WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:01.840 Thanks. 00:00:30.000 --> 00:00:59.980 Thank you. 00:01:01.000 --> 00:01:14.359 And on that, if you haven't yet received a copy, this little summary of what Ezra and Nehemiah, the book next to it, they go as a pair. 00:01:14.519 --> 00:01:18.700 You can pick up your copy at the table this morning. 00:01:20.519 --> 00:01:26.200 It's on page 475, I think. Is that right? 00:01:26.200 --> 00:01:27.620 Yeah, 475. 00:01:30.000 --> 00:01:41.460 So let's hear God's word. 00:01:41.459 --> 00:01:47.879 So Ezra chapter 4, starting at verse 1. 00:01:47.879 --> 00:02:17.879 00:02:17.879 --> 00:02:47.879 00:02:47.879 --> 00:03:01.060 And then just go to the very end of the chapter, verse 24. 00:03:01.060 --> 00:03:18.219 Thus the work of the house of God in Jerusalem came to a standstill until the second year of the reign of Darius, king of Persia. 00:03:18.219 --> 00:03:29.680 We're going to have a second reading, and that comes in Philippians chapter 1, which is on page 1178. 00:03:29.680 --> 00:03:57.360 Philippians chapter 1, verse 27. 00:03:57.360 --> 00:04:08.420 Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. 00:04:08.419 --> 00:04:23.120 Then whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in the one spirit, striving together as one for the faith of the gospel, 00:04:23.120 --> 00:04:26.120 without being frightened in the one spirit, and that you are in the one spirit. 00:04:26.120 --> 00:04:29.360 Without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. 00:04:30.500 --> 00:04:37.120 This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, and that you will be saved, and that by God. 00:04:37.120 --> 00:04:46.379 For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ, not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him. 00:04:47.220 --> 00:04:54.160 Since you are going through the same struggle you saw I had, and now hear that I still have. 00:04:54.160 --> 00:05:00.780 Well, we can go back to Ezra chapter 4, which is on page 475. 00:05:15.780 --> 00:05:18.120 So let's pray together. 00:05:18.120 --> 00:05:26.120 Our Father God, we thank you so much for your truth. 00:05:27.579 --> 00:05:36.840 And we pray that your word, written so many centuries ago, would speak to us afresh. 00:05:37.420 --> 00:05:43.800 Because you are the living God, and it is your living word that changes lives. 00:05:43.800 --> 00:05:51.300 We pray that it will form us and shape us to be the kind of people you have called us to be. 00:05:52.560 --> 00:06:00.660 So that we may be ready to live life in this world for your glory and for our good. 00:06:01.620 --> 00:06:02.100 Amen. 00:06:05.400 --> 00:06:08.199 Well, we had just moved to Carigaline. 00:06:08.319 --> 00:06:10.120 We had only been here a few months. 00:06:10.120 --> 00:06:14.720 And I was really keen to get to know people in the area. 00:06:15.439 --> 00:06:21.920 And a flyer came through the door, looking for people to join the Residents Association. 00:06:23.199 --> 00:06:25.100 Perfect opportunity, I thought. 00:06:25.180 --> 00:06:31.480 So I rang the number, and I was invited to go to the house of the chairperson. 00:06:31.480 --> 00:06:33.439 And we would meet and have a chat. 00:06:33.439 --> 00:06:35.660 So off I went a week later. 00:06:35.779 --> 00:06:38.860 I knocked on the door, and there was a wonderful welcome. 00:06:39.980 --> 00:06:42.139 He and his wife were very friendly. 00:06:43.019 --> 00:06:46.000 Tea and biscuits, and we had a great chat. 00:06:47.040 --> 00:06:51.180 Then all of a sudden, the atmosphere changed. 00:06:52.680 --> 00:06:55.860 You'll have to stop those Bible studies in your house. 00:06:57.259 --> 00:06:58.639 I was embarrassed. 00:06:59.100 --> 00:07:00.500 I was taken aback. 00:07:00.500 --> 00:07:08.040 I gently pushed back, but was informed that there were too many cars around the place, 00:07:08.319 --> 00:07:11.759 and it wasn't the place to conduct church activities. 00:07:13.339 --> 00:07:16.339 And to that, I soon left. 00:07:17.160 --> 00:07:24.120 What began as a very warm and friendly welcome suddenly turned to opposition. 00:07:25.220 --> 00:07:27.399 I came home upset. 00:07:27.399 --> 00:07:33.219 I was unsettled, wondering what on earth was going to happen. 00:07:34.279 --> 00:07:42.159 Well, if you are a Christian here today, the reality is you will face opposition. 00:07:43.459 --> 00:07:48.239 Life in the world is filled with hostility. 00:07:49.219 --> 00:07:53.959 That was certainly the case for God's people back in Ezra's day. 00:07:53.959 --> 00:07:56.539 Look at verse 1, chapter 4. 00:07:59.159 --> 00:08:06.939 When the enemies of Judah and Benjamin heard that the exiles were building a temple for the Lord, 00:08:07.799 --> 00:08:10.179 you see, plans had been drawn up. 00:08:10.959 --> 00:08:12.879 Foundations had been laid. 00:08:13.859 --> 00:08:15.339 Building had begun. 00:08:16.339 --> 00:08:17.740 But objections arose. 00:08:17.740 --> 00:08:22.960 Not everybody in town was happy that the temple was being rebuilt. 00:08:23.480 --> 00:08:26.220 We don't want no God folk around here. 00:08:28.519 --> 00:08:31.879 You see, this may come as a surprise to us this morning, 00:08:32.120 --> 00:08:35.879 but it's normal Christian living. 00:08:35.879 --> 00:08:42.179 Jesus put it bluntly in John, chapter 15. 00:08:42.299 --> 00:08:43.379 You can turn to there. 00:08:43.860 --> 00:08:45.919 Keep a finger in Ezra, chapter 4. 00:08:46.740 --> 00:08:50.879 And go to John's gospel on page 108. 00:08:50.879 --> 00:08:51.399 103. 00:08:52.539 --> 00:08:54.639 1-0-8-3. 00:08:56.100 --> 00:08:57.820 John, chapter 15. 00:08:57.820 --> 00:08:57.860 John, chapter 15. 00:08:57.860 --> 00:09:05.860 John, chapter 15. 00:09:05.860 --> 00:09:20.480 John, chapter 15. 00:09:20.480 --> 00:09:23.320 So this is Jesus' words to his disciples. 00:09:24.680 --> 00:09:26.960 John 15, verse 18. 00:09:26.960 --> 00:09:34.820 If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. 00:09:35.960 --> 00:09:39.960 If you belong to the world, it would love you as its own. 00:09:40.960 --> 00:09:46.820 As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. 00:09:47.820 --> 00:09:51.340 That is why the world hates you. 00:09:52.139 --> 00:09:55.300 Go back to Ezra, chapter 4. 00:09:55.299 --> 00:09:58.279 Strong words from Jesus. 00:09:59.120 --> 00:10:03.559 Now, I'm not saying that on your way home you're going to get rocks thrown at your car, 00:10:04.059 --> 00:10:07.079 or that you'll find a protest outside your house. 00:10:07.080 --> 00:10:15.200 But if you lived in parts of India or Kashmir, or as this little book from Church and Chains tells us about Iran, 00:10:15.280 --> 00:10:17.600 you can pick up a copy on the table. 00:10:18.259 --> 00:10:23.300 If you live in these places, that is the sort of thing that will happen. 00:10:24.340 --> 00:10:28.020 You see, what God is saying to us and to his church is, 00:10:28.420 --> 00:10:33.300 opposition will come in one way or another. 00:10:33.299 --> 00:10:37.639 So two things we're going to look at this morning. 00:10:38.599 --> 00:10:41.639 The church will endure opposition, 00:10:42.299 --> 00:10:47.319 but the church will overcome the opposition. 00:10:47.719 --> 00:10:50.459 The church will endure opposition, 00:10:51.120 --> 00:10:55.279 but the church will overcome the opposition. 00:10:55.279 --> 00:11:01.679 So first, the church will endure opposition. 00:11:02.699 --> 00:11:11.379 In Ezra, chapter 4, there are at least three ways we can expect opposition to come. 00:11:12.259 --> 00:11:15.559 First, it will be subtle. 00:11:16.839 --> 00:11:20.139 When the locals heard that the temple was being built, 00:11:20.699 --> 00:11:23.220 they wanted in on the action. 00:11:23.220 --> 00:11:24.600 So look at verse 2. 00:11:26.759 --> 00:11:30.600 They came to Zerubbabel and to the heads of the families and said, 00:11:31.220 --> 00:11:32.899 Let us help you build, 00:11:33.560 --> 00:11:39.519 because like you, we seek your God and have been sacrificing to him too. 00:11:40.560 --> 00:11:43.379 Seems pretty helpful and friendly, doesn't it? 00:11:43.920 --> 00:11:48.879 Perhaps these neighbours around abouts aren't so bad after all. 00:11:48.879 --> 00:11:52.659 Isn't it great that they want to help out with the temple? 00:11:53.399 --> 00:11:56.100 And who knows, they might even join in with the worship. 00:11:56.600 --> 00:11:59.179 Praise the Lord for such great people. 00:12:01.399 --> 00:12:03.100 Well, not so fast. 00:12:04.240 --> 00:12:09.379 The author won't allow us to baptise them and welcome them into membership just yet. 00:12:09.379 --> 00:12:13.519 He dropped a massive hint for us in verse 1. 00:12:15.200 --> 00:12:19.840 He calls them enemies of Judah and Benjamin. 00:12:20.840 --> 00:12:22.019 Enemies of God. 00:12:22.980 --> 00:12:27.080 You see, there is an appearance of godly goodness. 00:12:27.080 --> 00:12:29.660 We might call them seekers. 00:12:29.940 --> 00:12:31.879 Do you see it there in the middle of verse 2? 00:12:32.400 --> 00:12:34.920 We seek your God. 00:12:35.879 --> 00:12:37.480 It's so very subtle. 00:12:37.900 --> 00:12:40.920 They're not carrying placards or forming a protest. 00:12:42.680 --> 00:12:45.800 They say they want to be part of God's community. 00:12:46.800 --> 00:12:50.980 But pull back the layers and you discover their true heart. 00:12:51.720 --> 00:12:54.360 They are, verse 1, enemies. 00:12:54.360 --> 00:12:59.720 You see, history records for us what they were like. 00:12:59.820 --> 00:13:00.980 No need to turn to it. 00:13:01.080 --> 00:13:05.240 But in 2 Kings chapter 17, you can read it when you get home, 00:13:05.680 --> 00:13:09.300 gives a complete record of what these people were like. 00:13:09.360 --> 00:13:14.360 And it can be summed up in one verse from 2 Kings. 00:13:15.220 --> 00:13:23.539 They worshipped the Lord, but they also served their own gods. 00:13:24.360 --> 00:13:28.240 You see, they were breaking the very first commandment. 00:13:28.759 --> 00:13:31.860 You shall have no other gods before me. 00:13:32.019 --> 00:13:36.639 Because God demands exclusive loyalty and devotion from his people. 00:13:37.000 --> 00:13:41.580 It's not the worship of God plus my own idols. 00:13:42.580 --> 00:13:48.120 It's love God and worship God full stop. 00:13:48.120 --> 00:13:51.840 You see, it's so very subtle. 00:13:53.200 --> 00:13:57.759 I mean, wouldn't church growth be so much easier if we could say, 00:13:58.560 --> 00:13:59.840 come and join us. 00:14:00.720 --> 00:14:05.779 Worship God and worship anything else that you like. 00:14:06.460 --> 00:14:10.100 I mean, it would be just so easy to fill a hall like this. 00:14:10.100 --> 00:14:11.840 Come and join us. 00:14:12.860 --> 00:14:17.840 Worship God and worship anything else that you like. 00:14:19.360 --> 00:14:22.100 But no, verse 3. 00:14:23.240 --> 00:14:28.259 Sir Rubbabel, Joshua, and the rest of the heads of the family of Israel answered, 00:14:28.259 --> 00:14:34.139 You have no part with us in building the temple to our God. 00:14:35.039 --> 00:14:40.059 We alone will build it for the Lord, the God of Israel. 00:14:41.279 --> 00:14:43.379 You see, opposition will come. 00:14:44.179 --> 00:14:47.220 And sometimes it's very subtle. 00:14:48.720 --> 00:14:53.620 Second, it will be sustained. 00:14:53.620 --> 00:14:58.860 Sir Rubbabel's response didn't mean the opposition stopped. 00:14:59.419 --> 00:15:04.159 In fact, it continued on and on and on for decades. 00:15:04.379 --> 00:15:05.279 Look at verse 4. 00:15:06.539 --> 00:15:10.360 Then the peoples around them, showing their true colors, 00:15:10.919 --> 00:15:13.600 set out to discourage the people of Judah 00:15:13.600 --> 00:15:16.480 and make them afraid to go on building. 00:15:17.100 --> 00:15:21.320 They bribed officials to work against them and frustrate their plans. 00:15:21.320 --> 00:15:23.640 Discouragement. 00:15:25.300 --> 00:15:25.940 Fears. 00:15:27.560 --> 00:15:28.120 Frustration. 00:15:29.320 --> 00:15:31.300 It's a lethal combination. 00:15:33.100 --> 00:15:37.480 You put in so much effort into Carigalline Baptist Church. 00:15:37.879 --> 00:15:38.980 But what's the point? 00:15:40.340 --> 00:15:44.540 I mean, it's not exactly the most popular place to be on a Sunday morning. 00:15:46.960 --> 00:15:50.280 People won't like it if you keep on with that God talk. 00:15:50.279 --> 00:15:52.299 Just keep quiet. 00:15:53.039 --> 00:15:57.240 Or you may find you lose your friends or your job. 00:15:59.059 --> 00:16:02.179 Are you still meeting in that community center? 00:16:02.620 --> 00:16:03.839 Forty years. 00:16:04.419 --> 00:16:06.279 You still haven't got your own building? 00:16:08.779 --> 00:16:13.480 Now maybe we could cope with comments like that if they were every so often. 00:16:13.480 --> 00:16:18.659 But discouragement and frustration don't take holidays. 00:16:20.019 --> 00:16:22.840 Opposition is sustained. 00:16:24.279 --> 00:16:26.899 Notice the mention of the kings. 00:16:27.899 --> 00:16:29.879 The opposition continued. 00:16:30.340 --> 00:16:32.019 Look at the end of verse 5. 00:16:32.019 --> 00:16:37.500 During the entire reign of Cyrus, king of Persia. 00:16:37.779 --> 00:16:41.819 All the way down to the reign of Darius, king of Persia. 00:16:42.639 --> 00:16:47.500 Now if you were to look up the history records, that's about 20 years. 00:16:48.279 --> 00:16:49.939 20 years of opposition. 00:16:50.439 --> 00:16:53.860 And if you think that's a long time, look at verse 6. 00:16:53.860 --> 00:17:02.139 At the beginning of the reign of Xerxes, they lodged an accusation against the people of Judah and Jerusalem. 00:17:03.320 --> 00:17:04.940 And more than that, verse 7. 00:17:05.420 --> 00:17:13.680 In the days of Artaxerxes, king of Persia, Bishlam, Mithridus, Tabeel, and the rest of his associates, 00:17:14.180 --> 00:17:16.180 wrote a letter to Artaxerxes. 00:17:16.880 --> 00:17:20.680 Which was a letter of opposition we'll see in just a moment. 00:17:20.680 --> 00:17:32.140 Now the time between Darius and Xerxes, again if you look up the history records, is about 30 years. 00:17:32.779 --> 00:17:38.019 And the time between Xerxes and Artaxerxes was about 60 years. 00:17:38.840 --> 00:17:48.120 So if you do all the sums between these four kings, we have a sustained opposition for over 100 years. 00:17:48.119 --> 00:17:56.419 In other words, opposition to the people of God and the work of God never ever stops. 00:17:57.819 --> 00:18:02.459 We have an enemy, Satan and his minions. 00:18:03.459 --> 00:18:14.279 And he will use every tactic possible to halt and disrupt the work of God and the building of his church. 00:18:14.279 --> 00:18:23.599 Alex referenced it earlier, that he heard of stories within the Christian Union where they were facing some opposition. 00:18:24.960 --> 00:18:32.599 There are CUs in the UK who have been refused the opportunity to set up a Christian Union. 00:18:33.000 --> 00:18:36.259 If it happened there, why can it not happen here? 00:18:36.259 --> 00:18:41.480 Maybe you're going through a trial or a time of suffering. 00:18:42.460 --> 00:18:44.440 And there's that whisper in your mind. 00:18:44.960 --> 00:18:47.400 What's the point of being a Christian? 00:18:48.000 --> 00:18:49.779 It only brings trouble. 00:18:50.740 --> 00:18:52.359 Year after year. 00:18:53.000 --> 00:18:54.660 Decade after decade. 00:18:55.279 --> 00:18:57.480 Generation after generation. 00:18:58.019 --> 00:18:59.019 It's constant. 00:18:59.799 --> 00:19:01.240 It never ends. 00:19:02.259 --> 00:19:04.440 Opposition keeps coming. 00:19:04.440 --> 00:19:07.160 It's not only subtle. 00:19:08.000 --> 00:19:09.140 It's sustained. 00:19:11.140 --> 00:19:15.960 But third, it will also be sinister. 00:19:19.420 --> 00:19:26.259 Ezra, the author, begins chapter 4 talking about opposition to the rebuilding of the temple. 00:19:26.680 --> 00:19:31.039 But now he inserts a thing about the building of the city. 00:19:31.039 --> 00:19:36.059 He jumps forward in time but brings it to us now. 00:19:36.720 --> 00:19:41.099 And he talks about the opposition to the rebuilding of the temple. 00:19:41.659 --> 00:19:45.659 Local authorities are taking God's people to court. 00:19:46.319 --> 00:19:48.159 Have a look again at verse 7. 00:19:48.160 --> 00:20:00.160 And in the days of Artaxerxes, king of Persia, Bishlam, Mithridus, Tabeel and the rest of his associates wrote a letter to Artaxerxes. 00:20:00.160 --> 00:20:02.820 But what was in the letter? 00:20:03.620 --> 00:20:05.380 Well, have a look at verse 11. 00:20:05.840 --> 00:20:09.240 To king Artaxerxes. 00:20:09.940 --> 00:20:13.340 From your servants the men of Trans-Euphrates. 00:20:14.240 --> 00:20:25.720 The king should know that the people who come to you, who have come up from us from you, have gone to Jerusalem and are rebuilding that rebellious and wicked city. 00:20:25.720 --> 00:20:29.900 They are restoring the walls and repairing the foundations. 00:20:30.880 --> 00:20:31.620 Verse 16. 00:20:32.420 --> 00:20:40.299 We inform the king that if this city is built and its walls are restored, you will be left with nothing in Trans-Euphrates. 00:20:41.900 --> 00:20:42.500 Wow. 00:20:43.759 --> 00:20:45.720 It all sounds so very sincere. 00:20:45.720 --> 00:20:51.819 Oh, king Artaxerxes, we would hate for anything bad to happen to you or your kingdom. 00:20:52.779 --> 00:20:56.380 Even though he has them oppressed in another land, not their own. 00:20:57.100 --> 00:20:58.620 You're such a good king. 00:21:00.120 --> 00:21:05.519 Well, the truth be known, they are stroking the king's ego to get what they want. 00:21:06.339 --> 00:21:08.940 Look how the king responded in verse 21. 00:21:08.940 --> 00:21:20.480 Now issue an order to these men to stop work so that this city will not be rebuilt until I so order. 00:21:21.140 --> 00:21:23.500 Be careful not to neglect this matter. 00:21:24.279 --> 00:21:29.279 Why let this threat grow to the detriment of the royal interests? 00:21:29.279 --> 00:21:39.480 As soon as the copy of the letter of King Artaxerxes was read to Raham and Shimshai, the secretary and their associates, 00:21:39.899 --> 00:21:46.599 they went immediately to the Jews in Jerusalem and compelled them by force to stop. 00:21:48.899 --> 00:21:54.279 You see, sometimes opposition is blatantly sinister. 00:21:54.279 --> 00:21:59.019 They just want to see the work of God stop. 00:22:00.099 --> 00:22:02.279 And we need to take this seriously. 00:22:03.639 --> 00:22:13.079 Sometimes there will be appeals made to governments and to courts to ensure that God's people have no more influence in society. 00:22:14.339 --> 00:22:18.119 It's already happened to some degree in some parts of the island. 00:22:19.180 --> 00:22:22.319 And it's happening in many places in the world today. 00:22:22.319 --> 00:22:31.960 The appeal to a higher authority to act so that the work of God and his kingdom would stop. 00:22:32.779 --> 00:22:36.859 If it happens in other places, it will happen here. 00:22:38.099 --> 00:22:41.200 Opposition will be sinister. 00:22:41.200 --> 00:22:54.160 So having jumped ahead in time, the author now brings us back to present day and refocuses our attention on the rebuilding of the temple. 00:22:55.059 --> 00:22:58.039 Opposition seems to have got the desired effect. 00:22:58.200 --> 00:22:59.240 Look at verse 24. 00:22:59.240 --> 00:23:11.279 Thus, the work on the house of God in Jerusalem came to a standstill until the second year of the reign of Darius, king of Persia. 00:23:12.000 --> 00:23:14.319 It seems the opposition has won. 00:23:15.559 --> 00:23:17.839 And isn't that how we can so often feel? 00:23:18.200 --> 00:23:19.380 What's the point? 00:23:19.380 --> 00:23:22.400 I mean, no one's interested. 00:23:22.940 --> 00:23:24.600 You're wasting your time. 00:23:25.200 --> 00:23:29.360 Book clubs, Bible stories, they don't work. 00:23:29.880 --> 00:23:31.100 Keep with the times. 00:23:31.300 --> 00:23:32.060 Get with it. 00:23:32.380 --> 00:23:33.780 The Bible is outdated. 00:23:34.300 --> 00:23:35.300 Church is irrelevant. 00:23:35.780 --> 00:23:37.260 Christianity is over. 00:23:38.540 --> 00:23:41.960 Let's just pack our bags and go home. 00:23:41.960 --> 00:23:45.380 But not so fast. 00:23:46.559 --> 00:23:53.019 Because, second, the church will overcome the opposition. 00:23:54.180 --> 00:23:56.720 Look again at verse 24 with me. 00:23:57.519 --> 00:24:00.940 Because there is hope in this verse. 00:24:02.200 --> 00:24:03.620 Look how it starts. 00:24:03.740 --> 00:24:08.340 The work of the house of God in Jerusalem came to a standstill 00:24:08.339 --> 00:24:14.519 until the second year of the reign of Darius, king of Persia. 00:24:15.339 --> 00:24:21.879 It's a comment from the author reminding us that a king is coming called Darius 00:24:21.879 --> 00:24:26.319 who will ensure that the temple of God is going to be built. 00:24:27.599 --> 00:24:29.639 And in case we don't believe it, 00:24:30.179 --> 00:24:33.459 just look at chapter 6, verse 15 over the page. 00:24:34.740 --> 00:24:36.519 Chapter 6, verse 15. 00:24:38.339 --> 00:24:43.679 The temple was completed on the third day of the month of Adar 00:24:43.679 --> 00:24:49.639 in the sixth year of the reign of King Darius. 00:24:50.319 --> 00:24:53.740 You see, the opposition will come, 00:24:54.419 --> 00:24:57.259 but God's work continues. 00:24:58.119 --> 00:25:01.119 It's easy for us to become discouraged, 00:25:02.139 --> 00:25:03.879 fearful, frustrated. 00:25:03.880 --> 00:25:09.720 But don't we have a better king and a greater promise? 00:25:10.220 --> 00:25:14.220 You see, if God could work through a pagan king like Darius 00:25:14.220 --> 00:25:16.200 to see the temple rebuilt, 00:25:16.560 --> 00:25:21.920 how much more can we expect God to work through his son, 00:25:22.360 --> 00:25:25.400 the promised king called Jesus? 00:25:26.800 --> 00:25:29.160 Remember what King Jesus said. 00:25:29.160 --> 00:25:33.140 I will build my church, 00:25:33.500 --> 00:25:36.880 and the gates of Hades or the gates of hell 00:25:36.880 --> 00:25:39.759 will not overcome it. 00:25:41.060 --> 00:25:43.320 You see, opposition will come, 00:25:44.000 --> 00:25:46.980 but the church will overcome. 00:25:48.120 --> 00:25:50.400 You cannot defeat the church 00:25:50.400 --> 00:25:53.759 because the church is God's people. 00:25:53.759 --> 00:25:57.259 Now, we might be in the business today 00:25:57.259 --> 00:26:00.059 of building temples with blocks and stone, 00:26:00.319 --> 00:26:01.980 but as a church, 00:26:02.599 --> 00:26:03.619 that image, 00:26:04.640 --> 00:26:06.720 we are like a temple. 00:26:07.920 --> 00:26:09.200 Come with me, please, 00:26:09.299 --> 00:26:11.099 to 1 Peter. 00:26:12.099 --> 00:26:15.099 It's on page 1218. 00:26:17.099 --> 00:26:18.180 1218. 00:26:18.400 --> 00:26:19.200 1 Peter. 00:26:19.200 --> 00:26:19.279 1 Peter. 00:26:19.279 --> 00:26:19.319 1 Peter. 00:26:23.759 --> 00:26:24.759 1 Peter. 00:26:34.759 --> 00:26:38.480 This is a letter written by the Apostle Peter to Christians 00:26:38.480 --> 00:26:42.119 who have been scattered all around the place 00:26:42.119 --> 00:26:44.599 because of their love for Jesus. 00:26:45.500 --> 00:26:47.500 They've been kicked out of their homes, 00:26:47.500 --> 00:26:51.119 and they are living far from home. 00:26:51.119 --> 00:26:54.339 And he writes to encourage them 00:26:54.339 --> 00:26:57.399 in the midst of great opposition. 00:26:58.239 --> 00:27:02.319 So, 1 Peter chapter 2, verse 4. 00:27:07.319 --> 00:27:09.659 As you come to him, 00:27:10.879 --> 00:27:13.739 as you come to Jesus, 00:27:14.739 --> 00:27:16.539 the living stone, 00:27:16.539 --> 00:27:21.240 rejected or opposed by humans, 00:27:21.379 --> 00:27:21.759 remember, 00:27:21.899 --> 00:27:24.839 he was crucified and put to death on a cross, 00:27:25.740 --> 00:27:29.980 but chosen by God and precious to him, 00:27:31.119 --> 00:27:32.779 you, the church, 00:27:33.240 --> 00:27:35.159 also like living stones, 00:27:35.379 --> 00:27:39.399 are being built into a spiritual house 00:27:39.399 --> 00:27:41.079 or a spiritual temple. 00:27:42.139 --> 00:27:42.539 You see, 00:27:42.659 --> 00:27:45.740 Jesus is not building physical temples. 00:27:46.539 --> 00:27:50.159 He is building a spiritual temple. 00:27:51.159 --> 00:27:53.200 And as we come to Jesus, 00:27:53.599 --> 00:27:55.819 and as we place our trust in him, 00:27:56.159 --> 00:27:59.759 so we become part of the true temple of God, 00:27:59.879 --> 00:28:02.619 like stones being built together. 00:28:03.440 --> 00:28:07.119 As we trust in the death of Jesus for our sins, 00:28:07.519 --> 00:28:09.920 his resurrection from the grave, 00:28:09.920 --> 00:28:15.460 so we are brought together to be a temple of God, 00:28:15.980 --> 00:28:16.980 his people. 00:28:17.980 --> 00:28:19.920 But it's going to be costly. 00:28:20.660 --> 00:28:22.620 Just as Jesus was rejected, 00:28:22.860 --> 00:28:23.980 so will his church. 00:28:24.259 --> 00:28:26.160 As we live for Jesus, 00:28:26.300 --> 00:28:27.980 as we tell others about Jesus, 00:28:28.340 --> 00:28:30.759 as we go about our workplace, 00:28:30.759 --> 00:28:33.200 as we share the gospel, 00:28:33.700 --> 00:28:35.700 opposition will come. 00:28:35.700 --> 00:28:36.940 But, 00:28:37.319 --> 00:28:38.240 verse 6, 00:28:39.319 --> 00:28:41.960 for in scripture it says, 00:28:42.799 --> 00:28:43.080 see, 00:28:43.259 --> 00:28:45.319 I lay a stone in Zion, 00:28:45.940 --> 00:28:48.319 a chosen and precious cornerstone, 00:28:48.420 --> 00:28:49.140 that's Jesus, 00:28:49.600 --> 00:28:52.000 and the one who trusts in him 00:28:52.000 --> 00:28:55.980 will never be put to shame. 00:28:55.980 --> 00:28:59.420 Here's the encouragement of this verse, 00:28:59.880 --> 00:29:02.019 that those who trust in Jesus 00:29:02.019 --> 00:29:04.299 will never be put to shame. 00:29:04.620 --> 00:29:05.339 In other words, 00:29:05.400 --> 00:29:06.579 it will be hard, 00:29:07.120 --> 00:29:09.420 you will face difficulties and struggles, 00:29:09.799 --> 00:29:12.400 but we will overcome. 00:29:13.279 --> 00:29:15.200 Opposition will end, 00:29:16.120 --> 00:29:18.779 and the church will last. 00:29:18.779 --> 00:29:21.359 So then, 00:29:22.359 --> 00:29:24.019 1 Peter chapter 5, 00:29:24.759 --> 00:29:26.519 or chapter 4 verse 12, 00:29:26.819 --> 00:29:27.660 follow with me, 00:29:27.740 --> 00:29:29.180 chapter 4 verse 12. 00:29:32.059 --> 00:29:33.460 He says to them, 00:29:34.500 --> 00:29:37.059 chapter 4 verse 12, 00:29:37.059 --> 00:29:37.899 Dear friends, 00:29:38.039 --> 00:29:39.500 do not be surprised 00:29:39.500 --> 00:29:41.099 at the fiery ordeal 00:29:41.099 --> 00:29:42.379 that has come on you 00:29:42.379 --> 00:29:43.779 to test you 00:29:43.779 --> 00:29:46.379 as though something strange 00:29:46.379 --> 00:29:47.920 were happening to you. 00:29:48.779 --> 00:29:49.099 You see, 00:29:49.139 --> 00:29:49.819 it's normal. 00:29:51.039 --> 00:29:51.980 But rejoice 00:29:51.980 --> 00:29:54.759 inasmuch as you participate 00:29:54.759 --> 00:29:56.359 in the sufferings of Christ, 00:29:56.559 --> 00:29:59.359 so that you may be overjoyed 00:29:59.359 --> 00:30:02.579 when his glory is revealed. 00:30:03.859 --> 00:30:06.599 He's saying to these scattered believers, 00:30:07.440 --> 00:30:09.000 opposition will come, 00:30:10.000 --> 00:30:12.660 but the church will overcome. 00:30:14.519 --> 00:30:15.879 Let's go back 00:30:15.880 --> 00:30:19.220 to Ezra chapter 4. 00:30:22.160 --> 00:30:23.920 So how should we live 00:30:23.920 --> 00:30:27.060 in response to these things? 00:30:27.860 --> 00:30:29.300 Opposition will come, 00:30:29.900 --> 00:30:31.460 but the church will overcome. 00:30:31.740 --> 00:30:32.740 How do we live, 00:30:33.320 --> 00:30:35.440 and how do we encourage one another 00:30:35.440 --> 00:30:37.380 in these things? 00:30:38.660 --> 00:30:39.340 First, 00:30:39.880 --> 00:30:41.660 three very simple applications 00:30:41.660 --> 00:30:42.620 to take away. 00:30:42.619 --> 00:30:43.659 First, 00:30:43.799 --> 00:30:45.359 protect the church. 00:30:46.239 --> 00:30:47.000 Did you notice 00:30:47.000 --> 00:30:48.199 in chapter 4 00:30:48.199 --> 00:30:48.799 the role 00:30:48.799 --> 00:30:50.259 that the leaders played 00:30:50.259 --> 00:30:51.879 when opposition came? 00:30:52.779 --> 00:30:53.419 Did you see it 00:30:53.419 --> 00:30:54.159 in verse 2? 00:30:54.719 --> 00:30:55.159 Remember, 00:30:55.279 --> 00:30:56.399 they came to Zerubbabel 00:30:56.399 --> 00:30:56.979 and said, 00:30:57.359 --> 00:30:58.339 let us help you 00:30:58.339 --> 00:30:59.119 build a temple. 00:30:59.119 --> 00:31:01.119 We worship God too. 00:31:01.500 --> 00:31:02.619 Include us. 00:31:04.079 --> 00:31:04.559 But, 00:31:04.659 --> 00:31:05.279 verse 3, 00:31:05.399 --> 00:31:05.959 Zerubbabel 00:31:05.959 --> 00:31:06.619 and the rest 00:31:06.619 --> 00:31:07.659 of the leaders said, 00:31:07.660 --> 00:31:09.660 you have no part 00:31:09.660 --> 00:31:10.180 with us 00:31:10.180 --> 00:31:11.480 in building the temple 00:31:11.480 --> 00:31:13.259 to our God. 00:31:14.200 --> 00:31:14.900 You see, 00:31:15.000 --> 00:31:15.779 the leaders 00:31:15.779 --> 00:31:18.640 led the people. 00:31:19.420 --> 00:31:20.600 They protected 00:31:20.600 --> 00:31:21.320 the people 00:31:21.320 --> 00:31:22.120 from those 00:31:22.120 --> 00:31:23.040 who subtly 00:31:23.040 --> 00:31:24.980 tried to join 00:31:24.980 --> 00:31:25.980 God's people. 00:31:26.640 --> 00:31:27.019 You see, 00:31:27.080 --> 00:31:28.000 they didn't believe 00:31:28.000 --> 00:31:29.120 the same things 00:31:29.120 --> 00:31:30.160 and they needed 00:31:30.160 --> 00:31:30.860 protected. 00:31:32.140 --> 00:31:32.660 Now, 00:31:32.720 --> 00:31:33.440 while we all 00:31:33.440 --> 00:31:34.380 should be looking out 00:31:34.380 --> 00:31:35.140 for each other, 00:31:35.140 --> 00:31:36.400 the elders 00:31:36.400 --> 00:31:37.280 of the church 00:31:37.280 --> 00:31:38.380 have a special 00:31:38.380 --> 00:31:39.520 and primary 00:31:39.520 --> 00:31:40.340 responsibility 00:31:40.340 --> 00:31:41.440 for protecting 00:31:41.440 --> 00:31:42.240 the church. 00:31:43.560 --> 00:31:44.320 And you are 00:31:44.320 --> 00:31:45.040 to hold them 00:31:45.040 --> 00:31:45.640 accountable 00:31:45.640 --> 00:31:46.759 to protect 00:31:46.759 --> 00:31:47.480 the unity 00:31:47.480 --> 00:31:48.460 of the church, 00:31:48.720 --> 00:31:49.500 to protect 00:31:49.500 --> 00:31:50.300 the purity 00:31:50.300 --> 00:31:51.440 of the church. 00:31:52.200 --> 00:31:52.560 You see, 00:31:52.640 --> 00:31:53.080 the church 00:31:53.080 --> 00:31:53.980 isn't a club 00:31:53.980 --> 00:31:55.320 for any belief 00:31:55.320 --> 00:31:55.900 and none. 00:31:57.000 --> 00:31:57.220 No, 00:31:57.259 --> 00:31:57.800 the church 00:31:57.800 --> 00:31:59.160 are the special 00:31:59.160 --> 00:32:00.300 treasured 00:32:00.300 --> 00:32:01.560 people of God 00:32:01.560 --> 00:32:03.400 who Jesus 00:32:03.400 --> 00:32:04.460 died for 00:32:04.460 --> 00:32:06.299 and those 00:32:06.299 --> 00:32:06.940 who trust 00:32:06.940 --> 00:32:07.559 in Jesus 00:32:07.559 --> 00:32:08.259 and worship 00:32:08.259 --> 00:32:08.940 him alone 00:32:08.940 --> 00:32:10.200 are part 00:32:10.200 --> 00:32:11.220 of his people. 00:32:13.019 --> 00:32:13.920 That's one 00:32:13.920 --> 00:32:14.620 of the reasons 00:32:14.620 --> 00:32:15.779 why we have 00:32:15.779 --> 00:32:16.680 a membership. 00:32:17.680 --> 00:32:18.880 It clarifies 00:32:18.880 --> 00:32:19.819 who are the 00:32:19.819 --> 00:32:21.240 true believers. 00:32:22.100 --> 00:32:22.900 It protects 00:32:22.900 --> 00:32:23.700 the unity 00:32:23.700 --> 00:32:25.140 of God's 00:32:25.140 --> 00:32:25.620 people 00:32:25.620 --> 00:32:27.519 and the purity 00:32:27.519 --> 00:32:29.019 of God's 00:32:29.019 --> 00:32:29.440 people. 00:32:30.319 --> 00:32:31.100 So first, 00:32:31.299 --> 00:32:31.860 protect 00:32:31.859 --> 00:32:33.000 the church 00:32:33.000 --> 00:32:34.559 and elders, 00:32:35.459 --> 00:32:36.099 this is your 00:32:36.099 --> 00:32:36.679 primary 00:32:36.679 --> 00:32:38.039 responsibility. 00:32:39.639 --> 00:32:40.059 Second, 00:32:40.500 --> 00:32:41.819 not only 00:32:41.819 --> 00:32:42.479 protect the 00:32:42.479 --> 00:32:42.859 church, 00:32:43.399 --> 00:32:44.299 but let's 00:32:44.299 --> 00:32:45.379 together pray 00:32:45.379 --> 00:32:46.839 for boldness. 00:32:47.879 --> 00:32:48.459 Did you see 00:32:48.459 --> 00:32:49.179 in verse 4 00:32:49.179 --> 00:32:49.699 and 5 00:32:49.699 --> 00:32:50.619 the opposition? 00:32:52.219 --> 00:32:52.779 Discouragement 00:32:52.779 --> 00:32:55.139 and fear 00:32:55.139 --> 00:32:57.319 and frustration? 00:32:57.319 --> 00:32:59.299 Now how 00:32:59.299 --> 00:32:59.599 are we 00:32:59.599 --> 00:33:00.039 going to 00:33:00.039 --> 00:33:00.579 respond 00:33:00.579 --> 00:33:01.319 when those 00:33:01.319 --> 00:33:01.799 sorts of 00:33:01.799 --> 00:33:02.379 things come 00:33:02.379 --> 00:33:02.819 our way? 00:33:03.259 --> 00:33:03.519 Well, 00:33:03.619 --> 00:33:04.319 here's how 00:33:04.319 --> 00:33:05.139 the disciples 00:33:05.139 --> 00:33:05.859 responded 00:33:05.859 --> 00:33:07.119 when people 00:33:07.119 --> 00:33:08.000 opposed them. 00:33:08.599 --> 00:33:09.039 You might 00:33:09.039 --> 00:33:09.779 remember this 00:33:09.779 --> 00:33:10.200 prayer 00:33:10.200 --> 00:33:12.019 in Acts 4. 00:33:12.740 --> 00:33:13.339 It's on the 00:33:13.339 --> 00:33:13.740 screen. 00:33:14.799 --> 00:33:15.399 When the 00:33:15.399 --> 00:33:16.379 opposition came 00:33:16.379 --> 00:33:16.759 and the 00:33:16.759 --> 00:33:17.379 persecution 00:33:17.379 --> 00:33:18.240 was fierce, 00:33:18.859 --> 00:33:19.599 they prayed, 00:33:20.119 --> 00:33:20.599 Sovereign 00:33:20.599 --> 00:33:20.980 Lord, 00:33:21.619 --> 00:33:22.240 you made 00:33:22.240 --> 00:33:22.839 the heavens 00:33:22.839 --> 00:33:23.279 and the 00:33:23.279 --> 00:33:23.619 earth 00:33:23.619 --> 00:33:24.019 and the 00:33:24.019 --> 00:33:24.319 sea. 00:33:25.119 --> 00:33:25.639 You're in 00:33:25.640 --> 00:33:26.340 control of 00:33:26.340 --> 00:33:26.700 everything. 00:33:26.860 --> 00:33:27.300 You rule 00:33:27.300 --> 00:33:27.740 everything. 00:33:28.259 --> 00:33:28.520 Now, 00:33:28.640 --> 00:33:28.880 Lord, 00:33:29.000 --> 00:33:29.780 consider their 00:33:29.780 --> 00:33:30.960 threats and 00:33:30.960 --> 00:33:31.660 enable your 00:33:31.660 --> 00:33:32.380 servants to 00:33:32.380 --> 00:33:33.040 speak your 00:33:33.040 --> 00:33:33.640 word with 00:33:33.640 --> 00:33:34.160 great 00:33:34.160 --> 00:33:35.360 boldness. 00:33:36.720 --> 00:33:37.240 You see, 00:33:37.300 --> 00:33:37.780 opposition 00:33:37.780 --> 00:33:38.400 doesn't mean 00:33:38.400 --> 00:33:39.180 we stop 00:33:39.180 --> 00:33:39.860 and pack up 00:33:39.860 --> 00:33:40.440 bags and 00:33:40.440 --> 00:33:40.940 go home. 00:33:41.259 --> 00:33:41.780 It means 00:33:41.780 --> 00:33:42.340 we gather 00:33:42.340 --> 00:33:43.060 to pray. 00:33:44.480 --> 00:33:45.320 But notice 00:33:45.320 --> 00:33:45.780 what they 00:33:45.780 --> 00:33:46.600 pray for. 00:33:47.420 --> 00:33:47.920 They don't 00:33:47.920 --> 00:33:48.700 pray for the 00:33:48.700 --> 00:33:49.500 opposition to 00:33:49.500 --> 00:33:49.980 stop, 00:33:50.300 --> 00:33:50.720 but they 00:33:50.720 --> 00:33:52.040 pray that 00:33:52.040 --> 00:33:52.460 they would 00:33:52.460 --> 00:33:53.140 be enabled 00:33:53.140 --> 00:33:53.940 to speak 00:33:53.940 --> 00:33:54.620 the word 00:33:54.620 --> 00:33:55.300 with great 00:33:55.300 --> 00:33:55.620 courage. 00:33:55.640 --> 00:33:56.440 courage and 00:33:56.440 --> 00:33:57.220 boldness. 00:33:58.380 --> 00:33:58.700 And if you 00:33:58.700 --> 00:33:59.000 were to 00:33:59.000 --> 00:33:59.500 read through 00:33:59.500 --> 00:33:59.900 Acts, 00:34:00.220 --> 00:34:00.980 we see how 00:34:00.980 --> 00:34:01.500 the word 00:34:01.500 --> 00:34:01.920 of God 00:34:01.920 --> 00:34:02.600 was spoken 00:34:02.600 --> 00:34:04.380 in opposition 00:34:04.380 --> 00:34:05.400 and the 00:34:05.400 --> 00:34:06.340 church began 00:34:06.340 --> 00:34:07.259 to grow. 00:34:08.380 --> 00:34:09.180 We pray 00:34:09.180 --> 00:34:10.140 for courage 00:34:10.140 --> 00:34:11.820 to speak 00:34:11.820 --> 00:34:12.519 out the 00:34:12.519 --> 00:34:13.880 truth of 00:34:13.880 --> 00:34:14.500 the gospel. 00:34:15.599 --> 00:34:16.440 So come 00:34:16.440 --> 00:34:17.539 on Wednesdays. 00:34:18.140 --> 00:34:18.780 That's why 00:34:18.780 --> 00:34:19.340 we gather. 00:34:19.820 --> 00:34:20.059 Yes, 00:34:20.119 --> 00:34:20.640 we will be 00:34:20.640 --> 00:34:21.220 learning to 00:34:21.220 --> 00:34:22.000 speak God's 00:34:22.000 --> 00:34:22.440 word to 00:34:22.440 --> 00:34:23.000 one another, 00:34:23.200 --> 00:34:23.840 but I'm 00:34:23.840 --> 00:34:24.599 sure as part 00:34:24.599 --> 00:34:24.820 of it, 00:34:24.880 --> 00:34:25.119 there will 00:34:25.119 --> 00:34:25.719 be times 00:34:25.719 --> 00:34:26.440 of prayer 00:34:26.440 --> 00:34:27.759 as we 00:34:27.759 --> 00:34:28.400 encourage 00:34:28.400 --> 00:34:29.079 one another 00:34:29.079 --> 00:34:30.380 to keep 00:34:30.380 --> 00:34:31.519 on with 00:34:31.519 --> 00:34:31.940 the work 00:34:31.940 --> 00:34:32.460 of God. 00:34:33.400 --> 00:34:34.159 So protect 00:34:34.159 --> 00:34:34.839 the church, 00:34:35.480 --> 00:34:36.079 elders in 00:34:36.079 --> 00:34:36.599 particular, 00:34:37.500 --> 00:34:38.299 and as a 00:34:38.299 --> 00:34:39.039 church together, 00:34:39.179 --> 00:34:39.859 let's pray 00:34:39.859 --> 00:34:41.279 for boldness. 00:34:42.079 --> 00:34:42.380 And then 00:34:42.380 --> 00:34:42.859 lastly, 00:34:43.859 --> 00:34:45.719 remember the 00:34:45.719 --> 00:34:46.259 promise. 00:34:47.099 --> 00:34:47.799 Remember that 00:34:47.799 --> 00:34:48.259 in verse 00:34:48.260 --> 00:34:49.080 24? 00:34:49.080 --> 00:34:52.140 The opposition 00:34:52.140 --> 00:34:53.220 meant the 00:34:53.220 --> 00:34:54.000 work on the 00:34:54.000 --> 00:34:54.460 house of 00:34:54.460 --> 00:34:55.080 God came 00:34:55.080 --> 00:34:55.480 to a 00:34:55.480 --> 00:34:56.100 standstill 00:34:56.100 --> 00:34:58.260 until the 00:34:58.260 --> 00:34:58.900 year of 00:34:58.900 --> 00:34:59.860 King Darius. 00:35:00.860 --> 00:35:01.240 You see, 00:35:01.340 --> 00:35:02.040 if God can 00:35:02.040 --> 00:35:02.560 work through 00:35:02.560 --> 00:35:03.140 a pagan 00:35:03.140 --> 00:35:03.640 king, 00:35:04.220 --> 00:35:05.100 how much 00:35:05.100 --> 00:35:06.780 more can 00:35:06.780 --> 00:35:07.580 he work 00:35:07.580 --> 00:35:08.680 through his 00:35:08.680 --> 00:35:10.000 treasured and 00:35:10.000 --> 00:35:11.100 special people, 00:35:11.720 --> 00:35:12.360 the church? 00:35:12.960 --> 00:35:13.760 People like 00:35:13.760 --> 00:35:14.480 us who are 00:35:14.480 --> 00:35:15.120 gathered here 00:35:15.119 --> 00:35:15.579 today. 00:35:16.440 --> 00:35:16.799 You see, 00:35:16.880 --> 00:35:17.380 the church 00:35:17.380 --> 00:35:18.839 belongs to 00:35:18.839 --> 00:35:19.239 Jesus. 00:35:19.480 --> 00:35:19.960 It's his 00:35:19.960 --> 00:35:20.500 church, 00:35:20.719 --> 00:35:21.539 and he has 00:35:21.539 --> 00:35:22.239 promised that 00:35:22.239 --> 00:35:22.980 the gates of 00:35:22.980 --> 00:35:23.799 hell will 00:35:23.799 --> 00:35:24.799 not overcome 00:35:24.799 --> 00:35:25.179 it. 00:35:25.559 --> 00:35:26.159 And today, 00:35:26.359 --> 00:35:27.299 all over the 00:35:27.299 --> 00:35:27.839 world, the 00:35:27.839 --> 00:35:28.400 church is 00:35:28.400 --> 00:35:28.719 growing. 00:35:28.719 --> 00:35:29.460 We mentioned 00:35:29.460 --> 00:35:30.779 Iran, one of 00:35:30.779 --> 00:35:31.579 the fastest 00:35:31.579 --> 00:35:32.799 growing churches 00:35:32.799 --> 00:35:33.960 in the world 00:35:33.960 --> 00:35:35.619 today, in 00:35:35.619 --> 00:35:36.359 such great 00:35:36.359 --> 00:35:36.940 opposition. 00:35:36.940 --> 00:35:39.059 people are 00:35:39.059 --> 00:35:39.900 coming to 00:35:39.900 --> 00:35:40.700 Jesus and 00:35:40.700 --> 00:35:41.400 trusting in 00:35:41.400 --> 00:35:42.840 him in 00:35:42.840 --> 00:35:43.619 our towns 00:35:43.619 --> 00:35:44.720 and on 00:35:44.720 --> 00:35:46.320 campuses and 00:35:46.320 --> 00:35:46.659 in our 00:35:46.659 --> 00:35:47.139 families. 00:35:47.900 --> 00:35:48.820 And you 00:35:48.820 --> 00:35:49.800 being here 00:35:49.800 --> 00:35:51.280 today is 00:35:51.280 --> 00:35:52.619 living proof 00:35:52.619 --> 00:35:54.920 that God 00:35:54.920 --> 00:35:55.619 keeps his 00:35:55.619 --> 00:35:57.440 people and 00:35:57.440 --> 00:35:57.840 that the 00:35:57.840 --> 00:35:58.720 church is 00:35:58.720 --> 00:35:59.139 growing. 00:36:00.720 --> 00:36:01.480 Opposition 00:36:01.480 --> 00:36:03.200 will come to 00:36:03.200 --> 00:36:03.880 the church, 00:36:03.880 --> 00:36:05.720 but the 00:36:05.720 --> 00:36:06.280 church, 00:36:06.740 --> 00:36:07.599 because of 00:36:07.599 --> 00:36:07.960 Jesus, 00:36:08.700 --> 00:36:09.840 will overcome 00:36:09.840 --> 00:36:10.960 the 00:36:10.960 --> 00:36:11.539 opposition. 00:36:12.920 --> 00:36:13.640 Let's 00:36:13.640 --> 00:36:13.920 pray. 00:36:13.920 --> 00:36:14.000 Amen. 00:36:28.000 --> 00:36:28.720 Our 00:36:28.720 --> 00:36:29.380 Father God, 00:36:29.480 --> 00:36:30.000 will you 00:36:30.000 --> 00:36:31.760 strengthen 00:36:31.760 --> 00:36:34.200 us and 00:36:34.200 --> 00:36:35.140 encourage us 00:36:35.140 --> 00:36:35.560 as your 00:36:35.560 --> 00:36:35.980 people 00:36:35.980 --> 00:36:38.160 together to 00:36:38.160 --> 00:36:39.440 stand strong 00:36:39.440 --> 00:36:40.360 in the face 00:36:40.360 --> 00:36:41.100 of opposition, 00:36:42.160 --> 00:36:43.640 that together 00:36:43.640 --> 00:36:44.560 we would run 00:36:44.560 --> 00:36:45.520 to Jesus, 00:36:46.740 --> 00:36:48.280 that he may 00:36:48.280 --> 00:36:49.100 fill us with 00:36:49.100 --> 00:36:50.840 courage and 00:36:50.840 --> 00:36:53.000 boldness to 00:36:53.000 --> 00:36:53.640 keep on 00:36:53.640 --> 00:36:54.580 proclaiming the 00:36:54.580 --> 00:36:55.360 good news, 00:36:56.300 --> 00:36:57.200 trusting your 00:36:57.200 --> 00:36:58.140 promises that 00:36:58.140 --> 00:36:59.420 you will build 00:36:59.420 --> 00:37:00.320 your church, 00:37:00.320 --> 00:37:02.000 and the 00:37:02.000 --> 00:37:02.800 gates of hell 00:37:02.800 --> 00:37:03.440 will not 00:37:03.440 --> 00:37:04.480 overcome it. 00:37:05.880 --> 00:37:07.160 We pray for 00:37:07.160 --> 00:37:07.720 our leaders, 00:37:08.019 --> 00:37:08.360 for our 00:37:08.360 --> 00:37:08.740 elders, 00:37:09.800 --> 00:37:10.559 for Ralph 00:37:10.559 --> 00:37:11.940 and Jonathan 00:37:11.940 --> 00:37:13.160 and Alex. 00:37:14.600 --> 00:37:15.600 Fill them 00:37:15.600 --> 00:37:16.100 with your 00:37:16.100 --> 00:37:16.760 spirit, 00:37:17.360 --> 00:37:18.300 that they 00:37:18.300 --> 00:37:19.300 may protect 00:37:19.300 --> 00:37:20.980 and guard 00:37:20.980 --> 00:37:22.480 and keep 00:37:22.480 --> 00:37:23.160 the church 00:37:23.160 --> 00:37:24.480 as they 00:37:24.480 --> 00:37:25.440 look to 00:37:25.440 --> 00:37:26.380 Jesus too. 00:37:27.760 --> 00:37:28.440 Father, 00:37:28.440 --> 00:37:29.940 send us 00:37:29.940 --> 00:37:30.579 out with 00:37:30.579 --> 00:37:30.800 your 00:37:30.800 --> 00:37:31.280 blessing, 00:37:32.420 --> 00:37:32.760 with 00:37:32.760 --> 00:37:33.340 courage, 00:37:34.280 --> 00:37:34.980 and with 00:37:34.980 --> 00:37:35.500 assurance 00:37:35.500 --> 00:37:36.820 that you 00:37:36.820 --> 00:37:37.500 are with 00:37:37.500 --> 00:37:37.920 us. 00:37:38.480 --> 00:37:38.860 In 00:37:38.860 --> 00:37:39.179 Jesus' 00:37:39.679 --> 00:37:39.679 00:37:39.679 --> 00:37:41.159 Amen.