks, +[2609.76 --> 2613.66] and thank you, Lord, for the work and the service of the outgoing council members. +[2616.78 --> 2621.78] Lord, as I look through the midweek memo and scan for prayer requests, it appears there are not many at this time. +[2621.78 --> 2628.02] For that, we are grateful. However, we are well aware that there's much going on in our communities, +[2628.14 --> 2635.12] whether here at church or in our communities outside of church. As I scan my own life, Lord, I'm witness to +[2635.12 --> 2641.34] strained marriages, struggles with raising children, financial struggles, or job dissatisfaction. +[2642.50 --> 2648.26] I see struggles with the mental health and gender confusion issues along with challenges navigating the strange +[2648.26 --> 2652.02] world of social media and the internet for people of all ages. +[2653.54 --> 2657.14] I hear struggles finding a partner to date and have a relationship with, +[2657.86 --> 2663.22] and struggles trying to navigate the amount of news and media coming our way and trying to find the truth in it. +[2664.42 --> 2669.06] This is going on in my world around me, so I'm sure it is for most of us here as well, Lord. +[2670.34 --> 2675.60] The solution, Lord, is more of you in our lives as we ask your Holy Spirit to be relentless +[2675.60 --> 2682.92] in making yourself known to us and to those around us, and because true peace is found in you. +[2684.80 --> 2689.34] Thank you, Lord, for being the rock, for being consistent and truly reliable. +[2689.74 --> 2691.36] You are our Savior and Comforter. +[2692.66 --> 2696.88] We ask, Lord, that you encourage us and walk beside us this week as we go into the world, +[2696.96 --> 2699.08] being a light for you in all our interactions. +[2699.08 --> 2706.46] As we move on to the next step in this service, we ask that you would be with Josh as he brings the word to us this morning. +[2707.28 --> 2710.14] We ask all these things in your mighty name alone, Lord. +[2710.42 --> 2710.76] Amen. +[2729.08 --> 2738.64] Good morning, everyone. +[2739.18 --> 2743.54] We'll be reading from Romans 15, verses 14 to 33 today. +[2744.02 --> 2747.00] And while you're opening your Bibles and your devices to the passage, +[2747.26 --> 2749.86] I just want to say that as Kevin has highlighted, +[2750.02 --> 2754.44] we are now on part 36 of this sermon series in Romans. +[2754.44 --> 2760.90] And I don't know about you, but this year and a half in Romans has been really, really good. +[2761.70 --> 2768.02] I think we all recognize this, but I just wanted to acknowledge how blessed we all are to have Chris and Kevin +[2768.02 --> 2770.52] so expertly go through the book of Romans. +[2771.04 --> 2777.04] And they were too humble to take it, but I think we all really need to thank them for all the work they've put +[2777.04 --> 2781.84] in being good and faithful servants in their preaching in this period. +[2784.44 --> 2792.72] They have highlighted the deep teachings of Romans about how devastating human sin is, +[2793.06 --> 2797.40] God's redemption in Christ, justification, sanctification, glorification, +[2797.92 --> 2801.04] the election of God's people, the work of the Holy Spirit in the church, +[2801.22 --> 2805.54] and the practical working out of our faith in the commands to love God and neighbor. +[2805.54 --> 2810.04] We have covered government, human sexuality, and even food laws. +[2811.26 --> 2814.52] And that is why I want to say it is a privilege to partake in this series, +[2814.86 --> 2816.66] even if it is the part where Paul says goodbye. +[2819.96 --> 2822.92] Let's read Romans 15, verses 14 to 33. +[2822.92 --> 2831.04] I myself am convinced, my brothers and sisters, that you yourselves are full of goodness, +[2831.62 --> 2834.82] filled with the knowledge and competent to instruct one another. +[2835.64 --> 2839.18] Yet I have written to you quite boldly on some points to remind you of them again. +[2840.54 --> 2844.80] Because of the grace God gave me to be a minister of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles, +[2844.80 --> 2848.86] He gave me the priestly duty of proclaiming the gospel of God +[2848.86 --> 2851.92] so that the Gentiles might become an offering acceptable to God, +[2852.38 --> 2853.74] sanctified by the Holy Spirit. +[2854.66 --> 2858.04] Therefore I glorify in Christ Jesus in my service to God. +[2858.32 --> 2862.80] I will not venture to speak of anything except what Christ has accomplished through me +[2862.80 --> 2866.28] in leading the Gentiles to obey by what I have said and done, +[2866.60 --> 2870.26] by the power of signs and wonders, through the power of the Spirit of God. +[2870.26 --> 2873.70] So from Jerusalem all the way through to Illyricum, +[2874.08 --> 2876.80] I have fully proclaimed the gospel of Christ. +[2877.22 --> 2882.10] It has always been my ambition to preach the gospel where Christ was not known +[2882.10 --> 2885.14] so that I would not be building on someone else's foundation. +[2885.76 --> 2886.76] Rather, it is written, +[2887.34 --> 2890.14] those who were not told about Him will see +[2890.14 --> 2892.42] and those who have not heard will understand. +[2893.22 --> 2896.34] This is why I have often been hindered from coming to you. +[2896.34 --> 2901.00] But now that there is no more place for me to work in these regions, +[2901.24 --> 2904.28] and since I have been longing for many years to visit you, +[2904.38 --> 2906.16] I plan to do so when I go to Spain. +[2907.00 --> 2909.36] I hope to see you while passing through +[2909.36 --> 2911.44] and to have you assist me on my journey there, +[2911.88 --> 2914.30] after I have enjoyed your company for a while. +[2915.00 --> 2917.54] Now, however, I am on my way to Jerusalem +[2917.54 --> 2919.22] in the service of the Lord's people there. +[2919.88 --> 2923.66] For Macedonia and Achaia were pleased to make a contribution +[2923.66 --> 2926.74] for the poor among the Lord's people in Jerusalem. +[2927.76 --> 2930.74] They were pleased to do it, and indeed they owe it to them. +[2931.02 --> 2933.98] For if the Gentiles have shared in the Jews' spiritual blessings, +[2934.10 --> 2936.66] they owe it to the Jews to share with them their material blessings. +[2937.52 --> 2939.58] So, after I have completed this task +[2939.58 --> 2942.38] and have made sure that they have received this contribution, +[2942.64 --> 2945.26] I will go to Spain and visit you on the way. +[2945.90 --> 2947.28] I know that when I come to you, +[2947.38 --> 2951.56] I will come in the full measure of the blessings of Christ. +[2951.56 --> 2953.52] I urge you, brothers and sisters, +[2954.02 --> 2957.24] by your Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit +[2957.24 --> 2960.62] to join me in my struggle by praying to God for me. +[2961.36 --> 2964.50] Pray that I may be kept safe from the unbelievers in Judea +[2964.50 --> 2966.78] and that the contribution I take to Jerusalem +[2966.78 --> 2969.66] may be favorably received by the Lord's people there, +[2970.00 --> 2972.22] so that I may come to you with joy, +[2972.66 --> 2976.06] by God's will and in your company be refreshed. +[2976.50 --> 2977.84] The God of peace be with you all. +[2978.50 --> 2978.70] Amen. +[2978.70 --> 2978.82] Amen. +[2981.56 --> 2986.22] Paul starts this section by telling the church +[2986.22 --> 2988.64] that he is satisfied that they are full of goodness +[2988.64 --> 2990.38] and filled with all knowledge +[2990.38 --> 2992.02] and able to instruct one another +[2992.02 --> 2995.40] and that he has written to them boldly by way of reminder. +[2996.74 --> 2997.72] What is Paul saying here? +[2998.06 --> 3000.50] Well, in chapter 1, verse 8 of Romans, +[3000.96 --> 3004.84] Paul says that he thanks God through Jesus Christ for all of them +[3004.84 --> 3007.90] because their faith is proclaimed around the world. +[3007.90 --> 3013.12] Paul is stoked with the news he hears of this church +[3013.12 --> 3016.88] and he sends this letter not as a correction or as a gospel message +[3016.88 --> 3017.72] they do not know, +[3017.98 --> 3023.44] but rather as a joyful and encouraging reminder of what they already know. +[3024.44 --> 3027.62] Just with his apostolic insights attached, +[3028.38 --> 3030.62] this church understood one of the threads +[3030.62 --> 3033.84] that Paul has been unraveling throughout this entire letter +[3033.84 --> 3037.32] and it is the point that he makes in many of his letters +[3037.32 --> 3040.04] and this is the big idea for today's sermon. +[3041.86 --> 3045.08] The life of a Christian requires sacrifice. +[3046.84 --> 3049.88] The life of a Christian requires sacrifice. +[3051.88 --> 3053.08] Next question would be, +[3053.50 --> 3055.08] what is it that I am sacrificing? +[3055.08 --> 3055.20] Everything. +[3056.80 --> 3057.36] Everything. +[3058.22 --> 3060.12] With love and joy. +[3060.86 --> 3063.96] And that joy Paul feels in this passage. +[3064.46 --> 3066.72] Paul is joyful about the state of this church +[3066.72 --> 3069.64] which leads him to express his other reasons +[3069.64 --> 3071.32] for writing this letter to them. +[3071.80 --> 3074.78] Paul knows he is the minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles +[3074.78 --> 3077.90] and he describes it further as a priestly duty +[3077.90 --> 3081.68] and that he is offering the Gentiles to Christ. +[3081.68 --> 3086.44] First, sacrifices by nature would be a sacrifice of your first fruits, +[3086.90 --> 3089.50] your best, the things most valuable to you. +[3089.84 --> 3091.44] Not the lamb who was damaged, +[3091.82 --> 3094.84] but the firstborn lamb who was healthy and desired, +[3095.22 --> 3096.24] flawless even. +[3097.18 --> 3099.90] In the Old Testament there are two prominent types of sacrifices. +[3100.52 --> 3101.18] One would make. +[3101.76 --> 3104.42] A sin offering, which was to atone for sins, +[3104.82 --> 3106.02] and a thanksgiving offering, +[3106.42 --> 3108.68] which was an expression of gratitude towards God. +[3108.68 --> 3111.78] Through our reading of Romans, +[3112.10 --> 3115.58] we know that Paul does not think of this offering of the Gentiles to God +[3115.58 --> 3116.82] as a sin offering. +[3117.28 --> 3119.82] He is not doing this to atone for sins. +[3120.92 --> 3122.98] Christ's sacrifice was the sin offering +[3122.98 --> 3124.54] that ended all sin offerings. +[3124.84 --> 3126.08] He was the perfect lamb, +[3126.48 --> 3127.92] without blemish, flawless. +[3129.36 --> 3130.78] But Paul has spoken already +[3130.78 --> 3133.98] of how we are called to live as living sacrifices. +[3134.36 --> 3136.98] Every part of us is to be placed on an altar +[3136.98 --> 3138.80] daily again and again. +[3139.40 --> 3141.28] Paul writes in Colossians 1.22, +[3141.96 --> 3143.66] But now he has reconciled you +[3143.66 --> 3145.20] by Christ's physical body +[3145.20 --> 3147.10] through death to present you +[3147.10 --> 3149.22] holy and blameless in his sight, +[3149.62 --> 3151.88] without blemish and free from accusation. +[3153.00 --> 3156.14] We are now a blameless lamb, +[3156.32 --> 3158.76] giving of ourselves in thanksgiving to the Lord. +[3160.76 --> 3163.86] Jesus appeared to Paul on the road to Damascus, +[3163.86 --> 3166.74] which led Paul to realize that Christ was the Lord, +[3167.12 --> 3168.52] and from there being baptized. +[3169.22 --> 3171.54] Since then, Paul's entire ministry journey +[3171.54 --> 3174.76] has been one giant thanksgiving offering to God +[3174.76 --> 3176.48] for that undeserving gift. +[3177.62 --> 3179.92] Every Gentile Paul has converted +[3179.92 --> 3182.26] and through and brought to Christ +[3182.26 --> 3183.58] is his first fruits. +[3184.00 --> 3186.34] Every Greek or Jew that has come to the knowledge +[3186.34 --> 3188.84] of their Savior is a fruit of gratitude. +[3188.84 --> 3192.02] Every man or woman saved as a sacrifice +[3192.02 --> 3194.82] given out of joy to the love of the one who saved him. +[3196.06 --> 3197.66] Everything Paul has done, +[3198.56 --> 3200.94] everything Paul has said in this letter, +[3201.38 --> 3202.42] all of his encouragements +[3202.42 --> 3203.66] and the outpouring of his heart +[3203.66 --> 3204.52] to the Romans +[3204.52 --> 3207.96] is not of a legalistic, intellectual elite. +[3208.34 --> 3210.00] This is a man who has been given a gift +[3210.00 --> 3211.76] he could never pay back. +[3212.38 --> 3214.12] And so he does everything he can +[3214.12 --> 3215.68] to live out that gratitude +[3215.68 --> 3218.10] any way he can +[3218.10 --> 3220.14] to the God who saved him. +[3220.98 --> 3223.66] He is sacrificing everything +[3223.66 --> 3226.06] as an offering of thanksgiving. +[3228.88 --> 3231.50] This is what priests do. +[3232.30 --> 3234.24] They present the sacrifices to the Lord +[3234.24 --> 3235.44] and minister to the people. +[3236.12 --> 3239.04] And he sees himself as a minister to the Gentiles. +[3239.70 --> 3241.74] But not just Gentiles. +[3241.74 --> 3244.30] Gentiles who have not yet heard +[3244.30 --> 3245.88] the name of Jesus Christ. +[3246.52 --> 3247.64] He does not want to build +[3247.64 --> 3249.08] on someone else's foundation. +[3249.66 --> 3250.68] His whole ministry +[3250.68 --> 3252.90] has been to proclaim Jesus' name +[3252.90 --> 3254.62] to as many people as possible. +[3255.96 --> 3257.74] And Paul sees this expressed +[3257.74 --> 3259.84] and prophesied in the Old Testament. +[3260.62 --> 3263.64] Paul quotes Isaiah chapter 52 verse 15 +[3263.64 --> 3266.08] in Romans chapter 15 verse 22. +[3267.08 --> 3269.70] Those who have never been told of him will see +[3269.70 --> 3272.02] and those who have never heard will understand. +[3274.36 --> 3276.92] This is the last verse of Isaiah 52. +[3277.62 --> 3279.10] And it's talking about how people +[3279.10 --> 3280.96] would come to know the servant of the Lord. +[3281.16 --> 3282.58] Even if they didn't see him +[3282.58 --> 3284.04] they would come to understand. +[3284.66 --> 3286.18] Right after this is the famous +[3286.18 --> 3288.14] Isaiah chapter 53 passage +[3288.14 --> 3289.06] of the suffering servant. +[3289.76 --> 3291.52] Who has believed our message +[3291.52 --> 3292.98] and to whom has the arm of the Lord +[3292.98 --> 3293.56] been revealed? +[3294.12 --> 3296.16] He grew up before him like a tender shoot +[3296.16 --> 3298.20] and like a root out of dry ground +[3298.20 --> 3299.68] he had no beauty or majesty +[3299.68 --> 3300.82] to attract us to him. +[3301.32 --> 3302.48] Nothing in his appearance +[3302.48 --> 3303.64] that we should desire him. +[3303.96 --> 3306.02] He was despised and rejected by mankind. +[3306.58 --> 3307.46] A man of suffering +[3307.46 --> 3308.70] and familiar with pain. +[3309.08 --> 3310.82] Like one from whom people hide their faces +[3310.82 --> 3311.96] he was despised. +[3312.30 --> 3313.70] And we held him in low esteem. +[3314.82 --> 3316.90] Paul does not see himself as that figure. +[3317.34 --> 3318.26] That would be Jesus. +[3319.02 --> 3320.64] But Paul does see himself +[3320.64 --> 3322.42] as the one who is telling the people +[3322.42 --> 3324.48] in the prophecy about Christ +[3324.48 --> 3325.56] in chapter 52. +[3326.30 --> 3328.30] Those that were never told of him +[3328.30 --> 3329.40] he is the reason +[3329.40 --> 3330.56] they will hear and understand. +[3331.32 --> 3332.56] Paul writing to the Romans +[3332.56 --> 3334.80] right there is a fulfillment +[3334.80 --> 3336.02] of that prophecy. +[3336.84 --> 3338.18] We are a fulfillment +[3338.18 --> 3339.24] of that prophecy. +[3340.08 --> 3340.84] Everyone here +[3340.84 --> 3342.24] never saw Jesus +[3342.24 --> 3344.26] but believes and hears +[3344.26 --> 3345.06] and understands. +[3346.38 --> 3347.78] He is overjoyed +[3347.78 --> 3348.62] in the faith +[3348.62 --> 3349.84] of the Roman church +[3349.84 --> 3352.16] because they are living proof +[3352.16 --> 3354.24] of the truth written by Isaiah. +[3354.48 --> 3356.76] In fact, chapter 52 of Isaiah +[3356.76 --> 3358.74] is about how Israel refuses +[3358.74 --> 3360.34] to see what God is doing +[3360.34 --> 3361.78] and that the world will +[3361.78 --> 3364.50] and the world will understand +[3364.50 --> 3365.60] and not them. +[3366.00 --> 3367.90] Which if you remember earlier in Romans +[3367.90 --> 3370.20] was exactly what Paul said +[3370.20 --> 3370.80] would happen +[3370.80 --> 3372.18] in Romans chapter 11. +[3372.86 --> 3374.02] Israel would be made jealous +[3374.02 --> 3375.20] of the Gentiles' faith +[3375.20 --> 3377.24] and eventually they would come to faith +[3377.24 --> 3377.86] as a result. +[3377.86 --> 3380.32] Now, +[3380.64 --> 3383.04] everything we have learned so far +[3383.04 --> 3384.64] leads us to the next section +[3384.64 --> 3386.44] and this is what we have learned. +[3386.78 --> 3387.00] One, +[3387.62 --> 3389.06] that the Roman church is good +[3389.06 --> 3390.50] and knowledgeable in the faith +[3390.50 --> 3391.62] and two, +[3392.10 --> 3393.72] Paul is a priest minister +[3393.72 --> 3394.68] to Gentiles +[3394.68 --> 3395.68] who have not yet heard +[3395.68 --> 3396.46] the name of Christ. +[3397.70 --> 3398.84] Paul is not focused +[3398.84 --> 3400.36] on going to a place like Rome +[3400.36 --> 3401.16] where he has nothing +[3401.16 --> 3401.82] to teach them. +[3402.44 --> 3403.28] This whole thing +[3403.28 --> 3404.24] has been a reminder +[3404.24 --> 3406.66] but there is a place +[3406.66 --> 3407.98] just beyond Rome +[3407.98 --> 3409.24] that he wants to get to. +[3410.56 --> 3411.00] Spain. +[3412.56 --> 3413.00] Spain, +[3413.16 --> 3413.92] a whole land +[3413.92 --> 3414.94] without a notable +[3414.94 --> 3416.28] Jewish population +[3416.28 --> 3418.16] unlike Greece and Rome. +[3418.40 --> 3419.40] The population of Spain +[3419.40 --> 3420.72] is mostly Gentile. +[3421.18 --> 3421.56] For Paul, +[3421.66 --> 3422.28] that is like being +[3422.28 --> 3423.34] in an all-you-can-eat buffet +[3423.34 --> 3424.26] except all the food +[3424.26 --> 3425.14] is offered to God. +[3428.50 --> 3428.94] Now, +[3429.04 --> 3429.94] with all these names +[3429.94 --> 3430.56] and locations +[3430.56 --> 3432.00] and Paul talking about +[3432.00 --> 3433.06] the places he wants to go +[3433.06 --> 3433.60] and is going, +[3434.24 --> 3434.88] I think it's time +[3434.88 --> 3435.80] to look at some maps +[3435.80 --> 3436.48] and for those +[3436.48 --> 3437.90] not historically inclined, +[3438.16 --> 3438.72] hang on there. +[3438.84 --> 3439.74] This won't take that long. +[3440.74 --> 3440.94] Okay. +[3441.46 --> 3441.76] So, +[3441.94 --> 3442.60] there's some maps up. +[3442.86 --> 3443.24] Pay attention +[3443.24 --> 3444.08] to the colored circles. +[3444.88 --> 3445.04] So, +[3445.14 --> 3445.62] Paul goes on +[3445.62 --> 3446.88] four missionary journeys +[3446.88 --> 3448.36] in his career. +[3448.96 --> 3449.90] The first one, +[3450.02 --> 3450.74] highlighted in yellow, +[3450.90 --> 3452.06] he goes from Cyprus +[3452.06 --> 3453.48] to Pamphylia +[3453.48 --> 3454.46] to Galatia. +[3455.14 --> 3456.24] That second one, +[3456.30 --> 3457.56] it says Lycia there. +[3458.20 --> 3459.48] Pamphylia wasn't on the map +[3459.48 --> 3460.08] so, +[3460.88 --> 3461.74] that's Pamphylia. +[3462.16 --> 3462.30] Just, +[3462.58 --> 3462.72] yeah. +[3462.72 --> 3464.64] The next one +[3464.64 --> 3465.22] is in pink. +[3466.24 --> 3467.06] Paul then goes +[3467.06 --> 3467.86] from Galatia +[3467.86 --> 3468.88] to Macedonia +[3468.88 --> 3470.08] and then Achaia. +[3470.84 --> 3471.54] And the next, +[3472.02 --> 3473.16] his third missionary journey, +[3473.58 --> 3474.76] he goes from Galatia +[3474.76 --> 3475.70] to Asia +[3475.70 --> 3476.78] to Macedonia +[3476.78 --> 3477.62] to Achaia +[3477.62 --> 3478.30] and then back +[3478.30 --> 3478.98] to Jerusalem +[3478.98 --> 3480.16] where we are reading. +[3480.60 --> 3480.92] Which, +[3481.10 --> 3481.88] as we read in Romans, +[3481.96 --> 3483.16] is where he is currently heading +[3483.16 --> 3485.12] and why he takes the Roman, +[3485.28 --> 3486.28] asks the Roman church +[3486.28 --> 3486.78] for money +[3486.78 --> 3487.36] and prayer. +[3487.36 --> 3488.44] And then lastly, +[3488.64 --> 3489.22] in black, +[3489.56 --> 3490.26] we see that +[3490.26 --> 3491.62] the fourth missionary journey, +[3491.76 --> 3492.66] which is not recorded +[3492.66 --> 3493.40] in the Bible, +[3493.52 --> 3494.14] the book of Acts, +[3494.50 --> 3495.38] but is referred to +[3495.38 --> 3496.06] in the epistles +[3496.06 --> 3496.98] and in church history. +[3497.46 --> 3498.74] Starts with his imprisonment +[3498.74 --> 3499.56] in Caesarea +[3499.56 --> 3501.28] where he appeals to Caesar +[3501.28 --> 3502.66] and is then brought to Rome +[3502.66 --> 3503.68] where his boat +[3503.68 --> 3504.34] hits a storm +[3504.34 --> 3505.64] and ship crashes +[3505.64 --> 3506.58] on the island of Malta +[3506.58 --> 3507.90] and they make their way +[3507.90 --> 3508.64] to Rome +[3508.64 --> 3509.30] where he is put +[3509.30 --> 3510.02] under house arrest. +[3510.50 --> 3511.54] He then goes from Rome +[3511.54 --> 3512.10] to Spain, +[3512.34 --> 3513.36] which is not on the map, +[3513.44 --> 3514.10] so there's an arrow +[3514.10 --> 3515.34] pointing to where Spain is, +[3515.34 --> 3516.68] and then Crete +[3516.68 --> 3517.58] and then Asia +[3517.58 --> 3518.48] and then Achaia +[3518.48 --> 3519.34] and Macedonia. +[3520.26 --> 3520.82] And lastly, +[3521.18 --> 3521.94] one more map. +[3522.08 --> 3522.76] We're just about done. +[3523.54 --> 3524.30] This is a map +[3524.30 --> 3525.10] of the total reach +[3525.10 --> 3525.82] of Christianity +[3525.82 --> 3526.92] by the second century, +[3527.02 --> 3527.82] the highlighted part +[3527.82 --> 3528.70] around the Mediterranean. +[3529.46 --> 3530.56] There's two sections +[3530.56 --> 3531.70] which are hard to see +[3531.70 --> 3532.86] and being colorblind, +[3532.94 --> 3533.30] I've been told +[3533.30 --> 3534.16] that the middle section +[3534.16 --> 3534.72] is green, +[3535.24 --> 3537.92] but you'll probably +[3537.92 --> 3538.64] see better than me. +[3540.02 --> 3542.20] The first smaller area +[3542.20 --> 3542.96] is the place +[3542.96 --> 3543.60] where Christianity +[3543.60 --> 3544.80] got in the first century. +[3545.34 --> 3545.78] And if you look, +[3545.86 --> 3546.70] that's all the places +[3546.70 --> 3547.38] Paul went +[3547.38 --> 3548.36] by the time he died. +[3549.06 --> 3550.34] And that bigger area, +[3550.60 --> 3551.52] the darker area, +[3551.98 --> 3553.40] is where Christianity +[3553.40 --> 3554.06] got by the end +[3554.06 --> 3554.96] of the second century. +[3555.22 --> 3555.78] And if you look, +[3556.30 --> 3557.54] Spain is one +[3557.54 --> 3558.28] of those places, +[3558.80 --> 3559.30] which means +[3559.30 --> 3560.28] someone got there. +[3561.60 --> 3562.08] And look, +[3562.62 --> 3564.88] we don't know exactly +[3564.88 --> 3566.14] if he made it to Spain +[3566.14 --> 3567.28] because it's not recorded. +[3567.64 --> 3568.36] But considering +[3568.36 --> 3569.64] the success of the church +[3569.64 --> 3571.48] and that fact +[3571.48 --> 3572.08] that many people +[3572.08 --> 3572.92] suspect he did, +[3572.92 --> 3576.66] we could very well think +[3576.66 --> 3577.10] either him +[3577.10 --> 3577.92] or his disciples +[3577.92 --> 3578.52] got there. +[3578.96 --> 3580.36] But it just wasn't +[3580.36 --> 3581.34] recorded in the Bible +[3581.34 --> 3582.22] because God +[3582.22 --> 3582.98] didn't want it there. +[3583.80 --> 3584.80] As I mentioned before, +[3585.92 --> 3586.48] sorry, +[3587.36 --> 3588.54] why is Spain important? +[3589.00 --> 3589.86] Why does Paul +[3589.86 --> 3591.56] want to get to Spain? +[3591.56 --> 3593.92] As I mentioned before, +[3594.08 --> 3594.88] it has a majority +[3594.88 --> 3595.86] Gentile population, +[3596.02 --> 3597.06] which is a perfect match +[3597.06 --> 3598.08] for Paul's ministry calling. +[3598.84 --> 3599.44] But there are +[3599.44 --> 3600.24] a few other reasons. +[3600.66 --> 3601.30] The other reason +[3601.30 --> 3602.30] is that for the Old Testament +[3602.30 --> 3603.42] people of the Middle East, +[3603.82 --> 3604.56] the coast of Spain +[3604.56 --> 3606.34] was considered +[3606.34 --> 3607.68] the end of the earth, +[3608.22 --> 3608.68] specifically, +[3608.94 --> 3610.04] a city named Tarshish, +[3610.38 --> 3610.66] which, +[3610.80 --> 3611.20] if you remember +[3611.20 --> 3612.04] from the book of Jonah, +[3612.38 --> 3612.90] we learned +[3612.90 --> 3613.56] was the place +[3613.56 --> 3614.72] Jonah wanted to flee to +[3614.72 --> 3615.38] because it was +[3615.38 --> 3616.38] the farthest place +[3616.38 --> 3617.06] from Jerusalem, +[3617.52 --> 3619.22] which we all today know +[3619.22 --> 3620.44] is not actually +[3620.44 --> 3621.26] the farthest place +[3621.26 --> 3621.78] from Jerusalem. +[3622.16 --> 3623.04] It's obviously +[3623.04 --> 3624.02] the Gambier Islands +[3624.02 --> 3625.00] and French Polynesia, +[3625.10 --> 3628.30] which is 11,591 kilometers away. +[3630.84 --> 3632.20] But for the OT people, +[3632.50 --> 3633.44] the Old Testament people, +[3633.64 --> 3634.84] Spain was the ends +[3634.84 --> 3635.32] of the earth. +[3636.16 --> 3636.42] Now, +[3636.76 --> 3637.68] we must ask, +[3638.14 --> 3639.32] why is that getting +[3639.32 --> 3640.32] to the ends of the earth +[3640.32 --> 3640.80] matters? +[3642.50 --> 3642.98] Now, +[3643.04 --> 3644.04] converting as many people +[3644.04 --> 3644.60] as possible +[3644.60 --> 3645.98] is the goal of our faith +[3645.98 --> 3647.72] and Christ's sacrifice. +[3648.28 --> 3649.32] But Paul would have, +[3649.68 --> 3650.34] could have also +[3650.34 --> 3651.06] gone to Europe +[3651.06 --> 3651.76] or Asia, +[3652.10 --> 3652.72] but no, +[3652.78 --> 3653.58] he went to Spain. +[3654.00 --> 3654.34] Why? +[3656.50 --> 3656.92] Well, +[3657.06 --> 3657.70] because God +[3657.70 --> 3658.78] commanded them to. +[3659.56 --> 3660.40] Simple as that. +[3661.06 --> 3662.30] The epistle to the Romans, +[3662.58 --> 3663.52] like most of the epistles, +[3663.60 --> 3664.46] was written by Paul +[3664.46 --> 3665.22] during the events +[3665.22 --> 3666.42] recorded in the book of Acts. +[3666.84 --> 3667.76] The book of Acts +[3667.76 --> 3668.82] records the explosion +[3668.82 --> 3669.38] of the church +[3669.38 --> 3670.16] out of Jerusalem +[3670.16 --> 3671.86] into the world at large. +[3672.22 --> 3673.52] But in chapter 1 of Acts, +[3673.62 --> 3674.70] we see Jesus +[3674.70 --> 3675.60] at his ascension +[3675.60 --> 3676.32] give the disciples +[3676.32 --> 3677.60] one final direction. +[3677.60 --> 3679.16] And it goes like this +[3679.16 --> 3679.80] in Acts 1, +[3679.92 --> 3681.30] verse 6 to 8. +[3681.94 --> 3682.96] Then they gathered around him +[3682.96 --> 3683.50] and asked him, +[3683.66 --> 3683.82] Lord, +[3684.20 --> 3685.28] are you at this time +[3685.28 --> 3685.96] going to restore +[3685.96 --> 3686.84] the kingdom of Israel? +[3687.32 --> 3688.06] He said to them, +[3688.12 --> 3688.70] it is not for you +[3688.70 --> 3689.52] to know the times +[3689.52 --> 3690.14] or the dates +[3690.14 --> 3690.94] the Father has set +[3690.94 --> 3691.82] by his own authority, +[3691.82 --> 3693.44] but you will receive power +[3693.44 --> 3694.24] when the Holy Spirit +[3694.24 --> 3694.90] comes to you +[3694.90 --> 3696.18] and you will be my witness +[3696.18 --> 3697.08] in Jerusalem, +[3697.58 --> 3698.24] in all Judea +[3698.24 --> 3698.88] and Samaria +[3698.88 --> 3700.08] and to the ends +[3700.08 --> 3700.90] of the earth. +[3701.66 --> 3702.38] To the ends +[3702.38 --> 3703.14] of the earth. +[3705.46 --> 3707.10] Paul sees his work +[3707.10 --> 3708.56] as with all of the disciples +[3708.56 --> 3710.16] as the command of Christ +[3710.16 --> 3711.28] to bring the name +[3711.28 --> 3712.24] of Jesus Christ +[3712.24 --> 3713.56] and the good news +[3713.56 --> 3714.38] to the ends +[3714.38 --> 3715.08] of the earth. +[3715.54 --> 3716.30] And for them +[3716.30 --> 3717.52] that meant Spain. +[3718.18 --> 3719.02] So Paul is doing +[3719.02 --> 3720.42] everything in his power +[3720.42 --> 3721.32] and the power +[3721.32 --> 3722.04] of the Holy Spirit +[3722.04 --> 3722.66] to get there +[3722.66 --> 3724.36] as fast as possible. +[3725.14 --> 3726.30] Willing to sacrifice +[3726.30 --> 3727.96] everything to do it. +[3728.62 --> 3729.20] And we see +[3729.20 --> 3729.56] at the end +[3729.56 --> 3730.26] of the book of Acts +[3730.26 --> 3731.28] that he does make it +[3731.28 --> 3731.68] to Rome. +[3731.88 --> 3733.10] That long-awaited meeting +[3733.10 --> 3734.30] of the Roman church +[3734.30 --> 3735.54] and Paul does happen. +[3736.08 --> 3736.62] And from there +[3736.62 --> 3738.26] he is only a short trip +[3738.26 --> 3739.38] from completing +[3739.38 --> 3740.92] the final call of Christ. +[3743.02 --> 3744.64] In between this letter +[3744.64 --> 3745.74] and him getting to Rome +[3745.74 --> 3746.74] he must first travel +[3746.74 --> 3747.40] to Jerusalem +[3747.40 --> 3749.06] to bring a deposit of money +[3749.06 --> 3750.18] from the Greek churches +[3750.18 --> 3751.40] to the poor +[3751.40 --> 3752.50] in the Jerusalem church. +[3753.06 --> 3753.84] And he asks +[3753.84 --> 3754.48] the Roman church +[3754.48 --> 3755.26] to support them +[3755.26 --> 3756.26] and this is what he says. +[3756.98 --> 3757.58] They were pleased +[3757.58 --> 3758.16] to do it +[3758.16 --> 3758.78] and indeed +[3758.78 --> 3760.08] they owe it to them. +[3760.08 --> 3761.54] For if the Gentiles +[3761.54 --> 3762.46] have shared in the Jews +[3762.46 --> 3763.34] spiritual blessings +[3763.34 --> 3764.94] they owe it to the Jews +[3764.94 --> 3765.80] to share with them +[3765.80 --> 3766.78] their material blessings. +[3767.72 --> 3768.60] Paul is saying +[3768.60 --> 3769.36] that since redemption +[3769.36 --> 3770.44] came from the Jews +[3770.44 --> 3771.56] to the Gentiles +[3771.56 --> 3772.78] that they ought to +[3772.78 --> 3774.16] materially support the church. +[3775.22 --> 3776.42] Now this passage +[3776.42 --> 3777.54] often gets misunderstood +[3777.54 --> 3778.90] as a way +[3778.90 --> 3779.66] to funnel money +[3779.66 --> 3780.66] to the state of Israel. +[3781.12 --> 3782.38] That Christians owe a debt +[3782.38 --> 3783.40] and should for the rest +[3783.40 --> 3783.88] of history +[3783.88 --> 3784.48] send money +[3784.48 --> 3785.78] for whatever government +[3785.78 --> 3787.02] runs Israel. +[3787.02 --> 3789.06] that simply +[3789.06 --> 3790.16] isn't the case. +[3791.02 --> 3792.08] There is nothing wrong +[3792.08 --> 3793.50] with helping other nations. +[3794.14 --> 3794.70] We should +[3794.70 --> 3796.54] but Paul is specifically +[3796.54 --> 3798.16] asking politely +[3798.16 --> 3799.30] that they help +[3799.30 --> 3800.68] support the poor +[3800.68 --> 3801.70] among the saints +[3801.70 --> 3802.42] in Jerusalem. +[3803.10 --> 3803.88] He is asking +[3803.88 --> 3804.88] that the church in Rome +[3804.88 --> 3805.88] which at this point +[3805.88 --> 3806.64] is both faithful +[3806.64 --> 3808.14] and monetarily doing well +[3808.14 --> 3809.30] to help the church +[3809.30 --> 3810.18] that is in Jerusalem +[3810.18 --> 3811.40] right now +[3811.40 --> 3812.60] and is being persecuted +[3812.60 --> 3813.94] by Paul's old friends +[3813.94 --> 3814.48] back home. +[3814.48 --> 3816.26] And Paul is saying +[3816.26 --> 3817.22] that because of the faith +[3817.22 --> 3818.24] you now have +[3818.24 --> 3819.58] is because of their +[3819.58 --> 3821.02] suffering and willingness +[3821.02 --> 3822.82] to endure the pain +[3822.82 --> 3823.52] of persecution +[3823.52 --> 3825.34] and you should help them +[3825.34 --> 3826.58] from your safe harbor +[3826.58 --> 3827.50] so far away +[3827.50 --> 3829.16] in any way you can. +[3830.10 --> 3831.24] The big idea +[3831.24 --> 3832.22] is shown here. +[3832.76 --> 3833.86] He calls these Christians +[3833.86 --> 3834.84] to sacrifice +[3834.84 --> 3837.14] to give everything. +[3839.78 --> 3841.08] So what I'm really saying +[3841.08 --> 3841.96] is that next year +[3841.96 --> 3843.50] when the Mexico team +[3843.50 --> 3844.22] is fundraising +[3844.22 --> 3845.02] for money +[3845.02 --> 3846.46] we all need to empty +[3846.46 --> 3847.16] our bank accounts +[3847.16 --> 3847.94] and give it to Brandon. +[3850.54 --> 3851.82] I say that in jest. +[3852.48 --> 3852.96] To be frank +[3852.96 --> 3853.66] I believe that +[3853.66 --> 3854.60] if Paul saw +[3854.60 --> 3855.32] the sacrifices +[3855.32 --> 3856.12] many of the members +[3856.12 --> 3856.94] of this church made +[3856.94 --> 3858.52] he would be commending you +[3858.52 --> 3859.20] all the same way +[3859.20 --> 3860.06] he does the Romans. +[3862.64 --> 3864.50] Paul specifically calls +[3864.50 --> 3865.50] for prayer +[3865.50 --> 3867.34] in the next verse +[3867.34 --> 3868.32] in verse 30. +[3868.46 --> 3869.22] I urge you +[3869.22 --> 3870.14] brothers and sisters +[3870.14 --> 3872.16] by the Lord Jesus Christ +[3872.16 --> 3873.30] and by the love +[3873.30 --> 3874.10] of the Holy Spirit +[3874.10 --> 3875.52] to join me +[3875.52 --> 3876.32] in the struggle +[3876.32 --> 3877.14] of praying +[3877.14 --> 3879.60] to God for me. +[3880.18 --> 3881.12] Paul is asking +[3881.12 --> 3881.76] for prayer +[3881.76 --> 3882.98] that he safely +[3882.98 --> 3883.62] makes it +[3883.62 --> 3884.14] with the money +[3884.14 --> 3884.86] to the church +[3884.86 --> 3886.74] and that his old friends +[3886.74 --> 3887.74] and the Judeans +[3887.74 --> 3888.62] that have been trying +[3888.62 --> 3889.20] to get him +[3889.20 --> 3890.02] are thwarted. +[3890.68 --> 3891.26] And if we read +[3891.26 --> 3891.88] the book of Acts +[3891.88 --> 3892.82] we see that yes +[3892.82 --> 3894.10] he does make it +[3894.10 --> 3894.64] with the money. +[3895.34 --> 3895.76] Does he make +[3895.76 --> 3896.96] he makes it back +[3896.96 --> 3897.46] to Jerusalem? +[3897.60 --> 3898.58] Does he make it safely? +[3899.14 --> 3899.52] No. +[3901.12 --> 3902.12] But that's besides +[3902.12 --> 3902.64] the point. +[3903.24 --> 3903.96] Was there a failed +[3903.96 --> 3905.00] assassination attempt +[3905.00 --> 3905.64] a shipwreck +[3905.64 --> 3906.52] a couple of near-death +[3906.52 --> 3907.00] beatings +[3907.00 --> 3907.78] and multiple groups +[3907.78 --> 3908.20] of people? +[3908.60 --> 3909.36] Some brush-ups +[3909.36 --> 3909.98] with some snakes +[3909.98 --> 3910.44] on the way? +[3910.98 --> 3911.38] Yes. +[3911.70 --> 3912.56] But the upside +[3912.56 --> 3913.86] was the travel cost +[3913.86 --> 3914.68] to Rome was zero +[3914.68 --> 3915.28] on the account +[3915.28 --> 3916.18] of him being a prisoner +[3916.18 --> 3917.08] on a slave ship. +[3917.08 --> 3922.42] Just like these events +[3922.42 --> 3923.20] were extraordinary +[3923.20 --> 3924.92] so is Paul's call +[3924.92 --> 3925.52] for prayer +[3925.52 --> 3926.54] in this passage. +[3927.08 --> 3928.20] He does not just +[3928.20 --> 3929.20] ask for prayer. +[3929.86 --> 3930.52] He says that +[3930.52 --> 3931.72] by the Lord Jesus Christ +[3931.72 --> 3932.40] and by the love +[3932.40 --> 3933.16] of the Holy Spirit +[3933.16 --> 3935.02] join me in the struggle +[3935.02 --> 3936.64] by praying to God +[3936.64 --> 3937.06] for me. +[3937.66 --> 3938.64] Paul uses a word +[3938.64 --> 3939.02] for prayer +[3939.02 --> 3939.68] in this passage +[3939.68 --> 3940.56] that is not used +[3940.56 --> 3941.46] anywhere else +[3941.46 --> 3942.46] in the New Testament. +[3943.62 --> 3944.70] This word is related +[3944.70 --> 3945.70] to wrestling terms +[3945.70 --> 3946.30] in Greek. +[3946.30 --> 3948.28] It expresses ideas +[3948.28 --> 3949.28] like energetic +[3949.28 --> 3950.48] diligence +[3950.48 --> 3951.60] earnestness. +[3952.14 --> 3952.72] He does not just +[3952.72 --> 3953.70] ask us to pray +[3953.70 --> 3954.44] what we think +[3954.44 --> 3955.62] or when we think +[3955.62 --> 3956.24] about praying +[3956.24 --> 3957.78] or practice prayer +[3957.78 --> 3958.58] but he asks us +[3958.58 --> 3959.40] to practice prayer +[3959.40 --> 3960.42] like a martial artist +[3960.42 --> 3962.42] practicing his technique +[3962.42 --> 3964.18] with the same focus +[3964.18 --> 3964.96] and time spent +[3964.96 --> 3965.40] on training +[3965.40 --> 3966.20] for a big fight. +[3966.86 --> 3967.38] He's asking +[3967.38 --> 3968.34] for the Church of Rome +[3968.34 --> 3969.52] to be his corner men +[3969.52 --> 3970.92] in the boxing match +[3970.92 --> 3971.80] against the forces +[3971.80 --> 3972.34] of evil +[3972.34 --> 3974.74] which are fighting +[3974.74 --> 3976.00] to oppose the church. +[3976.30 --> 3977.64] And what you see +[3977.64 --> 3978.36] in the book of Acts +[3978.36 --> 3979.50] is that every authority +[3979.50 --> 3980.56] every human +[3980.56 --> 3981.88] and even the earth +[3981.88 --> 3983.44] tries to stop Paul +[3983.44 --> 3984.22] from making it +[3984.22 --> 3984.82] to Jerusalem. +[3985.92 --> 3987.28] And yet because +[3987.28 --> 3988.82] of Jesus Christ +[3988.82 --> 3990.42] the Holy Spirit +[3990.42 --> 3991.34] and the prayers +[3991.34 --> 3991.92] of the saints +[3991.92 --> 3992.48] in Rome +[3992.48 --> 3993.72] he makes it. +[3995.08 --> 3996.50] You and I +[3996.50 --> 3997.02] are called +[3997.02 --> 3998.08] to pray like this. +[3998.70 --> 4000.00] God invites us +[4000.00 --> 4001.24] to pray like this. +[4001.44 --> 4002.54] Just like he invited +[4002.54 --> 4003.32] Jacob to wrestle +[4003.32 --> 4004.24] with him all night +[4004.24 --> 4005.00] until dawn +[4005.00 --> 4006.10] when the blessing came. +[4006.50 --> 4008.80] So that he calls us +[4008.80 --> 4009.26] to pray +[4009.26 --> 4010.66] with that same type +[4010.66 --> 4011.16] of fervor. +[4011.54 --> 4012.42] The same type +[4012.42 --> 4012.96] of intensity. +[4013.44 --> 4014.24] Just like Jacob +[4014.24 --> 4015.10] wrestled with God +[4015.10 --> 4016.58] and asked for blessing. +[4017.12 --> 4018.04] God is asking us +[4018.04 --> 4019.00] to stay up all night +[4019.00 --> 4019.48] with him +[4019.48 --> 4020.98] and ask him +[4020.98 --> 4021.60] for blessing. +[4022.26 --> 4023.28] God is calling us +[4023.28 --> 4024.54] to ask the impossible, +[4025.08 --> 4025.88] the miraculous, +[4026.34 --> 4027.06] the incredible. +[4027.86 --> 4028.76] You want to see +[4028.76 --> 4029.70] the lame walk? +[4030.14 --> 4030.92] You want to see +[4030.92 --> 4031.82] the blind see? +[4032.60 --> 4033.26] You want to see +[4033.26 --> 4034.42] starvation end? +[4034.94 --> 4035.64] Do you want to see +[4035.64 --> 4036.54] the gifts of the Spirit? +[4037.12 --> 4037.76] Do you want to see +[4037.76 --> 4039.04] nations have peace? +[4039.48 --> 4040.26] Do you want to see +[4040.26 --> 4041.28] people believe? +[4042.14 --> 4042.96] Then pray +[4042.96 --> 4044.04] like a warrior +[4044.04 --> 4045.18] to the one +[4045.18 --> 4046.04] who makes men +[4046.04 --> 4047.14] walk and see. +[4047.48 --> 4048.14] To the one +[4048.14 --> 4048.96] who provides +[4048.96 --> 4049.74] both food +[4049.74 --> 4050.78] and spirit. +[4051.50 --> 4052.56] Pray to the King +[4052.56 --> 4053.88] who brings peace +[4053.88 --> 4055.60] and gives faith. +[4055.60 --> 4060.90] I joked earlier +[4060.90 --> 4062.00] about the Mexico +[4062.00 --> 4062.72] missions team +[4062.72 --> 4064.10] but as far as +[4064.10 --> 4064.72] how this passage +[4064.72 --> 4065.44] relates to us, +[4065.80 --> 4066.76] the Mexico missions team +[4066.76 --> 4067.48] is one example +[4067.48 --> 4068.24] of how this +[4068.24 --> 4069.90] relates to our church, +[4070.04 --> 4070.74] this context. +[4071.48 --> 4073.02] We send our missionaries +[4073.02 --> 4074.04] not like Paul +[4074.04 --> 4074.54] who was building +[4074.54 --> 4074.92] a foundation +[4074.92 --> 4075.78] where none have gone +[4075.78 --> 4077.54] but we every time +[4077.54 --> 4078.36] we go are building +[4078.36 --> 4078.98] on the foundation +[4078.98 --> 4079.64] that has been laid +[4079.64 --> 4080.36] the year before. +[4081.98 --> 4082.88] And when we send +[4082.88 --> 4083.50] out our teams +[4083.50 --> 4084.54] with a commissioning prayer +[4084.54 --> 4085.68] and the members +[4085.68 --> 4086.26] of our church +[4086.26 --> 4087.50] pray over that week +[4087.50 --> 4087.86] or two +[4087.86 --> 4088.58] that they are gone +[4088.58 --> 4090.24] but in the face +[4090.24 --> 4090.62] of missions +[4090.62 --> 4091.44] Paul is asking us +[4091.44 --> 4092.46] not to just pray +[4092.46 --> 4093.76] any old prayers +[4093.76 --> 4095.06] but to be their +[4095.06 --> 4095.72] corner men +[4095.72 --> 4096.48] in the fight. +[4097.06 --> 4098.14] He asks the church +[4098.14 --> 4098.56] of Rome +[4098.56 --> 4099.94] to strive together +[4099.94 --> 4100.36] with him. +[4100.94 --> 4101.76] We need to sacrifice +[4101.76 --> 4103.68] together in earnest +[4103.68 --> 4104.56] and energetic +[4104.56 --> 4106.16] diligent prayer +[4106.16 --> 4106.94] for each other. +[4107.30 --> 4108.22] For our team +[4108.22 --> 4108.96] that goes and does +[4108.96 --> 4109.90] the work of the Holy Spirit +[4109.90 --> 4111.22] just as the Roman church +[4111.22 --> 4111.98] prayed and provided +[4111.98 --> 4112.46] for the saints +[4112.46 --> 4113.00] in Jerusalem. +[4113.00 --> 4114.76] So too does +[4114.76 --> 4115.64] the church of Langley +[4115.64 --> 4116.58] need to pray +[4116.58 --> 4117.12] for the church +[4117.12 --> 4117.68] of Tijuana. +[4118.72 --> 4119.48] Like the church +[4119.48 --> 4119.88] of Rome +[4119.88 --> 4120.68] we are called +[4120.68 --> 4121.62] to sacrifice +[4121.62 --> 4122.94] everything. +[4125.08 --> 4125.72] But there are +[4125.72 --> 4126.24] more avenues +[4126.24 --> 4126.96] for us to obey +[4126.96 --> 4127.34] God +[4127.34 --> 4128.78] in this +[4128.78 --> 4129.38] to provide +[4129.38 --> 4129.98] and pray. +[4131.18 --> 4131.58] The people +[4131.58 --> 4132.34] that come to my mind +[4132.34 --> 4133.26] when I think of missions +[4133.26 --> 4134.84] in relation to this church +[4134.84 --> 4135.96] are Jody and Uriel +[4135.96 --> 4137.98] and their men's +[4137.98 --> 4139.02] rehab ministry. +[4139.46 --> 4140.40] Abilino and Maria +[4140.40 --> 4141.36] in East Tijuana. +[4142.00 --> 4142.96] Tim and Charity Johnson +[4142.96 --> 4143.64] with name +[4143.64 --> 4144.50] Gary Rusma +[4144.50 --> 4145.38] with seafarers +[4145.38 --> 4146.44] and Todd Statham +[4146.44 --> 4147.48] doing campus ministries +[4147.48 --> 4148.08] in Okanagan. +[4148.94 --> 4149.60] These people +[4149.60 --> 4150.04] have answered +[4150.04 --> 4150.68] the call of God +[4150.68 --> 4152.04] to go and sacrifice +[4152.04 --> 4152.80] everything +[4152.80 --> 4154.12] for the sake of ministry +[4154.12 --> 4155.08] out there +[4155.08 --> 4156.10] where we are not. +[4156.48 --> 4156.98] And that means +[4156.98 --> 4158.40] that they don't always +[4158.40 --> 4159.12] have the resources +[4159.12 --> 4159.62] we do +[4159.62 --> 4161.84] when we do ministry. +[4162.18 --> 4163.12] And so we are called +[4163.12 --> 4163.78] to sacrifice +[4163.78 --> 4164.44] everything +[4164.44 --> 4165.38] for their sake +[4165.38 --> 4166.56] as they sacrifice +[4166.56 --> 4167.26] everything +[4167.26 --> 4167.88] for the ones +[4167.88 --> 4168.74] they are reaching to. +[4169.60 --> 4170.44] We are called +[4170.44 --> 4171.10] to pray +[4171.10 --> 4171.96] without ceasing +[4171.96 --> 4173.18] with dedication +[4173.18 --> 4174.18] energetically +[4174.18 --> 4175.12] and diligently +[4175.12 --> 4178.68] for their sake +[4178.68 --> 4179.50] as they are +[4179.50 --> 4179.94] the hands +[4179.94 --> 4180.42] and feet +[4180.42 --> 4180.92] of Christ +[4180.92 --> 4181.62] out there. +[4182.68 --> 4183.36] But we are not +[4183.36 --> 4183.72] just called +[4183.72 --> 4184.28] to pray +[4184.28 --> 4184.90] and sacrifice +[4184.90 --> 4185.54] in this way +[4185.54 --> 4186.14] for our own +[4186.14 --> 4186.78] missions teams +[4186.78 --> 4187.82] but for the work +[4187.82 --> 4188.22] that missions +[4188.22 --> 4188.56] are doing +[4188.56 --> 4189.36] throughout the world. +[4189.92 --> 4191.06] We are to join +[4191.06 --> 4191.56] with them +[4191.56 --> 4192.88] from our safe harbors +[4192.88 --> 4193.76] so far away +[4193.76 --> 4195.20] any way we can +[4195.20 --> 4196.10] material +[4196.10 --> 4196.96] and prayer. +[4196.96 --> 4198.42] And so we help +[4198.42 --> 4198.88] people +[4198.88 --> 4199.72] missionaries +[4199.72 --> 4201.06] through our tithe +[4201.06 --> 4201.98] and in other times +[4201.98 --> 4202.48] and places +[4202.48 --> 4204.00] we pray for the church +[4204.00 --> 4204.52] in China +[4204.52 --> 4205.86] and in Russia +[4205.86 --> 4207.16] and in the Middle East +[4207.16 --> 4207.70] who are faced +[4207.70 --> 4208.28] persecution. +[4211.08 --> 4211.56] However +[4211.56 --> 4212.40] to think +[4212.40 --> 4212.96] that there are +[4212.96 --> 4213.40] two types +[4213.40 --> 4213.96] of Christians +[4213.96 --> 4215.10] those who provide +[4215.10 --> 4215.52] and pray +[4215.52 --> 4216.24] and those who do +[4216.24 --> 4216.62] the work +[4216.62 --> 4217.38] is not accurate. +[4218.24 --> 4218.50] Yes +[4218.50 --> 4219.32] they are the hands +[4219.32 --> 4220.12] and feet of Christ +[4220.12 --> 4220.76] over there +[4220.76 --> 4222.40] but we are the hands +[4222.40 --> 4223.12] and feet of Christ +[4223.12 --> 4223.62] here +[4223.62 --> 4225.66] and they are +[4225.66 --> 4226.44] equally called +[4226.44 --> 4227.44] to pray for us. +[4227.98 --> 4228.52] Paul would have +[4228.52 --> 4229.10] been praying +[4229.10 --> 4229.86] earnestly +[4229.86 --> 4231.16] for the Roman church. +[4232.14 --> 4233.14] We are evidence +[4233.14 --> 4235.36] we have evidence +[4235.36 --> 4236.32] of that work +[4236.32 --> 4237.28] done here. +[4237.72 --> 4238.86] Our volunteer work +[4238.86 --> 4240.08] in Night Shift +[4240.08 --> 4240.72] Ministry +[4240.72 --> 4241.62] Gateway of Hope +[4241.62 --> 4242.34] Food Bank +[4242.34 --> 4243.68] the way our deacons +[4243.68 --> 4244.22] and elders +[4244.22 --> 4245.46] serve this community +[4245.46 --> 4247.22] the youth ministry +[4247.22 --> 4248.50] does volunteer work +[4248.50 --> 4249.30] as events +[4249.30 --> 4250.18] we support +[4250.18 --> 4251.18] our local community +[4251.18 --> 4252.02] the cadets +[4252.02 --> 4252.64] and the gems +[4252.64 --> 4253.60] do missions works +[4253.60 --> 4254.16] sometimes +[4254.16 --> 4255.12] as events. +[4255.90 --> 4256.52] Never mind +[4256.52 --> 4257.76] all of the unspoken +[4257.76 --> 4258.70] personal ways +[4258.70 --> 4259.10] the members +[4259.10 --> 4260.08] of this congregation +[4260.08 --> 4261.26] are affecting +[4261.26 --> 4262.40] Langley and Surrey +[4262.40 --> 4263.18] and Abbotsford. +[4263.80 --> 4264.90] All this work +[4264.90 --> 4265.86] requires us +[4265.86 --> 4267.10] to sacrifice +[4267.10 --> 4268.38] to sacrifice +[4268.38 --> 4269.20] everything. +[4270.24 --> 4271.38] We need +[4271.38 --> 4272.00] to be praying +[4272.00 --> 4272.64] for each other +[4272.64 --> 4273.88] here the same way +[4273.88 --> 4275.40] this church prays +[4275.40 --> 4276.14] for the Christians +[4276.14 --> 4276.78] out there. +[4279.02 --> 4280.12] The life +[4280.12 --> 4281.16] of a Christian +[4281.16 --> 4282.70] means two things. +[4283.60 --> 4285.36] The life +[4285.36 --> 4285.84] of a Christian +[4285.84 --> 4286.70] requires sacrifice +[4286.70 --> 4287.80] means two things. +[4289.12 --> 4289.60] First +[4289.60 --> 4290.28] the life +[4290.28 --> 4290.70] of a Christian +[4290.70 --> 4291.92] requires the sacrifice +[4291.92 --> 4292.90] we do +[4292.90 --> 4293.92] and +[4293.92 --> 4294.66] the life +[4294.66 --> 4295.14] of a Christian +[4295.14 --> 4296.30] requires sacrifice. +[4297.38 --> 4298.72] We sacrifice +[4298.72 --> 4299.48] everything +[4299.48 --> 4300.64] because he +[4300.64 --> 4301.24] sacrificed +[4301.24 --> 4301.90] everything. +[4302.90 --> 4303.60] Jesus Christ +[4303.60 --> 4304.44] the son of God +[4304.44 --> 4305.72] sacrificed glory +[4305.72 --> 4306.84] and power +[4306.84 --> 4308.26] and his very life +[4308.26 --> 4309.50] so that you +[4309.50 --> 4310.24] and I +[4310.24 --> 4311.50] his enemies +[4311.50 --> 4312.76] the ones +[4312.76 --> 4313.78] who betrayed him +[4313.78 --> 4314.84] could have +[4314.84 --> 4315.68] everything +[4315.68 --> 4317.06] could have him. +[4318.18 --> 4319.36] We don't +[4319.36 --> 4320.20] deserve this. +[4320.68 --> 4321.14] We deserve +[4321.14 --> 4322.02] nothing but +[4322.02 --> 4322.80] dust. +[4323.50 --> 4324.42] But no +[4324.42 --> 4326.40] we get him +[4326.40 --> 4327.52] and because +[4327.52 --> 4328.30] we have him +[4328.30 --> 4329.10] who is more +[4329.10 --> 4329.82] valuable than +[4329.82 --> 4330.40] the heavens +[4330.40 --> 4331.56] and the earth +[4331.56 --> 4332.88] let us +[4332.88 --> 4334.00] leave this place +[4334.00 --> 4334.46] willing +[4334.46 --> 4335.66] in gratitude +[4335.66 --> 4337.02] to sacrifice +[4337.02 --> 4338.46] everything. +[4343.90 --> 4344.78] Let's pray. +[4348.16 --> 4349.08] Dear Lord +[4349.08 --> 4350.82] I pray +[4350.82 --> 4351.38] that this +[4351.38 --> 4351.88] truth +[4351.88 --> 4352.64] that this +[4352.64 --> 4353.72] this call +[4353.72 --> 4354.90] to sacrifice +[4354.90 --> 4355.26] Lord +[4355.26 --> 4357.06] as living +[4357.06 --> 4357.80] sacrifices +[4357.80 --> 4358.30] I pray +[4358.30 --> 4358.54] Lord +[4358.54 --> 4358.90] that we +[4358.90 --> 4359.24] would +[4359.24 --> 4360.42] that we +[4360.42 --> 4360.94] would do it +[4360.94 --> 4361.12] that we +[4361.12 --> 4361.58] would answer +[4361.58 --> 4362.16] your call +[4362.16 --> 4363.46] the sinners +[4363.46 --> 4363.78] that we +[4363.78 --> 4364.24] are Lord +[4364.24 --> 4364.60] I pray +[4364.60 --> 4364.88] that with +[4364.88 --> 4366.20] the Lord +[4366.20 --> 4366.86] Jesus Christ +[4366.86 --> 4367.36] and the power +[4367.36 --> 4367.74] of the Holy +[4367.74 --> 4368.36] Spirit Lord +[4368.36 --> 4368.66] that we +[4368.66 --> 4369.36] would pray +[4369.36 --> 4371.00] that your +[4371.00 --> 4371.54] work would be +[4371.54 --> 4371.98] accomplished +[4371.98 --> 4372.70] that the +[4372.70 --> 4373.14] miraculous +[4373.14 --> 4373.62] would be +[4373.62 --> 4373.94] done +[4373.94 --> 4375.92] in Jesus +[4375.92 --> 4376.24] name I +[4376.24 --> 4376.42] pray +[4376.42 --> 4376.58] Amen +[4376.58 --> 4377.30] Amen +[4377.30 --> 4378.22] Amen +[4378.22 --> 4388.70] A +[4388.70 --> 4389.96] key +[4389.96 --> 4392.62] in +[4392.62 --> 4393.60] amen +[4393.60 --> 4397.40] time +[4397.40 --> 4398.24] to +[4398.24 --> 4398.78] Paul +[4398.78 --> 4401.94] haha +[4401.94 --> 4403.74] Anne +[4403.74 --> 4404.14] to +[4404.14 --> 4429.92] Hear my prayer, O Lord +[4429.92 --> 4436.28] From the ends of the earth I cry +[4436.28 --> 4442.20] Your peace will lead me to +[4442.20 --> 4447.78] The rock that is higher than I +[4447.78 --> 4458.32] Hear my prayer, O Lord +[4458.32 --> 4464.32] From the ends of the earth I cry +[4464.92 --> 4470.72] Your peace will lead me to +[4470.72 --> 4476.32] The rock that is higher than I +[4476.32 --> 4484.72] For you have been my strength in times of trouble +[4484.72 --> 4490.32] A tower above all my enemies +[4490.32 --> 4496.32] And Lord, I will abide with you forever +[4496.32 --> 4502.32] In the shelter of your wings +[4503.28 --> 4509.32] For you have been my strength in times of trouble +[4509.32 --> 4515.32] A tower above all my enemies +[4515.32 --> 4521.32] And Lord, I will abide with you forever +[4521.32 --> 4527.32] In the shelter of your wings +[4527.32 --> 4539.32] Hear my prayer, O Lord +[4539.32 --> 4545.32] From the ends of the earth I cry +[4545.92 --> 4551.32] Your peace will lead me to +[4551.32 --> 4557.32] The rock that is higher than I +[4557.32 --> 4564.32] The rock that is higher than I +[4564.32 --> 4568.08] And let you be singing +[4568.08 --> 4580.96] Even as God calls us to great sacrifice +[4580.96 --> 4584.48] in response to the greatest sacrifice +[4584.48 --> 4586.42] that he has made in the Lord Jesus +[4586.42 --> 4590.90] He promises to equip us for our lives of faith +[4590.90 --> 4592.02] And sacrifice +[4592.02 --> 4594.80] And part of the way he does that +[4594.80 --> 4597.90] Is not only through the regular hearing +[4597.90 --> 4599.54] And proclaiming of his word +[4599.54 --> 4602.22] But that grace that is offered in the word +[4602.22 --> 4604.30] Is now offered at the table +[4604.30 --> 4606.28] So that we might come together +[4606.28 --> 4608.96] And taste and see that the Lord is good +[4608.96 --> 4611.00] As we come to the table +[4611.00 --> 4613.46] We have opportunity to do so +[4613.46 --> 4614.74] With some liturgy +[4614.74 --> 4616.92] That you are invited to speak as well +[4616.92 --> 4618.34] And so you can follow behind +[4618.34 --> 4620.86] Follow along on the screen behind +[4620.86 --> 4622.00] And speak those parts +[4622.00 --> 4623.50] That are indicated for you +[4623.50 --> 4625.50] Lift up your hearts +[4625.50 --> 4628.08] We lift the heart to the Lord +[4628.08 --> 4631.62] Let us give thanks to the Lord our God +[4631.62 --> 4634.64] It is right for us to give thanks +[4634.64 --> 4636.44] Let's pray together +[4636.44 --> 4640.22] Holy God +[4640.22 --> 4643.00] You raised up Christ +[4643.00 --> 4645.32] To rule over all creation +[4645.32 --> 4650.56] Giving him the name that is above every name +[4650.56 --> 4652.82] That at the name of Jesus +[4652.82 --> 4654.16] Every knee shall bow +[4654.16 --> 4656.60] And so we praise you +[4656.60 --> 4659.40] That lifted in power +[4659.40 --> 4662.36] He lives and reigns forever +[4662.36 --> 4663.42] In your glory +[4663.42 --> 4665.70] And so fulfills his promise +[4665.70 --> 4667.92] To be with us always +[4667.92 --> 4669.84] To the end of time +[4669.84 --> 4672.02] And to the end of the world +[4672.02 --> 4674.54] In Jesus name we pray +[4674.54 --> 4675.68] Amen +[4675.68 --> 4679.20] Now our Lord Jesus +[4679.20 --> 4681.60] Before he suffered and died +[4681.60 --> 4684.40] Gave us this memorial of his sacrifice +[4685.08 --> 4686.52] Until he comes again +[4686.52 --> 4688.48] And the Lord Jesus +[4688.48 --> 4690.78] On the night that he was betrayed +[4690.78 --> 4691.72] Took bread +[4691.72 --> 4694.56] And when he had given thanks +[4694.56 --> 4695.86] He broke it and said +[4695.86 --> 4697.84] This is my body +[4697.84 --> 4698.92] Which is for you +[4698.92 --> 4702.08] Do this in remembrance of me +[4702.08 --> 4709.58] In the same way +[4709.58 --> 4711.12] After supper +[4711.12 --> 4712.30] He took the cup +[4712.30 --> 4712.98] Saying +[4712.98 --> 4715.14] This cup is the new covenant +[4715.14 --> 4716.36] In my blood +[4716.36 --> 4718.24] Do this whenever you drink it +[4718.24 --> 4720.12] In remembrance of me +[4720.12 --> 4722.74] For whenever you eat this bread +[4722.74 --> 4724.36] And drink this cup +[4724.36 --> 4726.18] You proclaim the Lord's death +[4726.18 --> 4728.30] Until he comes again +[4728.30 --> 4742.36] And so we share +[4742.36 --> 4743.74] In the mystery +[4743.74 --> 4745.84] Of our faith +[4745.84 --> 4747.70] Your death +[4747.70 --> 4748.66] O Christ +[4748.66 --> 4749.56] We proclaim +[4749.56 --> 4751.32] Your resurrection +[4751.32 --> 4752.28] We affirm +[4752.28 --> 4752.94] With joy +[4752.94 --> 4754.46] Your coming +[4754.46 --> 4755.28] We awaited +[4755.28 --> 4755.78] With hope +[4755.78 --> 4757.86] Glory be to you +[4757.86 --> 4758.78] Lord Jesus +[4758.78 --> 4761.28] Church family +[4761.28 --> 4762.46] The Lord has +[4762.46 --> 4764.02] Prepared his table +[4764.02 --> 4765.38] For all who love him +[4765.38 --> 4767.22] For all who trust in him +[4767.22 --> 4769.00] Alone for their salvation +[4769.00 --> 4770.14] And so +[4770.14 --> 4771.90] Come to this table +[4771.90 --> 4773.78] You who have much faith +[4773.78 --> 4775.28] And you who would like +[4775.28 --> 4775.90] To have more +[4775.90 --> 4778.20] Come to this table +[4778.20 --> 4779.16] You who have been +[4779.16 --> 4780.36] To the sacrament often +[4780.36 --> 4782.04] And you who have not been +[4782.04 --> 4783.08] For a long time +[4783.08 --> 4784.98] Come to this table +[4784.98 --> 4786.06] You who have tried +[4786.06 --> 4786.96] To follow Jesus +[4786.96 --> 4789.26] And you who have failed +[4789.26 --> 4791.52] Come to this table +[4791.52 --> 4793.36] Because Jesus Christ +[4793.36 --> 4796.42] Is our resurrected king +[4796.42 --> 4798.30] And he invites you +[4798.30 --> 4799.46] To come +[4799.46 --> 4801.92] Come to this table +[4801.92 --> 4803.18] If you are here with us +[4803.18 --> 4805.10] Or if you are joining us online +[4805.10 --> 4806.10] And at home +[4806.10 --> 4807.68] Come because it is Christ +[4807.68 --> 4808.84] Who invites us +[4808.84 --> 4810.30] To meet him +[4810.30 --> 4811.40] Here +[4811.40 --> 4813.52] The gifts of God +[4813.52 --> 4814.80] For the people +[4814.80 --> 4815.94] Of God +[4815.94 --> 4819.08] As we come to this table +[4819.08 --> 4821.04] We do so here +[4821.04 --> 4821.60] At Emmanuel +[4821.60 --> 4823.32] In a very particular way +[4823.32 --> 4824.76] And so we are going to +[4824.76 --> 4825.26] Come up +[4825.26 --> 4826.22] In groups +[4826.22 --> 4827.26] We will have ushers +[4827.26 --> 4828.24] Indicating when +[4828.24 --> 4828.96] It is your time +[4828.96 --> 4829.78] To come to the front +[4829.78 --> 4830.42] We will gather +[4830.42 --> 4831.54] In a circle together +[4831.54 --> 4832.62] Around the table +[4832.62 --> 4834.28] And we will pass +[4834.28 --> 4835.24] The elements +[4835.24 --> 4836.62] To your left +[4836.62 --> 4837.34] Or to your right +[4837.34 --> 4838.06] Depending on where +[4838.06 --> 4838.74] You are standing +[4838.74 --> 4840.08] And as you pass +[4840.08 --> 4840.74] The elements +[4840.74 --> 4841.34] Of the bread +[4841.34 --> 4841.90] For instance +[4841.90 --> 4843.00] We invite you to say +[4843.00 --> 4844.40] The body of Christ +[4844.40 --> 4845.32] Given for you +[4845.32 --> 4846.76] And as you pass +[4846.76 --> 4847.28] The juice +[4847.28 --> 4848.28] We invite you to say +[4848.28 --> 4849.52] The blood of Christ +[4849.52 --> 4850.80] Shed for you +[4850.80 --> 4852.66] When we come to this table +[4852.66 --> 4853.46] We are going to start +[4853.46 --> 4854.98] With the worship volunteers +[4854.98 --> 4856.36] Who are helping facilitate +[4856.36 --> 4857.16] Our service +[4857.16 --> 4858.62] And then the ushers +[4858.62 --> 4860.64] Will move back +[4860.64 --> 4861.68] Throughout the space +[4861.68 --> 4862.22] As we go +[4862.22 --> 4863.46] If you are unable +[4863.46 --> 4864.44] To come to the front +[4864.44 --> 4865.32] But would like to +[4865.32 --> 4866.16] Be served +[4866.16 --> 4867.28] Please indicate that +[4867.28 --> 4868.60] To the ushers +[4868.60 --> 4869.08] Out there +[4869.08 --> 4870.06] And they will meet you +[4870.06 --> 4871.04] At your seats +[4871.04 --> 4872.64] And serve you there +[4872.64 --> 4874.40] Let's gather +[4874.40 --> 4875.88] At the Lord's table together +[4897.28 --> 4898.50] With the house +[4898.50 --> 4899.30] To the house +[4899.30 --> 4900.08] And make no Brooks +[4900.08 --> 4900.30] See you +[4900.30 --> 4900.56] One close +[4900.56 --> 4901.36] あります +[4901.36 --> 4902.34] Of the eshers +[4902.36 --> 4903.14] Of the hospital +[4903.14 --> 4903.64] Through Jesus +[4903.64 --> 4904.06] Detail +[4904.06 --> 4904.14] The people +[4904.14 --> 4905.00] And the people +[4905.00 --> 4905.62] Are +[4905.62 --> 4906.18] Before +[4906.24 --> 4906.64] Because +[4906.64 --> 4907.10] As a +[4907.10 --> 4907.76] 意思 +[4907.76 --> 4908.20] And when +[4908.20 --> 4909.00] Who are +[4909.00 --> 4910.40] newest +[4910.40 --> 4911.04] Who a +[4911.04 --> 4911.96] Cap +[4911.96 --> 4913.02] It will have +[4913.02 --> 4913.04] To +[4913.26 --> 4913.64] Are +[4913.64 --> 4913.92] Chaos +[4914.12 --> 4914.90] こと +[4914.90 --> 4915.34] Anybody +[4915.34 --> 4916.60] чего +[4916.60 --> 4916.68] Matter +[4916.74 --> 4917.64] Who +[4917.64 --> 4918.64] At +[4918.64 --> 4919.26] How +[4919.26 --> 4919.64] What +[4919.64 --> 4921.66] You +[4921.66 --> 4921.86] Six +[4921.86 --> 4923.02] Right +[4923.02 --> 4924.08] if +[4924.08 --> 4924.72] Little +[4924.74 --> 4925.36] Sca +[4925.36 --> 4925.82] Too +[4925.82 --> 4926.74] каче +[4926.74 --> 4956.72] Thank you. +[4956.74 --> 4986.72] Thank you. +[4986.74 --> 5016.72] Thank you. +[5016.74 --> 5046.72] Thank you. +[5046.74 --> 5076.72] Thank you. +[5076.74 --> 5092.74] Lord, let your light, light of your face shine on us. +[5092.74 --> 5122.74] +[5122.74 --> 5128.74] Find our way in the darkest night. +[5128.74 --> 5135.74] Let your light shine on us. +[5135.74 --> 5154.74] Lord, let your grace, grace from your hand, fall on us. +[5154.74 --> 5184.74] +[5184.74 --> 5196.74] Let your grace, let your grace, let your grace fall on us. +[5196.74 --> 5226.74] +[5226.74 --> 5228.90] us +[5228.90 --> 5231.06] that we +[5231.06 --> 5234.82] may be safe +[5235.94 --> 5238.34] that we +[5238.34 --> 5240.76] may have +[5240.76 --> 5242.44] life +[5242.44 --> 5244.82] to find our way +[5245.88 --> 5246.76] in the +[5246.76 --> 5248.82] darkest night +[5249.64 --> 5250.98] let your +[5250.98 --> 5252.08] love +[5252.08 --> 5254.82] come over +[5254.82 --> 5256.66] us +[5256.66 --> 5258.66] let your light +[5259.38 --> 5260.66] shine on +[5262.34 --> 5262.66] us +[5286.66 --> 5298.66] behold the lamb +[5298.66 --> 5300.72] who bears our sins +[5300.72 --> 5302.74] away slain +[5302.74 --> 5304.66] for us +[5304.66 --> 5308.66] and we remember +[5308.66 --> 5310.66] the promise +[5310.66 --> 5312.76] made that all +[5312.76 --> 5314.80] who come in +[5314.80 --> 5316.12] faith by +[5316.12 --> 5316.66] forgiveness +[5316.66 --> 5320.66] at the cross +[5320.66 --> 5322.66] so we +[5322.66 --> 5324.66] share +[5324.66 --> 5326.66] in this bread +[5326.66 --> 5328.66] of life +[5328.66 --> 5329.66] and we +[5329.66 --> 5330.66] and we +[5330.66 --> 5332.66] drink +[5332.66 --> 5333.16] of his +[5333.16 --> 5334.66] sacrifice +[5334.66 --> 5336.66] as a sign +[5336.66 --> 5338.66] of our +[5338.66 --> 5340.66] bombs of +[5340.66 --> 5342.66] peace +[5342.66 --> 5344.66] around the table +[5344.66 --> 5346.66] of the king +[5346.66 --> 5348.66] the body +[5348.66 --> 5360.66] the body +[5360.66 --> 5362.66] of our savior +[5362.66 --> 5364.66] jesus christ +[5364.66 --> 5366.66] torn for you +[5366.66 --> 5368.66] and we +[5368.66 --> 5370.66] do +[5370.66 --> 5372.66] each and +[5372.66 --> 5374.66] remember +[5374.66 --> 5376.66] the wounds that heal +[5376.66 --> 5378.66] the death that brings us life +[5378.66 --> 5380.66] to save the +[5380.66 --> 5382.66] the prize to make us +[5382.66 --> 5384.66] one +[5384.66 --> 5386.66] so we share +[5386.66 --> 5388.66] in this bread +[5388.66 --> 5389.66] in this bread +[5389.66 --> 5390.66] of life +[5390.66 --> 5391.66] and we +[5391.66 --> 5392.66] drink +[5392.66 --> 5394.66] of his +[5394.66 --> 5396.66] sacrifice +[5396.66 --> 5398.66] as a sign +[5398.66 --> 5400.66] of our +[5400.66 --> 5402.66] bonds of love +[5402.66 --> 5404.66] around the table +[5404.66 --> 5406.66] of the king +[5406.66 --> 5426.66] the blood that cleanses every stain of sin shed for you +[5426.66 --> 5431.66] drink +[5431.66 --> 5432.66] drink +[5432.66 --> 5433.66] and remember +[5433.66 --> 5435.66] he +[5435.66 --> 5436.66] drained us +[5436.66 --> 5437.66] cup +[5437.66 --> 5439.66] that all may enter in +[5439.66 --> 5441.66] to receive +[5441.66 --> 5443.66] the life +[5443.66 --> 5445.66] of God +[5445.66 --> 5447.66] so we share +[5447.66 --> 5449.66] in this bread +[5449.66 --> 5451.66] of life +[5451.66 --> 5453.66] and we +[5453.66 --> 5454.66] and we +[5454.66 --> 5455.66] drink +[5455.66 --> 5457.66] of his +[5457.66 --> 5459.66] sacrifice +[5459.66 --> 5461.66] as a sign +[5461.66 --> 5463.66] of our +[5463.66 --> 5465.66] bonds of grace +[5465.66 --> 5469.66] around the table +[5469.66 --> 5471.66] of the king +[5471.66 --> 5489.66] and so with thankfulness and faith we rise to respond +[5489.66 --> 5491.66] to respond +[5491.66 --> 5495.66] and to remember +[5495.66 --> 5503.66] our call to follow in the steps of Christ as his +[5503.66 --> 5507.66] blood here on earth +[5507.66 --> 5509.66] as we share +[5509.66 --> 5511.66] as we share +[5511.66 --> 5513.66] in his suffering +[5513.66 --> 5515.66] we proclaim +[5515.66 --> 5519.66] Christ will come again +[5519.66 --> 5521.66] and we'll join +[5521.66 --> 5523.66] in the feast of heaven +[5523.66 --> 5527.66] around the table of the king +[5527.66 --> 5529.66] the king +[5529.66 --> 5533.66] around the table of the king +[5533.66 --> 5547.66] and still +[5547.66 --> 5554.58] in theертв +[5554.66 --> 5556.26] the king +[5556.26 --> 5582.96] Your only Son, no sin to hide +[5582.96 --> 5587.96] But you have sent Him from your side +[5587.96 --> 5592.86] To walk upon this guilty side +[5592.86 --> 5598.96] And to become the Lamb of God +[5598.96 --> 5604.36] Your gift of love they crucified +[5604.36 --> 5610.04] They laughed and scorned Him as He died +[5610.04 --> 5614.84] The humble King they named a fraud +[5614.84 --> 5619.86] And sacrificed the Lamb of God +[5619.86 --> 5624.66] O Lamb of God, sweet Lamb of God +[5624.66 --> 5629.04] I love the Holy Lamb of God +[5629.56 --> 5634.34] O wash me in His precious blood +[5634.34 --> 5639.14] My Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God +[5639.14 --> 5646.16] I was so lost, I should have died +[5646.16 --> 5651.16] But you have brought me to your side +[5651.16 --> 5656.16] To be led by your staff and rod +[5656.16 --> 5660.96] And to be called the Lamb of God +[5660.96 --> 5665.98] O Lamb of God, sweet Lamb of God +[5665.98 --> 5670.98] I love the Holy Lamb of God +[5670.98 --> 5675.84] O wash me in His precious blood +[5675.84 --> 5679.98] My Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God +[5679.98 --> 5685.80] My Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God +[5685.80 --> 5690.80] I love the Holy Lamb of God +[5690.80 --> 5695.80] O wash me in His precious blood +[5695.80 --> 5700.80] My Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God +[5700.80 --> 5712.62] How beautiful the hands that stirred +[5712.62 --> 5728.62] The white and the red +[5728.62 --> 5732.80] And the sons of the earth +[5732.80 --> 5739.76] How beautiful the feet that walked +[5739.76 --> 5743.04] The long dusty roads +[5743.04 --> 5746.46] And the hill to the cross +[5746.46 --> 5749.12] How beautiful +[5749.12 --> 5755.86] How beautiful +[5755.86 --> 5762.76] How beautiful +[5762.76 --> 5762.78] How beautiful +[5762.78 --> 5769.00] Is the body of Christ +[5769.00 --> 5776.58] How beautiful +[5776.58 --> 5781.04] The Lord had been +[5781.04 --> 5784.22] That took all my sin +[5784.22 --> 5787.72] And then poured in and said +[5787.72 --> 5788.66] How beautiful +[5788.66 --> 5791.42] How beautiful +[5791.42 --> 5792.20] And then poured in instead +[5792.20 --> 5792.36] How beautiful +[5792.36 --> 5792.64] How beautiful +[5792.64 --> 5794.74] The tender eyes +[5794.74 --> 5797.46] That chose to forgive +[5797.46 --> 5798.44] And never despite +[5798.44 --> 5803.38] How beautiful +[5803.38 --> 5808.50] How beautiful +[5808.50 --> 5823.94] How beautiful, how beautiful is the body of Christ. +[5823.94 --> 5836.66] And as He laid down His life, we offer this sacrifice. +[5836.66 --> 5848.48] That we will live just as He died, willing to pay the price. +[5849.48 --> 5855.24] Willing to pay the price. +[5855.24 --> 5871.48] How beautiful, the radiant bride, who waits for her groom with this light in her eyes. +[5871.48 --> 5884.76] How beautiful, when humble hearts give the fruit of your life, and that others may live. +[5884.76 --> 5906.76] How beautiful, how beautiful, how beautiful is the body of Christ. +[5906.76 --> 5923.76] How beautiful, the fiend that bring, the sound of good news and the love of the King. +[5923.76 --> 5937.02] How beautiful, the hands that stir, the wine and the bread, and the sons of the earth. +[5937.02 --> 5959.44] How beautiful, how beautiful, how beautiful is the body of Christ. +[5959.44 --> 5977.64] How beautiful, how beautiful is the world. +[5977.64 --> 6007.62] Thank you. +[6007.64 --> 6019.82] See what a morning gloriously bright, with the dawning of hope in Jerusalem. +[6019.82 --> 6031.82] Oh, will the grave close to new light, as the angels announce Christ is risen. +[6031.82 --> 6043.82] See God's salvation, where blood and love, born in pain, paid in sacrifice. +[6043.82 --> 6053.82] Oh, will the grave close to new light, for He lives right since He's risen from the dead. +[6053.82 --> 6055.82] Amen. +[6055.82 --> 6057.82] Thank you. +[6057.82 --> 6059.82] Thank you. +[6059.82 --> 6061.82] Thank you. +[6061.82 --> 6063.82] Thank you. +[6063.82 --> 6065.82] Thank you. +[6065.82 --> 6067.82] Thank you. +[6067.82 --> 6069.82] Thank you. +[6069.82 --> 6071.82] Thank you. +[6071.82 --> 6073.82] Thank you. +[6073.82 --> 6075.82] Thank you. +[6075.82 --> 6077.82] Thank you. +[6077.82 --> 6079.82] Thank you. +[6079.82 --> 6093.82] is +[6109.82 --> 6123.82] is +[6139.82 --> 6151.82] is +[6151.82 --> 6155.78] And we shall reign with Him, +[6156.12 --> 6161.26] death is dead, love is won, Christ has conquered. +[6163.16 --> 6167.26] And we shall reign with Him, +[6167.26 --> 6172.26] for He lives, Christ has given from the dead. +[6181.82 --> 6189.26] The Lord's blessing. +[6190.46 --> 6192.38] The Lord bless you and keep you. +[6192.70 --> 6195.66] The Lord make His face shine on you and be gracious to you. +[6195.66 --> 6198.92] The Lord turn His face towards you and give you peace. +[6199.74 --> 6200.10] Amen. +[6211.82 --> 6231.42] May the peace of God our Heavenly Father, +[6231.42 --> 6237.02] and the grace of Christ the Risen Son, +[6237.02 --> 6242.70] and the fellowship of God's Spirit, +[6243.36 --> 6248.16] keep our hearts and minds within His love. +[6248.96 --> 6254.38] And to Him He pray for His glorious reign, +[6254.38 --> 6260.04] from the death of earth to the heights of heaven. +[6260.32 --> 6265.60] We declare the name of the man once slain, +[6265.60 --> 6271.68] and Christ's eternal, the King of peace. +[6273.94 --> 6279.36] With His peace, His vast understanding, +[6280.00 --> 6285.24] and His grace which makes us what we are, +[6285.24 --> 6290.64] and the fellowship of His communion, +[6290.64 --> 6296.40] make us one in spirit and in heart. +[6296.40 --> 6302.22] And to Him He pray for His glorious reign, +[6302.22 --> 6307.78] from the death of earth to the heights of heaven. +[6307.78 --> 6313.42] We declare the name of the Lamb once slain, +[6313.42 --> 6317.98] Christ's eternal, the King of peace. +[6317.98 --> 6332.70] Christ's eternal, the King of peace. +[6332.70 --> 6339.70] Christ's eternal, the King of peace. +[6339.70 --> 6345.70] Christ's eternal, the King of peace. +[6345.70 --> 6352.70] Christ's eternal, the King of life. +[6352.70 --> 6354.04] Almighty阿 mummy, God. +[6354.04 --> 6355.04] B +[6355.04 --> 6357.56] Christ's eternal, the King of peace. +[6357.56 --> 6363.42] And thehea of Hissal represents the Tears and His exactly- +[6363.42 --> 6367.36] Of course,duAME the Kennethodore to the plan for more of last fun. +[6367.36 --> 6371.04] God Almighty also takes Omrodlanza to whoever lives in the life of the world. +[6371.04 --> 6401.02] Here we go. +[6401.04 --> 6431.02] Thank you. +[6431.04 --> 6461.02] Thank you. +[6461.04 --> 6491.02] Thank you. +[6491.04 --> 6521.02] Thank you. +[6521.04 --> 6551.02] Thank you. +[6551.04 --> 6581.02] Thank you. +[6581.04 --> 6611.02] Thank you. +[6611.04 --> 6641.02] Thank you. +[6641.04 --> 6671.02] Thank you. +[6671.04 --> 6701.02] Thank you. +[6701.04 --> 6731.02] Thank you. +[6731.04 --> 6761.02] Thank you. +[6761.04 --> 6791.02] Thank you. +[6791.04 --> 6821.02] Thank you. +[6821.04 --> 6851.02] Thank you. +[6851.04 --> 6881.02] Thank you. +[6881.04 --> 6911.02] Thank you. +[6911.04 --> 6941.02] Thank you. +[6941.04 --> 6971.02] Thank you. +[6971.04 --> 7001.02] Thank you. +[7001.04 --> 7031.02] Thank you. +[7031.04 --> 7061.02] Thank you. +[7061.04 --> 7091.02] Thank you. +[7091.04 --> 7121.02] Thank you. diff --git a/Sunday Worship, May 19, 2024_summary.txt b/Sunday Worship, May 19, 2024_summary.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000000000000000000000000000000000000..5fd7fafe228fa12966ef70d16dd3d6f21d80d567 --- /dev/null +++ b/Sunday Worship, May 19, 2024_summary.txt @@ -0,0 +1,115 @@ +• Death's grip on the speaker is broken +• Jesus Christ is their living hope +• The grave has no claim on them +• Worship service begins +• Welcome message from Pastor Chris +• Announcements: + + Deadline to sign up for youth camp + + Cadet Camp Week information +• Invitation to stand and be welcomed into God's presence +• Opening prayer and greeting +• Reading from Acts 2 (Pentecost Sunday) +• Psalm 63 as the prayer of confession +• Confession of sin and seeking God's forgiveness +• Prayer for revival and restoration of the church +• Prayers and confessions of sin +• Restoration of the church +• Revival and revival prayers +• Reading from Ezekiel 36 +• Personal prayer and devotionals +• Introduction to Resonate (Christian mission organization) +• Mission work and partnership with Resonate +• Hymn singing +• Jesus is praised as the glory and love of those present +• A segment about children's worship time begins, featuring Hank telling his "origin story" of being rescued from a thrift store +• The concept of rescue is expanded to include an even better rescue mission, referencing Sunday school or children's worship time +• Prayer is led for the day and for adults learning about God in church +• The speaker reflects on how their spiritual practice is being stretched +• Congregational prayer and seeking God's guidance are emphasized +• A church family prayer is led, thanking God for his presence and asking for guidance, strength, and blessings +• Prayers are offered for upcoming meetings, synod gatherings, and travel plans +• The nomination process for church offices is discussed and prayers are asked for divine guidance +• Scripture readings from Matthew 28:16-20 and Acts 2:36-41 are announced +• The importance of repentance, baptism, and receiving the gift of the Holy Spirit +• The distinction between being "spiritual" (outside traditional faith) vs. being "Spirit-filled" (a Christian experience) +• Critique of modern language around spirituality and its potential to muddy waters about what it means to be in the Spirit +• Discussion of Christian experiences of being Spirit-filled, including dancing, speaking in tongues, and prophecy +• Proposal that being Spirit-filled is not primarily about a personal experience, but rather about being aligned with the mission of the church +• Thesis statement: The work of the Holy Spirit equals the mission of the church +• The importance of the truth for the life of the church +• The work of the Holy Spirit in making union with Jesus possible through faith +• The mission of the church and its relation to the work of the Holy Spirit +• The doctrine of the union with Christ and its significance in Christianity +• The implications of this doctrine on individual reality and relationship with God +• The work of the Holy Spirit starts in one's heart and is connected to their affections. +• The Holy Spirit's greater miracle is piercing hearts with conviction and faith. +• The Holy Spirit grants new life, transforming dead bodies by breathing in new life. +• Faith and believing are a gift from the Holy Spirit, made possible through its previous work in one's heart. +• The Holy Spirit makes the Gospel effective in one's heart, transforming it from stone to flesh. +• Believing the Word is only made possible because of the previous work of the Holy Spirit. +• The Holy Spirit is necessary for Christ's message to become effective and real. +• Faith in the word is the means of our union with Christ. +• The Holy Spirit works through faith, transforming hearts from stone to flesh. +• The work of the Holy Spirit includes maturing and growing our union with Christ. +• Growing in the word is the means of growing with Christ. +• The process of spiritual growth is ordinary and consistent. +• The importance of protecting and clinging to God's word +• The role of the Holy Spirit in transformation and sanctification +• The fruit of the Holy Spirit (love, joy, peace, etc.) +• The need for union with Christ and the Holy Spirit to achieve holiness +• The danger of becoming passive or apathetic in struggles against sin due to lack of faith in the power of the Holy Spirit +• The good news of the gospel is that God saves us from our sin through the life, death, resurrection, and exaltation of Jesus. +• Salvation not only frees us from sin but also leads to a life lived in relationship with God, characterized by gratitude, holiness, and righteousness. +• This is what God originally designed for humans: to live as image bearers of God, having dominion over creation. +• The gospel is the power of God unto salvation and sanctification, an ongoing work of the Holy Spirit. +• Through faith in Jesus, believers can experience transformation, overcoming sin, darkness, and despair, and living a life with God's power. +• The Holy Spirit's work is to make union with Christ possible by faith. +• The ultimate act of the Holy Spirit is to take those who are united to Christ and make them into worshippers of Jesus. +• The Holy Spirit's role is to make much of Jesus in our midst. +• The work of the Holy Spirit equals the mission of the church, which is worship. +• Missions are about going into places where the gospel is not known +• The mission of the church is to worship God, and making worshipers where there is none +• There are three main things: making worshipers where there is none, making worshipers where there are few, and making deeper worshipers +• Both salvation and election happen for us so that we might be for the praise of His glory +• The Bible has a consistent theme of creation praising God +• Psalm 19 and other psalms declare that all creation exists to praise God +• The mission of the church is to make worshippers where there are none +• Jesus' command in Matthew 29 is to go and make disciples, particularly in areas with no worshippers +• Scripture emphasizes the importance of making people from all nations worship God +• The mission of the church is to proclaim the gospel and invite people into union with Christ through the work of the Holy Spirit. +• The primary means by which this mission is accomplished are ordinary and regular activities in the life and work of the church, such as teaching, fellowship, breaking bread, and prayer. +• The Holy Spirit has already used these means to create union with Christ and now uses them to grow the church and include others in that union. +• The importance of devotion to the teaching of the apostles +• Commitment to fellowship, breaking bread, and prayer +• How the Holy Spirit works in the church +• The mission of the church should make deeper worshippers +• Referencing Ephesians 4 and Acts 2, regarding baptism and receiving the gift of the Holy Spirit +• The promise of the Holy Spirit for believers and their children +• Growth from immaturity to maturity as followers of Christ +• The importance of testing God's will and power through the spirit +• Recognizing the need to live a victorious life over sin and struggles +• Putting on the new self created in true righteousness and holiness +• Living as children of the light, not the darkness +• Being filled with the Holy Spirit to speak to one another in psalms and hymns +• The mission of the church is to make deeper worshippers of God +• The work of the Holy Spirit is crucial in this process +• Worship, faith, and union with Jesus are essential components +• The church's mission involves making worshippers where there are none or few, and growing the faith of those who already believe +• Prayer to God in the name of Jesus Christ +• Strength and perfection in union with Christ +• Protection from dissolution, breaking, or destruction +• Confidence in truth by the power of the Holy Spirit +• Departure from a place filled with hope and joy +• Living transformed lives that change the world around them +• The concept of God's presence and its impact on individuals +• The idea that nothing is worth more than God's presence +• A song or hymn being sung to praise God and acknowledge His glory +• Inviting the Holy Spirit to be present and fill the atmosphere +• The desire for a deeper awareness of God's presence in one's life +• Praise and worship of God in various forms +• God's presence and protection +• Faith and trust in God's guidance +• Redemption and salvation through Jesus Christ +• The Kingdom of God and its revelation +• Praise and adoration to the Trinity (Father, Son, Spirit) +• Biblical references and phrases mentioned throughout the praise and worship \ No newline at end of file diff --git a/Sunday Worship, May 19, 2024_transcript.txt b/Sunday Worship, May 19, 2024_transcript.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000000000000000000000000000000000000..104702a07f57f996afb7522c956c478e21a80e53 --- /dev/null +++ b/Sunday Worship, May 19, 2024_transcript.txt @@ -0,0 +1,2357 @@ +[0.00 --> 3.30] Death has lost its grip on me. +[3.46 --> 6.74] You have broken every chain. +[7.10 --> 10.06] There's self-esteem in your name. +[10.32 --> 16.16] Jesus Christ, my living hope. +[16.90 --> 17.94] Hallelujah. +[20.14 --> 23.30] Praise the one who set me free. +[23.68 --> 24.60] Hallelujah. +[24.60 --> 25.60] Hallelujah. +[26.76 --> 29.92] Death has lost its grip on me. +[30.22 --> 33.38] You have broken every chain. +[33.76 --> 36.68] There's self-esteem in your name. +[36.96 --> 43.02] Jesus Christ, my living hope. +[46.48 --> 52.12] Then came the morning that sealed the promise. +[52.12 --> 58.66] Your bearing body began to breathe. +[58.66 --> 62.04] Out of the silence. +[62.04 --> 62.68] Out of the silence. +[62.68 --> 65.62] The roaring lion. +[65.62 --> 68.40] Declared the grave. +[68.40 --> 71.68] Has no claim on me. +[71.68 --> 75.72] Then came the morning. +[75.72 --> 79.10] Jesus, yours is the victory. +[79.10 --> 82.48] Your buried body. +[82.48 --> 85.48] Your buried body began to breathe. +[85.48 --> 89.42] Out of the silence. +[89.42 --> 92.12] The roaring lion. +[92.12 --> 95.06] Declared the grave. +[95.06 --> 98.62] Has no claim on me. +[98.62 --> 104.00] Jesus, yours is the victory. +[104.00 --> 104.58] Jesus, yours is the victory. +[104.58 --> 109.00] Oh, hallelujah. +[109.00 --> 112.38] Oh, hallelujah. +[112.38 --> 112.92] Oh, hallelujah. +[112.92 --> 116.62] Praise the one who set me free. +[116.62 --> 117.88] Hallelujah. +[117.88 --> 118.38] Hallelujah. +[118.38 --> 119.38] Hallelujah. +[119.38 --> 120.38] Hallelujah. +[120.38 --> 123.28] Death has lost its grip on me. +[123.28 --> 126.74] You have broken every chain. +[126.88 --> 129.98] This time they say your name. +[130.06 --> 135.02] Jesus Christ, my living hope. +[135.02 --> 165.00] Jesus Christ, my living hope. +[165.00 --> 169.82] Jesus Christ, my living hope. +[169.82 --> 172.38] Jesus Christ, my living hope. +[172.38 --> 175.26] Because you are my living hope. +[195.00 --> 215.70] Come and stand before your Maker, full of wonder, full of fear. +[215.70 --> 221.26] Come behold His power and glory, yet with confidence strongly. +[221.26 --> 233.54] For the One who holds the heavens and commands the stars above, is the God who bents to bless us with an unrelenting love. +[235.46 --> 245.36] Rejoice! Come and lift your hands and raise your voice. He is worthy of our praise. +[245.36 --> 256.36] Rejoice! Sing the mercies of your King, and with trembling rejoice. +[257.36 --> 262.82] We are children of the promise, the beloved of the Lord. +[263.28 --> 268.70] One with everlasting kindness, bought with sacrificial blood. +[268.70 --> 280.64] Bringing reconciliation to a world that longs to know the affections of a Father who will never let them go. +[282.32 --> 289.34] Rejoice! Come and lift your hands and raise your voice. +[289.34 --> 291.18] He is worthy of our praise. +[292.70 --> 294.30] Good morning. +[294.30 --> 298.40] Good morning. Welcome to worship. +[298.92 --> 310.16] Welcome to worship on this long weekend Sunday, which might indicate why we're a little bit more spread around than we would otherwise be. +[310.54 --> 318.38] But also on this Pentecost Sunday, where we celebrate and recognize the coming of the Holy Spirit in power. +[318.38 --> 323.52] And we will hear more about that throughout our worship together this morning. +[323.52 --> 326.46] If you're a guest with us here today, my name is Chris. +[326.68 --> 334.88] I'm one of the pastors here, and it's my privilege to lead in our shared worship this morning, along with these others and a few more yet that you haven't seen. +[335.58 --> 340.14] We have one big announcement, and I'm going to hand that over to Pastor Kevin so he can give it. +[340.94 --> 342.00] Good morning, everyone. +[342.16 --> 342.80] Oh, there it is. +[342.86 --> 343.50] Thanks, Courtney. +[343.80 --> 345.82] Big round of applause for Courtney in the back. +[347.30 --> 351.84] Our sound people don't get enough love and always get enough, like, stares when something goes wrong. +[351.84 --> 352.44] So thanks, Courtney. +[352.96 --> 360.88] Youth, if you're out there today, and youth parents, if you're listening as well, today is the deadline to sign up for youth camp, which is happening next weekend at Manning Park. +[361.46 --> 364.44] Hopefully you've seen one of my 18 emails about that. +[364.82 --> 371.08] If you can get your registration sheets informed into me today, that would be amazing. +[371.18 --> 373.90] We have to get numbers and get going on groceries and supplies and stuff this week. +[373.96 --> 374.72] So today's the deadline. +[375.20 --> 375.80] Sign up today. +[376.16 --> 376.74] It'll be awesome. +[376.74 --> 380.16] We'll be heading to Manning Park this coming Friday. +[380.36 --> 381.36] So hopefully I'll see you on Twitter. +[383.60 --> 384.00] Excellent. +[384.14 --> 390.18] So I said we had one big announcement, and then we have one little announcement, and that's because the targets of these announcements are the little people among us. +[390.26 --> 393.94] But next week is also Cadet Camp Week. +[393.94 --> 403.12] And so if you are part of the cadet program, or if you are going to start cadets next year, you're invited to go camping next weekend with those leaders. +[403.90 --> 406.18] And so there's been some emails out about that. +[406.24 --> 409.20] But if you have questions, you can talk to Andrew. +[409.32 --> 410.80] Andrew's going to raise his hand real high. +[410.96 --> 411.12] There. +[411.24 --> 411.80] That's the guy. +[411.92 --> 412.42] Talk to him. +[412.56 --> 416.50] He will give you any information you might need for that as well. +[416.50 --> 418.92] I believe that's it for us this morning. +[419.16 --> 424.36] And so I'm going to invite you, as you're able, to stand, and we might be welcomed into God's presence together. +[429.68 --> 435.88] And so open your hearts and receive the greeting of God in our worship. +[435.88 --> 448.08] Grace, mercy, and peace to you from God our Father, from the Lord Jesus Christ, Son, and our Savior, through the presence and power of the Holy Spirit. +[449.10 --> 449.54] Amen. +[450.62 --> 453.28] As God's greeted us, I invite you to greet those around you. +[453.28 --> 453.78] Amen. +[465.88 --> 491.70] On this Pentecost Sunday, hear these words from Acts 2. +[491.70 --> 521.58] Let's gather together in worship this morning. +[522.62 --> 525.00] Amen. +[525.00 --> 525.26] Amen. +[525.50 --> 527.36] Amen. +[527.42 --> 529.52] Amen. +[532.38 --> 533.96] Amen. +[533.96 --> 559.00] How lonely is your dwelling place, O Lord Almighty. +[559.00 --> 569.00] For my soul longs and even days for you. +[573.00 --> 580.00] For here my heart is satisfied. +[580.00 --> 585.00] I live in your presence. +[586.00 --> 596.00] I see beneath the shadow of your ways. +[596.00 --> 606.00] There is one day in your house. +[606.00 --> 608.00] There is one day in your voice. +[608.00 --> 612.00] Thousands of sweat. +[612.00 --> 618.00] There is one day in your house. +[618.00 --> 621.00] There is one day in your house. +[621.00 --> 624.00] Thousands of sweat. +[624.00 --> 627.00] Thousands of sweat. +[627.00 --> 631.00] Oh my Lord +[631.00 --> 637.00] One thing I asked. +[637.00 --> 638.00] And I would seek. +[638.00 --> 640.00] To see your saturday. +[640.00 --> 647.50] To find you in the place your glory does. +[647.50 --> 659.50] oh +[669.42 --> 675.50] manage +[677.50 --> 707.48] There is one day in your house, but I'm just ready. +[707.50 --> 737.48] I'm just ready. +[737.50 --> 747.50] There is one day in your house, but I'm just ready. +[747.50 --> 759.50] There is one day in your woods, there is one day in your house, there is one day in your words, now I'm just ready. +[759.50 --> 771.50] There is one day in your house, but I'm just ready. +[771.50 --> 783.50] There is one day in your house, but I'm just ready. +[783.50 --> 795.50] There is one day in your house, but I'm just ready. +[795.50 --> 807.50] There is one day in your house, but I'm just ready. +[807.50 --> 819.50] There is one day in your house, but I'm just ready. +[819.50 --> 831.50] There is one day in your house, but I'm just ready. +[831.50 --> 843.50] There is one day in your house, but I'm just ready. +[843.50 --> 855.50] There is one day in your house, but I'm just ready. +[855.50 --> 867.50] There is one day in your house, but I'm just ready. +[867.50 --> 877.50] There is one day in your house, but I'm just ready. +[877.50 --> 879.50] There is one day in your house, but I'm just ready. +[879.50 --> 899.50] There is one day in your house, but I'm just ready. +[899.50 --> 905.68] The Lord Jesus come. +[907.68 --> 915.34] The Lord Jesus come. +[916.86 --> 918.40] I invite you to this morning. +[923.70 --> 928.62] Our prayer of confession this morning is the words of Psalm 63. +[928.62 --> 930.58] Please join me in prayer. +[932.98 --> 935.52] You, God, are our God. +[935.92 --> 937.38] Earnestly we seek you. +[938.36 --> 939.54] We thirst for you. +[939.72 --> 945.22] Our whole body longs for you in a dry and parched land where there is no water. +[946.30 --> 950.56] We have seen you in the sanctuary and beheld your power and your glory. +[950.96 --> 955.58] Because your love is better than life, our lips will glorify you. +[955.58 --> 958.92] We will praise you as long as we live. +[959.04 --> 961.44] And in your name we will lift up our hands. +[962.34 --> 965.72] We will be fully satisfied as with the richest of foods. +[966.22 --> 968.92] With singing lips our mouths will praise you. +[970.12 --> 971.98] On our bed we remember you. +[972.52 --> 974.76] We think of you through the watches of the night. +[975.26 --> 977.20] Because you are our help. +[977.48 --> 979.48] We sing in the shadow of your wings. +[979.64 --> 980.66] We cling to you. +[981.28 --> 983.04] Your right hand holds us. +[983.04 --> 986.56] Those who want to kill us will be destroyed. +[987.00 --> 989.06] They will go down to the depths of the earth. +[989.56 --> 993.02] They will be given over to the sword and become food for jackals. +[994.10 --> 997.10] But the king will rejoice in God. +[998.16 --> 1001.40] All who swear by God will glory in him. +[1001.94 --> 1005.16] While the mouths of liars will be silenced. +[1005.16 --> 1008.58] And the beasts will be忍民. +[1008.58 --> 1010.02] And we may stand as we sing. +[1010.44 --> 1011.72] Breathe out and sing them. +[1011.72 --> 1012.54] ש ש students +[1012.54 --> 1015.62] Let us sing. +[1017.62 --> 1019.30] please sing. +[1020.68 --> 1026.06] שainen +[1026.06 --> 1027.18] e +[1027.18 --> 1041.18] O Lord, forgive us, we have lost the honor of you. +[1041.18 --> 1048.18] Have mercy, have mercy. +[1048.18 --> 1061.18] O Lord, cleanse our hearts and hearts, we have divided. +[1061.18 --> 1067.18] Serve the faith that we once knew. +[1067.18 --> 1074.18] We're thirsty, we're thirsty. +[1074.18 --> 1087.18] O Lord, restore the church that bears your name. +[1087.18 --> 1100.18] O Spirit, send a revival to this nation. +[1100.18 --> 1106.18] Free on us again. +[1106.18 --> 1112.18] Free on us again. +[1112.18 --> 1131.18] O Lord, forgive us, we have lost the honor of you. +[1131.18 --> 1138.18] Have mercy, have mercy. +[1138.18 --> 1152.18] O Lord, cleanse our hearts and hearts and hearts and hearts. +[1152.18 --> 1158.18] Serve the faith that we once knew. +[1158.18 --> 1165.18] We're thirsty, we're thirsty. +[1165.18 --> 1177.18] O Lord, restore the church that bears your name. +[1177.18 --> 1178.18] 3 +[1178.18 --> 1184.18] O Lord, foles, we have pardoned andievers saying, +[1184.18 --> 1190.18] And we want to stand over the Werk. +[1190.18 --> 1200.18] 95. +[1200.18 --> 1216.38] O Lord, restore the church that bears your name. +[1216.38 --> 1229.82] O Spirit send a revival to this nation. +[1231.28 --> 1236.94] Breathe on us again. +[1236.94 --> 1243.38] Breathe on us again. +[1246.38 --> 1254.62] Hear these words, beautiful words of assurance for us from Ezekiel 36. +[1254.62 --> 1257.58] For I will take you out of the nations. +[1257.58 --> 1262.80] I will gather you from all the countries and bring you back into your own land. +[1263.56 --> 1267.38] I will sprinkle clean water on you and you will be clean. +[1268.34 --> 1271.98] I will cleanse you from all your impurities and from all your idols. +[1271.98 --> 1276.48] I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you. +[1277.34 --> 1281.18] I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. +[1281.64 --> 1287.62] And I will put my spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws. +[1288.50 --> 1291.18] Then you will live in the land I gave your ancestors. +[1291.60 --> 1294.84] You will be my people and I will be your God. +[1294.84 --> 1324.82] Father, I will be your God. +[1324.82 --> 1354.80] Lord, I will be your God. +[1354.80 --> 1360.26] Pray, turn me, hold my head upon. +[1360.26 --> 1363.48] And I will stand upon your truth. +[1363.88 --> 1366.64] Bring glory unto you. +[1366.64 --> 1372.28] And let the peace of God let it rain. +[1373.74 --> 1379.52] Hold on and offer for more of you. +[1379.52 --> 1381.52] Rise up within me. +[1381.52 --> 1382.76] Rise up within me. +[1382.76 --> 1385.98] Let me know your children. +[1385.98 --> 1392.26] Oh, Holy Spirit, set your name by soul. +[1392.36 --> 1398.76] And let the life of God fill me now. +[1398.76 --> 1400.76] Let your healing crown. +[1400.76 --> 1401.76] And let the peace of God fill me now. +[1401.76 --> 1405.76] Let the peace of God fill me now. +[1405.76 --> 1410.76] And let the peace of God fill me now. +[1410.76 --> 1416.22] Holy Spirit, set your name by soul. +[1416.22 --> 1422.06] Let the peace of God fill me now. +[1422.06 --> 1424.64] And let the peace of God fill me now. +[1424.64 --> 1437.64] Let me run the race of time, with your life folding by, and let the peace of God let it rain. +[1437.64 --> 1462.64] Oh, Lord, Savior, Lord, of God, strengthen me, hold my head of power, and I'll stand upon your tomb, bringing glory unto you, and let the peace of God let it rain. +[1462.64 --> 1475.64] Hold our comfort for more of you, rise up within me, let me know your truth. +[1475.64 --> 1500.64] Hold our spirit, set the faith in my soul, and let the life of God fill me out, let your living come, bring light to make me whole, and let the peace of God let it rain. +[1500.64 --> 1504.64] Amen. +[1504.64 --> 1511.64] Amen. +[1511.64 --> 1525.26] Good morning. +[1525.82 --> 1528.94] Today's offering is for Resonate. +[1529.34 --> 1537.50] In 2017, Christian Reform World Missions and Christian Reform Home Missions joined forces and became Resonate. +[1537.50 --> 1541.62] Our church partners with Resonate to help build God's church. +[1542.26 --> 1549.48] We do this by planting churches and supporting ministry in North America, as well as sending missionaries around the world. +[1550.74 --> 1561.92] Resonate is here to walk alongside us in preparing missionaries and volunteers, calling and supporting church planters and campus ministries, +[1561.92 --> 1568.96] connecting with ministries overseas, engaging young and old church members in mission work, +[1569.50 --> 1574.86] and following the Spirit by discerning new ways to demonstrate and proclaim the gospel. +[1575.54 --> 1576.22] Thank you. +[1576.22 --> 1606.20] Thank you. +[1606.22 --> 1617.22] Turn your eyes upon Jesus, look full in His wonderful ways, +[1617.22 --> 1629.96] and the wings of earth will grow strangely dim in the light of His glory and grace. +[1629.96 --> 1632.96] Turn your eyes upon Jesus, look full in His glory and grace. +[1632.96 --> 1646.12] Turn your eyes to the hillside, where justice and mercy and grace. +[1646.12 --> 1657.96] There the Son of God gave His life for us, and our evangelist debt was erased. +[1657.96 --> 1663.96] Jesus, Jesus, we lift our hands. +[1663.96 --> 1669.96] Jesus, our glory and our power. +[1669.96 --> 1675.96] We adore You, behold You, our Savior ever true. +[1675.96 --> 1677.96] O Jesus, we lift our hands. +[1677.96 --> 1678.96] O Jesus, we lift our hands. +[1678.96 --> 1684.96] Turn your eyes to the morning, and see Christ the Lion away. +[1684.96 --> 1696.96] Turn your eyes to the morning, and see Christ the Lion away. +[1696.96 --> 1698.96] Lord, we lift our hands. +[1698.96 --> 1709.96] What a glorious long fear of death is come, for we carry His life in our grave. +[1709.96 --> 1711.96] Jesus, we lift our hands. +[1711.96 --> 1715.96] Jesus, we lift our hands. +[1715.96 --> 1721.96] Jesus, we lift our hands. +[1721.96 --> 1724.96] Jesus, we lift our hands up before it is 끝까지. +[1724.96 --> 1725.96] We lift our hands. +[1725.96 --> 1727.96] Jesus, our glory and our crown. +[1727.96 --> 1730.96] We adore You, behold You, Savior ever true. +[1730.96 --> 1750.44] Turn your eyes to the heavens, our King will return for His own. +[1750.44 --> 1762.12] Every knee will bow, every crown will shout, all glory to Jesus alone. +[1764.08 --> 1774.90] Jesus, you will lift our hearts. Jesus, our glory and our love. +[1774.90 --> 1780.66] We adore You, behold You, our Savior ever. +[1782.02 --> 1786.28] Oh, Jesus, we turn our eyes to You. +[1787.86 --> 1792.52] Oh, Jesus, we turn our eyes to You. +[1804.90 --> 1813.06] Oh, wow. All right, kids. +[1813.46 --> 1814.76] Come on up to the front. +[1815.52 --> 1816.72] Come on up here. +[1817.80 --> 1818.86] Join me up here. +[1818.98 --> 1819.82] Sit down. +[1820.34 --> 1821.62] Come from all over. +[1821.94 --> 1822.88] Here we go. +[1826.02 --> 1827.88] How is everyone doing this morning? +[1827.88 --> 1827.98] Good. +[1831.28 --> 1832.86] One of you is good. +[1834.90 --> 1837.18] How is everyone this morning? +[1838.58 --> 1838.98] Good. +[1839.10 --> 1842.90] I have a friend with me, but he's having a nap in the pew over there. +[1843.06 --> 1845.94] And in order for him to come out here, you guys are going to have to say, +[1846.34 --> 1847.44] Come on out, Hank. +[1847.64 --> 1848.76] And then he might join us. +[1848.76 --> 1849.16] Are you ready? +[1849.54 --> 1850.32] Can you say it together? +[1850.72 --> 1851.32] And go. +[1851.32 --> 1853.32] Come on, Hank. +[1853.32 --> 1862.10] Hi, everyone. +[1865.10 --> 1866.50] They're quiet today. +[1866.64 --> 1867.68] They're very quiet today. +[1868.18 --> 1869.52] Hi, everyone. +[1870.00 --> 1870.64] Hi. +[1871.64 --> 1874.12] Hank, guess what we're going to talk about today in children's worship time? +[1874.44 --> 1874.72] What? +[1874.72 --> 1877.64] We're going to talk about our rescuer. +[1877.94 --> 1880.16] Oh, I was rescued. +[1880.54 --> 1881.02] You were? +[1881.44 --> 1881.78] Yeah. +[1881.88 --> 1883.74] It's my origin story. +[1884.24 --> 1885.62] Your origin story? +[1886.06 --> 1886.56] Yeah. +[1887.26 --> 1888.70] Should we, could you tell it for us? +[1888.76 --> 1890.32] Should we hear Hank's origin story? +[1890.80 --> 1891.14] Yeah. +[1891.26 --> 1891.56] Yeah? +[1891.56 --> 1892.52] Where he came from? +[1893.24 --> 1894.96] It's an exciting story. +[1894.96 --> 1899.48] I lived in an attic for a long time. +[1899.88 --> 1907.54] And then one day, someone put me in a bag with a bunch of old shirts and some books and I think a hammock. +[1908.04 --> 1913.38] And I ended up at the Mission Thrift Store. +[1913.86 --> 1915.92] The Mission Thrift Store. +[1916.20 --> 1916.68] Yeah. +[1916.84 --> 1918.74] It was a beautiful place. +[1918.74 --> 1927.26] But I was only there for a day when a nice lady bought me and brought me here and gave me to you. +[1927.68 --> 1928.12] Me? +[1928.58 --> 1929.02] Yeah. +[1929.78 --> 1932.88] And so, I live here now on top of your fridge. +[1933.08 --> 1933.74] That's true. +[1934.30 --> 1938.24] So that lady rescued me from the store. +[1938.80 --> 1939.10] Huh. +[1939.80 --> 1941.16] I never really thought of it that way. +[1941.42 --> 1942.62] That's kind of true, isn't it? +[1943.14 --> 1944.40] Was he rescued from the store? +[1945.42 --> 1946.16] Yeah, kind of. +[1946.46 --> 1947.04] Well, guess what? +[1947.04 --> 1951.76] We're going to talk about an even better rescue mission today in Sunday school or in children's worship time. +[1951.98 --> 1952.68] Isn't that exciting? +[1952.94 --> 1954.34] That does sound exciting. +[1954.96 --> 1956.36] So, I'm going to pray. +[1956.90 --> 1959.06] And then we're going to run off to children's worship time. +[1959.36 --> 1959.72] Slowly. +[1963.72 --> 1964.16] Slowly. +[1965.16 --> 1966.44] I'm watching you. +[1968.00 --> 1970.28] And then we'll go enjoy ourselves in children's worship time, okay? +[1970.42 --> 1971.48] So, before we do that, let's pray. +[1971.62 --> 1972.22] Can we bow our heads? +[1972.30 --> 1972.76] Hold our hands? +[1973.22 --> 1973.58] Here we go. +[1973.58 --> 1974.84] Dear God, thank you so much for this day. +[1974.84 --> 1979.26] Thank you that we could come to church this morning and that we could learn more about you in children's worship time. +[1979.30 --> 1983.70] And we pray for all the grown-ups who are going to learn more about you here in church today, too. +[1984.34 --> 1987.20] Help us glorify you in the way we do that today. +[1987.26 --> 1987.74] In your name. +[1988.14 --> 1988.34] Amen. +[1988.68 --> 1989.08] All right. +[1989.16 --> 1989.72] Stand up. +[1989.76 --> 1990.76] It's time to do the blessing. +[1991.62 --> 1992.68] You too, church. +[1993.58 --> 1993.98] All right. +[1994.02 --> 1996.64] We're going to say, the Lord be with you at the same time. +[1996.66 --> 1997.10] Are you ready? +[1997.10 --> 1997.16] Ready? +[1997.80 --> 1999.12] One, two, three. +[1999.12 --> 2001.42] The Lord be with you. +[2001.56 --> 2003.24] And also with you. +[2003.24 --> 2004.68] All right. +[2004.68 --> 2004.96] All right. +[2004.96 --> 2023.10] Good morning. +[2023.10 --> 2023.14] Good morning. +[2023.72 --> 2024.44] My name is Darrell. +[2024.50 --> 2025.86] I'm one of the elders here at Emmanuel. +[2026.92 --> 2031.16] Before I go into our congregational prayer, I just wanted to share a bit of an experience this week. +[2032.00 --> 2037.30] We've talked as elders in meetings and such about stretching, about God stretching us in our faith. +[2037.50 --> 2039.34] And it's been an interesting week for me. +[2039.42 --> 2044.24] I've had a couple of encounters where people have just randomly come up to me and said, +[2044.52 --> 2045.18] Are you a Christian? +[2046.00 --> 2049.42] And we've had some really good faith-stretching conversations. +[2049.78 --> 2052.98] And it's helped me to delve more into the word. +[2053.74 --> 2056.22] And then I find out that I'm on congregational prayer. +[2056.46 --> 2059.10] And so that's also something that stretches me as well. +[2059.10 --> 2064.62] And so I just encourage everyone to look for opportunities where God might be stretching you this week. +[2065.22 --> 2067.38] Let's go to God in our church family prayer. +[2069.08 --> 2072.82] Heavenly Father, we come before you today to worship and glorify you. +[2073.44 --> 2076.98] Thank you for everyone here and online as we gather together in your name. +[2077.88 --> 2084.06] We know and thank you for being a gracious God that accepts us for who we are and where we are in our journey. +[2084.06 --> 2091.06] Please guide us in our lives each day to discover your will and the tasks that you have set out for us. +[2091.52 --> 2094.02] Give us your spirit to strengthen us in our daily lives. +[2095.06 --> 2100.00] We pray for the cadet and the youth campouts coming up this coming weekend. +[2100.88 --> 2108.46] And as our ministries wind down for the year, Lord, we are deeply thankful for all the leaders and volunteers who have faithfully given their time and energy. +[2108.46 --> 2113.96] Their dedication and service have been a tremendous blessing to our church family. +[2114.38 --> 2117.02] We ask that you bless them abundantly for their efforts. +[2117.88 --> 2121.60] We take great joy in your word, Lord, as in 2 Corinthians 6. +[2122.12 --> 2125.54] As God's co-workers, we urge you not to receive God's grace in vain. +[2126.18 --> 2128.86] For he says, in the time of my favor, I heard you. +[2129.34 --> 2131.36] In the day of salvation, I helped you. +[2131.70 --> 2133.76] I tell you, now is the time of God's favor. +[2134.22 --> 2135.54] Now is the day of salvation. +[2135.54 --> 2140.00] Lord, we also lift up the upcoming meetings of classes and synod. +[2140.42 --> 2141.52] These gatherings are critical. +[2142.18 --> 2144.84] And we pray for wisdom, discernment, and unity. +[2145.48 --> 2148.66] And significant conversations and decisions are made. +[2149.40 --> 2153.06] We especially pray for Pastor Chris, who will serve as a delegate for synod this year. +[2153.76 --> 2160.10] Grant him clarity, courage, and guidance as he represents our congregation and seeks to honor you in all discussions. +[2160.10 --> 2165.94] As we approach this long weekend, we ask for your protection over those that will be traveling. +[2166.20 --> 2167.36] Keep them safe on the roads. +[2167.76 --> 2171.34] And may they find rest and joy in their journeys and time spent with loved ones. +[2172.18 --> 2176.68] Lastly, we thank you for those that accepted nominations for the offices of Elder and Deacon. +[2176.68 --> 2182.92] As we continue the process to affirm these names, we seek your divine guidance and wisdom in this process. +[2183.48 --> 2187.90] Asking that you make it clear your will for this congregation and council of this church. +[2188.56 --> 2196.10] We also pray for future elders and deacons, Lord, that you may make it clear to them if this is a calling and a will for them to serve. +[2196.68 --> 2201.30] We thank you, Lord, for hearing our prayers and for your constant presence in our lives. +[2201.72 --> 2203.84] We entrust all these matters into your loving hands. +[2204.54 --> 2205.56] In Jesus' name we pray. +[2205.56 --> 2206.42] Amen. +[2206.68 --> 2207.68] Amen. +[2223.68 --> 2233.90] We're going to continue our worship by looking at two passages this morning from scriptures. +[2233.90 --> 2247.98] In the sort of liturgical movements of the church this season, we've been living in the Gospel of Matthew for the story and then stretching that out for our understanding of what that story means. +[2247.98 --> 2258.82] And so on Pentecost this morning, we're going to read from Matthew 28, 16 to 20, and then from Acts 2, 36 to 41. +[2260.10 --> 2264.62] I encourage you to have that open in front of you and a Bible in your hands. +[2264.62 --> 2265.62] It should be on the Bible. +[2265.62 --> 2266.62] It should be on the Bible. +[2266.62 --> 2267.62] It should be on the Bible. +[2267.62 --> 2268.80] It should be on the screen behind me, at least the first time we go through it. +[2269.58 --> 2270.54] Let's read together. +[2272.46 --> 2273.62] From Matthew 28. +[2273.62 --> 2280.28] Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. +[2281.08 --> 2283.90] When they saw him, they worshipped him, but some doubted. +[2284.40 --> 2286.42] Then Jesus came to them and said, +[2286.42 --> 2290.68] All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. +[2291.34 --> 2299.46] Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, +[2299.74 --> 2303.52] and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. +[2304.02 --> 2309.62] And surely I am with you always to the very end of the age. +[2309.62 --> 2317.40] And then from Acts 2, we'll start at verse 36. +[2319.22 --> 2327.38] Just to get us to that point, Jackie read for us already the story of the Holy Spirit coming in to the disciples +[2327.38 --> 2332.90] as they gathered in that upper room in Jerusalem and descending upon them in tongues of fire. +[2333.56 --> 2339.58] After that, they went out and they started preaching to the people who were gathered there for the Jewish festival. +[2339.62 --> 2346.76] And everyone heard the disciples in their own language, in the country that they came from, +[2346.82 --> 2349.22] the region that they came from, in the language of that area. +[2349.34 --> 2350.92] And they were amazed. +[2351.48 --> 2353.44] And then Peter begins preaching. +[2354.48 --> 2362.56] And he preaches to them the history of redemption culminating in the person and work of Jesus Christ. +[2362.56 --> 2366.26] And so he says to them in verse 36, +[2366.26 --> 2371.06] Therefore, let all Israel be assured of this. +[2371.66 --> 2377.52] God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah. +[2378.80 --> 2382.68] When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart. +[2383.72 --> 2385.72] And said to Peter and the other apostles, +[2385.98 --> 2387.24] Brothers, what shall we do? +[2387.24 --> 2389.34] Peter replied, +[2389.34 --> 2389.36] Peter replied, +[2389.56 --> 2392.48] Repent and be baptized, every one of you, +[2392.72 --> 2395.82] in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, +[2395.98 --> 2399.24] and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. +[2399.58 --> 2403.78] The promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, +[2403.84 --> 2406.30] for all whom the Lord our God will call. +[2407.80 --> 2411.28] With many other words, he warned them and he pleaded with them, +[2411.90 --> 2415.04] Save yourselves from this corrupt generation. +[2415.04 --> 2418.12] Those who accepted his message were baptized, +[2418.76 --> 2422.42] and about 3,000 were added to their number that day. +[2423.14 --> 2424.60] This is the word of the Lord. +[2430.28 --> 2434.92] So whenever we come into the season of Pentecost, +[2435.44 --> 2441.42] at least in the areas of my life and the circles that I travel in, +[2441.50 --> 2442.88] the conversations that I have, +[2442.88 --> 2451.02] we always come to the idea or to the question of what is and who is, +[2451.52 --> 2455.22] what is the work of the Holy Spirit and who is the Holy Spirit? +[2455.32 --> 2458.28] What does it mean to be in the Spirit? +[2459.80 --> 2468.04] Now part of that conversation and question takes a particular form in today's world +[2468.04 --> 2469.96] and in our cultural context. +[2469.96 --> 2476.56] Because it's not uncommon to hear people talk about being spiritual, +[2477.76 --> 2479.66] whatever that means, right? +[2479.76 --> 2485.94] Because that's an intentionally nebulous kind of language +[2485.94 --> 2491.28] for people increasingly not connected to church +[2491.28 --> 2494.48] or to faith in a traditional sense, +[2494.48 --> 2497.92] but they feel connected to the earth +[2497.92 --> 2502.88] or connected to something or someone in some way. +[2503.54 --> 2506.52] They say, I'm not religious, but I'm spiritual. +[2508.26 --> 2510.26] And when we use that kind of language, +[2510.26 --> 2518.58] I think that we are intentionally muddying the waters +[2518.58 --> 2521.24] about what it means to be in the Spirit, +[2521.86 --> 2524.56] in part because we don't know +[2524.56 --> 2528.26] and in part because we're not sure we want to know. +[2529.26 --> 2531.52] I think also, one of the other ways, +[2531.52 --> 2534.92] maybe on the other side of the spectrum of this conversation, +[2535.62 --> 2537.68] especially at this time, +[2537.82 --> 2541.80] Christians will talk about being Spirit-filled, right? +[2541.84 --> 2544.90] And being Spirit-filled has a particular connotation +[2544.90 --> 2547.36] and a particular meaning to us as well. +[2547.76 --> 2551.56] And in some places, that means dancing in the aisles. +[2551.82 --> 2553.50] Clearly, that's not what it means here. +[2554.12 --> 2556.98] In some places, it means speaking in tongues +[2556.98 --> 2558.88] or offering prophecy. +[2560.32 --> 2562.58] That's less so, I think, what it means here, +[2562.68 --> 2564.58] although we have heard some and seen things. +[2564.68 --> 2566.32] Let's not mistake those realities. +[2569.42 --> 2571.06] But the question, then, +[2571.12 --> 2573.68] of what it means to be Spirit-filled +[2573.68 --> 2577.54] usually ends up kind of circling +[2577.54 --> 2580.74] around a sort of experience +[2580.74 --> 2584.26] or an idea of an experience, +[2584.26 --> 2587.44] a particularly emotionally laden one +[2587.44 --> 2588.42] and heavy one. +[2589.14 --> 2592.18] And unless we have that kind of experience, +[2593.38 --> 2596.56] we conclude we're not Spirit-filled. +[2597.00 --> 2599.78] Or at least we're not as filled as we could be. +[2601.18 --> 2602.94] What I want to suggest this morning, +[2603.36 --> 2605.00] based on the text that we read +[2605.00 --> 2606.96] and what we know and see in the Bible, +[2607.56 --> 2612.08] is that being spiritual isn't enough +[2612.08 --> 2614.26] and being Spirit-filled +[2614.26 --> 2619.26] isn't about a particular experience +[2619.26 --> 2621.52] or not an emotive, +[2621.66 --> 2624.56] sort of expressive kind of experience. +[2624.62 --> 2625.66] It might include that, +[2625.76 --> 2627.58] but it's not starting there. +[2627.70 --> 2628.30] And to do that, +[2628.36 --> 2629.32] what I would like to do +[2629.32 --> 2631.60] is to look very closely, +[2631.76 --> 2633.20] and if you have your printed sheets, +[2633.30 --> 2635.64] you'll see the title of this sermon +[2635.64 --> 2638.04] is that the work of the Holy Spirit +[2638.04 --> 2640.60] equals the mission of the church. +[2640.60 --> 2643.14] So I want to suggest +[2643.14 --> 2645.98] that as we hold out these two ideas +[2645.98 --> 2647.82] and compare them to one another, +[2648.04 --> 2650.14] we'll begin to see something, +[2650.62 --> 2652.34] I hope, very clearly +[2652.34 --> 2653.90] and very compelling. +[2655.48 --> 2657.08] And so the big idea, +[2657.24 --> 2658.08] as you can see on the screen, +[2658.18 --> 2659.92] is that the mission of the church +[2659.92 --> 2663.74] equals the work of the Holy Spirit. +[2664.30 --> 2665.74] Or, I'll put it another way, +[2665.82 --> 2666.38] more explicitly, +[2666.38 --> 2668.80] the work of the Holy Spirit +[2668.80 --> 2672.08] is the mission of the church. +[2674.48 --> 2676.32] And what I hope we'll see this morning +[2676.32 --> 2677.56] is that this isn't just +[2677.56 --> 2679.72] some abstract theological point +[2679.72 --> 2681.62] made by a pastor +[2681.62 --> 2682.82] with a university degree +[2682.82 --> 2683.78] and a master's degree. +[2684.04 --> 2686.76] This isn't just some rhetorical truism +[2686.76 --> 2688.72] hoping to stir something in you. +[2688.98 --> 2690.08] Instead, what I hope +[2690.08 --> 2691.14] that we will begin to see +[2691.14 --> 2693.38] is just how vital +[2693.38 --> 2696.04] this truth is +[2696.04 --> 2697.46] for the life of the church. +[2699.00 --> 2700.04] When I use the word vital, +[2700.48 --> 2703.18] I mean integral to our existence. +[2704.26 --> 2704.48] Right? +[2704.56 --> 2705.96] Giving us life. +[2708.10 --> 2708.60] Right? +[2708.66 --> 2709.40] For what you do, +[2710.02 --> 2711.10] for who you are, +[2711.52 --> 2714.14] for how you show up in the world, +[2714.44 --> 2715.34] how we live, +[2715.64 --> 2717.16] how we move through +[2717.16 --> 2719.30] this time and this space. +[2721.18 --> 2722.24] Now, to get there, +[2723.00 --> 2723.68] we're going to spend +[2723.68 --> 2725.32] a little bit of time +[2725.32 --> 2726.80] on both sides +[2726.80 --> 2728.56] of this equation +[2728.56 --> 2731.08] in order to make the most sense +[2731.08 --> 2732.86] of what the work +[2732.86 --> 2734.24] of the Holy Spirit is +[2734.24 --> 2735.48] and then what the mission +[2735.48 --> 2737.10] of the church is. +[2738.52 --> 2738.84] And so, +[2739.30 --> 2740.90] dig into this with me +[2740.90 --> 2741.78] for a moment +[2741.78 --> 2742.30] and then +[2742.30 --> 2744.50] when we pull this together, +[2744.64 --> 2745.46] I hope you will see +[2745.46 --> 2747.12] what I see here. +[2748.16 --> 2749.58] The Holy Spirit +[2749.58 --> 2750.76] works +[2750.76 --> 2752.14] to make union +[2752.14 --> 2753.56] with Jesus possible +[2753.56 --> 2755.22] through faith +[2755.22 --> 2756.92] and to grow +[2756.92 --> 2757.54] the faith +[2757.54 --> 2758.90] of those who already believe +[2758.90 --> 2760.26] in order +[2760.26 --> 2761.62] to make much +[2761.62 --> 2762.52] of the person +[2762.52 --> 2763.44] and work of Jesus. +[2764.30 --> 2764.48] And so, +[2764.56 --> 2765.98] this is on the one side +[2765.98 --> 2767.14] of the equation, +[2767.24 --> 2768.22] the work of the Holy Spirit. +[2768.40 --> 2769.66] The work of the Holy Spirit +[2769.66 --> 2770.90] is to make union +[2770.90 --> 2772.18] with Jesus possible +[2772.18 --> 2773.04] through faith +[2773.04 --> 2774.20] to grow faith +[2774.20 --> 2775.50] in those who already believe +[2775.50 --> 2777.18] in order to make much +[2777.18 --> 2777.96] of the work +[2777.96 --> 2779.54] of Jesus. +[2780.24 --> 2780.46] So, +[2780.52 --> 2781.24] in that sentence, +[2781.48 --> 2783.02] you hear three things, +[2783.10 --> 2783.28] right? +[2783.60 --> 2785.02] The union with Christ +[2785.02 --> 2785.76] through faith, +[2786.26 --> 2787.96] maturing our union +[2787.96 --> 2788.96] with Christ +[2788.96 --> 2789.60] through faith, +[2789.66 --> 2790.80] and then the third one, +[2790.96 --> 2792.58] exalting in the person +[2792.58 --> 2793.12] and work +[2793.12 --> 2794.04] of Jesus. +[2794.04 --> 2794.22] Jesus. +[2795.04 --> 2797.90] I heard someone +[2797.90 --> 2798.84] this week +[2798.84 --> 2800.64] say that the +[2800.64 --> 2801.76] greatest +[2801.76 --> 2803.74] doctrinal teaching +[2803.74 --> 2805.32] that is lacking +[2805.32 --> 2806.88] in the Christian church +[2806.88 --> 2807.32] today, +[2807.54 --> 2807.90] primarily +[2807.90 --> 2809.48] in the Western +[2809.48 --> 2810.20] church, +[2810.42 --> 2811.50] is the doctrine +[2811.50 --> 2812.56] of the union +[2812.56 --> 2813.50] with Christ. +[2813.50 --> 2813.54] Christ. +[2814.84 --> 2815.04] Right? +[2815.08 --> 2815.98] The idea that you +[2815.98 --> 2817.04] are not your own, +[2817.12 --> 2817.98] but you belong, +[2818.28 --> 2818.94] body and soul +[2818.94 --> 2819.90] and life and in death, +[2820.06 --> 2820.76] to Jesus. +[2820.94 --> 2821.72] The idea that +[2821.72 --> 2823.04] because of grace +[2823.04 --> 2823.74] through faith, +[2823.88 --> 2825.26] you have been united +[2825.26 --> 2826.40] with Christ +[2826.40 --> 2827.16] in his life +[2827.16 --> 2827.96] and in his death +[2827.96 --> 2828.88] and in his resurrection +[2828.88 --> 2830.46] and in his exaltation. +[2830.82 --> 2831.76] The idea that +[2831.76 --> 2832.84] this union +[2832.84 --> 2833.62] with Christ +[2833.62 --> 2835.00] is indivisible +[2835.00 --> 2836.94] and indissoluble. +[2836.94 --> 2837.46] That is, +[2837.50 --> 2838.34] you can't separate +[2838.34 --> 2839.04] from him +[2839.04 --> 2839.94] and your union +[2839.94 --> 2840.32] with him +[2840.32 --> 2841.46] cannot be destroyed. +[2841.46 --> 2844.42] These ideas +[2844.42 --> 2846.02] fundamentally +[2846.02 --> 2848.20] change everything +[2848.20 --> 2850.64] about your reality. +[2852.32 --> 2854.02] And this is the work +[2854.02 --> 2854.86] of the Holy Spirit. +[2856.58 --> 2857.82] It starts +[2857.82 --> 2858.92] in your heart. +[2859.06 --> 2859.64] It starts +[2859.64 --> 2860.86] with the seat +[2860.86 --> 2862.40] of your affections. +[2863.30 --> 2864.18] Notice what we read +[2864.18 --> 2865.00] in Acts 2 +[2865.00 --> 2869.20] in verse 37. +[2869.32 --> 2869.90] When the people +[2869.90 --> 2870.74] heard this, +[2870.74 --> 2871.60] they were cut +[2871.60 --> 2873.70] to the heart. +[2875.40 --> 2875.88] What we begin +[2875.88 --> 2877.00] to see here +[2877.00 --> 2877.50] is that +[2877.50 --> 2878.42] the work +[2878.42 --> 2879.38] of the Holy Spirit +[2879.38 --> 2880.30] is not just +[2880.30 --> 2880.90] displayed +[2880.90 --> 2882.12] in the tongues +[2882.12 --> 2883.76] of every nation +[2883.76 --> 2884.24] present. +[2884.64 --> 2885.20] In fact, +[2885.34 --> 2886.60] the greater miracle, +[2886.80 --> 2887.54] the greater work +[2887.54 --> 2888.44] of the Holy Spirit +[2888.44 --> 2889.64] is the piercing +[2889.64 --> 2890.78] of hearts +[2890.78 --> 2891.96] with conviction +[2891.96 --> 2893.48] and with faith. +[2895.00 --> 2895.92] We heard earlier +[2895.92 --> 2897.04] in worship +[2897.04 --> 2899.24] that are hearts +[2899.24 --> 2900.28] of stone, +[2900.62 --> 2901.72] that turning hearts +[2901.72 --> 2902.38] of stone +[2902.38 --> 2903.22] into hearts +[2903.22 --> 2903.90] of flesh, +[2904.32 --> 2905.08] that this granting +[2905.08 --> 2906.32] of new life +[2906.32 --> 2908.68] is the Spirit's work. +[2909.26 --> 2910.06] It's how dead +[2910.06 --> 2911.26] in sin bodies +[2911.26 --> 2912.24] are raised +[2912.24 --> 2913.34] by the blowing +[2913.34 --> 2914.88] in of new life +[2914.88 --> 2915.94] breathed on you +[2915.94 --> 2916.92] by the Holy Spirit. +[2917.98 --> 2918.78] And so the act +[2918.78 --> 2919.44] of faith +[2919.44 --> 2920.42] and of believing +[2920.42 --> 2921.90] and so being +[2921.90 --> 2923.24] united to Jesus +[2923.24 --> 2924.82] is a gift, +[2925.20 --> 2926.10] is a working +[2926.10 --> 2927.20] in you +[2927.20 --> 2928.96] of the Holy Spirit. +[2930.28 --> 2931.70] Romans 8, 15 +[2931.70 --> 2932.06] says, +[2932.56 --> 2933.42] the Spirit you received +[2934.00 --> 2934.82] brought about +[2934.82 --> 2935.66] your adoption +[2935.66 --> 2936.76] to sonship. +[2937.76 --> 2938.48] Romans 10 +[2938.48 --> 2939.64] tells us that belief +[2939.64 --> 2940.90] comes by hearing +[2940.90 --> 2942.00] and specifically +[2942.00 --> 2943.24] by hearing the Word, +[2943.36 --> 2944.42] by hearing the Gospel. +[2944.98 --> 2945.42] And so, +[2945.64 --> 2946.44] what the Holy Spirit +[2946.44 --> 2947.16] does is +[2947.16 --> 2948.54] takes the Gospel, +[2948.72 --> 2949.50] takes the Word +[2949.50 --> 2950.10] of God +[2950.10 --> 2951.06] and makes it +[2951.06 --> 2951.90] effective +[2951.90 --> 2953.42] in your hearts, +[2953.80 --> 2954.74] transforming it +[2954.74 --> 2955.22] from a heart +[2955.22 --> 2955.86] of stone +[2955.86 --> 2956.64] to a heart +[2956.64 --> 2957.16] of flesh. +[2957.70 --> 2958.80] And then by believing +[2958.80 --> 2959.82] the Word, +[2960.00 --> 2960.98] we take hold +[2960.98 --> 2961.72] of Christ. +[2963.16 --> 2964.10] But that believing +[2964.10 --> 2965.96] is only made possible, +[2966.18 --> 2967.10] only made effective +[2967.10 --> 2968.40] because of the +[2968.40 --> 2969.70] previous work +[2969.70 --> 2970.82] of the Holy Spirit +[2970.82 --> 2972.10] in your heart, +[2972.46 --> 2973.34] on your heart, +[2973.44 --> 2974.66] making it new. +[2977.06 --> 2978.86] There's a 16th century +[2978.86 --> 2980.02] theologian and pastor, +[2980.74 --> 2981.86] his name is John Calvin, +[2982.40 --> 2983.48] he's sort of +[2983.48 --> 2983.96] the father +[2983.96 --> 2985.12] of the Reformed tradition +[2985.12 --> 2986.32] that we find ourselves in, +[2986.62 --> 2987.96] and he says explicitly, +[2989.02 --> 2990.48] without the illumination +[2990.48 --> 2991.36] of the Holy Spirit, +[2991.46 --> 2993.18] the Word has no effect. +[2994.84 --> 2995.24] In fact, +[2995.32 --> 2996.14] he goes on to use +[2996.14 --> 2996.54] what I think +[2996.54 --> 2997.42] is a really compelling +[2997.42 --> 2998.72] word picture. +[2998.98 --> 2999.46] He says, +[2999.46 --> 3001.22] until our minds +[3001.22 --> 3001.78] are intent +[3001.78 --> 3002.52] on the Spirit, +[3002.74 --> 3004.46] Christ is in a manner +[3004.46 --> 3005.48] unemployed +[3005.48 --> 3007.56] because we view +[3007.56 --> 3008.56] him coldly +[3008.56 --> 3009.52] without us, +[3009.78 --> 3010.82] outside of us, +[3010.88 --> 3011.64] at a distance +[3011.64 --> 3012.28] from us. +[3012.56 --> 3013.68] It is by the Spirit +[3013.68 --> 3014.32] alone +[3014.32 --> 3015.46] that he unites +[3015.46 --> 3015.94] us +[3015.94 --> 3017.08] to himself. +[3018.80 --> 3019.80] The point here +[3019.80 --> 3020.30] is that +[3020.30 --> 3021.48] it's only by +[3021.48 --> 3022.34] the inner working +[3022.34 --> 3023.38] of the Holy Spirit +[3023.38 --> 3024.50] that Christ's message +[3024.50 --> 3025.20] of salvation +[3025.20 --> 3026.40] becomes real, +[3026.52 --> 3027.38] becomes effective +[3027.38 --> 3028.36] for you. +[3028.96 --> 3029.36] And in fact, +[3029.48 --> 3030.20] experientially, +[3030.28 --> 3031.14] I think all of you +[3031.14 --> 3031.72] know this. +[3032.76 --> 3032.96] Right? +[3033.00 --> 3033.82] You know that this is true +[3033.82 --> 3034.98] because if you've ever +[3034.98 --> 3037.12] talked with a person +[3037.12 --> 3038.50] who is not Christian +[3038.50 --> 3040.64] and had them read +[3040.64 --> 3041.12] the Bible +[3041.12 --> 3042.22] or quoted a Bible +[3042.22 --> 3042.94] verse to them +[3042.94 --> 3045.20] and nothing happens, +[3046.38 --> 3047.22] right, +[3047.24 --> 3047.84] you're not surprised +[3047.84 --> 3048.36] by that. +[3048.76 --> 3050.04] Because if all it took +[3050.04 --> 3051.62] was hearing the gospel +[3051.62 --> 3052.72] in order for someone +[3052.72 --> 3053.44] to believe, +[3053.78 --> 3054.66] then the preachers +[3054.66 --> 3055.40] that are on street +[3055.40 --> 3056.40] corners around the world +[3056.40 --> 3057.70] would be much more +[3057.70 --> 3058.48] effective than they +[3058.48 --> 3059.16] currently are. +[3060.44 --> 3061.50] Now, that's not to say +[3061.50 --> 3062.28] that the Spirit +[3062.28 --> 3063.34] can't use those street +[3063.34 --> 3064.14] preachers on corners +[3064.14 --> 3064.72] around the world. +[3064.82 --> 3065.74] He can and he does +[3065.74 --> 3066.58] and incredible things +[3066.58 --> 3067.66] have happened in those +[3067.66 --> 3068.74] moments and those places. +[3069.36 --> 3070.60] But it's only when +[3070.60 --> 3071.56] the Spirit makes +[3071.56 --> 3072.62] the word effective +[3072.62 --> 3074.44] that our hearts of stone +[3074.44 --> 3075.60] are transformed +[3075.60 --> 3077.08] into hearts of flesh. +[3077.36 --> 3078.66] This is the principal +[3078.66 --> 3080.40] work of the Holy Spirit. +[3080.66 --> 3081.36] It's the working +[3081.36 --> 3082.66] and growing of faith +[3082.66 --> 3083.54] in the life +[3083.54 --> 3084.42] of the believer +[3084.42 --> 3087.16] and that is the means +[3087.16 --> 3088.40] of our union +[3088.40 --> 3089.72] with Christ. +[3092.00 --> 3093.52] And then so connected +[3093.52 --> 3094.14] to that +[3094.14 --> 3095.82] and working out +[3095.82 --> 3096.40] of that +[3096.40 --> 3098.00] is the idea +[3098.00 --> 3099.26] that the work +[3099.26 --> 3100.34] of the Holy Spirit +[3100.34 --> 3101.48] then includes +[3101.48 --> 3102.92] the maturing, +[3103.46 --> 3104.24] the growing +[3104.24 --> 3106.00] of our union +[3106.00 --> 3106.74] with Christ +[3106.74 --> 3107.52] through faith. +[3108.70 --> 3109.24] Right, not only +[3109.24 --> 3109.72] is the work +[3109.72 --> 3110.52] of the Holy Spirit +[3110.52 --> 3111.32] the beginning +[3111.32 --> 3112.30] of our union +[3112.30 --> 3112.98] with Christ, +[3113.06 --> 3114.12] it is the ongoing +[3114.12 --> 3115.50] work of the Holy Spirit +[3115.50 --> 3117.56] that transforms us +[3117.56 --> 3118.54] into the image +[3118.54 --> 3119.14] of Christ +[3119.14 --> 3120.42] through faith. +[3122.04 --> 3122.70] Right, and it keeps +[3122.70 --> 3124.02] stacking these realities. +[3124.18 --> 3125.32] If faith in the word +[3125.32 --> 3126.42] is the means +[3126.42 --> 3127.46] of our union +[3127.46 --> 3128.20] with Christ +[3128.20 --> 3129.32] then growing +[3129.32 --> 3130.30] in the word +[3130.30 --> 3131.28] is the means +[3131.28 --> 3132.02] of our growing +[3132.02 --> 3132.82] with Christ. +[3133.94 --> 3134.72] Now maybe that +[3134.72 --> 3135.54] doesn't sound exciting +[3135.54 --> 3135.92] to you, +[3135.98 --> 3136.58] maybe that doesn't +[3136.58 --> 3137.70] sound flashy +[3137.70 --> 3138.50] and cool +[3138.50 --> 3139.38] and yet there's +[3139.38 --> 3140.10] something beautiful +[3140.10 --> 3141.32] about its consistency. +[3142.36 --> 3143.24] Right, the means +[3143.24 --> 3144.34] of our maturing +[3144.34 --> 3145.08] of our growing +[3145.08 --> 3145.58] in faith +[3145.58 --> 3146.58] are the ordinary +[3146.58 --> 3147.68] means of grace +[3147.68 --> 3149.32] of being in the word +[3149.32 --> 3150.08] and of worshipping +[3150.08 --> 3151.36] receiving the sacraments +[3151.36 --> 3151.74] together. +[3153.26 --> 3154.10] In fact, the scriptures +[3154.10 --> 3155.70] invite us +[3155.70 --> 3156.90] into this truth +[3156.90 --> 3158.04] by calling us +[3158.04 --> 3158.92] to protect +[3158.92 --> 3159.82] the word +[3159.82 --> 3160.56] and to cling +[3160.56 --> 3161.98] to it fastidiously. +[3162.42 --> 3162.80] Right, Paul +[3162.80 --> 3163.80] says to Timothy +[3163.80 --> 3164.96] a leader +[3164.96 --> 3165.78] that he is training +[3165.78 --> 3167.00] he says guard +[3167.00 --> 3168.04] the good deposit +[3168.04 --> 3168.90] that was entrusted +[3168.90 --> 3169.48] to you +[3169.48 --> 3170.50] guard it +[3170.50 --> 3171.14] with the help +[3171.14 --> 3172.22] of the Holy Spirit +[3172.22 --> 3173.90] who lives in us. +[3175.30 --> 3176.02] Right, as we are +[3176.02 --> 3176.48] transformed +[3176.48 --> 3177.26] by the work +[3177.26 --> 3178.12] of the Holy Spirit +[3178.12 --> 3178.86] through the word +[3178.86 --> 3180.14] working on us +[3180.14 --> 3181.66] we begin to see +[3181.66 --> 3182.54] the fruit +[3182.54 --> 3183.60] of the Holy Spirit +[3183.60 --> 3184.82] in our lives +[3184.82 --> 3185.82] and Lord willing +[3185.82 --> 3187.20] in ever increasing +[3187.20 --> 3187.72] measure. +[3189.00 --> 3189.86] Right, Galatians 5 +[3189.86 --> 3190.70] says the fruit +[3190.70 --> 3191.46] of the Spirit +[3191.46 --> 3192.08] is love, +[3192.46 --> 3192.78] joy, +[3193.06 --> 3193.44] peace, +[3193.74 --> 3194.20] patience, +[3194.50 --> 3194.88] kindness, +[3195.38 --> 3195.72] goodness, +[3195.78 --> 3196.68] faithfulness, +[3196.84 --> 3197.40] gentleness +[3197.40 --> 3198.80] and self-control. +[3200.20 --> 3200.94] Right, it is the +[3200.94 --> 3202.70] ongoing power +[3202.70 --> 3204.06] of the Holy Spirit +[3204.06 --> 3205.18] in us +[3205.18 --> 3206.74] that enables us +[3206.74 --> 3207.90] to put off +[3207.90 --> 3208.82] the old self +[3208.82 --> 3209.78] and all the sin +[3209.78 --> 3210.88] that so easily +[3210.88 --> 3211.50] entangles +[3211.50 --> 3212.32] and to put on +[3212.32 --> 3213.18] the new self. +[3213.50 --> 3214.26] Right, we put on +[3214.26 --> 3214.82] Christ +[3214.82 --> 3216.08] in this union. +[3218.42 --> 3219.56] One of the reasons +[3219.56 --> 3221.38] why the doctrine +[3221.38 --> 3222.12] of the union +[3222.12 --> 3222.74] with Christ +[3222.74 --> 3223.80] is so important +[3223.80 --> 3225.18] and why understanding +[3225.18 --> 3225.72] the work +[3225.72 --> 3226.54] of the Holy Spirit +[3226.54 --> 3227.86] to make that real +[3227.86 --> 3229.24] is so critical +[3229.24 --> 3230.36] to our being +[3230.36 --> 3230.90] in the world +[3230.90 --> 3231.76] is exactly +[3231.76 --> 3233.18] this point. +[3233.94 --> 3234.30] Right, because +[3234.30 --> 3235.78] the kind of life +[3235.78 --> 3237.24] that Jesus calls us +[3237.24 --> 3238.26] to, the kind +[3238.26 --> 3238.92] of holiness +[3238.92 --> 3239.68] that we are +[3239.68 --> 3241.18] recreated for +[3241.18 --> 3242.22] is impossible +[3242.22 --> 3244.04] without the Holy Spirit, +[3244.52 --> 3245.42] without our union +[3245.42 --> 3245.98] to Jesus. +[3245.98 --> 3246.12] Jesus. +[3247.54 --> 3248.14] And so, +[3248.60 --> 3250.18] what ends up +[3250.18 --> 3250.60] happening +[3250.60 --> 3252.88] for many of us +[3252.88 --> 3255.32] is that we just +[3255.32 --> 3255.86] give up +[3255.86 --> 3257.48] on trying. +[3259.70 --> 3260.40] Right, we have +[3260.40 --> 3261.22] become passive +[3261.22 --> 3262.66] in our struggles +[3262.66 --> 3263.66] against sin. +[3264.90 --> 3265.72] Right, we've become +[3265.72 --> 3266.48] apathetic +[3266.48 --> 3267.22] to the kinds +[3267.22 --> 3267.76] of things +[3267.76 --> 3268.58] that the Bible +[3268.58 --> 3269.48] calls contrary +[3269.48 --> 3270.30] to nature, +[3270.30 --> 3271.20] that is not +[3271.20 --> 3271.70] in the way +[3271.70 --> 3272.10] that God +[3272.10 --> 3272.58] designed you +[3272.58 --> 3273.02] to live. +[3274.60 --> 3275.18] And I really +[3275.18 --> 3275.92] believe that +[3275.92 --> 3277.20] it is in large +[3277.20 --> 3278.22] part because +[3278.22 --> 3280.00] so many of us +[3280.00 --> 3281.56] don't actually +[3281.56 --> 3282.68] believe in the +[3282.68 --> 3283.62] power of the +[3283.62 --> 3284.00] Spirit +[3284.00 --> 3285.36] to unite us +[3285.36 --> 3286.02] with Christ. +[3288.22 --> 3289.18] But this is the +[3289.18 --> 3289.70] good news of the +[3289.70 --> 3290.10] gospel. +[3291.36 --> 3291.88] Right, yes, +[3292.00 --> 3292.50] and amen, +[3292.66 --> 3293.50] God saves us +[3293.50 --> 3294.28] from our sin +[3294.28 --> 3295.12] by the life, +[3295.12 --> 3295.46] death, +[3295.62 --> 3296.02] resurrection, +[3296.18 --> 3296.88] and exaltation +[3296.88 --> 3297.42] of Jesus. +[3298.20 --> 3299.38] But there's more +[3299.38 --> 3300.20] and amen +[3300.20 --> 3300.88] to that. +[3302.20 --> 3302.80] Right, God +[3302.80 --> 3303.70] doesn't just +[3303.70 --> 3304.96] leave us there +[3304.96 --> 3305.96] to figure it out +[3305.96 --> 3306.58] on our own +[3306.58 --> 3307.28] after he's +[3307.28 --> 3308.28] united us +[3308.28 --> 3308.74] to Christ. +[3308.82 --> 3309.52] Not only does he +[3309.52 --> 3310.74] save us from our sin, +[3311.00 --> 3311.94] he saves us +[3311.94 --> 3313.10] for a life +[3313.10 --> 3313.62] lived, +[3313.98 --> 3314.84] an abundant, +[3315.48 --> 3316.48] deep relationship +[3316.48 --> 3317.06] to him. +[3317.32 --> 3318.12] He saves us +[3318.12 --> 3318.80] for a life +[3318.80 --> 3319.50] of gratitude. +[3319.70 --> 3320.38] He saves us +[3320.38 --> 3321.26] for a life +[3321.26 --> 3321.90] of holiness +[3321.90 --> 3322.76] and righteousness. +[3323.28 --> 3324.02] This is +[3324.02 --> 3325.86] what he originally +[3325.86 --> 3326.72] designed and +[3326.72 --> 3327.68] intended for humans +[3327.68 --> 3328.78] to live as image +[3328.78 --> 3329.64] bearers of God, +[3329.90 --> 3330.64] having dominion +[3330.64 --> 3331.44] over the creation, +[3331.64 --> 3332.94] ruling with him. +[3334.20 --> 3335.16] And he saves us +[3335.16 --> 3335.84] for a life +[3335.84 --> 3336.92] lived in +[3336.92 --> 3337.70] and by +[3337.70 --> 3338.48] and through +[3338.48 --> 3339.30] the power +[3339.30 --> 3340.84] of the Holy Spirit. +[3342.46 --> 3343.40] And he grows +[3343.40 --> 3344.30] you into +[3344.30 --> 3345.62] this image +[3345.62 --> 3346.16] to be +[3346.16 --> 3347.02] like him. +[3348.24 --> 3349.02] The gospel +[3349.02 --> 3350.20] is the +[3350.20 --> 3351.34] power of God +[3351.34 --> 3352.50] unto salvation +[3352.50 --> 3353.78] and the +[3353.78 --> 3354.54] power of God +[3354.54 --> 3356.00] unto sanctification. +[3357.24 --> 3357.74] This is the +[3357.74 --> 3358.50] ongoing work +[3358.50 --> 3359.80] of the Holy Spirit. +[3360.78 --> 3360.96] Now, +[3361.88 --> 3362.86] my own +[3362.86 --> 3364.44] personal testimony +[3364.44 --> 3365.88] is God +[3365.88 --> 3366.54] overcoming +[3366.54 --> 3367.14] some pretty +[3367.14 --> 3368.08] serious sins +[3368.08 --> 3369.20] in my life +[3369.20 --> 3369.70] at different +[3369.70 --> 3370.34] and significant +[3370.34 --> 3370.96] points +[3370.96 --> 3371.86] throughout it. +[3371.90 --> 3372.28] And if you want +[3372.28 --> 3372.84] to talk to me +[3372.84 --> 3373.64] about that privately, +[3373.76 --> 3374.44] I'm happy to share +[3374.44 --> 3375.36] that story with you. +[3375.66 --> 3376.42] The stage probably +[3376.42 --> 3377.08] isn't the place +[3377.08 --> 3378.36] for most of that. +[3379.06 --> 3379.86] But the point +[3379.86 --> 3380.80] that I want to make +[3380.80 --> 3381.26] and the point +[3381.26 --> 3382.26] that I hope you hear +[3382.26 --> 3383.82] that based on +[3383.82 --> 3384.68] the truth of +[3384.68 --> 3385.38] God's own +[3385.38 --> 3386.30] word to us +[3386.30 --> 3387.30] and based on +[3387.30 --> 3388.30] my own lived +[3388.30 --> 3389.90] experience of it, +[3389.96 --> 3390.56] I can say +[3390.56 --> 3391.32] with confidence +[3391.32 --> 3393.06] that he can do it. +[3394.14 --> 3395.10] That he can +[3395.10 --> 3396.18] transform you. +[3397.82 --> 3398.46] And that he can +[3398.46 --> 3398.86] overcome +[3398.86 --> 3400.08] the sin +[3400.08 --> 3400.80] and the darkness +[3400.80 --> 3402.24] and the deep +[3402.24 --> 3403.54] despair in your life. +[3403.62 --> 3404.52] He can do it. +[3404.98 --> 3406.26] And if he can do it +[3406.26 --> 3407.16] and you are united +[3407.16 --> 3407.72] to him, +[3407.92 --> 3408.90] hear this very clearly, +[3408.90 --> 3409.96] that means you +[3409.96 --> 3410.62] can do it +[3410.62 --> 3411.14] with him. +[3412.42 --> 3413.44] That he can do it +[3413.44 --> 3414.00] in you +[3414.00 --> 3415.06] and for you +[3415.06 --> 3415.92] with the power +[3415.92 --> 3416.82] of the Holy Spirit. +[3417.08 --> 3418.22] You are not left +[3418.22 --> 3419.58] to your own devices. +[3420.12 --> 3421.08] You are a device +[3421.08 --> 3421.64] of God. +[3428.84 --> 3430.24] This is what it means +[3430.24 --> 3432.22] to have a spirit-filled +[3432.22 --> 3433.40] life. +[3433.40 --> 3438.68] Which brings me +[3438.68 --> 3440.32] to the third point +[3440.32 --> 3440.74] on the work +[3440.74 --> 3441.50] of the Holy Spirit. +[3442.78 --> 3444.16] Seeing all of this +[3444.16 --> 3446.12] makes me +[3446.12 --> 3446.96] want to +[3446.96 --> 3447.46] worship +[3447.46 --> 3448.90] Jesus. +[3450.04 --> 3451.04] Seeing what he +[3451.04 --> 3452.14] is able to do +[3452.14 --> 3452.92] and what he +[3452.92 --> 3453.80] has accomplished +[3453.80 --> 3455.14] makes me want +[3455.14 --> 3455.74] to sing +[3455.74 --> 3456.92] his praises. +[3457.12 --> 3457.74] And that too +[3457.74 --> 3458.66] is the work +[3458.66 --> 3459.72] of the Holy Spirit +[3459.72 --> 3461.02] to make much +[3461.02 --> 3462.14] of Jesus. +[3463.32 --> 3464.22] Jesus himself +[3464.22 --> 3465.46] says in John 15, +[3465.64 --> 3466.36] 26, +[3466.48 --> 3467.20] when the advocate +[3467.20 --> 3467.74] comes, +[3467.86 --> 3468.94] whom I will send +[3468.94 --> 3470.00] you from the Father, +[3470.36 --> 3471.48] the Spirit of truth +[3471.48 --> 3472.12] who goes out +[3472.12 --> 3472.78] from the Father, +[3472.94 --> 3474.20] he will testify +[3474.20 --> 3475.94] about me. +[3477.30 --> 3478.04] The Holy Spirit's +[3478.04 --> 3479.14] work is to +[3479.14 --> 3480.36] testify about +[3480.36 --> 3480.70] Jesus, +[3480.82 --> 3481.96] to exalt him. +[3482.32 --> 3483.08] Jesus continues +[3483.08 --> 3483.88] in John 16, +[3484.20 --> 3484.78] but when he, +[3484.94 --> 3485.84] the Spirit of truth, +[3485.94 --> 3486.22] comes, +[3486.34 --> 3487.32] he will guide you +[3487.32 --> 3488.58] into all truth. +[3489.30 --> 3490.08] He will not speak +[3490.08 --> 3490.70] on his own. +[3490.70 --> 3491.24] He will speak +[3491.24 --> 3492.12] only what he hears +[3492.12 --> 3492.86] and he will tell you +[3492.86 --> 3493.72] what is yet to come. +[3494.02 --> 3495.76] He will glorify me +[3495.76 --> 3497.00] because it is from me +[3497.00 --> 3497.90] that he will receive +[3497.90 --> 3498.84] what he will make +[3498.84 --> 3499.60] known to you. +[3501.56 --> 3503.18] Since the principal +[3503.18 --> 3504.44] act and work +[3504.44 --> 3505.64] of the Holy Spirit +[3505.64 --> 3506.84] is to make union +[3506.84 --> 3507.70] with Christ +[3507.70 --> 3509.30] by faith possible, +[3509.58 --> 3510.80] then the ultimate +[3510.80 --> 3512.40] act of the Holy Spirit +[3512.40 --> 3514.54] is to take those +[3514.54 --> 3515.00] who are then +[3515.00 --> 3516.32] united to Christ +[3516.32 --> 3517.44] and to make them +[3517.44 --> 3518.86] into worshippers +[3518.86 --> 3518.98] the purpose +[3518.98 --> 3520.48] of Christ. +[3522.02 --> 3522.90] The Holy Spirit's +[3522.90 --> 3523.78] role is to make +[3523.78 --> 3524.90] much of Jesus +[3524.90 --> 3526.10] in our midst +[3526.10 --> 3526.92] and so the life +[3526.92 --> 3527.64] of the believer +[3527.64 --> 3528.98] filled with the Holy Spirit +[3528.98 --> 3530.42] is to make much +[3530.42 --> 3531.22] of Jesus +[3531.22 --> 3532.80] in our midst. +[3535.40 --> 3536.88] And so now we shift +[3536.88 --> 3538.98] to the other side +[3538.98 --> 3540.60] of the equation. +[3540.60 --> 3543.96] the work of the Holy Spirit +[3543.96 --> 3545.50] equals the mission +[3545.50 --> 3546.52] of the church. +[3546.66 --> 3547.58] I want to suggest +[3547.58 --> 3548.96] to you that the mission +[3548.96 --> 3550.30] of the church +[3550.30 --> 3552.98] is worship. +[3554.98 --> 3556.74] The church exists +[3556.74 --> 3558.44] as the bride of Christ +[3558.44 --> 3559.32] to exalt +[3559.32 --> 3560.76] our bridegroom. +[3560.98 --> 3562.18] The mission of the church +[3562.18 --> 3563.64] is to worship. +[3563.64 --> 3566.24] John Piper +[3566.24 --> 3567.74] has said that +[3567.74 --> 3568.44] missions +[3568.44 --> 3569.54] exist +[3569.54 --> 3570.64] where worship +[3570.64 --> 3571.60] doesn't. +[3572.86 --> 3573.76] I want you to notice +[3573.76 --> 3574.00] there +[3574.00 --> 3575.48] I've used two words +[3575.48 --> 3576.30] the mission +[3576.30 --> 3577.30] of the church +[3577.30 --> 3579.06] is to worship God +[3579.06 --> 3580.22] and missions +[3580.22 --> 3581.86] exist +[3581.86 --> 3583.46] where worship +[3583.46 --> 3583.80] doesn't. +[3583.94 --> 3584.34] Missions +[3584.34 --> 3585.32] with an S +[3585.32 --> 3586.18] is the act +[3586.18 --> 3587.52] of going out +[3587.52 --> 3587.84] right? +[3587.92 --> 3588.58] It's the act +[3588.58 --> 3590.18] of proclaiming +[3590.18 --> 3590.82] the truth +[3590.82 --> 3591.68] of the gospel +[3591.68 --> 3592.88] into those places +[3592.88 --> 3594.70] where it is not known. +[3595.32 --> 3595.74] Missions +[3595.74 --> 3596.66] that is the act +[3596.66 --> 3597.12] of going +[3597.12 --> 3598.06] the act of sending +[3598.06 --> 3598.84] the act of +[3598.84 --> 3600.36] being missionaries +[3600.36 --> 3600.80] to which +[3600.80 --> 3602.36] which is a vocation +[3602.36 --> 3603.32] we are all called to. +[3603.58 --> 3604.04] Missions +[3604.04 --> 3606.96] is what we do +[3606.96 --> 3608.18] because the mission +[3608.18 --> 3609.66] of the church +[3609.66 --> 3610.62] is to worship +[3610.62 --> 3611.72] God. +[3613.22 --> 3614.04] And in this +[3614.04 --> 3614.70] the mission +[3614.70 --> 3615.28] of the church +[3615.28 --> 3616.78] then is to make +[3616.78 --> 3617.86] worshipers +[3617.86 --> 3619.06] where there is none. +[3620.00 --> 3621.34] To make worshipers +[3621.34 --> 3622.62] where there are few +[3622.62 --> 3624.16] and to make deeper +[3624.16 --> 3624.94] worshipers +[3624.94 --> 3625.84] of us all. +[3627.14 --> 3627.54] So again +[3627.54 --> 3628.60] there are three things +[3628.60 --> 3629.16] here. +[3629.28 --> 3630.20] To make worshipers +[3630.20 --> 3630.90] where there are none +[3630.90 --> 3631.42] to make +[3631.42 --> 3632.56] worshipers +[3632.56 --> 3633.34] where there are few +[3633.34 --> 3634.30] and to make deeper +[3634.30 --> 3635.02] worshipers +[3635.02 --> 3636.02] of us all. +[3636.10 --> 3636.48] And again +[3636.48 --> 3638.62] we're stacking +[3638.62 --> 3639.74] these realities +[3639.74 --> 3640.84] because both sides +[3640.84 --> 3641.50] of the equation +[3641.50 --> 3642.46] are equal +[3642.46 --> 3643.20] and I believe +[3643.20 --> 3643.94] this is true +[3643.94 --> 3645.10] because as scripture +[3645.10 --> 3645.62] says +[3645.62 --> 3646.26] salvation +[3646.26 --> 3647.36] and election +[3647.36 --> 3648.32] happens +[3648.32 --> 3649.84] for us +[3649.84 --> 3651.14] our union +[3651.14 --> 3651.98] with Christ +[3651.98 --> 3652.76] occurs +[3652.76 --> 3653.98] so that we +[3653.98 --> 3654.82] as it says +[3654.82 --> 3656.02] in Ephesians 1.12 +[3656.02 --> 3657.50] might be for the +[3657.50 --> 3658.86] praise of his +[3658.86 --> 3659.62] glory. +[3660.84 --> 3661.70] Or as Peter +[3661.70 --> 3663.08] says in 1 Peter 2.9 +[3663.08 --> 3663.72] that we might +[3663.72 --> 3664.76] declare the praises +[3664.76 --> 3665.26] of him +[3665.26 --> 3666.48] who called us +[3666.48 --> 3667.18] out of darkness +[3667.18 --> 3668.12] into his +[3668.12 --> 3668.94] wonderful light. +[3669.56 --> 3670.18] Or Isaiah +[3670.18 --> 3671.06] the greatest +[3671.06 --> 3671.74] Old Testament +[3671.74 --> 3672.40] prophet +[3672.40 --> 3672.90] or one of the +[3672.90 --> 3673.58] great Old Testament +[3673.58 --> 3674.12] prophets +[3674.12 --> 3675.26] foretells +[3675.26 --> 3675.96] of a time +[3675.96 --> 3676.68] when sons +[3676.68 --> 3677.34] from afar +[3677.34 --> 3677.92] and daughters +[3677.92 --> 3678.56] from the ends +[3678.56 --> 3679.02] of the earth +[3679.02 --> 3679.80] everyone +[3679.80 --> 3680.44] who's called +[3680.44 --> 3681.22] by my name +[3681.22 --> 3682.22] whom I created +[3682.22 --> 3683.14] for my glory +[3683.14 --> 3684.16] whom I formed +[3684.16 --> 3684.62] and made. +[3684.68 --> 3685.52] He tells us there +[3685.52 --> 3686.50] that the goal +[3686.50 --> 3687.80] of all of it +[3687.80 --> 3689.34] is the glory +[3689.34 --> 3690.00] of God +[3690.00 --> 3691.00] of glorifying +[3691.00 --> 3691.76] God +[3691.76 --> 3692.20] and in fact +[3692.20 --> 3693.16] in Isaiah 53 +[3693.16 --> 3694.56] further down +[3694.56 --> 3695.08] he says +[3695.08 --> 3696.06] that the reason +[3696.06 --> 3697.40] God made people +[3697.40 --> 3698.30] is so that we +[3698.30 --> 3699.14] might proclaim +[3699.14 --> 3700.22] his praise +[3700.22 --> 3701.74] and this truth +[3701.74 --> 3702.58] fits into the +[3702.58 --> 3703.06] bigger theme +[3703.06 --> 3703.54] of the Bible +[3703.54 --> 3704.14] which runs +[3704.14 --> 3705.06] from the very +[3705.06 --> 3705.44] beginning +[3705.44 --> 3706.06] to the very +[3706.06 --> 3706.46] end +[3706.46 --> 3707.38] which is +[3707.38 --> 3708.10] summarized +[3708.10 --> 3708.58] perfectly +[3708.58 --> 3709.54] in Psalm 19 +[3709.54 --> 3710.76] that all +[3710.76 --> 3711.46] creation +[3711.46 --> 3712.92] is singing +[3712.92 --> 3714.00] that right now +[3714.00 --> 3714.64] the heavens +[3714.64 --> 3715.34] are declaring +[3715.34 --> 3715.90] the glory +[3715.90 --> 3716.52] of God +[3716.52 --> 3717.42] the skies +[3717.42 --> 3717.98] proclaim +[3717.98 --> 3718.46] the work +[3718.46 --> 3719.12] of his hands +[3719.12 --> 3720.96] Psalm 148 +[3720.96 --> 3721.76] Psalm 96 +[3721.76 --> 3722.58] all of these +[3722.58 --> 3723.12] declare +[3723.12 --> 3723.98] that all +[3723.98 --> 3724.68] of creation +[3724.68 --> 3725.44] exists +[3725.44 --> 3726.94] to praise +[3726.94 --> 3727.56] God +[3727.56 --> 3728.12] to sing +[3728.12 --> 3729.38] his praises +[3729.38 --> 3729.92] and so +[3729.92 --> 3730.72] the mission +[3730.72 --> 3731.78] of the church +[3731.78 --> 3733.42] is to make +[3733.42 --> 3734.10] us worshippers +[3734.10 --> 3735.92] is to make +[3735.92 --> 3736.50] worshippers +[3736.50 --> 3736.88] where there +[3736.88 --> 3737.38] are none +[3737.38 --> 3739.00] and that's +[3739.00 --> 3739.38] why when +[3739.38 --> 3739.72] Jesus +[3739.72 --> 3741.40] says in +[3741.40 --> 3742.16] Matthew 29 +[3742.16 --> 3743.06] therefore go +[3743.06 --> 3743.86] and make +[3743.86 --> 3744.32] disciples +[3744.32 --> 3744.88] where does +[3744.88 --> 3745.28] he send +[3745.28 --> 3745.48] them +[3745.48 --> 3747.44] to all +[3747.44 --> 3748.04] nations +[3748.04 --> 3749.88] to those +[3749.88 --> 3750.52] places where +[3750.52 --> 3750.94] there are +[3750.94 --> 3751.26] no +[3751.26 --> 3752.06] worshippers +[3752.06 --> 3752.48] that's why +[3752.48 --> 3753.02] in Acts +[3753.02 --> 3753.76] 1 verse +[3753.76 --> 3754.08] 8 +[3754.08 --> 3754.58] right +[3754.58 --> 3754.90] Jesus +[3754.90 --> 3755.56] says to +[3755.56 --> 3755.72] his +[3755.72 --> 3756.14] disciples +[3756.14 --> 3756.50] before +[3756.50 --> 3756.86] he is +[3756.86 --> 3757.30] ascended +[3757.30 --> 3757.94] you will +[3757.94 --> 3758.26] be my +[3758.26 --> 3758.64] witnesses +[3758.64 --> 3759.38] in Jerusalem +[3759.38 --> 3759.80] and in +[3759.80 --> 3760.18] Judea +[3760.18 --> 3760.58] and all +[3760.58 --> 3761.06] Samaria +[3761.06 --> 3762.02] and to +[3762.02 --> 3762.78] the ends +[3762.78 --> 3763.36] of the +[3763.36 --> 3763.76] earth +[3763.76 --> 3765.56] right +[3765.56 --> 3765.72] we don't +[3765.72 --> 3766.04] have time +[3766.04 --> 3766.30] to go +[3766.30 --> 3766.48] through +[3766.48 --> 3767.12] every instance +[3767.12 --> 3767.40] in the +[3767.40 --> 3767.70] bible +[3767.70 --> 3768.24] and so +[3768.24 --> 3768.48] maybe +[3768.48 --> 3768.84] you can +[3768.84 --> 3769.22] trust me +[3769.22 --> 3769.54] on this +[3769.54 --> 3769.78] but if +[3769.78 --> 3770.00] you want +[3770.00 --> 3770.28] to wrestle +[3770.28 --> 3770.60] with it +[3770.60 --> 3770.92] then let's +[3770.92 --> 3771.24] do it +[3771.24 --> 3771.76] but from +[3771.76 --> 3772.20] the very +[3772.20 --> 3772.62] beginning +[3772.62 --> 3772.96] right +[3772.96 --> 3773.42] God's +[3773.42 --> 3774.00] purpose +[3774.00 --> 3774.78] was to +[3774.78 --> 3775.32] make sure +[3775.32 --> 3775.82] that all +[3775.82 --> 3776.28] people +[3776.28 --> 3777.20] everywhere +[3777.20 --> 3777.88] people from +[3777.88 --> 3778.66] every tribe +[3778.66 --> 3779.28] tongue +[3779.28 --> 3780.08] and nation +[3780.08 --> 3780.98] might +[3780.98 --> 3781.86] worship +[3781.86 --> 3782.50] him +[3782.50 --> 3782.90] we might +[3782.90 --> 3783.12] have +[3783.12 --> 3783.92] worshippers +[3783.92 --> 3784.58] from all +[3784.58 --> 3785.20] over +[3785.20 --> 3786.10] creation +[3786.10 --> 3786.90] through all +[3786.90 --> 3787.66] of time +[3787.66 --> 3788.40] and history +[3788.40 --> 3790.10] the mission +[3790.10 --> 3790.42] of the +[3790.42 --> 3790.74] church +[3790.74 --> 3791.64] by proclaiming +[3791.64 --> 3792.14] the gospel +[3792.14 --> 3793.08] and inviting +[3793.08 --> 3793.74] people into +[3793.74 --> 3794.50] union with +[3794.50 --> 3794.88] Christ +[3794.88 --> 3795.32] through the +[3795.32 --> 3795.60] work of +[3795.60 --> 3795.88] the Holy +[3795.88 --> 3796.18] Spirit +[3796.18 --> 3797.02] is to +[3797.02 --> 3797.42] make +[3797.42 --> 3798.52] worshippers +[3798.52 --> 3799.12] is to +[3799.12 --> 3799.58] join +[3799.58 --> 3800.28] with the +[3800.28 --> 3800.84] Holy Spirit +[3800.84 --> 3801.40] in making +[3801.40 --> 3801.88] much +[3801.88 --> 3802.66] of +[3802.66 --> 3803.36] Jesus +[3803.36 --> 3806.14] and this +[3806.14 --> 3806.68] continues +[3806.68 --> 3808.10] in the +[3808.10 --> 3808.42] mission of +[3808.42 --> 3809.00] the church +[3809.00 --> 3810.46] being to +[3810.46 --> 3810.78] make +[3810.78 --> 3811.70] worshippers +[3811.70 --> 3812.24] where there +[3812.24 --> 3812.82] are few +[3812.82 --> 3814.58] and immediately +[3814.58 --> 3815.16] after the +[3815.16 --> 3816.22] text that +[3816.22 --> 3816.68] we read +[3816.68 --> 3818.32] in Acts +[3818.32 --> 3818.98] chapter 2 +[3818.98 --> 3819.82] verse 42 +[3819.82 --> 3820.38] and then in +[3820.38 --> 3820.88] 47 +[3820.88 --> 3822.46] we read +[3822.46 --> 3823.14] they devoted +[3823.14 --> 3823.98] themselves to +[3823.98 --> 3824.50] the apostles +[3824.50 --> 3825.36] teaching and +[3825.36 --> 3825.88] to fellowship +[3825.88 --> 3826.40] and to the +[3826.40 --> 3826.88] breaking of +[3826.88 --> 3827.42] bread and +[3827.42 --> 3827.90] to prayer +[3827.90 --> 3828.36] and then at +[3828.36 --> 3828.66] the end +[3828.66 --> 3828.94] there in +[3828.94 --> 3829.58] verse 47 +[3829.58 --> 3829.96] and the +[3829.96 --> 3830.76] Lord added +[3830.76 --> 3831.22] to their +[3831.22 --> 3831.54] number +[3831.54 --> 3832.14] daily +[3832.14 --> 3833.18] those who +[3833.18 --> 3833.58] were being +[3833.58 --> 3834.08] saved +[3834.08 --> 3835.94] did you +[3835.94 --> 3836.40] notice +[3836.40 --> 3837.66] right +[3837.66 --> 3838.20] it's in +[3838.20 --> 3838.86] the ordinary +[3838.86 --> 3839.66] means +[3839.66 --> 3840.38] in the +[3840.38 --> 3840.86] regular +[3840.86 --> 3841.68] movement +[3841.68 --> 3842.08] of the +[3842.08 --> 3842.40] life +[3842.40 --> 3842.74] and the +[3842.74 --> 3843.02] work +[3843.02 --> 3843.36] of the +[3843.36 --> 3843.76] church +[3843.76 --> 3844.10] that the +[3844.10 --> 3844.72] Holy Spirit +[3844.72 --> 3845.64] has already +[3845.64 --> 3846.24] used to +[3846.24 --> 3847.02] create union +[3847.02 --> 3847.70] with Christ +[3847.70 --> 3848.26] that he +[3848.26 --> 3848.96] now uses +[3848.96 --> 3849.84] to grow +[3849.84 --> 3850.96] the church +[3850.96 --> 3852.36] right +[3852.36 --> 3853.04] to include +[3853.04 --> 3853.62] others +[3853.62 --> 3854.62] into that +[3854.62 --> 3855.44] union +[3855.44 --> 3857.28] to join +[3857.28 --> 3857.88] with him +[3857.88 --> 3859.28] the Lord +[3859.28 --> 3860.24] added to +[3860.24 --> 3860.82] their number +[3860.82 --> 3861.60] daily +[3861.60 --> 3862.08] and so +[3862.08 --> 3862.58] you don't +[3862.58 --> 3863.16] need flashy +[3863.16 --> 3863.76] strategies +[3863.76 --> 3864.40] or smoke +[3864.40 --> 3864.80] machines +[3864.80 --> 3865.18] you don't +[3865.18 --> 3865.92] need light +[3865.92 --> 3866.38] shows +[3866.38 --> 3866.80] right +[3866.80 --> 3867.14] you don't +[3867.14 --> 3867.66] need social +[3867.66 --> 3868.02] media +[3868.02 --> 3868.74] campaigns +[3868.74 --> 3869.22] right +[3869.22 --> 3869.52] you don't +[3869.52 --> 3870.02] need any +[3870.02 --> 3870.40] of those +[3870.40 --> 3870.58] things +[3870.58 --> 3870.80] and I'm +[3870.80 --> 3872.10] not denying +[3872.10 --> 3872.54] that those +[3872.54 --> 3872.98] things might +[3872.98 --> 3873.34] have some +[3873.34 --> 3873.70] effect +[3873.70 --> 3874.12] and maybe +[3874.12 --> 3874.48] in your +[3874.48 --> 3874.88] context +[3874.88 --> 3875.38] those things +[3875.38 --> 3876.18] are a little +[3876.18 --> 3877.32] bit important +[3877.32 --> 3877.72] but they're +[3877.72 --> 3878.10] not as +[3878.10 --> 3878.46] important +[3878.46 --> 3879.00] as you +[3879.00 --> 3879.44] might +[3879.44 --> 3880.00] think +[3880.00 --> 3881.46] right +[3881.46 --> 3881.78] whatever +[3881.78 --> 3882.48] comes next +[3882.48 --> 3882.78] in the +[3882.78 --> 3883.00] church +[3883.00 --> 3883.36] growth +[3883.36 --> 3883.80] movement +[3883.80 --> 3885.00] I hope +[3885.00 --> 3885.54] it is a +[3885.54 --> 3885.96] devotion +[3885.96 --> 3886.38] to the +[3886.38 --> 3886.64] teaching +[3886.64 --> 3886.88] of the +[3886.88 --> 3887.28] apostles +[3887.28 --> 3889.32] and I +[3889.32 --> 3889.56] hope +[3889.56 --> 3890.00] it's a +[3890.00 --> 3890.66] commitment +[3890.66 --> 3891.12] to the +[3891.12 --> 3891.54] fellowship +[3891.54 --> 3891.88] and to +[3891.88 --> 3892.26] the breaking +[3892.26 --> 3892.82] of bread +[3892.82 --> 3893.42] and to +[3893.42 --> 3893.74] prayer +[3893.74 --> 3894.82] because that's +[3894.82 --> 3895.06] how the +[3895.06 --> 3895.60] Holy Spirit +[3895.60 --> 3896.16] works +[3896.16 --> 3897.64] right +[3897.64 --> 3898.12] that's +[3898.12 --> 3898.56] what the +[3898.56 --> 3898.88] mission +[3898.88 --> 3899.24] of the +[3899.24 --> 3899.66] church +[3899.66 --> 3900.28] ought to +[3900.28 --> 3901.22] look like +[3901.22 --> 3904.16] and then +[3904.16 --> 3904.58] lastly +[3904.58 --> 3905.74] the mission +[3905.74 --> 3905.96] of the +[3905.96 --> 3906.38] church +[3906.38 --> 3907.42] ought to +[3907.42 --> 3908.78] make deeper +[3908.78 --> 3909.62] worshippers +[3909.62 --> 3910.42] of us +[3910.42 --> 3910.86] all +[3910.86 --> 3915.38] in +[3915.38 --> 3915.82] Ephesians +[3915.82 --> 3916.24] 4 +[3916.24 --> 3917.96] Paul +[3917.96 --> 3920.64] builds +[3920.64 --> 3921.22] on his +[3921.22 --> 3921.66] call +[3921.66 --> 3922.70] the call +[3922.70 --> 3923.06] that was +[3923.06 --> 3924.12] first spoken +[3924.12 --> 3925.90] in Acts +[3925.90 --> 3926.30] 2 +[3926.30 --> 3927.00] to repent +[3927.00 --> 3927.62] and be +[3927.62 --> 3928.16] baptized +[3928.16 --> 3928.84] every one +[3928.84 --> 3929.10] of you +[3929.10 --> 3929.34] in the +[3929.34 --> 3929.70] name of +[3929.70 --> 3929.90] Jesus +[3929.90 --> 3930.28] Christ +[3930.28 --> 3930.58] for the +[3930.58 --> 3930.86] forgiveness +[3930.86 --> 3931.26] of your +[3931.26 --> 3931.54] sins +[3931.54 --> 3932.24] and you +[3932.24 --> 3932.84] will receive +[3932.84 --> 3933.36] the gift +[3933.36 --> 3933.94] of the +[3933.94 --> 3934.48] Holy Spirit +[3934.48 --> 3935.00] the promise +[3935.00 --> 3935.72] is for you +[3935.72 --> 3936.68] and for your +[3936.68 --> 3937.14] children +[3937.14 --> 3937.62] for the +[3937.62 --> 3938.82] next generation +[3938.82 --> 3940.00] to grow +[3940.00 --> 3940.74] into this +[3940.74 --> 3941.02] reality +[3941.02 --> 3941.58] for all +[3941.58 --> 3941.96] who are +[3941.96 --> 3942.56] far off +[3942.56 --> 3943.06] for all +[3943.06 --> 3943.50] whom the +[3943.50 --> 3943.80] Lord +[3943.80 --> 3944.70] our God +[3944.70 --> 3945.56] will call +[3945.56 --> 3947.68] Paul +[3947.68 --> 3948.46] expands on +[3948.46 --> 3948.88] this in +[3948.88 --> 3949.44] Ephesians +[3949.44 --> 3950.70] when he +[3950.70 --> 3951.26] says that +[3951.26 --> 3951.96] Christ +[3951.96 --> 3952.78] himself +[3952.78 --> 3954.02] gave the +[3954.02 --> 3954.48] apostles +[3954.48 --> 3954.90] and the +[3954.90 --> 3955.26] prophets +[3955.26 --> 3956.06] the evangelists +[3956.06 --> 3956.54] the pastors +[3956.54 --> 3956.86] and the +[3956.86 --> 3957.18] teachers +[3957.18 --> 3958.50] to equip +[3958.50 --> 3959.38] his people +[3959.38 --> 3960.02] for works +[3960.02 --> 3960.50] of service +[3960.50 --> 3960.84] that the +[3960.84 --> 3961.16] body +[3961.16 --> 3961.62] may be +[3961.62 --> 3961.88] built +[3961.88 --> 3962.30] up +[3962.30 --> 3963.26] right +[3963.26 --> 3963.48] then he +[3963.48 --> 3963.88] goes on +[3963.88 --> 3964.12] he says +[3964.12 --> 3964.74] by becoming +[3964.74 --> 3965.36] mature +[3965.36 --> 3966.20] attaining +[3966.20 --> 3966.62] to the +[3966.62 --> 3967.06] whole +[3967.06 --> 3967.64] measure +[3967.64 --> 3968.10] of the +[3968.10 --> 3968.42] fullness +[3968.42 --> 3969.04] of Christ +[3969.04 --> 3969.94] no longer +[3969.94 --> 3970.46] infants +[3970.46 --> 3971.08] but growing +[3971.08 --> 3971.84] in every +[3971.84 --> 3972.28] respect +[3972.28 --> 3972.76] to become +[3972.76 --> 3973.30] the mature +[3973.30 --> 3975.32] body +[3975.32 --> 3975.92] of him +[3975.92 --> 3976.68] who is +[3976.68 --> 3977.42] the head +[3977.42 --> 3980.08] and if I +[3980.08 --> 3980.76] can be bold +[3980.76 --> 3981.20] with you +[3981.20 --> 3981.56] one more +[3981.56 --> 3982.06] time +[3982.06 --> 3983.74] too many +[3983.74 --> 3984.42] of us +[3984.42 --> 3986.38] have +[3986.38 --> 3986.78] willingly +[3986.78 --> 3987.32] remained +[3987.32 --> 3988.04] infants +[3988.04 --> 3989.80] in our +[3989.80 --> 3990.10] faith +[3990.10 --> 3992.34] too many +[3992.34 --> 3992.92] of us +[3992.92 --> 3993.40] have +[3993.40 --> 3994.04] gotten +[3994.04 --> 3994.44] used +[3994.44 --> 3995.18] to a +[3995.18 --> 3995.42] diet +[3995.42 --> 3995.80] of +[3995.80 --> 3996.30] milk +[3996.30 --> 3996.74] and have +[3996.74 --> 3997.80] not grown +[3997.80 --> 3998.14] in the +[3998.14 --> 3998.52] power +[3998.52 --> 3999.12] of the +[3999.12 --> 3999.42] spirit +[3999.42 --> 4000.36] not testing +[4000.36 --> 4000.76] him +[4000.76 --> 4001.66] in what +[4001.66 --> 4002.06] he has +[4002.06 --> 4002.48] called +[4002.48 --> 4002.88] us to +[4002.88 --> 4003.14] and in +[4003.14 --> 4003.68] the power +[4003.68 --> 4004.24] that he +[4004.24 --> 4004.78] has granted +[4004.78 --> 4005.20] us to +[4005.20 --> 4005.94] live +[4005.94 --> 4006.56] victorious +[4006.56 --> 4007.40] over sin +[4007.40 --> 4008.48] and struggles +[4008.48 --> 4009.68] and Paul +[4009.68 --> 4010.10] actually +[4010.10 --> 4010.94] in Ephesians +[4010.94 --> 4011.60] he builds +[4011.60 --> 4012.14] on this +[4012.14 --> 4012.62] and he gives +[4012.62 --> 4013.16] a list +[4013.16 --> 4013.70] of ways +[4013.70 --> 4014.14] to be +[4014.14 --> 4014.56] in the +[4014.56 --> 4014.82] world +[4014.82 --> 4015.50] to not +[4015.50 --> 4015.86] live +[4015.86 --> 4016.26] like the +[4016.26 --> 4016.64] rest of +[4016.64 --> 4017.00] the world +[4017.00 --> 4017.64] to put +[4017.64 --> 4018.06] on the +[4018.06 --> 4018.58] new self +[4018.58 --> 4018.88] that is +[4018.88 --> 4019.98] created +[4019.98 --> 4020.58] to be +[4020.58 --> 4021.16] like God +[4021.16 --> 4021.66] in true +[4021.66 --> 4022.22] righteousness +[4022.22 --> 4023.22] and holiness +[4023.22 --> 4023.68] we are +[4023.68 --> 4024.00] called +[4024.00 --> 4024.44] to put +[4024.44 --> 4024.96] off the +[4024.96 --> 4025.30] deeds +[4025.30 --> 4025.92] of darkness +[4025.92 --> 4026.40] and to +[4026.40 --> 4026.70] live +[4026.70 --> 4027.52] as children +[4027.52 --> 4027.84] of the +[4027.84 --> 4028.04] light +[4028.04 --> 4028.66] and then +[4028.66 --> 4028.98] this is +[4028.98 --> 4029.20] what he +[4029.20 --> 4029.44] says +[4029.44 --> 4029.84] this is +[4029.84 --> 4030.28] I think +[4030.28 --> 4030.72] a beautiful +[4030.72 --> 4031.04] way +[4031.04 --> 4032.26] to circle +[4032.26 --> 4032.82] all of +[4032.82 --> 4033.30] these things +[4033.30 --> 4033.68] together +[4033.68 --> 4034.20] he says +[4034.20 --> 4034.66] we are +[4034.66 --> 4035.00] to be +[4035.00 --> 4035.62] so full +[4035.62 --> 4035.96] of the +[4035.96 --> 4036.50] Holy Spirit +[4036.50 --> 4037.08] that we +[4037.08 --> 4037.54] speak +[4037.54 --> 4037.86] to one +[4037.86 --> 4038.08] another +[4038.08 --> 4038.84] in psalms +[4038.84 --> 4039.38] and in +[4039.38 --> 4039.78] hymns +[4039.78 --> 4040.12] and in +[4040.12 --> 4040.46] songs +[4040.46 --> 4040.86] from the +[4040.86 --> 4041.08] Spirit +[4041.08 --> 4042.18] calling us +[4042.18 --> 4042.66] Paul does +[4042.66 --> 4042.92] in those +[4042.92 --> 4043.20] moments +[4043.20 --> 4043.82] to sing +[4043.82 --> 4044.36] and to +[4044.36 --> 4045.04] make music +[4045.04 --> 4045.66] from your +[4045.66 --> 4046.14] heart +[4046.14 --> 4046.78] to the +[4046.78 --> 4047.10] Lord +[4047.10 --> 4049.96] the Holy +[4049.96 --> 4050.42] Spirit +[4050.42 --> 4050.84] the work +[4050.84 --> 4051.10] of the +[4051.10 --> 4051.72] Holy Spirit +[4051.72 --> 4052.48] and the +[4052.48 --> 4052.76] mission +[4052.76 --> 4053.08] of the +[4053.08 --> 4053.44] church +[4053.44 --> 4055.66] is to +[4055.66 --> 4056.26] make us +[4056.26 --> 4057.56] into +[4057.56 --> 4058.44] deeper +[4058.44 --> 4059.86] and deeper +[4059.86 --> 4061.12] worshippers +[4061.12 --> 4062.54] of God +[4062.54 --> 4064.46] the +[4064.46 --> 4064.70] mission +[4064.70 --> 4064.94] of the +[4064.94 --> 4065.18] church +[4065.18 --> 4065.56] is to +[4065.56 --> 4065.72] make +[4065.72 --> 4066.24] worshippers +[4066.24 --> 4066.60] where there +[4066.60 --> 4067.08] is none +[4067.08 --> 4067.66] to make +[4067.66 --> 4068.12] worshippers +[4068.12 --> 4068.44] where there +[4068.44 --> 4068.92] are few +[4068.92 --> 4069.46] and to +[4069.46 --> 4069.94] make deeper +[4069.94 --> 4070.52] worshippers +[4070.52 --> 4071.22] of us +[4071.22 --> 4071.44] all +[4071.44 --> 4071.74] and the +[4071.74 --> 4072.46] Holy Spirit +[4072.46 --> 4073.34] works to +[4073.34 --> 4073.88] make union +[4073.88 --> 4074.40] with Jesus +[4074.40 --> 4074.96] possible +[4074.96 --> 4075.54] through faith +[4075.54 --> 4075.84] and to +[4075.84 --> 4076.64] grow the +[4076.64 --> 4077.04] faith of +[4077.04 --> 4077.40] those who +[4077.40 --> 4077.68] already +[4077.68 --> 4078.04] believe +[4078.04 --> 4078.76] in order +[4078.76 --> 4079.18] that +[4079.18 --> 4080.70] he might +[4080.70 --> 4081.58] make much +[4081.58 --> 4081.98] of the +[4081.98 --> 4082.42] person +[4082.42 --> 4083.28] and work +[4083.28 --> 4083.90] of Jesus +[4083.90 --> 4084.82] in us +[4084.82 --> 4085.46] and through +[4085.46 --> 4085.90] us +[4085.90 --> 4087.30] the mission +[4087.30 --> 4087.64] of the +[4087.64 --> 4087.98] church +[4087.98 --> 4089.16] is the +[4089.16 --> 4089.62] work of +[4089.62 --> 4090.00] the Holy +[4090.00 --> 4090.44] Spirit +[4090.44 --> 4092.34] and so +[4092.34 --> 4093.08] if ever +[4093.08 --> 4094.58] if ever +[4094.58 --> 4095.12] there was +[4095.12 --> 4095.94] a day +[4095.94 --> 4096.48] and a +[4096.48 --> 4096.80] moment +[4096.80 --> 4097.38] for you +[4097.38 --> 4098.08] to leave +[4098.08 --> 4098.80] this place +[4098.80 --> 4099.80] confident +[4099.80 --> 4100.62] in the +[4100.62 --> 4100.90] Lord +[4100.90 --> 4101.50] this is +[4101.50 --> 4101.98] that day +[4101.98 --> 4103.58] if ever +[4103.58 --> 4103.94] there was +[4103.94 --> 4104.42] a moment +[4104.42 --> 4105.14] and a time +[4105.14 --> 4105.56] for you +[4105.56 --> 4106.10] to leave +[4106.10 --> 4106.50] this place +[4106.50 --> 4107.24] full of +[4107.24 --> 4107.60] hope +[4107.60 --> 4108.10] in the +[4108.10 --> 4108.78] possibilities +[4108.78 --> 4109.50] of what +[4109.50 --> 4109.74] God +[4109.74 --> 4110.08] can do +[4110.08 --> 4110.94] this is +[4110.94 --> 4111.72] that day +[4111.72 --> 4113.16] and if +[4113.16 --> 4113.46] ever +[4113.46 --> 4113.90] there was +[4113.90 --> 4114.26] a day +[4114.26 --> 4114.64] for you +[4114.64 --> 4114.98] to hear +[4114.98 --> 4115.44] the call +[4115.44 --> 4115.80] of God +[4115.80 --> 4116.42] to live +[4116.42 --> 4117.40] transformed +[4117.40 --> 4118.96] this is +[4118.96 --> 4119.56] that +[4119.56 --> 4120.18] day +[4120.18 --> 4122.90] go from +[4122.90 --> 4123.52] here +[4123.52 --> 4124.22] in the +[4124.22 --> 4124.92] power +[4124.92 --> 4125.82] of the +[4125.82 --> 4126.10] Holy +[4126.10 --> 4126.50] Spirit +[4126.50 --> 4126.94] because +[4126.94 --> 4127.34] he +[4127.34 --> 4127.82] has +[4127.82 --> 4128.30] united +[4128.30 --> 4128.72] you +[4128.72 --> 4129.34] to +[4129.34 --> 4130.30] Christ +[4130.30 --> 4130.84] amen +[4130.84 --> 4132.56] let's +[4132.56 --> 4132.78] pray +[4132.78 --> 4138.78] Lord +[4138.78 --> 4139.06] Jesus +[4139.06 --> 4139.54] Christ +[4139.54 --> 4139.92] may +[4139.92 --> 4140.28] our +[4140.28 --> 4140.80] union +[4140.80 --> 4141.16] be +[4141.16 --> 4141.68] so +[4141.68 --> 4142.74] strong +[4142.74 --> 4143.20] so +[4143.20 --> 4144.24] powerful +[4144.24 --> 4145.02] so +[4145.02 --> 4145.92] perfect +[4145.92 --> 4147.76] that +[4147.76 --> 4147.94] we +[4147.94 --> 4148.42] know +[4148.42 --> 4149.86] it +[4149.86 --> 4150.14] cannot +[4150.14 --> 4150.40] be +[4150.40 --> 4150.98] dissolved +[4150.98 --> 4151.78] that +[4151.78 --> 4151.92] we +[4151.92 --> 4152.26] know +[4152.26 --> 4152.46] it +[4152.46 --> 4152.68] cannot +[4152.68 --> 4152.92] be +[4152.92 --> 4153.30] broken +[4153.30 --> 4153.96] that +[4153.96 --> 4154.12] we +[4154.12 --> 4154.40] know +[4154.40 --> 4154.62] it +[4154.62 --> 4154.84] cannot +[4154.84 --> 4155.04] be +[4155.04 --> 4155.54] destroyed +[4155.54 --> 4156.48] and +[4156.48 --> 4156.60] in +[4156.60 --> 4156.76] the +[4156.76 --> 4157.34] confidence +[4157.34 --> 4157.82] of +[4157.82 --> 4158.08] that +[4158.08 --> 4158.42] truth +[4158.42 --> 4158.80] by the +[4158.80 --> 4159.22] power +[4159.22 --> 4159.68] of the +[4159.68 --> 4159.90] Holy +[4159.90 --> 4160.20] Spirit +[4160.20 --> 4160.64] may +[4160.64 --> 4160.90] we +[4160.90 --> 4161.20] go +[4161.20 --> 4161.54] from +[4161.54 --> 4161.90] this +[4161.90 --> 4162.38] place +[4162.38 --> 4163.28] so +[4163.28 --> 4164.08] filled +[4164.08 --> 4164.66] with +[4164.66 --> 4165.52] hope +[4165.52 --> 4166.14] and +[4166.14 --> 4167.00] joy +[4167.00 --> 4167.48] that +[4167.48 --> 4167.66] we +[4167.66 --> 4168.08] might +[4168.08 --> 4168.48] live +[4168.48 --> 4169.32] transformed +[4169.32 --> 4169.86] lives +[4169.86 --> 4170.12] in +[4170.12 --> 4170.48] such +[4170.48 --> 4170.64] a +[4170.64 --> 4170.80] way +[4170.80 --> 4171.00] that +[4171.00 --> 4171.16] the +[4171.16 --> 4171.52] world +[4171.52 --> 4171.90] around +[4171.90 --> 4172.22] us +[4172.22 --> 4172.76] cannot +[4172.76 --> 4173.10] make +[4173.10 --> 4173.42] sense +[4173.42 --> 4173.58] of +[4173.58 --> 4173.90] it +[4173.90 --> 4178.74] but +[4178.74 --> 4178.86] that +[4178.86 --> 4178.96] we +[4178.96 --> 4179.16] might +[4179.16 --> 4179.40] enter +[4179.40 --> 4179.62] into +[4179.62 --> 4179.80] that +[4179.80 --> 4180.18] moment +[4180.18 --> 4182.34] and +[4182.34 --> 4182.46] we +[4182.46 --> 4182.64] might +[4182.64 --> 4182.98] say +[4182.98 --> 4183.24] with +[4183.24 --> 4183.52] that +[4183.52 --> 4184.38] Samaritan +[4184.38 --> 4184.72] woman +[4184.72 --> 4185.02] at +[4185.02 --> 4185.14] the +[4185.14 --> 4185.40] well +[4185.40 --> 4186.72] come +[4186.72 --> 4187.12] and +[4187.12 --> 4187.50] see +[4187.50 --> 4188.16] a +[4188.16 --> 4188.56] man +[4188.56 --> 4190.48] who +[4190.48 --> 4190.68] told +[4190.68 --> 4190.84] me +[4190.84 --> 4191.44] everything +[4191.44 --> 4191.86] I +[4191.86 --> 4192.14] ever +[4192.14 --> 4192.52] did +[4192.52 --> 4194.02] and +[4194.02 --> 4194.34] loved +[4194.34 --> 4194.68] me +[4194.68 --> 4197.04] today +[4197.04 --> 4197.36] Lord +[4197.36 --> 4197.68] Jesus +[4197.68 --> 4198.16] send +[4198.16 --> 4198.40] us +[4198.40 --> 4198.62] out +[4198.62 --> 4198.74] in +[4198.74 --> 4198.86] the +[4198.86 --> 4199.14] power +[4199.14 --> 4199.38] of +[4199.38 --> 4199.52] your +[4199.52 --> 4199.86] spirit +[4199.86 --> 4200.10] that +[4200.10 --> 4200.36] we +[4200.36 --> 4200.72] too +[4200.72 --> 4201.10] might +[4201.10 --> 4201.60] declare +[4201.60 --> 4202.40] come +[4202.40 --> 4202.98] and +[4202.98 --> 4203.40] see +[4203.40 --> 4204.16] a +[4204.16 --> 4204.50] man +[4204.50 --> 4205.54] make +[4205.54 --> 4206.10] much +[4206.10 --> 4206.50] of +[4206.50 --> 4207.06] yourself +[4207.06 --> 4207.58] among +[4207.58 --> 4208.04] us +[4208.04 --> 4210.84] that +[4210.84 --> 4211.14] we +[4211.14 --> 4212.14] might +[4212.14 --> 4212.40] sing +[4212.40 --> 4212.58] the +[4212.58 --> 4212.94] glories +[4212.94 --> 4213.14] of +[4213.14 --> 4213.26] your +[4213.26 --> 4213.72] praises +[4213.72 --> 4215.06] to +[4215.06 --> 4215.44] you +[4215.44 --> 4216.52] and +[4216.52 --> 4216.64] to +[4216.64 --> 4216.84] each +[4216.84 --> 4217.14] other +[4217.14 --> 4220.40] hear +[4220.40 --> 4220.64] our +[4220.64 --> 4220.86] hymn +[4220.86 --> 4221.04] of +[4221.04 --> 4221.48] praise +[4221.48 --> 4223.50] oh +[4223.50 --> 4223.68] Lord +[4223.68 --> 4223.94] Jesus +[4223.94 --> 4224.38] Christ +[4224.38 --> 4224.64] we +[4224.64 --> 4224.90] pray +[4224.90 --> 4225.28] in +[4225.28 --> 4225.48] your +[4225.48 --> 4225.84] name +[4225.84 --> 4227.26] amen +[4227.26 --> 4228.80] amen +[4228.80 --> 4231.04] praise +[4231.04 --> 4231.38] that +[4231.38 --> 4235.80] we +[4241.94 --> 4243.64] have +[4243.64 --> 4246.70] us +[4246.70 --> 4247.38] oh +[4247.38 --> 4247.90] God +[4247.90 --> 4248.60] even +[4248.60 --> 4249.30] it +[4249.30 --> 4252.40] the +[4252.40 --> 4252.74] of +[4252.74 --> 4253.28] whom +[4253.28 --> 4253.54] nothing +[4253.54 --> 4258.36] There's nothing worth more +[4258.36 --> 4261.58] That will ever come close +[4261.58 --> 4264.44] No think and compare +[4264.44 --> 4267.94] Your heart and pain +[4267.94 --> 4274.80] Your presence holds +[4274.80 --> 4283.06] I've chased it and seen +[4283.06 --> 4286.70] Of the sweetest of ours +[4286.70 --> 4289.52] Where my heart becomes free +[4289.52 --> 4293.66] And my death is undone +[4293.66 --> 4300.34] Your presence holds +[4300.34 --> 4310.36] Holy Spirit, you are welcome here +[4310.36 --> 4313.38] Come, God, this place +[4313.38 --> 4315.82] And fill the atmosphere +[4315.82 --> 4323.06] Your glory, God, is what our hearts long for +[4323.06 --> 4329.76] To be overcome by your presence, Lord +[4329.76 --> 4346.78] There's nothing worth more +[4346.78 --> 4349.22] That will ever come close +[4349.22 --> 4352.74] Nothing can compare +[4352.74 --> 4357.68] You're a living hope +[4357.68 --> 4364.06] Your presence holds +[4364.06 --> 4371.38] I've chased it and seen +[4371.38 --> 4374.62] Of the sweetest of us +[4374.62 --> 4377.58] When my heart becomes free +[4377.58 --> 4381.70] And the shame is undone +[4381.70 --> 4384.16] Your presence holds +[4384.16 --> 4388.16] Your presence holds +[4388.16 --> 4397.94] Holy Spirit, you are welcome here +[4397.94 --> 4400.74] Come, God, this place +[4400.74 --> 4403.48] And fill the atmosphere +[4403.48 --> 4409.94] Your glory, God, is what our hearts long for +[4409.94 --> 4412.46] To be overcome +[4412.46 --> 4412.58] To be overcome +[4412.58 --> 4416.40] By your presence, Lord +[4416.40 --> 4420.40] Your presence, Lord +[4420.40 --> 4424.48] Your presence, Lord +[4424.48 --> 4441.00] Let us experience the glory of your goodness +[4441.00 --> 4446.76] Let us become more aware of your presence +[4446.76 --> 4453.22] Let us experience the glory of your goodness +[4453.22 --> 4459.22] Let us become more aware of your presence +[4459.22 --> 4465.22] Let us experience the glory of your goodness +[4465.22 --> 4471.28] Let us become more aware of your presence +[4471.28 --> 4476.74] Let us experience the glory of your goodness +[4476.74 --> 4481.74] Let us become more aware of your presence +[4481.74 --> 4485.74] Let us experience the glory of your goodness +[4485.74 --> 4489.74] Let us experience the glory of your goodness +[4489.74 --> 4500.74] Holy Spirit, you are welcome here +[4500.74 --> 4504.40] Come, God, this place +[4504.40 --> 4507.20] And fill the atmosphere +[4507.20 --> 4513.82] Your glory, God, is what our hearts long for +[4513.82 --> 4516.66] To be overcome +[4516.66 --> 4520.66] By your presence, Lord +[4520.66 --> 4538.22] As you go this week, it's my prayer and hope +[4538.22 --> 4544.78] That you will go not accepting a nebulous, anemic spirituality +[4544.78 --> 4549.06] But that you will go in the power of the Spirit +[4549.06 --> 4552.40] It is my prayer that you will go +[4552.40 --> 4555.20] Especially you young people here with us this morning +[4555.20 --> 4557.10] That you will go and you will say +[4557.10 --> 4560.98] I go to a church that believes the Spirit can transform lives +[4560.98 --> 4565.44] Because that's what's happening here +[4565.44 --> 4571.60] Go with the blessing of God +[4571.60 --> 4577.68] God, go before you to lead you +[4577.68 --> 4580.54] God, go behind you to protect you +[4580.54 --> 4583.02] God, go beneath you to support you +[4583.02 --> 4586.16] And God, go beside you to befriend you +[4586.16 --> 4588.74] Do not be afraid +[4588.74 --> 4591.18] Let the blessing of God come upon you today +[4591.18 --> 4592.70] Do not be afraid +[4592.70 --> 4595.10] But go in peace +[4595.10 --> 4596.98] United with Christ +[4596.98 --> 4600.22] To love and serve the Lord +[4600.22 --> 4601.78] Amen +[4601.78 --> 4620.80] In the darkness we were weak +[4620.80 --> 4624.68] Without hope, without light +[4624.68 --> 4627.96] Till forever you came on +[4627.96 --> 4631.98] There was no mercy in your eyes +[4631.98 --> 4635.34] To fulfill the law and the cross +[4635.34 --> 4639.04] To the virgin in your life +[4639.04 --> 4642.34] From the throne of endless floor +[4642.34 --> 4646.30] To the great underdour +[4646.30 --> 4654.68] Praise the Father +[4654.68 --> 4658.68] Praise the Son +[4658.68 --> 4662.10] Praise the Spirit +[4662.10 --> 4665.52] Three in one +[4665.52 --> 4669.06] God of glory +[4669.06 --> 4671.38] Vagency +[4671.38 --> 4675.34] Praise forever +[4675.34 --> 4679.40] To the King of kings +[4679.40 --> 4687.32] To reveal the kingdom of God +[4687.32 --> 4690.86] And to grant the child of the lost +[4690.86 --> 4694.04] To redeem the whole creation +[4694.04 --> 4697.76] You in the arms, smiles and cross +[4697.76 --> 4701.14] For even in your suffering +[4701.14 --> 4704.76] You taught to the other side +[4704.76 --> 4707.82] Knowing this was our salvation +[4707.82 --> 4711.76] Jesus, for our Savior, you can die +[4711.76 --> 4720.78] Praise the Father +[4720.78 --> 4724.14] Praise the Son +[4724.14 --> 4727.82] Praise the Spirit +[4727.82 --> 4730.82] Flinging in one +[4730.82 --> 4735.04] God of glory +[4735.04 --> 4736.82] Vagency +[4736.82 --> 4737.82] Vagency +[4737.82 --> 4740.82] Praise forever +[4740.82 --> 4742.82] To the King +[4742.82 --> 4744.82] Of kings +[4744.82 --> 4746.82] throne +[4746.82 --> 4748.30] Big +[4748.78 --> 4749.82] Praise the Son +[4750.20 --> 4751.06] When the Lord +[4751.06 --> 4751.82] From the covenant +[4751.82 --> 4752.30] To oath +[4752.30 --> 4753.16] hba +[4753.16 --> 4753.26] He +[4753.26 --> 4753.84] Had +[4753.84 --> 4754.12] Lord +[4754.94 --> 4755.12] I +[4755.12 --> 4763.82] For the son +[4763.90 --> 4765.28] Of kings +[4765.28 --> 4768.44] 有一 +[4768.44 --> 4769.36] Toa +[4769.36 --> 4769.96] Tov +[4769.96 --> 4771.00] Bardzo +[4771.00 --> 4772.06] Ja +[4772.06 --> 4773.16] mayor +[4773.16 --> 4781.46] all pá +[4785.58 --> 4787.64] oh +[4803.16 --> 4817.16] is +[4833.16 --> 4847.16] is +[4863.16 --> 4877.16] is +[4893.16 --> 4895.16] is +[4923.16 --> 4925.16] is +[4953.16 --> 4955.16] is +[4955.16 --> 4957.16] is +[4957.16 --> 4959.16] is diff --git a/Sunday Worship, May 26, 2024_summary.txt b/Sunday Worship, May 26, 2024_summary.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000000000000000000000000000000000000..4b08e696384d0b7c156e19e6b706fc80fc6454cf --- /dev/null +++ b/Sunday Worship, May 26, 2024_summary.txt @@ -0,0 +1,80 @@ +• Worship service +• Announcements (bottle campaign and worship service at Sunridge Gardens) +• Call to worship from Psalm 34 +• Scripture reading +• Time of personal and corporate worship +• Praise and worship of God +• Redemption and forgiveness through Christ +• Eternal life and freedom in Him +• Power, fire, and the gift of grace +• Hope arising from ashes +• Fear and loss vs. faith and trust +• Singing in love and praising God's faithfulness +• The speaker is singing or reciting praise to God. +• Safe Families Canada is mentioned as an organization that works with families and children to prevent them from entering care. +• Jennifer Gamache, the Lower Mainland Chapter Director for Safe Families Canada, will be speaking at the church next week. +• The goal of Safe Families is to help keep kids out of the foster care system by providing support to families in crisis before they reach a point where the state must intervene. +• The organization provides a network of people who can step in and provide assistance to families in need. +• Discussion of Safe Families and the importance of a wider circle of support for families going through uncertain circumstances +• Need for more people to host children and provide love and care +• Affirmations of nominees for council positions at Langley Emanuel +• Collection for the budget, announced by Deacon Yap +• Jesus and God are praised and invoked in prayer +• Discussion about a special gift that the speaker received as a child, a cat named Tiger +• Invitation to kids to join the gathering at the front of the room +• Introduction of the topic for the day: gifts, specifically focusing on the Holy Spirit +• Parenting can be a challenging and long-term process +• CLASIS meeting to support a sister church facing challenges with their pastor and community +• Request for prayer for Roswitha's health struggles and other personal issues +• Prayer for the synod and its officers +• Request for guidance, wisdom, and unity in the Christian Reformed Church +• Intercession for conflict and war, asking God to bring peace and restoration +• Prayer for sister churches facing challenges and their leaders +• Support for those hurting and struggling in various ways +• Graduation ceremonies and transition to new stages of life +• Prayer for individuals and church family members in need (Vera, Rose Vita) +• Pastor Kevin's upcoming studies at Acts Seminary +• Camps and youth programs +• Safe Families Canada and potential community needs +• Reading through the book of Romans, specifically chapter 16 +• The influence of a person's social network on their weight and happiness was studied through data analysis +• A friend's obesity increases one's likelihood of gaining weight by 45% +• A friend of a friend's obesity increases one's likelihood of gaining weight by 20% +• A friend of a friend of a friend's obesity increases one's likelihood of gaining weight by 10% +• Happiness is also contagious, with a friend's happiness increasing one's own happiness by 12% and a friend of a friend's happiness increasing it by 6% +• The Bible emphasizes the importance of community and relationships in shaping one's life +• Being created in God's image means being created for community and unity +• Surrounding oneself with wise people has a positive impact on one's own behavior and character +• As brothers and sisters in Christ, believers are connected as part of a larger body +• The body of Christ is not complete without its individual members playing their parts. +• Bad company can corrupt good character (1 Corinthians 15:33). +• Community and support are essential to one's faith and spiritual growth (Romans 16). +• Paul lists his co-laborers, dear friends, and supporters in Romans 16, who have influenced and shaped him. +• The importance of relationships and community in sustaining and shaping individuals in their faith journey. +• Examples of people who have played a significant role in Paul's life, including Priscilla and Aquila, Andronicus and Junia, the mother of Rufus, and Phoebe. +• The value of accountability, mutual encouragement, and support in achieving goals and living out one's faith. +• Paul mentions several women who have worked hard for him and the Roman church. +• Mary is likely one of the women mentioned, possibly the mother of Mark, the author of the second Gospel. +• These women, along with others such as Priscilla and Aquila, risked their lives for Paul and were imprisoned with him. +• The concept of "carrying each other's burdens" is discussed, referencing Galatians 6:2. +• Confession of sin is explored, referencing Psalm 32 and the idea that true confession involves sharing one's sins with another person. +• The importance of confessing sins to a brother +• The role of community in supporting faith and perseverance +• The concept of "priesthood of all believers" where everyone is called to be present with each other +• Christian friendship built on mutual support and celebration +• The difference between self-worth and being valued by others +• The athletic games analogy used in Hebrews 12 for perseverance and faith +• Being a Christian is like being surrounded by a cheering crowd, encouraging and supporting one another +• The church is a community that encourages its members into faith, perseverance, and growth through Christ +• The church includes all believers, both living and dead, from all of history, and all are called to encourage each other in their faith +• Speaking words of life and avoiding speaking death is crucial for building up the community +• The church is a gift of God's work through the Holy Spirit, not something earned or achieved by individuals +• The concept of community and relationships in faith +• Belonging to God and being part of a spiritual family +• Interconnectedness and mutual support among believers +• Celebrating each other and praising God together +• Prayer for unity, strength, and guidance in faith +• Encouragement to fellowship, pray for one another, and meet with prayer partners +• Blessings and protection from God in daily life +• Repetition of the word "amen" +• Prolonged repetition of the phrase "thank you" \ No newline at end of file diff --git a/Sunday Worship, May 26, 2024_transcript.txt b/Sunday Worship, May 26, 2024_transcript.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000000000000000000000000000000000000..14803951eb117eccc575165688b23ce0c0e466ae --- /dev/null +++ b/Sunday Worship, May 26, 2024_transcript.txt @@ -0,0 +1,1056 @@ +[0.00 --> 29.98] Thank you. +[30.00 --> 59.98] Thank you. +[60.00 --> 89.98] Thank you. +[90.00 --> 92.00] Thank you. +[120.00 --> 122.00] Thank you. +[150.00 --> 152.00] Thank you. +[152.00 --> 154.00] Thank you. +[154.00 --> 156.00] Thank you. +[156.00 --> 158.00] Thank you. +[158.00 --> 160.00] Thank you. +[160.00 --> 162.00] Thank you. +[162.00 --> 168.00] Thank you. +[168.00 --> 173.36] Faith so weak that we could barely pray +[173.36 --> 178.30] But He heard every word, every whisper +[178.30 --> 184.88] Now those altars in the wilderness +[184.88 --> 191.46] Tell the story of His faithfulness +[191.46 --> 199.26] Never once did He fail and He never will +[199.26 --> 206.46] This is our God, this is who He is, He loves us +[206.46 --> 212.52] This is our God, this is what He does, He saves us +[212.52 --> 215.58] He pours the cross, we declare +[215.58 --> 218.66] Let heaven and earth proclaim +[218.66 --> 222.66] This is our God, King Jesus +[222.66 --> 228.58] Who pulled me out of that pit? +[228.58 --> 231.50] He did, He did +[231.50 --> 234.40] Who paid for all of our sin? +[235.08 --> 237.02] Nobody but Jesus +[237.02 --> 240.36] Who pulled me out of that pit? +[240.98 --> 243.52] He did, He did +[243.52 --> 246.42] Who paid for all of our sin? +[246.42 --> 248.42] Nobody but Jesus +[248.42 --> 252.42] Who rescued me from that grave? +[252.42 --> 254.42] Yahweh, Yahweh +[254.42 --> 258.34] Who gets the glory and praise? +[258.34 --> 260.42] Nobody but Jesus +[260.42 --> 264.42] Who rescued me from that grave? +[264.42 --> 266.42] Yahweh, Yahweh +[266.42 --> 270.34] Who gets the glory and praise? +[270.34 --> 272.34] Nobody but Him +[272.34 --> 273.34] Nobody but Him +[273.34 --> 277.34] This is our God, this is who He is, He loves us +[277.34 --> 283.34] This is our God, this is what He does, He saves us +[283.34 --> 289.34] He poured the cross, beat the grave, let heaven and earth proclaim +[289.34 --> 299.34] This is our God, King Jesus +[299.34 --> 301.34] Let heaven and earth proclaim +[301.34 --> 304.34] This is our God, King Jesus +[311.34 --> 316.34] Good morning. +[316.34 --> 325.94] Good morning. Welcome to worship this morning. A special welcome if you are a guest with us +[325.94 --> 332.82] this morning. My name is Chris. I'm one of the pastors here. We are very sparse this morning +[332.82 --> 340.78] in part because cadet camp and youth camp both were this weekend and so a number of our youth +[340.78 --> 346.00] and their leaders and some of their families now are also gathering for worship at their camp. +[346.50 --> 351.70] Although I do see all the cadets here at least half of them who were at cadet camp so they made +[351.70 --> 358.30] it so kudos to you bonus points to you guys for making it to church Sunday morning. But we're +[358.30 --> 364.86] still going to worship the Lord in earnest together. This is why we gather. Before we begin I have a +[364.86 --> 370.98] couple announcements just to share with you. First you may have seen it but at the Connect booth +[370.98 --> 379.44] we're in the midst of a bottle campaign which is something to support mothers in need and so +[379.44 --> 384.80] Brenda will be at the Connect booth following worship. You can connect with her. She can explain +[384.80 --> 392.48] what that looks like and you can participate in that there. As well next week Saturday we're hosting +[392.48 --> 398.80] Lord willing another worship service at Sunridge Gardens which is an old age retirement living home +[400.98 --> 405.28] to go there once a month to lead in worship and so if you're interested in participating in that +[405.28 --> 412.22] that starts at two o'clock next week Saturday and so please be ready to go there and keep your eye +[412.22 --> 418.54] into the midweek memo and the e-bulletin for more details on that. I think that's it for announcements +[418.54 --> 424.02] this morning and so I'm going to invite you as you're able to stand that we might be ushered into +[424.02 --> 431.58] God's presence together. Following the receiving of God's greeting I'm going to invite you just to +[431.58 --> 437.54] turn to those around you and welcome them in the name of the Lord to our worship together. Receive +[437.54 --> 446.40] the greeting of our good God. Grace, mercy, and peace to you from God our Father, from the Lord Jesus +[446.40 --> 452.78] Christ, Son, and our Savior through the presence and power of the Holy Spirit. Amen. +[476.40 --> 483.40] Our call to worship this morning comes from Psalm 34. I will exalt the Lord at all times. +[483.40 --> 488.40] His praise will always be on my lips. My soul will boast in the Lord. Let the afflicted +[488.40 --> 490.42] heal of the Holy Spirit. Amen. +[497.40 --> 505.40] Our call to worship this morning comes from Psalm 34. I will exalt the Lord at all times. +[505.40 --> 510.40] His praise will always be on my lips. My soul will boast in the Lord. Let the afflicted heal of the Lord. +[510.40 --> 514.44] in the Lord. Let the afflicted hear and rejoice. +[515.22 --> 518.60] Glorify the Lord with me. Let us exalt his name +[518.60 --> 522.58] together. With those words +[522.58 --> 526.18] let us enter a time of personal and corporate worship to the Lord. +[540.40 --> 543.78] A thousand generations +[543.78 --> 547.26] upon your Lamb in worship +[547.26 --> 552.36] will sing the song of ages to the Lamb. +[554.22 --> 557.10] And all the God before us +[557.10 --> 560.10] and all the will of thee +[560.10 --> 564.72] will sing the song of ages to the Lamb. +[565.72 --> 569.72] Your being is the highest +[569.72 --> 572.96] Your name is the greatest +[572.96 --> 576.46] Your name stands for love +[576.46 --> 582.30] All come to the heavens +[582.30 --> 585.10] All powers and positions +[585.10 --> 588.86] Your name stands for love +[588.86 --> 593.10] All angels rise +[593.10 --> 599.14] Glory, O creation rise +[599.14 --> 604.10] Holy, you are made of divine +[604.10 --> 610.52] Holy, holy forever +[610.52 --> 618.06] If you've been forgiven +[618.06 --> 621.76] And if you've been redeemed +[621.76 --> 626.14] Sing a song forever to the Lamb +[626.14 --> 631.10] When you walk in freedom +[631.10 --> 634.16] And if you bear His name +[634.16 --> 638.72] Sing a song forever to the Lamb +[638.72 --> 640.52] Sing a song forever to the Lamb +[640.52 --> 644.52] Sing a song forever to the Lamb +[644.52 --> 645.52] Holy, holy, holy, holy forever to the Lamb +[645.52 --> 649.48] You are made of divine +[649.48 --> 653.52] Holy, holy forever to the Lamb +[653.52 --> 654.52] Holy, holy, holy forever to the Lamb +[654.52 --> 655.52] Holy, holy forever to the Lamb +[655.52 --> 656.52] Holy, holy forever to the Lamb +[656.52 --> 657.52] Holy, holy, holy to the Lamb +[657.52 --> 658.52] Holy, holy to the Lamb +[658.52 --> 662.52] Holy, holy to the Lamb +[662.52 --> 664.52] Holy, holy to the Lamb +[664.52 --> 669.52] Holy, holy to the Lamb +[669.52 --> 671.52] Oh +[699.52 --> 701.52] Oh +[729.52 --> 731.52] Oh +[731.52 --> 733.52] Oh +[759.52 --> 761.52] Oh +[761.52 --> 763.52] Oh +[767.52 --> 769.52] Oh +[769.52 --> 771.52] Oh +[773.52 --> 775.52] Oh +[779.52 --> 781.52] Oh +[783.52 --> 785.52] Oh +[785.52 --> 787.52] Oh +[789.52 --> 791.52] Oh +[791.52 --> 793.52] Oh +[795.52 --> 797.52] Oh +[797.52 --> 799.52] Oh +[801.52 --> 803.52] Oh +[807.52 --> 809.52] Oh +[813.52 --> 815.52] Oh +[815.52 --> 820.26] I praise a hallelujah +[820.26 --> 827.52] Heaven comes to fight for me +[827.52 --> 830.94] I've got a sin +[830.94 --> 833.68] And love was born +[833.68 --> 836.08] Power and fire +[836.08 --> 839.14] And the gift of grace is born +[839.14 --> 841.70] Up from the ashes +[841.70 --> 844.36] Hope will arise +[844.36 --> 846.76] Heaven will be needed +[846.76 --> 849.54] The gifts of God +[849.54 --> 865.40] I praise a hallelujah +[865.40 --> 870.90] With everything inside me +[870.90 --> 876.08] I praise a hallelujah +[876.08 --> 881.78] I'm born to the tree +[881.78 --> 886.82] I praise a hallelujah +[886.82 --> 891.96] In the middle of the mystery +[891.96 --> 897.14] I praise a hallelujah +[897.14 --> 898.14] I praise a hallelujah +[898.14 --> 901.78] Fear and loss +[901.78 --> 903.34] And hold on me +[903.34 --> 907.80] I'm gonna sing +[907.80 --> 910.14] In the middle of the storm +[910.14 --> 912.14] Power and fire +[912.14 --> 914.80] I'm gonna hear my prayers +[914.80 --> 917.32] In the middle of the storm +[917.32 --> 918.54] I'm gonna hear my prayers +[918.54 --> 919.32] I'm gonna hear my prayers +[919.32 --> 921.32] Come from the ashes +[921.32 --> 923.32] Hope will arise +[923.32 --> 924.02] Let us in believe +[924.02 --> 926.32] The King is alive +[926.32 --> 933.56] Sing in believe +[933.56 --> 935.54] Sing in love +[935.54 --> 944.62] Sing in love +[944.62 --> 949.78] Sing in love +[949.78 --> 979.76] Thank you. +[979.78 --> 1009.76] Thank you. +[1009.78 --> 1039.76] Thank you. +[1039.78 --> 1069.76] Thank you. +[1069.76 --> 1099.74] Thank you. +[1099.76 --> 1101.76] Thank you. +[1129.76 --> 1131.76] Thank you. +[1159.76 --> 1161.76] Thank you. +[1189.76 --> 1191.76] Thank you. +[1219.76 --> 1221.76] Thank you. +[1221.76 --> 1223.76] Thank you. +[1223.76 --> 1225.76] Thank you. +[1253.76 --> 1255.76] Thank you. +[1255.76 --> 1285.76] +[1285.76 --> 1287.76] Thank you. +[1287.76 --> 1289.76] Thank you. +[1289.76 --> 1291.76] Thank you. +[1291.76 --> 1293.76] Thank you. +[1293.76 --> 1295.76] Thank you. +[1295.76 --> 1297.76] Thank you. +[1297.76 --> 1299.76] Thank you. +[1299.76 --> 1301.76] Thank you. +[1301.76 --> 1303.76] Thank you. +[1303.76 --> 1306.32] Let's sing of God's faithfulness together. +[1306.32 --> 1336.30] Let's sing of God's faithfulness together. +[1336.32 --> 1366.30] Let's sing of God's faithfulness together. +[1366.32 --> 1381.32] Sing praise, sing praise, sing praise. +[1381.32 --> 1386.32] Let's sing of God's faithfulness together. +[1386.32 --> 1391.32] Let's sing of God's faithfulness together. +[1391.32 --> 1395.32] Let's sing of God's faithfulness together. +[1395.36 --> 1403.32] For the light transmits together. +[1403.38 --> 1408.32] For the love and Peace were your work. +[1408.32 --> 1412.30] Rising to the same sun, +[1412.78 --> 1415.36] It's all that do us forever. +[1416.58 --> 1420.70] With our God, you'll carry on, +[1421.06 --> 1423.70] It's all that do us forever. +[1423.70 --> 1426.54] Sing praise. +[1428.70 --> 1430.70] Sing praise. +[1432.86 --> 1434.70] Sing praise. +[1434.70 --> 1440.14] Sing praise. +[1441.36 --> 1444.74] Forever God is equal, +[1445.30 --> 1448.58] Forever God is strong, +[1448.58 --> 1452.58] Forever God is without, +[1453.52 --> 1454.68] Forever. +[1456.94 --> 1460.96] Forever you are faithful, +[1460.96 --> 1465.18] Forever you are strong, +[1466.18 --> 1470.04] Forever you are with us, +[1470.48 --> 1471.42] Forever, +[1473.54 --> 1475.62] Forever. +[1475.62 --> 1476.58] Forever you are faithful, +[1476.58 --> 1476.84] foram from the Almighty, +[1476.84 --> 1477.14] Reverend John Rex, +[1477.14 --> 1477.64] Forever you are faithful, +[1477.64 --> 1478.22] for you are faithful, +[1478.22 --> 1478.58] and beauty of the donkey. +[1478.58 --> 1479.32] Amen. +[1479.32 --> 1479.74] Amen. +[1479.74 --> 1480.14] Amen. +[1480.14 --> 1481.02] Amen. +[1481.02 --> 1481.66] Amen. +[1488.74 --> 1490.52] Next week, Sunday, during our worship, +[1490.52 --> 1492.56] Sunday during our worship, +[1492.56 --> 1493.42] and then for a longer time after the worship, +[1493.42 --> 1496.56] and then for a longer time after our worship, +[1496.58 --> 1497.72] we have the opportunity to hear from Jennifer Gamach Who is the +[1497.72 --> 1502.72] to hear from Jennifer Gamache, who is the director, +[1503.02 --> 1506.54] the Lower Mainland Chapter Director for Safe Families Canada. +[1507.40 --> 1514.44] Safe Families Canada is a ministry that works with families and children +[1514.44 --> 1521.68] with the hope to keep them out of care, to provide support systems +[1521.68 --> 1529.76] to walk with families who are struggling in order to keep them out of the system +[1529.76 --> 1531.56] for as long as possible. +[1531.56 --> 1539.90] And so they work with the MCFD, they work with other social workers and the like +[1539.90 --> 1541.80] to come alongside families in need. +[1542.46 --> 1545.32] Jennifer is going to come and share a little bit of that work with us, +[1545.50 --> 1548.66] and then she's going to do, in the multipurpose room afterwards, +[1548.66 --> 1552.90] a longer presentation, and the hope is that we might find ways +[1552.90 --> 1557.40] that we can connect with that work and that ministry and support them +[1557.40 --> 1558.94] and be part of that as a church. +[1559.28 --> 1562.24] To prepare you for that, we've got a short video from them +[1562.24 --> 1565.02] that we're just going to hear, give us an overview, +[1565.24 --> 1570.14] hopefully pique your interest, and you can anticipate meeting Jennifer next week +[1570.14 --> 1574.42] and then even maybe gathering in the multipurpose room to hear more about that work. +[1574.74 --> 1576.20] And so we commend this video to you. +[1578.66 --> 1581.56] After all, everything is working, making sure that we're meeting +[1581.56 --> 1582.42] as part of the room towards the adversity. +[1583.40 --> 1583.50] You're being disâyed that we see other people +[1583.50 --> 1586.16] or people as part of the сday should have run out of scope. +[1586.74 --> 1588.04] I'm going to go to our어중 and our grand slabby and ourληict log-fart, +[1588.48 --> 1590.48] our portion of our painting, and our protagonist of my oldgrass +[1592.60 --> 1595.24] has been blessed. +[1599.46 --> 1602.16] But I'm going to go to our Ko стар1 pointaaaaaaH to do so począt1 like assets, +[1602.16 --> 1603.22] my God's playing in the 1950s. +[1603.22 --> 1604.34] But only if we were birthdays and people wereπά King +[1604.34 --> 1606.50] and ourult Annual Coop is projekt 한번 does with our cited. +[1606.50 --> 1607.22] and our group were part of thementedifying Fitances. +[1607.22 --> 1607.66] we discussed I called him. +[1607.66 --> 1616.26] Safe Families is an organization that helps people show biblical hospitality to their +[1616.26 --> 1617.58] neighbors and communities. +[1617.58 --> 1621.70] It trains churches and people within the churches to work together to provide a support network +[1621.70 --> 1623.70] when a family is in a time of crisis. +[1623.70 --> 1628.60] One of the goals for Safe Families is to help keep kids out of the foster care system. +[1628.60 --> 1633.64] When families are in crisis and at that point of lead, that's when disasters happen and +[1633.64 --> 1636.52] that's when the sorts of things that you can't come back from happen. +[1636.52 --> 1640.20] So the goal is to step in before that point and help stabilize families. +[1640.20 --> 1644.70] A lot of times the parents know if the situation continues to sort of unravel, the state's +[1644.70 --> 1647.58] going to have to step in and watch their kids. +[1647.58 --> 1652.22] And if the parents know about Safe Families, they know, here's an option where I can ask +[1652.22 --> 1656.40] some of the people to step in and provide some support so that I can take care of some of +[1656.40 --> 1658.40] these other pieces, these other elements. +[1658.40 --> 1662.80] It's just like any other emergency or situation that wouldn't show up in our life. +[1662.80 --> 1667.98] A medical emergency, getting evicted from a home, losing your job, losing your transportation +[1667.98 --> 1669.48] or something within the family. +[1669.48 --> 1672.18] You immediately start to lean on the people around you. +[1672.18 --> 1675.48] And with Safe Families, there's people that are just prepared to be leaned on. +[1675.48 --> 1676.48] They're ready. +[1676.48 --> 1679.48] They're saying, okay, when this comes, lean on me and I'll help. +[1679.48 --> 1684.70] Being able to do it together as a body of believers was just really exciting. +[1684.70 --> 1687.38] We're building a community of people that support each other. +[1687.38 --> 1689.88] The whole goal is stabilizing that family structure. +[1689.88 --> 1694.30] The kids know that we're not the thing that's keeping them from their mom. +[1694.30 --> 1696.38] We're sort of an extension of her caring. +[1696.38 --> 1698.38] And we're a team. +[1698.38 --> 1703.76] And give them the physical, emotional, and spiritual support that they need when they're +[1703.76 --> 1705.88] going through really uncertain circumstances. +[1705.88 --> 1711.20] There's a lot of people that hear about Safe Families and they focus on the host family +[1711.20 --> 1713.76] and think, I can't host kids. +[1713.76 --> 1719.16] And what I really want those people to hear is how much that wider circle of support is +[1719.16 --> 1720.16] so crucial. +[1720.16 --> 1724.20] It enables us to be able to focus on the kids. +[1724.20 --> 1728.54] It also is demonstrating to the kids that they're cared for by so many people. +[1728.54 --> 1733.78] I get notified probably four or five times a week of a need to host children. +[1733.78 --> 1735.12] It needs a lot of people then. +[1735.12 --> 1740.18] There needs to be a lot of people that see this or hear this and say, I would do this for +[1740.18 --> 1741.94] my family or friends. +[1741.94 --> 1746.30] I just need to see the broader community and the people that are coming to Safe Families +[1746.30 --> 1747.66] as part of my family. +[1747.66 --> 1749.98] Anyone can be a part of this. +[1749.98 --> 1753.46] Anytime, any bit of love, they're ready to receive. +[1753.46 --> 1758.42] And it just shows a child that they're valuable, that they're wanted, that they have a future +[1758.42 --> 1765.42] and all of that is something that Safe Families can provide them. +[1765.42 --> 1784.10] Okay, good morning everyone. +[1784.10 --> 1788.10] At this time of the service, we're going to do the affirmations of the names that we +[1788.10 --> 1795.10] have that council has been presented with for council positions for next year. +[1795.10 --> 1798.10] I just wanted to make a couple notes first. +[1798.10 --> 1803.10] I'm thankful for the terms that are completed by Darrell Wynn, Mike Worsma, Clem Molenkamp, +[1803.10 --> 1804.10] and myself. +[1804.10 --> 1807.10] I guess that's what you've got to say. +[1807.10 --> 1812.10] We're grateful for the nominations that we received this year. +[1812.10 --> 1814.10] I'm sure many of you know about that. +[1814.10 --> 1816.10] That's been in the bulletin in the midweek memos. +[1816.10 --> 1822.10] It's Clary Klosterhof for Min Elder, Paul Hummelman, Pastoral Elder, Alison Philpott, +[1822.10 --> 1825.10] and Pearl Den Hahn for Deacon. +[1825.10 --> 1829.10] The bylaws of a Langley Emanuel calls to affirm the nominees for office. +[1829.10 --> 1831.10] We do that with a ballot vote. +[1831.10 --> 1835.10] So if I could call a couple elders to come up and hand out the ballots please. +[1835.10 --> 1838.10] So we'll be handing out these ballots to you. +[1838.10 --> 1843.10] We also have pens here, so if you need a pen to fill out the ballot, you can do that as well. +[1843.10 --> 1848.10] And please indicate your affirmation of the full slate by checking the first box. +[1848.10 --> 1851.10] You'll see there's two boxes there. +[1851.10 --> 1854.10] Indicate your affirmation for the full slate by checking the first box. +[1854.10 --> 1859.10] If you have a concern, please indicate by checking box two and writing the names. +[1859.10 --> 1863.10] When you're completed that, please fold the ballot in half. +[1863.10 --> 1867.10] And when the collection bag goes around, you can just put it in there, +[1867.10 --> 1874.10] and the deacons will count it up after the service. +[1874.10 --> 1880.10] And the Lord willing, next Sunday we'll do the installation of the office fairs. +[1888.10 --> 1892.10] If you need a pen, you can raise your hand. +[1897.10 --> 1898.10] It won't be the last term. +[1898.10 --> 1899.10] If I had any of the options for the vote, I would say it's the same. +[1899.10 --> 1900.10] All right, thank you for that. +[1900.10 --> 1901.10] All right. +[1901.10 --> 1904.10] Thank you for that. +[1904.10 --> 1906.10] Deacons, I guess you're up next here. +[1906.10 --> 1907.10] Thank you. +[1907.10 --> 1908.10] Yes. +[1908.10 --> 1909.10] Thank you. +[1909.10 --> 1910.10] Thank you. +[1910.10 --> 1911.10] Thank you for that. +[1911.10 --> 1917.10] Deacons, I guess you're up next here. +[1917.10 --> 1918.10] All right. +[1918.10 --> 1923.10] Thank you. +[1923.10 --> 1925.10] Thank you. +[1925.10 --> 1955.08] Thank you. +[1955.10 --> 1966.04] Good morning. My name is Yap. I'm a deacon here at Langley Emanuel. This morning's collection will be for the budget. Please give as you're able to. Thank you. +[1985.10 --> 1987.10] Thank you. +[1987.10 --> 1989.10] Thank you. +[1989.10 --> 1990.10] Thank you. +[1990.10 --> 1997.10] Thank you. +[1997.10 --> 1998.60] Thank you. +[1998.60 --> 1999.10] Thank you. +[1999.10 --> 2003.10] Thank you. +[2003.10 --> 2007.10] Thank you. +[2007.10 --> 2012.40] Jesus, help my heart and my heart and my soul. +[2013.46 --> 2018.96] Jesus, help my voice and my peace and my love. +[2018.96 --> 2025.00] Holy, I'll lay down the joy of my life. +[2025.60 --> 2031.40] Jesus, help my voice and my love. +[2031.40 --> 2038.16] You are my grace, my lips, my song. +[2038.16 --> 2044.30] A living sacrifice of one before. +[2044.74 --> 2047.32] Life is now my Lord. +[2047.88 --> 2050.00] A rail is for God. +[2050.76 --> 2056.06] Jesus, help my voice and my love. +[2056.06 --> 2062.82] Jesus, help my voice and my love. +[2062.82 --> 2066.12] You belong to the Lord. +[2066.48 --> 2068.36] Praise the Lord. +[2069.36 --> 2072.82] Jesus, help my voice and my love. +[2073.20 --> 2078.82] Jesus, help my voice and my love. +[2078.82 --> 2081.58] The Lord is for God. +[2081.58 --> 2085.58] Come, Lord, Jesus, help my voice and my love. +[2088.58 --> 2089.58] Jesus, help my voice and my love. +[2089.58 --> 2091.92] Jesus, help my voice and my love. +[2091.92 --> 2095.28] Your love will rise. +[2095.72 --> 2099.58] Joy for which you freely gain. +[2100.08 --> 2104.34] Your life, radiant in fire. +[2104.88 --> 2107.46] Watch and fill your life. +[2107.46 --> 2110.34] Jesus, help my voice and my love. +[2110.34 --> 2112.12] Jesus, help my voice and my love. +[2114.22 --> 2116.74] Jesus, help your voice and my love. +[2116.74 --> 2120.30] Jesus, help your voice and my love. +[2120.30 --> 2123.58] Praise your every day, Jesus. +[2123.84 --> 2129.06] I can tell you, and all that makes me feel again. +[2129.94 --> 2132.18] Glory for you, Lord. +[2133.06 --> 2136.72] Jesus, help my voice and my love. +[2136.72 --> 2151.72] Jesus, God, Lord, Jesus, God, Lord, You will know His glory, praise the Lord, He will come. +[2151.72 --> 2181.70] Jesus, God, Lord, Jesus, God, Lord, You will know His glory, praise the Lord, He will come. +[2181.72 --> 2211.70] Jesus, God, Lord, Jesus, God, Lord, You will know His glory, praise the Lord, He will come. +[2211.70 --> 2218.70] Jesus, God, Lord, You will know His glory, praise the Lord, He will come. +[2218.70 --> 2220.70] Jesus, God, Lord, He will come. +[2220.70 --> 2225.70] Jesus, God, Lord, He will come. +[2225.70 --> 2232.70] Jesus, God, Lord, He will come. +[2232.70 --> 2234.70] Amen. +[2234.70 --> 2235.70] Amen. +[2235.70 --> 2239.70] Amen. +[2239.70 --> 2241.70] Amen. +[2241.70 --> 2243.70] Yeah. +[2243.70 --> 2245.70] Amen. +[2245.70 --> 2249.70] Oh, my, dear. +[2249.70 --> 2255.70] All my dreams, all my dreams, +[2255.70 --> 2261.70] and they know. +[2274.70 --> 2276.70] Good morning. It's time for Kids' Corner, +[2276.70 --> 2281.70] so I'd like to invite any of our kids here who are age 3 up to grade 4 +[2281.70 --> 2284.70] to come and join us at the front. +[2290.70 --> 2296.70] I think we have a small little group, but there's still a few coming up. +[2296.70 --> 2299.70] Yeah, there's a lot of girls up here, +[2299.70 --> 2302.70] and some of the boys are away at cadet camp, I think. +[2302.70 --> 2306.70] So this morning we're going to be thinking about gifts. +[2306.70 --> 2309.70] Has anybody here ever gotten a gift, a present? +[2309.70 --> 2310.70] Most of you? +[2310.70 --> 2312.70] Most of you, maybe for your birthday or for Christmas +[2312.70 --> 2314.70] or just for something special? +[2314.70 --> 2316.70] Yeah, lots of you, okay? +[2316.70 --> 2321.70] I want you to think about a really, really special gift that you maybe got. +[2321.70 --> 2324.70] Something that you really wanted or you might have had to wait for. +[2324.70 --> 2330.70] Keep it in your head because we're going to talk about it when we get to the large group. +[2330.70 --> 2334.70] But because I have the microphone, we're going to talk about my gift right now. +[2334.70 --> 2336.70] But we'll talk about yours after. +[2336.70 --> 2341.70] So when I was about, I think I was about maybe 8, +[2341.70 --> 2344.70] there was something that I really, really wanted. +[2344.70 --> 2348.70] And I asked my mom if I could have it, and do you know what she said? +[2348.70 --> 2349.70] Yes. +[2349.70 --> 2350.70] No. +[2350.70 --> 2351.70] She said no. +[2351.70 --> 2355.70] And I had to ask her again, and do you know what she said that time? +[2355.70 --> 2357.70] She still said no. +[2357.70 --> 2364.70] I had to ask her quite a few times, but one day, one day when I asked, she said yes. +[2364.70 --> 2367.70] Do you think you know what I might have asked her? +[2367.70 --> 2368.70] I'm going to let you take some guesses. +[2368.70 --> 2371.70] I didn't really give you any clues, but we'll see what you come up with. +[2371.70 --> 2372.70] Carious? +[2372.70 --> 2373.70] A dog. +[2373.70 --> 2375.70] Well, we already had a dog, so it wasn't a dog. +[2375.70 --> 2376.70] A horse? +[2376.70 --> 2377.70] A horse. +[2377.70 --> 2381.70] My sister might have wanted a horse, but I didn't really want a horse. +[2381.70 --> 2382.70] A cat. +[2382.70 --> 2383.70] A cat. +[2383.70 --> 2384.70] You're right. +[2384.70 --> 2385.70] It was a cat. +[2385.70 --> 2387.70] I really, really wanted a cat. +[2387.70 --> 2389.70] And finally she said yes, and we got this cat. +[2389.70 --> 2394.70] This was the only picture I could find in my house of my cat. +[2394.70 --> 2395.70] That was my cat. +[2395.70 --> 2396.70] His name was Tiger. +[2396.70 --> 2400.70] And I was so excited because I wanted a cat for a few years. +[2400.70 --> 2403.70] And finally my mom said yes, I could get a cat. +[2403.70 --> 2409.70] And we looked in the newspaper, and we saw three kittens, and we went down to the house, +[2409.70 --> 2410.70] and there was two kittens. +[2410.70 --> 2416.70] There was one that was very easy to get, and one that was hiding in the middle of a very long carpet roll. +[2416.70 --> 2418.70] And I said, I want that one. +[2418.70 --> 2420.70] The one that's in the carpet and impossible to get out. +[2420.70 --> 2426.70] And so we got him out and took him home, and I was so happy to have my cat. +[2426.70 --> 2436.70] And so even though that was probably the most special gift that I could think of, we're going to talk today about an even more special gift that God has given us. +[2436.70 --> 2438.70] And that is the Holy Spirit. +[2438.70 --> 2450.70] So we're going to take a minute here just to stand and do our blessing, and then we're going to go learn more about that gift in our classes. +[2450.70 --> 2454.70] We're going to take a minute here just to stand and do our blessing. +[2454.70 --> 2456.70] The Lord be with you. +[2456.70 --> 2458.70] And also with you. +[2480.70 --> 2490.70] I always learn things about people from the children's worship time in the kids' corner there. +[2490.70 --> 2498.70] And I was wondering as Nikki was talking and she was looking back at Joan to see if Joan was going to change the story on her there or not. +[2498.70 --> 2502.70] But it seems to me like parenting is a war of attrition sometimes. +[2502.70 --> 2506.70] And if you just stick to it, maybe you won't end up with cats. +[2506.70 --> 2512.70] It's my privilege to lead in our prayer this morning, our church family prayer. +[2512.70 --> 2526.70] And before we do that, there are just a couple announcements and invitations to pray for that we've been asked to include and to add to what you may have seen in the e-bulletin already. +[2526.70 --> 2534.70] First of all, this week is the CLASIS meeting. +[2534.70 --> 2540.70] So CLASIS is the regional group of Christian Reformed churches that we are part of. +[2540.70 --> 2552.70] And there's a special meeting on Wednesday that's taking place because one of the churches, one of our sister churches in our region, is going through some really hard things with their pastor and in the community. +[2552.70 --> 2556.70] And so they've asked us to come together and support them. +[2556.70 --> 2560.70] And so we're going to pray for them and we're going to pray for our delegates who are going to be participating in that meeting. +[2560.70 --> 2564.70] And that includes myself and then Darryl Wins and Brenda Alkama. +[2564.70 --> 2576.70] And so if you can hold us in your prayers on Wednesday night as we gather with the other leaders and churches to journey through these things as a community that's really important. +[2576.70 --> 2583.70] And we get to share in that and hopefully lighten the load and burden of our brothers and sisters in faith. +[2583.70 --> 2590.70] Additionally, we have been asked by Roswitha if we would lift her up in prayer. +[2590.70 --> 2594.70] And she's going through some health struggles and some other struggles in her life. +[2594.70 --> 2599.70] And she is calling on us to pray for her and to uphold her. +[2599.70 --> 2607.70] Now many of you know Roswitha and so encourage you to also take this into your week of prayer as well. +[2607.70 --> 2610.70] With those couple notes in mind, let's come to God in prayer. +[2615.70 --> 2624.70] Holy God and Heavenly Father, we gather before you in this time of worship because you are great and glorious. +[2624.70 --> 2631.70] We gather before you in this time of worship because you are majestic Lord Almighty. +[2631.70 --> 2645.70] We gather before you in this time of worship because you have bid us come to enter into this holy space, to stand on this holy ground and to hear directly from you. +[2645.70 --> 2649.70] In your presence we stand. +[2649.70 --> 2658.70] To you, Lord God, we come in this time of prayer because you are sovereign over all the earth. +[2658.70 --> 2662.70] You rule and reign with your powerful hand. +[2662.70 --> 2671.70] And so we ask, Lord God, now that you would move your hand in the direction of your will and your glory. +[2671.70 --> 2680.70] And that you would use us and our prayers here as part of your guiding and shaping history to your good and glorious ends. +[2680.70 --> 2690.70] Father God, as we come, we come as those particularly mindful with our eyes wide open looking out around the world. +[2690.70 --> 2696.70] We come knowing that there is struggle and hardship. +[2696.70 --> 2704.70] Knowing that there is temptation and strife all around. +[2705.70 --> 2711.70] We ask God that you would meet us in the midst of these dark nights. +[2711.70 --> 2713.70] In the midst of the valley of the shadow. +[2713.70 --> 2716.70] In the midst of our longing and our crying and our mourning. +[2716.70 --> 2720.70] Asking that you would meet us here. +[2720.70 --> 2728.70] And that in the power of your spirit you would lift us up and draw us to yourself and reveal your mighty face to us. +[2728.70 --> 2738.70] And so, Lord God, we pray intercede in places of conflict and war. +[2738.70 --> 2742.70] We pray bring peace. +[2742.70 --> 2750.70] We pray, Lord God, that not only would the peace you bring be a ceasing of conflict and of death. +[2750.70 --> 2753.70] But it would be a restoration to wholeness. +[2756.70 --> 2765.70] And that from your hand we would know what it means to be fully human, fully alive to the glory of God. +[2765.70 --> 2776.70] God, as we gather, we know that the synod, the annual gathering of leaders from the Christian Reformed Church is coming up. +[2776.70 --> 2781.70] We know that the convening session is this week to name officers. +[2781.70 --> 2785.70] And so, we ask that you would be at work in and through that process. +[2785.70 --> 2787.70] Even as that happens online. +[2787.70 --> 2793.70] Even as those of us who are delegates are preparing to go to Grand Rapids in June. +[2793.70 --> 2801.70] We ask, Lord, that you would already now be opening our eyes to the work of your Holy Spirit among us. +[2801.70 --> 2807.70] That you would already now be guiding us into all truth. +[2807.70 --> 2811.70] And that you would move us forward as a church to the glory of your name. +[2813.70 --> 2817.70] We pray, Lord God, that we wouldn't pursue our own ends and our own stories. +[2817.70 --> 2821.70] But that we would be part of your work in the world. +[2821.70 --> 2831.70] Father, we pray much the same for those of us who will be gathering on Wednesday nights with the classes meeting. +[2831.70 --> 2837.70] We pray for our sister churches who are going through some very significant challenges and struggles. +[2837.70 --> 2841.70] And ask that you would meet them in their pain. +[2841.70 --> 2846.70] And that you would knit them together in the hope of your gospel. +[2846.70 --> 2852.70] We pray for those leaders in the churches who are affected. +[2852.70 --> 2857.70] Who are heartbroken and who have been offended against. +[2858.70 --> 2864.70] We ask that you would bring hope and wholeness there as well. +[2865.70 --> 2868.70] And God, we pray for those who are hurting in these places. +[2869.70 --> 2873.70] We pray that you would meet them in their pain and in their trials. +[2873.70 --> 2876.70] And that you would hold on to them. +[2876.70 --> 2880.70] Wrap your loving arms of care around them. +[2880.70 --> 2885.70] That they might look to you and you alone for hope and for satisfaction. +[2885.70 --> 2891.70] God, as we draw a little bit closer now to our own community, +[2891.70 --> 2900.70] we give you thanks and praise in the lives, in particular, of the university and college students who have graduated in this season. +[2900.70 --> 2906.70] This last couple of weeks and these next few, there are graduation ceremonies happening all around us. +[2906.70 --> 2911.70] And we give your name praise for completed seasons of life. +[2911.70 --> 2917.70] We praise your name as students enter this time of transition to something new, +[2917.70 --> 2920.70] whether it is career or work or more schooling. +[2920.70 --> 2929.70] We pray, God, that in all of this, you would draw near to them and you would give them hope and comfort. +[2933.70 --> 2942.70] Father God, we pray a prayer of thanksgiving for those in our midst who you have called to serve. +[2942.70 --> 2960.70] We thank you for your provision to that end and ask, Lord God, that you would bless the ministries of this church through the leaders and through the so many volunteers that step up and serve you through their work in this church. +[2960.70 --> 2975.70] Father God, as we come before you, we come before you as well on behalf of our brothers and sisters here, on behalf of our church family. +[2975.70 --> 2980.70] And so, with Judy Dykstra, we want to pray for her friend, Vera. +[2980.70 --> 2985.70] Vera has been in the hospital for a few weeks now with shingles. +[2985.70 --> 2994.70] And so, we pray that you would bring healing to her, restore her, so that she can go back to her life as lived normally, +[2994.70 --> 3000.70] that she can again connect with her friends like Judy and live their lives together. +[3000.70 --> 3006.70] Father, we pray as well this time for Rose Vita. +[3006.70 --> 3015.70] Ask that you would be near to her, that you would put your healing hand upon her, that you would wrap your caring arms around her, +[3015.70 --> 3025.70] and that she would know the nearness of your love and the deep and ever-present power of the Holy Spirit in her and with her. +[3025.70 --> 3034.70] And we pray, Lord God, that you would use us, her church family, to surround her in that and to make that real in her life. +[3034.70 --> 3044.70] Help her not only to know it in the depths of her heart, but to see it as we live and come alongside of her. +[3044.70 --> 3054.70] Father God, we want to pray as well for Pastor Kevin as he begins a one-week intensive course at Acts Seminary this week. +[3054.70 --> 3061.70] We know that the demands on his time and his life and his family as a result of that will be significant. +[3061.70 --> 3068.70] And we pray that you would bless them all in this season, in this busy week. +[3068.70 --> 3076.70] God, we pray too for the camps that happened and are still concluding yet today, youth camp and cadets. +[3076.70 --> 3084.70] We thank you for at least yet no reports of serious injury and for keeping people safe +[3084.70 --> 3091.70] and for the ways that you have drawn the community together in those moments and times. +[3091.70 --> 3097.70] And God, as we prepare to hear from Safe Families Canada next week, +[3097.70 --> 3103.70] would you already be laying on our hearts the needs that you might be calling us to address as a church community +[3103.70 --> 3108.70] or as individuals in this community in partnership with their work. +[3108.70 --> 3116.70] And now, God, as we turn to your word, we ask that you would open the eyes of our hearts that we might see Jesus, +[3116.70 --> 3125.70] that we might hear his voice, and that we might be transformed through the work of your word on our hearts and in our lives. +[3125.70 --> 3134.70] Make us into the people that you are calling us to be, we pray, in Jesus' holy, holy name. Amen. +[3134.70 --> 3136.70] Amen. +[3136.70 --> 3140.70] Amen. +[3140.70 --> 3142.70] Amen. +[3142.70 --> 3148.70] I'm going to invite you to open your Bibles, +[3148.70 --> 3154.70] and we're going to continue in our walking through the book of Romans, +[3154.70 --> 3160.70] as we enter into the last chapter of the book of Romans together. +[3160.70 --> 3164.70] We are going to read the first 16 verses. +[3164.70 --> 3168.70] Now, I warn you in advance, these verses are full of a lot of names, +[3168.70 --> 3174.70] and so we're going to work our way through them intentionally and carefully. +[3174.70 --> 3180.70] But also, I'm going to encourage you, as you are able, just to keep your Bible open, +[3180.70 --> 3186.70] so that if I make reference back to one of them, you can see where they are, or in partnership with whom, and the like. +[3186.70 --> 3194.70] So, let's read together this, the beginning of the last chapter in the book of Romans. +[3194.70 --> 3198.70] Romans 16, I'll start at verse 1. +[3198.70 --> 3228.70] +[3228.70 --> 3258.70] +[3258.70 --> 3288.70] +[3288.70 --> 3318.70] +[3318.70 --> 3332.70] This is the word of the Lord. +[3332.70 --> 3342.70] This is one of those Sundays where I think, wouldn't it be fun if we had someone not a pastor read the Scripture beforehand? +[3342.70 --> 3350.70] As I begin, let me ask if you've heard this before. +[3350.70 --> 3356.70] Show me your friends, and I will show you your future. +[3356.70 --> 3362.70] Or maybe, you are the average of the five people closest to you. +[3362.70 --> 3370.70] That's Jim Rohn, who is ubiquitous over the internet with his quotes. +[3370.70 --> 3371.70] Here's another one. +[3371.70 --> 3376.70] Show me who your friends are, and I will tell you what you are. +[3376.70 --> 3380.70] That's apparently from Vladimir Lenin, which kind of surprised me, but I couldn't prove that either, +[3380.70 --> 3385.70] because it's, again, another one of those quotes that the internet kind of just throws everywhere. +[3385.70 --> 3397.70] Point is, these are ubiquitous and everywhere-present internet memes that reveal to us, or try to show to us, +[3397.70 --> 3404.70] that the people around you make you who you are. +[3404.70 --> 3407.70] The people around you make you who you are. +[3407.70 --> 3414.70] The point I want to press into with you this morning is how and why is that true? +[3414.70 --> 3418.70] And so this is what we're going to look at, just three quick areas. +[3418.70 --> 3425.70] One, the idea that the community of faith shapes you, sustains you, and celebrates you. +[3425.70 --> 3433.70] The community of faith shapes you, and sustains you, and celebrates you, or celebrates with you. +[3433.70 --> 3436.70] So let's start at number one. +[3436.70 --> 3445.70] The community you surround yourself with shapes you into the person you are and the person you are becoming. +[3445.70 --> 3452.70] And so, of course, that means the type of community that you surround yourself with matters. +[3452.70 --> 3466.70] Now, it turns out that the scope of those who influence you is actually much bigger than the five people that Jim Rohn talked about. +[3466.70 --> 3480.70] Back in 2011, the New England Journal of Medicine published an article that tracked the spread of obesity over 32 years in a large social network. +[3480.70 --> 3487.70] The study looked at data from 1971 all the way to 2003 of over 12,000 people. +[3487.70 --> 3490.70] And here's what they found. +[3490.70 --> 3499.70] If a friend of yours becomes obese, you are 45% more likely to gain weight over the next two to four years. +[3499.70 --> 3501.70] But get this. +[3501.70 --> 3513.70] They found that if a friend of a friend of yours becomes obese, the likelihood of you gaining weight over the same time period, two to four years, goes up by 20%. +[3513.70 --> 3518.70] Even if you don't know the friend of a friend. +[3518.70 --> 3522.70] And then, here's the worst part, it goes even one degree of separation further. +[3522.70 --> 3530.70] If a friend of a friend of a friend of yours becomes obese, you are 10% more likely to gain weight. +[3530.70 --> 3534.70] I'm sorry to tell you, but it turns out your friends are making you fat. +[3534.70 --> 3540.70] But so do their friends and their friends and their friends' friends. +[3540.70 --> 3552.70] Using this same collection of data, 5,000 people now from 1983 to 2003, they measured individual happiness over a large social network. +[3552.70 --> 3556.70] This was published in the British Medical Journal back in 2008. +[3556.70 --> 3558.70] They found similar results. +[3558.70 --> 3564.70] If your friend is happy, you are 12% more likely to be happy as well. +[3564.70 --> 3568.70] And if your friend's friends are happy, you're 10% more likely. +[3568.70 --> 3573.70] And then, if a friend of a friend of a friend is happy, you are 6% more likely to be happy. +[3573.70 --> 3576.70] Now, you might hear that and go, 6% is not actually that much. +[3576.70 --> 3586.70] But the same study found that if I were to give you a $10,000 raise, the net effect on your happiness would only be 2%. +[3586.70 --> 3588.70] So think about that. +[3588.70 --> 3591.70] 6% actually turns out to be quite significant. +[3591.70 --> 3598.70] In no small way, you and who you are is determined and influenced by the company you keep. +[3598.70 --> 3602.70] The people that you surround yourself with will change you. +[3602.70 --> 3611.70] But actually, what you're seeing is that the people that they surround themselves with, and the people that they surround themselves with, will also change you. +[3611.70 --> 3614.70] Will also influence you and impact you. +[3614.70 --> 3617.70] Your community of influence matters. +[3617.70 --> 3626.70] And so, part of what that means is that your influence in the community also matters. +[3626.70 --> 3631.70] And it matters to more than just the people sitting next to you. +[3631.70 --> 3636.70] It matters to the people they connect with in the week. +[3636.70 --> 3643.70] And it matters to the people they connect with in the next week. +[3643.70 --> 3645.70] And here's the thing, right? +[3645.70 --> 3654.70] As a Bible-believing, God-fearing, Christian people, we shouldn't be surprised by this. +[3654.70 --> 3660.70] Now, of course, we might not know the numbers, we might not know the statistics, but we know the ontology, right? +[3660.70 --> 3671.70] We know the created reality that undergirds all of that, the reality behind the numbers, because we know that we are created for community. +[3671.70 --> 3678.70] And all the way back in Genesis 1, the very beginning of the Bible, God looks at creation, he says it is very good. +[3678.70 --> 3686.70] And then in Genesis 2, in the next story, he looks at Adam alone and he says it's not good for man to be alone. +[3686.70 --> 3692.70] Right? Because we're created in the image of God, Genesis 1 now, in the image of God, he created them. +[3692.70 --> 3694.70] Male and female, he created them. +[3694.70 --> 3704.70] Right? And so, part of what we're seeing here is that God himself exists in eternal community as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. +[3704.70 --> 3709.70] The Godhead exists as a community within God's self. +[3709.70 --> 3714.70] Three persons co-equal, never confounding, but one in divinity. +[3714.70 --> 3718.70] Right? Trinity in unity and unity in trinity. +[3718.70 --> 3729.70] And to be created in this image of the triune God is to be created for community and unity. +[3729.70 --> 3737.70] And then it's one's relationship to the community that becomes porous and reciprocal. +[3737.70 --> 3740.70] In that you impact her. +[3740.70 --> 3744.70] And you impact him. +[3744.70 --> 3752.70] What we put into the community matters for what you get out of the community. +[3752.70 --> 3755.70] Proverbs 13, 21 puts it this way. +[3755.70 --> 3759.70] It says, walk with the wise, become wise. +[3759.70 --> 3762.70] A companion of fools suffers harm. +[3762.70 --> 3766.70] Surround yourself with wise people. +[3766.70 --> 3769.70] And it has the impact of becoming wise. +[3769.70 --> 3772.70] You have the impact then of becoming wise yourself. +[3772.70 --> 3774.70] Hang out with fools. +[3774.70 --> 3777.70] And don't be surprised when you start to act like one. +[3777.70 --> 3784.70] Now in the New Testament, the strength of this bond is actually only heightened for us. +[3784.70 --> 3785.70] Right? +[3785.70 --> 3789.70] In the New Testament, we start to learn that we are recreated. +[3789.70 --> 3791.70] We are regenerated by the work of the Holy Spirit. +[3791.70 --> 3794.70] We are born again as a family. +[3794.70 --> 3795.70] Right? +[3795.70 --> 3797.70] As brothers and sisters in Christ. +[3797.70 --> 3801.70] We become brothers and sisters because of Jesus. +[3801.70 --> 3807.70] Now another image that the New Testament uses for the church is a body. +[3807.70 --> 3810.70] We talk about one body and many parts. +[3810.70 --> 3812.70] And all of the parts are required. +[3812.70 --> 3817.70] All of the parts are equal in fellowship even if the authority is different. +[3817.70 --> 3818.70] Right? +[3818.70 --> 3823.70] A foot and an eye and a hand and a mouth, we all play a part in the body. +[3823.70 --> 3827.70] And without one of those parts, the body isn't complete. +[3827.70 --> 3831.70] It's not whole. +[3831.70 --> 3837.70] And what we are seeing here is that being part of the body matters and playing your part in the body matters. +[3837.70 --> 3838.70] Right? +[3838.70 --> 3842.70] Picking up on this, Paul says in 1 Corinthians 15, 33, he says, +[3842.70 --> 3844.70] Do not be misled. +[3844.70 --> 3847.70] Bad company corrupts good character. +[3847.70 --> 3856.70] Now, chapter 16 of Romans is for us a veritable, +[3856.70 --> 3862.70] who's who of the Apostle Paul's support team. +[3862.70 --> 3863.70] Right? +[3863.70 --> 3867.70] The people who have come alongside him and sustained him and have influenced him. +[3867.70 --> 3874.70] The people who have from the beginning and along the way been gathered up by the Holy Spirit in the work that he is doing. +[3874.70 --> 3882.70] People that the Holy Spirit has converted and people who have come alongside Paul in this work that he is doing. +[3882.70 --> 3891.70] And in this chapter, Paul is simultaneously making introductions for these people to the church at Rome. +[3891.70 --> 3897.70] He's saying, here are some of my fellow believers and co-laborers, dear friends in the Lord. +[3897.70 --> 3902.70] And he's commending them to the church in Rome, whom Paul hasn't yet met. +[3902.70 --> 3908.70] He's commending them to receive them and to welcome them and to listen to them. +[3908.70 --> 3913.70] Effectively, what Paul is saying is that these are the people who shape me. +[3913.70 --> 3915.70] These are the people who sustain me. +[3915.70 --> 3920.70] These are the people who celebrate what God is doing in and through this work. +[3920.70 --> 3933.70] And what we get in these last verses of the book is a window into Paul's experience of how this community shapes him and how the people around him matter. +[3933.70 --> 3936.70] Maybe you saw the language as we went through, right? +[3936.70 --> 3940.70] In these verses, Paul is talking about co-workers. +[3940.70 --> 3943.70] That is, people who have shared in the labor, who have come alongside him. +[3943.70 --> 3946.70] And he talks about dear friends. +[3946.70 --> 3950.70] These are people he has lived with and worked with. +[3950.70 --> 3955.70] These are people he has loved and been loved by. +[3955.70 --> 3966.70] Now, as we go through this list, for instance, we know that Paul lived with Priscilla and Aquila for a year and a half. +[3966.70 --> 3985.70] He met them on one of his missionary journeys in the city of Corinth after they had moved out of Italy, probably even out of the city of Rome, because Emperor Claudius, who reigned from AD 41 to AD 54, he kicked all the Jews out of Rome. +[3985.70 --> 3988.70] You can read about that in Acts 18. +[3988.70 --> 3993.70] And because they were kicked out of Italy, they moved and went and settled to Corinth. +[3993.70 --> 3996.70] And that's where they met Paul. +[3996.70 --> 4000.70] And we learned that Priscilla and Aquila are also tent makers like him. +[4000.70 --> 4004.70] And so they worked together and they lived together and they ministered together. +[4004.70 --> 4009.70] And that time, that year and a half, would have shaped him deeply. +[4009.70 --> 4011.70] He goes on. +[4011.70 --> 4021.70] He mentions the fact that Andronicus and Junia, in verse 7, are outstanding among the apostles that they were in Christ before I was. +[4021.70 --> 4033.70] We don't take it lightly, the fact that Paul calls these two people, probably a married couple, outstanding among the apostles. +[4033.70 --> 4037.70] And that he notes that they were in Christ before he was. +[4037.70 --> 4041.70] He has a respect for them and he defers to them in some respects. +[4041.70 --> 4042.70] Right? +[4042.70 --> 4049.70] He's clearly influenced by who they are and the sharing of life that they've done together. +[4049.70 --> 4050.70] He goes on. +[4050.70 --> 4057.70] In verse 13, you read about the mother of Rufus, who has been a mother to me too, says Paul. +[4057.70 --> 4064.70] The mothers are some of the most important people in shaping who you are and who you are becoming. +[4064.70 --> 4079.70] Now, for most of these people, in fact, quite extensively for all of them, we don't know exactly how or in what way these people have influenced Paul. +[4079.70 --> 4086.70] But we could reasonably deduce that they have been used by God to shape him. +[4086.70 --> 4087.70] Right? +[4087.70 --> 4097.70] As one writer said, these become a list of tough friends for tough times. +[4097.70 --> 4098.70] Right? +[4098.70 --> 4103.70] Because the right people around you makes you strong. +[4103.70 --> 4109.70] And these tough friends will sustain him in the faith, which is the second point. +[4109.70 --> 4110.70] Right? +[4110.70 --> 4118.70] That the community of faith sustains you in the journey of life. +[4118.70 --> 4132.70] And the American Society for Training and Development found that people are 65% more likely to meet a goal after they commit that goal to another person. +[4132.70 --> 4135.70] It is after you tell someone else. +[4135.70 --> 4147.70] And the chances of success of meeting that goal actually go up to 95% when you build in personal one-on-one meetings with the people you tell. +[4147.70 --> 4148.70] Right? +[4148.70 --> 4151.70] So they can check in on your progress and hold you accountable. +[4151.70 --> 4155.70] Now, again, as Christians, of course we know this to be true. +[4155.70 --> 4156.70] Right? +[4156.70 --> 4161.70] We've always talked about the role of disciples going out two by two. +[4161.70 --> 4162.70] Right? +[4162.70 --> 4166.70] And of accountability and mutual encouragement. +[4166.70 --> 4180.70] And so, Paul says of Phoebe in the first verse, she's a deacon in the church of Kencria and she's been a benefactor to many people including him. +[4180.70 --> 4188.70] In fact, he goes on and he lists a whole bunch of other women, additional women, who have worked hard in the Lord. +[4188.70 --> 4193.70] Or Persis, who's a woman who has worked very hard in the Lord. +[4193.70 --> 4203.70] Now, again, we don't know exactly what that work looks like or what it consisted of, but for Paul to have mentioned it means that it's one, worthy of honor and recognition. +[4203.70 --> 4208.70] And two, that that work encourages him in the work he does. +[4208.70 --> 4214.70] In fact, one of the women who are mentioned is Mary. +[4214.70 --> 4219.70] Mary, who worked very hard for you, Paul says. +[4219.70 --> 4227.70] And this one is interesting to me because Paul mentions how Mary has worked very hard for you, for the Roman church. +[4227.70 --> 4234.70] So, they might not even know her, but Paul does and he's saying she's worked very hard for you. +[4234.70 --> 4240.70] Now, for those of you who are curious, Mary is a very common name for Jewish women. +[4240.70 --> 4246.70] And it relates to the Aramaic Miriam or the Hebrew Miriam. +[4246.70 --> 4253.70] And so, this may be one of the Marys we've already met in the Gospels because we know three of them, at least three, probably four. +[4253.70 --> 4262.70] I suspect, and this is just my suspicion, that this is the Mary who's mentioned as the mother of Mark. +[4262.70 --> 4263.70] Right? +[4263.70 --> 4268.70] The mother of John Mark, who's the author of the second Gospel and was one of Paul's missionary partners. +[4268.70 --> 4270.70] But I have no proof of that. +[4270.70 --> 4272.70] But I think that's who it is. +[4272.70 --> 4278.70] The bigger point here in all of this is that all of these women have worked hard for the kingdom +[4278.70 --> 4283.70] and their work is sustaining and encouraging Paul in the work that he's doing. +[4283.70 --> 4291.70] And this sort of sustaining work goes beyond the provisions and encouragement. +[4291.70 --> 4292.70] Right? +[4292.70 --> 4297.70] Again, Paul tells us that Priscilla and Aquila, what does he say? +[4297.70 --> 4300.70] They risked their lives for me in verse 4. +[4300.70 --> 4301.70] Right? +[4301.70 --> 4307.70] Andronicus and Junia, again, Paul says, who have been in prison with me. +[4307.70 --> 4308.70] Right? +[4308.70 --> 4318.70] Apellas in verse 10, we read that his fidelity to Christ stood the test, which probably means he was persecuted. +[4318.70 --> 4327.70] So not only are the people on this list those who have supported Paul, who've worked hard in the Lord with him, +[4327.70 --> 4333.70] but there's a bunch of people on this list who have suffered with him and who have sustained him in his own suffering. +[4333.70 --> 4341.70] Which is just the working out of Galatians 6 verse 2, which says, carry each other's burdens. +[4341.70 --> 4344.70] In this way you fulfill the law of Christ. +[4344.70 --> 4351.70] And when Paul talks about the law of Christ, he's talking about the command of Christ to love each other. +[4351.70 --> 4352.70] Right? +[4352.70 --> 4360.70] And the way that we love each other, the way that we reveal Jesus to each other is in part by carrying each other's burdens. +[4360.70 --> 4365.70] By entering into the struggles and the hardships and the challenges together. +[4365.70 --> 4370.70] And this isn't just about external burdens, right, or material struggles. +[4370.70 --> 4372.70] We can go even further. +[4372.70 --> 4384.70] Think about the incredibly personal and the all too private struggle that so many of us have with different sins. +[4384.70 --> 4389.70] Think about the role of confession then. +[4389.70 --> 4394.70] We pray prayers of confession every week in our worship together. +[4394.70 --> 4395.70] Sometimes they're spoken and shared. +[4395.70 --> 4399.70] Sometimes they're silent and in your own hearts between you and God. +[4399.70 --> 4411.70] And when we pray in this silence, I just wonder, do we experience confession the way that the psalmist does in Psalm 32? +[4411.70 --> 4414.70] I'm going to read that for you. +[4414.70 --> 4415.70] Psalm 32. +[4415.70 --> 4416.70] The psalmist says, +[4416.70 --> 4424.70] When I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long. +[4424.70 --> 4428.70] For day and night your hand was heavy on me. +[4428.70 --> 4431.70] My strength was sapped as in the heat of summer. +[4431.70 --> 4435.70] Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. +[4435.70 --> 4442.70] I said, I will confess my transgressions to the Lord and you forgave the guilt of my sin. +[4442.70 --> 4448.70] And then he ends, rejoice in the Lord and be glad you righteous. +[4448.70 --> 4452.70] Sing all you who are upright in heart. +[4452.70 --> 4471.70] When we confess here in our worship, do you move from that silence, wasting away, groaning agony of sin through confession to the rejoicing and the being glad and the singing? +[4471.70 --> 4483.70] And if you struggle with experiencing that here or in your own life, use the community that God has given us. +[4483.70 --> 4484.70] Right? +[4484.70 --> 4485.70] Tell someone. +[4485.70 --> 4488.70] Confess this thing to someone. +[4488.70 --> 4490.70] Confess it with them. +[4490.70 --> 4491.70] Confess it with them. +[4491.70 --> 4493.70] And then see what God does in your experience. +[4493.70 --> 4499.70] See how God might minister to your heart as they minister to you and share the truth of the gospel. +[4499.70 --> 4503.70] That if we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive. +[4507.70 --> 4512.70] If you listen to the Narthex podcast, you heard me make reference to this. +[4512.70 --> 4517.70] There's a 20th century German pastor by the name of Dietrich Bonhoeffer. +[4517.70 --> 4528.70] He was a pastor and theologian who was eventually killed by the Nazis for his insurgency work against the regime. +[4528.70 --> 4533.70] He said in a short little book that he wrote, he said the following. +[4533.70 --> 4541.70] A man who confesses his sins in the presence of a brother knows that he is no longer alone with himself. +[4541.70 --> 4546.70] He experiences the presence of God in the reality of the other person. +[4546.70 --> 4552.70] And as long as I am by myself in the confession of my sins, everything remains in the dark. +[4552.70 --> 4556.70] But in the presence of a brother, the sin has to be brought into the light. +[4556.70 --> 4563.70] But since the sin must come to light sometime, it is better that it happens today between me and my brother, +[4563.70 --> 4568.70] rather than on the last day in the piercing light of the final judgment. +[4568.70 --> 4573.70] It is a mercy that we can confess our sins to a brother. +[4575.70 --> 4582.70] This community of faith sustains you because you are never alone. +[4582.70 --> 4586.70] Not even in the sin that makes you think you're so alone. +[4586.70 --> 4596.70] When Jesus says, I will never leave you nor forsake you, one of the ways that he makes that a reality is by giving you this body, +[4596.70 --> 4601.70] by giving you a community, a family, a church to always be with you. +[4601.70 --> 4605.70] And let me be abundantly clear, this is the task of everyone. +[4605.70 --> 4608.70] This isn't just the pastor up front. +[4608.70 --> 4609.70] Right? +[4609.70 --> 4619.70] All of us in the priesthood of all believers are called to hear and to be present with each other in the midst. +[4619.70 --> 4620.70] Right? +[4620.70 --> 4625.70] In fact, the first place that this happens is not in some prime position, +[4625.70 --> 4631.70] but it is in the ordinary membership of the body living out ordinary life together. +[4631.70 --> 4632.70] Right? +[4632.70 --> 4639.70] Not just friends who are Christian, but actually Christian friends. +[4639.70 --> 4641.70] Right? +[4641.70 --> 4646.70] Friends who are Christian are those who you might sit beside on Sunday, +[4646.70 --> 4649.70] but it doesn't change anything about the way you interact together. +[4649.70 --> 4656.70] Christian friendship is built on this truth, these principles, +[4656.70 --> 4661.70] that the community of faith shapes you, sustains you, and celebrates you. +[4661.70 --> 4663.70] Which is our final point. +[4663.70 --> 4666.70] The community of faith celebrates you. +[4666.70 --> 4669.70] And here, hear me carefully. +[4669.70 --> 4670.70] Right? +[4670.70 --> 4676.70] I'm not saying that our task here is to puff you up with an inflated sense of self-worth. +[4676.70 --> 4677.70] Right? +[4677.70 --> 4683.70] Often you might hear today that all we need to have is a renewed sense of self-worth. +[4683.70 --> 4687.70] That if I'm just true to myself, I can be my authentic self. +[4687.70 --> 4693.70] I can be who I am as I am without other people telling me what's right for me or what's wrong for me. +[4693.70 --> 4698.70] Then, finally, will I feel alive and full and valuable. +[4698.70 --> 4701.70] The problem is, of course, right? +[4701.70 --> 4713.70] If we attach our feelings of, or if we attach our sense of value to an internal feeling that we need outside affirmation for, +[4713.70 --> 4721.70] well, I don't know about you, but my feelings are pretty fickle and they change in a whim and they always fall short. +[4721.70 --> 4728.70] When I say that we celebrate you, we celebrate each other, what I mean is we rejoice with you. +[4728.70 --> 4729.70] Right? +[4729.70 --> 4734.70] What I mean is that we cheer you on in the race of perseverance that we are called to. +[4734.70 --> 4736.70] This perseverance of faith, right? +[4736.70 --> 4737.70] Right through to the end. +[4737.70 --> 4741.70] The Bible has a picture of this, actually, in Hebrews 12. +[4741.70 --> 4743.70] Hebrews 12 says, +[4743.70 --> 4748.70] Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, +[4748.70 --> 4752.70] let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, +[4752.70 --> 4756.70] and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, +[4756.70 --> 4761.70] fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith. +[4761.70 --> 4763.70] Now, picture that for a minute. +[4763.70 --> 4769.70] The author of Hebrews is using an image for faith and encouragement for perseverance +[4769.70 --> 4772.70] that is really replete throughout the New Testament. +[4772.70 --> 4776.70] And it's the idea of athletic games, particularly of a race. +[4776.70 --> 4782.70] Now, these kinds of games happened in cities all over the Roman Empire all the time. +[4782.70 --> 4788.70] Rulers and governors and the emperor himself would put on games, +[4788.70 --> 4793.70] usually at great expense to themselves, in order to entertain the masses +[4793.70 --> 4797.70] and probably to keep them paying their taxes. +[4797.70 --> 4810.70] And for the Greco-Roman culture, the gymnasium is just as central part of urban civilized living as the temple is. +[4810.70 --> 4817.70] And in the first century BC, the largest Roman stadium is called the Circus Maximus. +[4817.70 --> 4823.70] And it held 180,000 people. +[4823.70 --> 4826.70] Some estimates say that goes up to a quarter million people. +[4826.70 --> 4832.70] Now, to be really clear, that dwarfs even the largest stadiums today. +[4832.70 --> 4836.70] The largest stadium in the world today is in Ahmedabad, India, +[4836.70 --> 4838.70] and it's called the Narendi Modi Stadium. +[4838.70 --> 4842.70] It's a cricket stadium that holds 132,000 people. +[4842.70 --> 4848.70] The next one is Rungado Mayday Stadium in Pyongyang, North Korea. +[4848.70 --> 4851.70] It's a soccer stadium that holds 114,000 people. +[4851.70 --> 4858.70] And then rounding out the rest of the top ten list are a bunch of American football university stadiums +[4858.70 --> 4861.70] that all have over 100,000 people. +[4861.70 --> 4870.70] The point is, right, athletic games in the time of Paul and the other members of the New Testament here +[4870.70 --> 4876.70] is just as popular and just as central to the shaping of society as they are today. +[4876.70 --> 4883.70] Perhaps even more so, actually, when you consider that the global population during this time +[4883.70 --> 4887.70] is estimated to be about 300 million people. +[4887.70 --> 4890.70] That's smaller than the population of the U.S. currently. +[4890.70 --> 4892.70] All over the world. +[4892.70 --> 4895.70] And here you have a stadium that holds 180,000. +[4895.70 --> 4899.70] You can do the math on the percentages, but that's pretty high. +[4899.70 --> 4904.70] Stadiums are full of people cheering on the athletes. +[4904.70 --> 4909.70] And the author of Hebrews is saying that's what it's like to be a Christian. +[4909.70 --> 4917.70] To be surrounded by a stadium full of people cheering you on in your life of faith. +[4917.70 --> 4925.70] Part of what it means to be a community is to have the responsibility to encourage our brothers and sisters into faith. +[4925.70 --> 4928.70] To cheer them on in perseverance and to development. +[4928.70 --> 4931.70] Calling them to fix their eyes on Christ. +[4931.70 --> 4935.70] And it's not just, as we read in Hebrews 12, those saints who are alive. +[4935.70 --> 4939.70] It's all of us from all of history who are part of the church. +[4939.70 --> 4941.70] Militant and triumphant. +[4941.70 --> 4942.70] Alive and dead. +[4942.70 --> 4944.70] Visible and invisible. +[4944.70 --> 4946.70] Calling us forward in faith. +[4946.70 --> 4950.70] That's what it means to be part of a community of faith. +[4950.70 --> 4958.70] In the last verse of our text, Paul makes this point. +[4958.70 --> 4963.70] He says, all the churches of Christ send greetings. +[4963.70 --> 4966.70] Think about how profound that is. +[4966.70 --> 4974.70] First of all, it's profound in the sense that Paul can, with the authority of an apostle, speak for all of the churches. +[4974.70 --> 4979.70] Because it's the Holy Spirit speaking through him, inspiring his words to be the words of God. +[4979.70 --> 4980.70] Right? +[4980.70 --> 4991.70] This alone is profound because Paul is saying, all of the churches encourage you and celebrate you and long to shape and sustain you in what you are doing. +[4991.70 --> 4998.70] But it's also profound because all those saints are out there, recognizing, welcoming, and folding. +[4998.70 --> 5004.70] To use the language that we have here, shaping, sustaining, and celebrating this church in Rome. +[5004.70 --> 5006.70] Right? +[5006.70 --> 5016.70] This short line at the end of our text from chapter 16 is a picture for us of Hebrews 12 as a cloud of witnesses. +[5016.70 --> 5021.70] This is what we get to do together. +[5021.70 --> 5030.70] Now, in our family at home, I regularly talk with my kids about speaking words of life. +[5030.70 --> 5038.70] Now, this comes from Proverbs 18, verse 21, that says, the tongue has the power of life and death. +[5038.70 --> 5047.70] And so, when we say mean or hurtful things to each other, we're speaking death. +[5047.70 --> 5053.70] When you talk bad about people here, you're speaking death. +[5053.70 --> 5061.70] Instead, how can you speak life in this community? +[5061.70 --> 5067.70] And how can you use words that are filled with the power of life? +[5067.70 --> 5072.70] And so, here's a check for you and one that I incorporate in my own life, right? +[5072.70 --> 5085.70] Before you say anything critical, ask yourself, am I speaking life right now or am I speaking death? +[5085.70 --> 5096.70] Because some of us, and again, I'll put my own heart in this, some of us need to confess the words of death +[5096.70 --> 5103.70] that we have said about someone else in this room or not in this room. +[5107.70 --> 5113.70] This is what it means for the community of faith to celebrate you. +[5113.70 --> 5117.70] That the community of faith speaks life into your life. +[5117.70 --> 5120.70] That the community of faith speaks encouraging words. +[5120.70 --> 5128.70] That the community of faith, instead of hurting people or gossiping or slandering or talking down about them, let alone to them, +[5128.70 --> 5131.70] lifts people up with our words. +[5131.70 --> 5132.70] Right? +[5132.70 --> 5136.70] We build people up in life so that faith may persevere. +[5136.70 --> 5137.70] Right? +[5137.70 --> 5141.70] What you say and how you say it matters. +[5141.70 --> 5144.70] In the church, right? +[5144.70 --> 5149.70] Here, of all places, let's encourage each other. +[5149.70 --> 5151.70] Let's celebrate each other. +[5151.70 --> 5152.70] Right? +[5152.70 --> 5157.70] The community of faith shapes you and sustains you and celebrates you. +[5157.70 --> 5164.70] And so this is where I will end because this, I believe, pulls it all together. +[5164.70 --> 5171.70] All of this, this community, this faith, this community of faith that shapes you and sustains you and celebrates you, +[5171.70 --> 5175.70] all of this is a gift. +[5175.70 --> 5179.70] It is a gift of God in the work of the Holy Spirit. +[5179.70 --> 5180.70] Right? +[5180.70 --> 5182.70] You didn't build this community yourself. +[5182.70 --> 5188.70] You didn't merit this community or inherit this community because you figured it all out. +[5188.70 --> 5189.70] Or because you earned it. +[5189.70 --> 5192.70] Or because you've stood out above the rest and said, +[5192.70 --> 5195.70] yes, now you belong to me. +[5195.70 --> 5199.70] The truth is that you and I are elected to this community. +[5199.70 --> 5203.70] We are predestined to this community before the foundation of the world. +[5203.70 --> 5204.70] Right? +[5204.70 --> 5210.70] Adopted as sons and daughters of God and made into an heir of God and a co-heir with Christ. +[5210.70 --> 5217.70] God himself becomes our heavenly Father and he chose you out of all humanity. +[5217.70 --> 5227.70] He gave you his son and you belong to him, which means by grace through faith you belong to each other. +[5227.70 --> 5232.70] Because Jesus lived the life I should have lived and died the death that I deserved. +[5232.70 --> 5233.70] Right? +[5233.70 --> 5237.70] It is because Jesus is the bridegroom that I have become a part of the bride. +[5237.70 --> 5248.70] It is because Jesus gave up his own body on the cross so that I can be a part of his body in this life and in the life to come. +[5248.70 --> 5252.70] You see, Jesus is the gospel. +[5252.70 --> 5259.70] And now you and I get to live that gospel. +[5259.70 --> 5267.70] Part of what it means to live the gospel is experienced in how we shape each other. +[5267.70 --> 5271.70] It is experienced in how we sustain each other. +[5271.70 --> 5278.70] And it is experienced in how we celebrate each other. +[5278.70 --> 5280.70] You are not your own. +[5280.70 --> 5286.70] You were bought body and soul by your faithful Savior, Jesus Christ. +[5286.70 --> 5293.70] And not only has he given you himself, he has given you one another. +[5293.70 --> 5298.70] And that is a most beautiful gift of God. +[5298.70 --> 5299.70] Amen? +[5299.70 --> 5300.70] Let's pray. +[5300.70 --> 5308.70] Let's pray. +[5308.70 --> 5315.70] Holy and glorious Father, I praise your name for the gift of brothers and sisters. +[5315.70 --> 5328.70] I praise your name for the gift of those who share this common identity, who share this common union with you by grace through faith in Christ Jesus. +[5328.70 --> 5335.70] And I pray, Lord God, that you would use each of us here to speak words of life. +[5335.70 --> 5343.70] That you would use each of us here to shape one another into the image of Jesus Christ more and more. +[5343.70 --> 5350.70] I pray that you would use each one of us here to sustain each other, tough friends for tougher times. +[5350.70 --> 5356.70] And I pray that you would use each one here to celebrate one another. +[5356.70 --> 5363.70] To call us forward to fix our eyes on you, Lord Jesus. +[5363.70 --> 5370.70] And that together, together we might make much of your name in our midst. +[5370.70 --> 5376.70] Together we might go forward from this place proclaiming your kingdom come and your kingdom coming. +[5376.70 --> 5383.70] That together we might go from this place as one united in faith and hope. +[5383.70 --> 5387.70] Pray this, Jesus, in your name alone. +[5387.70 --> 5388.70] Amen. +[5396.70 --> 5397.70] Let's stand together. +[5397.70 --> 5412.70] Still culture, Father +[5412.70 --> 5430.38] He will be to the house of Zion. +[5430.38 --> 5435.64] He will sing, our hearts be sore. +[5435.92 --> 5440.38] And I pray things we will say together. +[5440.38 --> 5470.36] He will be to the house of Zion. +[5470.38 --> 5478.24] He will be to the house of Zion. +[5478.58 --> 5483.42] He will sing, our hearts be sore. +[5483.68 --> 5488.66] And I pray things we will say together. +[5488.66 --> 5494.66] We will please and we go home. +[5494.66 --> 5502.60] In the dark of night before the dawn. +[5503.52 --> 5507.92] My soul in heart will break. +[5508.30 --> 5512.66] For God is born beyond our love. +[5512.66 --> 5520.66] Oh God, I pray that we might be safe. +[5521.36 --> 5525.66] He will be to the house of Zion. +[5526.66 --> 5530.66] He will sing, our hearts be sore. +[5530.66 --> 5532.66] He will sing, our hearts be sore. +[5532.66 --> 5536.66] He will sing, our hearts be sore. +[5536.66 --> 5538.66] He will sing, our hearts be sore. +[5538.66 --> 5542.66] He will sing, our hearts be sore. +[5542.66 --> 5544.66] He will sing, our hearts be sore. +[5544.66 --> 5548.66] He will sing, our hearts be sore. +[5548.66 --> 5550.66] He will sing, our hearts be sore. +[5550.66 --> 5554.66] He will sing, our hearts be sore. +[5554.66 --> 5556.66] He will sing, our hearts be sore. +[5556.66 --> 5562.66] He will sing, our hearts be sore. +[5562.66 --> 5568.66] He will sing, our hearts be sore. +[5568.66 --> 5574.66] He will sing, our hearts be sore. +[5574.66 --> 5576.44] He will sing, our hearts be sore. +[5576.44 --> 5577.90] He will sing, our hearts be sore. +[5578.74 --> 5581.44] He will sing, our heart be sore. +[5584.78 --> 5588.36] He will sing, our hearts be sore. +[5588.58 --> 5591.54] He will sing, our hearts be sore. +[5591.54 --> 5596.62] He will sing, our hearts be sore. +[5597.08 --> 5599.44] He will sing, our hearts be sore. +[5599.62 --> 5601.68] He will sing, our hearts be sore. +[5601.72 --> 5604.10] He will sing, our hearts be sore. +[5604.10 --> 5612.74] We will say together, we will please and we know more. +[5623.08 --> 5627.54] As you go, know that God himself goes with you. +[5627.92 --> 5629.54] Go also with two invitations. +[5629.82 --> 5634.00] One, to hang around and fellowship in the community of faith. +[5634.36 --> 5639.20] Together, have some time of coffee and refreshment. +[5639.38 --> 5643.50] Encourage one another with your words and offer to pray for one another. +[5643.84 --> 5648.90] If that comes up and a need is expressed or a celebration is shared. +[5649.52 --> 5652.46] Additionally, we will have prayer partners available here. +[5652.80 --> 5655.26] If you'd like to meet someone, they will come up to the front. +[5655.26 --> 5659.98] They'll have a yellow tag on and they will meet you and pray with you there. +[5660.64 --> 5662.96] Go with the blessing of our good God. +[5664.68 --> 5666.80] God, go before you to lead you. +[5667.40 --> 5669.42] God, go behind you to protect you. +[5669.72 --> 5671.94] And God, go beneath you to support you. +[5672.30 --> 5675.10] God, go beside you to befriend you. +[5675.62 --> 5677.50] Do not be afraid. +[5677.96 --> 5679.92] Let the blessing of God come upon today. +[5680.06 --> 5681.56] Do not be afraid. +[5681.56 --> 5686.24] But go in peace to love and serve the Lord. +[5686.24 --> 5687.80] Amen. +[5687.80 --> 5687.88] Amen. +[5687.88 --> 5702.02] Praise God, from whom all blessings flow. +[5702.02 --> 5714.32] Praise Him, all creatures here below. +[5714.32 --> 5727.72] Praise Him above the heavenly host. +[5727.72 --> 5740.88] Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. +[5740.88 --> 5746.80] Amen. +[5746.80 --> 5747.92] Amen. +[5748.44 --> 5750.06] Amen. +[5750.06 --> 5760.22] Hmmm... +[5760.74 --> 5763.68] family喝 +[5763.68 --> 5793.66] Thank you. +[5793.68 --> 5823.66] Thank you. +[5823.68 --> 5853.66] Thank you. +[5853.68 --> 5883.66] Thank you. +[5883.68 --> 5913.66] Thank you. +[5913.68 --> 5943.66] Thank you. +[5943.68 --> 5973.66] Thank you. +[5973.68 --> 6003.66] Thank you. +[6003.68 --> 6033.66] Thank you. +[6033.68 --> 6063.66] Thank you. +[6063.68 --> 6093.66] Thank you. +[6093.68 --> 6123.66] Thank you. +[6123.68 --> 6153.66] Thank you. +[6153.68 --> 6183.66] Thank you. +[6183.68 --> 6213.66] Thank you. +[6213.68 --> 6243.66] Thank you. +[6243.68 --> 6273.66] Thank you. +[6273.68 --> 6303.66] Thank you. +[6303.68 --> 6333.66] Thank you. +[6333.68 --> 6363.66] Thank you. +[6363.68 --> 6393.66] Thank you. +[6393.68 --> 6423.66] Thank you. +[6423.68 --> 6453.66] Thank you. +[6453.68 --> 6483.66] Thank you. +[6483.68 --> 6513.66] Thank you. +[6513.68 --> 6543.66] Thank you. +[6543.68 --> 6573.66] Thank you. +[6573.68 --> 6603.66] Thank you. +[6603.68 --> 6633.66] Thank you. diff --git a/Sunday Worship, November 10, 2024_summary.txt b/Sunday Worship, November 10, 2024_summary.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000000000000000000000000000000000000..39f520f7841c33c1134fe753ffa30f5219d03eba --- /dev/null +++ b/Sunday Worship, November 10, 2024_summary.txt @@ -0,0 +1,86 @@ +• Worship and prayer +• Forgiveness through Jesus' blood +• Invitation to come to the altar for forgiveness and new life +• Call to leave regrets behind and surrender to God's love +• Celebration of Christ's resurrection and sovereignty +• A person expresses their dependence on God's presence in their life +• Confession of sin during a prayer time +• Reading and singing passages about the glory, power, and presence of the Lord +• Reference to Jesus Christ on the cross as an act of redemption +• Worship through song and declaration of praise +• Worship service with repetitive prayer and hymn singing +• Introduction to a deacon named Pearl, who is giving an offering for the church budget and Seeds of Hope ministry +• Description of the Seeds of Hope ministry, which provides care for orphans in Africa affected by AIDS +• Prayers from the congregation, asking for heart change, spiritual growth, and guidance +• Discussion of a "kids' corner" activity before children's worship time +• Introduction and explanation of a tin can telephone contraption +• Testing the functionality of the tin can telephone with a message about prayer +• Explanation that the tin can telephone illustrates having a direct line to God through prayer +• Children's blessing and prayer for the congregation +• Announcement from an elder (Clary) regarding council meeting topics, including the 2025 ministry and mission budget and vulnerable sector volunteers +• Prayer for Mary Feitzma, who recently fell and broke her hip +• Prayers for healing and recovery +• Request for God's presence and guidance in the congregation +• Prayer for those struggling with illnesses or emotional issues +• Petition for God to work in systems of care, such as foster care and adoption +• Thanking God for gifts and blessings within the church community +• Prayer for financial stability and future growth +• Celebration of serving hearts and a desire to work for God's kingdom +• A prayer is given for peace and an end to ongoing wars. +• The reader prays for hope and peace from God until Jesus returns. +• The reader turns their attention to the Bible and asks for guidance in understanding it. +• The story of Joseph continues, with a focus on Genesis 41:1-40. +• Pharaoh has two dreams that he cannot interpret, about cows and grain being eaten by other cows and grain. +• The chief cupbearer remembers a Hebrew servant named Joseph who interpreted his own dream and the chief baker's dream while they were in prison. +• Pharaoh sends for Joseph to come and interpret his dreams. +• Joseph tells Pharaoh that God has revealed what he is about to do, and the dreams are about seven years of abundance followed by seven years of famine. +• The famine that will ravage Egypt will be so severe that the abundance in the land will not be remembered. +• Pharaoh is advised to appoint a wise man to manage the harvest during the seven years of abundance. +• Commissioners are appointed to collect one-fifth of the harvest and store it for the coming famine. +• Pharaoh recognizes Joseph's wisdom and discernment, giving him authority over his palace and people. +• The concept of "why" is discussed in relation to suffering, pain, and hardship, with the pastor suggesting reframing the question into "what" or "how". +• The story of a child asking "how come" is shared as an example of redirecting the "why" question. +• Suffering and evil in a sovereign God +• Why God allows suffering +• The tension between God's sovereignty and human suffering +• Practicing presence in the midst of suffering +• Shifting from asking "why" to finding ways to stand in the midst of suffering (how) +• Practicing the presence of God is the best way to survive suffering and hardship +• The practice involves renouncing all that is not God and living as if there were only God and oneself in the world +• This concept was developed by Brother Lawrence, a 17th century French Carmelite monk +• Joseph's experience in Genesis shows how one can stand through hardships despite uncertainty about their circumstances +• Practicing the presence of God requires focus on what God is doing rather than what one does themselves +• Practicing the presence of God requires being fully present in His place +• Stepping forward in faith involves waiting on God +• God makes Himself known through word, sacraments, praise, prayer, and community +• Being fully present in the encounter with God means bringing all of oneself into the presence of all of who God is +• Following the guidance of the Holy Spirit requires trust and obedience, even when others do not see or understand +• Following Christ and the community in experiencing God's presence +• Practicing the presence of God through the word, including regular Bible reading and study +• Necessity of community and connection with other believers for spiritual growth +• The Lord's Supper as a way to practice the presence of God +• Embracing suffering as an opportunity to experience God's presence +• Driving kids to various sports events and understanding the speaker's life +• The impact of social media on daily routine and making small choices to start the day differently +• Practicing presence of God through prayer and scripture +• Liturgy and sacrament as a way to experience God's presence +• Sharing in the body of Christ through communion +• Professing faith through reciting the Apostles' Creed +• The Nicene Creed is recited, describing the birth, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ +• Invitation to the Lord's Table and explanation of the service +• Instructions for participating in communion, including gluten-free options +• Invitations for prayer and worship during the service +• Recitation of "Body of Christ given for you" and "Blood of Christ shed for you" +• Final blessings and closing of the service +• The blood of Christ cleanses sins and brings life +• Participation in bread and cup as symbols of unity with Christ +• Gratitude, faith, and response to call to follow Christ +• Peace of heaven and table fellowship with King +• Lamentation for division within the church and lost awe for God +• Cry for mercy, revival, and restoration of the church +• The cross and Jesus' sacrifice +• Sin, wrath of God, and redemption +• Forgiveness at the cross +• Victory over sin through Jesus' blood +• The empty tomb and resurrection +• Encouragement to go out into the world as God's presence \ No newline at end of file diff --git a/Sunday Worship, November 10, 2024_transcript.txt b/Sunday Worship, November 10, 2024_transcript.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000000000000000000000000000000000000..24810f8f9460ff188a6f47dcec39e02e3c6f938a --- /dev/null +++ b/Sunday Worship, November 10, 2024_transcript.txt @@ -0,0 +1,1216 @@ +[0.00 --> 29.98] Thank you. +[30.00 --> 59.98] Thank you. +[60.00 --> 89.98] Thank you. +[90.00 --> 119.98] Thank you. +[120.00 --> 149.98] Thank you. +[150.00 --> 179.98] Thank you. +[180.00 --> 209.98] Thank you. +[210.00 --> 239.98] Thank you. +[240.00 --> 269.98] Thank you. +[270.00 --> 299.98] Thank you. +[300.00 --> 329.98] Thank you. +[330.00 --> 332.00] Thank you. +[360.00 --> 362.00] Thank you. +[390.00 --> 392.00] Thank you. +[420.00 --> 422.00] Thank you. +[450.00 --> 452.00] Thank you. +[480.00 --> 482.00] Thank you. +[510.00 --> 512.00] Thank you. +[540.00 --> 542.00] Thank you. +[570.00 --> 572.00] Thank you. +[600.00 --> 602.00] Thank you. +[630.00 --> 632.00] Thank you. +[660.00 --> 662.00] Thank you. +[662.00 --> 692.00] +[692.00 --> 694.00] Thank you. +[694.00 --> 696.00] Thank you. +[696.00 --> 698.00] Thank you. +[726.00 --> 756.00] +[756.00 --> 758.00] Thank you. +[758.00 --> 760.00] Thank you. +[760.00 --> 790.00] +[790.00 --> 792.00] Thank you. +[792.00 --> 794.00] Thank you. +[794.00 --> 824.00] We're going to be +[824.00 --> 826.00] for you. +[826.00 --> 828.00] Thank you. +[828.00 --> 830.00] Thank you. +[830.00 --> 832.00] Thank you. +[832.00 --> 834.00] Thank you. +[834.00 --> 836.00] Thank you. +[864.00 --> 866.00] Thank you. +[866.00 --> 896.00] And so, +[896.00 --> 898.00] together. +[898.00 --> 900.00] Thank you. +[928.00 --> 930.00] Thank you. +[930.00 --> 931.00] Thank you. +[931.00 --> 933.00] Amen. +[933.00 --> 935.00] Thank you. +[935.00 --> 937.00] Thank you. +[937.00 --> 939.00] Thank you. +[939.00 --> 941.00] Thank you. +[961.00 --> 962.00] Thank you. +[962.00 --> 991.98] Thank you. +[992.00 --> 999.92] Let us worship our God. He is our refuge and our fortress, our God in whom we trust. +[1000.84 --> 1010.20] As we have entered this space and into our Father's open arms, may we remember that our forgiveness was bought with the precious blood of Jesus Christ. +[1022.00 --> 1032.48] Are you hurting and broken within? Overwhelmed by the weight of your sin? +[1032.48 --> 1035.48] Jesus is calling. +[1037.86 --> 1047.68] Have you come to the end of the cell? Do you thirst for a drink from the well? +[1047.68 --> 1050.68] Jesus is calling. +[1055.28 --> 1059.52] Oh, come to the altar. +[1060.52 --> 1065.04] The Father's arms are open wide. +[1065.40 --> 1074.68] Forgiveness was bought with the precious blood of Jesus Christ. +[1074.68 --> 1088.68] Leave behind your regrets and mistakes. +[1090.34 --> 1093.68] Come today, there's no reason to wait. +[1094.80 --> 1096.84] Jesus is calling. +[1096.84 --> 1104.18] Bring your sorrows and drink them for joy. +[1104.94 --> 1108.84] Round the ashes of new life is born. +[1109.34 --> 1110.84] Jesus is calling. +[1110.84 --> 1112.84] Oh, come to the altar. +[1112.84 --> 1116.84] Oh, come to the altar. +[1116.84 --> 1122.84] The Father's arms are open wide. +[1122.84 --> 1132.22] Forgiveness was bought with the precious blood of Jesus Christ. +[1132.22 --> 1134.22] Oh, come to the altar. +[1134.22 --> 1136.22] Oh, come to the altar. +[1136.22 --> 1141.22] The Father's arms are open wide. +[1141.22 --> 1151.22] Forgiveness was bought with the precious blood of Jesus Christ. +[1151.22 --> 1157.62] His one ray was bought with the precious blood of Jesus Christ. +[1157.62 --> 1161.10] He is calling. +[1163.22 --> 1164.36] Oh, went to the altar. +[1165.06 --> 1166.24] before Him I may come ausênd to如何. +[1166.24 --> 1167.30] Jesus is calling. +[1167.30 --> 1168.48] I may see you tonight at all vesile and loss. +[1168.50 --> 1170.24] I may see you now. +[1172.24 --> 1173.04] Oh, come to the altar. +[1173.04 --> 1174.32] I may see you now. +[1174.86 --> 1175.82] There's no light before Will I Christ has brought with you. +[1175.84 --> 1176.72] Cristo is risen. +[1176.72 --> 1177.88] Oh, come to the altar. +[1178.38 --> 1179.46] I may see you now. +[1179.46 --> 1179.92] Take Him он. +[1179.92 --> 1196.92] Bow down before Him, for He is Lord of all. Sing hallelujah, Christ is risen. +[1196.92 --> 1215.92] Oh, what a Savior, isn't He wonderful? Sing hallelujah, Christ is risen. +[1215.92 --> 1232.92] Bow down before Him, for He is Lord of all. Sing hallelujah, Christ is risen. +[1232.92 --> 1247.00] Oh, come to the altar. The Father's arms are open wide. +[1247.38 --> 1256.24] Forgiveness was bought with the precious blood of Jesus Christ. +[1256.24 --> 1265.20] Oh, come to the altar. The Father's arms are open wide. +[1265.58 --> 1274.72] Forgiveness was bought with the precious blood of Jesus Christ. +[1286.24 --> 1298.12] Lay a cross as you wait for the crown. Tell the world of the treasure you found. +[1298.12 --> 1307.60] Lay a cross as you wait for the precious blood of Jesus Christ. +[1307.60 --> 1312.12] Lay a cross as you wait for the crown. +[1312.12 --> 1317.16] Lay a cross as you wait for the crown. +[1317.16 --> 1322.56] Lay a cross as you wait for the crown. +[1322.56 --> 1349.22] This is the air I breathe +[1352.56 --> 1359.56] This is the air I breathe +[1359.56 --> 1365.56] Your holy presence +[1365.56 --> 1375.56] Living in me +[1375.56 --> 1382.56] This is my daily breath +[1382.56 --> 1388.56] This is my daily breath +[1388.56 --> 1395.56] Your very word +[1395.56 --> 1401.56] Spoken to me +[1401.56 --> 1408.56] And I +[1408.56 --> 1416.56] I'm desperate for you +[1416.56 --> 1423.56] And I +[1423.56 --> 1429.56] I'm lost without you +[1429.56 --> 1451.56] This is the air I breathe +[1451.56 --> 1459.56] This is the air I breathe +[1459.56 --> 1465.56] Your holy presence +[1465.56 --> 1470.56] Living in me +[1470.56 --> 1480.56] This is my daily breath +[1480.56 --> 1485.56] This is my daily breath +[1485.56 --> 1491.56] Your very word +[1491.56 --> 1494.56] This is my daily breath +[1494.56 --> 1496.56] This is my daily breath +[1496.56 --> 1497.56] Your very word +[1497.56 --> 1501.56] Spoken to me +[1501.56 --> 1504.56] And I +[1504.56 --> 1510.56] I'm desperate for you +[1510.56 --> 1520.56] And I +[1520.56 --> 1523.56] I'm desperate for you +[1523.56 --> 1525.56] And I +[1525.56 --> 1527.56] I'm desperate for you +[1527.56 --> 1531.56] And I +[1531.56 --> 1544.56] I'm desperate for you +[1544.56 --> 1546.56] And I +[1546.56 --> 1548.56] I'm desperate for you +[1548.56 --> 1550.56] And I +[1550.56 --> 1552.56] I'm desperate for you +[1552.56 --> 1553.56] I'm desperate for you +[1553.56 --> 1555.56] I am desperate for you +[1561.56 --> 1567.56] You are the air I breathe +[1567.56 --> 1572.56] You are the air +[1572.56 --> 1577.80] I invite you to be seated. +[1582.84 --> 1585.50] We're going to spend some time in our prayer of confession right now. +[1585.60 --> 1591.38] I'll lead you in a prayer and then invite you to pray in silence afterwards as we confess to our God. +[1591.48 --> 1591.84] Let's pray. +[1594.48 --> 1602.10] Heavenly Father, we know that nothing is able to separate us from your love because of Jesus Christ. +[1602.56 --> 1610.62] In our time of silence now, Lord, let us, in that freedom, confess the wrong that we have done. +[1632.56 --> 1634.56] Amen. +[1635.22 --> 1636.22] Amen. +[1636.22 --> 1637.48] Amen. +[1637.48 --> 1639.48] Amen. +[1639.48 --> 1641.48] Amen. +[1641.48 --> 1643.48] Amen. +[1643.48 --> 1645.48] Amen. +[1645.48 --> 1647.48] Amen. +[1647.48 --> 1649.48] Amen. +[1649.48 --> 1651.48] Amen. +[1651.48 --> 1653.48] Amen. +[1653.48 --> 1655.48] Amen. +[1655.48 --> 1657.48] Amen. +[1657.48 --> 1659.48] Amen. +[1659.48 --> 1661.48] Amen. +[1661.48 --> 1669.48] Be still for the presence of the Lord, +[1669.48 --> 1677.48] the Holy One is here. +[1677.48 --> 1683.48] Come now before Him now, +[1683.48 --> 1691.48] with reverence and fear. +[1691.48 --> 1697.48] In Him no sin is found, +[1697.48 --> 1705.48] we stand on holy ground. +[1705.48 --> 1711.48] Be still for the presence of the Lord, +[1711.48 --> 1717.48] the Holy One is here. +[1717.48 --> 1721.48] I invite you to stand for the singing of the next two verses. +[1721.48 --> 1727.48] Be still for the glory of the Lord, +[1727.48 --> 1733.48] is shining all around. +[1733.48 --> 1741.48] He burns with holy fire, +[1741.48 --> 1749.48] with splendor He is proud. +[1749.48 --> 1755.48] How awesome is the sun, +[1755.48 --> 1761.48] our radiant King of light. +[1761.48 --> 1767.48] Be still for the glory of the Lord, +[1767.48 --> 1773.48] is shining all around. +[1773.48 --> 1781.48] Be still for the power of the Lord, +[1781.48 --> 1787.48] is moving in this place. +[1787.48 --> 1795.48] He comes to cleanse and heal, +[1795.48 --> 1801.48] to minister His praise. +[1801.48 --> 1803.48] No work too hard for Him, +[1803.48 --> 1807.48] no work too hard for Him, +[1807.48 --> 1813.48] in faith receive from Him. +[1813.48 --> 1817.48] Be still for the power of the Lord, +[1817.48 --> 1821.48] is moving in this place. +[1821.48 --> 1829.48] He is moving in this place. +[1829.48 --> 1835.48] Be still for the presence of the Lord, +[1835.48 --> 1843.48] the Holy One is He. +[1843.48 --> 1844.48] He is moving in this place. +[1844.48 --> 1845.48] If we take our prayers if we have done, +[1845.48 --> 1847.48] we take our prayers. +[1847.48 --> 1849.48] Amen. +[1849.48 --> 1850.48] We do not know the Lord, +[1850.48 --> 1851.48] we do not know the Lord, +[1851.48 --> 1853.48] we do not know the Lord, +[1853.48 --> 1854.48] and we do not know the Lord, +[1854.48 --> 1855.48] we do not know the Lord, +[1855.48 --> 1856.48] we do not know the Lord, +[1856.48 --> 1858.48] we do not know the Lord. +[1858.48 --> 1860.48] See it there, +[1860.48 --> 1864.48] the great I am, +[1864.48 --> 1869.48] a crown of those upon His head. +[1869.48 --> 1879.14] On his head, the Father's heart displayed for us. +[1879.14 --> 1886.14] Oh God, we thank you for the cross. +[1889.50 --> 1899.42] Lifted up on Calvary's hill, we curse your name. +[1899.48 --> 1909.52] And even still, you bore our shame and paid the cost. +[1910.18 --> 1915.48] Oh God, we thank you for the cross. +[1915.48 --> 1929.48] Behold the Lamb, the story of redemption written on his hands. +[1929.48 --> 1934.48] Jesus, you will reign forevermore. +[1935.48 --> 1939.48] The victory is yours. +[1939.48 --> 1943.86] We sing your praise. +[1944.38 --> 1949.48] Endless hallelujahs to your holy name. +[1950.48 --> 1954.48] Jesus, you will reign forevermore. +[1955.48 --> 1958.48] The victory is yours. +[1958.48 --> 1960.48] Lord God, we thank you for the cross. +[1960.48 --> 1961.48] Amen. +[1961.48 --> 1962.48] Amen. +[1962.48 --> 1963.48] Amen. +[1963.48 --> 1964.48] Amen. +[1964.48 --> 1965.48] Amen. +[1965.48 --> 1971.90] This sacrifice for every sin +[1971.90 --> 1978.40] Our Savior died, the Lord of life +[1978.40 --> 1982.30] Can be contained +[1982.30 --> 1988.58] Our love has risen from the grave +[1988.58 --> 1994.66] Our love has risen from the grave +[1994.66 --> 1999.04] He pulled the Lamb +[1999.04 --> 2005.60] The story of redemption written on His hand +[2005.60 --> 2009.66] Jesus, You will reign forevermore +[2010.18 --> 2014.90] The victory is yours +[2014.90 --> 2017.66] We sing Your praise +[2018.44 --> 2023.66] Endless hallelujah to Your holy name +[2023.66 --> 2028.66] Jesus, You will reign forevermore +[2029.36 --> 2033.66] The victory is yours +[2033.66 --> 2042.66] When the age of death is done +[2043.24 --> 2046.66] We'll see Your face +[2046.66 --> 2049.66] Bright as the sun +[2049.66 --> 2050.04] Bright as the sun +[2050.04 --> 2052.66] We'll bow before +[2052.66 --> 2056.66] The King of kings +[2056.66 --> 2063.66] O God, forever we will sing +[2063.66 --> 2071.66] Behold the Lamb +[2071.66 --> 2078.54] The story of redemption written on His hands +[2078.54 --> 2083.54] Jesus, You will reign forevermore +[2083.54 --> 2087.54] The victory is yours +[2087.54 --> 2090.54] Behold the Lamb +[2090.54 --> 2097.54] The story of redemption written on His hands +[2097.54 --> 2098.54] Jesus, You will reign forevermore +[2098.54 --> 2099.54] Jesus, You will reign forevermore +[2099.54 --> 2104.54] The victory is yours +[2104.54 --> 2105.54] The victory is yours +[2105.54 --> 2106.54] Jesus, You will reign forevermore +[2106.54 --> 2107.54] The victory is yours +[2107.54 --> 2111.54] The victory is yours +[2111.54 --> 2112.54] Jesus, You will reign forevermore +[2112.54 --> 2113.54] Jesus, You will reign forevermore +[2113.54 --> 2114.54] The victory is yours +[2114.54 --> 2116.54] Jesus, You will reign forevermore +[2116.54 --> 2117.54] Jesus, You will reign forevermore +[2117.54 --> 2118.54] Jesus, You will reign forevermore +[2118.54 --> 2119.54] Jesus, You will reign forevermore +[2119.54 --> 2123.54] The victory is yours +[2123.54 --> 2124.54] Jesus, You will reign forevermore +[2124.54 --> 2125.54] The victory is yours +[2129.54 --> 2130.54] Jesus, You will reign forevermore +[2130.54 --> 2133.54] Jesus, You will reign forevermore +[2133.54 --> 2134.54] Jesus, You will reign forevermore +[2134.54 --> 2135.54] Jesus, You will reign forevermore +[2135.54 --> 2136.54] He will reign forevermore +[2136.54 --> 2137.54] Jesus, You will reign forevermore +[2137.54 --> 2138.54] Jesus, You will reign forevermore +[2138.54 --> 2139.54] Jesus, You will reign forevermore +[2139.54 --> 2148.54] Jesus, You will reign forevermore +[2148.54 --> 2152.54] Jesus, You will reign forevermore +[2152.54 --> 2166.52] Good morning. My name is Pearl. I'm a deacon here at Langley Emanuel. We continue our worship +[2166.52 --> 2171.42] by giving our offering, and today's offering is both for the budget, which is the ministries +[2171.42 --> 2177.92] of this church, and for Seeds of Hope. Seeds of Hope is a ministry that was founded around +[2177.92 --> 2186.66] 1995 out of Chilliwack, BC, and it's a place that ministers to kids who have become orphans +[2186.66 --> 2192.52] due to AIDS. They have been traumatized. They've lost both parents. Many of them themselves +[2192.52 --> 2201.80] are HIV positive, and currently the Seed of Hope ministry works mostly out of Zambia in +[2201.80 --> 2208.64] Africa, and there they have a children's home as well as a Grace Christian Academy, which +[2208.64 --> 2214.24] is a school where these kids can go to. So these kids receive all kinds of love and support, +[2214.24 --> 2219.52] trauma support. They also receive really good antiviral medications, so many of them, their +[2219.52 --> 2226.48] viral load is quite low, so they live quite normal lives, and there they also receive the +[2226.48 --> 2231.94] love of Jesus, they get an education, and then many of them, through all of that, even though +[2231.94 --> 2239.24] they have been so highly traumatized, go on to lead productive lives and return as leaders +[2239.24 --> 2246.54] back into their country. So Seed of Hope is a very powerfully profound ministry, and do give generously. +[2256.48 --> 2286.46] Lord, I come to you. Let my heart be changed, renewed, flowing from the +[2286.46 --> 2305.46] from the grace that I've found in you. And Lord, I've come to know the weaknesses I see +[2305.46 --> 2335.44] in me. We'll be stripped away by the power of your love. Hold me close, let your love surround me. +[2335.44 --> 2362.44] Take me near, draw me to your side. And as I wake, I'll rise up like the eagle, and I will soar with you. Your spirit leads me on. +[2362.44 --> 2392.42] Lord, unveil my eyes. Let me see you face to face the knowledge of your love as you live in me. +[2392.42 --> 2416.42] Lord, you knew my mind. You knew my mind. As you will unfold in my life. In living every day. By the power of your love. +[2416.42 --> 2439.42] hold me close, let your love surround me. Bring me near, draw me to your side. +[2439.42 --> 2446.42] And as I wake, I'll rise up like the eagle, and I will soar with you. Your spirit leads me on. In the power of your love. +[2446.42 --> 2448.42] And I will soar with you. Your spirit leads me on. In the power of your love. +[2448.42 --> 2453.42] And I will soar with you. Your spirit leads me on. In the power of your love. +[2453.42 --> 2460.42] And I will soar with you. Your spirit leads me on. In the power of your love. +[2460.42 --> 2472.42] And I will soar with you. Your spirit leads me on. In the power of your love. +[2472.42 --> 2479.42] Your spirit leads me on. In the power of your love. In the power of your love. +[2479.42 --> 2488.26] Good morning. I'm going to invite all the preschool to grade four kids to join me up front for a kids' corner before we head off to children's worship time. +[2488.26 --> 2500.26] So come on up. Find a spot here. Oh, hi. You're just right there. It's been a while. I haven't seen all you guys in a few months. +[2500.26 --> 2508.26] I think there's some faces I need to learn some names for yet. Hey, I have to show you guys something. I'm going to ask my assistant to come on up. +[2508.26 --> 2519.26] And we're going to see if this works out for us. Do you guys perhaps know what this contraption could be? What do you think, Malachi? +[2521.26 --> 2529.26] A tin can telephone. I'm amazed you knew what that was. It's like how phones used to work in the olden days when there's a cord between them. +[2529.26 --> 2536.26] I know. We've done this before. And I think some of us have not tried this before. So we're going to see if it's going to work. +[2536.26 --> 2541.26] Have you guys used a tin can telephone before? Yeah? Yeah? Oh, so you guys probably know better than I do. +[2541.26 --> 2547.26] Well, me and Riz tried this the other day and it worked then. Yeah, we've got to pull it tight. +[2547.26 --> 2553.26] So we're going to need one brave person to help us out. Sharon Malachi, how don't you help us out? And Joel, why don't you help us out? +[2553.26 --> 2563.26] And we're going to give one end of this tin can telephone to Riz. And she's, it's pretty long. I went a little, I went a little assertive with this length. +[2563.26 --> 2570.26] You might want to go down the hall there with one end. And Malachi, do you want to go with Riz? +[2570.26 --> 2577.26] Okay. And Joel's going to stay with me here. We're going to see if this thing works. Right. +[2577.26 --> 2584.26] Don't worry, guys. I think we'll all get a turn at children's worship time. Oh, boy, we're going to go a little faster than this. +[2586.26 --> 2592.26] There we go. Keep it going. Is he getting stuck? Riz, do you want to give him a hand? +[2592.26 --> 2605.26] Okay. So while they're figuring that out, Joel, what is the message? We're going to send down the telephone to Riz and Malachi. +[2605.26 --> 2615.26] Okay. We'll let these guys get set up. +[2615.26 --> 2621.26] So what are some tips, those of you that have done this before? +[2621.26 --> 2628.26] You got to keep it really tight, right? Haley? Yeah. Yeah. Those of us that have, oh, okay. You're ready to go? +[2628.26 --> 2635.26] Okay. So Joel is going to say a message. You're going to stick your, that phone right up to your ear. We'll pull it nice and tight. +[2635.26 --> 2637.26] You can say it, Joel. Yeah. +[2637.26 --> 2645.26] Do I say prayer? No, don't say it too loud. Say it right. Okay. Prayer needs prayer. Prayer is powerful. Prayer is powerful. +[2645.26 --> 2650.26] Did you hear anything? +[2650.26 --> 2659.26] Well, the batteries might be dead. Wait. You got to say it a little louder. +[2659.26 --> 2663.26] Prayer is powerful. +[2663.26 --> 2666.26] Do you hear that? +[2666.26 --> 2671.26] Oh, yeah. We'll go one more shot. Prayer is powerful. +[2671.26 --> 2673.26] Yes. +[2673.26 --> 2679.26] I can hear you, Malachi. And not because you're in the room. +[2679.26 --> 2683.26] Okay. We're going to play with this some more in children's worship time. +[2683.26 --> 2686.26] But the message Joel was saying was what? +[2686.26 --> 2688.26] Prayer is powerful. Prayer is powerful. +[2688.26 --> 2695.26] And this is our little illustration today for how, with prayer, we have a direct line to God. +[2695.26 --> 2698.26] And that is incredible. +[2698.26 --> 2702.26] God who created the earth, everything, all of us, who loves us deeply, +[2702.26 --> 2707.26] we can all talk to him whenever we want, and he listens. +[2707.26 --> 2711.26] So Riz is going to get the telephone together for me. +[2711.26 --> 2714.26] And we're going to stand together and do the children's blessing. +[2714.26 --> 2718.26] We'll bless the congregation before, as they get ready to listen to a message, +[2718.26 --> 2724.26] and they will bless us in return as we go off to learn a little bit more about prayer in children's worship time. +[2724.26 --> 2729.26] Alright, arms together. +[2729.26 --> 2731.26] The Lord be with you. +[2731.26 --> 2733.26] And also with you. +[2733.26 --> 2734.26] Okay. +[2754.26 --> 2762.26] My name is Clary, and I'm an elder here. +[2762.26 --> 2773.26] And I just want to share with you topics that we went over at our council meeting, our full council meeting, this past Tuesday evening, November the 5th. +[2773.26 --> 2778.26] There's just five items to share with you, and I think these are also in the online bulletin. +[2778.26 --> 2787.26] First of all, council reviewed the proposed 2025 ministry and mission budget with the finance committee, +[2787.26 --> 2793.26] and recommended it for presentation at the fall general meeting. +[2793.26 --> 2799.26] We also reviewed and approved the agenda for the fall general meeting. +[2799.26 --> 2804.26] We heard updates from pastors Chris and Kevin. +[2804.26 --> 2809.26] We received an update from those who attended the classes meeting recently. +[2809.26 --> 2818.26] And we reviewed and approved the list of vulnerable sector volunteers. +[2818.26 --> 2819.26] Thank you. +[2829.26 --> 2830.26] Thanks, Clary. +[2830.26 --> 2831.26] Sorry for the confusion. +[2831.26 --> 2832.26] That's on me. +[2832.26 --> 2839.26] I'm filling in for the pastoral elder who was to lead our church family prayer this morning. +[2839.26 --> 2842.26] And so I'm going to lead us in a time of prayer together. +[2842.26 --> 2848.26] Before we pray, some of you have already heard, but we're going to pray for Mary Feitzma, +[2848.26 --> 2853.26] who recently fell and broke her hip, required surgery. +[2853.26 --> 2858.26] She's doing well and is recovering and is grateful to God for that. +[2858.26 --> 2863.26] So we're going to continue to pray for her and pray for God's healing in her life. +[2863.26 --> 2864.26] Let's pray together. +[2864.26 --> 2865.26] Let's pray together. +[2865.26 --> 2866.26] Let's pray together. +[2866.26 --> 2867.26] Let's pray together. +[2867.26 --> 2868.26] Let's pray together. +[2868.26 --> 2869.26] Let's pray together. +[2869.26 --> 2873.26] Holy God and Heavenly Father, we gather here as your church to worship your name. +[2873.26 --> 2883.26] We gather here because you have called us to this place and you are now carrying us to your presence. +[2883.26 --> 2888.26] Father God, we know that by your spirit, you are present among us. +[2888.26 --> 2899.26] And so as your church called, as your church set apart for your purposes, we ask that you would accomplish your will among us. +[2899.26 --> 2910.26] Father God, as we gather today, we do so mindful of the psalmist and joining our hearts with him as he prayed, +[2910.26 --> 2916.26] I call on the Lord in my distress and he answers me. +[2916.26 --> 2922.26] And so, Lord, in our distress, we call on you waiting for your answer. +[2922.26 --> 2941.26] Father God, we pray for those in our congregation, church family, for those whom we know and love, who are unwell, who are in the midst of treatment for long-term or recent illness discoveries in their life. +[2941.26 --> 2946.26] God, we pray for those who have recently had surgery. +[2946.26 --> 2949.26] We give you thanks for the success of those surgeries. +[2949.26 --> 2953.26] And we pray also, God, for those who are waiting for treatment. +[2954.26 --> 2961.26] We ask that in the midst of the waiting, that you would give them a peace that passes all understanding. +[2962.26 --> 2968.26] That you would give them a patience that relies on your presence and your nearness. +[2968.26 --> 2976.26] Father God, we pray for Mary, asking that you would continue to be with her. +[2976.26 --> 2981.26] We thank you for your presence with her through the surgery and now into recovery. +[2981.26 --> 2987.26] And we ask that you would grant her all that she needs, that she can be restored to a full measure of health. +[2987.26 --> 2999.26] Father, we know that there are those among us who are struggling with illnesses that they have not yet shared. +[2999.26 --> 3008.26] Father, whether they are physical or emotional or issues of mental health, we pray, Lord God, that you would draw near. +[3009.26 --> 3014.26] And that you would raise us up as your body to care for one another. +[3014.26 --> 3021.26] And that we, together, might be a means of your presence in the lives of those in need. +[3025.26 --> 3030.26] God, as we pray, we pray in the truth of the psalmist who says, +[3030.26 --> 3032.26] My times are in your hands. +[3032.26 --> 3039.26] And we think about those, Lord God, who require you to work in their lives. +[3039.26 --> 3046.26] God, I pray especially this morning for those who are in the midst of systems of care. +[3046.26 --> 3053.26] For those who are in the midst of fostering or adoption or poverty resources or housing issues. +[3053.26 --> 3061.26] God, we pray that each one would know that our times are in your hands. +[3061.26 --> 3065.26] And so, God, we know that there are delays. +[3065.26 --> 3066.26] And there's often long waiting. +[3066.26 --> 3070.26] We know that there are often more questions than there are answers. +[3070.26 --> 3076.26] And so we pray, with our times in your hands, help us to endure. +[3078.26 --> 3084.26] And we pray, God, for those who need you to bring resolution to a tough case. +[3084.26 --> 3087.26] Who need you to bring an answer to a hard problem. +[3087.26 --> 3094.26] Would you move in these systems and outside of them, Lord God, to bring the care that is needed. +[3098.26 --> 3102.26] Father God, we know that every good and perfect gift is from above. +[3102.26 --> 3110.26] And so we thank you for the good gifts of leaders and of volunteers in this congregation. +[3110.26 --> 3120.26] We thank you for the meeting of council that took place and the vision that is being cast for ministry and mission year 2025 in the proposed budget. +[3120.26 --> 3127.26] We thank you for the faithfulness of this congregation in supporting the ministries of this church this past year. +[3127.26 --> 3136.26] As we finish the year together, God, I pray that you would allow us the opportunity to increase our faithfulness. +[3136.26 --> 3142.26] And so allow us to finish the year well and strong in a financial position. +[3142.26 --> 3146.26] But also, God, excited and moved by what you are doing among us. +[3146.26 --> 3150.26] And crying out that you would do another work among us. +[3150.26 --> 3152.26] That you would do a new thing among us. +[3152.26 --> 3155.26] That you would take us with confidence into the future. +[3155.26 --> 3161.26] Father, we thank you for the many people who serve in different capacities. +[3161.26 --> 3169.26] And we pray that having spoken the need this morning for children's worship time volunteers and helpers, +[3169.26 --> 3172.26] that you would stir in hearts to fill that responsibility. +[3172.26 --> 3178.26] God, I bless you for a church family that loves to serve. +[3179.26 --> 3182.26] And that longs to work for your kingdom. +[3182.26 --> 3186.26] We celebrate the way we see that in our midst together. +[3186.26 --> 3197.26] Father God, as well, we pray in the confidence of the prophet Isaiah who spoke your word to us saying, +[3197.26 --> 3198.26] I will sustain you. +[3198.26 --> 3199.26] I have made you. +[3199.26 --> 3200.26] I will carry you. +[3200.26 --> 3203.26] I will sustain you and rescue you. +[3203.26 --> 3208.26] God, on this Remembrance Day weekend, +[3208.26 --> 3214.26] we are mindful of your eternal plan of rescuing and salvation. +[3214.26 --> 3220.26] And we are mindful of those whom you have called to rescue nations, +[3220.26 --> 3222.26] to rescue war-torn countries, +[3222.26 --> 3231.26] those whom you have called to bring hope where there is none in terms of war and the strife that that can bring. +[3231.26 --> 3239.26] And so, God, we thank you for the men and women who have served the cause of peace around the world. +[3239.26 --> 3247.26] And we pray that you would move in us now to be agents of peace, ambassadors of reconciliation, +[3247.26 --> 3251.26] spurred by their stories and their memory. +[3251.26 --> 3253.26] May we seek the same. +[3253.26 --> 3258.26] God, we know that there are still wars ongoing, and so we pray for peace. +[3258.26 --> 3263.26] We know that there is escalation in those wars, and so we pray for an end. +[3263.26 --> 3271.26] And God, we pray that until that great day of your return, +[3271.26 --> 3274.26] we would fix our eyes on you, +[3274.26 --> 3280.26] looking to you for our only full source of hope and peace. +[3280.26 --> 3285.26] And God, as we fix our eyes on you, we turn now to your word. +[3285.26 --> 3291.26] Jesus, you have said to us, and we have heard that you have the words of eternal life, +[3291.26 --> 3297.26] and so speak words of life to us this morning as we open your word. +[3297.26 --> 3300.26] In Jesus' name we pray. Amen. +[3300.26 --> 3318.26] We're going to continue in our look at the story of Joseph. +[3318.26 --> 3327.26] Jumping ahead a little bit to Joseph and his story as it comes to us in Genesis 41, +[3327.26 --> 3331.26] we're going to read the first 40 verses of this story, +[3331.26 --> 3334.26] just so we can kind of get the whole narrative in our mind. +[3334.26 --> 3338.26] And it will be on the screen behind me as we go through it the first time. +[3338.26 --> 3344.26] But of course, I encourage you to have your Bibles open in front of you or on in front of you, +[3344.26 --> 3349.26] and a notebook if you have it, as we go through God's word together. +[3349.26 --> 3354.26] Let's pick up the story of Joseph. +[3354.26 --> 3360.26] When two full years had passed, Pharaoh had a dream. +[3360.26 --> 3367.26] He was standing by the Nile when out of the river there came up seven cows, sleek and fat, +[3367.26 --> 3369.26] and they grazed among the reeds. +[3369.26 --> 3374.26] After them, seven other cows, ugly and gaunt, came up out of the Nile +[3374.26 --> 3376.26] and stood beside those on the riverbank. +[3376.26 --> 3381.26] And the cows that were ugly and gaunt ate up the seven sleek, fat cows. +[3381.26 --> 3384.26] Then Pharaoh woke up. +[3384.26 --> 3387.26] He fell asleep again and had a second dream. +[3387.26 --> 3392.26] Seven heads of grain, healthy and good, were growing on a single stalk. +[3392.26 --> 3399.26] After them, seven other heads of grain sprouted, thin and scorched by the east wind. +[3399.26 --> 3404.26] The thin heads of grain swallowed up the seven healthy, full heads. +[3404.26 --> 3406.26] Then Pharaoh woke up. +[3406.26 --> 3409.26] It had been a dream. +[3409.26 --> 3414.26] In the morning his mind was troubled, and so he sent for all the magicians and wise men of Egypt. +[3414.26 --> 3418.26] Pharaoh told them his dreams, but no one could interpret them. +[3418.26 --> 3420.26] Then the chief cupbearer said to Pharaoh, +[3420.26 --> 3424.26] Today I am reminded of my shortcomings. +[3424.26 --> 3431.26] Pharaoh was once angry with his servants, and he imprisoned me and the chief baker in the house of the captain of the guard. +[3431.26 --> 3436.26] Each of us had a dream the same night, and each dream had a meaning of its own. +[3436.26 --> 3441.26] Now a young Hebrew was there with us, a servant of the captain of the guard. +[3441.26 --> 3447.26] We told him our dreams, and he interpreted them for us, giving each man the interpretation of his dream. +[3447.26 --> 3452.26] And the things turned out exactly as he had interpreted them to us. +[3452.26 --> 3459.26] I was restored to my position, and the other man was imprisoned, or was impaled. +[3459.26 --> 3464.26] So Pharaoh sent for Joseph, and he was quickly brought before the dungeon. +[3464.26 --> 3469.26] When he had shaved and changed his clothes, he came before Pharaoh. +[3469.26 --> 3471.26] Pharaoh said to Joseph, +[3471.26 --> 3479.26] I had a dream, and no one can interpret it, but I have heard it said of you that when you hear a dream, you can interpret it. +[3479.26 --> 3484.26] I cannot do it, Joseph replied to Pharaoh. +[3484.26 --> 3489.26] But God will give Pharaoh the answer he desires. +[3489.26 --> 3492.26] Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, +[3492.26 --> 3498.26] In my dream I was standing on the bank of the Nile, when out of the river there came up seven cows, fat and sleek, +[3498.26 --> 3500.26] and they grazed among the reeds. +[3500.26 --> 3504.26] After them seven other cows came up, scrawny and very ugly and lean. +[3504.26 --> 3508.26] I had never seen such ugly cows in all the land of Egypt. +[3508.26 --> 3513.26] The lean and ugly cows ate up the seven fat cows that came first. +[3513.26 --> 3517.26] But even after they ate them, no one could tell that they had done so. +[3517.26 --> 3520.26] They looked just as ugly as before. +[3520.26 --> 3522.26] And then I woke up. +[3522.26 --> 3528.26] In my dream I saw seven heads of grain, full and good, growing on a single stalk. +[3528.26 --> 3534.26] After them seven other heads sprouted, withered and thin and scorched by the east wind. +[3534.26 --> 3538.26] The thin heads of grain swallowed up the seven good heads. +[3538.26 --> 3542.26] I told this to the magicians, but none of them could explain it to me. +[3542.26 --> 3546.26] Then Joseph said to Pharaoh, +[3546.26 --> 3550.26] The dreams of Pharaoh are one and the same. +[3550.26 --> 3554.26] God has revealed to Pharaoh what he is about to do. +[3554.26 --> 3557.26] The seven good cows are seven years. +[3557.26 --> 3559.26] The seven good heads of grain are seven years. +[3559.26 --> 3562.26] And it is one and the same dream. +[3562.26 --> 3566.26] The seven lean, ugly cows that came up afterward are seven years. +[3566.26 --> 3571.26] And so the seven worthless heads of grain scorched by the east wind. +[3571.26 --> 3573.26] They are seven years of famine. +[3573.26 --> 3576.26] It is just as I said to Pharaoh. +[3576.26 --> 3580.26] God has shown to Pharaoh what he is about to do. +[3580.26 --> 3585.26] Seven years of great abundance are coming throughout the land of Egypt. +[3585.26 --> 3587.26] But seven years of famine will follow them. +[3587.26 --> 3590.26] Then all the abundance in Egypt will be forgotten. +[3590.26 --> 3593.26] The famine will ravage the land. +[3593.26 --> 3599.26] The abundance in the land will not be remembered because the famine that follows it will be so severe. +[3599.26 --> 3609.26] The reason the dream was given to Pharaoh in two forms is that the matter has been firmly decided by God and God will do it soon. +[3609.26 --> 3615.26] And now let Pharaoh look for a discerning and wise man and put him in charge of the land of Egypt. +[3615.26 --> 3622.26] Let Pharaoh appoint commissioners over the land to take a fifth of the harvest of Egypt during the seven years of abundance. +[3622.26 --> 3631.26] They should collect all the food of these good years that are coming and store up the grain under the authority of Pharaoh to be kept in the cities for food. +[3631.26 --> 3641.26] This food should be held in reserve for the country to be used during the seven years of famine that will come upon Egypt so that the country may not be ruined by the famine. +[3641.26 --> 3645.26] The plan seemed good to Pharaoh and to all his officials. +[3645.26 --> 3653.26] And so Pharaoh asked them, can we find anyone like this man, one in whom is the spirit of God? +[3653.26 --> 3663.26] Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, since God has made all this known to you, there is no one so discerning and wise as you. +[3663.26 --> 3670.26] You shall be in charge of my palace and of all my people and all my people are to submit to your orders. +[3670.26 --> 3675.26] Only with respect to the throne will I be greater than you. +[3675.26 --> 3677.26] This is the word of the Lord. +[3677.26 --> 3693.26] I want to draw your attention as your Bibles are still open to verse 16, where Joseph says, I cannot do it, but God will. +[3693.26 --> 3700.26] Hold on to that phrase as we go through our time this morning. +[3700.26 --> 3707.26] Now I mentioned before that we're in the life and the story of Joseph right now here at Emmanuel. +[3707.26 --> 3717.26] And in that we have been looking very particularly at ways to lean on God in our suffering. +[3717.26 --> 3730.26] We've called these ideas God hints as their ways of seeing God and experiencing God even in the darkest moments of our lives. +[3730.26 --> 3737.26] Because of course, I don't have to tell any of you that part of the shared human experience is pain. +[3737.26 --> 3739.26] It's hardship. +[3739.26 --> 3741.26] It's trial. +[3741.26 --> 3755.26] And coming out of that, part of the same shared human experience of suffering is asking the question, probably most of the time, why? +[3755.26 --> 3758.26] Why is this happening to me? +[3758.26 --> 3760.26] Why would God let this happen to me? +[3760.26 --> 3761.26] Why can't we fix it? +[3761.26 --> 3763.26] Why is he sick? +[3763.26 --> 3765.26] Why is she leaving? +[3765.26 --> 3766.26] Why? +[3766.26 --> 3768.26] We just don't know why. +[3768.26 --> 3775.26] Now, why can sometimes be simple, but in the midst of our trials it rarely is, right? +[3775.26 --> 3787.26] When my kids were really young, especially my oldest, Nora, she's not here so I'm grateful for that this morning. +[3787.26 --> 3790.26] She loved to ask why. +[3790.26 --> 3792.26] You know the question. +[3792.26 --> 3794.26] You know how it works with kids, right? +[3794.26 --> 3800.26] Every time you ask them to do something, they turn to you, they look at you and say, why? +[3800.26 --> 3809.26] Now, sometimes why can be heard as like a hard question or a question that puts people on the defensive. +[3809.26 --> 3817.26] One of the things that I learned as a pastor in counseling training is not to ask why, but to reframe the question into different ways. +[3817.26 --> 3824.26] And so, instead of saying why, we might say, what about that situation makes you feel that way? +[3824.26 --> 3827.26] Or how did you come to think that way about this? +[3827.26 --> 3837.26] And so, in our house, I would always redirect the why question, but my daughter is smart, and she learned that, and she picked up on it. +[3837.26 --> 3843.26] And so, instead of asking why, Nora would eventually start to ask, well, how come? +[3843.26 --> 3846.26] So I would say, would you please wash your hands before dinner? +[3846.26 --> 3848.26] She'd go, how come? +[3848.26 --> 3851.26] Well, because they're dirty and I don't want you to get germs on them. +[3851.26 --> 3852.26] Well, how come? +[3852.26 --> 3854.26] Because germs are not for sharing. +[3854.26 --> 3857.26] That was the title of a book that we had when we were young that Nora loved. +[3857.26 --> 3859.26] No, Daddy, how come they're dirty? +[3859.26 --> 3864.26] Well, because you got glue on them and marker on them when you were doing your crafts earlier. +[3864.26 --> 3865.26] Well, how come? +[3865.26 --> 3868.26] Well, because of the way you hold onto the marker, it gets stuff on your hands. +[3868.26 --> 3871.26] No, how come germs are not for sharing? +[3871.26 --> 3872.26] She would say. +[3872.26 --> 3874.26] And on and on this would go. +[3874.26 --> 3876.26] Why? +[3876.26 --> 3883.26] From a young age, the question, how come, shaped our life as a family. +[3883.26 --> 3885.26] Now, let's be honest again, right? +[3885.26 --> 3888.26] That doesn't change as you get older. +[3888.26 --> 3891.26] Sometimes they get a little bit more harder, but they're still there. +[3891.26 --> 3894.26] How come I can't play hockey on Sunday? +[3894.26 --> 3895.26] Joey does. +[3895.26 --> 3897.26] They go to the same church that we do. +[3897.26 --> 3899.26] There's a touchy subject. +[3899.26 --> 3902.26] Why are teenage girls so mean? +[3902.26 --> 3905.26] There's another touchy subject. +[3905.26 --> 3909.26] Why does mass equal weight in Newtons divided by the force of gravity? +[3909.26 --> 3912.26] There's an unknown. +[3912.26 --> 3914.26] Why do I have to go to college? +[3914.26 --> 3918.26] But again, they can get even harder. +[3918.26 --> 3920.26] Why did Grandma die? +[3920.26 --> 3923.26] Why do I have cancer? +[3923.26 --> 3928.26] If God is good and all-powerful, why is there evil in the world? +[3928.26 --> 3939.26] And this last one is kind of the rub behind all of our questions, right? +[3939.26 --> 3944.26] When things are bad, when we suffer, when things aren't going the way they want them to. +[3944.26 --> 3948.26] If God is sovereign, why do I have to suffer? +[3948.26 --> 3950.26] Can't God just fix it all? +[3950.26 --> 3952.26] Or maybe we put it another way. +[3952.26 --> 3954.26] Do I have to suffer? +[3954.26 --> 3958.26] If God wants me to learn something, can't he just teach me another way? +[3958.26 --> 3969.26] The tension that we've been living in in this series of sermons is the truth that God is sovereign, that he is the supreme ruler. +[3969.26 --> 3973.26] In the words of one theologian, Herman Bobink, we said that, +[3973.26 --> 3976.26] Apart from God, there is no existence or ownership. +[3976.26 --> 3979.26] He alone has absolute authority. +[3979.26 --> 3982.26] Always and everywhere his will decides. +[3982.26 --> 3984.26] That's sovereignty. +[3984.26 --> 3987.26] God is all-powerful, all-controlling, all-sovereign. +[3987.26 --> 3991.26] Nothing happens, nothing, without his will. +[3991.26 --> 3996.26] God created all things, Ephesians 3, 9. +[3996.26 --> 4000.26] In him all things hold together, Colossians 1, 16. +[4000.26 --> 4005.26] He sustains all things by his word of power, Hebrews 1, 3. +[4005.26 --> 4008.26] Nothing exists apart from his will. +[4008.26 --> 4010.26] Heidelberg Catechism question and answer 1 says, +[4010.26 --> 4020.26] God also watches over me in such a way that not a hair can fall from my head without the will of my Father in heaven. +[4020.26 --> 4027.26] The truth of the Bible that we have been living in and grounding upon is that God is sovereign. +[4027.26 --> 4034.26] But the truth of our Bible and the truth of our shared experience is that we endure suffering. +[4034.26 --> 4038.26] And becoming a follower of Jesus doesn't set us free from that. +[4038.26 --> 4041.26] We don't get to escape it. +[4041.26 --> 4043.26] Jesus actually says in John 16, 33, +[4043.26 --> 4045.26] In this world you will have trouble. +[4045.26 --> 4049.26] The psalmist gives us voice in Psalm 22 when he says, +[4049.26 --> 4051.26] My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? +[4051.26 --> 4052.26] Or in Psalm 42, +[4052.26 --> 4058.26] My bones suffer mortal agony as my foes taunt me, saying to me all day long, +[4058.26 --> 4060.26] Where is your God? +[4060.26 --> 4065.26] And we've said that we live in the experience of this tension, +[4065.26 --> 4072.26] but I've also made the claim that this tension is not a contradiction. +[4072.26 --> 4086.26] And that we can give sufficient, I think, and compelling, cogent, philosophical and theological answers to the reason why of human suffering in the light of a sovereign God. +[4086.26 --> 4088.26] We've talked about that in the past in this series. +[4088.26 --> 4092.26] We talk about it every week in the Narthex podcast that we do. +[4092.26 --> 4101.26] But what matters for me this morning and for us to hear this morning is the shift from why to how. +[4101.26 --> 4106.26] How can we stand in the midst of suffering? +[4106.26 --> 4111.26] That's what this God hints and our God hints have been about, right? +[4111.26 --> 4113.26] Standing in the midst of suffering. +[4113.26 --> 4115.26] Not so much the why. +[4115.26 --> 4120.26] Because the truth is, in the midst of the valley of the shadow of death, +[4120.26 --> 4124.26] in the midst of our bones crying out in mortal agony, +[4124.26 --> 4126.26] in the midst of surgery and recovery, +[4126.26 --> 4128.26] in the midst of death and dying, +[4128.26 --> 4130.26] in the midst of depression and a dark night of the soul, +[4130.26 --> 4133.26] in the midst of a spouse leaving, +[4133.26 --> 4142.26] the why matters little when compared to the how can I stand. +[4142.26 --> 4147.26] I just want to know how to survive this. +[4147.26 --> 4149.26] Now hear that carefully. +[4149.26 --> 4150.26] Right? +[4150.26 --> 4153.26] We might ask the why question. +[4153.26 --> 4154.26] But in asking the why question, +[4154.26 --> 4159.26] I want to suggest that what we are really looking for is a way to push through. +[4159.26 --> 4161.26] A way to survive. +[4161.26 --> 4162.26] Right? +[4162.26 --> 4164.26] Well, why is often asked. +[4164.26 --> 4167.26] The answer that we need is how. +[4167.26 --> 4168.26] How. +[4168.26 --> 4173.26] And part of how for us is keeping God's vision of the future in mind. +[4173.26 --> 4174.26] Right? +[4174.26 --> 4176.26] We remember the meanwhile, +[4176.26 --> 4179.26] that God has a plan and is actively bringing it out. +[4179.26 --> 4183.26] We remind ourselves that God promises to never leave us nor forsake us, +[4183.26 --> 4184.26] that we are not alone. +[4184.26 --> 4188.26] And today, through the story of Joseph in Genesis 41, +[4188.26 --> 4192.26] we are going to add the God hint of practicing presence. +[4192.26 --> 4195.26] Practicing presence. +[4195.26 --> 4197.26] I have drawn your attention to it once already. +[4197.26 --> 4200.26] Verse 16 in our text, +[4200.26 --> 4201.26] Joseph says, +[4201.26 --> 4203.26] I cannot do it, +[4203.26 --> 4206.26] but God will give Pharaoh the answer he desires. +[4206.26 --> 4207.26] I cannot do it. +[4207.26 --> 4208.26] I don't know, +[4208.26 --> 4210.26] but I know the one who does. +[4210.26 --> 4212.26] I know the one who can. +[4212.26 --> 4215.26] God will give you the answer, +[4215.26 --> 4216.26] but God will give you the answer. +[4216.26 --> 4217.26] In verse 39, +[4217.26 --> 4218.26] Pharaoh says to Joseph, +[4218.26 --> 4220.26] God has made all this known to you. +[4220.26 --> 4223.26] God has made all this known to you. +[4223.26 --> 4228.26] God's presence is with you and he is making himself known to you. +[4228.26 --> 4230.26] And so, +[4230.26 --> 4231.26] with this God hint, +[4231.26 --> 4233.26] I want to suggest to you, +[4233.26 --> 4244.26] the best way to survive suffering and hardship is to practice the presence of God with us. +[4244.26 --> 4246.26] Now, very clearly, +[4246.26 --> 4252.26] what I want you to hear at this first step on this journey is that I'm talking about the best way. +[4252.26 --> 4253.26] Right? +[4253.26 --> 4254.26] There are other ways. +[4254.26 --> 4257.26] And again, let me be really clear. +[4257.26 --> 4265.26] You don't have to be a Christian or you don't even have to have a particular understanding of God or of the world to get through hardship. +[4265.26 --> 4268.26] But I do believe that this is the best way. +[4268.26 --> 4269.26] Right? +[4269.26 --> 4275.26] All of us, whether you are Christian or not, whether you are religious, any type of religious or not, +[4275.26 --> 4284.26] all of us have experienced some form of trial and hardship and we've made it through or we're making it through. +[4284.26 --> 4285.26] Right? +[4285.26 --> 4291.26] The testimony of human history is overcoming hardship and trial and challenges. +[4291.26 --> 4294.26] This might sound strange for a pastor to say, +[4294.26 --> 4296.26] you don't need Jesus for that. +[4296.26 --> 4298.26] You need resolve. +[4298.26 --> 4299.26] You need perseverance. +[4299.26 --> 4301.26] Maybe a little stubbornness. +[4301.26 --> 4306.26] But I'm not just talking about getting through it today. +[4306.26 --> 4307.26] Right? +[4307.26 --> 4311.26] And though sometimes that maybe that's all we're expected to do, +[4311.26 --> 4314.26] I'm talking about suffering with purpose. +[4314.26 --> 4316.26] I'm talking about a better way. +[4316.26 --> 4323.26] I'm talking about being transformed from one degree of glory to another through suffering. +[4323.26 --> 4333.26] And I think that the best way to do that, the key here, is the practice of the presence of God. +[4333.26 --> 4340.26] Now, very clearly, I'm using that as a technical phrase, practicing the presence of God. +[4340.26 --> 4350.26] It's a phrase that I'm borrowing from a 17th century French Carmelite monk named Brother Lawrence. +[4350.26 --> 4356.26] He defines this, practicing the presence of God, as this. +[4356.26 --> 4363.26] After having given myself wholly to God, to make all the satisfaction I could for my sins, +[4363.26 --> 4369.26] I renounce for the love of Him everything that was not He. +[4369.26 --> 4382.26] And I begin to live as if there were none but He and I in the world. +[4382.26 --> 4388.26] And he works that out in his correspondences and writings. +[4388.26 --> 4390.26] And he continues, he says, +[4390.26 --> 4395.26] The time of busyness does not with me differ from the time of prayer. +[4395.26 --> 4401.26] In the noise and clatter of my kitchen, while several persons are at the same time calling for different things, +[4401.26 --> 4409.26] I possess God in as great tranquility as if I were upon my knees at the blessed sacrament. +[4409.26 --> 4418.26] That's practicing the presence such that whether you're doing dishes in the kitchen or you're here in worship, +[4418.26 --> 4427.26] the experience of God's nearness to you is there, is in you and with you. +[4427.26 --> 4433.26] And so, as we prepare for suffering, as we stand in the midst of suffering, +[4433.26 --> 4440.26] even as we try to just survive our suffering, I want to ask you, +[4440.26 --> 4445.26] how are you practicing the presence of God with us? +[4445.26 --> 4449.26] Or in the language of this story in verse 39, right, +[4449.26 --> 4452.26] what patterns and behaviors, habits, attitudes, decisions, +[4452.26 --> 4460.26] what disciplines have you put in place for God to make all this known to you? +[4460.26 --> 4469.26] Joseph, in this part of the story, didn't know why he had to experience so much heartache +[4469.26 --> 4472.26] or misunderstandings or hardship. +[4472.26 --> 4477.26] He could have looked around and it probably would have been easy for him to say, +[4477.26 --> 4479.26] None of this makes sense. +[4479.26 --> 4481.26] Everything went wrong. +[4481.26 --> 4484.26] God, at the beginning, you told me that people would bow down to me +[4484.26 --> 4488.26] and I've spent the last 11 years in prison. +[4488.26 --> 4496.26] Joseph's why could have been loud and we would understand it. +[4496.26 --> 4501.26] But instead, what he's revealing for us is his how. +[4501.26 --> 4503.26] How could he stand? +[4503.26 --> 4506.26] How could he know the presence of God was with him, +[4506.26 --> 4511.26] making himself known to him and to those around him through him? +[4511.26 --> 4516.26] And so maybe the trick isn't so much a priority on what you do, +[4516.26 --> 4519.26] but instead on what God is doing. +[4521.26 --> 4526.26] This week, last Friday, I had the chance to go with Nora +[4526.26 --> 4532.26] to Gallery 7's production of Prince Caspian in Abbotsford. +[4532.26 --> 4538.26] Prince Caspian is a story written by C.S. Lewis in the Chronicles of Narnia series. +[4538.26 --> 4540.26] There was a few of us from church who were there, actually. +[4540.26 --> 4542.26] Good to see you again. +[4542.26 --> 4549.26] And that story and the playwrights, Damien Atkins, who compiled it based on that work, +[4549.26 --> 4553.26] begins with a sort of monologue as a way of introduction. +[4553.26 --> 4558.26] And I couldn't find the script because I didn't want to pay for it. +[4558.26 --> 4562.26] So I'm paraphrasing out of my own memory. +[4562.26 --> 4567.26] But as part of the monologue at the beginning, part of the introduction to the play, +[4567.26 --> 4570.26] the doctor, who sort of functions as the narrator throughout, +[4570.26 --> 4572.26] says, +[4572.26 --> 4579.26] Looking back on a story, we can all see the steps that got us to the end. +[4579.26 --> 4586.26] While we are in the story, all we can do is take that next step forward in faith, +[4586.26 --> 4589.26] knowing that we'll get somewhere. +[4589.26 --> 4592.26] And so maybe you're in the middle of a story that's being written, +[4592.26 --> 4595.26] and you have no idea what the end is. +[4595.26 --> 4600.26] The how for you becomes that next step of faith. +[4600.26 --> 4604.26] And so what do you do when you feel like life is passing you by +[4604.26 --> 4606.26] or spiraling out of control? +[4606.26 --> 4611.26] What if you do if you can't find help or deliverance or relief today or tomorrow +[4611.26 --> 4613.26] or it doesn't look like it's going to come anytime soon? +[4613.26 --> 4619.26] What happens when things are unclear or unconvincing or uncomfortable? +[4619.26 --> 4625.26] What is true for you when things change or when time flies +[4625.26 --> 4626.26] or when people disappoint you? +[4626.26 --> 4629.26] Because people will always disappoint you. +[4629.26 --> 4636.26] What does stepping forward in faith look like for you? +[4636.26 --> 4641.26] And perhaps paradoxically for Joseph, it meant waiting. +[4641.26 --> 4644.26] It meant standing still. It meant waiting on God. +[4644.26 --> 4648.26] That's part of practicing the presence. +[4648.26 --> 4651.26] And so how do you wait? +[4651.26 --> 4652.26] Now here's what I believe. +[4652.26 --> 4659.26] I believe that God makes himself known to us through word and sacraments, +[4659.26 --> 4663.26] through praise and prayer, and through his people. +[4663.26 --> 4670.26] And when we come to God in prayer and praise, we are practicing the presence. +[4670.26 --> 4676.26] God promises to show up in a special and unique way when we come to him together, +[4676.26 --> 4680.26] singing his praises and lifting up our prayers as a community. +[4680.26 --> 4686.26] That's a given to us according to the word of God, where in Matthew 18 we can read, +[4686.26 --> 4693.26] When two or three are gathered in my name, there I am with them also. +[4693.26 --> 4702.26] And so I ask you, if God promises to show up here, how are you showing up here? +[4702.26 --> 4709.26] Are you bringing all of who you are, all of it, the garbage, the trials, the crap, everything, +[4709.26 --> 4714.26] Are you bringing all of who you are into the presence of all of who God is? +[4714.26 --> 4717.26] The fullness of yourself into the fullness of God. +[4717.26 --> 4719.26] That's this sacred space. +[4722.26 --> 4724.26] Or are you coming here behind a mask? +[4727.26 --> 4732.26] Are you coming here in your best dressed, best quaffed hair, +[4732.26 --> 4739.26] So that no one would see the truth of what's going on in your heart and in your mind? +[4739.26 --> 4745.26] Do you cover up and cower behind a posture or a position? +[4746.26 --> 4751.26] Are you bringing everything into this encounter with the living God? +[4752.26 --> 4760.26] Practicing the presence of God comes by being fully present in the place where God says he will be, +[4760.26 --> 4766.26] And through the people in whom God says he will reside. +[4770.26 --> 4773.26] Again, in this play, Prince Caspian, +[4774.26 --> 4781.26] Later, down near the end, the Pevensey children have to make their way from +[4782.26 --> 4786.26] Caerperivel, which is now in ruins, to the how of Aslan, the lion, +[4786.26 --> 4790.26] And they have to choose between one direction or another. +[4790.26 --> 4797.26] And this direction looks impossible, it looks unlikely, and this direction looks at least plausible, if hard. +[4798.26 --> 4801.26] And Lucy sees Aslan in the distance and says, +[4802.26 --> 4804.26] We have to go that way. He's calling us to go that way. +[4804.26 --> 4805.26] But no one else does. +[4806.26 --> 4808.26] Peter, Susan, and Edmund say, +[4808.26 --> 4810.26] No, I didn't see him. We need to go this way. +[4810.26 --> 4812.26] And so they go that way. +[4814.26 --> 4818.26] And it turns out they journey for hours and hours and hours and get nowhere. +[4818.26 --> 4824.26] They come to an impassable, what used to be a creek, a thousand years later in the story is now a ravine. +[4826.26 --> 4828.26] And so finally they turn and say, +[4828.26 --> 4830.26] Maybe we should have listened to Lucy. +[4830.26 --> 4834.26] And Lucy says, There, I see him again. Over there. Can't you see him? +[4834.26 --> 4836.26] And all the kids turn and they don't see him. +[4836.26 --> 4838.26] They don't see Aslan. +[4838.26 --> 4841.26] But Lucy says, No, he's there. We have to go this way. +[4841.26 --> 4843.26] And they all say, I don't think we can. +[4844.26 --> 4845.26] Because I don't see him. +[4846.26 --> 4849.26] And Lucy says, Whether you can or not doesn't matter. +[4850.26 --> 4851.26] I can. I'm going. +[4853.26 --> 4855.26] And then they join her. +[4856.26 --> 4857.26] And they journey with her. +[4857.26 --> 4858.26] And they follow her. +[4858.26 --> 4866.26] And the way they did it at Gallery 7 was a beautifully constructed, precarious trip of places they could not know how to get. +[4867.26 --> 4869.26] And would never have been able to find on their own. +[4871.26 --> 4880.26] And they have to scale mountains that they could not possibly have scaled except for this tiny little goat path that they were led to by this lion that only one of them could see. +[4884.26 --> 4887.26] People of God, you are Lucy. +[4888.26 --> 4894.26] Or, you are Peter, Edmund, and Susan needing to follow a Lucy. +[4895.26 --> 4900.26] Either way, follow the one who says, I'm following after Christ. +[4900.26 --> 4906.26] That's how this community thing works in experiencing the presence of God. +[4907.26 --> 4909.26] You might not know which way to go. +[4909.26 --> 4910.26] But someone here does. +[4911.26 --> 4913.26] You might not know how to journey this path. +[4913.26 --> 4915.26] But someone here will journey it with you. +[4916.26 --> 4922.26] That's how we practice the presence of God together. +[4922.26 --> 4923.26] Together. +[4923.26 --> 4926.26] We follow after him. +[4926.26 --> 4937.26] And maybe your how today is trusting someone who knows when you don't. +[4937.26 --> 4949.26] In Ezekiel 3 and Jeremiah 15 and in Revelation 10, God says to the prophets and he says to John, +[4950.26 --> 4952.26] eat this scroll. +[4952.26 --> 4953.26] Take it in. +[4953.26 --> 4954.26] This is God's revelation of himself. +[4954.26 --> 4968.26] This is how God is making himself known to the world. +[4968.26 --> 4973.26] This is how we come to see God. +[4973.26 --> 4977.26] God's word is the how of our knowing him. +[4977.26 --> 4980.26] It's the primary way we come into his presence. +[4980.26 --> 4985.26] And so, for you to practice the presence must involve the practice of the word. +[4985.26 --> 4989.26] And so, how are you eating the word? +[4989.26 --> 4992.26] How are you devouring the word? +[4996.26 --> 4998.26] Let's continue this analogy. +[4999.26 --> 5009.26] If you wanted to survive, or maybe even if you wanted to thrive, how many meals a week would you eat? +[5010.26 --> 5012.26] Someone do the math. +[5012.26 --> 5014.26] 21? +[5015.26 --> 5016.26] Roughly? +[5016.26 --> 5020.26] Probably like 15 for those of us who skip a meal or two here and there. +[5021.26 --> 5023.26] But never only twice. +[5024.26 --> 5025.26] Never only once. +[5026.26 --> 5029.26] How many of us are eating the word only once a week? +[5030.26 --> 5031.26] And we hope to survive? +[5032.26 --> 5033.26] We hope to thrive? +[5033.26 --> 5047.26] If the only time you crack your Bible is when you come to church, it's going to be real hard to experience the presence of God. +[5047.26 --> 5054.26] If the only time you practice presence in community is when you're sitting here on Sunday. +[5054.26 --> 5055.26] And please, don't hear what I'm not saying. +[5056.26 --> 5057.26] Sit here on Sunday. +[5058.26 --> 5060.26] Right? If that's going to be your only time, let it be a good time. +[5061.26 --> 5062.26] Let it be a full time. +[5062.26 --> 5064.26] Let it be a time where you feast on his word. +[5064.26 --> 5068.26] But it's never going to be enough on its own. +[5069.26 --> 5071.26] Eat this word. +[5071.26 --> 5073.26] Practice the presence of God. +[5074.26 --> 5075.26] Right? +[5075.26 --> 5077.26] And not just here, but in the presence of other believers. +[5077.26 --> 5079.26] We talked about care groups earlier in announcements. +[5079.26 --> 5085.26] Get connected with people because that is how God gets connected with us. +[5086.26 --> 5095.26] And then lastly, as we land this plane together, another way we practice the presence is through this Lord's Supper that we're about to come to. +[5096.26 --> 5098.26] This meal that he has given us. +[5099.26 --> 5103.26] This bread and this cup become for us the body and the blood of Jesus. +[5103.26 --> 5105.26] We take him in. +[5105.26 --> 5108.26] The Gospel of John opens by saying, +[5108.26 --> 5112.26] In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God. +[5112.26 --> 5114.26] He was with God in the beginning. +[5114.26 --> 5116.26] And then in verse 14, he writes, +[5117.26 --> 5120.26] The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. +[5120.26 --> 5122.26] Jesus is the Word of God. +[5123.26 --> 5126.26] Jesus is the fullest revelation of God that we have. +[5126.26 --> 5130.26] Jesus who came and lived the life I should have lived and died the death that I deserve. +[5130.26 --> 5133.26] Jesus who was raised victorious over sin and death. +[5133.26 --> 5136.26] Three days later, this same Jesus says to us, +[5136.26 --> 5144.26] Those who eat my flesh and drink my blood have eternal life and I will raise them up on the last day. +[5144.26 --> 5147.26] We devour the Word in daily devotion. +[5147.26 --> 5151.26] We eat the scroll when we come to the table. +[5152.26 --> 5154.26] May this be part of your how. +[5154.26 --> 5159.26] And that changes our approach to suffering. +[5159.26 --> 5164.26] Because Jesus embraced his suffering for your sake. +[5164.26 --> 5167.26] And now he invites you to embrace suffering for his. +[5168.26 --> 5172.26] Brother Lawrence comes back to this idea. +[5172.26 --> 5175.26] And he says, +[5175.26 --> 5183.26] Pains and suffering would be a paradise to me while I should suffer with my God. +[5184.26 --> 5190.26] And the greatest pleasure would be hell to me if I could relish them without him. +[5190.26 --> 5197.26] Suffering with God changes them. +[5197.26 --> 5204.26] Having all you could ever ask for without God changes that too. +[5205.26 --> 5207.26] Now you might hear that and you go, +[5207.26 --> 5208.26] Yeah, you know what pastor? +[5208.26 --> 5209.26] He's a monk. +[5209.26 --> 5211.26] And it was the 17th century. +[5211.26 --> 5213.26] Life was different then. +[5213.26 --> 5215.26] How could, it would be easier for him to be like, +[5215.26 --> 5216.26] All I have is Jesus. +[5216.26 --> 5218.26] All I need is Jesus. +[5218.26 --> 5221.26] He doesn't know what it's like to raise four kids. +[5221.26 --> 5228.26] He doesn't know what it's like to drive those four kids from one soccer event to another hockey event to a summer baseball camp. +[5228.26 --> 5231.26] He doesn't know what my life is like. +[5233.26 --> 5234.26] And you're right. +[5235.26 --> 5236.26] He doesn't. +[5237.26 --> 5239.26] But maybe again, as we think about how. +[5239.26 --> 5247.26] Maybe your how is better understood in the choices you make. +[5247.26 --> 5251.26] The small, simple, daily choices you make. +[5254.26 --> 5260.26] Recently, it came to my attention, my self-awareness, +[5261.26 --> 5263.26] that every morning when I woke up, +[5263.26 --> 5271.26] the first thing I would do was reach over and grab my phone and look at social media. +[5272.26 --> 5275.26] Now I trust that most of you are better at life than I am. +[5276.26 --> 5278.26] But I'm sure some of you can relate to what I'm talking about. +[5279.26 --> 5280.26] What emails did I miss? +[5281.26 --> 5282.26] What texts have come in? +[5282.26 --> 5284.26] What's this person up to? +[5284.26 --> 5287.26] The first thing I did was go to social media. +[5288.26 --> 5290.26] And I asked myself, +[5293.26 --> 5295.26] Is this really the way I want to start my day? +[5296.26 --> 5300.26] Is this really the priority I want to take in my life? +[5301.26 --> 5303.26] Is this how I want to set up the rest of my day? +[5303.26 --> 5311.72] for the last few months I have been intentionally practicing a different discipline and so now +[5311.72 --> 5317.00] when my alarm goes off the first thing I do before I even put my foot down out of bed is I start +[5317.00 --> 5326.18] praying and I spend five or ten minutes praying. Now sometimes I fall back asleep sure but I wake +[5326.18 --> 5335.16] up again and I continue praying and intentionally I'm not picking up the phone but I'm diving in to +[5335.16 --> 5343.14] the presence of God and I'm asking if I can start my day differently and if that will set an agenda +[5343.14 --> 5349.60] for the rest of it and I'm still learning but I gotta tell you it's a different way to start. +[5349.60 --> 5358.08] That's a small choice. Just a small choice. Maybe that's your how. What is your small choice? +[5358.74 --> 5366.46] Practice the presence of God by coming to receive his word, by eating the scroll, coming into his +[5366.46 --> 5370.52] presence at the table and in community and in fellowship +[5370.52 --> 5379.82] and you will see that the Lord is your refuge and your strength in times of trouble. Psalm 9. +[5380.94 --> 5390.30] That as we have prayed our times are in his hands. Psalm 31. And that you can trust him at all times. +[5391.04 --> 5399.30] Psalm 62. May this word and this sacrament be for you an experience of God's presence among us no +[5399.30 --> 5406.84] matter where you are, where you come from or what trial you are in the midst of. And so now let's come +[5406.84 --> 5418.30] to the table as a place where God's presence is confirmed among us. This is our prayer. This is our +[5418.30 --> 5428.32] praise from word and now to sacrament that we may be before the face of our God. And to that end +[5428.32 --> 5446.32] I will pray. Let's pray together. Lord, our God, meet us at this table even as you have met us in your word, +[5446.32 --> 5454.94] even as you have gathered us up in your presence, even as you go with us into the week ahead. +[5454.94 --> 5463.46] May we practice the presence of God. And so God, I pray that on our hearts today, +[5463.66 --> 5473.26] you would lay maybe just one small choice as we consider how we might practice your presence +[5473.26 --> 5476.90] among us. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen. +[5481.78 --> 5488.62] As we come to the table, we come invited by our God. We come to meet him here. And so we will have +[5488.62 --> 5494.66] a liturgy of our practice together that will be responsive. I invite you to follow along on the +[5494.66 --> 5501.04] screen and speak those words that are spoken, indicated for you. I believe they're in yellow behind me. +[5501.04 --> 5512.38] Lift up your hearts. Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. Let's pray. +[5512.38 --> 5522.88] With joy, we praise you, gracious God. For you have created heaven and earth. You've made us in your +[5522.88 --> 5529.38] image and you have kept covenant with us even when we fell into sin. We give you thanks for Jesus Christ, +[5529.38 --> 5538.42] who by his life, death, and resurrection opened to us the way of life everlasting. And so meet us here, +[5538.42 --> 5542.18] we pray in Jesus' name. Amen. +[5546.86 --> 5551.98] The bread that we break is a sharing in the body of Christ. +[5551.98 --> 5581.80] Jesus said, I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry, +[5581.80 --> 5590.56] and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty. Those who wish to serve him must first be served by him. +[5591.24 --> 5595.48] And those who want to follow him must first be led and fed by him. +[5596.48 --> 5600.08] For this is the table where God intends us to be nourished. +[5600.48 --> 5603.14] This is the time when Christ can make us new. +[5603.14 --> 5609.46] And so come, you who hunger and thirst for a deeper faith, for a better life, for a fairer world. +[5609.90 --> 5617.02] Jesus Christ, who met us in the word, now invites us to be guests at his table. +[5617.02 --> 5626.10] As we come to the table, I'm going to invite you to share and profess our shared faith together by reciting the Apostles' Creed. +[5626.10 --> 5628.00] So I'm going to ask that you might stand. +[5631.32 --> 5637.18] And we're going to say the words of the Apostles' Creed, which has been a testimony of faith in the Christian church +[5637.18 --> 5643.36] for some time since the 3rd or 4th century, since the 8th century, in the form that we have it here. +[5643.36 --> 5648.20] We are not only professing our union with Christ in these words, +[5648.38 --> 5653.38] but our connection to the historic and traditional Christian church in these words. +[5653.50 --> 5657.54] And so for those of you who believe, we say together, +[5658.20 --> 5663.52] I believe in God, the Father Almighty, creator of heaven and earth. +[5664.20 --> 5667.94] I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, +[5668.96 --> 5672.78] received by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary. +[5673.36 --> 5678.22] He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. +[5679.00 --> 5680.20] He descended into hell. +[5680.96 --> 5683.60] The third day, he rose again from the dead. +[5684.22 --> 5689.34] He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of God, the Father Almighty. +[5690.06 --> 5693.26] From there, he will come to judge the living and the dead. +[5693.26 --> 5702.32] I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Holy Catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, +[5702.84 --> 5706.40] the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. +[5707.22 --> 5707.54] Amen. +[5708.54 --> 5709.14] You may be seated. +[5709.14 --> 5717.10] If this is your profession, whether you are here with us or joining us online, +[5717.10 --> 5721.30] you are invited to the table of our Lord. +[5722.10 --> 5725.98] These are the gifts of God for the people of God. +[5725.98 --> 5730.96] As we come to the table here at Emmanuel, we do this in a particular way. +[5731.12 --> 5735.92] And so we experience the presence of God by standing in the presence of his people. +[5736.46 --> 5738.74] And so we will come forward in groups. +[5738.90 --> 5742.30] There will be ushers who indicate which row comes forward. +[5742.58 --> 5745.46] We will gather in a circle around the table together. +[5745.46 --> 5750.16] As you pass the bread to the person to your left or right, +[5750.28 --> 5753.20] I invite you to say the body of Christ given for you. +[5753.56 --> 5756.92] As you pass the juice, again, to the person to your left or right, +[5757.00 --> 5760.02] I invite you to say the blood of Christ shed for you. +[5761.10 --> 5768.10] In this way, we together speak the presence of God and be the presence of God to one another. +[5768.88 --> 5773.68] If you are in need of gluten-free service for preference, +[5773.68 --> 5777.98] there is a few pieces in the middle of each tray that are kept set out. +[5778.44 --> 5782.96] If you would like to receive gluten-free for more than preference, +[5783.04 --> 5785.86] if you're celiac or something, we have something fully separate to the side +[5785.86 --> 5788.20] for you to be able to take from there. +[5788.82 --> 5792.40] And we serve only juice here at Emmanuel as well. +[5793.50 --> 5798.14] I'm going to invite the elders and the worship team to come forward, +[5798.24 --> 5799.22] the back-of-house people. +[5799.22 --> 5805.58] We will serve them first so that they can serve us by leading in worship and song +[5805.58 --> 5808.44] as the rest of us come to this table together. +[5812.78 --> 5816.34] Additionally, if you would like to meet someone for prayer, +[5816.66 --> 5822.48] either during or before coming to the table or in spite or lieu of coming to the table, +[5822.98 --> 5826.74] there will be people in the foyer at the back with yellow name tags on +[5826.74 --> 5828.76] who would love to meet you for prayer there. +[5837.64 --> 5839.18] Body of Christ given for you. +[5842.34 --> 5843.68] Body of Christ given for you. +[5843.68 --> 5843.70] Body of Christ given for you. +[5856.74 --> 5867.64] Body of Christ given for you. +[5869.64 --> 5871.44] Body of Christ given for you. +[5871.44 --> 5872.62] Thanks be to God. +[5877.10 --> 5878.78] Eat and remember. +[5878.78 --> 5879.40] ogi's body of Christ. +[5890.26 --> 5891.62] Blood of Christ, shed for you. +[5892.78 --> 5896.60] Blood of Christ, shed for you. +[5896.60 --> 5926.58] Thank you. +[5926.60 --> 5940.18] Drink and believe. +[5940.18 --> 5943.74] Amen. +[5956.60 --> 5974.98] Good morning. +[5975.76 --> 5976.20] Hey, buddy. +[5976.20 --> 5978.20] Amen. +[5978.20 --> 5980.20] Amen. +[5980.20 --> 5982.20] Amen. +[5982.20 --> 5984.20] Amen. +[5984.20 --> 5985.20] Amen. +[5985.20 --> 5986.20] Amen. +[5986.20 --> 5988.20] Amen. +[5988.20 --> 5990.20] Amen. +[5990.20 --> 5991.20] Amen. +[5991.20 --> 5992.20] Amen. +[5992.20 --> 5993.20] Amen. +[5993.20 --> 5994.20] Amen. +[5994.20 --> 5995.20] Amen. +[5995.20 --> 6002.20] Behold the Lamb who bears our sins away, save for us. +[6002.20 --> 6004.20] Amen. +[6004.20 --> 6005.20] Amen. +[6005.20 --> 6020.20] And we remember the promise made that all who come in faith find forgiveness at the dawn. +[6020.20 --> 6047.20] So we share in this bread of life and we dream of His sacrifice as a sign of our arms of peace around the table of peace. +[6047.20 --> 6048.20] Amen. +[6048.20 --> 6049.20] Amen. +[6049.20 --> 6050.20] Amen. +[6050.20 --> 6051.20] Amen. +[6051.20 --> 6052.20] Amen. +[6052.20 --> 6055.20] Amen. +[6055.20 --> 6056.20] Amen. +[6056.20 --> 6057.20] Amen. +[6057.20 --> 6058.20] Amen. +[6058.20 --> 6060.20] Amen. +[6060.20 --> 6062.20] Amen. +[6062.20 --> 6072.20] Amen. +[6072.20 --> 6074.20] remember +[6074.20 --> 6080.20] those that heal the death that brings us life +[6080.20 --> 6086.20] make a God to make us one +[6086.20 --> 6090.20] so we share +[6090.20 --> 6094.20] in this bread of life +[6094.20 --> 6100.20] and we dream of his sacrifice +[6100.20 --> 6104.20] as a sign +[6104.20 --> 6108.20] of our bonds of love +[6108.20 --> 6114.20] around the table of the King +[6114.20 --> 6128.20] the blood that cleanses +[6128.20 --> 6130.20] every stain of +[6130.20 --> 6132.20] sin +[6132.20 --> 6134.20] shed for you +[6134.20 --> 6140.20] drink and remember +[6140.20 --> 6146.20] he drink as cup that all may enter in +[6146.20 --> 6152.20] to receive the life of God +[6152.20 --> 6156.20] so we share +[6156.20 --> 6158.20] in this bread of life +[6158.20 --> 6160.20] and we dream +[6160.20 --> 6164.20] of his sacrifice +[6164.20 --> 6166.20] as a sign +[6166.20 --> 6168.20] as a sign +[6168.20 --> 6172.20] of our bonds of grace +[6172.20 --> 6178.20] around the table of the King +[6178.20 --> 6194.20] and so with thankfulness +[6194.20 --> 6196.20] and faith +[6196.20 --> 6198.20] we rise +[6198.20 --> 6200.20] to respond +[6200.20 --> 6206.20] and to remember +[6206.20 --> 6208.20] our call to follow +[6208.20 --> 6212.20] in the steps of Christ +[6212.20 --> 6214.20] as we draw +[6214.20 --> 6216.20] in the peace of heaven +[6216.20 --> 6218.20] around the table of the King +[6218.20 --> 6220.20] and we'll join +[6220.20 --> 6222.20] in the peace of heaven +[6222.20 --> 6224.20] in his suffering +[6224.20 --> 6226.20] in his suffering +[6226.20 --> 6228.20] we proclaim +[6228.20 --> 6230.20] Christ will come again +[6230.20 --> 6232.20] and we'll join +[6232.20 --> 6234.20] in the peace of heaven +[6234.20 --> 6236.20] in the peace of heaven +[6236.20 --> 6238.20] in the peace of heaven +[6238.20 --> 6240.20] around the table of the King +[6240.20 --> 6242.20] in the peace of heaven +[6242.20 --> 6244.20] around the table of the King +[6244.20 --> 6250.20] is +[6274.20 --> 6276.20] Amen. +[6304.20 --> 6310.20] We have lost the awe of you. +[6312.20 --> 6318.20] Have mercy, have mercy. +[6320.20 --> 6333.20] O Lord, bless our hearts which are divided. +[6334.20 --> 6341.20] Stir the faith that we once knew. +[6342.20 --> 6349.20] We're thirsty, we're thirsty. +[6350.20 --> 6363.20] O Lord, restore the church that bears your name. +[6364.20 --> 6378.20] O Spirit, send a revival to this nation. +[6378.20 --> 6385.20] Breathe on us again. +[6385.20 --> 6391.20] Breathe on us again. +[6391.20 --> 6406.20] Oh, Lord, forgive us. +[6406.20 --> 6413.20] We have lost the awe of you. +[6413.20 --> 6420.20] Have mercy, have mercy. +[6420.20 --> 6422.20] We have mercy, have mercy. +[6422.20 --> 6435.20] Oh, Lord, bless our hearts which are divided. +[6435.20 --> 6442.20] Stir the faith that we once knew. +[6442.20 --> 6445.20] We have mercy, have mercy. +[6445.20 --> 6449.20] We have mercy, have mercy. +[6449.20 --> 6451.20] We have mercy, have mercy. +[6451.20 --> 6464.20] Oh, Lord, restore the church that bears your name. +[6464.20 --> 6466.20] Oh, Lord, bless our hearts which are divided. +[6466.20 --> 6467.20] We have mercy, have mercy. +[6467.20 --> 6468.20] We have mercy, have mercy. +[6468.20 --> 6469.20] We have mercy, have mercy, have mercy. +[6469.20 --> 6489.20] Restain +[6489.20 --> 6506.48] Oh Lord, restore the church that bears your name. +[6506.48 --> 6520.74] Oh Spirit, send a revival to this nation. +[6520.74 --> 6526.86] Breathe on us again. +[6529.18 --> 6535.06] Breathe on us again. +[6536.48 --> 6566.46] Breathe on us again. +[6566.48 --> 6576.92] Oh, to see the dawn of the darkest day. +[6576.92 --> 6584.36] Christ on the road to Calvary. +[6584.36 --> 6600.36] Drive by sinful men, torn in meat of them, nailed to a cross of wood. +[6600.36 --> 6608.36] This is the power of the cross. +[6608.36 --> 6616.36] Christ became sin for us. +[6616.36 --> 6624.20] Took the blame for the wrath of grace. +[6624.20 --> 6630.20] And forgiven at the cross. +[6630.20 --> 6643.46] Oh, to see the pain written on your face. +[6643.46 --> 6673.46] +[6673.46 --> 6680.74] Christ became sin for us. +[6680.90 --> 6683.90] Took the blame. +[6683.90 --> 6685.90] For the wrath of grace. +[6685.90 --> 6691.90] For the wrath we stand for you to have the wrong. +[6691.90 --> 6701.90] Now the daylight gleams. +[6701.90 --> 6703.90] Now the ground beneath. +[6703.90 --> 6705.90] Now the ground beneath. +[6705.90 --> 6709.90] Quakes as its paper. +[6709.90 --> 6711.90] Thou's in a slain. +[6711.90 --> 6713.90] Thou's in a slain. +[6713.90 --> 6717.90] Curved of torn and tomb. +[6717.90 --> 6719.90] Thou's in a slain. +[6719.90 --> 6721.90] Thou's in a slain. +[6721.90 --> 6723.90] Thou's in a slain. +[6723.90 --> 6729.90] Thou's sang in a slain. +[6729.90 --> 6735.90] Together Paul Shen you will slam in a slain. +[6735.90 --> 6739.90] Thou's in a slain. +[6739.90 --> 6743.90] That the Lord shall give God bless you to live the autumn. +[6743.90 --> 6745.90] Thou's in a slain. +[6746.90 --> 6748.90] Thou's in a slain. +[6748.90 --> 6749.90] Thou's Bh – Thou's in a slain. +[6749.90 --> 6755.66] Stand forgiven at the cross. +[6779.90 --> 6809.88] Stand forgiven at the cross. +[6809.90 --> 6819.26] The cross, Lamb of God, by His own betrayal. +[6821.52 --> 6834.36] The sin of man and wrath of God has been on Jesus' name. +[6834.36 --> 6836.36] Stand forgiven at the cross. +[6836.36 --> 6841.36] Stand forgiven at the cross. +[6841.36 --> 6843.36] Stand forgiven at the cross. +[6843.36 --> 6847.36] Stand forgiven at the cross. +[6847.36 --> 6853.36] He turned locked and scorned. +[6853.36 --> 6865.36] Vowing to the Father's will, He took a crown of gold. +[6865.36 --> 6879.36] Oh, that rugged cross, my salvation, where Your love poured out over me. +[6879.36 --> 6893.36] Now my soul cries out, Hallelujah, Praise and Honor unto Thee. +[6893.36 --> 6909.36] Send of heaven, God's own Son, to purchase and redeem. +[6909.36 --> 6924.36] And reconcile the very ones who nailed Him to that tree. +[6924.36 --> 6937.36] Oh, that rugged cross, my salvation, where Your love poured out over me. +[6937.36 --> 6951.36] Now my soul cries out, Hallelujah, Praise and Honor unto Thee. +[6951.36 --> 6958.36] Now my debt is paid. +[6958.36 --> 6969.36] It is paid in full by the precious blood that my Jesus spilled. +[6969.36 --> 6976.36] Now the curse of sin has no hold on me. +[6976.36 --> 6978.36] Now the curse of sin has no hold on me. +[6978.36 --> 6983.36] Whom the Son sets free, O it's free indeed. +[6983.36 --> 6986.36] Now my debt is paid. +[6986.36 --> 6996.36] It is paid in full by the precious blood that my Jesus spilled. +[6996.36 --> 7003.36] Now the curse of sin has no hold on me. +[7003.36 --> 7010.36] Whom the Son sets free, O it's free indeed. +[7010.36 --> 7023.36] Oh, that rugged cross, my salvation, where Your love poured out over me. +[7023.36 --> 7039.36] Now my soul cries out, Hallelujah, Praise and Honor unto Thee. +[7039.36 --> 7052.36] See the stone is rolled away, Behold the empty tomb. +[7052.36 --> 7057.36] Alleluia, Hallelujah, Praise and Honor unto Thee. +[7057.36 --> 7058.36] unveil beg, If God is paid. +[7058.36 --> 7060.36] Woo thank God, My glory. +[7060.36 --> 7062.36] Thee. +[7062.36 --> 7076.36] is +[7092.36 --> 7117.72] may i just say thank you for feasting with us this morning as you go take the joy and strength +[7117.72 --> 7127.80] of this feast with you as you go know that god himself goes with you lastly know that we are not +[7127.80 --> 7137.80] dismissed from here but we are sent from here to be god's presence in the world receive his greeting +[7137.80 --> 7146.36] or his blessing for that journey god go before you to lead you god go behind you to protect you +[7147.00 --> 7155.48] god go beneath you to support you and god go beside you to befriend you do not be afraid let the +[7155.48 --> 7164.68] blessing of god come upon you today do not be afraid but go in peace as his presence to love +[7164.68 --> 7174.36] and serve the lord amen +[7176.36 --> 7191.88] go +[7191.88 --> 7205.88] is +[7222.04 --> 7234.12] uh +[7234.60 --> 7237.96] uh +[7239.80 --> 7247.88] um +[7251.88 --> 7265.88] is +[7281.88 --> 7295.88] oh +[7311.88 --> 7325.88] thanks +[7341.88 --> 7355.88] is +[7371.88 --> 7373.88] Oh +[7401.88 --> 7403.88] Oh +[7431.88 --> 7433.88] Oh +[7441.88 --> 7443.88] Oh +[7461.88 --> 7463.88] Oh +[7491.88 --> 7493.88] Oh +[7521.88 --> 7523.88] Oh +[7551.88 --> 7553.88] Oh +[7581.88 --> 7583.88] Oh +[7611.88 --> 7613.88] Oh +[7641.88 --> 7643.88] Oh +[7646.88 --> 7647.88] Oh +[7648.88 --> 7649.88] Oh +[7649.88 --> 7651.88] Oh +[7651.88 --> 7653.88] Oh +[7653.88 --> 7655.88] Oh +[7661.88 --> 7663.88] Oh +[7671.88 --> 7701.86] Thank you. +[7701.88 --> 7731.86] Thank you. +[7731.88 --> 7761.86] Thank you. +[7761.88 --> 7791.86] Thank you. +[7791.88 --> 7821.86] Thank you. +[7821.88 --> 7851.86] Thank you. +[7851.88 --> 7881.86] Thank you. diff --git a/Sunday Worship, November 17, 2024_summary.txt b/Sunday Worship, November 17, 2024_summary.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000000000000000000000000000000000000..0773c5f622e13b4d8cd6ab8a44f59148869b0ea7 --- /dev/null +++ b/Sunday Worship, November 17, 2024_summary.txt @@ -0,0 +1,111 @@ +• Announcements for the youth and adult meetings on HCBC (Heidelberg Catechism, Belgic Confession) tonight +• Sign-up reminder for the Christmas Ladies event, including decorating tables and encouraging husbands to help reset the church +• Discussion of a missions trip to the Philippines in June 2025 with Gateway Community Church +• Description of the mission work being done by a CRC pastor in the Philippines who is bringing the gospel to unreached communities +• Invitation to young adults or females to join the mission trip and fill an available spot. +• Introduction to Christianity Explored class on Thursday at 6 p.m. +• Call to worship based on Psalm 18, verses 1 and 2 +• Invitation to come to Jesus for salvation and forgiveness +• Confession of sin and request for mercy and forgiveness +• Prayer for cleansing from sin, renewal, and restoration +• Prayer for a clean heart and renewed spirit +• Lyrics to "Amazing Grace" sung multiple times with varying repetitions +• Repetition of phrases such as "My chains are gone, I've been set free" +• Declaration of faith in Jesus Christ's power to heal and forgive +• Statements affirming Jesus' divinity and sacrifice for humanity +• Budget deficit of $100,000 due to 20% shortfall in budget-to-date giving +• Special offering for World Renew and Canadian Food Grains Bank to combat world hunger +• Matching funds available for donations to Canadian Food Grains Bank +• Hymn about the love and sacrifice of Jesus Christ, referencing his wounds paying ransom +• Invitation for children to join the speaker on stage, with an introduction to a sleepy dog named Hank +• Discussion about what "Sniffs" stands for +• Help in finding missing items (such as socks) +• Upcoming children's worship time, discussing what it means to help people +• Prayer and discussion about the day's events +• Congregational meeting announcement, moved to December 1st +• Tri-Soup Challenge and possible competition for John Fulkert's championship +• Prayer for church leaders and staff +• Prayers for growth in faith, good works, and evidence of this growth within the church +• Prayers for community members in need, including the sick, grieving, and lonely +• Requests for comfort and healing for specific individuals, such as Ernst de Vries' family and Ashley during chemo treatment +• Prayers for those battling addiction, anxiety, depression, or other burdens +• Request for God's presence among shut-ins and others who cannot attend in person +• Prayer for continued guidance and light through scripture, with a commitment to grow in understanding and living according to God's will +• Start of reading from Genesis 41, the story of Joseph +• The years of abundance in Egypt came to an end and famine began +• Joseph's family grew: two sons, Manasseh and Ephraim, were born +• Famine spread throughout the land, but Egypt had food due to Joseph's planning +• Pharaoh told Egyptians to go to Joseph for food +• The famine was severe everywhere and people came to Egypt to buy grain from Joseph +• A story about Debbie, a woman who is struggling with cancer and faith, will be shared +• The story highlights God's work in Debbie's life despite her suffering +• The speaker's journey of faith and dependence on God +• Diagnosis of cancer and brain tumors, and subsequent treatment and radiation +• Learning to find true joy and contentment in all circumstances through spiritual gifts +• Humility and understanding of complete dependence on God through suffering +• Developing a daily conversational relationship with God +• The value and beauty of faithful suffering as exemplified by the speaker's story +• The importance of spiritual growth in one's life +• The value of living a life that honors God even in the face of suffering +• Interpreting scripture, specifically 1 Peter 4:13, to understand how to face suffering +• The reality of death and its impact on our perspective on life +• The story of Rachel and Josh, a couple struggling with infertility and their experiences with IVF and embryo implantation +• A family's infertility journey and struggles with adoption +• Josh and April's experience with multiple failed attempts to conceive +• The emotional impact of their struggles, including Josh saying "I think God hates me" +• The surprise adoption of a baby named Kaylin +• The birth of two more children through IVF and embryo adoption +• A dramatic turnaround from despair to gratitude for God's blessings +• The speaker married their partner a week after visiting the university +• They went on honeymoon to Cuba and returned with degrees and participated in graduation ceremonies +• A close friend was killed in a car crash, leading to a devastating moment for the group +• The group gathered together to mourn the loss of their friend and were led in prayer by the father of one of the friends +• The speaker felt pressure to be strong and help others cope with the tragedy, but eventually collapsed under the weight of grief +• A large group of friends traveled to Manitoba for the funeral and stayed together at a cousin's property +• The speaker discusses a past experience where there was a mix of emotions (laughter and tears) and how it brought them closer to God. +• Craig's family values the importance of getting to know his university friends and community, leading to a deeper understanding of their shared faith. +• A specific event is mentioned as a catalyst for the speaker's growth in their faith, showing that suffering and joy are part of the Christian experience. +• The speaker shares a personal story about receiving a disturbing phone call from a friend who had attempted suicide. +• They recall how an elder in the church responded to the crisis with prayer. +• A group of boys learned to pray together in a moment of brokenness and uncertainty +• The speaker's first Sunday as pastor was marked by a church fire caused by an oven mitt mishap +• The second Sunday saw the announcement of a 17-year-old boy from their community taking his own life, prompting the speaker to weep for those they didn't know +• God taught the speaker that He can give love for people you don't know, and that He makes love possible even when it's hard to feel +• Everyone in attendance likely has their own stories of loss, grief, and pain, including deaths, illnesses, and aging parents +• The way we share these stories matters, and is an important aspect of faith and community +• Seeds of sorrow can be planted and reap joy +• Properly sown tears bring joy +• It's possible to waste sorrows and not reap joy +• God turns suffering into joy through Jesus' sacrifice +• God's sovereignty gives meaning and purpose to suffering +• Only with God's sovereignty can one have hope that their suffering matters +• Joseph's sons are given names with meanings related to God's promise and fruitfulness +• Joseph's experience of suffering is transformed as he sees God working for good in his life +• The importance of sharing stories of seeing God at work, even if the outcome is not immediately visible or tangible +• The gospel guarantees that God can turn evil into good and bring beauty out of brokenness +• The speaker shares personal stories of how suffering can be turned into good +• God works with and uses suffering to reveal himself in glory +• Suffering can be used by God to bring great joy and triumph +• Not all people have stories of seeing good come out of struggles, but everyone suffers +• It's enough to know that God will turn suffering to good and his glory is ultimate +• Sharing stories is a way to practice and embody the truth that God brings good out of suffering +• The speaker discusses the practice of professional baseball players warming up with weighted bats +• A construction worker shares their experience of getting strong and fit through physical labor, but also benefits from regular exercise in a gym to make everyday lifting manageable +• The speaker reflects on the value of trusting God's plan and leaning into His guidance rather than seeking complete knowledge or control +• Frustration with understanding God's ways +• Citing 2 Corinthians 4, referencing the value of eternal glory over momentary troubles +• Discussing the importance of perspective in understanding troubles as light +• Mentioning the inclusion of eternity and God's glory in storytelling +• Emphasizing God's promise that present sufferings are not worth comparing to future glory +• Worship in the midst of suffering and trial +• Trusting God's word to define reality, not feelings or perceptions +• Sharing stories of faith and seeing God at work +• God's presence and blessing throughout life's journey +• Encouragement to tell stories of God's work and receive His blessing +• Repeating of the word "you" +• Statements about not being able to remember or do anything +• Claims of not being a slut (repeated multiple times) +• References to gates and celebrations +• Discussion of love, hunger, and feeding others +• Mention of Jesus and leading people home +• Reiteration of waiting for a future day of celebration \ No newline at end of file diff --git a/Sunday Worship, November 17, 2024_transcript.txt b/Sunday Worship, November 17, 2024_transcript.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000000000000000000000000000000000000..2597bfd954865c01c602a0307a533dbb6116c3e6 --- /dev/null +++ b/Sunday Worship, November 17, 2024_transcript.txt @@ -0,0 +1,2081 @@ +[0.00 --> 29.98] Thank you. +[30.00 --> 59.98] Thank you. +[60.00 --> 89.98] Thank you. +[90.00 --> 119.98] Thank you. +[120.00 --> 122.00] Thank you. +[122.00 --> 130.00] Thank you. +[130.00 --> 132.00] Thank you. +[132.00 --> 136.00] Good morning. +[136.00 --> 138.00] Good morning. +[138.00 --> 140.62] Welcome into church this morning. +[140.74 --> 143.18] A special welcome if you are a guest with us. +[143.68 --> 144.36] My name is Chris. +[144.54 --> 146.08] I'm one of the pastors here. +[146.50 --> 155.52] And it's my privilege, along with these others you see, and a couple more that you don't yet see, to lead in our shared worship together this morning. +[156.24 --> 165.12] Before we begin, we have a couple announcements to make, and so I'm going to invite Leanne to come to the front, and Pastor Kevin is going to come to the front to make an announcement. +[165.30 --> 169.02] And as they are on their way up, I will start with the first one. +[169.02 --> 178.48] Tonight, we have HCBC, so Heidelberg Catechism, Belgic Confession, for the youth and for adults. +[178.94 --> 190.20] And so at 7 o'clock tonight, youth, you've got your meetings with Kevin and Josh, and then adults, you're invited to have a meeting with me as we read the catechism together. +[190.20 --> 195.54] So, Pastor Kevin wanted me to tell you, for the youth in particular, bring your own Bible. +[196.80 --> 200.28] And if you don't have a Bible, tell Pastor Kevin, and he'll get you one. +[201.20 --> 201.76] All right? +[201.88 --> 202.62] Bring your own Bible. +[203.00 --> 203.18] Okay. +[203.40 --> 203.92] You guys, go. +[204.62 --> 206.96] This is for the Christmas Ladies event. +[207.38 --> 211.98] This is the final week to sign up, so by next Sunday, we hope to have our final numbers in for women who are coming. +[212.50 --> 217.64] Currently, we're sitting at over 100 women and invited guests, so that's awesome, but we have room for lots more. +[217.64 --> 226.12] We also have several tables that don't have our creative souls there to decorate them, so if you'd like to decorate a table, we also have sign-up space for that. +[226.72 --> 234.56] And ladies, you're also invited to encourage your husbands to come pick you up after the event, so they can help us reset the church as well. +[234.68 --> 235.76] That would be great. +[235.90 --> 243.12] If you have questions, you can sign up on the bulletin, or you can see one of the members of the group at the back after the service. +[245.56 --> 246.42] Good morning, everyone. +[247.64 --> 261.26] About three or four months ago, I was approached by Marcel Direct from Gateway Community Church in Abbotsford, letting me know that they do a missions trip every February to the Philippines. +[262.06 --> 264.42] And he wanted to know if we would be able to join him in that. +[264.42 --> 276.52] And then, through the popularity of that trip, they've added a second trip in June for specifically the young adults or older of the church, because the young adults in the congregation, a lot of them are off to university and stuff. +[276.58 --> 279.16] They aren't able to go in February, so he started a second trip in June. +[279.16 --> 285.40] Now, this trip is a two-week trip, June 1 to 15, that they've invited our church to go to. +[285.50 --> 290.16] And Josh is going on this trip with two other young adults from our church. +[290.58 --> 293.30] And there is room for one more person to go. +[293.30 --> 304.48] Anybody can come and talk to us about that, but especially if you're a young adult or a female young adult, because McKelty's going and she wants a friend, you can come and talk to Josh and I. +[304.54 --> 307.20] Now, this trip, I want to give a little bit of details, too. +[307.20 --> 312.48] So, this trip, there is a CRC pastor in the Philippines who was pastoring a church just outside of Manila. +[313.00 --> 318.94] And during the pandemic, over 75% of his congregation passed away because of COVID. +[319.86 --> 335.42] When that happened, he was very troubled, of course, and he felt God calling him to continue to pastor this church, but also bring the gospel to communities in the Philippines that have never been reached or never been taught the gospel. +[335.42 --> 349.62] And so, he started doing that, and he has been going to all sorts of different islands in the Philippines to these nomadic tribes who, on the last trip, they gave this woman a mirror, and she was in her 70s, and she had never seen herself before. +[350.14 --> 357.88] So, these are the types of people that this pastor is bringing the gospel to, and this is the type of people that this missions trip is joining. +[357.88 --> 363.04] He's joining this pastor who's going to these islands for two weeks to bring the gospel. +[363.04 --> 370.86] And so, it's a very unique, very cool opportunity, and we are joining alongside Love Without Borders, I believe is what it's called. +[370.94 --> 375.10] Love Without Borders is the ministry, and we're joining alongside to bring the gospel to these people. +[375.18 --> 385.94] So, if you are anybody who's interested in going to the Philippines June 1 to 5, or June 1 to 15 in 2025, especially if you're a young adult, and maybe even more so if you're a female, +[385.94 --> 390.44] but we'll, honestly, anybody can apply. Come talk to myself, come talk to Josh. +[390.84 --> 394.66] We would love to have that position filled in the next month. +[394.76 --> 406.02] So, I know time's ticking, but that is an opportunity that is very unique, and I'm looking forward to seeing what God does with this little team from our church joining Gateway's missions team in June. +[406.44 --> 407.12] All right, thank you. +[407.12 --> 412.36] Awesome. We'll look forward to hearing more about that as well. +[413.42 --> 415.56] A couple more quick announcements. +[416.76 --> 428.28] On Tuesday night, November 19, there's another Safe Church Training event, and so some of you have probably been contacted about your need to participate in that, +[428.28 --> 434.94] but that is for everyone who works with children or vulnerable sector populations. +[434.94 --> 442.24] They're required by our Safe Church policy to have this training once every three years, and we keep a record of that. +[442.38 --> 448.20] And so, if that is you, or if you don't know if that is you, you can talk to my beautiful bride, Rachel. +[448.40 --> 453.78] She will answer the question, but you can join on Tuesday night for that event. +[453.78 --> 459.32] And elders, pastoral and admin elders, we are also meeting on Tuesday night. +[459.42 --> 460.74] Just a reminder that that is there. +[460.84 --> 462.68] We will meet at 6, starting with dinner. +[463.52 --> 473.60] And then last announcement, on Thursday at 6 p.m., we're going to have our next Christianity Explored class, which is Introduction to Christian Faith. +[474.18 --> 477.44] And so, if you've been participating in that, that's this week, Thursday. +[477.62 --> 483.06] We'll have dinner there as well, and encourage you to come along, invite your friends, join up. +[483.06 --> 486.62] If you haven't yet attended, but would be interested in coming, talk to me. +[486.88 --> 488.32] We'd love to incorporate you in that. +[490.20 --> 491.86] I think that's it for my announcements. +[491.96 --> 499.46] Let's stand together as we're gathered up into the presence of our God in shared worship this morning. +[499.96 --> 505.24] Following my giving the greeting to you, I'm going to invite you to turn to those around you +[505.24 --> 509.96] and to greet them in the name of the Lord, welcome them into his presence together. +[509.96 --> 518.24] Just a reminder, as we're entering into our in-cough, cold, and flu season, not everyone wants to shake hands or hugs. +[519.14 --> 521.84] And so, make eye contact first, ask for permission. +[522.36 --> 525.62] Anyway, interact well with each other is what I'm asking for here. +[526.06 --> 528.38] Let's receive the greeting of our good God. +[528.38 --> 537.12] Grace, mercy, and peace to you, from God our Father, from the Lord Jesus Christ, Son, and our Savior, +[537.54 --> 539.76] through the presence and power of the Holy Spirit. +[540.66 --> 541.00] Amen. +[558.38 --> 578.04] Good morning. +[580.32 --> 583.74] As we enter into a time of worship this morning, +[583.74 --> 588.36] we turn our eyes upon Jesus and worship him who loves us, +[588.76 --> 594.36] who knows our every need, our every care, and our every trial and sorrow, +[594.80 --> 597.60] and is always with us through it all. +[598.48 --> 604.18] With this in mind, our call to worship this morning is found in Psalm 18, verses 1 and 2. +[604.18 --> 607.90] I love you, Lord, my strength. +[608.54 --> 612.70] The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer. +[613.54 --> 616.64] My God is my rock in whom I take refuge, +[617.12 --> 621.52] my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. +[622.34 --> 623.68] Let's worship him together. +[623.68 --> 647.00] Come all you weary, come all you thirsty, +[647.46 --> 651.54] come to the world that never runs dry. +[651.54 --> 658.18] Drink of the water, come and thirst no more. +[660.40 --> 664.90] Come all you sinners, come find his mercy, +[665.40 --> 669.04] come to the table, he will satisfy. +[669.76 --> 675.32] Taste of his goodness, find what you're looking for. +[675.32 --> 683.18] For God so loved the world that he gave us, +[683.18 --> 687.72] His one and only Son to save us, +[687.72 --> 692.96] Who never believes in him will live forever. +[696.18 --> 700.94] Bring all your failures, bring your addictions, +[700.94 --> 705.44] Don't lay them down at the foot of the cross. +[705.44 --> 708.80] Jesus is waiting there, +[708.80 --> 711.80] You're going on. +[713.80 --> 719.16] For God so loved the world that he gave us, +[719.24 --> 723.64] His one and only Son to save us, +[723.70 --> 728.80] Who never believes in him will live forever. +[728.80 --> 736.66] The power of hell, forever you need, +[736.66 --> 741.06] Now it is well, the walking in freedom, +[741.38 --> 746.80] For God so loved, God so loved the world. +[746.80 --> 761.08] Praise God, praise God, praise God, +[761.08 --> 762.80] Praise God, praise God, praise God, +[762.80 --> 767.12] For the wonders of his love. +[767.60 --> 770.80] Praise God, praise God, +[770.80 --> 792.68] Praise God, praise God, praise him. +[792.68 --> 806.60] is +[822.68 --> 827.80] God so loved, God so loved the world. +[830.80 --> 835.60] Bring all your failures, bring your addictions, +[835.60 --> 840.18] come lay them down at the foot of the cross. +[840.38 --> 847.02] Jesus is waiting, God so loved the world. +[852.68 --> 854.68] Amen. +[882.68 --> 884.68] Amen. +[912.68 --> 914.68] Amen. +[942.68 --> 944.68] Amen. +[972.68 --> 974.68] Amen. +[974.68 --> 978.68] Amen. +[984.68 --> 988.68] Amen. +[988.68 --> 998.16] Oh Lord Jesus, oh +[998.16 --> 1006.30] Oh Lord Jesus, oh +[1018.68 --> 1022.00] Please bow with me in prayer. +[1026.44 --> 1035.30] Merciful God, you tell us and we believe that you forgive and pardon all who truly repent and turn to you. +[1037.10 --> 1047.04] As we take a few moments now in a time of silent and personal confession, we humbly confess that we have sinned and we ask for your mercy and forgiveness. +[1048.68 --> 1078.66] Thank you. +[1078.68 --> 1082.02] Dear God, +[1082.02 --> 1088.56] In your loving kindness and your great compassion, cleanse us from our sin. +[1089.66 --> 1092.10] Create in us a clean heart, oh Lord. +[1092.80 --> 1094.70] Renew a right spirit within us. +[1095.58 --> 1099.28] Do not cast us from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from us. +[1100.16 --> 1106.52] Lord, restore to us the joy of our salvation and sustain us with your bountiful spirit. +[1106.82 --> 1109.96] In Jesus' name we pray. Amen. +[1109.96 --> 1126.30] Create in me a clean heart, oh God. +[1126.30 --> 1132.64] And renew a right spirit within me. +[1132.64 --> 1143.30] Create in me a clean heart, oh God. +[1143.30 --> 1150.30] And renew a right spirit within me. +[1150.30 --> 1159.68] Cast me not away from thy presence, oh Lord. +[1159.68 --> 1161.68] And take my Holy Spirit from me. +[1161.68 --> 1166.68] And take my Holy Spirit from me. +[1166.68 --> 1175.68] Restore unto me the joy of our salvation. +[1175.68 --> 1182.68] And renew a right spirit within me. +[1182.68 --> 1183.68] And renew a right spirit within me. +[1183.68 --> 1192.68] Create in me a clean heart, oh God. +[1192.68 --> 1199.68] And renew a right spirit within me. +[1199.68 --> 1208.68] Create in me a clean heart, oh God. +[1208.68 --> 1214.68] And renew a right spirit within me. +[1214.68 --> 1218.68] Cast me not away from your life. +[1218.68 --> 1223.68] Cast me not away from thy presence, oh Lord. +[1223.68 --> 1227.68] And take my Holy Spirit from me. +[1227.68 --> 1235.68] And restore unto me the joy of our salvation. +[1235.68 --> 1241.68] The joy of knowing salvation +[1241.68 --> 1248.68] And reveal a right spirit within me +[1248.68 --> 1256.68] Pass me not away from thy presence, O Lord +[1256.68 --> 1263.68] And take not thy Holy Spirit from me +[1263.68 --> 1272.48] Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation +[1272.48 --> 1279.76] And renew a right spirit within me +[1279.76 --> 1287.64] Please rise for the next couple songs. +[1293.68 --> 1295.68] Amen. +[1323.68 --> 1329.68] That saved a wretch like me +[1329.68 --> 1336.68] I once was lost, but now am found +[1336.68 --> 1342.68] Was mine, but now I see +[1342.68 --> 1349.68] It's grace that taught my heart to hear +[1349.68 --> 1355.68] And grace my fears relieved +[1355.68 --> 1362.68] How precious did that grace appear +[1362.68 --> 1367.68] The hour I first believed +[1367.68 --> 1374.68] My chains are gone, I've been set free +[1374.68 --> 1380.68] My God, my Savior, has ransomed me +[1380.68 --> 1386.68] And why the blood is mercy made +[1386.68 --> 1393.68] On an ending love, amazing grace +[1393.68 --> 1403.68] The Lord has promised good to me +[1403.68 --> 1409.68] His word my hope secures +[1409.68 --> 1416.68] He will my shield and portion be +[1416.68 --> 1422.68] As long as life endures +[1422.68 --> 1429.68] Through many dangers, toils and snares +[1429.68 --> 1435.68] I have already come +[1435.68 --> 1439.68] His grace that taught me +[1439.68 --> 1441.68] He saved us far +[1441.68 --> 1447.68] And grace will lead me home +[1447.68 --> 1453.68] My chains are gone, I've been set free +[1453.68 --> 1459.68] My God, my Savior, has ransomed me +[1459.68 --> 1465.68] And why the blood is mercy made +[1465.68 --> 1472.68] On an ending love, amazing grace +[1472.68 --> 1482.68] When we've been there ten thousand years +[1482.68 --> 1484.68] Bright shining as the sun +[1484.68 --> 1488.68] Bright shining as the sun +[1488.68 --> 1495.68] We've no less days to sing God's praise +[1495.68 --> 1500.68] Than when we first begun +[1500.68 --> 1506.68] My chains are gone, I've been set free +[1506.68 --> 1512.68] My God, my Savior, has ransomed me +[1512.68 --> 1517.68] And why the blood is mercy made +[1517.68 --> 1518.68] My God, my Savior, has ransomed me +[1518.68 --> 1519.68] And why the blood is mercy made +[1519.68 --> 1523.68] My God, my Savior, has ransomed me +[1523.68 --> 1526.68] Amazing grace +[1526.68 --> 1532.68] My chains are gone, I've been set free +[1532.68 --> 1538.68] My God, my Savior, has ransomed me +[1538.68 --> 1544.68] And why the blood is mercy made +[1544.68 --> 1548.68] Amazing grace +[1548.68 --> 1553.68] Amazing grace +[1578.68 --> 1580.68] I believe in Jesus +[1580.68 --> 1582.68] I believe in Jesus +[1582.68 --> 1589.68] I believe He is the Son of God +[1589.68 --> 1595.68] I believe He died and rose again +[1595.68 --> 1601.68] I believe He paid for us all +[1601.68 --> 1607.68] I believe He is here now +[1607.68 --> 1610.68] Standing in our midst +[1610.68 --> 1613.68] Standing in our midst +[1613.68 --> 1617.68] With the power to heal now +[1617.68 --> 1622.68] And the grace to forgive +[1622.68 --> 1627.68] I believe in you, Lord +[1627.68 --> 1630.68] I believe in you, Lord +[1630.68 --> 1636.68] I believe you are the Son of God +[1636.68 --> 1641.68] I believe you died and rose again +[1641.68 --> 1646.68] I believe you paid for us all +[1646.68 --> 1651.68] I believe you are here now +[1651.68 --> 1656.68] Standing in our midst +[1656.68 --> 1659.68] And made in our midst +[1659.68 --> 1660.68] And made in our midst +[1660.68 --> 1666.68] Here with the power to heal now +[1666.68 --> 1669.68] And the grace to forgive +[1669.68 --> 1670.68] I believe in you, Lord +[1670.68 --> 1672.68] I believe you are the Son of God +[1672.68 --> 1676.68] I believe you died and rose again +[1676.68 --> 1681.68] I believe you paid for us all +[1681.68 --> 1688.68] I believe you died and rose again +[1688.68 --> 1691.68] I believe you paid for us all +[1691.68 --> 1692.68] I believe you died and rose again +[1692.68 --> 1694.68] I believe you paid for us all +[1694.68 --> 1696.68] I believe you are here now +[1696.68 --> 1698.68] I believe you are here now +[1698.68 --> 1699.68] I believe you are here now +[1699.68 --> 1701.68] I believe you are here now +[1701.68 --> 1703.68] Standing in our midst +[1703.68 --> 1707.68] Standing in our midst +[1707.68 --> 1709.68] Here with the power to heal now +[1709.68 --> 1712.68] The power to heal now +[1712.68 --> 1713.68] The power to heal now +[1713.68 --> 1718.68] We have the grace to forgive +[1718.68 --> 1733.68] Your heart to heal now +[1733.68 --> 1737.68] The power to heal now +[1737.68 --> 1738.68] The power to heal now +[1738.68 --> 1741.68] Good morning +[1741.68 --> 1742.68] My name is Brenda +[1742.68 --> 1744.68] I'm one of the deacons here at Emanuel +[1744.68 --> 1751.36] It's a time for our offerings today, and our first offering is for the budget and ministries +[1751.36 --> 1755.92] of this church, and I have just a little note to highlight here. +[1755.92 --> 1763.14] You can see in the bulletin the deficit that we have at the end of this year. +[1763.14 --> 1767.06] We are about 20% behind in our budget-to-date giving. +[1767.06 --> 1770.34] That works out to about $100,000. +[1770.34 --> 1774.90] We know this trend is normal by this time of year, but we are slightly higher in our +[1774.90 --> 1777.56] deficit than previous years. +[1777.56 --> 1783.60] We ask you to prayerfully consider how you might give in support of the ministry and mission +[1783.60 --> 1786.06] of Langley Emanuel. +[1786.06 --> 1790.86] God has blessed many people through our work together, and we pray that he would continue +[1790.86 --> 1795.02] to do that through your generous support. +[1795.02 --> 1798.08] So that's for our budget and ministries. +[1798.08 --> 1807.04] Our special offering today is for World Renew, and specifically the Canadian Food Grains Bank. +[1807.04 --> 1812.80] Canadian Food Grains Bank, it's a partnership of 15 Canadian churches and church-based agencies +[1812.80 --> 1817.90] working together to end world hunger. +[1817.90 --> 1826.86] They officially began in 1983, but their roots are back to the 1970s. +[1826.86 --> 1833.50] It is rooted in the belief that all are created in the image of God, and that it is God's desire +[1833.50 --> 1837.14] that no person should go hungry. +[1837.14 --> 1843.86] World Renew is one of the founding members of the Canadian Food Grains Bank. +[1843.86 --> 1849.14] They work with locally-based organizations in developing countries to meet emergency food +[1849.14 --> 1856.24] needs, to foster long-term solutions, and to work with government agencies to support this +[1856.24 --> 1857.60] cause. +[1857.60 --> 1861.70] And donations that are received are matched four to one. +[1861.70 --> 1863.70] Let's give as the Lord has blessed us. +[1863.70 --> 1864.70] Let's give as the Lord has blessed us. +[1864.70 --> 1868.70] Let's give as the Lord has blessed us. +[1868.70 --> 1894.62] Father's mistakes is +[1894.62 --> 1894.82] Eunice the father's love over you. +[1894.82 --> 1900.28] How deep the Father's love for us. +[1900.28 --> 1905.28] How vast beyond all measure. +[1906.56 --> 1911.94] That he would give his only Son. +[1912.60 --> 1917.34] To make a wretch his treasure. +[1918.98 --> 1924.60] How great the pain of stealing was. +[1924.82 --> 1930.34] The Father turns his face away. +[1931.16 --> 1936.54] As wounds which bore the Chosen One. +[1937.10 --> 1941.56] Bring many sons to glory. +[1941.56 --> 1958.52] Behold the man upon a cross. +[1958.90 --> 1963.64] I sit upon his shoulders. +[1963.64 --> 1969.64] Ashamed I hear my knocking noise. +[1971.16 --> 1975.64] All loud among the scoffers. +[1975.64 --> 1981.64] It was like sin that held it there. +[1983.16 --> 1987.64] Until it was accomplished. +[1989.24 --> 1993.64] His dying breath has brought me life. +[1993.64 --> 1999.78] I know that it is fitting. +[1999.78 --> 2015.72] I will not boast in anything. +[2015.72 --> 2021.48] No gifts, no powers, no wisdom. +[2022.06 --> 2028.58] But I will boast in Jesus Christ. +[2029.06 --> 2033.38] His death and resurrection. +[2033.38 --> 2039.38] Why should I gain from his reward? +[2039.38 --> 2045.38] I cannot give an answer. +[2045.38 --> 2052.38] But this I know with all my heart. +[2052.38 --> 2057.76] His wounds have paid my ransom. +[2057.76 --> 2087.74] His wounds have paid my ransom. +[2087.74 --> 2091.88] His wounds have paid my ransom. +[2091.88 --> 2092.80] His wounds have paid my ransom. +[2092.86 --> 2095.64] His wounds have paid my ransom. +[2095.70 --> 2097.52] My wounds have paid my ransom. +[2097.52 --> 2101.20] I would love to invite all of the kids forward to join me up here. +[2101.20 --> 2103.80] and you can come take a seat. +[2108.98 --> 2110.84] You have to come up quietly, though. +[2110.90 --> 2112.28] Hank is very tired. +[2113.56 --> 2114.42] Oh, don't touch him. +[2114.52 --> 2115.04] Don't touch him. +[2115.96 --> 2117.38] He's very sleepy. +[2119.88 --> 2121.64] We're going to need to wake him up, I think. +[2121.82 --> 2122.54] What do you think? +[2122.98 --> 2123.74] Should we do that? +[2124.36 --> 2127.30] Can you say, hi, Hank, on the count of three, +[2127.30 --> 2128.20] and maybe he'll wake up. +[2128.42 --> 2128.74] Are you ready? +[2129.02 --> 2130.72] One, two, three. +[2131.20 --> 2132.20] Hi, Hank. +[2135.70 --> 2136.22] Wow. +[2137.98 --> 2139.08] He's so tired. +[2139.34 --> 2140.40] I think you've got to say it again. +[2140.48 --> 2140.84] Are you ready? +[2141.30 --> 2142.78] One, two, three. +[2143.24 --> 2144.24] Hi, Hank. +[2145.10 --> 2146.38] Oh, wow. +[2147.28 --> 2148.48] Morning, everyone. +[2149.26 --> 2150.98] It's good to see you. +[2151.16 --> 2152.34] Hank, you're so tired. +[2152.42 --> 2153.34] Why are you so tired? +[2153.94 --> 2156.46] I've been very busy lately. +[2156.46 --> 2158.12] What have you been doing? +[2158.94 --> 2160.28] I volunteer. +[2161.20 --> 2162.20] You volunteer? +[2162.62 --> 2163.90] Who do you volunteer for? +[2164.50 --> 2166.32] A company called Sniffs. +[2167.36 --> 2167.88] Sniffs? +[2168.34 --> 2169.48] Yeah, Sniffs. +[2170.48 --> 2171.62] What does Sniffs do? +[2172.12 --> 2176.72] It helps people find those socks that are missing from the laundry. +[2176.72 --> 2180.62] You know how kids lose their socks in the laundry? +[2181.12 --> 2185.22] They hire me because I'm a dog, and then I go find the lost sock. +[2186.00 --> 2188.98] Do you want to know what Sniffs stands for? +[2189.74 --> 2191.10] Yep, I do. +[2191.48 --> 2193.28] What does Sniffs stand for? +[2194.32 --> 2194.92] Sniffing. +[2195.72 --> 2196.36] Investigating. +[2197.66 --> 2198.26] Sniffing. +[2199.26 --> 2199.90] Investigating. +[2199.90 --> 2202.02] Forgotten footwear. +[2202.52 --> 2202.84] Son. +[2203.42 --> 2205.02] Oh, that's good. +[2205.10 --> 2206.00] What's with the sun? +[2206.26 --> 2209.14] It had to be Sniffs, because there's more than one of us. +[2209.38 --> 2209.80] All right. +[2209.88 --> 2210.62] Sounds good. +[2211.12 --> 2212.90] That's fun that you get to help out in that way. +[2213.16 --> 2216.90] Yeah, people are really happy when I find their missing socks. +[2217.28 --> 2218.64] I'm sure they are. +[2218.86 --> 2222.98] We're actually going to talk about what it means to help people, too, today in children's worship time. +[2223.30 --> 2224.30] That's so good! +[2224.90 --> 2227.78] We're going to learn a little bit from a story in Exodus about that. +[2227.84 --> 2228.52] Does that sound fun? +[2229.28 --> 2229.56] Yeah? +[2229.82 --> 2235.62] We're going to pray first, and then we're going to go to children's worship time, and then we'll do the Lord's blessing, actually, and then we'll go to children's worship time, okay? +[2235.88 --> 2237.62] So let's bow our heads, close our eyes, let's pray. +[2238.52 --> 2240.16] Father God, we thank you so much for this day. +[2240.28 --> 2241.90] Thank you that we could be here in church today. +[2241.90 --> 2251.06] We pray that as we learn more about you, both here in the sanctuary and in the children's worship time rooms, we pray that you will be close to us and teach us what it is you want to teach us. +[2251.06 --> 2252.36] We pray this in your name. +[2252.92 --> 2253.22] Amen. +[2254.06 --> 2254.88] All right, let's stand up. +[2255.22 --> 2256.88] We're going to do the Lord's blessing together. +[2257.32 --> 2258.34] Do you remember what we're going to say? +[2259.16 --> 2260.40] The Lord be with you. +[2260.42 --> 2261.18] We're going to say that together. +[2261.26 --> 2261.70] Are you ready? +[2261.86 --> 2262.54] On the count of three. +[2262.60 --> 2263.36] One, two, three. +[2281.06 --> 2288.84] Good morning. +[2289.08 --> 2290.18] My name is Seth. +[2290.26 --> 2294.84] I'm an elder here at our church, and it's my pleasure to lead you in our congregational prayer. +[2295.46 --> 2298.88] Before I do that, though, we have an announcement from the council. +[2299.26 --> 2304.06] Our congregational meeting has been moved, the date conflicted with LCS Society meeting, +[2304.06 --> 2308.06] and so we're moving our annual general meeting to December 1st. +[2308.76 --> 2319.70] That will start, well, the meeting doesn't start until 6 o'clock, but if you can be here at 5 o'clock, fun times could ensue if there's a chance that you could overturn John Fulkert's championship. +[2320.78 --> 2329.06] We've got the Tri-Soup Challenge, and John is really hoping to win this thing again, but it's always fun if there's some competition there, so looking forward to that. +[2329.06 --> 2331.26] So join us at 5 on December 1st. +[2331.52 --> 2333.22] The meeting will start at 6. +[2334.96 --> 2341.28] Everybody should have received, if you're over 18 and a member, you should have received a copy of the agenda and the budget as well in your mailboxes. +[2342.88 --> 2344.08] Please join me in prayer. +[2347.44 --> 2352.04] Heavenly Father, we come before you today with hearts full of gratitude and reverence. +[2352.04 --> 2362.14] You are the creator of the heavens and the earth, the one who holds all things in your hands, and the God who calls us, your children, into a living relationship with you. +[2363.26 --> 2366.68] We thank you for the grace you have poured out upon us in Christ Jesus. +[2367.54 --> 2371.86] It is through him that we have been made new, forgiven, and reconciled to you. +[2372.56 --> 2378.12] It is because of your sovereignty that we can walk through the struggles of this life, trusting you and your goodness. +[2378.12 --> 2386.28] As we gather in your name today, we acknowledge that we are a people who are not perfect, but are being transformed by your grace. +[2386.88 --> 2391.32] We confessed our sins to you, knowing that you are faithful and just to forgive us. +[2392.10 --> 2396.52] Forgive us, Lord, for the times we have failed to love you with all our heart, soul, and mind, +[2396.92 --> 2399.96] and for the times we have failed to love our neighbors as ourselves. +[2401.20 --> 2405.46] Cleanse us from unrighteousness and empower us to live more fully as your disciples. +[2405.46 --> 2412.66] Father, we pray for the staff, the full council, and for all ministry leaders and volunteers of this church. +[2413.78 --> 2417.04] Grant them wisdom, discernment, and strength as they serve your body. +[2417.84 --> 2423.32] Help them to be faithful stewards of the gospel, leading with humility, integrity, and grace. +[2424.74 --> 2430.32] May they be people who seek your will above all else, who serve the flock with love, +[2430.72 --> 2433.48] and who encourage the body to grow in faith and good works. +[2433.48 --> 2437.02] And we thank you for evidence of this growth in our church, +[2437.36 --> 2440.70] as there are many new people coming to faith or returning to faith, +[2440.86 --> 2443.00] and that are connecting with our church family right now. +[2443.64 --> 2448.30] We pray for your spirit to continue to be at work in those people's lives, drawing them closer to you. +[2450.00 --> 2451.76] We also lift up our families, Lord. +[2452.22 --> 2453.62] We pray for strong marriages, +[2454.26 --> 2458.52] for parents who are faithful in raising their children in the nurture and fear of the Lord, +[2458.52 --> 2461.62] and for children who grow up to know and love you. +[2462.80 --> 2467.00] Strengthen our homes, and may they be places of peace, love, and encouragement. +[2467.96 --> 2471.26] We ask that you protect our families from division and strife, +[2471.46 --> 2474.88] and help us to be a reflection of your love to the world around us. +[2476.54 --> 2479.04] Lord, we bring to you the needs of our community. +[2479.04 --> 2482.30] You know the hearts of every person in this congregation, +[2482.88 --> 2487.04] and we pray for those who are struggling physically, emotionally, or spiritually. +[2488.04 --> 2491.48] For the sick, the hurting, the grieving, and the lonely, +[2492.22 --> 2494.64] may your presence be their comfort and healing. +[2495.34 --> 2498.70] And we ask for that comfort in particular for the family of Ernst de Vries, +[2498.94 --> 2500.34] as they mourn his sudden passing. +[2500.34 --> 2504.68] We also pray for Ashley as she continues her chemo treatment, +[2505.20 --> 2507.36] asking that you will give strength and complete healing. +[2508.56 --> 2511.80] We pray too for Linda Rook, of Neil and Linda Rooks, +[2511.90 --> 2514.66] as she was recently diagnosed with breast cancer. +[2515.64 --> 2518.72] We thank you that she was able to have surgery and is recovering at home, +[2518.94 --> 2521.84] but we ask that you will continue to bless them +[2521.84 --> 2523.54] as they determine the next course of treatment. +[2524.36 --> 2526.12] We pray for your peace for Linda and Neil, +[2526.32 --> 2527.92] and for full healing of Linda's body. +[2527.92 --> 2530.94] We bring to you as well, +[2531.16 --> 2532.28] Clary Klosterhof's father, +[2532.50 --> 2533.82] who has some upcoming testing. +[2534.72 --> 2537.18] And we pray that he will get good results, +[2537.46 --> 2540.76] and also that he'll have clarity in decisions to be made moving forward. +[2542.40 --> 2545.76] We pray too in thankfulness for the healing that you've given Mary already, +[2546.12 --> 2547.66] and ask for continued improvement. +[2549.32 --> 2552.60] For the shut-ins and others who cannot physically join us on Sundays, +[2553.34 --> 2555.64] bless them with a tangible awareness of your presence, +[2555.64 --> 2558.26] and help us to reach out to them as a community. +[2559.58 --> 2564.00] For those battling addiction, anxiety, depression, or other burdens, +[2564.50 --> 2566.42] we ask for your strength and peace. +[2568.78 --> 2572.14] Lord, we pray that your word may continue to be our guide and light. +[2572.14 --> 2575.76] As a congregation that holds to the truths of scripture, +[2576.30 --> 2578.48] may we always remain faithful to your word. +[2578.48 --> 2582.66] Help us to commit time and effort to grow in understanding +[2582.66 --> 2584.26] by reading your word, +[2584.72 --> 2585.74] to love your commandments, +[2586.18 --> 2587.56] and to live according to your will. +[2588.86 --> 2591.32] May the preaching of the word shared today by Chris +[2591.32 --> 2594.70] bring conviction, hope, and transformation in our lives. +[2595.36 --> 2596.82] Let it be a lamp to our feet +[2596.82 --> 2598.24] and a light to our path, +[2598.68 --> 2600.42] leading us to trust in your sovereignty. +[2600.42 --> 2604.70] We ask all of this in the precious name of Jesus Christ, +[2605.08 --> 2608.00] our Savior, our King, and our Lord. +[2608.86 --> 2609.24] Amen. +[2609.24 --> 2609.32] Amen. +[2609.32 --> 2632.58] This morning, we continue in our look at the story of Joseph +[2632.58 --> 2637.38] as we look for helps and encouragement +[2637.38 --> 2641.34] and sustaining presence out of God's sovereignty +[2641.34 --> 2643.54] in the midst of our own suffering. +[2644.68 --> 2646.18] I'm going to read this morning +[2646.18 --> 2650.06] the second part of the chapter that we started last week. +[2650.54 --> 2652.72] So from Genesis 41, +[2653.52 --> 2655.10] I'm going to start at verse 41 +[2655.10 --> 2656.58] and read through to the end. +[2657.00 --> 2658.28] There, I'm going to start with that +[2658.28 --> 2659.56] and then we'll dive in. +[2659.92 --> 2660.72] Let's read together. +[2662.58 --> 2664.26] So Pharaoh said to Joseph, +[2664.76 --> 2668.12] I hereby put you in charge of the whole land of Egypt. +[2668.88 --> 2672.18] Then Pharaoh took his signet ring from his finger +[2672.18 --> 2674.04] and put it on Joseph's finger. +[2674.52 --> 2676.44] He dressed him in robes of fine linen +[2676.44 --> 2678.54] and put a gold chain around his neck. +[2679.12 --> 2682.10] He had him ride in a chariot as his second in command +[2682.10 --> 2683.90] and people shouted before him, +[2684.00 --> 2684.50] Make way. +[2685.44 --> 2688.16] Thus he put him in charge of the whole land of Egypt. +[2689.52 --> 2691.12] And Pharaoh said to Joseph, +[2691.12 --> 2693.00] I am Pharaoh, +[2693.00 --> 2694.40] But without your word, +[2694.54 --> 2696.94] no one will lift hand or foot in all Egypt. +[2697.84 --> 2702.30] Pharaoh gave Joseph the name Zephathnath, Paneah, +[2702.60 --> 2706.28] and gave him Asenath, daughter of Potipharah, +[2706.62 --> 2708.18] priest of On, to be his wife. +[2708.58 --> 2710.50] And Joseph went through the land of Egypt. +[2711.80 --> 2714.98] Joseph was 30 years old +[2714.98 --> 2717.56] when he entered the service of Pharaoh, king of Egypt. +[2717.56 --> 2720.52] And Joseph went out from Pharaoh's presence +[2720.52 --> 2722.02] and traveled throughout Egypt. +[2722.80 --> 2724.90] During the seven years of abundance, +[2725.26 --> 2726.84] the land produced plentifully. +[2728.14 --> 2729.92] Joseph collected all the food produced +[2729.92 --> 2732.00] in those seven years of abundance in Egypt +[2732.00 --> 2733.48] and stored it in the cities. +[2734.46 --> 2737.00] In each city, he put the food grown in the fields +[2737.00 --> 2737.74] surrounding it. +[2738.94 --> 2741.50] Joseph stored up huge quantities of grain +[2741.50 --> 2743.14] like the sand of the sea. +[2743.14 --> 2747.12] And so it was so much that he stopped keeping records +[2747.12 --> 2748.82] because it was beyond measure. +[2750.46 --> 2752.48] Before the years of famine came, +[2752.62 --> 2754.26] two sons were born to Joseph +[2754.26 --> 2757.06] by Asenath, daughter of Potipharah, +[2757.38 --> 2758.00] priest of On. +[2758.38 --> 2760.90] Joseph named his firstborn Manasseh +[2760.90 --> 2761.70] and said, +[2761.70 --> 2763.98] It is because God has made me forget +[2763.98 --> 2764.78] all my troubles +[2764.78 --> 2766.24] and all my father's household. +[2767.06 --> 2769.38] The second son, he named Ephraim +[2769.38 --> 2769.88] and said, +[2770.18 --> 2772.14] It is because God has made me fruitful +[2772.14 --> 2773.56] in the land of my suffering. +[2775.12 --> 2777.28] The seven years of abundance in Egypt +[2777.28 --> 2778.36] came to an end +[2778.36 --> 2780.86] and the seven years of famine began +[2780.86 --> 2782.84] just as Joseph had said. +[2783.52 --> 2785.46] There was famine in all the other lands +[2785.46 --> 2786.84] but in the whole land of Egypt +[2786.84 --> 2787.60] there was food. +[2788.86 --> 2791.30] When all Egypt began to feel the famine, +[2791.30 --> 2793.40] the people cried to Pharaoh for food +[2793.40 --> 2795.92] and then Pharaoh told all the Egyptians, +[2796.48 --> 2798.76] Go to Joseph and do what he tells you. +[2799.86 --> 2801.30] When the famine had spread +[2801.30 --> 2802.40] over the whole country, +[2802.58 --> 2804.32] Joseph opened all the storehouses +[2804.32 --> 2806.50] and sold grain to the Egyptians +[2806.50 --> 2809.28] for the famine was severe throughout the land +[2809.28 --> 2811.74] and all the world came to Egypt +[2811.74 --> 2813.46] to buy grain from Joseph +[2813.46 --> 2816.50] because the famine was severe everywhere. +[2817.62 --> 2819.04] This is the word of the Lord. +[2821.30 --> 2825.86] Now this morning, +[2826.22 --> 2828.24] I want to do something +[2828.24 --> 2831.94] a little bit different with our time, +[2832.00 --> 2833.18] a little bit out of the ordinary, +[2833.46 --> 2835.04] at least out of the ordinary +[2835.04 --> 2837.72] from my perspective in leading. +[2839.12 --> 2840.54] What I want to do this morning +[2840.54 --> 2843.40] is spend this time +[2843.40 --> 2846.56] telling you a few stories. +[2846.56 --> 2850.68] Now, I'm going to say this at the front. +[2850.80 --> 2851.64] At some point, +[2851.96 --> 2853.10] some of you are going to wonder, +[2853.26 --> 2854.98] what on earth does this have to do with Joseph? +[2856.04 --> 2857.40] I want to ask for your patience. +[2858.46 --> 2859.56] Please stick with me +[2859.56 --> 2860.78] and we'll get there. +[2861.76 --> 2862.82] Some of these stories +[2862.82 --> 2863.94] are ones that I've read +[2863.94 --> 2865.06] and find really compelling. +[2866.28 --> 2868.58] Most of them are stories from my own life +[2868.58 --> 2871.90] and there's one that is from friends of mine +[2871.90 --> 2873.52] that I've used with their permission. +[2873.52 --> 2876.74] Now, the first story +[2876.74 --> 2878.04] that I want to share with you +[2878.04 --> 2880.24] is about a woman named Debbie +[2880.24 --> 2881.64] and it's a story +[2881.64 --> 2883.66] that's told by Melissa Kruger. +[2885.12 --> 2886.62] Melissa and Debbie are friends. +[2887.58 --> 2889.42] Melissa writes the following. +[2889.58 --> 2889.94] She says, +[2889.94 --> 2892.54] I knock on the door expectantly +[2892.54 --> 2894.60] and my friend Debbie +[2894.60 --> 2896.20] greets me in sweatpants +[2896.20 --> 2897.64] that hang loosely +[2897.64 --> 2899.74] on her diminishing frame. +[2901.18 --> 2903.68] Her face is slightly paler +[2903.68 --> 2905.32] than the last time I saw her +[2905.32 --> 2907.40] and soft peach fuzz +[2907.40 --> 2908.96] graces the top of her head. +[2910.02 --> 2913.16] She is the most beautiful woman I know. +[2914.90 --> 2916.84] I hug her tightly, +[2917.34 --> 2918.48] not wanting to let go, +[2918.48 --> 2920.56] wanting somehow to freeze +[2920.56 --> 2921.82] this moment in time. +[2922.40 --> 2924.88] The cancer that began in her breast +[2924.88 --> 2926.36] continues to spread +[2926.36 --> 2927.52] through the rest of her body. +[2928.76 --> 2930.14] She has more tumors +[2930.14 --> 2931.60] than the doctors can count, +[2932.04 --> 2933.84] rapidly overtaking her brain. +[2935.30 --> 2937.68] Daily, she faces agonizing stomach pains +[2937.68 --> 2938.34] and discomfort +[2938.34 --> 2940.64] and in the midst of the physical pain, +[2941.02 --> 2942.30] the emotional heartache +[2942.30 --> 2944.24] of saying goodbye to her husband +[2944.24 --> 2945.58] and to her children +[2945.58 --> 2947.90] is an ever-present companion. +[2950.02 --> 2951.70] Deep waves of suffering +[2951.70 --> 2953.22] have come to my friend +[2953.22 --> 2956.02] whose faith is still so fresh +[2956.02 --> 2956.82] and so new. +[2957.66 --> 2958.96] Her journey with cancer +[2958.96 --> 2960.00] four years ago +[2960.00 --> 2961.16] was the beginning +[2961.16 --> 2962.96] of her journey to faith. +[2964.24 --> 2965.34] Debbie describes +[2965.34 --> 2968.50] God's work in her own life. +[2969.68 --> 2970.38] Debbie says, +[2970.38 --> 2971.72] I was struggling +[2971.72 --> 2973.32] with my faith in Christ +[2973.32 --> 2974.32] for several years +[2974.32 --> 2975.50] before my diagnosis. +[2976.46 --> 2978.26] I prayed to have the faith +[2978.26 --> 2979.42] of a little child again. +[2979.56 --> 2980.68] I read and I researched +[2980.68 --> 2983.26] and I tried to make myself believe. +[2983.60 --> 2984.58] The problem is +[2984.58 --> 2986.80] you can't make yourself believe in Christ. +[2987.46 --> 2988.84] It's purely a gift. +[2990.42 --> 2991.86] God gave me that gift +[2991.86 --> 2993.58] with my first cancer diagnosis +[2993.58 --> 2995.68] in December of 2008. +[2995.68 --> 2999.90] And following chemotherapy treatments +[2999.90 --> 3000.70] and radiation, +[3001.24 --> 3003.88] that gift continued in 2009. +[3004.46 --> 3006.78] And then in July of 2010, +[3007.00 --> 3007.68] during my battle +[3007.68 --> 3009.14] with my first brain tumor +[3009.14 --> 3011.68] and first set of partial brain +[3011.68 --> 3012.82] radiation treatments, +[3013.28 --> 3014.26] God spoke to me +[3014.26 --> 3015.70] and told me that I was his +[3015.70 --> 3016.70] and he filled me +[3016.70 --> 3017.96] with his Holy Spirit. +[3018.80 --> 3019.76] I learned more +[3019.76 --> 3021.36] about finding true joy +[3021.36 --> 3022.20] and contentment +[3022.20 --> 3023.34] in all circumstances +[3023.34 --> 3025.68] and I gained new spiritual gifts +[3025.68 --> 3026.96] as he continued to work +[3026.96 --> 3028.26] to transform me. +[3029.48 --> 3031.24] In November of 2011, +[3031.48 --> 3032.44] with the diagnosis +[3032.44 --> 3033.86] of a second brain tumor, +[3034.20 --> 3035.54] followed by two more +[3035.54 --> 3036.32] brain surgeries +[3036.32 --> 3037.30] and a second round +[3037.30 --> 3039.42] of partial brain radiation treatments, +[3039.50 --> 3040.38] along with surgery +[3040.38 --> 3041.90] to remove a tumor in my lung, +[3042.20 --> 3042.90] he taught me +[3042.90 --> 3044.54] yet more dependence on him. +[3046.32 --> 3047.38] But still, +[3047.62 --> 3049.20] this wouldn't be enough +[3049.20 --> 3050.32] to bring me +[3050.32 --> 3051.28] to where my soul +[3051.28 --> 3052.02] needed to be. +[3053.34 --> 3054.96] This past April, +[3055.20 --> 3055.74] she writes, +[3055.98 --> 3057.14] I got the diagnosis +[3057.14 --> 3058.94] of four more brain tumors, +[3059.68 --> 3060.94] now on the left side +[3060.94 --> 3061.52] of my brain, +[3062.58 --> 3063.60] followed by 12 +[3063.60 --> 3065.60] whole brain radiation treatments. +[3067.28 --> 3069.50] It took this last battle +[3069.50 --> 3071.84] to completely humble me, +[3072.48 --> 3074.40] to make me understand +[3074.40 --> 3076.10] my complete dependence on God. +[3076.82 --> 3078.52] I finally feel like +[3078.52 --> 3079.24] I'm on the road +[3079.24 --> 3080.76] to the daily conversational +[3080.76 --> 3081.36] relationship +[3081.36 --> 3082.78] with my heavenly father +[3082.78 --> 3083.42] that I've always +[3083.42 --> 3084.38] strongly desired +[3084.38 --> 3085.02] and envied +[3085.02 --> 3085.78] in the few people +[3085.78 --> 3086.60] I've seen +[3086.60 --> 3087.52] who truly have it. +[3091.52 --> 3092.68] It's been worth +[3092.68 --> 3094.06] every day +[3094.06 --> 3095.76] I have suffered. +[3095.76 --> 3109.16] God has been weaving +[3109.16 --> 3110.32] a story in my life. +[3112.00 --> 3112.76] When I thought +[3112.76 --> 3113.48] he was refusing +[3113.48 --> 3114.62] to answer my prayers +[3114.62 --> 3115.44] and refusing +[3115.44 --> 3116.62] to show himself to me, +[3116.82 --> 3117.68] he was standing +[3117.68 --> 3118.64] just at the edges +[3118.64 --> 3119.50] but never gone. +[3120.46 --> 3121.76] He knew the full picture. +[3123.20 --> 3124.52] He cares about my soul. +[3124.52 --> 3131.30] Melissa goes on +[3131.30 --> 3132.08] in telling a story +[3132.08 --> 3134.08] that Debbie first came +[3134.08 --> 3134.98] to see her +[3134.98 --> 3137.32] when she was a seeker +[3137.32 --> 3138.08] journeying +[3138.08 --> 3139.08] and they met +[3139.08 --> 3139.90] at an outreach +[3139.90 --> 3140.60] Bible study +[3140.60 --> 3141.52] four years ago. +[3143.18 --> 3143.52] Melissa, +[3143.78 --> 3144.82] reflecting on Debbie, +[3145.04 --> 3146.08] says that she is +[3146.08 --> 3147.02] teaching us all +[3147.02 --> 3147.70] the beauty +[3147.70 --> 3149.82] of faithful suffering. +[3149.82 --> 3152.10] In the midst +[3152.10 --> 3153.00] of losing hair +[3153.00 --> 3153.76] and eyelashes +[3153.76 --> 3154.50] and eyebrows, +[3154.94 --> 3155.58] she glows +[3155.58 --> 3156.92] with an indescribable +[3156.92 --> 3157.54] radiance. +[3158.44 --> 3159.90] The dark depths +[3159.90 --> 3160.90] of her affliction +[3160.90 --> 3161.90] make her faith +[3161.90 --> 3162.56] shine +[3162.56 --> 3164.10] all the more clearly. +[3165.46 --> 3166.72] She believes +[3166.72 --> 3167.40] her suffering +[3167.40 --> 3168.20] has value +[3168.20 --> 3169.28] because she treasures +[3169.28 --> 3170.04] the growth +[3170.04 --> 3170.74] it brings +[3170.74 --> 3171.32] to her +[3171.32 --> 3173.20] spiritual life. +[3173.20 --> 3173.28] life. +[3174.98 --> 3175.80] She knows +[3175.80 --> 3176.36] her soul +[3176.36 --> 3176.98] will live +[3176.98 --> 3177.62] even if +[3177.62 --> 3178.08] her body +[3178.08 --> 3178.64] fails. +[3182.42 --> 3182.94] Now, +[3182.98 --> 3183.42] in their telling +[3183.42 --> 3184.16] of this story, +[3185.18 --> 3186.06] Melissa and Debbie +[3186.06 --> 3186.68] conclude, +[3186.68 --> 3189.14] does it matter +[3189.14 --> 3190.04] how we walk +[3190.04 --> 3190.78] in the face +[3190.78 --> 3191.38] of suffering? +[3192.66 --> 3193.44] The Bible +[3193.44 --> 3194.60] makes unapologetic +[3194.60 --> 3195.28] claims about +[3195.28 --> 3195.80] how we should +[3195.80 --> 3196.52] face suffering. +[3196.90 --> 3197.72] 1 Peter 4, +[3197.84 --> 3199.08] 13 says, +[3199.20 --> 3199.76] but rejoice +[3199.76 --> 3200.72] that you participate +[3200.72 --> 3201.66] in the sufferings +[3201.66 --> 3202.20] of Christ +[3202.20 --> 3203.10] so that you may +[3203.10 --> 3204.04] be overjoyed +[3204.04 --> 3204.82] when his glory +[3204.82 --> 3205.52] is revealed. +[3206.92 --> 3207.32] Together, +[3207.46 --> 3207.94] they reflect +[3207.94 --> 3208.76] allowing us +[3208.76 --> 3209.56] to experience +[3209.56 --> 3210.42] the brokenness +[3210.42 --> 3211.18] of this world +[3211.18 --> 3212.64] keeps us thirsty +[3212.64 --> 3213.60] for the next. +[3215.46 --> 3216.58] The reality +[3216.58 --> 3217.16] of death +[3217.16 --> 3217.82] forces us +[3217.82 --> 3218.34] to consider +[3218.34 --> 3218.94] carefully +[3218.94 --> 3220.12] how we live. +[3221.98 --> 3223.26] Only by believing +[3223.26 --> 3223.88] that a better +[3223.88 --> 3224.74] home awaits +[3224.74 --> 3226.14] can we experience +[3226.14 --> 3227.60] any sort of light +[3227.60 --> 3228.88] in this land +[3228.88 --> 3229.60] of shadows. +[3231.42 --> 3232.54] Debbie would not +[3232.54 --> 3233.74] choose her situation. +[3236.32 --> 3237.40] Melissa reflects, +[3237.70 --> 3238.28] she has, +[3238.48 --> 3238.70] however, +[3238.96 --> 3240.06] chosen how +[3240.06 --> 3241.66] to live in it. +[3242.86 --> 3243.62] She lives +[3243.62 --> 3244.12] as a servant +[3244.12 --> 3244.60] of God. +[3246.58 --> 3248.94] The next story +[3248.94 --> 3249.50] I want to share +[3249.50 --> 3251.96] is from friends +[3251.96 --> 3252.36] of ours. +[3252.64 --> 3253.04] Some of you +[3253.04 --> 3253.34] have heard +[3253.34 --> 3253.94] parts of their +[3253.94 --> 3254.46] stories in +[3254.46 --> 3254.94] different places +[3254.94 --> 3255.40] before. +[3257.44 --> 3258.28] Rachel and I +[3258.28 --> 3259.32] met Josh +[3259.32 --> 3259.82] in April +[3259.82 --> 3261.54] while we were +[3261.54 --> 3262.22] in seminary +[3262.22 --> 3263.50] and we quickly +[3263.50 --> 3264.64] became friends +[3264.64 --> 3265.04] with them. +[3266.40 --> 3267.20] Rachel and I +[3267.20 --> 3267.82] were married +[3267.82 --> 3268.70] for just a few +[3268.70 --> 3269.06] months. +[3269.26 --> 3269.70] When we met +[3269.70 --> 3269.90] them, +[3269.98 --> 3270.40] they had been +[3270.40 --> 3271.20] married for seven +[3271.20 --> 3272.28] years and had +[3272.28 --> 3272.80] been trying to +[3272.80 --> 3273.56] have kids together +[3273.56 --> 3274.18] for the last +[3274.18 --> 3274.52] three. +[3276.00 --> 3276.62] They tried +[3276.62 --> 3277.20] everything. +[3277.80 --> 3278.76] Fertility drugs, +[3278.98 --> 3279.60] DNCs, +[3280.14 --> 3281.22] IVF, +[3281.40 --> 3282.02] all of it. +[3282.12 --> 3282.52] Some of you +[3282.52 --> 3283.72] know exactly +[3283.72 --> 3285.04] what I'm talking +[3285.04 --> 3285.38] about. +[3287.92 --> 3288.90] As part of +[3288.90 --> 3289.82] that process, +[3290.14 --> 3291.50] they harvested +[3291.50 --> 3293.02] and fertilized +[3293.02 --> 3295.18] five, +[3295.52 --> 3296.60] or of the eggs +[3296.60 --> 3297.02] that they had +[3297.02 --> 3297.66] harvested and +[3297.66 --> 3298.22] fertilized, +[3298.30 --> 3299.18] only five +[3299.18 --> 3301.08] became embryos +[3301.08 --> 3302.94] and the first +[3302.94 --> 3305.22] two implantations +[3305.22 --> 3305.96] had failed. +[3307.32 --> 3308.14] And on this +[3308.14 --> 3309.14] particular day, +[3309.28 --> 3310.94] Josh and April +[3310.94 --> 3311.74] were going back +[3311.74 --> 3312.80] to Ontario, +[3313.00 --> 3313.54] to the hospital +[3313.54 --> 3313.92] that they had +[3313.92 --> 3314.30] been working +[3314.30 --> 3314.68] with, +[3315.04 --> 3315.70] while we were +[3315.70 --> 3316.22] in Michigan, +[3317.16 --> 3318.08] to try for the +[3318.08 --> 3318.64] third time. +[3319.64 --> 3320.20] And Josh had +[3320.20 --> 3320.98] gathered us up +[3320.98 --> 3321.72] together as +[3321.72 --> 3322.48] friends and +[3322.48 --> 3323.52] asked us to +[3323.52 --> 3325.00] pray for this +[3325.00 --> 3326.08] journey and for +[3326.08 --> 3326.86] this process. +[3326.86 --> 3337.86] Josh came +[3337.86 --> 3338.26] and found +[3338.26 --> 3339.62] us later, +[3340.50 --> 3342.10] and we were +[3342.10 --> 3342.68] where we normally +[3342.68 --> 3343.18] were, which was +[3343.18 --> 3343.56] in the corner +[3343.56 --> 3344.24] of the library, +[3344.80 --> 3346.60] and he saw +[3346.60 --> 3348.00] us and started +[3348.00 --> 3348.66] weeping. +[3349.78 --> 3350.46] And the only +[3350.46 --> 3351.08] thing he said +[3351.08 --> 3351.92] to me was, +[3352.72 --> 3354.06] I think God +[3354.06 --> 3355.08] hates me. +[3356.86 --> 3357.88] because it +[3357.88 --> 3358.44] didn't work. +[3359.54 --> 3360.72] It failed +[3360.72 --> 3361.50] again. +[3362.54 --> 3363.22] And so we +[3363.22 --> 3364.26] all wept +[3364.26 --> 3365.04] together +[3365.04 --> 3366.20] in the +[3366.20 --> 3366.58] library. +[3370.38 --> 3371.20] Now, +[3372.14 --> 3373.12] fast forward +[3373.12 --> 3374.36] a few months, +[3374.94 --> 3375.92] and Josh and +[3375.92 --> 3376.90] April, with all +[3376.90 --> 3377.80] the failures +[3377.80 --> 3378.82] that they've +[3378.82 --> 3379.20] experienced, +[3379.30 --> 3380.26] decided that +[3380.26 --> 3380.50] they're going +[3380.50 --> 3381.04] to adopt. +[3381.04 --> 3384.52] and I +[3384.52 --> 3385.34] honestly was +[3385.34 --> 3385.68] trying to +[3385.68 --> 3386.36] remember Rachel, +[3386.50 --> 3387.14] but it felt +[3387.14 --> 3387.64] like it was +[3387.64 --> 3388.14] this quick. +[3388.40 --> 3389.00] Three weeks +[3389.00 --> 3389.46] after they +[3389.46 --> 3390.12] decided that +[3390.12 --> 3390.36] they were +[3390.36 --> 3390.80] going to +[3390.80 --> 3391.18] adopt, +[3391.50 --> 3391.98] a family +[3391.98 --> 3392.46] phoned them +[3392.46 --> 3392.76] and said, +[3392.84 --> 3393.10] hey, I +[3393.10 --> 3393.56] just had a +[3393.56 --> 3393.92] baby and +[3393.92 --> 3394.26] I want you +[3394.26 --> 3394.46] to be +[3394.46 --> 3395.00] their parents. +[3396.26 --> 3396.70] And so +[3396.70 --> 3397.04] they took +[3397.04 --> 3397.38] home this +[3397.38 --> 3397.98] beautiful baby +[3397.98 --> 3399.36] girl named +[3399.36 --> 3399.74] Kaylin. +[3402.66 --> 3403.38] Fast forward +[3403.38 --> 3404.04] to present +[3404.04 --> 3404.38] day, +[3405.04 --> 3405.44] Josh and +[3405.44 --> 3406.00] April have +[3406.00 --> 3407.06] three beautiful +[3407.06 --> 3407.62] kids. +[3407.76 --> 3408.10] Kaylin, +[3408.58 --> 3409.18] they're adopted. +[3409.44 --> 3410.18] Jude, who +[3410.18 --> 3411.34] is an IVF +[3411.34 --> 3411.82] baby that +[3411.82 --> 3412.44] did end up +[3412.44 --> 3412.92] working for +[3412.92 --> 3413.60] them, and +[3413.60 --> 3414.28] Lucas, their +[3414.28 --> 3414.98] youngest, who's +[3414.98 --> 3415.90] an embryo that +[3415.90 --> 3416.46] they adopted +[3416.46 --> 3418.24] and then April +[3418.24 --> 3418.94] carried to +[3418.94 --> 3419.20] term. +[3421.38 --> 3422.20] This summer, +[3422.36 --> 3422.98] we sat with +[3422.98 --> 3424.56] them camping +[3424.56 --> 3425.20] with a group +[3425.20 --> 3425.70] of friends, +[3425.88 --> 3426.30] and at one +[3426.30 --> 3428.02] point, Josh +[3428.02 --> 3429.14] turns to me +[3429.14 --> 3430.30] and he says, +[3430.70 --> 3431.86] look how God +[3431.86 --> 3432.54] has blessed +[3432.54 --> 3433.04] us. +[3435.28 --> 3436.12] That's a long +[3436.12 --> 3437.62] way from, +[3438.02 --> 3438.56] I think God +[3438.56 --> 3439.12] hates me. +[3440.18 --> 3443.74] these are our +[3443.74 --> 3444.20] stories. +[3447.60 --> 3448.38] Summer of +[3448.38 --> 3449.26] 2007, +[3450.60 --> 3452.10] Rachel and I +[3452.10 --> 3452.76] had just +[3452.76 --> 3453.80] written our +[3453.80 --> 3454.68] final exams +[3454.68 --> 3455.48] at university. +[3456.02 --> 3456.86] A week later, +[3456.94 --> 3457.58] we got married. +[3458.58 --> 3458.82] Yay. +[3460.72 --> 3461.80] The next week, +[3461.88 --> 3462.38] we were in +[3462.38 --> 3463.20] Cuba for our +[3463.20 --> 3463.56] honeymoon. +[3464.70 --> 3465.94] The week after +[3465.94 --> 3466.90] coming back +[3466.90 --> 3467.34] from our +[3467.34 --> 3468.24] honeymoon, we +[3468.24 --> 3469.08] received our +[3469.08 --> 3469.74] degrees and +[3469.74 --> 3470.46] had graduation +[3470.46 --> 3471.40] ceremonies and +[3471.40 --> 3472.64] celebrations and +[3472.64 --> 3473.04] parties. +[3473.20 --> 3473.96] In two months' +[3474.10 --> 3475.08] time, we were +[3475.08 --> 3475.98] going to move to +[3475.98 --> 3476.62] Grand Rapids, +[3476.74 --> 3477.54] Michigan, so I +[3477.54 --> 3478.32] could start my +[3478.32 --> 3479.50] master's program +[3479.50 --> 3479.96] together. +[3480.42 --> 3481.92] And on June 28, +[3482.78 --> 3483.96] a good friend of +[3483.96 --> 3485.74] ours was killed +[3485.74 --> 3487.42] in a car crash +[3487.42 --> 3488.98] while visiting his +[3488.98 --> 3490.22] family in +[3490.22 --> 3490.46] Carmen, +[3490.46 --> 3491.02] Manitoba. +[3491.02 --> 3494.04] Our friend group +[3494.04 --> 3495.24] was devastated. +[3496.76 --> 3497.24] Twenty, +[3497.44 --> 3498.22] twenty-five of +[3498.22 --> 3499.22] us gathered +[3499.22 --> 3500.16] together in +[3500.16 --> 3500.98] our house where +[3500.98 --> 3502.18] I lived with +[3502.18 --> 3503.12] Craig before +[3503.12 --> 3503.88] getting married, +[3504.10 --> 3505.16] and we gathered +[3505.16 --> 3506.26] there to cry, +[3506.78 --> 3508.02] and Karis was +[3508.02 --> 3508.66] there, and her +[3508.66 --> 3509.48] dad came and +[3509.48 --> 3510.40] actually joined us +[3510.40 --> 3511.38] and led us in +[3511.38 --> 3512.68] prayer in that +[3512.68 --> 3513.00] moment. +[3513.00 --> 3517.38] And I didn't +[3517.38 --> 3518.06] remember this part +[3518.06 --> 3518.94] of the story until +[3518.94 --> 3520.28] this week as I +[3520.28 --> 3521.04] was reflecting on +[3521.04 --> 3521.56] sharing it with +[3521.56 --> 3521.84] you. +[3522.92 --> 3524.06] In that moment, +[3524.30 --> 3525.22] in my group of +[3525.22 --> 3526.66] friends, I felt +[3526.66 --> 3527.60] like I had to be +[3527.60 --> 3528.80] strong, and I +[3528.80 --> 3529.62] felt like I had to +[3529.62 --> 3530.62] help people carry +[3530.62 --> 3531.86] the weight of this +[3531.86 --> 3533.22] tragic moment. +[3534.28 --> 3535.04] And then Rachel +[3535.04 --> 3536.28] and I, after being +[3536.28 --> 3537.16] with our friends, +[3537.46 --> 3538.60] got in our car, +[3538.72 --> 3539.52] and we drove back +[3539.52 --> 3540.92] to our basement +[3540.92 --> 3541.80] apartment that we +[3541.80 --> 3542.50] were living in for +[3542.50 --> 3543.52] those few months, +[3543.66 --> 3544.16] and when we got +[3544.16 --> 3545.42] home, I opened the +[3545.42 --> 3546.32] door, and I +[3546.32 --> 3547.06] stepped out of the +[3547.06 --> 3547.70] car, and I +[3547.70 --> 3548.88] collapsed to the +[3548.88 --> 3550.34] ground, weeping. +[3551.98 --> 3553.10] Weeping at the +[3553.10 --> 3554.12] death of my +[3554.12 --> 3554.58] friend. +[3556.02 --> 3556.84] Weeping at the +[3556.84 --> 3557.68] tragedy that we +[3557.68 --> 3558.82] were all living in +[3558.82 --> 3559.52] the midst of, and I +[3559.52 --> 3560.68] just couldn't carry +[3560.68 --> 3561.32] it anymore. +[3561.44 --> 3562.02] And praise God, +[3562.08 --> 3563.00] Rachel gathered +[3563.00 --> 3564.12] me up, took me +[3564.12 --> 3564.54] inside. +[3566.60 --> 3567.56] Now a number of +[3567.56 --> 3568.22] us in that group +[3568.22 --> 3569.32] of friends decided +[3569.32 --> 3569.98] that we were going +[3569.98 --> 3570.64] to travel to +[3570.64 --> 3571.00] Carmen, +[3571.00 --> 3572.46] Manitoba, for the +[3572.46 --> 3572.80] funeral. +[3573.94 --> 3575.20] And so like 18 of +[3575.20 --> 3577.26] us got on a plane, +[3577.66 --> 3579.62] and we flew to +[3579.62 --> 3580.74] Winnipeg, and then +[3580.74 --> 3581.60] got picked up by +[3581.60 --> 3582.86] Craig's parents and +[3582.86 --> 3584.02] his family, and +[3584.02 --> 3584.84] brought to his +[3584.84 --> 3585.72] house and to his +[3585.72 --> 3586.48] cousin's property +[3586.48 --> 3588.06] where we stayed +[3588.06 --> 3588.54] together. +[3589.54 --> 3590.76] And in that week +[3590.76 --> 3592.12] of time together, +[3592.24 --> 3593.30] those days of time +[3593.30 --> 3594.38] together, there was +[3594.38 --> 3595.42] this weird thing +[3595.42 --> 3596.28] that took place, and +[3596.28 --> 3597.36] many of you can +[3597.36 --> 3598.06] understand this, +[3598.14 --> 3598.26] right? +[3598.26 --> 3598.92] Like there was +[3598.92 --> 3600.82] laughter, and there +[3600.82 --> 3601.34] was tears. +[3602.26 --> 3603.34] There was mourning +[3603.34 --> 3604.52] and hurt and pain, +[3604.52 --> 3605.90] and we had so much +[3605.90 --> 3607.10] fun together. +[3609.26 --> 3610.68] In that moment, it's +[3610.68 --> 3611.56] weird, and it doesn't +[3611.56 --> 3613.40] make sense, and it +[3613.40 --> 3614.40] doesn't make it okay, +[3614.52 --> 3615.24] not at all. +[3616.52 --> 3617.58] But it does make it +[3617.58 --> 3619.08] different, right? +[3619.08 --> 3622.36] Craig's parents and +[3622.36 --> 3623.96] his family would +[3623.96 --> 3625.82] remark how important +[3625.82 --> 3627.40] that was for them to +[3627.40 --> 3628.26] get a glimpse into +[3628.26 --> 3629.20] Craig's university +[3629.20 --> 3630.78] friends and family, and +[3630.78 --> 3632.12] his life lived so far +[3632.12 --> 3634.26] away from them, right, +[3634.32 --> 3635.64] for four years. +[3637.12 --> 3638.46] And reflecting back on +[3638.46 --> 3639.70] that journey, like God +[3639.70 --> 3641.06] used that moment and +[3641.06 --> 3642.24] that circumstance to +[3642.24 --> 3644.14] show me that the +[3644.14 --> 3645.48] church of God is just +[3645.48 --> 3647.32] so much bigger, and +[3647.32 --> 3648.64] that we, as brothers +[3648.64 --> 3649.26] and sisters in +[3649.26 --> 3650.26] Christ, are so much +[3650.26 --> 3652.10] closer because of our +[3652.10 --> 3653.90] shared faith that I +[3653.90 --> 3654.42] could ever have +[3654.42 --> 3655.34] previously imagined. +[3656.26 --> 3656.46] Right? +[3656.46 --> 3657.84] He used that event to +[3657.84 --> 3659.76] show me that tears and +[3659.76 --> 3660.98] laughter, that suffering +[3660.98 --> 3662.54] and joy are part of the +[3662.54 --> 3666.30] Christian experience, and +[3666.30 --> 3667.48] that I can't be spared +[3667.48 --> 3670.16] the reality of +[3670.16 --> 3674.26] suffering, but I can +[3674.26 --> 3675.10] worship in the midst +[3675.10 --> 3675.42] of it. +[3677.90 --> 3678.88] And at his funeral, +[3679.10 --> 3680.36] hundreds of hundreds of +[3680.36 --> 3681.52] family and friends and +[3681.52 --> 3682.40] community members +[3682.40 --> 3684.16] gathered together, and +[3684.16 --> 3685.60] we sang and we blew the +[3685.60 --> 3687.04] roof off of that little +[3687.04 --> 3687.80] church in Carmen, +[3687.90 --> 3688.90] Manitoba, singing, +[3689.00 --> 3689.48] Great is thy +[3689.48 --> 3690.08] faithfulness. +[3694.44 --> 3695.60] These are our stories. +[3695.60 --> 3708.84] When I was 18, I got a +[3708.84 --> 3711.32] call from one of my +[3711.32 --> 3712.04] best friends. +[3713.40 --> 3715.70] Now, some of you, this is +[3715.70 --> 3717.50] going to be weird, but it +[3717.50 --> 3719.06] used to be the case that you +[3719.06 --> 3720.36] only had phones that stayed +[3720.36 --> 3722.62] on the wall, and they were +[3722.62 --> 3725.76] attached to it by a cord, and +[3725.76 --> 3727.38] if someone phoned after 10 +[3727.38 --> 3729.16] o'clock, it was only ever +[3729.16 --> 3730.30] because something was wrong, +[3730.36 --> 3731.36] not because they just wanted +[3731.36 --> 3732.58] to chat and they had you in +[3732.58 --> 3733.74] their pocket the whole time. +[3734.40 --> 3735.34] And so when the phone rings +[3735.34 --> 3737.94] after 10 o'clock, there's a +[3737.94 --> 3739.92] generation of us here who go, +[3740.06 --> 3740.98] oh crap, who died? +[3741.92 --> 3742.90] Because that's the only reason +[3742.90 --> 3743.92] the phone rings after 10. +[3745.38 --> 3747.58] But we got a phone call after +[3747.58 --> 3750.84] 10 o'clock that one of my +[3750.84 --> 3755.54] best friends had tried to +[3755.54 --> 3756.50] take his own life. +[3763.20 --> 3770.00] And so we rushed over to his +[3770.00 --> 3774.38] house to be with him and with +[3774.38 --> 3778.28] his parents, and they had +[3778.28 --> 3781.46] called a friend of theirs who +[3781.46 --> 3782.60] was an elder in the church. +[3783.70 --> 3785.66] Now, at this point in my life, +[3785.90 --> 3787.48] if you know my own story, I +[3787.48 --> 3788.50] wasn't very close to God. +[3789.08 --> 3790.16] I wasn't a good Christian. +[3791.06 --> 3793.32] My default posture was +[3793.32 --> 3795.96] definitely not to pray, but +[3795.96 --> 3797.04] that's what this elder did. +[3798.24 --> 3799.90] He said, we need to pray +[3799.90 --> 3801.20] together, boys. +[3802.14 --> 3803.90] And there we were, a group of +[3803.90 --> 3805.64] five boys, only two of us who +[3805.64 --> 3806.70] pretended to be Christians. +[3806.70 --> 3808.88] Everyone else was at a loss for +[3808.88 --> 3809.32] what to do. +[3811.30 --> 3813.24] God used that moment, right, and +[3813.24 --> 3814.88] reflecting on that back now, +[3815.30 --> 3817.46] amongst many other things, but +[3817.46 --> 3820.66] poignantly, to craft in my +[3820.66 --> 3823.90] vision a default to pray in the +[3823.90 --> 3826.44] midst of the utter brokenness and +[3826.44 --> 3828.86] unknown and chaoses of life. +[3828.86 --> 3838.20] coming up on 15 years ago, I +[3838.20 --> 3841.84] started in my first church in +[3841.84 --> 3843.34] ministry. +[3843.50 --> 3846.98] The first Sunday on the job, I +[3846.98 --> 3848.64] stood in front of the church, and I +[3848.64 --> 3850.30] had to confess that I almost burned +[3850.30 --> 3851.74] the entire church building down +[3851.74 --> 3854.08] because I had left an oven mitt in +[3854.08 --> 3856.12] what I thought was the storage tray +[3856.12 --> 3856.88] under the oven. +[3856.88 --> 3858.72] Turns out it was a warming tray +[3858.72 --> 3862.26] caught on fire, and there was a +[3862.26 --> 3864.24] massive smoke plume in the +[3864.24 --> 3866.50] kitchen, and I had to confess to +[3866.50 --> 3867.72] them, I almost burned down your +[3867.72 --> 3868.80] church, and I've only been here for +[3868.80 --> 3869.34] three days. +[3869.74 --> 3870.10] Sorry. +[3870.76 --> 3872.76] Hopefully that's not a parable of +[3872.76 --> 3873.42] what is to come. +[3874.42 --> 3876.30] In truth, I still have that oven mitt +[3876.30 --> 3878.46] in my office right now as a +[3878.46 --> 3879.94] reminder to not take myself too +[3879.94 --> 3880.38] seriously. +[3880.38 --> 3884.86] But the second Sunday on the job, +[3885.64 --> 3887.86] five minutes before the church +[3887.86 --> 3891.04] service started, a parent came up to +[3891.04 --> 3893.46] me and said, I just got a phone call +[3893.46 --> 3896.36] that a 17-year-old boy from our +[3896.36 --> 3897.94] church community, from the school +[3897.94 --> 3899.82] community that we were part of, had +[3899.82 --> 3900.60] taken his own life. +[3900.60 --> 3909.14] I didn't know these people, barely. +[3909.62 --> 3911.92] I didn't know Clayton at all. +[3913.04 --> 3914.70] And I had to stand in front of them, +[3915.20 --> 3917.26] and as the first word to them on +[3917.26 --> 3920.10] Sunday morning, tell them this news. +[3920.10 --> 3926.06] And in the midst of that, again, I +[3926.06 --> 3926.42] wept. +[3927.80 --> 3930.04] I wept for these people that I +[3930.04 --> 3933.00] didn't know and yet felt such a deep +[3933.00 --> 3935.00] love for in that moment. +[3937.68 --> 3939.28] And one of the things that God has +[3939.28 --> 3940.52] taught me coming out of that +[3940.52 --> 3943.82] experience is that God can give you a +[3943.82 --> 3945.64] love for a people you don't know. +[3946.62 --> 3949.00] That God makes our love possible, +[3949.00 --> 3951.12] even when we don't feel like it, +[3951.14 --> 3952.28] even when we don't feel like it +[3952.28 --> 3955.62] anymore, God can give you that love. +[3958.40 --> 3960.96] Now these are just some of my stories, +[3961.66 --> 3964.36] and I didn't go into the details of +[3964.36 --> 3966.08] many of them deeply. +[3970.30 --> 3972.72] You have your own stories. +[3973.86 --> 3976.06] This community, this family, has its +[3976.06 --> 3978.08] own stories in the death of a friend, +[3978.08 --> 3980.16] the death of a son, the death of a +[3980.16 --> 3982.02] father, the death of a baby or a +[3982.02 --> 3982.40] toddler. +[3983.54 --> 3986.30] We have stories of aging parents, of +[3986.30 --> 3989.06] losing mom to dementia five years +[3989.06 --> 3990.34] before she died of old age. +[3991.62 --> 3994.18] Stories of chronic illnesses that +[3994.18 --> 3996.14] medical teams can't seem to figure out +[3996.14 --> 3998.52] or fix, and we're just barely hanging +[3998.52 --> 3999.82] on in the middle of it. +[3999.82 --> 4002.98] These are our stories. +[4003.98 --> 4004.42] Right? +[4004.50 --> 4006.38] Each one of us in the life of this +[4006.38 --> 4008.00] church family right now. +[4008.92 --> 4011.84] And there's so many more. +[4016.04 --> 4018.16] And what we do with these stories, +[4018.30 --> 4021.10] how we tell these stories, +[4021.10 --> 4024.74] matters for us today. +[4024.74 --> 4030.60] Psalm 126, verse 5 and 6 says, +[4031.12 --> 4033.96] Those who sow with tears will reap with +[4033.96 --> 4036.64] songs of joy, and those who go out +[4036.64 --> 4039.24] weeping, carrying seed to sow, will +[4039.24 --> 4041.34] return with songs of joy, carrying +[4041.34 --> 4043.06] sheaves with them. +[4044.30 --> 4045.38] Here's what I want you to see. +[4045.48 --> 4046.68] We'll leave that on the screen for a +[4046.68 --> 4046.82] minute. +[4046.82 --> 4053.56] Tears are sown in our stories like a +[4053.56 --> 4055.36] farmer sows seeds. +[4057.20 --> 4061.28] And tears, when properly sown, can in +[4061.28 --> 4063.08] fact bring joy. +[4065.12 --> 4067.34] But what is important for us to hear is +[4067.34 --> 4070.64] that it also means it is possible to +[4070.64 --> 4071.86] waste our tears. +[4072.74 --> 4076.40] It's possible to throw out our sorrows, +[4076.40 --> 4079.32] imagine a gardener, right, who +[4079.32 --> 4084.56] carefully places each seed in the +[4084.56 --> 4086.86] little hole that they have made, +[4087.14 --> 4092.36] right, and in six weeks to however +[4092.36 --> 4093.78] many months, I'm not a gardener, I +[4093.78 --> 4094.94] don't know how this works, right, +[4095.00 --> 4097.58] there's fruit, there's plants, there's +[4097.58 --> 4100.08] beauty, and the miracle of life comes +[4100.08 --> 4100.40] from that. +[4100.60 --> 4102.66] Now imagine that same gardener taking +[4102.66 --> 4104.72] the pile of seeds and just shoving +[4104.72 --> 4105.34] them on the ground. +[4107.24 --> 4108.26] That doesn't grow. +[4109.54 --> 4112.08] It's possible to waste your sorrows. +[4113.22 --> 4117.98] Tears are like seeds that when sown +[4117.98 --> 4121.68] properly reap songs of joy. +[4122.14 --> 4124.32] But here also, as we keep this in front +[4124.32 --> 4127.82] of us, right, the joy that we might +[4127.82 --> 4132.06] experience, at least from Psalm 126, +[4132.38 --> 4136.04] is produced by the sorrow. +[4138.72 --> 4139.50] Hear that. +[4140.20 --> 4144.56] It's grown out of the sorrow, right, +[4144.60 --> 4147.24] that the sadness of grief can make us +[4147.24 --> 4149.44] more joyful in the long run. +[4149.44 --> 4150.44] And here's... +[4150.44 --> 4159.14] I'm going to say this isn't just what I +[4159.14 --> 4160.24] believe. +[4161.44 --> 4164.54] This is what I know to be true. +[4166.54 --> 4168.64] Because of the gospel. +[4170.64 --> 4171.00] Right? +[4171.00 --> 4173.68] Because of Jesus' suffering, +[4175.44 --> 4183.44] ultimate joy is possible and real. +[4184.10 --> 4186.70] Out of Jesus' suffering, +[4187.14 --> 4189.98] ultimate joy can come to those who by +[4189.98 --> 4191.30] grace through faith believe. +[4191.38 --> 4193.10] Because he lived the life I should have +[4193.10 --> 4194.76] lived and died the death that I +[4194.76 --> 4194.96] deserved. +[4195.02 --> 4197.92] Because he was raised victorious over sin +[4197.92 --> 4199.38] and death three days later, +[4200.34 --> 4201.88] because of Jesus, +[4202.96 --> 4207.32] God has shown us +[4207.32 --> 4211.28] that he can take what Peter Kreeft +[4211.28 --> 4215.60] called the world's most awesome +[4215.60 --> 4218.22] attempt at evil, the killing of God +[4218.22 --> 4222.66] himself, and turn it into the most +[4222.66 --> 4227.84] joyful, possible reality for those of us +[4227.84 --> 4228.22] who believe. +[4228.30 --> 4231.84] That is the salvation of his people. +[4233.58 --> 4237.50] And when we can see and hear the +[4237.50 --> 4240.16] ultimate story of God turning +[4240.16 --> 4242.32] suffering into joy, +[4242.80 --> 4246.10] we can begin to hear that in other +[4246.10 --> 4247.06] stories as well. +[4248.60 --> 4250.52] So in this series, we have been looking +[4250.52 --> 4252.90] at God's sovereignty in the midst of +[4252.90 --> 4254.22] human suffering. +[4254.22 --> 4256.82] And for so many of us, so often, +[4257.12 --> 4259.86] our suffering is a challenge to the +[4259.86 --> 4260.94] sovereignty of God. +[4260.98 --> 4262.74] But what we are beginning to learn is +[4262.74 --> 4264.64] that doesn't have to be true for us, +[4264.68 --> 4264.78] right? +[4264.84 --> 4267.40] Because God is sovereign, we can endure +[4267.40 --> 4267.98] suffering. +[4268.32 --> 4270.64] And God's sovereignty, in fact, is the only +[4270.64 --> 4273.64] way to ensure that our suffering can have +[4273.64 --> 4274.86] any meaning. +[4275.02 --> 4277.24] Any one of those stories that I mentioned +[4277.24 --> 4282.86] before, the only way I can be sure that God +[4282.86 --> 4285.50] has a purpose in them while I'm in the +[4285.50 --> 4288.64] middle of it is if God is sovereign. +[4288.70 --> 4289.96] Otherwise, it's just a guessing game. +[4291.66 --> 4293.76] Only on the firm foundation of God's +[4293.76 --> 4296.38] sovereignty can you have any real hope that +[4296.38 --> 4298.84] your suffering matters, that it's doing +[4298.84 --> 4300.22] something, that it has a purpose. +[4300.68 --> 4303.66] And if God isn't sovereign, everything you go +[4303.66 --> 4306.64] through might not be necessary, might not be +[4306.64 --> 4307.56] worth it. +[4310.22 --> 4312.54] And so in our stories, in the story of +[4312.54 --> 4315.18] Joseph, we've been looking for God hints. +[4317.10 --> 4320.34] And in this chapter, in verse 51, +[4321.24 --> 4324.86] Joseph is blessed with two children. +[4324.86 --> 4328.34] And it's in the names of those two children +[4328.34 --> 4331.78] that I want to find our God hint today. +[4332.92 --> 4336.64] So the first son he has is named Manasseh, +[4336.96 --> 4340.00] which literally means he caused to forget. +[4340.42 --> 4342.64] He who brings about forgetfulness. +[4343.66 --> 4346.48] And it's used here to describe God's activity +[4346.48 --> 4349.18] on behalf of Joseph and in anticipation +[4349.18 --> 4351.40] of an even brighter future. +[4352.54 --> 4352.64] Right? +[4352.64 --> 4354.70] Joseph realizes here that he doesn't have +[4354.70 --> 4356.82] to be overwhelmed about the past +[4356.82 --> 4360.80] or the present because he, in his son, +[4361.10 --> 4364.68] is being shown a promise for the future. +[4366.46 --> 4369.04] The other name that Joseph gives here +[4369.04 --> 4371.74] to his second son is Ephraim, +[4372.04 --> 4373.74] which literally means fruitful. +[4373.98 --> 4375.62] Or there's this interesting Hebrew thing +[4375.62 --> 4377.56] going on there that could mean +[4377.56 --> 4378.74] doubly fruitful. +[4378.74 --> 4383.36] And from the perspective of his fruitfulness, +[4383.92 --> 4386.00] right, from the perspective where Joseph is standing, +[4386.34 --> 4387.82] hindsight being what it is, +[4388.60 --> 4390.62] Joseph can see God's hand. +[4391.60 --> 4394.46] And because he is able to see God working for good, +[4394.56 --> 4396.94] all the suffering that he had to go through, +[4397.20 --> 4399.74] his perspective changes. +[4401.12 --> 4402.98] And so the God hint that I want us to hear +[4402.98 --> 4405.66] and see out of this is just a little phrase, +[4405.66 --> 4408.80] seeing the good that comes. +[4410.00 --> 4411.66] Seeing the good that comes. +[4414.22 --> 4415.64] And I want you to hear +[4415.64 --> 4421.40] is seeing the good that comes happens +[4421.40 --> 4427.08] when we tell stories +[4427.08 --> 4430.74] of seeing God at work. +[4430.74 --> 4434.26] That's what our stories do. +[4435.92 --> 4437.36] But only if you tell them. +[4440.36 --> 4441.36] Now let me be clear. +[4444.00 --> 4445.44] Not all of us, +[4446.44 --> 4448.36] maybe even most of us, +[4449.36 --> 4452.46] but not all of us +[4452.46 --> 4456.06] will have a visible good +[4456.06 --> 4457.66] that comes out of our story. +[4457.66 --> 4459.80] least of all, +[4459.88 --> 4460.84] one that we can see. +[4461.84 --> 4462.92] And especially +[4462.92 --> 4464.40] when you are in the midst +[4464.40 --> 4465.38] of the dark night, +[4465.46 --> 4466.20] when you are in the midst +[4466.20 --> 4467.64] of the trial of suffering, +[4467.90 --> 4468.80] when you are in the midst +[4468.80 --> 4470.92] of crumpled on the driveway +[4470.92 --> 4472.06] of your house, +[4472.48 --> 4473.50] crying at the death +[4473.50 --> 4474.22] of your friend, +[4474.60 --> 4475.92] seeing anything +[4475.92 --> 4477.16] in our stories +[4477.16 --> 4477.92] can be hard. +[4481.48 --> 4482.68] But that's why +[4482.68 --> 4485.24] when you are blessed +[4485.24 --> 4486.50] to see something, +[4486.90 --> 4489.08] we have to share it. +[4490.70 --> 4491.98] If you're looking at something +[4491.98 --> 4492.76] from the perspective +[4492.76 --> 4493.38] of hindsight +[4493.38 --> 4495.66] and you can see God's hand +[4495.66 --> 4496.46] in the midst of it, +[4496.80 --> 4497.66] tell someone. +[4499.84 --> 4502.04] Stories of God's transformation +[4502.04 --> 4503.26] in us +[4503.26 --> 4505.42] fuel God's transformation +[4505.42 --> 4506.14] in others. +[4506.56 --> 4508.12] Stories of God's presence +[4508.12 --> 4509.14] with us +[4509.14 --> 4511.18] in those kinds of moments +[4511.18 --> 4513.12] is God's presence +[4513.12 --> 4513.88] with us +[4513.88 --> 4515.28] in other moments. +[4516.84 --> 4517.72] Now again, +[4518.56 --> 4519.36] let me be +[4519.36 --> 4520.04] really, +[4520.28 --> 4521.06] really clear. +[4522.64 --> 4523.24] Right? +[4523.30 --> 4524.40] Because saying +[4524.40 --> 4525.26] that there is +[4525.26 --> 4526.70] a good that comes +[4526.70 --> 4528.34] doesn't mean +[4528.34 --> 4529.88] the thing that you experienced +[4529.88 --> 4530.46] is good. +[4531.82 --> 4532.92] Can we hear that? +[4533.68 --> 4534.80] Can we understand that? +[4535.80 --> 4536.10] Right? +[4536.14 --> 4536.94] It means +[4536.94 --> 4537.64] that God +[4537.64 --> 4538.50] is sovereign +[4538.50 --> 4540.04] and that he can turn +[4540.04 --> 4540.64] to good +[4540.64 --> 4542.20] even the greatest evil. +[4542.56 --> 4544.28] The gospel guarantees that. +[4545.62 --> 4546.46] It means +[4546.46 --> 4547.00] that God +[4547.00 --> 4547.64] is sovereign +[4547.64 --> 4548.58] and he can bring +[4548.58 --> 4550.44] glorious and beautiful things +[4550.44 --> 4551.94] out of brokenness. +[4552.90 --> 4553.00] Right? +[4553.04 --> 4554.06] Seeing the good +[4554.06 --> 4554.82] that comes +[4554.82 --> 4556.48] is a recognition +[4556.48 --> 4557.76] that were it not +[4557.76 --> 4558.80] for that thing, +[4559.08 --> 4559.98] awful and evil +[4559.98 --> 4560.66] though it was, +[4560.92 --> 4562.84] I wouldn't be here +[4562.84 --> 4563.68] right now. +[4564.36 --> 4565.08] Seeing the good +[4565.08 --> 4565.66] that comes +[4565.66 --> 4565.92] says, +[4566.34 --> 4566.96] I don't know +[4566.96 --> 4568.36] what or how +[4568.36 --> 4569.42] but I know +[4569.42 --> 4570.48] that he can. +[4573.02 --> 4575.46] I share these stories +[4575.46 --> 4576.28] and I invite you +[4576.28 --> 4577.68] to share your own stories +[4577.68 --> 4580.52] so that we can see +[4580.52 --> 4582.44] that God works +[4582.44 --> 4584.84] with our suffering. +[4584.98 --> 4586.64] He uses suffering. +[4586.82 --> 4587.96] God reveals himself +[4587.96 --> 4588.54] in glory +[4588.54 --> 4589.54] through suffering. +[4589.96 --> 4591.28] God can use suffering +[4591.28 --> 4593.44] to bring great joy. +[4593.44 --> 4595.96] sowing seeds +[4595.96 --> 4597.18] with sorrow. +[4598.90 --> 4599.50] And maybe, +[4599.98 --> 4600.70] maybe +[4600.70 --> 4602.40] if you are truly blessed +[4602.40 --> 4603.42] you will see that +[4603.42 --> 4604.76] in this life +[4604.76 --> 4605.10] but +[4605.10 --> 4606.32] for sure +[4606.32 --> 4608.20] you will in the next. +[4610.28 --> 4611.34] Either way +[4611.34 --> 4612.80] it's good +[4612.80 --> 4615.66] because he is God +[4615.66 --> 4616.84] and he +[4616.84 --> 4617.50] is +[4617.50 --> 4618.32] good. +[4619.84 --> 4620.94] And sometimes, +[4621.22 --> 4621.42] right, +[4621.42 --> 4621.90] sometimes +[4621.90 --> 4623.96] we get to know +[4623.96 --> 4625.00] what and how. +[4626.70 --> 4627.68] And that's why +[4627.68 --> 4628.32] it's important +[4628.32 --> 4630.12] to share these stories. +[4630.98 --> 4632.46] We don't all have stories +[4632.46 --> 4633.64] like the ones I shared. +[4633.98 --> 4635.16] We don't all have stories +[4635.16 --> 4635.42] of +[4635.42 --> 4637.04] seeing +[4637.04 --> 4639.22] good or joy +[4639.22 --> 4639.92] coming out +[4639.92 --> 4641.48] of these struggles. +[4642.36 --> 4643.74] We don't all have stories +[4643.74 --> 4644.28] of suffering +[4644.28 --> 4645.04] turned to triumph +[4645.04 --> 4646.00] or of mourning +[4646.00 --> 4646.68] turned to joy. +[4646.82 --> 4648.14] But we all suffer. +[4648.14 --> 4650.58] And sometimes, +[4650.86 --> 4651.16] right, +[4651.24 --> 4651.94] it is just +[4651.94 --> 4652.90] good +[4652.90 --> 4653.76] to remember +[4653.76 --> 4654.94] that God +[4654.94 --> 4656.08] does bring +[4656.08 --> 4657.20] good +[4657.20 --> 4658.18] out of +[4658.18 --> 4659.16] suffering. +[4659.96 --> 4660.92] And that's the point +[4660.92 --> 4661.54] in these stories, +[4661.64 --> 4661.80] right? +[4662.06 --> 4662.80] Knowing what +[4662.80 --> 4663.48] and how +[4663.48 --> 4664.50] really isn't +[4664.50 --> 4665.20] the thing here. +[4665.70 --> 4666.44] It's knowing +[4666.44 --> 4667.04] that. +[4668.28 --> 4669.16] Knowing just +[4669.16 --> 4669.84] how God +[4669.84 --> 4670.28] will turn +[4670.28 --> 4671.24] suffering to good +[4671.24 --> 4672.26] and his glory +[4672.26 --> 4673.58] isn't ultimately +[4673.58 --> 4674.26] what matters. +[4674.58 --> 4675.12] It's knowing +[4675.12 --> 4676.26] that God +[4676.26 --> 4677.08] will turn +[4677.08 --> 4677.70] our present +[4677.70 --> 4678.16] suffering +[4678.16 --> 4678.98] to glory, +[4679.10 --> 4679.66] our present +[4679.66 --> 4680.02] mourning +[4680.02 --> 4681.10] to rejoicing. +[4681.58 --> 4682.10] The tears +[4682.10 --> 4683.00] will be wiped +[4683.00 --> 4683.32] away, +[4683.42 --> 4684.22] either in this +[4684.22 --> 4685.14] life or in +[4685.14 --> 4685.96] the next. +[4688.12 --> 4689.06] And so we +[4689.06 --> 4689.98] tell stories +[4689.98 --> 4691.12] as a way +[4691.12 --> 4692.06] of practicing +[4692.06 --> 4693.44] and embodying +[4693.44 --> 4694.10] this truth. +[4695.64 --> 4696.58] I wanted to +[4696.58 --> 4697.84] illustrate +[4697.84 --> 4698.68] why this matters +[4698.68 --> 4699.86] and this will +[4699.86 --> 4700.64] land for some of you. +[4700.72 --> 4701.14] I'll give another +[4701.14 --> 4701.58] illustration +[4701.58 --> 4702.10] just to land +[4702.10 --> 4702.80] for another. +[4704.02 --> 4704.50] If you ever +[4704.50 --> 4705.26] watch baseball, +[4705.26 --> 4707.66] and I'll say +[4707.66 --> 4708.68] professional baseball +[4708.68 --> 4709.66] or Aaron Alkema, +[4710.42 --> 4711.44] when he warms +[4711.44 --> 4711.84] up, +[4712.76 --> 4712.90] right, +[4712.94 --> 4713.56] when professional +[4713.56 --> 4714.32] baseball players +[4714.32 --> 4714.96] warm up, +[4715.14 --> 4715.84] they put this +[4715.84 --> 4716.68] sleeve on the +[4716.68 --> 4717.06] end of their +[4717.06 --> 4717.64] bat or they +[4717.64 --> 4718.26] grab two +[4718.26 --> 4718.72] bats, +[4719.14 --> 4719.32] right, +[4719.36 --> 4720.12] and they swing +[4720.12 --> 4720.72] that bat +[4720.72 --> 4722.28] weighted as it +[4722.28 --> 4722.58] is, +[4722.98 --> 4723.78] extra heavy +[4723.78 --> 4724.72] as it is, +[4724.76 --> 4725.74] so that when +[4725.74 --> 4726.20] they get in +[4726.20 --> 4726.94] the batter's box +[4726.94 --> 4727.32] and they have +[4727.32 --> 4727.84] to face the +[4727.84 --> 4728.36] real thing, +[4728.86 --> 4729.38] swinging that +[4729.38 --> 4730.22] stick is easy +[4730.22 --> 4730.72] as breeze. +[4730.72 --> 4733.36] you take +[4733.36 --> 4733.82] on the +[4733.82 --> 4734.74] extra weight +[4734.74 --> 4735.92] so that when +[4735.92 --> 4736.50] you have to +[4736.50 --> 4737.14] face it, +[4737.84 --> 4738.96] it's easier +[4738.96 --> 4739.68] and you're +[4739.68 --> 4739.92] ready. +[4740.38 --> 4741.08] That's why we +[4741.08 --> 4741.72] share stories. +[4742.70 --> 4743.40] Taking on +[4743.40 --> 4744.10] each other's +[4744.10 --> 4744.56] weight, +[4745.70 --> 4746.34] seeing God +[4746.34 --> 4747.08] at work. +[4748.12 --> 4748.58] Another way +[4748.58 --> 4749.22] to think about +[4749.22 --> 4749.46] this, +[4750.26 --> 4751.48] I have a +[4751.48 --> 4752.02] friend who's +[4752.02 --> 4752.54] a construction +[4752.54 --> 4752.94] worker, +[4753.90 --> 4754.58] and by all +[4754.58 --> 4754.96] accounts, +[4755.08 --> 4755.46] the physical +[4755.46 --> 4756.14] nature of +[4756.14 --> 4756.68] her job +[4756.68 --> 4757.72] keeps her +[4757.72 --> 4758.50] strong and +[4758.50 --> 4759.54] fit and in +[4759.54 --> 4761.58] shape because +[4761.58 --> 4762.22] of the kind +[4762.22 --> 4762.62] of work she +[4762.62 --> 4763.60] does for 12 +[4763.60 --> 4764.34] hours a day, +[4764.74 --> 4766.82] but she's +[4766.82 --> 4767.90] up at 4.30 +[4767.90 --> 4768.68] every morning +[4768.68 --> 4770.14] three days a +[4770.14 --> 4770.72] week in the +[4770.72 --> 4771.80] gym working +[4771.80 --> 4772.56] out and +[4772.56 --> 4773.20] lifting weights +[4773.20 --> 4775.42] because lifting +[4775.42 --> 4776.30] those heavy +[4776.30 --> 4776.74] weights, +[4777.14 --> 4778.18] lifting those +[4778.18 --> 4779.12] regular, +[4779.30 --> 4779.72] those heavy +[4779.72 --> 4779.98] weights +[4779.98 --> 4781.26] regularly makes +[4781.26 --> 4782.16] the everyday +[4782.16 --> 4783.50] lifting more +[4783.50 --> 4784.04] manageable. +[4785.26 --> 4786.30] She can endure +[4786.30 --> 4788.18] longer as a +[4788.18 --> 4788.52] result. +[4789.54 --> 4790.64] That's why we +[4790.64 --> 4791.38] tell stories. +[4793.14 --> 4793.76] Now there's +[4793.76 --> 4794.34] part of me +[4794.34 --> 4795.14] in these +[4795.14 --> 4795.42] moments, +[4795.50 --> 4796.36] I'm sure it's +[4796.36 --> 4796.82] true for you +[4796.82 --> 4796.98] too, +[4797.06 --> 4797.38] that says, +[4798.46 --> 4799.06] you know, +[4799.28 --> 4800.18] I would +[4800.18 --> 4801.04] rather know +[4801.04 --> 4802.20] exactly what +[4802.20 --> 4803.00] and exactly +[4803.00 --> 4804.10] how because +[4804.10 --> 4804.88] then I'll +[4804.88 --> 4805.28] know what +[4805.28 --> 4805.66] I'm looking +[4805.66 --> 4806.10] for. +[4808.56 --> 4809.20] But then +[4809.20 --> 4809.66] there's part +[4809.66 --> 4810.96] of me that +[4810.96 --> 4811.48] wonders, +[4811.86 --> 4812.28] the more +[4812.28 --> 4813.12] trusting part +[4813.12 --> 4813.68] of me that +[4813.68 --> 4814.46] wants to +[4814.46 --> 4814.92] lean into +[4814.92 --> 4815.28] God, +[4815.82 --> 4816.02] right? +[4817.14 --> 4817.82] Do I +[4817.82 --> 4818.42] really want +[4818.42 --> 4818.88] to limit +[4818.88 --> 4820.18] God in +[4820.18 --> 4820.60] that way? +[4823.26 --> 4823.78] Precisely +[4823.78 --> 4824.54] because I +[4824.54 --> 4824.96] can't +[4824.96 --> 4825.80] understand it, +[4826.30 --> 4826.92] that's why +[4826.92 --> 4827.26] I have +[4827.26 --> 4827.56] hope. +[4828.64 --> 4829.18] Precisely +[4829.18 --> 4829.62] because it +[4829.62 --> 4829.92] doesn't make +[4829.92 --> 4830.52] sense to me +[4830.52 --> 4831.10] right now +[4831.10 --> 4831.72] in this +[4831.72 --> 4832.42] moment and +[4832.42 --> 4832.88] because I +[4832.88 --> 4833.50] may never +[4833.50 --> 4834.04] see, +[4834.30 --> 4834.94] I can +[4834.94 --> 4835.84] call on +[4835.84 --> 4836.34] God my +[4836.34 --> 4836.68] Father. +[4837.48 --> 4837.62] Right? +[4837.68 --> 4838.08] And His +[4838.08 --> 4838.66] ways are +[4838.66 --> 4839.22] not my +[4839.22 --> 4839.54] ways, +[4839.68 --> 4840.14] nor are +[4840.14 --> 4840.84] my thoughts +[4840.84 --> 4841.34] His +[4841.34 --> 4841.66] thoughts. +[4841.84 --> 4842.18] And you +[4842.18 --> 4842.52] know what? +[4843.10 --> 4843.78] Praise Jesus +[4843.78 --> 4844.36] for that. +[4846.06 --> 4846.78] Because if +[4846.78 --> 4847.26] they were, +[4848.02 --> 4848.70] you guys +[4848.70 --> 4849.84] would be +[4849.84 --> 4850.12] screwed. +[4853.54 --> 4854.26] Our God +[4854.26 --> 4854.94] tells us +[4854.94 --> 4855.96] in 2 Corinthians +[4855.96 --> 4857.70] 4 that +[4857.70 --> 4858.36] our lights +[4858.36 --> 4859.40] and momentary +[4859.40 --> 4860.14] troubles are +[4860.14 --> 4860.96] achieving for +[4860.96 --> 4861.44] us an +[4861.44 --> 4862.40] eternal glory +[4862.40 --> 4863.10] that far +[4863.10 --> 4863.76] outweighs +[4863.76 --> 4864.30] them all. +[4866.06 --> 4866.46] Here's +[4866.46 --> 4867.32] what I want +[4867.32 --> 4867.64] you to hear, +[4867.78 --> 4867.96] right? +[4868.40 --> 4869.46] Only from a +[4869.46 --> 4870.70] perspective of +[4870.70 --> 4871.58] eternity +[4871.58 --> 4872.96] can we +[4872.96 --> 4873.72] say that +[4873.72 --> 4874.20] our troubles +[4874.20 --> 4875.02] are momentary. +[4876.36 --> 4877.06] And only +[4877.06 --> 4877.52] from a +[4877.52 --> 4878.02] perspective +[4878.02 --> 4879.00] that includes +[4879.00 --> 4879.58] the weight +[4879.58 --> 4880.38] of glory +[4880.38 --> 4881.20] can we +[4881.20 --> 4881.78] say that +[4881.78 --> 4882.22] our troubles +[4882.22 --> 4882.74] are light. +[4884.14 --> 4884.88] But our +[4884.88 --> 4885.56] story, +[4885.80 --> 4886.94] our stories, +[4887.30 --> 4888.06] and therefore +[4888.06 --> 4889.24] our storytelling +[4889.24 --> 4890.28] includes +[4890.28 --> 4890.86] eternity +[4890.86 --> 4892.14] and includes +[4892.14 --> 4892.84] God's glory. +[4894.42 --> 4895.00] And because +[4895.00 --> 4895.52] of that, +[4895.62 --> 4896.52] I can see +[4896.52 --> 4897.16] the good +[4897.16 --> 4898.06] that comes +[4898.06 --> 4898.92] in other +[4898.92 --> 4899.42] stories. +[4899.64 --> 4900.24] Because I +[4900.24 --> 4900.74] can see +[4900.74 --> 4901.20] the good +[4901.20 --> 4901.74] that comes +[4901.74 --> 4902.22] in part +[4902.22 --> 4902.74] of my +[4902.74 --> 4903.22] story. +[4903.38 --> 4904.42] Because God +[4904.42 --> 4905.90] himself promises +[4905.90 --> 4906.44] that our +[4906.44 --> 4907.50] present sufferings +[4907.50 --> 4908.14] are not worth +[4908.14 --> 4908.84] comparing to +[4908.84 --> 4909.48] the glory +[4909.48 --> 4910.26] that will be +[4910.26 --> 4910.92] revealed in +[4910.92 --> 4911.14] us. +[4911.32 --> 4912.08] Because my +[4912.08 --> 4912.98] God is so +[4912.98 --> 4914.04] big, so +[4914.04 --> 4915.20] sovereign, he +[4915.20 --> 4916.32] is able to +[4916.32 --> 4917.26] do even +[4917.26 --> 4918.34] more than I +[4918.34 --> 4919.08] can ask +[4919.08 --> 4920.18] or imagine. +[4921.72 --> 4922.66] And in the +[4922.66 --> 4923.80] midst of +[4923.80 --> 4924.40] darkness, +[4925.12 --> 4926.68] that's the +[4926.68 --> 4927.26] kind of God +[4927.26 --> 4927.70] I need. +[4928.70 --> 4928.98] Amen? +[4929.94 --> 4930.70] Let's pray +[4930.70 --> 4931.00] together. +[4931.20 --> 4942.76] Father God, +[4942.82 --> 4943.38] we are about +[4943.38 --> 4944.02] to sing, +[4944.56 --> 4945.70] though you +[4945.70 --> 4946.76] slay me, +[4947.82 --> 4948.56] yet I will +[4948.56 --> 4949.38] praise you. +[4950.36 --> 4951.18] Some of us +[4951.18 --> 4952.04] come to +[4952.04 --> 4952.76] worship today +[4952.76 --> 4953.48] feeling pretty +[4953.48 --> 4953.96] slain. +[4955.24 --> 4956.04] Some of us +[4956.04 --> 4956.38] come to +[4956.38 --> 4957.10] worship today +[4957.10 --> 4958.42] carrying the +[4958.42 --> 4958.96] heavy weight +[4958.96 --> 4959.58] of suffering +[4959.58 --> 4960.28] and trial. +[4962.50 --> 4963.24] May we +[4963.24 --> 4963.78] carry that +[4963.78 --> 4964.42] into worship +[4964.42 --> 4965.02] to you. +[4969.48 --> 4970.22] God, you +[4970.22 --> 4970.80] have said that +[4970.80 --> 4971.28] our troubles +[4971.28 --> 4971.92] are light +[4971.92 --> 4972.88] and momentary. +[4974.88 --> 4975.84] And for many +[4975.84 --> 4976.26] of us, +[4976.30 --> 4976.56] they don't +[4976.56 --> 4977.28] feel that +[4977.28 --> 4977.52] way. +[4980.20 --> 4981.10] And I pray +[4981.10 --> 4982.20] today that we +[4982.20 --> 4983.16] would trust +[4983.16 --> 4984.56] you and your +[4984.56 --> 4985.80] word to define +[4985.80 --> 4986.68] our reality, +[4987.04 --> 4987.92] not our +[4987.92 --> 4988.60] feelings or +[4988.60 --> 4989.28] our perceptions +[4989.28 --> 4989.94] of it. +[4991.76 --> 4992.92] That you +[4992.92 --> 4993.80] and your +[4993.80 --> 4994.82] word would +[4994.82 --> 4996.06] define our +[4996.06 --> 4996.94] experiences. +[4996.94 --> 4997.14] promises. +[5001.14 --> 5002.12] And so may +[5002.12 --> 5003.30] we taste +[5003.30 --> 5006.32] that eternal +[5006.32 --> 5007.16] glory that +[5007.16 --> 5007.96] far outweighs +[5007.96 --> 5008.42] them all. +[5010.62 --> 5011.62] And as we +[5011.62 --> 5013.04] share our +[5013.04 --> 5013.94] stories, +[5014.94 --> 5015.86] may you +[5015.86 --> 5016.34] give us +[5016.34 --> 5017.04] eyes of +[5017.04 --> 5017.74] faith to +[5017.74 --> 5018.96] see you +[5018.96 --> 5020.92] at work. +[5020.92 --> 5022.40] in Jesus +[5022.40 --> 5023.04] Christ we +[5023.04 --> 5023.32] pray. +[5024.28 --> 5024.60] Amen. +[5024.60 --> 5024.72] Amen. +[5024.72 --> 5054.70] Thank you. +[5054.72 --> 5084.70] Thank you. +[5084.72 --> 5086.72] Thank you. +[5114.72 --> 5116.72] Thank you. +[5144.72 --> 5146.72] Thank you. +[5146.72 --> 5148.72] Thank you. +[5176.72 --> 5178.72] Thank you. +[5206.72 --> 5208.72] Thank you. +[5236.72 --> 5238.72] Thank you. +[5238.72 --> 5240.72] Thank you. +[5240.72 --> 5242.72] Thank you. +[5242.72 --> 5244.72] Thank you. +[5244.72 --> 5246.72] Thank you. +[5246.72 --> 5248.72] Thank you. +[5248.72 --> 5250.72] Thank you. +[5250.72 --> 5252.72] Thank you. +[5252.72 --> 5254.72] Thank you. +[5254.72 --> 5268.72] as you go into the stories of faith that God is crafting around you know that God himself +[5268.72 --> 5277.76] goes with you and in case you didn't hear it go telling the stories of how you've seen God at work +[5277.76 --> 5283.66] in your care groups your friend groups in your small groups in your work groups +[5283.66 --> 5295.24] wherever it is tell the story of God at work and go with God receive his blessing for the journey +[5295.24 --> 5305.96] God go before you to lead you God go behind you to protect you God go beneath you to support you and +[5305.96 --> 5313.48] God go beside you to befriend you do not be afraid let the blessing of God come upon you today +[5313.48 --> 5323.38] do not be afraid but go in peace to love and serve the Lord amen +[5323.38 --> 5333.28] you +[5333.28 --> 5343.18] you +[5343.18 --> 5345.18] you +[5345.18 --> 5346.18] you +[5346.18 --> 5356.08] you +[5356.08 --> 5357.08] you +[5357.08 --> 5359.08] you +[5359.08 --> 5362.08] you +[5362.08 --> 5363.08] you +[5363.08 --> 5366.08] you +[5366.08 --> 5375.98] you +[5375.98 --> 5378.98] you +[5378.98 --> 5381.98] you +[5381.98 --> 5397.88] you +[5397.88 --> 5399.88] you +[5399.88 --> 5401.88] you +[5401.88 --> 5403.88] you +[5403.88 --> 5407.88] you +[5407.88 --> 5429.78] you +[5429.78 --> 5433.78] you +[5433.78 --> 5455.68] you +[5455.68 --> 5459.68] you +[5459.68 --> 5460.58] you +[5460.58 --> 5469.58] you +[5469.58 --> 5481.58] you +[5481.58 --> 5485.58] you +[5485.58 --> 5495.48] you +[5495.48 --> 5496.48] you +[5496.48 --> 5511.48] you +[5511.48 --> 5512.48] you +[5512.48 --> 5522.38] you +[5522.38 --> 5524.38] you +[5524.38 --> 5526.38] you +[5526.38 --> 5530.38] you +[5530.38 --> 5534.38] you +[5534.38 --> 5538.38] you +[5538.38 --> 5539.38] you +[5539.38 --> 5549.28] you +[5549.28 --> 5553.28] you +[5553.28 --> 5561.28] you +[5561.28 --> 5563.28] you +[5563.28 --> 5565.28] you +[5565.28 --> 5567.28] you +[5567.28 --> 5568.18] you +[5568.18 --> 5569.18] you +[5569.18 --> 5581.18] you +[5581.18 --> 5593.18] you +[5593.18 --> 5594.18] you +[5594.18 --> 5595.18] you +[5595.18 --> 5597.18] you +[5597.18 --> 5614.08] you +[5614.08 --> 5615.08] you +[5615.08 --> 5619.08] you +[5619.08 --> 5621.08] you +[5621.08 --> 5622.08] you +[5622.08 --> 5623.08] you +[5623.08 --> 5625.08] you +[5625.08 --> 5625.98] I know. +[5647.76 --> 5649.74] If you're just trying to remember, I couldn't do anything. +[5655.08 --> 5657.52] If you're just trying to remember, I couldn't do anything. +[5657.52 --> 5658.52] I couldn't do anything. +[5658.52 --> 5659.92] This isn't all anymore. +[5659.92 --> 5660.68] I'm not sure. +[5660.68 --> 5661.72] Are you making mistakes? +[5661.72 --> 5663.32] I'm 100% young. +[5663.32 --> 5664.32] I'm not sure. +[5664.32 --> 5665.32] I'm not sure. +[5665.32 --> 5666.92] I think you've made up this morning, I guess. +[5666.92 --> 5668.42] I'm not a slut. +[5668.42 --> 5668.92] I'm not a slut. +[5668.92 --> 5669.42] I'm not a slut. +[5669.42 --> 5670.42] I'm not a slut. +[5670.42 --> 5671.42] I'm not a slut. +[5671.42 --> 5672.42] I'm not a slut. +[5685.08 --> 5687.12] I'm not a slut. +[5687.12 --> 5689.60] I'll not seem to be alright. +[5689.60 --> 5692.08] 175 버�210 +[5692.26 --> 5693.74] 준 +[5693.74 --> 5698.72] gate +[5698.72 --> 5701.92] gate +[5702.48 --> 5704.52] gate +[5704.52 --> 5709.96] gate +[5709.96 --> 5710.96] gate +[5710.96 --> 5712.74] gate +[5712.74 --> 5716.06] Everything said will be made untrue. +[5716.06 --> 5723.38] And all, it's gonna be a celebration all of creation longs for. +[5723.76 --> 5733.96] And while we're waiting for that day to come, we've got a little more time to love. +[5733.96 --> 5747.64] There are little ones hungry for love of a family, and so many hungry for bread. +[5748.12 --> 5753.86] On the left and the right, surrounded by the last and the least. +[5756.08 --> 5763.82] And just down the street, and just across the table, hungry hearts are waiting to be fed. +[5764.40 --> 5770.22] Cause deep in our soul, we're all longing to be at the feast. +[5772.34 --> 5776.52] But until we sit down, for there's more than enough. +[5776.86 --> 5780.96] Let us give as we've been given, and love as we belong. +[5782.16 --> 5789.22] There is a day that is coming, when all the last will be first. +[5789.22 --> 5797.28] Every orphan will be home, and all will be filled with hunger and thirst. +[5797.28 --> 5804.12] It's gonna be a celebration all of creation longs for. +[5804.12 --> 5814.90] And while we're waiting for that day to come, we've got a little more time to do justly. +[5814.90 --> 5820.06] And love mercy, and show the love we've been shown. +[5820.06 --> 5830.12] For we can only be the hands and feet of Jesus till He leads us home. +[5830.12 --> 5837.12] He will lead us home. +[5840.56 --> 5844.04] There's a day that is coming. +[5844.04 --> 5848.18] A day that never will end. +[5848.18 --> 5856.02] There in the light of His glory, everything broken will be whole again. +[5856.02 --> 5863.30] And this will be the celebration all of creation longs for. +[5863.30 --> 5880.30] And while we're waiting for that day to come, we've got a little more time to do just a little more time to do. +[5880.30 --> 5894.14] Love +[5894.14 --> 5900.36] Just a little more time to love +[5900.36 --> 5930.34] Thank you. +[5930.36 --> 5960.34] Thank you. +[5960.36 --> 5962.36] Thank you. +[5990.36 --> 5992.36] Thank you. +[6020.36 --> 6022.36] Thank you. +[6050.36 --> 6052.36] Thank you. diff --git a/Sunday Worship, November 24, 2024_summary.txt b/Sunday Worship, November 24, 2024_summary.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000000000000000000000000000000000000..59268b74ff0c0f976c25b596efc80ab73c65bc43 --- /dev/null +++ b/Sunday Worship, November 24, 2024_summary.txt @@ -0,0 +1,192 @@ +• The speaker encourages the listener not to settle for being alone +• The speaker's love is for the listener and not against them +• The speaker compares their love to the drops in the ocean, implying its depth and width +• The speaker urges the listener to open their heart and start again +• The importance of feeling loved and valued, rather than striving for perfection +• The theme of God's love and mercy being sufficient for the listener's needs +• Encouragement to live freely and be who they were made to be +• Worship services and announcements +• Upcoming women's Christmas event +• Church activities and events +• Baptisms, professions of faith, and welcoming new members +• Miracles and God's presence in difficult times +• Setting up a space for an event +• Upcoming youth ministry event on March 20, 2020 at 6:30 PM +• Pastor Kevin available to answer questions about the event +• Special Sunday worship service and welcoming new members +• Invitation to extend God's greeting to others during worship +• Reading of Revelation 5 verse 13 and singing a song to the Lamb +• Worshiping as you are +• Coming before God +• Bowing to Him in worship and surrender +• Choosing to give your all to God +• Singing the song of ages to the end +• Praising God's name as highest and greatest +• Recognizing God's power and position above all else +• Worship and praise to God +• Prayer for closeness with God and cherishing His Word +• Psalm 119 verses 10-16 prayed as a request to cherish and delight in God's Word +• Discussion of surrendering life to Jesus Christ at the cross +• Reflection on finding peace with God and healing from sin and shame through love +• Discussion of a baptism ceremony +• Reflection on life and impact on others by the speaker, Johanna +• Embodying the fruits of the Spirit and being a follower of Jesus +• Reading of Ephesians 4:14-16 about growth in Christ +• Commendation to Johanna for her commitment to Jesus and the body of Christ +• Gift from the church to celebrate her profession +• Baptism ceremony continues +• Professions of faith and baptismal commitments +• Questions and affirmations of faith for those who have professed it in their baptism +• Invitation to join the church family and participate fully +• Affirmation of faith in God's mission through Langley Emmanuel +• Commitment to follow Jesus as Savior and Lord, and to strengthen relationship with him +• Recognition of church oversight and authority +• Baptism of McKenna and Elizabeth, infant children of Johanna and Mike +• Explanation of the practice of baptizing infants based on biblical tradition +• Covenant relationship between God and his people through baptism +• Questions for parents regarding faith and commitment to raising their children in the Christian faith +• Invitation for all children to participate in the baptism ceremony +• Baptism of McKenna, Elizabeth, and Johanna +• Congregation's promise of support and love to the families +• Welcome of new members into the church family +• Introduction of visitors from other churches: Jane Van Druten, Faye Shonit, Claus Tessemaker, and the Wagonar family +• Prayer for continued mission and ministry in the community +• Gifts from the church to the new members +• Prayer for the church and its provision +• Testimonies of faith from those present +• Praise and worship through music +• Invitation to give offerings in support of Wagner Hills and the church's benevolence fund +• Introduction to the importance of exceeding the budget and collecting $100,000 over the next month +• Final words of encouragement and gratitude +• The speaker leads a prayer, asking for divine guidance and strength. +• The speaker invites children aged 3-4th grade to join the "Children's Worship Time" program. +• Upcoming events mentioned include the Try Soup Tournament and Fall AGM. +• A family prayer is led, acknowledging various emotions and feelings in the congregation. +• The speaker asks God to remind them that His work has already been done through Jesus Christ. +• Gratitude for new members, baptisms, and professions of faith +• Prayer for guidance and support for new members as they find their place in the congregation +• Prayer for those struggling with various issues including health problems, addiction, anxiety, and grief +• Specific prayers for individuals dealing with illness or injury, including Linda Rook, Ernst de Vries' family, Mary Fitzma's hip surgery, Clary Kosterhof's dad, Ashley and her family +• Prayer for Pastor Chris and his message that morning +• Introduction to the story of Joseph in Genesis 50:15. +• The speaker plans to discuss the concept of forgiveness in a Christian context +• The idea of forgiveness is foundational and central to being a Christian +• A quote from C.S. Lewis is mentioned, highlighting that people often think forgiveness is a good idea until they have something to forgive +• The story of Joseph will be discussed as an example related to the topic of forgiveness +• Jacob's favoritism towards Joseph and its consequences are mentioned +• Joseph's brothers are jealous and hurt by their father Jacob's favoritism towards him. +• Joseph has two dreams that foretell his family's submission to him. +• Joseph's brothers plot against him while he is out tending flocks, but instead of killing him, they sell him to a group of traders who take him to Egypt. +• The brothers bring back his beautiful robe, covered in dirt and blood, to their father, leading him to believe Joseph has been killed. +• Joseph becomes a slave in the house of Potiphar, where he prospers but is eventually falsely accused by Potiphar's wife and thrown into an Egyptian prison. +• While in prison, Joseph interprets dreams for his fellow inmates. +• Joseph interprets Pharaoh's dreams and advises him to prepare for seven years of famine +• Joseph is put in charge of Egypt and implements his plan to store grain, leading to Egypt's prosperity during the famine +• Joseph's brothers come to buy grain but do not recognize him as their sibling +• Joseph tests his brothers over several meetings, requiring them to bring Benjamin back to Egypt before revealing his true identity +• Judah's decision to offer his life for Benjamin +• Comparison between Judah's actions in the beginning and near the end of the story +• Judah's sacrifice as a substitutionary offering, taking Benjamin's place +• Joseph's emotional response when he reveals himself to his brothers +• Joseph's forgiveness and acceptance of his brothers' apology +• Jacob's death and the resulting concern from his brothers that Joseph will take revenge +• Joseph's brothers treat him badly and later come to Egypt, throwing themselves at his feet +• Joseph reassures them that God intended their evil intentions for good +• He promises to provide for them and their children +• Joseph lives in Egypt with his father's family for 110 years +• He sees the third generation of Ephraim's children and also Machir's descendants being placed on his knees at birth +• Joseph makes the Israelites swear an oath that God will come to their aid and carry his bones up from Egypt after he dies +• He dies at age 110, and is embalmed and placed in a coffin in Egypt +• The concept of sovereignty, specifically God's rule and reign over all creation +• God's will is not subject to chance or human control +• The idea that God is a "Big God" who rules everything +• Examples of people whose lives demonstrate the reality of God's sovereignty (e.g. Elizabeth Elliot) +• The relationship between God's sovereignty and worship +• The difference between understanding God as small and being able to be understood versus God being big and worthy of worship +• Life is full of suffering, pain, and struggles +• The world isn't as it's supposed to be +• Humans suffer in ways that can be quantified by philosophers like the Dread Pirate Roberts +• Sometimes life seems impossible to bear +• Trusting God in the midst of suffering is a theme explored in the Joseph story +• Joseph's situation and feelings about his past struggles +• God's role in Joseph's life and decisions +• The moral implications of Joseph's actions and intentions +• The nature of fate, free will, and divine intervention +• Joseph's sense of purpose and fulfillment in saving lives +• The concept of God's hiddenness and its distinction from the absence of God +• The story of Joseph and how it illustrates the relationship between God's hiddenness and human faith +• The importance of trust in God's sovereignty and bigness in one's life +• The comparison of trusting in God's sovereignty versus trusting in oneself or own power +• Being a Christian is about trusting God more than yourself +• Trusting God even when faced with challenges and difficulties +• The story of Joseph as an example of trusting in God's sovereignty +• Jesus Christ as the perfect substitutionary sacrifice for humanity's sins +• Faith and belief in Jesus as the key to salvation through grace +• Jesus' life and teachings compared to a life well-lived +• Importance of forgiveness in faith +• Wrestling with understanding God's will in times of suffering and trauma +• Seeking guidance from scripture in making sense of adversity +• Requesting forgiveness and trust in God's sovereignty +• Finding and giving forgiveness to others +• Need for forgiveness from God or other people +• Terrified about future possibilities and uncertainty +• Need to give forgiveness +• Holding onto past wrongs or traumas can prevent us from being who we truly are +• Forgiveness is necessary for personal growth and moving forward +• Trust in a higher power (God) is emphasized as a means of achieving forgiveness +• The speaker encourages listeners to offer forgiveness and let go of past hurts +• Christian profession +• Forgiveness by God's grace +• Jesus Christ as savior and lord +• Living in trust of who he is +• The picture of what it means to be a Christian from Jonathan Edwards' work +• Gracious affections turning to stone +• The heart of flesh and the heart of stone contrasted +• Contrast between a contrite/broken heart and one that is bruised with Godly sorrow +• Relationship between Christian gracious affections and being broken or bruised with Godly sorrow +• Transformation through Jesus Christ's look over someone and saying "Father, forgive them" +• Being transformed by His Grace from death to life and darkness to light +• God's graciousness defined as love, joy, and gratitude +• Christian practice as evidence of sincere profession +• Significance of practice in demonstrating sincerity +• Using the illustration of distinguishing a fig tree from an ordinary tree to show signs and evidences of a true profession +• Discussion of various ways to identify genuine signs and evidence +• Fig tree analogy for forgiveness +• Importance of the impact of trauma, trials, and struggles in forgiving someone +• The role of forgiving the impossible in achieving genuine forgiveness +• Minimizing the importance of forgiveness can hinder genuine forgiveness +• The significance of acknowledging the impact of hurt or harm caused to others +• The importance of communication in a personal experience +• Forgiveness vs erasure or forgetting +• The idea that some things cannot be forgotten, such as past traumas +• The difference between forgiveness and God forgiving someone else for them +• The concept of "big god" and personal power to forgive oneself +• Distinction between forgiving others and accepting what has happened +• Forgiveness of others +• Trauma and holding on to it +• Power of forgiveness +• God's role in forgiveness +• Praying for forgiveness +• Letting go of sin and forgiving others +• The line between right and wrong +• Possibility of forgiveness and its connection to our own forgiveness +• The nature of God as big and full of love, grace, trust, and mercy +• The importance of confession in receiving forgiveness from God +• The faithfulness and justice of God in forgiving those who confess their sins +• The process of purification from unrighteousness through the mercy of God +• The idea that if we confess our sins, God will forgive us and purify us +• Asking for forgiveness and mercy +• Experience of God's forgiving love and grace +• Ability to forgive others and model Christ-like behavior +• Being sustained in spirit and guided by God's help +• Seeking courage and bravery to give and seek forgiveness +• Praise and worship of Jesus Christ +• Themes of forgiveness, salvation, and hope through Jesus Christ +• Victory over death and sin +• Call to courage and faith despite fear +• Invitation to receive God's blessing and protection +• Celebration of the risen King and the coming wedding feast +• The joining of all nations, tribes, and individuals in a grand celebration +• A song or hymn referred to as "the song of the Lamb" +• A message from the Lord about the end time +• References to mercy and a time of unity among people and nations \ No newline at end of file diff --git a/Sunday Worship, November 24, 2024_transcript.txt b/Sunday Worship, November 24, 2024_transcript.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000000000000000000000000000000000000..c0bb966a48050215dcc3563ffe39bb5de1fea8fc --- /dev/null +++ b/Sunday Worship, November 24, 2024_transcript.txt @@ -0,0 +1,4110 @@ +[0.00 --> 29.98] Thank you. +[30.00 --> 59.98] Thank you. +[60.00 --> 62.00] Thank you. +[90.00 --> 92.00] Thank you. +[92.00 --> 94.00] Thank you. +[94.00 --> 96.00] Thank you. +[96.00 --> 98.00] Thank you. +[98.00 --> 100.00] Thank you. +[100.00 --> 102.00] Thank you. +[102.00 --> 104.00] Thank you. +[104.00 --> 106.00] Thank you. +[106.00 --> 108.00] Thank you. +[108.00 --> 110.00] Thank you. +[110.00 --> 112.00] Thank you. +[112.00 --> 114.00] Thank you. +[114.00 --> 116.00] Thank you. +[118.00 --> 120.00] Thank you. +[120.00 --> 124.00] Don't think you need to settle for a substitute. +[124.00 --> 128.28] When I'm the only love that changes you +[128.28 --> 131.04] And I am for you +[131.04 --> 135.04] I'm not against you +[135.04 --> 138.72] I am for you +[138.72 --> 142.62] I'm not against you +[142.62 --> 147.88] If you wanna know how far my love can go +[147.88 --> 151.44] Just how deep, just how wide +[151.44 --> 155.34] If you wanna see how much you mean to me +[155.34 --> 159.14] Look at my hands, look at my side +[159.14 --> 164.34] If you could count the times that say you are forgiven +[164.34 --> 168.28] It's more than the drops in the ocean +[168.28 --> 175.00] It's more than the drops in the ocean +[175.00 --> 179.44] Open your heart, it's time that we start again +[181.44 --> 187.34] Open your heart, it's time that we start again +[187.34 --> 193.24] If you wanna know how far my love can go +[193.24 --> 196.54] Just how deep, just how wide +[196.54 --> 200.70] If you wanna see how much you mean to me +[200.70 --> 203.34] Look at my hands, look at my side +[203.34 --> 209.24] I'm not against you +[209.24 --> 213.24] It's more than the drops in the ocean +[213.24 --> 221.24] The drops in the ocean +[221.24 --> 229.14] I am for you +[229.14 --> 231.14] I am for you +[231.14 --> 233.14] I'm not against you +[233.14 --> 236.14] I am for you +[236.14 --> 238.14] I am for you +[238.14 --> 241.14] I am not against you +[241.14 --> 263.04] You're not the only one who feels like this +[263.04 --> 266.94] Feeling like you lose more than you win +[266.94 --> 268.94] Like life is just an endless hill +[268.94 --> 274.94] You climb, you try and try, but never arrive +[274.94 --> 276.84] I am not against you +[276.84 --> 278.84] I am telling you something +[278.84 --> 280.84] This racing, this running +[280.84 --> 282.84] Oh, you're working way too hard +[282.84 --> 284.84] You're working way too hard +[284.84 --> 286.84] And this perfection you're chasing +[286.84 --> 288.84] Is just energy wasted +[288.84 --> 290.84] Cause He loves you like you are +[290.84 --> 294.74] So go ahead and live like you're loved +[294.74 --> 298.74] It's okay to act like you've been set free +[298.74 --> 302.74] His love has made you more than enough +[302.74 --> 306.74] So go ahead and be who He made you to be +[306.74 --> 310.74] And live like you're loved +[310.74 --> 314.74] Live like you're loved +[314.74 --> 318.74] Live like you're loved +[318.74 --> 322.74] Live like you're loved +[322.74 --> 326.74] And live like you know you're valuable +[326.74 --> 330.74] Like you know the one that holds your soul +[330.74 --> 334.74] Cause mercy has called you by your name +[334.74 --> 338.74] Don't be afraid to live in that grace +[338.74 --> 341.74] Oh, I'm telling you something +[341.74 --> 343.74] This God we believe in +[343.74 --> 346.74] Yeah, He changed everything +[346.74 --> 348.74] No more guilt +[348.74 --> 349.74] No more shame +[349.74 --> 351.74] He took all that away +[351.74 --> 354.74] Gave us a reason to sing +[354.74 --> 357.74] So go ahead and live like you're loved +[357.74 --> 362.74] It's okay to act like you've been set free +[362.74 --> 365.74] His love has made you more than enough +[365.74 --> 370.74] So go ahead and be who He made you to be +[370.74 --> 372.74] And live like you're loved +[372.74 --> 374.74] And live like you're loved +[374.74 --> 376.74] Living like you're loved +[376.74 --> 378.74] Live like you're loved +[378.74 --> 380.74] Live like you're loved +[380.74 --> 382.74] Live like you're loved +[382.74 --> 384.74] Live like you're loved +[384.74 --> 386.74] Live like you're loved +[386.74 --> 387.74] Live like you're loved +[387.74 --> 388.74] Watch like you're free +[388.74 --> 390.74] Stay like you know who we made you to be +[390.74 --> 391.74] Live like you're loved +[391.74 --> 395.36] Stand like you know who he made you to be +[395.36 --> 399.36] Live like you love, like you believe +[399.36 --> 403.38] His love is all that you'll ever need +[403.38 --> 406.58] So go ahead and live like you left +[406.58 --> 414.58] His love has made you more than enough +[414.58 --> 422.56] So go ahead and live like you left +[422.56 --> 427.22] It's okay to act like you've been set free +[427.22 --> 430.90] His love has made you more than enough +[430.90 --> 435.44] So go ahead and be who he made you to be +[435.44 --> 437.36] And live like you left +[437.36 --> 441.32] Live like you left +[441.32 --> 445.32] Live like you left +[445.32 --> 447.54] Live like you left +[447.54 --> 449.32] Live like you left +[449.32 --> 451.56] Live like you left +[451.56 --> 453.44] Live like you left +[453.44 --> 455.36] Walk like you're free +[455.36 --> 459.36] Stand like you know who he made you to be +[459.36 --> 461.48] Live like you loved +[461.48 --> 463.42] Like you believe +[463.42 --> 467.42] His love is all that you'll ever need +[467.42 --> 469.66] Live like you loved +[471.32 --> 473.32] Live like you left +[473.32 --> 475.32] Live like you left +[475.32 --> 477.32] Live like you left +[477.32 --> 485.32] If you left +[485.32 --> 486.28] Live like you right +[486.28 --> 487.32] Live like you left +[487.32 --> 488.38] Live like you left +[488.38 --> 489.32] Live like you left +[489.32 --> 491.32] Once you're not +[491.32 --> 492.32] Live like you left +[492.32 --> 494.28] Live like you left +[494.28 --> 495.30] Live like you right +[495.30 --> 496.32] Live like you left +[496.32 --> 497.32] Live like you left +[497.32 --> 498.32] Far Primary +[498.32 --> 499.92] Live like you left +[499.92 --> 500.32] Live like you left +[500.32 --> 501.28] Live like I +[501.28 --> 503.32] Stop +[503.32 --> 504.32] Live like +[504.32 --> 507.84] With every option exhausted +[507.84 --> 511.96] You tried everything you know +[511.96 --> 516.52] You saw light then you lost it +[516.52 --> 519.60] But there is still hope +[519.60 --> 523.52] Like the fire in the night +[523.52 --> 527.46] Like the ocean parted wide +[527.46 --> 531.34] Like the grave empty inside +[531.34 --> 535.34] You will see he still does +[535.34 --> 542.42] Miracles, miracles, miracles, miracles +[542.42 --> 546.80] Even if you don't see it now +[546.80 --> 548.50] Without a doubt +[548.50 --> 551.30] He's already moving +[551.30 --> 554.72] There is not a pain that you hold +[554.72 --> 556.34] He doesn't know +[556.34 --> 559.16] And he isn't using +[559.16 --> 562.46] With every option exhausted +[562.46 --> 566.70] You tried everything you know +[566.70 --> 571.30] So reach for something beyond it +[571.30 --> 574.22] Cause he is our hope +[574.22 --> 578.14] Like the fire in the night +[578.14 --> 582.02] Like the ocean parted wide +[582.02 --> 585.32] Like the grave empty inside +[585.32 --> 589.94] You will see he still does +[589.94 --> 595.10] Miracles, miracles, miracles +[595.10 --> 599.40] Miracles, miracles, miracles +[599.40 --> 605.40] Miracles, miracles, miracles, miracles +[605.40 --> 609.68] A broken heart can be restored +[609.68 --> 613.68] A broken soul can be reborn +[613.68 --> 617.56] And greater things are still in store +[617.56 --> 619.56] For us, for us +[619.56 --> 622.56] For us, for us +[622.56 --> 624.56] Like the fire in the night +[624.56 --> 626.56] Like the fire in the night +[626.56 --> 629.56] Like the ocean parted wide +[629.56 --> 633.56] Like the grave empty inside +[633.56 --> 637.56] You will see he still does +[637.56 --> 647.56] Miracles, miracles, miracles +[647.56 --> 649.56] Miracles, miracles +[649.56 --> 651.56] He's still there +[651.56 --> 653.56] He's still there +[653.56 --> 655.56] Miracles, miracles +[655.56 --> 657.56] You're the new God +[657.56 --> 663.56] Good morning everyone +[663.56 --> 666.74] Welcome to church +[666.74 --> 670.56] Welcome to what invariably +[670.56 --> 672.22] Is going to be a little bit of chaos +[672.22 --> 672.88] This morning +[672.88 --> 674.62] And we're going to worship +[674.62 --> 675.38] Right through it +[675.38 --> 675.56] Amen? +[676.92 --> 677.70] Thank you +[677.70 --> 679.30] Appreciate you +[679.30 --> 681.06] My name is Chris +[681.06 --> 682.46] I'm one of the pastors here +[682.46 --> 683.86] And if you are a guest with us +[683.86 --> 684.28] This morning +[684.28 --> 685.44] We're really excited to +[685.44 --> 686.96] Have you with us +[686.96 --> 688.32] In our worship together +[688.32 --> 690.62] Today's a special Sunday +[690.62 --> 691.72] In the life of a church +[691.72 --> 694.08] As we participate in baptisms +[694.08 --> 695.28] And professions of faith +[695.28 --> 696.70] And in welcoming new members +[696.70 --> 698.62] Here in our midst +[698.62 --> 701.62] And so today is a good day +[701.62 --> 703.32] Before we begin in worship +[703.32 --> 705.34] We have a few announcements to make +[705.34 --> 707.58] And so first of all +[707.58 --> 710.80] A reminder that this coming Friday +[710.80 --> 714.98] Is the women's Christmas event +[714.98 --> 715.72] And evening +[715.72 --> 717.62] There's been sign-ups for that +[717.62 --> 718.14] And the like +[718.14 --> 719.28] And so that's happening +[719.28 --> 721.02] On this coming Friday +[721.02 --> 724.00] In addition to that +[724.00 --> 726.16] The women's ministry group +[726.16 --> 726.88] Has asked +[726.88 --> 728.64] If we could help them +[728.64 --> 730.28] Clean up the chairs +[730.28 --> 731.44] Today +[731.44 --> 733.08] Following our worship +[733.08 --> 734.70] And so not necessarily +[734.70 --> 736.46] Immediately after worship +[736.46 --> 737.18] Because we want you +[737.18 --> 738.18] To be able to get your coffee +[738.18 --> 739.24] And talk to your friends +[739.24 --> 739.74] And the like +[739.74 --> 741.84] But sometime around there +[741.84 --> 743.26] It would be a real help +[743.26 --> 743.92] If you could just +[743.92 --> 745.06] Stack a bunch of chairs +[745.06 --> 746.64] And maybe move them to the side +[746.64 --> 747.32] So that they can +[747.32 --> 748.36] Throughout this week +[748.36 --> 750.22] Set up this space +[750.22 --> 750.92] For that event +[750.92 --> 752.68] Additionally +[752.68 --> 754.72] 2020 is happening +[754.72 --> 756.62] Tonight at 6.30 +[756.62 --> 757.84] And so that's a youth +[757.84 --> 759.08] Ministry event +[759.08 --> 759.56] And program +[759.56 --> 760.32] If you have any questions +[760.32 --> 760.76] On that +[760.76 --> 761.92] You can grab Pastor Kevin +[761.92 --> 763.68] He'll gladly give you +[763.68 --> 764.60] The details there +[764.60 --> 767.20] I think that's it +[767.20 --> 767.68] For today +[767.68 --> 769.54] Let's stand together +[769.54 --> 771.14] And we can be ushered +[771.14 --> 771.98] Into the presence +[771.98 --> 773.16] Of our good God +[773.16 --> 779.28] God welcomes us +[779.28 --> 780.38] Into this space +[780.38 --> 782.62] And he greets us +[782.62 --> 784.90] In our shared worship +[784.90 --> 785.82] As we mentioned +[785.82 --> 787.42] Today is a special Sunday +[787.42 --> 788.40] And part of our +[788.40 --> 789.96] Worship selection +[789.96 --> 790.80] Has been chosen +[790.80 --> 791.52] By the people +[791.52 --> 792.14] Who will be +[792.14 --> 793.32] Doing their profession +[793.32 --> 793.76] Of faith +[793.76 --> 794.54] Are being welcomed +[794.54 --> 796.02] As new members +[796.02 --> 797.08] Here later today +[797.08 --> 797.48] And so +[797.48 --> 798.82] Keep your ear out +[798.82 --> 799.70] For a new song +[799.70 --> 800.40] In that regard +[800.40 --> 801.44] As we join together +[801.44 --> 802.82] In our collective worship +[802.82 --> 803.84] In the presence +[803.84 --> 804.96] Of God +[804.96 --> 806.22] God's presence +[806.22 --> 807.04] Is here among us +[807.04 --> 807.80] And we mark that +[807.80 --> 809.06] By receiving his greeting +[809.06 --> 810.54] And then by extending +[810.54 --> 811.18] That greeting +[811.18 --> 812.12] To those around you +[812.12 --> 813.10] So after I give you +[813.10 --> 813.64] God's greeting +[813.64 --> 814.56] I invite you to turn +[814.56 --> 815.66] To the people around you +[815.66 --> 816.82] And welcome them +[816.82 --> 817.78] In the name of the Lord +[817.78 --> 818.78] Say the Lord be with you +[818.78 --> 819.76] Or the peace of Christ +[819.76 --> 820.84] Be with you +[820.84 --> 821.50] As we gather +[821.50 --> 822.84] In his presence today +[822.84 --> 823.72] Receive the greeting +[823.72 --> 824.60] Of our good God +[824.60 --> 826.02] Grace +[826.02 --> 827.40] Mercy +[827.40 --> 828.90] And peace to you +[828.90 --> 830.12] From God our Father +[830.12 --> 831.78] From the Lord Jesus Christ +[831.78 --> 832.98] Son and our Savior +[832.98 --> 834.34] Through the presence +[834.34 --> 834.86] And power +[834.86 --> 836.04] Of the Holy Spirit +[836.04 --> 837.36] Amen +[857.40 --> 886.38] Revelation 5 verse 13 +[886.38 --> 889.18] Then I heard +[889.18 --> 890.06] Every creature +[890.06 --> 890.94] In heaven +[890.94 --> 891.86] And on earth +[891.86 --> 893.02] And under the earth +[893.02 --> 894.88] And on the sea +[894.88 --> 896.16] And all that is in them +[896.16 --> 896.60] Saying +[896.60 --> 897.74] To him +[897.74 --> 898.52] Who sits +[898.52 --> 899.28] On the throne +[899.28 --> 900.92] And to the Lamb +[900.92 --> 901.82] Be praise +[901.82 --> 902.96] And honor +[902.96 --> 903.90] And glory +[903.90 --> 904.76] And power +[904.76 --> 905.52] Forever +[905.52 --> 906.82] And ever +[906.82 --> 909.66] If you've been forgiven +[909.66 --> 911.98] And if you've been redeemed +[911.98 --> 913.78] Sing the song +[913.78 --> 914.30] Forever +[914.30 --> 915.34] To the Lamb +[915.34 --> 916.68] If you walk +[916.68 --> 917.24] In freedom +[917.24 --> 918.14] And if you +[918.14 --> 919.16] Bear his name +[919.16 --> 920.96] Sing forever +[920.96 --> 921.88] The song +[921.88 --> 922.50] To the Lamb +[922.50 --> 924.76] Let's join our voices +[924.76 --> 925.50] This morning +[925.50 --> 927.04] And worship the one +[927.04 --> 928.70] Who sits on the throne +[928.70 --> 930.08] And the Lamb +[930.08 --> 943.70] God +[943.70 --> 951.56] Now is the time +[951.56 --> 954.32] To worship +[954.32 --> 957.00] Now +[957.00 --> 958.00] Now +[958.00 --> 960.04] Now is the time +[960.04 --> 964.02] To give your all +[964.02 --> 965.54] Now +[965.54 --> 968.52] Just as you are +[968.52 --> 971.34] To worship +[971.34 --> 974.00] Now +[974.00 --> 977.06] Just as you are +[977.06 --> 981.06] Before your God +[981.06 --> 982.06] Come +[982.06 --> 983.06] Come +[983.06 --> 984.22] Come +[984.22 --> 986.54] Now +[986.54 --> 989.80] Now is the time +[989.80 --> 992.60] To worship +[992.60 --> 994.22] Come +[994.22 --> 996.22] Now +[996.22 --> 998.30] Now is the time +[998.30 --> 1001.72] To give your all +[1001.72 --> 1002.64] Come +[1002.64 --> 1003.60] Come +[1003.60 --> 1006.90] Just as you are +[1006.90 --> 1007.90] To worship +[1007.90 --> 1011.90] Come +[1011.90 --> 1012.90] Come +[1012.90 --> 1015.52] Just as you are +[1015.52 --> 1017.80] Before your God +[1017.80 --> 1019.80] Come +[1019.80 --> 1021.80] Come +[1021.80 --> 1022.80] Come +[1022.80 --> 1023.80] Come +[1023.80 --> 1025.18] One day +[1025.18 --> 1026.02] Every time +[1026.02 --> 1027.00] Will confess +[1027.00 --> 1027.62] You are +[1027.62 --> 1028.48] Come +[1028.48 --> 1029.50] One day +[1029.50 --> 1030.58] Every knee +[1030.58 --> 1031.62] Will bow +[1031.62 --> 1034.70] Still the greatest treasure +[1034.70 --> 1037.02] Remains for those +[1037.02 --> 1039.20] Who gladly choose +[1039.20 --> 1040.20] To bow +[1040.20 --> 1041.20] Come +[1041.20 --> 1042.20] Come +[1042.20 --> 1043.20] Come +[1043.20 --> 1044.16] Come +[1044.16 --> 1044.72] Come +[1044.72 --> 1045.12] Come +[1045.12 --> 1047.76] Now is the time +[1047.76 --> 1050.62] To worship +[1050.62 --> 1052.62] Come +[1052.62 --> 1053.62] Come +[1053.62 --> 1056.40] Now is the time +[1056.40 --> 1059.28] To give your all +[1059.28 --> 1060.70] Come +[1060.70 --> 1061.78] Come +[1061.78 --> 1062.62] Come +[1062.62 --> 1065.08] Just as you are +[1065.08 --> 1067.20] To worship +[1067.20 --> 1069.20] Come +[1069.20 --> 1070.20] Come +[1070.20 --> 1071.20] Come +[1071.20 --> 1072.20] Come +[1072.20 --> 1073.76] Just as you are +[1073.76 --> 1076.82] Before your God +[1076.82 --> 1078.82] Come +[1078.82 --> 1079.04] Come +[1079.04 --> 1081.20] Come +[1081.20 --> 1083.38] One day +[1083.38 --> 1084.20] Every time +[1084.20 --> 1085.20] Will confess +[1085.20 --> 1086.60] You are God +[1086.60 --> 1087.68] One day +[1087.68 --> 1088.70] Every knee +[1088.70 --> 1089.54] Will bow +[1089.54 --> 1092.46] Still the greatest +[1092.46 --> 1092.96] Treasure +[1092.96 --> 1095.18] Remains for those +[1095.18 --> 1097.32] Who gladly choose +[1097.32 --> 1099.18] You now +[1099.18 --> 1101.28] Willingly we choose +[1101.28 --> 1102.42] To surrender +[1102.42 --> 1103.74] Our lives +[1103.74 --> 1105.86] Willingly our needs +[1105.86 --> 1106.18] Will bow +[1106.18 --> 1109.34] With all our +[1109.34 --> 1112.08] Soul, mind and strength +[1112.08 --> 1114.36] We gladly choose +[1114.36 --> 1116.18] You now +[1116.18 --> 1118.18] Come +[1118.18 --> 1119.18] Come +[1119.18 --> 1120.18] Come +[1120.18 --> 1123.06] Now is the time +[1123.06 --> 1123.18] To worship +[1123.18 --> 1128.18] Come +[1128.18 --> 1131.18] Now is the time +[1131.18 --> 1134.18] To give your all +[1134.18 --> 1136.18] Come +[1136.18 --> 1137.18] Come +[1137.18 --> 1138.18] Come +[1138.18 --> 1140.18] Come +[1140.18 --> 1141.18] Come +[1141.18 --> 1142.18] Come +[1142.18 --> 1143.18] Come +[1143.18 --> 1152.18] Come +[1152.18 --> 1153.18] Come +[1153.18 --> 1154.18] Come +[1154.18 --> 1160.18] A thousand generations +[1160.18 --> 1174.42] A thousand generations falling down in worship to sing the song of ages to the end. +[1176.02 --> 1188.36] And all who long before us and all who will believe sing the song of ages to the end. +[1190.18 --> 1201.94] Your name is the highest, your name is the greatest, your name stands above the whole. +[1201.94 --> 1214.94] All thrones and the regions, all powers and positions, your name stands above the whole. +[1215.24 --> 1218.22] And the angels cry. +[1218.22 --> 1224.22] Holy, vocation rise. +[1225.36 --> 1231.56] Holy, you are lifted high. +[1231.98 --> 1237.42] Holy, holy forever. +[1237.42 --> 1253.42] If you've been forgiven, if you've been redeemed, sing the song forever to the land. +[1253.42 --> 1266.56] If you walk into freedom, and if you bear His name, sing the song forever to the land. +[1266.56 --> 1271.56] And sing the song forever to the land. +[1271.56 --> 1274.56] And the angels cry. +[1274.56 --> 1280.56] Holy, vocation rise. +[1280.56 --> 1286.56] Holy, you are lifted high. +[1286.56 --> 1292.56] Holy, holy forever. +[1292.56 --> 1293.56] Holy, holy forever. +[1293.56 --> 1296.56] Holy, holy forever. +[1296.56 --> 1298.56] Hear your people sing. +[1298.56 --> 1304.56] Holy, holy to the King of peace. +[1304.56 --> 1310.56] Holy, you will always be. +[1310.56 --> 1315.56] Holy, holy forever. +[1315.56 --> 1316.56] Holy, holy forever. +[1316.56 --> 1317.56] Holy, holy forever. +[1317.56 --> 1322.56] Holy, holy forever. +[1322.56 --> 1334.56] Your name is the highest, your name is the greatest, your name stands above the whole. +[1334.56 --> 1345.56] All thrones and dominions, all powers, their positions, your name stands above the whole. +[1345.56 --> 1346.56] And the angels rise to the Lord. +[1346.56 --> 1347.56] Has you signed the highest, your name from the Lord. +[1347.66 --> 1349.56] What will you like to have that, your shelters, the holy forever? +[1350.56 --> 1353.56] Holy, holy forever. +[1357.56 --> 1358.56] Holy, holy forever. +[1358.56 --> 1367.56] Holy, holy forever. +[1367.56 --> 1368.56] Amen. +[1368.56 --> 1369.56] Holy, holy forever. +[1369.56 --> 1371.56] Amen. +[1371.56 --> 1373.56] Holy, holy forever. +[1373.56 --> 1375.56] You live in holy, Holyibanjuds. +[1375.56 --> 1389.56] king +[1392.76 --> 1395.56] you will always be +[1395.56 --> 1397.56] holy +[1397.56 --> 1399.56] holy +[1399.56 --> 1401.56] forever +[1409.56 --> 1415.56] Ever notice when life gets busy the easiest thing to skip is our reading of God's Word? +[1415.56 --> 1419.56] Pastor Chris has asked us a couple weeks ago +[1419.56 --> 1425.56] how often do we feast or nourish ourselves in God's Word in our daily lives? +[1425.56 --> 1431.56] our heart's desire should be to walk closely with God +[1431.56 --> 1433.56] to cherish his word +[1433.56 --> 1435.56] but our flesh can be so weak +[1435.56 --> 1441.56] will you pray Psalm 119 verses 10 to 16 with us +[1441.56 --> 1445.56] that we will cherish and delight in God's Word +[1445.56 --> 1447.56] let's pray +[1447.56 --> 1449.56] let's pray +[1453.56 --> 1457.56] Father I seek you with all my heart +[1457.56 --> 1459.56] do not let me stray from your commands +[1459.56 --> 1465.56] I've hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you +[1465.56 --> 1469.56] praise be to you Lord teach me your decrees +[1469.56 --> 1475.56] with my lips I recount all the laws that come from your mouth +[1475.56 --> 1481.56] I rejoice in following your statutes as one rejoices in great riches +[1481.56 --> 1487.56] I meditate on your precepts and consider your ways +[1487.56 --> 1491.56] I delight in your decrees +[1491.56 --> 1493.56] I will not neglect your word +[1493.56 --> 1501.56] help us Father to live this prayer out by the power of your spirit +[1501.56 --> 1503.56] amen +[1503.56 --> 1505.56] amen +[1505.56 --> 1519.56] frankly +[1519.56 --> 1520.56] God. +[1524.42 --> 1526.56] There's a place +[1527.32 --> 1528.78] where streams +[1528.78 --> 1530.74] of grace +[1530.74 --> 1534.56] flow deep and wide. +[1537.54 --> 1539.56] And all the love +[1540.38 --> 1542.56] I've ever found +[1543.40 --> 1545.66] comes like a +[1545.66 --> 1546.56] flood +[1546.56 --> 1549.56] comes flowing down. +[1554.16 --> 1555.92] At the cross +[1555.92 --> 1556.56] at the cross +[1557.24 --> 1558.56] I surrender +[1558.56 --> 1560.44] my life +[1560.44 --> 1561.60] to Him +[1561.60 --> 1562.56] of you. +[1563.88 --> 1564.80] To Him +[1564.80 --> 1566.56] of you. +[1567.06 --> 1568.70] Where your love +[1568.70 --> 1569.56] and death +[1569.56 --> 1571.56] is my sweet +[1571.56 --> 1573.04] wash my +[1573.04 --> 1575.56] I owe all to you. +[1575.56 --> 1580.56] For all to Jesus. +[1580.56 --> 1587.56] There's a place +[1588.52 --> 1590.56] where sin and shame +[1591.56 --> 1593.56] are powerless. +[1597.56 --> 1600.56] Where my heart +[1601.10 --> 1603.56] has peace with God +[1603.56 --> 1604.56] and heal the world +[1604.56 --> 1606.56] will heal the world. +[1606.56 --> 1612.56] Where all the love +[1612.56 --> 1615.56] I've ever found +[1615.56 --> 1619.56] comes like a flood +[1619.56 --> 1621.56] flowing down. +[1621.56 --> 1622.56] I owe all to you. +[1622.56 --> 1623.56] I owe all to you. +[1623.56 --> 1624.56] I owe all to you. +[1624.56 --> 1625.56] I owe all to you. +[1626.56 --> 1627.56] Where your love +[1627.56 --> 1629.56] can bear +[1629.56 --> 1631.56] and my sin +[1631.56 --> 1632.56] are not white. +[1632.56 --> 1634.56] I owe all to you. +[1634.56 --> 1635.56] I owe all to you. +[1635.56 --> 1637.56] I owe all to you. +[1637.56 --> 1638.56] I owe all to you. +[1638.56 --> 1639.56] I owe all to you. +[1639.56 --> 1640.56] Where my heart +[1640.56 --> 1641.56] is down. +[1641.56 --> 1642.56] Here +[1642.56 --> 1645.56] I'm holy ground. +[1645.56 --> 1647.56] Here I'm round +[1647.56 --> 1651.24] I don't want you +[1651.24 --> 1656.78] I want you down here +[1656.78 --> 1659.80] I'm going down here +[1659.80 --> 1662.88] I'm going down here +[1662.88 --> 1665.04] I'm going down here +[1665.04 --> 1669.04] I'm going down here +[1669.04 --> 1671.20] You'll save my life +[1671.20 --> 1674.56] Here I'm down here +[1674.56 --> 1677.56] Here I'm down here +[1677.56 --> 1679.20] At the cross, at the cross +[1679.20 --> 1682.34] I surrender my life +[1682.34 --> 1685.16] I live on you +[1685.16 --> 1688.48] I live on you +[1688.48 --> 1691.60] When your love and breath +[1691.60 --> 1694.48] And my skin wash white +[1694.48 --> 1697.08] I owe all to you +[1697.08 --> 1700.12] I owe all to you +[1700.12 --> 1703.12] I owe all to you +[1703.12 --> 1706.12] I owe all to you +[1706.12 --> 1708.12] Jesus +[1708.12 --> 1713.36] You may be seated +[1713.36 --> 1714.36] Amen. +[1743.36 --> 1744.36] Amen. +[1773.36 --> 1775.36] Amen. +[1803.36 --> 1813.40] When I think about my life, I reflect on the people. +[1813.40 --> 1817.62] People I've met along the way and people who have been with me since the beginning. +[1817.62 --> 1822.12] Before becoming a teacher, I worked in healthcare for 10 years and met many people from all walks +[1822.12 --> 1823.12] of life. +[1823.12 --> 1828.14] I've taken care of countless patients whose stories have had an impact on me. +[1828.14 --> 1832.36] With that said, I also think about the impact that I could potentially have on others and +[1832.36 --> 1837.06] regularly ask myself, do I embody the fruits of the Spirit? +[1837.06 --> 1839.86] Am I quick to listen or respond? +[1839.86 --> 1842.64] Do I have empathy before judgment? +[1842.64 --> 1847.28] Do I embody the person that Jesus has called me to be? +[1847.28 --> 1852.16] As I get older, I'm truly recognizing what it means for me to take his lead on my life +[1852.16 --> 1853.88] and not my own. +[1853.88 --> 1858.78] I will admit I am someone who likes to be in control, organized, and check things off my +[1858.78 --> 1861.00] seamlessly endless to-do list. +[1861.00 --> 1864.24] I am Katie's daughter. +[1864.24 --> 1869.70] However, sometimes I will admit that I hunker down too much and I only see the path that +[1869.70 --> 1871.88] I have laid out. +[1871.88 --> 1876.50] As we're called to walk with Jesus and talk to him, I look forward to finally becoming +[1876.50 --> 1879.70] an official member after over three decades. +[1879.70 --> 1884.30] I look forward to walking and talking with all of you and taking Jesus' lead. +[1884.30 --> 1888.40] I look forward to seeing the impact that Jesus will have on my life through you. +[1888.40 --> 1900.82] Yeah, it's nice and short. +[1900.82 --> 1904.64] Johanna, I'm super excited that you're up here today. +[1904.64 --> 1909.62] When I got here, I won't say how long ago because it'll age us both, but you were in youth when +[1909.62 --> 1910.38] I showed up here. +[1910.38 --> 1913.48] So it was a while ago and I've known you for a long time. +[1913.48 --> 1918.92] And this day, I feel, has been sort of a long time coming, which makes it even more special, +[1918.92 --> 1920.44] I think, that we are up here today. +[1920.44 --> 1924.24] And that we get to baptize your daughter, McKenna, in a moment makes it equally as special. +[1924.24 --> 1930.20] So in that light, I wanted to read a Bible passage today that makes me think of you. +[1930.20 --> 1933.58] It's from Ephesians 4 and it's verses 14 to 16. +[1933.58 --> 1934.20] It says this, +[1934.20 --> 1940.00] Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves and blown here and there +[1940.00 --> 1945.30] by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming. +[1945.38 --> 1951.86] Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body +[1951.86 --> 1954.80] of him who is the head, that is Christ. +[1955.72 --> 1961.14] From him, the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds +[1961.14 --> 1964.24] itself up in love as each part does its work. +[1964.90 --> 1968.94] So I've seen your growth over the amount of years that I've known you for here. +[1969.16 --> 1974.36] And I know Pastor Chris has seen the same growth as he's walked alongside you and Mike here as +[1974.36 --> 1974.58] well. +[1975.02 --> 1980.00] Today, you are professing your commitment to both Jesus and the body of Christ. +[1980.00 --> 1985.50] And I pray that you keep sort of pressing onwards, growing more and more into the mature body +[1985.50 --> 1987.66] of Christ that we are all called to be. +[1988.36 --> 1993.74] So as you do that, I hope that when you look out and see all of these wonderful people out +[1993.74 --> 1999.16] here, you'll see that the same body of Christ that you belong to, the body of Christ that +[1999.16 --> 2003.08] you're professing to today, that these are all people who are committed to you. +[2003.50 --> 2006.16] They're committed to supporting you and lifting you up. +[2006.16 --> 2012.36] And church, when you look up here at Johanna and McKenna in a moment, and then many others +[2012.36 --> 2018.72] as well, you will see them all as members of that same body who we are called to encourage, +[2019.12 --> 2020.58] build up, and walk alongside. +[2020.74 --> 2024.32] We are all called to join together in our faith in him. +[2024.40 --> 2029.04] And so Johanna, you are loved by Jesus more than you will ever know. +[2029.04 --> 2033.20] And I pray that you are encouraged in this step that you are taking today. +[2033.76 --> 2038.86] I also encourage you to grow closer and closer to Jesus each and every day as you continue +[2038.86 --> 2040.58] to raise this beautiful little girl here. +[2041.18 --> 2046.34] And as you walk, as he continues, as God continues to work in and through you as well. +[2046.90 --> 2047.78] So congratulations. +[2048.42 --> 2050.08] We have this little book here. +[2050.48 --> 2051.58] It's an excellent book. +[2051.72 --> 2054.24] And this is a gift on behalf of the church for your profession. +[2054.24 --> 2057.36] You're not allowed to look at it yet because you still have to answer some questions. +[2058.02 --> 2059.24] But that's for you. +[2059.50 --> 2060.20] No, no, you can't. +[2060.32 --> 2061.42] So anyways, congratulations. +[2061.62 --> 2062.78] Let's give her a little clap. +[2069.54 --> 2070.52] You're staying up here. +[2070.66 --> 2072.38] Do you want to stand here or do you want to stand in the middle? +[2072.44 --> 2073.22] No, this is great. +[2073.38 --> 2074.06] On to the side. +[2074.16 --> 2074.44] Perfect. +[2074.44 --> 2082.06] It's always really interesting when I walk through profession of faith and to this journey +[2082.06 --> 2082.60] with people. +[2083.56 --> 2088.16] Because for most people who stand up here, saying that I love Jesus and I give myself to +[2088.16 --> 2089.60] his church is not a problem. +[2090.40 --> 2093.84] Saying it on stage in front of a few hundred people, that's the problem. +[2094.72 --> 2095.62] Which is interesting. +[2095.84 --> 2097.20] And that's kind of your story too. +[2097.48 --> 2098.08] But you know what? +[2098.64 --> 2100.36] Wasn't her little story amazing? +[2100.98 --> 2101.28] Right? +[2101.38 --> 2102.04] Isn't God good? +[2102.26 --> 2102.46] See? +[2104.44 --> 2104.92] All right. +[2105.08 --> 2106.74] I'm doing this because I know you hate every minute of it. +[2106.74 --> 2107.20] I really do. +[2107.20 --> 2107.44] Yeah. +[2107.98 --> 2109.24] So we're just going to prolong it. +[2110.46 --> 2116.38] So as you have already given testimony, we now ask you to profess your faith in response +[2116.38 --> 2117.26] to four questions. +[2117.68 --> 2119.28] I'm going to ask you four questions. +[2120.00 --> 2126.14] And if you so believe, I'm going to invite you to respond by saying, I do with God's help +[2126.14 --> 2128.46] or I do God helping me, whichever one you choose. +[2130.08 --> 2130.32] Okay. +[2130.42 --> 2131.52] These four questions come. +[2131.58 --> 2132.30] I'll ask all four. +[2132.30 --> 2139.88] Johanna, do you believe that Jesus Christ is the son of God sent to redeem the world? +[2140.26 --> 2143.52] Do you love and trust him as the one who saves you from your sin? +[2143.52 --> 2148.06] And do you with repentance and joy embrace him as Lord of your life? +[2148.90 --> 2149.22] Two. +[2149.72 --> 2153.70] Do you believe that the Bible is the word of God revealing Christ and his redemption +[2153.70 --> 2157.68] and that the confessions of this church faithfully reflect this revelation? +[2157.68 --> 2158.68] Three. +[2158.68 --> 2159.24] Three. +[2160.10 --> 2163.88] Do you accept the gracious promises of God sealed to you in your baptism? +[2164.14 --> 2169.16] And do you affirm your union with Christ and his church, which your baptism signifies? +[2170.12 --> 2170.90] And four. +[2171.30 --> 2177.28] Do you promise to do all you can with the help of the Holy Spirit to strengthen your love +[2177.28 --> 2182.94] and commitment to Christ by sharing faithfully in the life of this church, honoring and submitting +[2182.94 --> 2183.86] to its authority? +[2183.86 --> 2188.50] And do you join with the people of God in doing the work of the Lord everywhere? +[2189.18 --> 2191.00] Johanna, what is your answer? +[2191.42 --> 2192.50] I do with God's help. +[2192.50 --> 2194.92] I do with God's help, she says. +[2195.28 --> 2195.82] Profess it. +[2196.36 --> 2196.78] I do. +[2197.06 --> 2197.50] God's help. +[2199.16 --> 2199.76] Amen. +[2200.08 --> 2200.88] Thank you for that. +[2202.00 --> 2207.62] Johanna, in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, I now welcome you to all the privileges of full +[2207.62 --> 2208.06] communion. +[2208.58 --> 2212.30] I welcome you to full participation in the life of the church. +[2212.64 --> 2216.98] I welcome you to its responsibilities, its joys, and its sufferings. +[2217.32 --> 2219.38] Receive this blessing from God. +[2219.38 --> 2224.82] May the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from +[2224.82 --> 2230.90] the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good +[2230.90 --> 2232.86] for doing his will. +[2233.38 --> 2239.56] And may he work in you what is pleasing to him through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory +[2239.56 --> 2241.18] forever and ever. +[2241.26 --> 2242.24] And all God's people said? +[2242.92 --> 2243.44] Amen. +[2244.50 --> 2246.54] I invite you to a moment of reprieve. +[2246.84 --> 2247.52] Take your seat. +[2249.38 --> 2255.96] As Johanna is making her way down, I'd like to also invite Josh and Rachel up to the front. +[2256.06 --> 2257.44] I didn't see where you guys were sitting. +[2257.54 --> 2257.94] Are you some? +[2257.98 --> 2258.82] There you are. +[2262.82 --> 2266.12] And for efficiency's sake, let's just stay on this side. +[2266.12 --> 2279.98] Josh and Rachel and Elizabeth, it's our hope and our prayer that here at Emmanuel, your +[2279.98 --> 2284.94] faith in God will be strengthened, that your love for Jesus will be grown, and that you +[2284.94 --> 2291.96] will find, as you have already found, opportunities to serve the Lord by serving his church. +[2291.96 --> 2298.26] As we welcome you into our church family this morning, we ask that you affirm the faith that +[2298.26 --> 2304.18] you have professed in your baptism and in your commitment to God's mission in and through +[2304.18 --> 2309.66] Langley Emmanuel, to our city, to our region, and through that to the world. +[2310.26 --> 2316.10] To do so, I'm going to ask you three questions, after which I will invite you to respond with, +[2316.10 --> 2317.78] we do with God's help. +[2318.78 --> 2324.70] First, do you believe in Jesus as your Savior and Lord, and that in him only is hope and freedom +[2324.70 --> 2325.82] from sin found? +[2326.78 --> 2331.28] Second, do you believe that the Bible is the word of God, revealing his plan for redemption +[2331.28 --> 2336.34] in Jesus Christ, and that the preaching and teaching of Langley Emmanuel reflect this truth? +[2337.06 --> 2341.64] And then third, do you promise, with the help of the Holy Spirit, to do all that you can to +[2341.64 --> 2347.32] strengthen your relationship to Jesus by being part of this church, by recognizing its oversight +[2347.32 --> 2353.48] and authority, and by joining with us on mission for Jesus in this community, this city, and +[2353.48 --> 2353.84] the world? +[2354.16 --> 2355.88] Josh and Rachel, what is your answer? +[2356.44 --> 2357.72] We do with God's help. +[2357.98 --> 2358.26] Amen. +[2360.26 --> 2367.02] Now, as they, along with Johanna, have professed their faith and have so become full partakers +[2367.02 --> 2373.38] of our church family, we also have the unique opportunity this morning to baptize their children. +[2374.52 --> 2380.70] And so, we have Elizabeth here, and I'm going to invite Mike and Johanna and McKenna to come +[2380.70 --> 2381.98] up to the front. +[2382.72 --> 2387.42] For those of you who haven't yet met Mike, Mike is on his own faith journey, and he's currently +[2387.42 --> 2390.54] with us in our Christianity Explored class. +[2390.54 --> 2397.30] Because he's not yet a member of our church, he won't be answering these questions, but +[2397.30 --> 2404.36] he does stand here in full support of Johanna and with McKenna's baptism, and in the commitment +[2404.36 --> 2407.64] to raise her in the Christian faith together. +[2408.96 --> 2415.96] Now, in our church and in our tradition, we baptize infants not out of superstition or tradition +[2415.96 --> 2421.86] or just because we like cute babies, although we see some pretty cute kids up here this morning. +[2422.64 --> 2429.54] We baptize infants because they are covenant children and should therefore receive the sign +[2429.54 --> 2430.32] of the covenant. +[2431.48 --> 2436.10] In Genesis 15, God made a covenant with Abraham. +[2436.78 --> 2442.22] Now, this covenant was sealed with the sign of circumcision in Genesis 17, and God promised +[2442.22 --> 2443.56] to bless Abraham. +[2443.56 --> 2447.56] And for Abraham, this meant two things in particular. +[2447.78 --> 2450.68] It meant offspring, family, and it meant a land. +[2451.56 --> 2458.22] But at the heart of the covenant was God's promise that he would be God to Abraham and +[2458.22 --> 2459.52] to his children. +[2460.60 --> 2469.72] And God cut a covenant into these people and into their relationship out of Israel's flesh, +[2469.90 --> 2471.64] carving a people for himself. +[2471.64 --> 2476.68] In the fullness of time, God sent his son, Jesus, to be our savior. +[2477.16 --> 2482.56] And in his death on the cross, our old self is dead and buried. +[2482.70 --> 2488.02] And in his resurrection, we rise to new life and look forward to the new creation. +[2488.02 --> 2494.68] When we baptize in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, the triune God +[2494.68 --> 2500.70] seals our adoption as his children and writes his name invisibly on our foreheads. +[2501.54 --> 2507.32] You are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God. +[2507.86 --> 2512.14] Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God. +[2512.14 --> 2518.62] By baptism, we recognize a new identity in Jesus Christ. +[2519.66 --> 2526.40] And so today we come to administer the sacrament of baptism to these beautiful children with +[2526.40 --> 2533.02] the weight of church history to encourage us and the example of redemptive history to confirm +[2533.02 --> 2533.84] our practice. +[2533.84 --> 2537.86] We baptize in obedience to Christ's command. +[2539.02 --> 2544.74] The sacrament that we are about to administer is a sign of the inclusion in the covenant family +[2544.74 --> 2545.96] as circumcision was. +[2546.36 --> 2553.10] The water that we are about to sprinkle is a sign of cleansing from sin as the sprinkled +[2553.10 --> 2555.78] blood of bulls and goats in the Old Testament was. +[2555.78 --> 2563.56] And we pray that McKenna and Elizabeth will take advantage of all their covenant privileges, +[2564.30 --> 2573.34] acknowledging Jesus as her Lord all the days of her life, and that by faith she, they might +[2573.34 --> 2575.40] make these promises their own. +[2576.54 --> 2578.76] You guys have already answered a couple questions. +[2579.10 --> 2581.28] I have two more particular to baptism. +[2581.28 --> 2586.40] I will ask both of these questions and then invite you to respond as parents. +[2587.78 --> 2592.62] Do you believe that your children, though sinful by nature, are received by God in Christ +[2592.62 --> 2595.80] as members of his covenant and therefore ought to be baptized? +[2597.08 --> 2601.34] And two, do you promise in reliance on the Holy Spirit and with the help of the Christian +[2601.34 --> 2607.62] community to do all in your power to instruct McKenna and Elizabeth in the Christian faith and +[2607.62 --> 2612.14] to lead them by your example into the life of Christian discipleship? +[2612.58 --> 2613.82] Johanna, what is your answer? +[2615.44 --> 2615.72] Amen. +[2616.18 --> 2617.68] Josh and Rachel, what is your answer? +[2619.26 --> 2619.58] Amen. +[2620.94 --> 2626.26] Our Lord said, let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for the kingdom +[2626.26 --> 2628.02] of God belongs to such as these. +[2628.60 --> 2633.02] And so I'd like to take this opportunity to invite all the kids and the young at heart to +[2633.02 --> 2637.10] come up to the front and just to gather on the floor, kind of right here, so that you can +[2637.10 --> 2639.44] see most clearly what is happening. +[2639.90 --> 2644.06] And I'm going to invite you guys just to shift here, and then we'll come one at a time through. +[2644.90 --> 2646.26] Just move over a little bit there. +[2655.44 --> 2660.92] Guys, in just a moment, we are going to baptize these two beautiful children, and we're going +[2660.92 --> 2663.62] to take this water and pour it over their heads. +[2663.62 --> 2669.18] And just like when you have a bath or when you have a shower, you get clean from that, +[2669.64 --> 2676.50] this is a picture for us about how the blood of Jesus, how the grace of God, how the mercy +[2676.50 --> 2680.12] of our Father makes us clean and new in Him. +[2682.60 --> 2686.76] If you get wet while this happens, I don't really apologize. +[2686.76 --> 2693.24] Just remember that this is a mark of what God does in our midst and for us. +[2696.60 --> 2707.92] This water is poured out and offered as a sign and seal of Jesus' promise to you. +[2707.92 --> 2712.06] Elizabeth, can we do you first? +[2722.06 --> 2729.00] Elizabeth Rose Malawaini, I baptize you in the name of the Father, in the name of the Son, +[2729.00 --> 2731.88] and in the name of the Holy Spirit. +[2733.18 --> 2733.58] Amen. +[2745.58 --> 2746.18] We'll see. +[2747.96 --> 2753.10] McKenna Wilhelmina Hayward, I baptize you in the name of the Father, +[2753.10 --> 2758.90] in the name of the Son, and in the name of the Holy Spirit. +[2760.66 --> 2761.18] Amen. +[2763.40 --> 2763.80] Amen. +[2763.80 --> 2763.98] Amen. +[2772.66 --> 2773.28] Beautiful. +[2773.62 --> 2774.18] Good job. +[2776.82 --> 2781.90] Congregation, church, family, friends of Josh and Rachel and Johanna and Mike, +[2781.90 --> 2787.56] we have the opportunity now to offer them our promise of support and love. +[2788.34 --> 2792.76] So I'm going to invite you to answer this question as you do, +[2792.86 --> 2796.52] and if you are able, I'm going to invite you to stand as we ask this question, +[2796.52 --> 2799.96] and then you'll be invited to respond as well by saying, +[2800.10 --> 2801.54] we do with God's help. +[2803.44 --> 2809.22] And so do you, congregation of the Lord Jesus Christ here at Langley Emanuel, +[2809.22 --> 2814.50] do you promise to love, encourage, and support Johanna and Mike and McKenna, +[2814.88 --> 2816.70] Josh and Rachel and Elizabeth, +[2817.16 --> 2819.60] by welcoming them into our church family, +[2820.08 --> 2822.24] by teaching the gospel of God's love, +[2822.32 --> 2825.04] by being an example of Christian faith and character, +[2825.04 --> 2828.66] and by giving the strong support of God's family in fellowship, +[2829.30 --> 2830.62] prayer, and service? +[2830.62 --> 2831.62] What is your answer? +[2832.28 --> 2833.96] You are God. +[2834.52 --> 2835.00] Amen. +[2836.00 --> 2836.72] You may be seated. +[2838.78 --> 2841.20] I'm going to stand just in the middle of you guys. +[2847.52 --> 2852.76] So I offer this blessing to you, McKenna, and to you, Elizabeth. +[2854.26 --> 2857.86] McKenna and Elizabeth, the Lord bless you and keep you. +[2857.86 --> 2862.22] The Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you. +[2862.78 --> 2867.40] The Lord turn his face towards you and give you peace. +[2868.24 --> 2873.16] In this way, the name of the Lord is written on you, +[2873.82 --> 2876.04] and he makes you his own. +[2877.62 --> 2881.58] Congregation, let's welcome them into our church family together. +[2886.14 --> 2887.26] Thank you, guys. +[2887.26 --> 2890.30] If you want to just stand in the front, off the stage there. +[2890.98 --> 2892.72] We're going to move just to the front, +[2892.84 --> 2893.68] and at this point, +[2894.16 --> 2897.06] we also want to welcome into our church fellowship +[2897.06 --> 2899.34] some others who come to us +[2899.34 --> 2901.96] from other Christian Reformed churches. +[2902.94 --> 2904.30] And so as I say your name, +[2904.72 --> 2906.76] invite you to make your way up to the front +[2906.76 --> 2910.08] and just stand in this group here along with them. +[2910.72 --> 2913.90] First, I'm going to invite Jane Van Druten up to the front. +[2913.90 --> 2920.32] Jane comes to us from Willoughby CRC and has been worshiping with us for about a year now. +[2921.08 --> 2924.44] I also want to invite Faye Shonit up to the front. +[2925.44 --> 2929.22] Faye also joins us from Willoughby and has been with us for some time +[2929.22 --> 2934.72] and has probably fed every one of you at some point or another in her time here. +[2934.72 --> 2939.90] I'd also like to invite Claus Tessemaker. +[2941.18 --> 2944.38] Claus comes from Living Hope in Abbotsford +[2944.38 --> 2947.50] and has recently moved up the hill to Sunridge Gardens. +[2948.28 --> 2950.66] He also has the privilege of being +[2950.66 --> 2954.98] Josiah Isaac Amara and Shanae Hogewonings' grandpa. +[2954.98 --> 2959.52] So we're pretty excited to have you here, Claus, as well. +[2960.78 --> 2964.30] And then I'd like to invite up the Wagonar family. +[2965.12 --> 2968.16] I believe they're all here except for Marika, who's missing this morning. +[2968.36 --> 2973.50] And so Aaron, Elise, and Tice, and Marika, who isn't able to be here with us. +[2973.68 --> 2976.92] They have been worshiping with us for a couple years now. +[2977.24 --> 2980.60] And can I say we are also finally getting you guys up front. +[2980.92 --> 2982.88] So thanks, Aaron, for answering an email. +[2982.88 --> 2983.20] Yep. +[2983.20 --> 2989.14] They come to us from Sunlight Church in Linden, Washington. +[2990.46 --> 2994.16] We are grateful that you are all here with us +[2994.16 --> 2999.02] and we are excited to see what God will do in our midst through your presence +[2999.02 --> 3004.16] and excited to celebrate what he has already done in our midst through your presence here. +[3004.66 --> 3010.32] Our prayer continues to be that you will join in our shared mission and ministry as a church family +[3010.32 --> 3018.88] by serving God in Murrayville and Langley and beyond, proclaiming his gospel and revealing his kingdom come and his kingdom coming. +[3018.88 --> 3021.12] Thank you for being with us. +[3021.12 --> 3023.30] Now, before you sit, we have a couple gifts from you. +[3023.48 --> 3028.50] And so Eric and I think John are going to come up on behalf of our church elders. +[3029.62 --> 3031.96] And they have some gifts for each of you. +[3034.42 --> 3037.22] Part of what you will receive there is a notebook. +[3037.22 --> 3045.40] We encourage you to use that notebook through the long and sometimes boring preaching that we offer around here week in and week out. +[3045.40 --> 3045.46] All right. +[3046.04 --> 3048.44] Or to doodle and distract yourself with. +[3048.44 --> 3051.28] Thank you. +[3051.28 --> 3051.40] termination Gus +[3051.40 --> 3081.38] Thank you. +[3081.38 --> 3083.62] Amen. +[3085.00 --> 3085.40] Amen. +[3089.46 --> 3091.20] And just three more seconds. +[3091.32 --> 3094.16] I'm going to pray over you all together. +[3094.30 --> 3094.68] Let's pray. +[3097.66 --> 3105.94] Holy and good God, days like today, we see your miraculous provision for your church, +[3106.44 --> 3109.90] and we thank you for the way that you are at work among us. +[3110.38 --> 3115.86] We thank you for the testimonies that each person here represents, for the stories that +[3115.86 --> 3118.32] we could hear and the stories that we will hear. +[3118.60 --> 3123.12] We thank you, God, for the story that we will share going forward from this place. +[3123.32 --> 3130.28] And most of all, we praise your name for the incredible ways you are weaving the great story +[3130.28 --> 3136.68] of history's redemption through people like these, through this, your church here at Langley +[3136.68 --> 3137.18] Emmanuel. +[3137.70 --> 3142.94] We give you praise for your great provision, and we pray that each one here this morning +[3142.94 --> 3149.48] would see your face just a little bit more clearly today, would know your grace and hold +[3149.48 --> 3155.40] it just a little bit more dearly in our hearts, and that together we might sing your praises +[3155.40 --> 3161.28] even as we gather, even as we grow, and even as we go. +[3161.80 --> 3163.68] This we pray in the name of Jesus Christ. +[3163.76 --> 3166.00] And all God's people together said, amen. +[3166.70 --> 3167.02] Amen. +[3167.22 --> 3168.02] You guys may have a seat. +[3168.10 --> 3168.44] Thank you. +[3168.44 --> 3174.58] I'm going to invite the worship team back up as we continue in our worship with another +[3174.58 --> 3179.68] song that was chosen for us by these families to worship with. +[3179.74 --> 3181.30] Let's stand as we sing together. +[3181.30 --> 3181.36] Amen. +[3198.44 --> 3223.56] Beautiful Lord, wonderful Savior, I know for sure. +[3223.56 --> 3236.92] All of my days are held in your end, crafted into your perfect plan. +[3236.92 --> 3246.30] You gently call me into your presence, guiding me by. +[3246.30 --> 3259.70] Your only spirit, teach me, dear Lord, to live all of my life through your eyes. +[3260.62 --> 3268.34] I'm captured by your holy calling, set me apart. +[3268.34 --> 3273.76] I know you're drawing me to yourself. +[3273.76 --> 3280.76] Lead me, Lord, I pray. +[3280.76 --> 3292.52] Take me, hold me, use me, fill me. +[3292.52 --> 3299.76] I give my life to the water's land. +[3299.76 --> 3320.76] I give my life to the water's land. +[3320.76 --> 3330.76] Beautiful Lord, wonderful Savior, I know for sure. +[3330.76 --> 3342.76] All of my days are held in your hand, crafted into your perfect plan. +[3342.76 --> 3351.76] You gently call me into your presence, guiding me by. +[3351.76 --> 3363.76] Your holy spirit, teach me, dear Lord, to live all of my life through your eyes. +[3363.76 --> 3370.76] I have to find your holy calling, set me apart. +[3370.76 --> 3375.76] I know you're drawing me to yourself. +[3375.76 --> 3378.76] Lead me, Lord, I pray. +[3378.76 --> 3385.76] Lead me, hold me, use me, fill me. +[3385.76 --> 3390.76] I give my life to the water's land. +[3390.76 --> 3391.76] Use me, heal me. +[3391.76 --> 3403.76] I give my life to the water's land. +[3403.76 --> 3410.76] I give my life to the water's land. +[3410.76 --> 3424.76] I give my life to the water's land. +[3424.76 --> 3425.76] You are free. +[3425.76 --> 3430.76] And I give my life to the water's land. +[3430.76 --> 3439.76] I give my life to the water. +[3439.76 --> 3443.76] I give my life to the water's land. +[3443.76 --> 3456.54] Good morning, everyone. +[3456.98 --> 3460.12] Wow, it's so good to see so many people here today. +[3460.62 --> 3463.00] And the volume of music is wonderful. +[3463.24 --> 3465.04] It's great to hear so many people sing. +[3465.70 --> 3469.82] My name is Allison, and I'm one of the deacons here at Emanuel. +[3469.82 --> 3473.96] And I'm introducing the offering today. +[3475.08 --> 3480.74] First of all, we are going to be supporting Wagner Hills this week. +[3481.30 --> 3486.38] Wagner Hills is a two-campus organization that is founded in Christ, +[3486.70 --> 3497.44] and they help counsel, train, and give work to those who are recovering from addictions of all kinds, +[3497.44 --> 3498.72] both men and women. +[3498.72 --> 3502.24] And it's right here in our own backyard in the valley. +[3503.16 --> 3504.48] So that's the first thing. +[3504.74 --> 3507.60] The second is our own benevolence fund. +[3508.28 --> 3511.22] Now, coming up to Christmas, it gets very busy. +[3511.40 --> 3513.98] There's a lot of need out there in our community. +[3514.60 --> 3520.28] We are currently running about 18% behind in our budget to date. +[3520.28 --> 3528.16] It would be a huge blessing through you if we could exceed our budget and commitments for the year. +[3528.72 --> 3534.00] Over the next month, we need to collect over $100,000 to make that happen. +[3534.20 --> 3535.62] That seems like a huge amount. +[3535.76 --> 3539.94] But to God, when he speaks to our hearts, that can happen. +[3539.94 --> 3549.24] Please consider how you can give in support of all the ministries that we are involved with here at Langley Manual. +[3549.70 --> 3550.38] Thank you. +[3550.38 --> 3580.36] Thank you. +[3580.38 --> 3595.70] Cait +[3595.70 --> 3599.46] Your beautiful +[3599.46 --> 3610.70] Your face is all I see +[3610.70 --> 3620.10] And when your eyes are open +[3620.10 --> 3631.24] Your grace shall bow to me +[3631.24 --> 3641.48] Oh Lord, please light the light +[3641.48 --> 3649.52] That haunt her right and big +[3649.52 --> 3660.66] Replace the land of my first love +[3660.66 --> 3668.66] And births with only faith +[3668.66 --> 3675.16] I want to take your word +[3675.16 --> 3679.20] And shine it all around +[3679.20 --> 3686.80] First help me just to live it all +[3686.80 --> 3693.30] And when I'm doing well +[3693.30 --> 3697.94] Help me to never see the crown +[3697.94 --> 3701.94] For my reward is giving +[3701.94 --> 3708.44] For my reward is living for me +[3708.44 --> 3716.08] Oh Lord, your beautiful +[3716.08 --> 3726.58] Your face is all I see +[3726.58 --> 3739.22] And when your eyes are on this child +[3739.22 --> 3747.72] Your grace abounds to me +[3747.72 --> 3766.98] I'd like to invite any kids that are here today +[3766.98 --> 3770.12] If you're age three all the way up to grade four +[3770.12 --> 3773.08] We have our children's worship time program +[3773.08 --> 3776.94] That will continue our worship out in our preschool room +[3776.94 --> 3779.82] And with the older kids together +[3779.82 --> 3781.10] So if you're visiting with us +[3781.10 --> 3784.08] We would love to have you join us for children's worship time +[3784.08 --> 3787.80] You can come up now or just follow us when we leave +[3787.80 --> 3789.70] And we will help you get to where you need to go +[3789.70 --> 3793.52] We're going to just keep it short up here today +[3793.52 --> 3795.26] I'm going to save all my questions for you +[3795.26 --> 3796.58] When we get into the room +[3796.58 --> 3799.38] So I'm just going to invite you to stand +[3799.38 --> 3800.94] And we'll do the blessing right away +[3800.94 --> 3802.62] And then we're going to head off right away +[3802.62 --> 3803.42] To children's worship +[3803.42 --> 3812.62] The Lord be with you +[3812.62 --> 3814.62] And also with you +[3823.52 --> 3841.96] Good morning everyone +[3841.96 --> 3843.46] Steve and Elder here +[3843.46 --> 3845.48] And before I leave this +[3845.48 --> 3847.46] Family prayer this morning +[3847.46 --> 3849.78] Just a reminder that next week +[3849.78 --> 3852.40] Sunday evening at 5pm +[3852.40 --> 3854.42] We'll have the Try Soup Tournament +[3854.42 --> 3856.44] Where you make your best soup +[3856.44 --> 3857.68] And everyone tries it +[3857.68 --> 3858.86] And we have a little secret ballot +[3858.86 --> 3860.22] And pick a winner +[3860.22 --> 3862.52] And following that at 6pm +[3862.52 --> 3864.58] We'll have our fall AGM +[3864.58 --> 3867.80] To approve the 2025 budget +[3867.80 --> 3869.36] And hear ministry updates +[3869.36 --> 3871.70] From a couple ministries and missionaries +[3871.70 --> 3873.30] So great to see everyone out there +[3873.30 --> 3876.08] Let us pray +[3876.08 --> 3879.28] Heavenly Father +[3879.28 --> 3882.20] We come before you again this Sunday morning +[3882.20 --> 3883.72] As a group of believers +[3883.72 --> 3884.82] United in you +[3884.82 --> 3886.20] A group of people +[3886.20 --> 3888.02] With a wide variety of emotions +[3888.02 --> 3888.90] And feelings +[3888.90 --> 3890.90] Some of us come with joy +[3890.90 --> 3892.66] With reasons to be thankful +[3892.66 --> 3895.84] Some of us with a deep sense of contentment +[3895.84 --> 3898.02] Others have concerns and worries +[3898.02 --> 3899.44] Are sad and weary +[3899.44 --> 3900.64] Are burdened +[3900.64 --> 3901.60] And are frustrated +[3901.60 --> 3903.34] We are your people +[3903.34 --> 3904.82] And we know that in the end +[3904.82 --> 3905.72] We need to trust +[3905.72 --> 3907.58] That you will make all things right +[3907.58 --> 3909.14] But Lord +[3909.14 --> 3909.84] We are also +[3909.84 --> 3910.92] A fallen people +[3910.92 --> 3911.62] Who live in +[3911.62 --> 3913.40] And are influenced +[3913.40 --> 3914.70] By the world around us +[3914.70 --> 3915.96] We live in a world +[3915.96 --> 3916.92] That bombards us +[3916.92 --> 3917.96] With many messages +[3917.96 --> 3919.18] We are told +[3919.18 --> 3920.16] To put our head down +[3920.16 --> 3921.20] And keep on working +[3921.20 --> 3922.06] And that +[3922.06 --> 3923.38] If we try hard enough +[3923.38 --> 3924.58] It will be all well +[3924.58 --> 3925.76] And to never give up +[3925.76 --> 3926.50] To keep fighting +[3926.50 --> 3927.26] To strive +[3927.26 --> 3928.22] To attain our goals +[3928.22 --> 3929.70] Eternal God +[3929.70 --> 3930.68] Remind us +[3930.68 --> 3931.60] Again this morning +[3931.60 --> 3932.84] That the work +[3932.84 --> 3934.02] Has already been done +[3934.02 --> 3934.64] On the cross +[3934.64 --> 3936.28] That you have already +[3936.28 --> 3937.42] Paid the price for us +[3937.42 --> 3939.60] And that rather than striving +[3939.60 --> 3940.82] You call us to a life +[3940.82 --> 3941.86] Of submittal obedience +[3941.86 --> 3942.60] And trust +[3942.60 --> 3944.20] Help us to let go +[3944.20 --> 3945.30] Of our many gods +[3945.30 --> 3946.90] We worship in our lives +[3946.90 --> 3948.10] And to hear your call +[3948.10 --> 3951.64] We have grateful hearts +[3951.64 --> 3952.14] This morning +[3952.14 --> 3952.80] Thanking you +[3952.80 --> 3953.30] For the gift +[3953.30 --> 3954.00] Of new members +[3954.00 --> 3954.82] Baptisms +[3954.82 --> 3956.02] And professions of faith +[3956.02 --> 3957.04] We rejoice +[3957.04 --> 3957.74] In the talents +[3957.74 --> 3958.28] And service +[3958.28 --> 3959.36] Each of these individuals +[3959.36 --> 3960.26] Brings your kingdom +[3960.26 --> 3961.66] Enriching our congregation +[3961.66 --> 3963.24] We ask for +[3963.24 --> 3964.74] Guidance and support +[3964.74 --> 3966.10] Of each of these new members +[3966.10 --> 3967.42] As they find their place +[3967.42 --> 3967.96] Among us +[3967.96 --> 3969.06] May they feel welcomed +[3969.06 --> 3969.68] And valued +[3969.68 --> 3970.70] As part of this family +[3970.70 --> 3973.74] We give you thanks +[3973.74 --> 3976.08] That in even times of trouble +[3976.08 --> 3977.20] We may turn to you +[3977.20 --> 3977.98] That +[3977.98 --> 3980.78] That into your strong arms +[3980.78 --> 3982.28] We may offload our sins +[3982.28 --> 3982.94] Our weariness +[3982.94 --> 3983.56] And our pain +[3983.56 --> 3984.54] And our grief +[3984.54 --> 3986.30] We pray for all those +[3986.30 --> 3986.90] Who are struggling +[3986.90 --> 3988.18] With a heavy burden today +[3988.18 --> 3990.06] Including those that are grieving +[3990.06 --> 3991.22] Lonely +[3991.22 --> 3992.38] Anxious +[3992.38 --> 3994.06] Dealing with addiction +[3994.06 --> 3995.82] Struggling with their mental +[3995.82 --> 3996.76] And physical health +[3996.76 --> 3998.98] For those that are awaiting tests +[3998.98 --> 4000.06] Results of surgeries +[4000.06 --> 4001.24] Undergoing treatments +[4001.24 --> 4002.28] In pain +[4002.28 --> 4002.98] And recovering +[4002.98 --> 4004.62] Or dealing with long term +[4004.62 --> 4005.88] Health issues +[4005.88 --> 4008.08] Specifically this week +[4008.08 --> 4009.38] We pray for Linda Rook +[4009.38 --> 4010.06] Who was diagnosed +[4010.06 --> 4011.00] With breast cancer +[4011.00 --> 4012.22] And has had surgery +[4012.22 --> 4013.14] We are thankful +[4013.14 --> 4014.20] The surgery went well +[4014.20 --> 4015.48] And we pray that Linda +[4015.48 --> 4017.02] Will receive complete healing +[4017.02 --> 4018.16] And for peace +[4018.16 --> 4019.76] In Linda and Neil's hearts +[4019.76 --> 4020.38] As they navigate +[4020.38 --> 4021.18] Through the treatment +[4021.18 --> 4023.52] We pray for the family +[4023.52 --> 4024.26] Of Ernst de Vries +[4024.26 --> 4025.70] After his sudden passing +[4025.70 --> 4027.94] We are thankful +[4027.94 --> 4029.18] For Mary Fitzma's +[4029.18 --> 4030.60] Hip surgery +[4030.60 --> 4031.30] That went well +[4031.30 --> 4032.46] After her fall +[4032.46 --> 4033.58] We pray for God's +[4033.58 --> 4034.24] Continued healing +[4034.24 --> 4034.76] In her body +[4034.76 --> 4037.00] We pray for +[4037.00 --> 4038.32] Clary Kosterhof's +[4038.32 --> 4038.60] Dad +[4038.60 --> 4039.28] Who is undergoing +[4039.28 --> 4040.34] Some testing +[4040.34 --> 4041.10] We pray for +[4041.10 --> 4042.02] Encouraging results +[4042.02 --> 4042.74] And for clarity +[4042.74 --> 4043.92] For the decisions +[4043.92 --> 4044.98] That need to be made +[4044.98 --> 4046.94] And we pray for Ashley +[4046.94 --> 4048.46] And her family +[4048.46 --> 4049.34] As she continues +[4049.34 --> 4050.66] To undergo chemo treatment +[4050.66 --> 4051.60] We pray for +[4051.60 --> 4052.80] Complete healing +[4052.80 --> 4053.96] And strength for Ashley +[4053.96 --> 4057.26] Be with Pastor Chris +[4057.26 --> 4058.46] As he leads us this morning +[4058.46 --> 4059.88] Lord we thank you +[4059.88 --> 4060.50] For his willingness +[4060.50 --> 4061.50] To share his gifts +[4061.50 --> 4062.46] Talents and insights +[4062.46 --> 4063.24] Here with us +[4063.24 --> 4064.10] And Emmanuel +[4064.10 --> 4065.28] We ask you to bless him +[4065.28 --> 4066.46] And his message this morning +[4066.46 --> 4067.98] We pray this all +[4067.98 --> 4069.52] In the name of Jesus Christ +[4069.52 --> 4070.30] Your son +[4070.30 --> 4071.22] Our Lord +[4071.22 --> 4072.04] And savior +[4072.04 --> 4072.66] Amen +[4072.66 --> 4095.80] Here at Emmanuel +[4095.80 --> 4096.52] We have been +[4096.52 --> 4098.18] Looking at the story +[4098.18 --> 4098.78] Of Joseph +[4098.78 --> 4100.46] And we're going to +[4100.46 --> 4102.50] Finish that story +[4102.50 --> 4103.68] This morning +[4103.68 --> 4104.92] And so +[4104.92 --> 4106.74] Our like text +[4106.74 --> 4107.68] Of focus +[4107.68 --> 4108.48] Is going to be +[4108.48 --> 4109.88] From Genesis 50 +[4109.88 --> 4111.50] Starting at verse 15 +[4111.50 --> 4113.86] That will be on the screen +[4113.86 --> 4115.12] Behind me when I read it +[4115.12 --> 4115.72] But I'm not going to +[4115.72 --> 4117.12] Read it at the beginning +[4117.12 --> 4118.02] We're going to jump +[4118.02 --> 4119.52] Into the story +[4119.52 --> 4122.04] Sort of in the middle there +[4122.04 --> 4124.26] And get to the text +[4124.26 --> 4126.12] As we culminate +[4126.12 --> 4127.70] Our story together +[4127.70 --> 4129.36] I do want to say +[4129.36 --> 4130.76] That this morning +[4130.76 --> 4132.24] We are going to be +[4132.24 --> 4133.32] Looking at +[4133.32 --> 4135.42] The role and place +[4135.42 --> 4136.38] Of forgiveness +[4136.38 --> 4138.02] In the life +[4138.02 --> 4140.50] Of the Christian believer +[4140.50 --> 4143.26] Now if you've been +[4143.26 --> 4144.80] Around a church +[4144.80 --> 4145.48] Or really +[4145.48 --> 4146.66] Around any Christian +[4146.66 --> 4147.98] For hopefully +[4147.98 --> 4149.32] Any duration of time +[4149.32 --> 4150.46] But if only +[4150.46 --> 4151.54] For a little bit of time +[4151.54 --> 4154.50] The idea of forgiveness +[4154.50 --> 4155.92] And being forgiven +[4155.92 --> 4157.44] Is foundational +[4157.44 --> 4158.50] Is central +[4158.50 --> 4160.50] To who we are +[4160.50 --> 4161.72] As Christians +[4161.72 --> 4163.62] But this morning +[4163.62 --> 4164.46] Before we get in +[4164.46 --> 4165.36] I'm also mindful +[4165.36 --> 4166.06] Of the fact +[4166.06 --> 4167.20] As C.S. Lewis +[4167.20 --> 4168.14] Put it +[4168.14 --> 4169.50] Everyone says +[4169.50 --> 4171.22] Forgiveness is a lovely idea +[4171.22 --> 4172.96] Until they have something +[4172.96 --> 4173.52] To forgive +[4173.52 --> 4175.60] And so +[4175.60 --> 4176.62] As we engage +[4176.62 --> 4178.02] This morning +[4178.02 --> 4179.82] And think through +[4179.82 --> 4181.56] Our need for forgiveness +[4181.56 --> 4182.84] And our need +[4182.84 --> 4183.56] To forgive +[4183.56 --> 4184.92] I'm mindful +[4184.92 --> 4185.86] Of the fact +[4185.86 --> 4186.58] That some things +[4186.58 --> 4187.92] Might get stirred +[4187.92 --> 4188.84] This morning +[4188.84 --> 4189.24] And so +[4189.24 --> 4189.96] If that's true +[4189.96 --> 4191.16] I want to make myself +[4191.16 --> 4191.62] Available +[4191.62 --> 4193.40] Following our worship +[4193.40 --> 4194.56] I'll be at the +[4194.56 --> 4195.20] Connect booth +[4195.20 --> 4196.10] I'm also mindful +[4196.10 --> 4197.18] That there will be +[4197.18 --> 4197.90] Someone up here +[4197.90 --> 4199.16] With a yellow name tag on +[4199.16 --> 4200.10] That would love to meet you +[4200.10 --> 4201.14] And pray with you +[4201.14 --> 4203.18] And process these things +[4203.18 --> 4204.16] With you +[4204.16 --> 4206.34] And so +[4206.34 --> 4206.76] With that +[4206.76 --> 4208.18] Preamble +[4208.18 --> 4208.96] Let's +[4208.96 --> 4210.76] Remind ourselves +[4210.76 --> 4212.60] The story of Joseph +[4212.60 --> 4213.60] That we have been +[4213.60 --> 4215.22] Living in the midst of +[4215.22 --> 4216.20] And so +[4216.20 --> 4216.64] Joseph +[4216.64 --> 4218.36] Was the +[4218.36 --> 4219.64] Eleventh of +[4219.64 --> 4220.74] Twelve sons +[4220.74 --> 4221.76] To a man +[4221.76 --> 4223.12] Named Jacob +[4223.12 --> 4224.44] Joseph +[4224.44 --> 4225.44] Is the oldest +[4225.44 --> 4226.12] Child +[4226.12 --> 4227.52] Of Jacob's +[4227.52 --> 4228.72] Favorite wife +[4228.72 --> 4229.70] Rachel +[4229.70 --> 4232.08] Rachel has already +[4232.08 --> 4233.30] Died by the time +[4233.30 --> 4234.42] The Joseph story +[4234.42 --> 4235.48] As we have it here +[4235.48 --> 4236.46] Really begins +[4236.46 --> 4238.02] And Joseph +[4238.02 --> 4239.48] Is the obvious +[4239.48 --> 4240.22] Favorite +[4240.22 --> 4241.68] To his father +[4241.68 --> 4242.78] And Jacob +[4242.78 --> 4243.98] Doesn't hide that +[4243.98 --> 4244.86] From the rest +[4244.86 --> 4245.44] Of the family +[4245.44 --> 4247.54] You might know +[4247.54 --> 4248.68] The story a little bit +[4248.68 --> 4249.44] And know that +[4249.44 --> 4250.38] Jacob +[4250.38 --> 4251.98] Makes for Joseph +[4251.98 --> 4253.14] A beautiful +[4253.14 --> 4254.66] And ornate +[4254.66 --> 4255.24] Robe +[4255.24 --> 4256.76] Sometimes called +[4256.76 --> 4257.48] A technicolor +[4257.48 --> 4258.04] Dreamcoat +[4258.04 --> 4260.46] And the narrator +[4260.46 --> 4261.38] Of the story +[4261.38 --> 4262.50] Tells us that +[4262.50 --> 4264.72] When his brothers +[4264.72 --> 4265.96] Saw that their father +[4265.96 --> 4267.02] Loved him more +[4267.02 --> 4268.04] Than any of them +[4268.04 --> 4269.32] They hated him +[4269.32 --> 4270.88] And could not speak +[4270.88 --> 4271.76] A kind word +[4271.76 --> 4272.18] To him +[4272.18 --> 4274.34] Now as the story +[4274.34 --> 4274.84] Rolls +[4274.84 --> 4275.64] Joseph has +[4275.64 --> 4277.14] These two dreams +[4277.14 --> 4277.90] That tell +[4277.90 --> 4279.20] How his father +[4279.20 --> 4280.08] And brothers +[4280.08 --> 4281.30] And their families +[4281.30 --> 4282.36] Will bow down +[4282.36 --> 4282.78] To him +[4282.78 --> 4284.94] Now perhaps +[4284.94 --> 4285.88] Understandably +[4285.88 --> 4287.02] His brothers +[4287.02 --> 4287.88] Are jealous +[4287.88 --> 4289.08] And they're hurt +[4289.08 --> 4290.78] By his father's +[4290.78 --> 4291.66] Obvious +[4291.66 --> 4292.64] Favoritism +[4292.64 --> 4295.52] And to be candid +[4295.52 --> 4296.32] Joseph's +[4296.32 --> 4297.88] Apparent narcissism +[4297.88 --> 4298.58] Probably didn't +[4298.58 --> 4299.34] Help the situation +[4299.34 --> 4299.62] Either +[4299.62 --> 4302.06] Now while his brothers +[4302.06 --> 4302.84] Are out taking +[4302.84 --> 4304.08] Care of flocks +[4304.08 --> 4305.68] Jacob tells Joseph +[4305.68 --> 4306.28] To go +[4306.28 --> 4307.44] And to find out +[4307.44 --> 4308.44] How they're doing +[4308.44 --> 4309.84] Right +[4309.84 --> 4310.30] To find out +[4310.30 --> 4311.00] How it's going +[4311.00 --> 4311.98] Now Joseph +[4311.98 --> 4312.68] Eventually +[4312.68 --> 4313.68] Finds them +[4313.68 --> 4314.84] In an isolated +[4314.84 --> 4315.62] And distant +[4315.62 --> 4316.24] Location +[4316.24 --> 4317.02] Called Dothan +[4317.02 --> 4318.40] And while he is +[4318.40 --> 4319.52] Still a ways off +[4319.52 --> 4320.06] His brothers +[4320.06 --> 4320.64] See him +[4320.64 --> 4321.26] And they make +[4321.26 --> 4321.76] A plot +[4321.76 --> 4322.56] To kill him +[4322.56 --> 4324.40] They seize him +[4324.40 --> 4325.36] And throw him +[4325.36 --> 4326.02] Into a hole +[4326.02 --> 4326.74] In the ground +[4326.74 --> 4327.60] Which is an empty +[4327.60 --> 4328.72] Cistern +[4328.72 --> 4329.82] And instead +[4329.82 --> 4331.02] Of kill him +[4331.02 --> 4332.10] They decide +[4332.10 --> 4333.16] To sell him +[4333.16 --> 4334.00] To a group +[4334.00 --> 4334.62] Of traders +[4334.62 --> 4336.04] Who have +[4336.04 --> 4336.70] Meanwhile +[4336.70 --> 4337.60] Been traveling +[4337.60 --> 4339.02] Towards Egypt +[4339.02 --> 4340.88] The brothers +[4340.88 --> 4341.78] Take Joseph's +[4341.78 --> 4342.78] Beautiful robe +[4342.78 --> 4343.60] They cover it +[4343.60 --> 4344.50] In dirt and blood +[4344.50 --> 4345.16] And they bring it +[4345.16 --> 4346.00] Back to their father +[4346.00 --> 4346.60] And they say +[4346.60 --> 4347.30] Look your son +[4347.30 --> 4347.98] Has been killed +[4347.98 --> 4350.46] Now Joseph +[4350.46 --> 4350.98] Is carried +[4350.98 --> 4351.66] Into Egypt +[4351.66 --> 4352.28] By these +[4352.28 --> 4352.80] Traders +[4352.80 --> 4353.36] And he's +[4353.36 --> 4354.14] Made a slave +[4354.14 --> 4354.92] In the house +[4354.92 --> 4355.72] Of Potiphar +[4355.72 --> 4358.08] Even though +[4358.08 --> 4359.90] Everything he did +[4359.90 --> 4360.70] There while in the +[4360.70 --> 4361.42] House of Potiphar +[4361.42 --> 4362.18] Prospered +[4362.18 --> 4363.56] He eventually +[4363.56 --> 4365.16] Is falsely accused +[4365.16 --> 4366.38] By Potiphar's wife +[4366.38 --> 4366.78] Who had +[4366.78 --> 4368.38] Particular designs +[4368.38 --> 4368.98] For him +[4368.98 --> 4369.92] And he was +[4369.92 --> 4370.88] Thrown into +[4370.88 --> 4371.86] An Egyptian +[4371.86 --> 4372.84] Slave prison +[4372.84 --> 4375.10] And then Joseph +[4375.10 --> 4375.68] Spence +[4375.68 --> 4376.94] Spends years +[4376.94 --> 4377.90] In this +[4377.90 --> 4378.64] Prison +[4378.64 --> 4381.08] While in prison +[4381.08 --> 4382.04] He interprets +[4382.04 --> 4382.82] Dreams for +[4382.82 --> 4383.60] The chief +[4383.60 --> 4384.24] Cup baker +[4384.24 --> 4385.06] Of the court +[4385.06 --> 4385.72] Or the chief +[4385.72 --> 4386.56] Baker and the +[4386.56 --> 4387.44] Chief cup bearer +[4387.44 --> 4388.18] Of the court +[4388.18 --> 4388.74] To Pharaoh +[4388.74 --> 4389.70] Both of whom +[4389.70 --> 4390.52] Had been imprisoned +[4390.52 --> 4392.46] The cup bearer +[4392.46 --> 4393.14] Is eventually +[4393.14 --> 4394.50] Restored to Pharaoh +[4394.50 --> 4395.42] And goes back +[4395.42 --> 4395.96] To work +[4395.96 --> 4396.86] With him +[4396.86 --> 4398.48] And about +[4398.48 --> 4399.16] Two years +[4399.16 --> 4399.68] Later +[4399.68 --> 4401.26] Pharaoh has +[4401.26 --> 4402.32] Some dreams +[4402.32 --> 4403.14] That none of +[4403.14 --> 4404.10] His magicians +[4404.10 --> 4405.20] Or court officials +[4405.20 --> 4406.28] Are able to +[4406.28 --> 4407.60] Interpret +[4407.60 --> 4408.34] Or tell him +[4408.34 --> 4409.08] What they mean +[4409.08 --> 4410.22] And the cup bearer +[4410.22 --> 4411.22] Remembers +[4411.22 --> 4412.62] This slave +[4412.62 --> 4413.20] Joseph +[4413.20 --> 4414.26] Who interpreted +[4414.26 --> 4415.44] Dreams for him +[4415.44 --> 4416.40] When he was +[4416.40 --> 4417.22] In prison as well +[4417.22 --> 4418.78] And so Joseph +[4418.78 --> 4419.84] Going to Pharaoh +[4419.84 --> 4420.62] And by God +[4420.62 --> 4421.66] Revealing it to him +[4421.66 --> 4422.62] Tells Pharaoh +[4422.62 --> 4423.20] The meaning +[4423.20 --> 4424.48] Of these two dreams +[4424.48 --> 4426.00] He tells him +[4426.00 --> 4426.46] That there would be +[4426.46 --> 4427.80] Seven years of bounty +[4427.80 --> 4428.48] Followed by +[4428.48 --> 4429.50] Seven years of famine +[4429.50 --> 4431.74] Joseph has a plan +[4431.74 --> 4432.74] In light of this +[4432.74 --> 4433.84] To prepare Egypt +[4433.84 --> 4435.10] And to make her +[4435.10 --> 4436.18] A source of food +[4436.18 --> 4436.92] And of trade +[4436.92 --> 4437.86] And of prosperity +[4437.86 --> 4439.06] For the neighboring +[4439.06 --> 4439.88] People +[4439.88 --> 4441.90] During that seven years +[4441.90 --> 4442.72] Of famine +[4442.72 --> 4443.64] And what that means +[4443.64 --> 4444.26] For Egypt +[4444.26 --> 4445.96] Is that it hugely +[4445.96 --> 4447.08] Prospers +[4447.08 --> 4448.10] During this time +[4448.10 --> 4449.84] Now Pharaoh +[4449.84 --> 4450.60] Puts Joseph +[4450.60 --> 4451.32] In charge +[4451.32 --> 4452.14] Second only +[4452.14 --> 4452.78] To himself +[4452.78 --> 4454.24] And Joseph's plan +[4454.24 --> 4455.38] Goes into effect +[4455.38 --> 4456.30] And as Egypt +[4456.30 --> 4456.86] Prospers +[4456.86 --> 4457.56] So too +[4457.56 --> 4458.28] Joseph +[4458.28 --> 4458.98] Prospers +[4458.98 --> 4460.06] He marries +[4460.06 --> 4460.52] He has +[4460.52 --> 4461.56] Two children +[4461.56 --> 4463.50] And then eventually +[4463.50 --> 4465.80] Ten tired +[4465.80 --> 4466.76] Dusty +[4466.76 --> 4467.80] Hebrew men +[4467.80 --> 4468.44] Appear +[4468.44 --> 4469.96] At Joseph's door +[4469.96 --> 4471.40] Begging to buy grain +[4471.40 --> 4472.02] To keep +[4472.02 --> 4473.04] Their families +[4473.04 --> 4473.72] Alive +[4473.72 --> 4476.00] Now the brothers +[4476.00 --> 4477.36] Don't recognize +[4477.36 --> 4478.12] Joseph +[4478.12 --> 4479.02] Right +[4479.02 --> 4479.56] A generation +[4479.56 --> 4480.30] Has passed +[4480.30 --> 4481.96] And he appears +[4481.96 --> 4482.54] Before them +[4482.54 --> 4483.68] As Egyptian royalty +[4483.68 --> 4485.48] But Joseph +[4485.48 --> 4486.60] Recognizes +[4486.60 --> 4487.42] His brothers +[4487.42 --> 4489.14] And in part +[4489.14 --> 4489.98] Of the exchange +[4489.98 --> 4490.90] That they have +[4490.90 --> 4491.82] And is back and forth +[4491.82 --> 4492.78] We read that +[4492.78 --> 4493.60] Joseph had to +[4493.60 --> 4494.70] Hide his face +[4494.70 --> 4495.68] A number of times +[4495.68 --> 4496.68] Leave from them +[4496.68 --> 4497.64] For his weeping +[4497.64 --> 4499.80] And over the course +[4499.80 --> 4501.08] Of several meetings +[4501.08 --> 4501.62] And a trip +[4501.62 --> 4502.82] Back to Jacob +[4502.82 --> 4504.42] To collect Benjamin +[4504.42 --> 4505.76] Who is the youngest brother +[4505.76 --> 4507.28] Born also to Rachel +[4507.28 --> 4508.12] Joseph's mom +[4508.12 --> 4510.40] Probably the next favorite +[4510.40 --> 4511.16] To Jacob +[4511.16 --> 4512.82] And they are encouraged +[4512.82 --> 4513.86] Required to bring +[4513.86 --> 4515.28] Benjamin back to Egypt +[4515.28 --> 4516.56] And during all of this +[4516.56 --> 4517.94] Joseph is testing +[4517.94 --> 4519.56] His brothers +[4519.56 --> 4522.42] And as the story goes +[4522.42 --> 4523.14] And I realize +[4523.14 --> 4524.08] We are rushing +[4524.08 --> 4524.88] Through a little bit +[4524.88 --> 4525.86] As the story goes +[4525.86 --> 4526.54] His brothers +[4526.54 --> 4527.42] Have a choice +[4527.42 --> 4527.94] To make +[4527.94 --> 4530.36] Will they leave +[4530.36 --> 4531.58] Benjamin behind +[4531.58 --> 4532.56] In prison +[4532.56 --> 4535.20] Effectively selling him +[4535.20 --> 4536.42] For their own hides +[4536.42 --> 4538.50] Essentially doing +[4538.50 --> 4539.22] To Benjamin +[4539.22 --> 4539.94] What they did +[4539.94 --> 4540.50] To Joseph +[4540.50 --> 4541.42] A lifetime ago +[4541.42 --> 4542.76] Or +[4542.76 --> 4543.82] Would they do +[4543.82 --> 4544.72] Something different +[4544.72 --> 4545.54] This time +[4545.54 --> 4548.12] Now when they first +[4548.12 --> 4549.02] Sold Joseph +[4549.02 --> 4550.22] To the slave traders +[4550.22 --> 4550.86] At the beginning +[4550.86 --> 4551.48] Of the story +[4551.48 --> 4553.48] It was Judah +[4553.48 --> 4554.40] Who said +[4554.40 --> 4556.04] What will we gain +[4556.04 --> 4557.14] If we kill our brother +[4557.14 --> 4558.46] And cover up his blood +[4558.46 --> 4559.74] Come let's sell him +[4559.74 --> 4562.62] And now +[4562.62 --> 4563.46] Near the end +[4563.46 --> 4564.28] Of the story +[4564.28 --> 4565.50] This time +[4565.50 --> 4566.90] It is again Judah +[4566.90 --> 4568.10] Who steps forward +[4568.10 --> 4569.96] But now +[4569.96 --> 4572.38] He offers his own life +[4572.38 --> 4573.62] For his brothers +[4573.62 --> 4575.80] He makes not simply +[4575.80 --> 4577.02] A plea for mercy +[4577.02 --> 4578.98] But he makes +[4578.98 --> 4579.62] An offering +[4579.62 --> 4581.00] Of substitutionary +[4581.00 --> 4581.80] Suffering +[4581.80 --> 4583.88] He says +[4583.88 --> 4584.94] Now then +[4584.94 --> 4585.72] Let me +[4585.72 --> 4586.60] Your servant +[4586.60 --> 4587.50] Remain here +[4587.50 --> 4588.92] As my lord's slave +[4588.92 --> 4590.24] In place of the boy +[4590.24 --> 4592.24] Let the boy return +[4592.24 --> 4593.32] With his brothers +[4593.32 --> 4596.30] And when Joseph +[4596.30 --> 4597.50] Hears this +[4597.50 --> 4599.38] He can't contain +[4599.38 --> 4600.40] His emotions +[4600.40 --> 4601.54] Anymore +[4601.54 --> 4602.70] And he finally +[4602.70 --> 4603.48] Bursts out +[4603.48 --> 4604.18] And he says +[4604.18 --> 4604.40] To them +[4604.40 --> 4605.12] I am Joseph +[4605.12 --> 4606.02] I am the one +[4606.02 --> 4607.14] You sold into slavery +[4607.14 --> 4608.16] And then he adds +[4608.16 --> 4609.68] Do not be distressed +[4609.68 --> 4610.84] And do not be angry +[4610.84 --> 4611.62] With yourselves +[4611.62 --> 4612.76] For selling me here +[4612.76 --> 4613.84] Because it was +[4613.84 --> 4615.16] To save lives +[4615.16 --> 4616.32] That God sent me +[4616.32 --> 4617.34] Ahead of you +[4617.34 --> 4620.26] And then eventually +[4620.26 --> 4621.96] Jacob and all the family +[4621.96 --> 4623.46] Move to Egypt +[4623.46 --> 4625.34] And Joseph settles them +[4625.34 --> 4626.70] In the land of Goshen +[4626.70 --> 4628.40] Where they are fruitful +[4628.40 --> 4630.30] And increase in number +[4630.30 --> 4631.48] Calling back +[4631.48 --> 4632.02] All the way +[4632.02 --> 4632.64] To Genesis +[4632.64 --> 4633.86] One and two +[4633.86 --> 4636.00] And after 17 years +[4636.00 --> 4637.28] Of living in Egypt +[4637.28 --> 4638.62] Jacob dies +[4638.62 --> 4640.40] And again +[4640.40 --> 4641.26] His brothers +[4641.26 --> 4642.14] Are worried +[4642.14 --> 4642.92] That Joseph +[4642.92 --> 4643.66] Will take +[4643.66 --> 4644.90] Revenge on them +[4644.90 --> 4646.14] And that's where +[4646.14 --> 4646.68] We pick up +[4646.68 --> 4647.42] This last part +[4647.42 --> 4648.00] Of the story +[4648.00 --> 4651.18] Genesis 50 +[4651.18 --> 4652.68] Starting at verse 15 +[4652.68 --> 4656.46] When Joseph's brothers +[4656.46 --> 4657.64] Saw that their father +[4657.64 --> 4658.22] Was dead +[4658.22 --> 4659.46] They said +[4659.46 --> 4660.30] What if Joseph +[4660.30 --> 4661.08] Holds a grudge +[4661.08 --> 4661.70] Against us +[4661.70 --> 4662.58] And pays us back +[4662.58 --> 4663.38] For all the wrongs +[4663.38 --> 4664.02] We did to him +[4664.02 --> 4666.16] So they sent word +[4666.16 --> 4666.74] To Joseph +[4666.74 --> 4667.18] Saying +[4667.18 --> 4668.22] Your father +[4668.22 --> 4669.28] Left these instructions +[4669.28 --> 4670.32] Before he died +[4670.32 --> 4671.50] This is what you are +[4671.50 --> 4672.38] To say to Joseph +[4672.38 --> 4673.92] I ask you +[4673.92 --> 4674.54] To forgive +[4674.54 --> 4675.20] Your brothers +[4675.20 --> 4675.82] The sins +[4675.82 --> 4676.58] And the wrongs +[4676.58 --> 4677.06] They committed +[4677.06 --> 4677.76] In treating you +[4677.76 --> 4678.32] So badly +[4678.32 --> 4679.98] Now please +[4679.98 --> 4680.96] Forgive the sins +[4680.96 --> 4681.68] Of the servant +[4681.68 --> 4682.24] Of God +[4682.24 --> 4683.32] Of the God +[4683.32 --> 4683.92] Of your father +[4683.92 --> 4685.50] And when their message +[4685.50 --> 4686.26] Came to him +[4686.26 --> 4687.84] Joseph wept +[4687.84 --> 4690.14] His brothers +[4690.14 --> 4690.76] Then came +[4690.76 --> 4691.52] And threw themselves +[4691.52 --> 4692.38] Down before him +[4692.38 --> 4693.50] We are your slaves +[4693.50 --> 4694.14] They said +[4694.14 --> 4696.16] But Joseph said +[4696.16 --> 4696.48] To them +[4696.48 --> 4697.84] Do not be afraid +[4697.84 --> 4699.18] Am I in the place +[4699.18 --> 4699.68] Of God +[4699.68 --> 4700.74] You intended +[4700.74 --> 4701.48] To harm me +[4701.48 --> 4702.20] But God +[4702.20 --> 4702.80] Intended it +[4702.80 --> 4703.34] For good +[4703.34 --> 4704.00] To accomplish +[4704.00 --> 4704.58] What is now +[4704.58 --> 4705.18] Being done +[4705.18 --> 4706.08] The saving +[4706.08 --> 4707.16] Of many lives +[4707.16 --> 4708.50] So then +[4708.50 --> 4709.50] Don't be afraid +[4709.50 --> 4710.82] I will provide +[4710.82 --> 4711.30] For you +[4711.30 --> 4712.06] And your children +[4712.06 --> 4713.44] And he reassured +[4713.44 --> 4713.72] Them +[4713.72 --> 4715.12] And spoke kindly +[4715.12 --> 4715.70] To them +[4715.70 --> 4718.22] Joseph stayed +[4718.22 --> 4718.70] In Egypt +[4718.70 --> 4719.48] Along with his +[4719.48 --> 4720.22] Father's family +[4720.22 --> 4721.00] He lived +[4721.00 --> 4722.04] 110 years +[4722.04 --> 4722.70] And saw +[4722.70 --> 4723.80] The third generation +[4723.80 --> 4724.92] Of Ephraim's children +[4724.92 --> 4726.16] And also the children +[4726.16 --> 4726.84] Of Machir +[4726.84 --> 4727.96] Son of Manasseh +[4727.96 --> 4729.08] Were placed at birth +[4729.08 --> 4730.00] On Joseph's knees +[4730.00 --> 4731.86] Then Joseph said +[4731.86 --> 4732.48] To his brothers +[4732.48 --> 4734.20] I am about to die +[4734.20 --> 4735.64] But God will surely +[4735.64 --> 4736.52] Come to your aid +[4736.52 --> 4737.26] And take you up +[4737.26 --> 4738.16] Out of this land +[4738.16 --> 4738.70] To the land +[4738.70 --> 4739.22] He promised +[4739.22 --> 4739.70] On oath +[4739.70 --> 4740.24] To Abraham +[4740.24 --> 4741.06] Isaac +[4741.06 --> 4741.72] And Jacob +[4741.72 --> 4742.94] And Joseph +[4742.94 --> 4743.80] Made the Israelites +[4743.80 --> 4744.62] Swear an oath +[4744.62 --> 4745.02] And said +[4745.02 --> 4746.18] God will surely +[4746.18 --> 4747.18] Come to your aid +[4747.18 --> 4748.00] And then you must +[4748.00 --> 4749.08] Carry my bones +[4749.08 --> 4750.24] Up from this place +[4750.24 --> 4752.28] So Joseph died +[4752.28 --> 4752.90] At the age +[4752.90 --> 4753.60] Of 110 +[4753.60 --> 4755.02] And after they +[4755.02 --> 4755.62] Embalmed him +[4755.62 --> 4756.30] He was placed +[4756.30 --> 4756.94] In a coffin +[4756.94 --> 4758.36] In Egypt +[4758.36 --> 4759.82] This is the word +[4759.82 --> 4760.22] Of the Lord +[4760.22 --> 4765.66] You intended to harm +[4765.66 --> 4766.00] Me +[4766.00 --> 4767.94] But God intended +[4767.94 --> 4769.46] It for good +[4769.46 --> 4770.58] To accomplish +[4770.58 --> 4771.18] What is now +[4771.18 --> 4771.78] Being done +[4771.78 --> 4772.92] The saving +[4772.92 --> 4774.98] Of many lives +[4774.98 --> 4778.26] Throughout this series +[4778.26 --> 4779.92] We have been +[4779.92 --> 4780.84] Holding up +[4780.84 --> 4782.42] Two truths +[4782.42 --> 4783.68] On the one hand +[4783.68 --> 4784.44] The sovereignty +[4784.44 --> 4785.16] Of God +[4785.16 --> 4785.60] Right +[4785.60 --> 4786.94] Displayed now +[4786.94 --> 4787.36] For us +[4787.36 --> 4788.20] In this story +[4788.20 --> 4789.38] In that God +[4789.38 --> 4790.22] Has used +[4790.22 --> 4791.20] These particular +[4791.20 --> 4791.92] Evils +[4791.92 --> 4793.26] For his +[4793.26 --> 4794.12] Particular +[4794.12 --> 4794.86] Good +[4794.86 --> 4795.84] He has used +[4795.84 --> 4796.86] The intentions +[4796.86 --> 4798.00] Of his brothers +[4798.00 --> 4799.52] For his good +[4799.52 --> 4800.80] And glory +[4800.80 --> 4802.62] Sovereignty +[4802.62 --> 4804.04] Is the idea +[4804.04 --> 4805.10] That God +[4805.10 --> 4805.72] Rules +[4805.72 --> 4806.60] And reigns +[4806.60 --> 4807.44] Over all +[4807.44 --> 4808.64] Of creation +[4808.64 --> 4809.50] That nothing +[4809.50 --> 4810.28] Happens +[4810.28 --> 4811.18] Without his +[4811.18 --> 4811.92] Will +[4811.92 --> 4812.90] In him +[4812.90 --> 4813.68] We live +[4813.68 --> 4814.38] And move +[4814.38 --> 4815.02] And have +[4815.02 --> 4815.88] Our being +[4815.88 --> 4817.16] From the grand +[4817.16 --> 4817.82] Sweeping +[4817.82 --> 4818.50] Movements +[4818.50 --> 4819.32] Of history +[4819.32 --> 4820.16] In the +[4820.16 --> 4820.82] Machinations +[4820.82 --> 4821.98] Of political +[4821.98 --> 4822.50] Power +[4822.50 --> 4823.24] And personal +[4823.24 --> 4823.88] Scheming +[4823.88 --> 4824.58] To the +[4824.58 --> 4825.90] Singular hair +[4825.90 --> 4826.66] Falling out +[4826.66 --> 4827.38] Of our +[4827.38 --> 4828.26] Heads +[4828.26 --> 4829.40] God is +[4829.40 --> 4830.62] In control +[4830.62 --> 4832.34] Now sometimes +[4832.34 --> 4833.32] This is called +[4833.32 --> 4834.62] Big God +[4834.62 --> 4835.44] Theology +[4835.44 --> 4837.22] I have a friend +[4837.22 --> 4838.12] Who was a missionary +[4838.12 --> 4839.02] In Africa +[4839.02 --> 4840.58] For a period +[4840.58 --> 4841.00] Of time +[4841.00 --> 4842.34] And he would +[4842.34 --> 4842.88] Tell us +[4842.88 --> 4843.88] About a song +[4843.88 --> 4844.82] That they would +[4844.82 --> 4845.24] Sing +[4845.24 --> 4845.60] When they +[4845.60 --> 4845.94] Gathered +[4845.94 --> 4846.22] Together +[4846.22 --> 4846.60] Worship +[4846.60 --> 4847.04] Called +[4847.04 --> 4847.52] God +[4847.52 --> 4848.06] Is a +[4848.06 --> 4848.28] Big +[4848.28 --> 4848.50] Big +[4848.50 --> 4848.86] God +[4848.86 --> 4850.78] And that's +[4850.78 --> 4851.34] What it means +[4851.34 --> 4851.72] For him +[4851.72 --> 4852.44] To be king +[4852.44 --> 4853.96] Right +[4853.96 --> 4854.50] That God +[4854.50 --> 4855.58] Is sovereign +[4855.58 --> 4856.04] That he +[4856.04 --> 4856.88] Rules +[4856.88 --> 4858.70] That everything +[4858.70 --> 4859.62] Happens +[4859.62 --> 4860.64] Not by chance +[4860.64 --> 4861.94] But by his +[4861.94 --> 4862.72] Fatherly will +[4862.72 --> 4866.12] Evelyn Underhill +[4866.12 --> 4867.84] Who was a writer +[4867.84 --> 4869.20] Reflecting on the +[4869.20 --> 4869.98] Story of +[4869.98 --> 4870.52] Elizabeth +[4870.52 --> 4871.42] Elliot +[4871.42 --> 4872.42] Elizabeth +[4872.42 --> 4872.96] Elliot +[4872.96 --> 4873.36] With her +[4873.36 --> 4873.78] Husband +[4873.78 --> 4874.36] Was a +[4874.36 --> 4874.92] Missionary +[4874.92 --> 4875.90] To unreached +[4875.90 --> 4876.58] People groups +[4876.58 --> 4876.88] In the +[4876.88 --> 4877.24] Amazon +[4877.24 --> 4877.72] Jungles +[4877.72 --> 4878.40] Of Ecuador +[4878.40 --> 4880.14] The tribes +[4880.14 --> 4880.46] That they +[4880.46 --> 4881.24] Were serving +[4881.24 --> 4882.06] And working +[4882.06 --> 4882.36] With +[4882.36 --> 4883.10] Actually killed +[4883.10 --> 4883.76] Her husband +[4883.76 --> 4884.76] When they +[4884.76 --> 4885.24] Arrived +[4885.24 --> 4885.52] There +[4885.52 --> 4887.18] Underhill +[4887.18 --> 4887.80] Reflecting +[4887.80 --> 4888.96] On Elizabeth's +[4888.96 --> 4889.36] Story +[4889.36 --> 4890.44] Says +[4890.44 --> 4891.16] If God +[4891.16 --> 4891.74] Were small +[4891.74 --> 4892.04] Enough +[4892.04 --> 4892.38] To be +[4892.38 --> 4892.84] Understood +[4892.84 --> 4893.94] He +[4893.94 --> 4894.24] Wouldn't +[4894.24 --> 4894.66] Be big +[4894.66 --> 4894.98] Enough +[4894.98 --> 4895.52] To be +[4895.52 --> 4895.96] Worshipped +[4895.96 --> 4898.08] God +[4898.08 --> 4898.74] Is a +[4898.74 --> 4899.00] Big +[4899.00 --> 4900.12] God +[4900.12 --> 4900.36] He +[4900.36 --> 4901.14] Is worthy +[4901.14 --> 4902.00] Of +[4902.00 --> 4902.84] Worship +[4902.84 --> 4903.34] That's +[4903.34 --> 4903.82] What +[4903.82 --> 4904.52] Sovereignty +[4904.52 --> 4905.70] Means +[4905.70 --> 4907.76] And the +[4907.76 --> 4907.92] Other +[4907.92 --> 4908.26] Thing +[4908.26 --> 4908.54] That we +[4908.54 --> 4908.66] Have +[4908.66 --> 4908.82] Been +[4908.82 --> 4909.16] Looking +[4909.16 --> 4909.64] At +[4909.64 --> 4910.36] And holding +[4910.36 --> 4910.58] Up +[4910.58 --> 4911.24] Alongside +[4911.24 --> 4911.52] Of +[4911.52 --> 4911.86] This +[4911.86 --> 4912.62] Is that +[4912.62 --> 4913.70] Humans +[4913.70 --> 4914.76] Suffer +[4914.76 --> 4916.64] In the +[4916.64 --> 4917.08] Words +[4917.08 --> 4917.80] Of the +[4917.80 --> 4918.30] Famous +[4918.30 --> 4918.98] 20th +[4918.98 --> 4919.44] Century +[4919.44 --> 4920.18] Philosopher +[4920.18 --> 4920.76] The +[4920.76 --> 4921.26] Dread +[4921.26 --> 4921.92] Pirate +[4921.92 --> 4922.54] Roberts +[4922.54 --> 4923.72] Life +[4923.72 --> 4924.02] Is +[4924.02 --> 4924.44] Pain +[4924.44 --> 4924.96] Highness +[4924.96 --> 4926.10] Anyone +[4926.10 --> 4926.42] Who +[4926.42 --> 4926.76] Says +[4926.76 --> 4927.28] Differently +[4927.28 --> 4927.52] Is +[4927.52 --> 4927.82] Selling +[4927.82 --> 4928.24] Something +[4928.24 --> 4930.24] That's +[4930.24 --> 4930.56] Princess +[4930.56 --> 4931.00] Bride +[4931.00 --> 4931.18] If +[4931.18 --> 4931.30] You +[4931.30 --> 4931.54] Missed +[4931.54 --> 4931.72] It +[4931.72 --> 4932.64] Excellent +[4932.64 --> 4932.94] Movie +[4932.94 --> 4933.12] Even +[4933.12 --> 4933.30] My +[4933.30 --> 4933.48] Kids +[4933.48 --> 4933.68] Love +[4933.68 --> 4933.86] It +[4933.86 --> 4935.72] Now +[4935.72 --> 4935.92] I +[4935.92 --> 4936.06] Don't +[4936.06 --> 4936.24] Have +[4936.24 --> 4936.36] To +[4936.36 --> 4936.62] Tell +[4936.62 --> 4936.98] You +[4936.98 --> 4937.50] That +[4937.50 --> 4937.66] The +[4937.66 --> 4938.02] World +[4938.02 --> 4938.46] Isn't +[4938.46 --> 4938.60] The +[4938.60 --> 4938.90] Way +[4938.90 --> 4939.30] It's +[4939.30 --> 4939.68] Supposed +[4939.68 --> 4939.82] To +[4939.82 --> 4940.06] Be +[4940.06 --> 4940.48] Right +[4940.48 --> 4940.62] That +[4940.62 --> 4941.18] Life +[4941.18 --> 4941.44] Is +[4941.44 --> 4941.74] Full +[4941.74 --> 4941.94] Of +[4941.94 --> 4942.42] Trials +[4942.42 --> 4942.84] And +[4942.84 --> 4943.34] Struggles +[4943.34 --> 4943.56] And +[4943.56 --> 4944.18] Temptations +[4944.18 --> 4944.70] And +[4944.70 --> 4945.18] Traumas +[4945.18 --> 4945.50] And +[4945.50 --> 4945.64] That +[4945.64 --> 4946.32] Sometimes +[4946.32 --> 4946.94] It +[4946.94 --> 4947.22] Just +[4947.22 --> 4947.72] Seems +[4947.72 --> 4948.38] Impossible +[4948.38 --> 4949.14] To +[4949.14 --> 4949.40] Bear +[4949.40 --> 4951.04] And +[4951.04 --> 4951.18] In +[4951.18 --> 4951.42] This +[4951.42 --> 4951.78] Series +[4951.78 --> 4952.14] We +[4952.14 --> 4952.30] Have +[4952.30 --> 4952.44] Been +[4952.44 --> 4952.70] Looking +[4952.70 --> 4952.92] At +[4952.92 --> 4953.18] How +[4953.18 --> 4953.40] We +[4953.40 --> 4953.60] Can +[4953.60 --> 4954.10] Trust +[4954.10 --> 4954.60] The +[4954.60 --> 4955.14] Sovereignty +[4955.14 --> 4955.42] Of +[4955.42 --> 4955.82] God +[4955.82 --> 4956.28] In +[4956.28 --> 4956.44] The +[4956.44 --> 4956.82] Midst +[4956.82 --> 4957.14] Of +[4957.14 --> 4957.46] Our +[4957.46 --> 4958.14] Suffering +[4958.14 --> 4959.46] And +[4959.46 --> 4960.02] Joseph's +[4960.02 --> 4960.38] Story +[4960.38 --> 4960.70] Is +[4960.70 --> 4961.30] Really +[4961.30 --> 4962.12] Compelling +[4962.12 --> 4962.82] In +[4962.82 --> 4963.06] This +[4963.06 --> 4963.34] Way +[4963.34 --> 4964.92] Right +[4964.92 --> 4965.28] Especially +[4965.28 --> 4965.72] Now +[4965.72 --> 4966.18] Standing +[4966.18 --> 4966.50] Here +[4966.50 --> 4966.66] At +[4966.66 --> 4966.80] The +[4966.80 --> 4967.08] End +[4967.08 --> 4967.22] Of +[4967.22 --> 4967.40] The +[4967.40 --> 4967.92] Story +[4967.92 --> 4969.24] Right +[4969.24 --> 4969.46] Our +[4969.46 --> 4970.42] Perspective +[4970.42 --> 4971.14] Changes +[4971.14 --> 4972.58] Because +[4972.58 --> 4972.76] We +[4972.76 --> 4972.88] Are +[4972.88 --> 4973.06] Given +[4973.06 --> 4973.24] A +[4973.24 --> 4973.62] Glimpse +[4973.62 --> 4973.98] Into +[4973.98 --> 4974.48] Something +[4974.48 --> 4974.96] And +[4974.96 --> 4975.10] A +[4975.10 --> 4975.40] Truth +[4975.40 --> 4976.18] But +[4976.18 --> 4976.32] In +[4976.32 --> 4976.48] The +[4976.48 --> 4976.74] Middle +[4976.74 --> 4976.94] Of +[4976.94 --> 4977.10] The +[4977.10 --> 4977.56] Story +[4977.56 --> 4979.28] It +[4979.28 --> 4979.40] Can +[4979.40 --> 4979.50] Be +[4979.50 --> 4979.74] Really +[4979.74 --> 4979.96] Hard +[4979.96 --> 4980.14] To +[4980.14 --> 4980.32] See +[4980.32 --> 4982.80] Right +[4982.80 --> 4982.96] When +[4982.96 --> 4983.32] Joseph +[4983.32 --> 4983.76] Cried +[4983.76 --> 4984.00] Out +[4984.00 --> 4984.20] From +[4984.20 --> 4984.38] The +[4984.38 --> 4984.96] Cistern +[4984.96 --> 4986.58] Did +[4986.58 --> 4986.84] God +[4986.84 --> 4987.10] Really +[4987.10 --> 4987.36] Not +[4987.36 --> 4987.58] Hear +[4987.58 --> 4987.84] Him +[4987.84 --> 4990.24] But +[4990.24 --> 4990.40] When +[4990.40 --> 4990.78] Everything +[4990.78 --> 4990.98] In +[4990.98 --> 4991.10] His +[4991.10 --> 4991.42] Life +[4991.42 --> 4991.76] Was +[4991.76 --> 4992.42] Endless +[4992.42 --> 4992.92] Struggle +[4992.92 --> 4993.28] After +[4993.28 --> 4993.76] Endless +[4993.76 --> 4994.18] Struggle +[4994.18 --> 4994.48] After +[4994.48 --> 4994.94] Endless +[4994.94 --> 4995.34] Struggle +[4995.34 --> 4996.08] Impossible +[4996.08 --> 4996.74] Situation +[4996.74 --> 4997.00] After +[4997.00 --> 4997.44] Impossible +[4997.44 --> 4998.00] Situation +[4998.00 --> 4998.50] After +[4998.50 --> 4999.00] Impossible +[4999.00 --> 4999.58] Situation +[4999.58 --> 5000.00] When +[5000.00 --> 5000.58] Everything +[5000.58 --> 5001.04] Seemed +[5001.04 --> 5001.22] To +[5001.22 --> 5001.36] Be +[5001.36 --> 5001.60] Going +[5001.60 --> 5002.24] Absolutely +[5002.24 --> 5002.90] Wrong +[5002.90 --> 5003.14] For +[5003.14 --> 5003.46] Joseph +[5003.46 --> 5003.86] Was +[5003.86 --> 5004.08] God +[5004.08 --> 5004.26] Not +[5004.26 --> 5004.50] There +[5004.50 --> 5007.76] Because +[5007.76 --> 5007.92] In +[5007.92 --> 5008.06] That +[5008.06 --> 5008.44] Moment +[5008.44 --> 5009.50] That's +[5009.50 --> 5009.64] Sure +[5009.64 --> 5009.78] What +[5009.78 --> 5009.90] It +[5009.90 --> 5010.12] Feels +[5010.12 --> 5010.46] Like +[5010.46 --> 5012.94] But +[5012.94 --> 5013.18] Joseph +[5013.18 --> 5013.62] Says +[5013.62 --> 5014.78] Because +[5014.78 --> 5015.20] It +[5015.20 --> 5015.38] Was +[5015.38 --> 5015.54] To +[5015.54 --> 5015.88] Save +[5015.88 --> 5016.42] Lives +[5016.42 --> 5016.64] That +[5016.64 --> 5016.86] God +[5016.86 --> 5017.20] Sent +[5017.20 --> 5017.46] Me +[5017.46 --> 5018.26] Ahead +[5018.26 --> 5018.40] Of +[5018.40 --> 5018.56] You +[5018.56 --> 5019.68] You +[5019.68 --> 5020.20] Intended +[5020.20 --> 5020.40] To +[5020.40 --> 5020.70] Harm +[5020.70 --> 5020.94] Me +[5020.94 --> 5021.14] But +[5021.14 --> 5021.46] God +[5021.46 --> 5021.82] Intended +[5021.82 --> 5021.96] It +[5021.96 --> 5022.12] For +[5022.12 --> 5022.42] Good +[5022.42 --> 5022.88] To +[5022.88 --> 5023.30] Accomplish +[5023.30 --> 5023.42] What +[5023.42 --> 5023.50] Is +[5023.50 --> 5023.70] Now +[5023.70 --> 5023.94] Being +[5023.94 --> 5024.24] Done +[5024.24 --> 5024.64] The +[5024.64 --> 5024.98] Saving +[5024.98 --> 5025.16] Of +[5025.16 --> 5025.34] Many +[5025.34 --> 5025.72] Lives +[5025.72 --> 5026.34] God +[5026.34 --> 5026.74] Was +[5026.74 --> 5027.10] There +[5027.10 --> 5027.96] God +[5027.96 --> 5028.34] Was +[5028.34 --> 5028.80] Working +[5028.80 --> 5029.60] He +[5029.60 --> 5029.80] Was +[5029.80 --> 5030.10] Hidden +[5030.10 --> 5031.06] Yes +[5031.06 --> 5032.32] But +[5032.32 --> 5032.46] He +[5032.46 --> 5032.64] Was +[5032.64 --> 5033.12] Also +[5033.12 --> 5033.58] In +[5033.58 --> 5034.30] Complete +[5034.30 --> 5035.34] Control +[5035.34 --> 5036.76] The +[5036.76 --> 5037.54] Hiddenness +[5037.54 --> 5037.76] Of +[5037.76 --> 5038.20] God +[5038.20 --> 5038.68] Is +[5038.68 --> 5038.96] Not +[5038.96 --> 5039.22] The +[5039.22 --> 5039.60] Same +[5039.60 --> 5039.88] As +[5039.88 --> 5040.08] The +[5040.08 --> 5040.58] Absence +[5040.58 --> 5040.82] Of +[5040.82 --> 5041.14] God +[5041.14 --> 5042.84] Some +[5042.84 --> 5042.96] Of +[5042.96 --> 5043.08] Us +[5043.08 --> 5043.20] Need +[5043.20 --> 5043.28] To +[5043.28 --> 5043.38] Hear +[5043.38 --> 5043.52] That +[5043.52 --> 5043.72] Again +[5043.72 --> 5044.10] The +[5044.10 --> 5044.72] Hiddenness +[5044.72 --> 5044.92] Of +[5044.92 --> 5045.32] God +[5045.32 --> 5045.62] Is +[5045.62 --> 5045.96] Not +[5045.96 --> 5046.24] The +[5046.24 --> 5046.68] Same +[5046.68 --> 5047.14] As +[5047.14 --> 5047.34] The +[5047.34 --> 5047.98] Absence +[5047.98 --> 5048.74] Of +[5048.74 --> 5049.06] God +[5049.06 --> 5052.06] That's +[5052.06 --> 5052.18] What +[5052.18 --> 5052.30] The +[5052.30 --> 5052.54] Story +[5052.54 --> 5052.70] Of +[5052.70 --> 5052.98] Joseph +[5052.98 --> 5053.40] Is +[5053.40 --> 5053.70] Telling +[5053.70 --> 5054.00] Us +[5054.00 --> 5055.48] Right +[5055.48 --> 5055.80] God +[5055.80 --> 5056.22] Was +[5056.22 --> 5056.66] Hearing +[5056.66 --> 5058.16] God +[5058.16 --> 5058.52] Was +[5058.52 --> 5059.18] Responding +[5059.18 --> 5059.38] To +[5059.38 --> 5059.74] Joseph +[5059.74 --> 5060.62] Prayers +[5060.62 --> 5060.78] To +[5060.78 --> 5060.94] His +[5060.94 --> 5061.24] Cries +[5061.24 --> 5061.44] For +[5061.44 --> 5061.66] Help +[5061.66 --> 5062.02] To +[5062.02 --> 5062.20] His +[5062.20 --> 5062.48] Need +[5062.48 --> 5062.68] For +[5062.68 --> 5063.24] Salvation +[5063.24 --> 5065.42] But +[5065.42 --> 5065.56] Just +[5065.56 --> 5065.80] Not +[5065.80 --> 5065.96] In +[5065.96 --> 5066.06] The +[5066.06 --> 5066.36] Way +[5066.36 --> 5066.90] Or +[5066.90 --> 5067.04] The +[5067.04 --> 5067.62] Forms +[5067.62 --> 5068.02] Or +[5068.02 --> 5068.16] The +[5068.16 --> 5068.66] Times +[5068.66 --> 5069.92] That +[5069.92 --> 5070.16] Joseph +[5070.16 --> 5070.88] Was +[5070.88 --> 5071.22] Asking +[5071.22 --> 5071.52] For +[5071.52 --> 5074.50] In +[5074.50 --> 5074.64] The +[5074.64 --> 5074.94] End +[5074.94 --> 5075.24] This +[5075.24 --> 5075.76] Story +[5075.76 --> 5076.44] And +[5076.44 --> 5076.62] Your +[5076.62 --> 5077.04] Life +[5077.04 --> 5078.54] Is +[5078.54 --> 5078.74] About +[5078.74 --> 5079.24] Trust +[5079.24 --> 5081.04] Do +[5081.04 --> 5081.26] You +[5081.26 --> 5081.72] Trust +[5081.72 --> 5082.04] In +[5082.04 --> 5082.26] The +[5082.26 --> 5082.90] Bigness +[5082.90 --> 5083.72] Of +[5083.72 --> 5084.50] God +[5084.50 --> 5084.94] Do +[5084.94 --> 5085.06] You +[5085.06 --> 5085.36] Trust +[5085.36 --> 5085.50] In +[5085.50 --> 5085.66] The +[5085.66 --> 5086.12] Sovereignty +[5086.12 --> 5086.64] Of +[5086.64 --> 5086.88] God +[5086.88 --> 5087.52] Or +[5087.52 --> 5089.22] Do +[5089.22 --> 5089.34] You +[5089.34 --> 5089.62] Trust +[5089.62 --> 5089.74] In +[5089.74 --> 5089.88] Your +[5089.88 --> 5090.20] Self +[5090.20 --> 5091.68] In +[5091.68 --> 5091.80] Your +[5091.80 --> 5091.96] Own +[5091.96 --> 5092.34] Power +[5092.34 --> 5092.68] To +[5092.68 --> 5093.08] Bring +[5093.08 --> 5093.46] About +[5093.46 --> 5093.98] Something +[5093.98 --> 5095.72] Right +[5095.72 --> 5095.90] That's +[5095.90 --> 5096.02] What +[5096.02 --> 5096.48] Profession +[5096.48 --> 5096.64] Of +[5096.64 --> 5096.94] Faith +[5096.94 --> 5097.28] Is +[5097.28 --> 5097.30] Is +[5097.30 --> 5097.94] Really +[5097.94 --> 5098.38] About +[5098.38 --> 5098.88] Right +[5098.88 --> 5099.04] That's +[5099.04 --> 5099.14] What +[5099.14 --> 5099.30] Being +[5099.30 --> 5099.48] A +[5099.48 --> 5099.80] Christian +[5099.80 --> 5100.08] Is +[5100.08 --> 5100.34] Really +[5100.34 --> 5100.64] About +[5100.64 --> 5101.00] One +[5101.00 --> 5101.08] Of +[5101.08 --> 5101.22] The +[5101.22 --> 5101.74] Simplest +[5101.74 --> 5102.52] Definitions +[5102.52 --> 5102.76] Of +[5102.76 --> 5103.04] Being +[5103.04 --> 5103.26] A +[5103.26 --> 5103.58] Christian +[5103.58 --> 5104.04] Is +[5104.04 --> 5104.60] Trusting +[5104.60 --> 5105.04] God +[5105.04 --> 5105.46] More +[5105.46 --> 5105.70] Than +[5105.70 --> 5105.86] You +[5105.86 --> 5106.14] Trust +[5106.14 --> 5106.64] Yourself +[5106.64 --> 5107.86] Right +[5107.86 --> 5108.18] Even +[5108.18 --> 5108.38] When +[5108.38 --> 5108.58] All +[5108.58 --> 5108.82] Hell +[5108.82 --> 5109.02] Is +[5109.02 --> 5109.32] Breaking +[5109.32 --> 5109.64] Loose +[5109.64 --> 5109.98] Around +[5109.98 --> 5110.28] You +[5110.28 --> 5111.94] God +[5111.94 --> 5112.80] Is +[5112.80 --> 5113.98] Trustworthy +[5113.98 --> 5116.58] Joseph +[5116.58 --> 5116.88] Isn't +[5116.88 --> 5117.02] A +[5117.02 --> 5117.26] Perfect +[5117.26 --> 5117.54] Man +[5117.54 --> 5117.78] Far +[5117.78 --> 5118.00] From +[5118.00 --> 5118.14] It +[5118.14 --> 5119.32] But +[5119.32 --> 5119.46] He +[5119.46 --> 5119.78] Shows +[5119.78 --> 5119.96] Us +[5119.96 --> 5120.46] Trust +[5120.46 --> 5121.72] In +[5121.72 --> 5121.90] These +[5121.90 --> 5122.34] Moments +[5122.34 --> 5124.12] And +[5124.12 --> 5124.24] The +[5124.24 --> 5124.58] Reality +[5124.58 --> 5124.78] Of +[5124.78 --> 5124.96] This +[5124.96 --> 5125.40] Story +[5125.40 --> 5125.64] The +[5125.64 --> 5125.94] Beauty +[5125.94 --> 5126.20] Of +[5126.20 --> 5126.40] This +[5126.40 --> 5126.82] Story +[5126.82 --> 5127.04] Is +[5127.04 --> 5127.18] That +[5127.18 --> 5127.98] Eventually +[5127.98 --> 5128.70] Right +[5128.70 --> 5129.28] Eventually +[5129.28 --> 5129.58] A +[5129.58 --> 5129.88] Perfect +[5129.88 --> 5130.20] Man +[5130.20 --> 5130.54] Would +[5130.54 --> 5130.90] Come +[5130.90 --> 5131.78] Who +[5131.78 --> 5132.20] Shows +[5132.20 --> 5132.40] Us +[5132.40 --> 5132.78] Just +[5132.78 --> 5133.14] How +[5133.14 --> 5133.90] Trustworthy +[5133.90 --> 5134.46] He +[5134.46 --> 5134.84] Is +[5134.84 --> 5135.84] And +[5135.84 --> 5136.06] Just +[5136.06 --> 5136.32] Like +[5136.32 --> 5136.70] Judah +[5136.70 --> 5137.16] Offered +[5137.16 --> 5137.52] Himself +[5137.52 --> 5137.88] As +[5137.88 --> 5138.02] A +[5138.02 --> 5138.76] Substitutionary +[5138.76 --> 5139.30] Sacrifice +[5139.30 --> 5139.48] For +[5139.48 --> 5139.64] His +[5139.64 --> 5139.88] Brother +[5139.88 --> 5140.26] Benjamin +[5140.26 --> 5141.10] Jesus +[5141.10 --> 5142.02] The +[5142.02 --> 5142.26] True +[5142.26 --> 5142.42] And +[5142.42 --> 5142.68] Better +[5142.68 --> 5143.02] Judah +[5143.02 --> 5143.20] The +[5143.20 --> 5143.36] True +[5143.36 --> 5143.50] And +[5143.50 --> 5143.68] Better +[5143.68 --> 5144.28] Joseph +[5144.28 --> 5144.78] Jesus +[5144.78 --> 5145.24] Comes +[5145.24 --> 5145.44] And +[5145.44 --> 5145.84] Offers +[5145.84 --> 5146.30] Himself +[5146.30 --> 5146.68] As +[5146.68 --> 5146.84] A +[5146.84 --> 5147.62] Substitutionary +[5147.62 --> 5148.16] Sacrifice +[5148.16 --> 5148.36] For +[5148.36 --> 5148.66] You +[5148.66 --> 5149.14] And +[5149.14 --> 5149.30] For +[5149.30 --> 5149.54] Me +[5149.54 --> 5149.76] And +[5149.76 --> 5149.92] For +[5149.92 --> 5150.24] All +[5150.24 --> 5150.44] Who +[5150.44 --> 5150.72] Would +[5150.72 --> 5150.94] By +[5150.94 --> 5151.30] Grace +[5151.30 --> 5151.54] Through +[5151.54 --> 5151.82] Faith +[5151.82 --> 5152.46] Believe +[5152.46 --> 5152.90] In +[5152.90 --> 5153.06] Him +[5153.06 --> 5153.54] This +[5153.54 --> 5153.98] Is +[5153.98 --> 5154.24] What +[5154.24 --> 5154.42] We +[5154.42 --> 5155.02] Proclaim +[5155.02 --> 5155.64] Week +[5155.64 --> 5155.88] In +[5155.88 --> 5156.08] And +[5156.08 --> 5156.30] Week +[5156.30 --> 5156.52] Out +[5156.52 --> 5156.82] This +[5156.82 --> 5157.02] Is +[5157.02 --> 5157.16] What +[5157.16 --> 5157.30] We +[5157.30 --> 5157.68] Read +[5157.68 --> 5157.88] In +[5157.88 --> 5158.02] The +[5158.02 --> 5158.44] Story +[5158.44 --> 5158.98] Of +[5158.98 --> 5159.50] God's +[5159.50 --> 5160.20] Redemption +[5160.20 --> 5160.72] In +[5160.72 --> 5161.18] The +[5161.18 --> 5161.56] Scriptures +[5161.56 --> 5161.90] That +[5161.90 --> 5162.60] Jesus +[5162.60 --> 5163.24] Christ +[5163.24 --> 5163.90] Lived +[5163.90 --> 5164.12] The +[5164.12 --> 5164.38] Life +[5164.38 --> 5164.58] I +[5164.58 --> 5164.80] Should +[5164.80 --> 5164.94] Have +[5164.94 --> 5165.24] Lived +[5165.24 --> 5165.62] And +[5165.62 --> 5166.02] Died +[5166.02 --> 5166.20] The +[5166.20 --> 5166.46] Death +[5172.68 --> 5172.74] And +[5172.74 --> 5173.06] Now +[5173.06 --> 5173.32] By +[5173.32 --> 5173.70] Grace +[5173.70 --> 5173.96] As +[5173.96 --> 5174.16] We +[5174.16 --> 5174.60] Believe +[5174.60 --> 5174.80] In +[5174.80 --> 5175.08] Him +[5175.08 --> 5175.58] We +[5175.58 --> 5176.32] Live +[5176.32 --> 5177.10] Lives +[5177.10 --> 5177.58] Of +[5177.58 --> 5178.46] Trust +[5178.46 --> 5182.74] Just +[5182.74 --> 5183.12] Like +[5183.12 --> 5184.26] At +[5184.26 --> 5184.38] The +[5184.38 --> 5184.76] End +[5184.76 --> 5185.40] When +[5185.40 --> 5185.90] Joseph's +[5185.90 --> 5186.20] Brothers +[5186.20 --> 5186.86] Come +[5186.86 --> 5187.14] And +[5187.14 --> 5187.34] Say +[5187.34 --> 5187.54] To +[5187.54 --> 5187.72] Him +[5187.72 --> 5188.24] Now +[5188.24 --> 5188.74] Please +[5188.74 --> 5189.20] Forgive +[5189.20 --> 5189.74] The +[5189.74 --> 5190.18] Sins +[5190.18 --> 5190.68] Of +[5190.68 --> 5190.84] The +[5190.84 --> 5191.24] Servant +[5191.24 --> 5191.44] Of +[5191.44 --> 5191.58] Your +[5191.58 --> 5192.00] God +[5192.00 --> 5192.66] Of +[5192.66 --> 5193.00] God +[5193.00 --> 5193.28] Your +[5193.28 --> 5193.70] Father +[5193.70 --> 5194.92] Jesus +[5194.92 --> 5195.40] On +[5195.40 --> 5195.52] The +[5195.52 --> 5195.96] Cross +[5195.96 --> 5196.36] Would +[5196.36 --> 5196.68] Say +[5196.68 --> 5197.24] Father +[5197.24 --> 5198.32] Forgive +[5198.32 --> 5198.62] Them +[5198.62 --> 5199.74] For +[5199.74 --> 5199.88] They +[5199.88 --> 5200.06] Know +[5200.06 --> 5200.28] Not +[5200.28 --> 5200.46] What +[5200.46 --> 5200.62] They +[5200.62 --> 5200.88] Do +[5200.88 --> 5202.68] So +[5202.68 --> 5202.86] As +[5202.86 --> 5203.02] We +[5203.02 --> 5203.16] Have +[5203.16 --> 5203.34] Been +[5203.34 --> 5203.78] Wrestling +[5203.78 --> 5204.08] And +[5204.08 --> 5204.48] Wondering +[5204.48 --> 5204.92] Together +[5204.92 --> 5205.22] About +[5205.22 --> 5205.60] How +[5205.60 --> 5205.92] Do +[5205.92 --> 5206.30] We +[5206.30 --> 5207.80] How +[5207.80 --> 5208.00] Do +[5208.00 --> 5208.20] We +[5208.20 --> 5209.16] Survive +[5209.16 --> 5209.40] In +[5209.40 --> 5209.54] The +[5209.54 --> 5209.92] Midst +[5209.92 --> 5210.38] Of +[5210.38 --> 5211.16] Suffering +[5211.16 --> 5211.42] How +[5211.42 --> 5211.62] Do +[5211.62 --> 5211.88] We +[5211.88 --> 5213.94] Stand +[5213.94 --> 5214.40] In +[5214.40 --> 5214.58] The +[5214.58 --> 5214.90] Midst +[5214.90 --> 5215.24] Of +[5215.24 --> 5215.96] Trauma +[5215.96 --> 5217.44] We +[5217.44 --> 5217.58] Have +[5217.58 --> 5217.70] Been +[5217.70 --> 5217.98] Looking +[5217.98 --> 5218.28] For +[5218.28 --> 5218.62] God +[5218.62 --> 5218.96] Hints +[5218.96 --> 5219.18] In +[5219.18 --> 5219.34] The +[5219.34 --> 5219.70] Story +[5219.70 --> 5220.38] Of +[5220.38 --> 5220.84] Joseph +[5220.84 --> 5222.40] And +[5222.40 --> 5222.50] The +[5222.50 --> 5222.70] God +[5222.70 --> 5222.92] Hint +[5222.92 --> 5223.10] That +[5223.10 --> 5223.22] I +[5223.22 --> 5223.40] Want +[5223.40 --> 5223.60] Us +[5223.60 --> 5223.76] To +[5223.76 --> 5224.06] See +[5224.06 --> 5224.52] Today +[5224.52 --> 5224.90] Comes +[5224.90 --> 5225.14] From +[5225.14 --> 5225.30] The +[5225.30 --> 5225.70] Phrase +[5225.70 --> 5226.22] Of +[5226.22 --> 5226.36] The +[5226.36 --> 5226.70] Brothers +[5226.70 --> 5227.30] Now +[5227.30 --> 5227.86] Please +[5227.86 --> 5228.72] Forgive +[5228.72 --> 5230.80] Please +[5230.80 --> 5232.06] Forgive +[5232.06 --> 5234.90] Trusting +[5234.90 --> 5235.18] In +[5235.18 --> 5235.44] The +[5235.44 --> 5236.14] Sovereignty +[5236.14 --> 5237.08] Of +[5237.08 --> 5237.42] God +[5237.42 --> 5238.08] Trusting +[5238.08 --> 5238.22] In +[5238.22 --> 5238.36] The +[5238.36 --> 5238.84] Character +[5238.84 --> 5239.42] Of +[5239.42 --> 5239.62] God +[5239.62 --> 5240.32] Trusting +[5240.32 --> 5240.62] In +[5240.62 --> 5241.00] Who +[5241.00 --> 5241.70] God +[5241.70 --> 5242.20] Is +[5242.20 --> 5242.62] The +[5242.62 --> 5242.90] Way +[5242.90 --> 5243.20] To +[5243.20 --> 5244.12] Survive +[5244.12 --> 5244.98] Suffering +[5244.98 --> 5245.52] And +[5245.52 --> 5246.00] Trial +[5246.00 --> 5246.26] And +[5246.26 --> 5246.42] To +[5246.42 --> 5246.96] Even +[5246.96 --> 5247.62] Thrive +[5247.62 --> 5247.84] On +[5247.84 --> 5247.98] The +[5247.98 --> 5248.18] Other +[5248.18 --> 5248.52] Side +[5248.52 --> 5248.64] Of +[5248.64 --> 5248.78] It +[5248.78 --> 5249.20] Is +[5249.20 --> 5249.40] To +[5249.40 --> 5249.88] Find +[5249.88 --> 5250.38] And +[5250.38 --> 5250.80] Give +[5250.80 --> 5252.02] Forgiveness +[5252.02 --> 5256.48] Now +[5256.48 --> 5256.60] I'm +[5256.60 --> 5256.96] Mindful +[5256.96 --> 5257.16] That +[5257.16 --> 5257.32] As +[5257.32 --> 5257.48] We +[5257.48 --> 5257.70] Sit +[5257.70 --> 5257.96] Here +[5257.96 --> 5258.34] This +[5258.34 --> 5258.62] Morning +[5258.62 --> 5260.88] Some +[5260.88 --> 5261.10] Of +[5261.10 --> 5261.46] Us +[5261.46 --> 5262.38] Need +[5262.38 --> 5262.64] To +[5262.64 --> 5263.24] Find +[5263.24 --> 5264.88] Forgiveness +[5264.88 --> 5267.00] That +[5267.00 --> 5267.16] Is +[5267.16 --> 5267.36] Some +[5267.36 --> 5267.50] Of +[5267.50 --> 5267.76] Us +[5267.76 --> 5267.98] Here +[5267.98 --> 5268.22] This +[5268.22 --> 5268.52] Morning +[5268.52 --> 5268.96] Need +[5268.96 --> 5269.14] To +[5269.14 --> 5269.38] Go +[5269.38 --> 5269.56] And +[5269.56 --> 5269.80] Get +[5269.80 --> 5270.02] It +[5270.02 --> 5271.02] Right +[5271.02 --> 5271.16] We +[5271.16 --> 5271.30] Need +[5271.30 --> 5271.44] To +[5271.44 --> 5271.70] Go +[5271.70 --> 5271.92] To +[5271.92 --> 5272.32] God +[5272.32 --> 5272.54] And +[5272.54 --> 5272.78] Say +[5272.78 --> 5273.24] God +[5273.24 --> 5273.84] Forgive +[5273.84 --> 5274.28] Me +[5274.28 --> 5275.62] Or +[5275.62 --> 5275.74] We +[5275.74 --> 5275.86] Need +[5275.86 --> 5275.96] To +[5275.96 --> 5276.06] Go +[5276.06 --> 5276.18] To +[5276.18 --> 5276.36] Another +[5276.36 --> 5276.78] Person +[5276.78 --> 5277.56] And +[5277.56 --> 5277.84] Say +[5277.84 --> 5278.54] Please +[5278.54 --> 5279.66] Forgive +[5279.66 --> 5280.06] Me +[5280.06 --> 5281.84] Some +[5281.84 --> 5281.96] Of +[5281.96 --> 5282.10] Us +[5282.10 --> 5282.24] Have +[5282.24 --> 5282.40] Been +[5282.40 --> 5283.16] Terrified +[5283.16 --> 5283.64] About +[5283.64 --> 5283.90] What +[5283.90 --> 5284.14] That +[5284.14 --> 5284.36] Might +[5284.36 --> 5284.68] Be +[5284.68 --> 5284.90] And +[5284.90 --> 5285.06] What +[5285.06 --> 5285.24] That +[5285.24 --> 5285.44] Might +[5285.44 --> 5285.72] Look +[5285.72 --> 5285.98] Like +[5285.98 --> 5286.12] And +[5286.12 --> 5286.34] How +[5286.34 --> 5286.56] That +[5286.56 --> 5286.78] Might +[5286.78 --> 5287.30] Happen +[5287.30 --> 5289.48] And +[5289.48 --> 5289.60] To +[5289.60 --> 5289.88] That +[5289.88 --> 5290.24] We +[5290.24 --> 5291.08] Lift +[5291.08 --> 5291.40] Up +[5291.40 --> 5291.64] The +[5291.64 --> 5292.06] Picture +[5292.06 --> 5292.58] Of +[5292.58 --> 5292.96] Our +[5292.96 --> 5293.66] Big +[5293.66 --> 5294.48] Big +[5294.48 --> 5295.40] God +[5295.40 --> 5297.68] We +[5297.68 --> 5297.84] Say +[5297.84 --> 5298.28] Trust +[5298.28 --> 5299.58] In +[5299.58 --> 5299.80] Him +[5299.80 --> 5302.86] I'm +[5302.86 --> 5303.08] Also +[5303.08 --> 5303.62] Mindful +[5303.62 --> 5304.14] That +[5304.14 --> 5304.26] As +[5304.26 --> 5304.40] We +[5304.40 --> 5304.58] Sit +[5304.58 --> 5304.74] Here +[5304.74 --> 5304.94] This +[5304.94 --> 5305.22] Morning +[5305.22 --> 5306.04] Some +[5306.04 --> 5306.16] Of +[5306.16 --> 5306.34] Us +[5306.34 --> 5306.64] Need +[5306.64 --> 5306.88] To +[5306.88 --> 5307.46] Give +[5307.46 --> 5308.58] Forgiveness +[5308.58 --> 5309.64] That +[5309.64 --> 5309.76] Is +[5309.76 --> 5309.94] Some +[5309.94 --> 5310.04] Of +[5310.04 --> 5310.14] Us +[5310.14 --> 5310.28] Need +[5310.28 --> 5310.40] To +[5310.40 --> 5310.72] Offer +[5310.72 --> 5310.94] It +[5310.94 --> 5311.80] That +[5311.80 --> 5311.96] We've +[5311.96 --> 5312.06] Been +[5312.06 --> 5312.40] Hanging +[5312.40 --> 5312.90] On +[5312.90 --> 5313.42] To +[5313.42 --> 5313.68] A +[5313.68 --> 5313.98] Wrong +[5313.98 --> 5314.18] Or +[5314.18 --> 5314.28] An +[5314.28 --> 5314.68] Offence +[5314.68 --> 5315.10] Or +[5315.10 --> 5315.24] A +[5315.24 --> 5315.56] Trauma +[5315.56 --> 5316.20] Such +[5316.20 --> 5316.48] That +[5316.48 --> 5316.80] It +[5316.80 --> 5318.02] Cannot +[5318.02 --> 5318.38] Be +[5318.38 --> 5318.82] Or +[5318.82 --> 5318.96] It +[5318.96 --> 5319.24] Feels +[5319.24 --> 5319.50] Like +[5319.50 --> 5319.74] We +[5319.74 --> 5320.18] Cannot +[5320.18 --> 5320.52] Be +[5320.52 --> 5320.82] Who +[5320.82 --> 5321.04] We +[5321.04 --> 5321.52] Are +[5321.52 --> 5322.18] Without +[5322.18 --> 5322.50] It +[5322.50 --> 5323.12] It +[5323.12 --> 5323.86] Defines +[5323.86 --> 5324.42] Us +[5324.42 --> 5325.40] Forever +[5325.40 --> 5327.56] And +[5327.56 --> 5327.66] To +[5327.66 --> 5327.88] You +[5327.88 --> 5328.06] I +[5328.06 --> 5328.20] Want +[5328.20 --> 5328.30] To +[5328.30 --> 5328.52] Say +[5328.52 --> 5329.06] Trust +[5329.06 --> 5330.08] In +[5330.08 --> 5330.24] Your +[5330.24 --> 5330.58] Big +[5330.58 --> 5331.38] Big +[5331.38 --> 5332.36] God +[5332.36 --> 5335.28] Offer +[5335.28 --> 5336.98] Forgiveness +[5336.98 --> 5338.96] Offer +[5338.96 --> 5339.90] Forgiveness +[5339.90 --> 5340.30] And +[5340.30 --> 5340.32] And +[5340.32 --> 5343.06] And +[5343.06 --> 5343.22] Let +[5343.22 --> 5343.76] God +[5343.76 --> 5345.22] Be +[5345.22 --> 5345.66] God +[5345.66 --> 5347.30] Now +[5347.30 --> 5347.42] In +[5347.42 --> 5347.96] Reality +[5347.96 --> 5349.52] All +[5349.52 --> 5349.66] Of +[5349.66 --> 5349.84] Us +[5349.84 --> 5350.12] Here +[5350.12 --> 5350.36] Are +[5350.36 --> 5350.52] In +[5350.52 --> 5350.74] Some +[5350.74 --> 5350.96] Ways +[5350.96 --> 5351.30] Both +[5351.30 --> 5351.58] Of +[5351.58 --> 5351.82] Those +[5351.82 --> 5352.06] In +[5352.06 --> 5352.50] Need +[5352.50 --> 5353.14] Of +[5353.14 --> 5353.38] Both +[5353.38 --> 5353.54] Of +[5353.54 --> 5353.76] Those +[5353.76 --> 5353.96] To +[5353.96 --> 5354.78] Find +[5354.78 --> 5355.14] And +[5355.14 --> 5355.32] To +[5355.32 --> 5355.70] Give +[5355.70 --> 5356.70] Forgiveness +[5356.70 --> 5359.16] But +[5359.16 --> 5359.30] What +[5359.30 --> 5359.38] I +[5359.38 --> 5359.60] Want +[5359.60 --> 5359.82] Us +[5359.82 --> 5360.00] To +[5360.00 --> 5360.22] Be +[5360.22 --> 5360.90] Abundantly +[5360.90 --> 5361.26] Clear +[5361.26 --> 5361.58] On +[5361.58 --> 5361.88] This +[5361.88 --> 5362.18] Morning +[5362.18 --> 5362.44] And +[5362.44 --> 5362.68] This +[5362.68 --> 5363.02] Is +[5363.02 --> 5363.68] Especially +[5363.68 --> 5364.68] For +[5364.68 --> 5365.08] Those +[5365.08 --> 5365.28] Of +[5365.28 --> 5365.54] You +[5365.54 --> 5365.92] Who +[5365.92 --> 5366.44] Profess +[5366.44 --> 5367.00] To +[5367.00 --> 5367.44] Be +[5367.44 --> 5368.36] Christian +[5368.36 --> 5369.80] That +[5369.80 --> 5370.02] Is +[5370.02 --> 5370.26] If +[5370.26 --> 5370.42] At +[5370.42 --> 5370.66] Some +[5370.66 --> 5370.94] Point +[5370.94 --> 5371.18] In +[5371.18 --> 5371.36] Your +[5371.36 --> 5371.62] Life +[5371.62 --> 5371.78] You +[5371.78 --> 5371.90] Have +[5371.90 --> 5372.08] Done +[5372.08 --> 5372.22] What +[5372.22 --> 5372.34] We +[5372.34 --> 5372.52] Saw +[5372.52 --> 5372.72] This +[5372.72 --> 5373.00] Morning +[5373.00 --> 5373.30] People +[5373.30 --> 5373.60] Stand +[5373.60 --> 5373.78] Up +[5373.78 --> 5373.94] And +[5373.94 --> 5374.12] Say +[5374.12 --> 5374.50] This +[5374.50 --> 5374.96] I +[5374.96 --> 5375.76] Believe +[5375.76 --> 5377.04] That +[5377.04 --> 5377.16] I +[5377.16 --> 5377.36] Have +[5377.36 --> 5377.74] Been +[5377.74 --> 5378.32] Forgiven +[5378.32 --> 5378.58] By +[5378.58 --> 5378.72] The +[5378.72 --> 5379.00] Grace +[5379.00 --> 5379.24] Of +[5379.24 --> 5379.54] God +[5379.54 --> 5380.36] This +[5380.36 --> 5380.68] I +[5380.68 --> 5381.10] Believe +[5381.10 --> 5381.44] That +[5381.44 --> 5381.78] Jesus +[5381.78 --> 5382.32] Christ +[5382.32 --> 5382.62] Is +[5382.62 --> 5382.88] My +[5382.88 --> 5383.26] Savior +[5383.26 --> 5383.94] And +[5383.94 --> 5384.16] My +[5384.16 --> 5384.50] Lord +[5384.50 --> 5384.84] This +[5384.84 --> 5385.16] I +[5385.16 --> 5385.58] Believe +[5385.58 --> 5385.86] And +[5385.86 --> 5386.04] So +[5386.04 --> 5386.32] Want +[5386.32 --> 5386.52] To +[5386.52 --> 5386.82] Live +[5386.82 --> 5387.22] In +[5387.22 --> 5387.36] The +[5387.36 --> 5387.84] Trust +[5387.84 --> 5388.54] Of +[5388.54 --> 5388.92] Who +[5388.92 --> 5389.52] He +[5389.52 --> 5390.24] Is +[5390.24 --> 5392.52] If +[5392.52 --> 5392.66] You +[5392.66 --> 5392.86] Have +[5392.86 --> 5393.06] Made +[5393.06 --> 5393.30] That +[5393.30 --> 5393.92] Profession +[5393.92 --> 5394.22] This +[5394.22 --> 5394.56] Is +[5394.56 --> 5395.20] For +[5395.20 --> 5395.46] You +[5395.46 --> 5398.80] There's +[5398.80 --> 5398.90] A +[5398.90 --> 5399.14] Picture +[5399.14 --> 5399.42] Of +[5399.42 --> 5399.88] What +[5399.88 --> 5400.00] I'm +[5400.00 --> 5400.20] Getting +[5400.20 --> 5400.44] At +[5400.44 --> 5400.56] That +[5400.56 --> 5400.78] Comes +[5400.78 --> 5400.96] To +[5400.96 --> 5401.20] Us +[5401.20 --> 5402.10] From +[5402.10 --> 5403.04] Jonathan +[5403.04 --> 5403.50] Edwards +[5403.50 --> 5404.14] Jonathan +[5404.14 --> 5404.48] Edwards +[5404.48 --> 5404.72] Is +[5404.72 --> 5404.88] An +[5404.88 --> 5405.56] 18th +[5405.56 --> 5406.04] Century +[5406.04 --> 5406.64] Preacher +[5406.64 --> 5406.96] And +[5406.96 --> 5407.80] Revivalist +[5407.80 --> 5408.04] In +[5408.04 --> 5408.18] The +[5408.18 --> 5408.60] U.S. +[5409.06 --> 5409.70] And +[5409.70 --> 5409.84] He +[5409.84 --> 5410.16] Writes +[5410.16 --> 5410.34] In +[5410.34 --> 5410.48] This +[5410.48 --> 5411.00] Beautiful +[5411.00 --> 5411.34] And +[5411.34 --> 5412.06] Compelling +[5412.06 --> 5413.80] Opus +[5413.80 --> 5414.96] Religious +[5414.96 --> 5415.76] Affections +[5415.76 --> 5416.14] He +[5416.14 --> 5416.38] Says +[5416.38 --> 5416.58] The +[5416.58 --> 5416.94] Following +[5416.94 --> 5417.98] He +[5417.98 --> 5418.18] Says +[5418.18 --> 5418.90] Gracious +[5418.90 --> 5419.76] Affections +[5419.76 --> 5420.48] Turn +[5420.48 --> 5420.70] A +[5420.70 --> 5420.98] Heart +[5420.98 --> 5421.18] Of +[5421.18 --> 5421.72] Stone +[5421.72 --> 5422.24] More +[5422.24 --> 5422.46] And +[5422.46 --> 5422.84] More +[5422.84 --> 5423.28] Into +[5423.28 --> 5423.62] A +[5423.62 --> 5423.86] Heart +[5423.86 --> 5424.14] Of +[5424.14 --> 5424.60] Flesh +[5424.60 --> 5425.96] Gracious +[5425.96 --> 5426.70] Affections +[5426.70 --> 5427.18] Flow +[5427.18 --> 5427.52] Out +[5427.52 --> 5427.62] Of +[5427.62 --> 5427.78] A +[5427.78 --> 5428.36] Contrite +[5428.36 --> 5428.72] Heart +[5428.72 --> 5429.22] A +[5429.22 --> 5429.64] Bruised +[5429.64 --> 5429.94] Heart +[5429.94 --> 5430.18] A +[5430.18 --> 5430.76] Bruised +[5430.76 --> 5431.54] Bruised +[5431.54 --> 5431.74] And +[5431.74 --> 5432.12] Broken +[5432.12 --> 5432.52] With +[5432.52 --> 5433.06] Godly +[5433.06 --> 5433.74] Sorrow +[5433.74 --> 5436.96] That's +[5436.96 --> 5437.22] You +[5437.22 --> 5438.16] Bruised +[5438.16 --> 5438.38] And +[5438.38 --> 5438.68] Broken +[5438.68 --> 5439.44] With +[5439.44 --> 5439.94] Godly +[5439.94 --> 5440.80] Sorrow +[5440.80 --> 5442.36] And +[5442.36 --> 5442.52] You +[5442.52 --> 5442.92] Profess +[5442.92 --> 5443.12] To +[5443.12 --> 5443.26] Be +[5443.26 --> 5443.66] Christian +[5443.66 --> 5445.32] Gracious +[5445.32 --> 5446.44] Affections +[5446.44 --> 5447.32] Will +[5447.32 --> 5447.68] Flow +[5447.68 --> 5447.94] Out +[5447.94 --> 5448.14] Of +[5448.14 --> 5448.32] You +[5448.32 --> 5448.58] As +[5448.58 --> 5448.74] Your +[5448.74 --> 5449.02] Heart +[5449.02 --> 5449.22] Of +[5449.22 --> 5449.70] Stone +[5449.70 --> 5450.20] Is +[5450.20 --> 5450.78] Turned +[5450.78 --> 5451.38] Into +[5451.38 --> 5452.00] A +[5452.00 --> 5452.24] Heart +[5452.24 --> 5452.44] Of +[5452.44 --> 5452.82] Flesh +[5452.82 --> 5454.16] Right +[5454.16 --> 5454.64] Gracious +[5454.64 --> 5455.30] Affections +[5455.30 --> 5455.58] Flow +[5455.58 --> 5455.80] Out +[5455.80 --> 5455.96] Of +[5455.96 --> 5456.20] You +[5456.20 --> 5456.76] As +[5456.76 --> 5457.12] Jesus +[5457.12 --> 5457.60] Christ +[5457.60 --> 5458.00] Looks +[5458.00 --> 5458.34] Over +[5458.34 --> 5458.62] You +[5458.62 --> 5458.84] And +[5458.84 --> 5459.06] Says +[5459.06 --> 5459.46] Father +[5459.46 --> 5460.08] Forgive +[5460.08 --> 5460.50] Them +[5460.50 --> 5460.70] For +[5460.70 --> 5460.84] They +[5460.84 --> 5461.04] Know +[5461.04 --> 5461.34] Not +[5461.34 --> 5461.76] What +[5461.76 --> 5461.92] They +[5461.92 --> 5462.04] Are +[5462.04 --> 5462.32] Doing +[5462.32 --> 5464.12] As +[5464.12 --> 5464.26] He +[5464.26 --> 5464.72] Calls +[5464.72 --> 5465.00] You +[5465.00 --> 5465.40] As +[5465.40 --> 5465.68] His +[5465.68 --> 5466.26] Own +[5466.26 --> 5466.88] And +[5466.88 --> 5467.26] By +[5467.26 --> 5467.66] His +[5467.66 --> 5468.22] Grace +[5468.22 --> 5469.34] Transforms +[5469.34 --> 5469.58] You +[5469.58 --> 5470.06] From +[5470.06 --> 5470.48] Death +[5470.48 --> 5471.12] Into +[5471.12 --> 5471.84] Life +[5471.84 --> 5472.08] By +[5472.08 --> 5472.28] His +[5472.28 --> 5472.64] Grace +[5472.64 --> 5473.04] Takes +[5473.04 --> 5473.24] You +[5473.24 --> 5473.46] From +[5473.46 --> 5474.16] Darkness +[5474.16 --> 5474.76] Into +[5474.76 --> 5475.46] His +[5475.46 --> 5475.90] Light +[5475.90 --> 5476.16] These +[5476.16 --> 5476.78] Gracious +[5476.78 --> 5477.74] Affections +[5477.74 --> 5478.64] Ooze +[5478.64 --> 5478.96] Out +[5478.96 --> 5479.16] Of +[5479.16 --> 5479.34] You +[5479.34 --> 5479.80] Because +[5479.80 --> 5480.06] They +[5480.06 --> 5480.32] Have +[5480.32 --> 5480.58] Been +[5480.58 --> 5481.32] Poured +[5481.32 --> 5482.04] Into +[5482.04 --> 5482.34] You +[5482.34 --> 5482.64] By +[5482.64 --> 5482.94] Our +[5482.94 --> 5483.30] Big +[5483.30 --> 5483.90] Big +[5483.90 --> 5484.52] God +[5484.52 --> 5485.94] And +[5485.94 --> 5486.24] Edwards +[5486.24 --> 5486.42] Will +[5486.42 --> 5486.58] Go +[5486.58 --> 5486.80] On +[5486.80 --> 5486.92] And +[5486.92 --> 5487.02] He +[5487.02 --> 5487.14] Will +[5487.14 --> 5487.66] Define +[5487.66 --> 5487.96] These +[5487.96 --> 5488.40] Gracious +[5488.40 --> 5489.36] As +[5489.36 --> 5489.86] Love +[5489.86 --> 5490.32] And +[5490.32 --> 5490.80] Joy +[5490.80 --> 5491.26] And +[5491.26 --> 5491.88] Gratitude +[5491.88 --> 5492.12] As +[5492.12 --> 5492.26] A +[5492.26 --> 5492.72] Desire +[5492.72 --> 5492.98] For +[5492.98 --> 5493.54] Holiness +[5493.54 --> 5494.42] Humility +[5494.42 --> 5495.24] Mercy +[5495.24 --> 5496.04] Zeal +[5496.04 --> 5496.76] Hope +[5496.76 --> 5497.48] Sorrow +[5497.48 --> 5497.90] Over +[5497.90 --> 5498.38] Sin +[5498.38 --> 5498.92] And +[5498.92 --> 5499.44] Peace +[5499.44 --> 5500.92] And +[5500.92 --> 5501.04] Then +[5501.04 --> 5501.46] Edwards +[5501.46 --> 5502.56] Concludes +[5502.56 --> 5502.70] He +[5502.70 --> 5503.04] Says +[5503.04 --> 5504.68] Christian +[5504.68 --> 5505.54] Practice +[5505.54 --> 5506.26] Is +[5506.26 --> 5506.42] The +[5506.42 --> 5506.72] Most +[5506.72 --> 5507.28] Proper +[5507.28 --> 5508.00] Evidence +[5508.00 --> 5508.60] Of +[5508.60 --> 5508.76] The +[5508.76 --> 5509.30] Gracious +[5509.30 --> 5510.18] Sincerity +[5510.18 --> 5510.64] Of +[5510.64 --> 5511.44] Professors +[5511.44 --> 5512.32] To +[5512.32 --> 5513.02] Themselves +[5513.02 --> 5513.46] And +[5513.46 --> 5513.68] To +[5513.68 --> 5514.06] Others +[5514.06 --> 5516.34] That's +[5516.34 --> 5516.46] Just +[5516.46 --> 5516.60] A +[5516.60 --> 5516.90] Beautiful +[5516.90 --> 5517.18] Way +[5517.18 --> 5517.34] Of +[5517.34 --> 5517.68] Saying +[5517.68 --> 5518.20] What +[5518.20 --> 5518.38] You +[5518.38 --> 5518.72] Say +[5518.72 --> 5518.96] You +[5518.96 --> 5519.36] Believe +[5519.36 --> 5520.12] Is +[5520.12 --> 5520.40] Made +[5520.40 --> 5520.90] Evident +[5520.90 --> 5521.20] Is +[5521.20 --> 5521.66] Shown +[5521.66 --> 5521.86] To +[5521.86 --> 5522.06] Be +[5522.06 --> 5522.66] Sincere +[5522.66 --> 5523.76] In +[5523.76 --> 5523.98] What +[5523.98 --> 5524.16] You +[5524.16 --> 5524.72] Practice +[5524.72 --> 5526.58] Right +[5526.58 --> 5526.88] Edwards +[5526.88 --> 5527.10] Goes +[5527.10 --> 5527.28] On +[5527.28 --> 5527.38] He +[5527.38 --> 5527.54] Says +[5527.54 --> 5527.68] It +[5527.68 --> 5527.78] Is +[5527.78 --> 5527.94] The +[5527.94 --> 5528.40] Sign +[5528.40 --> 5528.60] Of +[5528.60 --> 5529.22] Signs +[5529.22 --> 5529.32] And +[5529.32 --> 5529.82] Evidence +[5529.82 --> 5530.04] Of +[5530.04 --> 5530.52] Evidences +[5530.52 --> 5531.18] That +[5531.18 --> 5531.40] Which +[5531.40 --> 5531.98] Seals +[5531.98 --> 5532.26] And +[5532.26 --> 5532.96] Crowns +[5532.96 --> 5533.54] All +[5533.54 --> 5533.92] Other +[5533.92 --> 5534.98] Signs +[5534.98 --> 5536.32] He'll +[5536.32 --> 5536.48] Go +[5536.48 --> 5536.70] On +[5536.70 --> 5536.86] To +[5536.86 --> 5537.10] Use +[5537.10 --> 5537.38] This +[5537.38 --> 5538.14] Illustration +[5538.14 --> 5538.78] He'll +[5538.78 --> 5539.00] Say +[5539.00 --> 5539.44] There's +[5539.44 --> 5539.68] All +[5539.68 --> 5540.04] Sorts +[5540.04 --> 5540.22] Of +[5540.22 --> 5540.58] Ways +[5540.58 --> 5540.80] That +[5540.80 --> 5540.92] You +[5540.92 --> 5541.08] Can +[5541.08 --> 5541.40] Tell +[5541.40 --> 5541.66] A +[5541.66 --> 5542.06] Tree +[5542.06 --> 5542.68] Is +[5542.68 --> 5542.86] A +[5542.86 --> 5543.06] Fig +[5543.06 --> 5543.38] Tree +[5543.38 --> 5544.48] But +[5544.48 --> 5544.66] The +[5544.66 --> 5545.20] Highest +[5545.20 --> 5545.42] And +[5545.42 --> 5545.70] Most +[5545.70 --> 5546.20] Proper +[5546.20 --> 5546.74] Way +[5546.74 --> 5546.92] That +[5546.92 --> 5547.04] You +[5547.04 --> 5547.20] Can +[5547.20 --> 5547.50] Tell +[5547.50 --> 5547.70] A +[5547.70 --> 5547.94] Tree +[5547.94 --> 5548.20] Is +[5548.20 --> 5548.32] A +[5548.32 --> 5548.48] Fig +[5548.48 --> 5548.74] Tree +[5548.74 --> 5549.22] Is +[5549.22 --> 5549.42] That +[5549.42 --> 5549.58] It +[5549.58 --> 5549.98] Bears +[5549.98 --> 5550.48] Figs +[5550.48 --> 5551.80] That +[5551.80 --> 5551.98] Has +[5551.98 --> 5552.68] Figs +[5552.68 --> 5553.42] On +[5553.42 --> 5553.62] It +[5553.62 --> 5555.98] When +[5555.98 --> 5556.16] We +[5556.16 --> 5556.48] Talk +[5556.48 --> 5556.74] About +[5556.74 --> 5557.52] Forgiveness +[5557.52 --> 5560.00] How +[5560.00 --> 5560.26] Is +[5560.26 --> 5560.42] It +[5560.42 --> 5560.62] That +[5560.62 --> 5560.98] You +[5560.98 --> 5561.40] Can +[5561.40 --> 5561.92] Know +[5561.92 --> 5562.56] That +[5562.56 --> 5562.90] You +[5562.90 --> 5563.80] Are +[5563.80 --> 5564.96] Impossibly +[5564.96 --> 5565.74] Forgiven +[5565.74 --> 5569.66] Are +[5569.66 --> 5569.76] You +[5569.76 --> 5570.10] Connecting +[5570.10 --> 5570.22] The +[5570.22 --> 5570.46] Dots +[5570.46 --> 5573.92] One +[5573.92 --> 5574.04] Of +[5574.04 --> 5574.16] The +[5574.16 --> 5574.38] Ways +[5574.38 --> 5574.60] That +[5574.60 --> 5574.78] You +[5574.78 --> 5575.00] Can +[5575.00 --> 5575.28] Know +[5575.28 --> 5575.54] That +[5575.54 --> 5575.78] You +[5575.78 --> 5575.98] Are +[5575.98 --> 5576.70] Impossibly +[5576.70 --> 5577.18] Forgiven +[5577.18 --> 5578.70] Is +[5578.70 --> 5578.88] By +[5578.88 --> 5579.32] Forgiving +[5579.32 --> 5580.12] The +[5580.12 --> 5580.62] Impossible +[5580.62 --> 5587.84] Now +[5587.84 --> 5589.36] Don't +[5589.36 --> 5589.52] Hear +[5589.52 --> 5589.68] What +[5589.68 --> 5589.82] I'm +[5589.82 --> 5590.00] Not +[5590.00 --> 5590.30] Saying +[5590.30 --> 5595.82] Because +[5595.82 --> 5596.16] In +[5596.16 --> 5596.50] This +[5596.50 --> 5597.54] Conversation +[5597.54 --> 5597.82] About +[5597.82 --> 5598.18] Giving +[5598.18 --> 5598.56] And +[5598.56 --> 5599.22] Receiving +[5599.22 --> 5600.14] Forgiveness +[5600.14 --> 5601.96] We +[5601.96 --> 5602.26] Can +[5602.26 --> 5602.72] Not +[5602.72 --> 5603.60] Minimize +[5603.60 --> 5604.24] The +[5604.24 --> 5604.96] Importance +[5604.96 --> 5605.16] Of +[5605.16 --> 5605.32] The +[5605.32 --> 5606.08] Impact +[5606.08 --> 5606.56] Of +[5606.56 --> 5606.70] The +[5606.70 --> 5607.10] Trauma +[5607.10 --> 5607.48] Or +[5607.48 --> 5607.62] The +[5607.62 --> 5608.00] Trial +[5608.00 --> 5608.32] Or +[5608.32 --> 5608.46] The +[5608.46 --> 5608.88] Struggle +[5608.88 --> 5609.28] That +[5609.28 --> 5609.44] You +[5609.44 --> 5609.58] Have +[5609.58 --> 5609.84] Faced +[5609.84 --> 5609.98] Or +[5609.98 --> 5610.10] That +[5610.10 --> 5610.22] You +[5610.22 --> 5610.36] Have +[5610.36 --> 5610.74] Caused +[5610.74 --> 5610.98] To +[5610.98 --> 5611.16] Someone +[5611.16 --> 5611.34] Else +[5611.34 --> 5611.48] Or +[5611.48 --> 5611.58] That +[5611.58 --> 5612.16] Someone +[5612.16 --> 5612.36] Else +[5612.36 --> 5612.52] Has +[5612.52 --> 5612.80] Caused +[5612.80 --> 5612.98] To +[5612.98 --> 5613.18] You +[5613.18 --> 5613.98] Right +[5613.98 --> 5614.16] That +[5614.16 --> 5614.96] Impact +[5614.96 --> 5615.92] Matters +[5615.92 --> 5616.10] And +[5616.10 --> 5616.34] For +[5616.34 --> 5616.82] You +[5616.82 --> 5617.10] To +[5617.10 --> 5617.82] Feel +[5617.82 --> 5619.00] Genuinely +[5619.00 --> 5619.86] Forgiven +[5619.86 --> 5620.10] Or +[5620.10 --> 5620.28] To +[5620.28 --> 5620.58] Feel +[5620.58 --> 5620.80] Like +[5620.80 --> 5620.94] You +[5620.94 --> 5621.14] Can +[5621.14 --> 5621.92] Meaningfully +[5621.92 --> 5622.46] Offer +[5622.46 --> 5622.92] Forgiveness +[5622.92 --> 5623.60] We +[5623.60 --> 5623.80] Need +[5623.80 --> 5623.90] To +[5623.90 --> 5624.00] Be +[5624.00 --> 5624.18] To +[5624.18 --> 5624.86] Communicate +[5624.86 --> 5625.20] The +[5625.20 --> 5625.88] Impact +[5625.88 --> 5626.14] Of +[5626.14 --> 5626.26] What +[5626.26 --> 5626.42] Has +[5626.42 --> 5626.74] Taken +[5626.74 --> 5627.22] Place +[5627.22 --> 5630.46] So +[5630.46 --> 5630.64] That +[5630.64 --> 5631.04] Is +[5631.04 --> 5632.70] Foundational +[5632.70 --> 5633.32] To +[5633.32 --> 5633.50] This +[5633.50 --> 5634.02] Experience +[5634.02 --> 5634.64] But +[5634.64 --> 5634.98] Also +[5634.98 --> 5635.32] Don't +[5635.32 --> 5635.46] Hear +[5635.46 --> 5635.60] What +[5635.60 --> 5635.70] I'm +[5635.70 --> 5635.88] Not +[5635.88 --> 5636.20] Saying +[5636.20 --> 5636.58] Because +[5636.58 --> 5637.44] Offering +[5637.44 --> 5638.10] Forgiveness +[5638.10 --> 5638.50] Is +[5638.50 --> 5638.78] Not +[5638.78 --> 5639.04] The +[5639.04 --> 5639.42] Same +[5639.42 --> 5640.02] As +[5640.02 --> 5640.62] Erasing +[5640.62 --> 5641.18] Or +[5641.18 --> 5641.54] Forget +[5641.54 --> 5642.36] Right +[5642.36 --> 5642.78] Sometimes +[5642.78 --> 5643.26] Maybe +[5643.26 --> 5643.48] You +[5643.48 --> 5643.68] Grew +[5643.68 --> 5643.84] Up +[5643.84 --> 5643.96] With +[5643.96 --> 5644.06] The +[5644.06 --> 5644.30] Idea +[5644.30 --> 5644.62] Forgive +[5644.62 --> 5644.94] And +[5644.94 --> 5645.30] Forget +[5645.30 --> 5648.20] Politely +[5648.20 --> 5649.96] Hogwash +[5649.96 --> 5651.40] There +[5651.40 --> 5651.54] Are +[5651.54 --> 5651.80] Some +[5651.80 --> 5652.22] Things +[5652.22 --> 5652.80] You +[5652.80 --> 5653.54] Cannot +[5653.54 --> 5653.94] Forget +[5653.94 --> 5655.08] There +[5655.08 --> 5655.22] Are +[5655.22 --> 5655.44] Some +[5655.44 --> 5655.76] Things +[5655.76 --> 5655.92] That +[5655.92 --> 5656.08] You're +[5656.08 --> 5656.18] Going +[5656.18 --> 5656.26] To +[5656.26 --> 5656.58] Happen +[5656.58 --> 5656.74] To +[5656.74 --> 5657.02] You +[5657.02 --> 5657.36] Or +[5657.36 --> 5657.52] In +[5657.52 --> 5657.64] Your +[5657.64 --> 5657.88] Life +[5657.88 --> 5658.00] That +[5658.00 --> 5658.06] Are +[5658.06 --> 5658.18] Just +[5658.18 --> 5658.30] Going +[5658.30 --> 5658.38] To +[5658.38 --> 5658.84] Live +[5658.84 --> 5659.14] In +[5659.14 --> 5659.32] Your +[5659.32 --> 5659.80] Bones +[5659.80 --> 5660.24] Your +[5660.24 --> 5660.54] Body +[5660.54 --> 5660.76] Will +[5660.76 --> 5661.02] Tell +[5661.02 --> 5661.32] You +[5661.32 --> 5661.74] Even +[5661.74 --> 5661.90] If +[5661.90 --> 5662.04] Your +[5662.04 --> 5662.34] Mind +[5662.34 --> 5662.54] Has +[5662.54 --> 5662.70] Not +[5662.70 --> 5662.86] Yet +[5662.86 --> 5663.42] Grasped +[5663.42 --> 5665.02] That's +[5665.02 --> 5665.30] Not +[5665.30 --> 5665.52] What +[5665.52 --> 5665.66] We're +[5665.66 --> 5665.98] Talking +[5665.98 --> 5666.34] About +[5666.34 --> 5667.20] Here +[5667.20 --> 5670.46] Instead +[5670.46 --> 5671.96] Instead +[5671.96 --> 5672.98] Forgiveness +[5672.98 --> 5673.96] Is +[5673.96 --> 5674.42] Giving +[5674.42 --> 5675.04] The +[5675.04 --> 5675.38] Other +[5675.38 --> 5675.98] Person +[5675.98 --> 5676.52] To +[5676.52 --> 5676.92] God +[5676.92 --> 5678.70] Right +[5678.70 --> 5679.12] Forgiveness +[5679.12 --> 5679.58] Is +[5679.58 --> 5679.90] Saying +[5679.90 --> 5680.18] God +[5680.18 --> 5680.42] You +[5680.42 --> 5680.66] Are +[5680.66 --> 5680.90] A +[5680.90 --> 5681.10] Big +[5681.10 --> 5681.46] God +[5681.46 --> 5682.06] Bigger +[5682.06 --> 5682.26] Than +[5682.26 --> 5682.78] All +[5682.78 --> 5682.98] The +[5682.98 --> 5683.24] Things +[5683.24 --> 5683.38] That +[5683.38 --> 5683.48] Have +[5683.48 --> 5683.72] Happened +[5683.72 --> 5683.90] To +[5683.90 --> 5684.10] Me +[5684.10 --> 5685.00] And +[5685.00 --> 5685.12] I +[5686.08 --> 5686.38] You +[5686.38 --> 5688.16] Right +[5688.16 --> 5688.30] Your +[5688.30 --> 5688.76] Forgiveness +[5688.76 --> 5689.02] Of +[5689.02 --> 5689.22] Another +[5689.22 --> 5689.58] Person +[5689.58 --> 5689.78] Has +[5689.78 --> 5690.06] Actually +[5690.06 --> 5690.28] Very +[5690.28 --> 5690.46] Little +[5690.46 --> 5690.64] To +[5690.64 --> 5690.74] Do +[5690.74 --> 5690.86] With +[5690.86 --> 5690.96] That +[5690.96 --> 5691.14] Other +[5691.14 --> 5691.54] Person +[5691.54 --> 5692.60] And +[5692.60 --> 5692.86] Everything +[5692.86 --> 5693.10] To +[5693.10 --> 5693.36] Do +[5693.36 --> 5694.06] With +[5694.06 --> 5694.40] God +[5694.40 --> 5697.52] As +[5697.52 --> 5697.70] Long +[5697.70 --> 5697.84] As +[5697.84 --> 5697.98] You +[5697.98 --> 5698.36] Hold +[5698.36 --> 5699.26] On +[5699.26 --> 5699.50] To +[5699.50 --> 5699.84] That +[5699.84 --> 5701.12] Trauma +[5701.12 --> 5701.56] And +[5701.56 --> 5702.26] That +[5702.26 --> 5703.70] Situation +[5703.70 --> 5704.04] As +[5704.04 --> 5704.16] Long +[5704.16 --> 5704.26] As +[5704.26 --> 5704.38] You +[5704.38 --> 5704.66] Hold +[5704.66 --> 5704.86] That +[5704.86 --> 5705.30] Close +[5705.30 --> 5705.60] It +[5705.60 --> 5706.18] Stays +[5706.18 --> 5706.46] In +[5706.46 --> 5707.20] Power +[5707.20 --> 5709.38] Forgiveness +[5709.38 --> 5710.26] Is +[5710.26 --> 5710.50] Letting +[5710.50 --> 5710.68] The +[5710.68 --> 5710.96] Power +[5710.96 --> 5711.16] Of +[5711.16 --> 5711.58] God +[5711.58 --> 5712.78] Come +[5712.78 --> 5713.02] In +[5713.02 --> 5715.36] Jesus +[5715.36 --> 5715.72] Taught +[5715.72 --> 5715.92] His +[5715.92 --> 5716.42] Disciples +[5716.42 --> 5716.66] To +[5716.66 --> 5716.98] Pray +[5716.98 --> 5717.78] Forgive +[5717.78 --> 5718.30] Us +[5718.30 --> 5718.68] Our +[5718.68 --> 5719.22] Sins +[5719.22 --> 5719.54] As +[5719.54 --> 5719.82] We +[5719.82 --> 5720.28] Forgive +[5720.28 --> 5720.62] Those +[5720.62 --> 5720.84] Who +[5720.84 --> 5721.14] Sin +[5721.14 --> 5721.90] Against +[5721.90 --> 5722.34] Us +[5722.34 --> 5724.16] This +[5724.16 --> 5724.26] Is +[5724.26 --> 5724.36] A +[5724.36 --> 5724.62] Hard +[5724.62 --> 5724.94] Word +[5724.94 --> 5725.16] For +[5725.16 --> 5725.38] Us +[5725.38 --> 5725.60] Because +[5725.60 --> 5725.76] It +[5725.76 --> 5725.98] Means +[5725.98 --> 5726.18] There +[5726.18 --> 5726.36] Is +[5726.36 --> 5726.56] A +[5726.56 --> 5727.12] Line +[5727.12 --> 5727.76] Between +[5727.76 --> 5728.04] The +[5728.04 --> 5728.32] Two +[5728.32 --> 5729.80] Right +[5729.80 --> 5730.02] Which +[5730.02 --> 5730.56] Means +[5730.56 --> 5731.00] Right +[5731.00 --> 5731.20] That +[5731.20 --> 5732.22] If +[5732.22 --> 5732.76] Your +[5732.76 --> 5733.32] Being +[5733.32 --> 5734.06] Forgiven +[5734.06 --> 5734.68] Is +[5734.68 --> 5735.40] Possible +[5735.40 --> 5736.26] And +[5736.26 --> 5736.38] It +[5736.38 --> 5736.70] Is +[5736.70 --> 5738.38] Then +[5738.38 --> 5738.62] Your +[5738.62 --> 5739.24] Forgiving +[5739.24 --> 5740.12] Is +[5740.12 --> 5740.60] Also +[5740.60 --> 5741.78] Possible +[5741.78 --> 5746.28] Jesus +[5746.28 --> 5746.50] Has +[5746.50 --> 5746.76] Spoken +[5746.76 --> 5746.92] To +[5746.92 --> 5747.06] The +[5747.06 --> 5747.38] Church +[5747.38 --> 5747.78] Through +[5747.78 --> 5747.92] The +[5747.92 --> 5748.30] Apostle +[5748.30 --> 5748.64] Paul +[5748.64 --> 5749.14] And +[5749.14 --> 5749.26] He +[5749.26 --> 5749.88] Instructs +[5749.88 --> 5750.18] Us +[5750.18 --> 5750.50] To +[5750.50 --> 5751.30] Be +[5751.30 --> 5751.90] Kind +[5751.90 --> 5752.24] And +[5752.24 --> 5753.12] Compassionate +[5753.12 --> 5753.34] To +[5753.34 --> 5753.52] One +[5753.52 --> 5753.84] Another +[5753.84 --> 5755.22] Forgiving +[5755.22 --> 5755.54] Each +[5755.54 --> 5755.78] Other +[5755.78 --> 5756.20] Just +[5756.20 --> 5756.46] As +[5756.46 --> 5756.62] In +[5756.62 --> 5757.06] Christ +[5757.06 --> 5757.82] God +[5757.82 --> 5758.60] Forgave +[5758.60 --> 5759.36] You +[5759.36 --> 5763.12] Here +[5763.12 --> 5763.60] Is +[5763.60 --> 5764.02] Our +[5764.02 --> 5765.04] Profession +[5765.04 --> 5767.12] God +[5767.12 --> 5767.90] Is +[5767.90 --> 5768.22] A +[5768.22 --> 5768.64] Big +[5768.64 --> 5769.64] Big +[5769.64 --> 5770.60] God +[5770.60 --> 5777.26] And +[5777.26 --> 5777.46] Out +[5777.46 --> 5777.62] Of +[5777.62 --> 5778.10] His +[5778.10 --> 5780.72] Deep +[5780.72 --> 5782.08] Love +[5782.08 --> 5783.02] And +[5783.02 --> 5783.44] Grace +[5783.44 --> 5785.10] Out +[5785.10 --> 5785.22] Of +[5785.22 --> 5785.40] His +[5785.40 --> 5786.02] Character +[5786.02 --> 5786.72] Of +[5786.72 --> 5787.30] Trust +[5787.30 --> 5788.22] And +[5788.22 --> 5788.88] Mercy +[5788.88 --> 5790.36] We +[5790.36 --> 5790.98] Can +[5790.98 --> 5791.64] Come +[5791.64 --> 5792.50] Both +[5792.50 --> 5792.84] In +[5792.84 --> 5793.68] Confession +[5793.68 --> 5793.98] To +[5793.98 --> 5794.68] Receive +[5794.68 --> 5795.42] Forgiveness +[5795.42 --> 5796.04] And +[5796.04 --> 5796.40] In +[5796.40 --> 5796.92] Grace +[5796.92 --> 5797.56] To +[5797.56 --> 5798.08] Offer +[5798.08 --> 5798.90] Forgiveness +[5798.90 --> 5802.32] And +[5802.32 --> 5802.48] As +[5802.48 --> 5802.74] We +[5802.74 --> 5803.86] End +[5803.86 --> 5805.62] I +[5805.62 --> 5805.74] Want +[5805.74 --> 5805.84] To +[5805.84 --> 5806.08] Share +[5806.08 --> 5806.30] With +[5806.30 --> 5806.62] You +[5806.62 --> 5807.38] These +[5807.38 --> 5808.02] Words +[5808.02 --> 5808.94] Of +[5808.94 --> 5809.34] Hope +[5809.34 --> 5810.32] And +[5810.32 --> 5810.94] Assurance +[5810.94 --> 5813.38] From +[5813.38 --> 5813.76] First +[5813.76 --> 5814.28] John +[5814.28 --> 5816.48] One +[5816.48 --> 5819.82] If +[5819.82 --> 5820.00] We +[5820.00 --> 5820.32] Claim +[5820.32 --> 5820.50] To +[5820.50 --> 5820.66] Be +[5820.66 --> 5820.96] Without +[5820.96 --> 5821.32] Sin +[5821.32 --> 5822.08] We +[5822.08 --> 5822.48] Deceive +[5822.48 --> 5823.00] Ourselves +[5823.00 --> 5823.18] And +[5823.18 --> 5823.30] The +[5823.30 --> 5823.58] Truth +[5823.58 --> 5823.84] Is +[5823.84 --> 5824.08] Not +[5824.08 --> 5824.30] In +[5824.30 --> 5824.68] Us +[5824.68 --> 5826.22] Point +[5826.22 --> 5826.50] Here +[5826.50 --> 5826.84] Come +[5826.84 --> 5827.36] Honestly +[5827.36 --> 5827.72] To +[5827.72 --> 5827.88] The +[5827.88 --> 5828.12] Lord +[5828.12 --> 5829.40] And +[5829.40 --> 5829.54] If +[5829.54 --> 5829.72] We +[5829.72 --> 5830.26] Confess +[5830.26 --> 5830.58] Our +[5830.58 --> 5831.00] Sins +[5831.00 --> 5831.48] He +[5831.48 --> 5832.06] Is +[5832.06 --> 5832.80] Faithful +[5832.80 --> 5833.38] And +[5833.38 --> 5833.86] Just +[5833.86 --> 5834.14] And +[5834.14 --> 5834.32] Will +[5834.32 --> 5834.66] Forgive +[5834.66 --> 5834.96] Us +[5834.96 --> 5835.18] Our +[5835.18 --> 5835.52] Sins +[5835.52 --> 5835.96] And +[5835.96 --> 5836.50] Purify +[5836.50 --> 5836.90] Us +[5836.90 --> 5837.12] From +[5837.12 --> 5837.48] All +[5837.48 --> 5838.46] Unrighteousness +[5838.46 --> 5842.20] This +[5842.20 --> 5842.56] Is +[5842.56 --> 5842.82] The +[5842.82 --> 5843.22] Mercy +[5843.22 --> 5844.14] Of +[5844.14 --> 5844.70] Our +[5844.70 --> 5845.58] God +[5845.58 --> 5846.78] If +[5846.78 --> 5847.04] We +[5847.04 --> 5847.82] Confess +[5847.82 --> 5848.54] He +[5848.54 --> 5848.96] Is +[5848.96 --> 5849.54] Faithful +[5849.54 --> 5849.80] And +[5849.80 --> 5850.14] Just +[5850.14 --> 5850.60] And +[5850.60 --> 5850.78] Will +[5850.78 --> 5851.22] Forgive +[5851.22 --> 5851.64] Us +[5851.64 --> 5852.30] Our +[5852.30 --> 5853.06] Sins +[5853.06 --> 5853.32] And +[5853.32 --> 5853.60] As +[5853.60 --> 5854.02] He +[5854.02 --> 5854.76] Has +[5854.76 --> 5855.48] Forgiven +[5855.48 --> 5856.48] Us +[5856.48 --> 5857.16] I +[5857.16 --> 5857.56] Pray +[5857.56 --> 5858.08] Today +[5858.08 --> 5858.92] That +[5858.92 --> 5859.28] You +[5859.28 --> 5860.10] Might +[5860.10 --> 5860.64] Forgive +[5860.64 --> 5862.06] Others +[5862.06 --> 5863.06] Amen +[5863.06 --> 5864.56] Let's +[5864.56 --> 5864.78] Pray +[5864.78 --> 5867.40] Lord +[5867.40 --> 5868.02] Our +[5868.02 --> 5869.00] God +[5869.00 --> 5870.80] Move +[5870.80 --> 5871.30] Among +[5871.30 --> 5871.74] Us +[5871.74 --> 5872.20] Today +[5872.20 --> 5872.54] To +[5872.54 --> 5873.48] Experience +[5873.48 --> 5873.82] Maybe +[5873.82 --> 5874.10] For +[5874.10 --> 5874.26] The +[5874.26 --> 5874.56] First +[5874.56 --> 5874.92] Time +[5874.92 --> 5877.70] Maybe +[5877.70 --> 5877.94] For +[5877.94 --> 5878.06] The +[5878.06 --> 5878.46] Hundredth +[5878.46 --> 5878.70] Time +[5878.70 --> 5880.62] Your +[5880.62 --> 5881.46] Forgiving +[5881.46 --> 5882.48] Love +[5882.48 --> 5883.14] Your +[5883.14 --> 5883.62] Forgiving +[5883.62 --> 5884.48] Mercy +[5884.48 --> 5884.76] Your +[5884.76 --> 5885.20] Forgiving +[5885.20 --> 5885.98] Grace +[5885.98 --> 5888.12] And +[5888.12 --> 5888.30] As +[5888.30 --> 5888.48] You +[5888.48 --> 5888.76] Have +[5888.76 --> 5889.34] Forgiven +[5889.34 --> 5889.84] Us +[5889.84 --> 5890.40] What +[5890.40 --> 5890.56] We +[5890.56 --> 5890.86] Once +[5890.86 --> 5891.18] Thought +[5891.18 --> 5891.86] Impossible +[5891.86 --> 5893.16] Help +[5893.16 --> 5893.54] Us +[5893.54 --> 5893.84] To +[5893.84 --> 5894.24] Also +[5894.24 --> 5894.72] Forgive +[5894.72 --> 5895.92] What +[5895.92 --> 5896.08] We +[5896.08 --> 5896.50] Currently +[5896.50 --> 5896.94] Think +[5896.94 --> 5897.98] Impossible +[5897.98 --> 5900.58] May +[5900.58 --> 5900.82] We +[5900.82 --> 5901.14] Be +[5901.14 --> 5901.44] A +[5901.44 --> 5901.76] People +[5901.76 --> 5902.16] Who +[5902.16 --> 5902.98] Model +[5902.98 --> 5903.42] What +[5903.42 --> 5903.66] You +[5903.66 --> 5903.96] Have +[5903.96 --> 5904.54] Offered +[5904.54 --> 5904.86] To +[5904.86 --> 5905.32] Us +[5905.32 --> 5905.68] In +[5905.68 --> 5906.10] Grace +[5906.10 --> 5907.64] And +[5907.64 --> 5907.88] So +[5907.88 --> 5908.64] Sustain +[5908.64 --> 5909.18] Us +[5909.18 --> 5909.48] In +[5909.48 --> 5909.72] Your +[5909.72 --> 5910.16] Spirit +[5910.16 --> 5912.02] And +[5912.02 --> 5912.18] God +[5912.18 --> 5912.32] I +[5912.32 --> 5912.60] Pray +[5912.60 --> 5912.88] That +[5912.88 --> 5913.36] As +[5913.36 --> 5913.54] We +[5913.54 --> 5913.74] Have +[5913.74 --> 5914.46] Professed +[5914.46 --> 5914.72] Our +[5914.72 --> 5915.16] Faith +[5915.16 --> 5915.44] As +[5915.44 --> 5915.58] We +[5915.58 --> 5915.74] Have +[5915.74 --> 5917.02] Encouraged +[5917.02 --> 5917.34] And +[5917.34 --> 5917.60] Been +[5917.60 --> 5918.34] Encouraged +[5918.34 --> 5918.88] That +[5918.88 --> 5919.12] We +[5919.12 --> 5919.42] Would +[5919.42 --> 5919.82] Also +[5919.82 --> 5920.14] Be +[5920.14 --> 5920.42] A +[5920.42 --> 5920.86] Place +[5920.86 --> 5921.20] That +[5921.20 --> 5921.44] Is +[5921.44 --> 5923.86] Receiving +[5923.86 --> 5924.38] And +[5924.38 --> 5924.66] A +[5924.66 --> 5925.00] Place +[5925.00 --> 5925.30] That +[5925.30 --> 5925.62] Is +[5925.62 --> 5926.86] Safe +[5926.86 --> 5927.26] And +[5927.26 --> 5928.10] Trustworthy +[5928.10 --> 5928.80] As +[5928.80 --> 5929.00] We +[5929.00 --> 5929.42] Come +[5929.42 --> 5930.36] To +[5930.36 --> 5930.60] You +[5930.60 --> 5933.24] And +[5933.24 --> 5933.46] So +[5933.46 --> 5933.78] Give +[5933.78 --> 5934.18] Us +[5934.18 --> 5934.48] The +[5934.48 --> 5935.00] Courage +[5935.00 --> 5935.16] And +[5935.16 --> 5935.28] The +[5935.28 --> 5935.74] Bravery +[5935.74 --> 5937.80] To +[5937.80 --> 5938.18] Give +[5938.18 --> 5939.04] And +[5939.04 --> 5939.52] Seek +[5939.52 --> 5941.00] Forgiveness +[5941.00 --> 5942.32] In +[5942.32 --> 5942.60] Jesus +[5942.60 --> 5942.98] Name +[5942.98 --> 5943.18] We +[5943.18 --> 5943.50] Pray +[5943.50 --> 5944.96] Amen +[5944.96 --> 5946.66] Amen +[5946.66 --> 5946.68] Amen +[5973.50 --> 5974.78] Ö +[5974.78 --> 5974.96] � +[5977.20 --> 5979.04] You +[5979.04 --> 5979.08] You +[5979.08 --> 5979.66] May +[5979.66 --> 5980.48] happens +[5980.48 --> 5980.96] Tamb +[5980.96 --> 5981.96] Eh +[5981.96 --> 5982.92] Between +[5982.92 --> 5983.68] Us +[5983.68 --> 5985.26] You +[5985.26 --> 5986.24] книぽ +[5986.24 --> 5986.26] What +[5986.26 --> 5986.74] Or +[5986.74 --> 5987.14] Do +[5987.14 --> 5988.14] Bee +[5988.14 --> 5988.34] Bee +[5988.68 --> 5989.38] Am +[5989.38 --> 5989.88] sono +[5989.88 --> 5990.96] Tim +[5990.96 --> 5992.54] Ad +[5992.54 --> 5994.00] I +[5994.00 --> 5995.04] Grace +[5995.04 --> 5997.00] O +[5997.00 --> 5997.02] W +[5997.02 --> 5997.46] Che +[5997.46 --> 5998.02] rum +[5998.02 --> 5999.92] of +[5999.92 --> 6000.16] God +[6000.16 --> 6005.20] through the darkness +[6005.20 --> 6009.04] your loving kindness +[6009.04 --> 6011.76] or through the shadows +[6011.76 --> 6015.04] of my soul +[6015.04 --> 6018.64] the work is finished +[6018.64 --> 6021.20] the end is written +[6021.20 --> 6024.32] Jesus Christ +[6024.32 --> 6027.52] my living hope +[6027.52 --> 6033.80] who could imagine +[6033.80 --> 6037.20] so great a mercy +[6037.20 --> 6040.96] what heart could add on +[6040.96 --> 6043.76] such boundless grace +[6043.76 --> 6047.04] the God of ages +[6047.04 --> 6049.76] step down from glory +[6049.76 --> 6052.64] to bear my sin +[6052.64 --> 6056.04] and bear my shame +[6056.04 --> 6058.80] the cross has spoken +[6058.80 --> 6061.94] I am forgiven +[6061.94 --> 6068.60] the King of kings calls me his own +[6068.60 --> 6071.38] beautiful Savior +[6071.38 --> 6074.46] I'm yours forever +[6074.46 --> 6077.46] Jesus Christ +[6077.46 --> 6080.46] my living hope +[6080.46 --> 6083.46] hallelujah +[6083.46 --> 6084.46] hallelujah +[6084.46 --> 6087.92] praise the one who set me free +[6087.92 --> 6089.46] hallelujah +[6089.46 --> 6093.90] death has lost its grip on me +[6093.90 --> 6096.92] live and walk in every chain +[6096.92 --> 6099.96] there's salvation in your name +[6099.96 --> 6101.96] Jesus Christ +[6101.96 --> 6104.96] my living hope +[6104.96 --> 6105.96] Lord +[6105.96 --> 6111.24] then came the morning +[6111.24 --> 6114.64] that sealed the promise +[6114.64 --> 6117.52] your very body +[6117.52 --> 6120.60] began to breathe +[6120.60 --> 6123.36] out of the silence +[6123.36 --> 6126.70] the roaring lion +[6126.70 --> 6129.34] declare the grave +[6129.34 --> 6132.52] has no flame on me +[6132.52 --> 6137.52] Jesus yours is a victory +[6137.52 --> 6153.42] hallelujah +[6153.42 --> 6159.18] claim +[6159.18 --> 6186.46] yours is +[6189.18 --> 6204.82] Hallelujah, praise the one who set me free. Hallelujah, death has lost his fear for me. You have hope in every day. There's salvation in your name. +[6204.82 --> 6221.70] Jesus Christ, my living hope. Jesus Christ, my living hope. Oh God, you are my living hope. +[6221.70 --> 6223.70] Amen. +[6251.70 --> 6262.90] I want to congratulate, welcome, invite those who have stood in front of us this morning and offer them a word of encouragement as well. Receive the blessing of our God. +[6264.94 --> 6277.86] God, go before you to lead you. God, go behind you to protect you. God, go beneath you to support you. God, go beside you to befriend you. Do not be afraid. +[6277.86 --> 6288.06] Let the blessing of God come upon you today. Do not be afraid, but go in peace to love and serve the Lord. Amen. +[6307.86 --> 6337.84] God, go before you to pray. +[6337.86 --> 6367.84] God, go before you to pray. +[6367.86 --> 6369.86] Give us love andabo Fen sai. +[6371.14 --> 6380.48] God, go before you may followed God, love and 엄fest by gay pon tum tum tum tum tum tum tum tum tum tum tum las aorn tUM$ 0. +[6381.36 --> 6387.64] lot above us raise the angels to zorKEY teck SUBUM זה b Shyart他们ה的 Bareny Die twentyAM Degen cliff Buffum party l他们ā 앞에 bikanë称hip otоссóol a Schult بن意� GEND ADDR ele y SUNG +[6387.64 --> 6389.64] and the great son of man +[6389.64 --> 6393.64] from every drug and drug and patient +[6393.64 --> 6401.64] will join in the song of the Lamb +[6401.64 --> 6409.64] Sing aloud for the time of rejoicing is needed +[6409.64 --> 6419.64] The risen King, our crew, listen to +[6419.64 --> 6427.64] The wedding feast to come is now here again +[6427.64 --> 6437.64] And now your voice proclaim the coming hour +[6437.64 --> 6441.64] We will dance on the streets that are old +[6441.64 --> 6445.64] The glorious pride in the great son of man +[6445.64 --> 6452.64] For every drug and drug and patient will join +[6452.64 --> 6458.64] We will dance on the streets that are old +[6458.64 --> 6462.64] The glorious pride in the great son of man +[6462.64 --> 6468.64] Every drug and tribe and nation will join +[6468.64 --> 6472.64] In the song of the Lamb +[6472.64 --> 6482.64] The Lord told you законч this time +[6482.64 --> 6483.64] It's sättet +[6483.64 --> 6485.64] in mercy +[6485.64 --> 6500.58] There it is. +[6500.58 --> 6501.38] It's always a one. +[6503.88 --> 6504.70] Coming tonight. +[6505.06 --> 6505.86] That a boy. +[6515.64 --> 6545.62] That a boy. +[6545.64 --> 6575.62] That a boy. +[6575.64 --> 6605.62] That a boy. +[6605.62 --> 6607.62] That a boy. +[6607.62 --> 6611.62] That a boy. +[6611.62 --> 6615.62] That a boy. +[6615.62 --> 6627.62] Thank you. diff --git a/Sunday Worship, November 3, 2024_summary.txt b/Sunday Worship, November 3, 2024_summary.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000000000000000000000000000000000000..106da844c4fe39293b2b9c39d120d1eed053fddf --- /dev/null +++ b/Sunday Worship, November 3, 2024_summary.txt @@ -0,0 +1,100 @@ +• Introduction to worship service and welcome +• Announcements: + + Community Christmas Craft and Bake Sale on Saturday + + Volunteers needed for setup, takedown, and cleanup + + Baking donations needed for a church table +• Women's Ministry event on November 29th +• Mexico mission trip updates: sign-up deadline and revised trip dates (March 15-24) +• Meeting directly after service on November 19 to finalize trip numbers +• Requirement for Safe Ministries training due to added session on November 19 +• Youth Coffee being hosted at John and Fran Skipper's house after worship +• Call to worship from 1 Peter 1, verse 3 to begin morning service +• General announcements and greetings before the start of worship +• Invocation of joy in the Church of Christ +• Praise and worship to God as a Christian's source of strength +• Freedom from slavery to sin, greed, immorality, gluttony, pride, and fear +• Emphasis on being a child of God and heir to His kingdom +• Overcoming fears through faith and love in God +• Personal testimony of experiencing redemption and salvation +• Worship music and prayer +• Donation for Wellspring UBCO Chaplain +• Testimony of personal faith and devotion to God +• Children's worship time and study of the story of Joseph +• Discussion of characteristics associated with Joseph's story +• Call to children to come up front during service +• Discussion about Joseph's life and experiences +• Analogy of an apple to illustrate God's presence in adversity +• Main topic: God helps us forgive those who have hurt us +• Prayer and thanksgiving from Paul, the elder +• Intercessory prayer for various individuals and needs within the church family +• Prayers for individuals and groups in need of healing and strength +• Request for guidance and presence of God's Spirit in leaders and church members +• Call to be Christ's light to the world, especially through special events at Emmanuel Church +• Prayer for volunteers to fill needed spots +• Reflection on baptismal identity as disciples of Christ and calling to reflect Jesus' love to the world +• Discussion of taking on Jesus' yoke in the workplace, which is a symbol of following Christ and being light in a dark world +• Discussing the concept of hard work and doing things the right way +• Comparing drumming to a vocational example of doing things the right way +• Jesus' teaching on true rest and living life as God intended +• The idea that doing things the right way can be difficult but is made easy with God's comfort and equipping +• A reading from Matthew 11:25-16 +• The speaker discusses a passage from Matthew about Jesus' message of rest and burden +• Four questions are raised to reflect on the passage: who is Jesus talking about as wise and learned, who are the little children, what does it mean for Jesus to claim this passage, and how can wearing Jesus' yoke be easy in our lives? +• The context of the immediate passage shows Jesus speaking judgment against unrepentant cities before praising the Father +• Jesus gives thanks that the Father did not reveal the kingdom to the wise and learned, leading to a reflection on who the wise and learned are. +• Jesus' teaching on God's kingdom is not about excluding smart people, but rather about the Father's heart for the lowly and oppressed. +• The biblical theme of humbling the proud and exalting the humble is a common thread throughout both Testaments. +• Jesus is speaking against pride and arrogance, whether it comes from relying on one's own wisdom and strength or assuming that spiritual knowledge makes one privileged. +• Many Christians have historically set up hierarchies of jobs, thinking that only certain roles make someone holier or better. +• Jesus' teaching in this passage is a warning against the Pharisees and religious elites who thought they were superior. +• The pride of being close to God is opposed by God +• All work and vocations can reflect God's goodness and kingdom +• Jesus speaks against pride in his teachings, including the Sermon on the Mount +• Pride is often accompanied by self-importance and feeling superior to others +• Those who feel their spiritual superiority are rebuked by Jesus' Father, but those who humbly acknowledge their sin and need for help find open arms +• The "little children" referred to by Jesus are those who are humble and in need of a Savior, as opposed to the crowd that seeks only what they want to hear from Jesus. +• Jesus teaches about humility and dependence on God +• The kingdom of heaven is revealed to those who are humble and poor in spirit +• Jesus claims to be God, stating that He and the Father are one +• This message challenges the monotheistic Jewish understanding of a single God +• Scripture from both the Old Testament and New Testament supports this concept +• The crowd had the right to stone Jesus if his claim of being the Son of God was not true +• The call to faith is accepting and confessing that Jesus is Lord and Savior +• Believing in Jesus as Lord and Savior has huge implications for one's life, including surrendering one's life to him +• Christians believe that everything rests in Christ's hands +• Paul's letter to the Colossians emphasizes that all things were created through and for Jesus +• Salvation comes through the death and resurrection of Jesus, not by human strength or wisdom +• It is a gift from God, received through faith +• The speaker discusses baptismal identity and salvation as a gift from God +• Paul's writings in Ephesians are referenced, particularly his statement that we are saved through faith +• Jesus' yoke is discussed as being easy and light, but it is acknowledged that following Christ can be challenging +• The answer to how Jesus' yoke is easy is said to be taking on His yoke, rather than trying to strengthen one's own burdens +• The invitation from Jesus is to take on His yoke, which He says will bring ease and lightness, not the person's own efforts or strengths +• Jesus uses a yoke as an image to teach obedience and learning from him +• Obedience to his teachings leads to real rest and Sabbath +• The search for rest is a fundamental human desire, but true rest can only be found through following Jesus +• Jesus invites those who are weary and burdened to put on his yoke and follow him +• He offers refreshment and equipment for carrying future burdens to those who feel guilty and inadequate +• The image of a yoke in Jesus' teaching represents working together with him +• Jesus invites believers to walk with him step by step, leading to real life and flourishing +• Believers are called to take on the yoke of Christ, not the burdens of their workplace +• Even in toxic or broken workplaces, believers can find hope and light through Jesus +• With the Spirit's equipping and presence, believers can be a shining example of God's love in their work environments +• God's sovereignty and sufficiency +• The yoke of discipleship and being a light to the world +• Humility and dependence on God +• The Holy Spirit's guidance and equipping +• Living out one's faith as a disciple of Christ +• Prayer for God's presence, blessing, and mercy +• Encouragement to lay down burdens and shame +• Invitation to come as you are, without condition +• Assurance that heaven can heal all earthly sorrows +• Call to lift up one's face and acknowledge hope +• Declaration of God's love and faithfulness +• Expression of trust in God's guidance and strength +• Celebration of God's goodness and mercy +• Faithfulness through the ages +• Guidance in every moment +• Help coming to a person +• Appreciation for honesty in difficult times +• Repeated expression of gratitude \ No newline at end of file diff --git a/Sunday Worship, November 3, 2024_transcript.txt b/Sunday Worship, November 3, 2024_transcript.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000000000000000000000000000000000000..f245081cec290de578a7154b87635b685765d626 --- /dev/null +++ b/Sunday Worship, November 3, 2024_transcript.txt @@ -0,0 +1,1783 @@ +[0.00 --> 29.98] Thank you. +[30.00 --> 59.98] Thank you. +[60.00 --> 89.98] Thank you. +[90.00 --> 119.98] Thank you. +[120.00 --> 122.00] Thank you. +[150.00 --> 152.00] Thank you. +[180.00 --> 182.00] Thank you. +[210.00 --> 212.00] Thank you. +[240.00 --> 242.00] Thank you. +[242.00 --> 244.00] Thank you. +[244.00 --> 246.00] Thank you. +[274.00 --> 276.00] Thank you. +[304.64 --> 306.00] Thank you. +[306.00 --> 308.00] Thank you. +[308.00 --> 316.00] Holy, holy is the Lord. +[316.00 --> 323.00] Holy, holy is the Lord. +[323.00 --> 329.00] Holy, holy is the Lord. +[338.00 --> 345.00] Good morning. +[345.00 --> 348.00] Good morning. +[348.00 --> 352.00] I realize everyone's kind of making their way in yet, and that's great. +[352.00 --> 356.00] I want to just take a moment and welcome you to worship here at Emanuel Church. +[356.00 --> 361.00] My name is Chris. I'm one of the pastors here at Emanuel. +[361.00 --> 366.00] And this week, actually, this is the last time you'll see me for the rest of the service. +[366.00 --> 368.00] Well, I'll be sitting right over there, so if you look there, I'll be there. +[368.00 --> 373.00] But we have the privilege this morning of welcoming Jonathan Wang to the pulpit. +[373.00 --> 381.00] He is one of the pastors at Hope Community Church, a sister Christian reform church out in Clayton Heights. +[381.00 --> 387.00] And so we're really privileged to have Jonathan here with us this morning and leading us. +[387.00 --> 390.00] Before we begin our worship together, we've got a bunch of announcements. +[390.00 --> 394.00] And so I'm going to invite Leanne and Brandon to make their way up here +[394.00 --> 397.00] because they're going to have announcements for us. +[397.00 --> 403.00] And as they're making their way up here, let me say one announcement. +[403.00 --> 408.00] This is from my mother, so I'm going to read it to make sure I get it right. +[408.00 --> 415.00] So this week, before the craft and bake sale, where 35 vendors are going to be selling their products +[415.00 --> 420.00] and raising funds for the Mexico mission trip, the refugee fund, and some kitchen updates, +[420.00 --> 425.00] in order to make that day successful, which is on this coming Saturday, they need some help. +[425.00 --> 429.00] And that's going to be helping with setup and takedown. +[429.00 --> 436.00] And so on Wednesday night at 7 p.m., they need a team to take the chairs out of the sanctuary. +[436.00 --> 441.00] And on Saturday at 5.30 p.m., we need a team to put the chairs back. +[441.00 --> 444.00] I'm going to keep doing this. +[444.00 --> 450.00] If you're available for either of those dates or to clean up generally at 4.30 on Saturday, +[450.00 --> 452.00] that would be greatly appreciated. +[452.00 --> 456.00] If you're able to help out, please contact Rob Alkema, who's not here this morning. +[456.00 --> 460.00] But if you need to know details of that, you can just grab me after service. +[460.00 --> 465.00] We are excited to open our doors to the community, and we invite all of you to spread the word +[465.00 --> 467.00] and to be part of this day. +[467.00 --> 474.00] We hope to see you here on Saturday at the Community Christmas Craft and Bake Sale. +[474.00 --> 477.00] I think that's the official title. +[477.00 --> 482.00] And then we're also looking to add some baking to a church table. +[482.00 --> 486.00] And so if you're able to do some baking or provide something in that regard, +[486.00 --> 492.00] please connect with Miriam De Winter or Pastor Kevin, and they'll figure that out together. +[492.00 --> 494.00] I think that's it. +[494.00 --> 495.00] Mom is online. +[495.00 --> 497.00] She can text me if I missed something. +[497.00 --> 499.00] Leanne, why don't we go to you? +[499.00 --> 502.00] So I'm making an announcement for the Women's Ministry. +[502.00 --> 507.00] We're going to be doing our Women's Christmas event, November 29th, here at the church. +[507.00 --> 512.00] The sign-up sheets are linked in the midweek memo, but you can also see myself, +[512.00 --> 517.00] and I'm not sure which other member of the committee, but we'll be at the back table to help if you need sign-up, +[517.00 --> 519.00] just with a good old-fashioned pen and paper. +[519.00 --> 523.00] There are two sign-up sheets, one to attend, and please bring your friends and your neighbours with you. +[523.00 --> 527.00] And there's also a sign-up sheet if you'd like to decorate a table. +[527.00 --> 531.00] Food is really important at these events, so we do ask that you bring a hot food, +[531.00 --> 534.00] dish or dessert to share with the group. +[534.00 --> 537.00] And men, we don't want you to feel left out entirely from the ladies' event. +[537.00 --> 542.00] So there's also a sign-up at the back if you'd like to come at the end of the evening to help us reset the sanctuary. +[542.00 --> 546.00] There may or may not be food left over for you, depending on the ladies. +[546.00 --> 548.00] Thanks. +[548.00 --> 555.00] All right, so we got an announcement for... +[555.00 --> 559.00] She wanted to say it, but... +[559.00 --> 562.00] Mexico, this will be the final announcement for sign-up. +[562.00 --> 564.00] Sign-up is going to be due today. +[564.00 --> 568.00] We have paper copies back there, electronic copies online. +[568.00 --> 571.00] We also have an update in terms of trip dates. +[571.00 --> 574.00] God opened some doors and kind of made the decision for us. +[574.00 --> 580.00] So the trip dates will be March 15 to the 24th, 25th, depending on flight prices. +[580.00 --> 583.00] We will be staying at Connections for the entire time now. +[583.00 --> 586.00] Another youth pastor's mistake opened the doors for us. +[586.00 --> 588.00] So thankfully for that. +[588.00 --> 590.00] Unfortunate for that church, I guess. +[590.00 --> 593.00] But we do have a place to stay now, so those will be the dates. +[593.00 --> 597.00] We are going to also just have a meeting directly after the service. +[597.00 --> 600.00] Let's say like 50 minutes after the service ends or noon or whatever. +[600.00 --> 601.00] Just in the multimedia room. +[601.00 --> 604.00] Just, I would like to get numbers of who's coming on the trip. +[604.00 --> 606.00] I need that finalized today because I've got to book vans. +[606.00 --> 608.00] And I've got to book some other stuff. +[608.00 --> 611.00] So even if you have not filled out the form like you were supposed to... +[611.00 --> 613.00] Oh, good morning. +[613.00 --> 615.00] Just call you out. +[615.00 --> 617.00] Come to that meeting. +[617.00 --> 620.00] That way I can get those finalized numbers and figure that out. +[620.00 --> 623.00] That's adults, youth, anybody who's coming. +[623.00 --> 625.00] Parents, if you want to come just to hear about it too. +[625.00 --> 627.00] We'll just do like a five, ten minute meeting. +[627.00 --> 630.00] Go over the schedule for the rest of the year and what we're kind of doing. +[630.00 --> 631.00] So yeah. +[631.00 --> 633.00] Thank you very much. +[638.00 --> 640.00] Okay. +[640.00 --> 644.00] Also, I want to make this announcement. +[644.00 --> 645.00] And this one's from my wife. +[645.00 --> 648.00] So I'm also going to read it to make sure that I get it correct. +[648.00 --> 655.00] The Safe Ministries team has added a third night for training on Tuesday, November 19. +[655.00 --> 665.00] And so if you haven't completed the Safe Ministries training, the abuse recognition and prevention training, you will hear from Rachel in this coming week to confirm your attendance. +[665.00 --> 672.00] Please note that this training is required for anyone working with vulnerable populations or children under 19. +[672.00 --> 676.00] So this includes worship team members and ushers. +[676.00 --> 683.00] Council members, we will receive a special and separate training sometime in the near-ish future. +[683.00 --> 695.00] And for Safe Ministries team, if you have completed the forms that were handed out to you, please don't forget to return those to the mailbox out by the church office there. +[695.00 --> 704.00] Lastly, after worship this morning is Youth Coffee being hosted at John and Fran Skipper's house. +[704.00 --> 705.00] John and Fran, hands up. +[705.00 --> 709.00] If you have questions on how to get there, you can talk to them or any of the youth leaders have the address. +[709.00 --> 711.00] They can get you there. +[711.00 --> 714.00] I think that's all the announcements. +[714.00 --> 716.00] Ken, am I wrong? +[716.00 --> 718.00] You're all-knowing. +[718.00 --> 722.00] That was an inside joke. +[722.00 --> 723.00] Sorry, that was unfair. +[723.00 --> 729.00] Let's stand up together as we are welcomed by God into worship this morning. +[729.00 --> 739.00] I'm going to extend to you God's greeting and then I invite you to turn to those around you and continue extending that greeting by saying, +[739.00 --> 744.00] May the peace of Christ be with you or the Lord be with you in our worship together. +[744.00 --> 746.00] Receive the greeting of our God. +[746.00 --> 757.00] Grace, mercy, and peace to you from God our Father, from the Lord Jesus Christ, Son, and our Savior, through the presence and power of the Holy Spirit. +[757.00 --> 758.00] Amen. +[769.00 --> 771.00] Please join us for today'sigration. +[771.00 --> 773.00] Good to see you again. +[773.00 --> 774.00] We'reeremying. +[774.00 --> 776.00] What are we bringing? +[781.00 --> 782.00] Congratulations, everybody. +[784.00 --> 785.00] Yeah, . +[785.00 --> 787.00] Rose, Rose, Children, Tarantula, whoasly, Longhift! +[788.00 --> 790.00] Amen. +[790.00 --> 795.00] I know COVID-19 has made youqi and Interestinglyfpsy . +[795.00 --> 801.18] We invite you to worship with us this morning +[801.18 --> 804.34] through our call to worship from 1 Peter 1, verse 3. +[804.96 --> 808.26] Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. +[808.78 --> 811.42] In his great mercy, he has given us new birth +[811.42 --> 813.50] into a living hope through the resurrection +[813.50 --> 815.34] of Jesus Christ from the dead. +[825.00 --> 827.00] Amen. +[835.00 --> 844.38] Come, people of the risen King, who delight to bring Him praise. +[844.66 --> 853.00] Come all into your hearts to sing to the morning star of grace. +[853.00 --> 862.00] From the shifting shadows of the earth, we will lift our eyes to Him. +[863.36 --> 871.00] Where steady arms of mercy reach to never children in. +[873.24 --> 881.00] Rejoice, rejoice, let every tongue rejoice. +[881.00 --> 886.28] One heart, one voice. +[886.56 --> 890.00] O Church of Christ, rejoice. +[890.00 --> 906.00] Come on those who destroy His morning sun and those weeping through the night. +[906.00 --> 916.16] Come on those who tell of battles won and O Rolly in the fight. +[916.16 --> 921.28] For His perfect love will never change. +[921.72 --> 925.16] And His mercies never cease. +[925.16 --> 930.72] But follow us through all our days. +[930.72 --> 934.16] The surge in hope of He. +[934.16 --> 943.72] Rejoice, rejoice, let every tongue rejoice. +[943.72 --> 948.72] One heart, one voice. +[949.28 --> 952.72] O Church of Christ, rejoice. +[952.72 --> 973.72] O Church of Christ, O Church of poor, let every tongue see the blood will grow. +[973.72 --> 979.20] Empty hands find the riches of His grace. +[979.20 --> 984.12] Over all the world His people see, +[984.40 --> 988.44] Shore to shore we hear them call. +[988.84 --> 993.56] The truth that rhymes through every inch, +[993.72 --> 997.64] Our God is all in all. +[999.28 --> 1002.48] Rejoice, rejoice, +[1002.48 --> 1006.48] Let every tongue rejoice, +[1007.48 --> 1011.60] One heart, one voice, +[1012.08 --> 1015.58] O Church of Christ, rejoice. +[1017.32 --> 1020.74] Rejoice, rejoice, +[1021.22 --> 1024.48] Let every tongue rejoice, +[1025.80 --> 1029.48] One heart, one voice, +[1029.48 --> 1033.48] O Church of Christ, rejoice. +[1033.64 --> 1035.34] A Bang &ası Herz, +[1035.34 --> 1037.88] A Bang & Federatic Nationalhym Emiниle, +[1038.16 --> 1038.66] A Bang &ếle Jattformine, +[1038.78 --> 1052.20] A Bang & eloineゆ +[1052.20 --> 1052.70] Think of theurn faith, +[1052.70 --> 1079.62] O God, you are my God, and I will ever praise you. +[1079.62 --> 1089.30] O God, you are my God, and I will ever praise you. +[1089.94 --> 1099.76] I will seek you in the morning, and I will learn to walk in your ways. +[1099.76 --> 1108.76] And step by step you'll lead me, and I will follow you all of my days. +[1109.62 --> 1121.62] O God, you are my God, and I will ever praise you. +[1121.62 --> 1131.00] O God, you are my God, and I will ever praise you. +[1131.62 --> 1140.62] I will seek you in the morning, and I will learn to walk in your ways. +[1140.62 --> 1150.62] And step by step you'll lead me, and I will follow you all of my days. +[1150.62 --> 1180.60] O God, you are my God. +[1180.60 --> 1182.18] What is God's first? +[1182.60 --> 1185.40] Some days it may have been even hard to tell that I'm a Christian. +[1185.40 --> 1190.60] O God, you will hear me today. +[1190.60 --> 1193.54] because he wants you to be assured by his spirit. +[1194.48 --> 1195.28] Hear this truth. +[1196.04 --> 1198.88] You are no longer a slave, but God's child. +[1199.28 --> 1202.22] And since you are his child, God has made you his heir. +[1203.06 --> 1204.86] You are no longer a slave to sin. +[1205.34 --> 1208.42] You are no longer a slave to greed or sexual immorality. +[1209.00 --> 1211.96] You are no longer a slave to gluttony or to pride. +[1212.56 --> 1214.36] You are no longer a slave to peer. +[1214.70 --> 1216.60] You are a child of God. +[1220.60 --> 1250.58] You are no longer a slave to sin. +[1250.60 --> 1258.60] With a melody, you surround me with a song. +[1259.96 --> 1264.60] A deliverance from my enemies. +[1266.00 --> 1270.54] Till all my fears are gone. +[1270.54 --> 1276.54] I am no longer a slave to fear. +[1276.54 --> 1282.98] I am a child of God. +[1282.98 --> 1288.98] I am no longer a slave to fear. +[1288.98 --> 1294.98] I am a child of God. +[1294.98 --> 1300.98] I am no longer a slave to sin. +[1300.98 --> 1302.98] I am no longer a slave to sin. +[1302.98 --> 1304.98] I am no longer a slave to sin. +[1304.98 --> 1306.98] I am no longer a slave to sin. +[1306.98 --> 1308.98] I am no longer a slave to sin. +[1308.98 --> 1310.98] I am no longer a slave to sin. +[1310.98 --> 1316.98] I am no longer a slave to sin. +[1316.98 --> 1318.98] I am no longer a slave to sin. +[1318.98 --> 1320.98] I am no longer a slave to sin. +[1320.98 --> 1321.98] I am no longer a slave to sin. +[1321.98 --> 1328.98] I am no longer a slave to sin. +[1328.98 --> 1330.98] I am no longer a slave to sin. +[1330.98 --> 1344.98] I am a child of God. I'm no longer a slave to fear. +[1344.98 --> 1356.98] I am a child of God. I'm no longer a slave to fear. +[1356.98 --> 1368.98] I am a child of God. I'm no longer a slave to fear. +[1368.98 --> 1374.98] I am a child of God. +[1384.98 --> 1395.98] Swift the sea so I could walk right through it. My fears were drowned in perfect love. +[1395.98 --> 1406.98] You rescued me so I could stand and sing. I am a child of God. +[1407.98 --> 1418.98] You split the sea so I could walk right through it. My fears were drowned in perfect love. +[1418.98 --> 1430.98] You rescued me so I could stand and sing. I am a child of God. I am a child of God. +[1430.98 --> 1442.98] I am a child of God. I am a child of God. +[1442.98 --> 1457.98] I am a child of God. I am a child of God. +[1457.98 --> 1469.98] I am a child of God. +[1469.98 --> 1481.98] I am a child of God. I am a child of God. +[1481.98 --> 1504.04] For the days that God has numbered, I was made to walk with Him. +[1504.04 --> 1513.04] Yet I look for worldly treasure, and forsake the King of kings. +[1513.38 --> 1522.00] But my new soul is my Redeemer, though I'm warm, His love is sure. +[1522.52 --> 1530.92] For Christ has made for every failing, I am His forevermore. +[1534.04 --> 1536.04] Amen. +[1564.04 --> 1594.04] +[1594.04 --> 1624.04] +[1624.04 --> 1632.76] Namaste, I pray that I have learned from His Η scholar in Thine's 1860s. +[1632.76 --> 1636.04] For the days that I have been with him, For the v Lynn's 216-6 Ilsibliano. +[1636.04 --> 1638.04] Amen. +[1638.22 --> 1639.04] Amen. +[1639.04 --> 1641.04] Amen. +[1641.04 --> 1642.04] Amen. +[1642.04 --> 1644.62] Amen. +[1644.62 --> 1651.34] Rejoice now, O my soul. +[1655.92 --> 1660.78] Rejoice now, O my soul. +[1661.24 --> 1665.12] For His love is my reward. +[1665.12 --> 1669.56] Fear is gone and hope is sure. +[1669.84 --> 1673.94] Christ is mine forevermore. +[1673.94 --> 1678.30] Rejoice now, O my soul. +[1678.78 --> 1682.66] For His love is my reward. +[1683.16 --> 1686.74] Fear is gone and hope is sure. +[1687.48 --> 1691.06] Christ is mine forevermore. +[1691.06 --> 1695.86] Rejoice now, O my soul. +[1696.12 --> 1700.06] For His love is my reward. +[1700.06 --> 1704.30] Fear is gone and hope is sure. +[1704.30 --> 1709.30] Christ is mine forevermore. +[1710.64 --> 1715.44] And mine are keys to Zion City. +[1715.90 --> 1719.60] Where beside the King I walk. +[1719.98 --> 1724.16] For there my heart has found its treasure. +[1724.16 --> 1728.16] Christ is mine forevermore. +[1728.16 --> 1733.38] Christ is mine forevermore. +[1733.38 --> 1738.38] Christ is mine forevermore. +[1738.38 --> 1739.98] For of you alone. +[1739.98 --> 1741.90] Lord,roеб... +[1742.08 --> 1742.10] Now... +[1742.52 --> 1742.98] Now... +[1742.98 --> 1744.38] For of years... +[1744.38 --> 1745.10] Lord,ro... +[1745.10 --> 1745.58] Let me go deeper. +[1745.58 --> 1746.22] For ... +[1746.78 --> 1747.48] For of you, O my soul. +[1747.48 --> 1748.30] Now... +[1748.30 --> 1778.28] Thank you. +[1778.30 --> 1808.28] Thank you. +[1808.30 --> 1810.30] Thank you. +[1838.30 --> 1850.30] And my cup it overflows with joy, I feast on His pure delight. +[1850.30 --> 1855.30] And I will trust in you alone. +[1856.30 --> 1861.30] And I will trust in you alone. +[1861.30 --> 1868.30] For your endless mercy follows me. +[1868.30 --> 1873.30] Your goodness will lead me home. +[1873.30 --> 1888.30] And though I walk the darkest path, I will not fear the evil one. +[1888.30 --> 1900.30] For you are with me and your rod and staff are the comfort I need to know. +[1900.30 --> 1905.30] And I will trust in you alone. +[1905.30 --> 1911.30] And I will trust in you alone. +[1911.30 --> 1918.30] For your endless mercy follows me. +[1918.30 --> 1923.30] Your goodness will lead me home. +[1923.30 --> 1929.30] And I will trust in you alone. +[1929.30 --> 1935.30] And I will trust in you alone. +[1935.30 --> 1942.30] For your endless mercy follows me. +[1942.30 --> 1947.30] Your goodness will lead me home. +[1947.30 --> 1968.30] And I will trust in you alone. +[1968.30 --> 1969.30] Good morning. +[1969.30 --> 1970.30] My name is Yap. +[1970.30 --> 1972.30] I am a deacon here at Langley Emanuel. +[1972.30 --> 1977.30] This morning's offering will be for Wellspring UBCO Chaplain. +[1977.30 --> 1979.30] Please give as you are able to. +[1979.30 --> 1980.30] Thank you. +[1980.30 --> 1981.30] Thank you. +[1981.30 --> 1982.30] Thank you. +[1982.30 --> 1987.30] Thank you. +[1987.30 --> 1992.30] Thank you. +[1992.30 --> 1997.30] Thank you. +[1997.30 --> 2002.30] Thank you. +[2002.30 --> 2004.30] Thank you. +[2004.30 --> 2027.30] And to my大 вас standing left c's and three bквies once again. +[2027.30 --> 2030.30] And to my new creation. +[2030.30 --> 2038.54] My life now yielded to my King +[2038.54 --> 2043.04] My will to Him surrender +[2043.04 --> 2049.80] I'm broken open at Your feet +[2049.80 --> 2054.32] Your presence is a treasure +[2054.32 --> 2059.92] It's You alone I treasure +[2059.92 --> 2068.92] Holy, worthy +[2068.92 --> 2075.92] You have no end +[2076.46 --> 2081.92] Holy, worthy +[2081.92 --> 2088.92] Please sing Amen +[2088.92 --> 2090.92] Amen +[2090.92 --> 2098.92] Let every knee on earth can flow +[2098.92 --> 2104.92] And join the host of heaven +[2104.92 --> 2110.92] To Him who sits upon the throne +[2110.92 --> 2115.92] Give praise and adoration +[2115.92 --> 2121.92] The days of hell are overgrown +[2121.92 --> 2126.92] The yoke of slavery shatter +[2126.92 --> 2132.92] For Christ our King He reigns alone +[2132.92 --> 2137.92] Now and forever after +[2137.92 --> 2143.92] Now and forever after +[2143.92 --> 2151.92] Holy, worthy +[2151.92 --> 2158.92] You have no end +[2158.92 --> 2164.92] Holy, worthy +[2164.92 --> 2170.92] We sing Amen +[2170.92 --> 2171.92] Amen +[2171.92 --> 2177.92] Holy, worthy +[2177.92 --> 2182.92] You have no end +[2182.92 --> 2183.92] Holy, worthy +[2183.92 --> 2198.92] We sing Amen +[2198.92 --> 2200.92] Amen +[2200.92 --> 2209.92] The center of all history +[2209.92 --> 2215.92] Your cross and resurrection +[2215.92 --> 2234.92] Good morning everybody +[2234.92 --> 2243.92] Good morning everybody +[2243.92 --> 2245.92] It looks like a lot of the kids have come up +[2245.92 --> 2247.92] But if there's anybody else who would like to come up +[2247.92 --> 2249.92] From preschool to grade four +[2249.92 --> 2251.92] Come on up +[2251.92 --> 2258.92] Okay this morning +[2258.92 --> 2264.92] What have we been studying the last number of weeks in children's worship time? +[2264.92 --> 2265.92] Just shout it out +[2265.92 --> 2266.92] Joseph +[2266.92 --> 2269.92] Can you guys tell me some of the characteristics? +[2269.92 --> 2272.92] This is going to be like a little quiz almost +[2272.92 --> 2274.92] What is one of the weeks that we studied? +[2274.92 --> 2275.92] What we studied? +[2285.92 --> 2289.92] Yep, Joseph getting his rainbow coat and his brothers took it from him +[2289.92 --> 2290.92] Yep +[2296.92 --> 2299.92] Yep, Joseph interpreting the dreams +[2299.92 --> 2301.92] Yep, anybody else? +[2301.92 --> 2306.92] Mm-hmm +[2306.92 --> 2311.92] So we talked about Joseph's two dreams +[2311.92 --> 2315.92] When he gives us a dream we will see through +[2315.92 --> 2319.92] And then we also talked about his jacket taken away +[2319.92 --> 2321.92] And another time we talked about Joseph +[2321.92 --> 2324.92] I know last week we talked about him being in prison +[2324.92 --> 2327.92] So basically we have been going through Joseph's life +[2327.92 --> 2331.92] And I found on when I was looking stuff up +[2331.92 --> 2333.92] I found on the internet +[2333.92 --> 2335.92] Where it says +[2335.92 --> 2338.92] Talking about Joseph's like like an apple +[2338.92 --> 2341.92] So with an apple think about what we do with an apple +[2341.92 --> 2343.92] With an apple we drop apples +[2343.92 --> 2345.92] We peel apples +[2345.92 --> 2346.92] We kick apples +[2346.92 --> 2347.92] Just a second Mateo +[2347.92 --> 2349.92] And we cut them into pieces +[2349.92 --> 2352.92] So when Joseph looks back on his life +[2352.92 --> 2354.92] He sees God through everything +[2354.92 --> 2356.92] Because all those things +[2356.92 --> 2357.92] Where you drop it +[2357.92 --> 2358.92] You get a bruise +[2358.92 --> 2359.92] You peel it +[2359.92 --> 2360.92] There could be a bruise +[2360.92 --> 2362.92] Or the peels aren't so good +[2362.92 --> 2363.92] When you kick it +[2363.92 --> 2364.92] You can feel hurt +[2364.92 --> 2366.92] And then you cut it into pieces +[2366.92 --> 2367.92] To put it in a pie +[2367.92 --> 2369.92] Well through all of that +[2369.92 --> 2370.92] Eventually +[2370.92 --> 2372.92] Joseph sees God +[2372.92 --> 2373.92] Used in all this way +[2373.92 --> 2375.92] When we make applesauce +[2375.92 --> 2378.92] Because we put everything into applesauce +[2378.92 --> 2381.92] And he puts every part of us +[2381.92 --> 2383.92] God is with us +[2383.92 --> 2384.92] Protecting us +[2384.92 --> 2386.92] So today what we're going to learn about +[2386.92 --> 2387.92] Is we're going to learn about +[2387.92 --> 2389.92] Joseph the ruler +[2389.92 --> 2393.92] As he is the ruler of Egypt +[2393.92 --> 2395.92] And our big idea today is +[2395.92 --> 2397.92] God helps us forgive those who have hurt us +[2397.92 --> 2399.92] So think about that +[2399.92 --> 2400.92] Because I'm going to ask you a question +[2400.92 --> 2401.92] In children's worship time +[2401.92 --> 2403.92] On how we feel +[2403.92 --> 2405.92] When someone has hurt us +[2405.92 --> 2407.92] Or we have an argument +[2407.92 --> 2408.92] Okay +[2408.92 --> 2409.92] Can everybody stand up? +[2409.92 --> 2414.92] And look at the congregation +[2414.92 --> 2415.92] Or your parents +[2415.92 --> 2417.92] Okay +[2417.92 --> 2419.92] One, two, three +[2419.92 --> 2420.92] Here we go +[2420.92 --> 2422.92] The Lord be with us +[2422.92 --> 2424.92] Also with you +[2437.92 --> 2438.92] To join us +[2438.92 --> 2439.92] Our church family +[2439.92 --> 2449.92] Thank you +[2449.92 --> 2451.92] Hi, my name's Paul and I'm an elder here +[2451.92 --> 2466.92] And I'd invite you to join me as I pray for this church family +[2466.92 --> 2481.22] Gracious Heavenly Father, you are our sovereign God who created all things for your pleasure +[2481.22 --> 2485.86] and who gives us all life and breath and every good thing. +[2485.86 --> 2491.30] Thank you for the world you created in which we live, Lord. +[2491.98 --> 2495.08] We have the privilege to live in this beautiful place. +[2495.08 --> 2501.92] We only have to look around us to see your handiwork. +[2501.92 --> 2508.76] We give thanks for all of this world in its immense beauty beyond our knowing. +[2508.76 --> 2516.78] You know it and you know us and you make yourself known through the creation we see around us. +[2516.78 --> 2522.18] We thank you for the abundance of the gifts you give us. +[2522.18 --> 2527.82] We thank you for the sun and the rains that allow the land to flourish. +[2527.82 --> 2534.86] Your blessings are poured out on each and every one of us regardless of what we do and how we live our lives. +[2534.86 --> 2543.54] We thank you also in times of disappointments and failures that lead us to acknowledge our dependence on you alone. +[2543.54 --> 2551.88] We especially thank you for your saving grace that you've shown us through your son, Jesus Christ. +[2551.88 --> 2560.58] Open our hearts so that we allow your spirit to lead us so that we may walk in your ways. +[2560.58 --> 2566.92] With your spirit, help us to pray because we don't know how to pray as we should. +[2568.04 --> 2573.60] We ask that you intercede for us with sighs too deep for words. +[2573.60 --> 2582.54] Father, we give you thanks for bringing us together as a church. +[2582.54 --> 2588.28] We pray that you will bless us in our worship, bless us in our fellowship. +[2588.28 --> 2594.76] We give you thanks for this place to meet that has been provided for us. +[2594.76 --> 2603.86] We thank you, O God, for Christ's church as we know it and see it throughout the world and pray for your blessings on it. +[2604.92 --> 2610.12] We ask that you would be with those that are persecuted for your namesake. +[2612.34 --> 2617.10] Thank you for your mercy and grace, for always being there when we need you. +[2617.10 --> 2623.88] When the days are long and our troubles heavy, you are there to walk beside us. +[2625.18 --> 2631.78] We've all come with individual and personal needs, needs that may not have been shared with anyone else. +[2632.84 --> 2636.38] But you know us and the struggles and the burdens we're facing. +[2639.58 --> 2645.24] We're grateful that Judy Verstegg's surgery went well and that she is able to go home. +[2645.24 --> 2650.44] We pray for patience and continued healing for Judy. +[2653.00 --> 2660.68] We praise you, God, for the quick healing of Louise's face after her Bell's palsy diagnosis. +[2662.68 --> 2666.64] We continue to pray for Ashley as she is continuing chemo treatment. +[2667.64 --> 2672.32] We pray for Ashley, her husband, and her kids as they navigate this journey. +[2672.32 --> 2675.82] We ask for strength and complete healing. +[2678.66 --> 2683.40] We remember the shut-ins and those that cannot physically join us each Sunday. +[2684.12 --> 2689.62] We pray that they can feel God's presence in their lives and the sense of community from a distance. +[2692.00 --> 2695.72] We pray for all our leaders, both locally and around the world. +[2695.72 --> 2700.74] We pray that above all, they will be guided by your spirit. +[2701.88 --> 2706.76] We pray that your hand be present in the ongoing conflicts around the world. +[2709.40 --> 2714.30] We pray that through all the special events that are happening at Emmanuel over the next few weeks, +[2714.44 --> 2719.28] that our church family can be Christ's light to all those who attend. +[2719.28 --> 2723.50] And that we will fill all the volunteer spots needed. +[2724.54 --> 2729.38] We pray you will continue to bless all the ongoing ministries of this church. +[2731.88 --> 2735.92] As we hear your will for us this morning, +[2736.66 --> 2739.14] through the word preached by Pastor Jonathan, +[2740.62 --> 2742.44] bind us together in Christ. +[2742.44 --> 2745.94] Keep us focused on your purpose. +[2746.68 --> 2748.46] And fill us with the Holy Spirit. +[2749.78 --> 2752.98] We pray that we will grow in love and truth, +[2754.12 --> 2755.90] righteousness and peace, +[2756.34 --> 2757.64] hope and faith. +[2758.92 --> 2760.50] Help us to grow in Jesus, +[2760.70 --> 2763.64] that we may become more and more like him, +[2763.88 --> 2765.86] in character and soul. +[2767.54 --> 2770.60] Fulfill your will and purposes among us, +[2770.60 --> 2772.12] so that we can go out. +[2773.62 --> 2776.18] Your kingdom will advance through us, +[2776.34 --> 2778.92] and your holy name is glorified. +[2781.26 --> 2785.64] Who are we that we would share in your love and tender care, +[2785.90 --> 2788.06] raised to an exalted height, +[2788.72 --> 2791.48] and crowned with honor in your sight? +[2792.28 --> 2794.84] How great is your name. +[2794.84 --> 2798.36] We pray that you will come quickly, Lord, +[2798.46 --> 2801.28] and bring our redemption to completeness. +[2802.66 --> 2805.56] We pray all these things in your holy name. +[2806.26 --> 2806.62] Amen. +[2806.62 --> 2806.72] Amen. +[2820.72 --> 2822.34] Good morning. +[2822.34 --> 2826.06] I think you can hear me. +[2826.36 --> 2826.64] Yes? +[2828.76 --> 2832.54] It is a gift and a privilege to worship with you again, +[2832.74 --> 2834.08] and to bring you God's word. +[2835.02 --> 2837.56] And as Elder Paul just prayed for us, +[2838.02 --> 2842.38] for us to be Christ's light for the world is our calling, +[2842.98 --> 2844.72] our baptismal identity, +[2844.86 --> 2845.42] the salvation, +[2845.74 --> 2847.76] the gift that we receive from Christ, +[2848.30 --> 2851.08] is so that we reflect it for the world, +[2851.08 --> 2853.12] to be a blessing for the world. +[2853.28 --> 2855.98] That's what it means to be disciples of Christ. +[2856.16 --> 2856.44] Yes? +[2856.90 --> 2859.90] And we are all called to be disciples of Christ, +[2860.12 --> 2863.04] which means that we are called to walk step by step +[2863.04 --> 2865.84] with our Savior every day of our lives, +[2865.88 --> 2867.22] not just on Sunday mornings. +[2867.56 --> 2868.82] As a gift as it is, +[2869.08 --> 2872.34] it is to be here together as brothers and sisters in Christ, +[2872.74 --> 2876.22] we are also sent to be a light for the world. +[2876.22 --> 2878.76] And as I was preparing for today, +[2878.90 --> 2881.50] and what I wanted to share with Emmanuel here, +[2882.06 --> 2885.76] was maybe a focus on what it means to be a light, +[2886.00 --> 2887.34] yes, to be disciples, +[2887.84 --> 2889.60] but especially in our workplaces. +[2890.66 --> 2894.48] And what more appropriate image is there +[2894.48 --> 2896.68] for to be a blessing in a workplace +[2896.68 --> 2899.90] than to take on a work equipment, +[2900.80 --> 2903.02] the yoke of Christ, Jesus says. +[2903.02 --> 2904.88] Because when you think of it, +[2905.38 --> 2906.56] you could ask the question, +[2906.68 --> 2909.12] why did Jesus use a yoke image +[2909.12 --> 2913.48] to teach us what it means to be his followers? +[2914.20 --> 2916.16] And so that's what we want to look at, +[2916.38 --> 2918.44] to take on Jesus' yoke, +[2919.10 --> 2921.58] which is light and his burden is easy. +[2922.80 --> 2924.38] Does it always feel that way? +[2924.78 --> 2925.66] Not too sure, +[2925.78 --> 2928.84] but that's the wrestling that we get to do together +[2928.84 --> 2929.80] with God's word. +[2929.80 --> 2931.62] This is good news for us. +[2931.70 --> 2933.02] And I want to invite you +[2933.02 --> 2937.00] to receive Jesus' yoke as good news. +[2937.20 --> 2938.84] Not as an extra burden, +[2939.04 --> 2941.56] oh, it means that we have to do this as Christians, +[2941.68 --> 2942.56] we have to do that. +[2942.92 --> 2948.64] No, it is to be truly rested in Christ's presence. +[2948.88 --> 2950.46] That's what it means to take on his yoke. +[2950.68 --> 2952.20] And that is good news for us. +[2952.48 --> 2953.66] So with that in mind, +[2953.90 --> 2955.60] I would like for us to see +[2955.60 --> 2957.66] what an actual yoke looks like. +[2957.66 --> 2959.50] If we can see it on the screen, +[2959.64 --> 2960.22] there we go. +[2960.58 --> 2962.78] So, I mean, if you're not familiar with it, +[2962.88 --> 2964.58] obviously I didn't grow up on a farm, +[2964.74 --> 2967.20] and so I had to remind myself what a yoke is. +[2967.58 --> 2968.78] This will come up again. +[2968.90 --> 2971.30] So I invite you to keep this image in your head, +[2971.94 --> 2974.06] just this image of a yoke. +[2974.14 --> 2976.14] This is what a stereotypical yoke looks like. +[2976.78 --> 2979.58] And so when you think about work, +[2980.04 --> 2981.24] you know, in your workplaces +[2981.24 --> 2984.20] or whatever you think of when you think of work, +[2985.48 --> 2987.76] when you actually do the hard work, +[2987.88 --> 2989.90] the right way to do something, +[2989.96 --> 2991.06] instead of taking shortcuts, +[2991.84 --> 2993.70] can you try to think of the times +[2993.70 --> 2995.92] when it was so fulfilling to do that hard work? +[2996.68 --> 2996.84] Right? +[2996.92 --> 2998.32] Not taking shortcuts, right? +[2998.36 --> 3000.68] Doing the actual hard work of doing it the right way, +[3000.94 --> 3003.68] and how fulfilling it was afterwards. +[3004.52 --> 3004.76] You know? +[3005.46 --> 3007.12] I know this doesn't really count as work +[3007.12 --> 3010.10] because it's not necessarily what I do as a vocation, +[3010.48 --> 3011.66] but I grew up as a drummer. +[3012.30 --> 3013.64] I've drummed my whole, +[3013.90 --> 3015.04] I can't say whole life, +[3015.16 --> 3016.96] I've drummed more than half of my life, +[3016.98 --> 3017.48] I'll just say. +[3018.02 --> 3019.84] I've served on worship teams, +[3020.10 --> 3021.66] from my memory, +[3021.84 --> 3023.28] almost ever since I was youth, +[3023.52 --> 3025.52] I've never stopped until maybe adulthood. +[3026.24 --> 3026.78] But anyways, +[3027.34 --> 3029.36] when I recall the countless hours +[3029.36 --> 3030.98] that I tormented my family, +[3031.14 --> 3033.82] playing and practicing the drums in my home, +[3033.82 --> 3036.28] that's when I think of doing it the right way, +[3036.38 --> 3037.34] like doing hard work. +[3037.90 --> 3038.98] Like if you know the movie, +[3039.54 --> 3041.66] like think of me like that guy in Whiplash, +[3042.06 --> 3042.28] right? +[3042.34 --> 3043.94] Where he's just working on his craft, +[3044.10 --> 3045.48] like he's getting sweaty and bloody, +[3045.88 --> 3046.84] like in his hands I mean, +[3047.14 --> 3048.52] and he's just trying to work +[3048.52 --> 3050.70] so that he can hone his craft. +[3051.40 --> 3052.90] Now I didn't go to that extreme, +[3053.00 --> 3053.38] and again, +[3053.46 --> 3054.58] I'm not a professional drummer, +[3054.98 --> 3056.92] but instead of taking shortcuts +[3056.92 --> 3058.92] and just spinning sticks and showing off, +[3059.12 --> 3060.58] I did the hard work +[3060.58 --> 3062.74] and it was freeing and rewarding +[3062.74 --> 3065.36] when playing with the rest of the worship band. +[3066.40 --> 3068.10] And I think this is the sort of image +[3068.10 --> 3070.12] of what our passage that we're going to look at +[3070.12 --> 3071.26] is trying to teach us, +[3071.54 --> 3073.22] what Jesus is trying to teach us. +[3073.32 --> 3077.12] Because Jesus offers us the way to true rest, +[3077.88 --> 3079.52] which is true life, +[3079.64 --> 3081.94] to flourish and to live the way +[3081.94 --> 3084.56] God intended for us from the beginning. +[3084.98 --> 3087.26] It is hard work in some ways, +[3087.26 --> 3089.80] but it's the right way to live. +[3090.06 --> 3092.04] And Jesus offers the flourishing, +[3092.26 --> 3094.98] freeing gift of real life. +[3095.98 --> 3097.42] And I think that's the tough part +[3097.42 --> 3098.22] of the passage today. +[3098.74 --> 3099.96] It is hard work, +[3100.30 --> 3101.40] doing the right thing, +[3101.48 --> 3102.44] not taking shortcuts, +[3102.64 --> 3104.38] living with Jesus in the way of blessing. +[3104.64 --> 3106.70] It may not always feel easy +[3106.70 --> 3108.64] and light all the time, +[3109.12 --> 3110.66] especially, I suggest, +[3110.72 --> 3111.60] in our workplaces. +[3112.22 --> 3114.42] But this hard work is made easy +[3114.42 --> 3117.70] because it is the Lord of creation +[3117.70 --> 3119.16] who comforts, +[3119.52 --> 3120.42] and more importantly, +[3120.70 --> 3123.84] who equips us for this right way of living. +[3124.82 --> 3126.48] And so if you have your Bibles with you, +[3126.90 --> 3129.46] or if you can take a look on the screen, +[3129.86 --> 3131.10] we read from God's Word +[3131.10 --> 3132.56] from the Gospel of Matthew. +[3133.54 --> 3136.00] In chapter 11, we read from verse 25. +[3136.00 --> 3139.64] At that time, Jesus said, +[3139.64 --> 3141.06] I praise you, Father, +[3141.18 --> 3142.80] Lord of heaven and earth, +[3142.92 --> 3145.04] because you have hidden these things +[3145.04 --> 3146.16] from the wise and learned +[3146.16 --> 3148.28] and revealed them to little children. +[3149.08 --> 3149.70] Yes, Father, +[3149.84 --> 3151.96] for this is what you were pleased to do. +[3152.48 --> 3154.80] All things have been committed to me +[3154.80 --> 3155.94] by my Father. +[3156.32 --> 3158.68] No one knows the Son except the Father, +[3158.76 --> 3161.30] and no one knows the Father except the Son, +[3161.38 --> 3164.28] and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal Him. +[3164.84 --> 3166.18] So come to me, +[3166.36 --> 3168.54] all you who are weary and burdened, +[3168.54 --> 3170.24] and I will give you rest. +[3171.20 --> 3173.96] Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, +[3174.06 --> 3176.68] for I am gentle and humble in heart, +[3176.80 --> 3179.50] and you will find rest for your souls. +[3180.40 --> 3181.32] For my yoke, +[3181.92 --> 3184.94] my yoke is easy and my burden is light. +[3185.48 --> 3186.80] This is the Word of the Lord. +[3188.84 --> 3191.12] And so upon my reading and reflecting, +[3191.92 --> 3193.44] I thought of four questions +[3193.44 --> 3194.94] that helped me think a little deeper +[3194.94 --> 3196.26] about the passage +[3196.26 --> 3198.04] and about Jesus' tough teaching here. +[3198.54 --> 3199.68] So these four questions +[3199.68 --> 3201.18] will be up on the screen for you. +[3201.42 --> 3202.00] First of all, +[3202.34 --> 3203.96] who is Jesus talking about +[3203.96 --> 3205.74] when He says the wise and learned? +[3205.86 --> 3206.22] He says, +[3206.60 --> 3208.42] you have kept these things +[3208.42 --> 3209.84] from the wise and learned. +[3210.52 --> 3211.14] Wise and learned, +[3211.22 --> 3211.70] who are they? +[3212.12 --> 3212.44] Second, +[3212.68 --> 3213.98] who are the little children then? +[3214.20 --> 3214.68] He says, +[3215.00 --> 3216.32] the Father kept these things +[3216.32 --> 3217.62] from the wise and learned, +[3217.70 --> 3219.76] but revealed them to little children. +[3220.10 --> 3221.46] So who are the little children? +[3221.98 --> 3222.30] Third, +[3222.30 --> 3224.06] who is Jesus claiming to be +[3224.06 --> 3224.84] in this passage? +[3225.34 --> 3226.44] Because I suggest +[3226.44 --> 3228.50] it was a very scandalous message, +[3228.90 --> 3230.64] especially to those Jews, +[3230.94 --> 3231.80] first century Jews, +[3231.92 --> 3233.48] receiving this message from Him. +[3234.26 --> 3235.02] And then lastly, +[3235.62 --> 3237.06] why or how +[3237.06 --> 3238.86] is wearing Jesus' yoke +[3238.86 --> 3240.24] easy for our lives? +[3240.36 --> 3240.70] Again, +[3240.98 --> 3241.74] what I suggested, +[3241.86 --> 3242.78] this is good news. +[3243.10 --> 3245.00] This is good news for us. +[3245.68 --> 3246.66] And so these questions +[3246.66 --> 3248.00] sort of outline our whole passage. +[3248.00 --> 3249.04] So let's tackle +[3249.04 --> 3250.04] the first two questions. +[3250.62 --> 3251.00] For that, +[3251.12 --> 3251.76] we need to look at +[3251.76 --> 3252.84] the actual context. +[3253.34 --> 3255.54] Because in the immediate context +[3255.54 --> 3257.66] of Jesus speaking these words, +[3258.28 --> 3259.64] the verses right before it, +[3260.12 --> 3261.54] Jesus is speaking judgment +[3261.54 --> 3263.78] against the unrepentant cities +[3263.78 --> 3265.28] and towns that He ministered in. +[3265.70 --> 3266.98] So He goes and shares +[3266.98 --> 3268.04] the good news of the kingdom, +[3268.20 --> 3269.40] but these cities and towns +[3269.40 --> 3270.32] do not receive them. +[3271.16 --> 3272.46] And then from that, +[3272.60 --> 3273.98] after calling judgment +[3273.98 --> 3275.12] and woes on those +[3275.12 --> 3276.00] unrepentant cities, +[3276.68 --> 3277.94] Jesus right away +[3277.94 --> 3279.60] turns and then praises +[3279.60 --> 3280.28] the Father. +[3281.22 --> 3282.38] It's a bit of a weird image +[3282.38 --> 3283.34] if you think about it. +[3284.28 --> 3285.22] Because right after, +[3286.16 --> 3287.38] again, like I said, +[3287.54 --> 3289.46] right after speaking judgment, +[3289.66 --> 3291.00] He praises the Father. +[3291.16 --> 3291.92] And you can ask, +[3292.62 --> 3293.44] and technically, +[3293.60 --> 3295.04] you can ask Jesus and say, +[3295.40 --> 3295.66] Jesus, +[3296.08 --> 3297.42] I thought you were +[3297.42 --> 3300.20] like bringing God's kingdom +[3300.20 --> 3300.86] on earth +[3300.86 --> 3302.12] and that your miracles +[3302.12 --> 3303.14] and your ministries +[3303.14 --> 3304.74] would convince everyone +[3304.74 --> 3305.86] to become your disciples. +[3305.86 --> 3308.46] How come they did not repent +[3308.46 --> 3309.98] and they did not follow you? +[3311.38 --> 3312.44] Isn't that a failure? +[3313.50 --> 3314.88] But now you're turning to God +[3314.88 --> 3315.82] and you're praising Him? +[3316.62 --> 3317.20] For what? +[3317.92 --> 3318.16] Right? +[3319.24 --> 3320.84] Well, Jesus gives thanks, +[3321.10 --> 3321.78] and specifically, +[3322.02 --> 3322.66] He gives thanks +[3322.66 --> 3323.66] and praises the Father +[3323.66 --> 3325.44] for not revealing the kingdom +[3325.44 --> 3327.56] to the wise and learned. +[3327.80 --> 3329.02] Hence, our first question. +[3329.58 --> 3331.08] Who are the wise and learned? +[3331.08 --> 3334.52] Jesus can't simply be talking about +[3334.52 --> 3335.80] like smart people, can He? +[3336.36 --> 3337.16] Like the scholars +[3337.16 --> 3337.94] and those people +[3337.94 --> 3338.90] who thought they were smart? +[3339.46 --> 3341.56] Wouldn't that be a problem +[3341.56 --> 3342.70] for us today as well? +[3343.20 --> 3344.60] If God just hates +[3344.60 --> 3345.80] or God does not reveal +[3345.80 --> 3347.12] His kingdom to smart people, +[3347.58 --> 3348.24] I mean, who thinks +[3348.24 --> 3348.92] they're smart here? +[3349.56 --> 3350.46] If you raise your hand, +[3350.52 --> 3352.10] then the kingdom is not yours. +[3353.10 --> 3355.22] It can't be as simple as that, can it? +[3356.84 --> 3358.10] Obviously, that's not +[3358.10 --> 3359.22] what Jesus is getting at. +[3359.22 --> 3361.34] What Jesus is speaking into, +[3361.48 --> 3362.56] it's a common theme +[3362.56 --> 3363.46] that's found throughout +[3363.46 --> 3364.84] the whole biblical story. +[3365.54 --> 3366.90] See, Jesus is giving thanks +[3366.90 --> 3368.62] to the Father for His love +[3368.62 --> 3370.56] for the lowly and oppressed. +[3371.54 --> 3371.72] Right? +[3372.14 --> 3373.76] That's what Jesus is talking about. +[3373.86 --> 3374.52] Throughout the Bible, +[3374.60 --> 3376.42] we can see that our God, +[3376.68 --> 3377.82] our Father in Heaven, +[3378.24 --> 3379.60] loves and has mercy +[3379.60 --> 3380.82] on those that are vulnerable +[3380.82 --> 3381.88] and are in need. +[3382.26 --> 3384.52] Just to pull out a couple of verses +[3384.52 --> 3385.42] from the Old Testament, +[3385.80 --> 3387.50] in Isaiah 66, we read, +[3387.50 --> 3389.24] Has not my hand made +[3389.24 --> 3390.04] all these things, +[3390.12 --> 3391.54] and so they come into being, +[3392.08 --> 3392.90] declares the Lord. +[3393.30 --> 3394.36] These are the ones +[3394.36 --> 3395.80] I look on with favor. +[3396.42 --> 3397.56] Those who are humble +[3397.56 --> 3399.00] and contrite in spirit +[3399.00 --> 3401.04] and who tremble at my word. +[3401.82 --> 3403.26] The humble and the lowly. +[3403.62 --> 3405.24] Even Proverbs 3, it says, +[3405.66 --> 3406.26] He mocks. +[3406.32 --> 3408.42] So God mocks proud mockers, +[3408.54 --> 3409.90] but shows favor +[3409.90 --> 3411.66] to the humble and oppressed. +[3412.78 --> 3414.22] That's the Father's heart. +[3414.22 --> 3415.98] And that's what Jesus is reflecting +[3415.98 --> 3417.42] as well as He teaches us. +[3418.14 --> 3419.82] So this theme of humbling the proud +[3419.82 --> 3421.16] and exalting the humble +[3421.16 --> 3423.58] can be found in books like Job +[3423.58 --> 3425.18] and Proverbs as we saw, +[3425.52 --> 3426.22] in the prophet Ezekiel +[3426.84 --> 3428.04] or in the Gospel of Matthew +[3428.04 --> 3428.78] or even Luke. +[3429.16 --> 3429.68] And arguably, +[3430.04 --> 3431.42] it's traced all throughout +[3431.42 --> 3432.76] in both Testaments. +[3434.08 --> 3435.08] So it's safe to say +[3435.08 --> 3437.28] that Jesus is not simply saying +[3437.28 --> 3438.44] that the Father hates +[3438.44 --> 3439.22] and hides the kingdom +[3439.22 --> 3440.16] from smart people. +[3440.60 --> 3441.64] He is saying that +[3441.64 --> 3443.72] our God opposes the proud. +[3444.22 --> 3447.20] In other words, +[3447.36 --> 3449.22] Jesus is speaking against those +[3449.22 --> 3450.42] who have the temptation +[3450.42 --> 3451.22] to think either, +[3451.30 --> 3452.04] on the one hand, +[3452.44 --> 3455.16] that we can overcome anything +[3455.16 --> 3457.10] by our own wisdom and strength, +[3457.52 --> 3459.32] where we sit on God's throne +[3459.32 --> 3461.18] and we try to rule our own lives. +[3461.68 --> 3462.62] That sort of pride. +[3463.22 --> 3464.54] Or, on the other hand, +[3464.84 --> 3465.82] those who think +[3465.82 --> 3466.92] that more knowledge +[3466.92 --> 3469.30] and close work with God's word +[3469.30 --> 3472.20] must make us especially privileged +[3472.20 --> 3473.62] and closer to God, +[3473.98 --> 3476.64] as if there are holy vocations +[3476.64 --> 3479.28] versus secular jobs. +[3481.34 --> 3482.80] And speaking of that, +[3482.94 --> 3484.58] it's a sad reality in history +[3484.58 --> 3485.96] and part of our Christianity, +[3486.16 --> 3486.54] isn't it? +[3487.58 --> 3487.84] Right? +[3487.94 --> 3489.68] Whether intentionally or not, +[3489.92 --> 3491.50] many Christians throughout history +[3491.50 --> 3493.22] have so commonly set up +[3493.22 --> 3494.42] hierarchies of jobs, +[3494.54 --> 3496.38] thinking that only if you work +[3496.38 --> 3497.06] for the church +[3497.06 --> 3498.30] or a mission organization, +[3498.30 --> 3499.72] you are holier +[3499.72 --> 3501.14] or you are better Christian. +[3502.50 --> 3503.88] And that's what Jesus +[3503.88 --> 3505.10] is speaking against here +[3505.10 --> 3506.12] in this passage as well, +[3506.42 --> 3508.00] against those religious elites, +[3508.38 --> 3509.46] against the Pharisees +[3509.46 --> 3510.58] and the teachers of the law +[3510.58 --> 3511.86] who thought they were better +[3511.86 --> 3512.96] just because they worked +[3512.96 --> 3514.26] close to God. +[3514.72 --> 3515.46] Close to God. +[3516.80 --> 3517.92] That's the pride +[3517.92 --> 3518.92] that God opposes. +[3518.92 --> 3522.62] because all of our workplaces +[3522.62 --> 3524.20] and all of our vocations +[3524.20 --> 3525.16] is the word we say, +[3525.62 --> 3527.18] can reflect God's goodness +[3527.18 --> 3528.66] and His redemptive plans +[3528.66 --> 3529.36] and His kingdom +[3529.36 --> 3530.42] for all creation. +[3531.14 --> 3532.08] So whether you work +[3532.08 --> 3532.62] for a church +[3532.62 --> 3533.94] or for the local supermarket, +[3534.48 --> 3535.78] our calling is to be +[3535.78 --> 3536.88] disciples of Jesus +[3536.88 --> 3537.80] every day +[3537.80 --> 3539.22] and every step of our lives. +[3541.20 --> 3542.32] And so just like +[3542.32 --> 3543.18] the Sermon on the Mount +[3543.18 --> 3544.86] where Jesus rebukes +[3544.86 --> 3545.42] the Pharisees +[3545.42 --> 3547.46] and the religiously proud, +[3547.46 --> 3548.96] Jesus here +[3548.96 --> 3549.96] is speaking to the heart. +[3550.34 --> 3551.82] He's speaking against the pride +[3551.82 --> 3553.26] that we are all tempted with +[3553.26 --> 3554.48] even in our own hearts. +[3555.34 --> 3556.04] And Dale Bruner, +[3556.16 --> 3556.86] this commentator +[3556.86 --> 3557.72] of this passage +[3557.72 --> 3558.98] in the Gospel of Matthew, +[3559.36 --> 3560.46] he captures the essence +[3560.46 --> 3561.62] of this little part here. +[3561.94 --> 3562.56] And he says, +[3562.92 --> 3563.92] those who feel +[3563.92 --> 3565.50] their spiritual brilliance +[3565.50 --> 3566.98] and are sorry for those +[3566.98 --> 3568.90] who fall so far beneath them, +[3569.26 --> 3572.48] who bask in self-importance +[3572.48 --> 3574.26] and feel God is lucky +[3574.26 --> 3575.10] to have them, +[3575.10 --> 3578.06] these find in Jesus' Father +[3578.06 --> 3578.62] a back. +[3579.68 --> 3581.66] But those who feel their sin +[3581.66 --> 3583.02] are sorry for it +[3583.02 --> 3584.86] and come asking for help, +[3585.30 --> 3587.42] these find in Jesus' Father +[3587.42 --> 3588.28] open arms. +[3590.04 --> 3591.52] And these latter people, +[3592.20 --> 3593.26] the people who come +[3593.26 --> 3594.72] humbly before the Father, +[3595.20 --> 3596.28] those who know +[3596.28 --> 3597.44] that they are in need +[3597.44 --> 3598.14] of a Savior, +[3599.18 --> 3601.00] these people, +[3601.14 --> 3601.64] I should say, +[3601.96 --> 3603.34] are the little children +[3603.34 --> 3605.10] that Jesus is talking about. +[3605.18 --> 3606.24] Hence our second question, +[3606.52 --> 3607.82] who are the little children? +[3609.62 --> 3611.22] These people +[3611.22 --> 3612.94] that are like real children, +[3613.40 --> 3615.98] that are real disciples of Christ, +[3616.96 --> 3618.66] they are the ones +[3618.66 --> 3619.82] that are called disciples +[3619.82 --> 3621.78] as opposed to the crowd. +[3622.40 --> 3623.44] You have to think of it, right? +[3623.66 --> 3625.50] Whenever Jesus goes to a town +[3625.50 --> 3627.14] or wherever he teaches, +[3627.62 --> 3628.90] there are hundreds +[3628.90 --> 3630.40] or even thousands of people +[3630.40 --> 3631.22] that gather to him +[3631.22 --> 3632.16] to try and hear +[3632.16 --> 3633.08] what he has to say +[3633.08 --> 3634.78] because he was known +[3634.78 --> 3635.88] as a wise prophet, +[3636.02 --> 3636.72] a good teacher. +[3637.50 --> 3639.40] But then only those +[3639.40 --> 3640.72] that were called disciples, +[3641.48 --> 3642.56] they were the ones +[3642.56 --> 3644.18] who came close to Jesus +[3644.18 --> 3645.76] and tried to follow him +[3645.76 --> 3646.54] in his ways +[3646.54 --> 3648.38] because they are the ones +[3648.38 --> 3650.58] that were not necessarily smarter. +[3651.14 --> 3651.92] You have to think, +[3651.98 --> 3653.96] even Jesus' original 12 disciples, +[3654.34 --> 3655.32] they were not necessarily +[3655.32 --> 3656.28] smarter people. +[3656.28 --> 3658.94] They were just the people +[3658.94 --> 3659.58] who knew +[3659.58 --> 3661.36] that Jesus was their Savior +[3661.36 --> 3663.32] and that they were +[3663.32 --> 3664.56] in total dependence +[3664.56 --> 3665.44] and need of him. +[3666.50 --> 3667.82] As opposed to the crowd +[3667.82 --> 3669.38] who stood at a distance +[3669.38 --> 3671.32] and said, +[3671.64 --> 3672.16] all right Jesus, +[3672.32 --> 3672.84] what you got? +[3673.72 --> 3675.40] If you say the right things +[3675.40 --> 3676.20] that I want to hear, +[3676.28 --> 3676.98] then I'll stick around. +[3677.28 --> 3678.56] If you say the things +[3678.56 --> 3679.46] that I don't like, +[3679.84 --> 3680.74] then I'll just leave. +[3681.16 --> 3681.32] Right? +[3681.52 --> 3682.58] That's the crowd +[3682.58 --> 3684.32] as opposed to the disciples. +[3684.32 --> 3687.06] And these are the ones +[3687.06 --> 3687.58] that are called +[3687.58 --> 3688.34] little children. +[3689.86 --> 3691.02] Like Jesus teaches +[3691.02 --> 3691.92] in the Beatitudes, +[3692.06 --> 3692.22] right? +[3692.26 --> 3692.76] At the beginning +[3692.76 --> 3693.80] of the Sermon on the Mount, +[3694.44 --> 3694.88] do you remember +[3694.88 --> 3695.80] what the first one is? +[3696.46 --> 3697.02] Blessed are, +[3697.12 --> 3698.36] and you have a list of them? +[3699.02 --> 3699.50] Oh, I mean, +[3699.86 --> 3700.54] gave it away. +[3700.86 --> 3701.68] Blessed are, +[3702.08 --> 3703.82] blessed are the poor +[3703.82 --> 3704.48] in spirit. +[3705.12 --> 3706.34] The poor in spirit, +[3706.44 --> 3706.98] the humble, +[3707.10 --> 3708.20] the contrite in spirit. +[3709.06 --> 3710.28] Yours is the kingdom +[3710.28 --> 3710.80] of heaven. +[3711.60 --> 3711.72] Right? +[3711.74 --> 3712.58] That's what Jesus says +[3712.58 --> 3713.72] and it's the same message. +[3713.72 --> 3715.32] like little children. +[3715.76 --> 3717.24] And even in Matthew 18, +[3717.58 --> 3718.24] Jesus says, +[3718.56 --> 3719.56] Truly I tell you, +[3719.84 --> 3721.30] unless you change +[3721.30 --> 3722.38] and become like +[3722.38 --> 3724.10] little children, +[3724.62 --> 3725.54] you will never enter +[3725.54 --> 3726.40] the kingdom of heaven. +[3726.64 --> 3727.56] And whoever welcomes +[3727.56 --> 3728.58] one such child +[3728.58 --> 3729.38] in my name +[3729.38 --> 3730.92] welcomes me. +[3732.56 --> 3733.56] So this kingdom +[3733.56 --> 3735.32] is revealed to the humble. +[3735.62 --> 3736.56] And this is +[3736.56 --> 3737.50] the Father's will. +[3738.72 --> 3740.32] This is the Father's will. +[3740.92 --> 3741.82] And then we have to jump +[3741.82 --> 3742.96] to the third question now. +[3742.96 --> 3744.38] Because Jesus says, +[3744.88 --> 3745.80] this will of the Father +[3745.80 --> 3746.92] to reveal the kingdom +[3746.92 --> 3748.06] to those that are humble, +[3748.72 --> 3749.84] that come to God +[3749.84 --> 3750.98] in total dependence, +[3751.22 --> 3752.20] that are poor in spirit, +[3752.96 --> 3753.38] He says, +[3753.52 --> 3754.14] all of this, +[3754.32 --> 3755.70] all of this Father's will +[3755.70 --> 3757.48] is done exclusively +[3757.48 --> 3758.70] through Him +[3758.70 --> 3759.78] and Him alone. +[3761.96 --> 3763.14] Jesus says that +[3763.14 --> 3763.62] Panta, +[3763.90 --> 3764.82] this is the Greek word +[3764.82 --> 3765.76] saying everything, +[3766.42 --> 3767.84] absolutely everything +[3767.84 --> 3769.26] is in my hands. +[3769.26 --> 3771.04] the Father +[3771.04 --> 3773.80] reveals the kingdom +[3773.80 --> 3774.48] to those +[3774.48 --> 3775.48] that the Son +[3775.48 --> 3776.58] chooses to reveal. +[3776.78 --> 3777.82] The Father and the Son +[3777.82 --> 3778.38] are one. +[3778.94 --> 3779.52] So Jesus, +[3779.74 --> 3780.36] in other words, +[3780.42 --> 3781.58] is saying and claiming +[3781.58 --> 3783.82] that He is God. +[3785.32 --> 3786.38] Think about it. +[3786.80 --> 3788.14] To those receiving +[3788.14 --> 3789.00] Jesus' words +[3789.00 --> 3790.10] right in this context, +[3790.82 --> 3792.72] the monotheistic Jews, +[3792.88 --> 3794.38] the Jews that only believe +[3794.38 --> 3795.10] in one God, +[3795.18 --> 3795.98] and rightly so, +[3795.98 --> 3797.58] in the midst +[3797.58 --> 3799.06] of a pantheistic, +[3799.66 --> 3800.04] you know, +[3800.36 --> 3801.12] pagan society +[3801.12 --> 3801.64] that believed +[3801.64 --> 3802.60] in a whole bunch +[3802.60 --> 3803.28] of gods, +[3803.42 --> 3803.70] plural, +[3804.46 --> 3805.18] the Jews that were +[3805.18 --> 3806.40] trying to hold on +[3806.40 --> 3807.24] to their faith, +[3807.58 --> 3808.82] believing in one God, +[3808.92 --> 3809.78] this Jesus fellow +[3809.78 --> 3811.04] comes in and he says, +[3811.44 --> 3812.80] I and the Father +[3812.80 --> 3813.44] are one. +[3814.90 --> 3816.20] The Father reveals +[3816.20 --> 3816.60] the kingdom +[3816.60 --> 3817.70] only through me. +[3819.40 --> 3819.78] And so, +[3819.94 --> 3820.72] even according +[3820.72 --> 3821.36] to Scripture, +[3821.88 --> 3822.48] even according +[3822.48 --> 3823.24] to our own +[3823.24 --> 3824.44] Old Testament, +[3824.86 --> 3825.00] right, +[3825.00 --> 3826.24] it is our Scripture too. +[3826.74 --> 3827.84] According to Scripture, +[3828.34 --> 3828.94] the Jews, +[3829.08 --> 3829.66] the crowd, +[3829.88 --> 3830.84] would have had +[3830.84 --> 3831.48] the right, +[3832.36 --> 3833.06] the justification +[3833.06 --> 3834.66] to stone this man Jesus +[3834.66 --> 3836.28] for making such a claim +[3836.28 --> 3837.80] if his claim +[3837.80 --> 3838.64] was not true. +[3839.80 --> 3841.54] If Jesus' claim +[3841.54 --> 3843.06] to be the Son of God, +[3843.16 --> 3844.06] to be the Savior +[3844.06 --> 3845.28] and the Redeemer +[3845.28 --> 3845.80] of the world, +[3845.88 --> 3847.04] if that is not true, +[3847.20 --> 3848.10] he should have +[3848.10 --> 3849.18] rightly been stoned. +[3850.56 --> 3851.58] But that is +[3851.58 --> 3852.76] the call to faith, +[3852.80 --> 3853.30] isn't it? +[3853.30 --> 3855.40] Do you believe +[3855.40 --> 3856.12] in Jesus +[3856.12 --> 3857.20] as your Lord +[3857.20 --> 3857.82] and Savior? +[3859.04 --> 3860.00] That is the question +[3860.00 --> 3860.88] he is asking +[3860.88 --> 3861.48] to the crowd, +[3861.72 --> 3862.84] that he is asking us, +[3862.96 --> 3864.18] that when we get baptized, +[3864.42 --> 3866.30] that's the question, +[3866.60 --> 3867.26] that is the call +[3867.26 --> 3867.74] to faith +[3867.74 --> 3868.56] that we confess +[3868.56 --> 3869.10] ourselves. +[3870.10 --> 3871.64] Do you believe +[3871.64 --> 3872.44] and trust +[3872.44 --> 3873.40] in Jesus Christ +[3873.40 --> 3874.04] as your Lord +[3874.04 --> 3874.50] and Savior? +[3876.82 --> 3877.84] This is what +[3877.84 --> 3878.72] he is asking +[3878.72 --> 3879.44] of the crowd. +[3879.44 --> 3882.86] because to accept +[3882.86 --> 3884.02] and confess +[3884.02 --> 3885.30] that Jesus +[3885.30 --> 3886.04] is Lord +[3886.04 --> 3887.96] has huge implications +[3887.96 --> 3888.82] for our lives. +[3889.22 --> 3890.00] Confessing that +[3890.00 --> 3891.66] Jesus is our Lord, +[3892.00 --> 3893.30] that Jesus is Lord +[3893.30 --> 3894.60] of my own life, +[3895.40 --> 3896.12] it means that +[3896.12 --> 3897.32] our whole life, +[3897.58 --> 3898.70] our whole lives +[3898.70 --> 3899.78] belong to him. +[3901.40 --> 3902.72] We Christians, +[3903.62 --> 3903.90] right, +[3904.10 --> 3905.02] we disciples +[3905.02 --> 3906.16] of Jesus Christ, +[3906.24 --> 3906.96] the Son of God, +[3907.14 --> 3907.82] are a people +[3907.82 --> 3908.48] that believes +[3908.48 --> 3909.32] and confesses +[3909.32 --> 3910.16] that everything, +[3910.82 --> 3912.38] absolutely everything, +[3913.00 --> 3914.46] rests in Christ's hands. +[3916.22 --> 3916.88] And so Paul, +[3917.04 --> 3917.60] in his letter +[3917.60 --> 3918.30] to the Colossians, +[3918.42 --> 3918.72] says, +[3919.12 --> 3919.86] for in him, +[3920.18 --> 3921.54] in Christ, +[3921.98 --> 3922.70] all things +[3922.70 --> 3923.30] were created, +[3923.62 --> 3924.32] things in heaven +[3924.32 --> 3925.12] and on earth, +[3925.40 --> 3926.70] visible and invisible, +[3927.10 --> 3927.90] whether thrones +[3927.90 --> 3928.56] or powers +[3928.56 --> 3929.24] or authorities, +[3929.60 --> 3930.42] all things +[3930.42 --> 3931.12] have been created +[3931.12 --> 3932.14] through Jesus +[3932.14 --> 3933.46] and for Jesus. +[3933.98 --> 3935.34] He is before +[3935.34 --> 3936.08] all things +[3936.08 --> 3937.84] and in Christ +[3937.84 --> 3938.62] our Lord, +[3938.94 --> 3939.66] all things +[3939.66 --> 3940.40] hold together. +[3941.16 --> 3942.24] Do you believe this? +[3945.44 --> 3947.00] This is our salvation. +[3947.44 --> 3947.88] It is through +[3947.88 --> 3948.36] the death +[3948.36 --> 3948.96] and resurrection +[3948.96 --> 3949.56] of Jesus +[3949.56 --> 3950.68] that we are called +[3950.68 --> 3951.58] his children. +[3952.84 --> 3954.32] Not by our own strength, +[3954.54 --> 3955.90] not by our own works +[3955.90 --> 3957.52] or our own wisdom +[3957.52 --> 3958.24] and knowledge, +[3958.52 --> 3958.76] right? +[3958.88 --> 3959.60] That's what he's +[3959.60 --> 3960.36] getting at here. +[3960.58 --> 3962.14] It is not by your own strength +[3962.14 --> 3962.78] that you are saved. +[3962.98 --> 3964.42] It is not by your own +[3964.42 --> 3965.92] scholarly smartness +[3965.92 --> 3967.14] that you are saved. +[3967.82 --> 3968.98] This is a gift +[3968.98 --> 3969.94] from God. +[3972.64 --> 3974.20] One of my favorite passages +[3974.20 --> 3975.16] in Ephesians 2, +[3975.46 --> 3976.62] for it is by grace +[3976.62 --> 3977.60] you have been saved +[3977.60 --> 3979.04] through faith. +[3979.28 --> 3980.26] And this is not +[3980.26 --> 3982.20] from your own works. +[3982.58 --> 3984.12] It is the gift of God. +[3986.12 --> 3988.44] That is our baptismal identity. +[3988.60 --> 3989.58] That is our salvation. +[3990.00 --> 3991.30] And we say amen to this. +[3992.04 --> 3992.48] Amen. +[3992.48 --> 3995.36] But we have to understand +[3995.36 --> 3997.50] even Paul does not stop there. +[3998.44 --> 3999.96] We were saved through grace, +[4000.64 --> 4001.36] by grace, +[4001.48 --> 4002.04] through faith. +[4003.08 --> 4003.90] Yes and amen. +[4004.04 --> 4004.62] All the way. +[4005.92 --> 4007.18] But then it's always +[4007.18 --> 4008.26] so that. +[4009.80 --> 4011.12] How does Paul end +[4011.12 --> 4012.14] this little passage +[4012.14 --> 4012.82] in Ephesians? +[4014.82 --> 4015.26] For. +[4015.82 --> 4016.22] For. +[4016.40 --> 4017.02] So that. +[4017.44 --> 4019.16] We are God's handiwork +[4019.16 --> 4020.44] created, again, +[4020.44 --> 4021.58] in Christ Jesus. +[4021.58 --> 4022.98] Everything is in His hands. +[4023.54 --> 4024.10] To do what? +[4024.84 --> 4026.42] To do good works. +[4026.54 --> 4027.58] It is not by works +[4027.58 --> 4028.12] you are saved. +[4028.38 --> 4029.16] You are saved +[4029.16 --> 4030.06] so that +[4030.06 --> 4031.12] you can do +[4031.12 --> 4031.94] the good works +[4031.94 --> 4033.28] that God has prepared +[4033.28 --> 4034.12] in advance +[4034.12 --> 4035.12] for us to do. +[4035.80 --> 4037.50] Everything is in His hands. +[4038.32 --> 4039.20] And as we +[4039.20 --> 4040.32] are invited +[4040.32 --> 4041.42] to be His disciples, +[4041.64 --> 4042.60] we are now equipped +[4042.60 --> 4043.50] by the Holy Spirit +[4043.50 --> 4044.88] to do the good works +[4044.88 --> 4045.66] that He has prepared +[4045.66 --> 4046.20] in advance +[4046.20 --> 4047.26] for us to do. +[4047.26 --> 4050.14] That now enlightens us +[4050.14 --> 4051.70] for this last question. +[4052.12 --> 4053.24] How exactly +[4053.24 --> 4054.90] is Jesus' yoke +[4054.90 --> 4056.04] easy and His burden +[4056.04 --> 4056.44] light? +[4056.80 --> 4058.26] It doesn't feel +[4058.26 --> 4059.24] that way all the time. +[4060.08 --> 4060.84] To be disciples +[4060.84 --> 4061.36] of Jesus +[4061.36 --> 4062.96] actually put us +[4062.96 --> 4063.92] in the face of +[4063.92 --> 4065.84] a lot of spiritual +[4065.84 --> 4066.32] battles, +[4066.60 --> 4067.58] even persecution, +[4068.22 --> 4069.84] all across the globe. +[4070.32 --> 4071.34] So how is this +[4071.34 --> 4072.02] good news? +[4072.36 --> 4073.76] How is Jesus' +[4073.76 --> 4074.96] yoke easy +[4074.96 --> 4076.06] for us? +[4076.06 --> 4076.74] How? +[4079.38 --> 4080.48] From the good news, +[4080.56 --> 4081.22] from God's word, +[4081.30 --> 4081.92] I suggest +[4081.92 --> 4083.56] the answer is +[4083.56 --> 4084.56] is that +[4084.56 --> 4085.42] we take on +[4085.42 --> 4086.54] Jesus' yoke. +[4086.64 --> 4087.52] That's the key. +[4088.22 --> 4089.24] We take on +[4089.24 --> 4090.46] the yoke of Christ. +[4090.58 --> 4091.38] That's the invitation. +[4092.20 --> 4092.70] And notice, +[4092.86 --> 4094.18] it's not to take on +[4094.18 --> 4095.14] our own yoke +[4095.14 --> 4096.46] that is now strengthened +[4096.46 --> 4097.30] and made better +[4097.30 --> 4097.84] or something. +[4098.36 --> 4099.16] Jesus does not +[4099.16 --> 4099.98] invite us to say, +[4100.08 --> 4100.26] alright, +[4100.50 --> 4101.78] put on your yokes again. +[4102.04 --> 4102.76] I'm just going to +[4102.76 --> 4103.70] strengthen that yoke +[4103.70 --> 4104.68] and make it easier +[4104.68 --> 4105.12] or lighter, +[4105.12 --> 4106.40] but it's your yoke. +[4106.54 --> 4107.34] Put on that yoke +[4107.34 --> 4108.12] and then continue +[4108.12 --> 4108.78] on the work. +[4109.30 --> 4109.56] No. +[4109.88 --> 4110.56] The invitation +[4110.56 --> 4111.60] that Jesus extends +[4111.60 --> 4112.18] to us +[4112.18 --> 4113.10] and to the people +[4113.10 --> 4113.88] listening here, +[4113.94 --> 4114.40] he says, +[4114.68 --> 4116.58] take on my yoke +[4116.58 --> 4117.72] for it is easy +[4117.72 --> 4118.52] and my burden +[4118.52 --> 4119.04] is light. +[4119.90 --> 4121.00] I am the way, +[4121.08 --> 4121.44] the truth, +[4121.50 --> 4121.98] and the life. +[4122.36 --> 4123.28] I am the way +[4123.28 --> 4124.78] to real flourishing, +[4125.20 --> 4126.16] real blessing, +[4126.58 --> 4128.50] and real rest. +[4128.50 --> 4134.44] this is why +[4134.44 --> 4135.56] Jesus uses +[4135.56 --> 4137.10] a work tool +[4137.10 --> 4138.72] for this image. +[4139.16 --> 4140.34] Not a chair, +[4140.62 --> 4141.30] not a bed, +[4141.42 --> 4142.90] not a nice lawn chair +[4142.90 --> 4143.38] or something. +[4143.62 --> 4145.04] He uses a yoke +[4145.04 --> 4145.96] to teach us. +[4147.84 --> 4149.12] Jesus is showing us +[4149.12 --> 4149.86] that obedience +[4149.86 --> 4151.12] to his teachings, +[4151.50 --> 4153.40] to learn from him +[4153.40 --> 4155.04] and to do life +[4155.04 --> 4155.72] with him +[4155.72 --> 4158.16] leads to real rest, +[4158.50 --> 4159.62] leads to real Sabbath. +[4161.02 --> 4162.36] We look for that +[4162.36 --> 4164.06] all in our lives, +[4164.24 --> 4165.22] wherever it may be. +[4165.50 --> 4166.38] We try to find +[4166.38 --> 4167.26] the right yokes, +[4167.74 --> 4168.70] the right things +[4168.70 --> 4169.82] to give us rest. +[4169.94 --> 4170.64] We really, +[4171.00 --> 4172.78] desperately desire rest +[4172.78 --> 4174.48] because that's how +[4174.48 --> 4175.24] we were created. +[4175.24 --> 4177.80] But Jesus is saying, +[4178.88 --> 4179.86] I am the only way +[4179.86 --> 4181.02] you find that rest. +[4182.14 --> 4183.20] And how do you do it? +[4183.24 --> 4184.18] You put on my yoke. +[4184.70 --> 4185.64] My yoke. +[4188.16 --> 4189.66] Jesus comes to restore +[4189.66 --> 4190.34] and to heal +[4190.34 --> 4192.04] and he is inviting us +[4192.04 --> 4192.92] into that life +[4192.92 --> 4195.58] to be his disciples, +[4195.96 --> 4197.24] to do life with him. +[4197.34 --> 4198.40] Not just learning +[4198.40 --> 4199.14] and putting more +[4199.14 --> 4200.08] religious information +[4200.08 --> 4200.72] in our heads, +[4200.88 --> 4202.24] but following him +[4202.24 --> 4203.36] with our whole lives +[4203.36 --> 4204.46] because we confess +[4204.46 --> 4205.92] that our whole lives +[4205.92 --> 4207.00] belong to him. +[4207.30 --> 4208.56] Absolutely everything +[4208.56 --> 4210.14] is in his hands. +[4211.00 --> 4211.90] And many times +[4211.90 --> 4212.88] this may seem +[4212.88 --> 4214.26] like a daunting task, +[4214.74 --> 4215.96] but Jesus extends +[4215.96 --> 4217.06] a personal invitation. +[4217.36 --> 4218.10] Come to me. +[4218.90 --> 4219.60] Come to me. +[4220.50 --> 4221.36] Jesus invites +[4221.36 --> 4222.72] those who are weary +[4222.72 --> 4223.58] and burdened, +[4223.82 --> 4224.70] those who are having +[4224.70 --> 4225.78] a hard time of it, +[4226.08 --> 4226.84] those for whom +[4226.84 --> 4228.50] life is hard work +[4228.50 --> 4230.18] and feel overwhelmed. +[4231.12 --> 4232.06] And to go a little deeper, +[4232.24 --> 4233.22] Jesus calls +[4233.22 --> 4234.06] to him, +[4234.20 --> 4234.90] those who are +[4234.90 --> 4235.96] even discouraged, +[4236.52 --> 4237.64] those who want +[4237.64 --> 4238.26] to be good, +[4239.26 --> 4241.80] who want to please God, +[4242.16 --> 4243.98] to love and serve others, +[4244.48 --> 4245.66] but many times +[4245.66 --> 4247.80] feel quite selfish, +[4248.40 --> 4250.22] quite un-up to the task, +[4250.70 --> 4251.68] quite inadequate, +[4252.18 --> 4253.22] and even feel like +[4253.22 --> 4254.30] failures at times. +[4254.30 --> 4258.12] And so to those +[4258.12 --> 4258.90] who are burdened +[4258.90 --> 4259.38] with guilt +[4259.38 --> 4260.36] and inadequacy, +[4261.12 --> 4261.82] Jesus now +[4261.82 --> 4262.44] appears +[4262.44 --> 4264.30] and promises, +[4264.54 --> 4265.22] first of all, +[4265.68 --> 4266.32] refreshment, +[4266.46 --> 4267.48] rest for our souls, +[4268.14 --> 4269.30] but then more importantly, +[4269.84 --> 4270.72] or just as important, +[4270.84 --> 4271.30] I should say, +[4271.68 --> 4273.22] equipment for carrying +[4273.22 --> 4274.16] our future burdens +[4274.16 --> 4274.70] and duties. +[4275.16 --> 4275.82] And that's why +[4275.82 --> 4276.86] this is good news. +[4277.66 --> 4278.24] We are called +[4278.24 --> 4278.90] to take on +[4278.90 --> 4279.78] his yoke. +[4279.78 --> 4282.50] And as I finish, +[4282.66 --> 4283.26] just to reinforce +[4283.26 --> 4283.76] this point +[4283.76 --> 4284.84] just a little bit further, +[4285.20 --> 4286.10] remember that image +[4286.10 --> 4286.68] of the yoke +[4286.68 --> 4287.82] that I started off with? +[4288.58 --> 4290.06] A yoke usually entails +[4290.06 --> 4290.90] how many oxen +[4290.90 --> 4291.54] pulling the cart? +[4292.36 --> 4293.44] It usually entails +[4293.44 --> 4294.52] two on each side. +[4295.26 --> 4296.60] So another reason +[4296.60 --> 4297.12] I think +[4297.12 --> 4298.20] that Jesus uses +[4298.20 --> 4299.68] a yoke +[4299.68 --> 4300.66] for this image, +[4301.02 --> 4301.76] for this teaching, +[4302.12 --> 4303.06] is because +[4303.06 --> 4303.96] the image +[4303.96 --> 4304.68] that we should get +[4304.68 --> 4305.26] is not just +[4305.26 --> 4305.86] putting something +[4305.86 --> 4306.88] on us to work. +[4307.84 --> 4308.64] Jesus is carrying +[4308.64 --> 4309.68] that yoke with us. +[4310.48 --> 4311.38] He's inviting us +[4311.38 --> 4312.38] to walk with him +[4312.38 --> 4313.30] step by step. +[4314.32 --> 4315.36] That's what leads +[4315.36 --> 4316.20] to real life +[4316.20 --> 4317.56] and real flourishing. +[4318.38 --> 4319.34] So we take on +[4319.34 --> 4319.76] the yoke +[4319.76 --> 4320.58] of our Lord Jesus, +[4320.96 --> 4321.82] becoming a witness +[4321.82 --> 4322.86] to his healing +[4322.86 --> 4324.34] and his restorative +[4324.34 --> 4325.22] work for the world, +[4325.62 --> 4326.70] even in our +[4326.70 --> 4327.76] sin-filled, +[4328.30 --> 4329.64] broken workplaces, +[4330.02 --> 4331.00] even when our +[4331.00 --> 4331.62] co-workers +[4331.62 --> 4332.70] are jerks sometimes, +[4333.04 --> 4333.78] even when our +[4333.78 --> 4334.60] work environment +[4334.60 --> 4335.60] is so toxic. +[4335.60 --> 4337.14] And throughout +[4337.14 --> 4338.10] the countless +[4338.10 --> 4339.20] conversations I had +[4339.20 --> 4339.90] with our young adults +[4339.90 --> 4340.46] at our church, +[4341.36 --> 4342.22] I haven't met +[4342.22 --> 4343.18] a single young adult +[4343.18 --> 4344.00] who tells me +[4344.00 --> 4345.10] my workplace +[4345.10 --> 4347.28] is not toxic. +[4348.30 --> 4348.40] Right? +[4349.28 --> 4350.72] In whatever shape +[4350.72 --> 4351.14] or manner, +[4351.30 --> 4352.04] every young adult +[4352.04 --> 4352.72] I talk to, +[4352.88 --> 4353.24] sadly, +[4353.72 --> 4354.26] says that +[4354.26 --> 4355.18] my workplace +[4355.18 --> 4356.06] is toxic. +[4358.44 --> 4359.46] But even +[4359.46 --> 4360.14] in that +[4360.14 --> 4361.32] broken environment, +[4362.60 --> 4362.82] right, +[4362.82 --> 4363.28] we're not +[4363.28 --> 4364.32] called to put +[4364.32 --> 4364.82] on the yokes +[4364.82 --> 4365.56] of our different +[4365.56 --> 4366.28] workplaces, +[4366.60 --> 4367.36] we are called +[4367.36 --> 4367.90] to put on +[4367.90 --> 4368.68] the yoke of Christ +[4368.68 --> 4369.72] who walks along +[4369.72 --> 4370.74] side by side +[4370.74 --> 4371.32] with us. +[4372.28 --> 4373.40] And in that way, +[4373.68 --> 4375.14] we have real hope +[4375.14 --> 4376.18] in Jesus +[4376.18 --> 4377.06] as our Savior +[4377.06 --> 4377.52] and Lord. +[4378.70 --> 4379.44] And through that +[4379.44 --> 4380.10] hope and that +[4380.10 --> 4380.88] equipping of +[4380.88 --> 4382.18] the Spirit now sent +[4382.18 --> 4383.44] and fills us +[4383.44 --> 4384.82] and dwells within us, +[4385.22 --> 4386.32] we can be that +[4386.32 --> 4387.50] light that we +[4387.50 --> 4388.44] prayed about, +[4388.60 --> 4389.72] that we know about. +[4389.72 --> 4390.72] We can be that +[4390.72 --> 4391.72] light even +[4391.72 --> 4393.28] in our workplaces. +[4393.96 --> 4394.44] And that's the +[4394.44 --> 4394.90] invitation. +[4395.40 --> 4395.88] And that's the +[4395.88 --> 4396.92] blessing that Jesus +[4396.92 --> 4398.56] gifts us +[4398.56 --> 4399.40] through His Word +[4399.40 --> 4399.74] today. +[4400.60 --> 4400.82] Amen? +[4401.80 --> 4402.36] Amen. +[4402.98 --> 4403.74] And so just like +[4403.74 --> 4404.36] the psalmist, +[4405.26 --> 4406.12] we end with this, +[4406.20 --> 4407.06] just like the psalmist, +[4407.16 --> 4408.22] the famous Psalm 23, +[4408.74 --> 4409.80] the Lord is my +[4409.80 --> 4410.08] shepherd. +[4410.58 --> 4411.54] I lack nothing. +[4412.68 --> 4413.34] And the important +[4413.34 --> 4413.90] gospel, +[4414.38 --> 4414.88] the good news +[4414.88 --> 4415.66] from this psalm, +[4415.96 --> 4417.26] is that the Lord +[4417.26 --> 4418.36] is my shepherd. +[4418.86 --> 4419.48] Not me, +[4419.72 --> 4420.68] not us, +[4420.90 --> 4421.82] the Lord is. +[4422.38 --> 4423.18] And so we lack +[4423.18 --> 4423.58] nothing. +[4423.90 --> 4424.96] Because He, +[4425.38 --> 4426.28] and He alone, +[4426.56 --> 4427.08] is the shepherd +[4427.08 --> 4427.86] of our lives. +[4429.38 --> 4430.12] Let's pray. +[4436.12 --> 4437.02] Loving Father, +[4437.78 --> 4438.54] we thank You +[4438.54 --> 4439.28] for the good news +[4439.28 --> 4439.78] this morning, +[4440.32 --> 4441.66] that You invite us +[4441.66 --> 4442.42] to take on +[4442.42 --> 4443.08] Your yoke. +[4444.68 --> 4445.18] Lord, +[4445.22 --> 4445.74] I just want to +[4445.74 --> 4446.32] name that +[4446.32 --> 4447.48] many times +[4447.48 --> 4449.22] being Your +[4449.22 --> 4449.92] disciple may +[4449.92 --> 4450.58] not seem +[4450.58 --> 4451.32] so easy. +[4452.50 --> 4453.54] And many times +[4453.54 --> 4454.44] this burden +[4454.44 --> 4456.02] to be a light +[4456.02 --> 4456.56] for the world +[4456.56 --> 4457.72] may not feel +[4457.72 --> 4458.36] so light. +[4459.90 --> 4460.80] But thank You, +[4460.90 --> 4460.98] Lord, +[4461.04 --> 4461.74] for the good news +[4461.74 --> 4462.58] and reminding us, +[4462.72 --> 4462.82] Lord, +[4462.88 --> 4463.74] that we belong +[4463.74 --> 4464.48] to You, +[4464.96 --> 4465.90] that everything +[4465.90 --> 4467.10] is in Your hands, +[4467.22 --> 4467.90] not ours. +[4469.06 --> 4469.82] Thank You +[4469.82 --> 4470.92] for teaching us +[4470.92 --> 4474.06] that You, +[4474.06 --> 4474.84] that You, +[4474.84 --> 4474.88] that You +[4474.88 --> 4476.12] require humility +[4476.12 --> 4476.96] and mercy. +[4477.92 --> 4479.18] Not pride, +[4479.60 --> 4480.50] not our own +[4480.50 --> 4481.16] ingenuity, +[4481.42 --> 4482.30] not our own +[4482.30 --> 4483.54] wisdom +[4483.54 --> 4484.94] or our own +[4484.94 --> 4485.76] smartness, +[4486.26 --> 4487.62] but You require +[4487.62 --> 4488.54] humility. +[4489.54 --> 4490.82] And You want us +[4490.82 --> 4491.94] to bow before You +[4491.94 --> 4493.16] and depend on You +[4493.16 --> 4493.90] because You +[4493.90 --> 4495.00] and You alone +[4495.00 --> 4496.04] are our Savior. +[4496.04 --> 4496.16] Savior. +[4497.34 --> 4498.40] We thank You +[4498.40 --> 4499.64] that Your Holy Spirit +[4499.64 --> 4500.86] dwells within us +[4500.86 --> 4502.00] and guides us +[4502.00 --> 4503.18] every step of the way +[4503.18 --> 4504.66] to equip us +[4504.66 --> 4506.02] to take on +[4506.02 --> 4507.24] the sometimes +[4507.24 --> 4508.30] daunting task +[4508.30 --> 4509.62] to live out +[4509.62 --> 4510.44] as Your disciples. +[4511.22 --> 4512.12] We thank You +[4512.12 --> 4512.92] again for this +[4512.92 --> 4513.46] good news, +[4513.60 --> 4513.76] Lord. +[4515.14 --> 4516.22] May Your equipping +[4516.22 --> 4517.54] and Your blessing +[4517.54 --> 4519.14] overflow +[4519.14 --> 4520.48] through our lives +[4520.48 --> 4521.42] even in this +[4521.42 --> 4522.20] upcoming week. +[4523.20 --> 4523.82] Thank You +[4523.82 --> 4524.68] and all glory +[4524.68 --> 4525.20] to You, +[4525.32 --> 4525.54] Lord. +[4526.00 --> 4526.72] In Jesus' name +[4526.72 --> 4527.10] we pray. +[4527.84 --> 4528.24] Amen. +[4528.24 --> 4528.36] Amen. +[4554.68 --> 4557.46] Come, +[4557.46 --> 4557.92] O! +[4561.74 --> 4562.38] Come, +[4562.60 --> 4563.08] come, +[4563.28 --> 4563.34] come, +[4563.34 --> 4564.12] come, +[4564.28 --> 4564.34] come, +[4564.70 --> 4566.02] come, +[4566.84 --> 4568.16] come, +[4568.16 --> 4568.36] come, +[4568.36 --> 4568.66] come, +[4568.66 --> 4569.52] run, +[4569.52 --> 4571.74] let your rescue begin. +[4572.42 --> 4573.02] Come, +[4573.18 --> 4574.36] find your mercy, +[4574.96 --> 4575.66] O sinner, +[4576.08 --> 4576.50] come, +[4576.50 --> 4577.22] kneel. +[4577.70 --> 4579.72] Earth has no sorrow +[4579.72 --> 4580.92] that heaven +[4580.92 --> 4581.72] can't heal. +[4582.38 --> 4584.64] Earth has no sorrow +[4584.64 --> 4587.64] that heaven can't heal. +[4590.18 --> 4593.26] Lay down your burdens, +[4595.32 --> 4598.46] lay down your shame. +[4600.26 --> 4602.92] All who are broken, +[4605.06 --> 4607.46] lift up your face. +[4609.46 --> 4613.46] O wanderer, come home, +[4614.64 --> 4617.82] you're not too far. +[4619.72 --> 4622.18] So lay down your hurt, +[4622.58 --> 4624.76] lay down your heart, +[4625.04 --> 4626.98] all as you are. +[4635.32 --> 4637.88] There's hope for the hopeless, +[4638.52 --> 4640.58] and all those who stray. +[4640.84 --> 4643.04] Come sit at the table, +[4643.04 --> 4645.32] who takes the grace. +[4645.72 --> 4647.72] There's rest for the weary, +[4648.54 --> 4650.58] rest that endures. +[4651.00 --> 4652.78] Earth has no sorrow +[4652.78 --> 4655.58] that heaven can cure. +[4658.08 --> 4660.96] Lay down your burdens, +[4661.06 --> 4665.58] lay down your shame. +[4665.58 --> 4670.64] All who are broken, +[4670.64 --> 4675.12] lift up your face. +[4677.12 --> 4681.26] O wanderer, come home, +[4682.26 --> 4684.92] you're not too far. +[4687.14 --> 4689.32] Lay down your hurt, +[4689.32 --> 4691.78] lay down your heart, +[4691.78 --> 4695.86] come as you are. +[4695.86 --> 4701.28] Come as you are. +[4701.28 --> 4706.24] fall in His arms, +[4706.24 --> 4709.24] come as you are. +[4712.02 --> 4714.66] There's joy for the morning, +[4715.16 --> 4717.34] will still be still. +[4717.34 --> 4719.78] Earth has no sorrow +[4719.78 --> 4722.34] that heaven can't heal. +[4722.68 --> 4724.78] Earth has no sorrow +[4724.78 --> 4727.86] that heaven can't heal. +[4727.86 --> 4732.92] So lay down your burdens, +[4732.92 --> 4737.40] lay down your shame. +[4737.40 --> 4742.46] all who are broken, +[4742.46 --> 4743.46] all who are broken, +[4743.46 --> 4748.46] lift up your own pace. +[4748.46 --> 4753.46] O wanderer, come home, +[4753.46 --> 4756.96] you're not too far. +[4756.96 --> 4762.02] So lay down your heart, +[4762.02 --> 4763.02] lay down your heart, +[4763.02 --> 4763.90] lay down your heart, +[4764.30 --> 4766.76] come as you are. +[4773.76 --> 4775.90] Come as you are. +[4778.60 --> 4781.40] Come as you are. +[4781.40 --> 4786.46] Come as you are. +[4796.46 --> 4798.60] And so receive this blessing +[4798.60 --> 4802.30] as we are sent to be His disciples, +[4802.62 --> 4804.68] to be the light for a world +[4804.68 --> 4805.48] that's in darkness, +[4805.84 --> 4807.18] that is in desperate need +[4807.18 --> 4808.52] of a Savior as well. +[4808.52 --> 4812.32] May our Lord Jesus Christ Himself +[4812.32 --> 4814.22] and God our Father, +[4814.72 --> 4815.78] who loved us +[4815.78 --> 4817.18] and by His grace +[4817.18 --> 4819.36] gave us eternal encouragement +[4819.36 --> 4820.26] and good hope. +[4820.84 --> 4822.70] May He encourage your hearts +[4822.70 --> 4824.22] and strengthen you +[4824.22 --> 4825.34] and equip you +[4825.34 --> 4827.70] in every good deed and word. +[4828.08 --> 4829.24] And all God's people said, +[4829.84 --> 4830.44] Amen. +[4830.44 --> 4830.56] Amen. +[4838.52 --> 4858.64] Be like I got a favorite hand, +[4858.82 --> 4860.80] be me by your hand, +[4860.90 --> 4863.74] you are strong and wise. +[4863.74 --> 4867.62] I want to trust in you +[4867.62 --> 4869.70] and in all I do +[4869.70 --> 4872.74] bring you honor and praise. +[4873.18 --> 4876.12] Oh, I love you +[4876.12 --> 4881.54] great and mighty pain. +[4881.54 --> 4884.26] You are faithful +[4884.26 --> 4888.70] through the ages +[4888.70 --> 4891.96] you never change. +[4895.28 --> 4899.14] My God in the dark of night +[4899.14 --> 4901.62] said I'll fear to fight you +[4901.62 --> 4903.72] our hope and truth. +[4904.88 --> 4908.10] I want to trust in you +[4908.10 --> 4910.14] and in all I do +[4910.14 --> 4913.06] bring you honor and praise. +[4913.50 --> 4916.50] Oh, I love you +[4916.50 --> 4921.50] great and mighty pain +[4921.50 --> 4924.60] you are faithful +[4924.60 --> 4929.02] through the ages +[4929.02 --> 4932.50] you never change. +[4935.50 --> 4939.56] Be my guide for the road ahead +[4939.56 --> 4941.74] should I feel misled +[4941.74 --> 4944.44] you are just and good. +[4944.44 --> 4948.60] I want to trust in you +[4948.60 --> 4950.66] and in all I do +[4950.66 --> 4953.44] bring you honor and praise. +[4953.44 --> 4957.44] Oh, I love you +[4957.44 --> 4961.44] great and mighty pain +[4961.44 --> 4965.44] you are faithful +[4965.44 --> 4969.44] through the ages +[4969.44 --> 4971.44] you never change. +[4971.44 --> 4972.44] God bless you +[4972.44 --> 4973.44] love you +[4973.44 --> 4974.44] love you +[4974.44 --> 4975.44] love you +[4975.44 --> 4978.44] great and mighty pain +[4978.44 --> 4982.44] you are faithful +[4982.44 --> 4986.44] through the ages +[4986.44 --> 4988.44] you never change. +[4988.44 --> 4990.44] You are faithful +[4990.44 --> 4992.44] through the ages +[4992.44 --> 4994.44] you never change. +[4994.44 --> 4999.44] Jah +[4999.62 --> 5000.44] for your grace +[5000.44 --> 5002.44] you are faithful +[5002.44 --> 5003.44] and through the ages +[5003.44 --> 5004.44] you are faithful +[5004.50 --> 5005.44] you are faithful +[5005.44 --> 5006.44] and you are faithful +[5006.44 --> 5007.44] to my sin +[5007.44 --> 5007.92] guide us +[5007.92 --> 5009.44] every moment +[5009.44 --> 5010.78] you must +[5010.78 --> 5012.16] help him +[5012.16 --> 5013.44] come to me +[5013.44 --> 5014.44] the meaning of honesty +[5014.44 --> 5015.44] these days +[5015.44 --> 5017.44] have have appreciated +[5017.44 --> 5018.44] his you are faithful +[5018.44 --> 5019.48] you and your turn +[5019.48 --> 5020.44] every element +[5020.44 --> 5050.42] Thank you. +[5050.44 --> 5051.52] Thank you. +[5080.44 --> 5110.42] Thank you. +[5110.44 --> 5140.42] Thank you. +[5140.44 --> 5170.42] Thank you. +[5170.44 --> 5200.42] Thank you. +[5200.44 --> 5230.42] Thank you. +[5230.44 --> 5260.42] Thank you. +[5260.44 --> 5290.42] Thank you. +[5290.44 --> 5320.42] Thank you. diff --git a/Sunday Worship, October 20, 2024_summary.txt b/Sunday Worship, October 20, 2024_summary.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000000000000000000000000000000000000..67d8fb84063a25582e2f0453e4e1882485376813 --- /dev/null +++ b/Sunday Worship, October 20, 2024_summary.txt @@ -0,0 +1,142 @@ +• The pastor is aware of the recent flooding in the area and offers help with cleanup efforts +• Announcements for upcoming church events are made, including a worship conference on October 26th +• A Christianity Explored group continues on Thursday, and a Safe Church training is scheduled for Tuesday +• The church hosts various programs and groups, including HCBC (youth), Heidelberg Catechism reading group (adults) +• Introduction to the worship service, including a greeting in the name of God and an invitation to extend that greeting to others +• Worship service +• Psalm 100 mentioned +• God's love and salvation through Jesus Christ +• Freedom from sin and addiction +• The power of the cross and Jesus waiting to forgive +• Praise and worship music +• Singing and music +• Psalm readings from ancient gates to holy places +• Worship and praise of Jesus +• Prayer for forgiveness and mercy +• Assurance of God's compassion and love +• Scripture reading from Psalm 103 +• Thankfulness and gratefulness in prayer +• Praise and worship songs +• Worship songs and chants +• Reading from Proverbs 14:31 about helping the poor +• Introduction to Gateway of Hope ministry +• Prayer and singing about God's glory and Jesus' name +• Musical segment featuring lyrics about Jesus Christ, his name, and its power +• Discussing the name of Jesus +• Children's discussion about what makes them happy (scoring a goal in soccer, playing outside) +• Introduction to learning about Joseph and his characteristics +• Big idea: God is with us even when things don't look good +• Prayer time led by an elder, Dave +• Congregation prayer and thanksgiving for various aspects of church life and community +• Prayers for a congregation member diagnosed with breast cancer and her family +• Prayers for students, including those studying elsewhere, for academic success and contribution to Christian community +• Prayers for shut-ins and those unable to attend church due to physical limitations +• Prayers for recovery from flooding and heavy rain damage +• Prayers for troubled war zones around the world, particularly in Israel, Gaza, Lebanon, and Ukraine +• Reading of Genesis 37:12-35, a story about Joseph being sold into slavery by his brothers +• The sovereignty of God and its implications on human experience +• The tension between God's sovereignty and human suffering +• The concept of "God hints" in biblical narratives to reveal God's presence amidst difficulties +• The story of Joseph as a case study for finding God in times of trial and hardship +• The idea that God's hiddenness can be a challenge to faith, but not necessarily incompatible with His sovereignty +• The importance of focusing on God's promises and vision for a brighter tomorrow +• The impact of what we choose to focus our minds on in enduring suffering and thriving in trial +• The concept of "meanwhile" from verse 36 of the text, which highlights the idea that something else is happening alongside Joseph's story +• The parallel between Jacob's experience and the reminder that even in darkness, God is sovereign over all creation +• The nature of God's rule and reign in the world +• The challenge of seeing or understanding how God is working, but knowing that he always is +• The idea that the absence of evidence does not mean God is absent +• An analogy to complex math being unknowable to an individual, but still complete and perfect +• A caution against assuming God's absence due to lack of visibility or understanding +• The role of the deceiver, tempter, or Satan in challenging faith +• Joseph's story as an example of external challenges to faith +• External challenges come from people like Joseph's brothers who mock and try to undermine one's faith +• Internal challenges come from within oneself and can manifest as doubts and questions about God's presence and work +• Examples of external voices that challenge faith, such as Job's wife trying to get him to give up hope and curse God +• The existence of people who are hopeless and only feel better about their hopelessness, implying a broader societal context of despair. +• Desire for community is perverted and corrupted by sin +• We bring others into our corruption and project hopelessness and nihilism onto them +• We can perpetuate this cycle without external influence, including Satan +• We are capable of being our own challenge to remembering God's promises +• External and internal temptations and forces contribute to forgetting God's promises +• In times of pain and suffering, it is easy to forget God's promises and feel abandoned or unlovable +• The speaker discusses the idea that people often feel a sense of abandonment by God when they need him most +• The speaker describes this as a disquieting symptom and suggests that it may be a sign of spiritual danger rather than a lack of faith in God +• The speaker notes that people who have experienced great happiness or prosperity can become complacent and forget to seek God's presence +• The speaker emphasizes the importance of surrounding oneself with gospel visions and promises of God, especially during times of trouble or chaos +• The speaker also highlights the need to wrestle with the concept of God's sovereignty in relation to human suffering +• The importance of remembering and focusing on God beyond current circumstances +• The concept of "meantime" or "meanwhile", referring to the activity of a sovereign God beyond present time and circumstance +• Reference to the story of Joseph as an example of this concept +• Introduction to biblical history, specifically the story of Abraham, to answer questions about the Ishmaelites and Midianites +• Keturah and the Ishmaelites are descendants of Abraham through Hagar +• The forefathers of this group are half-brothers and therefore uncles to Jacob +• This group is second or third cousins to Joseph and his brothers +• God uses these people for His purposes despite their involvement in questionable activities +• Ishmael's birth was a result of Sarah trying to take control of God's promise +• Ishmael would have been considered a secondary heir, but Isaac's birth changes his status +• Ishmael and Hagar are eventually rejected by Abraham and cast out +• Genesis 21 story of Abraham and Isaac +• God's election and ordination of Isaac as the chosen one +• Ishmael's role as an outsider, but still receiving a promise from God +• God's common grace extending to all people, including Ishmael +• Hagar and Ishmael's journey in the wilderness and their encounter with God +• Connection between Abraham, Ishmael, and the family's relationship with Egypt +• God's provision for Joseph and Israel during the famine is connected to events from earlier generations +• God works on multiple levels and timelines simultaneously +• God is not bound by time or circumstance in His actions and plans +• Sovereignty means that God knows and ordains all things +• Everything that happens is a result of God's active and passive will working together to accomplish his purposes +• Time is not relevant to God, who stands above and apart from it +• The past, present, and future are eternal and current to God's self +• God's actions in the present moment may be preparing us for what He will do in the future +• God's activity in grandparents' lives may have been for the benefit of grandkids +• God works all things for the good of those who love him, according to Romans 8 +• All things means past, present, and future events in one's life and the lives of others +• The same principle is true of people leading up to and flowing out of one's life +• Historical examples include Joseph's journey to Egypt and the Israelites' journey through Numbers +• The Israelites are commanded by God to treat the Midianites as enemies and kill them +• Gideon led the Israelites against the Midianites in a war that lasted seven years +• Despite being enemies, God used the Midianites to accomplish the saving of his people +• Jacob is suffering and mourning the loss of his son, refusing comfort from others +• Jacob's experience of mourning and pain serves as a backdrop for the story of Joseph +• The Midianites sold Joseph to Potiphar in Egypt +• God is placing Joseph in the right place to save his people when the famine comes +• Joseph rises from Potiphar's house to Pharaoh's house and becomes second in command over all of Egypt +• God uses Joseph for the saving of many lives +• The story began with Abraham's children, Ishmael and Keturah +• The sovereign God was before even time began +• God's plan and sovereignty from before time began +• God's active involvement in the present and past +• Hope and assurance for the future through God's victory +• The way to endure suffering with a changed perspective due to understanding of God's plan +• Bible passage: 1 Peter (specifically, not specified) +• The blood of Christ is precious and sinless +• Jesus was chosen before the creation of the world to deal with human suffering and pain +• God's plan to save humanity is through Jesus Christ, who became sin for us so we might become the righteousness of God +• Through faith in Jesus, our sins are forgiven and we are raised to eternal life +• The activity of God in the world is centered on Jesus Christ, who was determined before creation itself to be the ultimate means of redemption +• God's sovereignty and goodness in all circumstances +• Remembering God is always present and active, even if not seen or believed +• Trusting in God's power to do something with one's current situation +• Living as if God's presence and truth are real, regardless of understanding +• The importance of worship and prayer in remembering God's presence +• God's presence and protection in difficult times +• The importance of remembering and honoring what God has done +• The idea that life is not one's own, but purchased with a price +• Asking for spiritual guidance and support from God's people +• Prayer and surrender to God's will +• Standing together as believers and responding to challenges with faith +• Discussion of spiritual themes, including God's presence and peace +• Recitation of the hymn "It Is Well with My Soul" +• References to trials and challenges in life +• Quotes from a scripture or devotional text +• Talk about God's protection and guidance throughout life +• Exhortation to trust in God's love and plan, despite difficulties +• Preparation of the way for the Lord +• The coming of the Lord, riding on clouds and shining like the sun +• Salvation and the days of His being young +• The tribe's absence and lack of fulfillment of expectations +• The harvest and laborers leading the people +• Proclamation of God's word and the holy crown +• Calling out to God in worship and prayer \ No newline at end of file diff --git a/Sunday Worship, October 20, 2024_transcript.txt b/Sunday Worship, October 20, 2024_transcript.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000000000000000000000000000000000000..90013e4c6aaae4296354e3ec857b63c0952022d5 --- /dev/null +++ b/Sunday Worship, October 20, 2024_transcript.txt @@ -0,0 +1,2896 @@ +[0.00 --> 5.42] God, I'm asking, could this be your plan? +[5.90 --> 10.72] Sin has taken hold of this whole land. +[11.14 --> 16.52] Will you not say anything else to me? +[16.52 --> 30.96] He said, where were you the day that I measured? +[31.86 --> 41.68] Sung the bass and stretched the line over all the earth and carved out its cornerstone. +[46.52 --> 48.02] TJT +[76.52 --> 78.52] You +[106.52 --> 108.52] You +[136.52 --> 138.52] You +[166.52 --> 168.52] You +[196.52 --> 198.52] You +[226.52 --> 228.52] You +[228.52 --> 230.52] You +[230.52 --> 232.52] You +[232.52 --> 234.52] You +[234.52 --> 236.52] You +[236.52 --> 238.52] You +[240.52 --> 242.52] You +[244.52 --> 246.52] Good morning, how we doing? +[246.52 --> 255.52] Okay, welcome to worship special welcome if you are a guest among us. +[255.52 --> 261.52] It's my privilege to lead this morning. My name is Chris. I'm one of the pastors here at Emanuel. +[261.52 --> 269.52] And I am very mindful of the fact that we're just coming out of an atmospheric river and flooding and the like. +[269.52 --> 275.52] And so I wanted to just make sure that you guys are all aware and that everyone here is aware. +[275.52 --> 284.52] But if you have like problems with flooding or if there's cleanup or things like that that you that happens on your property or where you live after something. +[284.52 --> 288.52] We at church here want to help. +[288.52 --> 292.52] And in fact, that's exactly why our deacons exist. +[292.52 --> 302.52] And so if you need help with something with cleanup or the like, please contact the church either myself or one of the other pastors or the office or any of the deacons. +[302.52 --> 309.52] They would love to help provide resources and clean up in the midst of that. +[309.52 --> 314.52] Before we begin our worship, I just want to share a couple announcements with you. +[314.52 --> 324.52] First of all, after worship today, where we usually gather in the back or in here for a time of fellowship and connecting together. +[324.52 --> 328.52] Today, we're going to do that, but we're going to do it with cake. +[328.52 --> 331.52] There we go. Thank you. +[331.52 --> 342.52] We're going to do it with cake because last weekend, Paul and Leslie Cool celebrated their 40th anniversary and they would like to share that with us as well. +[342.52 --> 346.52] And so after service today, there's cake. +[346.52 --> 347.52] It'll be over there. +[347.52 --> 350.52] I don't know how much cake there is. +[350.52 --> 352.52] So if you're quick, you'll get a piece. +[352.52 --> 354.52] If you're less quick, maybe you won't. +[354.52 --> 365.52] And then as we move into this week, just a quick note that tonight at church is HCBC for the youth. +[365.52 --> 369.52] That's like a catechism church education program. +[369.52 --> 376.52] And simultaneous to that, there's a Heidelberg Catechism reading group for adults. +[376.52 --> 377.52] That's going to happen. +[377.52 --> 380.52] Both of those are at 7 p.m. here at church. +[380.52 --> 386.52] If you're interested, we encourage you to come out and stick around for that conversation together. +[386.52 --> 392.52] On Thursday, the Christianity Explored group is going to be continuing. +[392.52 --> 395.52] And so if you have questions about that, you can grab me after service. +[395.52 --> 405.52] And then lastly, we've been announcing for the past couple of weeks a worship conference that we're hosting coming up on Saturday, on October 26th. +[405.52 --> 408.52] And there's still more room to sign up for that. +[408.52 --> 415.52] And so if you haven't signed up for that, there's a QR code on the welcome desk back there, the Lift Up Your Voice worship conference. +[415.52 --> 418.52] That will take you right to the sign up page. +[418.52 --> 419.52] We'll get you there. +[419.52 --> 432.52] But what we wanted to do as well, even if you don't join for the afternoon event of the worship conference, we have a chance to gather together for an evening of worship. +[432.52 --> 439.52] And so the worship conference participants and the speakers are going to lead us in a time of worship together. +[439.52 --> 442.52] And so we're inviting everyone to come to that. +[442.52 --> 447.52] And that part of the event starts at 7 p.m. on Saturday. +[447.52 --> 448.52] 7 p.m. on Saturday. +[448.52 --> 453.52] There's going to be a worship service here connected to that. +[453.52 --> 456.52] I think I've checked all my boxes. +[456.52 --> 458.52] Tuesday, Safe Church. +[458.52 --> 460.52] I didn't check my boxes. +[460.52 --> 470.52] If you are signed up for or haven't yet signed up for the Safe Church training, there's another one happening on Tuesday. +[470.52 --> 482.52] And just a reminder to all our volunteers here, if you are volunteering with children or youth or vulnerable populations, you are required to do this training once every three years. +[482.52 --> 488.52] I've heard good things about this particular training, and it is a good time to get together. +[488.52 --> 491.52] And so if you have questions about that, you can talk to Rachel or Kim. +[491.52 --> 501.52] I don't know if Kim is here today or not, but Rachel will answer all your questions about what that looks like on Tuesday here at church at 7 p.m. +[501.52 --> 502.52] There we go. +[502.52 --> 503.52] Anyone else? +[503.52 --> 505.52] Mo, we're taking suggestions for announcements? +[505.52 --> 506.52] No? +[506.52 --> 511.52] Can we stand together as God ushers us into his presence for worship? +[511.52 --> 515.52] We gather in the presence of God. +[515.52 --> 523.52] We gather together as his people to sing his praises, and he meets us here. +[523.52 --> 526.52] We mark that presence of God in two ways. +[526.52 --> 531.52] One, by receiving his greeting, and then by extending that greeting to the people around us. +[531.52 --> 536.52] So after I greet you in the name of the Lord, I invite you to greet those around you in his name as well. +[536.52 --> 538.52] Receive the greeting of our God. +[538.52 --> 549.52] Grace, mercy, and peace to you from God our Father, from the Lord Jesus Christ, Son, and our Savior, through the presence and power of the Holy Spirit. +[549.52 --> 550.52] Amen. +[550.52 --> 551.52] Amen. +[551.52 --> 552.52] . +[552.52 --> 554.52] . +[554.52 --> 556.52] . +[556.52 --> 558.52] . +[558.52 --> 559.52] . +[559.52 --> 560.52] . +[579.52 --> 589.52] . +[589.52 --> 591.52] Good morning, everyone. +[591.52 --> 598.52] Today, as we gather together to worship, let's remember the words of Psalm 100. +[598.52 --> 599.52] . +[599.52 --> 600.52] . +[600.52 --> 601.52] . +[601.52 --> 602.52] . +[602.52 --> 603.52] . +[603.52 --> 604.52] . +[604.52 --> 605.52] . +[605.52 --> 606.52] . +[606.52 --> 607.52] . +[607.52 --> 608.52] . +[608.52 --> 609.52] . +[609.52 --> 618.52] . +[618.52 --> 619.52] . +[619.52 --> 620.52] . +[620.52 --> 621.52] . +[621.52 --> 622.52] . +[622.52 --> 623.52] . +[623.52 --> 624.52] . +[624.52 --> 625.52] . +[625.52 --> 626.52] . +[626.52 --> 627.52] . +[627.52 --> 640.52] . +[640.52 --> 641.52] . +[641.52 --> 642.52] . +[642.52 --> 643.52] . +[643.52 --> 644.52] . +[644.52 --> 645.52] . +[645.52 --> 646.52] . +[646.52 --> 647.52] . +[647.52 --> 648.52] . +[648.52 --> 649.52] . +[649.52 --> 650.52] . +[650.52 --> 651.52] . +[651.52 --> 652.52] . +[652.52 --> 653.52] . +[653.52 --> 670.52] . +[670.52 --> 671.52] . +[671.52 --> 672.52] . +[672.52 --> 673.52] . +[673.52 --> 674.52] . +[674.52 --> 675.52] . +[675.52 --> 676.52] . +[676.52 --> 677.52] . +[677.52 --> 678.52] . +[678.52 --> 679.52] . +[679.52 --> 680.52] . +[680.52 --> 689.52] . +[689.52 --> 692.52] . +[696.52 --> 697.52] . +[697.52 --> 699.52] . +[699.52 --> 700.52] . +[700.52 --> 701.52] . +[701.52 --> 702.52] . +[702.52 --> 703.52] . +[703.52 --> 704.52] . +[704.52 --> 706.32] . +[706.32 --> 709.50] . +[709.50 --> 712.50] With open arms +[713.16 --> 717.92] God so loud +[717.92 --> 720.54] The road that He gave us +[720.54 --> 722.58] Is one and all +[722.58 --> 725.26] The Son to save us +[725.26 --> 728.40] Whoever believes in Him +[728.40 --> 730.70] Will live forever +[730.70 --> 736.60] The power of hell +[736.60 --> 738.98] Forever defeated +[738.98 --> 740.88] Now Israel +[740.88 --> 743.72] I'm walking in freedom +[743.72 --> 745.98] For God so loved +[745.98 --> 750.56] God so loved the world +[750.56 --> 754.94] Praise God +[754.94 --> 757.14] Praise God +[757.14 --> 761.02] From whom all blessings flow +[761.02 --> 764.22] Praise Him +[764.22 --> 766.60] Praise Him +[766.60 --> 770.60] For the wonders of His love +[770.60 --> 773.60] Praise God +[773.60 --> 775.84] Praise God +[775.84 --> 779.60] From whom all blessings flow +[779.60 --> 782.60] Praise Him +[782.60 --> 784.60] Praise Him +[784.60 --> 788.98] For the wonders of His love +[788.98 --> 789.98] God so loved +[789.98 --> 791.98] God so loved +[791.98 --> 794.92] The world that He gave us +[794.92 --> 796.98] Is one and all +[796.98 --> 798.98] The Son to save us +[798.98 --> 800.98] God so loved +[800.98 --> 803.98] The world that He gave us +[803.98 --> 805.98] Is one and all +[805.98 --> 807.98] The Son to save us +[807.98 --> 810.36] The Lord that He gave us +[810.36 --> 811.36] The Lord that He gave us +[811.36 --> 811.42] To Him +[811.42 --> 814.36] And will live forever +[814.36 --> 817.36] For God so loved +[817.36 --> 819.36] For God so loved +[819.36 --> 820.36] The world that He gave us +[820.36 --> 821.36] Forever defeated +[821.36 --> 823.74] Now it is well +[823.74 --> 826.74] I'm walking in freedom +[826.74 --> 828.74] For God so loved +[828.74 --> 830.74] God so loved +[830.74 --> 831.74] God so loved +[831.74 --> 832.74] The world +[832.74 --> 838.74] Bring all your failures +[838.74 --> 840.74] Bring your addictions +[840.74 --> 842.74] Outweigh them down +[842.74 --> 844.74] At the foot of the cross +[844.74 --> 847.74] Jesus is waiting +[847.74 --> 848.74] God so loved +[848.74 --> 849.74] God so loved +[849.74 --> 850.20] God so loved +[850.20 --> 851.12] The world +[851.12 --> 859.50] Let's sit down +[859.50 --> 889.48] God so loved +[889.50 --> 891.74] The Lord +[891.74 --> 892.42] Jesus is waiting +[892.42 --> 893.32] Ramone +[893.32 --> 894.90] . +[898.36 --> 898.92] Ramone +[898.92 --> 899.32] . +[899.32 --> 899.76] There is singing +[899.76 --> 902.92] At the ancient gates +[902.92 --> 904.58] There's a melody +[904.58 --> 906.92] Of ceaseless praise +[906.92 --> 907.94] There is singing +[907.94 --> 910.82] The続 February +[910.82 --> 912.28] A Floyd +[912.28 --> 912.78] In hisí Boulevard +[912.78 --> 917.36] At thecharger +[917.36 --> 920.80] The throne in the name of kings +[920.80 --> 925.32] There is seated on the one who reigns +[925.32 --> 929.66] And every day from now is here +[929.66 --> 931.92] And getting closer +[931.92 --> 939.90] Is it like her there in glory? +[939.90 --> 944.40] Here and now is just as holy +[944.40 --> 950.40] Jesus, He's so worthy of your own +[950.40 --> 956.40] He is this an everlasting life +[956.96 --> 961.64] So on heaven sees there is no right +[961.64 --> 965.40] And every spirit runs away +[965.40 --> 968.56] For the world's sorrow +[968.56 --> 974.56] Worship your joyful sound +[975.28 --> 978.56] Sing until your voice is out +[978.56 --> 980.56] And every prayer +[980.56 --> 983.56] All through the ground +[983.56 --> 986.56] And peace of worship +[986.56 --> 993.56] Is it like her there in glory? +[993.56 --> 998.56] Here and now is just as holy +[998.56 --> 1004.56] Jesus, He's so worthy of your own +[1004.56 --> 1011.56] For the song He loves to hear +[1011.56 --> 1016.56] And in every prayer so dear +[1016.56 --> 1022.56] And He's so worthy of your own +[1022.56 --> 1034.46] The one who is, the one who is to come +[1034.56 --> 1043.56] The one who was, the one who is, the one who is to come +[1043.56 --> 1052.46] The one who was, the one who is, the one who is to come +[1052.46 --> 1061.56] The one who was, the one who is, the one who is to come +[1061.56 --> 1066.82] The two nights were there in the holy +[1066.82 --> 1071.32] And now he's just as holy +[1071.32 --> 1077.06] The one who is so worthy of it all +[1077.06 --> 1085.26] In your song he loves to hear it +[1085.26 --> 1089.98] And in every prayer so clear it +[1089.98 --> 1095.26] The one who is so worthy of it all +[1095.26 --> 1107.00] The one who was, the one who is, the one who is to come +[1107.00 --> 1116.24] The one who was, the one who is, the one who is to come +[1116.24 --> 1125.14] The one who was, the one who is, the one who is to come +[1125.14 --> 1135.62] The one who was, the one who is, the one who is to come. +[1137.74 --> 1139.26] You may be seated. +[1145.08 --> 1147.62] Please join me in prayer this morning. +[1147.62 --> 1157.02] O Lord, you are our shepherd, and yet we want. +[1157.98 --> 1160.84] We lie down and ignore when we should act. +[1161.74 --> 1164.58] We stir the pot when we could offer peace. +[1165.56 --> 1168.98] We wander tempting paths instead of following you. +[1169.90 --> 1174.68] We see courage and comfort in earthly things rather than in you. +[1174.68 --> 1179.06] We hate our enemies when we should be offering them our love. +[1180.04 --> 1184.92] We see our selfish desires even when you offer us abundance. +[1185.86 --> 1188.76] And we pray for your forgiveness and for your mercy, +[1189.16 --> 1193.56] so that we might dwell in you and in your grace forever. +[1194.20 --> 1194.56] Amen. +[1197.66 --> 1202.44] We can be thankful that our sin is not where we sit and where we stay. +[1202.44 --> 1206.32] So here are these words of assurance that were given from Psalm 103. +[1206.80 --> 1212.08] The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love. +[1212.64 --> 1216.04] He will not always accuse, nor will he harbor his anger forever. +[1216.48 --> 1221.08] For he does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities. +[1221.62 --> 1226.76] For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him. +[1226.76 --> 1232.70] And as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us. +[1233.94 --> 1238.72] Let's stand and sing our thankfulness and gratefulness in that. +[1238.72 --> 1257.74] Lord is grace and passion, +[1257.74 --> 1259.74] and the Lord is good to all. +[1259.74 --> 1260.74] Amen. +[1260.74 --> 1266.42] Slow to anger and rich in love. +[1266.42 --> 1271.50] The Lord is gracious and compassionate. +[1271.50 --> 1280.24] Slow to anger and rich in love. +[1280.24 --> 1286.48] And the Lord is good to all +[1286.48 --> 1294.14] He has compassion for all that He has made +[1294.14 --> 1300.64] It's for Jesus from the West +[1300.64 --> 1304.70] That's how far He has removed +[1304.70 --> 1306.74] The transpiration troubles +[1306.74 --> 1314.30] It's for Jesus from the West +[1314.30 --> 1318.62] That's how far He has removed +[1318.62 --> 1320.44] The transpiration troubles +[1320.44 --> 1330.80] Praise the Lord, O my soul +[1330.80 --> 1335.10] Praise the Lord +[1335.10 --> 1344.54] Praise the Lord, O my soul +[1344.54 --> 1348.66] Praise the Lord +[1348.66 --> 1354.54] The Lord is gracious and compassionate +[1354.54 --> 1363.98] Soul to maker and rich in love +[1363.98 --> 1368.20] The Lord is gracious and passionate +[1368.20 --> 1375.98] Soul to maker and rich in love +[1375.98 --> 1382.42] And the Lord is good to all +[1382.42 --> 1389.42] He has compassion for all that He has made +[1389.42 --> 1396.86] As far as Jesus from the West +[1396.86 --> 1400.98] That's how far He has removed +[1400.98 --> 1402.98] The transpiration troubles +[1402.98 --> 1412.42] Praise the Lord, O my soul +[1412.42 --> 1416.54] Praise the Lord +[1416.54 --> 1425.98] Praise the Lord +[1425.98 --> 1427.98] Praise the Lord +[1427.98 --> 1429.98] Praise the Lord +[1429.98 --> 1435.98] Praise the Lord +[1435.98 --> 1445.42] O my soul +[1445.42 --> 1447.42] Praise the Lord +[1447.42 --> 1460.80] Praise the Lord +[1460.80 --> 1464.74] Praise the Lord +[1464.74 --> 1474.06] Lord, O my soul, praise the Lord. +[1494.74 --> 1496.74] Amen. +[1524.74 --> 1552.36] Love so amazing, love so amazing, Jesus Messiah, in love of all names, blessed Redeemer. +[1554.74 --> 1581.20] Emmanuel, the rescue for sinners, the ransom from heaven, Jesus Messiah, Lord of all. +[1584.74 --> 1594.74] God in the bread, He's not the one, broken and born, all for love. +[1595.74 --> 1600.74] A cold and trampled, the thrill of storm. +[1600.74 --> 1627.74] Love so amazing, love so amazing, Jesus Messiah, in love of all names, blessed Redeemer. +[1627.74 --> 1655.74] Emmanuel, the rescue for sinners, the ransom from heaven, Jesus Messiah, Lord of all. +[1655.74 --> 1662.74] Our hope is in you. +[1662.74 --> 1667.74] Our hope is in you. +[1667.74 --> 1669.74] Our hope is in you. +[1669.74 --> 1670.74] Our hope is in you. +[1670.74 --> 1672.74] Our hope is in you. +[1672.74 --> 1673.74] Our hope is in you. +[1673.74 --> 1679.74] Our hope is in you, Lord of all names, thequal of all names, Jesus Messiah. +[1679.74 --> 1686.46] Jesus Messiah +[1686.46 --> 1694.38] May love of all praise +[1694.38 --> 1698.30] Blessed Redeemer +[1698.30 --> 1701.98] Emmanuel +[1701.98 --> 1709.00] The rescue for sinners +[1709.00 --> 1714.68] The ransom of sinners +[1714.68 --> 1720.22] Jesus Messiah +[1720.22 --> 1726.76] Lord of all +[1726.76 --> 1731.48] Jesus Messiah +[1731.48 --> 1738.52] Lord of all +[1738.52 --> 1761.28] Good morning, my name is +[1761.28 --> 1763.52] Yap, I'm a deacon here at Langley Manual +[1763.52 --> 1770.38] We continue our worship with the giving of our gifts to the Gateway of Hope +[1770.38 --> 1775.02] The Gateway of Hope is a ministry of the Salvation Army in Canada +[1775.02 --> 1777.64] Serving the city and township of Langley +[1777.64 --> 1780.46] Their mission is to help the homeless and those at risk +[1780.46 --> 1787.20] With material assistance and other crucial supports in order to help them find hope and move forward +[1787.20 --> 1790.78] From Proverbs 14 verse 31 +[1790.78 --> 1797.58] Whoever oppresses a poor man insults his maker, but he who is generous to the needy honors him +[1797.58 --> 1798.74] Thank you +[1798.74 --> 1798.82] Thank you +[1798.82 --> 1821.98] You were the word at the beginning +[1821.98 --> 1830.08] One with God, the Lord Most High +[1830.08 --> 1835.18] Your hidden glory in creation +[1835.18 --> 1842.82] Now revealed in you are Christ +[1842.82 --> 1844.82] What a beautiful name it is +[1844.82 --> 1846.42] What a beautiful name it is +[1846.42 --> 1850.02] What a beautiful name it is +[1850.02 --> 1856.56] The name of Jesus Christ my King +[1856.56 --> 1859.70] What a beautiful name it is +[1859.70 --> 1860.50] What a beautiful name it is +[1860.50 --> 1863.76] Nothing but a test of this +[1863.76 --> 1865.70] What a beautiful name it is +[1865.70 --> 1871.06] Oh, baby, it's the name of Jesus. +[1873.94 --> 1879.14] If you want them without them, +[1879.14 --> 1885.70] Jesus, you brought them down. +[1888.46 --> 1891.80] Sin was greater, love was greater. +[1891.80 --> 1898.88] What could separate us now? +[1898.88 --> 1902.34] What a wonderful day it is. +[1902.70 --> 1905.72] What a wonderful day it is. +[1906.08 --> 1911.88] The name of Jesus Christ, my King. +[1912.70 --> 1915.96] What a wonderful day it is. +[1916.52 --> 1919.02] Nothing from there is. +[1919.02 --> 1922.26] What a wonderful day it is. +[1922.46 --> 1925.52] The name of Jesus. +[1925.52 --> 1928.96] What a wonderful day it is. +[1929.24 --> 1932.30] The name of Jesus. +[1932.30 --> 1942.38] Oh, baby, it's the name of Jesus Christ. +[1942.88 --> 1943.62] All right, Lord, let me sing. +[1943.62 --> 1961.82] Let the Lord not hold you +[1961.82 --> 1965.06] The veil of glory for you +[1965.06 --> 1971.22] The silence, the ghost, the sin and grave +[1971.22 --> 1974.38] The heavens are rolling +[1974.38 --> 1977.64] The praise of your glory +[1977.64 --> 1983.62] For you are raised to life again +[1983.62 --> 1987.00] You have no rival +[1987.00 --> 1990.44] You have no equal +[1990.44 --> 1996.34] Now and forever God you pray +[1996.34 --> 1999.80] Yours is the kingdom +[1999.80 --> 2003.22] The ghost is the glory +[2003.22 --> 2007.42] The ghost is the name of God +[2007.42 --> 2009.06] All the grace +[2009.06 --> 2013.04] What a powerful name it is +[2013.04 --> 2016.30] What a powerful name it is +[2016.30 --> 2021.80] The name of Jesus Christ my King +[2021.80 --> 2026.06] What a powerful name it is +[2026.06 --> 2029.22] Nothing can stand against +[2029.22 --> 2031.64] What a powerful name it is +[2031.64 --> 2035.48] The name of Jesus +[2035.48 --> 2038.76] You have no rival +[2038.76 --> 2042.18] You have no evil +[2042.18 --> 2047.60] Now and forever God you pray +[2047.60 --> 2051.60] Yours is the kingdom +[2051.60 --> 2055.02] Yours is the glory +[2055.02 --> 2061.42] Yours is the name of all names +[2061.42 --> 2064.76] What a powerful name it is +[2064.76 --> 2068.18] What a powerful name it is +[2068.18 --> 2070.18] What a powerful name it is +[2070.18 --> 2072.18] What a powerful name it is +[2072.18 --> 2077.60] What a powerful name it is +[2077.60 --> 2079.64] What a powerful name it is +[2079.64 --> 2083.76] What a powerful name it is +[2083.76 --> 2087.06] The name of Jesus +[2087.06 --> 2090.48] What a wonderful name it is +[2090.48 --> 2110.86] What a powerful name it is +[2110.86 --> 2111.82] What a powerful name it is +[2111.82 --> 2112.82] What a powerful name it is +[2112.82 --> 2128.94] Good morning everybody. +[2128.94 --> 2132.70] Can I have the kids from preschool all the way up to grade four come up to the front +[2132.70 --> 2133.70] today? +[2133.70 --> 2145.70] You guys can scooch in this way. +[2145.70 --> 2149.70] Come up a little bit more. +[2149.70 --> 2152.70] Okay I have a question for you this morning. +[2152.70 --> 2157.70] What has happened this week that has made you happy? +[2157.70 --> 2164.70] Scoring a goal in soccer? +[2164.70 --> 2168.70] Yes that would make me very happy. +[2168.70 --> 2170.70] Getting to play outside? +[2170.70 --> 2179.70] Anybody else? +[2179.70 --> 2182.70] I like playing at soccer. +[2182.70 --> 2183.70] Playing at soccer? +[2183.70 --> 2185.70] Yeah that would make me happy too. +[2185.70 --> 2193.70] So today we're going to learn about another characteristic of Joseph and what he has when he is happy. +[2193.70 --> 2199.70] And we're going to discuss more in children's worship time of when he's sad and when he's scared. +[2199.70 --> 2202.70] And we are going to learn all about Joseph. +[2202.70 --> 2208.70] And the big idea we're learning today too is even when things don't look good God is with us. +[2208.70 --> 2212.70] So when we're happy, when we're sad, and when we're scared. +[2212.70 --> 2213.70] Everybody stand up. +[2213.70 --> 2214.70] And look at our parents. +[2214.70 --> 2215.70] We're at congregation. +[2215.70 --> 2216.70] Okay. +[2216.70 --> 2217.70] Ready? +[2217.70 --> 2218.70] One, two, three. +[2218.70 --> 2219.70] The Lord be with you. +[2219.70 --> 2220.70] And also with you. +[2220.70 --> 2221.70] And also with you. +[2221.70 --> 2222.70] Amen. +[2222.70 --> 2223.70] Be brought in faith! +[2223.70 --> 2228.70] Go andиля to stand at work on the Lord креп Artist Millet brews. +[2228.70 --> 2229.70] And also with you. +[2229.70 --> 2231.70] Thanks a couple of us. +[2231.70 --> 2232.70] And who? +[2232.70 --> 2233.70] For more eraser visit, wSS and two, one, two, two to three. +[2233.70 --> 2234.70] OK, ready! +[2234.70 --> 2235.70] 1, 2, 3 +[2235.70 --> 2237.90] The Lord be with you. +[2237.90 --> 2238.90] The Lord be with you. +[2238.90 --> 2241.98] And also with you. +[2241.98 --> 2243.36] And also with you. +[2243.36 --> 2245.40] Thank you. +[2250.70 --> 2263.90] Good morning. My name is Dave and I'm one of the elders for this congregation. It is my turn to +[2263.90 --> 2267.96] lead us in our church family prayer. Will you bow your heads with me? +[2270.96 --> 2277.56] Praise the Lord, O my soul, all my inmost being. Praise his holy name. Praise the Lord, O my soul, +[2277.56 --> 2282.68] and forget not all his benefits, who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, +[2283.04 --> 2286.58] who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion. +[2287.48 --> 2293.76] Father, it is good to gather on this Lord's day. Like the church in all places and through all ages, +[2293.98 --> 2298.44] we dedicate this time to worship you, to sing your praises, and to hear from your word. +[2299.90 --> 2305.20] Father, we confess that even though we spend time with you each Sunday, we confess that we focus +[2305.20 --> 2311.14] our time and thoughts on things that distract us from you. We confess that like your people Israel, +[2311.62 --> 2317.68] we have served our own idols and neglected those in need around us. Father, we thank you that we do +[2317.68 --> 2323.40] not have to be burdened by our sin, for Christ has taken our sin from us. As you told the prophet +[2323.40 --> 2329.48] Jeremiah, you have forgiven our wickedness and remember our sin no more. We thank you for that +[2329.48 --> 2336.58] precious gift. Father, we like to thank you for this church community and those who are gathered here. +[2336.84 --> 2342.90] We thank you for the leadership of this church, Pastor Chris, Pastor Kevin, for Josh, for members +[2342.90 --> 2347.50] of the council and the leadership role that they all provide. We thank you for the many ministries of +[2347.50 --> 2353.96] this church, nursery, children's worship time, gems, cadets, youth, young adults, coffee break, +[2353.96 --> 2359.14] care groups, seniors ministry, and others. We ask that you bless the work that they do, +[2359.40 --> 2363.38] that they will be able to meet the spiritual and physical needs that we see around us. +[2364.32 --> 2368.08] Father, we thank you for the free country that we live in, where we have the extraordinary +[2368.08 --> 2374.64] privilege of choosing new leaders at election time. We pray for our 93 new MLAs, both in government +[2374.64 --> 2380.14] and in opposition. We pray that even with their different ideologies and values, they will remember +[2380.14 --> 2385.46] the people that they serve. We pray that whether they acknowledge you or not, that they will know +[2385.46 --> 2393.68] to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with our God. Father, we also bring to you the needs +[2393.68 --> 2398.74] that we have for our congregation and the world around us. We pray for Louise, who's been diagnosed +[2398.74 --> 2403.96] with Bell's palsy. We ask that you give her the patience that she needs and that she'll have a quick +[2403.96 --> 2409.58] and complete recovery. We pray for Linda and Neil and the rest of the family as they continue to grieve +[2409.58 --> 2416.34] the passing of Linda's mom. We thank you for Bill and Miriam De Winter, who are celebrating 45 years +[2416.34 --> 2421.74] of marriage. We thank Paul and Leslie Kuhl, who just celebrated 40 years. We thank you for the +[2421.74 --> 2427.66] institution of marriage and family. We pray for many happy years to come. We pray for Ashley, +[2428.04 --> 2433.62] Mark and Dietrich Klengelting's sister-in-law, who has been diagnosed with breast cancer. As she begins +[2433.62 --> 2438.62] the difficult journey of chemotherapy, we pray that you will be with her, her husband, and the four +[2438.62 --> 2444.40] children. And look, we look forward to her healing. Father, we pray for students in this congregation, +[2444.70 --> 2452.12] both those who are here or studying elsewhere. We help them in their studies and that they will be, +[2452.20 --> 2458.16] still be able to contribute to Christian community. We pray for shut-ins and those who cannot be here. +[2458.62 --> 2463.62] We pray that they will still have opportunities for them to experience the love of family, +[2463.62 --> 2469.18] the strength of Christian community, and the presence in their lives. Father, we think about +[2469.18 --> 2474.02] the heavy rain and the flooding this weekend. We know the value of rain and the life that it brings, +[2474.22 --> 2480.30] but we can see the damage that it can cause. For all those who are experiencing damage or flooding or +[2480.30 --> 2489.08] need to clean up, we pray that as community, they and we will be able to do that. Father, +[2489.08 --> 2494.38] we continue to pray for troubled war zones in the world. We think about the violence that takes place +[2494.38 --> 2500.58] in Israel, Gaza, Lebanon, and potentially in Iran, and we do fear an even greater escalation of that +[2500.58 --> 2506.34] conflict. We think of the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, and we do not see an end in sight. +[2507.04 --> 2511.18] We think about so many other regions that are experiencing conflict that we don't often think +[2511.18 --> 2516.50] about. Father, we pray that you will work in the hearts of various leaders, that they could see a way +[2516.50 --> 2522.34] to resolve their conflicts and begin to live next to each other in peace. Father, we ask that you be +[2522.34 --> 2528.48] at Pastor Chris as he leads us in your word and tells us more of the story of Joseph. It is just one +[2528.48 --> 2536.76] of many reminders of your sovereignty in the midst of human suffering. The grace of the Lord Jesus be with us all. Amen. +[2546.50 --> 2570.70] We are going to open up the Bible and read and reflect on the story of Joseph near the beginning of the story of Joseph. +[2570.70 --> 2578.84] We are going to read from Genesis 37, starting at verse 12. I am going to read through the end of the chapter +[2578.84 --> 2584.88] in this part of the story, but I am going to encourage you to keep your Bibles open, keep them in front of you +[2584.88 --> 2590.78] as we come back to it. For the first time through, like we said, it should be on the screen behind us. +[2591.22 --> 2593.88] There are Bibles available at the back for you too. +[2593.88 --> 2597.26] This is what we read. +[2623.88 --> 2635.64] When Joseph arrived at Shechem, a man found him wandering around in the fields and asked him, +[2636.00 --> 2640.04] What are you looking for? And he replied, I am looking for my brothers. +[2640.42 --> 2643.06] Can you tell me where they are grazing their flocks? +[2644.10 --> 2646.56] They have moved on from here, the man answered. +[2646.56 --> 2650.78] I heard them say, let's go to Dothan. +[2652.04 --> 2655.62] So Joseph went after his brothers and found them near Dothan. +[2656.46 --> 2662.12] But they saw him in the distance, and before he reached them, they plotted to kill him. +[2663.38 --> 2666.44] Here comes that dreamer, they said to each other. +[2667.18 --> 2672.92] Come now, let's kill him and throw him into these cisterns and say that a ferocious animal devoured him. +[2672.92 --> 2675.48] Then we'll see what comes of his dreams. +[2677.32 --> 2681.72] When Reuben heard this, he tried to rescue him from their hands. +[2682.26 --> 2683.96] Let's not take his life, he said. +[2684.20 --> 2685.48] Don't shed any blood. +[2685.98 --> 2690.76] Throw him into this cistern here in the wilderness, but don't lay a hand on him. +[2691.74 --> 2696.64] Reuben said this to rescue him from them and take him back to his father. +[2696.64 --> 2704.16] So when Joseph came to his brothers, they stripped him of his robe, the ornate robe that he was wearing, +[2704.34 --> 2707.02] and they took him and threw him into the cistern. +[2707.54 --> 2710.96] The cistern was empty, and there was no water in it. +[2712.10 --> 2718.88] As they sat down to eat their meal, they looked up, and they saw a caravan of Ishmaelites coming from Gilead. +[2718.98 --> 2725.38] Their camels were loaded with spices, balm, and myrrh, and they were on their way to take them down to Egypt. +[2725.38 --> 2728.20] Judah said to his brothers, +[2728.60 --> 2732.06] What will we gain if we kill our brother and cover up his blood? +[2732.88 --> 2738.10] Come, let's sell him to the Ishmaelites and not lay our hands on him. +[2738.42 --> 2741.64] After all, he is our brother, our own flesh and blood. +[2742.52 --> 2743.52] His brothers agreed. +[2743.52 --> 2750.78] So when the Midianite merchants came by, his brothers pulled Joseph up out of the cistern +[2750.78 --> 2756.68] and sold him for 20 shekels of silver to the Ishmaelites who took him to Egypt. +[2758.24 --> 2763.96] When Reuben returned to the cistern and saw that Joseph was not there, he tore his clothes. +[2764.64 --> 2766.24] He went back to his brothers and said, +[2766.30 --> 2767.42] The boy isn't there. +[2767.60 --> 2769.08] Where can I turn now? +[2769.08 --> 2775.50] Then they got Joseph's robe, slaughtered a goat, and dipped the robe in the blood. +[2776.36 --> 2779.44] They took the ornate robe back to their father and said, +[2779.78 --> 2780.86] We found this. +[2781.64 --> 2784.36] Examine it to see whether it's your son's robe. +[2785.98 --> 2787.82] He recognized it and said, +[2788.14 --> 2789.90] It is my son's robe. +[2790.46 --> 2792.72] Some ferocious animal has devoured him. +[2793.80 --> 2796.44] Joseph has surely been torn to pieces. +[2796.44 --> 2803.58] And then Jacob tore his clothes, put on sackcloth, and mourned his son for many days. +[2804.42 --> 2810.22] All his sons and daughters came to comfort him, but he refused to be comforted. +[2811.10 --> 2812.34] No, he said. +[2812.88 --> 2816.86] I will continue to mourn until I join my son in the grave. +[2818.04 --> 2820.64] So his father wept for him. +[2820.64 --> 2832.54] Meanwhile, the Midianites sold Joseph in Egypt to Potiphar, one of Pharaoh's officials, the captain of the guard. +[2833.50 --> 2834.76] This is the word of the Lord. +[2841.54 --> 2844.72] So, spoiler alert, right at the beginning. +[2845.94 --> 2846.78] Spoiler alert. +[2848.10 --> 2849.56] God wins. +[2849.56 --> 2850.72] God wins. +[2852.00 --> 2852.84] God wins. +[2853.58 --> 2854.90] That's the hope of the Bible. +[2855.06 --> 2856.20] That's the message of the cross. +[2856.32 --> 2858.26] That's the truth of God's sovereignty. +[2859.48 --> 2860.38] God wins. +[2862.06 --> 2864.10] I'm going to keep saying that until one of you says amen. +[2864.38 --> 2864.94] God wins. +[2865.56 --> 2866.32] Thank you. +[2868.06 --> 2874.88] This is the reality that we enter into these particular stories with. +[2874.88 --> 2875.72] But I want you to... +[2875.72 --> 2877.40] Did you notice? +[2877.40 --> 2887.82] As we read the story, this is one of the really few times that the author here of Genesis provides abundant narrative details. +[2887.82 --> 2891.38] Like it takes a long time to read this story. +[2891.38 --> 2896.82] There's details that we don't normally get in the telling of stories from the Bible. +[2896.96 --> 2902.44] And the idea is to provide so much information that you can picture it and live it. +[2902.44 --> 2911.32] But then what I want to suggest to you is that in doing so, we miss what might be happening elsewhere. +[2911.32 --> 2913.66] Because there's so much in front of us. +[2914.08 --> 2915.10] It's overwhelming. +[2915.10 --> 2929.54] In the book Ender's Shadow by Orson Scott Card, he has this exchange. +[2930.26 --> 2933.52] One of the officials, the captains, says, +[2933.86 --> 2936.18] Do you know why Satan is so angry all the time? +[2936.18 --> 2945.44] It's because whenever he works a particularly clever bit of mischief, God uses it to serve his own righteous purposes. +[2947.24 --> 2954.66] He goes on that God uses his own freedom to create goodness out of that evil, for that's what God chooses to do. +[2955.74 --> 2957.80] And then the character he's talking to says, +[2958.00 --> 2959.50] So in the long run, God wins? +[2960.98 --> 2962.66] Yes, is the response. +[2962.66 --> 2966.86] In the short run, though, it can be uncomfortable. +[2968.98 --> 2972.82] So God wins, and it can be uncomfortable. +[2974.88 --> 2980.56] The reality of our life in this world is that there is great evil. +[2981.06 --> 2982.72] That life can be hard. +[2982.84 --> 2983.78] That we suffer. +[2983.96 --> 2989.76] The truth of this present moment, here and now, as we wait for that day of victory, +[2989.76 --> 2995.50] as we wait for the return of Christ, as we wait for the full revelation of God's kingdom here on earth, +[2995.58 --> 3002.72] we wait in the midst of pain and illness and trial and suffering and tears and death. +[3005.42 --> 3008.48] These are the twin experiences of life in the world. +[3008.80 --> 3009.48] God wins. +[3009.88 --> 3011.98] The reality of God's sovereignty. +[3011.98 --> 3021.26] And remember, we define God's sovereignty as his right to rule and reign as Lord of the universe. +[3021.42 --> 3023.76] That is, nothing happens without him. +[3024.40 --> 3028.40] And on the other side, we have the reality of human suffering. +[3028.52 --> 3030.86] That things aren't the way they're supposed to be. +[3031.20 --> 3037.56] We have this sense and this crying out at the injustice and the inequality of it all. +[3037.56 --> 3046.14] And in that experiential tension, we live our lives of faith. +[3048.02 --> 3054.42] Another way that this has been put is the struggle of the hiddenness of God. +[3055.40 --> 3057.26] The struggle of the hiddenness of God. +[3057.60 --> 3060.54] Where is God when things go bad? +[3061.56 --> 3065.44] Where is God when my life is crumbling around me? +[3065.44 --> 3066.18] Right? +[3066.20 --> 3071.26] If he is so sovereign and so good, why doesn't he do something good with this thing going on? +[3073.76 --> 3073.96] Right? +[3074.04 --> 3084.94] The hiddenness of God is one of the most regular challenges to our experience of life and faith. +[3085.64 --> 3089.62] The hiddenness of God is the root of so many deconstruction stories. +[3089.62 --> 3093.58] The hiddenness of God, the crying out, why can't I see you? +[3093.68 --> 3094.60] Where are you? +[3095.44 --> 3101.48] It's something that any of us who have lived a little bit of life have had to contend with. +[3103.28 --> 3108.92] Now for so many, in the moment, these twin truths, the sovereignty of God, that God wins, +[3109.04 --> 3111.80] and his hiddenness seem sort of paradoxical. +[3112.10 --> 3113.48] They seem incompatible. +[3113.48 --> 3122.52] What I hope in this series is that we begin to see that they're not incompatible, but they are difficult. +[3122.52 --> 3124.58] Right? +[3124.58 --> 3130.62] And to help us understand how we might see God in the midst of these circumstances, +[3130.62 --> 3137.24] we're reading the story of Joseph looking for what I am calling God hints. +[3138.12 --> 3138.76] Right? +[3138.86 --> 3139.62] God hints. +[3139.68 --> 3143.30] Little clues in the story to help us not only survive, +[3143.30 --> 3149.00] but maybe even to thrive in the midst of our trial and hardship and suffering. +[3149.34 --> 3158.88] Now these God hints will help us, I hope, see through the hiddenness of God and remember that he is there. +[3158.88 --> 3168.14] And the God hint for this morning, where I want us to see, is what I'm calling remembering meanwhile. +[3169.36 --> 3169.74] Right? +[3169.82 --> 3171.46] Remembering meanwhile. +[3172.18 --> 3179.14] Now these God hints are glimpses of God's practical and theological helps in the midst of our suffering. +[3179.14 --> 3182.48] So if you were here two weeks ago when we started this series, +[3182.94 --> 3187.54] we started looking at the God hint, keep these things in mind, +[3187.66 --> 3192.60] focusing on the promises of God, the vision of God for hope, for a brighter tomorrow, +[3193.02 --> 3196.38] for the culmination of the story of God's salvation. +[3197.26 --> 3205.56] In the midst of today's darkness, we can look to the future of God's fully restored, fully redeemed earth. +[3205.56 --> 3213.40] And we said that what we choose to focus our minds on impacts how we endure suffering +[3213.40 --> 3218.68] and how we thrive in the midst of trial. +[3219.98 --> 3223.70] Today, we remember meanwhile. +[3225.42 --> 3230.26] Now as you can probably guess, this comes from verse 36 of our text right at the end. +[3230.86 --> 3235.10] Meanwhile, the Midianites sold Joseph in Egypt to Potiphar, +[3235.10 --> 3238.46] one of Pharaoh's officials, the captain of the guard. +[3239.96 --> 3240.08] Right? +[3240.12 --> 3242.52] So all of this befalls Joseph. +[3242.64 --> 3248.98] And remember, the author is at pains to make us march slowly through this text +[3248.98 --> 3253.22] so we can feel the weight of all of this settling on us. +[3254.50 --> 3255.02] Right? +[3255.10 --> 3256.66] His brothers want to kill him. +[3257.34 --> 3258.52] They settle for selling him. +[3258.88 --> 3264.32] They break the news to their father Jacob, who holds his son's blood-stained cloak, +[3264.32 --> 3268.74] and he cries out in suffering and in anguish of soul at the apparent death of his son. +[3268.74 --> 3269.14] And he says, +[3269.14 --> 3274.04] I will continue to mourn my son until I join him in the grave. +[3274.38 --> 3277.60] The rest of my life will be empty and incomplete. +[3277.90 --> 3281.32] There will be a gaping hole without Joseph. +[3281.32 --> 3284.90] And so Jacob weeps in the terror of it. +[3286.10 --> 3288.08] And as all of this is happening, +[3289.24 --> 3291.54] verse 36, easily missed, +[3292.08 --> 3296.12] almost imperceptible in the midst of Jacob's pain, +[3296.22 --> 3297.22] which is right in front of him, +[3297.54 --> 3299.14] verse 36 quietly says, +[3299.14 --> 3300.32] Meanwhile, +[3302.00 --> 3305.44] the Midianites sold Joseph in Egypt to Potiphar, +[3306.22 --> 3307.42] one of Pharaoh's officials, +[3307.82 --> 3309.42] the captain of the guard. +[3310.76 --> 3312.14] That little word, +[3313.00 --> 3313.50] meanwhile, +[3314.86 --> 3315.46] changes +[3315.46 --> 3317.76] our experience +[3317.76 --> 3319.00] of suffering. +[3320.30 --> 3321.50] Now, meanwhile, +[3321.86 --> 3323.40] that means at the same time. +[3323.78 --> 3323.98] Right? +[3324.06 --> 3325.04] While this is happening. +[3325.04 --> 3327.16] And in this story, +[3327.56 --> 3329.80] the narrator is breaking in +[3329.80 --> 3334.32] and drawing our attention away from the main stage. +[3335.08 --> 3337.76] So all of this that befalls Joseph and his family +[3337.76 --> 3339.48] is happening here on the main stage. +[3339.60 --> 3341.50] And the narrator breaks in and says, +[3342.08 --> 3342.42] Meanwhile, +[3343.22 --> 3344.86] as all that was happening, +[3345.82 --> 3348.72] this is going on over here. +[3349.68 --> 3352.26] Our eyes and our ears are called to focus, +[3352.26 --> 3353.28] just for a moment, +[3353.90 --> 3354.58] to the side. +[3355.04 --> 3358.30] And from the perspective of the omnipotent narrator, +[3358.52 --> 3359.52] we're reminded, right, +[3359.56 --> 3361.44] that something else is going on. +[3361.68 --> 3364.06] That even though the story +[3364.06 --> 3367.14] leaves Joseph in the well, +[3367.54 --> 3369.80] what's happening does not. +[3370.98 --> 3371.26] Right? +[3371.32 --> 3374.08] He's sold to Ishmaelites and Midianites, +[3374.28 --> 3375.84] but not forgotten. +[3376.66 --> 3378.58] There is a parallel story +[3378.58 --> 3381.46] that we can't yet see, +[3381.46 --> 3383.40] that briefly, +[3383.94 --> 3386.80] our eyes are being called to attention on. +[3388.04 --> 3389.66] That's what I mean when I say +[3389.66 --> 3391.34] remembering meanwhile. +[3392.14 --> 3392.22] Right? +[3392.38 --> 3393.98] Even when we can't see it, +[3394.22 --> 3395.68] even when we are overwhelmed +[3395.68 --> 3397.36] with our mourning as Jacob was, +[3397.44 --> 3399.74] even when the suffering is so great +[3399.74 --> 3401.46] we can't see past it, +[3401.46 --> 3404.18] you can know +[3404.18 --> 3407.18] that there is something else +[3407.18 --> 3408.42] happening. +[3408.56 --> 3409.58] There is a meanwhile +[3409.58 --> 3411.24] taking place +[3411.24 --> 3412.60] in your story. +[3413.88 --> 3414.26] Right? +[3414.82 --> 3416.12] Remembering meanwhile. +[3416.44 --> 3418.20] How we can survive and thrive +[3418.20 --> 3419.30] in the midst of human suffering +[3419.30 --> 3420.68] is by remembering +[3420.68 --> 3423.24] that even when it doesn't seem like it, +[3423.28 --> 3424.92] even when it doesn't feel like it, +[3425.14 --> 3427.14] God is sovereign over all creation. +[3428.14 --> 3428.30] Right? +[3428.30 --> 3428.64] In the end, +[3428.72 --> 3431.76] this story isn't really Jacob's story. +[3431.88 --> 3433.56] It's not really Joseph's story +[3433.56 --> 3436.10] or it isn't our story alone. +[3436.84 --> 3437.06] Right? +[3437.08 --> 3438.92] This is all God's story, +[3439.02 --> 3440.58] his creation story, +[3440.74 --> 3441.40] God's rule, +[3441.54 --> 3442.18] God's reign, +[3442.54 --> 3444.06] God at work in the world. +[3444.18 --> 3444.78] And remember, +[3445.26 --> 3446.72] God wins. +[3448.32 --> 3452.58] And our story is part of this story. +[3452.58 --> 3454.46] And so, +[3454.86 --> 3456.06] the theme that +[3456.06 --> 3457.30] sort of remembering meanwhile +[3457.30 --> 3458.30] works out under +[3458.30 --> 3460.78] is that God's godness, +[3461.98 --> 3463.62] the fact that he is God, +[3464.02 --> 3465.70] means that he is always +[3465.70 --> 3467.64] doing something. +[3469.18 --> 3470.64] God's godness +[3470.64 --> 3472.24] means that he is always +[3472.24 --> 3473.80] doing something. +[3474.64 --> 3474.84] See, +[3474.96 --> 3477.02] the positive side +[3477.02 --> 3478.62] to the truth +[3478.62 --> 3480.18] of the hiddenness of God, +[3480.18 --> 3480.22] God, +[3480.82 --> 3481.04] right, +[3481.20 --> 3483.20] is that not being able +[3483.20 --> 3484.18] to see God +[3484.18 --> 3486.20] means you might not +[3486.20 --> 3487.22] be able to see +[3487.22 --> 3489.28] how he is working. +[3491.10 --> 3492.16] It's really easy +[3492.16 --> 3492.90] to assume +[3492.90 --> 3494.34] that because we don't +[3494.34 --> 3494.94] see him +[3494.94 --> 3496.24] or can't understand it, +[3496.40 --> 3497.34] that he isn't there, +[3497.76 --> 3498.62] that he isn't working, +[3498.84 --> 3499.98] that he isn't doing anything +[3499.98 --> 3501.02] in the midst of our lives +[3501.02 --> 3501.50] and in the midst +[3501.50 --> 3502.12] of our struggles. +[3502.12 --> 3504.82] But we have to +[3504.82 --> 3505.50] acknowledge +[3505.50 --> 3507.50] that just because +[3507.50 --> 3508.58] I can't see him +[3508.58 --> 3510.24] doesn't mean +[3510.24 --> 3511.12] he isn't. +[3512.90 --> 3513.58] Or to put it +[3513.58 --> 3514.14] another way, +[3514.82 --> 3515.40] perhaps a little bit +[3515.40 --> 3516.26] more philosophically, +[3517.00 --> 3517.66] the evidence +[3517.66 --> 3518.76] of absence +[3518.76 --> 3519.84] is not +[3519.84 --> 3521.34] evidence of, +[3521.72 --> 3522.50] or the absence +[3522.50 --> 3523.22] of evidence +[3523.22 --> 3523.98] is not +[3523.98 --> 3525.26] evidence of +[3525.26 --> 3526.04] absence. +[3527.18 --> 3527.80] Just because you +[3527.80 --> 3528.38] can't see it +[3528.38 --> 3529.00] doesn't mean +[3529.00 --> 3529.64] he's not there. +[3530.30 --> 3531.04] Just because you +[3531.04 --> 3531.92] don't understand it +[3531.92 --> 3532.62] doesn't mean +[3532.62 --> 3533.82] it's not understandable. +[3535.08 --> 3535.66] I was thinking +[3535.66 --> 3536.36] about this week. +[3537.64 --> 3539.26] I don't understand +[3539.26 --> 3540.92] the complex math +[3540.92 --> 3544.34] of the two body +[3544.34 --> 3545.96] gravitational structures +[3545.96 --> 3546.78] through the universe. +[3546.88 --> 3547.46] I don't get it. +[3548.12 --> 3549.12] It doesn't make sense +[3549.12 --> 3549.44] to me. +[3551.28 --> 3551.92] But that doesn't mean +[3551.92 --> 3552.50] it's not there. +[3553.40 --> 3553.86] It doesn't mean +[3553.86 --> 3554.36] that math +[3554.36 --> 3555.20] isn't complete +[3555.20 --> 3555.90] and perfect +[3555.90 --> 3557.60] and that somehow, +[3557.90 --> 3558.56] in some way, +[3558.66 --> 3559.40] someone can make +[3559.40 --> 3560.02] sense of it. +[3561.92 --> 3564.18] Now, +[3564.70 --> 3566.48] before we +[3566.48 --> 3568.72] get too far +[3568.72 --> 3569.60] into how we +[3569.60 --> 3570.70] remember meanwhile, +[3570.92 --> 3571.34] I want to +[3571.34 --> 3573.24] acknowledge something +[3573.24 --> 3574.24] and offer this +[3574.24 --> 3575.04] as a bit of a caution. +[3576.32 --> 3576.98] Because you see, +[3577.24 --> 3581.04] as we try +[3581.04 --> 3582.30] to see God +[3582.30 --> 3582.94] at work, +[3583.64 --> 3584.70] as we try +[3584.70 --> 3585.40] to believe +[3585.40 --> 3586.04] even when we +[3586.04 --> 3586.72] can't see +[3586.72 --> 3587.60] that God +[3587.60 --> 3588.10] is at work, +[3588.14 --> 3588.62] as we try +[3588.62 --> 3589.30] to have hope +[3589.30 --> 3589.92] for today +[3589.92 --> 3590.98] and strength +[3590.98 --> 3591.68] for tomorrow +[3591.68 --> 3592.70] because of the +[3592.70 --> 3593.58] promises of God, +[3593.90 --> 3594.90] there's always +[3594.90 --> 3596.24] going to be +[3596.24 --> 3598.02] people and things +[3598.02 --> 3598.76] in your life +[3598.76 --> 3599.72] who actively +[3599.72 --> 3601.50] work against this. +[3603.70 --> 3604.36] Right? +[3604.40 --> 3605.10] This is the role +[3605.10 --> 3606.88] that the deceiver, +[3607.24 --> 3607.82] the tempter, +[3608.04 --> 3608.56] that Satan +[3608.56 --> 3609.68] sometimes plays. +[3610.26 --> 3611.40] But there's also +[3611.40 --> 3611.88] people +[3611.88 --> 3613.84] who do this. +[3614.34 --> 3614.70] Right? +[3614.72 --> 3615.48] It's true for Joseph +[3615.48 --> 3616.42] as well. +[3616.42 --> 3616.78] If you've got +[3616.78 --> 3617.56] your Bible open, +[3617.94 --> 3618.92] verse 19 +[3618.92 --> 3620.26] and 20, +[3620.64 --> 3621.32] his brothers +[3621.32 --> 3621.78] say, +[3621.88 --> 3622.46] here comes +[3622.46 --> 3623.24] that dreamer. +[3624.16 --> 3624.64] Come, +[3624.72 --> 3625.34] let's kill him. +[3626.00 --> 3626.74] Let's throw him +[3626.74 --> 3627.30] into one of these +[3627.30 --> 3628.08] cisterns and say +[3628.08 --> 3628.66] that a ferocious +[3628.66 --> 3629.52] animal devoured him. +[3629.76 --> 3630.76] Then we'll see +[3630.76 --> 3631.24] what comes +[3631.24 --> 3631.90] of his dreams. +[3634.18 --> 3634.34] Right? +[3634.40 --> 3635.10] Even as we +[3635.10 --> 3635.72] are struggling +[3635.72 --> 3636.64] to remember +[3636.64 --> 3637.58] meanwhile, +[3638.60 --> 3638.78] like, +[3639.00 --> 3639.98] open your eyes +[3639.98 --> 3640.52] and see +[3640.52 --> 3641.04] that there are +[3641.04 --> 3641.38] going to be +[3641.38 --> 3642.02] challenges +[3642.02 --> 3643.78] to our ability +[3643.78 --> 3645.04] and challengers +[3645.04 --> 3646.50] to our ability +[3646.50 --> 3647.42] to remember +[3647.42 --> 3648.08] that God +[3648.08 --> 3648.94] is at work +[3648.94 --> 3649.68] in the midst +[3649.68 --> 3650.14] of whatever +[3650.14 --> 3650.90] it is you're in. +[3651.94 --> 3653.08] And these challenges +[3653.08 --> 3653.96] are going to come +[3653.96 --> 3654.50] primarily +[3654.50 --> 3656.68] in two forms. +[3657.88 --> 3658.34] Right? +[3658.38 --> 3658.78] One of them +[3658.78 --> 3659.74] is external +[3659.74 --> 3661.02] and one of them +[3661.02 --> 3661.64] is internal. +[3663.40 --> 3663.60] Right? +[3663.62 --> 3664.50] And for the external, +[3664.68 --> 3665.02] and we've already +[3665.02 --> 3665.46] said this, +[3665.50 --> 3666.18] for the external, +[3666.46 --> 3667.06] there's always +[3667.06 --> 3668.12] going to be people +[3668.12 --> 3669.92] like Joseph's brothers +[3669.92 --> 3671.36] who say something like, +[3671.46 --> 3672.48] here comes that dreamer. +[3672.48 --> 3673.70] Let's kill him +[3673.70 --> 3674.64] and see what comes +[3674.64 --> 3675.80] of his dreams. +[3675.96 --> 3676.16] Right? +[3676.18 --> 3676.70] There's always +[3676.70 --> 3677.80] going to be people +[3677.80 --> 3679.66] who mock the dreams +[3679.66 --> 3680.30] and the visions +[3680.30 --> 3681.96] and the hopes of God. +[3682.44 --> 3683.26] And in the midst +[3683.26 --> 3684.44] of your great trial, +[3684.86 --> 3686.04] it may be the case +[3686.04 --> 3687.16] that someone will come along +[3687.16 --> 3688.36] and want to quash +[3688.36 --> 3689.62] God's hope in you. +[3691.14 --> 3692.32] In the story of Job, +[3692.96 --> 3693.76] which is another one +[3693.76 --> 3695.58] of these great stories +[3695.58 --> 3696.56] about human suffering +[3696.56 --> 3697.60] and God's sovereignty, +[3698.38 --> 3698.96] in the midst +[3698.96 --> 3700.62] of Job's suffering, +[3701.30 --> 3702.28] Job's wife +[3702.28 --> 3703.44] is one of these +[3703.44 --> 3704.44] external voices +[3704.44 --> 3705.82] that comes to him +[3705.82 --> 3706.34] and she says, +[3706.66 --> 3707.48] are you still +[3707.48 --> 3709.08] maintaining your integrity? +[3709.88 --> 3711.46] Curse God and die, +[3711.60 --> 3712.16] she says, +[3712.50 --> 3713.66] in Job 2 verse 9. +[3714.64 --> 3715.76] This is his own wife +[3715.76 --> 3717.02] telling him to give up hope. +[3717.22 --> 3718.10] This is his own wife +[3718.10 --> 3718.94] telling him to let go +[3718.94 --> 3720.02] of the promises of God. +[3721.48 --> 3722.82] The reality is +[3722.82 --> 3724.02] that in this life +[3724.02 --> 3724.90] and in this world, +[3725.06 --> 3725.96] there are people +[3725.96 --> 3727.42] who are hopeless +[3727.42 --> 3729.36] and who only feel better +[3729.36 --> 3730.80] about their hopelessness +[3730.80 --> 3731.94] when they can project it +[3731.94 --> 3733.30] on to people around them. +[3735.86 --> 3737.04] We are not meant +[3737.04 --> 3737.86] to be alone +[3737.86 --> 3739.08] and one of the ways +[3739.08 --> 3739.82] that the desire +[3739.82 --> 3740.60] for community +[3740.60 --> 3741.90] is perverted +[3741.90 --> 3743.04] and is corrupted +[3743.04 --> 3743.76] by sin +[3743.76 --> 3745.40] is that we bring others +[3745.40 --> 3746.56] into our corruption. +[3747.96 --> 3749.00] We bring others +[3749.00 --> 3751.00] into our hopelessness, +[3751.54 --> 3752.34] our nihilism, +[3752.74 --> 3753.96] and we project it +[3753.96 --> 3754.96] out onto them. +[3754.96 --> 3758.98] Even as there are people +[3758.98 --> 3760.28] trying to bring us down, +[3760.40 --> 3761.52] trying to make us forget +[3761.52 --> 3762.92] the promises of God +[3762.92 --> 3764.62] based on their own +[3764.62 --> 3766.06] experiences of hopelessness, +[3766.42 --> 3767.74] the other side of this, +[3767.80 --> 3768.56] the other truth here +[3768.56 --> 3769.90] is that we don't actually +[3769.90 --> 3770.86] need these people +[3770.86 --> 3771.46] to do that. +[3772.84 --> 3773.10] Right? +[3773.14 --> 3774.64] We don't need people +[3774.64 --> 3777.28] or even Satan, +[3777.58 --> 3778.94] the tempter to do this, +[3779.02 --> 3780.00] the deceiver to do this, +[3780.00 --> 3781.22] because most of us +[3781.22 --> 3781.76] are pretty good +[3781.76 --> 3782.72] at doing this on our own. +[3782.72 --> 3784.90] And that's the other side. +[3784.96 --> 3785.76] We've got external +[3785.76 --> 3787.24] temptations and forces +[3787.24 --> 3788.28] and internal +[3788.28 --> 3789.84] temptations and forces. +[3790.24 --> 3791.62] We are quite capable +[3791.62 --> 3792.58] on our own +[3792.58 --> 3793.70] of being our own +[3793.70 --> 3795.14] challenge to remembering +[3795.14 --> 3796.20] meanwhile. +[3797.62 --> 3799.42] Even when everything +[3799.42 --> 3802.44] is going against us, +[3803.30 --> 3805.02] when it seems like life +[3805.02 --> 3806.24] can't get any harder, +[3807.20 --> 3808.92] when we read in Scripture +[3808.92 --> 3810.26] when weeping lasts +[3810.26 --> 3810.88] for the night +[3810.88 --> 3811.92] but then also +[3811.92 --> 3812.66] for the next night, +[3813.14 --> 3813.82] and then again +[3813.82 --> 3814.58] for the next night, +[3814.90 --> 3816.00] and for the next night, +[3816.48 --> 3818.02] when all we seem to know +[3818.02 --> 3818.96] are our tears +[3818.96 --> 3819.74] and our tears have been +[3819.74 --> 3820.98] our food day and night, +[3821.14 --> 3822.92] when joy never seems to come, +[3823.08 --> 3823.86] in those moments +[3823.86 --> 3825.14] it can be so easy +[3825.14 --> 3826.98] to forget the promises of God. +[3827.32 --> 3828.30] And in those moments +[3828.30 --> 3829.14] it can be so easy +[3829.14 --> 3830.20] to tell ourselves +[3830.20 --> 3831.92] that God is against us, +[3832.00 --> 3833.60] that the world is against us, +[3833.64 --> 3834.62] that the universe +[3834.62 --> 3835.68] has it in for us, +[3835.76 --> 3837.56] that nobody cares about me. +[3837.56 --> 3840.18] And in those moments, +[3840.30 --> 3840.48] right, +[3840.52 --> 3841.14] all of a sudden +[3841.14 --> 3844.60] every little slight +[3844.60 --> 3846.08] becomes huge. +[3846.98 --> 3848.74] Every misspoken word +[3848.74 --> 3850.96] becomes a personal attack. +[3851.52 --> 3853.14] Every forgotten moment +[3853.14 --> 3854.62] erases our identity. +[3855.18 --> 3856.48] Every missed opportunity +[3856.48 --> 3857.12] to say, +[3857.28 --> 3857.88] I love you, +[3857.94 --> 3858.98] becomes a reason +[3858.98 --> 3860.38] to think I'm not lovable. +[3860.38 --> 3861.42] Right, +[3861.42 --> 3863.30] this is how our hearts +[3863.30 --> 3864.14] and our minds work. +[3864.88 --> 3865.88] We're overwhelmed +[3865.88 --> 3867.08] by the present, +[3867.86 --> 3869.02] and it makes it impossible +[3869.02 --> 3871.00] to see beyond our pain +[3871.00 --> 3872.20] and our suffering. +[3872.20 --> 3876.62] This week I had a chance +[3876.62 --> 3878.66] to re-read +[3878.66 --> 3880.74] C.S. Lewis' book +[3880.74 --> 3882.06] A Grief Observed. +[3882.12 --> 3882.96] It's just a short little +[3882.96 --> 3884.12] memoir +[3884.12 --> 3885.86] after the death +[3885.86 --> 3886.72] of his wife. +[3887.92 --> 3889.02] I want to share with you +[3889.02 --> 3890.66] a portion of that. +[3891.28 --> 3892.26] It's a bit of a longer quote, +[3892.40 --> 3893.42] but it'll be on the screen +[3893.42 --> 3895.96] because I think it captures +[3895.96 --> 3897.58] exactly what we're +[3897.58 --> 3898.36] talking about here. +[3900.54 --> 3901.28] He says, +[3901.28 --> 3903.32] Meanwhile, +[3904.28 --> 3907.32] where is God? +[3909.08 --> 3910.74] This is one of the most +[3910.74 --> 3912.56] disquieting symptoms. +[3913.56 --> 3914.72] When you are happy, +[3914.92 --> 3916.08] so happy that you have +[3916.08 --> 3917.20] no sense of needing him, +[3917.42 --> 3918.48] so happy that you are +[3918.48 --> 3919.86] tempted to feel his claims +[3919.86 --> 3921.18] upon you as an interruption, +[3921.56 --> 3922.94] if you remember yourself +[3922.94 --> 3923.78] and turn to him +[3923.78 --> 3925.26] with gratitude and praise, +[3925.60 --> 3926.60] you will be, +[3926.68 --> 3927.56] or so it feels, +[3927.90 --> 3929.26] welcomed with open arms. +[3929.26 --> 3931.36] But go to him +[3931.36 --> 3932.56] when your need is desperate, +[3932.94 --> 3934.12] when all other help +[3934.12 --> 3934.76] is vain, +[3934.86 --> 3936.06] and what do you find? +[3936.56 --> 3938.62] A door slammed in your face +[3938.62 --> 3940.34] and a sound of a bolting +[3940.34 --> 3941.36] and double bolting +[3941.36 --> 3942.56] on the inside. +[3943.48 --> 3944.42] After that, +[3945.42 --> 3945.78] silence. +[3947.78 --> 3949.04] You may as well turn away. +[3950.30 --> 3951.60] The longer you wait, +[3951.60 --> 3952.84] the more emphatic +[3952.84 --> 3953.92] the silence becomes. +[3955.12 --> 3956.28] There are no lights +[3956.28 --> 3956.94] in the windows. +[3958.02 --> 3959.42] It might be an empty house. +[3960.56 --> 3961.92] Was it ever inhabited? +[3963.56 --> 3965.50] It seemed so once, +[3966.20 --> 3967.50] and that seeming +[3967.50 --> 3969.00] was as strong as this. +[3969.20 --> 3970.04] What can this mean? +[3970.24 --> 3971.56] Why is he so present, +[3971.64 --> 3972.78] a commander in our time +[3972.78 --> 3973.48] of prosperity, +[3973.86 --> 3975.34] and so very absent, +[3975.50 --> 3976.60] a help in a time +[3976.60 --> 3977.22] of trouble? +[3977.22 --> 3980.40] Not that I am, +[3980.70 --> 3981.64] I think, +[3982.14 --> 3983.04] in much danger +[3983.04 --> 3984.52] of ceasing to believe +[3984.52 --> 3985.18] in God. +[3985.74 --> 3987.06] The real danger +[3987.06 --> 3987.92] is of coming +[3987.92 --> 3988.66] to believe +[3988.66 --> 3990.30] such dreadful things +[3990.30 --> 3991.20] about him. +[3992.06 --> 3993.40] The conclusion I dread +[3993.40 --> 3994.00] is not, +[3994.34 --> 3995.18] so there's no God +[3995.18 --> 3995.94] after all, +[3996.28 --> 3996.58] but, +[3997.34 --> 3998.62] so this is what +[3998.62 --> 4000.14] God's really like. +[4001.10 --> 4002.22] Deceive yourself +[4002.22 --> 4003.58] no longer. +[4003.58 --> 4003.68] No longer. +[4007.22 --> 4009.30] some people +[4009.30 --> 4009.88] just have a way +[4009.88 --> 4010.42] with words. +[4014.34 --> 4015.94] But if you've mourned +[4015.94 --> 4019.38] a deeply loved person, +[4020.38 --> 4022.62] maybe you know this feeling. +[4025.74 --> 4026.30] Right? +[4026.34 --> 4027.50] That's what I'm talking about +[4027.50 --> 4028.34] when I say +[4028.34 --> 4029.20] that we have our own +[4029.20 --> 4030.26] internal challenges +[4030.26 --> 4031.22] to remembering +[4031.22 --> 4032.40] meanwhile. +[4032.40 --> 4036.06] And this is exactly +[4036.06 --> 4036.42] why, +[4036.56 --> 4037.46] in this moment, +[4037.60 --> 4038.92] in these feelings, +[4039.20 --> 4040.98] in these experienced +[4040.98 --> 4041.44] realities, +[4041.52 --> 4042.64] this is exactly why +[4042.64 --> 4043.78] it's so important +[4043.78 --> 4045.56] to surround ourselves +[4045.56 --> 4047.02] with gospel visions +[4047.02 --> 4048.36] and promises of God +[4048.36 --> 4049.56] when things are good. +[4050.38 --> 4050.60] Right? +[4050.60 --> 4051.40] Because the deeper +[4051.40 --> 4052.82] the well of experience +[4052.82 --> 4054.06] and knowledge of God, +[4054.40 --> 4056.22] the longer we can draw +[4056.22 --> 4057.70] strength from him +[4057.70 --> 4059.02] and from his spirit +[4059.02 --> 4059.78] within us +[4059.78 --> 4061.20] when things outside +[4061.20 --> 4062.28] are pure chaos. +[4063.40 --> 4064.72] And this is another reason +[4064.72 --> 4065.64] why it's so important +[4065.64 --> 4066.64] for us to wrestle +[4066.64 --> 4068.02] with God's sovereignty +[4068.02 --> 4069.00] and human suffering +[4069.00 --> 4069.74] right now +[4069.74 --> 4070.84] because the truth is +[4070.84 --> 4072.08] we can't put it off +[4072.08 --> 4073.00] because who knows +[4073.00 --> 4074.30] what tomorrow's going to bring. +[4074.72 --> 4075.50] Who knows if you +[4075.50 --> 4076.38] will have a tomorrow. +[4079.16 --> 4079.84] And so, +[4080.62 --> 4081.40] remembering +[4081.40 --> 4082.68] meanwhile +[4082.68 --> 4084.40] is critical. +[4085.00 --> 4085.56] Critical +[4085.56 --> 4087.08] if we're going to survive +[4087.08 --> 4087.96] and thrive +[4087.96 --> 4089.00] in times +[4089.00 --> 4090.32] of trial. +[4092.40 --> 4092.66] Now, +[4092.68 --> 4093.18] I mentioned +[4093.18 --> 4093.86] that meanwhile +[4093.86 --> 4095.94] means at the same time +[4095.94 --> 4097.26] or while this was happening. +[4097.42 --> 4099.04] It's an attempt +[4099.04 --> 4099.84] by the narrator +[4099.84 --> 4100.90] to get our eyes +[4100.90 --> 4102.48] to focus on something +[4102.48 --> 4103.10] beyond +[4103.10 --> 4104.56] what is obviously +[4104.56 --> 4105.68] before us. +[4107.58 --> 4108.62] Here's the truth +[4108.62 --> 4109.90] of a sovereign God. +[4110.00 --> 4110.94] Part of what makes him +[4110.94 --> 4111.74] God, in fact. +[4111.82 --> 4111.90] Right? +[4111.94 --> 4112.38] That's what I mean +[4112.38 --> 4113.00] when I said earlier +[4113.00 --> 4114.88] the godness of God. +[4114.88 --> 4117.34] the meanwhile +[4117.34 --> 4118.56] of God +[4118.56 --> 4120.48] isn't limited +[4120.48 --> 4122.52] to your present. +[4123.84 --> 4125.04] The meanwhile +[4125.04 --> 4125.58] of God +[4125.58 --> 4126.26] isn't limited +[4126.26 --> 4127.76] to your present +[4127.76 --> 4128.68] circumstance. +[4128.84 --> 4128.92] Right? +[4128.98 --> 4129.56] This god +[4129.56 --> 4131.06] stands above time +[4131.06 --> 4132.50] and apart from time +[4132.50 --> 4133.94] and so his activity +[4133.94 --> 4135.12] for the present +[4135.12 --> 4136.18] isn't limited +[4136.18 --> 4137.52] to the present. +[4138.66 --> 4139.26] The meanwhile +[4139.26 --> 4139.80] of God +[4139.80 --> 4140.50] isn't limited +[4140.50 --> 4141.28] to the present. +[4141.62 --> 4142.34] God's activity +[4142.34 --> 4143.36] for the present +[4143.36 --> 4144.30] isn't limited +[4144.30 --> 4145.40] to the here and now. +[4146.32 --> 4146.96] And I get this +[4146.96 --> 4147.64] from the story +[4147.64 --> 4148.68] of Joseph. +[4148.84 --> 4149.10] Notice +[4149.10 --> 4150.60] what that means. +[4151.52 --> 4152.38] At the very +[4152.38 --> 4153.54] beginning +[4153.54 --> 4158.68] they sat down +[4158.68 --> 4160.16] to eat their meal +[4160.16 --> 4161.02] and they looked up +[4161.02 --> 4161.66] and they saw +[4161.66 --> 4163.16] a caravan +[4163.16 --> 4164.14] of Ishmaelites +[4164.14 --> 4165.72] coming from Gilead. +[4166.64 --> 4166.96] Judah +[4166.96 --> 4168.32] said to +[4168.32 --> 4168.92] his +[4168.92 --> 4169.82] brothers +[4169.82 --> 4172.20] what will we gain +[4172.20 --> 4173.00] if we kill +[4173.00 --> 4173.60] our brother +[4173.60 --> 4174.66] and cover up +[4174.66 --> 4175.16] his blood. +[4176.06 --> 4176.80] Come let's +[4176.80 --> 4177.30] sell him +[4177.30 --> 4178.76] to the Ishmaelites. +[4179.12 --> 4179.54] And so +[4179.54 --> 4180.28] when the Midianite +[4180.28 --> 4181.00] merchants came +[4181.00 --> 4181.86] they sold him +[4181.86 --> 4183.26] for 20 shekels +[4183.26 --> 4183.70] of silver +[4183.70 --> 4185.26] to the Ishmaelites +[4185.26 --> 4185.90] who took him +[4185.90 --> 4186.84] to Egypt. +[4188.44 --> 4189.54] As we reflect +[4189.54 --> 4190.00] on this +[4190.00 --> 4190.50] remembering +[4190.50 --> 4190.98] meanwhile +[4190.98 --> 4191.52] in the midst +[4191.52 --> 4191.98] of suffering +[4191.98 --> 4193.10] take a moment +[4193.10 --> 4194.58] and zoom out +[4194.58 --> 4194.96] with me +[4194.96 --> 4195.32] we're going to do +[4195.32 --> 4195.60] a little bit +[4195.60 --> 4196.36] of biblical history +[4196.36 --> 4197.46] so we can see +[4197.46 --> 4198.38] what God is doing. +[4199.74 --> 4200.62] Who are +[4200.62 --> 4201.70] the Ishmaelites +[4201.70 --> 4203.06] and the Midianites? +[4204.26 --> 4205.10] To answer +[4205.10 --> 4205.72] that question +[4205.72 --> 4206.52] we actually +[4206.52 --> 4207.52] have to go back +[4207.52 --> 4208.96] and look at +[4208.96 --> 4209.48] the story +[4209.48 --> 4210.72] of Abraham. +[4211.92 --> 4213.38] The Midianites +[4213.38 --> 4215.04] are descendants +[4215.04 --> 4216.02] of Abraham +[4216.02 --> 4217.92] through his son +[4217.92 --> 4218.92] Keturah +[4218.92 --> 4221.02] and the Ishmaelites +[4221.02 --> 4221.84] are descendants +[4221.84 --> 4222.70] of Abraham +[4222.70 --> 4224.70] through Hagar. +[4226.48 --> 4228.18] The forefathers +[4228.18 --> 4229.54] of this group +[4229.54 --> 4231.56] are half brothers. +[4231.90 --> 4232.66] They are sons +[4232.66 --> 4233.72] of Abraham +[4233.72 --> 4234.78] and so what that means +[4234.78 --> 4235.98] is they're uncles +[4235.98 --> 4236.96] to Jacob. +[4238.64 --> 4238.96] And so +[4238.96 --> 4239.54] this group +[4239.54 --> 4240.14] of traitors +[4240.14 --> 4240.70] that come +[4240.70 --> 4241.54] are second +[4241.54 --> 4242.78] or third cousins +[4242.78 --> 4243.78] to Joseph +[4243.78 --> 4244.74] and his brothers. +[4245.56 --> 4246.08] And the point +[4246.08 --> 4246.46] that I want you +[4246.46 --> 4246.86] to see here +[4246.86 --> 4247.60] is not that +[4247.60 --> 4248.40] these brothers +[4248.40 --> 4249.12] would have possibly +[4249.12 --> 4250.26] known these traitors +[4250.26 --> 4251.60] and these slavers. +[4252.32 --> 4252.98] The point +[4252.98 --> 4254.18] is that God +[4254.18 --> 4255.52] is using them +[4255.52 --> 4256.82] for his purposes. +[4256.82 --> 4257.86] This is where +[4257.86 --> 4258.16] I want you +[4258.16 --> 4258.60] to do this +[4258.60 --> 4259.18] biblical history. +[4259.28 --> 4259.80] Track with me. +[4260.58 --> 4261.22] Ishmael +[4261.22 --> 4261.88] is born +[4261.88 --> 4262.64] to Abraham +[4262.64 --> 4263.86] through Hagar +[4263.86 --> 4264.58] which is +[4264.58 --> 4265.16] Sarah's +[4265.16 --> 4265.92] maidservant +[4265.92 --> 4266.98] to provide +[4266.98 --> 4267.70] an heir +[4267.70 --> 4268.58] for Abraham +[4268.58 --> 4270.02] before Isaac +[4270.02 --> 4270.86] was born. +[4271.32 --> 4272.06] In the story +[4272.06 --> 4273.86] that Sarah +[4273.86 --> 4274.96] and Abraham +[4274.96 --> 4275.64] are trying +[4275.64 --> 4276.14] to take +[4276.14 --> 4276.70] the fulfillment +[4276.70 --> 4277.30] of God's +[4277.30 --> 4278.24] blessing to them +[4278.24 --> 4278.76] his promise +[4278.76 --> 4279.06] to them +[4279.06 --> 4280.24] into their own hands. +[4281.12 --> 4281.60] And so Sarah +[4281.60 --> 4282.06] says +[4282.06 --> 4283.94] lie with my +[4283.94 --> 4285.46] slave Hagar +[4285.46 --> 4286.44] and she +[4286.44 --> 4287.18] might provide +[4287.18 --> 4287.56] a son +[4287.56 --> 4288.00] for you. +[4288.54 --> 4289.50] Now at best +[4289.50 --> 4290.40] had that all +[4290.40 --> 4291.00] worked out +[4291.00 --> 4291.78] Ishmael +[4291.78 --> 4292.32] would have been +[4292.32 --> 4292.78] considered +[4292.78 --> 4293.82] a second tier +[4293.82 --> 4294.50] heir +[4294.50 --> 4295.10] especially +[4295.10 --> 4296.28] when Abraham +[4296.28 --> 4297.14] does go on +[4297.14 --> 4297.90] to have a son +[4297.90 --> 4298.74] with Sarah +[4298.74 --> 4299.26] we know him +[4299.26 --> 4299.76] as Isaac. +[4301.02 --> 4301.66] The story +[4301.66 --> 4302.74] tells us +[4302.74 --> 4303.36] then that +[4303.36 --> 4304.16] Ishmael +[4304.16 --> 4305.02] and Hagar +[4305.02 --> 4306.34] were eventually +[4306.34 --> 4307.84] rejected by Abraham +[4307.84 --> 4309.18] and in Genesis +[4309.18 --> 4309.80] 21 +[4309.80 --> 4311.50] we read the story +[4311.50 --> 4313.20] of Isaac's +[4313.20 --> 4314.04] weaning party +[4314.04 --> 4315.62] and so +[4315.62 --> 4316.52] weaning +[4316.52 --> 4317.20] in the ancient +[4317.20 --> 4317.68] Near East +[4317.68 --> 4318.00] would have +[4318.00 --> 4318.30] happened +[4318.30 --> 4318.92] around three +[4318.92 --> 4319.28] or four +[4319.28 --> 4319.88] years old +[4319.88 --> 4322.08] when Ishmael +[4322.08 --> 4322.86] makes fun +[4322.86 --> 4323.42] of Isaac +[4323.42 --> 4324.58] and Sarah +[4324.58 --> 4325.04] hears +[4325.04 --> 4326.04] and so she +[4326.04 --> 4326.86] tells Abraham +[4326.86 --> 4327.68] get rid of +[4327.68 --> 4328.18] that slave +[4328.18 --> 4328.42] woman +[4328.42 --> 4329.16] and her son +[4329.16 --> 4329.80] for that +[4329.80 --> 4330.56] slave woman's +[4330.56 --> 4330.98] son will +[4330.98 --> 4331.86] never share +[4331.86 --> 4332.54] the inheritance +[4332.54 --> 4333.14] with my +[4333.14 --> 4334.18] son Isaac. +[4335.08 --> 4335.70] And we +[4335.70 --> 4336.54] read in that +[4336.54 --> 4337.32] story in +[4337.32 --> 4338.06] Genesis 21 +[4338.06 --> 4339.98] that Abraham +[4339.98 --> 4341.14] is distressed +[4341.14 --> 4342.12] at the prospect +[4342.12 --> 4343.12] but God +[4343.12 --> 4343.60] comes +[4343.60 --> 4344.26] and speaks +[4344.26 --> 4344.78] to him +[4344.78 --> 4345.50] and says +[4345.50 --> 4346.42] listen to +[4346.42 --> 4346.98] whatever Sarah +[4346.98 --> 4347.50] tells you +[4347.50 --> 4348.32] because it is +[4348.32 --> 4349.14] through Isaac +[4349.14 --> 4349.88] that your +[4349.88 --> 4350.36] offspring +[4350.36 --> 4351.10] will be +[4351.10 --> 4351.78] reckoned. +[4352.16 --> 4352.52] God is +[4352.52 --> 4352.90] basically +[4352.90 --> 4353.70] telling Abraham +[4353.70 --> 4354.48] that he +[4354.48 --> 4354.88] has been +[4354.88 --> 4355.22] elected +[4355.22 --> 4355.96] and ordained +[4355.96 --> 4356.36] and that +[4356.36 --> 4357.06] Isaac +[4357.06 --> 4358.34] not Ishmael +[4358.34 --> 4359.38] will continue +[4359.38 --> 4359.94] that line +[4359.94 --> 4360.26] and will +[4360.26 --> 4360.72] form his +[4360.72 --> 4361.08] people. +[4361.50 --> 4362.08] Ishmael +[4362.08 --> 4362.48] is an +[4362.48 --> 4362.96] outsider +[4362.96 --> 4364.24] but the +[4364.24 --> 4364.58] story doesn't +[4364.58 --> 4365.12] stop there. +[4365.72 --> 4366.40] God doesn't +[4366.40 --> 4367.36] leave Ishmael +[4367.36 --> 4368.00] without a +[4368.00 --> 4369.18] second promise +[4369.18 --> 4370.18] and as +[4370.18 --> 4370.52] Hagar +[4370.52 --> 4371.26] and Ishmael +[4371.26 --> 4372.18] are wandering +[4372.18 --> 4372.66] through the +[4372.66 --> 4372.96] wilderness +[4372.96 --> 4373.56] about to +[4373.56 --> 4373.88] die +[4373.88 --> 4375.20] God reveals +[4375.20 --> 4375.64] to her +[4375.64 --> 4376.24] leads them +[4376.24 --> 4376.86] to a +[4376.86 --> 4377.24] well +[4377.24 --> 4378.40] and promises +[4378.40 --> 4379.18] her that +[4379.18 --> 4379.62] her son +[4379.62 --> 4380.32] Ishmael +[4380.32 --> 4380.90] will be +[4380.90 --> 4381.42] made into +[4381.42 --> 4381.80] a great +[4381.80 --> 4382.18] nation. +[4382.96 --> 4383.30] And the +[4383.30 --> 4383.98] text tells +[4383.98 --> 4384.32] us in +[4384.32 --> 4385.00] Genesis 21 +[4385.00 --> 4385.86] 20 that +[4385.86 --> 4386.66] God was +[4386.66 --> 4387.26] with the +[4387.26 --> 4388.00] boy as +[4388.00 --> 4388.40] he grew +[4388.40 --> 4388.68] up. +[4390.00 --> 4390.72] And so +[4390.72 --> 4391.44] here is +[4391.44 --> 4391.62] what we +[4391.62 --> 4392.00] can see +[4392.00 --> 4392.58] right an +[4392.58 --> 4393.30] example of +[4393.30 --> 4394.04] God's +[4394.04 --> 4394.74] common +[4394.74 --> 4395.88] grace to +[4395.88 --> 4396.88] all people +[4396.88 --> 4397.86] that even +[4397.86 --> 4398.60] though God +[4398.60 --> 4399.16] hadn't +[4399.16 --> 4399.76] elected +[4399.76 --> 4400.54] Ishmael +[4400.54 --> 4400.84] to be +[4400.84 --> 4401.24] the father +[4401.24 --> 4401.62] of his +[4401.62 --> 4402.06] people +[4402.06 --> 4402.74] because that +[4402.74 --> 4403.22] remains with +[4403.22 --> 4403.62] Isaac +[4403.62 --> 4404.96] God still +[4404.96 --> 4405.68] graciously +[4405.68 --> 4406.82] extends himself +[4406.82 --> 4407.32] and a +[4407.32 --> 4408.20] blessing to +[4408.20 --> 4409.14] Ishmael. +[4410.04 --> 4410.34] And what's +[4410.34 --> 4411.10] more as we +[4411.10 --> 4411.54] read that +[4411.54 --> 4412.08] story in +[4412.08 --> 4412.82] chapter 21 +[4412.82 --> 4414.78] while Hagar +[4414.78 --> 4415.78] and Ishmael +[4415.78 --> 4416.60] are living +[4416.60 --> 4417.00] in the +[4417.00 --> 4417.88] desert we +[4417.88 --> 4418.30] read that +[4418.30 --> 4419.16] she goes +[4419.16 --> 4420.00] to Egypt +[4420.00 --> 4421.16] to get +[4421.16 --> 4421.72] a wife +[4421.72 --> 4422.58] for her +[4422.58 --> 4422.88] son. +[4424.56 --> 4424.90] You start +[4424.90 --> 4425.38] seeing how +[4425.38 --> 4426.04] this meanwhile +[4426.04 --> 4426.44] could be +[4426.44 --> 4426.80] stacking? +[4427.72 --> 4427.82] Right? +[4427.90 --> 4428.20] Could it +[4428.20 --> 4428.70] be that +[4428.70 --> 4429.22] the family +[4429.22 --> 4429.80] connection +[4429.80 --> 4431.24] from the +[4431.24 --> 4431.78] time of +[4431.78 --> 4432.26] Abraham +[4432.26 --> 4433.74] and Ishmael +[4433.74 --> 4434.70] the family +[4434.70 --> 4435.16] connection +[4435.16 --> 4436.06] to Egypt +[4436.06 --> 4437.06] is why +[4437.06 --> 4437.64] these +[4437.64 --> 4438.22] descendants +[4438.22 --> 4438.72] are now +[4438.72 --> 4439.56] traveling to +[4439.56 --> 4440.08] Egypt to +[4440.08 --> 4440.34] make a +[4440.34 --> 4440.60] trade? +[4441.88 --> 4442.52] Could this +[4442.52 --> 4443.48] already be +[4443.48 --> 4443.96] God's +[4443.96 --> 4444.56] meanwhile +[4444.56 --> 4446.02] starting in +[4446.02 --> 4446.44] the story +[4446.44 --> 4446.90] of Joseph? +[4448.12 --> 4448.90] I think +[4448.90 --> 4449.44] it is. +[4451.24 --> 4451.84] Right? +[4451.88 --> 4452.20] You see +[4452.20 --> 4452.64] what's going +[4452.64 --> 4453.20] on here. +[4453.76 --> 4454.34] Already +[4454.34 --> 4455.26] with Ishmael +[4455.26 --> 4455.86] and Isaac +[4455.86 --> 4456.40] and Abraham +[4456.40 --> 4457.14] God +[4457.14 --> 4458.08] is working +[4458.08 --> 4459.28] on the +[4459.28 --> 4459.80] meanwhile +[4459.80 --> 4460.50] of the +[4460.50 --> 4460.76] Joseph +[4460.76 --> 4461.28] story. +[4462.08 --> 4462.78] Generations +[4462.78 --> 4463.26] before +[4463.26 --> 4464.06] God +[4464.06 --> 4464.64] lays the +[4464.64 --> 4465.32] groundwork +[4465.32 --> 4465.78] for his +[4465.78 --> 4466.34] provision +[4466.34 --> 4467.16] for Joseph +[4467.16 --> 4467.84] and the +[4467.84 --> 4468.28] people of +[4468.28 --> 4468.58] Israel +[4468.58 --> 4469.14] during the +[4469.14 --> 4469.44] famine. +[4470.44 --> 4470.74] Joseph +[4470.74 --> 4471.78] is in +[4471.78 --> 4472.12] the midst +[4472.12 --> 4472.44] of a +[4472.44 --> 4472.90] cistern +[4472.90 --> 4473.36] surrounded +[4473.36 --> 4473.94] by brothers +[4473.94 --> 4474.34] who want +[4474.34 --> 4474.74] to kill +[4474.74 --> 4475.02] him +[4475.02 --> 4475.60] and a +[4475.60 --> 4475.92] sovereign +[4475.92 --> 4476.34] God +[4476.34 --> 4476.72] had been +[4476.72 --> 4477.10] working +[4477.10 --> 4477.74] towards +[4477.74 --> 4478.16] this +[4478.16 --> 4478.72] for +[4478.72 --> 4479.34] generations. +[4479.34 --> 4483.04] And here's +[4483.04 --> 4483.34] the thing +[4483.34 --> 4485.40] about +[4485.40 --> 4485.90] remembering +[4485.90 --> 4486.74] meanwhile +[4486.74 --> 4487.40] in the +[4487.40 --> 4487.58] midst +[4487.58 --> 4487.82] of our +[4487.82 --> 4488.18] present +[4488.18 --> 4488.94] suffering. +[4489.16 --> 4489.64] God +[4489.64 --> 4490.14] isn't +[4490.14 --> 4490.58] bound +[4490.58 --> 4491.02] by +[4491.02 --> 4492.00] time +[4492.00 --> 4492.50] or by +[4492.50 --> 4493.44] circumstance. +[4493.74 --> 4493.88] God +[4493.88 --> 4494.54] doesn't +[4494.54 --> 4495.12] react +[4495.12 --> 4495.76] to the +[4495.76 --> 4496.14] evils +[4496.14 --> 4496.38] that +[4496.38 --> 4496.76] befall +[4496.76 --> 4497.10] us +[4497.10 --> 4497.42] and then +[4497.42 --> 4497.62] go +[4497.62 --> 4498.10] okay +[4498.10 --> 4498.38] how am +[4498.38 --> 4498.44] I +[4498.44 --> 4498.56] going +[4498.56 --> 4498.66] to +[4498.66 --> 4498.84] figure +[4498.84 --> 4499.10] this +[4499.10 --> 4499.38] out? +[4499.56 --> 4499.78] Like +[4499.78 --> 4499.88] he +[4499.88 --> 4500.08] didn't +[4500.08 --> 4500.22] know +[4500.22 --> 4500.36] what +[4500.36 --> 4500.50] was +[4500.50 --> 4500.60] going +[4500.60 --> 4500.70] to +[4500.70 --> 4501.08] happen +[4501.08 --> 4501.60] until +[4501.60 --> 4501.76] it +[4501.76 --> 4502.06] happened +[4502.06 --> 4502.22] and +[4502.22 --> 4502.44] he +[4502.44 --> 4502.60] has +[4502.60 --> 4502.70] to +[4502.70 --> 4502.84] come +[4502.84 --> 4502.96] up +[4502.96 --> 4503.06] with +[4503.06 --> 4503.20] a +[4503.20 --> 4503.60] new +[4503.60 --> 4503.92] plan. +[4504.08 --> 4504.46] That's +[4504.46 --> 4504.72] not +[4504.72 --> 4504.98] what +[4504.98 --> 4505.44] sovereignty +[4505.44 --> 4506.26] means. +[4506.40 --> 4506.70] God's +[4506.70 --> 4507.06] sovereignty +[4507.06 --> 4507.48] means +[4507.48 --> 4508.06] that before +[4508.06 --> 4508.76] the creation +[4508.76 --> 4509.14] of the +[4509.14 --> 4509.44] world +[4509.44 --> 4510.06] God +[4510.06 --> 4510.32] had +[4510.32 --> 4510.68] this +[4510.68 --> 4511.22] story +[4511.22 --> 4511.72] in +[4511.72 --> 4511.94] his +[4511.94 --> 4512.26] mind. +[4512.42 --> 4512.78] Sovereignty +[4512.78 --> 4513.16] means +[4513.16 --> 4514.06] that whatever +[4514.06 --> 4514.70] happens +[4514.70 --> 4515.22] to us +[4515.22 --> 4515.70] today +[4515.70 --> 4516.12] God +[4516.12 --> 4517.14] anticipated +[4517.14 --> 4517.88] prepared +[4517.88 --> 4518.28] for +[4518.28 --> 4518.78] and +[4518.78 --> 4519.64] overcame +[4519.64 --> 4520.14] in his +[4520.14 --> 4520.52] mind +[4520.52 --> 4520.90] before +[4520.90 --> 4521.38] you +[4521.38 --> 4521.64] were +[4521.64 --> 4522.18] even +[4522.18 --> 4522.58] born. +[4523.92 --> 4524.54] That's +[4524.54 --> 4525.30] the meanwhile +[4525.30 --> 4525.96] of God +[4525.96 --> 4526.30] and it +[4526.30 --> 4526.60] isn't +[4526.60 --> 4526.90] just +[4526.90 --> 4527.60] concurrent +[4527.60 --> 4528.26] to your +[4528.26 --> 4528.94] circumstances +[4528.94 --> 4529.70] it is +[4529.70 --> 4530.46] eternal +[4530.46 --> 4530.96] current. +[4531.86 --> 4532.08] That's +[4532.08 --> 4532.32] the word +[4532.32 --> 4532.62] I made +[4532.62 --> 4532.82] up. +[4534.24 --> 4534.56] It is +[4534.56 --> 4535.04] eternal +[4535.04 --> 4535.40] current. +[4535.48 --> 4535.76] The idea +[4535.76 --> 4536.10] is this +[4536.10 --> 4536.76] that a +[4536.76 --> 4537.12] sovereign +[4537.12 --> 4537.56] God +[4537.56 --> 4538.12] knows +[4538.12 --> 4538.44] all +[4538.44 --> 4538.80] things +[4538.80 --> 4539.06] and +[4539.06 --> 4539.58] ordains +[4539.58 --> 4540.14] all +[4540.14 --> 4540.44] things. +[4540.76 --> 4541.20] Everything +[4541.20 --> 4541.90] that comes +[4541.90 --> 4542.56] to pass +[4542.56 --> 4542.86] comes +[4542.86 --> 4543.40] to pass +[4543.40 --> 4543.72] as a +[4543.72 --> 4544.04] result +[4544.04 --> 4544.20] of +[4544.20 --> 4544.34] his +[4544.34 --> 4544.76] active +[4544.76 --> 4545.16] and +[4545.16 --> 4545.52] passive +[4545.52 --> 4545.84] will +[4545.84 --> 4546.40] working +[4546.40 --> 4546.78] together +[4546.78 --> 4546.98] to +[4546.98 --> 4547.38] accomplish +[4547.38 --> 4547.64] his +[4547.64 --> 4548.02] purposes. +[4548.58 --> 4548.86] Because +[4548.86 --> 4549.44] God +[4549.44 --> 4550.04] stands +[4550.04 --> 4550.44] above +[4550.44 --> 4551.20] time +[4551.20 --> 4551.42] and +[4551.42 --> 4551.80] apart +[4551.80 --> 4552.08] from +[4552.08 --> 4552.48] time +[4552.48 --> 4552.94] there +[4552.94 --> 4553.20] is +[4553.20 --> 4553.48] no +[4553.48 --> 4553.86] time +[4553.86 --> 4554.08] where +[4554.08 --> 4554.34] God +[4554.34 --> 4554.52] is +[4554.52 --> 4554.84] not. +[4555.94 --> 4556.14] The +[4556.14 --> 4556.54] past +[4556.54 --> 4556.74] and +[4556.74 --> 4556.88] the +[4556.88 --> 4557.16] present +[4557.16 --> 4557.36] and +[4557.36 --> 4557.50] the +[4557.50 --> 4557.82] future +[4557.82 --> 4558.44] are +[4558.44 --> 4559.34] eternal +[4559.34 --> 4559.98] current +[4559.98 --> 4560.66] to +[4560.66 --> 4561.06] God's +[4561.06 --> 4561.34] self. +[4562.96 --> 4563.26] What +[4563.26 --> 4563.56] God +[4563.56 --> 4563.76] is +[4563.76 --> 4564.12] doing +[4564.12 --> 4564.46] right +[4564.46 --> 4564.94] now +[4564.94 --> 4565.56] might +[4565.56 --> 4565.88] be +[4565.88 --> 4566.46] preparing +[4566.46 --> 4566.80] you +[4566.80 --> 4567.30] for what +[4567.30 --> 4567.58] God +[4567.58 --> 4567.80] will +[4567.80 --> 4568.04] do +[4568.04 --> 4568.42] then. +[4569.54 --> 4569.86] What +[4569.86 --> 4570.16] God +[4570.16 --> 4570.48] did +[4570.48 --> 4570.90] in your +[4570.90 --> 4571.42] grandparents' +[4571.68 --> 4571.96] lives +[4571.96 --> 4572.32] together +[4572.32 --> 4572.88] might +[4572.88 --> 4573.12] have +[4573.12 --> 4573.40] been +[4573.40 --> 4573.76] for the +[4573.76 --> 4574.14] benefit +[4574.14 --> 4574.56] of your +[4574.56 --> 4575.18] grandkids. +[4576.68 --> 4577.24] The +[4577.24 --> 4577.74] meanwhile +[4577.74 --> 4578.64] of God's +[4578.64 --> 4579.36] activity in +[4579.36 --> 4579.76] the world +[4579.76 --> 4580.32] is for the +[4580.32 --> 4581.08] here and +[4581.08 --> 4581.46] now, +[4581.58 --> 4581.86] for the +[4581.86 --> 4582.58] there and +[4582.58 --> 4582.88] then, +[4583.00 --> 4583.56] and for the +[4583.56 --> 4583.86] yet to +[4583.86 --> 4584.14] come. +[4585.28 --> 4585.86] That's the +[4585.86 --> 4586.40] promise of +[4586.40 --> 4586.82] God in +[4586.82 --> 4587.42] Romans 8 +[4587.42 --> 4588.00] when it +[4588.00 --> 4588.42] says that +[4588.42 --> 4589.16] God works +[4589.16 --> 4589.94] all things +[4589.94 --> 4590.30] for the +[4590.30 --> 4590.72] good of +[4590.72 --> 4591.18] those who +[4591.18 --> 4591.64] love him, +[4591.70 --> 4591.94] who have +[4591.94 --> 4592.46] been called +[4592.46 --> 4593.42] according to +[4593.42 --> 4594.58] his purposes. +[4595.12 --> 4595.30] All +[4595.30 --> 4595.78] things +[4595.78 --> 4596.40] means +[4596.40 --> 4596.84] all +[4596.84 --> 4597.54] todays +[4597.54 --> 4597.98] and all +[4597.98 --> 4598.90] yesterdays +[4598.90 --> 4599.34] and all +[4599.34 --> 4599.80] days to +[4599.80 --> 4600.08] come +[4600.08 --> 4601.52] in your +[4601.52 --> 4602.16] life and +[4602.16 --> 4602.40] in the +[4602.40 --> 4602.74] lives of +[4602.74 --> 4603.04] the people +[4603.04 --> 4603.62] around you +[4603.62 --> 4604.42] and all +[4604.42 --> 4604.78] the things +[4604.78 --> 4605.06] that you +[4605.06 --> 4605.52] face and +[4605.52 --> 4605.74] in all +[4605.74 --> 4606.04] the things +[4606.04 --> 4606.38] that happen +[4606.38 --> 4607.00] around you. +[4607.58 --> 4608.02] All the +[4608.02 --> 4608.48] people that +[4608.48 --> 4609.00] led up to +[4609.00 --> 4609.58] your life +[4609.58 --> 4610.14] and all +[4610.14 --> 4610.46] the people +[4610.46 --> 4610.74] who will +[4610.74 --> 4611.22] flow out +[4611.22 --> 4611.60] of your +[4611.60 --> 4612.00] life. +[4612.86 --> 4612.96] All +[4612.96 --> 4613.36] things +[4613.36 --> 4613.76] means +[4613.76 --> 4614.48] all +[4614.48 --> 4614.88] things. +[4616.90 --> 4617.10] And in +[4617.10 --> 4617.22] fact, +[4617.32 --> 4617.62] in this +[4617.62 --> 4618.02] story, +[4619.06 --> 4619.42] the same +[4619.42 --> 4619.90] is true +[4619.90 --> 4620.46] if we go +[4620.46 --> 4620.76] the other +[4620.76 --> 4620.94] way. +[4621.02 --> 4621.30] The same +[4621.30 --> 4621.78] is true +[4621.78 --> 4622.38] of the +[4622.38 --> 4622.98] Midianites +[4622.98 --> 4623.48] that God +[4623.48 --> 4624.48] used to +[4624.48 --> 4625.48] bring Joseph +[4625.48 --> 4626.00] to Egypt +[4626.00 --> 4626.40] just in +[4626.40 --> 4626.66] the other +[4626.66 --> 4627.12] direction, +[4627.32 --> 4627.90] into the +[4627.90 --> 4628.58] future. +[4629.50 --> 4629.84] In the +[4629.84 --> 4630.12] book of +[4630.12 --> 4630.62] Numbers, +[4631.60 --> 4632.00] as the +[4632.00 --> 4632.50] people are +[4632.50 --> 4633.40] preparing to +[4633.40 --> 4633.90] enter the +[4633.90 --> 4634.62] promised land, +[4634.72 --> 4635.12] and so get +[4635.12 --> 4635.50] this, +[4635.66 --> 4636.08] if you're +[4636.08 --> 4636.38] doing the +[4636.38 --> 4636.70] math in +[4636.70 --> 4636.96] your head, +[4637.00 --> 4637.26] this is +[4637.26 --> 4637.96] some 500 +[4637.96 --> 4639.12] years after +[4639.12 --> 4639.70] the story +[4639.70 --> 4640.36] of Joseph. +[4641.88 --> 4642.84] 500 years +[4642.84 --> 4643.30] after the +[4643.30 --> 4643.64] story of +[4643.64 --> 4643.92] Joseph, +[4644.08 --> 4644.62] the Israelites +[4644.62 --> 4645.36] are commanded +[4645.36 --> 4646.00] by God +[4646.00 --> 4646.92] to treat +[4646.92 --> 4647.72] the Midianites +[4647.72 --> 4648.36] as enemies +[4648.36 --> 4649.14] and to +[4649.14 --> 4649.56] kill them, +[4649.62 --> 4649.92] to take +[4649.92 --> 4650.56] vengeance on +[4650.56 --> 4651.06] the Midianites, +[4651.14 --> 4651.60] to war +[4651.60 --> 4652.22] against them +[4652.22 --> 4652.82] and to +[4652.82 --> 4653.24] burn all +[4653.24 --> 4653.74] their towns. +[4654.82 --> 4655.24] In the +[4655.24 --> 4655.56] book of +[4655.56 --> 4656.06] Judges, +[4656.22 --> 4656.64] under the +[4656.64 --> 4657.20] leadership of +[4657.20 --> 4657.56] Gideon, +[4657.92 --> 4658.68] the Midianites +[4658.68 --> 4659.02] are a +[4659.02 --> 4659.96] constant thorn +[4659.96 --> 4660.28] in the +[4660.28 --> 4660.70] side of +[4660.70 --> 4661.00] God's +[4661.00 --> 4661.28] people. +[4662.86 --> 4663.60] They're a +[4663.60 --> 4664.84] direct enemy +[4664.84 --> 4665.38] and the +[4665.38 --> 4666.60] over ruler +[4666.60 --> 4667.24] of them +[4667.24 --> 4667.90] for seven +[4667.90 --> 4668.24] years. +[4668.24 --> 4669.36] These people +[4669.36 --> 4670.40] are the +[4670.40 --> 4671.48] enemies of +[4671.48 --> 4671.84] God. +[4673.16 --> 4673.58] And yet, +[4673.98 --> 4675.12] in Joseph's +[4675.12 --> 4675.70] story, +[4676.08 --> 4676.96] our sovereign +[4676.96 --> 4678.30] God uses +[4678.30 --> 4679.20] would-be +[4679.20 --> 4679.96] one-day +[4679.96 --> 4680.76] enemies to +[4680.76 --> 4681.30] accomplish +[4681.30 --> 4681.96] the saving +[4681.96 --> 4682.28] of his +[4682.28 --> 4682.70] people. +[4684.66 --> 4685.18] That's +[4685.18 --> 4685.42] what's +[4685.42 --> 4685.76] happening +[4685.76 --> 4686.20] in the +[4686.20 --> 4686.74] meanwhile. +[4688.54 --> 4689.06] Jacob is +[4689.06 --> 4689.30] in the +[4689.30 --> 4689.66] midst of +[4689.66 --> 4690.08] a deep +[4690.08 --> 4690.58] suffering +[4690.58 --> 4691.30] as he +[4691.30 --> 4691.64] mourns +[4691.64 --> 4692.12] the loss +[4692.12 --> 4692.40] of his +[4692.40 --> 4692.66] son, +[4692.82 --> 4693.22] and the +[4693.22 --> 4693.64] anguish +[4693.64 --> 4693.94] of his +[4693.94 --> 4694.40] soul is +[4694.40 --> 4694.68] clear. +[4694.96 --> 4695.46] You heard +[4695.46 --> 4695.58] it. +[4695.76 --> 4696.26] All his +[4696.26 --> 4696.72] sons and +[4696.72 --> 4696.98] daughters +[4696.98 --> 4697.40] came to +[4697.40 --> 4697.78] comfort him, +[4697.82 --> 4698.02] but he +[4698.02 --> 4698.84] refused to +[4698.84 --> 4699.46] be comforted. +[4699.92 --> 4700.26] No, +[4700.34 --> 4700.62] he said, +[4700.70 --> 4701.08] I will +[4701.08 --> 4701.86] continue to +[4701.86 --> 4702.22] mourn +[4702.22 --> 4702.82] until I +[4702.82 --> 4703.42] join my +[4703.42 --> 4704.28] son in +[4704.28 --> 4704.72] the grave. +[4704.72 --> 4705.66] So his +[4705.66 --> 4706.14] father +[4706.14 --> 4707.78] wept for +[4707.78 --> 4708.10] him. +[4709.52 --> 4710.28] For the +[4710.28 --> 4710.74] rest of +[4710.74 --> 4711.44] his life, +[4711.66 --> 4712.34] Jacob thinks +[4712.34 --> 4712.78] he will +[4712.78 --> 4713.54] be in +[4713.54 --> 4713.96] agony. +[4714.94 --> 4715.58] The darkness +[4715.58 --> 4716.14] has come, +[4716.44 --> 4717.20] the valley +[4717.20 --> 4717.54] of the +[4717.54 --> 4718.10] shadow of +[4718.10 --> 4718.68] death is +[4718.68 --> 4719.04] deep, +[4719.18 --> 4719.60] and he +[4719.60 --> 4720.52] sees no +[4720.52 --> 4722.14] way out. +[4723.42 --> 4724.28] And yet, +[4726.42 --> 4727.48] off to +[4727.48 --> 4728.10] the side +[4728.10 --> 4728.82] of Jacob's +[4728.82 --> 4729.18] present +[4729.18 --> 4730.08] experience of +[4730.08 --> 4730.82] mourning and +[4730.82 --> 4731.62] pain and +[4731.62 --> 4732.08] suffering, +[4732.48 --> 4733.10] off to the +[4733.10 --> 4733.48] side, +[4733.48 --> 4734.12] we hear +[4734.12 --> 4734.94] a whisper. +[4736.28 --> 4736.62] Meanwhile, +[4737.70 --> 4738.82] meanwhile, +[4739.20 --> 4739.94] the Midianites +[4739.94 --> 4740.80] sold Joseph +[4740.80 --> 4741.38] in Egypt +[4741.38 --> 4742.44] to Potiphar, +[4742.82 --> 4743.12] one of +[4743.12 --> 4743.40] Pharaoh's +[4743.40 --> 4743.82] officials, +[4744.08 --> 4744.50] the captain +[4744.50 --> 4745.40] of the +[4745.40 --> 4745.66] guard. +[4747.10 --> 4747.40] Jacob +[4747.40 --> 4748.32] can't +[4748.32 --> 4749.28] see it. +[4750.14 --> 4750.54] And his +[4750.54 --> 4751.00] suffering, +[4751.16 --> 4751.48] honestly, +[4751.82 --> 4752.60] is impossible +[4752.60 --> 4753.52] to imagine +[4753.52 --> 4754.38] unless you +[4754.38 --> 4754.98] yourself have +[4754.98 --> 4755.84] lost a +[4755.84 --> 4756.16] child. +[4756.50 --> 4756.82] But the +[4756.82 --> 4757.50] God hint +[4757.50 --> 4758.30] is right +[4758.30 --> 4758.62] there. +[4759.48 --> 4760.02] Meanwhile, +[4760.78 --> 4761.60] meanwhile, +[4762.04 --> 4762.72] God is +[4762.72 --> 4763.16] placing +[4763.16 --> 4764.02] Joseph in +[4764.02 --> 4764.82] exactly the +[4764.82 --> 4765.42] right place +[4765.42 --> 4766.24] to save +[4766.24 --> 4766.88] his people +[4766.88 --> 4767.58] when the +[4767.58 --> 4768.30] famine comes. +[4768.88 --> 4769.24] Because, +[4769.34 --> 4769.52] again, +[4769.58 --> 4769.98] if you know +[4769.98 --> 4770.52] the story, +[4770.90 --> 4771.80] from Potiphar's +[4771.80 --> 4772.12] house, +[4772.26 --> 4773.04] Joseph rises +[4773.04 --> 4773.86] to Pharaoh's +[4773.86 --> 4774.12] house. +[4774.44 --> 4774.76] And in +[4774.76 --> 4775.14] Pharaoh's +[4775.14 --> 4775.38] house, +[4775.52 --> 4776.18] Joseph becomes +[4776.18 --> 4776.72] second in +[4776.72 --> 4777.66] command over +[4777.66 --> 4778.14] all of +[4778.14 --> 4778.38] Egypt, +[4778.54 --> 4779.12] second only +[4779.12 --> 4779.68] to Pharaoh +[4779.68 --> 4780.36] himself. +[4780.64 --> 4781.00] And from +[4781.00 --> 4781.76] that position +[4781.76 --> 4782.78] of prestige +[4782.78 --> 4783.82] and power +[4783.82 --> 4784.50] in Egypt, +[4784.80 --> 4785.50] God uses +[4785.50 --> 4786.54] Joseph for +[4786.54 --> 4787.12] the saving +[4787.12 --> 4788.00] of many +[4788.00 --> 4788.86] lives. +[4789.46 --> 4790.40] A story +[4790.40 --> 4790.98] that began +[4790.98 --> 4791.46] all the way +[4791.46 --> 4791.92] back with +[4791.92 --> 4792.52] Abraham's +[4792.52 --> 4792.88] children. +[4793.24 --> 4793.84] Ishmael +[4793.84 --> 4794.06] and +[4794.06 --> 4794.54] Keturah. +[4794.78 --> 4795.58] A story +[4795.58 --> 4796.36] that begins +[4796.36 --> 4797.00] with the +[4797.00 --> 4797.72] sovereign God +[4797.72 --> 4798.72] before even +[4798.72 --> 4799.60] time began. +[4800.46 --> 4801.24] That's the +[4801.24 --> 4801.94] promise of +[4801.94 --> 4802.46] remembering +[4802.46 --> 4803.34] meanwhile. +[4806.20 --> 4806.86] Sometimes +[4806.86 --> 4808.18] we sing or +[4808.18 --> 4808.66] we have sung +[4808.66 --> 4809.16] in the past +[4809.16 --> 4810.18] a song called +[4810.18 --> 4810.68] He Knows +[4810.68 --> 4811.16] My Name. +[4811.22 --> 4811.40] And in +[4811.40 --> 4811.88] that song +[4811.88 --> 4812.60] there's a +[4812.60 --> 4813.02] line that +[4813.02 --> 4813.20] says, +[4813.62 --> 4814.08] before even +[4814.08 --> 4815.14] time began, +[4815.54 --> 4816.28] my life +[4816.28 --> 4817.26] was in +[4817.26 --> 4817.70] his hands. +[4817.70 --> 4820.08] this is +[4820.08 --> 4820.60] based on +[4820.60 --> 4821.82] Psalm 84 +[4821.82 --> 4822.64] and ideas +[4822.64 --> 4823.16] from Ephesians +[4823.16 --> 4823.68] 1 and +[4823.68 --> 4824.48] Jeremiah 1. +[4824.84 --> 4825.66] Ephesians 1 +[4825.66 --> 4825.98] says, +[4826.34 --> 4827.02] for he chose +[4827.02 --> 4827.82] us in him +[4827.82 --> 4828.32] before the +[4828.32 --> 4828.96] creation of +[4828.96 --> 4829.34] the world +[4829.34 --> 4830.02] to be holy +[4830.02 --> 4830.68] and blameless +[4830.68 --> 4831.34] in his sight. +[4831.74 --> 4832.54] Jeremiah 1 +[4832.54 --> 4832.88] says, +[4832.88 --> 4833.42] before I +[4833.42 --> 4833.90] formed you +[4833.90 --> 4834.42] in the womb, +[4834.54 --> 4835.18] I knew you. +[4835.58 --> 4836.02] Before you +[4836.02 --> 4836.58] were born, +[4836.74 --> 4837.68] I set you +[4837.68 --> 4838.50] apart. +[4840.68 --> 4841.46] Last week, +[4841.74 --> 4842.28] or two weeks +[4842.28 --> 4842.50] ago, +[4842.50 --> 4843.52] we looked +[4843.52 --> 4843.76] at the +[4843.76 --> 4844.20] God hint +[4844.20 --> 4845.20] to keep +[4845.20 --> 4845.86] these things +[4845.86 --> 4846.32] in mind, +[4846.42 --> 4847.16] calling ourselves +[4847.16 --> 4847.72] to look +[4847.72 --> 4848.28] to the +[4848.28 --> 4848.78] hope-filled +[4848.78 --> 4849.58] vision and +[4849.58 --> 4850.20] promises of +[4850.20 --> 4850.88] God for +[4850.88 --> 4851.40] life when +[4851.40 --> 4852.16] things are +[4852.16 --> 4853.80] so awful +[4853.80 --> 4854.62] around us +[4854.62 --> 4854.96] that we +[4854.96 --> 4855.82] have only +[4855.82 --> 4856.42] left the +[4856.42 --> 4856.84] vision of +[4856.84 --> 4857.32] a future +[4857.32 --> 4858.06] of all +[4858.06 --> 4858.36] things +[4858.36 --> 4858.80] restored. +[4859.44 --> 4859.84] A vision +[4859.84 --> 4860.30] of God's +[4860.30 --> 4860.72] victory +[4860.72 --> 4862.12] to sustain +[4862.12 --> 4862.50] us in +[4862.50 --> 4862.90] the present. +[4863.30 --> 4863.90] This week, +[4863.98 --> 4864.66] we remember +[4864.66 --> 4865.80] meanwhile, +[4866.48 --> 4866.94] to know +[4866.94 --> 4867.62] that God +[4867.62 --> 4868.36] is at +[4868.36 --> 4869.32] work in +[4869.32 --> 4869.92] the present +[4869.92 --> 4870.54] and in +[4870.54 --> 4871.14] the past +[4871.14 --> 4872.14] for whatever +[4872.14 --> 4872.86] this moment +[4872.86 --> 4873.94] might be. +[4874.06 --> 4874.60] The meanwhile +[4874.60 --> 4875.36] of God's +[4875.36 --> 4876.14] activity in +[4876.14 --> 4876.60] the world +[4876.60 --> 4877.58] is eternal +[4877.58 --> 4878.34] current. +[4878.44 --> 4878.82] And so we +[4878.82 --> 4879.20] can look +[4879.20 --> 4880.22] forward with +[4880.22 --> 4880.78] hope and +[4880.78 --> 4881.26] we can look +[4881.26 --> 4882.16] back with +[4882.16 --> 4882.56] assurance. +[4882.70 --> 4883.04] We can look +[4883.04 --> 4883.92] forward to +[4883.92 --> 4884.48] the day when +[4884.48 --> 4885.04] God's victory +[4885.04 --> 4885.36] will be +[4885.36 --> 4885.84] complete and +[4885.84 --> 4886.26] we can look +[4886.26 --> 4887.24] back knowing +[4887.24 --> 4887.84] that through +[4887.84 --> 4888.50] it all, +[4888.86 --> 4889.76] God is +[4889.76 --> 4890.54] God, +[4890.64 --> 4891.08] that God +[4891.08 --> 4892.00] is sovereign, +[4892.14 --> 4892.70] that he is +[4892.70 --> 4893.86] guiding his +[4893.86 --> 4895.36] story to +[4895.36 --> 4895.86] the places +[4895.86 --> 4896.44] he would +[4896.44 --> 4897.16] have us +[4897.16 --> 4897.80] go. +[4897.96 --> 4898.68] Before even +[4898.68 --> 4899.64] time began, +[4899.80 --> 4900.46] my life +[4900.46 --> 4901.76] is in his +[4901.76 --> 4902.08] hands. +[4902.14 --> 4904.76] I don't +[4904.76 --> 4905.06] know about +[4905.06 --> 4905.28] you, +[4905.94 --> 4906.74] but this +[4906.74 --> 4907.28] changes the +[4907.28 --> 4907.84] way I +[4907.84 --> 4908.92] enter into +[4908.92 --> 4909.38] suffering. +[4909.48 --> 4909.90] This changes +[4909.90 --> 4910.44] the way I +[4910.44 --> 4910.76] endure +[4910.76 --> 4911.76] struggling. +[4912.12 --> 4912.76] Before even +[4912.76 --> 4913.52] time began, +[4913.66 --> 4914.56] God had +[4914.56 --> 4915.04] a plan. +[4915.94 --> 4916.52] We see this +[4916.52 --> 4917.10] again most +[4917.10 --> 4917.46] clearly. +[4917.86 --> 4918.56] 1 Peter +[4918.56 --> 4920.36] writes, +[4920.74 --> 4921.24] for you +[4921.24 --> 4921.80] know that +[4921.80 --> 4922.30] it is not +[4922.30 --> 4923.08] with perishable +[4923.08 --> 4923.66] things such +[4923.66 --> 4924.14] as silver +[4924.14 --> 4924.64] or gold +[4924.64 --> 4924.94] that you +[4924.94 --> 4925.50] were redeemed +[4925.50 --> 4925.86] from the +[4925.86 --> 4926.34] empty way +[4926.34 --> 4926.74] of life +[4926.74 --> 4927.30] handed down +[4927.30 --> 4927.60] to you +[4927.60 --> 4927.94] from your +[4927.94 --> 4928.42] ancestors, +[4928.42 --> 4930.48] but with +[4930.48 --> 4930.90] the precious +[4930.90 --> 4931.80] blood of +[4931.80 --> 4932.22] Christ, +[4932.76 --> 4933.30] a lamb +[4933.30 --> 4933.58] without +[4933.58 --> 4934.14] blemish +[4934.14 --> 4935.24] or defect. +[4935.82 --> 4937.64] He was +[4937.64 --> 4938.48] chosen before +[4938.48 --> 4939.16] the creation +[4939.16 --> 4939.90] of the world +[4939.90 --> 4940.54] but was +[4940.54 --> 4941.36] revealed in +[4941.36 --> 4941.94] these last +[4941.94 --> 4942.48] times for +[4942.48 --> 4943.02] your sake. +[4943.40 --> 4943.98] Through him +[4943.98 --> 4944.68] you believe +[4944.68 --> 4945.16] in God +[4945.16 --> 4945.78] who raised +[4945.78 --> 4946.20] him from +[4946.20 --> 4946.58] the dead +[4946.58 --> 4947.46] and glorified +[4947.46 --> 4948.22] him and +[4948.22 --> 4948.88] so your +[4948.88 --> 4949.92] faith and +[4949.92 --> 4951.36] hope are +[4951.36 --> 4951.84] in God. +[4951.84 --> 4954.96] from before +[4954.96 --> 4955.56] the beginning +[4955.56 --> 4956.34] of creation +[4956.34 --> 4956.90] God had +[4956.90 --> 4957.34] a plan +[4957.34 --> 4957.82] to deal +[4957.82 --> 4958.26] with all +[4958.26 --> 4958.92] the suffering +[4958.92 --> 4959.76] all the +[4959.76 --> 4960.10] pain +[4960.10 --> 4960.58] all the +[4960.58 --> 4960.86] sin +[4960.86 --> 4961.32] all the +[4961.32 --> 4961.78] evil +[4961.78 --> 4962.52] in the +[4962.52 --> 4962.82] world +[4962.82 --> 4963.38] internal +[4963.38 --> 4964.24] and external +[4964.24 --> 4965.52] and that +[4965.52 --> 4965.96] plan +[4965.96 --> 4966.64] has a +[4966.64 --> 4966.96] name +[4966.96 --> 4968.46] Jesus +[4968.46 --> 4969.68] Christ +[4969.68 --> 4971.22] the eternal +[4971.22 --> 4971.72] son of +[4971.72 --> 4972.00] God +[4972.00 --> 4972.42] Jesus +[4972.42 --> 4973.30] Christ +[4973.30 --> 4973.62] who +[4973.62 --> 4974.46] though he +[4974.46 --> 4975.08] knew no +[4975.08 --> 4975.44] sin +[4975.44 --> 4975.94] became +[4975.94 --> 4976.38] sin +[4976.38 --> 4977.14] for us +[4977.14 --> 4977.46] so that +[4977.46 --> 4977.90] we might +[4977.90 --> 4978.24] become +[4978.24 --> 4978.50] the +[4978.50 --> 4978.90] righteousness +[4978.90 --> 4979.70] of God +[4979.70 --> 4980.02] Jesus +[4980.02 --> 4980.46] Christ +[4980.46 --> 4981.38] who lived +[4981.38 --> 4981.84] the life +[4981.84 --> 4982.18] I should +[4982.18 --> 4982.56] have lived +[4982.56 --> 4983.08] and died +[4983.08 --> 4983.56] the death +[4983.56 --> 4984.20] that I +[4984.20 --> 4984.62] deserved +[4984.62 --> 4985.00] Jesus +[4985.00 --> 4985.38] Christ +[4985.38 --> 4985.76] who was +[4985.76 --> 4986.52] raised +[4986.52 --> 4987.46] three days +[4987.46 --> 4988.08] later +[4988.08 --> 4988.76] victorious +[4988.76 --> 4989.96] over sin +[4989.96 --> 4990.48] and death +[4990.48 --> 4991.14] in him +[4991.14 --> 4991.88] we have +[4991.88 --> 4992.66] overcome +[4992.66 --> 4993.08] Jesus +[4993.08 --> 4993.56] Christ +[4993.56 --> 4994.04] is the +[4994.04 --> 4994.56] ultimate +[4994.56 --> 4995.38] meanwhile +[4995.38 --> 4996.32] of God's +[4996.32 --> 4996.76] activity +[4996.76 --> 4997.26] in the +[4997.26 --> 4997.52] world +[4997.52 --> 4998.24] decided +[4998.24 --> 4998.88] and +[4998.88 --> 4999.50] determined +[4999.50 --> 5000.50] before +[5000.50 --> 5001.32] creation +[5001.32 --> 5002.34] itself +[5002.34 --> 5004.04] remembering +[5004.04 --> 5004.66] meanwhile +[5004.66 --> 5005.50] because +[5005.50 --> 5006.94] we remember +[5006.94 --> 5007.54] meanwhile +[5007.54 --> 5008.46] because of +[5008.46 --> 5009.12] the meanwhile +[5009.12 --> 5010.04] of Jesus +[5010.04 --> 5010.86] Christ +[5010.86 --> 5011.36] and because +[5011.36 --> 5012.50] of Jesus +[5012.50 --> 5013.06] Christ +[5013.06 --> 5014.20] all our +[5014.20 --> 5015.16] suffering +[5015.16 --> 5015.90] all this +[5015.90 --> 5016.44] present +[5016.44 --> 5017.26] darkness +[5017.26 --> 5018.58] all of +[5018.58 --> 5019.04] it +[5019.04 --> 5020.62] will be +[5020.62 --> 5021.86] overcome +[5021.86 --> 5024.10] God's +[5024.10 --> 5024.84] godness +[5024.84 --> 5025.84] means that +[5025.84 --> 5026.38] he's always +[5026.38 --> 5027.48] doing something +[5027.48 --> 5028.10] and so +[5028.10 --> 5028.88] we remember +[5028.88 --> 5030.04] meanwhile +[5030.04 --> 5031.12] and even if +[5031.12 --> 5031.44] you don't have +[5031.44 --> 5031.78] the eyes +[5031.78 --> 5032.36] to see it +[5032.36 --> 5034.32] even if you +[5034.32 --> 5034.54] don't have +[5034.54 --> 5034.88] the heart +[5034.88 --> 5035.36] to believe +[5035.36 --> 5035.60] it +[5035.60 --> 5036.98] God +[5036.98 --> 5037.88] is +[5037.88 --> 5038.94] sovereign +[5038.94 --> 5040.38] he is +[5040.38 --> 5040.72] doing +[5040.72 --> 5041.18] something +[5041.18 --> 5041.80] with your +[5041.80 --> 5042.22] present +[5042.22 --> 5043.14] circumstances +[5043.14 --> 5043.64] you don't +[5043.64 --> 5044.02] have to +[5044.02 --> 5044.28] know +[5044.28 --> 5044.66] what it +[5044.66 --> 5044.92] is +[5044.92 --> 5045.38] for it +[5045.38 --> 5045.74] to be +[5045.74 --> 5046.08] true +[5046.08 --> 5047.28] and it +[5047.28 --> 5047.74] is true +[5047.74 --> 5048.82] you don't +[5048.82 --> 5049.12] have to +[5049.12 --> 5049.38] know +[5049.38 --> 5049.78] what it +[5049.78 --> 5050.00] is +[5050.00 --> 5050.90] for you +[5050.90 --> 5051.60] to live +[5051.60 --> 5052.48] like it +[5052.48 --> 5052.98] is true +[5052.98 --> 5054.64] and you +[5054.64 --> 5054.88] can do +[5054.88 --> 5055.30] that too +[5055.30 --> 5056.70] this +[5056.70 --> 5057.44] is the +[5057.44 --> 5057.84] power +[5057.84 --> 5058.56] of +[5058.56 --> 5059.12] remembering +[5059.12 --> 5060.76] meanwhile +[5060.76 --> 5062.08] amen +[5062.08 --> 5063.36] let's +[5063.36 --> 5063.52] pray +[5063.52 --> 5063.92] together +[5063.92 --> 5070.72] lord our +[5070.72 --> 5070.92] god +[5070.92 --> 5073.18] as we +[5073.18 --> 5073.60] sit +[5073.60 --> 5075.00] here +[5075.00 --> 5075.84] in your +[5075.84 --> 5076.70] presence +[5076.70 --> 5078.76] as we +[5078.76 --> 5079.50] stand +[5079.50 --> 5080.80] together +[5080.80 --> 5081.36] in +[5081.36 --> 5082.18] worship +[5082.18 --> 5084.20] as we +[5084.20 --> 5084.72] sing +[5084.72 --> 5085.06] your +[5085.06 --> 5085.58] praises +[5085.58 --> 5086.06] we +[5086.06 --> 5086.70] do +[5086.70 --> 5087.10] so +[5087.10 --> 5087.48] from +[5087.48 --> 5087.78] so +[5087.78 --> 5088.06] many +[5088.06 --> 5088.52] different +[5088.52 --> 5089.20] places +[5089.20 --> 5089.78] in +[5089.78 --> 5090.04] so +[5090.04 --> 5090.28] many +[5090.28 --> 5090.70] different +[5090.70 --> 5091.72] circumstances +[5091.72 --> 5092.26] with so +[5092.26 --> 5092.46] many +[5092.46 --> 5092.88] different +[5092.88 --> 5093.62] weights +[5093.62 --> 5093.96] and +[5093.96 --> 5094.36] burdens +[5094.36 --> 5094.64] and +[5094.64 --> 5095.02] joys +[5095.02 --> 5095.22] and +[5095.22 --> 5095.76] celebrations +[5095.76 --> 5096.52] on our +[5096.52 --> 5096.84] hearts +[5096.84 --> 5097.28] and in +[5097.28 --> 5097.42] our +[5097.42 --> 5097.74] minds +[5097.74 --> 5100.06] and in +[5100.06 --> 5100.16] the +[5100.16 --> 5100.34] midst +[5100.34 --> 5100.58] of it +[5100.58 --> 5100.78] all +[5100.78 --> 5101.18] today +[5101.18 --> 5101.50] I +[5101.50 --> 5101.92] pray +[5101.92 --> 5102.70] that +[5102.70 --> 5102.94] we +[5102.94 --> 5103.34] would +[5103.34 --> 5104.04] remember +[5104.04 --> 5105.30] meanwhile +[5105.30 --> 5105.64] I +[5105.64 --> 5105.98] pray +[5105.98 --> 5106.26] that +[5106.26 --> 5106.60] we +[5106.60 --> 5107.38] would +[5107.38 --> 5108.58] see +[5108.58 --> 5109.28] you +[5109.28 --> 5109.66] and +[5109.66 --> 5109.92] who +[5109.92 --> 5110.18] you +[5110.18 --> 5110.56] are +[5110.56 --> 5111.16] most +[5111.16 --> 5111.82] clearly +[5111.82 --> 5115.72] and +[5115.72 --> 5115.86] lord +[5115.86 --> 5116.04] god +[5116.04 --> 5116.32] even +[5116.32 --> 5116.60] on +[5116.60 --> 5116.80] those +[5116.80 --> 5117.12] days +[5117.12 --> 5117.30] where +[5117.30 --> 5117.46] we +[5117.46 --> 5117.78] cannot +[5117.78 --> 5118.30] remember +[5118.30 --> 5119.94] even +[5119.94 --> 5120.16] when +[5120.16 --> 5120.74] the present +[5120.74 --> 5121.16] darkness +[5121.16 --> 5121.56] we are +[5121.56 --> 5121.90] facing +[5121.90 --> 5122.14] is +[5122.14 --> 5122.66] overwhelming +[5122.66 --> 5123.76] I +[5123.76 --> 5124.04] pray +[5124.04 --> 5124.28] that +[5124.28 --> 5124.42] you +[5124.42 --> 5124.62] would +[5124.62 --> 5125.26] surround +[5125.26 --> 5125.70] us +[5125.70 --> 5125.90] with +[5125.90 --> 5126.06] your +[5126.06 --> 5126.58] spirit +[5126.58 --> 5127.22] and +[5127.22 --> 5127.42] with +[5127.42 --> 5127.58] your +[5127.58 --> 5128.00] people +[5128.00 --> 5129.52] who +[5129.52 --> 5129.86] remember +[5129.86 --> 5130.22] on our +[5130.22 --> 5130.60] behalf +[5130.60 --> 5132.32] and +[5132.32 --> 5132.44] who +[5132.44 --> 5132.88] support +[5132.88 --> 5133.28] us +[5133.28 --> 5133.98] in +[5133.98 --> 5134.18] this +[5134.18 --> 5134.44] journey +[5134.44 --> 5134.70] of +[5134.70 --> 5135.06] life +[5135.06 --> 5135.96] and +[5135.96 --> 5136.34] faith +[5136.34 --> 5138.94] god +[5138.94 --> 5139.10] we +[5139.10 --> 5139.22] are +[5139.22 --> 5139.46] not +[5139.46 --> 5139.72] our +[5139.72 --> 5140.08] own +[5140.08 --> 5140.58] but +[5140.58 --> 5140.64] we +[5140.64 --> 5140.74] have +[5140.74 --> 5140.88] been +[5140.88 --> 5141.18] bought +[5141.18 --> 5141.86] with +[5141.86 --> 5141.98] a +[5141.98 --> 5142.38] price +[5142.38 --> 5147.60] so +[5147.60 --> 5147.78] may +[5147.78 --> 5147.92] we +[5147.92 --> 5148.46] remember +[5148.46 --> 5150.70] may +[5150.70 --> 5150.82] we +[5150.82 --> 5151.22] remember +[5151.22 --> 5151.66] all +[5151.66 --> 5151.90] that +[5151.90 --> 5152.10] you +[5152.10 --> 5152.36] have +[5152.36 --> 5152.66] done +[5152.66 --> 5155.16] so +[5155.16 --> 5155.36] that +[5155.36 --> 5155.58] in +[5155.58 --> 5155.94] all +[5155.94 --> 5156.18] the +[5156.18 --> 5156.72] things +[5156.72 --> 5157.06] of +[5157.06 --> 5157.54] life +[5157.54 --> 5158.36] we +[5158.36 --> 5158.78] might +[5158.78 --> 5160.96] rest +[5160.96 --> 5162.24] in +[5162.24 --> 5162.52] you +[5162.52 --> 5164.58] in +[5164.58 --> 5164.90] jesus +[5164.90 --> 5165.30] name +[5165.30 --> 5165.52] we +[5165.52 --> 5165.84] pray +[5165.84 --> 5166.90] and +[5166.90 --> 5167.00] all +[5167.00 --> 5167.26] god's +[5167.26 --> 5167.44] people +[5167.44 --> 5167.74] said +[5167.74 --> 5169.04] amen +[5169.04 --> 5175.22] let's +[5175.22 --> 5175.48] stand +[5175.48 --> 5175.94] together +[5175.94 --> 5176.54] and +[5176.54 --> 5177.82] respond +[5177.82 --> 5179.32] our +[5179.32 --> 5179.70] own +[5179.70 --> 5180.22] mean +[5180.22 --> 5180.84] wiles +[5180.84 --> 5183.14] whatever +[5183.14 --> 5183.50] our +[5183.50 --> 5183.88] lot +[5183.88 --> 5184.40] thou +[5184.40 --> 5184.78] has +[5184.78 --> 5185.38] taught +[5185.38 --> 5185.84] us +[5185.84 --> 5186.06] to +[5186.06 --> 5186.40] say +[5186.40 --> 5186.60] it +[5186.60 --> 5186.78] is +[5186.78 --> 5187.20] well +[5187.20 --> 5187.98] it +[5187.98 --> 5188.18] is +[5188.18 --> 5188.52] well +[5188.52 --> 5188.86] and +[5188.86 --> 5189.04] so +[5189.04 --> 5189.18] may +[5189.18 --> 5189.32] we +[5189.32 --> 5189.72] remember +[5189.72 --> 5190.12] this +[5190.12 --> 5190.36] in +[5190.36 --> 5190.48] the +[5190.48 --> 5190.76] midst +[5190.76 --> 5191.00] of +[5191.00 --> 5191.38] everything +[5191.38 --> 5191.70] that +[5191.70 --> 5191.88] even +[5191.88 --> 5192.06] when +[5192.06 --> 5192.24] we +[5192.24 --> 5193.04] don't +[5193.04 --> 5193.42] see +[5193.42 --> 5193.66] it +[5193.66 --> 5194.08] or +[5194.08 --> 5194.44] feel +[5194.44 --> 5194.60] it +[5194.60 --> 5194.90] god +[5194.90 --> 5195.10] is +[5195.10 --> 5195.30] in +[5195.30 --> 5195.50] it +[5195.50 --> 5210.52] can +[5210.52 --> 5210.74] be +[5210.74 --> 5211.00] big +[5211.00 --> 5211.14] gosh +[5211.14 --> 5211.28] can +[5211.28 --> 5211.64] that +[5211.64 --> 5211.74] have +[5211.74 --> 5212.16] yea +[5212.16 --> 5212.50] we +[5212.54 --> 5213.48] to +[5213.48 --> 5214.48] go +[5214.48 --> 5215.56] and +[5215.56 --> 5215.96] can +[5215.96 --> 5216.16] when +[5216.16 --> 5217.66] go +[5217.66 --> 5218.64] and +[5218.64 --> 5219.46] can +[5219.46 --> 5219.58] come +[5219.58 --> 5220.56] and +[5220.56 --> 5221.52] can +[5221.52 --> 5221.84] c +[5221.84 --> 5222.16] hear +[5222.16 --> 5222.46] yeah +[5222.46 --> 5223.24] and +[5223.24 --> 5248.56] When peace like a river attendeth my way +[5248.56 --> 5256.56] When sorrows like sea billows rise +[5257.32 --> 5266.56] Forever my Lord, Thou hast taught me to say +[5267.30 --> 5276.44] It is well, it is well with my soul +[5278.56 --> 5287.32] It is well with my soul +[5287.32 --> 5299.08] It is well, it is well with my soul +[5299.08 --> 5311.94] How Satan should battle, how trials should come +[5311.94 --> 5320.70] That is blessed the show of bread's control +[5320.70 --> 5330.94] I stand rehired in my helpless estate +[5330.94 --> 5339.70] And will share His own blood for my soul +[5339.70 --> 5350.46] In His well, it is well with my soul +[5350.46 --> 5362.22] In my soul, it is well with my soul +[5362.22 --> 5376.36] My sin, O the bliss of His glorious thought +[5376.36 --> 5385.12] My sin, not in part, but the whole +[5385.12 --> 5390.46] His gale to the cross +[5390.46 --> 5396.12] And I bear Him no more +[5396.12 --> 5401.88] Praise the Lord, praise the Lord +[5401.88 --> 5406.88] Praise the Lord, O my soul +[5406.88 --> 5415.64] It is well, it is well with my soul +[5415.64 --> 5419.64] In my soul +[5419.64 --> 5429.64] It is well, it is well with my soul +[5429.64 --> 5438.40] O Lord, praise the Lord +[5438.40 --> 5443.40] When my faith shall be spied +[5443.40 --> 5448.40] The clouds we roll down +[5448.40 --> 5452.40] As us flow +[5452.40 --> 5457.16] The clouds shall resound +[5457.16 --> 5459.16] And the clouds shall resound +[5459.16 --> 5463.16] And the clouds shall descend +[5463.16 --> 5466.16] Even so +[5466.16 --> 5473.16] It is well with my soul +[5473.16 --> 5477.16] In His love is well +[5477.16 --> 5481.92] It is well +[5481.92 --> 5485.92] With my soul +[5485.92 --> 5487.92] In His love +[5487.92 --> 5490.92] It is well +[5490.92 --> 5493.92] It is well +[5493.92 --> 5497.92] With my soul +[5497.92 --> 5513.00] As you go into whatever it is +[5513.00 --> 5514.46] That you go today +[5514.46 --> 5518.26] Know that God Himself goes with you +[5518.26 --> 5521.48] And that He has prepared you +[5521.48 --> 5523.78] For this moment +[5523.78 --> 5526.40] And so go with the blessing +[5526.40 --> 5528.94] Of our God +[5528.94 --> 5533.12] God, go before you +[5533.12 --> 5534.10] To lead you +[5534.10 --> 5535.88] God, go behind you +[5535.88 --> 5536.76] To protect you +[5536.76 --> 5538.26] God, go beneath you +[5538.26 --> 5539.16] To support you +[5539.16 --> 5541.08] God, go beside you +[5541.08 --> 5542.22] To befriend you +[5542.22 --> 5544.54] Do not be afraid +[5544.54 --> 5546.60] Let the blessing of God +[5546.60 --> 5547.54] Come upon you today +[5547.54 --> 5549.44] Do not be afraid +[5549.44 --> 5552.64] But go in peace +[5552.64 --> 5555.76] To love and serve the Lord +[5555.76 --> 5557.20] Amen +[5557.20 --> 5563.94] Behold He comes +[5563.94 --> 5566.50] Riding on the clouds +[5566.50 --> 5568.98] Shining like the sun +[5568.98 --> 5571.68] Out of the troubling call +[5571.68 --> 5573.98] With your voice +[5573.98 --> 5576.44] Is the year of Jubilee +[5576.44 --> 5578.06] And now does I +[5578.06 --> 5582.20] Until salvation come +[5582.20 --> 5587.20] And these are the days +[5587.20 --> 5589.32] Of the night of +[5589.32 --> 5593.56] Declaring the word of the Lord +[5593.56 --> 5596.70] And these are the days +[5596.70 --> 5597.98] Of your servant +[5597.98 --> 5599.20] Frozen +[5599.20 --> 5602.64] Righteousness being restored +[5602.64 --> 5606.12] And though these are days +[5606.12 --> 5607.90] Of great trials +[5607.90 --> 5610.96] From heaven and darkness +[5610.96 --> 5613.26] And sores +[5613.26 --> 5615.60] So we are a voice +[5615.60 --> 5616.88] In the desert +[5616.88 --> 5618.26] Crying +[5618.26 --> 5620.26] Prepare ye the way +[5620.26 --> 5621.58] Of the Lord +[5621.58 --> 5624.00] Behold He comes +[5624.00 --> 5626.40] Riding on clouds +[5626.40 --> 5628.82] Shining like the sun +[5628.82 --> 5630.44] And through the hall +[5630.44 --> 5631.02] And through the hall +[5631.02 --> 5633.44] Lift your voice +[5633.44 --> 5635.76] Hear unto thee +[5635.76 --> 5637.38] Proud and sign +[5637.38 --> 5641.28] Till salvation comes +[5641.28 --> 5646.36] In these are the days +[5646.36 --> 5648.48] Of his being young +[5648.48 --> 5651.16] The tribe won't be coming +[5651.16 --> 5652.82] As well +[5652.82 --> 5655.66] And these are the days +[5655.66 --> 5656.94] Of his servant +[5656.94 --> 5659.22] And gave every building +[5659.22 --> 5662.06] A temple of grace +[5662.06 --> 5665.02] And these are the days +[5665.02 --> 5667.18] Of the harvest +[5667.18 --> 5668.96] The fields are +[5668.96 --> 5671.82] As fighting the fire +[5671.82 --> 5675.06] And we are the laborers +[5675.06 --> 5676.82] We are the leaders +[5676.82 --> 5679.18] Beclaiming the word +[5679.18 --> 5680.38] Of the Lord +[5680.38 --> 5682.74] The holy crown +[5682.74 --> 5685.10] Riding on clouds +[5685.10 --> 5687.34] Proud and sun +[5687.34 --> 5689.00] Proud and storm +[5689.00 --> 5689.42] And shall slippers +[5689.42 --> 5690.42] 콩 +[5690.42 --> 5690.94] Add your voice +[5690.94 --> 5692.22] Hear unto thee +[5692.22 --> 5695.44] Proud and sign +[5695.44 --> 5698.86] Till salvation comes +[5698.86 --> 5718.86] There's no God like Jehovah +[5718.86 --> 5720.86] Oh +[5748.86 --> 5750.86] Oh +[5778.86 --> 5780.86] Oh +[5808.86 --> 5810.86] Oh +[5810.86 --> 5812.86] Oh +[5812.86 --> 5814.86] Oh +[5824.86 --> 5826.86] Oh +[5826.86 --> 5828.86] Oh +[5838.86 --> 5840.92] you +[5868.86 --> 5870.92] you +[5898.86 --> 5900.92] you +[5928.86 --> 5930.92] you +[5958.86 --> 5960.92] you +[5988.86 --> 5990.92] you +[6018.86 --> 6020.92] you +[6048.86 --> 6050.92] you +[6078.86 --> 6080.92] you +[6108.86 --> 6110.92] you +[6138.86 --> 6140.92] you +[6168.86 --> 6170.92] you +[6198.86 --> 6200.92] you +[6228.86 --> 6230.92] you +[6258.86 --> 6260.92] you +[6288.86 --> 6290.92] you diff --git a/Sunday Worship, October 27, 2024_summary.txt b/Sunday Worship, October 27, 2024_summary.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000000000000000000000000000000000000..d20d4d55faa9b0805ebc6da090f19e99188de758 --- /dev/null +++ b/Sunday Worship, October 27, 2024_summary.txt @@ -0,0 +1,108 @@ +• Grieving the loss of loved ones, particularly Michael and Maria +• Expressing trust in God's higher ways and promises +• Acknowledging the pain of losing loved ones, but finding hope in Jesus +• Expressing love for Michael and Maria +• Believing that they will be reunited soon +• Recognizing the limitations of human understanding compared to God's plans +• Song lyrics: "Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus" and the message of turning to Jesus for comfort and salvation +• Church announcements: + • Mexico mission trip registration open + • Meeting next week after church to discuss details + • Tonight's youth gathering at 630pm + • Next Saturday's worship service at Sunridge retirement facility + • Pre-service prayer group meeting next Sunday at 9am in the library +• The opening greeting and the passing of peace in worship +• Reading of Psalm 34 as the call to worship +• Singing of hymns about Jesus as hope, comfort, light, and truth +• Repeated affirmations of belief in Jesus +• Declaration of being a child of God +• Reading through letters to the churches in Revelation during a Bible study +• Jesus' message to the church in Philadelphia about keeping His word and not denying His name +• Challenges from modern culture to acknowledge Jesus and His teachings +• The importance of standing up for Jesus and putting Him first +• Prayer for strength, forgiveness, and help in proving love for Jesus by standing for His name +• Discussion of a church service +• Song and praise section (various hymns and lyrics) +• Announcement of ways to give financially, including the benevolence fund +• Explanation of the benevolence fund and its purpose +• Call for generosity in supporting the fund +• Personal testimony about knowing one's name and being known by God +• Discussion of mistakes and consequences +• Reference to a children's worship segment on Joseph +• Joseph's story in prison and God's presence with him +• The theme of the day: God is with us and able to use us no matter where we are +• The idea that God knows each person's name and thoughts +• Prayer and thanksgiving for blessings, including health, relationships, and provisions +• Requests for healing and recovery for specific individuals in the congregation +• Prayers for various needs, including those dealing with aging bodies, caretakers, leaders in government and institutions, and forgiveness for shortcomings. +• Pastor Kevin prays for the congregation to grow in knowledge and faith, and to share the gospel +• The sermon continues on the story of Joseph, the son of Jacob +• Joseph's brothers sell him into slavery after he has prophetic dreams that they will bow down to him +• Joseph is sold to Potiphar, an official to Pharaoh, who buys him from the Ishmaelites +• In Egypt, Joseph prospers and finds favor with Potiphar, becoming his attendant and being put in charge of his household +• Potiphar's wife tries to seduce Joseph but he refuses, citing his loyalty to his master +• Joseph flees when confronted by Potiphar's wife after she catches him on an opportunity to be alone +• The Hebrew slave, possibly Joseph, is accused of attempting to sleep with his master's wife +• He is put in prison for his alleged crime +• In prison, the Lord shows kindness and favor towards him +• The warden puts Joseph in charge of all prisoners in the jail due to God's blessing on him +• A narrative review of previous weeks' discussions about hope and God's sovereignty over future events +• Joseph is falsely accused and thrown into prison +• A personal anecdote about the speaker being unfairly blamed for defending someone who was bullied +• The concept of false accusations in popular culture, referencing movies like Double Jeopardy, The Fugitive, and Shawshank Redemption +• The story of Joseph from the Bible, focusing on his faithfulness to God and Potiphar despite being falsely accused by Potiphar's wife +• The importance of understanding the "bookends" of the Joseph story, which provide context and insight into God's plan +• The importance of knowing God is always present even in hardship +• The story of Joseph's hardships, including being sold into slavery and imprisoned, but God was with him throughout +• Recognizing that just because someone experiences hardships or struggles, it doesn't mean God's presence is absent +• The idea that prosperity is not a requirement for God's presence, and that God can still be present even in difficult circumstances +• Joseph's story is an example of God's presence and favor despite circumstances of slavery, imprisonment, and suffering. +• Prosperity does not correlate with God's presence, and there are many examples in the Bible where God's people experienced lack of prosperity but were still present with God. +• The concept of loneliness is relatable and can be experienced by anyone, even those who have comfortable lives or material wealth. +• A personal experience of loneliness was shared, describing a time when the speaker felt incredibly alone after graduating from high school and moving to a new city for work. +• Loneliness and depression after moving to a new city +• Shift from social activities to solitude and increased focus on faith +• Growth in prayer life and Bible reading during difficult season +• Realization of God's presence and comfort despite loneliness +• Reflection on the importance of facing suffering with courage +• Reference to 2 Corinthians 12, verses 9-10 and Paul's statement on delighting in weakness for Christ's power +• The Greek word "eudokio" is discussed, translating to being content or choosing what is better +• Paul's message of being content in suffering and choosing it as better is explored +• Jesus' suffering on the cross is mentioned, including his endurance of physical pain and separation from God +• The resurrection of Jesus and his subsequent presence with believers through the Holy Spirit is noted +• Taking delight in suffering means seeing Jesus in the midst of hard times and persevering knowing he is present +• The church is a way for God's presence to be revealed in the world. +• God's people have initiated many positive things, such as orphanages and hospitals. +• God's presence can be seen in the midst of suffering through acts of kindness and service. +• The speaker notes that the narrative of the church being God's hands and feet is not always true, with examples from history showing times when the church has hurt people. +• The church can be a place where people experience God's presence and also hurt and suffering +• The idea that "hurt people hurt people" is true, but it doesn't justify harming others +• Everyone has the capacity to hurt and harm others due to their own brokenness and sinfulness +• Scripture calls for us to delight in our suffering, which can be a difficult concept to understand +• The church can be a place where broken people come together, lean into each other's pain, and offer love and support +• Perhaps the church is a place where we can find community and connection with others who are also struggling. +• The church has both hurt and transformed people throughout history +• The importance of community in personal growth and transformation +• How attending church and finding community helped the speaker through a difficult time in their life +• The role that Redeemer University played in bringing the speaker to Emmanuel Church +• The ways in which God used other people to direct the speaker towards Jesus and to their current place of ministry. +• The speaker reflects on Joseph and how he remained faithful to God despite suffering. +• The importance of remembering God's presence, especially during difficult times. +• Leaning into God's presence through worship, prayer, devotions, playfulness, or sacrifice. +• Finding personal "God places" where one feels connected to God. +• The speaker shares their own experiences with finding spiritual connection in different locations. +• The importance of awe and recognition of God's presence in daily life +• Struggling to feel God's presence during difficult times +• Request for faith, presence, and action in the face of suffering +• Prayer for the church to be a presence of God in the lives of others +• Recognition that God is present even in darkness and suffering +• Expressions of devotion and gratitude towards God +• Description of God's goodness and faithfulness throughout one's life +• Acknowledgement of the speaker's ability to sing about God's goodness +• Surrendering to God and giving up everything +• Recitation of a prayer or devotional phrase, emphasizing the pursuit of God's presence +• Conclusion and dismissal, with a call to continue being God's presence in the world +• Invitation to fellowship and prayer after the service +• Reading from Psalm 6, a blessing and prayer for God's presence and peace +• Hymn or song about Jesus Christ as the Lamb who was slain and now reigns at God's side +• Expression of gratitude and appreciation for God's bounty and provision \ No newline at end of file diff --git a/Sunday Worship, October 27, 2024_transcript.txt b/Sunday Worship, October 27, 2024_transcript.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000000000000000000000000000000000000..6a6e3ccd85e42974928efca11b0c78fdfda8a513 --- /dev/null +++ b/Sunday Worship, October 27, 2024_transcript.txt @@ -0,0 +1,2117 @@ +[0.00 --> 4.04] To leave the God I love +[4.04 --> 7.06] Here's my heart, Lord +[7.06 --> 9.72] Take and seal it +[9.72 --> 13.96] Seal it for Thy courts above +[13.96 --> 17.62] Here's my heart, Lord +[17.62 --> 20.36] Take and seal it +[20.36 --> 25.08] Seal it for Thy courts above +[30.00 --> 53.76] Water you turned into wine +[53.76 --> 58.30] Open the eyes of the blind +[58.30 --> 61.30] There's no one like you +[61.30 --> 66.26] None like you +[66.26 --> 72.00] Into the darkness you shine +[72.00 --> 76.80] Out of the ashes we rise +[76.80 --> 79.30] There's no one like you +[79.98 --> 85.38] None like you +[85.38 --> 89.22] Our God is greater +[89.22 --> 91.64] Our God is stronger +[91.64 --> 96.30] God you are higher than any other +[96.30 --> 98.76] Our God is healer +[98.76 --> 100.66] Awesome in power +[100.66 --> 101.98] Our God +[101.98 --> 104.98] Our God +[104.98 --> 117.72] Into the darkness you shine +[117.72 --> 121.98] Out of the ashes we rise +[121.98 --> 124.98] There's no one like you +[124.98 --> 126.98] There's no one like you +[126.98 --> 128.98] None like you +[128.98 --> 134.90] Our God is greater +[134.90 --> 136.98] Our God is stronger +[136.98 --> 140.98] God you are higher than any other +[140.98 --> 143.98] Our God is healer +[143.98 --> 145.94] Awesome in power +[145.94 --> 146.94] Our God +[146.94 --> 147.94] Our God +[147.94 --> 148.94] Our God +[148.94 --> 149.94] Our God +[149.94 --> 152.94] Our God is greater +[152.94 --> 153.94] Our God is stronger +[153.94 --> 154.94] Our God is stronger +[154.94 --> 158.94] God you are higher than any other +[158.94 --> 159.94] Our God is healer +[159.94 --> 160.94] Awesome in power +[160.94 --> 161.94] Our God +[161.94 --> 162.94] Our God +[162.94 --> 163.94] Our God +[163.94 --> 164.94] Our God +[164.94 --> 165.94] Our God +[165.94 --> 166.94] Our God +[166.94 --> 167.94] Our God +[167.94 --> 179.92] Our God +[179.92 --> 184.78] And if God is for us +[184.78 --> 203.78] ?!" +[203.78 --> 208.52] Than what could stand against +[208.52 --> 219.40] Than what could stand against +[219.40 --> 228.80] Our God is greater, our God is stronger +[228.80 --> 233.38] God, you are higher than any other +[233.38 --> 237.72] Our God is healer, awesome and power +[237.72 --> 241.34] Our God, our God +[241.34 --> 247.08] Our God is greater, our God is stronger +[247.08 --> 251.68] God, you are higher than any other +[251.68 --> 256.02] Our God is healer, awesome and power +[256.02 --> 260.24] Our God, our God +[260.24 --> 263.70] And if our God is for us +[263.70 --> 266.00] Then who could ever stop us +[266.00 --> 268.28] And if our God is with us +[268.28 --> 270.20] Then what could stand against +[270.20 --> 272.86] And if our God is for us +[272.86 --> 275.16] Then who could ever stop us +[275.16 --> 277.48] And if our God is with us +[277.48 --> 282.14] Then what could stand against +[282.14 --> 291.20] What could stand against +[291.20 --> 295.38] What could stand against +[295.38 --> 297.22] Then who could ever stop us +[297.22 --> 300.58] Come on, hallucinate for us +[301.34 --> 305.34] So far +[305.34 --> 335.32] Oh, my God. +[335.34 --> 365.32] Oh, my God. +[365.34 --> 367.34] Oh, my God. +[367.34 --> 369.34] Oh, my God. +[369.34 --> 371.34] Oh, my God. +[371.34 --> 373.34] Oh, my God. +[373.34 --> 375.34] Oh, my God. +[375.34 --> 377.34] Oh, my God. +[377.34 --> 379.34] Oh, my God. +[379.34 --> 381.34] Oh, my God. +[381.34 --> 392.08] Michael and Maria, someone said they thought they saw you +[392.08 --> 395.96] Giving names to babies this world never knew +[395.96 --> 401.14] I'm sure by now you've found your great-grandparents +[401.14 --> 403.54] And some friends like Dave and Aaron +[403.54 --> 406.66] I bet you've met Moses too +[406.66 --> 412.70] We never knew how much our hearts could hurt until we lost you +[412.70 --> 415.26] I know we didn't really lose you +[415.26 --> 417.72] That's just how it feels down here +[417.72 --> 422.88] And right now it seems we'll never understand God's higher ways +[422.88 --> 427.22] But we are trusting Him until the day we do +[427.22 --> 432.30] And He will carry us just like He carries you +[432.30 --> 437.44] So Michael and Maria, we'll see you soon +[437.44 --> 444.02] Oh, this is a long, hard journey +[444.02 --> 448.86] We travel in the blink of an eye +[448.86 --> 454.16] Oh, without this hope we have in Jesus +[454.16 --> 458.16] There's no way on earth we could survive +[458.16 --> 461.16] We never would survive +[461.16 --> 475.50] No, we didn't really know how much we loved you until we lost you +[475.50 --> 487.56] No, we didn't really know how much we loved you until we lost you +[487.56 --> 490.26] I know we didn't really lose you +[490.26 --> 492.48] It's just how it looks from here +[492.48 --> 497.72] And right now it seems we'll never understand God's higher ways +[497.72 --> 501.86] We are trusting Him until the day we do +[501.86 --> 507.72] And He will carry us just like He carries you +[507.72 --> 512.72] And if we believe His promises are true +[512.72 --> 519.72] And Michael and Maria, I know we'll see you soon +[519.72 --> 549.70] I know we'll see you soon +[549.72 --> 579.70] But we'll see you soon +[579.72 --> 601.72] Turn your eyes upon Jesus +[601.72 --> 603.72] Turn your eyes upon Jesus +[603.72 --> 615.72] Look full in His wonderful face +[615.72 --> 629.72] And the things of earth will grow strange +[629.72 --> 641.72] The light of His glory and grace +[641.72 --> 647.72] O soul, are you weary and troubled? +[647.72 --> 653.72] No light in the darkness you see +[653.72 --> 659.72] There's light for a look at the Savior +[659.72 --> 665.72] And life more abundant and free +[665.72 --> 671.72] To death and to life everlasting +[671.72 --> 677.72] He passed and we follow Him there +[677.72 --> 683.72] O us and no more have dominion +[683.72 --> 689.72] For more than conquerors we are +[689.72 --> 701.72] O turn your eyes upon Jesus +[701.72 --> 711.72] Look full in His wonderful face +[711.72 --> 723.72] And the things of earth will grow strange +[723.72 --> 727.72] In the light of His glory and grace +[727.72 --> 739.72] In the light of His glory and grace +[739.72 --> 743.72] His words shall not fail you +[743.72 --> 745.72] He promised +[745.72 --> 751.72] Believe Him and all will be well +[751.72 --> 757.72] Then go to a world that is dying +[757.72 --> 763.72] His perfect salvation to tell +[763.72 --> 775.72] O turn your eyes upon Jesus +[775.72 --> 785.72] Look full in His wonderful face +[793.72 --> 815.72] Good morning everyone +[815.72 --> 819.72] Welcome to church +[819.72 --> 823.72] Special welcome if you are a guest among us this morning +[823.72 --> 825.72] My name is Chris +[825.72 --> 827.72] I'm one of the pastors here at Emmanuel +[827.72 --> 831.72] And it's all of our unique opportunity +[831.72 --> 833.72] To gather together in this place +[833.72 --> 835.72] In this time +[835.72 --> 837.72] With all the things that have been happening in our lives +[837.72 --> 841.72] To take a moment and to come into the presence of God together +[841.72 --> 843.72] That's really what worship is +[843.72 --> 845.72] Gathering with God's people +[845.72 --> 847.72] In God's presence +[847.72 --> 850.72] And so this morning as we enter into that presence +[850.72 --> 852.72] We invite you to open up your heart +[852.72 --> 853.72] To the leading of the spirit +[853.72 --> 855.72] To open up your ears to the voice of God +[855.72 --> 859.72] And to bask in His glory together +[859.72 --> 863.72] Before we begin our worship with song and prayer +[863.72 --> 865.72] We have got a couple announcements we'd like to make +[865.72 --> 868.72] And the first of which is just a few notes +[868.72 --> 872.72] About the on-goings of life here at Emmanuel +[872.72 --> 874.72] And so you've been hearing announcements +[874.72 --> 878.72] About our Mexico mission trip and team +[878.72 --> 880.72] And registration for that is open +[880.72 --> 882.72] It's available online +[882.72 --> 885.72] If you get the e-bulletins that is in there +[885.72 --> 888.72] If you are curious about the Mexico mission trip +[888.72 --> 890.72] And don't receive the e-bulletin +[890.72 --> 893.72] You can grab either myself or Pastor Kevin or Brandon +[893.72 --> 895.72] If he's here somewhere this morning +[895.72 --> 896.72] I don't see him right now +[896.72 --> 900.72] We'll happily connect you to the details on that +[900.72 --> 902.72] For those of you who are interested +[902.72 --> 905.72] In the Mexico mission trip +[905.72 --> 907.72] And the registration for all of that +[907.72 --> 910.72] There's going to be a meeting next week after church +[910.72 --> 913.72] To bang out some of those details +[913.72 --> 915.72] And make you aware of the kinds of things +[915.72 --> 917.72] That are happening with that +[917.72 --> 919.72] And so just mark your calendars for that +[919.72 --> 924.72] Tonight the youth will gather for 2020 +[924.72 --> 926.72] That's 630 that's here at church +[926.72 --> 928.72] And then next Saturday +[928.72 --> 931.72] We have an opportunity to gather +[931.72 --> 935.72] With different worshipers from our congregation +[935.72 --> 937.72] With the community at Sunridge +[937.72 --> 939.72] Which is a retirement living facility +[939.72 --> 940.72] Up the hill from us +[940.72 --> 942.72] We send a small team in there +[942.72 --> 944.72] We worship with them for a little bit +[944.72 --> 945.72] From two to three or so +[945.72 --> 947.72] And they kind of just hang out +[947.72 --> 948.72] You're invited to join them +[948.72 --> 950.72] As they lead that there +[950.72 --> 952.72] And then lastly +[952.72 --> 953.72] Next Sunday +[953.72 --> 956.72] Is the first Sunday of the month +[956.72 --> 958.72] And so the pre-service prayer group +[958.72 --> 960.72] Will also be meeting before worship +[960.72 --> 962.72] And so that will start at 9 o'clock +[962.72 --> 963.72] In the library +[963.72 --> 964.72] For those of you who are interested +[964.72 --> 965.72] In meeting for prayer +[965.72 --> 967.72] The pre-service prayer +[967.72 --> 968.72] Before worship together +[968.72 --> 971.72] Those are all the announcements on my list +[971.72 --> 972.72] I'm going to look at my wife +[972.72 --> 974.72] Who usually gives me an extra one +[974.72 --> 975.72] And Pastor Kevin +[975.72 --> 976.72] Who usually gives me one +[976.72 --> 977.72] Nope, we're good? +[977.72 --> 978.72] Then I'm going to invite you +[978.72 --> 979.72] As you are able +[979.72 --> 980.72] As you are able +[980.72 --> 981.72] And where you are to stand +[981.72 --> 982.72] We can be gathered up together +[982.72 --> 984.72] In the presence of God +[990.72 --> 991.72] As we gather together +[991.72 --> 993.72] We are indeed in the presence of God +[993.72 --> 994.72] And so we mark that first +[994.72 --> 996.72] By receiving his greeting +[996.72 --> 998.72] Where God speaks to us +[998.72 --> 999.72] Inviting him +[999.72 --> 1001.72] Inviting us into his presence +[1001.72 --> 1002.72] And then we turn +[1002.72 --> 1004.72] And we extend that greeting +[1004.72 --> 1005.72] To one another +[1005.72 --> 1006.72] And so I invite you +[1006.72 --> 1007.72] To turn to those around you +[1007.72 --> 1009.72] After I give the greeting +[1009.72 --> 1011.72] And pass the peace of Christ +[1011.72 --> 1012.72] Saying the peace of Christ +[1012.72 --> 1013.72] Be with you +[1013.72 --> 1014.72] Or the Lord be with you +[1014.72 --> 1016.72] This is more than just good morning +[1016.72 --> 1018.72] This is an act of worship together +[1018.72 --> 1020.72] And so we mark God's presence here +[1020.72 --> 1021.72] In our midst +[1021.72 --> 1022.72] Receive the greeting then +[1022.72 --> 1023.72] Of our good God +[1023.72 --> 1028.72] Grace, mercy, and peace to you +[1028.72 --> 1029.72] From God our Father +[1029.72 --> 1031.72] From the Lord Jesus Christ +[1031.72 --> 1033.72] His Son and our Savior +[1033.72 --> 1035.72] Through the presence and power +[1035.72 --> 1036.72] Of the Holy Spirit +[1036.72 --> 1037.72] Amen +[1037.72 --> 1038.72] Amen +[1038.72 --> 1039.72] Amen +[1068.72 --> 1073.72] Our call to worship this morning +[1073.72 --> 1076.72] Is found in Psalm 34 +[1076.72 --> 1081.72] I will extol the Lord at all times +[1081.72 --> 1084.72] His praise will always be on my lips +[1084.72 --> 1087.72] I will glory in the Lord +[1087.72 --> 1089.72] Let the afflicted hear and rejoice +[1089.72 --> 1092.72] Glorify the Lord within me +[1092.72 --> 1095.72] Let us exalt his name together +[1095.72 --> 1097.72] Let us sing together +[1097.72 --> 1099.72] Let us sing together +[1099.72 --> 1100.72] Let us sing together +[1100.72 --> 1118.52] Jesus, hope of the nations +[1118.52 --> 1124.20] Jesus, comfort for all who mourn +[1124.20 --> 1131.06] You are the source of heaven's hope on earth +[1131.06 --> 1134.58] Jesus, light in the darkness +[1134.58 --> 1139.02] Jesus, truth in each circumstance +[1139.02 --> 1146.36] You are the source of heaven's hope on earth +[1146.36 --> 1150.50] In history you lived and died +[1150.50 --> 1155.76] You rose to chains, you rose to life +[1155.76 --> 1159.74] You are the hope living in us +[1159.74 --> 1163.80] You are the rock in whom we trust +[1163.80 --> 1170.50] You are the light shining for all the world to see +[1170.50 --> 1175.84] You rose from the dead, conquering fear +[1175.84 --> 1179.88] Our Prince of Peace, drive us here +[1179.88 --> 1186.22] Jesus, our hope living for all who will receive +[1186.22 --> 1189.84] Lord, we believe +[1189.84 --> 1201.08] Jesus, hope of the nations +[1201.08 --> 1206.94] Jesus, comfort for all who mourn +[1206.94 --> 1213.66] You are the source of heaven's hope on earth +[1213.66 --> 1217.50] Jesus, light in the darkness +[1217.50 --> 1222.08] Jesus, truth in each circumstance +[1222.08 --> 1229.36] You are the source of heaven's light on earth +[1229.36 --> 1233.76] In history you lived and died +[1233.76 --> 1239.04] You broke the chains, you rose to life +[1239.04 --> 1243.08] You are the hope living in us +[1243.08 --> 1247.18] You are the rock in whom we trust +[1247.18 --> 1254.04] You are the light shining for all the world to see +[1254.04 --> 1259.42] You rose from the dead, conquering fear +[1259.42 --> 1263.52] Our Prince of Peace, drive us near +[1263.52 --> 1269.52] Jesus, our hope living for all who will receive +[1269.52 --> 1273.78] Lord, we believe +[1273.78 --> 1277.78] Lord, we believe +[1277.78 --> 1281.94] Lord, we believe +[1281.94 --> 1311.92] Lord, we believe +[1311.92 --> 1341.90] Lord, we believe +[1341.90 --> 1371.88] Lord, we believe +[1371.88 --> 1373.88] Jesus died for me +[1373.88 --> 1375.88] Jesus died for me +[1375.88 --> 1379.88] Yes, He died for me +[1379.88 --> 1384.88] Who the Son sets free +[1384.88 --> 1389.88] Oh, is free indeed +[1389.88 --> 1393.88] I'm a child of God +[1393.88 --> 1397.88] Yes, I am +[1397.88 --> 1399.88] I am +[1399.88 --> 1401.88] I am +[1401.88 --> 1403.88] I am +[1403.88 --> 1405.88] I am +[1405.88 --> 1407.88] I am +[1407.88 --> 1409.88] I am +[1409.88 --> 1411.88] I am +[1411.88 --> 1413.88] I am +[1413.88 --> 1415.88] I am +[1415.88 --> 1417.88] I am +[1417.88 --> 1419.88] I am +[1419.88 --> 1421.88] I am +[1421.88 --> 1423.88] I am +[1423.88 --> 1427.88] I am +[1427.88 --> 1429.88] I am +[1429.88 --> 1431.88] I am +[1431.88 --> 1433.88] I am +[1433.88 --> 1435.88] I am +[1435.88 --> 1437.88] I am +[1437.88 --> 1441.88] I am +[1441.88 --> 1443.88] I am +[1443.88 --> 1445.88] I am +[1445.88 --> 1447.88] I am +[1447.88 --> 1449.88] I am +[1449.88 --> 1450.88] I am +[1450.88 --> 1451.88] I am +[1451.88 --> 1453.88] I am +[1453.88 --> 1454.88] I am +[1454.88 --> 1455.88] I am +[1455.88 --> 1457.88] I am +[1457.88 --> 1459.88] I am +[1459.88 --> 1463.88] I am +[1463.88 --> 1467.88] I am +[1467.88 --> 1469.88] I am +[1469.88 --> 1471.88] I am +[1471.88 --> 1475.88] I am +[1475.88 --> 1481.88] I am +[1481.88 --> 1483.88] I am +[1483.88 --> 1493.88] I am +[1493.88 --> 1501.76] In my Father's house, there's a place for me. +[1502.46 --> 1506.56] I'm a child of God. +[1507.02 --> 1510.76] Yes, I am. +[1512.10 --> 1513.52] I invite you to take a seat. +[1513.52 --> 1515.52] Amen. +[1522.76 --> 1527.18] We've been reading through the letters to the churches in Revelation +[1527.18 --> 1530.30] through a Bible study called Bible Study Fellowship. +[1530.94 --> 1536.50] And I was struck with what Jesus was saying to the church in Philadelphia, +[1536.66 --> 1537.94] and so I thought I'd read that part. +[1538.54 --> 1539.98] To the church in Philadelphia, +[1539.98 --> 1544.02] to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write, +[1544.88 --> 1547.34] These are the words of him who is holy and true, +[1547.76 --> 1549.40] who holds the keys of David. +[1550.06 --> 1551.80] What he opens, no one can shut. +[1552.58 --> 1554.70] What he shuts, no one can open. +[1555.14 --> 1556.02] I know your deeds. +[1556.78 --> 1560.08] See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut. +[1560.62 --> 1562.62] I know that you have little strength. +[1563.32 --> 1566.12] You have kept my word and have not denied my name. +[1566.12 --> 1570.10] And those last two lines are what I was focusing on. +[1571.18 --> 1574.28] You have kept my word and never denied my name. +[1575.42 --> 1579.96] There are so many ways the culture that we live in are asking us, +[1580.60 --> 1586.46] maybe even demanding us not to acknowledge who Jesus is. +[1587.24 --> 1590.18] They're attempting us to look elsewhere for life's answers, +[1591.06 --> 1593.74] telling us there's so many different ways to the Father, +[1593.74 --> 1596.44] challenging us to fit into our culture. +[1597.34 --> 1598.48] They're saying things like, +[1598.54 --> 1599.08] You deserve it. +[1599.20 --> 1601.08] You deserve the good things in life. +[1602.00 --> 1603.28] I find, for me anyway, +[1603.34 --> 1606.16] these things really are easy to creep into your life +[1606.16 --> 1608.36] because it's just so pervasive around us. +[1609.12 --> 1611.92] Ideas that can change even the motivation of your heart. +[1612.68 --> 1613.74] And it ends up, +[1613.74 --> 1617.38] Boy, I hate it when I get emotional. +[1618.90 --> 1624.42] But it ends up putting yourself on the throne. +[1627.56 --> 1628.96] I've also lost my place. +[1631.44 --> 1631.82] So, +[1632.08 --> 1634.26] we need to be a people +[1634.26 --> 1636.88] that put Jesus first, +[1637.58 --> 1639.72] that stand up for the name of Jesus. +[1639.72 --> 1639.84] Jesus. +[1640.54 --> 1641.48] What struck me was, +[1641.60 --> 1642.82] if you truly love someone, +[1643.08 --> 1644.72] you will never deny knowing them, +[1645.14 --> 1646.56] but you will stand with them. +[1647.34 --> 1650.46] And you'll cherish the words that they speak to you. +[1651.42 --> 1652.40] Let's bow our heads. +[1655.00 --> 1655.56] Father, +[1656.84 --> 1658.92] strengthen us by your spirit. +[1660.70 --> 1663.58] Forgive us for allowing the culture we live in +[1663.58 --> 1665.34] to influence our thinking. +[1665.34 --> 1668.60] Forgive us when we haven't stood for you, +[1669.22 --> 1671.18] when we haven't cherished your words +[1671.18 --> 1673.02] or spent time talking with you. +[1674.02 --> 1676.50] And even though we may have little strength, +[1676.74 --> 1680.10] will you help us keep your words deep within our hearts? +[1681.14 --> 1682.04] Holy Spirit, +[1682.16 --> 1683.86] help us to prove our love for Jesus +[1683.86 --> 1685.66] by standing for his name. +[1686.42 --> 1688.68] In Jesus' powerful name we pray. +[1689.00 --> 1689.36] Amen. +[1692.62 --> 1693.94] Would you stand with us +[1693.94 --> 1695.12] as we sing these last two? +[1695.34 --> 1714.04] Here is love vast as the ocean, +[1714.86 --> 1718.34] loving kindness as the flood. +[1719.22 --> 1723.64] When the prince of life are at sun, +[1723.64 --> 1728.96] Shed for us his precious blood +[1728.96 --> 1739.94] Here is love lost as the ocean +[1739.94 --> 1744.64] Loving kindness as a flood +[1744.64 --> 1748.64] When the prince of life our ransom +[1748.64 --> 1753.62] Shed for us his precious blood +[1753.62 --> 1757.80] Who his love will remember +[1757.80 --> 1762.96] Who can cease to sing his praise +[1762.96 --> 1766.96] He can never be forgotten +[1766.96 --> 1772.76] Throughout his eternal days +[1778.76 --> 1782.76] On the mount of crucifixion +[1782.76 --> 1787.76] Fountains open deep and wide +[1788.32 --> 1792.10] Through those muggings of God's mercy +[1792.10 --> 1796.10] Float a vast and gracious tide +[1796.10 --> 1801.10] Praise and love like mighty rivers +[1801.10 --> 1806.10] Heart incessant from above +[1806.10 --> 1810.44] Heaven's peace and perfect justice +[1810.44 --> 1815.56] Gives the guilty world in love +[1815.56 --> 1819.54] Who his love will not remember +[1819.54 --> 1824.10] Who can cease to sing his praise +[1824.10 --> 1829.10] He can never be forgotten +[1829.10 --> 1833.44] Throughout his eternal days +[1833.46 --> 1842.78] Under his eternal days +[1842.78 --> 1844.86] driving home +[1844.86 --> 1846.78] He can never be forgotten +[1846.78 --> 1850.78] He can never be forgotten +[1850.78 --> 1870.62] We are a moment, you are forever +[1870.62 --> 1878.20] Lord of the ages, God before time +[1878.20 --> 1884.84] We are a vapor, you are eternal +[1884.84 --> 1894.12] Love everlasting, reigning on God +[1894.12 --> 1900.64] Holy, holy Lord God almighty +[1900.64 --> 1907.64] Worthy is the Lamb who was slain +[1908.20 --> 1914.64] Lion's praises, honor and glory +[1914.64 --> 1920.64] Be unto your name +[1920.64 --> 1928.20] Be unto your name +[1928.20 --> 1934.64] We are the broken, you are the healer +[1935.50 --> 1941.64] Jesus, Redeemer, mighty to save +[1941.64 --> 1948.56] You are the love song, we'll sing forever +[1948.56 --> 1956.64] Vowing before you, blessing your name +[1957.20 --> 1963.38] Holy, holy Lord God almighty +[1963.38 --> 1969.64] Worthy is the Lamb who was slain +[1969.64 --> 1976.90] Highest praises, honor and glory +[1976.90 --> 1982.64] Be unto your name +[1982.64 --> 1989.64] Be unto your name +[1989.64 --> 1996.90] Holy, holy Lord God almighty +[1996.90 --> 2002.64] Worthy is the Lamb who was slain +[2002.64 --> 2008.90] Highest praises, honor and glory +[2008.90 --> 2014.64] Be unto your name +[2014.64 --> 2021.90] Be unto your name +[2021.90 --> 2027.90] Be unto your name +[2027.90 --> 2038.34] Good morning +[2038.34 --> 2041.92] My name is Mike and I serve as a deacon here on behalf of the church family +[2041.92 --> 2045.88] And I am just highlighting a few of our ways to give today +[2045.88 --> 2049.64] So we're going to take a moment to give of our financial gifts on behalf of this family +[2049.64 --> 2053.22] So the first is to the church budget and the ministries of this church +[2053.22 --> 2058.32] And if you have a donation there you can stick it in a little envelope or indicate such on the check and such +[2058.32 --> 2061.22] The second one is to the benevolence fund +[2061.22 --> 2063.72] And we actually had a few questions this week about that +[2063.72 --> 2070.30] But the benevolence fund is kind of the pot of money that the deacons use to help people out practically +[2070.30 --> 2073.96] So the deacons of course are happy to serve on behalf of this church +[2073.96 --> 2076.96] To connect people to resources, sit with people, visit people +[2076.96 --> 2079.08] Try to organize some of that on behalf of the family +[2079.08 --> 2083.44] But this is the pot of fun that is used to help out people when they need groceries +[2083.44 --> 2085.12] Or access to counselling +[2085.12 --> 2086.94] Or to other basic needs +[2086.94 --> 2088.94] That they or their families are feeling +[2088.94 --> 2092.08] So I just want to lean into this a little bit this morning +[2092.08 --> 2095.28] Because that fund is actually running a little bit empty +[2095.28 --> 2098.84] There's been a lot of needs in the last six months or so +[2098.84 --> 2102.02] And we're coming into usually what is +[2102.02 --> 2104.68] A more trying time for a lot of families in Langley +[2104.68 --> 2107.68] So we have some need there +[2107.68 --> 2110.66] So we thank you so much for your generosity +[2110.66 --> 2113.40] I know there's a lot of people in this church who give to this fund regularly +[2113.40 --> 2117.14] And the deacons are doing their best to make the best use of it +[2117.14 --> 2118.80] So thank you for that +[2118.80 --> 2120.76] And if you ever have questions about what the deacons do +[2120.76 --> 2122.78] Please let us know +[2122.78 --> 2126.48] But again, thank you for your generosity this morning towards these two needs +[2126.48 --> 2148.96] I have a maker +[2148.96 --> 2155.96] He knows my name +[2155.96 --> 2157.96] He knows my every thought +[2157.96 --> 2159.96] He knows my name +[2159.96 --> 2165.96] He knows my every thought +[2165.96 --> 2169.96] He knows my every thought +[2169.96 --> 2184.96] He sees each fear that falls +[2184.96 --> 2188.96] And hears me when I call +[2188.96 --> 2195.96] I have a father +[2195.96 --> 2201.96] He calls me his own +[2201.96 --> 2207.96] He'll never leave me +[2207.96 --> 2213.96] No matter where I go +[2213.96 --> 2214.96] He knows my name +[2214.96 --> 2216.96] He knows my name +[2216.96 --> 2220.96] He knows my every thought +[2220.96 --> 2224.96] He knows my every thought +[2224.96 --> 2230.96] He sees each fear that falls +[2230.96 --> 2234.96] And hears me when I call +[2234.96 --> 2235.96] When I call +[2235.96 --> 2253.96] He hears me when I call +[2253.96 --> 2259.96] He hears me when I call +[2259.96 --> 2265.20] And hears me when I call +[2289.96 --> 2311.90] So this morning, we're going to start by just thinking about if we've ever made a mistake. +[2312.36 --> 2314.00] Has anybody ever made a mistake? +[2315.20 --> 2317.08] A few of you have made a mistake. +[2317.30 --> 2318.62] I have definitely made a mistake. +[2318.62 --> 2321.54] You know what? Sometimes you might, you don't have to raise your hand, +[2321.66 --> 2326.00] but you might have think of a time when you kind of did something bad and maybe you got in trouble. +[2326.68 --> 2330.26] I can think of that when I was a kid or even when I was an adult. +[2331.24 --> 2337.06] Has anyone ever done something so bad that they were put in prison? +[2339.28 --> 2341.34] No, not any of you guys. Anybody? +[2342.38 --> 2343.42] No one's been in prison? +[2344.36 --> 2346.44] No? No one's been in prison. +[2346.44 --> 2346.54] No one's been in prison. +[2347.24 --> 2353.64] Well, you'd have to do something pretty serious if that was your consequence in our world to go into prison. +[2353.80 --> 2357.18] And today in children's worship, we're going to talk about Joseph. +[2357.40 --> 2359.60] We know that. We've been talking about Joseph for a few weeks. +[2359.74 --> 2366.28] But the funny thing about Joseph is he got put into prison and he didn't actually do anything wrong. +[2366.28 --> 2368.92] That would be pretty scary. +[2369.46 --> 2373.68] So that's what our theme is today and we're going to be talking about how God is with us +[2373.68 --> 2376.22] and able to use us no matter where we are. +[2376.80 --> 2382.40] So let's stand up and we'll do our blessing and then we'll head off and learn more about that story together. +[2396.28 --> 2414.26] Good morning. +[2414.82 --> 2420.06] My name is Ken. I'm an elder here at Emanuel and I'll be leading us in our church family prayer this morning. +[2420.06 --> 2422.96] As we were singing that last song, it kind of hit me a little bit. +[2423.02 --> 2424.00] He knows my name. +[2424.42 --> 2425.22] I was just thinking about that. +[2425.34 --> 2431.28] How cool would it be if someone real popular or famous, I'm going up to them and get the moment to meet them and actually greet them. +[2431.38 --> 2433.48] And before I even say hello, they say, oh, hi, Ken. +[2433.90 --> 2436.40] Like, oh, yeah, that would be such an amazing experience. +[2436.48 --> 2441.36] And yet God, the maker of the universe, the creator of everything, knows each one of our names. +[2441.60 --> 2442.78] He knows our every thought. +[2443.00 --> 2444.76] He sees each tear that falls. +[2445.18 --> 2446.34] And he hears us when we call. +[2446.34 --> 2450.82] I thought, wow, that's a great call for us to come together and call out to him in prayer. +[2450.94 --> 2452.16] So let's do that together this morning. +[2454.14 --> 2459.66] Lord our God, it is humbling to think that we can not only approach you in prayer, +[2460.04 --> 2464.24] but that your spirit intercedes for us when we do not know what we ought to pray for. +[2465.04 --> 2466.90] Lord, you search us and you know us. +[2467.38 --> 2468.98] You know when we sit and when we rise. +[2469.46 --> 2471.12] You know our thoughts from afar. +[2471.56 --> 2474.18] You discern our going out and our lying down. +[2474.18 --> 2477.56] You are familiar with all our ways. +[2478.30 --> 2481.52] And before a word is on our tongues, Lord, you know it completely. +[2482.56 --> 2486.12] Lord, you call us out to not be anxious about anything, +[2486.40 --> 2489.06] but in every situation, by prayer and petition, +[2489.50 --> 2492.00] with thanksgiving, to present our requests to you. +[2492.70 --> 2494.96] Lord, we confess that we often forget to do this. +[2495.54 --> 2498.40] When we are wrestling with our anxious thoughts, Holy Spirit, +[2498.96 --> 2500.88] help us fall to our knees in prayer +[2500.88 --> 2503.46] and approach your throne of grace with confidence. +[2504.62 --> 2507.14] Lord, we thank you for every good and perfect gift. +[2507.66 --> 2509.84] We thank you for our church family here at Emmanuel. +[2510.64 --> 2512.10] We thank you for our families. +[2512.78 --> 2515.24] We thank you for shelter, food, clean water, +[2515.38 --> 2517.74] and all the provisions that we often take for granted. +[2518.68 --> 2521.14] We thank you for jobs, health, and friends. +[2521.70 --> 2525.10] And above all, Lord, we are grateful for the righteousness we are given in Jesus +[2525.10 --> 2526.78] through your death and resurrection. +[2526.78 --> 2530.80] Lord, when we are discouraged, when we think all is lost, +[2531.30 --> 2533.26] help us start to count our many blessings, +[2533.64 --> 2536.18] and we'll once again see you at work in so many ways. +[2537.26 --> 2541.08] Lord, you are the one who forgives all of our sins and heals our diseases. +[2541.62 --> 2543.22] And we lift up those in our congregation +[2543.22 --> 2545.72] who are dealing with health challenges of various kinds. +[2546.66 --> 2548.84] We pray a prayer of praise with Judy Verstig +[2548.84 --> 2551.36] as she had open-heart surgery to fix a leaking valve +[2551.36 --> 2552.74] and that it was successful, Lord. +[2553.14 --> 2555.42] And we pray for full recovery for Judy. +[2555.42 --> 2558.46] We also lift up Louise Condos +[2558.46 --> 2561.00] as she navigates her diagnosis of Bell's palsy. +[2561.58 --> 2564.14] Lord, we pray for quick and complete healing for Louise +[2564.14 --> 2565.96] and patience for her in this time. +[2566.98 --> 2568.04] Lord, we lift up Ashley +[2568.04 --> 2570.20] as she embarks on a lengthy chemo treatment +[2570.20 --> 2571.54] for the cancer in her body. +[2572.38 --> 2574.58] Lord, please be with her husband, herself, +[2574.78 --> 2576.92] and her four kids as they navigate this journey. +[2577.36 --> 2580.30] And we ask, Lord, that you give her strength and complete healing. +[2581.52 --> 2583.42] We also pray, Lord, for those who are grappling +[2583.42 --> 2586.20] with the challenges and changes that come with aging bodies. +[2586.96 --> 2588.86] Please be with those who are shut in +[2588.86 --> 2590.96] and cannot be with us in person on Sundays. +[2591.58 --> 2595.04] We pray that they can feel your presence in their lives +[2595.04 --> 2597.10] and a sense of community from a distance. +[2598.38 --> 2599.78] We pray for caretakers. +[2600.46 --> 2602.90] Lord, give them energy and strength to care for loved ones +[2602.90 --> 2605.98] and help them get respite from time to time as well. +[2606.94 --> 2609.72] And Lord, we lift up our leaders in all levels of government, +[2609.72 --> 2612.32] in our schools and institutions, and in your church. +[2612.82 --> 2615.94] Please help them recognize that all authority comes from you +[2615.94 --> 2619.40] and that your will sets the standard for everything we do. +[2620.28 --> 2623.36] Lord, when we slip or step out of alignment with your will, +[2623.76 --> 2625.14] we ask for your forgiveness, +[2625.54 --> 2628.26] and we praise you for working all things together +[2628.26 --> 2630.56] for your glory despite our shortcomings. +[2631.66 --> 2633.58] And Lord, as we open your word this morning +[2633.58 --> 2634.60] and hear your message, +[2634.94 --> 2636.68] we pray that you speak through Pastor Kevin +[2636.68 --> 2638.58] that all gathered together here +[2638.58 --> 2640.88] would grow in our knowledge and faith in you +[2640.88 --> 2642.54] and go out into our week, +[2642.80 --> 2644.08] renewed to share the gospel. +[2644.54 --> 2646.48] We pray all these things in Jesus' name. +[2646.96 --> 2647.16] Amen. +[2663.16 --> 2664.48] Good morning, everyone. +[2664.48 --> 2668.94] Today we're going to be continuing our sermon series +[2668.94 --> 2671.08] on Joseph, the son of Jacob. +[2671.70 --> 2673.86] If you've been with us the past few weeks, +[2674.24 --> 2676.82] perhaps you recall the story up until this point. +[2677.42 --> 2679.18] Joseph, at the beginning of this story, +[2679.30 --> 2680.76] rather untactfully, +[2681.30 --> 2684.70] describes some dreams he has to his family, +[2685.30 --> 2687.82] saying that they will eventually bow down to him. +[2688.90 --> 2691.18] Well, that straight up ticked off his brother's plenty, +[2691.38 --> 2693.98] and him already being the favorite brother of the batch, +[2693.98 --> 2695.86] they decide that they want to kill him. +[2695.98 --> 2697.94] But cooler heads prevail, +[2697.94 --> 2701.80] and they end up instead selling him into slavery. +[2702.62 --> 2704.02] The brothers then trick their dad +[2704.02 --> 2705.66] into thinking that Joseph has died, +[2705.76 --> 2708.98] and Jacob then mourns for the loss of his son +[2708.98 --> 2710.38] for many, many days. +[2710.92 --> 2714.40] Meanwhile, Joseph was sold in Egypt +[2714.40 --> 2715.76] to a man named Potiphar, +[2715.84 --> 2717.14] who was an official to Pharaoh. +[2717.68 --> 2720.48] That's where we're picking the story up today, +[2720.48 --> 2722.66] in Genesis chapter 39. +[2722.98 --> 2724.20] So as always, I invite you, +[2724.44 --> 2725.26] open up your Bibles, +[2725.38 --> 2726.82] have them open in front of you. +[2727.00 --> 2728.46] If you want to use your Bible apps, +[2728.50 --> 2729.76] that's totally cool as well, +[2730.06 --> 2731.56] but you keep those open with you, +[2731.58 --> 2733.18] as we'll be referencing back. +[2733.44 --> 2735.04] We're going to be reading the entire chapter, +[2735.46 --> 2736.36] Genesis 39, +[2736.60 --> 2737.80] so please follow along with me. +[2738.88 --> 2741.04] Genesis 39, 1 to 23, says this. +[2741.86 --> 2744.22] Now Joseph had been taken down to Egypt. +[2745.10 --> 2746.52] Potiphar, an Egyptian, +[2746.52 --> 2748.28] who was one of Pharaoh's officials, +[2748.40 --> 2749.42] the captain of the guard, +[2749.82 --> 2751.70] bought him from the Ishmaelites, +[2751.82 --> 2752.90] who had taken him there. +[2753.92 --> 2755.04] The Lord was with Joseph, +[2755.18 --> 2756.20] so that he prospered, +[2756.20 --> 2758.44] and he lived in the house of his Egyptian master. +[2758.90 --> 2761.02] When his master saw that the Lord was with him, +[2761.14 --> 2763.02] and that the Lord gave him success +[2763.02 --> 2764.16] in everything he did, +[2764.74 --> 2767.14] Joseph found favor in his eyes, +[2767.50 --> 2769.24] and became his attendant. +[2770.42 --> 2772.40] Potiphar put him in charge of his whole household, +[2772.40 --> 2776.58] and he entrusted to his care everything he owned. +[2776.88 --> 2778.94] From the time he put him in charge of his household +[2778.94 --> 2780.86] and all that he owned, +[2780.94 --> 2783.32] the Lord blessed the household of the Egyptian +[2783.32 --> 2785.32] because of Joseph. +[2786.06 --> 2788.64] The blessing of the Lord was on everything Potiphar had, +[2788.84 --> 2790.22] both in the house and in the field, +[2790.80 --> 2794.16] so Potiphar left everything he had in Joseph's care. +[2794.86 --> 2795.72] With Joseph in charge, +[2795.78 --> 2797.46] he did not concern himself with anything +[2797.46 --> 2799.26] except the food that he ate. +[2800.50 --> 2801.92] Now Joseph was well built, +[2801.92 --> 2802.46] and handsome, +[2802.62 --> 2803.62] and after a while, +[2803.98 --> 2806.50] his master's wife took notice of Joseph +[2806.50 --> 2807.58] and said, +[2807.84 --> 2808.78] Come to bed with me. +[2809.70 --> 2810.68] But he refused. +[2811.14 --> 2811.96] With me in charge, +[2812.02 --> 2812.44] he told her, +[2812.48 --> 2814.28] my master does not concern himself +[2814.28 --> 2815.28] with anything in the house. +[2815.54 --> 2816.48] Everything he owns, +[2816.56 --> 2817.82] he's entrusted to my care. +[2818.30 --> 2821.08] No one is greater in this house than I am. +[2821.30 --> 2823.22] My master has withheld nothing from me +[2823.22 --> 2824.46] except you, +[2824.76 --> 2825.90] because you are his wife. +[2826.88 --> 2830.14] How then could I do such a wicked thing +[2830.14 --> 2831.98] and sin against God? +[2833.00 --> 2835.06] And though she spoke to Joseph day after day, +[2835.14 --> 2837.20] he refused to go to bed with her, +[2837.62 --> 2839.18] or even be with her. +[2840.40 --> 2842.68] One day he went to the house to attend to his duties, +[2842.68 --> 2844.56] and none of the household servants were inside. +[2844.90 --> 2846.82] She caught him by his cloak and said, +[2847.08 --> 2848.18] Come to bed with me. +[2848.18 --> 2851.08] But he left his cloak in her hand +[2851.08 --> 2852.76] and ran out of the house. +[2853.56 --> 2855.94] When she saw that he had left his cloak in her hand +[2855.94 --> 2856.82] and ran out of the house, +[2856.98 --> 2858.70] she called to her household servants, +[2858.82 --> 2859.04] Look! +[2859.34 --> 2860.06] She said to them, +[2860.18 --> 2861.90] This Hebrew has been brought to us +[2861.90 --> 2863.12] to make sport of us. +[2863.54 --> 2865.62] He came in here to sleep with me. +[2866.02 --> 2866.74] But I screamed. +[2867.02 --> 2868.30] When he heard me scream for help, +[2868.36 --> 2869.64] he left his cloak beside me +[2869.64 --> 2870.76] and ran out of the house. +[2871.76 --> 2873.34] She kept his cloak beside her +[2873.34 --> 2874.56] until his master came home. +[2874.56 --> 2876.88] Then she told him this story, +[2877.38 --> 2878.92] That Hebrew slave you brought us +[2878.92 --> 2880.56] came to me to make sport of me. +[2880.70 --> 2882.20] But as soon as I screamed for help, +[2882.44 --> 2884.04] he left his cloak beside me +[2884.04 --> 2885.34] and ran out of the house. +[2886.56 --> 2888.22] When his master heard this story, +[2888.56 --> 2890.14] his wife was telling him, saying, +[2890.56 --> 2892.36] This is how your slave treated me? +[2892.46 --> 2894.00] He burned with anger. +[2895.08 --> 2896.22] Joseph's master took him +[2896.22 --> 2897.36] and put him in prison, +[2897.52 --> 2899.64] the place where the king's prisoners were confined. +[2900.86 --> 2902.72] But while Joseph was there in the prison, +[2902.84 --> 2903.96] the Lord was with him. +[2903.96 --> 2905.04] He showed him kindness +[2905.04 --> 2906.08] and granted him favor +[2906.08 --> 2908.02] in the eyes of the prison warden. +[2908.46 --> 2910.00] So the warden put Joseph in charge +[2910.00 --> 2911.76] of all those held in the prison, +[2911.96 --> 2913.12] and he was made responsible +[2913.12 --> 2914.50] for all that was done there. +[2914.96 --> 2916.16] The warden paid no attention +[2916.16 --> 2917.66] to anything under Joseph's care +[2917.66 --> 2919.70] because the Lord was with Joseph +[2919.70 --> 2921.00] and gave him success +[2921.00 --> 2922.30] in whatever he did. +[2923.32 --> 2924.32] The word of the Lord. +[2927.64 --> 2929.72] So we've covered the narrative to this point, +[2929.80 --> 2931.08] but let's quickly remember perhaps +[2931.08 --> 2933.30] what we've learned these past few weeks +[2933.30 --> 2934.60] from this story. +[2934.74 --> 2935.36] So at first, +[2935.76 --> 2937.54] we learned that there is always hope +[2937.54 --> 2940.32] because God has victory over the future. +[2941.22 --> 2943.26] We know that at the end of this story, +[2944.12 --> 2945.40] Joseph's dreams that he had +[2945.40 --> 2946.42] at the beginning of the story +[2946.42 --> 2947.06] do come true, +[2947.18 --> 2949.12] and we know that at the end of history, +[2949.46 --> 2951.80] God's plans for eternity will play out. +[2952.54 --> 2953.88] Through God's sovereignty, +[2954.10 --> 2956.30] meaning through his complete authority +[2956.30 --> 2958.74] over everything that he has created, +[2959.26 --> 2961.46] God already has victory over the future, +[2962.08 --> 2963.64] even over our future, +[2964.26 --> 2965.18] so we can have hope. +[2966.38 --> 2967.20] And then last week, +[2967.24 --> 2969.66] we learned that God is always at work. +[2970.70 --> 2972.58] We should remember meanwhile, +[2972.98 --> 2973.74] if you recall. +[2974.30 --> 2975.64] In the trials we face, +[2975.82 --> 2976.98] when things seem rough, +[2977.30 --> 2979.22] even if we never see or comprehend +[2979.22 --> 2980.24] what God is up to, +[2980.90 --> 2982.76] God is always at work. +[2982.76 --> 2985.90] When suffering enters our world, +[2986.60 --> 2989.26] and suffering can mean so many things. +[2989.80 --> 2991.52] There's suffering on like a macro level, +[2991.58 --> 2992.70] on a global front, +[2993.12 --> 2993.26] right, +[2993.30 --> 2994.64] like war and persecution, +[2995.00 --> 2995.80] and then there's suffering +[2995.80 --> 2996.66] that's more localized, +[2997.50 --> 3000.02] things like grief and anxiety. +[3001.28 --> 3002.80] Suffering can be hard to define +[3002.80 --> 3005.16] because we all experience it so differently +[3005.16 --> 3006.80] and in unique ways, +[3006.92 --> 3007.88] but in some ways, +[3007.92 --> 3009.22] it isn't hard to define it all +[3009.22 --> 3010.90] because we've all gone through it. +[3012.00 --> 3013.26] Perhaps some of us +[3013.26 --> 3014.32] are going through it right now. +[3016.24 --> 3017.32] But as we suffer, +[3017.72 --> 3019.34] we can be certain of our future +[3019.34 --> 3022.12] because it is victorious in Jesus Christ, +[3022.72 --> 3024.24] and we can know that God +[3024.24 --> 3025.82] is working in our circumstances, +[3025.82 --> 3028.48] even if we can't or we'll never see it. +[3029.72 --> 3031.40] That's how so far we've held up +[3031.40 --> 3033.10] God's sovereignty and our suffering. +[3033.10 --> 3036.10] And so now, today, +[3036.24 --> 3037.28] we get to this story. +[3038.40 --> 3039.30] Chapter 39. +[3040.66 --> 3041.92] It's a rough story, +[3042.60 --> 3043.20] isn't it? +[3044.00 --> 3046.30] It can even make the blood boil a little bit. +[3046.74 --> 3048.66] This Joseph just can't catch a break. +[3048.82 --> 3050.30] He's hated by his brothers, +[3050.70 --> 3052.24] he's thrown into a well, +[3052.52 --> 3053.64] he's sold to traitors, +[3053.88 --> 3055.76] he's then sold into slavery in Egypt, +[3056.00 --> 3056.80] and then today, +[3056.98 --> 3058.72] he is falsely accused of a crime +[3058.72 --> 3060.18] that he did everything in his power +[3060.18 --> 3060.92] to not commit, +[3060.92 --> 3063.18] and he gets chucked into prison anyways. +[3065.02 --> 3066.48] This guy does everything right +[3066.48 --> 3068.54] and then gets all the blame. +[3070.02 --> 3071.42] I remember in elementary school, +[3072.00 --> 3073.70] there was this bully in our school +[3073.70 --> 3074.96] who was a year younger than me, +[3075.28 --> 3076.06] and he wasn't big, +[3076.10 --> 3077.44] I was actually quite a bit bigger than him, +[3077.54 --> 3079.18] so he was pretty easy to ignore, +[3079.46 --> 3080.64] and he was younger already, +[3081.22 --> 3082.72] so I could ignore him most of the time. +[3083.74 --> 3084.60] But then one day, +[3084.68 --> 3086.44] I saw him shove this +[3086.44 --> 3089.44] pretty small, timid little kid over +[3089.44 --> 3090.66] who was even younger than him. +[3090.92 --> 3093.82] And I knew this kid was timid, +[3093.88 --> 3094.94] I knew he was soft-spoken, +[3095.60 --> 3098.02] and I was kind of a conflict avoider back then, +[3098.06 --> 3099.44] I still am today to some degree, +[3099.78 --> 3100.94] but that set me off. +[3101.90 --> 3103.10] And I went after him, +[3103.32 --> 3104.66] and I grabbed him by the shoulders, +[3104.88 --> 3105.86] and I pulled him down, +[3105.98 --> 3107.02] and I pinned him to the ground, +[3107.02 --> 3108.96] and I don't really remember much else, +[3109.48 --> 3110.96] except that a crowd gathered, +[3111.20 --> 3112.30] and then a teacher came, +[3112.38 --> 3113.38] and then the crowd dispersed, +[3113.74 --> 3115.22] and I was the only one who got in trouble. +[3115.22 --> 3119.82] I was the only one who got sent to the office that day, +[3119.90 --> 3120.64] and I was frustrated, +[3120.72 --> 3122.62] because I thought my vigilante justice +[3122.62 --> 3123.66] was well-deserved. +[3124.18 --> 3125.48] It was well-warranted, +[3125.82 --> 3128.54] but I was the only one who got in trouble for it. +[3129.62 --> 3131.86] See, the concept of being falsely accused +[3131.86 --> 3133.92] is why movies like Double Jeopardy, +[3134.04 --> 3134.80] or The Fugitive, +[3135.04 --> 3136.52] or Shawshank Redemption +[3136.52 --> 3138.26] are so popular. +[3138.26 --> 3142.12] When someone's falsely accused, +[3142.40 --> 3144.52] our sense of justice just spikes, +[3144.94 --> 3146.36] and it becomes dramatic, +[3146.46 --> 3147.68] and it lights a fire in us +[3147.68 --> 3149.08] to see the good ones win. +[3150.38 --> 3152.48] And this story about Joseph does just that. +[3152.56 --> 3153.82] We read about how Joseph +[3153.82 --> 3155.54] was nothing but faithful to God, +[3155.78 --> 3157.76] was nothing but faithful to his master, +[3158.12 --> 3158.90] Potiphar even. +[3160.18 --> 3161.72] But just because Joseph +[3161.72 --> 3164.34] was well-built and handsome, +[3165.06 --> 3166.14] which, by the way, +[3166.66 --> 3167.90] is going to be the title of my autobiography, +[3168.26 --> 3169.52] when I start to write it. +[3170.32 --> 3171.40] Well-built and handsome, +[3171.52 --> 3172.56] the Kevin Lobert story. +[3173.64 --> 3174.96] It's my book, it's my title, +[3175.02 --> 3176.34] and you shouldn't be laughing so hard. +[3177.68 --> 3178.94] No, because he was a good man, +[3178.98 --> 3180.22] and he was easy on the eyes, +[3180.38 --> 3182.22] Potiphar's wife starts to hit on him. +[3183.22 --> 3184.02] But he refuses. +[3185.36 --> 3187.00] Eventually, she gets a little bit more physical, +[3187.16 --> 3188.16] and so Joseph runs away, +[3188.24 --> 3189.40] but leaves evidence behind. +[3189.48 --> 3190.20] So she gets mad, +[3190.26 --> 3191.18] she lies to her husband, +[3191.54 --> 3192.66] and Joseph's thrown in jail. +[3194.70 --> 3196.34] See, the story should irk us. +[3196.34 --> 3199.44] It should ignite a plea for justice. +[3200.84 --> 3204.22] But because this story is so anger-inducing, +[3204.52 --> 3206.30] it also causes us to miss +[3206.30 --> 3208.02] some very important information. +[3210.08 --> 3212.28] We miss the bookends to this story +[3212.28 --> 3213.74] because the middle of it +[3213.74 --> 3215.68] is so compelling. +[3216.56 --> 3218.12] It irks us so much. +[3219.10 --> 3220.04] The story starts, +[3220.38 --> 3221.06] and it ends, +[3221.26 --> 3223.02] with focal points for us today. +[3223.02 --> 3225.16] But we often just blow right over it, +[3225.20 --> 3226.24] even though it's central +[3226.24 --> 3228.08] to this entire narrative of Joseph. +[3229.52 --> 3231.52] The bookends to this story really matter, +[3232.20 --> 3234.86] and they provide our God hint this morning +[3234.86 --> 3236.02] in our suffering. +[3236.94 --> 3237.58] Find them with me. +[3237.64 --> 3238.04] Verse 2. +[3239.28 --> 3240.54] Verse 2, it says this. +[3241.52 --> 3243.24] The Lord was with Joseph. +[3244.68 --> 3246.18] And then at the end of all of this, +[3246.26 --> 3247.48] verse 21, take a look. +[3247.48 --> 3250.34] The Lord was with him. +[3252.98 --> 3254.60] Even in all of the hardships +[3254.60 --> 3255.96] that Joseph was going through, +[3256.84 --> 3257.92] God was there. +[3259.04 --> 3260.08] He was with him. +[3261.38 --> 3262.84] That's our God hint today. +[3263.00 --> 3265.10] You are not alone. +[3265.10 --> 3270.22] As Joseph was thrown into a well, +[3270.74 --> 3272.26] as he was sold into slavery, +[3272.76 --> 3274.06] even as he was sent to prison +[3274.06 --> 3275.62] for a crime he did not commit, +[3276.38 --> 3279.18] the Lord was with him always. +[3281.94 --> 3284.02] See, even in our hardships, +[3285.20 --> 3286.80] even when life seems unfair, +[3286.96 --> 3288.90] even when things are unjust to us, +[3288.90 --> 3291.04] even when we find ourselves suffering, +[3291.58 --> 3293.98] we can be certain that we are not alone. +[3295.10 --> 3298.00] Now, it's easy for me to say +[3298.00 --> 3299.00] from up here, right? +[3300.22 --> 3301.02] And that's fair. +[3301.88 --> 3302.88] Like, I would never stand +[3302.88 --> 3303.90] in front of you all today +[3303.90 --> 3305.54] and say, I understand +[3305.54 --> 3306.86] what all of you are going through. +[3307.40 --> 3308.18] Of course I can't. +[3309.90 --> 3311.26] Some of you have gone through +[3311.26 --> 3313.00] or are going through health concerns +[3313.00 --> 3314.62] that I've never had to endure. +[3316.36 --> 3318.22] Some of you have suffered loss +[3318.22 --> 3318.92] in your life +[3318.92 --> 3321.60] that I have never had to experience +[3321.60 --> 3322.74] and cannot comprehend. +[3322.74 --> 3325.88] Some of you have walked +[3325.88 --> 3328.00] barefoot through hell and back +[3328.00 --> 3329.70] and have witnessed loved ones +[3329.70 --> 3331.58] crumble and fall +[3331.58 --> 3333.80] or have broken down yourselves +[3333.80 --> 3335.56] because of the context +[3335.56 --> 3336.80] that you find yourselves in. +[3338.50 --> 3340.52] And all I can do is sit and listen +[3340.52 --> 3341.68] and be present with you +[3341.68 --> 3342.50] and pray with you, +[3342.90 --> 3344.78] but I can't understand +[3344.78 --> 3345.82] the depths of your suffering +[3345.82 --> 3346.38] or your pain. +[3346.38 --> 3349.72] So if you're sitting there thinking, +[3350.58 --> 3351.32] yeah, Kevin, sure, +[3351.46 --> 3352.34] but you don't know. +[3353.34 --> 3353.78] You're right. +[3354.48 --> 3355.62] I haven't gone through +[3355.62 --> 3356.84] the same things that you have. +[3357.34 --> 3359.20] And I would never claim to know +[3359.20 --> 3361.16] what you are going through. +[3361.16 --> 3364.36] But I can say +[3364.36 --> 3366.16] with certainty +[3366.16 --> 3367.90] because of the power +[3367.90 --> 3369.50] and authority of God's Word +[3369.50 --> 3371.36] that in those dark times +[3371.36 --> 3372.44] that you faced, +[3372.54 --> 3374.24] the times that I cannot comprehend, +[3375.44 --> 3377.86] the Lord was with you. +[3379.10 --> 3380.14] While the depths +[3380.14 --> 3381.18] and the pain +[3381.18 --> 3382.14] and the suffering +[3382.14 --> 3383.22] that you've gone through +[3383.22 --> 3383.68] was deep, +[3383.94 --> 3385.14] our living God +[3385.14 --> 3386.26] went through them with you. +[3387.24 --> 3387.98] He was there. +[3387.98 --> 3390.92] That's the big idea today. +[3391.86 --> 3393.28] You are not alone. +[3394.56 --> 3396.96] God is with you always. +[3399.52 --> 3401.00] When Joseph was a slave, +[3401.12 --> 3401.76] God was with him. +[3402.52 --> 3403.68] And he prospered. +[3404.62 --> 3406.36] When Joseph was sent to prison, +[3407.42 --> 3408.44] God was with him. +[3409.04 --> 3410.44] And he was granted favor. +[3412.92 --> 3414.18] God was with Joseph +[3414.18 --> 3415.18] even in slavery +[3415.18 --> 3416.66] and in imprisonment. +[3417.02 --> 3417.32] However, +[3417.32 --> 3417.80] there's something +[3417.80 --> 3418.86] that needs your attention here. +[3418.92 --> 3419.30] Something that needs +[3419.30 --> 3420.34] all of our attention here. +[3420.40 --> 3422.04] It's easy to look at the story +[3422.04 --> 3422.92] and read it and think, +[3423.00 --> 3424.08] oh, God was with him +[3424.08 --> 3425.56] and gave him favor. +[3426.28 --> 3427.54] Oh, God was with him +[3427.54 --> 3428.84] and gave him kindness +[3428.84 --> 3429.76] and prosperity. +[3430.34 --> 3431.84] As if God's presence +[3431.84 --> 3432.86] must include +[3432.86 --> 3434.14] some kind of prosperity +[3434.14 --> 3434.90] in your life. +[3436.10 --> 3437.16] And we can read the story +[3437.16 --> 3438.30] and we can falsely conclude +[3438.30 --> 3439.30] that if prosperity +[3439.30 --> 3440.22] is not present, +[3440.58 --> 3441.22] well, then God +[3441.22 --> 3442.32] must not be present either. +[3443.54 --> 3444.90] But that's just not true. +[3444.90 --> 3447.66] prosperity and presence +[3447.66 --> 3448.46] don't correlate. +[3449.58 --> 3449.98] Remember, +[3450.08 --> 3451.08] even in this story, +[3451.58 --> 3452.96] even in this story, +[3453.26 --> 3454.56] Joseph was still a slave. +[3455.32 --> 3456.68] He was still a prisoner. +[3457.38 --> 3458.40] He was still out +[3458.40 --> 3459.34] of his father's house. +[3459.58 --> 3460.26] He was still living +[3460.26 --> 3460.76] in a land +[3460.76 --> 3461.76] that was foreign to him. +[3463.64 --> 3465.40] And so favor and prosperity, +[3465.66 --> 3466.56] even in this context, +[3466.64 --> 3467.14] is relative. +[3467.14 --> 3470.10] But the Lord was with him. +[3471.66 --> 3472.98] Prosperity does not correlate +[3472.98 --> 3473.78] with presence. +[3473.88 --> 3475.36] The Bible has so many examples +[3475.36 --> 3476.38] of God's presence +[3476.38 --> 3477.46] with his people +[3477.46 --> 3478.90] despite a complete lack +[3478.90 --> 3479.56] of prosperity. +[3480.34 --> 3481.82] Think of people like Elijah +[3481.82 --> 3482.90] or Jeremiah +[3482.90 --> 3484.02] or Ruth. +[3484.20 --> 3484.98] There's lots more. +[3486.24 --> 3487.54] Joseph was favored by God. +[3487.62 --> 3487.80] Yes, +[3488.12 --> 3489.36] even in his suffering. +[3491.66 --> 3493.16] By his faithfulness, +[3493.24 --> 3494.20] he garnered favor +[3494.20 --> 3495.36] in both Potiphar's house +[3495.36 --> 3496.34] and in prison. +[3496.34 --> 3497.92] But earlier in the story, +[3498.44 --> 3499.80] God was present with him still, +[3500.06 --> 3500.66] even when he was +[3500.66 --> 3501.54] in the bottom of that well. +[3503.66 --> 3504.34] In his richest +[3504.34 --> 3505.28] and in his poorest, +[3505.42 --> 3506.00] his abundance +[3506.00 --> 3506.78] and his loss, +[3506.84 --> 3507.46] in his blessing +[3507.46 --> 3508.50] and his suffering, +[3508.78 --> 3509.94] God was with Joseph. +[3511.08 --> 3512.02] Even after he was +[3512.02 --> 3512.88] falsely accused, +[3513.04 --> 3514.14] when no one believed him, +[3514.28 --> 3515.02] and he was lonely +[3515.02 --> 3515.60] once again, +[3516.42 --> 3517.30] Joseph was in fact +[3517.30 --> 3517.82] not alone. +[3520.72 --> 3521.92] I've never been a slave +[3521.92 --> 3522.62] or a prisoner. +[3522.76 --> 3523.02] Apparently, +[3523.12 --> 3523.64] none of our kids +[3523.64 --> 3524.44] have ever been prisoners +[3524.44 --> 3524.84] either. +[3526.34 --> 3527.44] But I do think +[3527.44 --> 3528.56] loneliness is something +[3528.56 --> 3529.96] that we can all relate to. +[3531.78 --> 3532.48] I know I've had. +[3532.50 --> 3533.20] I've had an experience +[3533.20 --> 3533.68] in my life +[3533.68 --> 3534.38] where I was very lonely. +[3534.50 --> 3535.14] There was this season +[3535.14 --> 3536.02] in life where I felt +[3536.02 --> 3536.88] incredibly alone. +[3537.00 --> 3537.84] It was the year +[3537.84 --> 3538.62] after I graduated +[3538.62 --> 3539.34] from high school. +[3539.58 --> 3541.06] I did all my schooling +[3541.06 --> 3542.46] in Victoria, B.C. +[3542.84 --> 3543.88] and I moved from Victoria +[3543.88 --> 3544.46] to Edmonton +[3544.46 --> 3545.42] right after I graduated. +[3546.24 --> 3547.16] I needed a job +[3547.16 --> 3547.64] and I ended up +[3547.64 --> 3548.56] finding one pretty quick +[3548.56 --> 3549.82] at a local grocery store, +[3549.88 --> 3550.50] but my job +[3550.50 --> 3551.68] was to stock shelves +[3551.68 --> 3552.74] and face the groceries, +[3552.90 --> 3553.64] turn the labels out +[3553.64 --> 3554.52] so everyone could read them. +[3554.52 --> 3555.62] And I had to do that job +[3555.62 --> 3556.82] from 11 p.m. +[3556.98 --> 3558.04] until 8 a.m. +[3558.04 --> 3558.94] That was my shift. +[3559.42 --> 3560.12] And my schedule +[3560.12 --> 3560.84] was not like +[3560.84 --> 3561.68] a consistent one. +[3561.76 --> 3562.18] It wasn't like +[3562.18 --> 3562.94] I worked four days +[3562.94 --> 3563.64] and had two off +[3563.64 --> 3564.28] or five days +[3564.28 --> 3564.80] and two off. +[3565.00 --> 3565.52] It was like +[3565.52 --> 3566.58] I worked two, +[3566.68 --> 3567.22] got one off, +[3567.28 --> 3567.64] worked three, +[3567.72 --> 3568.18] got one off. +[3568.22 --> 3568.68] I could never +[3568.68 --> 3569.76] readjust my schedule +[3569.76 --> 3571.12] and so I didn't see +[3571.12 --> 3571.98] the light of day +[3571.98 --> 3572.96] because it was Edmonton +[3572.96 --> 3575.44] for like six months. +[3577.18 --> 3578.36] The job was fine, +[3579.36 --> 3580.58] but because my schedule +[3580.58 --> 3581.28] was so irregular, +[3581.44 --> 3582.36] the only people I saw +[3582.36 --> 3583.10] was the two dudes +[3583.10 --> 3584.14] that I stocked shelves with +[3584.14 --> 3584.70] and they were both +[3584.70 --> 3585.64] kind of grumpy old men +[3585.64 --> 3586.10] who just wanted +[3586.10 --> 3587.10] to punch in and punch out. +[3587.52 --> 3588.92] They were not conversationalists. +[3589.50 --> 3590.78] I could barely go to church. +[3591.36 --> 3592.92] I knew nobody in the city. +[3593.62 --> 3594.26] I couldn't even really +[3594.26 --> 3595.10] see my own family. +[3596.48 --> 3597.48] And for half a year, +[3597.54 --> 3598.60] I barely talked to anyone. +[3599.34 --> 3600.26] It was very lonely. +[3601.26 --> 3602.44] I was probably depressed. +[3603.78 --> 3604.66] It was a very, +[3604.80 --> 3605.74] very hard season for me. +[3605.74 --> 3608.16] I'd gone from a very +[3608.16 --> 3611.36] super social grade 12 grad year +[3611.36 --> 3612.92] with lots of activities +[3612.92 --> 3614.96] to nothing. +[3617.16 --> 3618.38] It was strange though +[3618.38 --> 3619.68] because during that time, +[3619.78 --> 3621.32] my faith in God +[3621.32 --> 3622.72] actually grew. +[3623.44 --> 3624.32] And some of this +[3624.32 --> 3626.34] I'm realizing in retrospect. +[3627.42 --> 3630.10] But my prayer life grew. +[3630.28 --> 3631.40] I wasn't talking to anyone, +[3631.52 --> 3632.54] so God became someone +[3632.54 --> 3633.20] that I spoke to. +[3633.58 --> 3634.86] I started opening my Bible +[3634.86 --> 3635.62] a little bit more +[3635.62 --> 3636.64] because the world around me +[3636.64 --> 3637.86] was very small, +[3638.10 --> 3639.52] so I had no reason not to. +[3641.36 --> 3642.14] I'm not sure +[3642.14 --> 3642.82] I would have said this +[3642.82 --> 3643.18] back then, +[3643.24 --> 3644.08] but I know with the gift +[3644.08 --> 3644.56] of retrospect +[3644.56 --> 3645.92] that even though +[3645.92 --> 3646.70] I was lonely, +[3646.82 --> 3647.94] I knew God was there. +[3649.20 --> 3650.66] I desired Him more. +[3650.78 --> 3651.70] I leaned into +[3651.70 --> 3652.66] His presence more. +[3652.86 --> 3654.56] And it didn't make things good. +[3654.96 --> 3656.36] Life still sucked for me then. +[3658.86 --> 3659.80] But God was there. +[3659.80 --> 3661.10] And I do remember +[3661.10 --> 3662.28] in the midst of that loneliness, +[3662.88 --> 3664.20] God's presence was tangible. +[3664.82 --> 3665.44] He was with me. +[3665.50 --> 3667.84] I was never actually alone. +[3668.04 --> 3670.68] See, God is always with us. +[3674.32 --> 3676.08] God's presence in our lives, +[3676.56 --> 3678.88] it means we can be bolstered up +[3678.88 --> 3679.88] to face the suffering +[3679.88 --> 3681.34] that we endure with courage. +[3681.54 --> 3682.32] Now, I'm not saying +[3682.32 --> 3683.40] that I faced that season +[3683.40 --> 3684.44] of loneliness with courage, +[3684.44 --> 3685.66] but I do think +[3685.66 --> 3686.80] a more mature version of me +[3686.80 --> 3687.22] eventually, +[3687.68 --> 3688.32] like right now, +[3688.40 --> 3689.50] might be able to do that. +[3691.00 --> 3692.78] Because Scripture tells us we can. +[3693.98 --> 3695.28] In fact, Paul tells us +[3695.28 --> 3696.20] that with Christ, +[3696.32 --> 3697.52] we can even delight +[3697.52 --> 3698.68] in our suffering. +[3700.42 --> 3700.84] Isn't that something? +[3700.94 --> 3702.18] Read 2 Corinthians 12, +[3702.24 --> 3703.10] verses 9 to 10 +[3703.10 --> 3703.86] with me for a moment. +[3704.20 --> 3705.34] 2 Corinthians 12, +[3705.82 --> 3707.04] 9 to 10 says this, +[3707.04 --> 3708.78] But he said to me, +[3708.86 --> 3710.64] My grace is sufficient for you, +[3710.88 --> 3712.18] for my power is made +[3712.18 --> 3713.48] perfect in weakness. +[3713.48 --> 3714.86] Therefore I, +[3714.92 --> 3716.04] and this is Paul speaking, +[3716.16 --> 3717.60] Therefore I will boast +[3717.60 --> 3718.60] all the more gladly +[3718.60 --> 3719.44] about my weaknesses +[3719.44 --> 3721.04] so that Christ's power +[3721.04 --> 3722.12] may rest on me. +[3722.94 --> 3723.58] And hear this, +[3723.90 --> 3724.76] That is why, +[3725.20 --> 3726.18] for Christ's sake, +[3726.60 --> 3728.88] I delight in weaknesses, +[3729.60 --> 3730.80] in insults, +[3731.14 --> 3732.06] in hardships, +[3732.52 --> 3733.78] in persecutions, +[3734.34 --> 3735.22] and in difficulties. +[3735.94 --> 3737.66] For when I am weak, +[3738.38 --> 3740.22] then I am strong. +[3741.62 --> 3743.40] For Christ's sake, +[3743.48 --> 3744.70] we can delight +[3744.70 --> 3745.60] in weaknesses, +[3746.22 --> 3746.82] insults, +[3747.04 --> 3747.48] hardships, +[3747.74 --> 3748.36] persecutions, +[3748.44 --> 3749.06] and difficulties. +[3751.00 --> 3752.34] Now as Josh or Chris +[3752.34 --> 3753.24] would have me point out, +[3753.32 --> 3754.54] the Greek word for delight +[3754.54 --> 3755.38] here is important. +[3756.28 --> 3757.24] The Greek word +[3757.24 --> 3758.50] is eudokio, +[3758.86 --> 3759.68] which to me sounds like +[3759.68 --> 3760.44] some sort of Pokemon, +[3760.66 --> 3761.76] but it actually means +[3761.76 --> 3763.02] to be content +[3763.02 --> 3765.56] or to choose as better. +[3765.56 --> 3767.72] So Paul is saying +[3767.72 --> 3769.12] to be content +[3769.12 --> 3770.66] in our suffering. +[3771.48 --> 3772.02] Or rather, +[3772.30 --> 3773.52] to choose the suffering +[3773.52 --> 3774.18] that we face +[3774.18 --> 3775.10] knowing that it is better +[3775.10 --> 3775.56] for us +[3775.56 --> 3777.02] because when we are weak, +[3777.36 --> 3778.84] we allow Christ's presence +[3778.84 --> 3780.04] or Christ's power +[3780.04 --> 3781.58] and Christ in general +[3781.58 --> 3782.52] to be the focal point +[3782.52 --> 3783.12] in our lives. +[3783.90 --> 3784.78] When we suffer, +[3784.88 --> 3786.08] we can lean into Christ +[3786.08 --> 3787.12] because we know +[3787.12 --> 3788.30] he suffered. +[3788.30 --> 3790.64] I think sometimes +[3790.64 --> 3791.20] we forget +[3791.20 --> 3792.42] just how much suffering +[3792.42 --> 3793.56] Jesus had to endure. +[3793.86 --> 3794.00] See, +[3794.06 --> 3795.54] he lived this perfect life, +[3795.58 --> 3796.42] a life that you and I +[3796.42 --> 3797.04] fail to live +[3797.04 --> 3797.92] each and every day +[3797.92 --> 3799.00] and then Jesus died +[3799.00 --> 3800.64] an unbelievably +[3800.64 --> 3802.58] excruciating death +[3802.58 --> 3803.54] that we deserve +[3803.54 --> 3804.32] because of our sin +[3804.32 --> 3804.94] and brokenness. +[3805.94 --> 3807.14] And he bore the weight +[3807.14 --> 3809.34] of all of human sin +[3809.34 --> 3811.02] throughout all of human history +[3811.02 --> 3811.68] on his shoulders. +[3811.80 --> 3812.52] Think about that. +[3812.52 --> 3814.96] bearing the wrath of God +[3814.96 --> 3816.28] for the weight +[3816.28 --> 3817.14] of the sin +[3817.14 --> 3818.04] of humanity +[3818.04 --> 3819.16] throughout history. +[3820.84 --> 3822.48] He was flogged, +[3823.76 --> 3824.08] beaten, +[3824.74 --> 3825.32] stripped, +[3826.10 --> 3826.74] stabbed, +[3827.00 --> 3827.34] pierced. +[3827.40 --> 3828.72] He was hung on a cross. +[3829.42 --> 3830.34] He suffocated. +[3831.54 --> 3832.78] He was forsaken. +[3835.44 --> 3838.40] Jesus knew suffering. +[3838.40 --> 3842.74] But he also knows +[3842.74 --> 3843.50] victory. +[3844.68 --> 3845.80] Because three days later +[3845.80 --> 3847.46] he rose triumphantly +[3847.46 --> 3848.06] from the grave +[3848.06 --> 3848.68] and now through +[3848.68 --> 3849.50] the Holy Spirit +[3849.50 --> 3851.78] Jesus is with us +[3851.78 --> 3853.56] in our suffering too. +[3853.98 --> 3854.92] Jesus reigns +[3854.92 --> 3855.76] on the throne +[3855.76 --> 3856.88] over all creation +[3856.88 --> 3858.64] and yet he sits with us +[3858.64 --> 3859.64] when we suffer +[3859.64 --> 3861.40] knowing what pain +[3861.40 --> 3862.22] and suffering +[3862.22 --> 3863.08] and loneliness +[3863.08 --> 3863.84] feels like +[3863.84 --> 3865.12] because he lived it too. +[3866.36 --> 3867.36] He understands +[3867.36 --> 3869.00] what we're going through +[3869.00 --> 3872.08] and he is constantly present. +[3874.24 --> 3875.20] Taking delight +[3875.20 --> 3875.84] in our suffering +[3875.84 --> 3876.78] means to choose +[3876.78 --> 3877.98] to see Jesus +[3877.98 --> 3879.06] in the midst +[3879.06 --> 3879.82] of hard times +[3879.82 --> 3881.72] because he is there. +[3882.64 --> 3883.64] It's not that we have +[3883.64 --> 3884.30] to rejoice +[3884.30 --> 3885.12] in our suffering +[3885.12 --> 3887.94] but we sure can persevere +[3887.94 --> 3889.16] knowing that we are not alone. +[3890.46 --> 3891.82] God is present +[3891.82 --> 3892.62] just like he was +[3892.62 --> 3893.18] with Joseph. +[3893.18 --> 3897.60] One of the ways +[3897.60 --> 3898.72] that God is present +[3898.72 --> 3899.70] in our lives +[3899.70 --> 3901.04] is through his people +[3901.04 --> 3901.86] through the church. +[3903.54 --> 3904.40] If the church +[3904.40 --> 3905.38] is Christ's body +[3905.38 --> 3906.78] and if we have +[3906.78 --> 3907.60] the Holy Spirit +[3907.60 --> 3908.66] in us +[3908.66 --> 3910.68] we are a means +[3910.68 --> 3911.88] or we are a picture +[3911.88 --> 3913.30] of God's presence +[3913.30 --> 3914.10] here in this world. +[3914.86 --> 3915.56] The church +[3915.56 --> 3916.46] is a way +[3916.46 --> 3918.60] that God's presence +[3918.60 --> 3919.12] is revealed +[3919.12 --> 3919.74] in this world. +[3920.34 --> 3921.56] On a macro level +[3921.56 --> 3922.26] if you look +[3922.26 --> 3922.82] throughout history +[3922.82 --> 3923.44] you can see this. +[3923.54 --> 3924.16] God's presence +[3924.16 --> 3925.36] is evident +[3925.36 --> 3926.38] everywhere +[3926.38 --> 3927.26] because of the work +[3927.26 --> 3928.26] of his people +[3928.26 --> 3929.58] or sorry +[3929.58 --> 3930.58] because of his work +[3930.58 --> 3931.46] through his people. +[3932.28 --> 3933.02] God's people +[3933.02 --> 3933.42] Christians +[3933.42 --> 3934.14] they've initiated +[3934.14 --> 3934.94] so many things. +[3935.34 --> 3935.82] Orphanages +[3935.82 --> 3936.40] hospitals +[3936.40 --> 3937.22] medical systems +[3937.22 --> 3937.78] universities +[3937.78 --> 3938.36] crisis +[3938.36 --> 3939.84] intervention agencies +[3939.84 --> 3941.82] refugee initiatives +[3941.82 --> 3942.62] homeless shelters +[3942.62 --> 3943.48] rehab centers +[3943.48 --> 3944.92] so many things +[3944.92 --> 3945.60] in this world +[3945.60 --> 3947.72] God initiated +[3947.72 --> 3948.40] through his people. +[3948.80 --> 3949.18] We see them +[3949.18 --> 3949.60] every day +[3949.60 --> 3950.44] we use them +[3950.44 --> 3951.02] every day. +[3951.02 --> 3953.82] God's presence +[3953.82 --> 3954.96] visible in the midst +[3954.96 --> 3955.48] of suffering. +[3956.98 --> 3958.38] But we can zoom in +[3958.38 --> 3959.42] and see it locally too. +[3960.06 --> 3961.46] Zoom into this place here. +[3962.14 --> 3962.76] I could tell you +[3962.76 --> 3963.64] countless stories +[3963.64 --> 3964.22] of you +[3964.22 --> 3965.24] of God's people +[3965.24 --> 3966.12] here at Emmanuel +[3966.12 --> 3968.14] being present +[3968.14 --> 3969.68] in the midst +[3969.68 --> 3970.24] of suffering. +[3971.02 --> 3971.96] Whether it's +[3971.96 --> 3972.70] prayers +[3972.70 --> 3973.92] or lament services +[3973.92 --> 3974.62] it's meals +[3974.62 --> 3975.22] for people +[3975.22 --> 3976.88] it's care groups +[3976.88 --> 3978.10] it's labor +[3978.10 --> 3978.70] and time +[3978.70 --> 3979.30] and energy +[3979.30 --> 3980.20] and service. +[3981.94 --> 3982.46] There's +[3982.46 --> 3983.62] so much +[3983.62 --> 3984.94] giving +[3984.94 --> 3986.04] of ourselves +[3986.04 --> 3987.42] being God's +[3987.42 --> 3987.76] presence +[3987.76 --> 3988.36] in the midst +[3988.36 --> 3989.20] of each other +[3989.20 --> 3990.58] who are going +[3990.58 --> 3991.06] through hardships. +[3991.30 --> 3992.24] You are his hands +[3992.24 --> 3992.64] and feet. +[3993.14 --> 3993.98] You are being used +[3993.98 --> 3995.40] by our Holy Father +[3995.40 --> 3996.58] to be his presence +[3996.58 --> 3997.70] in the face of hardships +[3997.70 --> 3998.88] here in Langley. +[3999.14 --> 4000.06] The benevolence fund +[4000.06 --> 4001.30] that you just gave to +[4001.30 --> 4002.18] is doing that. +[4002.48 --> 4002.98] The deacons +[4002.98 --> 4003.82] are doing this work. +[4003.90 --> 4004.28] The elders +[4004.28 --> 4005.08] are doing this work. +[4005.38 --> 4006.30] All of the ministries +[4006.30 --> 4007.36] here are doing this work. +[4007.36 --> 4008.26] It is happening. +[4012.60 --> 4013.76] But we also know +[4013.76 --> 4014.46] that this narrative +[4014.46 --> 4015.48] is not always true. +[4017.84 --> 4018.94] Yes, that is one +[4018.94 --> 4020.12] glorious side +[4020.12 --> 4020.60] of the coin. +[4022.02 --> 4022.82] But there are +[4022.82 --> 4023.72] so many stories +[4023.72 --> 4024.46] throughout history +[4024.46 --> 4026.90] of the church +[4026.90 --> 4027.64] not being +[4027.64 --> 4028.24] God's hands +[4028.24 --> 4028.64] and feet. +[4029.48 --> 4029.86] In fact, +[4030.20 --> 4030.92] many people +[4030.92 --> 4031.44] who have walked +[4031.44 --> 4032.50] away from the church +[4032.50 --> 4033.10] do so because +[4033.10 --> 4033.60] the church +[4033.60 --> 4034.64] has hurt them +[4034.64 --> 4035.54] so badly. +[4037.42 --> 4038.30] This is also +[4038.30 --> 4038.86] the reality +[4038.86 --> 4039.46] of history. +[4043.06 --> 4043.62] Unfortunately, +[4044.94 --> 4047.08] just like prosperity +[4047.08 --> 4048.28] is not a sign +[4048.28 --> 4049.26] of God's presence, +[4050.46 --> 4051.62] sometimes the actions +[4051.62 --> 4052.32] of Christians +[4052.32 --> 4053.60] sure make God +[4053.60 --> 4054.40] seem far away. +[4056.40 --> 4056.86] Christians are +[4056.86 --> 4057.38] as fallible +[4057.38 --> 4057.84] as anyone. +[4058.56 --> 4059.92] Sin entangles +[4059.92 --> 4060.70] us all +[4060.70 --> 4061.12] and anyone +[4061.12 --> 4061.68] is capable +[4061.68 --> 4062.18] of hurting +[4062.18 --> 4062.64] and harming +[4062.64 --> 4063.28] those around them. +[4063.28 --> 4064.48] Just as suffering +[4064.48 --> 4065.60] touches us all +[4065.60 --> 4066.56] so does the ability +[4066.56 --> 4067.84] to hurt others. +[4069.68 --> 4070.40] There's a saying +[4070.40 --> 4070.68] out there, +[4070.74 --> 4071.46] maybe some of you +[4071.46 --> 4071.86] have heard it, +[4071.90 --> 4072.52] many, many of you +[4072.52 --> 4073.00] have heard it. +[4073.72 --> 4074.46] Hurt people +[4074.46 --> 4075.82] hurt people. +[4076.36 --> 4077.14] We heard that one +[4077.14 --> 4077.46] before? +[4077.84 --> 4078.44] Hurt people +[4078.44 --> 4079.58] hurt people. +[4081.46 --> 4082.36] But if everyone +[4082.36 --> 4082.90] is hurt, +[4084.28 --> 4085.66] that means we all, +[4085.74 --> 4086.26] no matter what +[4086.26 --> 4086.74] we believe, +[4086.82 --> 4087.32] have the ability +[4087.32 --> 4088.00] to hurt people. +[4088.00 --> 4089.42] It's not a justification +[4089.42 --> 4090.38] for our actions. +[4090.52 --> 4091.62] Please don't hear that. +[4092.22 --> 4093.24] But it is a reason +[4093.24 --> 4094.36] why we see this. +[4094.42 --> 4095.06] And while the church +[4095.06 --> 4095.98] is a place +[4095.98 --> 4096.64] that should be +[4096.64 --> 4097.64] the presence of God, +[4097.78 --> 4099.00] it can also be a place +[4099.00 --> 4099.60] where suffering +[4099.60 --> 4100.32] is experienced. +[4100.88 --> 4101.58] And that makes +[4101.58 --> 4102.32] a sermon like this +[4102.32 --> 4102.80] difficult. +[4103.74 --> 4105.04] Because on the one hand, +[4105.30 --> 4106.40] I know that the church +[4106.40 --> 4107.40] is a picture of God's +[4107.40 --> 4108.22] presence here on earth. +[4109.22 --> 4110.04] We see it. +[4110.12 --> 4110.68] We've seen it +[4110.68 --> 4111.34] throughout history. +[4113.12 --> 4114.30] But on the other hand, +[4115.06 --> 4116.14] I know that the church +[4116.14 --> 4116.74] has been a place +[4116.74 --> 4117.72] that has compounded +[4117.72 --> 4118.48] and even created +[4118.48 --> 4119.18] hurt as well. +[4122.56 --> 4123.18] And yet, +[4123.30 --> 4124.74] Scripture tells us +[4124.74 --> 4125.90] to delight +[4125.90 --> 4127.12] in our suffering. +[4129.28 --> 4129.68] How? +[4132.34 --> 4133.62] Well, maybe this place, +[4134.54 --> 4135.12] maybe church, +[4135.22 --> 4136.26] maybe this place, +[4136.62 --> 4137.22] although it can +[4137.22 --> 4138.32] bring hurt, +[4138.40 --> 4139.08] maybe it's a place +[4139.08 --> 4139.78] we lean into. +[4140.74 --> 4141.70] Because people here, +[4141.78 --> 4142.50] all of us, +[4142.88 --> 4143.86] are broken too. +[4144.42 --> 4144.66] Right? +[4145.12 --> 4146.18] And in our brokenness, +[4146.18 --> 4147.34] it maybe means +[4147.34 --> 4148.26] we belong together. +[4149.70 --> 4151.08] If we are all hurt, +[4151.14 --> 4152.44] maybe we can hurt together. +[4153.30 --> 4154.16] If the church +[4154.16 --> 4154.88] is a place +[4154.88 --> 4155.60] where hurt people +[4155.60 --> 4156.08] are welcome, +[4156.52 --> 4157.82] and sinners are welcome, +[4158.10 --> 4159.16] and broken people +[4159.16 --> 4159.64] are welcome, +[4159.92 --> 4160.72] and if church +[4160.72 --> 4161.84] is a place +[4161.84 --> 4163.54] where these same people +[4163.54 --> 4164.52] can offer love +[4164.52 --> 4165.40] and support +[4165.40 --> 4166.78] and care for one another, +[4167.74 --> 4168.82] maybe it's a place +[4168.82 --> 4170.54] where you can come. +[4171.54 --> 4172.36] All of you, +[4172.42 --> 4173.00] in your pain, +[4173.16 --> 4173.74] and your suffering, +[4173.84 --> 4174.22] all of you, +[4174.22 --> 4174.84] your whole story, +[4174.90 --> 4176.30] maybe it's a place, +[4177.02 --> 4177.94] and more importantly, +[4178.04 --> 4178.96] maybe it's a people +[4178.96 --> 4181.18] that you can lean into +[4181.18 --> 4181.68] as well. +[4183.60 --> 4184.84] You can be a part of it. +[4185.74 --> 4187.02] You can be a part of us. +[4187.26 --> 4188.78] Maybe in our hurt, +[4188.92 --> 4189.76] maybe in our suffering, +[4189.88 --> 4191.92] maybe the broken vessels +[4191.92 --> 4194.44] found here at Emanuel CRC +[4194.44 --> 4196.72] or in the church global +[4196.72 --> 4199.08] are the exact kind of people +[4199.08 --> 4200.20] that will resonate with you. +[4200.20 --> 4205.06] Maybe God can use even us +[4205.06 --> 4206.24] to help you, +[4206.74 --> 4209.30] or maybe God could use +[4209.30 --> 4211.26] even you to help us. +[4213.02 --> 4213.90] Because like I said, +[4213.96 --> 4214.74] history has shown us +[4214.74 --> 4215.86] that while the church +[4215.86 --> 4216.60] has been a place +[4216.60 --> 4217.38] that has hurt people, +[4218.12 --> 4219.80] it is also a place +[4219.80 --> 4220.80] that has transformed +[4220.80 --> 4221.94] the world and culture +[4221.94 --> 4222.84] that we live in, +[4224.04 --> 4224.98] transformed people +[4224.98 --> 4226.38] in this room here today. +[4226.38 --> 4229.50] Church matters. +[4230.26 --> 4231.64] Community matters. +[4233.88 --> 4234.96] The rest of my story +[4234.96 --> 4236.66] actually shares this too. +[4236.80 --> 4237.98] That was a rough year +[4237.98 --> 4238.46] in Edmonton. +[4238.56 --> 4239.28] It was a lonely year +[4239.28 --> 4239.76] in Edmonton. +[4239.88 --> 4241.04] I didn't have community +[4241.04 --> 4241.88] for a long time, +[4242.48 --> 4243.40] but then I started +[4243.40 --> 4244.40] to go to church. +[4244.58 --> 4245.38] It was put on my heart +[4245.38 --> 4245.96] to do that no matter +[4245.96 --> 4246.80] how tired I was +[4246.80 --> 4247.86] or how bright the sun was. +[4248.94 --> 4249.72] And so I started going +[4249.72 --> 4250.42] to church a little bit +[4250.42 --> 4250.90] more frequently. +[4251.76 --> 4253.04] I started seeing my family +[4253.04 --> 4254.38] a little bit more regularly. +[4255.10 --> 4255.74] Through that family, +[4255.74 --> 4256.58] I got a new job. +[4256.66 --> 4257.32] No more night shifts. +[4257.38 --> 4258.20] I was working days. +[4258.96 --> 4259.62] I got to be part +[4259.62 --> 4260.62] of the community more. +[4260.74 --> 4261.82] I got to see God's people +[4261.82 --> 4262.68] a little more regularly. +[4262.82 --> 4264.26] My cousin visited once +[4264.26 --> 4264.96] for dinner and he brought +[4264.96 --> 4265.42] his girlfriend, +[4265.56 --> 4266.62] who I had never met before. +[4266.76 --> 4267.28] They're married now. +[4267.32 --> 4267.88] They live in Michigan. +[4269.46 --> 4271.26] And his girlfriend at the time +[4271.26 --> 4272.32] was talking to us at dinner +[4272.32 --> 4273.12] and she asked what I was +[4273.12 --> 4273.92] going to be doing next year. +[4273.94 --> 4274.60] I said, oh, I'm probably +[4274.60 --> 4275.40] going to go to King's. +[4275.46 --> 4276.90] I want to do Christian education. +[4277.20 --> 4278.06] I can live at home +[4278.06 --> 4278.72] and just commute. +[4278.82 --> 4279.24] It'll be great. +[4279.58 --> 4280.18] And she's like, oh, +[4280.20 --> 4281.18] you seem like the kind of person +[4281.18 --> 4282.18] who would desire community +[4282.18 --> 4283.28] and want to live on campus. +[4283.28 --> 4283.96] And I was like, +[4283.96 --> 4286.22] oh, I am that kind of person. +[4287.20 --> 4288.44] And so through very little +[4288.44 --> 4289.20] words of her own +[4289.20 --> 4290.22] and very little convincing, +[4290.48 --> 4291.86] I signed up and registered +[4291.86 --> 4292.52] to go to Redeemer. +[4292.68 --> 4293.92] I went there with no plan. +[4294.40 --> 4295.06] I had no idea +[4295.06 --> 4295.74] what I was going to take +[4295.74 --> 4296.86] and I know not a soul there, +[4296.94 --> 4297.50] but I went +[4297.50 --> 4299.82] to live on campus. +[4302.10 --> 4303.12] God used Redeemer +[4303.12 --> 4303.80] to bring me here, +[4303.88 --> 4304.34] to Emmanuel. +[4304.58 --> 4305.76] God, through his people, +[4305.88 --> 4306.30] are the reason +[4306.30 --> 4306.94] that I'm here today. +[4307.04 --> 4308.20] I made some amazing +[4308.20 --> 4308.72] friends there. +[4308.78 --> 4309.80] I had people pointing me +[4309.80 --> 4310.44] to Jesus there. +[4310.44 --> 4311.82] I met my wife there. +[4311.82 --> 4313.34] They directed me +[4313.34 --> 4314.20] to where I am today. +[4314.32 --> 4315.12] They directed me +[4315.12 --> 4315.64] to Jesus. +[4318.12 --> 4319.34] Through his people, +[4319.92 --> 4321.00] God brought me here. +[4321.06 --> 4321.58] It's the reason +[4321.58 --> 4322.26] I'm here today. +[4323.58 --> 4324.10] And here, +[4324.24 --> 4325.10] so many people +[4325.10 --> 4326.10] continue to point me +[4326.10 --> 4326.64] to Christ. +[4327.68 --> 4328.30] They continue +[4328.30 --> 4329.34] to walk alongside me +[4329.34 --> 4330.16] when I struggle, +[4330.96 --> 4332.16] when I go through hard times. +[4332.20 --> 4332.58] And maybe, +[4332.78 --> 4334.40] maybe that's the right place +[4334.40 --> 4335.04] to end today. +[4337.20 --> 4338.72] The Lord was with Joseph. +[4340.34 --> 4340.78] Always. +[4340.78 --> 4343.36] And he's with us too. +[4344.28 --> 4345.22] By his spirit, +[4345.30 --> 4346.70] in his word that we read, +[4347.34 --> 4348.44] and through his church. +[4350.62 --> 4351.64] So what do we take away +[4351.64 --> 4352.10] from this? +[4353.86 --> 4354.20] I think, +[4354.28 --> 4354.88] I hope +[4354.88 --> 4356.32] that we can remember, +[4356.46 --> 4357.14] even in the midst +[4357.14 --> 4358.04] of the darkest suffering +[4358.04 --> 4358.52] we go through, +[4358.56 --> 4359.34] that we are not alone. +[4360.26 --> 4361.62] That God is with us. +[4363.52 --> 4364.52] And so however, +[4365.14 --> 4366.66] whatever capacity we have, +[4367.32 --> 4369.32] let's lean into that presence. +[4369.42 --> 4370.36] Are we leaning in, +[4370.36 --> 4371.34] or are we pulling away? +[4372.62 --> 4373.86] He's with you always, +[4373.96 --> 4374.68] but are you with him? +[4375.20 --> 4375.76] That could mean +[4375.76 --> 4377.08] a whole host of things. +[4378.00 --> 4379.10] But how are you leaning +[4379.10 --> 4380.52] into God's presence today? +[4381.86 --> 4382.60] For Joseph, +[4382.96 --> 4385.00] he kept living his life +[4385.00 --> 4386.28] faithfully +[4386.28 --> 4387.50] to the God that he served. +[4388.58 --> 4389.52] He knew he couldn't +[4389.52 --> 4390.16] sin against God, +[4390.20 --> 4390.88] and so he didn't. +[4390.98 --> 4392.10] And yet he suffered for it. +[4394.86 --> 4395.30] For us, +[4395.34 --> 4395.78] that could look like +[4395.78 --> 4396.32] all sorts of things. +[4396.40 --> 4396.84] Maybe for us, +[4396.84 --> 4397.42] it's reaching out +[4397.42 --> 4398.10] to someone here +[4398.10 --> 4399.34] or elsewhere, +[4399.34 --> 4400.58] even if your impulse +[4400.58 --> 4402.08] is to withdraw +[4402.08 --> 4403.92] rather than press in. +[4404.42 --> 4405.02] Maybe for you, +[4405.12 --> 4406.02] it's to worship +[4406.02 --> 4406.82] a little bit more. +[4407.68 --> 4408.82] Even in your daily rhythms, +[4408.94 --> 4410.70] maybe that's in a musical way +[4410.70 --> 4412.08] or prayerful ways +[4412.08 --> 4413.56] or devotional ways +[4413.56 --> 4414.72] or playful ways +[4414.72 --> 4416.16] or relational ways +[4416.16 --> 4417.54] or sacrificial ways. +[4418.82 --> 4419.70] Maybe it just means +[4419.70 --> 4420.86] worshiping a little bit more, +[4421.94 --> 4423.04] making that a focal point +[4423.04 --> 4423.54] of your life. +[4423.54 --> 4426.22] Maybe it means +[4426.22 --> 4427.60] finding your God places. +[4427.90 --> 4429.72] What I mean by that is +[4429.72 --> 4431.22] I mentioned earlier +[4431.22 --> 4431.90] that I grew up +[4431.90 --> 4432.44] on the island. +[4432.58 --> 4434.58] I spent 13 or 14 years +[4434.58 --> 4435.22] in Victoria. +[4435.76 --> 4436.72] And on our drive to school +[4436.72 --> 4437.50] every single morning, +[4437.58 --> 4438.24] we kind of crested +[4438.24 --> 4440.06] this hill on the way, +[4440.20 --> 4441.64] and we had a really nice view +[4441.64 --> 4442.28] of Mount Baker +[4442.28 --> 4443.26] and the other Cascades +[4443.26 --> 4443.82] in the distance +[4443.82 --> 4444.50] as we did that. +[4445.06 --> 4445.86] And my mom would say +[4445.86 --> 4446.32] every morning +[4446.32 --> 4446.92] when those mountains +[4446.92 --> 4447.36] were visible, +[4447.46 --> 4447.70] she'd be, +[4447.76 --> 4448.90] oh, look at the mountains. +[4449.22 --> 4449.72] And we kids +[4449.72 --> 4450.38] would roll our eyes +[4450.38 --> 4451.44] because moms are exhausting. +[4451.44 --> 4454.72] But then I went +[4454.72 --> 4455.58] to Edmonton later, +[4455.80 --> 4456.52] and I lived there +[4456.52 --> 4457.02] for a while, +[4457.22 --> 4458.28] and that's sky country. +[4458.58 --> 4459.54] That ain't mountain country. +[4460.08 --> 4460.70] And then I moved +[4460.70 --> 4461.32] to Hamilton, +[4461.58 --> 4462.28] and the mountain +[4462.28 --> 4462.88] that they have +[4462.88 --> 4463.66] is this escarpment +[4463.66 --> 4464.28] that takes like +[4464.28 --> 4464.70] eight minutes +[4464.70 --> 4465.32] to walk up +[4465.32 --> 4466.52] in 250 steps +[4466.52 --> 4466.96] or something. +[4468.40 --> 4469.84] And now that I'm back here, +[4470.34 --> 4472.04] I find myself saying, +[4472.34 --> 4473.80] look at the mountains. +[4476.80 --> 4477.78] The mountains +[4477.78 --> 4481.22] are awe-inspiring to me. +[4481.44 --> 4484.48] that's God's presence here. +[4486.40 --> 4487.34] Maybe for you, +[4487.40 --> 4487.88] it's a hike +[4487.88 --> 4488.90] or a drive +[4488.90 --> 4489.68] or a waterfall +[4489.68 --> 4490.84] or an ocean +[4490.84 --> 4493.02] or a fishing trip +[4493.02 --> 4494.00] or a hammock +[4494.00 --> 4494.50] in the woods. +[4495.64 --> 4497.62] But where's your awe moment? +[4500.72 --> 4502.26] Where does the magnitude +[4502.26 --> 4505.14] of God capture you? +[4505.14 --> 4508.14] Sometimes the magnitude +[4508.14 --> 4510.10] of God's creation +[4510.10 --> 4511.24] can help reorient +[4511.24 --> 4512.26] our bad attitudes +[4512.26 --> 4513.50] towards that same creation +[4513.50 --> 4514.56] that we find ourselves in. +[4520.48 --> 4522.52] God is with us. +[4523.10 --> 4524.10] God is with you +[4524.10 --> 4525.62] in your joys, +[4525.84 --> 4526.10] yes, +[4526.60 --> 4527.98] in your sorrows +[4527.98 --> 4528.60] and suffering, +[4528.98 --> 4529.32] yes, +[4529.66 --> 4530.02] too. +[4531.14 --> 4532.26] God is with you +[4532.26 --> 4532.98] through His church, +[4532.98 --> 4533.60] even if we're +[4533.60 --> 4534.46] a broken people. +[4535.38 --> 4536.78] Are we leaning in? +[4537.58 --> 4538.54] Are we leaning in +[4538.54 --> 4539.62] to the presence of God? +[4540.50 --> 4541.56] Because He's there. +[4542.98 --> 4545.26] You are not alone. +[4546.42 --> 4548.72] God is with you. +[4549.84 --> 4550.12] Amen. +[4550.74 --> 4551.26] Let me pray. +[4551.94 --> 4552.46] Amen. +[4554.52 --> 4555.60] Father in heaven, +[4555.60 --> 4558.66] we know that you are +[4558.66 --> 4560.06] the creator of all things +[4560.06 --> 4560.88] and you are present +[4560.88 --> 4561.86] in our lives. +[4562.38 --> 4563.00] This story, +[4563.12 --> 4563.66] your word, +[4563.78 --> 4564.30] teaches us +[4564.30 --> 4565.78] that you are with us always, +[4566.16 --> 4567.82] even in our suffering. +[4568.50 --> 4568.74] God, +[4568.80 --> 4569.74] sometimes it's easy +[4569.74 --> 4570.80] to know that you are with us +[4570.80 --> 4571.44] when things are good, +[4571.76 --> 4572.30] but man, +[4572.36 --> 4573.08] can it be hard +[4573.08 --> 4574.54] to feel your presence +[4574.54 --> 4575.78] or to know that you are there +[4575.78 --> 4576.56] when we are suffering. +[4577.58 --> 4577.92] God, +[4577.98 --> 4578.56] we pray that +[4578.56 --> 4580.10] in our darkest times, +[4580.56 --> 4582.94] we will choose +[4582.94 --> 4583.64] our suffering, +[4583.64 --> 4586.18] knowing that it points us to you, +[4586.26 --> 4587.04] that we will lean +[4587.04 --> 4588.32] into your presence, +[4588.82 --> 4589.90] the one who suffered +[4589.90 --> 4591.08] greatly. +[4592.10 --> 4592.58] And Lord, +[4593.38 --> 4594.06] as we, +[4594.18 --> 4594.68] the church, +[4594.98 --> 4595.64] both suffer +[4595.64 --> 4596.72] and walk alongside +[4596.72 --> 4597.68] others who suffer, +[4597.82 --> 4598.00] Lord, +[4598.82 --> 4599.68] may we be willing +[4599.68 --> 4600.62] to be present +[4600.62 --> 4602.12] and be your presence +[4602.12 --> 4602.76] in the midst +[4602.76 --> 4604.36] of our brothers and sisters +[4604.36 --> 4604.98] who are going through +[4604.98 --> 4605.50] hard times. +[4605.88 --> 4607.86] May we take steps of faith. +[4608.08 --> 4610.12] May we be your hands +[4610.12 --> 4610.56] and feet +[4610.56 --> 4611.30] in this community. +[4611.84 --> 4613.00] May we do no harm, +[4613.00 --> 4613.96] but do good, +[4614.08 --> 4615.14] not for our glory, +[4615.38 --> 4616.30] but for your glory. +[4616.74 --> 4617.44] And may you +[4617.44 --> 4619.02] be glorified by that. +[4619.62 --> 4620.08] And so, God, +[4620.14 --> 4620.64] may we know +[4620.64 --> 4621.76] that we are not alone today. +[4622.20 --> 4622.60] May we know +[4622.60 --> 4623.46] that you are present +[4623.46 --> 4624.22] in our lives. +[4624.72 --> 4626.26] And may we be that present +[4626.26 --> 4626.80] in the lives +[4626.80 --> 4627.54] of those around us. +[4627.60 --> 4628.06] We pray this +[4628.06 --> 4628.96] in your Son's precious +[4628.96 --> 4630.30] and holy name. +[4630.72 --> 4630.94] Amen. +[4633.98 --> 4634.64] Please stand +[4634.64 --> 4635.12] as we sing +[4635.12 --> 4636.02] in response. +[4636.02 --> 4636.12] Amen. +[4636.12 --> 4636.22] Amen. +[4643.00 --> 4656.80] I love you, Lord. +[4656.80 --> 4659.82] Oh, your nurse, +[4659.88 --> 4662.24] he never fails me. +[4663.24 --> 4665.54] All my days +[4665.54 --> 4667.08] I've been held +[4667.08 --> 4669.42] in your hands. +[4669.42 --> 4671.24] from the moment +[4671.24 --> 4673.38] that I wake up +[4673.38 --> 4677.16] until I lay my hand. +[4677.16 --> 4679.38] I will sing +[4679.38 --> 4681.22] of the goodness +[4681.22 --> 4683.70] of God. +[4683.70 --> 4685.58] of the goodness +[4685.58 --> 4687.58] of God. +[4687.58 --> 4688.80] And all my life +[4688.80 --> 4691.26] you have been faithful. +[4693.76 --> 4696.20] And all my life +[4696.20 --> 4698.20] you have been so, +[4698.46 --> 4700.58] so good. +[4701.58 --> 4703.24] With every breath +[4703.24 --> 4705.90] that I am able, +[4707.28 --> 4708.94] I will sing +[4708.94 --> 4710.58] of the goodness +[4710.58 --> 4712.58] of God. +[4712.58 --> 4716.58] I love your voice. +[4718.58 --> 4720.32] You have led me +[4720.32 --> 4721.82] through the fire +[4721.82 --> 4725.34] in darkness night. +[4725.84 --> 4727.32] You are close +[4727.32 --> 4729.04] like no other. +[4730.66 --> 4731.56] I know you +[4731.56 --> 4732.84] as a father. +[4734.46 --> 4735.28] I know you +[4735.28 --> 4737.34] as a friend. +[4737.34 --> 4739.94] And I have lived +[4739.94 --> 4741.48] in the goodness +[4741.48 --> 4743.92] of God. +[4746.64 --> 4749.10] And all my life +[4749.10 --> 4751.48] you have been faithful. +[4753.98 --> 4756.48] And all my life +[4756.48 --> 4758.26] you have been so, +[4758.70 --> 4760.32] so good. +[4761.86 --> 4763.62] With every breath +[4763.62 --> 4766.04] that I am able, +[4766.04 --> 4769.04] I will sing +[4769.04 --> 4770.84] of the goodness +[4770.84 --> 4773.28] of God. +[4776.04 --> 4777.42] Your goodness +[4777.42 --> 4779.00] is running after, +[4779.40 --> 4781.72] it's running after me. +[4783.16 --> 4784.70] Your goodness +[4784.70 --> 4786.34] is running after, +[4786.72 --> 4789.28] it's running after me. +[4789.70 --> 4791.62] With my life laid down, +[4791.70 --> 4793.50] I surrender now. +[4793.50 --> 4795.50] I give you everything. +[4797.50 --> 4798.50] Your goodness +[4799.16 --> 4800.80] is running after, +[4801.16 --> 4803.50] it's running after me. +[4804.88 --> 4806.38] Your goodness +[4806.38 --> 4807.50] is running after, +[4808.30 --> 4810.50] it's running after me. +[4812.00 --> 4813.46] Your goodness +[4813.46 --> 4814.50] is running after, +[4815.36 --> 4817.50] it's running after me. +[4818.00 --> 4820.22] With my life laid down, +[4820.32 --> 4822.00] I surrender now. +[4822.00 --> 4824.00] I give you everything. +[4824.00 --> 4825.00] I give you everything. +[4826.00 --> 4827.00] Your goodness +[4827.00 --> 4829.00] is running after, +[4829.00 --> 4832.00] it's running after me. +[4832.00 --> 4833.00] me. +[4833.00 --> 4842.00] And all my life, +[4842.00 --> 4845.00] you have been faithful. +[4845.00 --> 4850.00] And all my life, +[4850.00 --> 4852.00] you have been so, +[4852.00 --> 4854.00] so good. +[4854.00 --> 4857.12] With every breath +[4857.12 --> 4859.00] that I am able, +[4860.00 --> 4862.00] I will sing +[4862.00 --> 4864.00] of the goodness +[4864.00 --> 4866.00] of God. +[4866.00 --> 4869.00] I will sing +[4869.00 --> 4871.00] of the goodness +[4871.00 --> 4874.00] of God. +[4874.00 --> 4875.00] God. +[4875.00 --> 4876.00] I will sing +[4876.00 --> 4877.00] of God. +[4877.00 --> 4878.00] I will sing +[4878.00 --> 4879.00] of God. +[4879.00 --> 4880.00] God. +[4880.00 --> 4881.00] God. +[4881.00 --> 4882.26] And so, +[4883.00 --> 4884.46] as we go from this place, +[4884.80 --> 4885.58] am I battery dying? +[4887.00 --> 4887.86] Oh, there we go. +[4887.96 --> 4888.36] I'm back. +[4888.80 --> 4889.42] That was my fault, +[4889.50 --> 4889.72] everyone. +[4890.28 --> 4891.48] As we go from this place, +[4891.54 --> 4892.42] know that you are sent +[4892.42 --> 4893.68] out into the world +[4893.68 --> 4894.98] to be God's presence +[4894.98 --> 4896.24] today. +[4897.00 --> 4898.04] You are not dismissed +[4898.04 --> 4898.74] from this place +[4898.74 --> 4899.68] leaving God's presence. +[4899.80 --> 4900.76] You are going with +[4900.76 --> 4901.84] God's presence today +[4901.84 --> 4903.04] to be his hands and feet +[4903.04 --> 4903.68] into the world +[4903.68 --> 4904.48] around you. +[4904.50 --> 4905.56] We invite you to stick around, +[4905.62 --> 4906.76] have some coffee with us, +[4907.16 --> 4908.18] enjoy some fellowship. +[4908.18 --> 4909.20] There are prayer partners +[4909.20 --> 4910.34] available after the service +[4910.34 --> 4910.78] as well. +[4911.16 --> 4911.92] If you need prayer +[4911.92 --> 4912.34] this morning, +[4912.46 --> 4913.66] please go and speak +[4913.66 --> 4914.26] to one of them +[4914.26 --> 4915.24] or talk to a friend +[4915.24 --> 4915.72] or a neighbor +[4915.72 --> 4916.54] or someone sitting +[4916.54 --> 4917.56] across the aisle from you. +[4917.62 --> 4918.90] We will pray with you +[4918.90 --> 4919.40] for sure. +[4919.86 --> 4921.54] But as we head in +[4921.54 --> 4922.74] to this world +[4922.74 --> 4924.26] in the presence of God, +[4924.38 --> 4926.02] hear this blessing +[4926.02 --> 4927.04] from number six. +[4928.02 --> 4929.54] The Lord bless you +[4929.54 --> 4930.52] and keep you. +[4930.98 --> 4932.40] The Lord make his face +[4932.40 --> 4933.42] shine upon you +[4933.42 --> 4934.60] and be gracious to you. +[4934.98 --> 4936.60] The Lord turn his face +[4936.60 --> 4937.38] toward you +[4937.38 --> 4939.50] and give you his peace. +[4939.92 --> 4941.46] And all of God's people said, +[4942.08 --> 4942.38] Amen. +[4942.38 --> 4942.58] Amen. +[4942.58 --> 4942.60] Amen. +[4942.60 --> 4962.16] You're the Lion of Judah, +[4962.16 --> 4964.34] the Lamb who was slain. +[4964.46 --> 4966.24] You ascended to heaven +[4966.24 --> 4968.30] and evermore will reign. +[4968.48 --> 4970.28] At the end of the age +[4970.28 --> 4972.40] when the earth you be clain, +[4972.62 --> 4973.52] they will gather +[4973.52 --> 4976.12] the nations before you. +[4976.66 --> 4978.48] And the eyes of all men +[4978.48 --> 4979.56] will be fixed +[4979.56 --> 4980.66] on the Lamb +[4980.66 --> 4982.52] who was crucified. +[4984.66 --> 4986.98] With wisdom and mercy +[4986.98 --> 4988.10] and justice, +[4988.24 --> 4988.90] you'll reign +[4988.90 --> 4992.28] at your Father's side. +[4992.28 --> 4995.12] And the angels will cry, +[4995.12 --> 5000.58] hail the Lamb. +[5000.58 --> 5003.10] Who was slain for the world, +[5003.64 --> 5006.62] rule in power. +[5008.82 --> 5010.98] And the earth will reply, +[5011.58 --> 5014.28] you shall reign +[5014.28 --> 5018.90] as the King of all kings +[5018.90 --> 5021.58] and the Lord of all hosts. +[5021.58 --> 5030.82] There's a shield in our hand +[5030.82 --> 5032.90] and a sword in our side. +[5032.90 --> 5035.02] There's a fire in our spirits +[5035.02 --> 5036.86] that cannot be denied. +[5037.12 --> 5038.00] There's a Father +[5038.00 --> 5039.24] who has told us +[5039.24 --> 5041.12] for these you have died +[5041.12 --> 5042.12] from the nations +[5042.12 --> 5044.66] who gathered before you. +[5045.20 --> 5047.04] And the years of all men +[5047.04 --> 5048.08] need to hear +[5048.08 --> 5049.08] the Lamb +[5049.08 --> 5051.82] who was crucified. +[5053.14 --> 5055.12] Who descended to hell +[5055.12 --> 5056.44] yet was raised up +[5056.44 --> 5057.20] to reign +[5057.20 --> 5060.76] at his Father's side. +[5061.20 --> 5063.26] And the angels will cry, +[5063.80 --> 5066.80] hail the Lamb. +[5068.74 --> 5071.18] Who was slain for the world, +[5071.62 --> 5074.54] rule in power. +[5074.54 --> 5079.08] And the earth will reply, +[5079.56 --> 5082.02] you shall reign. +[5084.52 --> 5086.84] As the King of all kings +[5086.84 --> 5088.96] and the Lord of all lords. +[5089.10 --> 5090.92] And the angels will cry, +[5091.46 --> 5094.40] hail the Lamb. +[5096.40 --> 5098.74] Who was slain for the world, +[5099.34 --> 5101.86] rule in power. +[5101.86 --> 5106.72] And the earth will reply, +[5107.22 --> 5109.98] you shall reign. +[5112.16 --> 5114.46] As the King of all kings +[5114.46 --> 5116.66] and the Lord of all lords. +[5116.78 --> 5118.56] As the King of all kings +[5118.56 --> 5121.32] and the Lord of all lords. +[5121.32 --> 5123.52] the King of all lords. +[5123.52 --> 5124.48] Amen. +[5127.86 --> 5128.92] All this your bounty +[5129.92 --> 5138.76] and the Lord of all cities +[5138.76 --> 5141.80] will carryout floor, +[5141.80 --> 5143.98] like the King of all kings +[5144.06 --> 5145.36] and the Lord of all have +[5145.36 --> 5146.30] rest to his pants out +[5146.30 --> 5147.38] and the Lord of all countries +[5147.38 --> 5148.64] will carry out +[5148.90 --> 5150.74] for thisallejep raw +[5150.74 --> 5180.72] Thank you. +[5180.74 --> 5210.72] Thank you. +[5210.74 --> 5212.74] Thank you. diff --git a/Sunday Worship, Sep 1, 2024_summary.txt b/Sunday Worship, Sep 1, 2024_summary.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000000000000000000000000000000000000..2c3ee7114345e7be13459c35036fbecdaae6f2ca --- /dev/null +++ b/Sunday Worship, Sep 1, 2024_summary.txt @@ -0,0 +1,116 @@ +• Praise and worship songs +• References to the Holy Trinity (Father, Son, Spirit) +• Jesus Christ as savior and redeemer +• Love and victory in Christ +• Bible references and scripture +• Christian music and worship +• Emphasis on faith, hope, and joy in adversity +• The speaker introduces themselves as Chris, one of the pastors at Langley Emanuel +• Upcoming events: church gathering at Topham Park after service, Reactivate youth conference next weekend, CPR/AED first aid training in October +• Announcements about volunteer opportunities for Reactivate and upcoming services with 200 youth attendees +• Worshiping God as the Maker +• Acknowledging God's power and care for His people +• Recognizing God's light and creation of darkness +• Praising God's sovereignty and omnipotence +• Expressing awe at God's majesty and greatness +• Celebrating God's love and redemption through Jesus Christ +• Jesus Christ's life and death +• The Holy Spirit and the Church +• Salvation through faith in Jesus Christ +• Healing and forgiveness through Jesus +• Standing with Jesus as a group +• Leaving Jesus, waiting for him to return +• Song of redemption and praise to Jesus +• Offerings for church ministries and seafarers ministry +• Seafarers ministry provides support to sailors in Vancouver harbor +• Ministry goal: provide friendship, a place to rest, and spread the gospel +• Importance of seafarers ministry due to long periods at sea +• Research shows 90% of global trade comes through ship ports +• Current chaplaincy efforts include one full-time chaplain and an intern from Regent College +• Scripture reading from Psalm 96 +• Invitation for children to join in worship time +• Prayer for the day, followed by children's blessing +• Prayers and concerns for various individuals including Dale, Maria, Peter Reesobos, Ashley, Imo, Benita, and shut-ins +• School-related prayers for students, teachers, and safety +• Church-related prayers for members, staff, and activities +• Scripture reading and prayer led by Pastor Chris +• Discussion of summer studies on the early church in the book of Acts +• The story of Paul's journey to Rome is read from Acts 28:11-31 +• The purpose of reading this story is to lean into the storytelling side and see the unstoppable spread of the gospel despite obstacles +• The mission of God and his church is highlighted as the reason for the spread of the gospel +• The narrative is set in context, referencing Paul's arrival in Jerusalem after his third missionary journey and his subsequent arrest and trial +• The story shows how the gospel was proclaimed to the Gentiles in Rome despite opposition from Jewish leaders +• Paul's teachings against the law and temple in Jerusalem lead to a crowd trying to kill him +• The Roman commander intervenes and has Paul arrested +• Paul appeals to his rights as a Roman citizen, citing the Porcian laws that prohibit beating or flogging without trial +• The commander stops and takes Paul back to the Sanhedrin for further questioning +• Jesus appears to Paul in vision while he is in the barracks, telling him to testify about him in Rome +• The prophet Isaiah uses a courtroom drama to assert God's uniqueness and power. +• God challenges other nations' gods to bring witnesses to prove their claims, but they fail. +• The Lord calls Israel to be his witnesses, testifying that he is the one true God. +• Jesus is presented as God, the Christ, the Messiah, the Son of Man, and the Savior of nations. +• God's mission to the world is to declare himself to the nations, saying "Here I am". +• The church's mission is to echo this declaration, saying that Jesus is God. +• A missiologist suggests a more profound way to read the Bible: considering how one's life fits into the story of God's mission. +• Implication of God's story in personal life +• Joining God's mission to witness and worship Him +• Finding meaning, significance, and purpose through joining God's mission +• The story continues with the transfer of Paul to Caesarea for trial under Felix +• Details about Felix's character as a Roman governor, including his harsh treatment of subjects and corruption +• Appeals to Caesar and the significance of Nero as emperor +• Festus's decision to send Paul to Rome due to his appeal +• Introduction of King Agrippa II, grandson of Herod the Great +• Paul preaching to Festus, Agrippa, Bernice, and other leaders from the Sanhedrin +• Agrippa's response to Paul's sermon and Paul's subsequent answer +• The importance of understanding the gospel truth and its significance in making sense of the world +• The key to salvation, history, and understanding one's place in God's mission is being connected to Jesus +• The only way to bear fruit that will last is through a relationship with God, glorifying him, and abiding in him +• There is no other name by which man can be saved except through Jesus +• Being united with Jesus through faith is what it means to be fully human, alive, and pleasing to God +• Gathering for worship should involve learning what it truly means to be human and finding one's place in the story of God's mission +• The word "force" is used to describe a big storm that causes the ship to wreck on the island of Malta. +• Malta is an island south of Sicily, which is a landmass that includes the boot of Italy. +• Paul miraculously survives a snake bite and heals people's illnesses, leading them to think he is a god. +• A chief official on the island invites Paul into his home, where Paul heals his father's illness, spreading news throughout the island about Paul's healing abilities. +• The people bring their sick to Paul for healing, and in fact, tradition says that the protos (leading official) becomes the first bishop of Malta. +• Luke's travel journal is like a historical account +• Luke writes history with a preaching purpose, to tell the story of the gospel and convey its truth +• He gives his reason for writing in the opening of the Gospel of Luke (Luke 1:1-4) +• The goal is to provide certainty based on tested witnesses and testimony, not just myths +• Jerome's significance in the early church and his translation of the Bible into Latin +• The importance of knowing scripture for understanding God's power and wisdom +• The connection between ignorance of scripture and ignorance of Christ +• The role of scripture as a firm foundation for faith +• Finding one's place in the story of Jesus and the mission of God +• The relationship between being a biblical witness and a personal witness to truth +• Leslie Newbegin's quote on the gospel being represented by Jesus' crucifixion +• Difficulty of reconciling Jesus' death as the means to understand human life with its absurdity +• Questioning how the truth of Jesus Christ can be possible given the seeming absurdity of his death +• The only way for reconciliation with God is through the life and death of Jesus +• Significance of Jesus' crucifixion as a means to understand everything in the world around us +• Being transformed and living a new life +• People's response to the transformed life may be strange or weird, but it makes sense when understood in context +• Not being responsible for others' responses or reactions +• The responsibility is to declare, proclaim, and live out the transformed life in a way that can be compelling to others +• The importance of proclaiming the gospel with words and life +• The distinction between those who hear but do not understand, and those who have calloused hearts +• Reference to passages in Matthew, Mark, and John (13:4-9) +• Responsibility to proclaim the gospel without being responsible for others' beliefs or unbelief +• Importance of matching actions with words and living a life that reflects one's faith +• Encouragement to pursue love, justice, and lifting up the marginalized +• The importance of declaring Jesus Christ as Lord and King +• The difficulty in understanding the gospel, but its unstoppable mission +• The inevitability of God's plan being accomplished despite individual resistance +• The power of living in the implications of the story of Jesus Christ +• The inspiration to find true selves, heart, joy, and purpose through this story +• Inspiration and guidance through prayer +• Witnessing God's story and proclaiming His truth +• Living lives that demonstrate God's power and redemption +• Praise and worship of God through song and music +• Fellowship and community among believers +• Inviting others to share their experiences with God +• Prayer and seeking God's guidance in one's life +• The speaker gives a blessing from their God, asking for divine protection and guidance. +• Specific aspects of God's presence are invoked: going before, behind, beneath, beside. +• The listener is encouraged to be unafraid and let God's blessing come upon them. +• A final statement emphasizes leaving in peace to join the mission of God. \ No newline at end of file diff --git a/Sunday Worship, Sep 1, 2024_transcript.txt b/Sunday Worship, Sep 1, 2024_transcript.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000000000000000000000000000000000000..c1878dd928ca2aeb2e218346b8117383a3736817 --- /dev/null +++ b/Sunday Worship, Sep 1, 2024_transcript.txt @@ -0,0 +1,2256 @@ +[0.00 --> 29.98] I'm sorry, I'm sorry. +[29.98 --> 59.96] I'm sorry, I'm sorry. +[59.98 --> 89.96] I'm sorry, I'm sorry. +[89.96 --> 91.96] I'm sorry. +[119.96 --> 121.96] I'm sorry. +[121.96 --> 123.96] I'm sorry. +[123.96 --> 125.96] I'm sorry. +[125.96 --> 127.96] I'm sorry. +[127.96 --> 129.96] I'm sorry. +[129.96 --> 133.56] Praise the Father. +[134.30 --> 136.90] Praise the Son. +[137.82 --> 139.96] Praise the Spirit. +[140.96 --> 143.86] Three in one. +[143.86 --> 149.86] God of glory, majesty. +[151.86 --> 157.86] Praise forever to the King of kings. +[157.86 --> 169.86] In the morning that He rose, all of heaven held its breath. +[169.86 --> 176.86] Till that stone was moved for good, for the Lamb had conquered death. +[176.86 --> 180.70] And the dead rose from their tombs. +[180.86 --> 184.10] And the angels stood in awe. +[184.42 --> 191.22] For the souls of all who'd come to the Father are restored. +[191.86 --> 194.70] And the church of Christ was born. +[194.86 --> 198.30] Then the Spirit lit the flame. +[198.30 --> 201.30] Now this gospel truth of old. +[201.30 --> 205.34] Shall not kneel, shall not faint. +[205.34 --> 208.30] By His blood and in His name. +[208.30 --> 212.30] In His freedom I am free. +[212.30 --> 215.30] For the love of Jesus Christ. +[215.30 --> 215.98] For the love of Jesus Christ. +[215.98 --> 219.30] Who has resurrected me. +[219.30 --> 221.30] Oh. +[221.30 --> 228.30] Praise the Father. +[228.30 --> 231.30] Praise the Son. +[231.30 --> 235.30] Praise the Spirit. +[235.30 --> 238.30] Three in one. +[238.30 --> 242.30] God of glory, majesty. +[242.30 --> 248.30] Praise forever to the King of kings. +[248.30 --> 252.30] Praise forever to the King of kings. +[252.30 --> 257.30] Praise forever to the King of kings. +[257.30 --> 260.30] Praise forever to the King of kings. +[260.30 --> 287.30] Praise forever to the King of kings. +[287.30 --> 289.30] Praise the Son. +[289.30 --> 290.30] Praise the Son. +[290.30 --> 291.30] merchantsлуken heart to God Joy. +[291.30 --> 292.30] Gosh is on a wall of kings. +[292.30 --> 293.30] Yves稱我不еть. +[293.30 --> 294.04] May the Son the Lord have astone +[294.04 --> 295.04] Him should be free. +[295.04 --> 296.08] Thank you. +[296.08 --> 297.08] Praise the Son. +[297.08 --> 297.56] Amen. +[297.56 --> 298.08] Praise the Son. +[298.08 --> 301.96] Ye Gentleman, shaders, fiducius, +[301.96 --> 303.32] thunder, skeptic, atin ee, +[303.32 --> 304.40] I also bring Him whoいci em the Son of kings. +[304.40 --> 305.40] War and LIAM could be in love with God. +[305.40 --> 305.84] You as켜zen them in love with victory. +[305.84 --> 306.48] Love is coming here. +[306.48 --> 307.80] Episode 6 and Santiago,울! +[307.80 --> 309.12] G십 offerOver 7 in relationship. +[309.18 --> 309.74] God isSN не the Holy Spirit. +[309.74 --> 310.74] God? +[310.74 --> 311.74] Ifyl? +[311.74 --> 312.74] God ofmorging fire will be the Ele KELL COFT en Genewe Charlie. +[312.74 --> 313.74] I'm old Daisy? +[313.74 --> 318.74] By your side is love, is the rescue in the raging fire. +[319.74 --> 322.74] Praise is rising like a battle cry. +[322.74 --> 326.74] Hallelujah, Jesus saves. +[326.74 --> 330.74] So we won't stop singing when the lights go out. +[330.74 --> 334.74] We won't stop singing when we're feeling down. +[334.74 --> 338.74] Can't stay silent, there's a love we find. +[338.74 --> 341.74] Hallelujah, Jesus saves. +[341.74 --> 343.74] Oh. +[343.74 --> 345.74] Oh. +[345.74 --> 347.74] Oh. +[347.74 --> 349.74] Oh. +[349.74 --> 352.74] Oh. +[352.74 --> 354.74] Oh. +[354.74 --> 359.74] Hallelujah, Jesus saves. +[359.74 --> 363.74] Oh, my soul, take courage. +[363.74 --> 370.74] Hard hope follows the gospel. +[370.74 --> 374.74] oh +[389.22 --> 392.74] is +[400.74 --> 414.74] is +[420.74 --> 428.74] jesus +[430.74 --> 434.74] oh +[434.74 --> 438.74] hallelujah jesus +[438.74 --> 442.74] oh +[442.74 --> 446.74] oh +[446.74 --> 448.74] oh +[448.74 --> 450.74] oh +[450.74 --> 452.74] hallelujah jesus +[452.74 --> 454.74] yes +[454.74 --> 456.74] i know there's no reason +[456.74 --> 458.74] i'm alive now +[458.74 --> 460.74] to take my cross +[460.74 --> 462.74] and stand my ground +[462.74 --> 464.74] i'm not ashamed +[464.74 --> 466.74] i'm singing it loud +[466.74 --> 468.74] hallelujah +[468.74 --> 470.74] jesus +[470.74 --> 472.74] oh +[472.74 --> 474.74] is +[474.74 --> 476.74] oh +[476.74 --> 478.74] is +[478.74 --> 480.74] oh +[480.74 --> 482.74] oh +[482.74 --> 484.74] oh +[484.74 --> 486.74] oh +[486.74 --> 488.74] oh +[488.74 --> 490.74] oh +[490.74 --> 492.74] oh +[492.74 --> 494.74] oh +[494.74 --> 496.74] oh +[496.74 --> 498.74] oh +[498.74 --> 500.74] oh +[500.74 --> 502.74] oh +[502.74 --> 504.74] oh +[504.74 --> 506.74] oh +[506.74 --> 508.74] oh +[508.74 --> 510.74] oh +[510.74 --> 512.74] oh +[512.74 --> 514.74] oh +[514.74 --> 516.74] oh +[516.74 --> 518.74] jesus +[518.74 --> 520.74] oh +[520.74 --> 522.74] oh +[522.74 --> 524.74] oh +[524.74 --> 526.74] oh +[526.74 --> 528.74] oh +[528.74 --> 530.74] oh +[530.74 --> 532.74] oh +[532.74 --> 534.74] oh +[534.74 --> 538.74] He's safe +[538.74 --> 540.74] Hallelujah +[540.74 --> 544.74] Hallelujah +[544.74 --> 550.74] He's safe +[550.74 --> 554.74] Yeah +[564.74 --> 570.74] Good morning +[570.74 --> 574.74] Welcome to church +[574.74 --> 578.74] Special welcome if you are a guest with us this morning +[578.74 --> 582.74] My name is Chris. I'm one of the pastors here at Langley Emanuel +[582.74 --> 586.74] And it's my privilege along with these others and some that we haven't yet met +[586.74 --> 590.74] To lead in our shared worship this morning +[590.74 --> 594.74] Before we begin we've got a couple announcements to run through +[594.74 --> 602.74] And the first is that after church today we are going over to Topham Park +[602.74 --> 606.74] Which is down 216 at 91st +[606.74 --> 608.74] Yeah, 216 and 91st +[608.74 --> 610.74] And we're going to have some time together +[610.74 --> 612.74] There's a potluck, we're going to play some softball +[612.74 --> 618.74] And I think there's also going to be like an outdoor volleyball net set up in one of the corners there +[618.74 --> 622.74] For those who don't want to play softball +[622.74 --> 624.74] And so we want to encourage you to come to join us +[624.74 --> 626.74] I hope that you are prepared for that +[626.74 --> 628.74] And that you have some meal +[628.74 --> 630.74] A meal ready to share +[630.74 --> 632.74] If this is the first you're hearing about it +[632.74 --> 634.74] We want you to come +[634.74 --> 636.74] Even if you don't have a meal +[636.74 --> 638.74] In fact, perhaps especially if you don't have a meal +[638.74 --> 640.74] Because there will be more food than we know what to do with +[640.74 --> 644.74] So come on out at Topham Park after service today +[644.74 --> 650.74] We're going to go from about 12 until 3 playing some softball together +[650.74 --> 652.74] Before you head out to the park +[652.74 --> 656.74] This is your last chance to sign up to volunteer at Reactivate +[656.74 --> 662.74] And so Reactivate is a youth conference that we are hosting here next weekend +[662.74 --> 668.74] And we have about 10 or so slots left to fill for volunteer positions +[668.74 --> 673.74] And so Rachel will be at the back at the Connect booth after service +[673.74 --> 677.74] And she can help you sign up in those last few places there +[677.74 --> 679.74] Additionally, next week Sunday +[679.74 --> 681.74] We're going to worship with all the youth that come +[681.74 --> 684.74] And so we're really excited for that worship service +[684.74 --> 686.74] We're hoping to pack this place out +[686.74 --> 692.74] And so please come expecting good, loud, boisterous worship +[692.74 --> 698.74] Expecting about 200 youth and leaders joining with us as well +[698.74 --> 704.74] But we really want to fill this place and surround that morning in worship together +[704.74 --> 707.74] And then lastly, one final announcement +[707.74 --> 709.74] If you've been here the last couple of weeks +[709.74 --> 715.74] We've been talking about a CPR and AED first aid training session +[715.74 --> 718.74] That's going to be happening in October, on October 19th +[718.74 --> 720.74] It's going to run from 1.30 to 4.30 +[720.74 --> 722.74] If that's something you're interested in +[722.74 --> 724.74] Please talk to Heather Vartstra +[724.74 --> 726.74] She would love to get you signed up for that +[726.74 --> 730.74] The cost for that has been reduced as well to $45 +[730.74 --> 734.74] And so please sign up, participate in that +[734.74 --> 737.74] If that's something that you would be blessed by +[737.74 --> 740.74] Or the ministry that you run here would be blessed to have you in doing that +[740.74 --> 742.74] I think that's it for announcements +[742.74 --> 744.74] And so, are you guys ready to worship? +[744.74 --> 747.74] Yeah, there's someone, good +[747.74 --> 749.74] Let's stand together +[749.74 --> 750.74] Let's stand together +[750.74 --> 755.74] We are ushered by God's Spirit into His presence to worship Him +[755.74 --> 757.74] And He meets us in this place +[757.74 --> 760.74] He welcomes us and He greets us in His name +[760.74 --> 765.74] And so, open your heart, open your hands, receive the greeting of our good God +[765.74 --> 770.74] Grace, mercy, and peace to you +[770.74 --> 771.74] From God our Father +[771.74 --> 775.74] From the Lord Jesus Christ, Son, and our Savior +[775.74 --> 778.74] Through the presence and power of the Holy Spirit +[778.74 --> 779.74] Amen +[779.74 --> 783.74] As God has greeted us, I invite you to turn to those around you +[783.74 --> 785.74] And welcome them in our worship this morning +[785.74 --> 786.74] Thank you +[815.74 --> 821.74] Our call to worship today is from Psalm 95 +[821.74 --> 824.74] Come, let us sing joy to the Lord +[824.74 --> 827.74] Let us shout aloud to the rock of our salvation +[827.74 --> 831.74] Let us come before Him with thanksgiving and extol Him with music and song +[831.74 --> 836.74] For the Lord is the great God, the great King above all gods +[836.74 --> 840.74] In His hands are the depths of the earth and the mountain peaks belong to Him +[840.74 --> 844.74] The sea is His, for He made it, and His hands formed the dry land +[844.74 --> 846.74] Come, let us bow down in worship +[846.74 --> 848.74] Let us kneel before the Lord our Maker +[848.74 --> 850.74] For He is our God +[850.74 --> 852.74] And we are the people of His pasture +[852.74 --> 854.74] The flock under His care +[854.74 --> 875.74] He is the Lord +[875.74 --> 877.74] He is the Lord +[877.74 --> 879.74] He brings the light +[879.74 --> 883.74] He is the Lord +[883.74 --> 888.74] His full-tills of darkness created the light +[888.74 --> 892.74] He is the Lord +[892.74 --> 894.74] For His light comes to Him +[894.74 --> 896.74] Never-ending near days +[896.74 --> 900.74] He is the Lord +[900.74 --> 905.74] When He grows in power and we call on His name +[905.74 --> 908.74] He is the Lord +[908.74 --> 909.74] To His power +[909.74 --> 913.74] To His power +[913.74 --> 917.74] Oh Lord our God +[917.74 --> 921.74] To His power +[921.74 --> 925.74] Oh Lord our God +[925.74 --> 926.74] God +[926.74 --> 927.74] The God +[927.74 --> 939.74] The God +[939.74 --> 940.74] The God's full of Lord is the home for our nation +[940.74 --> 942.74] You are the Lord +[942.74 --> 947.74] It's the power of God for our salvation +[947.74 --> 951.84] You are Lord +[951.84 --> 956.82] We ask not for riches but look to the cross +[956.82 --> 960.60] You are Lord +[960.60 --> 965.40] And for our inheritance to steal us the loss +[965.40 --> 969.18] You are Lord +[969.18 --> 999.16] You are Lord +[999.18 --> 1003.18] You are Lord +[1003.18 --> 1005.18] You are Lord +[1029.18 --> 1037.18] You are Lord +[1037.18 --> 1045.18] From the highest of life to the depths of the sea +[1045.18 --> 1053.18] Creation's revealing your majesty +[1053.18 --> 1063.18] From the colors of fall to the fragrance of spring +[1063.18 --> 1073.18] Every creature unique in the song that it sings +[1073.18 --> 1077.18] All is plainly +[1077.18 --> 1079.18] Inescribable +[1079.18 --> 1081.18] Uncontainable +[1081.18 --> 1085.18] You place the stars in the sky +[1085.18 --> 1089.18] You know that by name +[1089.18 --> 1091.18] You are amazing +[1091.18 --> 1093.18] You are amazing +[1093.18 --> 1097.18] You are amazing +[1097.18 --> 1099.18] All powerful +[1099.18 --> 1101.18] Uncontainable +[1101.18 --> 1107.18] Lost that we fall to our knees as we lovely proclaim +[1107.18 --> 1109.18] You are amazing +[1109.18 --> 1111.18] You are amazing +[1111.18 --> 1113.18] You are amazing +[1113.18 --> 1115.18] You are amazing +[1115.18 --> 1117.18] You are amazing +[1117.18 --> 1119.18] That you are amazing +[1119.18 --> 1121.18] With all your nations +[1121.18 --> 1123.18] You are amazing +[1123.18 --> 1125.18] You are amazing +[1125.18 --> 1127.18] You are amazing +[1127.18 --> 1129.18] in these four houses +[1129.18 --> 1133.18] made in with snow +[1135.18 --> 1137.18] Who would have in the sun +[1137.18 --> 1141.18] and give source to his light +[1145.18 --> 1147.18] And conceited to bring us +[1147.18 --> 1151.18] the coolness of life +[1151.18 --> 1153.18] But we have come +[1153.18 --> 1155.18] indescribable +[1155.18 --> 1157.18] Unpertainable +[1157.18 --> 1159.18] You place the stars +[1159.18 --> 1161.18] in the sky +[1161.18 --> 1163.18] and you know they're +[1163.18 --> 1165.18] running +[1165.18 --> 1167.18] You are amazing +[1167.18 --> 1169.18] God +[1173.18 --> 1175.18] All-powerful +[1175.18 --> 1177.18] Untameable +[1177.18 --> 1179.18] A strap we fall +[1179.18 --> 1181.18] to our knees as we +[1181.18 --> 1183.18] lovely proclaim +[1183.18 --> 1185.18] You are amazing +[1185.18 --> 1187.18] You are amazing +[1187.18 --> 1189.18] God +[1189.18 --> 1193.18] In this +[1193.18 --> 1195.18] struggle +[1195.18 --> 1197.18] uncontainable +[1197.18 --> 1199.18] You place the stars in the sky +[1199.18 --> 1201.18] and you build them +[1201.18 --> 1203.18] You are amazing +[1203.18 --> 1205.18] You are amazing +[1205.18 --> 1207.18] God +[1207.18 --> 1211.18] Unparable +[1211.18 --> 1213.18] Unchangeable +[1213.18 --> 1215.18] You see the depths of my heart +[1215.18 --> 1217.18] And you love me the same +[1217.18 --> 1219.18] You are amazing God +[1219.18 --> 1221.18] You are amazing +[1221.18 --> 1223.18] You are amazing God +[1223.18 --> 1225.18] You see the depths of my heart +[1225.18 --> 1227.18] You love me the same +[1227.18 --> 1229.18] You are amazing God +[1229.18 --> 1231.18] You see the depths of my heart +[1231.18 --> 1233.18] And you love me the same +[1233.18 --> 1235.18] You are amazing God +[1235.18 --> 1237.18] You are amazing +[1237.18 --> 1241.18] You are amazing God +[1241.18 --> 1245.18] You are amazing God +[1245.18 --> 1247.18] Thank you +[1265.18 --> 1267.18] Join us in reading +[1267.18 --> 1269.18] The apostles' creed +[1269.18 --> 1278.86] I believe in God the Father Almighty, creator of heaven and earth. +[1279.24 --> 1283.74] I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, +[1284.34 --> 1288.96] who was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. +[1289.78 --> 1295.18] He was sovereign under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. +[1295.74 --> 1297.02] He descended to hell. +[1297.02 --> 1300.46] The third day he rose again from the dead. +[1301.08 --> 1306.56] He ascended to heaven and is seated at the right hand of God the Father Almighty. +[1307.36 --> 1310.74] From there he will come to judge the living and the dead. +[1311.72 --> 1315.90] I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Holy Catholic Church, +[1316.52 --> 1319.94] the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, +[1320.54 --> 1325.18] the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen. +[1327.02 --> 1354.28] I believe in Jesus, +[1354.28 --> 1360.28] I believe he is the Son of God. +[1362.14 --> 1366.28] I believe he died and rose again. +[1368.38 --> 1372.28] I believe he paid for us all. +[1372.28 --> 1378.28] I believe he is here now. +[1378.28 --> 1380.28] I believe he is here now. +[1380.28 --> 1381.28] I believe he is here now. +[1381.28 --> 1384.28] Standing in our name. +[1384.28 --> 1386.28] Standing in our name. +[1386.28 --> 1390.28] Here is the power to heal now. +[1390.28 --> 1392.28] The power to heal now. +[1392.28 --> 1394.28] And the grace to heal now. +[1394.28 --> 1396.28] And the grace to forgive. +[1396.28 --> 1398.28] I believe he is here now. +[1398.28 --> 1400.28] I believe he is here now. +[1400.28 --> 1402.28] I believe he is here now. +[1402.28 --> 1404.28] I believe he is here now. +[1404.28 --> 1406.28] I believe you are here now. +[1406.28 --> 1410.28] I believe you are here now. +[1410.28 --> 1412.28] I believe you are here now. +[1412.28 --> 1416.28] I believe you are here now. +[1416.28 --> 1418.28] I believe you are here now. +[1418.28 --> 1428.28] I believe you are here now. +[1428.28 --> 1433.28] Standing in our hands +[1433.28 --> 1437.38] Here with the power to heal +[1437.38 --> 1444.28] And the grace to forgive +[1444.28 --> 1450.28] I'm leaving you, Lord +[1450.28 --> 1456.28] I leave you, Lord, Son of God +[1456.28 --> 1462.28] I leave you, die and rose again +[1462.28 --> 1468.28] I leave you, pray for us all +[1468.28 --> 1474.28] I leave you, are you now? +[1474.28 --> 1477.28] Standing in our hands +[1477.28 --> 1481.28] Standing in our hands +[1481.28 --> 1485.28] Here with the power to heal +[1485.28 --> 1491.28] And the grace to forgive +[1491.28 --> 1497.28] I leave you, are you now? +[1497.28 --> 1499.28] I leave you, are you now? +[1499.28 --> 1503.28] Standing in our hands +[1503.28 --> 1505.28] Standing in our hands +[1505.28 --> 1509.28] Here with the power to heal +[1509.28 --> 1515.28] And the grace to forgive +[1515.28 --> 1519.28] And the grace to forgive +[1519.28 --> 1521.28] Amen +[1521.28 --> 1531.28] Come to Jesus Christ the crucified +[1531.28 --> 1541.28] Raised the praying at the Father's side +[1541.28 --> 1547.28] His foolishness to those who cannot see +[1547.28 --> 1553.28] Blinded by the lies that I believe +[1553.28 --> 1557.28] So let the church arise +[1557.28 --> 1559.28] Let the act of rain +[1559.28 --> 1561.28] Longed by the world has heard +[1561.28 --> 1563.28] And the risen King +[1563.28 --> 1565.28] Song of the redeemed +[1565.28 --> 1567.28] Holy we shall sing +[1567.28 --> 1569.28] Hope of all the world has heard +[1569.28 --> 1571.28] Christ the risen King +[1571.28 --> 1573.28] Will wait +[1573.28 --> 1574.28] We are not ashamed +[1574.28 --> 1577.28] For the God of the world has heard +[1577.28 --> 1579.28] Let the act of rain +[1579.28 --> 1581.28] Let the act of rain +[1581.28 --> 1583.28] Let the act of rain +[1583.28 --> 1585.28] Of all the world has heard +[1585.28 --> 1587.28] Christ the risen King +[1587.28 --> 1589.28] Song of the redeemed +[1589.28 --> 1591.28] Holy we shall sing +[1591.28 --> 1593.28] Hope of all the world has earned +[1593.28 --> 1595.28] Christ the risen King +[1595.28 --> 1599.28] Oh wait, we are not ashamed +[1599.28 --> 1607.10] For the gospel is the power of God to save +[1607.10 --> 1612.26] This way, we are not ashamed +[1612.26 --> 1618.32] For we have no other Savior to proclaim +[1618.32 --> 1624.96] Christ, you know the life, the truth, the way +[1629.28 --> 1642.28] The enemies of God are in a rage +[1642.28 --> 1649.38] Opposing Him, their efforts are in vain +[1649.38 --> 1655.12] For every age the gospel will endure +[1655.12 --> 1662.12] Spirits with the church forevermore +[1662.92 --> 1670.28] So let the church arise, let me at the ring +[1670.28 --> 1677.12] To all the world has heard, Christ the risen King +[1677.12 --> 1683.44] A song of glory deep, boldly we shall sing +[1683.44 --> 1689.44] The hope of all the world is Christ the risen King +[1689.44 --> 1694.44] For we, we are not ashamed +[1694.44 --> 1702.44] For the gospel is the power of God to save +[1702.44 --> 1708.44] And speak, we are not ashamed +[1708.44 --> 1714.44] For we have no other Savior to proclaim +[1714.44 --> 1721.44] And speak, we are not ashamed +[1721.44 --> 1729.44] For we have no other Savior to proclaim +[1729.44 --> 1734.44] And speak, we are not ashamed +[1734.44 --> 1740.44] For we have a great salvation in His name +[1740.44 --> 1747.44] Rise alone, the light, the truth, the way +[1747.44 --> 1754.44] Rise alone, the light, the truth, the way +[1754.44 --> 1761.44] Please be seated +[1761.44 --> 1765.44] Please be seated +[1765.44 --> 1789.44] So good morning, my name is Pearl +[1789.44 --> 1792.44] And I am a deacon here at Langley Emanuel +[1792.44 --> 1797.44] We continue our worship by having an offering +[1797.44 --> 1802.44] Today's offering is both for the ministries of this church +[1802.44 --> 1804.44] And for seafarers ministry +[1804.44 --> 1809.44] Seafarers ministry is supported by our local classes +[1809.44 --> 1814.44] And it serves all the seafarers that come in to the harbor +[1814.44 --> 1816.44] To the port of Vancouver +[1816.44 --> 1820.44] And the mission and vision of seafarers ministry +[1820.44 --> 1822.44] Is to provide friendship +[1822.44 --> 1826.44] And a place to hang out on shore +[1826.44 --> 1830.44] And to spread the gospel to the seafarers +[1830.44 --> 1832.44] That come into Vancouver +[1832.44 --> 1837.44] And you can well imagine that that is a much appreciated ministry +[1837.44 --> 1842.44] As the seafarers are often at sea for more than six months of the year +[1842.44 --> 1843.44] They are away from their families +[1843.44 --> 1847.44] So to have a place where they can be provided with some friendship +[1847.44 --> 1852.44] And with some good news is a respite for them +[1852.44 --> 1857.44] Researching the website +[1857.44 --> 1862.44] I was informed that about 90% of everything that we have +[1862.44 --> 1866.44] Actually comes in via the ship ports +[1866.44 --> 1871.44] So they are a real service to the entire economy of the world +[1871.44 --> 1879.44] Currently there is one full-time chaplain at the CRCC seafarers +[1879.44 --> 1881.44] His name is Gary Rusma +[1881.44 --> 1885.44] And then this past summer there was an intern there as well +[1885.44 --> 1888.44] An internist student from Regent College +[1888.44 --> 1891.44] Who apparently was a real blessing to Gary +[1891.44 --> 1894.44] Because it offered him a chance to have some time off +[1894.44 --> 1898.44] In Psalm 96 we read +[1898.44 --> 1900.44] Ascribe to the Lord +[1900.44 --> 1902.44] Ascribe to the Lord +[1902.44 --> 1904.44] O family of nations +[1904.44 --> 1907.44] Ascribe to the Lord glory and strength +[1907.44 --> 1910.44] Ascribe to the Lord the glory to his name +[1910.44 --> 1912.44] Bring an offering +[1912.44 --> 1914.44] And come into his courts +[1914.44 --> 1916.44] So do give generously +[1916.44 --> 1919.44] As we have been so generously blessed by our Heavenly Father +[1919.44 --> 1921.44] Ily sa tylko +[1921.44 --> 1925.44] O +[1925.44 --> 1927.44] Amen. +[1955.44 --> 1957.44] Amen. +[1985.44 --> 1987.44] Amen. +[2015.44 --> 2017.44] Amen. +[2045.44 --> 2047.44] Amen. +[2075.44 --> 2077.44] Amen. +[2105.44 --> 2107.44] Amen. +[2107.44 --> 2109.44] Hallelujah. +[2109.44 --> 2111.44] Hallelujah. +[2111.44 --> 2113.44] Hallelujah. +[2113.44 --> 2115.44] Hallelujah. +[2117.44 --> 2135.42] I would love to invite all of the kids who are here up to the +[2135.42 --> 2138.62] about kindergarten thereabouts, give or take. +[2138.62 --> 2141.06] You can come and join me up at the front right now, +[2141.16 --> 2143.32] and then we'll head off to children's worship time. +[2143.58 --> 2145.44] So come on forward. +[2148.42 --> 2149.18] There's more coming. +[2151.22 --> 2152.04] Come on up. +[2152.12 --> 2152.72] Come on up. +[2154.74 --> 2155.96] Just a handful today. +[2156.02 --> 2156.84] How's everybody doing? +[2157.70 --> 2158.00] Good? +[2158.62 --> 2160.00] Are you ready for children's worship time? +[2160.36 --> 2160.80] Yeah? +[2161.26 --> 2162.90] So we're going to do a little prayer, +[2163.04 --> 2164.92] and then we'll head on off to the back, okay? +[2164.92 --> 2166.90] Can you fold your hands and close your eyes? +[2167.28 --> 2167.84] Here we go. +[2167.92 --> 2168.40] Let's pray. +[2171.88 --> 2173.90] Dear God, thank you so much for this day. +[2174.00 --> 2175.08] Thank you that we could come to church +[2175.08 --> 2177.54] and that we could learn more about you. +[2177.92 --> 2180.44] Be with us now as we go to children's worship time +[2180.44 --> 2182.70] or stay here in the sanctuary and open up the Bible +[2182.70 --> 2185.02] and learn more about what it is you want to teach us. +[2185.12 --> 2185.58] In your name. +[2185.96 --> 2186.32] Amen. +[2187.54 --> 2187.84] All right. +[2187.88 --> 2188.56] We're going to stand up, +[2188.64 --> 2191.32] and we're going to do the children's blessing together. +[2191.42 --> 2191.86] So we're going to say, +[2191.86 --> 2193.16] May the Lord be with you. +[2193.48 --> 2193.78] All right? +[2193.82 --> 2195.00] We're going to say it at the same time. +[2195.06 --> 2195.52] Are you ready? +[2196.24 --> 2197.56] One, two, three. +[2198.10 --> 2200.16] The Lord be with you. +[2200.60 --> 2202.06] Also with you. +[2202.68 --> 2202.94] All right. +[2202.98 --> 2203.68] You know where you're going. +[2203.68 --> 2204.36] All right. +[2204.46 --> 2206.16] We're going to be here. +[2206.54 --> 2207.88] We're going to be here. +[2210.40 --> 2218.72] We're going to go. +[2218.72 --> 2231.66] Kevin, I was hoping for a story about the dog or with the dog. +[2232.26 --> 2233.52] Got off easy this morning. +[2236.38 --> 2237.78] Hi, my name is Dick. +[2237.98 --> 2241.86] I'm on council here, and it is my turn to pray this morning. +[2243.48 --> 2246.72] A lot happens the week before when it's a person's turn to pray. +[2246.72 --> 2250.52] And if you don't believe that, just ask anybody who's on. +[2252.48 --> 2255.86] This morning, I'm just going to read a list of concerns. +[2257.44 --> 2262.12] And the one is thanks by Judy Dykstra and her friend Vera. +[2263.12 --> 2265.82] Vera is well and participating again. +[2267.68 --> 2271.22] Our thoughts and prayers and hearts go out to Dale and Maria. +[2271.22 --> 2277.46] They just found out that, well, just found out a while ago, Peter Reesobos has colon cancer. +[2278.50 --> 2280.78] And he's having major surgery on Tuesday. +[2280.94 --> 2283.84] So if you would keep them in your prayers this week, especially on Tuesday. +[2285.34 --> 2289.24] Mark and Dee's sister-in-law, Ashley, has breast cancer. +[2289.86 --> 2293.16] She has an appointment this Thursday to determine next steps. +[2293.16 --> 2297.22] Imo and Benita are still waiting for surgery. +[2297.64 --> 2300.20] This time it's scheduled for the 9th. +[2302.20 --> 2303.56] Pray for the shut-ins. +[2303.98 --> 2307.28] People who, for various reasons, can't join us. +[2307.80 --> 2311.26] And there's a whole host of people and a host of reasons. +[2312.72 --> 2313.64] And then school. +[2314.66 --> 2315.76] I want to remember school. +[2315.76 --> 2318.00] September 1st is always a big day. +[2319.00 --> 2326.14] I always question the grandkids if they're waiting to see, number one, who's in their class. +[2326.58 --> 2328.84] Number two, who their teacher is. +[2328.96 --> 2331.18] And sometimes that depends on how old they are. +[2331.58 --> 2333.90] If they're grade one, two, kindergarten, it's pretty easy. +[2334.24 --> 2334.82] They're not picky. +[2335.26 --> 2336.20] They'll take any teacher. +[2336.76 --> 2337.44] Get a little older. +[2337.72 --> 2338.02] Well. +[2340.32 --> 2341.36] And then church. +[2341.68 --> 2342.80] This is a new year again. +[2343.58 --> 2344.66] A lot of stuff starts. +[2344.66 --> 2346.46] A lot of people are involved. +[2347.16 --> 2349.86] A lot of people would really, really covet your prayers. +[2350.98 --> 2358.64] When I'm up here praying, thinking about praying, it never ceases to amaze me how often Jesus, +[2359.14 --> 2361.80] in the scriptures, took time out to pray. +[2362.52 --> 2364.98] And if he needed it, so do we. +[2365.66 --> 2368.36] And God invites each and every one of us. +[2368.36 --> 2378.02] If you have time, and we probably all do a bit, just spend some time in prayer with our Lord and Savior. +[2378.42 --> 2378.96] Let's pray. +[2380.88 --> 2382.62] Father, Lord in heaven, Lord, thank you. +[2383.64 --> 2385.80] Another sunny, beautiful, beautiful day. +[2385.80 --> 2393.94] Lord, we pray will you be with the people who are here in these pews, chairs. +[2394.54 --> 2399.20] Lord, each one of us in Psalm 139, you knew us. +[2399.26 --> 2399.94] You know us. +[2400.22 --> 2401.42] You know what we think. +[2401.52 --> 2405.66] You know what we want to say, what we don't say, what we do say, what we shouldn't say. +[2406.78 --> 2409.82] Lord, you have every day mapped out for us. +[2409.82 --> 2419.48] Lord, we pray will you help and guide us when we don't do or think or say appropriate things. +[2420.22 --> 2421.56] Lord, school's coming up. +[2422.64 --> 2423.74] Another new year. +[2424.22 --> 2425.64] Some already are there. +[2426.66 --> 2427.48] People travel. +[2428.86 --> 2434.32] People travel every day when the kids come and go on the bus or in vehicles or whatever. +[2435.00 --> 2436.06] Lord, we pray for safety. +[2436.06 --> 2443.06] We pray for wisdom and health for teachers, for students, for anybody who's involved. +[2444.44 --> 2449.90] Lord, we pray for our church, every single person involved in it. +[2450.90 --> 2458.02] Lord, you know exactly who we are, where we are, what we do, what we should do. +[2459.06 --> 2461.06] Lord, we ask you for strength and for wisdom. +[2462.08 --> 2464.80] Lord, we also want to pray for the people we mentioned earlier. +[2466.06 --> 2476.72] Lord, if they're shut in, if they're having a family member who needs surgery or have ailments or, Lord, whatever, you know. +[2476.82 --> 2478.42] You know exactly what's needed. +[2479.12 --> 2483.10] We pray, Lord, will you help us to spend time this week talking to you, Lord? +[2484.00 --> 2485.08] And will you answer us? +[2485.66 --> 2487.96] Lord, sometimes as we pray, we don't like the answers. +[2488.38 --> 2489.50] Sometimes the answer is no. +[2489.96 --> 2491.06] Sometimes the answer is wait. +[2491.06 --> 2493.08] Sometimes the answer is yes. +[2493.68 --> 2497.10] But, Lord, help us to seek you out, Lord. +[2497.24 --> 2501.94] You have always looked after us and sought us out. +[2502.66 --> 2508.28] Lord, this morning as we listen to your word, as Pastor Chris brings your word, give him clarity. +[2509.64 --> 2511.18] Give him strength. +[2511.32 --> 2511.86] Give him wisdom. +[2511.86 --> 2521.16] We pray, Lord, give us open ears, open hearts, that we not only sit here and listen, but also go out and do. +[2522.12 --> 2523.42] Thank you in Jesus' name. +[2523.60 --> 2523.84] Amen. +[2523.84 --> 2523.94] Amen. +[2523.94 --> 2523.98] Amen. +[2523.98 --> 2524.04] Amen. +[2524.04 --> 2524.08] Amen. +[2524.08 --> 2524.14] Amen. +[2524.14 --> 2526.08] Amen. +[2526.08 --> 2526.14] Amen. +[2526.14 --> 2528.08] Amen. +[2528.08 --> 2530.08] Amen. +[2541.86 --> 2543.28] And we're going to have to talk about this summer together. +[2543.50 --> 2548.26] We have been looking at stories from the early church. +[2548.40 --> 2553.28] We've been kind of bouncing around in the book of Acts, looking at different themes through that. +[2553.36 --> 2568.60] We're going to round out that story and that look at the book of Acts today by reading and hearing the last part of Paul's missionary work recorded in the book of Acts. +[2568.60 --> 2579.44] his journey to Rome. We're going to read the last portion of that, chapter 28, starting at verse 11, +[2579.58 --> 2585.18] and I'll read through. But we're really going to lean into the story side of things this morning, +[2585.30 --> 2591.18] and so we're going to, after reading that, we'll start and we'll back up and kind of hear the story +[2591.18 --> 2598.24] of what got us to that. We have been, throughout this summer as well, giving out little clipboards. +[2598.24 --> 2602.90] They're on the back at the Children's Worship Time booth there, where kids have the opportunity to +[2602.90 --> 2608.36] draw pictures based on what they hear, and there's other crosswords and games and things in there. +[2608.96 --> 2613.42] If you do draw a picture, we'd love to have that. We'd love to collect it. We're going to +[2613.42 --> 2618.74] make a little art gallery wall next month with those collections of pictures there. So please, +[2619.22 --> 2625.18] if you are moved to do that, make sure that it gets to the office or to myself after service today. +[2625.18 --> 2632.94] Okay. Let's begin by reading together from Acts 28. We'll read starting at verse 11. +[2634.78 --> 2639.56] If you have a Bible, I encourage you to open that up because we're going to be jumping around in the +[2639.56 --> 2642.14] last book of Acts, the last part of the book of Acts together. +[2642.14 --> 2653.30] After three months, we put out to sea in a ship that had wintered in the island. It was an +[2653.30 --> 2660.00] Alexandrian ship with the figurehead of the twin gods Castor and Pollux. We put in at Syracuse and +[2660.00 --> 2667.02] stayed there three days. From there, we set sail and arrived at Regium. And the next day, the south wind +[2667.02 --> 2672.82] came up and on the following day, we reached Petulli. There we found some brothers and sisters +[2672.82 --> 2680.38] who invited us to spend a week with them. And so we came to Rome. The brothers and sisters there had +[2680.38 --> 2685.94] heard that we were coming and they traveled as far as the forum of Appius and the three taverns to meet +[2685.94 --> 2692.08] us. At the sight of these people, Paul thanked God and was encouraged. And when we got to Rome, +[2692.08 --> 2699.36] Paul was allowed to live by himself with a soldier to guard him. Three days later, he called together +[2699.36 --> 2705.58] the local Jewish leaders. When they had assembled, Paul said to them, my brothers, although I have done +[2705.58 --> 2711.94] nothing against our people or against the customs of our ancestors, I was arrested in Jerusalem and +[2711.94 --> 2718.46] handed over to the Romans. They examined me and wanted to release me because I was not guilty of any +[2718.46 --> 2726.50] crime deserving death. The Jews objected. So I was compelled to intend to, for I was compelled +[2726.50 --> 2733.00] to make an appeal to Caesar. I certainly did not intend to bring any charge against my own people. +[2733.44 --> 2739.60] For this reason, I have asked to see you and talk with you. It is because of the hope of Israel that I +[2739.60 --> 2746.96] am bound with this chain. And they replied, we have not received any letters from Judea concerning you +[2746.96 --> 2752.76] and none of our people who have come from there has reported or said anything bad about you. But we +[2752.76 --> 2758.60] wanted to hear what your views are, for we know that people everywhere are talking against this sect. +[2759.88 --> 2765.96] They arranged to meet Paul on a certain day and came in even larger numbers to the place where he +[2765.96 --> 2772.02] was staying. He witnessed to them from morning till evening, explaining about the kingdom of God and +[2772.02 --> 2778.54] from the law of Moses and from the prophets. He tried to persuade them about Jesus. Some were convinced +[2778.54 --> 2784.44] by what he said, but others would not believe. They disagreed among themselves and began to leave +[2784.44 --> 2791.90] Paul, leave after Paul had made this final statement. The Holy Spirit spoke the truth to your ancestors when +[2791.90 --> 2799.18] he said through Isaiah the prophet, go to this people and say, you will be ever hearing, but never +[2799.18 --> 2805.54] understanding. You will be ever seeing, but never perceiving. For this people's heart has become +[2805.54 --> 2812.12] calloused. They hardly hear with their ears and they have closed their eyes. Otherwise they might see +[2812.12 --> 2817.96] with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts, and turn and I would heal them. +[2819.22 --> 2826.22] Therefore, I want you to know that God's salvation has been sent to the Gentiles and they will listen. +[2826.22 --> 2832.62] For two whole years, Paul stayed there in his own rented house and welcomed all who came to see him. +[2833.14 --> 2839.28] He proclaimed the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness +[2839.28 --> 2842.58] and without hindrance. This is the word of the Lord. +[2848.00 --> 2856.10] And so like I said, this morning we're going to lean into the storytelling side of this series. +[2856.96 --> 2862.96] But I want to do that with a purpose because Luke tells this story with a purpose and so we're going to do the same. +[2863.34 --> 2871.86] And my hope is that as we hear this story, what we will begin to see is the telling and the participating +[2871.86 --> 2879.00] and the viewing of the unstoppable spread of the gospel despite obstacles. +[2879.00 --> 2886.30] And that this happens right in the heart of the empire because of the mission of God and for his church. +[2887.36 --> 2894.02] The unstoppable spread of the gospel despite obstacles because this is the mission of God and of his church. +[2894.02 --> 2901.62] And part of what we read when we started was began with that little phrase, after three months. +[2902.36 --> 2907.32] And so we know that we're picking up in the larger narrative here. +[2907.32 --> 2912.90] And like we said, I want to lean back and come back into that larger narrative. +[2914.36 --> 2919.00] So if you have a Bible, you can flip back and we'll follow along. +[2919.00 --> 2928.12] Back in chapter 21, Paul has arrived in Jerusalem after his third missionary journey. +[2928.12 --> 2937.46] And while he is back in Jerusalem, a group of Jewish men from Asia to the north saw Paul at the temple. +[2938.52 --> 2941.88] And in seeing him and in recognizing him from his missionary journeys, +[2942.22 --> 2945.58] they stir up the crowds in Jerusalem against him, +[2945.58 --> 2949.86] saying that Paul has been teaching against the Jews, +[2949.94 --> 2953.66] been teaching against their ancestors, against the law and the prophets. +[2954.08 --> 2955.78] He's been teaching against the temple. +[2955.78 --> 2960.58] And they accuse him actually of bringing Greeks into the temple, +[2960.82 --> 2963.42] which was a faux pas, was not allowed to happen. +[2964.82 --> 2971.18] And because of that, the crowd gets all worked up and they go to grab him and to kill him. +[2971.18 --> 2976.32] Now this is Roman-controlled and occupied Jerusalem. +[2976.74 --> 2986.28] And so this frenzy reaches the commander of the Roman garrison that is stationed there and hears about it. +[2986.64 --> 2990.48] And so he goes and intervenes and has Paul arrested. +[2991.90 --> 2999.46] And he asks them and the crowds what had been done that this man, Paul, deserves death. +[2999.46 --> 3002.12] And he couldn't get a straight answer from them. +[3002.64 --> 3009.62] Now in part because, as you read it, the crowd was so raucous and loud that he couldn't make sense of what was going on. +[3010.50 --> 3015.90] The commander ends up taking Paul back to the barracks to be beaten and interrogated. +[3016.80 --> 3019.34] Now when there, Paul asks him, +[3020.12 --> 3025.62] Can you do this to a Roman citizen without a trial to find him guilty? +[3025.62 --> 3030.84] And when the commander hears that, he has no small amount of panic. +[3032.68 --> 3034.72] Let me zoom out a little bit further. +[3035.78 --> 3042.08] In the second century BC, so 250 years or so before this takes place, +[3042.60 --> 3047.24] the Roman Republic established what's known as the Porcian laws. +[3047.24 --> 3051.32] Now these laws give all citizens of Rome, +[3051.32 --> 3059.00] and now remember that's usually rooted in the male head of family and anyone related to him, +[3059.38 --> 3063.82] but they give all citizens of Rome, including those who live in the provinces, +[3064.64 --> 3068.52] the right of provocatio in Latin. +[3068.52 --> 3074.08] Now this right means the right to appeal to a higher governing authority +[3074.08 --> 3084.76] and the right to not experience sort of abusive or barbaric forms of punishment or coercion. +[3085.18 --> 3088.20] That is, they couldn't be beaten or flogged, +[3088.22 --> 3092.96] and they couldn't be crucified without a trial, without a right to defend themselves. +[3092.96 --> 3101.20] And this idea of the Porcian law becomes so rooted in Roman identity +[3101.20 --> 3109.10] that it is a mark of pride for the people of Rome to establish this and to talk about this. +[3109.18 --> 3112.64] In fact, at the end of the first century, +[3113.20 --> 3119.80] Cicero, who's a well-known statesman, a philosopher, and a lawyer, +[3119.80 --> 3125.84] he writes and records in his book called In Verum, +[3125.96 --> 3127.44] which means against Verus. +[3127.56 --> 3129.82] Verus was the governor in Sicily at the time. +[3131.04 --> 3136.06] In his recording of Verus' trial, he says this, he makes this speech. +[3136.16 --> 3136.56] He goes, +[3136.56 --> 3140.52] Does freedom, that precious thing, mean nothing? +[3141.38 --> 3146.58] Nor the proud privileges of a Roman citizen, nor the Porcian law? +[3146.58 --> 3150.72] Have these come to mean so little in Sicily? +[3152.42 --> 3158.90] Right, this is the proud tradition behind what Paul is appealing to in our story. +[3159.94 --> 3162.92] Because of that, the Roman commander stops, +[3163.72 --> 3167.26] and the next day he takes Paul back to the Sanhedrin, +[3168.12 --> 3172.20] and they try to sort out all of what's going on. +[3172.88 --> 3174.98] Now again, that doesn't go well, +[3174.98 --> 3178.26] and the commander has to return Paul to the barracks. +[3179.76 --> 3182.44] And while Paul is back in the barracks, +[3182.52 --> 3184.68] this time Jesus appears to him. +[3185.68 --> 3187.48] Now remember, Jesus has ascended, +[3188.02 --> 3190.60] and so Paul is having a vision of Jesus, +[3190.60 --> 3194.42] and Jesus speaks to him in Acts 23, verse 11, +[3194.52 --> 3194.96] and he says, +[3195.34 --> 3196.02] Take courage. +[3196.88 --> 3199.34] As you have testified about me in Jerusalem, +[3199.80 --> 3203.00] so you must also testify in Rome. +[3203.00 --> 3206.98] Now it's here that I want to just pause for a minute in the story. +[3208.38 --> 3210.16] Right, when Jesus says to Paul, +[3210.74 --> 3211.78] You will testify, +[3212.60 --> 3216.12] he's using the same Greek root word +[3216.12 --> 3219.92] as when Jesus said to the disciples at the beginning of the book of Acts, +[3220.32 --> 3223.52] You will be my witnesses in Judea and Samaria, +[3223.78 --> 3225.04] and to the ends of the earth. +[3225.60 --> 3229.20] Right, the word witnesses and testify share a root. +[3229.20 --> 3235.42] And so there's a direct tie between the apostolic mission of the disciples to be witnesses +[3235.42 --> 3239.22] and the apostolic mission of Paul as a witness. +[3240.24 --> 3242.34] And all of this, right, +[3242.42 --> 3247.34] is a fulfillment of a promise that God made long before. +[3248.22 --> 3249.04] Because you see, +[3249.40 --> 3250.94] behind the words of Jesus +[3250.94 --> 3254.14] about being witnesses and testifying +[3254.14 --> 3256.88] are the words of Isaiah 43. +[3258.12 --> 3261.20] Isaiah 43, verse 8 through 12, +[3261.32 --> 3262.46] says this. +[3262.52 --> 3263.40] I think we have it on the screen. +[3263.54 --> 3263.64] Yep. +[3265.52 --> 3268.96] Lead out those who have eyes but are blind, +[3269.38 --> 3270.90] who have ears but are deaf. +[3271.72 --> 3273.52] All the nations gather together +[3273.52 --> 3274.56] and the peoples assemble, +[3275.08 --> 3277.68] which of their gods foretold this +[3277.68 --> 3279.80] and proclaimed to us the former things? +[3279.80 --> 3284.28] Let them bring in their witnesses to prove if they were right, +[3284.40 --> 3286.68] so that others may hear and say it is true. +[3287.98 --> 3291.28] You are my witnesses, declares the Lord, +[3291.34 --> 3293.28] and my servant whom I have chosen, +[3293.64 --> 3295.72] so that you may know and believe me +[3295.72 --> 3298.08] and understand that I am he. +[3298.84 --> 3300.80] Before me no God was formed, +[3300.90 --> 3302.40] nor will there be one after me. +[3302.74 --> 3304.76] I, even I, am the Lord, +[3304.84 --> 3306.70] and apart from me there is no Savior. +[3307.04 --> 3309.34] I have revealed and saved and proclaimed. +[3309.78 --> 3312.06] I am not some foreign God among you. +[3312.18 --> 3314.80] You are my witnesses, declares the Lord, +[3315.06 --> 3317.40] that I am God. +[3318.98 --> 3320.50] Now notice what Isaiah is doing here +[3320.50 --> 3323.16] and what God is doing through the prophet in this moment. +[3323.24 --> 3326.16] He's setting up a courtroom drama, as it were. +[3327.08 --> 3328.24] And he's saying, effectively, +[3328.68 --> 3330.42] which of the gods of the other nations +[3330.42 --> 3331.46] could let this happen? +[3331.76 --> 3333.94] Which of the gods of other nations could intervene? +[3334.52 --> 3334.66] Right? +[3334.66 --> 3336.70] Tell those other gods to bring in their witnesses +[3336.70 --> 3338.10] so that they can prove them right. +[3339.34 --> 3341.34] Which of course, they don't do. +[3342.58 --> 3344.72] Instead, the Lord says, +[3345.22 --> 3347.92] you are my witnesses. +[3349.16 --> 3352.26] You will give testimony that I am right. +[3353.12 --> 3354.44] You will give testimony +[3354.44 --> 3356.58] that what I have promised has come to pass. +[3356.98 --> 3358.06] You will be a witness +[3358.06 --> 3361.48] that those with blind eyes had them opened. +[3361.68 --> 3362.50] You will be a witness +[3362.50 --> 3364.24] that those with deaf ears +[3364.24 --> 3365.72] have had them unstopped +[3365.72 --> 3366.64] and they're able to hear. +[3366.90 --> 3368.02] And he finishes by saying, +[3368.30 --> 3370.06] you will be my witnesses +[3370.06 --> 3372.76] that I am God. +[3374.36 --> 3375.62] Paul's testifying, +[3375.80 --> 3377.26] the disciples witnessing +[3377.26 --> 3378.90] is to say, +[3379.18 --> 3381.68] Jesus is God. +[3382.48 --> 3384.18] Jesus is the Christ, +[3384.38 --> 3385.10] the Messiah, +[3385.28 --> 3386.26] the Son of Man, +[3386.32 --> 3388.26] and the Savior of nations. +[3388.26 --> 3388.36] God's mission to the nations. +[3388.82 --> 3390.56] God's mission to the world +[3390.56 --> 3392.80] is for him to say to the nations, +[3392.94 --> 3393.68] here I am. +[3395.54 --> 3396.58] Here I am. +[3397.86 --> 3399.28] And in the same way, +[3399.62 --> 3401.82] the church's mission to the world +[3401.82 --> 3405.22] is to say that he is God. +[3405.66 --> 3407.94] That Jesus is God. +[3407.94 --> 3407.98] God. +[3410.54 --> 3411.02] Recently, +[3411.18 --> 3413.12] I was listening to a podcast +[3413.12 --> 3415.00] by Christopher Wright. +[3415.80 --> 3417.26] He's a missiologist +[3417.26 --> 3420.56] who really roots his understanding +[3420.56 --> 3421.76] of the mission of the church +[3421.76 --> 3424.18] and the grand story of God's mission +[3424.18 --> 3425.84] as the primary way +[3425.84 --> 3426.86] to understand the Bible +[3426.86 --> 3428.14] and the work of God in the world. +[3428.92 --> 3429.80] In the podcast, +[3430.46 --> 3432.64] he mentions that the way +[3432.64 --> 3435.80] most of us read the Bible +[3435.80 --> 3437.68] is to read +[3437.68 --> 3439.28] and then to ask the question, +[3439.64 --> 3441.42] how does this apply to my life? +[3442.76 --> 3443.00] Now, +[3443.42 --> 3444.76] this isn't a bad question +[3444.76 --> 3446.40] and this isn't a bad way +[3446.40 --> 3447.42] in and of itself +[3447.42 --> 3448.70] to read the Bible, +[3448.70 --> 3450.40] but it does have the tendency +[3450.40 --> 3453.86] to be sort of a self-focused way +[3453.86 --> 3454.62] to read the Bible. +[3455.40 --> 3455.60] Right? +[3455.64 --> 3457.14] This sort of makes it about you +[3457.14 --> 3458.70] and then whatever the Bible says +[3458.70 --> 3460.38] is sort of tangential to you +[3460.38 --> 3461.46] and then you've got to figure out +[3461.46 --> 3462.46] how to incorporate it. +[3463.90 --> 3464.32] Right? +[3464.32 --> 3466.02] It ends with the kind of question +[3466.02 --> 3467.60] of what should I be doing? +[3468.48 --> 3468.84] Now, again, +[3469.00 --> 3470.92] that's not a bad question, +[3471.64 --> 3473.70] but there's also, I think, +[3474.06 --> 3476.48] perhaps a more profound way +[3476.48 --> 3478.06] to read the Bible. +[3478.86 --> 3478.92] Right? +[3478.94 --> 3481.32] Instead of asking the question, +[3481.66 --> 3484.06] how do I apply this story to my life? +[3485.30 --> 3486.62] We can ask the question, +[3487.16 --> 3488.96] how do I apply my life +[3488.96 --> 3490.62] to this story? +[3490.62 --> 3493.10] Right? +[3493.18 --> 3494.80] Right says that it's not so much +[3494.80 --> 3496.08] about application +[3496.08 --> 3498.46] as it is about implication. +[3500.04 --> 3500.20] Right? +[3500.24 --> 3503.00] How am I implicated in this narrative +[3503.00 --> 3504.40] which is God's story? +[3504.92 --> 3506.80] Where does my life fit +[3506.80 --> 3508.80] in my little piece of time +[3508.80 --> 3510.18] on this ball of rock +[3510.18 --> 3511.20] hurtling through space? +[3511.40 --> 3513.62] Where does my life fit +[3513.62 --> 3514.82] in that story? +[3514.82 --> 3517.38] And one of the implications +[3517.38 --> 3518.86] of this story +[3518.86 --> 3520.82] is that we join +[3520.82 --> 3522.38] in God's mission +[3522.38 --> 3523.86] to witness to Him. +[3524.50 --> 3524.74] Right? +[3524.80 --> 3526.22] We join in God's mission +[3526.22 --> 3528.60] to witness to His own glory. +[3528.60 --> 3530.26] We join in God's mission +[3530.26 --> 3531.46] to have all creation +[3531.46 --> 3532.32] joined together +[3532.32 --> 3533.68] in worship of Him. +[3533.92 --> 3535.64] We join as witnesses +[3535.64 --> 3537.00] to say, +[3537.26 --> 3538.92] Jesus is God. +[3538.92 --> 3543.06] In joining God's mission then, +[3543.42 --> 3544.86] we all of a sudden +[3544.86 --> 3547.00] find in our lives +[3547.00 --> 3548.84] meaning and significance +[3548.84 --> 3549.84] and purpose +[3549.84 --> 3551.88] because we found ourselves +[3551.88 --> 3553.64] rooted in the story +[3553.64 --> 3554.66] of God's mission +[3554.66 --> 3556.36] throughout all of time +[3556.36 --> 3557.22] and space. +[3557.34 --> 3558.56] We find ourselves part +[3558.56 --> 3560.48] of this bigger story, +[3560.62 --> 3561.70] bigger than we could ever +[3561.70 --> 3562.68] have imagined, +[3562.90 --> 3564.70] one that has been being written +[3564.70 --> 3566.02] since before even +[3566.02 --> 3567.06] the very creation +[3567.06 --> 3568.10] of the world. +[3568.10 --> 3569.98] That's the implication +[3569.98 --> 3572.08] of joining God +[3572.08 --> 3573.40] as a witness +[3573.40 --> 3575.22] that you have +[3575.22 --> 3576.16] a global, +[3576.76 --> 3578.42] eternal purpose. +[3579.78 --> 3581.28] And that's for you. +[3583.88 --> 3585.08] That's part of why +[3585.08 --> 3585.88] we root ourselves +[3585.88 --> 3587.76] in this story. +[3591.06 --> 3592.82] The story continues. +[3593.20 --> 3593.84] Right in the story, +[3593.96 --> 3594.86] Paul is transferred +[3594.86 --> 3596.22] to Caesarea +[3596.22 --> 3598.10] for trial under Felix. +[3598.84 --> 3601.02] Felix is a Roman governor. +[3601.84 --> 3602.84] And we know a fair bit +[3602.84 --> 3603.58] about Felix +[3603.58 --> 3604.64] from other sources. +[3605.28 --> 3605.92] For instance, +[3606.04 --> 3606.90] we know that he +[3606.90 --> 3608.12] treated his subjects +[3608.12 --> 3609.06] with disdain. +[3609.54 --> 3610.32] We know that he was +[3610.32 --> 3611.04] often brutal +[3611.04 --> 3612.76] and violent with them. +[3613.06 --> 3614.10] So much so +[3614.10 --> 3615.28] that Rome actually +[3615.28 --> 3616.42] recalled him +[3616.42 --> 3617.92] back to Rome +[3617.92 --> 3618.74] from his post +[3618.74 --> 3619.74] in AD 59 +[3619.74 --> 3622.06] because of constant complaints +[3622.06 --> 3623.18] that the people +[3623.18 --> 3623.72] under him, +[3623.78 --> 3624.32] his subjects, +[3624.44 --> 3625.12] the Jewish people, +[3625.12 --> 3625.44] made. +[3626.30 --> 3627.16] And that means +[3627.16 --> 3628.08] it must have been +[3628.08 --> 3628.80] pretty harsh. +[3629.30 --> 3629.88] It must have been +[3629.88 --> 3630.48] pretty bad +[3630.48 --> 3631.84] for even the Romans +[3631.84 --> 3632.28] to go, +[3632.48 --> 3633.54] that's a bridge +[3633.54 --> 3634.18] too far, +[3634.62 --> 3634.84] Felix. +[3636.48 --> 3637.66] We know also +[3637.66 --> 3638.56] that he was corrupt. +[3639.34 --> 3640.22] Luke even tells us +[3640.22 --> 3640.84] that the reason +[3640.84 --> 3642.00] he kept Paul +[3642.00 --> 3642.88] for two years +[3642.88 --> 3643.38] in prison +[3643.38 --> 3644.08] is because he was +[3644.08 --> 3644.84] hoping that Paul +[3644.84 --> 3645.30] would give him +[3645.30 --> 3645.80] a bribe. +[3645.80 --> 3648.50] So for two years +[3648.50 --> 3649.60] Felix kept him +[3649.60 --> 3651.00] until Felix +[3651.00 --> 3651.70] is recalled +[3651.70 --> 3653.24] and he's replaced +[3653.24 --> 3654.14] by Festus, +[3654.70 --> 3655.58] another governor. +[3656.32 --> 3656.88] Now the Jews +[3656.88 --> 3658.04] conspire with Festus +[3658.04 --> 3658.84] to transfer Paul +[3658.84 --> 3659.68] back to Jerusalem +[3659.68 --> 3661.08] because they have +[3661.08 --> 3662.32] a plot to kill him +[3662.32 --> 3663.34] while on the way. +[3664.10 --> 3665.12] And it's at this point +[3665.12 --> 3666.06] that Paul again +[3666.06 --> 3667.78] appeals to Caesar. +[3668.82 --> 3669.76] Caesar is the title +[3669.76 --> 3670.30] of the emperor +[3670.30 --> 3670.80] in Rome. +[3671.04 --> 3671.70] At this time +[3671.70 --> 3672.48] it would have been Nero. +[3672.48 --> 3674.32] because of Paul's +[3674.32 --> 3674.84] citizenship, +[3675.44 --> 3676.78] Festus has no choice +[3676.78 --> 3677.82] but to agree. +[3678.14 --> 3678.64] And he says +[3678.64 --> 3679.40] in Acts 25, +[3679.68 --> 3680.42] you have appealed +[3680.42 --> 3681.02] to Caesar, +[3681.60 --> 3682.70] to Caesar you will go. +[3684.68 --> 3685.36] And so while he's +[3685.36 --> 3686.16] waiting to go +[3686.16 --> 3687.16] before he can go +[3687.16 --> 3687.96] to Caesar, +[3688.22 --> 3689.30] Festus invites +[3689.30 --> 3690.26] King Agrippa. +[3691.12 --> 3693.26] This is Agrippa II +[3693.26 --> 3694.46] who's the great +[3694.46 --> 3696.14] grandson of Herod the Great. +[3696.28 --> 3697.40] If you know +[3697.40 --> 3698.00] the story +[3698.00 --> 3698.82] of the birth +[3698.82 --> 3699.38] of Jesus, +[3699.56 --> 3700.28] Herod the Great +[3700.28 --> 3701.02] is the one +[3701.02 --> 3701.64] who was ruling +[3701.64 --> 3702.20] at the time +[3702.20 --> 3703.36] of Jesus' birth. +[3704.22 --> 3704.98] Agrippa II +[3704.98 --> 3706.28] was only a boy +[3706.28 --> 3707.24] when his father, +[3707.48 --> 3708.74] Agrippa I, +[3709.26 --> 3709.88] died. +[3710.50 --> 3712.04] And so because of that +[3712.04 --> 3713.20] the Romans divided +[3713.20 --> 3714.58] his rule +[3714.58 --> 3715.80] up under these governors. +[3715.98 --> 3716.58] That's why we have +[3716.58 --> 3717.54] Felix and Festus +[3717.54 --> 3718.24] in this story. +[3718.82 --> 3720.56] But as Agrippa grew older +[3720.56 --> 3721.76] he managed to get +[3721.76 --> 3722.62] more and more +[3722.62 --> 3724.18] rule and authority +[3724.18 --> 3725.98] back from Rome +[3725.98 --> 3727.72] though never Judea proper, +[3728.24 --> 3729.68] rather regions to the north. +[3730.34 --> 3731.50] But he does manage +[3731.50 --> 3732.72] this place of influence +[3732.72 --> 3733.58] with them. +[3734.92 --> 3735.56] Now Paul +[3735.56 --> 3736.42] is given a chance +[3736.42 --> 3737.00] to preach +[3737.00 --> 3737.76] to Festus +[3737.76 --> 3738.60] and to Agrippa +[3738.60 --> 3740.04] and Bernice. +[3740.22 --> 3741.36] Bernice is Agrippa's +[3741.36 --> 3741.92] sister +[3741.92 --> 3743.66] and also +[3743.66 --> 3744.78] his rumored +[3744.78 --> 3745.50] consort. +[3747.28 --> 3748.54] But Paul preaches +[3748.54 --> 3749.54] to this group +[3749.54 --> 3750.48] along with a number +[3750.48 --> 3751.24] of other leaders +[3751.24 --> 3752.62] from the Sanhedrin. +[3753.36 --> 3754.00] Now honestly +[3754.00 --> 3755.96] these chapters +[3755.96 --> 3757.28] from 23 to 27 +[3757.28 --> 3758.68] are an amazing read +[3758.68 --> 3759.66] and if you're looking +[3759.66 --> 3760.48] for some devotional +[3760.48 --> 3761.22] reading for this week +[3761.22 --> 3761.84] I encourage you +[3761.84 --> 3762.84] to dig into this +[3762.84 --> 3763.58] and to go here. +[3765.14 --> 3766.06] Because Paul preaches +[3766.06 --> 3767.84] these really moving sermons +[3767.84 --> 3769.10] and at the end +[3769.10 --> 3769.84] of preaching +[3769.84 --> 3770.70] to this group +[3770.70 --> 3771.76] that includes Agrippa +[3771.76 --> 3773.46] Agrippa stands up +[3773.46 --> 3773.86] and he says +[3773.86 --> 3774.86] do you think +[3774.86 --> 3776.22] that in such a short time +[3776.22 --> 3777.80] you can persuade me +[3777.80 --> 3778.56] to be a Christian? +[3779.36 --> 3780.48] To which Paul +[3780.48 --> 3781.64] gives this really +[3781.64 --> 3782.62] awesome +[3782.62 --> 3784.10] baller answer. +[3784.66 --> 3785.08] He says +[3785.08 --> 3785.98] short time +[3785.98 --> 3786.42] are long +[3786.42 --> 3787.76] I pray that +[3787.76 --> 3788.48] not only you +[3788.48 --> 3790.00] but all who are +[3790.00 --> 3791.04] listening to me today +[3791.04 --> 3792.28] become what I am +[3792.28 --> 3794.08] except for these chains. +[3795.34 --> 3796.56] Now I love this answer +[3796.56 --> 3797.04] and I want us +[3797.04 --> 3798.34] to key in on it +[3798.34 --> 3799.74] because of course +[3799.74 --> 3800.98] Paul wants everyone +[3800.98 --> 3801.84] who hears him +[3801.84 --> 3802.88] to be like him. +[3803.72 --> 3804.70] The truth that he's +[3804.70 --> 3805.20] proclaiming +[3805.20 --> 3806.18] is not only the key +[3806.18 --> 3807.04] to salvation +[3807.04 --> 3808.90] this gospel truth +[3808.90 --> 3810.12] is the key to history. +[3810.94 --> 3811.66] It's the key +[3811.66 --> 3812.56] to making sense +[3812.56 --> 3813.32] of the whole world. +[3813.92 --> 3814.42] It's the key +[3814.42 --> 3815.26] to understanding +[3815.26 --> 3815.88] your place +[3815.88 --> 3816.82] in God's mission. +[3817.66 --> 3818.56] Jesus says +[3818.56 --> 3819.64] that the only way +[3819.64 --> 3820.58] to bear fruit +[3820.58 --> 3821.14] the only way +[3821.14 --> 3821.72] to bear fruit +[3821.72 --> 3822.60] that will last +[3822.60 --> 3823.48] the only way +[3823.48 --> 3824.14] to do something +[3824.14 --> 3824.72] meaningful +[3824.72 --> 3825.80] and purposeful +[3825.80 --> 3826.74] that is with God +[3826.74 --> 3828.02] glorifying ends +[3828.02 --> 3828.82] the only way +[3828.82 --> 3829.24] to do that +[3829.24 --> 3830.16] is to be connected +[3830.16 --> 3830.72] to him +[3830.72 --> 3832.26] to abide in him. +[3833.04 --> 3834.22] There's no other name +[3834.22 --> 3834.78] in heaven +[3834.78 --> 3835.84] or on earth +[3835.84 --> 3836.50] by which man +[3836.50 --> 3837.16] can be saved. +[3837.70 --> 3838.36] No one comes +[3838.36 --> 3838.92] to the Father +[3838.92 --> 3840.44] except by him. +[3841.34 --> 3842.28] It is his life +[3842.28 --> 3843.26] in our place +[3843.26 --> 3843.98] and his death +[3843.98 --> 3844.76] on the cross +[3844.76 --> 3846.28] that reconciles +[3846.28 --> 3846.74] us to God +[3846.74 --> 3847.46] that draws us +[3847.46 --> 3848.66] back to who God +[3848.66 --> 3848.92] is. +[3849.24 --> 3850.32] And being united +[3850.32 --> 3851.06] with Jesus +[3851.06 --> 3851.84] by grace +[3851.84 --> 3852.52] through faith +[3852.52 --> 3853.58] is finally +[3853.58 --> 3854.36] what it means +[3854.36 --> 3856.00] to be fully human +[3856.00 --> 3857.24] fully alive +[3857.24 --> 3857.96] finally +[3857.96 --> 3859.44] and fully alive +[3859.44 --> 3860.10] to the glory +[3860.10 --> 3860.64] of God. +[3861.94 --> 3863.02] Anything less +[3863.02 --> 3863.64] than that +[3863.64 --> 3865.20] isn't just inadequate +[3865.20 --> 3867.62] it's actually +[3867.62 --> 3868.70] inhuman. +[3868.70 --> 3871.94] it's not enough +[3871.94 --> 3875.08] and when we gather +[3875.08 --> 3875.76] here week +[3875.76 --> 3876.36] after week +[3876.36 --> 3876.94] after week +[3876.94 --> 3878.10] it's not out +[3878.10 --> 3878.60] of ritual +[3878.60 --> 3879.26] or custom +[3879.26 --> 3879.88] or at least +[3879.88 --> 3880.70] it's not just +[3880.70 --> 3881.42] out of ritual +[3881.42 --> 3882.52] or just out +[3882.52 --> 3883.00] of custom +[3883.00 --> 3884.26] it's so that +[3884.26 --> 3885.04] we can learn +[3885.04 --> 3885.74] what it really +[3885.74 --> 3886.64] means to be +[3886.64 --> 3887.28] human +[3887.28 --> 3888.92] to find our +[3888.92 --> 3889.38] place +[3889.38 --> 3890.50] in the story +[3890.50 --> 3891.28] as witnesses +[3891.28 --> 3892.68] of God's mission +[3892.68 --> 3894.66] and that +[3894.66 --> 3895.62] to me +[3895.62 --> 3896.72] is a +[3896.72 --> 3897.30] worthwhile +[3897.30 --> 3898.68] purpose. +[3902.20 --> 3903.36] And so we see +[3903.36 --> 3904.14] this gospel +[3904.14 --> 3905.88] story +[3905.88 --> 3907.58] spreading +[3907.58 --> 3910.56] and while +[3910.56 --> 3911.08] Festus +[3911.08 --> 3911.72] and Agrippa +[3911.72 --> 3912.44] may not have +[3912.44 --> 3913.32] professed faith +[3913.32 --> 3914.72] in that moment +[3914.72 --> 3915.98] Agrippa does +[3915.98 --> 3917.14] turn to Festus +[3917.14 --> 3917.88] and he says +[3917.88 --> 3919.16] if he hadn't +[3919.16 --> 3919.96] appealed to Caesar +[3919.96 --> 3921.12] we could have +[3921.12 --> 3921.60] let him free +[3921.60 --> 3923.92] but instead +[3923.92 --> 3925.48] they set sail +[3925.48 --> 3925.94] for Rome. +[3928.00 --> 3929.22] Now in route +[3929.22 --> 3931.06] a major storm +[3931.06 --> 3931.94] comes up +[3931.94 --> 3932.48] while they're +[3932.48 --> 3932.86] sailing +[3932.86 --> 3934.28] Luke describes +[3934.28 --> 3935.36] it in Acts 17 +[3935.36 --> 3936.10] verse 14 +[3936.10 --> 3936.82] as a wind +[3936.82 --> 3937.68] of hurricane +[3937.68 --> 3938.26] force. +[3939.02 --> 3939.54] The word +[3939.54 --> 3940.72] used there +[3940.72 --> 3941.48] is the one +[3941.48 --> 3941.92] that we get +[3941.92 --> 3942.34] the English +[3942.34 --> 3943.22] word typhoon +[3943.22 --> 3943.66] from. +[3944.30 --> 3944.82] So it's a big +[3944.82 --> 3945.12] storm. +[3946.24 --> 3946.62] The ship +[3946.62 --> 3947.34] is wrecked +[3947.34 --> 3948.22] on the island +[3948.22 --> 3949.34] of Malta. +[3950.00 --> 3950.66] Malta is +[3950.66 --> 3951.42] south of +[3951.42 --> 3952.06] Sicily. +[3952.72 --> 3953.64] Sicily is +[3953.64 --> 3954.48] that landmass +[3954.48 --> 3955.10] that the boot +[3955.10 --> 3955.56] of Italy +[3955.56 --> 3956.08] is kicking. +[3956.88 --> 3957.32] So south +[3957.32 --> 3957.78] of that +[3957.78 --> 3958.20] is where +[3958.20 --> 3958.56] the island +[3958.56 --> 3958.96] of Malta +[3958.96 --> 3959.22] is. +[3960.26 --> 3960.74] There +[3960.74 --> 3961.44] Paul +[3961.44 --> 3962.56] is miraculously +[3962.56 --> 3964.82] he miraculously +[3964.82 --> 3965.50] survives +[3965.50 --> 3966.26] a snake bite +[3966.26 --> 3967.72] and the people +[3967.72 --> 3968.30] think that +[3968.30 --> 3968.94] he must be +[3968.94 --> 3969.36] a god. +[3970.14 --> 3970.78] It's the same +[3970.78 --> 3971.38] sort of thing +[3971.38 --> 3971.94] that happened +[3971.94 --> 3972.86] when Paul +[3972.86 --> 3973.58] was in Lystra +[3973.58 --> 3974.76] when people +[3974.76 --> 3975.26] thought he +[3975.26 --> 3975.96] and Barnabas +[3975.96 --> 3976.52] were Hermes +[3976.52 --> 3976.98] and Zeus. +[3977.34 --> 3978.50] Now the chief +[3978.50 --> 3979.38] official of +[3979.38 --> 3980.36] the island +[3980.36 --> 3981.16] the first +[3981.16 --> 3981.60] man +[3981.60 --> 3982.42] the protos +[3982.42 --> 3982.88] it says +[3982.88 --> 3983.36] in Greek +[3983.36 --> 3984.66] which coincidentally +[3984.66 --> 3985.50] is a title +[3985.50 --> 3986.60] that archaeologists +[3986.60 --> 3987.20] have actually +[3987.20 --> 3988.32] found in the +[3988.32 --> 3989.14] historical record +[3989.14 --> 3989.80] on the island +[3989.80 --> 3990.28] of Malta. +[3991.64 --> 3992.64] The chief +[3992.64 --> 3993.70] man invites +[3993.70 --> 3994.38] them into +[3994.38 --> 3994.98] his home +[3994.98 --> 3995.78] and while +[3995.78 --> 3996.44] there his +[3996.44 --> 3997.28] father gets +[3997.28 --> 3998.00] really sick +[3998.00 --> 3999.18] and Paul +[3999.18 --> 3999.96] heals him +[3999.96 --> 4001.24] and so this +[4001.24 --> 4002.08] news spreads +[4002.08 --> 4002.64] throughout the +[4002.64 --> 4003.32] island of Malta +[4003.32 --> 4004.18] that there is +[4004.18 --> 4004.90] a man on +[4004.90 --> 4005.20] the island +[4005.20 --> 4005.70] who heals +[4005.70 --> 4006.18] the sick +[4006.18 --> 4006.52] and so +[4006.52 --> 4007.12] all the +[4007.12 --> 4007.92] islanders +[4007.92 --> 4008.58] bring the +[4008.58 --> 4008.86] sick +[4008.86 --> 4009.80] to Paul +[4009.80 --> 4010.28] and they're +[4010.28 --> 4010.64] cured. +[4011.84 --> 4012.04] In fact +[4012.04 --> 4012.52] tradition +[4012.52 --> 4013.10] goes on +[4013.10 --> 4013.54] to say +[4013.54 --> 4014.36] that the +[4014.36 --> 4014.92] protos +[4014.92 --> 4015.46] this first +[4015.46 --> 4015.74] man +[4015.74 --> 4016.18] this leading +[4016.18 --> 4016.60] official +[4016.60 --> 4017.44] becomes +[4017.44 --> 4018.02] the first +[4018.02 --> 4018.44] bishop +[4018.44 --> 4019.06] of Malta. +[4020.72 --> 4021.76] Many believed +[4021.76 --> 4022.48] and were added +[4022.48 --> 4022.84] to their +[4022.84 --> 4023.18] number. +[4024.86 --> 4025.12] And again +[4025.12 --> 4025.52] in fact +[4025.52 --> 4026.24] archaeologists +[4026.24 --> 4026.94] have found +[4026.94 --> 4027.98] very early +[4027.98 --> 4028.46] Christian +[4028.46 --> 4029.16] presence +[4029.16 --> 4030.02] on the +[4030.02 --> 4030.58] island of Malta +[4030.58 --> 4030.96] in the +[4030.96 --> 4031.70] catacombs +[4031.70 --> 4031.98] that are +[4031.98 --> 4032.28] underneath +[4035.70 --> 4035.74] Rome +[4035.74 --> 4036.46] and in +[4036.46 --> 4036.80] Sicily. +[4038.50 --> 4039.10] And so +[4039.10 --> 4039.42] they're there +[4039.42 --> 4039.80] for three +[4039.80 --> 4040.06] months +[4040.06 --> 4040.80] and finally +[4040.80 --> 4041.90] after three +[4041.90 --> 4042.28] months +[4042.28 --> 4043.96] that's after +[4043.96 --> 4044.34] the winter +[4044.34 --> 4044.94] storms +[4044.94 --> 4046.06] they set +[4046.06 --> 4046.40] sail +[4046.40 --> 4048.26] which gets +[4048.26 --> 4048.64] us caught +[4048.64 --> 4049.08] up to +[4049.08 --> 4050.12] our portion +[4050.12 --> 4050.40] of the +[4050.40 --> 4050.74] story +[4050.74 --> 4051.24] the part +[4051.24 --> 4051.48] that we +[4051.48 --> 4051.74] read. +[4052.62 --> 4053.06] And that +[4053.06 --> 4053.78] first part +[4053.78 --> 4054.12] that we +[4054.12 --> 4054.42] read +[4054.42 --> 4054.80] in verses +[4054.80 --> 4055.26] 11 to +[4055.26 --> 4055.62] 15 +[4055.62 --> 4056.16] reads +[4056.16 --> 4056.72] kind of +[4056.72 --> 4057.08] like a +[4057.08 --> 4057.42] travel +[4057.42 --> 4057.78] journal +[4057.78 --> 4058.36] right +[4058.36 --> 4059.06] with Luke +[4059.06 --> 4059.46] giving +[4059.46 --> 4060.44] very particular +[4060.44 --> 4061.60] details. +[4062.22 --> 4063.06] But again +[4063.06 --> 4063.60] if we +[4063.60 --> 4064.10] have the +[4064.10 --> 4064.52] ears to +[4064.52 --> 4064.72] hear +[4064.72 --> 4065.46] we've seen +[4065.46 --> 4066.80] Luke doing +[4066.80 --> 4067.62] this throughout. +[4068.64 --> 4069.36] Luke is a +[4069.36 --> 4070.00] doctor by +[4070.00 --> 4070.56] profession +[4070.56 --> 4071.66] but he is +[4071.66 --> 4072.64] a historian +[4072.64 --> 4073.68] for the +[4073.68 --> 4074.16] mission of +[4074.16 --> 4074.46] God. +[4075.44 --> 4075.78] And his +[4075.78 --> 4076.42] point here +[4076.42 --> 4077.10] is to be +[4077.10 --> 4077.50] writing +[4077.50 --> 4078.44] history. +[4079.36 --> 4079.68] Now of +[4079.68 --> 4080.10] course he +[4080.10 --> 4080.80] writes history +[4080.80 --> 4081.68] with a +[4081.68 --> 4082.06] preaching +[4082.06 --> 4082.66] purpose. +[4082.80 --> 4083.20] That is he's +[4083.20 --> 4083.76] telling the +[4083.76 --> 4084.68] story because +[4084.68 --> 4085.14] he wants +[4085.14 --> 4085.62] people to +[4085.62 --> 4086.10] know the +[4086.10 --> 4086.86] truth of +[4086.86 --> 4087.34] the gospel. +[4088.74 --> 4089.06] And in +[4089.06 --> 4090.02] fact in +[4090.02 --> 4090.50] the opening +[4090.50 --> 4091.06] of the +[4091.06 --> 4091.66] gospel of +[4091.66 --> 4092.10] Luke he +[4092.10 --> 4092.62] gives this +[4092.62 --> 4093.02] purpose +[4093.02 --> 4093.72] explicitly. +[4093.88 --> 4094.18] He says +[4094.18 --> 4094.60] in Luke +[4094.60 --> 4094.92] 1 +[4094.92 --> 4096.10] I have +[4096.10 --> 4096.80] decided to +[4096.80 --> 4097.22] write an +[4097.22 --> 4097.66] orderly +[4097.66 --> 4098.34] account for +[4098.34 --> 4099.42] you so +[4099.42 --> 4099.98] that you +[4099.98 --> 4100.64] may know +[4100.64 --> 4101.52] the certainty +[4101.52 --> 4102.32] of the +[4102.32 --> 4102.98] things you +[4102.98 --> 4103.58] have been +[4103.58 --> 4104.06] taught. +[4105.50 --> 4106.66] This story +[4106.66 --> 4107.50] is told +[4107.50 --> 4109.48] and given +[4109.48 --> 4110.30] to us +[4110.30 --> 4111.52] so that +[4111.52 --> 4112.34] you can +[4112.34 --> 4112.94] know the +[4112.94 --> 4113.32] truth. +[4114.16 --> 4114.36] And so +[4114.36 --> 4114.62] that you +[4114.62 --> 4114.94] can not +[4114.94 --> 4115.70] just know +[4115.70 --> 4116.38] it but +[4116.38 --> 4116.70] so that +[4116.70 --> 4116.96] it can +[4116.96 --> 4117.74] be certain +[4117.74 --> 4118.74] for you. +[4118.96 --> 4119.36] So that +[4119.36 --> 4119.76] you can +[4119.76 --> 4120.20] know that +[4120.20 --> 4120.84] your faith +[4120.84 --> 4121.50] isn't just +[4121.50 --> 4122.06] built on +[4122.06 --> 4123.02] myths but +[4123.02 --> 4123.32] on the +[4123.32 --> 4124.32] testimony of +[4124.32 --> 4124.92] tested +[4124.92 --> 4125.72] witnesses. +[4127.50 --> 4128.80] This is +[4128.80 --> 4129.82] what God's +[4129.82 --> 4131.02] word becomes +[4131.02 --> 4132.14] for us. +[4132.44 --> 4133.24] The testimony +[4133.24 --> 4134.24] of tested +[4134.24 --> 4135.50] witnesses and +[4135.50 --> 4136.50] the firm +[4136.50 --> 4138.04] foundation of +[4138.04 --> 4139.42] our faith, +[4139.50 --> 4139.96] of the +[4139.96 --> 4140.82] things that +[4140.82 --> 4141.58] we profess +[4141.58 --> 4142.76] to believe. +[4144.76 --> 4145.94] In this +[4145.94 --> 4146.62] series we've +[4146.62 --> 4146.96] been holding +[4146.96 --> 4147.62] up stories +[4147.62 --> 4148.50] from the +[4148.50 --> 4149.40] early church. +[4149.40 --> 4150.22] Jerome +[4150.22 --> 4151.06] at the +[4151.06 --> 4151.38] end of +[4151.38 --> 4151.52] the +[4151.52 --> 4151.80] fourth +[4151.80 --> 4152.58] century. +[4153.64 --> 4154.02] Jerome +[4154.02 --> 4154.58] is most +[4154.58 --> 4155.56] known for +[4155.56 --> 4156.24] translating +[4156.24 --> 4157.72] the Bible +[4157.72 --> 4158.44] into +[4158.44 --> 4159.08] Latin, +[4159.30 --> 4159.82] into what +[4159.82 --> 4160.14] we call +[4160.14 --> 4160.90] the Vulgate +[4160.90 --> 4161.44] as a way +[4161.44 --> 4161.84] of spreading +[4161.84 --> 4162.34] it around +[4162.34 --> 4163.44] the empire. +[4164.32 --> 4164.98] He writes +[4164.98 --> 4165.96] in his +[4165.96 --> 4166.86] preface to +[4166.86 --> 4167.58] the commentary +[4167.58 --> 4168.62] on Isaiah +[4168.62 --> 4169.22] he says +[4169.22 --> 4170.36] for if +[4170.36 --> 4171.12] according to +[4171.12 --> 4171.62] the apostle +[4171.62 --> 4172.08] Paul +[4172.08 --> 4172.72] Christ is +[4172.72 --> 4173.20] the power +[4173.20 --> 4173.74] of God +[4173.74 --> 4174.02] and the +[4174.02 --> 4174.30] wisdom +[4174.30 --> 4174.82] of God +[4174.82 --> 4175.20] and that's +[4175.20 --> 4175.46] from +[4175.46 --> 4175.72] first +[4175.72 --> 4176.14] Corinthians +[4176.14 --> 4177.68] and the +[4177.68 --> 4178.14] one who +[4178.14 --> 4178.62] does not +[4178.62 --> 4178.98] know the +[4178.98 --> 4179.30] scriptures +[4179.30 --> 4179.86] does not +[4179.86 --> 4180.20] know the +[4180.20 --> 4180.84] power of +[4180.84 --> 4181.40] God and +[4181.40 --> 4182.02] his wisdom +[4182.02 --> 4183.06] then +[4183.06 --> 4183.82] ignorance +[4183.82 --> 4184.44] of the +[4184.44 --> 4184.86] scriptures +[4184.86 --> 4185.74] is +[4185.74 --> 4186.26] ignorance +[4186.26 --> 4187.22] of +[4187.22 --> 4188.20] Christ. +[4191.26 --> 4192.16] This +[4192.16 --> 4192.64] word +[4192.64 --> 4194.86] God's +[4194.86 --> 4195.20] word +[4195.20 --> 4196.96] is +[4196.96 --> 4198.02] a firm +[4198.02 --> 4198.82] foundation +[4198.82 --> 4200.24] for your +[4200.24 --> 4200.76] faith +[4200.76 --> 4201.86] because +[4201.86 --> 4202.94] this is +[4202.94 --> 4203.74] the revelation +[4203.74 --> 4204.64] of God +[4204.64 --> 4205.56] for his +[4205.56 --> 4205.92] people. +[4205.92 --> 4206.24] It is +[4206.24 --> 4206.94] here +[4206.94 --> 4208.28] in the +[4208.28 --> 4208.72] beginning +[4208.72 --> 4209.82] and +[4209.82 --> 4211.32] throughout +[4211.32 --> 4212.80] that we +[4212.80 --> 4213.18] meet +[4213.18 --> 4214.44] Jesus. +[4216.24 --> 4216.74] Finding +[4216.74 --> 4217.68] your place +[4217.68 --> 4218.82] in this +[4218.82 --> 4219.52] story +[4219.52 --> 4220.38] is finding +[4220.38 --> 4221.18] your place +[4221.18 --> 4221.54] in the +[4221.54 --> 4221.80] mission +[4221.80 --> 4222.44] of God +[4222.44 --> 4223.58] as his +[4223.58 --> 4224.28] witness +[4224.28 --> 4224.76] and as +[4224.76 --> 4225.08] witness +[4225.08 --> 4225.56] to the +[4225.56 --> 4225.90] truth +[4225.90 --> 4226.90] of this +[4226.90 --> 4227.74] story +[4227.74 --> 4228.20] and that +[4228.20 --> 4228.82] I think +[4228.82 --> 4229.24] is the +[4229.24 --> 4229.92] beautiful +[4229.92 --> 4230.64] interchange +[4230.64 --> 4231.24] between +[4231.24 --> 4231.46] the +[4231.46 --> 4231.84] biblical +[4231.84 --> 4232.72] witness +[4232.72 --> 4233.80] and you +[4233.80 --> 4234.24] as +[4234.24 --> 4234.90] witness +[4234.90 --> 4235.18] right +[4235.18 --> 4235.58] you +[4235.58 --> 4236.00] and +[4236.00 --> 4236.46] God's +[4236.46 --> 4236.90] word +[4236.90 --> 4237.46] God's +[4237.46 --> 4238.02] image +[4238.02 --> 4238.86] and his +[4238.86 --> 4239.68] word. +[4240.62 --> 4241.14] There's +[4241.14 --> 4241.76] a beautiful +[4241.76 --> 4242.18] quote +[4242.18 --> 4243.22] from +[4243.22 --> 4243.72] Leslie +[4243.72 --> 4244.22] Newbegin. +[4244.34 --> 4244.62] Leslie +[4244.62 --> 4245.18] Newbegin is +[4245.18 --> 4246.72] a British +[4246.72 --> 4247.26] missionary +[4247.26 --> 4247.92] to India +[4247.92 --> 4248.38] and +[4248.38 --> 4249.30] basically +[4249.30 --> 4250.22] the father +[4250.22 --> 4250.82] of modern +[4250.82 --> 4251.46] missiology. +[4251.46 --> 4253.04] he says +[4253.04 --> 4255.32] how is it +[4255.32 --> 4255.80] possible +[4255.80 --> 4256.66] that the +[4256.66 --> 4257.06] gospel +[4257.06 --> 4257.62] should be +[4257.62 --> 4258.02] credible +[4258.02 --> 4259.34] that people +[4259.34 --> 4259.82] should come +[4259.82 --> 4260.40] to believe +[4260.40 --> 4260.86] that the +[4260.86 --> 4261.28] power +[4261.28 --> 4261.96] which has +[4261.96 --> 4262.52] the last +[4262.52 --> 4262.98] word in +[4262.98 --> 4263.68] human affairs +[4263.68 --> 4264.46] is represented +[4264.46 --> 4265.22] by a man +[4265.22 --> 4265.90] hanging on +[4265.90 --> 4266.42] a cross. +[4267.82 --> 4268.84] The only +[4268.84 --> 4269.34] answer +[4269.34 --> 4270.50] the only +[4270.50 --> 4271.10] hermeneutic +[4271.10 --> 4271.36] of the +[4271.36 --> 4271.70] gospel +[4271.70 --> 4272.56] is a +[4272.56 --> 4273.08] congregation +[4273.08 --> 4273.88] of men +[4273.88 --> 4274.80] and women +[4274.80 --> 4275.58] who believe +[4275.58 --> 4275.82] it +[4275.82 --> 4277.00] and live +[4277.00 --> 4277.62] by it. +[4277.62 --> 4280.96] How is it +[4280.96 --> 4281.46] possible +[4281.46 --> 4282.40] that the +[4282.40 --> 4283.02] truth of +[4283.02 --> 4283.48] this word +[4283.48 --> 4283.80] that the +[4283.80 --> 4284.34] truth of +[4284.34 --> 4285.10] Jesus Christ +[4285.10 --> 4285.74] as he +[4285.74 --> 4286.32] has revealed +[4286.32 --> 4286.76] to us +[4286.76 --> 4287.28] how is it +[4287.28 --> 4287.68] possible +[4287.68 --> 4288.32] that the +[4288.32 --> 4288.68] truth +[4288.68 --> 4289.34] that the +[4289.34 --> 4290.26] only way +[4290.26 --> 4290.68] that we +[4290.68 --> 4291.14] can be +[4291.14 --> 4291.76] reconciled +[4291.76 --> 4292.18] to God +[4292.18 --> 4292.50] is by +[4292.50 --> 4293.00] the life +[4293.00 --> 4293.88] and death +[4293.88 --> 4294.44] of Jesus +[4294.44 --> 4295.02] how is it +[4295.02 --> 4295.36] possible +[4295.36 --> 4295.76] that this +[4295.76 --> 4296.28] crazy +[4296.28 --> 4297.06] absurd +[4297.06 --> 4297.40] thing +[4297.40 --> 4297.84] that happened +[4297.84 --> 4298.42] 2,000 +[4298.42 --> 4299.02] years ago +[4299.02 --> 4299.54] where a +[4299.54 --> 4299.94] man who +[4299.94 --> 4300.30] claimed to +[4300.30 --> 4300.66] be God +[4300.66 --> 4301.24] died on +[4301.24 --> 4301.78] a cross +[4301.78 --> 4303.00] how is it +[4303.00 --> 4303.48] possible +[4303.48 --> 4304.60] that that +[4304.60 --> 4305.24] should have +[4305.24 --> 4305.82] the last +[4305.82 --> 4306.18] word +[4306.18 --> 4306.84] that that +[4306.84 --> 4307.48] should be +[4307.48 --> 4308.56] the means +[4308.56 --> 4309.06] by which +[4309.06 --> 4309.82] we understand +[4309.82 --> 4310.38] all of our +[4310.38 --> 4310.56] life +[4310.56 --> 4311.14] how is it +[4311.14 --> 4311.58] possible +[4311.58 --> 4312.76] that that +[4312.76 --> 4313.98] should be +[4313.98 --> 4315.62] what discerns +[4315.62 --> 4316.40] and directs +[4316.40 --> 4317.02] everything +[4317.02 --> 4317.56] that we +[4317.56 --> 4317.88] do +[4317.88 --> 4319.96] well the +[4319.96 --> 4320.30] only way +[4320.30 --> 4320.74] that makes +[4320.74 --> 4321.24] sense +[4321.24 --> 4322.32] in the world +[4322.32 --> 4322.90] around us +[4322.90 --> 4323.46] the only way +[4323.46 --> 4323.78] that that +[4323.78 --> 4324.58] can be seen +[4324.58 --> 4325.34] to be true +[4325.34 --> 4326.26] is +[4326.26 --> 4328.18] in how +[4328.18 --> 4328.96] you and I +[4328.96 --> 4330.18] live in +[4330.18 --> 4330.76] response +[4330.76 --> 4334.02] how we +[4334.02 --> 4335.18] hear this +[4335.18 --> 4335.60] news +[4335.60 --> 4336.48] believe this +[4336.48 --> 4336.90] news +[4336.90 --> 4337.50] and then +[4337.50 --> 4337.90] go +[4337.90 --> 4338.56] transformed +[4338.56 --> 4339.54] to the +[4339.54 --> 4339.84] world +[4339.84 --> 4341.68] go +[4341.68 --> 4342.42] transformed +[4342.42 --> 4343.54] and live +[4343.54 --> 4344.08] in such +[4344.08 --> 4344.44] a way +[4344.44 --> 4344.70] that +[4344.70 --> 4345.68] also +[4345.68 --> 4346.14] doesn't +[4346.14 --> 4346.36] make +[4346.36 --> 4346.80] sense +[4346.80 --> 4348.32] and that +[4348.32 --> 4348.68] likely +[4348.68 --> 4349.22] people are +[4349.22 --> 4349.46] going to +[4349.46 --> 4349.68] think +[4349.68 --> 4350.30] is strange +[4350.30 --> 4351.16] and weird +[4351.16 --> 4352.14] people are +[4352.14 --> 4352.32] going to +[4352.32 --> 4352.46] think +[4352.46 --> 4352.68] it's +[4352.68 --> 4353.24] foolish +[4353.24 --> 4354.76] and they're +[4354.76 --> 4354.90] going to +[4354.90 --> 4355.26] get tripped +[4355.26 --> 4356.02] up by it +[4356.02 --> 4357.74] but they're +[4357.74 --> 4358.22] also going to +[4358.22 --> 4358.56] go +[4358.56 --> 4359.88] why +[4359.88 --> 4361.82] why +[4361.82 --> 4366.18] verse 24 +[4366.18 --> 4366.88] we read +[4366.88 --> 4367.38] that some +[4367.38 --> 4368.12] were convinced +[4368.12 --> 4368.62] by what +[4368.62 --> 4369.22] Paul said +[4369.22 --> 4370.36] but others +[4370.36 --> 4370.86] would not +[4370.86 --> 4371.38] believe +[4371.38 --> 4373.22] and that +[4373.22 --> 4373.76] makes sense +[4373.76 --> 4374.32] right +[4374.32 --> 4376.08] when it's as +[4376.08 --> 4376.92] weird as +[4376.92 --> 4377.56] this +[4377.56 --> 4379.50] when we +[4379.50 --> 4380.36] are as +[4380.36 --> 4381.58] strange as +[4381.58 --> 4382.42] we are +[4382.42 --> 4382.88] some of you +[4382.88 --> 4383.36] more strange +[4383.36 --> 4383.82] than others +[4383.82 --> 4386.12] people are +[4386.12 --> 4386.40] going to +[4386.40 --> 4386.78] wonder +[4386.78 --> 4388.28] why +[4388.28 --> 4390.24] but hear +[4390.24 --> 4390.50] this +[4390.50 --> 4390.72] right +[4390.72 --> 4391.40] you +[4391.40 --> 4392.56] are not +[4392.56 --> 4393.16] responsible +[4393.16 --> 4394.58] for their +[4394.58 --> 4395.36] response +[4395.36 --> 4397.66] you're not +[4397.66 --> 4398.24] responsible +[4398.24 --> 4399.30] for how +[4399.30 --> 4399.80] they hear +[4399.80 --> 4400.24] you +[4400.24 --> 4402.50] right +[4402.50 --> 4402.72] there +[4402.72 --> 4403.20] you are +[4403.20 --> 4403.74] responsible +[4403.74 --> 4404.60] to declare +[4404.60 --> 4405.24] and to +[4405.24 --> 4405.56] proclaim +[4405.56 --> 4406.14] and to +[4406.14 --> 4406.70] live this +[4406.70 --> 4407.30] transformed +[4407.30 --> 4407.72] life +[4407.72 --> 4408.40] in such +[4408.40 --> 4409.08] confusing +[4409.08 --> 4409.52] ways +[4409.52 --> 4410.10] that it's +[4410.10 --> 4410.58] compelling +[4410.58 --> 4411.04] to the +[4411.04 --> 4411.54] world around +[4411.54 --> 4411.76] you +[4411.76 --> 4412.34] but you +[4412.34 --> 4412.62] are not +[4412.62 --> 4413.14] responsible +[4413.14 --> 4413.60] for how +[4413.60 --> 4413.86] they +[4413.86 --> 4414.58] accept +[4414.58 --> 4414.84] it +[4414.84 --> 4415.82] or not +[4415.82 --> 4416.44] that's +[4416.44 --> 4416.68] not +[4416.68 --> 4417.14] on +[4417.14 --> 4417.94] you +[4417.94 --> 4421.00] some +[4421.00 --> 4421.32] of us +[4421.32 --> 4421.60] need to +[4421.60 --> 4421.94] hear that +[4421.94 --> 4422.28] more than +[4422.28 --> 4422.52] others +[4422.52 --> 4422.74] this +[4422.74 --> 4423.04] morning +[4423.04 --> 4425.52] that's +[4425.52 --> 4425.66] not +[4425.66 --> 4425.80] on +[4425.80 --> 4426.00] you +[4426.00 --> 4427.18] it's +[4427.18 --> 4427.30] not +[4427.30 --> 4427.46] your +[4427.46 --> 4428.02] responsibility +[4428.02 --> 4430.20] but you +[4430.20 --> 4430.38] are +[4430.38 --> 4430.90] responsible +[4430.90 --> 4431.24] to +[4431.24 --> 4431.58] proclaim +[4431.58 --> 4431.84] it +[4431.84 --> 4432.80] to +[4432.80 --> 4433.20] declare +[4433.20 --> 4433.54] it +[4433.54 --> 4434.00] with +[4434.00 --> 4434.14] your +[4434.14 --> 4434.56] words +[4434.56 --> 4435.24] and +[4435.24 --> 4435.40] with +[4435.40 --> 4435.54] your +[4435.54 --> 4435.90] life +[4435.90 --> 4436.88] and +[4436.88 --> 4437.02] let +[4437.02 --> 4437.20] the +[4437.20 --> 4437.46] spirit +[4437.46 --> 4437.70] do +[4437.70 --> 4437.86] what +[4437.86 --> 4438.00] the +[4438.00 --> 4438.22] spirit +[4438.22 --> 4438.38] will +[4438.38 --> 4438.60] do +[4438.60 --> 4441.80] the +[4441.80 --> 4442.14] reality +[4442.14 --> 4442.48] is +[4442.48 --> 4442.80] and Paul +[4442.80 --> 4443.06] says +[4443.06 --> 4443.40] this +[4443.40 --> 4443.88] right +[4443.88 --> 4444.10] in +[4444.10 --> 4444.32] verse +[4444.32 --> 4446.26] 26 +[4446.26 --> 4447.26] to 27 +[4447.26 --> 4447.72] he says +[4447.72 --> 4448.50] that basically +[4448.50 --> 4448.96] that the +[4448.96 --> 4449.48] people will +[4449.48 --> 4449.82] be ever +[4449.82 --> 4450.14] hearing +[4450.14 --> 4450.56] but never +[4450.56 --> 4451.16] understanding +[4451.16 --> 4451.90] that they +[4451.90 --> 4452.28] will ever +[4452.28 --> 4452.64] see +[4452.64 --> 4453.20] but never +[4453.20 --> 4453.64] perceive +[4453.64 --> 4454.26] that their +[4454.26 --> 4454.62] hearts +[4454.62 --> 4455.28] have become +[4455.28 --> 4456.18] calloused +[4456.18 --> 4456.38] right +[4456.38 --> 4456.70] Jesus +[4456.70 --> 4457.46] also makes +[4457.46 --> 4457.88] reference +[4457.88 --> 4458.60] to this +[4458.60 --> 4459.00] passage +[4459.00 --> 4459.58] from Isaiah +[4459.58 --> 4460.00] in Matthew +[4460.00 --> 4460.52] 13 +[4460.52 --> 4460.98] or Mark +[4460.98 --> 4461.32] 4 +[4461.32 --> 4461.64] and John +[4461.64 --> 4461.98] 12 +[4461.98 --> 4462.42] right +[4462.42 --> 4462.86] the point +[4462.86 --> 4463.42] is +[4463.42 --> 4463.88] right +[4463.88 --> 4464.38] there are +[4464.38 --> 4464.86] always +[4464.86 --> 4465.42] going to +[4465.42 --> 4465.92] be people +[4465.92 --> 4466.40] who don't +[4466.40 --> 4466.84] believe +[4466.84 --> 4468.20] but their +[4468.20 --> 4468.58] belief +[4468.58 --> 4468.90] or their +[4468.90 --> 4469.38] unbelief +[4469.38 --> 4469.86] is not +[4469.86 --> 4470.08] your +[4470.08 --> 4470.76] responsibility +[4470.76 --> 4471.58] your +[4471.58 --> 4472.10] responsibility +[4472.10 --> 4472.68] is to +[4472.68 --> 4473.08] proclaim +[4473.08 --> 4473.68] the gospel +[4473.68 --> 4474.54] in words +[4474.54 --> 4475.06] and in +[4475.06 --> 4475.48] a life +[4475.48 --> 4475.92] that +[4475.92 --> 4476.40] matches +[4476.40 --> 4478.62] and can +[4478.62 --> 4478.78] I be +[4478.78 --> 4478.98] honest +[4478.98 --> 4479.34] with you +[4479.34 --> 4479.84] if they +[4479.84 --> 4480.52] find that +[4480.52 --> 4480.96] offensive +[4480.96 --> 4482.96] that means +[4482.96 --> 4483.36] you're probably +[4483.36 --> 4483.92] doing something +[4483.92 --> 4484.28] right +[4484.28 --> 4487.76] now don't +[4487.76 --> 4488.12] hear what I'm +[4488.12 --> 4488.58] not saying +[4488.58 --> 4489.16] when I say +[4489.16 --> 4489.48] that +[4489.48 --> 4490.32] right +[4490.32 --> 4490.70] don't be +[4490.70 --> 4491.12] a jerk +[4491.12 --> 4493.22] right +[4493.22 --> 4493.72] but instead +[4493.72 --> 4494.36] let your +[4494.36 --> 4495.12] unmitigated +[4495.12 --> 4495.56] love +[4495.56 --> 4496.80] right +[4496.80 --> 4497.20] let your +[4497.20 --> 4498.06] unflinching +[4498.06 --> 4498.50] pursuit +[4498.50 --> 4499.38] of justice +[4499.38 --> 4500.36] right +[4500.36 --> 4500.70] let your +[4500.70 --> 4501.22] constant +[4501.22 --> 4501.94] lifting up +[4501.94 --> 4502.40] of the +[4502.40 --> 4502.78] poor +[4502.78 --> 4503.34] and the +[4503.34 --> 4503.84] marginalized +[4503.84 --> 4504.56] and your +[4504.56 --> 4505.54] indefatigable +[4505.54 --> 4506.14] desire +[4506.14 --> 4507.10] to declare +[4507.10 --> 4507.82] Jesus Christ +[4507.82 --> 4508.34] as Lord +[4508.34 --> 4508.82] and King +[4508.82 --> 4509.70] be what +[4509.70 --> 4510.50] people find +[4510.50 --> 4511.12] impossible +[4511.12 --> 4512.26] to understand +[4512.26 --> 4514.30] let that +[4514.30 --> 4515.02] be what +[4515.02 --> 4515.66] trips them +[4515.66 --> 4516.04] up +[4516.04 --> 4517.44] and you +[4517.44 --> 4518.38] might be +[4518.38 --> 4518.96] blessed by +[4518.96 --> 4519.42] God to +[4519.42 --> 4519.82] see them +[4519.82 --> 4520.22] tripped +[4520.22 --> 4521.06] and falling +[4521.06 --> 4521.64] into the +[4521.64 --> 4522.00] arms of +[4522.00 --> 4522.56] his grace +[4522.56 --> 4526.08] in verse +[4526.08 --> 4526.78] 28 of +[4526.78 --> 4527.28] our text +[4527.28 --> 4527.88] Paul is +[4527.88 --> 4528.36] basically +[4528.36 --> 4528.82] saying +[4528.82 --> 4529.60] if they +[4529.60 --> 4530.00] don't want +[4530.00 --> 4530.20] to hear +[4530.20 --> 4530.64] the gospel +[4530.64 --> 4531.10] of Jesus +[4531.10 --> 4531.46] if you +[4531.46 --> 4531.74] don't want +[4531.74 --> 4531.92] to hear +[4531.92 --> 4532.32] the gospel +[4532.32 --> 4532.76] of Jesus +[4532.76 --> 4533.90] other people +[4533.90 --> 4534.32] will hear +[4534.32 --> 4534.64] it +[4534.64 --> 4536.84] and so +[4536.84 --> 4537.12] if people +[4537.12 --> 4537.32] in your +[4537.32 --> 4537.48] life +[4537.48 --> 4537.78] don't want +[4537.78 --> 4538.02] to hear +[4538.02 --> 4538.26] it +[4538.26 --> 4539.52] find those +[4539.52 --> 4539.92] that do +[4539.92 --> 4542.96] the mission +[4542.96 --> 4543.40] of God +[4543.40 --> 4544.44] is unstoppable +[4544.44 --> 4545.92] and the +[4545.92 --> 4546.48] church that +[4546.48 --> 4547.04] joins +[4547.04 --> 4547.88] the mission +[4547.88 --> 4548.42] of God +[4548.42 --> 4549.10] is +[4549.10 --> 4549.96] likewise +[4549.96 --> 4551.28] unstoppable +[4551.28 --> 4553.94] because God +[4553.94 --> 4554.58] cannot be +[4554.58 --> 4555.00] stopped +[4555.00 --> 4556.30] the gospel +[4556.30 --> 4556.90] will not +[4556.90 --> 4557.52] be stopped +[4557.52 --> 4558.62] God +[4558.62 --> 4559.34] cannot +[4559.34 --> 4560.24] be +[4560.24 --> 4561.24] stopped +[4561.24 --> 4563.12] that's +[4563.12 --> 4563.14] that's +[4563.14 --> 4563.30] my +[4563.30 --> 4563.76] story +[4563.76 --> 4565.24] and I'm +[4565.24 --> 4565.46] sticking +[4565.46 --> 4566.38] to it +[4566.38 --> 4566.82] amen +[4566.82 --> 4568.18] let's +[4568.18 --> 4568.32] pray +[4568.32 --> 4568.70] together +[4568.70 --> 4574.18] holy +[4574.18 --> 4574.70] holy +[4574.70 --> 4575.26] God +[4575.26 --> 4576.58] you have +[4576.58 --> 4577.02] given us +[4577.02 --> 4577.66] this most +[4577.66 --> 4578.66] amazing +[4578.66 --> 4579.54] and beautiful +[4579.54 --> 4580.10] story +[4580.10 --> 4581.54] and part +[4581.54 --> 4581.94] of what is +[4581.94 --> 4582.64] so amazing +[4582.64 --> 4583.28] about it +[4583.28 --> 4583.70] is that +[4583.70 --> 4584.60] you have +[4584.60 --> 4585.72] invited us +[4585.72 --> 4586.64] into it +[4586.64 --> 4587.86] in fact +[4587.86 --> 4588.20] it is +[4588.20 --> 4588.86] living +[4588.86 --> 4589.72] in the +[4589.72 --> 4590.38] implications +[4590.38 --> 4591.14] of this +[4591.14 --> 4591.56] story +[4591.56 --> 4591.92] that we +[4591.92 --> 4592.42] find our +[4592.42 --> 4592.78] true +[4592.78 --> 4593.52] selves +[4593.52 --> 4593.76] our +[4593.76 --> 4594.10] true +[4594.10 --> 4594.68] heart +[4594.68 --> 4594.94] our +[4594.94 --> 4595.28] true +[4595.28 --> 4595.96] joy +[4595.96 --> 4597.64] and so +[4597.64 --> 4598.30] Lord God +[4598.30 --> 4600.36] inspire us +[4600.36 --> 4601.20] by this +[4601.20 --> 4602.02] story +[4602.02 --> 4604.84] inspire us +[4604.84 --> 4605.20] by the +[4605.20 --> 4605.80] impossible +[4605.80 --> 4606.50] things +[4606.50 --> 4607.12] we have +[4607.12 --> 4607.34] seen +[4607.34 --> 4607.78] Paul +[4607.78 --> 4608.18] do +[4608.18 --> 4608.66] because +[4608.66 --> 4609.08] you +[4609.08 --> 4609.94] are the +[4609.94 --> 4610.26] God +[4610.26 --> 4610.66] of the +[4610.66 --> 4611.18] impossible +[4611.18 --> 4613.88] inspire us +[4613.88 --> 4614.26] by the +[4614.26 --> 4614.82] amazing +[4614.82 --> 4615.48] truths +[4615.48 --> 4616.10] of this +[4616.10 --> 4616.64] story +[4616.64 --> 4617.48] that we +[4617.48 --> 4618.00] might know +[4618.00 --> 4618.36] that you +[4618.36 --> 4618.94] continue +[4618.94 --> 4619.72] to work +[4619.72 --> 4620.42] and to +[4620.42 --> 4620.84] write +[4620.84 --> 4621.74] history +[4621.74 --> 4622.48] to your +[4622.48 --> 4622.92] ends +[4622.92 --> 4623.68] and we +[4623.68 --> 4624.18] now +[4624.18 --> 4625.16] are part +[4625.16 --> 4626.16] of +[4626.16 --> 4626.78] this +[4626.78 --> 4627.72] mission +[4627.72 --> 4629.62] and so +[4629.62 --> 4629.88] God +[4629.88 --> 4630.98] make us +[4630.98 --> 4632.10] witnesses +[4632.10 --> 4633.28] of this +[4633.28 --> 4633.76] story +[4633.76 --> 4634.76] that we +[4634.76 --> 4635.00] might +[4635.00 --> 4635.60] proclaim +[4635.60 --> 4636.98] with boldness +[4636.98 --> 4637.48] the truth +[4637.48 --> 4637.82] of your +[4637.82 --> 4638.10] word +[4638.10 --> 4638.66] and that +[4638.66 --> 4639.16] we might +[4639.16 --> 4640.14] live such +[4640.14 --> 4641.10] compelling +[4641.10 --> 4641.72] lives +[4641.72 --> 4642.20] in the +[4642.20 --> 4642.48] world +[4642.48 --> 4643.42] that though +[4643.42 --> 4643.84] it doesn't +[4643.84 --> 4644.38] make any +[4644.38 --> 4644.84] sense to +[4644.84 --> 4645.06] them +[4645.06 --> 4647.68] that in +[4647.68 --> 4648.18] us +[4648.18 --> 4648.94] and through +[4648.94 --> 4649.38] us +[4649.38 --> 4650.32] they might +[4650.32 --> 4650.70] see +[4650.70 --> 4651.26] you +[4651.26 --> 4652.56] and +[4652.56 --> 4653.00] praise +[4653.00 --> 4653.48] your +[4653.48 --> 4653.80] name +[4653.80 --> 4655.02] this is +[4655.02 --> 4655.18] our +[4655.18 --> 4655.50] prayer +[4655.50 --> 4656.86] and this +[4656.86 --> 4657.12] is our +[4657.12 --> 4657.42] mission +[4657.42 --> 4658.52] in Jesus +[4658.52 --> 4658.86] Christ +[4658.86 --> 4659.36] we pray +[4659.36 --> 4660.62] amen +[4660.62 --> 4662.12] amen +[4662.12 --> 4676.20] oh for a fender +[4676.20 --> 4678.42] to록 +[4678.42 --> 4678.68] word +[4678.68 --> 4679.46] oh for a thousand +[4679.46 --> 4691.66] Oh for a thousand tongues to sing +[4691.66 --> 4696.16] My great Redeemer's praise +[4696.16 --> 4701.08] The glories of my God in King +[4701.08 --> 4706.10] The triumphs of His praise +[4706.10 --> 4712.98] My gracious Master and my God +[4712.98 --> 4716.72] Assist me to proclaim +[4716.72 --> 4722.24] To spread through all the earth the throne +[4722.24 --> 4727.12] The honors of thy name +[4727.12 --> 4734.10] He brings the power of canceled sin +[4734.10 --> 4738.42] He sets the prisoner free +[4738.42 --> 4743.10] His blood can make the promise free +[4743.62 --> 4748.10] His blood availed for me +[4748.10 --> 4755.90] Hear in you death, you voiceless ones +[4755.90 --> 4760.10] Your loosened tongues employ +[4760.10 --> 4765.42] You blind behold your Savior come +[4765.42 --> 4771.42] And leave you lame for joy +[4771.42 --> 4779.10] Don't love your deep words of love +[4779.10 --> 4783.42] Be now and ever again +[4783.98 --> 4788.74] Life sings below and sings above +[4788.74 --> 4794.06] The church in earth and hell +[4794.06 --> 4806.04] Following our worship together +[4806.04 --> 4808.10] There's going to be a time of fellowship at the back +[4808.10 --> 4813.66] We encourage you to stick around and enjoy a cup of coffee and some time together +[4813.66 --> 4817.10] Encourage one another with what you've seen God doing in your midst +[4817.10 --> 4819.72] Invite others to share what they have seen God doing +[4819.72 --> 4822.08] If you'd like to meet someone for prayer +[4822.08 --> 4823.98] There will be someone up here at the front +[4823.98 --> 4825.28] With a yellow name tag on +[4825.28 --> 4827.56] They'd love to meet you and pray with you +[4827.56 --> 4829.72] About whatever it is that God has laid on your heart +[4829.72 --> 4831.24] To pray this morning +[4831.24 --> 4833.32] Lastly, just a quick reminder +[4833.32 --> 4835.62] If you'd like to sign up for one of those +[4835.62 --> 4837.48] Ten remaining places for reactivate +[4837.48 --> 4839.34] To meet Rachel at the +[4839.34 --> 4840.32] Connect booth +[4840.32 --> 4841.42] And she will get you there +[4841.42 --> 4845.36] As you go from this place +[4845.36 --> 4848.12] And to the softball diamond +[4848.12 --> 4849.50] Later on this afternoon +[4849.50 --> 4853.40] May you go with the blessing of our God +[4853.40 --> 4855.06] Receive God's blessing +[4855.06 --> 4858.96] God go before you to lead you +[4858.96 --> 4861.94] God go behind you to protect you +[4861.94 --> 4864.16] God go beneath you to support you +[4864.16 --> 4866.92] And God go beside you to befriend you +[4866.92 --> 4869.20] Do not be afraid +[4869.20 --> 4871.76] Let the blessing of God come upon you today +[4871.76 --> 4873.48] Do not be afraid +[4873.48 --> 4875.96] But go in peace +[4875.96 --> 4879.12] To join the mission of God +[4879.12 --> 4880.24] Amen +[4880.24 --> 4887.00] Amen +[4887.00 --> 4889.00] Amen. +[4917.00 --> 4919.00] Amen. +[4947.00 --> 4949.00] Amen. +[4977.00 --> 4979.00] Amen. +[5007.00 --> 5009.00] Amen. +[5037.00 --> 5039.00] Amen. +[5067.00 --> 5069.00] Amen. +[5097.00 --> 5099.00] Amen. +[5127.00 --> 5129.00] Amen. +[5157.00 --> 5159.00] Amen. +[5187.00 --> 5189.00] Amen. +[5217.00 --> 5219.00] Amen. +[5247.00 --> 5249.00] Amen. diff --git a/Sunday Worship, Sep 15, 2024_summary.txt b/Sunday Worship, Sep 15, 2024_summary.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000000000000000000000000000000000000..3963f9aaeb566a142c61b121cc69e29633449ba8 --- /dev/null +++ b/Sunday Worship, Sep 15, 2024_summary.txt @@ -0,0 +1,70 @@ +• Introduction to a church season of reflection +• Discussion of the church's mission and goals summarized in three words: "gather, grow, and go" +• Reflection on the importance of evaluating and adjusting church activities during back-to-school and back-to-work seasons +• The importance of gathering as a church +• Why people may question the necessity of attending church +• Seven reasons why we must gather (touched on briefly) +• Genesis 1 and creation: humans made in God's image +• Resting on the seventh day, a pattern set by God +• Transition from Sabbath to Lord's Day for gathering +• The church is described as a great multitude from every nation, tribe, and people, standing before the throne and Lamb, wearing white robes and holding palm branches. +• The purpose of gathering with God's people is to worship Him and glorify Him, and to be united with other Christians throughout time and space. +• The church is not an event, but a body, with Christ as its head, and individual believers are part of this body. +• Gathering together helps individuals make sense of their union with Christ and His body. +• The gathered church should be a lived example of the spiritual reality of Christ's body. +• Hebrews 10 emphasizes the importance of meeting together to encourage one another to love and good works. +• The author of the letter to the Hebrews emphasizes the importance of gathering together as we approach the Lord's day +• Gathering prepares us for the last day, but also perseveres us through it +• The Canons of Dort (Article 14) states that God preserves and completes the work of grace in us through hearing, reading, and living the gospel +• Gathering shows love and community has a greater purpose than personal life +• The church is meant to be a new kind of community where love is lived out through divine hospitality +• Loving others as we have been loved by Jesus is key to experiencing this kind of community +• Gathering together demonstrates God's love to the world around us, making us more able to live it out +• The church gathers to be reminded of the truth of God's love for them +• Ephesians 3:10-11 highlights the importance of the church in making known the manifold wisdom of God to the heavenly realms +• The gathering of the church is a mystery that even angels and demons look on in wonder +• The local church is an embassy of the high king, protected from the powers and principalities of this world +• Jesus is present when two or three are gathered in his name, establishing the truth that he is among them +• The passage of Colossians is discussed and explained, emphasizing Christ's role as the creator, sustainer, and head of the church. +• The local church is described as an embassy or outpost of heaven, with Christ as the high king. +• The purpose of gathering in church is to worship and lay down personal preferences for the benefit of others. +• The decline in church attendance and participation is mentioned, particularly in the North American West after the COVID pandemic. +• The passage concludes with a call to reframe one's perspective on attending church, from obligation to privilege and opportunity. +• The Great Dechurching by Davis and Graham, and Burge +• Sociological analysis of why people leave church and the potential for reimagination and re-bolstering understanding of community and gathering +• Research findings on what motivates people to attend or return to church, including making new friends, being invited, seeking a good community, and family obligations +• The importance of simply asking or inviting others to gather in faith communities +• The transformative power of experiencing love that changes everything about who one is +• The importance of gathering with conviction and energy +• God's presence and making himself known +• Requesting continued gathering and receiving from God the grace of his word made tangible +• Growing by the truth of the gospel as they taste and see that God is good +• Meeting at Jesus' feast and praying in his name alone +• The liturgy and prayer are discussed +• A call to join in the liturgy and reflection is made +• Gratitude is expressed for creation, covenant with God, and Jesus Christ's sacrifice +• The institution of the Eucharist by Jesus is referenced +• The significance of remembrance and proclamation of Jesus' death is emphasized +• Affirmation of Jesus' coming with joy and hope +• Invitation to the Lord's table for all people, regardless of faith or trust level +• Inclusion of those present in person or online +• Explanation of the gifts of God for His people +• Description of the communal act of partaking in the Eucharist +• Instructions on passing elements and saying phrases during communion +• Introduction to service logistics +• Invitation for worship leaders and volunteers to come forward +• Instructions on how to receive communion (including gluten-free options) +• Prayer led by worship leaders +• References to Jesus Christ's sacrifice and death +• Discussion of personal sin and guilt +• Boasting in the name of Jesus Christ and his resurrection +• Acknowledgement of being a recipient of God's love and redemption +• Reflection on spiritual freedom and forgiveness +• Expressions of gratitude for God's justice, love, and mercy +• Comparison to the hymn "Amazing Grace" +• References to salvation, rescue, and divine intervention +• The importance of love and unity in Christianity +• A blessing for a journey of faith, with God's presence and protection +• Encouragement to walk together, hand in hand, and strengthen community bonds +• Praise for the Spirit that makes them one +• Repeated emphasis on being known by their love \ No newline at end of file diff --git a/Sunday Worship, Sep 15, 2024_transcript.txt b/Sunday Worship, Sep 15, 2024_transcript.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000000000000000000000000000000000000..3c09230fe24bb90791373ec9254cb0f2a02b90f7 --- /dev/null +++ b/Sunday Worship, Sep 15, 2024_transcript.txt @@ -0,0 +1,1271 @@ +[0.00 --> 29.98] Thank you. +[30.00 --> 59.98] Thank you. +[60.00 --> 89.98] Thank you. +[90.00 --> 119.98] Thank you. +[120.00 --> 149.98] Thank you. +[150.00 --> 179.98] Thank you. +[180.00 --> 209.98] Thank you. +[210.00 --> 239.98] Thank you. +[240.00 --> 269.98] Thank you. +[270.00 --> 299.98] Thank you. +[300.00 --> 329.98] Thank you. +[330.00 --> 359.98] Thank you. +[360.00 --> 389.98] Thank you. +[389.98 --> 419.96] Thank you. +[419.98 --> 449.96] Thank you. +[449.98 --> 479.96] Thank you. +[479.96 --> 509.94] Thank you. +[509.96 --> 539.94] Thank you. +[539.94 --> 569.92] Thank you. +[569.92 --> 599.90] Thank you. +[599.92 --> 629.90] Thank you. +[629.92 --> 659.90] Thank you. +[659.90 --> 689.88] Thank you. +[689.90 --> 719.88] Thank you. +[719.90 --> 749.88] Thank you. +[749.88 --> 779.86] Thank you. +[779.88 --> 809.86] Thank you. +[809.88 --> 839.86] Thank you. +[839.88 --> 869.86] Thank you. +[869.88 --> 899.86] Thank you. +[899.88 --> 929.86] Thank you. +[929.86 --> 959.84] Thank you. +[959.86 --> 989.86] So, +[989.86 --> 1019.84] Thank you. +[1019.84 --> 1019.86] Thank you. +[1049.84 --> 1079.82] Thank you. +[1079.84 --> 1109.82] Thank you. +[1109.84 --> 1139.82] Ephesians 2. +[1139.84 --> 1169.82] In him, you are also, +[1169.82 --> 1199.80] Thank you. +[1199.80 --> 1229.78] Thank you. +[1229.78 --> 1259.76] Thank you. +[1259.76 --> 1289.74] Thank you. +[1289.76 --> 1319.74] Thank you. +[1319.76 --> 1349.74] Thank you. +[1349.76 --> 1379.74] Thank you. +[1379.76 --> 1409.74] Thank you. +[1409.76 --> 1439.74] Thank you. +[1439.76 --> 1469.74] Thank you. +[1469.76 --> 1499.74] Thank you. +[1499.76 --> 1529.74] Thank you. +[1529.76 --> 1559.74] Thank you. +[1559.76 --> 1589.74] Thank you. +[1589.76 --> 1619.74] In the name of Jesus. +[1619.74 --> 1649.72] O Lord, hear. +[1649.72 --> 1679.70] O Lord, forgive us. +[1679.70 --> 1709.68] Thank you. +[1709.68 --> 1739.66] Thank you. +[1739.68 --> 1769.66] Thank you. +[1769.66 --> 1799.64] Thank you. +[1799.64 --> 1829.62] Thank you. +[1829.64 --> 1859.62] Thank you. +[1859.62 --> 1889.60] Thank you. +[1889.62 --> 1919.60] Thank you. +[1919.60 --> 1949.58] Thank you. +[1949.58 --> 1979.56] Thank you. +[1979.56 --> 2009.54] Make you. +[2009.54 --> 2039.52] Thank you. +[2039.54 --> 2069.54] There will be +[2069.54 --> 2099.52] Thank you. +[2099.52 --> 2129.50] Thank you. +[2129.52 --> 2159.50] Thank you. +[2159.50 --> 2189.48] Thank you. +[2189.48 --> 2219.46] Thank you. +[2219.48 --> 2249.48] Thank you. +[2249.48 --> 2279.46] Thank you. +[2279.46 --> 2309.44] Thank you. +[2309.46 --> 2339.44] Thank you. +[2339.44 --> 2369.42] Thank you. +[2369.44 --> 2399.42] Thank you. +[2399.44 --> 2429.42] Thank you. +[2429.44 --> 2459.42] Thank you. +[2459.44 --> 2489.42] Thank you. +[2489.44 --> 2519.42] Thank you. +[2519.42 --> 2549.40] Thank you. +[2549.42 --> 2579.40] Thank you. +[2579.40 --> 2609.38] I'm on a name, +[2609.38 --> 2639.38] Thank you. +[2639.38 --> 2669.38] Thank you. +[2669.38 --> 2699.36] Thank you. +[2699.38 --> 2729.36] Thank you. +[2729.36 --> 2759.34] Thank you. +[2759.36 --> 2789.34] Thank you. +[2789.34 --> 2819.34] Thank you. +[2819.34 --> 2849.34] Thank you. +[2849.34 --> 2879.34] Thank you. +[2879.34 --> 2909.34] Thank you. +[2909.34 --> 2939.34] Thank you. +[2939.34 --> 2969.34] Thank you. +[2969.34 --> 2999.34] Thank you. +[2999.34 --> 3029.34] Thank you. +[3029.34 --> 3059.34] Thank you. +[3059.34 --> 3089.34] Thank you. +[3089.34 --> 3090.34] Thank you. +[3119.34 --> 3121.34] Thank you. +[3149.34 --> 3179.34] Thank you. +[3179.34 --> 3181.34] Thank you. +[3209.34 --> 3210.34] Thank you. +[3239.34 --> 3269.32] Thank you. +[3269.34 --> 3299.34] Thank you. +[3299.34 --> 3301.34] Thank you. +[3329.34 --> 3330.34] Thank you. +[3359.34 --> 3360.34] Thank you. +[3389.34 --> 3390.34] We pray. +[3419.34 --> 3420.34] Thank you. +[3449.34 --> 3479.34] You have +[3479.34 --> 3496.72] It is September, it's the season of beginnings, back to school, back to regular patterns of work +[3496.72 --> 3505.42] and life for many people, and for us here as well at church, back into the sort of normal +[3505.42 --> 3514.36] patterns of ministry life together. Every year at this time, during this season, we tend to pause for a moment +[3514.36 --> 3524.78] and look at what it is that we do and why we do what it is that we do. For us at Emanuel, that is +[3524.78 --> 3535.08] summarized really quickly with three words, gather, grow, and go. And so for the next three Sundays, +[3535.54 --> 3538.90] we're going to look at each one of those words and what it means for us and how it shapes +[3538.90 --> 3546.14] what we do together as a church. And this morning, starting with in that, we're looking at the word +[3546.14 --> 3560.48] gather. Why do we gather here? Why do we come together on Sunday or in different days of the week, +[3560.48 --> 3565.92] different ministries and different opportunities and different chances to serve? What is it about +[3565.92 --> 3577.56] gathering that is important for us? Or maybe you're more likely to wonder, is it important for us? +[3579.20 --> 3587.60] I was reflecting on that this morning and realizing that particularly if you are a parent or have +[3587.60 --> 3594.88] ever parented young children, right, you might be familiar with the question, why do we have to go +[3594.88 --> 3602.22] to church? Now, when I was a kid, it was, why do we have to go to church twice? Some of you remember +[3602.22 --> 3609.36] that. Some of you still have trauma recovering from that experience. Why do we have to go to church? +[3609.36 --> 3617.04] Do we have to go to church? What's the point of all of that? And to be honest, asking this question +[3617.04 --> 3623.98] at a time like this is actually really prescient because as you look around the church in North +[3623.98 --> 3631.30] America, a lot of people are saying, I don't have to. It's not that important. It's not a big deal. +[3631.30 --> 3640.32] Now, let's be really clear. That is true here in North America. Globally, praise the Lord, that's not +[3640.32 --> 3646.26] the case. Globally, the Christian church is still growing at a pace that is incredible to behold. +[3647.24 --> 3655.46] But why for us does it continue to matter? And so my prayer this morning, my hope this morning +[3655.46 --> 3664.96] is to hold out to you maybe a little bit of a vision for why we must gather. That it's actually +[3664.96 --> 3673.30] about something more than just coming to an event. But there's something more going on here. +[3674.16 --> 3680.78] And so I want to share with you really quickly, because I am mindful of the time, seven reasons +[3680.78 --> 3687.74] why we must gather. And to do that, we're going to do things a little bit differently this morning. +[3687.86 --> 3692.42] I'm not going to start with one text and then work our way through that text. I'm going to share with +[3692.42 --> 3698.62] you a bunch of texts, and they will be on the screen behind me as we go through together. +[3699.38 --> 3705.38] But to make sense of this and to start answering this question, why must we gather, it's actually +[3705.38 --> 3710.46] fitting, I think, for us to start at the beginning. And so we're going to start with +[3710.46 --> 3723.50] creation, right? In Genesis 1, on the sixth day of creation, God says in Genesis 1 verse 26, +[3723.94 --> 3729.80] let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule over the fish in the sea, +[3729.90 --> 3735.38] and the birds in the sky, over the livestock, and all the wild animals, and over all the creatures +[3735.38 --> 3742.44] that move along the ground. So God created mankind in his own image. In the image of God, +[3742.52 --> 3749.14] he created them. Male and female, he created them. What I want you to hear in there, right, +[3749.18 --> 3759.48] is that we are created in the image of God. And so if you're in your Bible, if you flip over a page at the +[3759.48 --> 3767.86] end of the first creation story, in Genesis 2 verse 1, we read, thus the heavens and the earth were +[3767.86 --> 3774.00] completed in all their vast array, and by the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing. +[3774.36 --> 3781.40] So on the seventh day he rested from all his work. Then God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, +[3781.40 --> 3791.52] because on it he rested from all the work of creation. And this becomes a pattern, a pattern +[3791.52 --> 3799.08] that God calls us to live into as those who are created in his image, right? If you are created in +[3799.08 --> 3805.90] the image and likeness of God and he rests on the seventh day, maybe there's a reason, a creationally +[3805.90 --> 3816.06] normative reason for you to rest regularly as well. And in fact, as this works out, this will be +[3816.06 --> 3822.54] presented to the people of Israel in the Ten Commandments. And so when the people are rediscovering +[3822.54 --> 3828.70] their relationship to God, one of the things that they do is receive from him a law. And in the fourth +[3828.70 --> 3838.24] commandment in Exodus 20 verse 8, we read, remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. Six days you +[3838.24 --> 3843.30] shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord your God. On it you +[3843.30 --> 3849.02] shall not do any work, neither you nor your son or daughter, nor your male or female servant, nor your +[3849.02 --> 3855.30] animals, nor any foreigner residing in your towns. For in six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth, +[3855.30 --> 3860.90] the sea and all that is in them. But he rested on the seventh day. Therefore the Lord blessed the +[3860.90 --> 3869.94] Sabbath day and made it holy. But the first reason I want you to see that we are called to gather, +[3870.04 --> 3880.86] why we must gather, is that you were made for this. You were made to rest in the Lord. In fact, +[3880.86 --> 3887.40] Jesus will affirm this in Mark. He says the Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath. And so +[3887.40 --> 3894.90] part of what's going on here is that God has given you the Sabbath as a way of resting in him. And so +[3894.90 --> 3902.10] let me be again clear, it's less about a day and what day, it's more about a practice. It's more about a +[3902.10 --> 3910.38] rhythm, right? And very on in the early church in the New Testament, the practice of gathering changed +[3910.38 --> 3916.72] from the Sabbath, which is the Saturday, to the Lord's Day. The early church gathers together on +[3916.72 --> 3922.34] what's called the Lord's Day because that's Resurrection Sunday. The day that Jesus was +[3922.34 --> 3929.18] raised from the dead, the first day of the week, is the day we now gather to worship our God. You were +[3929.18 --> 3938.96] made for this rhythm of communal being together. And not only that, right, were you made for this +[3938.96 --> 3949.16] from the beginning, it's also your end. It's your telos. It's part of our purpose together. In Revelation 7, +[3949.52 --> 3950.46] it says, +[3950.46 --> 3958.74] After this, I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count from every +[3958.74 --> 3964.76] nation, tribe, and people, and language. Standing before the throne and before the Lamb, they were +[3964.76 --> 3970.00] wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands, and they cried out in a loud voice, +[3970.52 --> 3975.94] Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne and to the Lamb. +[3975.94 --> 3983.36] And not only were you created for this regular rhythm of gathering together with God's people, +[3983.46 --> 3993.06] but that is our end, our goal, to worship God and to glorify Him, to stand in His presence with all +[3993.06 --> 4000.26] those Christians from around the world throughout time and space and history, and to worship the Lamb. +[4000.26 --> 4013.76] You were made for this. And we continue. For the second reason, we're going to look at Ephesians 4. +[4015.64 --> 4020.90] Ephesians 4, 15 and 16. We read, +[4021.32 --> 4028.22] Speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of Him who is the head +[4028.22 --> 4034.54] that is Christ. From Him, the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, +[4034.66 --> 4043.98] grows and builds itself up in love as each part does its work. Now, next week, when Kevin is up here +[4043.98 --> 4050.50] preaching, he's going to look at the word grow and how that is part of our purpose and our being +[4050.50 --> 4057.16] together. From this text, what I want us to see is that the church is not an event, it is a body. +[4058.22 --> 4063.96] And so, even this regular rhythm of gathering together isn't about the event, it's about being +[4063.96 --> 4071.76] part of the body. The church is the body of Christ and He is their head. And this isn't just a metaphor, +[4072.12 --> 4078.66] this isn't just a word picture, this is actually a spiritual reality for us. Right, over and over and +[4078.66 --> 4083.92] over again in the New Testament, this is affirmed, right, that we are the body of Christ by grace +[4083.92 --> 4091.76] through faith and that He is our head. Part of what it means to be Christian is to be becoming like +[4091.76 --> 4099.12] Jesus. Because what it means to be Christian is to be united to Jesus in His life and in His death and +[4099.12 --> 4105.30] in His resurrection. And our individual participation in the divine nature, to use the language of 2 Peter, +[4105.30 --> 4114.26] that is becoming as Christ, that happens in the body, right, that's being worked out in the body as a +[4114.26 --> 4124.94] whole united to her head. The individual believer's union with Christ makes for a necessary and +[4124.94 --> 4134.32] consequent union with others in the body. There ought to be no such thing as an individualistic +[4134.32 --> 4143.28] Christian. Because the truth is, right, if the church is Jesus' body, if you want the whole of +[4143.28 --> 4152.78] Jesus, you need the church. To be connected to Jesus as your head is simultaneously to be connected +[4152.78 --> 4163.48] to others as His body. The church is intended to be a lived example of this spiritual reality. +[4164.32 --> 4169.88] The gathered church helps us make sense of the head and who the head is. +[4171.68 --> 4178.56] I was thinking about a way to illustrate this and I was reminded of a story when my kids were really +[4178.56 --> 4184.86] young. We were walking as a family into Old Navy and I don't know if you have seen this before, but +[4184.86 --> 4190.10] oftentimes when you walk into Old Navy or other clothing stores, there's mannequins at the front, +[4190.10 --> 4196.58] right, that have the wares on them. Well, I don't know when this happened, but mannequins today don't +[4196.58 --> 4204.12] have heads. And so we walked into Old Navy and one of my kids, really young, they looked up and they said, +[4204.20 --> 4212.24] what is that? Because it wasn't recognizable as a person because it didn't have a head, right? +[4212.24 --> 4222.96] In the same way, the church is made recognizable as the church because of our head, because of who Jesus is, +[4222.96 --> 4233.34] right? And likewise, Jesus is made recognizable and embodied by the church, by having a body. +[4233.34 --> 4249.60] The reason we gather is because the church isn't an event. What we do here isn't just another thing +[4249.60 --> 4257.96] or box to check in your week. This is the work and the being and the gathering of the body. +[4257.96 --> 4270.48] Next, I want us to look at Hebrews 10. Hebrews 10 verse 24 and 25 says, +[4270.48 --> 4281.72] let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together as +[4281.72 --> 4287.94] is the habit of some, but encouraging one another and all the more as you see the day approaching. +[4287.96 --> 4295.68] As we read this text and as you see it behind me there, let us consider how to stir up one another +[4295.68 --> 4300.90] to love and good works, not neglecting meeting together as some are in the habit of doing. +[4301.42 --> 4308.08] You see, there's a connection between you showing up and you being stirred up, right? You need to show +[4308.08 --> 4316.56] up in order to stir up. One way to think about this, I don't know if you are familiar, in some places +[4316.56 --> 4323.06] around the world, usually tropical places, there is an algae that lives in water and it passively, +[4323.12 --> 4328.36] it just sits there. But if you run your hand through the water, if you throw a stone in the water, +[4328.46 --> 4334.06] it lights up, it illuminates. It's this bioluminescent algae that reacts to being stirred. +[4336.10 --> 4342.84] That's what's happening here, right? You need to show up to be stirred up in order to glow up. +[4342.84 --> 4347.50] Now, I know glow up means something different in the world today, but I want you to shine like stars +[4347.50 --> 4353.94] in the universe, like Paul says in Philippians 2, as you hold out the word of life, right? You need to +[4353.94 --> 4360.80] show up in order to be stirred up, right? To love and to good works. Part of what we do here is be +[4360.80 --> 4369.58] encouraged to shine like stars. Next, out of this text, what I want you to see, right? That let us +[4369.58 --> 4373.68] consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting meeting together, +[4373.78 --> 4377.06] as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another. And this last line, +[4377.62 --> 4387.72] all the more as you see the day drawing near. Now, in the Bible, the day or the Lord's day +[4387.72 --> 4394.42] is a bit of a theologically technical term, anticipating that great day of judgment, +[4394.42 --> 4398.70] that great day of the consummation of the kingdom, that great day of Christ's return. +[4399.88 --> 4406.50] And what the author of the letter to the Hebrews is saying is that far from gathering together less, +[4407.02 --> 4411.48] the closer we get to that day, the more we ought to be gathering together. +[4412.70 --> 4417.46] And what we're hearing and seeing here, the fourth reason that we must gather is that the Lord's day +[4417.46 --> 4425.40] prepares you for the last day, or that everything we do here is looking forward to that great day. +[4425.46 --> 4432.48] But even more than that, right? The Lord's day prepares you, but also it perseveres you, right? +[4432.48 --> 4440.02] One of the means by which we are carried and sustained unto that last day is by gathering together. +[4441.56 --> 4445.62] Now, I'm going to ask for your grace for a minute because I'm going to nerd out here. +[4445.62 --> 4452.56] In our church tradition, the continental reform tradition that we are part of, +[4453.36 --> 4458.16] we have three forms of unity, three confessions or statements of faith, +[4458.52 --> 4462.88] and the one most often neglected and forgotten is called the canons of Dort. +[4463.56 --> 4468.72] Now, when you hear canons of Dort, don't picture massive cannons on top of a castle, right, +[4468.72 --> 4474.68] shooting things out. Rather, here, lists and a description of a truth and an idea. +[4475.62 --> 4482.50] Canons of Dort, the article 14 of the fourth and fifth main point of doctrine says, +[4482.50 --> 4489.54] just as it has pleased God to begin this work of grace in us by the proclamation of the gospel, +[4490.74 --> 4497.42] so God preserves, continues, and completes this work by the hearing and reading of the gospel, +[4497.64 --> 4503.32] by meditation on it, by its exhortations, threats, and promises, and also by use of the sacraments. +[4503.32 --> 4509.98] All right, so just as you become a Christian by grace through faith in believing the gospel, +[4509.98 --> 4516.86] you remain a Christian by grace through faith in hearing, practicing, and living the gospel. +[4517.92 --> 4524.42] Right, God does this for us, and this right here, this ordinary thing is in fact extraordinary +[4524.42 --> 4533.86] because God is using it to persevere you to the end. The Lord's day prepares you and perseveres you +[4533.86 --> 4539.66] for the last day. Next, let's jump to John. +[4542.04 --> 4549.60] John 13, 34, and 35. Jesus says to his disciples who've gathered around him, +[4549.60 --> 4557.18] a new command I give you, love one another. As I have loved you, so must you love one another. +[4558.06 --> 4565.04] By this, everyone will know that you are my disciples if you love one another. +[4566.40 --> 4576.92] Here's the idea for us, right? Gathering together shows you and others that your love has a greater +[4576.92 --> 4579.90] purpose than your life. +[4581.32 --> 4586.40] Right, the idea here is that the church isn't just meant to be a new community, +[4586.84 --> 4592.20] because there are plenty of those springing up, right? Some of you are part of cornhole communities. +[4593.08 --> 4598.22] That wasn't a thing five years ago, right? Some of you are part of pickleball communities. +[4598.22 --> 4602.66] That also wasn't a thing five years ago, right? There's all sorts of new communities springing up. +[4602.66 --> 4608.18] What's different about this one? The church is meant to be a new kind of community. +[4609.86 --> 4616.04] It turns out that the gospel is, in some ways, divine hospitality, right? +[4617.88 --> 4625.68] This was said by Sam Alberry and Dane Ortlund in a book that they wrote called You're Not Crazy. +[4625.68 --> 4631.70] They say that the finished work of Christ on the cross is not God's way of saying to us, +[4631.88 --> 4636.78] you're now free to go, but it's God's way of saying to us, you are now free to come. +[4637.62 --> 4640.34] He's not sending us off, he's inviting us in. +[4642.08 --> 4649.10] And the way that we live that kind of love received from God is by loving others in that same way. +[4649.10 --> 4656.12] And so part of our gathering here continues in your gathering on Wednesday and Tuesday and Thursday +[4656.12 --> 4659.88] as you invite people into your homes, as you invite people into your lives. +[4660.40 --> 4666.62] Part of the gathering that we have here, giving our love purpose and showing us true love, right? +[4666.70 --> 4668.56] Jesus says in John 15, +[4668.78 --> 4674.32] greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one's life for a friend. +[4674.32 --> 4680.92] The kind of love, this new kind of community that the church is living and experiencing and sharing +[4680.92 --> 4685.62] is one that is willing to die to self for the sake of another. +[4686.18 --> 4693.34] One that is willing to sacrifice my comfort or my finances in order to build wealth in Africa. +[4696.24 --> 4700.32] This is what we gather to do. +[4700.32 --> 4707.96] It turns out, again, Josh Vincent summarized it. +[4708.02 --> 4715.30] He said, the local church is God's chief evangelistic strategy for a lost and dying world. +[4716.98 --> 4718.20] That's why we gather. +[4719.12 --> 4722.78] To show God's love to the world around us. +[4722.78 --> 4729.42] To be made more and more able to live that love to the world around us. +[4730.32 --> 4738.66] We gather because doing so shows your love has a greater purpose than your life. +[4739.20 --> 4743.50] Because your love reveals the love of Jesus. +[4744.04 --> 4746.12] A love that took Him to the cross. +[4746.74 --> 4753.24] A love that moved Him to keep perfectly the demands and commands of the law in my place. +[4753.24 --> 4759.18] A love that moved Him in grace to give me His righteousness. +[4759.48 --> 4761.36] To lay that on my shoulders. +[4761.68 --> 4768.68] To impute that to me like I am clothed now in Him such that when God looks at me, He sees His Son. +[4770.62 --> 4776.74] And even though He died, that same Jesus was raised three days later victorious over sin and death. +[4776.74 --> 4779.64] And out of that same love that brought Him down. +[4779.64 --> 4781.82] Out of that same love that raised Him up. +[4781.88 --> 4785.00] Out of that same love He now loves us. +[4785.18 --> 4787.76] That we might love others. +[4788.58 --> 4789.80] That's why we gather. +[4790.48 --> 4793.74] To be reminded of this truth. +[4798.40 --> 4804.04] For our sixth reason, we see Ephesians 3, 10, and 11. +[4804.04 --> 4806.34] Where Paul writes, +[4806.34 --> 4816.02] His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms. +[4816.20 --> 4822.36] According to His eternal purpose that He accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord. +[4823.52 --> 4825.18] Now this one's easy to miss. +[4826.48 --> 4831.48] But there's something mysterious about what happens here. +[4831.48 --> 4839.14] Our gathering makes angels and demons look on in wonder. +[4840.04 --> 4840.90] Did you catch that? +[4841.72 --> 4847.94] That the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms. +[4849.96 --> 4852.48] Through the church. +[4854.82 --> 4859.38] 1 Peter says that even angels long to look into these things. +[4859.38 --> 4865.78] When individual believers gather to glorify Christ together. +[4866.02 --> 4870.52] Even the cosmic forces in unseen realms tune in. +[4871.28 --> 4873.30] And try to make sense of what's happening here. +[4875.00 --> 4878.60] And sometimes I think it's really easy for us to miss that. +[4878.68 --> 4880.72] Because our focus is so small. +[4880.80 --> 4882.92] Because what's in front of us seems so big. +[4882.92 --> 4886.82] In fact, I want to articulate that. +[4889.10 --> 4890.16] We have a picture. +[4890.32 --> 4891.86] Can we put that picture up on the screen? +[4892.02 --> 4892.56] The first one? +[4894.02 --> 4895.96] So that's hard to see and make sense of. +[4895.98 --> 4896.76] And that's kind of the point. +[4897.88 --> 4899.92] But there's dots there. +[4901.16 --> 4904.50] Those dots on their own aren't that impressive. +[4904.50 --> 4908.28] But when you zoom out. +[4908.38 --> 4909.18] Show us the next one. +[4911.00 --> 4916.54] Those dots come together to paint a beautiful picture. +[4916.72 --> 4920.78] This is a painting called A Sunday on Le Grand Yat. +[4920.84 --> 4925.42] It's by French painter from the 19th century named Georges Serrat. +[4925.42 --> 4927.98] And the art form is called pointillism. +[4929.22 --> 4933.32] So everything you see there is an individual dot. +[4934.32 --> 4937.26] That comes together to make a picture. +[4938.92 --> 4939.46] Right? +[4939.60 --> 4942.02] That's what's happening when the church gathers. +[4942.14 --> 4946.06] And sometimes it's hard for us to see how our little dot matters. +[4946.06 --> 4954.28] But in the whole picture, even angels are astounded by what is taking place here. +[4956.54 --> 4958.10] That's why we gather. +[4960.26 --> 4967.64] And then let's lastly look at 2 Corinthians 3.18. +[4969.44 --> 4970.80] There we read. +[4970.80 --> 4995.80] As we land this together, here's the last thing I want us to see about why we must gather. +[4995.80 --> 5002.40] Because, you see, the local church is an embassy of the high king. +[5004.22 --> 5007.16] The local church is an embassy of the high king. +[5007.24 --> 5011.26] Now, maybe you're not familiar with how embassies in different countries work. +[5014.44 --> 5020.60] If you visit an embassy, the simple understanding is that when you enter the property of the embassy, +[5020.76 --> 5022.56] so say you're visiting the embassy in Canada, +[5022.56 --> 5026.14] as soon as you cross the property line, you are on Canadian soil. +[5027.50 --> 5029.24] Now, it's a little bit more complicated than that. +[5029.34 --> 5033.56] And behind it is the principle of involliability. +[5034.88 --> 5035.98] Now, that's a complicated word. +[5036.04 --> 5040.02] But what it means is the host country cannot interfere with them +[5040.02 --> 5043.08] or take legal action against the embassy or its personnel +[5043.08 --> 5047.50] in the same way that they can in local institutions or in their own land. +[5047.50 --> 5055.12] Part of why we gather how the church functions as a local embassy of the high king +[5055.12 --> 5059.16] is that here in this space and in this place as a church, +[5059.32 --> 5061.00] which is a body together, +[5062.00 --> 5067.18] you are protected from the powers and principalities of this world. +[5067.94 --> 5072.92] This is holy ground where the kingdom of heaven has broken in +[5072.92 --> 5076.48] and redefined the very world you live in. +[5078.10 --> 5078.90] Jesus says, +[5079.04 --> 5081.46] where two or three are gathered in my name, +[5081.82 --> 5083.06] there I am among them. +[5083.36 --> 5087.32] Now, he's picking up on a long Jewish tradition +[5087.32 --> 5091.10] of needing two or three witnesses to establish the truth of something. +[5091.86 --> 5094.80] But the witnesses who establish the truth of something +[5094.80 --> 5098.26] here are establishing the truth that Jesus is among us. +[5098.56 --> 5099.64] The king is here. +[5099.64 --> 5105.38] We gather because he is here and he has called us to this place. +[5105.52 --> 5106.40] The king who has said, +[5106.74 --> 5109.54] all authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. +[5110.26 --> 5114.20] The king who we read in Colossians is the image of the invisible God, +[5114.30 --> 5116.24] the firstborn over all creation. +[5116.40 --> 5117.24] For by him, +[5117.34 --> 5119.62] all things were created in heaven and on earth, +[5119.72 --> 5120.70] visible and invisible, +[5120.98 --> 5123.62] whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities. +[5123.94 --> 5127.38] All things were created through him and for him. +[5127.38 --> 5129.44] And he is before all things. +[5129.56 --> 5130.14] And in him, +[5130.20 --> 5131.64] all things hold together. +[5131.76 --> 5133.78] And he is the head of the body, +[5133.86 --> 5134.28] the church. +[5134.40 --> 5135.34] He is the beginning, +[5135.72 --> 5136.88] the firstborn from the dead, +[5137.24 --> 5138.42] that in everything, +[5138.70 --> 5140.52] he might be preeminent. +[5141.56 --> 5142.36] For in him, +[5142.68 --> 5145.22] all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell +[5145.22 --> 5147.66] and through him to reconcile to himself +[5147.66 --> 5148.66] all things, +[5148.78 --> 5150.34] whether on earth or in heaven, +[5150.72 --> 5153.08] making peace by the blood of the cross. +[5153.16 --> 5154.36] This is our king. +[5154.36 --> 5157.30] This is our king. +[5157.36 --> 5159.54] And he has called us to this place. +[5160.98 --> 5161.92] And in fact, +[5162.32 --> 5166.94] even as we stand now on embassy ground, +[5167.28 --> 5169.10] we long for that one day +[5169.10 --> 5171.60] where the kingdom of heaven will spill out +[5171.60 --> 5173.42] and cover the whole earth. +[5173.84 --> 5173.92] Right? +[5173.96 --> 5175.48] The final vision where we began +[5175.48 --> 5177.28] says in Revelation 19, +[5177.58 --> 5178.50] verse 16, +[5178.62 --> 5178.78] it says, +[5178.78 --> 5180.56] on his robe and on his thigh, +[5180.66 --> 5181.68] he has the name written, +[5181.86 --> 5182.88] King of Kings +[5182.88 --> 5185.24] and Lord of Lords. +[5185.34 --> 5186.68] The gathering of the church +[5186.68 --> 5188.82] is an outpost of heaven. +[5190.00 --> 5191.16] That's why we gather. +[5192.18 --> 5193.94] The local church is an embassy +[5193.94 --> 5195.50] of the high king. +[5196.58 --> 5196.70] Right? +[5196.70 --> 5197.60] This is why we gather. +[5197.84 --> 5198.82] And it's amazing +[5198.82 --> 5199.82] and mysterious +[5199.82 --> 5200.90] and miraculous. +[5200.90 --> 5202.14] And I pray +[5202.14 --> 5203.78] that it is compelling. +[5205.52 --> 5206.00] Right? +[5206.06 --> 5206.74] And as you take +[5206.74 --> 5208.00] one of these reasons +[5208.00 --> 5208.74] or as you take +[5208.74 --> 5209.46] all of them, +[5209.48 --> 5210.74] and I pray that you remember +[5210.74 --> 5211.66] even just one +[5211.66 --> 5213.36] and you have conversation this week +[5213.36 --> 5214.42] even about just one +[5214.42 --> 5215.38] when someone says, +[5215.52 --> 5216.46] why do you go to church? +[5216.62 --> 5217.62] Take one of these. +[5218.38 --> 5219.38] But I also pray +[5219.38 --> 5220.32] that it changes +[5220.32 --> 5221.72] the way you come. +[5222.22 --> 5223.36] It changes the way +[5223.36 --> 5224.52] you prepare to come. +[5225.02 --> 5225.12] Right? +[5225.18 --> 5226.34] And instead of +[5226.34 --> 5228.10] do we have to go to church? +[5228.34 --> 5228.56] Right? +[5228.56 --> 5229.48] Maybe it becomes +[5229.48 --> 5231.78] even angels want to be part +[5231.78 --> 5232.72] of what's happening here. +[5233.52 --> 5234.68] And so I'm going to go +[5234.68 --> 5237.10] with excitement and joy. +[5238.24 --> 5239.08] Instead of, +[5239.30 --> 5239.48] you know, +[5239.54 --> 5241.14] I don't get anything out of it. +[5241.26 --> 5241.50] Right? +[5241.52 --> 5242.24] This is a chance +[5242.24 --> 5243.66] to visibly lay down +[5243.66 --> 5244.44] your preferences +[5244.44 --> 5245.56] and your priorities +[5245.56 --> 5246.70] for the body. +[5246.70 --> 5247.20] Right? +[5247.44 --> 5248.66] And to worship +[5248.66 --> 5252.00] our shared head. +[5253.42 --> 5254.56] Instead of +[5254.56 --> 5255.94] maybe church is boring. +[5256.34 --> 5256.44] Right? +[5256.64 --> 5257.96] Gathering is the means +[5257.96 --> 5258.68] by which God +[5258.68 --> 5260.42] holds onto you +[5260.42 --> 5261.38] until the end. +[5265.52 --> 5266.70] I mentioned at the beginning +[5266.70 --> 5268.46] that here +[5268.46 --> 5269.32] in this +[5269.32 --> 5270.86] part of the world +[5270.86 --> 5271.88] we are living in a time +[5271.88 --> 5272.48] that is seeing +[5272.48 --> 5275.36] almost unprecedented +[5275.36 --> 5276.42] decline +[5276.42 --> 5278.12] in church +[5278.12 --> 5278.92] gathering +[5278.92 --> 5279.90] and participation +[5279.90 --> 5282.82] for a number of reasons. +[5284.54 --> 5285.18] And after +[5285.18 --> 5286.42] the COVID pandemic +[5286.42 --> 5287.60] those numbers +[5287.60 --> 5288.88] never picked back up +[5288.88 --> 5290.14] in our +[5290.14 --> 5292.48] North American West. +[5294.02 --> 5294.68] There's a book +[5294.68 --> 5295.54] that I read recently +[5295.54 --> 5296.66] called +[5296.66 --> 5297.90] The Great Dechurching +[5297.90 --> 5299.32] by Davis and Graham +[5299.32 --> 5299.92] and Burge +[5299.92 --> 5301.62] and they end +[5301.62 --> 5302.80] that with a note +[5302.80 --> 5303.40] of hope. +[5304.76 --> 5305.62] Because at the end +[5305.62 --> 5306.06] of their +[5306.06 --> 5307.96] sociological analysis +[5307.96 --> 5308.98] of what was going on +[5308.98 --> 5310.92] they also said +[5310.92 --> 5312.50] that there is +[5312.50 --> 5313.82] reason for +[5313.82 --> 5314.60] hope +[5314.60 --> 5315.10] because +[5315.10 --> 5316.92] of how +[5316.92 --> 5318.22] we can now +[5318.22 --> 5320.24] reimagine +[5320.24 --> 5321.02] and +[5321.02 --> 5322.36] re-bolster +[5322.36 --> 5323.62] our understanding +[5323.62 --> 5324.92] of why we must +[5324.92 --> 5325.66] gather. +[5326.94 --> 5327.70] And they said +[5327.70 --> 5328.68] in their interviewing +[5328.68 --> 5329.82] and work +[5329.82 --> 5330.98] that +[5330.98 --> 5332.72] it actually +[5332.72 --> 5334.18] wouldn't take +[5334.18 --> 5335.44] that much +[5335.44 --> 5336.42] in many cases +[5336.42 --> 5337.72] to get people +[5337.72 --> 5338.70] to come to church +[5338.70 --> 5339.78] or come back +[5339.78 --> 5340.30] to church. +[5341.10 --> 5341.88] In fact +[5341.88 --> 5342.36] they said +[5342.36 --> 5343.62] that 28% +[5343.62 --> 5344.10] of people +[5344.10 --> 5344.62] asked +[5344.62 --> 5346.44] would come back +[5346.44 --> 5347.54] only because +[5347.54 --> 5348.12] the desire +[5348.12 --> 5348.68] to make new +[5348.68 --> 5349.08] friends +[5349.08 --> 5350.08] was enough. +[5351.74 --> 5353.08] 17% +[5353.08 --> 5354.20] that all +[5354.20 --> 5354.78] it would take +[5354.78 --> 5355.24] is a friend +[5355.24 --> 5355.90] inviting them. +[5357.22 --> 5358.28] Another 17% +[5358.28 --> 5359.10] said that +[5359.10 --> 5359.64] what they're +[5359.64 --> 5360.12] looking for +[5360.12 --> 5360.46] is a good +[5360.46 --> 5360.94] community. +[5362.10 --> 5362.42] And if they +[5362.42 --> 5362.74] could find +[5362.74 --> 5363.36] that somewhere +[5363.36 --> 5364.16] that would +[5364.16 --> 5364.96] be reason enough. +[5364.96 --> 5366.32] 16% +[5366.32 --> 5367.18] said that +[5367.18 --> 5367.48] they would +[5367.48 --> 5367.88] go back +[5367.88 --> 5368.22] if their +[5368.22 --> 5368.52] kids +[5368.52 --> 5369.16] invited them. +[5370.72 --> 5371.70] Another 18% +[5371.70 --> 5372.16] said they +[5372.16 --> 5372.66] would go back +[5372.66 --> 5372.94] if their +[5372.94 --> 5373.34] spouse +[5373.34 --> 5374.68] invited them. +[5377.18 --> 5377.92] Here's the +[5377.92 --> 5378.54] reality we +[5378.54 --> 5379.22] find ourselves +[5379.22 --> 5379.54] in. +[5381.70 --> 5382.30] Sometimes +[5382.30 --> 5383.98] all you +[5383.98 --> 5384.64] have to do +[5384.64 --> 5385.84] is say +[5385.84 --> 5386.80] this is why +[5386.80 --> 5387.38] I gather. +[5389.42 --> 5390.08] And so +[5390.08 --> 5390.40] how would you +[5390.40 --> 5390.78] answer that +[5390.78 --> 5391.16] question? +[5393.14 --> 5394.10] And maybe +[5394.10 --> 5394.92] sometimes +[5394.92 --> 5395.40] all you +[5395.40 --> 5395.64] have to +[5395.64 --> 5395.92] do +[5395.92 --> 5397.18] is ask. +[5398.24 --> 5398.70] Would you +[5398.70 --> 5399.02] like to +[5399.02 --> 5399.28] gather? +[5400.84 --> 5401.42] Would you +[5401.42 --> 5401.86] like to +[5401.86 --> 5402.62] participate in +[5402.62 --> 5403.10] something that +[5403.10 --> 5404.18] even angels +[5404.18 --> 5405.42] long to +[5405.42 --> 5405.84] understand? +[5407.04 --> 5407.54] Would you +[5407.54 --> 5407.84] like to +[5407.84 --> 5408.18] know a +[5408.18 --> 5408.80] love that +[5408.80 --> 5409.40] changes +[5409.40 --> 5410.60] everything +[5410.60 --> 5411.36] about who +[5411.36 --> 5411.76] you are? +[5412.64 --> 5413.44] That's what's +[5413.44 --> 5414.12] happening here +[5414.12 --> 5414.72] and that +[5414.72 --> 5415.44] is why +[5415.44 --> 5416.12] we +[5416.12 --> 5417.08] gather. +[5417.72 --> 5418.02] And I +[5418.02 --> 5418.38] pray that +[5418.38 --> 5418.60] as we +[5418.60 --> 5419.14] begin this +[5419.14 --> 5419.50] ministry +[5419.50 --> 5420.28] year and +[5420.28 --> 5420.56] as we +[5420.56 --> 5420.98] see it +[5420.98 --> 5421.36] through +[5421.36 --> 5422.04] that +[5422.04 --> 5422.38] Lord +[5422.38 --> 5422.76] willing +[5422.76 --> 5423.12] we +[5423.12 --> 5423.48] would +[5423.48 --> 5424.04] gather +[5424.04 --> 5424.88] with +[5424.88 --> 5425.58] conviction +[5425.58 --> 5426.74] and energy +[5426.74 --> 5427.76] and boldness +[5427.76 --> 5428.04] and that +[5428.04 --> 5428.58] our gathering +[5428.58 --> 5429.34] here would +[5429.34 --> 5430.08] spill out +[5430.08 --> 5431.12] into gatherings +[5431.12 --> 5432.08] every other +[5432.08 --> 5433.06] day of the +[5433.06 --> 5433.34] week. +[5433.68 --> 5434.56] Because this +[5434.56 --> 5435.20] is how +[5435.20 --> 5435.98] God is +[5435.98 --> 5436.64] making himself +[5436.64 --> 5437.36] known here +[5437.36 --> 5439.04] and out +[5439.04 --> 5439.28] there. +[5440.80 --> 5441.54] And that's +[5441.54 --> 5441.92] what we want, +[5441.98 --> 5442.12] right? +[5443.30 --> 5443.58] Amen. +[5443.72 --> 5444.08] Thank you. +[5444.44 --> 5444.96] That was the +[5444.96 --> 5445.52] right time to +[5445.52 --> 5446.00] say amen. +[5446.50 --> 5446.94] And I'm +[5446.94 --> 5447.28] going to echo +[5447.28 --> 5447.54] it. +[5448.06 --> 5448.30] Amen. +[5448.94 --> 5449.34] Let's pray +[5449.34 --> 5449.64] together. +[5451.36 --> 5452.20] God you +[5452.20 --> 5453.20] are good +[5453.20 --> 5454.12] and so +[5454.12 --> 5454.86] gather us +[5454.86 --> 5455.76] together. +[5456.26 --> 5456.82] God you +[5456.82 --> 5457.26] are good +[5457.26 --> 5457.58] and you +[5457.58 --> 5457.90] have +[5457.90 --> 5458.30] gathered +[5458.30 --> 5458.74] us +[5458.74 --> 5459.52] together. +[5460.66 --> 5461.16] And so +[5461.16 --> 5461.48] I pray +[5461.48 --> 5461.96] now that +[5461.96 --> 5462.34] as we +[5462.34 --> 5462.84] move to +[5462.84 --> 5463.34] the table +[5463.34 --> 5464.56] that you +[5464.56 --> 5464.76] would +[5464.76 --> 5465.26] continue +[5465.26 --> 5465.96] this +[5465.96 --> 5466.88] gathering. +[5467.62 --> 5468.10] That we +[5468.10 --> 5468.44] would move +[5468.44 --> 5468.70] to the +[5468.70 --> 5469.24] table and +[5469.24 --> 5470.14] receive from +[5470.14 --> 5471.04] you the +[5471.04 --> 5471.88] grace of +[5471.88 --> 5472.72] your word +[5472.72 --> 5473.56] made +[5473.56 --> 5474.38] tangible. +[5475.62 --> 5476.34] That we +[5476.34 --> 5476.66] would move +[5476.66 --> 5476.92] to the +[5476.92 --> 5477.44] table and +[5477.44 --> 5477.66] that we +[5477.66 --> 5478.22] would receive +[5478.22 --> 5478.84] from you +[5478.84 --> 5480.36] the opportunity +[5480.36 --> 5481.06] to grow +[5481.06 --> 5481.48] by the +[5481.48 --> 5482.02] truth of +[5482.02 --> 5482.56] the gospel +[5482.56 --> 5483.30] as we +[5483.30 --> 5483.98] taste and +[5483.98 --> 5484.64] see that +[5484.64 --> 5485.48] you are +[5485.48 --> 5486.02] good. +[5487.40 --> 5488.00] God this +[5488.00 --> 5488.40] day, +[5488.72 --> 5490.68] this gathering +[5490.68 --> 5491.74] is more +[5491.74 --> 5492.44] than an +[5492.44 --> 5492.86] event. +[5493.12 --> 5493.56] It is the +[5493.56 --> 5494.68] body doing +[5494.68 --> 5495.18] what the +[5495.18 --> 5496.24] body does. +[5496.42 --> 5496.72] And so +[5496.72 --> 5497.40] meet us +[5497.40 --> 5498.22] now at +[5498.22 --> 5499.06] your feast +[5499.06 --> 5499.74] Lord Jesus. +[5500.48 --> 5500.88] We pray +[5500.88 --> 5501.26] this in +[5501.26 --> 5501.60] your name +[5501.60 --> 5501.96] alone. +[5502.80 --> 5503.12] Amen. +[5503.12 --> 5503.20] Amen. +[5503.20 --> 5508.16] as we +[5508.16 --> 5508.84] come to +[5508.84 --> 5509.26] the table +[5509.26 --> 5509.64] together +[5509.64 --> 5510.04] we have +[5510.04 --> 5510.48] some +[5510.48 --> 5511.42] liturgy +[5511.42 --> 5511.74] that we +[5511.74 --> 5512.16] will move +[5512.16 --> 5512.48] through +[5512.48 --> 5514.10] and in +[5514.10 --> 5514.36] moving +[5514.36 --> 5514.76] through +[5514.76 --> 5515.78] this +[5515.78 --> 5516.52] liturgy +[5516.52 --> 5520.36] we will +[5520.36 --> 5520.84] have words +[5520.84 --> 5521.38] to speak +[5521.38 --> 5522.64] both for +[5522.64 --> 5523.44] you together +[5523.44 --> 5525.04] and to +[5525.04 --> 5525.84] reflect on +[5525.84 --> 5526.32] as they +[5526.32 --> 5527.16] are spoken +[5527.16 --> 5527.96] over us. +[5528.58 --> 5528.96] So I +[5528.96 --> 5529.40] invite you +[5529.40 --> 5530.02] to join +[5530.02 --> 5530.52] in this +[5530.52 --> 5531.00] liturgy +[5531.00 --> 5531.86] of the +[5531.86 --> 5532.14] table. +[5532.30 --> 5532.82] Lift up +[5532.82 --> 5533.48] your hearts. +[5536.08 --> 5536.82] Let us +[5536.82 --> 5537.32] give thanks +[5537.32 --> 5537.66] to the +[5537.66 --> 5538.08] Lord our +[5538.08 --> 5538.42] God. +[5541.00 --> 5541.58] Let's +[5541.58 --> 5542.12] pray together. +[5543.22 --> 5544.20] With joy +[5544.20 --> 5544.88] we praise +[5544.88 --> 5545.30] you +[5545.30 --> 5545.80] gracious +[5545.80 --> 5546.30] God +[5546.30 --> 5547.18] for you +[5547.18 --> 5547.40] have +[5547.40 --> 5547.86] created +[5547.86 --> 5548.34] heaven +[5548.34 --> 5549.48] and earth +[5549.48 --> 5550.24] and have +[5550.24 --> 5550.94] made us +[5550.94 --> 5551.52] in your +[5551.52 --> 5551.94] image +[5551.94 --> 5552.46] and kept +[5552.46 --> 5552.90] covenant +[5552.90 --> 5553.46] with us +[5553.46 --> 5553.86] even +[5553.86 --> 5554.72] when we +[5554.72 --> 5555.26] fell into +[5555.26 --> 5555.54] sin. +[5556.40 --> 5556.94] We give +[5556.94 --> 5557.42] you thanks +[5557.42 --> 5557.94] for Jesus +[5557.94 --> 5558.42] Christ +[5558.42 --> 5559.00] who by +[5559.00 --> 5559.76] his life +[5559.76 --> 5560.16] death +[5560.16 --> 5560.64] and +[5560.64 --> 5561.12] resurrection +[5561.12 --> 5561.88] open to +[5561.88 --> 5562.40] us the +[5562.40 --> 5563.04] way of +[5563.04 --> 5563.54] life +[5563.54 --> 5564.58] everlasting. +[5565.42 --> 5565.74] Amen. +[5567.86 --> 5568.48] Our +[5568.48 --> 5569.32] Lord Jesus +[5569.32 --> 5570.22] before he +[5570.22 --> 5570.60] suffered +[5570.60 --> 5571.42] gave us +[5571.42 --> 5571.74] this +[5571.74 --> 5572.30] memorial +[5572.30 --> 5573.22] of his +[5573.22 --> 5573.84] sacrifice +[5573.84 --> 5574.64] until he +[5574.64 --> 5575.32] comes again. +[5576.26 --> 5576.50] And the +[5576.50 --> 5577.04] Lord Jesus +[5577.04 --> 5577.62] on the +[5577.62 --> 5578.04] night that +[5578.04 --> 5578.64] he was +[5578.64 --> 5579.14] betrayed +[5579.14 --> 5580.26] took bread +[5580.26 --> 5581.00] and when +[5581.00 --> 5581.20] he had +[5581.20 --> 5581.90] given thanks +[5581.90 --> 5583.00] he broke +[5583.00 --> 5583.36] it and +[5583.36 --> 5583.88] said this +[5583.88 --> 5584.52] is my +[5584.52 --> 5584.96] body +[5584.96 --> 5585.58] which is +[5585.58 --> 5586.04] for you. +[5586.66 --> 5587.28] Do this +[5587.28 --> 5588.10] in remembrance +[5588.10 --> 5589.20] of me. +[5590.42 --> 5591.00] And in +[5591.00 --> 5591.36] the same +[5591.36 --> 5592.10] way he +[5592.10 --> 5592.50] took the +[5592.50 --> 5592.88] cup +[5592.88 --> 5594.18] after supper +[5594.18 --> 5595.08] saying this +[5595.08 --> 5595.90] cup is +[5595.90 --> 5596.32] the new +[5596.32 --> 5596.68] covenant +[5596.68 --> 5597.20] in my +[5597.20 --> 5597.56] blood. +[5598.64 --> 5599.20] Do this +[5599.20 --> 5599.88] whenever you +[5599.88 --> 5600.40] drink it +[5600.40 --> 5601.26] in remembrance +[5601.26 --> 5602.18] of me. +[5603.86 --> 5604.82] For whenever +[5604.82 --> 5605.36] you eat +[5605.36 --> 5606.06] this bread +[5606.06 --> 5607.12] and drink +[5607.12 --> 5607.92] this cup +[5607.92 --> 5609.04] you proclaim +[5609.04 --> 5609.78] the Lord's +[5609.78 --> 5610.10] death +[5610.10 --> 5611.00] until he +[5611.00 --> 5611.46] comes +[5611.46 --> 5612.26] again. +[5612.92 --> 5613.58] This +[5613.58 --> 5614.30] is the +[5614.30 --> 5614.74] mystery +[5614.74 --> 5615.44] of our +[5615.44 --> 5615.82] faith. +[5620.10 --> 5620.70] Your +[5620.70 --> 5621.22] resurrection +[5621.22 --> 5622.10] we affirm +[5622.10 --> 5622.82] with joy. +[5623.58 --> 5623.82] Your +[5623.82 --> 5624.22] coming +[5624.22 --> 5624.96] we await +[5624.96 --> 5625.54] with hope. +[5626.34 --> 5627.16] Glory be +[5627.16 --> 5627.64] to you +[5627.64 --> 5628.34] Lord Jesus. +[5629.50 --> 5630.08] Church +[5630.08 --> 5630.40] family +[5630.40 --> 5631.38] the Lord +[5631.38 --> 5632.22] has prepared +[5632.22 --> 5632.78] his table +[5632.78 --> 5633.22] for all +[5633.22 --> 5633.70] who love +[5633.70 --> 5634.46] him and +[5634.46 --> 5635.00] trust in +[5635.00 --> 5635.74] him alone +[5635.74 --> 5636.22] for their +[5636.22 --> 5636.68] salvation. +[5637.38 --> 5637.70] And so +[5637.70 --> 5638.32] come to +[5638.32 --> 5638.92] this table +[5638.92 --> 5639.44] you who +[5639.44 --> 5640.00] have much +[5640.00 --> 5640.60] faith and +[5640.60 --> 5640.94] you who +[5640.94 --> 5641.26] would like +[5641.26 --> 5641.56] to have +[5641.56 --> 5641.84] more. +[5642.26 --> 5642.70] Come to +[5642.70 --> 5643.30] this table +[5643.30 --> 5643.84] you who +[5643.84 --> 5644.28] have been +[5644.28 --> 5644.62] to the +[5644.62 --> 5645.00] sacrament +[5645.00 --> 5646.04] often and +[5646.04 --> 5646.46] you who +[5646.46 --> 5646.92] have not +[5646.92 --> 5647.56] been for +[5647.56 --> 5648.02] a long +[5648.02 --> 5648.70] time. +[5648.84 --> 5649.22] Come to +[5649.22 --> 5649.70] this table +[5649.70 --> 5650.20] you who +[5650.20 --> 5650.72] have tried +[5650.72 --> 5651.24] to follow +[5651.24 --> 5652.26] Jesus and +[5652.26 --> 5652.66] you who +[5652.66 --> 5653.16] have failed. +[5653.56 --> 5654.08] Come to +[5654.08 --> 5654.78] this table +[5654.78 --> 5655.60] because Jesus +[5655.60 --> 5656.50] Christ is +[5656.50 --> 5656.92] raised. +[5657.38 --> 5658.00] Come if +[5658.00 --> 5658.30] you are +[5658.30 --> 5659.10] here with +[5659.10 --> 5659.64] us in +[5659.64 --> 5660.44] person or +[5660.44 --> 5660.80] if you +[5660.80 --> 5661.08] are at +[5661.08 --> 5661.84] home and +[5661.84 --> 5662.28] online. +[5662.50 --> 5663.08] Come because +[5663.08 --> 5663.88] it is Christ +[5663.88 --> 5664.96] who invites +[5664.96 --> 5665.52] us to +[5665.52 --> 5666.56] meet him +[5666.56 --> 5667.34] here. +[5668.22 --> 5668.64] The gifts +[5668.64 --> 5669.20] of God +[5669.20 --> 5669.86] for the +[5669.86 --> 5670.76] people of +[5670.76 --> 5671.10] God. +[5672.22 --> 5672.60] Amen. +[5672.60 --> 5674.06] As we +[5674.06 --> 5674.92] come to +[5674.92 --> 5675.46] the table +[5675.46 --> 5675.98] we do +[5675.98 --> 5676.94] so here +[5676.94 --> 5677.12] at +[5677.12 --> 5677.48] Emmanuel +[5677.48 --> 5677.90] in a +[5677.90 --> 5678.24] particular +[5678.24 --> 5678.64] way. +[5678.76 --> 5679.10] We come +[5679.10 --> 5680.04] up from +[5680.04 --> 5680.52] our seats +[5680.52 --> 5680.88] and we +[5680.88 --> 5681.34] gather in +[5681.34 --> 5681.82] a circle +[5681.82 --> 5682.56] around the +[5682.56 --> 5683.54] table and +[5683.54 --> 5683.80] then the +[5683.80 --> 5684.32] elements will +[5684.32 --> 5685.00] be passed +[5685.00 --> 5685.66] around. +[5686.16 --> 5686.52] As you +[5686.52 --> 5687.14] pass the +[5687.14 --> 5687.84] bread we +[5687.84 --> 5688.32] invite you +[5688.32 --> 5688.90] to say to +[5688.90 --> 5689.30] the person +[5689.30 --> 5689.88] beside you +[5689.88 --> 5690.44] the body +[5690.44 --> 5691.04] of Christ +[5691.04 --> 5691.66] given for +[5691.66 --> 5691.92] you. +[5692.44 --> 5692.98] As you +[5692.98 --> 5693.52] pass the +[5693.52 --> 5694.10] juice we +[5694.10 --> 5694.52] invite you +[5694.52 --> 5694.90] to say +[5694.90 --> 5695.68] the blood +[5695.68 --> 5696.36] of Christ +[5696.36 --> 5697.14] shed for +[5697.14 --> 5697.38] you. +[5697.38 --> 5699.16] As we +[5699.16 --> 5700.42] come we +[5700.42 --> 5700.64] are going +[5700.64 --> 5701.14] to first +[5701.14 --> 5702.04] come and +[5702.04 --> 5702.72] welcome those +[5702.72 --> 5703.10] who are going +[5703.10 --> 5703.66] to serve +[5703.66 --> 5704.62] for us. +[5704.74 --> 5705.02] We have +[5705.02 --> 5705.62] elders, the +[5705.62 --> 5706.14] worship leaders +[5706.14 --> 5706.42] and the +[5706.42 --> 5707.58] volunteers who +[5707.58 --> 5707.86] are going to +[5707.86 --> 5708.28] make that +[5708.28 --> 5709.00] possible. +[5709.18 --> 5709.44] They will +[5709.44 --> 5709.80] come up +[5709.80 --> 5710.12] first. +[5710.22 --> 5710.44] We will +[5710.44 --> 5711.04] serve them +[5711.04 --> 5711.64] and then +[5711.64 --> 5712.12] the worship +[5712.12 --> 5712.60] team will +[5712.60 --> 5713.10] lead us in +[5713.10 --> 5713.78] some songs +[5713.78 --> 5714.42] as we go +[5714.42 --> 5714.92] through and +[5714.92 --> 5715.62] then ushers +[5715.62 --> 5716.78] will indicate +[5716.78 --> 5717.60] when it is +[5717.60 --> 5718.14] your turn to +[5718.14 --> 5718.60] come to the +[5718.60 --> 5718.82] front. +[5719.32 --> 5720.20] If for any +[5720.20 --> 5720.78] reason you +[5720.78 --> 5721.36] are unable +[5721.36 --> 5722.64] or undesiring +[5722.64 --> 5723.18] to come to +[5723.18 --> 5723.70] the front but +[5723.70 --> 5724.26] would like to +[5724.26 --> 5724.84] receive the +[5724.84 --> 5725.30] supper please +[5725.30 --> 5725.92] just indicate +[5725.92 --> 5726.68] that to +[5726.68 --> 5727.40] the usher +[5727.40 --> 5728.04] and they +[5728.04 --> 5728.46] will meet +[5728.46 --> 5729.24] you where +[5729.24 --> 5729.64] you're at +[5729.64 --> 5730.10] and serve +[5730.10 --> 5730.76] you in +[5730.76 --> 5731.26] your seats. +[5732.16 --> 5732.70] For those +[5732.70 --> 5733.08] who need +[5733.08 --> 5733.88] it there is +[5733.88 --> 5734.50] gluten-free +[5734.50 --> 5735.42] bread available +[5735.42 --> 5735.78] on the +[5735.78 --> 5736.10] trays. +[5736.64 --> 5738.02] If available +[5738.02 --> 5738.42] on the +[5738.42 --> 5739.14] trays isn't +[5739.14 --> 5739.90] sufficient for +[5739.90 --> 5740.42] your needs +[5740.42 --> 5741.34] let us know +[5741.34 --> 5741.70] and we have +[5741.70 --> 5742.46] a little tray +[5742.46 --> 5743.00] off to the +[5743.00 --> 5743.66] side here as +[5743.66 --> 5744.08] well that you +[5744.08 --> 5744.46] can take +[5744.46 --> 5745.46] from in +[5745.46 --> 5745.82] that way. +[5746.92 --> 5747.16] Can I +[5747.16 --> 5747.50] invite the +[5747.50 --> 5748.52] leaders to +[5748.52 --> 5749.16] come forward +[5749.16 --> 5750.24] and receive +[5750.24 --> 5750.74] the supper +[5750.74 --> 5751.64] together? +[5755.92 --> 5756.02] think +[5785.92 --> 5815.90] Thank you. +[5815.92 --> 5845.90] Thank you. +[5845.92 --> 5875.90] Thank you. +[5875.92 --> 5905.90] Thank you. +[5905.92 --> 5935.90] Thank you. +[5935.92 --> 5950.60] Speak, O Lord, as we come to you to receive the word of your holy word. +[5950.60 --> 5964.60] Take your truth, plant it deep in us, shape and fashion us in your lovingness. +[5964.60 --> 5972.60] That the light of Christ might be seen today. +[5972.60 --> 5980.60] In our acts of love and our deeds of faith. +[5980.60 --> 5996.60] Speak, O Lord, and fulfill in us all your purposes for your holy word. +[5996.60 --> 6010.60] Teach us, Lord, teach us, Lord, full obedience. +[6010.60 --> 6018.60] Holy remembrance, holy remembrance, true humility. +[6018.60 --> 6032.60] Take our hearts, Lord, and our actions in the radiance of your glory. +[6032.60 --> 6036.60] God's our faith, God's our faith, God's our faith. +[6036.60 --> 6048.60] God's our faith to see your majestic love and authority. +[6048.60 --> 6056.60] Words of God, that can never fail. +[6056.60 --> 6064.60] That can truly prevail over unto you. +[6064.60 --> 6072.60] God's grace, O Lord, and our hearts, and our hearts, and our hearts, and our hearts, and our hearts. +[6072.60 --> 6090.60] Executive order of your life, always, and our hearts, and our hearts, and your hearts, and our hearts, and our hearts, and our hearts. +[6090.60 --> 6092.60] from the dawn +[6120.60 --> 6123.50] till your church +[6123.50 --> 6124.48] is built +[6124.48 --> 6126.48] and the earth +[6126.48 --> 6128.36] is built +[6128.36 --> 6129.82] with your +[6129.82 --> 6132.10] glory +[6132.10 --> 6133.92] in you +[6150.60 --> 6176.34] o deep +[6176.34 --> 6180.68] the Father's mouth for us. +[6180.68 --> 6186.26] How vast beyond all measure +[6186.26 --> 6193.62] that we should give his only Son +[6193.62 --> 6199.38] to make our riches treasure. +[6199.38 --> 6207.72] How great the pain of searing loss +[6207.72 --> 6214.34] the Father turns his face away +[6214.34 --> 6221.30] as wounds which bar the chosen one +[6221.30 --> 6226.82] bring many sons to glory. +[6229.38 --> 6231.38] Amen. +[6238.60 --> 6244.82] Behold the man upon the cross +[6244.82 --> 6250.72] I sit upon his shoulders +[6250.72 --> 6257.78] Ashamed I hear my mocking voice +[6257.78 --> 6264.18] Called out among the strong words +[6264.18 --> 6270.68] It was my sin that held him there +[6270.68 --> 6275.78] Until it was accomplished +[6275.78 --> 6282.78] His dying breath has brought me life +[6282.78 --> 6288.78] I know that it is finished +[6288.78 --> 6306.18] I will not boast in anything +[6306.18 --> 6313.18] No gifts, no power, no wisdom +[6313.18 --> 6321.18] But I will boast in Jesus Christ +[6321.18 --> 6325.18] His death and resurrection +[6325.18 --> 6332.18] Why should I think of his reward +[6332.18 --> 6339.18] I cannot give an answer +[6339.18 --> 6346.18] But this I know with all my heart +[6346.18 --> 6353.18] His wounds have paid my ransom +[6353.18 --> 6358.18] Why should I gain from his reward +[6358.18 --> 6365.18] I cannot give an answer +[6365.18 --> 6371.18] But this I know with all my heart +[6371.18 --> 6373.18] His wounds have paid my ransom +[6373.18 --> 6380.18] His wounds have paid my ransom +[6380.18 --> 6381.18] I can't give an answer +[6381.18 --> 6382.18] I know with all my heart +[6382.18 --> 6383.18] My heart is a blessing +[6383.18 --> 6384.18] I know with all my heart +[6384.18 --> 6385.18] I can give an answer +[6385.18 --> 6387.18] I can give an answer +[6387.18 --> 6389.18] I can give an answer +[6389.18 --> 6395.18] I can give an answer +[6395.18 --> 6397.18] But if I can give an answer +[6397.18 --> 6400.18] Like a孩 +[6400.18 --> 6401.18] I remain witted +[6401.18 --> 6403.18] I think I'll make one of the best +[6403.18 --> 6410.18] I will not ignore +[6410.18 --> 6437.10] Before the throne of God above, I have a strong and perfect queen. +[6437.10 --> 6447.48] The great high priest whose name is love, whoever lives and leads for me. +[6447.48 --> 6457.94] My name is written on its hands, my name is written on its heart. +[6457.94 --> 6468.38] I know that while in heaven he stands, no tongue can in heaven's deep heart. +[6468.38 --> 6473.38] No tongue can live weak as deep heart. +[6473.38 --> 6491.38] When Satan tends me to despair and tells me of the guilt within, +[6491.38 --> 6502.64] a word I look and see in there, who made a death of all my sin. +[6502.98 --> 6512.38] Because the sinless Savior died, my sinful soul is counted free. +[6512.38 --> 6523.54] For God the justice satisfied, to look on him and pardon me. +[6523.54 --> 6530.54] To look on him and pardon me. +[6530.54 --> 6537.54] For God the justice of God above, I have a strong and perfect love. +[6537.54 --> 6547.54] Behold him there, the risen land, my perfect spotless righteousness, +[6547.54 --> 6558.54] the great unchangeable I am, the King of glory and of grace. +[6558.54 --> 6563.54] For God the justice of God above, I have a strong and perfect love. +[6563.54 --> 6579.62] For God the justice of God above, I have a strong and perfect love. +[6579.62 --> 6585.58] With Christ my Savior and my God +[6585.58 --> 6591.12] I'll make himself I cannot die +[6591.12 --> 6596.60] My soul is purchased by his blood +[6596.60 --> 6602.10] My life is hid with Christ on high +[6602.10 --> 6607.82] With Christ my Savior and my God +[6607.82 --> 6614.70] With Christ my Savior and my God +[6637.82 --> 6665.26] All these pieces broken and scattered +[6665.26 --> 6672.14] In mercy gathered, mended and whole +[6672.14 --> 6679.02] Empty-handed but not forsaken +[6679.02 --> 6685.90] I've been set free, I've been set free +[6685.90 --> 6694.46] The amazing grace of sweet the sound +[6694.46 --> 6699.66] That saved a wretch like me +[6699.66 --> 6704.54] Oh, I once was lost +[6704.54 --> 6708.04] But now I am found +[6708.04 --> 6712.22] It's fine but now I see +[6712.22 --> 6717.10] Oh, I can see you now +[6717.10 --> 6726.48] Oh, I can see the love in your eyes +[6726.48 --> 6731.10] Laying yourself down +[6731.10 --> 6737.98] Raising up the moment +[6737.98 --> 6740.86] To die +[6740.86 --> 6756.86] You take our failure +[6756.86 --> 6760.36] You take our weakness +[6760.36 --> 6767.24] You set your treasure in charge of the flame +[6767.24 --> 6771.12] So, I'll take this while, Lord +[6771.12 --> 6774.12] I'll be your best soul +[6774.12 --> 6777.12] The world will see +[6777.12 --> 6781.00] Your life in me +[6781.00 --> 6785.42] Amazing grace +[6785.42 --> 6788.30] How sweet the sound +[6788.30 --> 6788.80] How sweet the sound +[6788.80 --> 6793.30] That saved a wretch like me +[6793.30 --> 6798.68] Oh, I once was lost +[6798.68 --> 6802.10] But now I am found +[6802.10 --> 6806.48] Just by the love now I see +[6806.48 --> 6810.98] Oh, I can see you now +[6810.98 --> 6820.62] Oh, I can see the love in your eyes +[6820.62 --> 6824.98] Laying yourself down +[6824.98 --> 6833.24] Praising up the broken to the earth +[6833.24 --> 6863.22] Oh, my God. +[6863.24 --> 6873.24] Amazing grace, how sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me. +[6873.94 --> 6886.30] Oh, I once was lost, but now I am found, was mine, but now I see. +[6886.30 --> 6912.30] Oh, I once was lost, but now I am found, was mine, but now I see. +[6912.30 --> 6917.30] Oh, I can see you now. +[6919.30 --> 6925.30] Oh, I can see the love in your eyes. +[6925.30 --> 6931.30] Lay yourself down. +[6931.30 --> 6961.30] +[6961.30 --> 6967.30] Open to my heart. +[6967.30 --> 6996.88] The final part of why we gather is so that we can scatter in the power of God's name and with the truth of the gospel to proclaim. +[6997.88 --> 7002.90] But as we have met God in this place, his promise is that he goes with us. +[7003.40 --> 7008.30] And so receive the blessing of our God for the journey of faith ahead. +[7008.30 --> 7011.68] God go before you to lead you. +[7012.30 --> 7014.46] God go behind you to protect you. +[7014.82 --> 7017.08] God go beneath you to support you. +[7017.38 --> 7020.32] And God goes beside you to befriend you. +[7020.92 --> 7022.22] Do not be afraid. +[7022.72 --> 7024.62] Let the blessing of God come upon you today. +[7024.74 --> 7026.38] Do not be afraid. +[7026.96 --> 7031.30] But go in peace to love and serve the Lord. +[7031.72 --> 7032.66] Amen. +[7032.66 --> 7032.90] Amen. +[7062.66 --> 7068.00] And we pray that all unity may one day be restored. +[7070.70 --> 7076.34] And they'll know we are Christians by our love, by our love. +[7076.34 --> 7081.38] Yes, they'll know we are Christians by our love. +[7084.00 --> 7087.20] We will walk with each other. +[7087.36 --> 7089.70] We will walk hand in hand. +[7089.70 --> 7092.60] We will walk with each other. +[7092.74 --> 7095.08] We will walk hand in hand. +[7095.08 --> 7101.08] And together we'll strengthen it that God is in our land. +[7103.42 --> 7108.90] And they'll know we are Christians by our love, by our love. +[7109.04 --> 7113.38] Yes, they'll know we are Christians by our love. +[7113.38 --> 7119.66] We will walk with each other. +[7119.76 --> 7122.26] We will walk side by side. +[7122.26 --> 7125.06] We will walk with each other. +[7125.22 --> 7127.64] We will walk side by side. +[7127.76 --> 7133.76] And we'll guard each man's dignity and save each man's pride. +[7133.76 --> 7141.14] And they'll know we are Christians by our love, by our love. +[7141.14 --> 7145.14] Yes, they'll know we are Christians by our love. +[7145.14 --> 7151.36] Yes, they'll know we are Christians by our love, by our love. +[7151.36 --> 7152.98] We will walk with each other. +[7152.98 --> 7159.62] And they'll know we are Christians by our love, by our love. +[7159.62 --> 7167.12] And all praise to the Spirit who makes us one. +[7167.12 --> 7173.12] And they'll know we are Christians by our love, by our love. +[7173.12 --> 7181.12] Yes, they'll know we are Christians by our love. +[7181.12 --> 7186.62] And they'll know we are Christians by our love, by our love. +[7186.62 --> 7193.62] Yes, they'll know we are Christians by our love. +[7216.62 --> 7223.62] They'll know we are Christians by our love. +[7223.62 --> 7229.62] And they'll know we are Christians by our love. +[7229.62 --> 7235.62] And they'll know we are Christians by our love. +[7235.62 --> 7250.62] We are Christians by our love. +[7250.62 --> 7280.60] Thank you. +[7280.62 --> 7310.60] Thank you. +[7310.62 --> 7340.60] Thank you. +[7340.62 --> 7370.60] Thank you. +[7370.62 --> 7372.62] Thank you. +[7400.62 --> 7402.62] Thank you. +[7402.62 --> 7404.62] Thank you. +[7404.62 --> 7406.62] Thank you. +[7406.62 --> 7410.62] Thank you. +[7410.62 --> 7411.62] Have a good day. +[7411.62 --> 7412.62] Thanks. +[7412.62 --> 7414.62] Thank you. +[7422.62 --> 7424.62] Thank you. +[7424.62 --> 7426.62] Thank you. +[7426.62 --> 7427.62] Thank you. +[7442.62 --> 7472.60] Thank you. +[7472.62 --> 7502.60] Thank you. +[7502.62 --> 7532.60] Thank you. +[7532.62 --> 7562.60] Thank you. +[7562.62 --> 7592.60] Thank you. +[7592.62 --> 7622.60] Thank you. +[7622.62 --> 7652.60] Thank you. +[7652.62 --> 7682.60] Thank you. +[7682.62 --> 7712.60] Thank you. +[7712.62 --> 7742.60] Thank you. +[7742.62 --> 7772.60] Thank you. +[7772.62 --> 7802.60] Thank you. diff --git a/Sunday Worship, Sep 29, 2024_summary.txt b/Sunday Worship, Sep 29, 2024_summary.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000000000000000000000000000000000000..829f1a2ea0e38ac4a92cc9703dcbde937cabd2ff --- /dev/null +++ b/Sunday Worship, Sep 29, 2024_summary.txt @@ -0,0 +1,83 @@ +• Discussion of a song with actions and words being sung +• Reference to a podcast about the Israelites and the promised land +• Reflection on forgetting God's presence in times of uncertainty or difficulty +• Prayer for spiritual eyes to see God's control over the world +• Invitation to stand and sing "Lord, I Need You" +• Song lyrics and worship +• Need for God's presence and guidance in daily life +• Prayer for humility and recognition of God's greatness and faithfulness +• Trust in God's power and provision through Jesus Christ +• Worship and adoration of God, acknowledging His holiness and sovereignty +• Offering collection, noting the specific recipients and purpose +• Scripture reading from Psalm 121, emphasizing dependence on God's help and rescue +• Children will meet in the multipurpose room after exiting the sanctuary +• The Bible is discussed in children's worship, including its importance and content +• A prayer is given for the children's blessing +• The church family prays together for various topics, including reconciliation, those affected by war and natural disasters, health issues, and upcoming provincial elections +• Introduction of a three-word mission statement: "Gather, Grow, Go" +• Exploring the meaning of "Grow" in biblical context +• Exploring the meaning of "Go" in biblical context and what it means to be sent by God +• Discussing examples from Scripture where God sends individuals on missions (e.g. Moses, Isaiah, Jeremiah) +• Emphasizing that being a sent people is not just for missionaries, but a calling for all Christians +• Introducing the concept of "going" as a part of the church's mission and purpose +• The speaker emphasizes that being sent and going on mission is not just about where or what one does, but rather how one is in relationship with God +• The church's mission is indivisible and exists in the middle space of gathering, growing, and going +• The speaker highlights the importance of gathering as a community to grow and be equipped for going out into the world +• Abraham's call in Genesis 12 is cited as an example of how going on mission is not just about individual action, but about being part of a larger story of God's blessing and redemption +• Going on mission involves challenging cultural norms and institutions, which can lead to opposition and conflict +• The speaker emphasizes the importance of living out one's faith with gentleness and respect, even in the face of criticism or adversity. +• The church is called to be a blessing that brings peace and well-being to everyone +• Being a priest means being set apart for God's purposes, mediating God's presence, and embodying holiness +• Priests are responsible for making others holy by representing God and bringing His presence to the people +• This concept of priesthood carries forward from Israel to the church, where all believers are called to be priests and represent God in the world. +• The congregation is a spiritual house built up as a holy priesthood to offer sacrifices acceptable to God. +• The calling of all people is to be a priest, set apart in holiness to mediate God's presence and blessing for the sake of others. +• The role of priests is to reveal God's presence and bring it into the world, shining their light to guide others like a lighthouse guides sailors. +• The congregation is exhorted to gather, grow, and go, using their role as priests to spread God's message and presence. +• God's plan for Israel to be a lighthouse for the nations, showing who he is and what he's like +• Christians are called to continue this role as lighthouses, reflecting God's holiness and love +• Our lives are meant to shine God's light for others to see, guiding them to safety in him +• We bring God's presence and blessing to the world, helping others find their way to him +• The image of light is used throughout Scripture, with Jesus being the ultimate fulfillment as the light of the world +• The importance of letting one's light shine before others +• The connection between the gospel message and God's power unto salvation +• The role of Christ in God's word and his presence in all saving power +• The transformative power of the truth that Jesus lived and died for us +• The availability of this power to believers through their speaking, declaring, and proclaiming +• The incarnation of the gospel message in Jesus and its manifestation in the life and actions of believers as part of the church +• The bipolar orientation of the church, with both inward and outward facing aspects that are connected and strengthen each other +• The missionary identity of the church is rooted in the Great Commission to spread the gospel to all nations +• The importance of spreading the light of the gospel into darkness and defeating the dark with the light +• Jesus' call for his disciples to be salt and light to contrast the world's decay and darkness +• The church as a community that lives in contrast to the world, shining its light through good deeds and glorifying God +• The purpose of going out is not just for contrasting but also for revealing and making known the gospel +• The kingdom values of God are revealed in Romans 12, which calls for transformation by the renewing of one's mind. +• Conforming to the world's ideas is contrasted with being transformed by God's truth. +• The non-conformist idea and reflection of the church creates a counter-cultural reality that manifests the coming of the kingdom. +• Mission is the life of this contrast community lived out, demonstrating God's creational intent for human life and redemption of all history. +• Philippians 2 describes Christ Jesus' attitude as an example to follow, emphasizing humility and obedience. +• The church is called to reflect Christ's character in its behavior, shining like stars in the sky through holding out the word of life. +• The church should be a vibrant and life-giving community that stands out from the world. +• The church's mission is to offer the beauty of the gospel and God's life and salvation to those around them. +• The church's light and love should stand out and draw others to hope found in God. +• Christians are sent to bless, reveal God's presence, show the way back to the Father, and be a contrast to the world. +• The church's actions should inspire people to ask about their God. +• The speaker is sent by God and has a calling to go +• Saying "amen" confirms going with God and being guided by the Holy Spirit +• The power of the Holy Spirit guides individuals in their journey +• True life is found through following God's guidance and will +• The speaker, along with Kevin and Josh, prays for others on the same journey as them +• The power of God's name and the Holy Spirit is invoked to declare praises and send out a message. +• The call to God is about more than just this moment, but every moment from now on. +• The speakers ask to be filled with wonder and to run headlong into the journey of faith, even if their path is unknown. +• They pray for guidance and blessing in Jesus' name. +• Fear as a slave vs being a child of God +• Relationship with God, chosen and loved +• Overcoming fear and walking in faith +• Redemption through Christ's blood +• Invitation to connect with the community and leaders after service +• Receiving God's blessing and protection +• Shame and pain being taken away +• Belief repeated multiple times +• Redemption through the Lamb +• Multiple expressions of gratitude ("Thank you") \ No newline at end of file diff --git a/Sunday Worship, Sep 29, 2024_transcript.txt b/Sunday Worship, Sep 29, 2024_transcript.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000000000000000000000000000000000000..fe1eb1ee1da8f0b83866fcdba1b3bfacadeb4acd --- /dev/null +++ b/Sunday Worship, Sep 29, 2024_transcript.txt @@ -0,0 +1,1554 @@ +[0.00 --> 0.28] Again. +[1.70 --> 2.14] Yes. +[2.54 --> 2.94] Anybody? +[3.30 --> 4.76] It sure added to the song. +[5.98 --> 7.70] Oh, yes, I see some coming up. +[7.70 --> 10.12] We'll also help everybody with the words, so come on up. +[10.42 --> 14.08] You know the song better than us, so if you can help us sing it as well. +[14.86 --> 17.36] You can come right up on top so people can see. +[23.86 --> 25.58] Anybody else want to join us? +[25.58 --> 26.58] Yes. +[26.58 --> 31.98] I know that us adults don't do the actions quite as well as the kids, but I mean you're +[31.98 --> 35.98] free to follow their actions as well. +[39.38 --> 41.98] And I really am stalling hoping that words are going to come back. +[44.12 --> 44.62] Nope. +[44.62 --> 45.62] It's all right. +[45.62 --> 46.12] Nope? +[46.12 --> 46.62] Okay. +[46.62 --> 47.62] It's all right. +[47.62 --> 48.62] Okay. +[55.58 --> 75.08] Here we go. +[75.08 --> 85.56] Save to show, save to show, save to show. +[88.30 --> 97.06] I won't hear what tomorrow brings, with each morning I'll rise and sing. +[97.06 --> 109.46] My God's love will lead me through, you are peace in my troubles, you are peace in my troubles. +[112.74 --> 121.46] My light out, my light out, shining in darkness, I will call you home. +[121.46 --> 129.32] My light out, my light out, I will just promise, you will carry me. +[129.32 --> 139.46] Save to show, save to show, save to show, save to show. +[141.46 --> 143.10] Save to show. +[143.10 --> 154.76] Fire before us, you're the brightest, you will lead us through the storm. +[155.12 --> 163.10] Fire before us, you're the brightest, you will lead us through the storm. +[163.14 --> 171.32] Fire before us, you're the brightest, you will lead us through the storm. +[171.32 --> 180.54] You will come before us, you're the brightest, you will lead us through the storm. +[181.18 --> 189.12] My lighthouse, my lighthouse, shining in the darkness, I will follow you on. +[189.12 --> 198.26] My lighthouse, my lighthouse, I will trust the promise, you will carry me straight to shore. +[198.26 --> 211.18] Take to shore, take to shore, take to shore. +[215.18 --> 218.36] You may let's all take a seat. +[218.36 --> 227.20] So this time of confession and assurance. +[228.76 --> 231.82] You know this summer I've been listening to the narthex. +[232.14 --> 234.62] It's not a shameless plug but it really was. +[235.38 --> 240.56] Anyway, I was thinking like walking through the Bible listening to our pastors would be pretty easy. +[240.56 --> 248.70] But we got to the one podcast where they talked about the Israelites checking out the promised land. +[249.74 --> 251.92] And it got me thinking. +[253.20 --> 266.68] Have you ever caught yourself thinking like the ten leaders that went into the land and they looked around and they forgot who they were serving. +[266.68 --> 270.44] They forgot how powerful God had moved in their midst. +[271.64 --> 274.52] And they forgot everything God had done for them. +[276.58 --> 283.34] So I was looking around and I thought, you know, I lost my place. +[283.34 --> 292.86] When I look at the state of the world, I can forget. +[294.54 --> 299.62] When I see uncertain times for myself, I can forget. +[303.34 --> 308.86] When I don't see myself capable of doing a job before me, I forget. +[308.86 --> 317.14] So I pray the Holy Spirit give us the spiritual eyes to see that God is in control of this world. +[318.58 --> 321.90] Spiritual eyes to trust what God has in store for us. +[322.80 --> 326.96] And just like Joshua and Caleb, the other two leaders, +[327.62 --> 332.12] I just pray that we have the trust and faith in God to be able to rest in his promises. +[333.86 --> 335.12] Why don't we stand up? +[335.12 --> 338.52] I'm hoping we know this one a little bit easier. +[340.58 --> 341.68] Lord, I need you. +[342.16 --> 343.46] So let's stand and sing that. +[343.46 --> 344.46] Thank you. +[356.62 --> 359.70] Lord, I come. +[360.34 --> 363.46] Why not thanks? +[363.46 --> 376.70] Without you, I fall apart. +[377.64 --> 384.04] The one that guides my heart. +[384.04 --> 394.38] Lord, I need you, oh, I need you +[394.38 --> 401.00] Every hour I need you +[401.00 --> 407.56] My fond defense, my righteousness +[407.56 --> 413.00] Oh God, how I need you +[413.00 --> 420.32] Every time runs deep +[420.32 --> 423.96] Your grace is born +[423.96 --> 427.42] Where grace is found +[427.42 --> 431.00] It's where you are +[431.00 --> 437.00] Where you are, Lord, I am free +[437.00 --> 444.32] Holiness is Christ in me +[444.32 --> 450.46] Where you are, Lord, I am free +[450.46 --> 458.32] Holiness is Christ in me +[458.32 --> 467.64] Lord, I need you, oh, I need you +[467.64 --> 474.58] Every hour I need you +[474.58 --> 480.64] My fond defense, my righteousness +[480.64 --> 487.96] Oh God, how I need you +[487.96 --> 488.96] I need you +[488.96 --> 489.96] I need you +[489.96 --> 490.96] I need you +[490.96 --> 497.96] When temptation runs my way +[497.96 --> 503.28] When I cannot stand, I'll fall on you +[503.28 --> 509.28] Jesus, you're my hope and stay +[509.28 --> 514.60] When I cannot stand, I'll fall on you +[514.60 --> 520.60] Jesus, you're my hope and stay +[520.60 --> 527.92] Oh God, how I need you +[527.92 --> 529.92] Oh, I need you +[529.92 --> 531.92] Oh, I need you +[531.92 --> 537.92] Every hour I need you +[537.92 --> 545.24] My fond defense, my righteousness +[545.24 --> 549.24] Oh God, how I need you +[549.24 --> 553.24] Oh, I need you +[553.24 --> 558.24] Oh, I need you +[558.24 --> 563.32] Every hour I need you +[563.32 --> 565.28] Every hour I need you +[565.28 --> 566.98] Every hour I need you +[566.98 --> 568.02] Every hour I need you +[568.02 --> 571.94] My one defense, my righteousness +[571.94 --> 577.60] Oh, God, how I need you +[588.24 --> 592.24] Pray with me +[592.24 --> 597.70] Abba Father, help us keep our eyes on you +[597.70 --> 601.22] We so easily forget your greatness +[601.22 --> 602.94] Your faithfulness +[602.94 --> 605.76] The goodness you have showered on us +[605.76 --> 609.26] Without you, life can look overwhelming +[609.26 --> 610.84] And we can lose hope +[610.84 --> 614.40] Forgive us for times we forget you +[614.40 --> 617.08] And we try to rely on ourselves +[617.08 --> 620.82] As we walk into another year of serving you +[620.82 --> 623.06] Like Joshua and Caleb +[623.06 --> 625.90] Help us put our trust in you +[625.90 --> 628.84] By your spirit, give us boldness +[628.84 --> 631.32] Knowing that you are for us +[631.32 --> 633.06] And we can rest in you +[633.06 --> 635.86] In Jesus' name we pray, amen +[647.08 --> 658.90] Worthy is the Lamb who was slain +[658.90 --> 663.96] Holy, holy is He +[663.96 --> 671.08] Worthy is the Lamb who was slain +[671.08 --> 675.90] Holy, holy, holy is He +[675.90 --> 681.08] Sing a new song +[681.08 --> 681.82] Sing a new song +[681.82 --> 685.02] To live with sin song +[685.02 --> 688.08] Heaven's mercy see +[688.08 --> 689.08] Heaven's mercy see +[689.08 --> 690.08] Heaven's mercy see +[690.08 --> 694.08] Sing a new song +[694.08 --> 695.08] Holy, holy, holy is He +[695.08 --> 696.08] Sing a new song +[696.08 --> 697.08] Sing a new song +[697.08 --> 701.08] Sing a new song +[701.08 --> 705.38] Heaven's He +[705.38 --> 707.08] Sing a new song +[707.08 --> 708.08] Sing a new song +[708.08 --> 710.08] Sing a new song +[710.08 --> 710.86] Sing a new song +[710.86 --> 711.08] Sing a new song +[711.08 --> 712.92] Heaven's mercy see +[712.92 --> 741.32] then +[742.92 --> 743.92] Adore you. +[757.92 --> 767.92] Golden rainbows, a living color, flashes of light in rolls of thunder. +[767.92 --> 780.92] Blessing and honest man, glory and power, to the only one I see. +[780.92 --> 792.92] Holy, holy, holy, the Son of God Almighty, who art to His, to His, to God. +[792.92 --> 802.92] O creation I sing, praise to the King of kings. +[802.92 --> 809.92] You are my everything, and I will adore you. +[809.92 --> 819.92] The love with wonder, all-struck wonder, at the mention of your name. +[819.92 --> 834.92] The love with wonder, all-struck wonder, at the mention of your name. +[834.92 --> 846.92] The love with wonder, all-struck wonder, at the mention of your name. +[846.92 --> 858.92] Jesus, your name is power, breath of living water, and such a marvelous mystery. +[858.92 --> 874.92] The love with wonder, heaven, the Shawn called, beats of knowing others, to Jesus. +[874.92 --> 880.70] With all creation I sing praise to the King of Me. +[881.40 --> 886.74] You are my everything, and God will adore you. +[888.32 --> 897.80] Holy, holy, holy, Son of God Almighty, who was and is and is to come. +[897.80 --> 906.04] With all creation I sing praise to the King of Me. +[906.80 --> 912.56] You are my everything, and God will adore you. +[927.80 --> 930.06] It's time for the offering. +[931.50 --> 932.88] There's no screen to type. +[942.72 --> 944.44] Good morning, my name is Yap. +[944.54 --> 946.44] I'm a deacon here at Langley Emanuel. +[947.26 --> 951.48] This morning's offering will be for North American Indigenous Ministries. +[952.32 --> 956.08] Your gifts will specifically go to Tim and Charity Johnson. +[957.80 --> 961.92] If you would like to give to the budget or to another cause, +[962.02 --> 963.90] you can use the envelopes in the seats in front of you. +[964.62 --> 965.30] Mark it in there. +[967.88 --> 969.50] Usually everything's up on the screen there. +[970.52 --> 971.78] You can also e-transfer. +[973.98 --> 975.50] Anyways, give as you're able to. +[975.50 --> 975.92] Thank you. +[987.80 --> 1000.66] I lift my eyes up to the mountains. +[1000.66 --> 1005.42] Where does my help come from? +[1005.42 --> 1019.42] I have come to you, maker of heaven, creator of the earth +[1019.42 --> 1031.42] Oh, how I need you, Lord, you are my only hope, you're my only prayer +[1031.42 --> 1045.42] So I will wait for you to come and rescue me, come and hear me, Lord +[1045.42 --> 1058.42] I lift my eyes up to the mountains, where does my help come from? +[1058.42 --> 1072.42] I have come to you, maker of heaven, creator of the earth +[1072.42 --> 1084.42] Oh, how I need you, Lord, you are my only hope, you're my only prayer +[1084.42 --> 1098.42] So I will wait for you to come and rescue me, come and hear me, Lord +[1098.42 --> 1110.42] I lift my eyes up to the mountains, where does my help come from? +[1110.42 --> 1124.42] I lift my eyes up to the mountains, where does my love come from? +[1124.42 --> 1129.42] I invite the kids to come forward if you are age 3, all the way up to grade 4 +[1129.42 --> 1132.42] We're super excited to start children's worship time again +[1132.42 --> 1135.42] So I'm looking forward to seeing lots of people up here +[1135.42 --> 1142.42] Just for parents, just a quick note, so our preschoolers, so the age 3 and 4s are going to be going to their room +[1142.42 --> 1145.42] Which is to the left when you exit the sanctuary +[1145.42 --> 1150.42] And then the kindergarten to grade 4s today will all be together in the multipurpose room +[1150.42 --> 1154.42] Which is to the right-ish when you exit the sanctuary +[1154.42 --> 1157.42] So especially if you have kindergarten and grade 1s +[1157.42 --> 1161.42] We'd like you to pick them up from the multipurpose room at the end of the service +[1161.42 --> 1164.42] So we know they're with the right family +[1164.42 --> 1165.42] So that's where you will find them +[1165.42 --> 1169.42] And the preschoolers you'll find on the left side there +[1169.42 --> 1171.42] Good morning, everybody +[1171.42 --> 1175.42] Feels like a long time since we've been all up here together +[1175.42 --> 1178.42] Well, I'm excited that you're here +[1178.42 --> 1181.42] Today in children's worship, we are going to be asking the question +[1181.42 --> 1183.42] What is the Bible? +[1183.42 --> 1185.42] What is the Bible? +[1185.42 --> 1188.42] You guys know what it is? +[1188.42 --> 1191.42] What are some things that we already know about the Bible? +[1191.42 --> 1192.42] Amelia? +[1192.42 --> 1195.42] Yeah, you read the Bible +[1195.42 --> 1197.42] Exactly, Haley? +[1197.42 --> 1199.42] It's God's Word +[1199.42 --> 1201.42] It's the best book ever +[1201.42 --> 1203.42] It's the best book ever +[1203.42 --> 1206.42] They're separated into two parts +[1206.42 --> 1209.42] So you guys know a bunch of things about the Bible +[1209.42 --> 1213.42] It talks about God +[1213.42 --> 1215.42] It tells us the story about God, exactly +[1215.42 --> 1221.42] It's exactly a whole bunch of books about God +[1221.42 --> 1224.42] So we're going to look at more about why it's important +[1224.42 --> 1226.42] And what kinds of things are in the Bible +[1226.42 --> 1227.42] And why we read it +[1227.42 --> 1230.42] So that's going to be our focus today for children's worship +[1230.42 --> 1233.42] So before we do our blessing, let's just pray together +[1233.42 --> 1235.42] And then we'll stand up +[1235.42 --> 1240.42] Lord God, thank you so much that we get to head to children's worship time +[1240.42 --> 1242.42] Thank you for giving us your word +[1242.42 --> 1246.42] These stories and the amazing story that you share about Jesus through the Bible +[1246.42 --> 1249.42] Please help us to learn something new today +[1249.42 --> 1251.42] And grow closer to you as we learn +[1251.42 --> 1253.42] And also for everyone who's staying back here +[1253.42 --> 1256.42] That your word would teach them and instruct them +[1256.42 --> 1257.42] Amen +[1257.42 --> 1261.42] All right, we're going to all stand up everyone +[1261.42 --> 1265.42] And our children are going to lead us in the children's blessing +[1265.42 --> 1267.42] And invite you to respond as well +[1287.42 --> 1288.42] And we're going to be shopping +[1288.42 --> 1289.42] Just to read everything +[1289.42 --> 1294.42] Just under the Jeez +[1294.42 --> 1296.42] How ministered +[1296.42 --> 1297.42] How will you bring that aloud +[1297.42 --> 1299.42] Please bend our lord +[1299.42 --> 1300.42] Part 1 +[1300.42 --> 1301.42] Here we get to help you +[1301.42 --> 1302.42] How illusions of it +[1302.42 --> 1303.42] How are YOUR heart +[1303.42 --> 1304.42] Please grow your disappeared +[1304.42 --> 1306.42] How are vocês +[1306.42 --> 1307.42] These stories +[1307.42 --> 1308.42] And what are your desires +[1308.42 --> 1309.42] No matter why +[1309.42 --> 1311.42] Please bring that into the world +[1311.42 --> 1313.42] All of this +[1313.42 --> 1322.30] I'm Eric here and Elder Ed Emmanuel here just going to lead you in our church family prayer +[1322.30 --> 1329.44] this morning sing to the Lord all the earth proclaim your salvation day after day declare +[1329.44 --> 1335.26] his glory among the nations his marvelous deeds among all his people for great is the Lord and +[1335.26 --> 1342.10] most worthy of praise praise be to God the Father our Lord Jesus Christ the Father of compassion +[1342.10 --> 1348.32] and the God of all comfort who comforts us all in our troubles so that we can comfort those in any +[1348.32 --> 1354.98] troubles with the comfort we ourselves receive from God this weekend is the national day of truth +[1354.98 --> 1361.96] and reconciliation we help help us to continue to deal with the reconciliation process Lord we do +[1361.96 --> 1368.66] thank you for the work of Tim and Charity Johnson as our family works with the shoe swap first nations +[1368.66 --> 1373.84] developing relationships with the youth and the family teach them about you Jesus and helping +[1373.84 --> 1381.20] them understand your love for all his people at this time we want to thank many people who are +[1381.20 --> 1387.00] dealing with the wars whether it be in Ukraine or in Israel please please bring these things to a +[1387.00 --> 1392.72] peaceful resolution soon Lord also this past week there are many people on the east coast that have +[1392.72 --> 1399.40] been dealing with the recent hurricanes help bring back power and from all the destruction the +[1399.40 --> 1404.04] destructions and those who are dealing with the loss of loved ones as a result of this as well Lord +[1404.04 --> 1411.84] over the next few weeks we pray for those who are running for the provincial elections we play for your +[1411.84 --> 1418.34] guidance and wisdom in this process Lord Lord at this time we also think of any people who are dealing with +[1418.34 --> 1424.72] with health issues we think of Lena here as the doctors tried to figure out the difficulty she's +[1424.72 --> 1430.48] been dealing with her other eyesight and balance Lord today is a day where we have an opportunity to +[1430.48 --> 1435.58] start the season here at Emmanuel with many different ministries it's an incredible blessing having +[1435.58 --> 1442.12] the staff and volunteers and programs here at the church and today is just a day of highlighting those +[1442.12 --> 1447.40] different ministries we thank you for the opportunity to serve at this church and the opportunities that +[1447.40 --> 1454.90] present itself for others to serve at the church here Lord this morning we also want to be with +[1454.90 --> 1462.38] pastor Chris as he brings the word to us may it bless us and touch us and guide us help us to gather +[1462.38 --> 1466.48] grow and go in your name we pray amen +[1477.40 --> 1500.06] as part of our launch season we have spent the last few weeks looking at our sort of mission statement +[1500.06 --> 1529.56] that three word phrase gather grow go that we believe sort of sets out for us what it is that we do how we are called to be together in some ways the the idea of gather grow go is aspirational that is it's something we look towards and we pursue after together in some ways it's also inspirational in that it it it +[1529.56 --> 1559.22] fills us with a sense of purpose that we share together and so two weeks ago we explored what the word gather means we developed a biblical theology for our gathering as a community of faith last week pastor Kevin led us as we explored what it means that we grow together that we mature as disciples in the faith again developing a sort of biblical theology for that and today +[1559.22 --> 1589.20] today we look at the word go what does it mean that we look at the word go what does it mean that we are sent and what are the particulars of our shared identity together under the banner of and the idea of go and so there too we will look at a sort of brief biblical theology of sending and of being sent because of that we're going to look at a whole bunch of Bible +[1589.20 --> 1619.18] texts and because the screen isn't working the way that we wanted to it might be a little bit more of a personal challenge for you to see the text and to follow along but there are Bibles at the back and if you're familiar enough with the Bible and you know where you can go back and forth to find these books that will be helpful to you if not just let the words come from me and wash over you hear them and maybe if you're a note taker just write down the +[1619.18 --> 1649.16] text and then you can return to the text and then you can return to the text and then you can return to it later this week but the the banner sort of the starting place I want us to jump in is actually words of Jesus to his disciples from John 20 and really just one verse in 21 John 20 verse 21 this is after the resurrection Jesus has appeared to his disciples one time and he has appeared to Thomas +[1649.18 --> 1679.18] and at the end of appearing or as part of appearing appearing to his disciples Jesus says peace be with you as the father has sent me I am sending you and with that he breathed on them and said receive the Holy Spirit if you forgive anyone's sins their sins are forgiven if you do not forgive them they are not forgiven +[1679.18 --> 1692.50] but in your brother's sins their sins are forgivenário啡 they are forgiven they are shaken +[1692.62 --> 1700.28] and swear what covenant be ok may the verse 20 is that in high said a day of trial and was sent in high school but from the first time till +[1700.28 --> 1715.10] beginning, God has been sending his people. In the book of Exodus, in chapter 3, Moses meets God in +[1715.10 --> 1720.64] the burning bush. Maybe you're familiar with that story. Moses has fled Egypt. He's gone to the +[1720.64 --> 1727.28] wilderness at Midian, and there God calls him to be a prophet for the people and to go and speak to +[1727.28 --> 1735.18] Pharaoh. And God says in Exodus 3, verse 10, now go, I am sending you to Pharaoh to bring my people, +[1735.34 --> 1743.18] the Israelites, out of Egypt. Fast forward a few hundred years and to the prophet Isaiah now, +[1743.46 --> 1750.96] God calls Isaiah and commissions Isaiah to go be a voice to the king of Israel. And he says, this is +[1750.96 --> 1756.96] what we read in Isaiah, then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, whom shall I send and who will go +[1756.96 --> 1765.80] for us? And then Isaiah says, here I am, send me. Similarly, a few hundred years after that, the +[1765.80 --> 1772.88] prophet Jeremiah, right, is also sent. And then we read in Jeremiah 1, 7, but the Lord said to me, +[1773.44 --> 1782.14] do not say I am too young. You must go to everyone I send to you and say whatever I command you. +[1782.14 --> 1787.74] Now, in all of these examples, and there are more that we could pull out, this is an example of God +[1787.74 --> 1797.14] sending a prophet to speak his word to the world and to reveal himself to the world through them and +[1797.14 --> 1804.78] for them. And this idea of sending continues right through into the New Testament identity of the +[1804.78 --> 1811.54] church, right? Jesus says, as the Father has sent me, I am sending you. Jesus also says in Matthew 10, +[1812.00 --> 1818.18] I am sending you out like sheep among wolves, therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves. +[1819.06 --> 1825.70] This idea of sending isn't just a commissioning for general work, but also commissioning for +[1825.70 --> 1833.64] particular work. In Romans 10, we read there that, how then can they call on the one they have not +[1833.64 --> 1838.20] believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear +[1838.20 --> 1843.44] without someone preaching to them? And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? +[1845.34 --> 1853.78] We are a sent people with a prophetic message to proclaim to the world. And Jesus, knowing that +[1853.78 --> 1862.06] we'll face challenges in this, he prays for us. In John 17, Jesus says in prayer to his Father, +[1862.06 --> 1867.96] my prayer is not that you take them out of the world, but that you protect them from the evil one. +[1868.80 --> 1874.98] They're not of the world, even as I am not of it. Sanctify them by your truth. Your word is truth. +[1875.18 --> 1883.10] As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world. So over and over and over again, +[1883.18 --> 1891.04] in the Bible, we see that God's people, first in Israel and now in the church, are a sent people. +[1892.06 --> 1898.60] But what does it mean to be sent? What does it mean to go? That's what we're exploring +[1898.60 --> 1905.96] this morning. So our big idea is that the church is a sent community, and we will see +[1905.96 --> 1914.40] that in four ways. That our going is for blessing, our going is for revealing, and our going is for +[1914.40 --> 1917.74] showing and our going is for contrasting. +[1921.06 --> 1928.56] Before we get too far into that, I also want to make a distinction. Because especially, especially +[1928.56 --> 1936.80] if you've grown up in the Christian church in the Western world your whole life, it's really easy +[1936.80 --> 1943.72] to think about this going, this mission of the church, as missions, with an S on the end. +[1944.22 --> 1952.70] To think about sending as going far away. Or to think that some things that we do are +[1952.70 --> 1957.12] like missionary activities, and other things we do are just not. +[1957.12 --> 1963.96] Coming out of that, it's easy for some of us to think that some people do like sacred work, +[1964.48 --> 1967.94] and the rest of us do like secular work. +[1969.26 --> 1974.60] And because I'm a pastor paid by a church, that must mean that everything that I do is sacred. +[1975.60 --> 1980.78] And because you're an engineer, that must mean everything you do is secular. +[1980.78 --> 1988.72] But that's not actually the case. When we see that God has always called and sent people. In fact, +[1988.86 --> 1994.96] what I hope that we'll begin to see is that it's not about where you go, or even it's not about what +[1994.96 --> 2006.00] you do specifically, but it's more about how you be when you go and when you do. It's more about who +[2006.00 --> 2013.16] you are as you are in the midst of life in these places. And so really, what I want us to do is +[2013.16 --> 2022.18] to think more holistically, and you can hear in that, more biblically about our being sent, about our going +[2022.18 --> 2032.10] together. This past week, I had a chance to gather with some of the committee leaders and coordinators +[2032.10 --> 2037.52] from ministries and team leaders here. We gathered for an evening on Thursday of encouragement and +[2037.52 --> 2041.40] celebration of God's work, and it was a beautiful night together. And one of the things that we +[2041.40 --> 2050.06] discussed there was that our mission, as those who are called to gather, grow, and go, is ultimately +[2050.06 --> 2056.64] indivisible, right? And so part of what we do is going to lean more heavily towards gather when we do +[2056.64 --> 2061.04] that, like right now. Part of what we do is going to lean more towards grow when we do that, +[2061.04 --> 2067.46] right? Lord willing, like right now. And part of what we do is going to lean more towards go. But in a +[2067.46 --> 2075.26] big picture, ultimate sense, everything we do exists in the middle space of all three of those, +[2076.72 --> 2083.10] right? This is ultimately this identity of gather, grow, go about who we are as a church, +[2083.84 --> 2090.22] right? We gather and grow so that our going will be fueled by the Holy Spirit and God's transformation +[2090.22 --> 2098.32] in our lives. We go so that others may be gathered up into our growing. We grow so that our going can +[2098.32 --> 2105.18] be with confidence and the Holy Spirit capabilities. And so our gathering may bring more and more praises +[2105.18 --> 2113.82] to the one who grows us, right? Our gathering is for going and we gather to scatter. +[2113.82 --> 2122.08] Or to put it another way, and this is language that I'm borrowing from Michael Goheen, who's a +[2122.08 --> 2126.22] missiologist, who's a professor of mine. A number of you might know him. He lives here in the area. +[2127.60 --> 2136.80] To put it another way, the communal life of the church comes together for the going apart +[2136.80 --> 2147.08] in order that we might come together again. Right? Even our going out is gathered because we do it as +[2147.08 --> 2157.30] one in our unique but individual places. And so, seeing all of these threads tied together as one, +[2157.56 --> 2163.96] what I'd like to do is spend the rest of our time looking at these four ideas about how it is that we +[2163.96 --> 2173.30] go. How it is that we are sent. To begin, I want to start in Genesis 12. Genesis 12 is the beginning +[2173.30 --> 2181.76] of the Bible, first book of the Bible. It's the call of Abram. And so God reaches out and comes to the +[2181.76 --> 2191.54] world and he calls a particular man. And this is those first few verses. Genesis 12, 1 to 3, we read, +[2191.54 --> 2221.52] Now notice the trajectory there, the through, +[2221.52 --> 2229.14] Abraham is the through line. Abraham is gathered up to God and God grows a family around him so that +[2229.14 --> 2238.42] the gathered and grown family can be a blessing to all peoples on earth. Our going is for blessing. +[2240.20 --> 2246.46] And this pattern continues over and over and over again. God gathers up a community +[2246.46 --> 2253.50] and grows them into a new kind of family, the body of Christ, brothers and sisters in faith. And then +[2253.50 --> 2259.46] he sends us out to be a blessing to our neighbors and our neighborhoods, to be a blessing to our city +[2259.46 --> 2267.52] and our region and our country and the world. Notice in this text, +[2267.52 --> 2278.54] God calls Abraham to go to a place he doesn't yet know and thus begins the journey of his going. +[2279.46 --> 2286.78] This is the story of our faith, the journey of our going into those places that God calls us. And along +[2286.78 --> 2297.70] the way, we're called to bless those around us. Now, I want to offer just a brief admission at this point, +[2297.78 --> 2305.22] because there's a danger and there's a difficulty here. And Abraham faced it and we face it the same. +[2305.22 --> 2313.58] Because the reality is that most of the world doesn't actually know what's good for it. +[2316.38 --> 2323.12] Most of us don't actually know what's best for us. We have some pretty significant ideas, +[2323.72 --> 2326.82] right? And we would make some pretty significant claims about that. +[2326.82 --> 2337.40] But the truth is, right, in our world and in our own hearts and lives, if we reject God, we reject goodness. +[2338.70 --> 2346.02] And so then what is actually a blessing for you might seem outlandish or crazy to those people who +[2346.02 --> 2349.78] don't know this God who calls you onto a journey with him. +[2349.78 --> 2359.42] The truth is that this good news, this calling and journeying with God, will bring opposition +[2359.42 --> 2368.24] as the church goes and challenges the deep convictions of the culture that surrounds it, +[2368.26 --> 2374.02] the culture that doesn't yet know God. And this is going to happen particularly and deeply +[2374.02 --> 2381.42] when we become involved in the institutions of our culture, when we become involved in the everyday +[2381.42 --> 2389.48] life of creation and celebration in the world that we live in, right? The church is charged with a +[2389.48 --> 2399.94] mission that goes out from this place into public life, into our culture. And as disciples of Jesus, +[2399.94 --> 2408.28] we participate and are involved in the ongoing cultural task of the world and the welfare of our +[2408.28 --> 2417.52] neighbors. And sometimes that's going to bring hardship to us as we have to say things like, +[2418.34 --> 2427.80] this is actually for your good. And that's going to create points of conflict at some times and some +[2427.80 --> 2434.02] places. And all of you can think of ways that you've experienced that or ways that you might. +[2435.50 --> 2441.34] And the scripture's response to that, the scripture's encouragement is that even when you have to bring +[2441.34 --> 2448.82] a challenging and prophetic word, do it with gentleness and respect. Or we are encouraged to +[2448.82 --> 2454.92] live such good lives among those who don't believe that though they accuse you of doing wrong, +[2454.92 --> 2459.68] though they think what you're doing is crazy, they see your good deeds and they glorify God. +[2461.38 --> 2467.88] Right? This is Jesus when he says, pray for those who rule over you, pray for the emperors. +[2468.48 --> 2471.88] Right? This is Jesus who says, bless those who persecute you. +[2473.28 --> 2477.32] And this is the identity of the church that's called to be a blessing that we might live at peace +[2477.32 --> 2482.36] with everyone. This is the words of Jeremiah to the people who were carried away into exile. He says, +[2482.36 --> 2490.00] seek the peace and prosperity, the well-being of the city that God has carried you into. This is Babylon. +[2491.64 --> 2497.78] Right? And that theme returns in the New Testament church as they engage in the emperor of Rome and the +[2497.78 --> 2508.62] Roman Empire, bringing goodness and good news. Right? Being a blessing. And so as Christians who +[2508.62 --> 2518.24] gather, we must also go in the work of politics and in the work of justice and in the work of mercy. +[2519.80 --> 2527.68] This is how we are sent to be a blessing. And every one of you can do that in some way. +[2527.68 --> 2539.10] You can be a blessing to your neighbors if you're in grade 10. You can be a blessing to your co-workers +[2539.10 --> 2546.04] if you're in engineering. I had to return to that one because I started with that one saying that it +[2546.04 --> 2554.54] was a secular activity. But that's how all of these activities get lifted up into the sacred task +[2554.54 --> 2567.26] of our calling. Going is for blessing. Additionally, going is for revealing. And here I'm looking at +[2568.06 --> 2576.04] Exodus 19. So if you're still in Genesis, the next book of the Bible is Exodus. Exodus 19, +[2576.04 --> 2583.12] verse 5 and 6, God says to his people, +[2583.94 --> 2590.68] Now if you obey me fully and keep my covenant, then out of all the nations you will be my treasured +[2590.68 --> 2598.92] possession. Although the whole earth is mine, you will be for me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation. +[2600.36 --> 2602.96] These are the words you are to speak to the Israelites. +[2602.96 --> 2610.70] And so God tells Moses in that moment that his people are to be a kingdom of priests. +[2613.34 --> 2623.10] That Israel shall fulfill a priestly role as a people in the midst of the peoples. +[2623.92 --> 2629.30] That is that through Israel, God is represented in the world of nations. +[2629.30 --> 2636.34] And what priests are for in a people, Israel is to be as a people for the world. +[2638.18 --> 2640.90] Now because of this, this shaping identity, +[2641.74 --> 2647.46] I'll make quickly just outline for you three elements of what being a priest means in the Old Testament. +[2648.74 --> 2653.72] Right? Three aspects that a priest has as part of their role. +[2653.72 --> 2658.38] First, a priest is set apart in holiness. +[2660.40 --> 2664.20] And a priest, second, mediates God's presence. +[2664.60 --> 2667.90] That is, he brings God's presence to the people. +[2668.14 --> 2674.80] And a priest does all of this, returning to a theme, for the sake of others. +[2674.80 --> 2681.78] Right? In Israel, God's holy presence is made known through the work of the priest. +[2682.56 --> 2689.60] The holy life and the behavior of the priest functions as a model of consecration and devotion to God. +[2690.48 --> 2695.40] Right? Everything about this priest is set apart for God's use. +[2695.82 --> 2698.52] And that actually is the simplest definition of holiness. +[2698.52 --> 2702.40] Right? It's to be set apart for God and for his use. +[2703.76 --> 2707.20] A priest embodies, I might even say incarnates, +[2707.62 --> 2714.18] a priest incarnates the holiness of God to the people for the people. +[2715.70 --> 2718.70] And as you go forward, as we read into the New Testament, +[2719.08 --> 2723.26] we realize again that this isn't about some sort of sacred, secular divide. +[2723.26 --> 2730.10] Instead, everything and everyone is gathered up into this identity of being priests, +[2730.30 --> 2733.34] gathered up into this being set apart for God's purposes. +[2735.02 --> 2740.94] Right? In some way, just as sin has stained everything with its sort of parasitic nature, +[2741.28 --> 2743.80] right, in the inverse, in the redemption of that, +[2744.10 --> 2748.68] everything that we do is claimed by the blood of Jesus for the purposes of God. +[2748.68 --> 2755.46] Now, this idea of the priestly role is actually fleshed out a little bit more in Leviticus. +[2756.14 --> 2759.60] Leviticus is a book all about the priestly offices and the sacrifices +[2759.60 --> 2761.66] and the things that needed to be made. +[2761.80 --> 2766.74] And in chapter 21, which is a chapter about rules for priests, +[2767.06 --> 2771.72] it says that the people should consider the priests holy +[2771.72 --> 2777.84] because I, the Lord, am holy, I who make you holy. +[2779.22 --> 2780.40] And so again, track that, right? +[2780.60 --> 2784.22] The priest is holy because God is holy and they represent God, +[2784.32 --> 2787.68] and through them, God makes the people holy. +[2789.04 --> 2790.90] First of all, wow! +[2792.56 --> 2793.84] What a responsibility! +[2794.98 --> 2795.66] What a privilege! +[2795.66 --> 2804.44] But second, right, that means that everything the priest does is for the people, +[2804.96 --> 2807.14] for the sake of others, +[2807.64 --> 2810.76] to make them holy, set apart for God's purposes, +[2810.92 --> 2812.50] to be God's instrument in the world, +[2812.58 --> 2816.06] to make more and more set apart for his purposes. +[2817.84 --> 2820.02] Again, Michael Goheen, he summarizes it. +[2820.08 --> 2820.34] He says, +[2820.34 --> 2823.46] Israel, as a priestly nation in the world, +[2823.82 --> 2826.12] is to be totally devoted to God's service +[2826.12 --> 2828.26] and to model in its corporate life +[2828.26 --> 2830.20] allegiance to the true God +[2830.20 --> 2833.64] and the life of blessing that God means for all. +[2834.92 --> 2837.30] And again, you're starting to see, right? +[2837.86 --> 2841.14] This image, this calling, this responsibility +[2841.14 --> 2844.56] carries forward to the new Israel, +[2844.72 --> 2845.34] to the church. +[2845.62 --> 2848.38] That's you and I who believe by grace through faith. +[2850.34 --> 2854.48] In 1 Peter, we read the exact same language +[2854.48 --> 2857.46] from what we read here in Exodus 19. +[2857.86 --> 2859.50] You also, like living stones, +[2859.62 --> 2861.56] are being built up into a spiritual house +[2861.56 --> 2863.66] to be a holy priesthood, +[2864.00 --> 2865.76] offering spiritual sacrifices +[2865.76 --> 2868.00] acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. +[2868.54 --> 2870.42] You are a chosen people, +[2870.56 --> 2871.66] a royal priesthood, +[2871.70 --> 2872.58] a holy nation, +[2872.98 --> 2874.32] God's special possession, +[2874.96 --> 2877.34] that you may declare the praises of him +[2877.34 --> 2878.72] who called you out of darkness +[2878.72 --> 2881.52] into his wonderful light. +[2883.08 --> 2885.44] In fact, as we look even further forward +[2885.44 --> 2886.78] in the book of Revelation, +[2886.98 --> 2889.62] which we've gone from Genesis to Revelation +[2889.62 --> 2891.08] to the end of the Bible, +[2891.54 --> 2895.44] now Jesus, we read in Revelation 1 verse 6, +[2895.56 --> 2898.54] Jesus has made us to be a kingdom +[2898.54 --> 2902.72] and priests to serve his God and Father. +[2903.18 --> 2906.84] To him be glory and power forever and ever. +[2907.46 --> 2908.46] Earlier in our worship, +[2908.60 --> 2910.90] we read from Revelation 4 and 5 +[2910.90 --> 2912.62] as we were called into worship. +[2912.74 --> 2913.60] And there we read, +[2913.92 --> 2915.66] and they sang a new song saying, +[2915.82 --> 2917.54] you are worthy to take the scroll +[2917.54 --> 2918.90] and to open its seals +[2918.90 --> 2920.24] because you were slain +[2920.24 --> 2922.18] and with your blood you purchased for God +[2922.18 --> 2923.78] persons from every tribe +[2923.78 --> 2925.44] and language and people and nation. +[2925.78 --> 2926.48] And then hear this, +[2926.48 --> 2928.52] you made them to be a kingdom +[2928.52 --> 2931.00] and priests to serve our God +[2931.00 --> 2934.22] and they will reign on earth. +[2935.34 --> 2939.12] The calling of all people of God everywhere +[2939.12 --> 2942.36] has always been to be a priest. +[2944.02 --> 2946.48] Our going is for revealing. +[2947.18 --> 2949.62] A priest is set apart in holiness. +[2949.86 --> 2951.72] A priest mediates God's presence +[2951.72 --> 2952.54] and his blessing. +[2952.94 --> 2954.22] And a priest does it all +[2954.22 --> 2955.80] for the sake of others. +[2955.80 --> 2957.08] When we say, +[2957.60 --> 2957.82] gather, +[2958.00 --> 2958.18] grow, +[2958.38 --> 2958.74] go, +[2959.36 --> 2960.70] what we are saying is, +[2960.88 --> 2962.30] you are priests. +[2963.08 --> 2964.22] We are all priests +[2964.22 --> 2965.92] and ministers of our God. +[2967.20 --> 2968.40] When we gather +[2968.40 --> 2969.34] and you grow +[2969.34 --> 2970.86] so that you can go, +[2971.30 --> 2972.38] go into the world. +[2973.06 --> 2974.66] Set apart in his holiness. +[2975.38 --> 2976.34] Go into the world +[2976.34 --> 2977.08] bringing God +[2977.08 --> 2978.14] and his presence +[2978.14 --> 2979.88] closer to those around you. +[2979.96 --> 2980.82] Go into the world +[2980.82 --> 2981.50] for the sake +[2981.50 --> 2982.70] of other people. +[2983.36 --> 2984.20] Showing them God. +[2984.20 --> 2985.32] Showing the presence +[2985.32 --> 2986.20] of Jesus. +[2986.40 --> 2987.68] Go as a kingdom of priests +[2987.68 --> 2988.42] to reveal +[2988.42 --> 2990.40] the great high priest. +[2993.12 --> 2995.66] Let me illustrate it this way. +[2995.92 --> 2998.02] Imagine that you're sailing +[2998.02 --> 3000.50] on a dark and stormy night +[3000.50 --> 3001.16] out at sea. +[3001.58 --> 3002.66] Waves are crashing up +[3002.66 --> 3003.40] against your boat. +[3003.62 --> 3004.44] You can hardly see +[3004.44 --> 3005.46] anything around you. +[3005.78 --> 3006.34] And suddenly, +[3006.66 --> 3007.84] in the distance, +[3008.24 --> 3009.50] cutting through the darkness, +[3009.50 --> 3011.02] you see a lighthouse +[3011.02 --> 3011.98] shining brightly +[3011.98 --> 3012.62] from the shore. +[3013.98 --> 3015.04] That lighthouse +[3015.04 --> 3016.46] cuts through the darkness +[3016.46 --> 3017.48] and guides you +[3017.48 --> 3019.32] safely to the harbor. +[3021.20 --> 3022.20] That lighthouse +[3022.20 --> 3023.16] doesn't exist +[3023.16 --> 3024.46] for itself. +[3026.50 --> 3027.38] That lighthouse +[3027.38 --> 3028.74] exists for the sailors, +[3028.96 --> 3029.48] for you, +[3029.76 --> 3030.72] lost at sea. +[3032.42 --> 3034.20] It stands firm +[3034.20 --> 3035.06] and strong +[3035.06 --> 3035.64] and tall, +[3035.80 --> 3036.48] shining its light, +[3036.70 --> 3037.78] not for its own sake, +[3037.78 --> 3039.32] but to help others +[3039.32 --> 3039.88] find the way. +[3041.38 --> 3042.18] This is the role +[3042.18 --> 3042.80] of a priest. +[3043.24 --> 3044.02] Just as the lighthouse +[3044.02 --> 3045.20] shines its light +[3045.20 --> 3045.98] to guide people, +[3046.38 --> 3047.62] priests bring the light +[3047.62 --> 3048.40] of God's presence +[3048.40 --> 3049.12] into the world. +[3049.38 --> 3050.56] They don't shine their light +[3050.56 --> 3051.40] just for themselves, +[3051.66 --> 3052.44] but they do so +[3052.44 --> 3053.42] that others can see +[3053.42 --> 3054.40] and can be guided +[3054.40 --> 3056.16] to safety in God. +[3057.18 --> 3058.06] And in the Old Testament, +[3058.22 --> 3059.06] Israel was supposed +[3059.06 --> 3060.32] to be like a lighthouse +[3060.32 --> 3061.60] for the nations, +[3061.76 --> 3062.46] showing the world +[3062.46 --> 3063.26] who God is +[3063.26 --> 3064.24] and what he's like +[3064.24 --> 3065.62] and how we can come +[3065.62 --> 3066.36] to him. +[3066.42 --> 3067.06] And today, +[3067.38 --> 3068.22] that continues +[3068.22 --> 3069.06] with Christians +[3069.06 --> 3070.14] called to be +[3070.14 --> 3071.08] that lighthouse. +[3071.44 --> 3072.52] Our lives are meant +[3072.52 --> 3074.46] to reflect God's holiness +[3074.46 --> 3075.46] and his love +[3075.46 --> 3076.28] to the world. +[3076.40 --> 3077.62] We are set apart, +[3077.82 --> 3078.24] holy, +[3078.58 --> 3080.02] not to hide away, +[3080.20 --> 3080.96] but to shine +[3080.96 --> 3081.96] God's light +[3081.96 --> 3083.14] for others to see. +[3084.74 --> 3085.74] Like priests, +[3086.14 --> 3087.94] we bring God's presence, +[3088.08 --> 3088.96] his blessing +[3088.96 --> 3089.78] to the world, +[3089.92 --> 3090.68] guiding others +[3090.68 --> 3091.84] to find their way +[3091.84 --> 3092.84] to him. +[3092.84 --> 3094.28] and our going +[3094.28 --> 3095.78] is for revealing. +[3095.98 --> 3097.68] And this goes perfectly +[3097.68 --> 3100.16] into the next idea +[3100.16 --> 3100.92] that our going +[3100.92 --> 3102.14] is for sharing. +[3103.42 --> 3104.14] We've already used +[3104.14 --> 3104.90] the image of light, +[3105.00 --> 3105.90] so let's continue it. +[3106.56 --> 3108.62] In Isaiah 49, +[3109.12 --> 3112.52] Isaiah 49, verse 6, +[3113.42 --> 3114.48] we read that, +[3115.48 --> 3117.00] it is too small a thing +[3117.00 --> 3118.24] for you to be my servant +[3118.24 --> 3119.90] and restore the tribes +[3119.90 --> 3120.32] of Jacob +[3120.32 --> 3121.00] and bring back +[3121.00 --> 3121.70] those of the house +[3121.70 --> 3122.84] of Israel I have kept. +[3123.16 --> 3124.80] I will also make you +[3124.80 --> 3126.72] a light for the Gentiles +[3126.72 --> 3128.22] that my salvation +[3128.22 --> 3129.00] may reach +[3129.00 --> 3129.74] to the ends +[3129.74 --> 3130.84] of the earth. +[3132.22 --> 3133.30] God's point here +[3133.30 --> 3135.52] is that it's not enough +[3135.52 --> 3136.06] for Israel +[3136.06 --> 3137.76] just to be for herself, +[3138.02 --> 3139.34] but Israel is to be +[3139.34 --> 3140.44] for every nation, +[3140.58 --> 3142.72] a light to every nation. +[3142.84 --> 3143.26] Our going +[3143.26 --> 3144.26] is for showing. +[3144.66 --> 3146.50] God sends his people out +[3146.50 --> 3148.26] to show the world +[3148.26 --> 3149.46] his salvation. +[3149.46 --> 3151.40] and he sends his people +[3151.40 --> 3152.38] out to show the world +[3152.38 --> 3153.96] how to find their way +[3153.96 --> 3154.70] back to him, +[3154.78 --> 3155.86] to be brought back +[3155.86 --> 3157.56] to him by his grace +[3157.56 --> 3158.70] and mercy. +[3159.74 --> 3161.92] This idea of God +[3161.92 --> 3162.84] lighting the way +[3162.84 --> 3164.12] is actually ultimately +[3164.12 --> 3165.64] fulfilled in Jesus +[3165.64 --> 3166.34] who says, +[3166.72 --> 3167.56] I am the light +[3167.56 --> 3168.10] of the world. +[3169.10 --> 3170.34] But that same Jesus +[3170.34 --> 3170.98] who says, +[3171.06 --> 3171.62] I am the light +[3171.62 --> 3172.10] of the world, +[3172.38 --> 3173.22] in John 8, +[3173.30 --> 3173.54] he says, +[3173.62 --> 3174.14] I am the light +[3174.14 --> 3174.54] of the world. +[3174.62 --> 3175.52] Whoever follows me +[3175.52 --> 3176.24] will never walk +[3176.24 --> 3176.68] in darkness, +[3176.68 --> 3177.28] but will have +[3177.28 --> 3177.70] the light +[3177.70 --> 3178.28] of life. +[3178.70 --> 3179.56] That same Jesus +[3179.56 --> 3180.00] who says, +[3180.12 --> 3180.54] I am the light +[3180.54 --> 3180.96] of the world, +[3181.20 --> 3182.04] stands in front +[3182.04 --> 3183.28] of you as his disciples +[3183.28 --> 3183.84] and says, +[3184.00 --> 3185.08] you are the light +[3185.08 --> 3186.08] of the world. +[3187.06 --> 3188.00] This is Matthew 5, +[3188.18 --> 3189.04] you are the light +[3189.04 --> 3189.52] of the world. +[3189.62 --> 3190.34] A town built +[3190.34 --> 3190.78] on a hill +[3190.78 --> 3191.52] cannot be hidden. +[3192.18 --> 3192.80] Neither do people +[3192.80 --> 3193.42] light a lamp +[3193.42 --> 3194.38] and put it under a bowl. +[3194.80 --> 3195.06] Instead, +[3195.22 --> 3196.22] they put it on its stand +[3196.22 --> 3196.90] and it gives light +[3196.90 --> 3198.00] to everyone in the house. +[3198.18 --> 3198.96] In the same way, +[3199.26 --> 3199.90] let your light +[3199.90 --> 3201.00] shine before others +[3201.00 --> 3202.08] that they may see +[3202.08 --> 3202.84] your good deeds +[3202.84 --> 3204.28] and glorify your Father +[3204.28 --> 3205.30] in heaven. +[3209.44 --> 3212.18] Part of what we do +[3212.18 --> 3213.44] in their gathering +[3213.44 --> 3216.38] is to learn more about +[3216.38 --> 3217.22] and to clarify +[3217.22 --> 3218.68] for ourselves +[3218.68 --> 3220.52] the redemption of God +[3220.52 --> 3221.28] and the mystery +[3221.28 --> 3222.66] of God's gospel +[3222.66 --> 3223.46] being applied +[3223.46 --> 3225.36] to us as believers +[3225.36 --> 3227.64] so that we can go +[3227.64 --> 3228.94] from this place +[3228.94 --> 3231.16] carrying that message +[3231.16 --> 3234.62] but I also think +[3234.62 --> 3236.68] that sometimes +[3236.68 --> 3239.28] we forget, +[3239.66 --> 3240.74] as Pete prayed, +[3241.74 --> 3242.66] we forget +[3242.66 --> 3245.02] that this gospel message +[3245.02 --> 3246.88] carries within it +[3246.88 --> 3248.40] the power of God +[3248.40 --> 3249.40] unto salvation. +[3250.08 --> 3251.06] Romans 1.16. +[3252.16 --> 3253.10] And that's because +[3253.10 --> 3254.34] Christ himself, +[3254.66 --> 3255.82] the eternal word, +[3256.12 --> 3256.96] is present +[3256.96 --> 3258.28] in God's word +[3258.28 --> 3258.92] to us. +[3259.20 --> 3260.10] Christ himself +[3260.10 --> 3261.72] is available +[3261.72 --> 3263.40] in all his saving power +[3263.40 --> 3265.48] through this word, +[3265.64 --> 3266.86] through this message +[3266.86 --> 3268.34] that we carry. +[3269.70 --> 3270.78] God's power +[3270.78 --> 3273.30] to transform lives, +[3273.70 --> 3275.70] to raise dead hearts +[3275.70 --> 3277.34] and give them new life, +[3277.46 --> 3278.10] God's power +[3278.10 --> 3279.10] to take us +[3279.10 --> 3280.06] from our being dead +[3280.06 --> 3280.94] and our transgressions +[3280.94 --> 3281.44] and sins +[3281.44 --> 3282.98] and transforming us +[3282.98 --> 3284.82] into a new creation +[3284.82 --> 3285.26] in him, +[3285.44 --> 3286.86] the power of the truth +[3286.86 --> 3287.72] that Jesus lived +[3287.72 --> 3288.80] the life I should have lived +[3288.80 --> 3289.64] and died the death +[3289.64 --> 3290.42] that I deserve, +[3290.50 --> 3292.36] the power that raised God +[3292.36 --> 3293.16] from the dead +[3293.16 --> 3294.92] and has transformed +[3294.92 --> 3296.44] each and every one of us +[3296.44 --> 3296.84] who believe, +[3296.90 --> 3298.44] that power is available +[3298.44 --> 3299.22] to you +[3299.22 --> 3300.38] in your speaking, +[3300.74 --> 3301.90] in your declaring, +[3302.22 --> 3303.40] in your proclaiming, +[3303.48 --> 3304.38] in your lighting +[3304.38 --> 3305.14] the way +[3305.14 --> 3306.18] back to God. +[3307.92 --> 3308.88] At the word of God, +[3308.96 --> 3309.52] the gospel +[3309.52 --> 3311.16] is a message +[3311.16 --> 3312.08] powerfully +[3312.08 --> 3313.02] and fully +[3313.02 --> 3313.96] incarnated +[3313.96 --> 3314.90] in the person +[3314.90 --> 3315.48] of Jesus +[3315.48 --> 3316.66] and then, +[3316.86 --> 3318.02] because of that, +[3318.28 --> 3319.32] is incarnated +[3319.32 --> 3319.96] in the life +[3319.96 --> 3320.78] and the words +[3320.78 --> 3321.50] and the deeds +[3321.50 --> 3323.30] of us, +[3324.02 --> 3324.78] his church, +[3325.40 --> 3325.94] the body. +[3328.24 --> 3329.12] As the church +[3329.12 --> 3329.98] then attends +[3329.98 --> 3331.30] to the word of God +[3331.30 --> 3332.02] and to fellowship, +[3332.32 --> 3333.26] gathering and growing, +[3333.44 --> 3334.20] to the Lord's Supper, +[3334.34 --> 3335.26] gathering and growing, +[3335.52 --> 3336.16] and to prayer, +[3336.34 --> 3337.22] gathering and growing, +[3337.58 --> 3338.92] it's built up, +[3339.00 --> 3340.02] we are built up +[3340.02 --> 3340.60] in the life +[3340.60 --> 3341.18] of the Spirit +[3341.18 --> 3343.52] and sent out. +[3344.70 --> 3345.02] And actually, +[3345.14 --> 3345.46] Goheen, +[3345.58 --> 3346.46] he calls this +[3346.46 --> 3348.62] the bipolar orientation +[3348.62 --> 3349.58] of the church. +[3350.22 --> 3350.46] That is, +[3350.50 --> 3351.36] the church must be +[3351.36 --> 3353.60] inward and outward facing. +[3354.30 --> 3355.58] The inward life +[3355.58 --> 3357.64] strengthens the kingdom life +[3357.64 --> 3359.48] so that it is vitally connected +[3359.48 --> 3361.06] to its outward manifestation. +[3362.12 --> 3362.48] Again, +[3362.90 --> 3363.56] our gathering +[3363.56 --> 3364.62] and growing +[3364.62 --> 3365.70] and going +[3365.70 --> 3367.06] all exists +[3367.06 --> 3368.36] together. +[3369.46 --> 3370.94] And this missionary identity +[3370.94 --> 3372.14] of the church, +[3372.24 --> 3373.42] this sent reality +[3373.42 --> 3374.78] for us, +[3375.14 --> 3376.64] continues throughout. +[3376.74 --> 3377.98] That's the great commission +[3377.98 --> 3378.46] of Jesus, +[3378.58 --> 3380.32] to go into all nations +[3380.32 --> 3381.08] and make disciples. +[3381.24 --> 3382.68] That's the great commission +[3382.68 --> 3383.56] of Acts 1, +[3383.66 --> 3384.44] to be witnesses +[3384.44 --> 3386.46] to Judea and Samaria +[3386.46 --> 3387.20] and to the ends +[3387.20 --> 3387.72] of the earth, +[3388.02 --> 3389.58] filled with the Holy Spirit, +[3390.12 --> 3391.52] is to bring the light +[3391.52 --> 3394.02] of the gospel. +[3397.16 --> 3397.88] I don't know +[3397.88 --> 3398.56] how many of you +[3398.56 --> 3401.72] are currently watching +[3401.72 --> 3402.54] or have already +[3402.54 --> 3403.44] given up on +[3403.44 --> 3405.04] the Rings of Power series +[3405.04 --> 3406.18] on Amazon Prime. +[3408.26 --> 3409.82] If you're a Tolkien fan, +[3410.40 --> 3412.14] probably won't like +[3412.14 --> 3412.86] the TV show +[3412.86 --> 3414.54] because it's been +[3414.54 --> 3415.52] kind of disappointing, +[3415.72 --> 3416.28] to be honest. +[3417.14 --> 3418.48] But one of the things +[3418.48 --> 3419.04] they get right, +[3419.10 --> 3419.82] and this was in the most +[3419.82 --> 3420.40] recent episode +[3420.40 --> 3421.24] from this past week, +[3421.24 --> 3424.70] one of the characters +[3424.70 --> 3425.96] is finally standing up +[3425.96 --> 3426.94] and has realized +[3426.94 --> 3427.96] who Sauron is +[3427.96 --> 3428.56] and he speaks +[3428.56 --> 3429.64] with one of the other characters +[3429.64 --> 3432.10] and they finally get it right +[3432.10 --> 3433.14] and this was Tolkien's point +[3433.14 --> 3433.62] all along. +[3434.20 --> 3435.36] The character said, +[3435.52 --> 3436.10] Celebrimbor, +[3436.26 --> 3437.36] the only thing +[3437.36 --> 3438.76] that defeats the dark +[3438.76 --> 3440.80] is the light. +[3442.38 --> 3443.04] And then he says, +[3443.12 --> 3444.04] the darker the night, +[3444.76 --> 3446.10] the greater the light +[3446.10 --> 3447.00] cuts through it. +[3448.78 --> 3449.68] That's what we do. +[3449.68 --> 3452.60] We shine the light +[3452.60 --> 3453.20] of the gospel +[3453.20 --> 3454.72] into the darkness +[3454.72 --> 3455.94] because the only thing +[3455.94 --> 3457.10] that defeats the dark +[3457.10 --> 3458.44] is the light. +[3458.78 --> 3459.86] And Jesus, +[3460.34 --> 3461.24] the light of the world, +[3461.40 --> 3462.42] has made you +[3462.42 --> 3463.58] a light +[3463.58 --> 3464.94] for the world. +[3466.66 --> 3468.12] We are sent, +[3468.26 --> 3469.22] we go +[3469.22 --> 3471.18] to reveal. +[3472.40 --> 3473.28] And then lastly, +[3473.90 --> 3474.94] our going +[3474.94 --> 3477.22] is for contrasting. +[3478.56 --> 3479.54] The church +[3479.54 --> 3481.48] is a contrast +[3481.48 --> 3482.20] community. +[3483.48 --> 3484.42] What does Jesus say? +[3484.52 --> 3485.08] Jesus says, +[3485.44 --> 3486.24] You are the salt +[3486.24 --> 3486.84] of the earth, +[3486.94 --> 3487.54] but if salt +[3487.54 --> 3488.78] loses its saltiness, +[3488.94 --> 3489.64] how can it be +[3489.64 --> 3490.48] made salty again? +[3491.02 --> 3491.30] And again, +[3491.34 --> 3491.54] he says, +[3491.60 --> 3492.06] You are the light +[3492.06 --> 3492.58] of the world. +[3492.86 --> 3493.48] A town built +[3493.48 --> 3493.82] on a hill +[3493.82 --> 3494.44] cannot be hidden. +[3494.56 --> 3495.36] In the same way, +[3495.46 --> 3496.10] let your light +[3496.10 --> 3497.20] shine before others +[3497.20 --> 3498.22] that they may see +[3498.22 --> 3498.92] your good deeds +[3498.92 --> 3500.04] and glorify God. +[3500.86 --> 3501.74] Jesus calls +[3501.74 --> 3502.50] his disciples +[3502.50 --> 3503.52] salt and light, +[3503.72 --> 3504.32] which means +[3504.32 --> 3505.10] that they are living +[3505.10 --> 3505.80] in a way +[3505.80 --> 3507.32] that contrasts +[3507.32 --> 3508.14] the world's +[3508.14 --> 3510.08] decay and darkness. +[3511.50 --> 3512.24] The church's +[3512.24 --> 3513.66] distinct life together, +[3513.76 --> 3514.32] our distinct +[3514.32 --> 3515.10] gathering and +[3515.10 --> 3515.80] growing together, +[3516.12 --> 3517.56] reveals God's +[3517.56 --> 3518.90] kingdom values. +[3519.50 --> 3520.12] This is what Paul +[3520.12 --> 3521.32] means in Romans 12. +[3521.42 --> 3521.62] He says, +[3521.76 --> 3522.40] Do not conform +[3522.40 --> 3523.02] to the pattern +[3523.02 --> 3523.54] of this world, +[3523.64 --> 3524.48] but be transformed +[3524.48 --> 3525.50] by the renewing +[3525.50 --> 3526.04] of your mind. +[3526.94 --> 3528.24] Paul calls the church +[3528.24 --> 3529.54] to be transformed +[3529.54 --> 3530.80] by God's truth +[3530.80 --> 3532.46] rather than conforming +[3532.46 --> 3533.26] to the ideas +[3533.26 --> 3533.78] of the world. +[3533.78 --> 3535.20] And it's this +[3535.20 --> 3536.62] non-conformist +[3536.62 --> 3538.88] idea and reflection. +[3539.36 --> 3539.82] It's our +[3539.82 --> 3540.90] counter-cultural +[3540.90 --> 3542.02] reality +[3542.02 --> 3543.02] in the midst +[3543.02 --> 3543.78] of the world +[3543.78 --> 3544.92] that makes the church +[3544.92 --> 3546.92] a contrast community. +[3548.16 --> 3548.98] The communal +[3548.98 --> 3550.04] life of the church +[3550.04 --> 3551.76] manifests the coming +[3551.76 --> 3552.80] of the kingdom, +[3552.96 --> 3553.82] the breaking in +[3553.82 --> 3554.80] of God +[3554.80 --> 3555.56] into the world. +[3556.40 --> 3557.06] And so mission, +[3557.42 --> 3558.10] first of all, +[3558.30 --> 3559.02] is the life +[3559.02 --> 3560.04] of this contrast +[3560.04 --> 3560.68] community +[3560.68 --> 3561.64] lived out, +[3561.74 --> 3562.62] the radiant +[3562.62 --> 3564.42] and resplendent +[3564.42 --> 3565.12] demonstration +[3565.12 --> 3565.90] of God's +[3565.90 --> 3567.18] creational intent +[3567.18 --> 3568.26] for human life +[3568.26 --> 3569.18] and the goal +[3569.18 --> 3569.96] that God has +[3569.96 --> 3570.58] for redemption +[3570.58 --> 3572.88] of all of history. +[3575.46 --> 3576.78] And so we look +[3576.78 --> 3578.04] particular +[3578.04 --> 3579.72] and peculiar. +[3581.46 --> 3582.38] Philippians 2, +[3582.48 --> 3583.26] one of my favorite +[3583.26 --> 3585.12] chapters in the whole Bible, +[3585.78 --> 3587.44] after showing us +[3587.44 --> 3588.46] a beautiful picture +[3588.46 --> 3589.04] of Christ, +[3589.20 --> 3589.66] it says, +[3589.78 --> 3590.14] Your attitude +[3590.14 --> 3590.94] should be the same +[3590.94 --> 3592.10] as that of Christ Jesus. +[3592.10 --> 3592.70] And then we get +[3592.70 --> 3593.38] this excellent +[3593.38 --> 3594.12] and amazing +[3594.12 --> 3595.20] Christ hymn +[3595.20 --> 3596.02] where it describes +[3596.02 --> 3597.26] how Christ emptied +[3597.26 --> 3597.82] himself. +[3599.18 --> 3600.02] He took on +[3600.02 --> 3601.02] the form, +[3601.16 --> 3602.04] the flesh +[3602.04 --> 3603.30] of a human being +[3603.30 --> 3603.94] and he became +[3603.94 --> 3604.46] obedient, +[3604.72 --> 3605.48] even obedient +[3605.48 --> 3606.32] unto death +[3606.32 --> 3607.36] on a cross. +[3608.34 --> 3609.14] And because of that, +[3609.22 --> 3610.16] God exalts him +[3610.16 --> 3611.26] to the highest place +[3611.26 --> 3611.94] that at the name +[3611.94 --> 3612.36] of Jesus +[3612.36 --> 3613.34] every knee should bow +[3613.34 --> 3614.08] and tongue confess +[3614.08 --> 3615.28] in heaven and on earth +[3615.28 --> 3615.92] and under the earth +[3615.92 --> 3616.78] that Jesus Christ +[3616.78 --> 3617.28] is Lord +[3617.28 --> 3618.16] to the glory +[3618.16 --> 3618.70] of God +[3618.70 --> 3619.54] our Father. +[3619.54 --> 3621.60] and then we read, +[3622.88 --> 3624.30] Because of this truth, +[3624.92 --> 3626.42] because of who Jesus is +[3626.42 --> 3627.62] and what he has done, +[3628.96 --> 3629.82] do everything +[3629.82 --> 3630.70] without grumbling +[3630.70 --> 3631.44] or arguing +[3631.44 --> 3632.96] so that you may become +[3632.96 --> 3634.42] blameless and pure, +[3634.90 --> 3635.82] children of God +[3635.82 --> 3636.68] without fault +[3636.68 --> 3637.32] in a warped +[3637.32 --> 3638.58] and crooked generation. +[3639.14 --> 3640.78] And then you will shine +[3640.78 --> 3641.82] like stars +[3641.82 --> 3643.08] in the sky. +[3643.46 --> 3644.12] The older way +[3644.12 --> 3644.94] of translating that +[3644.94 --> 3646.00] is then you will shine +[3646.00 --> 3646.70] like stars +[3646.70 --> 3647.34] in the universe +[3647.34 --> 3648.90] as you hold out +[3648.90 --> 3650.26] the word of life. +[3651.52 --> 3652.56] In contrast +[3652.56 --> 3655.08] to a warped +[3655.08 --> 3656.46] and crooked generation, +[3657.20 --> 3658.94] church is called out +[3658.94 --> 3660.60] to be blameless +[3660.60 --> 3661.76] and pure. +[3664.76 --> 3665.44] Picture +[3665.44 --> 3668.08] a lush, +[3668.84 --> 3669.30] vibrant, +[3669.82 --> 3670.66] beautiful +[3670.66 --> 3671.58] oasis +[3671.58 --> 3672.48] of a garden +[3672.48 --> 3673.88] in the middle +[3673.88 --> 3675.52] of a barren desert. +[3676.70 --> 3677.80] The dry, +[3678.02 --> 3678.76] cracked earth +[3678.76 --> 3679.72] surrounds it, +[3680.18 --> 3680.72] lifeless +[3680.72 --> 3681.88] and harsh, +[3682.00 --> 3682.82] but this garden +[3682.82 --> 3684.22] stands out, +[3684.36 --> 3685.42] rich in color, +[3685.82 --> 3686.80] brimming with life +[3686.80 --> 3687.48] and fruit +[3687.48 --> 3688.36] and flowers. +[3689.22 --> 3689.76] The garden +[3689.76 --> 3690.60] doesn't blend in +[3690.60 --> 3691.44] with its surroundings. +[3691.68 --> 3691.94] In fact, +[3691.98 --> 3693.04] it contrasts +[3693.04 --> 3694.10] so hard +[3694.10 --> 3695.30] with the desolation. +[3696.36 --> 3696.76] And people +[3696.76 --> 3697.84] passing by +[3697.84 --> 3699.08] can't help +[3699.08 --> 3700.02] but be drawn +[3700.02 --> 3700.94] to its beauty +[3700.94 --> 3702.40] and its nourishment. +[3702.40 --> 3705.36] our going +[3705.36 --> 3706.04] is to be +[3706.04 --> 3706.58] that garden +[3706.58 --> 3708.14] in the desert. +[3709.46 --> 3710.08] And in a world +[3710.08 --> 3710.98] that often feels +[3710.98 --> 3711.46] dry +[3711.46 --> 3712.46] and lifeless, +[3712.60 --> 3713.70] full of selfishness +[3713.70 --> 3714.38] and sin +[3714.38 --> 3715.34] and despair, +[3715.54 --> 3716.14] the church +[3716.14 --> 3717.16] ought to be +[3717.16 --> 3718.40] one that stands +[3718.40 --> 3719.38] out as vibrant +[3719.38 --> 3720.50] and life-giving +[3720.50 --> 3721.40] community. +[3722.52 --> 3723.20] And by living +[3723.20 --> 3723.96] according to +[3723.96 --> 3725.16] God's values +[3725.16 --> 3726.56] and as a contrast +[3726.56 --> 3727.28] into the world, +[3727.36 --> 3728.04] we offer +[3728.04 --> 3729.16] the beauty +[3729.16 --> 3730.40] of the gospel. +[3730.40 --> 3732.64] we offer +[3732.64 --> 3733.44] God's life +[3733.44 --> 3734.74] and his salvation +[3734.74 --> 3735.88] to those around us. +[3737.66 --> 3738.76] Just like the garden +[3738.76 --> 3739.54] doesn't hide +[3739.54 --> 3740.40] its flourishing +[3740.40 --> 3741.38] life, +[3742.04 --> 3742.66] the church's +[3742.66 --> 3743.72] light and love +[3743.72 --> 3744.98] stands out +[3744.98 --> 3746.20] and it draws +[3746.20 --> 3746.90] others +[3746.90 --> 3747.78] to the hope +[3747.78 --> 3748.98] found in +[3748.98 --> 3749.82] God. +[3752.14 --> 3752.94] You, +[3754.00 --> 3754.66] we, +[3755.04 --> 3755.40] together, +[3756.26 --> 3756.80] are a +[3756.80 --> 3758.04] sent community, +[3758.88 --> 3759.76] sent to +[3759.76 --> 3760.20] bless +[3760.20 --> 3761.24] the world, +[3761.66 --> 3762.14] sent to +[3762.14 --> 3762.98] reveal +[3762.98 --> 3763.66] God's +[3763.66 --> 3764.30] presence, +[3764.50 --> 3764.92] sent to +[3764.92 --> 3765.54] show +[3765.54 --> 3766.50] the way +[3766.50 --> 3767.26] back to +[3767.26 --> 3767.84] the Father, +[3767.98 --> 3768.72] to reveal +[3768.72 --> 3769.54] the light +[3769.54 --> 3770.18] of the world, +[3770.38 --> 3771.18] and sent +[3771.18 --> 3772.48] as a contrast +[3772.48 --> 3773.32] so that people +[3773.32 --> 3773.92] might look +[3773.92 --> 3774.46] at you +[3774.46 --> 3775.22] and say, +[3775.80 --> 3777.02] who is +[3777.02 --> 3778.02] this God? +[3778.58 --> 3779.68] Who is +[3779.68 --> 3780.94] this man? +[3782.52 --> 3783.20] Why +[3783.20 --> 3784.00] do you +[3784.00 --> 3784.48] do +[3784.48 --> 3785.36] what you +[3785.36 --> 3785.70] do? +[3785.70 --> 3787.42] it is +[3787.42 --> 3788.46] absolutely +[3788.46 --> 3789.70] weird +[3789.70 --> 3790.68] and makes +[3790.68 --> 3791.30] no sense +[3791.30 --> 3791.68] to me +[3791.68 --> 3792.22] and yet +[3792.22 --> 3792.52] there's +[3792.52 --> 3792.88] something +[3792.88 --> 3793.40] in my +[3793.40 --> 3793.68] heart +[3793.68 --> 3794.68] that sings +[3794.68 --> 3796.18] when I +[3796.18 --> 3796.50] hear you +[3796.50 --> 3796.84] speak. +[3798.74 --> 3799.36] That's +[3799.36 --> 3799.72] why we +[3799.72 --> 3799.98] go. +[3801.10 --> 3801.60] That's +[3801.60 --> 3802.14] how we +[3802.14 --> 3802.44] go. +[3803.82 --> 3804.14] And +[3804.14 --> 3804.50] together +[3804.50 --> 3805.22] I pray +[3805.22 --> 3806.72] that we +[3806.72 --> 3807.18] would +[3807.18 --> 3808.00] go. +[3809.08 --> 3809.56] Amen? +[3810.86 --> 3811.46] Amen. +[3811.56 --> 3811.90] That was a +[3811.90 --> 3812.44] false ending. +[3812.44 --> 3814.42] because you +[3814.42 --> 3814.84] need to say +[3814.84 --> 3815.42] amen to +[3815.42 --> 3815.68] yes, +[3815.72 --> 3815.98] I want +[3815.98 --> 3816.32] to go. +[3817.50 --> 3817.90] That's +[3817.90 --> 3818.14] your +[3818.14 --> 3818.66] calling. +[3819.66 --> 3819.94] Don't +[3819.94 --> 3820.26] look for +[3820.26 --> 3820.66] me to +[3820.66 --> 3820.94] do it +[3820.94 --> 3821.36] for you. +[3821.86 --> 3822.12] Don't +[3822.12 --> 3822.44] look for +[3822.44 --> 3822.88] Kevin to +[3822.88 --> 3823.12] do it +[3823.12 --> 3823.50] for you. +[3823.74 --> 3823.94] Don't +[3823.94 --> 3824.22] look for +[3824.22 --> 3824.70] Josh to +[3824.70 --> 3824.92] do it +[3824.92 --> 3825.22] for you, +[3825.26 --> 3825.42] although +[3825.42 --> 3826.22] Josh does +[3826.22 --> 3826.62] an excellent +[3826.62 --> 3827.18] job at +[3827.18 --> 3827.36] it. +[3827.94 --> 3828.16] Sorry, +[3828.26 --> 3828.42] Kevin. +[3830.52 --> 3830.96] This +[3830.96 --> 3831.56] is all +[3831.56 --> 3832.50] of us +[3832.50 --> 3833.94] sent +[3833.94 --> 3834.86] to go. +[3836.08 --> 3836.44] And so +[3836.44 --> 3836.74] when you +[3836.74 --> 3837.42] say amen, +[3838.46 --> 3839.04] know that +[3839.04 --> 3839.54] you are +[3839.54 --> 3840.30] going with +[3840.30 --> 3841.00] God, +[3841.20 --> 3841.84] who goes +[3841.84 --> 3842.34] with you +[3842.34 --> 3842.74] and has +[3842.74 --> 3843.38] sent you +[3843.38 --> 3843.94] in the +[3843.94 --> 3844.62] power of +[3844.62 --> 3845.02] the Holy +[3845.02 --> 3845.40] Spirit. +[3847.08 --> 3847.66] Go +[3847.66 --> 3848.46] because +[3848.46 --> 3849.10] he +[3849.10 --> 3849.98] has +[3849.98 --> 3850.68] said +[3850.68 --> 3851.48] go. +[3852.38 --> 3852.96] And it's +[3852.96 --> 3853.28] in your +[3853.28 --> 3854.06] going with +[3854.06 --> 3855.10] him that +[3855.10 --> 3855.84] you find +[3855.84 --> 3856.66] true +[3856.66 --> 3857.66] life. +[3859.62 --> 3860.32] And then +[3860.32 --> 3860.62] I can +[3860.62 --> 3861.10] promise +[3861.10 --> 3862.80] as you +[3862.80 --> 3863.10] go, +[3863.24 --> 3863.56] you will +[3863.56 --> 3864.56] see me +[3864.56 --> 3865.64] and Kevin +[3865.64 --> 3866.36] and Josh +[3866.36 --> 3866.92] and I pray +[3866.92 --> 3867.72] every one +[3867.72 --> 3868.00] of you +[3868.00 --> 3868.48] on that +[3868.48 --> 3868.84] same +[3868.84 --> 3869.52] journey +[3869.52 --> 3870.40] together. +[3870.40 --> 3872.14] now +[3872.14 --> 3872.44] amen. +[3873.22 --> 3873.84] Let's +[3873.84 --> 3874.00] pray +[3874.00 --> 3874.40] together. +[3876.78 --> 3877.38] Holy +[3877.38 --> 3877.68] God, +[3877.78 --> 3878.00] holy +[3878.00 --> 3878.38] God, +[3878.70 --> 3879.12] holy +[3879.12 --> 3879.50] God, +[3879.84 --> 3880.04] you +[3880.04 --> 3880.26] have +[3880.26 --> 3880.62] made +[3880.62 --> 3881.08] us +[3881.08 --> 3881.82] a +[3881.82 --> 3882.22] royal +[3882.22 --> 3883.06] priesthood, +[3883.14 --> 3883.70] a holy +[3883.70 --> 3884.20] nation, +[3884.34 --> 3884.54] your +[3884.54 --> 3885.18] special +[3885.18 --> 3885.94] possession, +[3886.08 --> 3886.38] a people +[3886.38 --> 3886.90] belonging +[3886.90 --> 3887.38] to you +[3887.38 --> 3887.72] that we +[3887.72 --> 3887.98] might +[3887.98 --> 3888.44] declare +[3888.44 --> 3889.02] your +[3889.02 --> 3889.52] praises +[3889.52 --> 3890.12] and so +[3890.12 --> 3890.44] now +[3890.44 --> 3890.90] send +[3890.90 --> 3891.26] us +[3891.26 --> 3891.58] out +[3891.58 --> 3892.00] to +[3892.00 --> 3892.42] declare +[3892.42 --> 3892.80] those +[3892.80 --> 3893.24] praises. +[3893.44 --> 3893.68] Send +[3893.68 --> 3893.96] us +[3893.96 --> 3894.18] out +[3894.18 --> 3894.70] in the +[3894.70 --> 3895.00] power +[3895.00 --> 3895.44] of your +[3895.44 --> 3895.70] name. +[3896.26 --> 3896.52] Send +[3896.52 --> 3896.76] us +[3896.76 --> 3896.98] out +[3896.98 --> 3897.20] no +[3897.20 --> 3897.58] longer +[3897.58 --> 3898.42] slaves +[3898.42 --> 3898.94] to +[3898.94 --> 3899.42] sin +[3899.42 --> 3899.74] and +[3899.74 --> 3900.56] brokenness +[3900.56 --> 3900.82] but +[3900.82 --> 3901.80] made +[3901.80 --> 3902.30] new +[3902.30 --> 3902.74] in +[3902.74 --> 3903.30] life, +[3903.56 --> 3904.26] transformed +[3904.26 --> 3905.28] with the +[3905.28 --> 3905.68] power +[3905.68 --> 3906.08] of the +[3906.08 --> 3906.28] Holy +[3906.28 --> 3906.60] Spirit +[3906.60 --> 3907.10] to +[3907.10 --> 3907.96] declare +[3907.96 --> 3908.50] your +[3908.50 --> 3909.16] gospel +[3909.16 --> 3910.12] truth. +[3911.34 --> 3912.04] Send +[3912.04 --> 3912.28] us +[3912.28 --> 3912.52] out +[3912.52 --> 3912.68] that +[3912.68 --> 3912.84] we +[3912.84 --> 3913.14] might +[3913.14 --> 3913.62] shine +[3913.62 --> 3913.94] like +[3913.94 --> 3914.50] stars +[3914.50 --> 3915.24] in the +[3915.24 --> 3915.62] universe +[3915.62 --> 3916.02] as we +[3916.02 --> 3916.38] hold +[3916.38 --> 3916.66] out +[3916.66 --> 3916.88] the +[3916.88 --> 3917.22] word +[3917.22 --> 3917.96] of +[3917.96 --> 3918.74] life. +[3920.40 --> 3921.06] God, +[3921.14 --> 3921.26] your +[3921.26 --> 3921.76] call +[3921.76 --> 3922.98] is +[3922.98 --> 3923.24] about +[3923.24 --> 3923.76] so +[3923.76 --> 3924.54] much +[3924.54 --> 3924.98] more +[3924.98 --> 3925.22] than +[3925.22 --> 3925.58] this +[3925.58 --> 3925.98] moment +[3925.98 --> 3926.30] right +[3926.30 --> 3926.74] here. +[3927.56 --> 3928.16] It's +[3928.16 --> 3928.38] about +[3928.38 --> 3928.74] every +[3928.74 --> 3929.18] moment +[3929.18 --> 3929.90] from +[3929.90 --> 3930.16] this +[3930.16 --> 3930.48] place +[3930.48 --> 3930.76] going +[3930.76 --> 3931.18] forward. +[3932.14 --> 3932.24] And +[3932.24 --> 3932.50] so, +[3932.56 --> 3932.98] so +[3932.98 --> 3933.68] fill +[3933.68 --> 3934.08] us +[3934.08 --> 3934.32] with +[3934.32 --> 3934.76] wonder +[3934.76 --> 3935.02] that +[3935.02 --> 3935.22] we +[3935.22 --> 3936.38] run +[3936.38 --> 3937.46] headlong +[3937.46 --> 3937.96] into +[3937.96 --> 3938.26] the +[3938.26 --> 3938.66] journey +[3938.66 --> 3939.00] of +[3939.00 --> 3939.26] faith +[3939.26 --> 3939.70] even +[3939.70 --> 3940.08] though +[3940.08 --> 3940.34] we +[3940.34 --> 3940.58] may +[3940.58 --> 3940.84] not +[3940.84 --> 3941.22] know +[3941.22 --> 3941.84] where +[3941.84 --> 3942.02] you +[3942.02 --> 3942.18] are +[3942.18 --> 3942.50] calling +[3942.50 --> 3942.86] us. +[3944.18 --> 3944.66] But +[3944.66 --> 3944.76] we +[3944.76 --> 3944.92] go +[3944.92 --> 3945.22] to be +[3945.22 --> 3945.34] a +[3945.34 --> 3945.64] blessing. +[3946.48 --> 3946.58] And +[3946.58 --> 3946.74] so +[3946.74 --> 3947.02] bless +[3947.02 --> 3947.18] us +[3947.18 --> 3947.34] we +[3947.34 --> 3947.58] pray +[3947.58 --> 3947.84] in +[3947.84 --> 3948.14] Jesus +[3948.14 --> 3948.54] name. +[3949.14 --> 3949.44] Amen. +[3951.76 --> 3954.02] I +[3954.02 --> 3954.20] think +[3954.20 --> 3954.36] the +[3954.36 --> 3954.52] one +[3954.52 --> 3954.74] thing +[3954.74 --> 3954.92] that +[3954.92 --> 3955.14] can +[3955.14 --> 3955.66] stop +[3955.66 --> 3956.16] me +[3956.16 --> 3956.56] anyway +[3956.56 --> 3956.84] from +[3956.84 --> 3957.20] going +[3957.20 --> 3957.66] is +[3957.66 --> 3958.02] fear. +[3958.92 --> 3959.02] And +[3959.02 --> 3959.22] this +[3959.22 --> 3959.54] song +[3959.54 --> 3959.94] just +[3959.94 --> 3960.38] reminds +[3960.38 --> 3960.62] us +[3960.62 --> 3960.80] that +[3960.80 --> 3960.98] we +[3960.98 --> 3961.22] are +[3961.22 --> 3961.54] a +[3961.54 --> 3961.80] child +[3961.80 --> 3962.00] of +[3962.00 --> 3962.28] God +[3962.28 --> 3962.72] that +[3962.72 --> 3963.34] he +[3963.34 --> 3963.74] is +[3963.74 --> 3964.70] all +[3964.70 --> 3965.14] powerful +[3965.14 --> 3965.44] and +[3965.44 --> 3965.78] all +[3965.78 --> 3966.70] omnipotent +[3966.70 --> 3967.22] and we +[3967.22 --> 3967.50] don't +[3967.50 --> 3967.72] have +[3967.72 --> 3967.92] to +[3967.92 --> 3968.16] be +[3968.16 --> 3968.52] afraid. +[3968.52 --> 3969.14] Let's +[3969.14 --> 3969.38] stand +[3969.38 --> 3969.56] up +[3969.56 --> 3969.74] and +[3969.74 --> 3969.92] sing. +[3981.76 --> 4011.76] +[4011.76 --> 4015.76] From my enemies +[4015.76 --> 4021.52] Till all my fears are gone +[4021.52 --> 4028.02] I'm no longer a slave to fear +[4028.02 --> 4034.80] I am a child of God +[4034.80 --> 4041.08] I'm no longer a slave to fear +[4041.08 --> 4047.66] I am a child of God +[4047.66 --> 4060.16] From my mother's womb +[4060.16 --> 4063.68] You have chosen me +[4063.68 --> 4069.16] Love has called my name +[4069.16 --> 4072.82] I've been born again +[4072.82 --> 4075.16] Into your family +[4075.16 --> 4081.66] Your blood goes through my name +[4081.66 --> 4087.74] I'm no longer a slave to fear +[4087.74 --> 4094.32] I am a child of God +[4094.32 --> 4100.46] I'm no longer a slave to fear +[4100.46 --> 4106.32] I am a child of God +[4106.32 --> 4124.32] You slid the sea so I could walk right through it +[4124.32 --> 4128.32] My fears were drowning for them alone +[4128.32 --> 4134.90] You rescued me so I could stand and sing +[4134.90 --> 4141.48] I am a child of God +[4141.48 --> 4147.90] You slid the sea so I could walk right through it +[4147.90 --> 4151.90] My fears were drowning in perfect love +[4151.90 --> 4158.48] You rescued me so I could stand and sing +[4158.48 --> 4163.48] I am a child of God +[4163.48 --> 4169.48] I am a child of God +[4169.48 --> 4180.06] I am a child of God +[4180.06 --> 4184.06] I am a child of God +[4184.06 --> 4192.64] I am a child of God +[4192.64 --> 4198.10] I am no longer a slave to fear +[4198.10 --> 4205.64] I am a child of God +[4205.64 --> 4219.06] Amen and amen. +[4219.06 --> 4219.14] Amen and amen. +[4219.24 --> 4223.96] As a child of God, you go with his blessing. +[4224.54 --> 4225.70] Go with his blessing. +[4225.90 --> 4229.16] Go also with an invitation to stick around after service +[4229.16 --> 4230.98] for a time of fellowship and encouragement. +[4231.70 --> 4233.46] There'll be refreshments available as well. +[4233.58 --> 4235.14] Connect with some of our ministries. +[4235.14 --> 4236.34] Connect with the leaders. +[4236.82 --> 4239.82] See how you can encourage them, support them, pray for them, +[4239.88 --> 4242.06] where you might plug in, how you might sign up, +[4242.40 --> 4251.52] as we can then together grow and go by our gathering in this place +[4251.52 --> 4252.52] and as a community. +[4252.92 --> 4255.04] Receive the blessing of our good God. +[4256.50 --> 4258.40] God, go before you to lead you. +[4259.14 --> 4261.06] God, go behind you to protect you. +[4261.68 --> 4263.52] God, go beneath you to support you. +[4263.52 --> 4266.10] And God, go beside you to befriend you. +[4266.72 --> 4268.42] Do not be afraid. +[4268.96 --> 4270.92] Let the blessing of God come upon you today. +[4271.28 --> 4277.36] Do not be afraid, but go in peace to love and serve the Lord. +[4278.12 --> 4278.58] Amen. +[4278.58 --> 4297.80] I know He has been told +[4297.80 --> 4301.74] His blood that's ever guaranteed, +[4301.98 --> 4302.54] I believe. +[4302.54 --> 4306.66] I believe +[4306.66 --> 4313.16] My shame is taken away +[4313.16 --> 4316.62] My pain is filled in the pain +[4316.62 --> 4317.78] I believe +[4317.78 --> 4321.46] I believe +[4321.46 --> 4326.98] I'll praise the better +[4326.98 --> 4331.48] My Lord has conquered the grave +[4331.48 --> 4334.56] My Redeemer ends +[4334.56 --> 4338.52] My Redeemer ends +[4338.52 --> 4342.04] My Redeemer ends +[4342.04 --> 4346.56] My Redeemer ends +[4346.56 --> 4357.24] I know He rescued my soul +[4357.24 --> 4360.68] His blood has covered my sin +[4360.68 --> 4361.76] I believe +[4361.76 --> 4365.60] I believe +[4365.60 --> 4372.06] My shame is taken away +[4372.06 --> 4375.60] My pain is filled in His name +[4375.60 --> 4376.76] I believe +[4376.76 --> 4377.84] I believe +[4377.84 --> 4379.84] I believe +[4379.84 --> 4380.80] I believe +[4380.80 --> 4381.68] I believe +[4381.68 --> 4382.80] I believe +[4382.80 --> 4384.80] I believe +[4384.80 --> 4385.68] I believe +[4385.68 --> 4385.84] I believe +[4385.84 --> 4390.42] My God is covered to break +[4390.42 --> 4391.34] I believe +[4391.34 --> 4421.32] I redeem the Lamb +[4421.34 --> 4451.32] I redeem the Lamb +[4451.34 --> 4458.34] I redeem the Lamb +[4458.34 --> 4461.34] I redeem the Lamb +[4461.34 --> 4466.34] I redeem the Lamb +[4466.34 --> 4472.34] I redeem the Lamb +[4472.34 --> 4474.34] I redeem the Lamb +[4474.34 --> 4476.34] I redeem the Lamb +[4476.34 --> 4488.34] I redeem the Lamb +[4488.34 --> 4491.34] I redeem the Lamb +[4491.34 --> 4493.34] I redeem the Lamb +[4493.34 --> 4523.32] Thank you. +[4523.34 --> 4553.32] Thank you. +[4553.34 --> 4555.34] Thank you. +[4583.34 --> 4585.34] Thank you. +[4613.34 --> 4615.34] Thank you. +[4643.34 --> 4645.34] Thank you. diff --git a/Sunday Worship, Sep 8, 2024_summary.txt b/Sunday Worship, Sep 8, 2024_summary.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000000000000000000000000000000000000..0c742cd7c7cc0ae3c945c4c2712ba01a90917cbc --- /dev/null +++ b/Sunday Worship, Sep 8, 2024_summary.txt @@ -0,0 +1,119 @@ +• Introduction of staff members (Hans, Franz) +• Sponsorship by Trinity Western and Redeemer +• Giveaways with Lauren and Diego from Trinity Western +• Presentation by Trinity Western and Redeemer representatives +• Information about Redeemer University (programs, location, student body size, and academic opportunities) +• Redeemer's mission is to equip students for careers while serving God and glorifying him +• Community at Redeemer is welcoming and strives to make people feel at home +• Visitation opportunities available, with some costs covered by the university +• Emmanuel CRC youth event with 170+ students from BC in attendance +• Introduction of Kevin Lobert, Langley Emanuel CRC's youth pastor, and reactivate leadership team members +• Leadership team introduction +• Introduction of Caitlin, Eric, and Natasha +• Introducing Ezekiel and celebrating his arrival +• Recognition of volunteers and thanking specific individuals (Faye, Rachel, Matt, and Linda) +• Starting church with Pastor Chris and Jean Vieve leading worship +• Introduction to a morning session of worship +• Greeting and reception of God's presence +• Invitation to greet others around them +• Worship and singing praises to God +• Reflection on the loudness of music and cultural differences +• Offer of earplugs for those who may find the volume too loud +• Introduction to a youth group gathering +• Invitation to Father to meet with them and hold space and time +• Song of worship and praise to God as King +• Personal testimony of faith and trust in God's love and presence +• Call for the congregation to join in singing and praising God +• Repeated declarations of praise and worship to God +• The theme of the lighthouse and guidance in darkness +• Trusting God's promise to carry us safely through life +• Feeling safe and secure despite uncertainty +• The concept of peace in a troubled sea +• Fire as a symbol of God's presence and light +• The idea of leading others through storms +• Singing and crying out hallelujah to acknowledge God's holiness +• Shouting and screaming out God's message from the mountains +• Acknowledging God's nature and actions in life +• Submission to a higher power +• Acknowledging sin and humanity's fallen state +• God's preservation of the world despite human rebellion +• Promise of salvation through Jesus Christ +• Power of prayer and the Holy Spirit +• Redemption through faith in Jesus +• Worship and praise for God's sovereignty +• A person or group singing a song about freedom and redemption +• Introduction of a special offering for World Renew, a relief and development agency +• Description of World Renew's work in disaster relief and community development +• Invitation to children aged 3-5 to come forward and participate in worship +• Discussion about the uniqueness of church that day and how it can be fun to worship God in different ways +• Preparing for prayer and the Lord's blessing +• Praying for the congregation, youth, and leaders +• Thanking God for the Reactivate Youth event and its impact on the youth +• Asking for continued healing and strength for Peter, Emo, Ashley, and others in need +• Praying for community, world peace, justice, and righteousness to reign +• Prayers for the congregation and those unable to attend +• Request for God's presence and guidance in daily life +• Gratitude for Emmanuel Church's hospitality and generosity +• Sermon on Acts chapter one, focusing on Jesus as our great King +• Reference to previous weekend themes of reactivate and how Jesus is revealed to us +• Discussion of John the Baptist's baptism with water and the Holy Spirit +• Jesus' statement about receiving power when the Holy Spirit comes +• The ascension of Jesus into heaven and a promise to return +• A story from a past Bible study group on international students, particularly a Japanese student named Naoko's question about Jesus' current location and activities +• Overview of the main topics for the day: + • Jesus ruling the world with love, justice, and mercy + • Jesus interceding for believers as their children + • Jesus equipping believers through his spirit +• The disciples would have been confused and disappointed after Jesus' ascension into heaven +• The disciples had a specific expectation for Jesus' role, to be the new King David establishing Israel and making Jerusalem great again +• Acts 1 answers part of Naoko's question about where Jesus is, saying he is in heaven +• Heaven is depicted as an interlocked and interweaving entity with earth, not a disconnected place +• Jesus' ultimate purpose is the perfect unity of heaven and earth +• Jesus' rule over creation is with love, justice, and power. +• The Bible celebrates the authority and kingship of Jesus over creation. +• Jesus is above every name, authority, and spiritual force. +• All things are under Jesus' feet and no rival can take him down. +• The universe's indifference to humanity is contrasted with Jesus' loving rule. +• Jesus intercedes for believers at this very moment. +• God justifies those chosen by Him +• Jesus Christ died and was raised to life, now seated at the right hand of God interceding for us +• Jesus' priestly ministry includes interceding on our behalf and taking our concerns to God +• The artist Elizabeth Wang's depiction of Jesus as an intercessor +• Jesus is also equipping believers in heaven for mission and ministry through the power of the Holy Spirit +• The power of resurrection through the Holy Spirit is poured out on the church +• Jesus invites believers to do what he does, including prophetic words, priestly intercession, and kingly rule +• Every believer has a role in being witnesses for Christ, sharing his ministry and teaching others about God's word +• Teaching scripture is an essential task for the church today, especially in youth ministries +• The prophetic ministry of Jesus involves speaking God's word, which includes teaching and sharing the scriptures with others +• The prophetic ministry of Jesus involves sharing the gospel and speaking about why one believes in Jesus. +• Evangelism is a common fear, but it can be done by simply living an ordinary life as someone who loves Jesus. +• One doesn't need to go far away to find people who don't know Jesus or God's word; they are often close by, such as classmates, coworkers, or neighbors. +• As followers of Jesus, one is called to the ministry of being prophets and speaking God's word, but also invited into the priestly ministry of intercession. +• Intercession involves making one's life a living sacrifice and praying for those around them. +• Broken relationships and the importance of prayer +• Being a priest and interceding on behalf of others +• The call to be kings and queens, ruling with justice and love under Jesus' authority +• Recognizing one's areas of influence and leading well in those spaces +• Understanding that God has placed people or issues under one's authority +• A person in graduate school is studying to be a doctor and grappling with the challenges of being a Christian in the medical field. +• The concept of "the bright light of a life well lived" was discussed, referencing C.S. Lewis's idea that living under Jesus' authority can serve as powerful witness to His gospel. +• The importance of being intentional about sharing one's faith through ordinary actions and behaviors was highlighted. +• A passage from Acts 1 was read, emphasizing the return of Jesus in glory, power, justice, and wisdom, and the establishment of a perfectly just and loving world. +• Worshiping Jesus as the great high priest, prophet, and rightful king +• Expectations of receiving a new body and experiencing a world free from sin +• The role of being witnesses to Jesus until his return +• Prayer for guidance, power, and authority under Jesus' rule +• Acknowledging dependence on God's control and sovereignty +• Asking for eyes to see how lives are under His control +• Requesting the power of the Holy Spirit to be witnesses in ordinary ways +• Using words and actions to point others to Jesus Christ +• The speaker expresses deep devotion and longing for God +• The congregation sings worship songs, including "You Are the King" +• Pastor Dave Ford leads the group in a blessing prayer based on Matthew's Gospel +• The host thanks various individuals, including Pastor Dave and Luke from the band +• The meeting concludes with one final song and an invitation to receive God's blessing +• Invitation to sing a song +• Song lyrics about wanting to know and experience God's presence +• Benediction prayers for God's blessing and peace +• Message from "Reactivate" (concludes with prayer) +• Final message or encouragement related to faith and spirituality \ No newline at end of file diff --git a/Sunday Worship, Sep 8, 2024_transcript.txt b/Sunday Worship, Sep 8, 2024_transcript.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000000000000000000000000000000000000..51b31ef68b04dbd82cdd0c38bbc13e6151731e50 --- /dev/null +++ b/Sunday Worship, Sep 8, 2024_transcript.txt @@ -0,0 +1,1977 @@ +[0.00 --> 7.00] Who wants a box? +[7.00 --> 9.00] Who wants a box? +[9.00 --> 11.00] My name is Hans. +[11.00 --> 13.00] I am Franz. +[13.00 --> 15.00] And we are here to box you up. +[15.00 --> 17.00] We love you, Randy. +[17.00 --> 19.00] Have a great day. +[19.00 --> 34.00] So throughout the weekend, we've had Trinity Western and Redeemer here hanging out with +[34.00 --> 37.00] the students and they're sponsors of Reactivate and we love having them here. +[37.00 --> 42.00] And I want to invite Lauren and Diego up for the giveaways. +[42.00 --> 46.00] They have some nice swag packs to give away and they've been collecting students' information. +[46.00 --> 53.00] We'll invite them up and then we'll have Redeemer show a video and give a little spiel. +[53.00 --> 57.00] How many names do you guys have? +[57.00 --> 58.00] Two? +[58.00 --> 59.00] One. +[59.00 --> 61.00] Who do we want to do first? +[61.00 --> 64.00] Okay, we'll do Trinity Western first. +[64.00 --> 67.00] Hey guys. +[67.00 --> 68.00] Hello. +[68.00 --> 70.00] What's up? +[70.00 --> 74.00] Who wants a free sweater, a bucket hat, and socks? +[74.00 --> 75.00] Awesome. +[75.00 --> 77.00] Only one of you will get it, but that's cool. +[77.00 --> 79.00] Alright, I'm going to pick a name. +[79.00 --> 80.00] Could you hold the jar for me? +[80.00 --> 82.00] Could I have a drum roll please? +[82.00 --> 83.00] Thank you. +[83.00 --> 87.00] And the winner is... +[87.00 --> 92.00] Chase Vanderkoi. +[92.00 --> 93.00] Chase Vanderkoi? +[93.00 --> 94.00] Yeah, Chase. +[94.00 --> 96.00] Come on up here. +[96.00 --> 98.00] Get your stuff. +[98.00 --> 103.00] Yeah, good job Chase. +[103.00 --> 104.00] Chase. +[104.00 --> 105.00] Chase guys. +[105.00 --> 106.00] He's the winner. +[106.00 --> 107.00] Alright, okay. +[107.00 --> 109.00] I'm actually going to pick two names. +[109.00 --> 110.00] The bags are the same except one of them has Sour Patch Kids and one of them has Swedish +[110.00 --> 111.00] Berries. +[111.00 --> 112.00] So whoever comes first gets to choose. +[112.00 --> 113.00] Alright, drum roll please. +[113.00 --> 114.00] Oh no. +[114.00 --> 115.00] Actually, I'm going to pick two names. +[115.00 --> 116.00] I'm going to pick two names. +[116.00 --> 117.00] I'm going to pick two names. +[117.00 --> 121.00] The bags are the same except one of them has Sour Patch Kids and one of them has Swedish Berries. +[121.00 --> 122.00] So whoever comes first gets to choose. +[122.00 --> 123.00] Alright, drum roll please. +[123.00 --> 124.00] Oh no. +[124.00 --> 136.00] Actually, that was Chase Vanderkoi again so I'm not going to let you do another one. +[136.00 --> 137.00] Sorry. +[137.00 --> 138.00] Okay. +[138.00 --> 139.00] Let's go. +[139.00 --> 140.00] Atticus Fluitt. +[140.00 --> 141.00] Alright. +[141.00 --> 145.00] Sour Patch Kids or Swedish Berries. +[145.00 --> 147.00] Nice, good choice. +[147.00 --> 148.00] Alright. +[148.00 --> 149.00] Second one. +[149.00 --> 150.00] Last one at the time. +[150.00 --> 151.00] Drum roll. +[151.00 --> 158.00] Swedish Berries. Nice, good choice. All right, second one, last one at the time. Drum roll. +[158.00 --> 168.00] All right, let's hear it. London... Landon Stoddard. +[168.00 --> 179.00] Landon Stoddard? Yeah, all right. Congratulations. +[181.00 --> 193.00] Some call university the best time of your life. Maybe, but it's not easy. +[193.00 --> 206.00] There's lots to figure out. Career, faith, friends, future. There's opportunity, possibility, and a broken world that needs hope. +[206.00 --> 221.00] Redeemer's the place to get ready for that world. It's time to get off the sidelines and into the game to stretch your mind, test your limits, ask hard questions, and turn answers into action. +[221.00 --> 230.00] You're called into something big. Jesus Christ is king, and he's on the move redeeming his world. +[230.00 --> 248.00] It's time to stand up and take a big step into his big story. None of that is easy, and it shouldn't be. It's the best time, because it's a challenge that changes you forever. +[248.00 --> 263.00] Redeemer is where your faith and future come together. So you're ready. Ready for what? Anything. +[263.00 --> 268.00] Okay. +[268.00 --> 269.00] Okay. +[269.00 --> 279.00] Okay, so hi guys. Trinity Western got to do like a little presentation last night, so I get to go this morning. +[279.00 --> 284.00] My name's Lauren. I'm an admissions counselor for Redeemer. It's really fun to be here with you guys. +[284.00 --> 295.00] Yeah. So I'll just tell you a little bit about Redeemer. We're a Christian university. We're based out of the reform tradition, and we're located in Hamilton, Ontario, which is like about an hour away from Toronto. +[295.00 --> 304.00] We have about 1,100 students, so just over 1,000, and there's roughly 40 different programs that you can study if you want. So just name a few. +[304.00 --> 313.00] You might be interested in biochemistry or history or psychology, kinesiology, English writing, film production, and the list goes on. +[313.00 --> 319.00] I have a nice big list over at the booth if you're interested in learning more. There's also tons of hands-on learning opportunities. +[319.00 --> 328.00] So if you're taking classes, that might look like taking lots of labs if you're a science student and doing experiments or creating student films if you're a film student. +[328.00 --> 337.00] You can also go on co-ops and internships and like learn how to operate in the business world. Study abroad opportunities in a ton of different countries. +[337.00 --> 348.00] So there are a lot of ways that you can put what you're learning into practice. And another really cool thing about the way that Redeemer does academics is that faith is really infused into everything that we teach. +[348.00 --> 356.00] So you don't have to just take a religion or theology course to talk about God and your relationship to him. You talk about him in every single course. +[356.00 --> 367.00] Because Redeemer's mission is essentially to equip people and students to know how to serve God, glorify him, and reflect his love in every single career no matter what you're doing. +[367.00 --> 377.00] So we teach you how to be a Christian in biology or a Christian in psychology or a Christian in English writing and to know how to seek God in those places. +[377.00 --> 384.00] And that also comes out in the community at Redeemer, which is one of my personal favorite things about it. It's such an amazing community. +[384.00 --> 390.00] Everyone is just so welcoming and you really strive to make people feel at home. +[390.00 --> 395.00] And that comes out in the way that we do dorms where you live actually in a townhouse with a bunch of roommates. +[395.00 --> 402.00] And it feels kind of like a little family, which is really fun. And I love, love the community there. It's just like, it really feels like home. +[402.00 --> 411.00] And it really like, it's a full of people who strive to inspire you and spur you on in your faith and show you how to grow and how to seek God better. +[411.00 --> 423.00] So yeah, if you are interested in experiencing that, we have a lot of visit days. I know that it seems maybe a little bit far, but Redeemer actually will pay for at least part of your flight if you choose to come. +[423.00 --> 429.00] And we have specific long distance visit weekends for people who might be interested in coming, like maybe some of you. +[429.00 --> 437.00] So if you're interested in that, please come and talk to me. I've got a booth over there and I would love to just chat with you about anything, answer any questions you might have. +[437.00 --> 441.00] So yeah, thanks so much for having me. This has been really fun. +[446.00 --> 450.00] Oh, there it is. Well, good morning, everyone. +[450.00 --> 458.00] The youth are tired, the church is confused. It's all good. +[458.00 --> 464.00] It is so good to be gathered here in this place together for this church service. +[464.00 --> 473.00] And as you look around, you realize we've got about 177 ish youth and leaders from all over the province. +[473.00 --> 482.00] We've got another chunk of people who are part of this body, this church here, and we are coming together here to worship our Lord together. +[482.00 --> 485.00] It's a really cool thing. I was thinking about this the other day. +[485.00 --> 490.00] Youth, it's a real privilege for us to be able to come here to this conference. +[490.00 --> 500.00] And specifically today, it's a privilege for us to be able to come together and worship with not just our peers, our fellow youth and our youth leaders, but also a congregation. +[500.00 --> 504.00] People of different ages, across the board, and we gather together. +[504.00 --> 510.00] And in congregation at Emmanuel, it's also a privilege for us that we get to sit here today as the body of Christ. +[510.00 --> 514.00] And we are joined by 170 students from all over BC. +[514.00 --> 517.00] And so this is a beautiful picture of what the body of Christ is. +[517.00 --> 520.00] And we get to worship our Lord and Savior together today. +[520.00 --> 525.00] If you are sitting in a row, we have some people sort of filing in a little bit. +[525.00 --> 528.00] It'd be very good if some of the end seats were available. +[528.00 --> 536.00] So if you look and there's like a spot that you could squish into the middle a little bit, make it obvious for our ushers who could help seat some of those who are coming up. +[536.00 --> 538.00] That would be wonderful. +[538.00 --> 541.00] I didn't do this, but my name is Kevin Lobert. +[541.00 --> 545.00] I am the youth pastor here at Langley Emanuel CRC. +[545.00 --> 548.00] And I wanted to actually introduce you to a few other people. +[548.00 --> 550.00] I didn't tell them I was doing this, so sorry everybody. +[550.00 --> 557.00] But can the reactivate leadership team, the reactivate leadership team, nailed it. +[557.00 --> 558.00] Can you guys come forward? +[558.00 --> 560.00] Ben, Kaitlin, Curtis. +[560.00 --> 561.00] I saw Natasha. +[561.00 --> 562.00] She's holding a little one. +[562.00 --> 563.00] Is she around? +[563.00 --> 565.00] Is she here too? +[565.00 --> 566.00] Yeah, just a minute. +[566.00 --> 567.00] I'll come down with you. +[567.00 --> 570.00] And then if Natasha's here, Eric, you were here too. +[570.00 --> 571.00] Where's Eric? +[571.00 --> 572.00] You can come up as well. +[572.00 --> 573.00] Yeah, Eric, come up here. +[573.00 --> 575.00] So this is the reactivate leadership team. +[575.00 --> 577.00] If you see Natasha, she's holding a little baby. +[577.00 --> 580.00] She's kicking around somewhere. +[580.00 --> 584.00] But these are the people that for an entire year, in about two weeks, we're going to get +[584.00 --> 585.00] together. +[585.00 --> 588.00] We're going to talk about this one and we're going to start planning the next one. +[588.00 --> 590.00] And so this is the team that's doing that. +[590.00 --> 591.00] It might grow. +[591.00 --> 595.00] But we've got Ben here who's like administrative extraordinaire. +[595.00 --> 596.00] He's joined last year. +[596.00 --> 598.00] He's from Living Hope. +[598.00 --> 600.00] Yeah, we cheer for Ben. +[600.00 --> 602.00] We've got Curtis here. +[602.00 --> 605.00] He's like point man website. +[605.00 --> 608.00] He ran this thing by himself basically for a couple of years. +[608.00 --> 610.00] And so he's a bit of a guru. +[610.00 --> 612.00] He's a student out in Enderby. +[612.00 --> 613.00] We could cheer for Curtis. +[615.00 --> 617.00] We've got Caitlin here. +[617.00 --> 618.00] I'm moving over. +[618.00 --> 619.00] We've got Caitlin here. +[619.00 --> 620.00] She's from East Hills. +[620.00 --> 621.00] She's a youth pastor. +[621.00 --> 622.00] She runs that church. +[622.00 --> 623.00] That's not true. +[623.00 --> 624.00] She's doing a lot in that church. +[624.00 --> 626.00] She's very busy over there. +[626.00 --> 630.00] She does like all of the socials and she comes up with all of the good ideas when I have +[630.00 --> 631.00] bad ones. +[631.00 --> 632.00] And so we love Caitlin. +[632.00 --> 633.00] We could cheer for her. +[635.00 --> 636.00] And then we've got Eric here. +[636.00 --> 637.00] Eric's in charge. +[637.00 --> 642.00] He did like stuff with the prayer room and he led a bunch of the Livet stuff that got that +[642.00 --> 644.00] organized and the Learnits as well. +[644.00 --> 645.00] He helped operate a lot of those. +[645.00 --> 646.00] And so we love Eric. +[646.00 --> 647.00] We could cheer for him too. +[647.00 --> 651.00] And then you got me and I just kind of flap my mouth a bunch. +[651.00 --> 652.00] What's that? +[652.00 --> 653.00] Natasha, come here. +[653.00 --> 655.00] I invited you forward before, but you weren't listening. +[655.00 --> 656.00] No, you were busy. +[656.00 --> 657.00] This is Natasha. +[657.00 --> 659.00] We could cheer for Natasha right now. +[659.00 --> 664.00] And this is, this is, this is little Ezekiel. +[664.00 --> 667.00] Ezekiel's how many weeks old? +[667.00 --> 670.00] Ezekiel's three weeks old. +[670.00 --> 671.00] I know. +[671.00 --> 673.00] Natasha left us in a bit of a bind. +[673.00 --> 675.00] She didn't plan that well. +[675.00 --> 679.00] So she disappeared and things fell apart. +[679.00 --> 683.00] But we figured it out because she does a lot of work above kind of all of it. +[683.00 --> 686.00] And so let's cheer for Ezekiel a little bit. +[686.00 --> 687.00] Hooray. +[687.00 --> 688.00] We love Ezekiel. +[688.00 --> 689.00] Okay. +[689.00 --> 690.00] I'm going to get loud again. +[690.00 --> 691.00] So, okay. +[691.00 --> 692.00] So this is your leadership team. +[692.00 --> 693.00] There's also a few more. +[693.00 --> 694.00] You guys can sit. +[694.00 --> 701.00] We also have, and I don't know if they're going to be kicking around, but there's a lot of volunteers in this church. +[701.00 --> 703.00] There's way too many to thank. +[703.00 --> 707.00] So there's about 170 volunteer slots that need filled throughout this weekend. +[707.00 --> 711.00] And this church filled 166 of them or something like that. +[711.00 --> 722.00] And so Langley Emanuel, a huge thank you to you for hosting this conference and stepping up in that way. +[722.00 --> 726.00] There are, and I had to draw a line somewhere. +[726.00 --> 729.00] There's a bunch of people I could name, but there's a few people I want to thank. +[729.00 --> 730.00] Oh, good. +[730.00 --> 731.00] And one's walking right now. +[731.00 --> 734.00] There is Faye Shonit. +[734.00 --> 735.00] She's right here. +[735.00 --> 736.00] She's going to wave. +[736.00 --> 737.00] Faye's going to wave her hand. +[737.00 --> 738.00] Yeah. +[738.00 --> 739.00] Well, Faye's waving. +[739.00 --> 740.00] That's Faye. +[740.00 --> 742.00] She has been in charge of all of the food. +[742.00 --> 745.00] So everything you ate, Faye had her fingers in. +[745.00 --> 747.00] And so just remember that. +[747.00 --> 748.00] We love Faye. +[748.00 --> 749.00] Thank you so much, Faye, for helping us. +[749.00 --> 751.00] I think that deserves a really big cheer. +[751.00 --> 752.00] Thanks, Faye. +[752.00 --> 757.00] And then we also have Rachel DeWinter. +[757.00 --> 760.00] Rachel DeWinter has been in charge of all of our volunteers. +[760.00 --> 764.00] So someone needed to coordinate all of that and schedule all of that and email all of that. +[764.00 --> 765.00] And I suck at that. +[765.00 --> 766.00] And Rachel's really good at that. +[766.00 --> 767.00] And so Rachel did that. +[767.00 --> 771.00] And this whole operation behind the scenes kind of runs through her. +[771.00 --> 773.00] So thank you so much, Rachel. +[773.00 --> 779.00] Finally, I'm going to do a pair of people. +[779.00 --> 782.00] We have Matt and we've got Linda who are in the back. +[782.00 --> 783.00] They have come all weekend. +[783.00 --> 785.00] They set up Reactivate for the week ahead. +[785.00 --> 789.00] All of the general session stuff, the lights, the sound, the media. +[789.00 --> 790.00] That is all them. +[790.00 --> 792.00] So Matt and Linda, thank you so much. +[792.00 --> 795.00] Matt especially comes all the way from the island to do this. +[795.00 --> 806.00] And now we are going to start church. +[806.00 --> 807.00] I know that's weird. +[807.00 --> 808.00] We have been doing church. +[808.00 --> 811.00] But now we're going to kind of enter into the presence of God. +[811.00 --> 814.00] I'm going to invite Pastor Chris forward. +[814.00 --> 818.00] And he is going to come forward and he's going to lead us in God's greeting this morning. +[818.00 --> 822.00] And then Jean Vieve is going to come forward and lead us into a call to worship. +[822.00 --> 825.00] And we'll praise our God together. +[825.00 --> 827.00] Good morning. +[827.00 --> 829.00] How are you guys doing? +[829.00 --> 830.00] Decent. +[830.00 --> 833.00] I appreciate the honesty from this side. +[833.00 --> 834.00] That's great. +[834.00 --> 838.00] I want to welcome you all to Reactivate. +[838.00 --> 841.00] And I hope and pray you had an awesome weekend. +[841.00 --> 844.00] I had a chance to sit in on your session last night. +[844.00 --> 848.00] And I know that Pastor Dave has been leading you into the presence of Christ. +[848.00 --> 851.00] And I am so grateful for that. +[851.00 --> 854.00] And it's my prayer that that continues this morning. +[854.00 --> 857.00] This morning we enter into the presence of our God. +[857.00 --> 859.00] And he welcomes us and he greets us. +[859.00 --> 863.00] And so what I'm going to ask you to do as you're able and where you are is to stand. +[863.00 --> 866.00] We're going to receive the greeting of our God. +[866.00 --> 869.00] And what I like to say is take a posture of receipt. +[869.00 --> 873.00] And so maybe that's holding your hands out. +[873.00 --> 876.00] Maybe that's closing your eyes and reflecting on these words. +[876.00 --> 883.00] Maybe that's just imagining your heart opening up to hear the voice of Jesus in this moment. +[883.00 --> 888.00] And after I give you God's greeting, I'm going to invite you to turn to those around you and to greet them. +[888.00 --> 889.00] And to greet them. +[889.00 --> 892.00] Now some of you reactivate kids haven't washed your hands all weekend. +[892.00 --> 895.00] So maybe you don't want to actually shake hands. +[895.00 --> 897.00] But you can fist bump. +[897.00 --> 899.00] Everyone else, you can shake hands. +[899.00 --> 900.00] You can fist bump. +[900.00 --> 904.00] You can nod your head if you don't want to be interacting with other people in that way. +[904.00 --> 906.00] But welcome them in the name of the Lord. +[906.00 --> 909.00] One of the ways you can do that is by saying the Lord be with you. +[909.00 --> 913.00] Another way you can do that is by saying the peace of Christ be with you. +[913.00 --> 918.00] And so receive God's greeting and then turn to greet those around you. +[918.00 --> 927.00] Grace, mercy, and peace to you from God our Father, from the Lord Jesus Christ, his Son, and our Savior, +[927.00 --> 931.00] through the presence and power of the Holy Spirit. +[931.00 --> 932.00] Amen. +[943.00 --> 945.00] Lets make this broken note +[945.06 --> 946.00] Not repeated. +[946.00 --> 947.00] I am exhausted. +[947.00 --> 948.00] Ow def junto. +[948.00 --> 950.00] And another amazing time of fitting those around you all to the Tutaje, +[950.00 --> 951.00] I am exhausted. +[951.00 --> 953.00] Make this gathered here tonight? +[953.00 --> 956.00] How me wie ready, this, 958.00] Just a while to the мои Josh hit. +[958.00 --> 959.00] multignant gremiejets. +[959.00 --> 961.00] What is joustense messenger son? +[961.00 --> 964.00] Funny, he's havingSHIP. +[964.00 --> 965.00] Manexca interviews, my Facebook page, +[965.00 --> 967.00] No masster i resolve that. +[967.00 --> 968.00] Let's reuse andPI or nosenie, +[968.00 --> 969.00] Jacket orbrey. +[969.00 --> 971.00] SpongeBob之 king did. +[971.00 --> 974.24] Good morning. +[977.52 --> 978.00] Great. +[978.08 --> 979.64] I'm going to call us into worship. +[980.04 --> 984.24] And this is one of those things where I say something and then you say something. +[984.64 --> 985.66] And hopefully it's on. +[985.86 --> 986.54] There we go. +[986.76 --> 987.10] All right. +[988.16 --> 990.30] Clap your hands, all you people. +[991.10 --> 991.34] Woo! +[991.50 --> 993.02] Yeah, we've been doing a lot of that today. +[994.36 --> 997.50] Shout to God with loud songs of joy. +[997.50 --> 998.66] Yeah! +[1001.00 --> 1004.02] Okay, this is the part where you read up there. +[1004.90 --> 1011.44] For the Lord most high is awesome, a great King over all the earth. +[1012.40 --> 1016.60] God has gone up with a shout, the Lord with the sound of a trumpet. +[1017.90 --> 1021.16] Sing praises to God, sing praises. +[1021.52 --> 1024.60] Sing praises to our King, sing praises. +[1024.60 --> 1024.84] Sing praises. +[1031.00 --> 1031.44] Good morning. +[1032.02 --> 1032.78] Good morning. +[1032.96 --> 1033.44] Good morning. +[1035.58 --> 1037.14] Wow, this room's a lot fuller. +[1038.72 --> 1040.08] There's a lot of... +[1040.08 --> 1042.22] Did the youth just grow up overnight or something? +[1043.38 --> 1044.80] Hey, it's good to see everyone. +[1047.50 --> 1049.04] This has been a wonderful time. +[1049.12 --> 1052.78] We've had an amazing time worshiping with you guys. +[1052.78 --> 1053.66] We've had a good... +[1053.66 --> 1059.20] And it's lovely to worship with the people that actually attend this church. +[1060.70 --> 1067.04] And we were loud. +[1067.04 --> 1074.24] And I think the kids were louder than we were, which is always really exciting. +[1074.44 --> 1083.18] However, I recognize that sometimes music is a chart, is a little bit of a difference. +[1083.18 --> 1088.74] And there's some cultural differences in different appreciations and such. +[1088.74 --> 1095.02] And as a thing for everyone that's guessing here today, I actually bought earplugs at the back. +[1095.28 --> 1101.26] If it is a little too loud for you, and there is no shame in getting them, I just wanted to let you know that it's available. +[1101.92 --> 1105.82] Because I recognize it's not a pleasant thing for this. +[1105.88 --> 1107.94] But the point is, it's not how it sounds. +[1107.98 --> 1109.86] It's not the point of how loud it is. +[1110.20 --> 1111.58] The point is, it's what we're doing. +[1112.28 --> 1115.10] And we're here to worship our Father. +[1115.10 --> 1125.18] And so, in the midst of those things, I just wanted to leave an opportunity if it's too distracting or too harsh. +[1126.20 --> 1127.64] I understand that. +[1128.18 --> 1131.60] And that's our little way of just preparing for you. +[1132.54 --> 1136.46] For what we've been experiencing as a youth group together this last weekend. +[1136.64 --> 1137.92] Anyway, I'm going to stop talking. +[1139.60 --> 1141.88] So, Father, meet with us today. +[1141.88 --> 1146.18] We recognize that you hold space. +[1148.28 --> 1150.66] We recognize that you hold time. +[1154.50 --> 1168.58] And we have the opportunity to engage with you and sing songs that we need to sing to express how much we delight in who you are. +[1168.58 --> 1173.14] So, be with us this morning. +[1174.10 --> 1178.68] Make your presence known in a beautiful way, in a fresh way. +[1178.68 --> 1202.34] Turn your ear to heaven and hear the noise inside. +[1202.34 --> 1212.34] The sound of angels, the sound of angels songs. +[1212.34 --> 1216.16] And all this for a king. +[1217.44 --> 1220.42] We could join and sing. +[1222.02 --> 1225.48] All through Christ the King. +[1225.48 --> 1229.36] How constant, how divine. +[1229.36 --> 1229.38] How constant, how divine. +[1230.38 --> 1234.40] This song of ours will rise. +[1234.40 --> 1237.94] How constant, how divine. +[1238.94 --> 1243.38] This song of ours will rise. +[1243.88 --> 1245.72] Will rise. +[1245.72 --> 1253.18] Oh, praise Him. +[1253.18 --> 1257.24] Oh, praise Him. +[1257.24 --> 1260.74] He is holy. +[1260.74 --> 1265.28] He is holy. +[1265.28 --> 1266.28] We could join and sing. +[1266.28 --> 1267.66] Turn your gaze to heaven. +[1267.66 --> 1271.72] Turn your gaze to heaven. +[1271.72 --> 1276.74] And raise a joyous noise. +[1276.74 --> 1282.78] The sound of angels songs. +[1282.78 --> 1287.12] The sound of rescued ones. +[1287.12 --> 1288.12] And all this for a king. +[1288.12 --> 1290.12] And all this for a king. +[1290.12 --> 1294.12] We could join and sing. +[1294.12 --> 1299.12] All through Christ the King. +[1299.12 --> 1303.12] Oh, praise Him. +[1303.12 --> 1307.12] Oh, praise Him. +[1307.12 --> 1310.12] He is holy. +[1310.12 --> 1312.12] He is holy. +[1312.12 --> 1317.12] He is holy. +[1317.12 --> 1318.12] Oh, praise Him. +[1318.12 --> 1320.12] Oh, praise Him. +[1320.12 --> 1325.12] Oh, praise Him. +[1325.12 --> 1328.12] He is holy. +[1328.12 --> 1333.12] He is holy. +[1333.12 --> 1363.10] Oh la la la la la la +[1363.12 --> 1393.10] Oh la la la la la la +[1393.14 --> 1400.32] Oh praise Him +[1400.32 --> 1404.66] Oh praise Him +[1404.66 --> 1407.92] He is holy +[1407.92 --> 1412.38] He is holy +[1412.38 --> 1417.52] Oh praise Him +[1417.52 --> 1429.44] Oh, praise Him. He is holy. He is holy. +[1429.44 --> 1459.42] Oh, la, la, la, la, la, la. +[1459.44 --> 1468.44] Oh, la, la, la, la, la, la, la. +[1475.08 --> 1488.54] In my wrestling and in my doubts, in my fears, you won't walk out. +[1488.54 --> 1495.04] Your great love will lead me through. +[1496.54 --> 1501.98] You are the peace in my troubled sea. +[1501.98 --> 1508.48] Oh, you are the peace in my trouble. +[1508.48 --> 1513.98] Bold sea. +[1513.98 --> 1516.48] My voice is going. +[1516.48 --> 1520.48] I'm going to need your help. +[1520.48 --> 1521.98] Would you mind joining us up here? +[1521.98 --> 1526.98] Yes, I am! +[1526.98 --> 1527.98] I am. +[1527.98 --> 1528.48] I am. +[1528.48 --> 1529.48] I am. +[1529.48 --> 1530.48] I am. +[1530.48 --> 1531.48] I am. +[1531.48 --> 1531.98] I am. +[1531.98 --> 1532.48] I am. +[1532.48 --> 1533.48] I am. +[1533.48 --> 1534.48] I am. +[1534.48 --> 1534.98] I am. +[1534.98 --> 1535.48] I am. +[1535.48 --> 1536.48] I am. +[1536.48 --> 1537.48] I am. +[1537.48 --> 1538.48] I am. +[1538.48 --> 1539.48] I am. +[1539.48 --> 1540.48] I am. +[1540.48 --> 1541.48] I am. +[1541.48 --> 1542.48] I am. +[1542.48 --> 1543.48] I am. +[1543.48 --> 1544.48] I am. +[1544.48 --> 1545.48] I am. +[1545.48 --> 1546.48] I am. +[1546.48 --> 1547.48] I am. +[1547.48 --> 1548.48] I am. +[1548.48 --> 1549.48] I am. +[1549.48 --> 1550.48] I am. +[1550.48 --> 1551.48] I am. +[1551.48 --> 1552.48] I am. +[1552.48 --> 1554.48] I am. +[1554.48 --> 1555.48] I am. +[1555.48 --> 1556.48] I am. +[1556.48 --> 1557.48] I am. +[1557.48 --> 1558.48] I am. +[1558.48 --> 1559.48] Am I. +[1559.48 --> 1560.48] I am. +[1560.48 --> 1561.48] I am. +[1561.48 --> 1563.46] I am. +[1563.46 --> 1573.48] It is the earth, you are God. +[1573.48 --> 1577.58] Your great love will lead me through +[1577.58 --> 1581.68] You are the peace in my troubled sea +[1581.68 --> 1586.48] Oh, you are the peace in my troubled sea +[1586.48 --> 1593.60] My lighthouse, my lighthouse +[1593.60 --> 1597.94] Shining in the darkness, I will follow you +[1597.94 --> 1601.98] My lighthouse, my lighthouse +[1601.98 --> 1605.98] I will trust the promise you will carry me +[1605.98 --> 1611.98] Safety sure, safety sure +[1611.98 --> 1619.98] Safety sure, safety sure +[1619.98 --> 1623.98] Safety sure +[1623.98 --> 1627.98] I won't fear what tomorrow brings +[1627.98 --> 1631.98] With each morning I'll rise and sing +[1631.98 --> 1637.98] My God's love will lead me through +[1637.98 --> 1641.98] You are the peace in my troubled sea +[1641.98 --> 1645.98] You are the peace in my troubled sea +[1645.98 --> 1651.98] My lighthouse, my lighthouse +[1651.98 --> 1655.98] My lighthouse, shining in the darkness +[1655.98 --> 1657.98] I will follow you +[1657.98 --> 1661.98] My lighthouse, my lighthouse +[1661.98 --> 1665.98] I will trust the promise you will carry me +[1665.98 --> 1669.98] Safety sure +[1669.98 --> 1673.98] Safety sure +[1673.98 --> 1677.98] Safety sure +[1677.98 --> 1679.98] Safety sure +[1679.98 --> 1681.98] Safety sure +[1681.98 --> 1685.98] Fire before us +[1685.98 --> 1687.98] You're the brightest +[1687.98 --> 1691.98] You will lead us through the storm +[1691.98 --> 1693.98] Fire before us +[1693.98 --> 1695.98] Fire before us +[1695.98 --> 1697.98] You're the brightest +[1697.98 --> 1701.98] You will lead us through the storm +[1701.98 --> 1703.98] Fire before us +[1703.98 --> 1705.98] You're the brightest +[1705.98 --> 1709.98] You will lead us through the storm +[1709.98 --> 1711.98] Fire before us +[1711.98 --> 1713.98] Fire before us +[1713.98 --> 1715.98] You're the brightest +[1715.98 --> 1721.98] You will lead us through the storm +[1721.98 --> 1722.98] Fire before us +[1722.98 --> 1723.98] Fire before us +[1723.98 --> 1725.98] My lighthouse, my lighthouse +[1725.98 --> 1726.98] Fire before us +[1726.98 --> 1728.98] My lighthouse, shining in the darkness +[1728.98 --> 1729.98] I will follow you +[1729.98 --> 1730.98] My lighthouse, my lighthouse +[1730.98 --> 1732.98] My lighthouse, my lighthouse +[1732.98 --> 1735.98] I will trust the promise you will carry me +[1735.98 --> 1742.98] I will trust the promise, you will carry me safe to shore. +[1742.98 --> 1747.98] Safe to shore. +[1747.98 --> 1751.98] Safe to shore. +[1751.98 --> 1757.98] Safe to shore. +[1757.98 --> 1767.98] Safe to shore. +[1787.98 --> 1803.98] To peace and flame. +[1805.64 --> 1807.98] If you Ciao. +[1807.98 --> 1823.32] All the poor and powerless +[1823.32 --> 1831.06] And all the lost and lonely +[1831.06 --> 1839.24] All of these will come confessed +[1839.24 --> 1846.40] We'll know that you are holy +[1846.40 --> 1853.98] We'll know that you are holy +[1853.98 --> 1862.98] And all will sing our hallelujah +[1862.98 --> 1869.98] We will cry our hallelujah +[1869.98 --> 1876.98] We will sing our hallelujah +[1876.98 --> 1883.98] We will cry our hallelujah +[1883.98 --> 1893.98] All the world is dark and seen +[1893.98 --> 1899.98] And all that feel unworthy +[1899.98 --> 1906.98] And all the world with nothing left +[1906.98 --> 1912.98] We'll know that you are holy +[1912.98 --> 1918.98] We'll know that you are holy +[1918.98 --> 1926.98] And all will sing our hallelujah +[1926.98 --> 1933.98] We will cry our hallelujah +[1933.98 --> 1939.98] We will sing our hallelujah +[1939.98 --> 1947.98] We will cry our hallelujah +[1947.98 --> 1960.98] We will sing our hallelujah +[1960.98 --> 1969.98] Shall we go on and scream it from the mountains +[1969.98 --> 1980.98] Go on and tell it to the masses +[1980.98 --> 1984.98] That he is God +[1984.98 --> 1992.98] Shout it +[1992.98 --> 1998.98] Go on and scream it from the mountains +[1998.98 --> 1999.98] Go on and scream it from the mountains +[1999.98 --> 2003.98] Go on and tell it to the masses +[2003.98 --> 2008.98] Go on and tell it to the masses +[2008.98 --> 2011.98] He is God +[2011.98 --> 2013.98] He is God +[2013.98 --> 2014.98] And he is God +[2014.98 --> 2015.98] He is God +[2015.98 --> 2019.98] Shout it +[2019.98 --> 2022.98] Go on and scream it from the mountains +[2022.98 --> 2026.98] From the mountains +[2026.98 --> 2033.98] Go on and tell it to the masses +[2033.98 --> 2043.98] That he is going +[2043.98 --> 2047.98] Shout it +[2047.98 --> 2054.98] Go on and scream it from the mountains +[2054.98 --> 2061.98] Go on and tell it to the masses +[2061.98 --> 2070.98] That he is gone +[2070.98 --> 2074.98] Shout it +[2074.98 --> 2081.98] Go on and scream it from the mountains +[2081.98 --> 2087.98] Go on and scream it to the masses +[2087.98 --> 2096.98] He is gone +[2096.98 --> 2105.98] And all will sing out hallelujah +[2105.98 --> 2113.98] And we will cry out hallelujah +[2113.98 --> 2128.98] We will cry out hallelujah +[2128.98 --> 2131.98] Shout out +[2131.98 --> 2132.98] Shout out +[2132.98 --> 2141.98] Go on and scream it from the mountains +[2141.98 --> 2147.98] Go on and tell it to the masses +[2147.98 --> 2150.98] Go on and tell it to the masses +[2150.98 --> 2164.98] Go on and scream it from the mountains +[2164.98 --> 2168.98] Go on and tell it to the masses +[2168.98 --> 2175.98] Go on and tell it to the masses +[2175.98 --> 2181.98] He is gone +[2181.98 --> 2198.98] Let's pray +[2198.98 --> 2201.98] Almighty God +[2201.98 --> 2205.98] Too often we have sought to be in charge of our own lives +[2205.98 --> 2208.98] To walk our own paths +[2208.98 --> 2213.98] To extend our rule over all your creation +[2213.98 --> 2215.98] In selfish ambition +[2215.98 --> 2220.98] Whether out of our own desire for independence +[2220.98 --> 2227.98] Or fear of what you might ask us to do +[2227.98 --> 2233.98] We have not allowed you to be the ruler of our world +[2233.98 --> 2237.98] Forgive us for the sin of thinking we know better than you +[2237.98 --> 2241.98] And acting on that false belief +[2241.98 --> 2246.98] We confess our need to submit our will to yours +[2246.98 --> 2251.98] So that we might truly be able to pray that prayer +[2251.98 --> 2256.98] Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven +[2256.98 --> 2263.98] Now hear this assurance people of God +[2263.98 --> 2270.98] Our world fallen into sin has lost its first goodness +[2270.98 --> 2276.98] But God has not abandoned the work of his hands +[2276.98 --> 2279.98] Our maker preserves this world +[2279.98 --> 2282.98] Sending seasons, sun and rain +[2282.98 --> 2287.98] Upholding all creatures, renewing the earth +[2287.98 --> 2293.98] Promising a savior, guiding all things to their purpose +[2293.98 --> 2299.98] God holds this world in fierce love +[2299.98 --> 2305.98] Keeping his promise, he sends Jesus into the world +[2305.98 --> 2308.98] Pours out the Holy Spirit +[2308.98 --> 2311.98] And announces the good news +[2311.98 --> 2315.98] That sinners who repent and believe in Jesus +[2315.98 --> 2320.98] Live anew as members of the family of God +[2320.98 --> 2324.98] The first fruits of a new creation +[2324.98 --> 2325.98] To creation +[2325.98 --> 2346.98] Let's sing that one more time +[2346.98 --> 2348.98] Let's sing that one more time +[2348.98 --> 2356.98] And all we'll sing out hallelujah +[2356.98 --> 2362.98] And we will cry out hallelujah +[2362.98 --> 2379.98] And we will cry out hallelujah +[2379.98 --> 2381.98] People's grace +[2381.98 --> 2382.98] Thank you because you Vaughan +[2382.98 --> 2385.98] God took us who Watts +[2385.98 --> 2415.96] Thank you. +[2415.98 --> 2427.10] Hope is built on God's name, blessed in Jesus' blood and righteousness. +[2429.56 --> 2442.20] I dare not trust the sweetest frame, but only trust in Jesus' name. +[2445.98 --> 2459.36] My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus' blood and righteousness. +[2459.36 --> 2474.60] I dare not trust the sweetest frame, but only trust in Jesus' name. +[2474.60 --> 2487.60] Christ above, cornerstone, weak made strong. +[2487.60 --> 2502.60] He is Lord, Lord of all. +[2502.60 --> 2529.10] When darkness seems to hide His face, +[2529.10 --> 2536.10] I rest on His with a changing grace. +[2538.10 --> 2543.10] And every high and storm began, +[2543.10 --> 2550.10] my anger holds within the veil. +[2550.10 --> 2558.10] My anger holds within the veil. +[2558.10 --> 2571.10] Christ alone, cornerstone, weak made strong. +[2571.10 --> 2578.10] The Savior's love through the storm. +[2578.10 --> 2586.10] He is Lord, Lord of all. +[2586.10 --> 2593.10] He is Lord, Lord of all. +[2593.10 --> 2601.10] He is Lord, Lord of all. +[2601.10 --> 2618.14] ** +[2618.14 --> 2630.08] Through the storm, He is Lord, Lord. +[2630.08 --> 2651.08] When He shall come with trumpet sound, O may I then in Him be found, +[2651.08 --> 2664.98] Just in His righteousness alone, Paul is to stand before the throne. +[2664.98 --> 2682.98] For Christ alone, cornerstone, we make strong in Savior's love. +[2682.98 --> 2695.98] Through the storm, He is Lord, Lord of all. +[2695.98 --> 2713.98] Christ alone, cornerstone, we make strong in Savior's love. +[2713.98 --> 2724.98] Through the storm, He is Lord, Lord of all. +[2724.98 --> 2731.98] Through the storm, He is Lord, Lord of all. +[2731.98 --> 2734.98] You are Lord, Lord of all. +[2734.98 --> 2739.98] Through the storm, He is Lord, Lord of all. +[2739.98 --> 2769.38] Shall we do one more? +[2769.98 --> 2770.98] Yeah. +[2770.98 --> 2771.98] Absolutely. +[2771.98 --> 2784.98] Alone in my sorrow and dead to my sin. +[2784.98 --> 2797.98] Lost in my hope, no place to begin. +[2797.98 --> 2804.98] Your love made a way to let mercy come in. +[2804.98 --> 2812.98] When death was arrested, my life began. +[2812.98 --> 2819.98] Ash was redeemed, only beauty remains. +[2819.98 --> 2834.98] My orphan heart was given to me. +[2834.98 --> 2841.98] My morning grew quiet, my feet rose to dance. +[2841.98 --> 2849.98] When death was arrested, my life began. +[2849.98 --> 2860.98] Oh, your grace so free washes over me. +[2860.98 --> 2864.98] You have made me new. +[2864.98 --> 2872.98] Now life begins with you. +[2872.98 --> 2879.98] Released from my chains, I'm a prisoner no more. +[2879.98 --> 2887.98] My shame was a ransom, he feared no more. +[2887.98 --> 2899.98] He canceled my debts and he called me his friend. +[2899.98 --> 2906.98] When death was arrested, my life began. +[2906.98 --> 2907.98] When death was arrested, my life began. +[2907.98 --> 2908.98] You have made me new. +[2908.98 --> 2913.98] Now life begins with you. +[2913.98 --> 2914.98] You have made me new. +[2914.98 --> 2920.98] Now life begins with you. +[2920.98 --> 2939.98] It's your endless love pouring down on us. +[2939.98 --> 2940.98] You have made me new. +[2940.98 --> 2941.98] You have made me new. +[2941.98 --> 2946.98] Now life begins with you. +[2946.98 --> 2954.98] You have made me new. +[2954.98 --> 2961.98] A Savior displayed on a criminal's cross. +[2961.98 --> 2969.98] Darkness rejoiced as the heavenly light. +[2969.98 --> 2975.98] Then Jesus arose. +[2975.98 --> 2979.98] With a great happy man +[2979.98 --> 2986.98] There was a rest in my life +[2986.98 --> 2995.98] Oh, your grace so free +[2995.98 --> 3000.98] Washes over me +[3000.98 --> 3004.98] You have made new +[3004.98 --> 3010.98] Now life begins with you +[3010.98 --> 3016.98] Your endless love +[3016.98 --> 3022.98] Pouring down on us +[3022.98 --> 3026.98] You have made us a dream +[3026.98 --> 3032.98] Now life begins with you +[3032.98 --> 3038.98] We're free, free, forever we're free +[3038.98 --> 3042.98] Come join the song of all the redeem +[3042.98 --> 3048.98] Yeah, we're free, free, forever amen +[3048.98 --> 3054.98] And there was a rest in my life +[3054.98 --> 3058.98] We're free, free, forever amen +[3058.98 --> 3063.98] All the songs of all the redeem +[3063.98 --> 3069.98] Yeah, we're free, free, forever amen +[3069.98 --> 3073.98] And there was a rest in my life +[3073.98 --> 3090.98] When death was a rest in my life +[3090.98 --> 3095.98] When death was a rest in my life +[3095.98 --> 3100.98] When death was a rest in my life +[3100.98 --> 3104.98] When death was a rest in my life +[3104.98 --> 3109.98] Yeah +[3109.98 --> 3114.98] Cause all your grace so free +[3114.98 --> 3119.98] Washes over me +[3119.98 --> 3124.98] You have made me build now life +[3124.98 --> 3127.98] And it begins with you +[3127.98 --> 3130.98] You have made me build you +[3130.98 --> 3131.98] One voices of other people +[3131.98 --> 3133.98] This Lord +[3133.98 --> 3135.98] Desmi +[3135.98 --> 3136.98] breakup +[3136.98 --> 3137.98] enser +[3137.98 --> 3138.98] ch +[3138.98 --> 3140.98] Jekyll +[3140.98 --> 3144.98] You have made us a dream +[3144.98 --> 3146.98] Now life begins with you +[3147.98 --> 3149.98] Let's do +[3149.98 --> 3154.98] You have made us a dream +[3154.98 --> 3170.98] Well, you may find your seats, or no. +[3170.98 --> 3172.38] Am I not supposed to come up yet? +[3174.20 --> 3176.06] We're just going to take a moment. +[3177.12 --> 3178.60] We're just going to take a moment now. +[3179.20 --> 3181.42] Give of our gifts, our financial gifts this morning. +[3181.42 --> 3186.56] So I'm here to highlight who we're going to give our special offering to today, +[3186.92 --> 3188.18] and that is World Renew. +[3188.72 --> 3192.60] So World Renew is a relief and development agency +[3192.60 --> 3194.78] who does a lot of disaster relief, +[3194.90 --> 3197.04] and they work with communities helping them bring them +[3197.04 --> 3199.30] into a place of sustainability out of poverty. +[3199.68 --> 3202.28] And we actually had a lot of time with them this weekend. +[3202.52 --> 3205.76] So we had Chris and Chitty here, and they had a booth at the back, +[3205.80 --> 3208.14] and they interacted with a lot of us here at Reactivate. +[3208.14 --> 3211.78] They even led a couple of sessions on what does it look like +[3211.78 --> 3214.52] to interact with poverty and good ways to help +[3214.52 --> 3215.90] and ways to think that through. +[3216.02 --> 3219.18] So we're very thankful for the work that World Renew does +[3219.18 --> 3223.22] and even what they were able to give back to us at Reactivate. +[3223.38 --> 3225.70] So if we can all take a moment to give generously +[3225.70 --> 3228.40] of our monetary gifts this morning, we can bless World Renew. +[3228.54 --> 3229.28] Thank you very much. +[3229.28 --> 3229.36] Thank you. +[3238.14 --> 3254.06] All right. +[3254.20 --> 3256.78] While the bags are being passed around +[3256.78 --> 3258.26] and we're giving of our gifts, +[3258.72 --> 3262.00] I'm wondering if there's any kids out there +[3262.00 --> 3265.98] who are like aged three to maybe kindergarten, +[3265.98 --> 3268.54] and I wonder if you can be brave enough +[3268.54 --> 3270.52] and come up here and join me up front. +[3270.68 --> 3272.56] I know church is a little fuller than normal, +[3272.78 --> 3275.86] but I would love for you to come forward right now if you can +[3275.86 --> 3277.54] and join me up front here. +[3278.02 --> 3281.08] So if you're three to kindergarten, come on forward. +[3282.38 --> 3283.82] I'd love to see your faces. +[3285.76 --> 3286.40] Here we go. +[3286.46 --> 3287.08] Here comes some. +[3291.66 --> 3293.78] You can come and you can sit right up here. +[3293.78 --> 3293.84] Here we go. +[3295.98 --> 3300.70] Good morning. +[3300.98 --> 3302.56] You guys are the brave ones, I think. +[3302.88 --> 3303.76] How are we doing today? +[3304.74 --> 3305.62] Are we doing good? +[3306.40 --> 3307.88] Is church a little bit different today? +[3308.66 --> 3309.48] Is that okay? +[3310.32 --> 3310.72] Yeah? +[3311.56 --> 3314.02] Was music a little louder than normal +[3314.02 --> 3317.02] and the light's a little shinier than normal? +[3318.14 --> 3320.80] It's fun to worship God in all sorts of ways, right? +[3320.84 --> 3322.62] We can praise him in all sorts of ways. +[3322.62 --> 3323.80] And you know what we're going to do right now? +[3323.80 --> 3326.96] We're going to pray and then you kids can head into the back +[3326.96 --> 3329.66] and we're still going to do children's worship time for you today, okay? +[3330.00 --> 3330.58] Does that work? +[3331.14 --> 3331.96] But I'm going to pray +[3331.96 --> 3334.64] and the bags are still going to get passed while I pray +[3334.64 --> 3335.80] and that's okay, everyone. +[3336.80 --> 3338.66] As the bags are still getting passed, we're going to pray +[3338.66 --> 3339.64] and then we're going to stand up +[3339.64 --> 3341.48] and we're going to do the Lord's blessing, okay? +[3341.92 --> 3342.48] Does that work? +[3342.48 --> 3343.86] All right, let's bow our heads. +[3344.00 --> 3345.58] Let's close our eyes and we're going to do a little prayer. +[3346.04 --> 3347.60] God, thank you so much for this day. +[3348.12 --> 3350.76] Thank you that we could have so many friends from all over BC +[3350.76 --> 3352.36] join us for church this morning, +[3352.52 --> 3354.82] that we could sing praises to your name +[3354.82 --> 3357.20] and learn more about what it means to follow and love you. +[3357.38 --> 3359.70] And we pray, Lord, that as we go to children's worship time +[3359.70 --> 3361.28] and as the youth and the grown-ups, +[3361.38 --> 3363.32] they stay back here and listen to Pastor Dave, +[3363.66 --> 3367.40] that we will all learn more about you and how you love us. +[3367.96 --> 3370.56] And we pray this in your son's precious and holy name. +[3371.36 --> 3371.72] Amen. +[3372.70 --> 3373.76] All right, we're going to stand +[3373.76 --> 3376.08] and we're going to have to be extra loud today. +[3376.18 --> 3378.04] I'm going to, in fact, actually, youth, you don't know this. +[3378.08 --> 3379.38] You're all going to stand right now. +[3379.78 --> 3382.78] The kids are going to say, the Lord be with you +[3382.78 --> 3385.70] and then you're all going to reply with and also with you +[3385.70 --> 3387.76] and you're going to hold your hands out to receive it, okay? +[3388.32 --> 3389.52] All right, kids, are we ready? +[3389.60 --> 3390.36] There's only a few of us. +[3390.40 --> 3391.22] We have to be really loud. +[3391.32 --> 3391.90] We'll say it together. +[3391.98 --> 3392.24] You ready? +[3392.80 --> 3393.72] One, two, three. +[3394.72 --> 3396.38] The Lord be with you. +[3396.38 --> 3398.56] And also with you. +[3398.86 --> 3400.64] All right, we can head to children's worship time. +[3412.94 --> 3414.40] Good morning. +[3414.74 --> 3418.06] My name is Seth and I'm an elder here at Langley Emanuel +[3418.06 --> 3421.40] and it's my privilege to lead us in our church family prayer. +[3422.24 --> 3425.28] Kevin alluded a number of times to how church is different this morning +[3425.28 --> 3426.82] and it's a wonderful thing. +[3427.06 --> 3427.94] We're thankful for that. +[3428.54 --> 3432.42] The feeling, the music, the sound, the smell. +[3434.42 --> 3435.30] That's debatable. +[3435.64 --> 3438.60] But our worship is a pleasing aroma to God, +[3438.68 --> 3440.28] regardless of our earthly sense. +[3441.44 --> 3442.58] Please join me in prayer. +[3442.58 --> 3449.90] Father in heaven, we come before you today with hearts full of gratitude and reverence. +[3450.56 --> 3454.70] We thank you for this day, a new opportunity to gather in your presence +[3454.70 --> 3456.52] and to lift up your name in worship. +[3457.62 --> 3460.94] Lord, we are especially grateful for the Reactivate Youth event this weekend. +[3461.66 --> 3465.96] We thank you for providing so many dedicated volunteers to accomplish numerous tasks. +[3465.96 --> 3471.36] We thank you for the energy, enthusiasm, and commitment of our youth and their leaders. +[3472.34 --> 3474.84] We praise you for the ways you have moved in their lives, +[3475.18 --> 3477.60] sparking new passions and deepening their faith. +[3478.58 --> 3482.18] We ask that you continue to work powerfully in the hearts of our youth. +[3482.98 --> 3486.98] May the seeds planted during this event grow and bear fruit in their lives. +[3487.96 --> 3490.04] Inspire them to pursue you with zeal +[3490.04 --> 3493.22] and to live out their faith with courage and conviction. +[3494.52 --> 3498.68] May they continue to set an example for us in speech, in conduct, +[3499.04 --> 3501.22] in love, in faith, and in purity. +[3502.60 --> 3505.90] Empower their leaders with wisdom, patience, and love +[3505.90 --> 3508.04] as they guide and mentor these young people. +[3509.60 --> 3513.34] We pray for our leaders, both within the church and beyond. +[3514.20 --> 3516.16] Grant them discernment and strength +[3516.16 --> 3519.06] as they navigate the challenges and opportunities before them. +[3520.04 --> 3522.78] Give them the courage to stand firm in your truth +[3522.78 --> 3524.66] while leading with grace and humility. +[3526.18 --> 3528.78] We also pray for our community and the world. +[3530.04 --> 3532.06] May your justice roll down like waters +[3532.06 --> 3534.58] and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream. +[3535.58 --> 3538.58] We ask for your peace to reign in places of conflict +[3538.58 --> 3541.96] and for your grace to abound in places of despair. +[3543.30 --> 3545.46] Use us as instruments of your peace +[3545.46 --> 3547.26] and ambassadors of your kingdom. +[3547.26 --> 3551.12] Help us to be a community that reflects your love, +[3551.42 --> 3552.94] compassion, and justice. +[3553.64 --> 3555.52] May we be a light to those around us, +[3555.98 --> 3558.44] demonstrating the hope and grace that we have found in you. +[3560.38 --> 3562.44] Lord, we lift up our congregation to you, +[3562.96 --> 3564.72] asking for your healing touch upon those +[3564.72 --> 3567.46] who are suffering in body, mind, or spirit. +[3567.46 --> 3571.44] We are thankful for news of Peter's successful surgery +[3571.44 --> 3573.34] and ask for continued healing. +[3574.04 --> 3576.38] We also pray for Emo's upcoming surgery. +[3577.14 --> 3580.34] Please give Emo your peace and strength and bring healing. +[3581.30 --> 3584.00] Be near to Ashley as well with her recent diagnosis. +[3585.92 --> 3587.02] Comfort those who are grieving. +[3587.92 --> 3589.32] Provide for those who are in need +[3589.32 --> 3591.22] and bring peace to those who are troubled. +[3591.22 --> 3594.94] May those who are unable to join us today, +[3595.24 --> 3597.30] whether because they're shut in or for other reasons, +[3597.80 --> 3600.84] may they feel your presence in profound and tangible ways. +[3601.82 --> 3603.78] We also ask that as the school year +[3603.78 --> 3605.62] and the church ministry year gets underway, +[3605.94 --> 3607.62] that all will experience your goodness. +[3609.44 --> 3611.18] As we gather as a church family, +[3611.56 --> 3613.58] we also seek your guidance and wisdom. +[3614.76 --> 3616.46] Illuminate our hearts and minds +[3616.46 --> 3618.84] as we seek to understand your word more deeply +[3618.84 --> 3621.12] and to apply it faithfully in our lives. +[3622.20 --> 3624.34] Open our hearts to the truth of your word. +[3625.78 --> 3627.88] Transform us by the renewing of our minds +[3627.88 --> 3630.60] so that we might live lives that are pleasing to you. +[3631.66 --> 3634.70] Help us to grow in faith, hope, and love, +[3635.02 --> 3637.12] and to build each other up in our journey with you. +[3638.94 --> 3641.38] Father, we are grateful for your constant presence +[3641.38 --> 3643.00] and your unending grace. +[3643.74 --> 3646.70] We commit this time of worship and fellowship into your hands, +[3646.70 --> 3649.40] trusting that you will be honored in all that we do. +[3650.20 --> 3653.22] We pray all these things in the name of your son, Jesus Christ. +[3654.02 --> 3654.28] Amen. +[3662.74 --> 3663.96] Well, good morning, everyone. +[3664.90 --> 3666.12] Oh, you sound tired. +[3666.12 --> 3669.10] For those who are part of Emmanuel, +[3669.18 --> 3670.08] my name is Dave Gruen. +[3670.20 --> 3671.82] I'm one of the pastors at Hope Community Church +[3671.82 --> 3672.64] just down the road. +[3672.76 --> 3674.24] And I want to say to Emmanuel, +[3674.40 --> 3675.78] thank you for your hospitality. +[3676.72 --> 3679.44] I have gotten to know what I feel like half of your church now +[3679.44 --> 3680.90] because of all the different ways +[3680.90 --> 3682.72] that you have served and cared for us. +[3682.96 --> 3684.22] And so I just want to speak on behalf +[3684.22 --> 3685.78] of all the churches represented here +[3685.78 --> 3688.14] by saying thank you for your generous hospitality. +[3688.60 --> 3690.72] And we're going to give Emmanuel a round of applause. +[3690.72 --> 3690.98] Thank you. +[3690.98 --> 3691.08] Thank you. +[3691.08 --> 3691.22] Thank you. +[3691.22 --> 3691.28] Thank you. +[3691.28 --> 3691.38] Thank you. +[3691.38 --> 3691.44] Thank you. +[3691.44 --> 3691.48] Thank you. +[3691.48 --> 3691.54] Thank you. +[3691.54 --> 3691.58] Thank you. +[3691.58 --> 3691.62] Thank you. +[3691.62 --> 3691.68] Thank you. +[3691.68 --> 3691.74] Thank you. +[3691.74 --> 3692.18] Thank you. +[3692.18 --> 3692.68] Thank you. +[3692.68 --> 3693.18] Thank you. +[3693.18 --> 3693.24] Thank you. +[3693.24 --> 3693.78] Thank you. +[3693.78 --> 3696.78] Thank you. +[3696.78 --> 3697.22] Thank you. +[3697.22 --> 3698.26] Throughout the course of this weekend, +[3698.26 --> 3700.36] the theme of reactivate has been revealed +[3700.36 --> 3701.96] and we've been exploring how it is +[3701.96 --> 3703.68] that Jesus is revealed to us. +[3703.78 --> 3704.26] On Friday, +[3704.50 --> 3706.06] I'm sure all the students remember this perfectly. +[3706.62 --> 3708.62] We looked at how Jesus was revealed to us +[3708.62 --> 3711.18] as our great prophet who speaks God's word. +[3711.76 --> 3712.10] Yesterday, +[3712.32 --> 3714.12] we looked at how Jesus is revealed to us +[3714.12 --> 3715.32] as our great high priest +[3715.32 --> 3717.00] whose perfect sacrifice +[3717.00 --> 3719.38] opens up the presence of God to us. +[3719.80 --> 3720.48] And this morning, +[3720.54 --> 3721.28] we're going to be looking at +[3721.28 --> 3723.78] how Jesus is our great King. +[3724.54 --> 3725.44] And if you have a Bible, +[3725.58 --> 3727.34] you can turn with me to Acts chapter one. +[3727.66 --> 3728.76] It's also going to be on the screen +[3728.76 --> 3730.44] if you just want to follow along with me. +[3731.28 --> 3733.38] It's the first 11 verses of Acts chapter one. +[3735.96 --> 3738.06] In my former book, Theophilus, +[3738.14 --> 3740.80] I wrote about all that Jesus began to do +[3740.80 --> 3743.26] and to teach until the day he was taken up to heaven. +[3743.62 --> 3745.82] After giving instructions to the Holy Spirit, +[3745.82 --> 3747.18] to the apostles he had chosen. +[3748.02 --> 3748.90] After his suffering, +[3748.90 --> 3750.24] he presented himself to them +[3750.24 --> 3751.98] and gave many convincing proofs +[3751.98 --> 3753.60] that he was alive. +[3754.14 --> 3755.02] He appeared to them +[3755.02 --> 3756.42] over the period of 40 days +[3756.42 --> 3758.06] and spoke about the kingdom of God. +[3758.82 --> 3759.40] On one occasion, +[3759.52 --> 3760.34] while he was with them, +[3760.38 --> 3761.30] he gave this command, +[3762.14 --> 3763.16] do not leave Jerusalem, +[3763.76 --> 3765.94] but wait for the gift my father promised, +[3766.08 --> 3767.72] which you have heard me speak about. +[3768.20 --> 3769.82] For John baptized with water, +[3769.94 --> 3770.94] but in a few days, +[3771.34 --> 3773.48] you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit. +[3774.58 --> 3775.62] So when they met together, +[3775.62 --> 3776.74] they asked him, +[3776.78 --> 3778.00] Lord, are you at this time +[3778.00 --> 3780.08] going to restore the kingdom to Israel? +[3780.96 --> 3781.58] He said to them, +[3781.58 --> 3783.04] it's not for you to know the times +[3783.04 --> 3784.38] and the dates the father has set +[3784.38 --> 3785.66] by his own authority, +[3786.50 --> 3788.10] but you will receive power +[3788.10 --> 3789.84] when the Holy Spirit comes on you +[3789.84 --> 3792.56] and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem +[3792.56 --> 3794.62] and all Judea and Samaria +[3794.62 --> 3796.52] and to the ends of the earth. +[3797.34 --> 3798.16] After he said this, +[3798.20 --> 3799.98] he was taken up before their very eyes +[3799.98 --> 3801.94] and a cloud hid him from their sight. +[3801.94 --> 3804.70] They were looking intently up into the sky +[3804.70 --> 3805.46] as he was going +[3805.46 --> 3807.38] when suddenly two men dressed in white +[3807.38 --> 3808.78] stood beside them. +[3809.56 --> 3810.92] Men of Galilee, they said, +[3811.04 --> 3813.42] why do you stand here looking into the sky? +[3813.82 --> 3816.64] The same Jesus who has been taken from you into heaven +[3816.64 --> 3819.12] will come back in the same way +[3819.12 --> 3821.14] you have seen him go into heaven. +[3821.56 --> 3822.48] This is God's word. +[3825.28 --> 3827.00] Well, I mentioned on Friday night +[3827.00 --> 3828.64] that a number of years ago, +[3828.82 --> 3829.88] for a few years, +[3829.88 --> 3832.62] I led a Bible study for international students. +[3833.04 --> 3834.96] My church, where's New West CRC? +[3835.54 --> 3836.58] My church, New West. +[3836.64 --> 3837.08] There we are. +[3837.14 --> 3837.96] My former church. +[3838.34 --> 3839.56] We had a number of students +[3839.56 --> 3841.24] who are part of Simon Fraser University +[3841.24 --> 3843.58] and they were just sort of learning English, +[3843.76 --> 3845.36] learning what Christianity was about. +[3845.44 --> 3846.60] And a number of them were saying, +[3846.72 --> 3847.86] we'll do a Bible study. +[3847.96 --> 3850.78] So we had a student from Iraq, Iran, China, +[3850.92 --> 3853.34] and Japan in that Bible study. +[3853.94 --> 3855.68] And I remember very vividly, +[3855.76 --> 3857.86] near the end of our study on the book of Mark, +[3857.86 --> 3860.10] we were talking about the death and resurrection of Jesus, +[3860.28 --> 3863.10] like my most favorite thing to talk about. +[3863.60 --> 3865.66] And there's a lot of questions around, +[3865.78 --> 3867.44] like how did the resurrection happen, +[3867.72 --> 3869.36] what to make of it, what it means. +[3869.62 --> 3872.28] And then there's this Japanese student named Naoko. +[3873.20 --> 3875.28] She didn't say much with the whole Bible study +[3875.28 --> 3876.50] until the very end. +[3876.64 --> 3878.18] And this was her question. +[3878.50 --> 3879.28] She said, +[3879.28 --> 3883.40] where is Jesus right now? +[3883.88 --> 3885.70] And what is he doing? +[3886.88 --> 3888.38] Isn't that such a good question? +[3888.88 --> 3889.76] And I remember like, +[3889.86 --> 3891.28] not prepared for that, by the way. +[3891.30 --> 3891.82] And I'm just like, +[3891.88 --> 3893.00] I bumbled out an answer. +[3893.20 --> 3895.88] But before I even say anything about this question, +[3896.14 --> 3897.98] what would you say to someone +[3897.98 --> 3899.16] who is not a Christian, +[3899.40 --> 3900.52] did not grow up in the church, +[3900.54 --> 3901.66] who asked you the question, +[3902.28 --> 3904.10] where is Jesus right now? +[3905.00 --> 3906.68] And what is he doing? +[3908.12 --> 3909.70] That's what we're going to explore this morning +[3909.70 --> 3911.00] as we look at Acts 1 +[3911.00 --> 3913.62] and a few other verses about Jesus. +[3913.86 --> 3915.32] And I'll just give you a brief overview +[3915.32 --> 3916.12] of where we're going. +[3916.74 --> 3918.04] And I was told by Chris, +[3918.16 --> 3918.60] Pastor Chris, +[3918.66 --> 3920.58] that he usually preaches for 40 to 45 minutes. +[3920.72 --> 3922.72] So we're going to go for about 45 minutes. +[3923.46 --> 3925.14] Oh, we'll see if I can get into that. +[3925.18 --> 3925.96] But this is where we're going. +[3926.76 --> 3927.30] Number one, +[3927.52 --> 3928.80] Jesus right now +[3928.80 --> 3931.26] is a king who's ruling the world +[3931.26 --> 3933.00] with love, justice, and mercy. +[3933.00 --> 3934.30] Number two, +[3934.36 --> 3936.34] we're going to look at how Jesus right now +[3936.34 --> 3938.06] is engaged in the work +[3938.06 --> 3940.64] of interceding for you and I as his children. +[3941.64 --> 3942.08] And third, +[3942.34 --> 3944.56] we're going to look at how Jesus is equipping us +[3944.56 --> 3946.56] right now by his spirit +[3946.56 --> 3948.44] for mission in his world. +[3949.90 --> 3951.70] Just before we dive into the passage, +[3951.78 --> 3954.30] I want to say one thing about Acts 1. +[3954.94 --> 3956.46] I want you to know that the disciples +[3956.46 --> 3957.48] who followed Jesus, +[3958.00 --> 3959.76] when he went to be with the Father +[3959.76 --> 3960.66] and ascended to heaven, +[3960.66 --> 3962.68] they would have been probably confused +[3962.68 --> 3964.50] and deeply disappointed. +[3965.40 --> 3966.80] I mean, just put yourself in their shoes +[3966.80 --> 3967.54] for one moment. +[3967.64 --> 3969.14] They followed this guy for three years. +[3969.24 --> 3970.24] They gave up everything +[3970.24 --> 3972.56] to be committed to this movement of Jesus +[3972.56 --> 3974.86] with some confusion about where it goes. +[3975.62 --> 3977.90] They went through the gut-wrenching agony +[3977.90 --> 3979.82] of watching their leader get crucified, +[3980.40 --> 3981.60] dead on a cross. +[3981.84 --> 3983.84] And then they went through the overwhelming joy +[3983.84 --> 3985.52] of Jesus then coming back to life. +[3985.68 --> 3987.92] And they had this sweet 40 days, +[3988.02 --> 3988.94] we read in this passage, +[3988.94 --> 3990.84] of Jesus going around the city, +[3991.34 --> 3992.66] telling people he's alive, +[3992.72 --> 3994.14] in his resurrected body, +[3994.14 --> 3997.86] and then, poof, Jesus is gone. +[3998.94 --> 4000.86] What they wanted of Jesus +[4000.86 --> 4003.38] is to continue doing what's going on. +[4003.48 --> 4005.84] They wanted Jesus to be the new King David, +[4006.10 --> 4007.68] sitting on a throne in Jerusalem, +[4007.90 --> 4009.20] establishing Israel +[4009.20 --> 4011.14] and making the city great again. +[4011.76 --> 4012.88] And then Jesus leaves. +[4012.88 --> 4013.88] And what he says to them is, +[4014.32 --> 4015.12] here's my blessing. +[4016.04 --> 4017.18] You're going to be my witnesses. +[4017.78 --> 4019.50] And off he goes to be with the Father. +[4019.62 --> 4022.14] They must have been so confused. +[4023.54 --> 4025.76] But Acts 1 answers the first half +[4025.76 --> 4027.44] of Naoko's question, right? +[4027.84 --> 4029.52] Her question was, where is Jesus? +[4029.64 --> 4031.76] And what do the two men dressed in white, +[4032.06 --> 4033.68] the two angels say to the disciples? +[4035.26 --> 4036.04] He's in heaven. +[4037.22 --> 4039.28] Jesus Christ is in heaven. +[4039.58 --> 4041.36] And maybe if you're honest with yourself, +[4041.36 --> 4043.66] you might have the question, well, where is that? +[4043.94 --> 4045.16] Like, what is heaven? +[4045.26 --> 4046.94] When I gave this answer to Naoko, +[4047.08 --> 4049.26] she had 10 more questions about heaven. +[4049.40 --> 4050.76] And I'm going to just say briefly, +[4051.34 --> 4052.98] oftentimes we imagine heaven +[4052.98 --> 4055.80] as sort of this ethereal place beyond the clouds. +[4056.14 --> 4058.26] It's sort of this hard to imagine place. +[4059.04 --> 4060.14] There's mystery around heaven, +[4060.22 --> 4061.14] but what I'll say is this. +[4061.20 --> 4063.16] It is deeply interlocked +[4063.16 --> 4066.34] and interweaving with our lives on earth. +[4066.82 --> 4067.78] I do not believe that heaven +[4067.78 --> 4070.70] is some far off disconnected place from our reality. +[4070.70 --> 4073.64] It's interlocked and interweaving with earth. +[4073.74 --> 4074.68] Whatever that looks like, +[4074.92 --> 4076.90] that's how I believe the scriptures present heaven. +[4077.52 --> 4078.68] One writer I really love, +[4078.74 --> 4081.84] he says that heaven is the control room for earth. +[4082.44 --> 4084.34] And I wrote this down so not to forget it. +[4084.38 --> 4085.68] When I taught youth about heaven, +[4086.04 --> 4087.78] one of them said back to me recently, +[4088.00 --> 4089.40] it's kind of like Stranger Things. +[4089.92 --> 4091.38] Now, I haven't seen Stranger Things, +[4091.58 --> 4093.58] but maybe that's a good sort of connection point +[4093.58 --> 4095.24] in terms of the interlocking nature +[4095.24 --> 4096.70] of heaven and on earth. +[4096.70 --> 4099.02] Jesus is in heaven. +[4099.54 --> 4100.64] And what you need to know is +[4100.64 --> 4101.74] Jesus' ultimate purpose +[4101.74 --> 4105.08] is the perfect unity of heaven and earth, right? +[4105.12 --> 4106.16] That's what we pray for. +[4106.42 --> 4107.54] When we pray the Lord's Prayer, +[4107.64 --> 4110.86] your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. +[4111.28 --> 4113.94] And when Jesus comes back in glory and power +[4113.94 --> 4115.78] at the end to restore all things, +[4116.18 --> 4118.64] heaven and earth will be perfectly united. +[4118.64 --> 4120.20] And we will experience heaven +[4120.20 --> 4122.92] in our lives on a new earth. +[4123.74 --> 4125.30] So Jesus is in heaven. +[4125.76 --> 4128.00] Now, we're going to ask the second half +[4128.00 --> 4129.02] of Naoko's question, +[4129.48 --> 4132.16] what is Jesus doing in heaven, +[4132.28 --> 4133.54] the control room for earth? +[4133.70 --> 4135.58] What is Jesus giving his time to? +[4135.64 --> 4137.10] This might be one of the most important questions +[4137.10 --> 4138.24] you've never asked. +[4138.90 --> 4140.60] And the first answer to that +[4140.60 --> 4143.90] is Jesus is ruling over this creation +[4143.90 --> 4148.22] with love and justice and power. +[4148.22 --> 4150.48] This creation, Ephesians says, +[4150.54 --> 4151.88] is held together +[4151.88 --> 4154.32] because Jesus gives it life +[4154.32 --> 4155.88] and gives us life +[4155.88 --> 4156.82] and allows us to live. +[4156.88 --> 4157.46] Without Jesus, +[4157.66 --> 4159.68] you sort of unplug Jesus from this world, +[4159.98 --> 4161.12] everything implodes. +[4161.40 --> 4163.54] That's how important his rule is over the world. +[4164.34 --> 4167.44] So many passages in the Bible +[4167.44 --> 4169.44] celebrate the authority +[4169.44 --> 4171.88] and the kingship of Jesus over creation. +[4172.20 --> 4173.38] I want to read just one of them +[4173.38 --> 4174.60] that I touched on last night +[4174.60 --> 4175.88] from Ephesians 1. +[4175.88 --> 4178.46] That's what we read in Ephesians 1. +[4179.04 --> 4179.86] That power, +[4180.72 --> 4182.90] the same power that he exerted, +[4182.94 --> 4183.52] that's God, +[4183.62 --> 4185.32] when he raised Christ from the dead +[4185.32 --> 4187.78] and seated him at his right hand +[4187.78 --> 4188.98] in the heavenly realms, +[4189.32 --> 4191.84] far above any rule and authority, +[4192.50 --> 4193.76] power and dominion, +[4194.04 --> 4195.78] and every name that can be invoked, +[4195.96 --> 4197.82] not only in the present age, +[4197.98 --> 4200.48] but also in the one to come. +[4200.48 --> 4203.18] Can I just invite you to allow that +[4203.18 --> 4205.84] to expand your vision of Jesus, right? +[4206.64 --> 4207.74] What the author of Hebrews, +[4208.00 --> 4210.84] of Ephesians and Romans and Hebrews +[4210.84 --> 4211.84] are all trying to say is +[4211.84 --> 4214.22] Jesus is above every name, +[4214.60 --> 4215.40] every authority, +[4215.70 --> 4216.56] every world leader, +[4216.92 --> 4218.16] every spiritual force +[4218.16 --> 4219.78] that could be invoked now and forever. +[4220.02 --> 4221.90] He's above all those things. +[4222.66 --> 4223.26] And Ephesians says, +[4223.36 --> 4226.12] all things are placed under Jesus' feet. +[4226.42 --> 4227.34] That's the authority +[4227.34 --> 4228.98] of the Jesus we worship this morning. +[4230.04 --> 4232.30] No rival can take Jesus down. +[4232.56 --> 4233.50] No one can kill him +[4233.50 --> 4234.96] because that's already been done +[4234.96 --> 4236.60] and Jesus came back from the grave +[4236.60 --> 4238.28] to rule over all things. +[4239.94 --> 4241.88] There's a writer I read two years ago. +[4243.34 --> 4245.14] His name is David Levithan. +[4245.20 --> 4245.66] Maybe you know him. +[4245.68 --> 4247.50] He's actually a famous American journalist +[4247.50 --> 4248.08] and author +[4248.08 --> 4249.60] and not a Christian. +[4250.12 --> 4251.18] And this is what he writes +[4251.18 --> 4251.78] about the universe. +[4251.92 --> 4253.94] This is just like a startling statement +[4253.94 --> 4255.16] that we need to respond to. +[4255.16 --> 4255.52] He says, +[4255.62 --> 4257.62] if you stare at the universe, +[4258.08 --> 4259.58] the center of the universe, +[4259.92 --> 4261.86] you will find coldness there. +[4263.60 --> 4264.08] Blankness. +[4264.96 --> 4266.00] Ultimately, he writes, +[4266.10 --> 4269.22] the universe does not care for us at all. +[4269.40 --> 4270.38] And then he goes on to say, +[4270.54 --> 4271.76] that's why we have to take care +[4271.76 --> 4272.54] of our own lives. +[4272.84 --> 4274.84] And over and against that statement, +[4274.96 --> 4276.10] which I think is very depressing, +[4276.52 --> 4277.56] all of us can say, +[4277.68 --> 4279.08] at the center of the universe +[4279.08 --> 4281.54] is a living resurrected king +[4281.54 --> 4283.04] in a resurrected body +[4283.04 --> 4285.62] who holds all things together +[4285.62 --> 4288.22] and governs everything in this world +[4288.22 --> 4289.36] according to his purpose +[4289.36 --> 4291.94] and his will will be done. +[4292.70 --> 4293.70] That's your king. +[4294.20 --> 4295.22] That's King Jesus. +[4297.68 --> 4298.16] Secondly, +[4298.30 --> 4300.16] so the first thing about Jesus' kingship +[4300.16 --> 4302.46] is he's right now ruling over creation +[4302.46 --> 4303.78] and it's all held together +[4303.78 --> 4305.08] by his power and his goodness +[4305.08 --> 4305.82] and his justice. +[4306.34 --> 4306.78] Secondly, +[4307.26 --> 4308.20] the scriptures teach us +[4308.20 --> 4310.04] that at this very moment, +[4310.64 --> 4312.72] Jesus is interceding for you +[4312.72 --> 4313.86] and for me. +[4314.70 --> 4315.76] Just take that in for a minute. +[4316.46 --> 4317.48] That's what he's doing right now. +[4317.84 --> 4319.78] Like the present tense ministry of Jesus +[4319.78 --> 4321.24] is interceding for us. +[4321.26 --> 4322.68] Let me read us a verse +[4322.68 --> 4324.06] from Romans chapter eight. +[4324.54 --> 4326.12] This is so powerful on so many levels. +[4326.66 --> 4327.82] We read from Romans eight, +[4327.82 --> 4329.80] who will bring any charge +[4329.80 --> 4331.52] against those whom God has chosen? +[4332.20 --> 4333.94] It's God who justifies. +[4333.94 --> 4336.42] Who then is the one who can condemn? +[4337.12 --> 4337.86] No one. +[4338.58 --> 4340.14] It's Jesus Christ who died. +[4340.30 --> 4340.86] More than that, +[4340.94 --> 4342.48] who was raised to life +[4342.48 --> 4343.72] is at the right hand of God. +[4343.80 --> 4344.58] And listen to this, +[4345.18 --> 4348.38] and is also interceding for us. +[4348.40 --> 4349.36] And that is actually a phrase +[4349.36 --> 4351.38] repeated in multiple passages. +[4352.04 --> 4353.48] The Jesus who defeated death, +[4353.78 --> 4354.68] the Jesus who is now +[4354.68 --> 4355.66] at the right hand of the father +[4355.66 --> 4357.36] is giving his time +[4357.36 --> 4358.96] to intercede for you. +[4359.76 --> 4360.32] And this, by the way, +[4360.34 --> 4361.08] if you're here last night, +[4361.16 --> 4362.04] this weaves together +[4362.04 --> 4363.72] the priestly ministry of Jesus +[4363.72 --> 4365.26] of interceding, +[4365.64 --> 4367.72] of taking our concerns to God. +[4367.82 --> 4369.38] Jesus is doing that very thing +[4369.38 --> 4370.98] at the right hand of the father. +[4373.32 --> 4374.84] Recently, I came across an artist +[4374.84 --> 4376.48] whose name is Elizabeth Wang, +[4376.98 --> 4377.94] Chinese artist, +[4378.36 --> 4379.84] also a Catholic artist. +[4380.04 --> 4383.36] And she has done like 10 pieces of art +[4383.36 --> 4385.54] on the intercessory work of Jesus now. +[4385.60 --> 4386.68] And I haven't actually come across +[4386.68 --> 4387.96] a lot of art on this, +[4388.06 --> 4389.10] but I think it's on the screen +[4389.10 --> 4390.14] or it will be on the screen. +[4390.78 --> 4391.40] There it is. +[4391.40 --> 4392.58] Oh, it's not as huge +[4392.58 --> 4393.32] as I'd like it to be, +[4393.44 --> 4395.38] but I can walk us through it. +[4395.44 --> 4397.86] So she's depicting a person praying. +[4397.98 --> 4398.54] See at the bottom, +[4398.66 --> 4399.36] the silhouette there, +[4399.44 --> 4400.02] the person praying. +[4400.08 --> 4400.88] There's a sense of like, +[4401.16 --> 4402.36] they are in their life. +[4402.62 --> 4403.32] There's almost a sense +[4403.32 --> 4404.80] of being downcast in prayer +[4404.80 --> 4405.86] and burdened by life. +[4406.04 --> 4406.76] And then what do you see +[4406.76 --> 4407.20] at the center? +[4407.20 --> 4410.54] You see this huge Jesus, right? +[4410.74 --> 4412.60] You see the nail holes in his hands +[4412.60 --> 4415.16] and then you see the presence of God above him. +[4415.22 --> 4416.84] And Jesus is just taking that prayer +[4416.84 --> 4419.00] from us broken, weak humans +[4419.00 --> 4421.00] and he's bringing it to the father, +[4421.52 --> 4423.00] interceding on our behalf. +[4423.38 --> 4426.44] Is that how you picture Jesus right now +[4426.44 --> 4428.08] on behalf of the church, +[4428.42 --> 4429.86] on behalf of our brokenness? +[4429.86 --> 4431.84] That's the beauty of your savior, +[4432.44 --> 4432.90] your king. +[4435.82 --> 4438.78] Now I want to talk about the third thing +[4438.78 --> 4440.76] that Jesus is doing right now +[4440.76 --> 4441.82] in heaven, +[4442.08 --> 4442.90] in real time. +[4443.32 --> 4444.96] And that is equipping us +[4444.96 --> 4446.26] for mission. +[4446.96 --> 4448.44] Equipping every single one of us +[4448.44 --> 4449.82] from the youngest to the oldest +[4449.82 --> 4451.46] for ministry by the power +[4451.46 --> 4452.30] of the Holy Spirit. +[4453.10 --> 4454.98] In fact, there's this like strange verse +[4454.98 --> 4456.56] in John chapter 14 +[4456.56 --> 4459.02] where Jesus is preparing his disciples +[4459.02 --> 4460.58] for his leaving. +[4460.72 --> 4461.52] He says, I'm going to die, +[4461.58 --> 4462.50] I'm going to rise and depart +[4462.50 --> 4464.28] and then I'm going to ascend you to the spirit. +[4464.40 --> 4465.22] And then he says this, +[4465.32 --> 4466.78] it's better that I go. +[4467.48 --> 4468.26] And the disciples are like, +[4468.30 --> 4469.78] they're not buying that for one second. +[4469.94 --> 4470.92] They're like, it's not better +[4470.92 --> 4471.66] that you go, Jesus. +[4471.74 --> 4473.10] We want you to stay right where you are. +[4473.30 --> 4474.90] We want you to reestablish Israel. +[4475.02 --> 4476.28] Jesus is like, it's better that I go. +[4476.28 --> 4477.22] What does he say next? +[4478.68 --> 4482.28] For you will do greater things than these. +[4483.30 --> 4484.38] And most of us are like, +[4484.44 --> 4485.58] I don't know if I believe that either. +[4485.90 --> 4487.14] But what Jesus knows +[4487.14 --> 4489.10] that the church does not yet know +[4489.10 --> 4490.72] is that he's going to ascend +[4490.72 --> 4491.50] to be with the Father. +[4491.66 --> 4493.18] And the first thing he's going to do +[4493.18 --> 4495.04] is pour out the very power +[4495.04 --> 4495.84] of the resurrection +[4495.84 --> 4498.20] through the Holy Spirit on the church +[4498.20 --> 4499.84] so that they can do, +[4500.66 --> 4502.04] that we can do +[4502.04 --> 4505.36] the same things that Jesus did. +[4507.18 --> 4509.14] John Mark Homer, an author I quite like, +[4509.24 --> 4510.44] he describes discipleship +[4510.44 --> 4512.00] in three simple phrases. +[4512.80 --> 4514.34] Discipleship is being with Jesus, +[4515.46 --> 4517.36] it's becoming like Jesus in our character, +[4517.98 --> 4520.78] and it is doing what Jesus did. +[4521.16 --> 4522.96] When Jesus ascends to be with the Father +[4522.96 --> 4524.28] and he pours out his Spirit, +[4524.60 --> 4526.14] he says to all of his believers, +[4526.64 --> 4528.66] you now get to do +[4528.66 --> 4530.90] what I have done +[4530.90 --> 4532.40] by my Spirit. +[4532.88 --> 4534.56] And that's a word for every single one of us +[4534.56 --> 4535.10] this morning. +[4536.22 --> 4537.82] And now for the next few minutes, +[4537.82 --> 4538.62] I'm going to wrap up +[4538.62 --> 4540.30] not just this morning's message, +[4540.62 --> 4541.94] but all three talks +[4541.94 --> 4543.72] on Jesus as our prophet, +[4544.06 --> 4544.74] our priest, +[4544.92 --> 4545.58] and our king +[4545.58 --> 4546.56] by saying that Jesus +[4546.56 --> 4549.00] invites every single one of us +[4549.00 --> 4551.22] into the ministry of prophecy, +[4552.36 --> 4553.24] of priestliness, +[4553.98 --> 4555.04] and of his kingship. +[4555.16 --> 4555.78] Do you know this? +[4556.52 --> 4557.56] Jesus invites us now +[4557.56 --> 4558.98] to do what he does. +[4559.06 --> 4560.44] This is what it means in Acts 1 +[4560.44 --> 4561.16] when Jesus says, +[4561.16 --> 4562.14] your identity +[4562.14 --> 4564.66] is to be my witnesses. +[4565.94 --> 4567.40] You now get to share +[4567.40 --> 4567.96] in the ministry +[4567.96 --> 4569.36] of his prophetic words, +[4569.68 --> 4571.20] of his priestly intercession, +[4571.56 --> 4572.76] and his kingly rule. +[4573.30 --> 4573.92] And is it okay now +[4573.92 --> 4574.68] if I take a few minutes +[4574.68 --> 4575.38] to tease that out? +[4577.32 --> 4578.26] You church, +[4578.56 --> 4579.22] along with me, +[4579.32 --> 4580.48] get to be the ones +[4580.48 --> 4581.68] who just like Jesus, +[4582.28 --> 4584.08] speak God's word. +[4584.44 --> 4584.62] Right? +[4585.04 --> 4585.68] On Friday night, +[4585.72 --> 4586.24] we looked at how +[4586.24 --> 4587.38] the primary work +[4587.38 --> 4588.04] of a prophet +[4588.04 --> 4589.08] in the Old Testament +[4589.08 --> 4591.48] was to speak God's word. +[4591.84 --> 4593.12] And every single one of us +[4593.12 --> 4594.80] is invited to teach it +[4594.80 --> 4595.98] to those who God +[4595.98 --> 4597.96] puts authority under us, +[4598.08 --> 4599.30] as well as to share it +[4599.30 --> 4600.22] with those around us. +[4600.48 --> 4601.04] And here's why +[4601.04 --> 4601.74] I'm going to pause +[4601.74 --> 4602.36] and say, +[4603.08 --> 4604.06] praise the Lord +[4604.06 --> 4605.46] for every youth leader +[4605.46 --> 4606.02] in this room. +[4606.08 --> 4606.38] And actually, +[4606.44 --> 4607.30] I want the youth leaders +[4607.30 --> 4607.74] who are here +[4607.74 --> 4608.72] to raise their hands. +[4609.80 --> 4610.46] There you are. +[4610.64 --> 4612.16] I am so thankful +[4612.16 --> 4613.38] for what you do +[4613.38 --> 4614.68] like on Tuesday nights +[4614.68 --> 4615.48] and Thursday nights +[4615.48 --> 4616.32] and Friday nights +[4616.32 --> 4617.88] in like church basements +[4617.88 --> 4618.74] and living rooms +[4618.74 --> 4619.50] of people in the church. +[4619.78 --> 4620.66] You are teaching +[4620.66 --> 4621.30] the scriptures +[4621.30 --> 4623.50] to this next generation +[4623.50 --> 4624.40] and that is one +[4624.40 --> 4626.12] of the most essential tasks +[4626.12 --> 4627.22] for the church today. +[4627.34 --> 4628.46] I praise the Lord for you. +[4628.80 --> 4630.46] And you are doing exactly +[4630.46 --> 4631.96] what the prophetic ministry +[4631.96 --> 4633.32] of Jesus is all about. +[4633.46 --> 4634.36] That is teaching +[4634.36 --> 4636.38] the word of God. +[4636.62 --> 4637.84] I am so thankful +[4637.84 --> 4638.88] for the youth leaders +[4638.88 --> 4639.44] in this room, +[4639.70 --> 4640.74] especially in the moments +[4640.74 --> 4641.80] where it feels thankless +[4641.80 --> 4642.66] and the students +[4642.66 --> 4643.94] might smell a little bit. +[4644.32 --> 4645.06] Even then, +[4645.44 --> 4646.58] this is the prophetic ministry +[4646.58 --> 4647.80] that you have been called into. +[4648.74 --> 4650.44] But secondly, +[4650.76 --> 4651.84] the prophetic ministry +[4651.84 --> 4653.38] of Jesus also involves +[4653.38 --> 4655.16] sharing the gospel. +[4656.14 --> 4657.38] It involves speaking +[4657.38 --> 4658.42] why you believe +[4658.42 --> 4659.40] what you do about Jesus +[4659.40 --> 4660.20] with classmates, +[4660.96 --> 4661.36] coworkers, +[4662.08 --> 4663.32] friends on the soccer field, +[4663.66 --> 4664.94] friends on the volleyball court, +[4665.06 --> 4665.78] and neighbors. +[4666.44 --> 4666.62] Right? +[4666.88 --> 4667.66] And this might be +[4667.66 --> 4668.58] like every student +[4668.58 --> 4670.62] and parents, +[4671.32 --> 4672.00] greatest fear, +[4672.58 --> 4673.22] evangelism, +[4673.36 --> 4674.14] sharing the gospel. +[4674.78 --> 4675.86] And let me just put it this way. +[4675.86 --> 4678.04] The most easy way +[4678.04 --> 4679.02] to do evangelism +[4679.02 --> 4680.74] is to talk as you are +[4680.74 --> 4682.72] about your ordinary life +[4682.72 --> 4683.82] as someone who loves Jesus. +[4684.18 --> 4685.76] You don't need to be a ninja about it. +[4686.24 --> 4686.86] Like go in there, +[4686.96 --> 4688.04] like chop someone with Jesus +[4688.04 --> 4688.84] with this phrase. +[4689.02 --> 4689.78] You just need to live +[4689.78 --> 4690.76] your ordinary life +[4690.76 --> 4692.04] and be willing to speak +[4692.04 --> 4692.56] about Jesus +[4692.56 --> 4693.44] as the questions +[4693.44 --> 4695.26] and the conversations arise. +[4695.96 --> 4696.96] And what I learned +[4696.96 --> 4698.46] when I was a youth pastor +[4698.46 --> 4700.00] is you don't need +[4700.00 --> 4700.80] to go far away +[4700.80 --> 4701.56] to find the people +[4701.56 --> 4701.96] in your life +[4701.96 --> 4702.90] who don't yet know Jesus +[4702.90 --> 4703.74] or do not know +[4703.74 --> 4704.48] the word of God. +[4704.64 --> 4705.28] They're usually +[4705.28 --> 4705.94] in your neighborhood. +[4706.30 --> 4707.26] They're close by. +[4707.38 --> 4707.84] It's a student +[4707.84 --> 4709.26] who sits beside you in class +[4709.26 --> 4710.00] or the person +[4710.00 --> 4710.92] you're already friends with. +[4711.30 --> 4712.54] Those are the people +[4712.54 --> 4714.64] that Jesus himself says, +[4714.74 --> 4715.66] you are my witnesses +[4715.66 --> 4717.04] to share the living word +[4717.04 --> 4717.68] of God to +[4717.68 --> 4719.28] in your ordinary life. +[4719.72 --> 4720.66] And whatever fears +[4720.66 --> 4721.62] you have about that, +[4722.12 --> 4723.16] bring to your heavenly father +[4723.16 --> 4723.64] in prayer +[4723.64 --> 4724.66] and know that Jesus, +[4724.84 --> 4725.30] your king, +[4725.50 --> 4726.78] is interceding for you +[4726.78 --> 4727.70] to do that well. +[4727.70 --> 4730.38] You and I are called +[4730.38 --> 4731.12] to the ministry +[4731.12 --> 4733.24] of being prophets, +[4733.96 --> 4735.34] of speaking God's word. +[4735.68 --> 4736.34] But secondly, +[4736.52 --> 4737.78] you are also invited +[4737.78 --> 4739.52] into the priestly ministry. +[4739.96 --> 4741.00] And the priestly ministry, +[4741.14 --> 4742.10] as we looked at last night, +[4742.28 --> 4743.08] is that ministry +[4743.08 --> 4743.84] of intercession. +[4744.48 --> 4745.26] You are not called +[4745.26 --> 4746.34] to do what Jesus does +[4746.34 --> 4747.14] in the sense of giving +[4747.14 --> 4747.82] a sacrifice +[4747.82 --> 4749.08] for the sake of the world +[4749.08 --> 4749.82] once and for all +[4749.82 --> 4750.52] that's been done. +[4750.72 --> 4751.68] But you are called +[4751.68 --> 4752.78] to make your life +[4752.78 --> 4753.86] a living sacrifice. +[4754.90 --> 4755.86] And you are called +[4755.86 --> 4756.68] to intercede +[4756.68 --> 4757.96] for those around you. +[4759.46 --> 4760.78] There are so many things, +[4761.62 --> 4762.76] so many problems, +[4763.20 --> 4764.34] so much brokenness +[4764.34 --> 4765.44] that you cannot solve. +[4766.12 --> 4767.74] But you can always pray. +[4768.88 --> 4770.16] In my role as a pastor, +[4770.54 --> 4771.98] I often feel overwhelmed +[4771.98 --> 4773.36] by the needs around me. +[4773.80 --> 4774.96] I feel incapable +[4774.96 --> 4775.56] of solving +[4775.56 --> 4777.10] even a small fraction +[4777.10 --> 4778.36] of the challenges +[4778.36 --> 4779.20] that come my way. +[4779.44 --> 4780.42] And when that happens, +[4780.72 --> 4781.98] I am increasingly saying, +[4782.08 --> 4782.52] all right, Lord, +[4782.80 --> 4784.18] this is what I can't do. +[4784.26 --> 4785.30] I'm just Dave Groon, +[4785.30 --> 4786.34] but I can pray +[4786.34 --> 4787.02] for that couple. +[4787.82 --> 4789.18] I can pray for that marriage. +[4789.32 --> 4790.10] I can pray for that +[4790.10 --> 4790.80] broken relationship. +[4790.92 --> 4792.00] I can pray for the student +[4792.00 --> 4793.30] who just got let go +[4793.30 --> 4794.04] of this position. +[4794.30 --> 4795.04] I can pray. +[4795.54 --> 4796.52] I can intercede. +[4798.12 --> 4799.26] And here's my hunch. +[4801.22 --> 4803.04] God generally places +[4803.04 --> 4804.02] on your heart +[4804.02 --> 4805.52] the people +[4805.52 --> 4806.66] and the issues +[4806.66 --> 4807.72] and the places +[4807.72 --> 4809.42] that you should intercede for. +[4810.08 --> 4811.00] I'm always amazed +[4811.00 --> 4811.86] when I talk to students +[4811.86 --> 4812.42] and when I talk +[4812.42 --> 4813.02] to young adults, +[4813.38 --> 4814.02] when I ask them, +[4814.12 --> 4814.16] like, +[4814.16 --> 4814.72] what are the burdens +[4814.72 --> 4815.20] of your life +[4815.20 --> 4816.16] or who's on your heart? +[4816.24 --> 4816.36] Like, +[4816.40 --> 4817.30] God's already placing +[4817.30 --> 4818.02] on your heart +[4818.02 --> 4819.46] and has already +[4819.46 --> 4820.70] in your relationship circle +[4820.70 --> 4822.22] the people that he's inviting +[4822.22 --> 4823.40] you to intercede for, +[4823.92 --> 4825.16] to be the priest for. +[4825.54 --> 4826.38] All you need to do +[4826.38 --> 4827.22] is take those names +[4827.22 --> 4828.10] and take those thoughts +[4828.10 --> 4829.54] and bring that into prayer +[4829.54 --> 4830.80] and allow God +[4830.80 --> 4832.32] to do what only God can do +[4832.32 --> 4833.22] in these broken, +[4833.48 --> 4834.50] difficult relationships +[4834.50 --> 4835.50] and situations. +[4836.16 --> 4837.12] You were called +[4837.12 --> 4837.92] into the ministry +[4837.92 --> 4838.92] of the priesthood. +[4838.92 --> 4841.40] And then thirdly, +[4842.88 --> 4843.28] you're called +[4843.28 --> 4843.98] to be kings +[4843.98 --> 4845.32] and queens. +[4845.70 --> 4846.36] Does that sound weird? +[4847.24 --> 4848.42] Jesus invites you +[4848.42 --> 4849.16] to share +[4849.16 --> 4850.74] in his kingly ministry. +[4850.88 --> 4851.44] And you're probably thinking, +[4851.60 --> 4851.66] like, +[4851.74 --> 4853.18] what in the world +[4853.18 --> 4854.26] does that mean? +[4855.42 --> 4855.68] You know, +[4855.74 --> 4856.62] Jesus always, +[4856.72 --> 4857.06] I should say, +[4857.10 --> 4857.66] God always, +[4857.72 --> 4858.52] from the very beginning, +[4858.62 --> 4859.44] creating Adam and Eve, +[4859.66 --> 4861.56] he wanted his humans +[4861.56 --> 4863.36] to rule over this world well. +[4864.00 --> 4865.02] And things went sideways +[4865.02 --> 4866.24] when sin came into the world +[4866.24 --> 4867.16] and we started getting greedy +[4867.16 --> 4867.84] and selfish +[4867.84 --> 4868.90] and we started ruling +[4868.90 --> 4869.60] very terribly. +[4869.94 --> 4870.78] And the work of Jesus, +[4871.32 --> 4872.64] the sacrifice on the cross, +[4872.96 --> 4874.02] enables us to rule +[4874.02 --> 4874.92] over this world +[4874.92 --> 4876.78] under Jesus' authority +[4876.78 --> 4878.66] well and with justice +[4878.66 --> 4880.24] and love and goodness. +[4881.20 --> 4883.06] And every single one of us, +[4883.22 --> 4884.58] and I do mean every one of us, +[4884.62 --> 4885.24] even our youngest, +[4885.82 --> 4886.82] there's something +[4886.82 --> 4888.30] that God places +[4888.30 --> 4889.52] under your authority. +[4890.64 --> 4890.82] Right? +[4891.54 --> 4892.38] There are people, +[4892.46 --> 4892.96] if you're a parent, +[4893.04 --> 4893.48] there's people +[4893.48 --> 4894.78] God places under your authority. +[4894.98 --> 4895.48] If you're a teacher, +[4895.60 --> 4896.08] there are children +[4896.08 --> 4896.94] under your authority. +[4897.16 --> 4897.90] If you're a student, +[4898.80 --> 4899.80] perhaps you are a leader +[4899.80 --> 4900.90] on your basketball team. +[4901.52 --> 4902.70] Perhaps you're an older sibling. +[4903.40 --> 4904.44] Perhaps you have influence +[4904.44 --> 4905.12] among your friends +[4905.12 --> 4906.20] and they kind of look up to you. +[4906.22 --> 4907.60] In all these spaces, +[4908.32 --> 4910.02] God calls you to lead, +[4910.46 --> 4911.58] to take on that sort of +[4911.58 --> 4912.70] kingly authority +[4912.70 --> 4914.22] and to love well +[4914.22 --> 4915.32] with the authority you have, +[4915.38 --> 4917.06] to lead well and generously +[4917.06 --> 4918.32] and with justice +[4918.32 --> 4919.60] in all the places +[4919.60 --> 4921.00] you find yourself. +[4921.00 --> 4922.48] You were called to share +[4922.48 --> 4924.92] in Jesus' kingly ministry. +[4924.92 --> 4928.26] There's a young guy +[4928.26 --> 4929.54] I was discipling for a while. +[4930.28 --> 4931.14] He's actually now +[4931.14 --> 4932.64] in grad school. +[4933.76 --> 4934.86] And as we were working out +[4934.86 --> 4935.84] in his place, +[4935.88 --> 4936.12] actually, +[4936.18 --> 4936.86] where he works, +[4937.62 --> 4938.66] he's studying to be a doctor, +[4938.74 --> 4939.36] a medical doctor, +[4939.46 --> 4939.70] and he, +[4939.96 --> 4940.56] throughout his studies, +[4940.64 --> 4941.14] is just finding +[4941.14 --> 4941.90] some of the challenges +[4941.90 --> 4942.88] that come with sort of +[4942.88 --> 4944.00] being in the medical space, +[4944.28 --> 4944.84] being a Christian +[4944.84 --> 4945.44] in that sphere, +[4945.86 --> 4946.62] and just thinking about +[4946.62 --> 4947.30] what kind of authority +[4947.30 --> 4947.78] does he have, +[4947.82 --> 4948.64] what kind of influence +[4948.64 --> 4949.34] does he have. +[4949.34 --> 4950.72] And he shared with me +[4950.72 --> 4952.14] one of the convictions he had. +[4952.24 --> 4952.88] This actually comes +[4952.88 --> 4953.54] from C.S. Lewis, +[4953.68 --> 4954.10] and he said, +[4954.58 --> 4955.82] as I think about my life +[4955.82 --> 4957.08] and the sphere I'm in now, +[4957.62 --> 4958.40] I think the way +[4958.40 --> 4959.40] that I witness to Jesus +[4959.40 --> 4960.62] is what's called +[4960.62 --> 4962.00] the bright light +[4962.00 --> 4963.84] of a life well lived. +[4964.42 --> 4965.26] Have you ever heard that phrase? +[4965.96 --> 4966.98] The bright light +[4966.98 --> 4968.64] of a life well lived. +[4968.68 --> 4969.42] And that is to say, +[4969.64 --> 4970.56] the way you live +[4970.56 --> 4972.56] in the ordinary places you are, +[4973.00 --> 4973.76] if you are seeking +[4973.76 --> 4975.20] to live under the authority +[4975.20 --> 4975.76] of Jesus +[4975.76 --> 4977.38] and take his word +[4977.38 --> 4978.68] into practice in your life, +[4978.68 --> 4980.14] there's a very good chance +[4980.14 --> 4981.02] that that is going +[4981.02 --> 4982.58] to speak volumes +[4982.58 --> 4983.88] about the gospel. +[4985.18 --> 4986.00] And it's my prayer +[4986.00 --> 4987.02] that even this week +[4987.02 --> 4987.86] and this month +[4987.86 --> 4989.00] that you will have people +[4989.00 --> 4990.18] who kind of look at you +[4990.18 --> 4990.70] and they're like +[4990.70 --> 4991.50] wondering about you +[4991.50 --> 4992.46] and they just have this hunch, +[4992.56 --> 4993.88] like this hunch that like, +[4993.96 --> 4994.90] ah, there's something about you +[4994.90 --> 4995.80] that's different, right? +[4996.02 --> 4997.28] There's a way you treat people, +[4997.36 --> 4998.10] the way you talk, +[4998.32 --> 4999.36] the way you use your money +[4999.36 --> 5000.02] that's just like, +[5000.28 --> 5001.80] and the answer is Jesus, right? +[5002.12 --> 5003.12] And you get to be the person +[5003.12 --> 5003.40] who's like, +[5003.48 --> 5004.42] yes, I'm a Christian. +[5004.88 --> 5006.02] I'm part of the church +[5006.02 --> 5007.14] and I believe that the way +[5007.14 --> 5007.54] of Jesus +[5007.54 --> 5008.66] is the way of life. +[5008.68 --> 5010.46] You and I share +[5010.46 --> 5013.16] in the kingly ministry of Jesus. +[5013.96 --> 5015.50] And to each and every one of us, +[5015.54 --> 5015.96] he says, +[5016.16 --> 5019.88] you are my witnesses. +[5023.04 --> 5024.06] I want to finish +[5024.06 --> 5024.96] with the good news +[5024.96 --> 5026.16] of the end of Acts 1. +[5027.98 --> 5029.46] Let me read for us again +[5029.46 --> 5032.40] what the two robed men in white +[5032.40 --> 5033.92] say to these confused, +[5034.14 --> 5034.80] perplexed, +[5034.80 --> 5036.46] and perhaps discouraged disciples. +[5036.46 --> 5037.68] They say, +[5037.68 --> 5038.82] this Jesus +[5038.82 --> 5039.76] who has been taken +[5039.76 --> 5040.90] from you into heaven, +[5041.42 --> 5043.16] he will come back +[5043.16 --> 5044.92] in the same way +[5044.92 --> 5045.96] you have seen him +[5045.96 --> 5047.38] go into heaven. +[5049.88 --> 5051.02] Jesus is coming +[5051.02 --> 5053.06] in glory +[5053.06 --> 5054.42] and power +[5054.42 --> 5055.32] and justice +[5055.32 --> 5056.12] and wisdom. +[5056.12 --> 5057.30] and when he does, +[5057.54 --> 5058.64] he is going to put to right +[5058.64 --> 5059.84] everything that is wrong +[5059.84 --> 5060.56] with this world, +[5060.86 --> 5061.74] everything that is wrong +[5061.74 --> 5062.52] with you and me, +[5062.64 --> 5063.86] and he's going to establish +[5063.86 --> 5065.52] a perfectly just, +[5066.08 --> 5067.36] loving world. +[5068.94 --> 5070.06] And there will come a day, +[5070.16 --> 5070.44] I pray, +[5070.54 --> 5071.18] where you and I +[5071.18 --> 5072.40] see face to face +[5072.40 --> 5073.08] Jesus, +[5073.24 --> 5074.24] the great high priest, +[5074.66 --> 5074.96] Jesus, +[5075.14 --> 5075.86] the great prophet, +[5075.86 --> 5076.60] and Jesus, +[5076.80 --> 5078.22] the rightful king, +[5078.40 --> 5079.66] and we worship at his feet +[5079.66 --> 5080.58] because he has made +[5080.58 --> 5081.40] all things new. +[5082.46 --> 5083.02] And on that day, +[5083.06 --> 5083.40] you're going to get +[5083.40 --> 5084.06] a new body +[5084.06 --> 5085.68] that is fully healthy, +[5085.84 --> 5087.52] a body that will live forever +[5087.52 --> 5088.24] in the same way +[5088.24 --> 5089.68] that Jesus' current body does, +[5089.82 --> 5090.48] and you will get +[5090.48 --> 5092.54] to experience forever +[5092.54 --> 5094.66] a world that is good +[5094.66 --> 5095.30] and right +[5095.30 --> 5096.10] and beautiful, +[5096.96 --> 5097.68] stripped free +[5097.68 --> 5098.54] of all the sin +[5098.54 --> 5099.16] that corrupts +[5099.16 --> 5099.64] and pollutes +[5099.64 --> 5100.76] all the relationships +[5100.76 --> 5101.46] we live in, +[5101.78 --> 5102.92] all the lives we live, +[5103.26 --> 5103.80] all the places +[5103.80 --> 5104.86] we study and work, +[5104.86 --> 5106.16] and it will be good +[5106.16 --> 5107.38] and it will be well +[5107.38 --> 5108.50] because Jesus, +[5108.68 --> 5109.16] your king, +[5109.52 --> 5110.62] is coming again. +[5111.64 --> 5112.42] And until that day, +[5112.50 --> 5113.66] he says to all of us, +[5114.18 --> 5117.64] you are my witnesses. +[5120.64 --> 5121.86] Let me lead us in prayer. +[5129.44 --> 5130.48] Jesus, we thank you +[5130.48 --> 5131.50] for sitting on the throne, +[5132.30 --> 5134.30] for being above +[5134.30 --> 5135.30] every authority, +[5136.38 --> 5137.16] every government, +[5137.94 --> 5138.76] every power, +[5139.26 --> 5140.44] every spiritual force +[5140.44 --> 5141.28] that we cannot see. +[5141.36 --> 5141.84] We thank you +[5141.84 --> 5143.32] that all those things +[5143.32 --> 5145.42] are under your rule. +[5146.72 --> 5147.32] And today, +[5147.44 --> 5148.14] even our worship +[5148.14 --> 5149.16] is a small act +[5149.16 --> 5149.60] of saying, +[5149.78 --> 5151.10] you are in control +[5151.10 --> 5152.04] and we praise you. +[5153.00 --> 5153.90] We ask that you +[5153.90 --> 5154.64] give us eyes +[5154.64 --> 5156.20] to see how our lives +[5156.20 --> 5157.72] are under your control +[5157.72 --> 5158.98] and we do not need to fear. +[5158.98 --> 5160.46] that our cities +[5160.46 --> 5161.20] and our country +[5161.20 --> 5162.28] is under your authority +[5162.28 --> 5163.50] and we do not need to fear. +[5163.50 --> 5164.70] Our futures +[5164.70 --> 5166.48] are under your authority +[5166.48 --> 5167.80] and we do not need to fear. +[5169.36 --> 5170.28] And our prayer, +[5170.44 --> 5170.52] Lord, +[5170.58 --> 5171.72] is that you would fill us +[5171.72 --> 5172.42] with the power +[5172.42 --> 5173.26] of your spirit +[5173.26 --> 5174.76] so that we would +[5174.76 --> 5176.46] in the most ordinary ways +[5176.46 --> 5177.88] be witnesses +[5177.88 --> 5178.86] to you, +[5179.02 --> 5179.80] the rightful king +[5179.80 --> 5180.42] of this world. +[5181.62 --> 5182.86] Use our words, +[5184.10 --> 5185.16] use our actions +[5185.16 --> 5186.58] to point our friends +[5186.58 --> 5187.22] and neighbors +[5187.22 --> 5188.08] and coworkers +[5188.08 --> 5189.84] to Jesus Christ, +[5190.00 --> 5190.58] our Savior +[5190.58 --> 5192.48] and our King. +[5193.24 --> 5194.22] It is in his name +[5194.22 --> 5194.78] we pray. +[5195.32 --> 5195.68] Amen. +[5197.12 --> 5198.22] Would you stand +[5198.22 --> 5199.30] and join me again +[5199.30 --> 5199.76] in worship? +[5199.76 --> 5199.92] Amen. +[5215.16 --> 5216.30] Amen. +[5216.30 --> 5216.50] Amen. +[5241.30 --> 5242.14] Amen. +[5242.14 --> 5254.14] You know me, all my secrets you see. You know me more. +[5254.14 --> 5269.14] You know me, all my vulnerability. But you know me more. +[5269.14 --> 5271.14] Oh. +[5284.14 --> 5298.14] You see me, all the truth you see. You see me, Lord. +[5298.14 --> 5312.14] You see me fighting my humanity. You see me torn. +[5312.14 --> 5336.14] You see me, Lord. You were, you are the king of everything. +[5336.14 --> 5354.14] You are the anthem over me. And I'm feeling your heart beat. It reverberates in me. +[5354.14 --> 5366.14] You hear me, every cry that I believe. You hear me, Lord. +[5366.14 --> 5393.14] You hear me, every cry that I believe. You hear me, Lord. You hear me, desperate for your sympathy. You hear me more. +[5393.14 --> 5416.14] You hear me, every cry that I believe. You hear me, Lord. You see me, Lord. You see me, Lord. You are the king of everything. +[5416.14 --> 5444.14] You hear me, every call of me. And I'm feeling your heart beat. It reverberates in me. In me. In me. +[5444.14 --> 5469.14] Fill these lungs with your glory and let them sing, you are King. +[5469.14 --> 5483.14] Fill these lungs with your glory and let them sing, you are King. +[5483.14 --> 5499.14] Fill these lungs with your glory and let them sing, you are King. +[5499.14 --> 5518.14] You are, you are the King of everything. +[5518.14 --> 5530.14] And you are still the end of all of me, feeling your heart beat. +[5530.14 --> 5542.14] And reverberate new hope, the King of everything. +[5542.14 --> 5554.14] The river over us, the river over us. +[5554.14 --> 5566.14] So fill these lungs. +[5566.14 --> 5570.14] I give it. +[5570.14 --> 5574.14] That's a rough transition. +[5574.14 --> 5576.14] We still love you buddy. +[5576.14 --> 5583.14] In just a minute, I'm going to invite Pastor Dave Ford. +[5583.14 --> 5588.14] He's going to lead us in God's blessing for us as we leave this place. +[5588.14 --> 5590.14] And then we're going to sing one more song. +[5590.14 --> 5597.14] And youth who are here for Reactivate, that will conclude Reactivate 2024. +[5597.14 --> 5604.14] And those of you who are from Emmanuel, that will conclude the church service on September the 8th, 2024. +[5604.14 --> 5607.14] You're all invited to head into the foyer. +[5607.14 --> 5609.14] I believe there's going to be coffee. +[5609.14 --> 5611.14] We'll have some fellowship together there for sure. +[5611.14 --> 5616.14] Youth, make sure as Curtis mentioned at the beginning to touch base with your leaders. +[5616.14 --> 5621.14] If your parents are here to take you home or if you're heading home on a bus, grab some lunches. +[5621.14 --> 5623.14] You can do your thing that way as well. +[5623.14 --> 5628.14] Before I turn the mic over, I did want to thank two more people. +[5628.14 --> 5630.14] Well, really five more people. +[5630.14 --> 5636.14] Pastor Dave, thank you so much for coming here this weekend and leading us in God's word. +[5640.14 --> 5648.14] Just an incredible job leading us in who Jesus is and how he relates to us and what his calling is on our life. +[5648.14 --> 5649.14] So I thank you so much. +[5649.14 --> 5652.14] And I thank you to Luke and the Arctic and the band as well. +[5652.14 --> 5657.14] They've come back three years in a row to lead us in worship this conference once again. +[5657.14 --> 5661.14] And so let's give them a round of applause as thanks as well. +[5667.14 --> 5669.14] Alright, I'd like to invite Pastor Dave forward right now. +[5669.14 --> 5671.14] He's going to lead us in God's blessing. +[5671.14 --> 5676.14] Alright, as this has been tradition throughout reactivate, I want to ask the very obvious question. +[5676.14 --> 5678.14] Do you want to receive God's blessing? +[5678.14 --> 5679.14] Yes! +[5679.14 --> 5680.14] Amen! +[5680.14 --> 5681.14] Let's hold our hands out. +[5681.14 --> 5685.14] I'm going to read words of sending from the end of Matthew's Gospel and then I will give us God's blessing. +[5685.14 --> 5688.14] The disciples are with Jesus. +[5688.14 --> 5690.14] This is Matthew's account of Jesus. +[5690.14 --> 5694.14] Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. +[5694.14 --> 5697.14] When they saw him, they worshipped him, but some doubted. +[5697.14 --> 5699.14] And then Jesus came to them and said, +[5699.14 --> 5705.14] All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. +[5705.14 --> 5709.14] Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, +[5709.14 --> 5713.14] baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, +[5713.14 --> 5718.14] and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. +[5718.14 --> 5723.14] And surely I am with you always to the very end of the age. +[5723.14 --> 5725.14] So go in the love of the Father. +[5725.14 --> 5729.14] Go in the grace of Jesus Christ that has come to you through the cross. +[5729.14 --> 5733.14] And go in the empowering presence of the Holy Spirit. +[5733.14 --> 5735.14] And together we say, Amen. +[5735.14 --> 5747.14] Okay, we're going to do one more song. +[5747.14 --> 5751.14] There's something really special about this last song actually. +[5751.14 --> 5755.14] Back in the 90s. +[5755.14 --> 5759.14] Back in the 90s. +[5759.14 --> 5761.14] There was a church. +[5761.14 --> 5764.14] I believe it's still here, but I don't know. +[5764.14 --> 5769.14] It's actually just probably about five minutes that way. +[5769.14 --> 5772.14] Not even, maybe three minutes that way. +[5772.14 --> 5779.14] And this church had amazing songs come out of it. +[5779.14 --> 5786.14] And it was just kind of this wild thing that this tiny little church in Langley +[5786.14 --> 5791.14] had these songs that literally were sung in churches all over the world. +[5791.14 --> 5793.14] It was crazy. +[5793.14 --> 5796.14] And these are, this is one of the songs from that time. +[5796.14 --> 5801.14] And I'm, I was, I was kind of bummed because I was going to bring out the guy who wrote it. +[5801.14 --> 5804.14] He's a friend, but he's actually leading worship at my church. +[5804.14 --> 5806.14] So I wasn't able to bring him out. +[5806.14 --> 5811.14] But, um, he, he's, he's a really special guy. +[5811.14 --> 5820.14] And I just thought it would be kind of fun to sing a song that is actually from the soil that was here. +[5820.14 --> 5824.14] You know, a little farther away, but from the same ground. +[5824.14 --> 5827.14] So if you know it, we would love for you to sing it. +[5827.14 --> 5831.14] If you don't know it, this is a, this is a little piece of history for you. +[5831.14 --> 5856.14] I'm going to sing it for you. +[5856.14 --> 5857.14] I'm going to sing it for you. +[5857.14 --> 5858.14] I'm going to sing it for you. +[5858.14 --> 5859.14] I'm going to sing it for you. +[5859.14 --> 5864.14] I'm going to sing it for you. +[5864.14 --> 5869.14] I'm going to sing it for you. +[5869.14 --> 5872.14] I'm going to sing it for you. +[5872.14 --> 5885.14] The Judith audience DP the evening. +[5885.14 --> 5887.16] tear it up trial are there. +[5887.16 --> 5897.14] In the secret, in the quiet hour away, only for you, because I want to know you more. +[5897.14 --> 5906.50] I want to know you +[5906.50 --> 5913.28] I want to hear your voice +[5913.28 --> 5918.26] I want to know you +[5918.26 --> 5929.48] And I want to touch you +[5929.48 --> 5936.28] I want to see your face +[5936.28 --> 5941.34] I want to know you +[5941.34 --> 5971.32] I want to know you +[5971.34 --> 5978.34] In reaching for the highest goal +[5978.34 --> 5993.34] I receive the prize +[5993.34 --> 5995.34] Pressing onward +[5995.34 --> 6000.34] Pressing every hindrance aside +[6000.34 --> 6004.34] Out of my way +[6004.34 --> 6009.34] I want to know you +[6009.34 --> 6011.34] I want to know you +[6011.34 --> 6020.34] I want to know you +[6020.34 --> 6027.34] I want to hear your voice +[6027.34 --> 6033.34] I want to know you more +[6033.34 --> 6037.34] More, more +[6037.34 --> 6044.34] I want to touch you +[6044.34 --> 6050.34] I want to see your face +[6050.34 --> 6057.34] I want to know you +[6057.34 --> 6062.34] I want to know you +[6062.34 --> 6067.34] I want to know you +[6067.34 --> 6072.34] I want to hear your voice +[6072.34 --> 6077.34] I want to know you +[6077.34 --> 6084.34] I want to know you +[6084.34 --> 6087.34] I want to know you +[6087.34 --> 6091.34] I want to touch you +[6091.34 --> 6096.84] I want to see your desi +[6096.84 --> 6105.96] I want to know you more +[6105.96 --> 6108.82] I want to know you more +[6108.82 --> 6114.56] I want to know you more +[6114.56 --> 6120.04] I want to know you more +[6120.04 --> 6124.40] I want to love you. +[6136.68 --> 6140.68] So Lord, may he bless you and keep you. +[6142.32 --> 6147.60] May he shine his face upon you and grant you peace. +[6150.04 --> 6154.34] May you get to know him more. +[6155.38 --> 6156.82] May you get to experience him. +[6156.82 --> 6163.30] And every day, may he make himself known to you in most amazing ways. +[6177.18 --> 6177.90] Amen. +[6177.90 --> 6180.90] That concludes Reactivate. +[6184.90 --> 6189.14] Have a great school year. +[6189.14 --> 6215.20] Running +[6215.20 --> 6219.28] Have you come to the end of yourself? +[6220.58 --> 6224.40] Do you thirst for a drink from the well? +[6225.24 --> 6227.32] Jesus is calling. +[6229.82 --> 6233.64] Oh, come to the altar.