WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:09.660 It's been a great weekend of seeking to share the good news of the Lord Jesus. I don't know how you feel after a weekend like that. 00:00:09.660 --> 00:00:16.440 ! How you feel after you've maybe spoken to somebody about the Lord Jesus or the gospel. 00:00:17.660 --> 00:00:23.920 The story is told of a fisherman. He spent an entire day in the river. He didn't catch a thing. 00:00:23.920 --> 00:00:31.300 He had absolutely nothing to show from his day. And when he got home, his wife greeted him and said, 00:00:31.360 --> 00:00:34.520 Oh dear, I really hope we'd have some fish for supper. Didn't you catch anything? 00:00:35.380 --> 00:00:39.579 And he said, No, I didn't catch anything, but I think I may have influenced a number. 00:00:41.439 --> 00:00:47.620 And I think that is often how we feel after we've spoken about the gospel. 00:00:47.619 --> 00:00:55.419 Many Christians, when they look at their record in telling others about Christianity, they feel like that. 00:00:56.759 --> 00:01:02.679 Perhaps it's been very hard to catch fish. But maybe we hope we've influenced a number, but we're not really sure. 00:01:04.259 --> 00:01:10.840 And I think in the issue of speaking about the gospel, it's really easy to become disillusioned because of our apprehension. 00:01:12.379 --> 00:01:15.840 The problem is that if we've been a Christian for any length of time, we've been here before. 00:01:15.840 --> 00:01:26.020 We know there's been times where we've put maximum effort in and had faith, and yet it seems to have had such little impact. 00:01:27.680 --> 00:01:33.520 So well done. We've managed to pluck up the courage to invite our friends, and they came. 00:01:34.760 --> 00:01:40.900 We've lent them books. There was a really clear gospel talk. The preacher didn't embarrass you. 00:01:40.900 --> 00:01:48.480 You've had that low cringe factor. And yet your family and your friends, they seem as hard as ever. 00:01:49.960 --> 00:01:56.260 And I'd be really surprised if many of us are not often quite discouraged and disillusioned and apprehensive about the whole thing. 00:01:57.560 --> 00:02:00.240 And none of us like failure, and we can be really afraid of that. 00:02:00.239 --> 00:02:08.019 And so what we normally think is, well, I've got to repress that fear, and I've got to get on with it, even if it seems like a duty. 00:02:09.859 --> 00:02:14.859 And I would say, well, that is noble, but I don't think that's the best way to go forward in telling others. 00:02:16.000 --> 00:02:23.099 And this passage that was read to us brings lots of the doubts and apprehensions and fears that we have as Christians out into the open. 00:02:23.099 --> 00:02:25.979 And let's try and address them in the light of Jesus. 00:02:26.079 --> 00:02:29.359 Number one, let's face reality. Look at verses 20 to 24. 00:02:30.340 --> 00:02:31.459 Face reality. 00:02:33.120 --> 00:02:36.459 Verse 20 is really a remarkable verse. 00:02:37.519 --> 00:02:45.099 Then he, that is Jesus, began to denounce. He began to speak against the cities where most of his mighty works had been done, because they did not repent. 00:02:45.099 --> 00:02:51.759 That is very devastating and hugely informative. 00:02:53.180 --> 00:02:55.919 It is extraordinary. Just look at it again, verse 20. 00:02:56.379 --> 00:02:58.599 Jesus did great miracles. He spoke to them. 00:02:58.859 --> 00:03:00.719 And at the end of the verse, they did not repent. 00:03:02.379 --> 00:03:07.340 The little towns, they were, in northern Galilee, they were uniquely privileged. 00:03:08.519 --> 00:03:10.319 The Son of God, he walked their streets. 00:03:11.159 --> 00:03:13.280 He performed mighty works among them. 00:03:13.280 --> 00:03:18.199 Some of them we read about in the gospel, but most of Jesus' mighty works we don't know about. 00:03:18.500 --> 00:03:23.460 There were many, many more miraculous deeds that Jesus did, and they were recorded in the Bible. 00:03:25.240 --> 00:03:26.500 And yet, they did repent. 00:03:28.139 --> 00:03:31.259 Small towns where everyone knew what was happening, 00:03:32.560 --> 00:03:37.280 and where everybody would know somebody who had benefited enormously from Jesus' healing ministry. 00:03:37.280 --> 00:03:42.280 Maybe they'd be at the picnic, you know, where he provided 5,000 of them with bread and fish. 00:03:43.280 --> 00:03:48.939 If ever a community was going to turn back to God, and repent and turn away from the way they were going, 00:03:49.340 --> 00:03:51.979 and they were going to cast themselves on God's mercy, 00:03:52.379 --> 00:03:55.340 well, surely it would be those towns, wouldn't it, in northern Galilee? 00:03:56.800 --> 00:03:57.840 It would be those people. 00:03:58.199 --> 00:04:00.620 They'd seen divine power at work. 00:04:01.620 --> 00:04:05.680 It had been demonstrated to them, and yet, they did not repent. 00:04:05.680 --> 00:04:11.040 And instead of that, what they have is Christ's reproach, don't they? 00:04:11.200 --> 00:04:14.980 He says, woe to you Bethsaidon, woe to you Chorazin, woe to you Capernaum. 00:04:16.060 --> 00:04:20.319 And the word woe, it's a word which mingles pity. 00:04:22.100 --> 00:04:26.960 And if you want to paraphrase it, it's how greatly will you suffer? 00:04:26.959 --> 00:04:33.319 Jesus is saying, how my heart aches for what is about to happen to you. 00:04:34.639 --> 00:04:37.419 And Jesus doesn't say these words in verse 21. 00:04:37.519 --> 00:04:39.359 He doesn't say them in triumph. 00:04:39.579 --> 00:04:40.359 He's not really happy. 00:04:40.479 --> 00:04:41.740 He's not saying woe to you. 00:04:43.439 --> 00:04:44.899 There's no sense of resentment. 00:04:45.079 --> 00:04:48.579 There are tears in his eyes as he speaks these words because they've not repented. 00:04:49.519 --> 00:04:52.240 They've not turned around and turned towards God. 00:04:52.240 --> 00:04:59.699 And the reason is explained the fate of these seaside towns. 00:05:00.699 --> 00:05:03.340 The people in these towns, they were devout Jewish people. 00:05:03.439 --> 00:05:04.319 They were religious people. 00:05:05.100 --> 00:05:06.600 They often went to synagogue. 00:05:06.819 --> 00:05:09.960 They would travel up to Jerusalem to go to the great feasts. 00:05:11.939 --> 00:05:15.660 And yet, Jesus says, it's going to be worse for you on the Day of Judgment 00:05:15.660 --> 00:05:20.060 than Israel's most ancient enemies, Tyre and Sidon. 00:05:20.060 --> 00:05:27.399 Or it's going to be worse for you guys when I come again than it will be for Sodom. 00:05:27.899 --> 00:05:35.120 Which is the kind of stereotypical, archetypal statement of God's justice, isn't it? 00:05:35.220 --> 00:05:35.800 God's judgment. 00:05:36.939 --> 00:05:40.300 Where burning sulfur rains down Sodom and Gomorrah. 00:05:42.680 --> 00:05:48.279 And God says, Jesus says, it's going to be worse for you on that day than it was for them. 00:05:50.060 --> 00:05:55.740 And the reason Jesus says that is because they had these Galilean times more light. 00:05:56.319 --> 00:05:57.959 They knew more about God. 00:05:59.180 --> 00:06:04.699 They knew more about who Jesus was than the sinners of Sodom and Sodom ever were. 00:06:04.699 --> 00:06:14.920 And these words spoken by Jesus are spoken in sorrow and compassion by a love that wants to warm. 00:06:16.420 --> 00:06:19.500 A love that sees and knows everything. 00:06:21.319 --> 00:06:25.860 And so Jesus draws the curtain back for you and I and he shows us what is going on. 00:06:25.860 --> 00:06:40.879 Jesus says, if those pagan cities, Tyre and Sidon, Sodom and Gomorrah, if they've received the privileges that you've received in Northern Galilee, Bethsaida and Capernaum, things would have turned out very differently. 00:06:40.879 --> 00:06:44.939 The point that Jesus is making is this. 00:06:44.980 --> 00:06:46.120 There's no shortage of evidence. 00:06:48.219 --> 00:06:50.279 He did many of his mighty miracles there. 00:06:51.379 --> 00:06:53.439 There was nothing deficient in the miracles. 00:06:53.959 --> 00:06:57.159 They demonstrated the supreme power of God. 00:06:57.980 --> 00:07:01.620 And when they saw it, it could only be attributed to the sovereignty of God. 00:07:03.060 --> 00:07:06.159 There were sufficient witnesses in themselves. 00:07:06.160 --> 00:07:09.980 They showed his authority over nature, the ceiling of a storm. 00:07:11.080 --> 00:07:17.140 They showed him in his authority over sickness, over the devil himself, over death, over hostile powers. 00:07:19.820 --> 00:07:21.880 But even though they saw those miracles, 00:07:23.200 --> 00:07:26.820 first hand, those miracles didn't bring them to their knees in faith and repentance. 00:07:28.660 --> 00:07:30.420 And we've got to ask ourselves, why, haven't we? 00:07:30.420 --> 00:07:38.540 People sometimes say to me, well, if I could see God's miraculous power at work, I'd turn to him. 00:07:40.220 --> 00:07:41.280 Millions would turn to him. 00:07:42.199 --> 00:07:46.680 But that just isn't true, because these people saw it, and yet they still didn't repent and believe. 00:07:47.700 --> 00:07:49.500 They were unwilling to change their minds. 00:07:49.620 --> 00:07:51.439 They were unwilling to redirect their lives. 00:07:52.860 --> 00:07:58.720 And the fact that they turned their back on Christ's authority and power only makes them more guilty. 00:07:58.720 --> 00:08:06.280 They refused the most straightforward and immediate revelation of God that anyone has ever had. 00:08:08.480 --> 00:08:09.860 And they just turned away. 00:08:11.460 --> 00:08:14.300 Now, you and I, you've not seen these miracles. 00:08:14.800 --> 00:08:15.240 You've not. 00:08:16.340 --> 00:08:18.740 But we have had 2,000 years of Christian history. 00:08:20.600 --> 00:08:23.380 And you have a Bible in a language that you can understand. 00:08:24.840 --> 00:08:27.980 And you have access to the Christians while you're here this morning. 00:08:28.720 --> 00:08:33.980 And yet all around us, and maybe even some here, reject Jesus' authority. 00:08:35.840 --> 00:08:36.879 And we just say no. 00:08:39.019 --> 00:08:47.879 And the truth of this passage is a really sobering one, because it says that you can never encounter Jesus Christ without increasing your responsibility. 00:08:47.879 --> 00:08:55.200 You can never encounter Jesus Christ without increasing your responsibility. 00:08:55.200 --> 00:09:03.060 If we go away from Jesus not believing, then our guilt is much greater. 00:09:04.660 --> 00:09:06.320 So many Bibles available. 00:09:06.640 --> 00:09:07.500 So many churches. 00:09:07.879 --> 00:09:10.060 So many witnesses in this city. 00:09:10.059 --> 00:09:16.639 It is an awesome thing to turn away from the light that God has given. 00:09:16.639 --> 00:09:21.199 And the real tragedy of Galilee is that they did. 00:09:21.319 --> 00:09:25.139 And their crime was negligent indifference. 00:09:26.639 --> 00:09:27.759 They did nothing. 00:09:27.759 --> 00:09:32.299 If you look at the towns talked about in verse 21. 00:09:33.799 --> 00:09:42.879 In those towns, when you read through the record of Jesus' life, there is no record of anger or antagonism towards Jesus in those towns. 00:09:42.879 --> 00:09:46.379 There was in Nazareth. 00:09:46.879 --> 00:09:48.340 But not in those towns. 00:09:49.480 --> 00:09:52.980 There is no record of anything by way of response. 00:09:54.500 --> 00:09:55.279 They are not happy. 00:09:56.500 --> 00:09:57.879 They are not antagonistic. 00:09:58.980 --> 00:10:00.240 They are not angry. 00:10:01.320 --> 00:10:02.039 They don't repent. 00:10:02.179 --> 00:10:03.179 They just sit on the fence. 00:10:03.179 --> 00:10:08.579 And this is what I want to try to get across to you this morning. 00:10:08.699 --> 00:10:10.239 Is they neglected Jesus. 00:10:11.979 --> 00:10:15.120 And by neglecting Jesus, they rejected Jesus. 00:10:18.099 --> 00:10:23.459 Because if you neglect Jesus, if you reject Jesus, what you are saying is, well I prefer myself. 00:10:23.899 --> 00:10:26.399 And I prefer to live under my own authority. 00:10:27.479 --> 00:10:29.500 And I will decide how I will live. 00:10:29.500 --> 00:10:33.539 And I will turn my back on the God who made me. 00:10:34.679 --> 00:10:38.679 And the God who gave his son to rescue people like me from his righteous anger. 00:10:39.059 --> 00:10:40.100 And I won't bother. 00:10:42.519 --> 00:10:46.320 And the Bible says that is the sin of all sins. 00:10:48.080 --> 00:10:51.279 To turn your back on a God of grace. 00:10:53.700 --> 00:10:57.980 And what we do like Capernaum is we elevate ourselves in our thinking. 00:10:59.500 --> 00:11:00.799 We think, well we're fine. 00:11:00.960 --> 00:11:01.399 I'm okay. 00:11:02.419 --> 00:11:03.100 I'm alright. 00:11:03.200 --> 00:11:03.960 I'm better than most. 00:11:05.100 --> 00:11:06.340 In fact, I'm better than nearly all. 00:11:09.360 --> 00:11:13.600 Like that complacent town that was so pleased to have Jesus doing those miracles. 00:11:14.799 --> 00:11:16.720 But actually neglecting Jesus. 00:11:17.820 --> 00:11:21.019 That action of sinful rebellion will actually consign. 00:11:21.100 --> 00:11:21.980 Look at verse 23. 00:11:22.120 --> 00:11:23.179 It's so shocking, isn't it? 00:11:24.759 --> 00:11:25.919 And you Capernaum. 00:11:27.080 --> 00:11:28.500 Will you be exalted to the heavens? 00:11:28.500 --> 00:11:29.379 That's where you think you're going. 00:11:29.639 --> 00:11:31.799 Actually you'll be brought down to Hades, the place of death. 00:11:34.919 --> 00:11:37.559 Down from the pretension of thinking, well I'm on my way to heaven. 00:11:39.139 --> 00:11:40.539 I'm to actually the pit itself. 00:11:42.840 --> 00:11:43.840 You'll face the reality. 00:11:44.539 --> 00:11:45.100 And so have I. 00:11:46.440 --> 00:11:48.759 That something needs to happen inside of us. 00:11:49.879 --> 00:11:51.720 Something has to change within us. 00:11:51.720 --> 00:11:54.180 If we're ever going to respond to the Lord Jesus. 00:11:57.000 --> 00:12:00.940 And if anyone has cause to be disappointed and disillusioned. 00:12:01.019 --> 00:12:02.019 Well it's Jesus, isn't it? 00:12:03.379 --> 00:12:05.180 Jesus spent weeks in these towns. 00:12:06.360 --> 00:12:07.660 He spent months there. 00:12:08.100 --> 00:12:09.279 He spent years there. 00:12:09.600 --> 00:12:11.300 He spent time with them. 00:12:11.620 --> 00:12:12.840 He'd healed some of them. 00:12:12.840 --> 00:12:15.820 He'd gone out of his way to show his glory. 00:12:16.540 --> 00:12:17.800 And who he was to them. 00:12:17.980 --> 00:12:19.320 And yet they did not repent. 00:12:21.600 --> 00:12:24.399 And if anyone should be disillusioned here this morning. 00:12:25.180 --> 00:12:27.320 I think it's a real encouragement for us to look at Jesus. 00:12:28.420 --> 00:12:30.540 And find that Jesus is not saddened. 00:12:30.600 --> 00:12:31.399 And he's not surprised. 00:12:32.500 --> 00:12:34.540 And so we go from facing reality firstly. 00:12:34.620 --> 00:12:35.519 To finding the reasons. 00:12:35.620 --> 00:12:37.019 Look at verse 25 and 26. 00:12:37.019 --> 00:12:40.799 And that links verses 24 to 27. 00:12:44.100 --> 00:12:47.939 What is Jesus' reaction as he pronounces this woe of judgment? 00:12:49.399 --> 00:12:51.659 That will come because they've rejected him. 00:12:52.720 --> 00:12:54.240 Well the disciples and the crowd. 00:12:54.360 --> 00:12:56.179 They're permitted to listen in on Jesus' praying. 00:12:57.419 --> 00:12:58.579 And listen how Jesus prays. 00:12:58.620 --> 00:12:59.340 Look at verse 27. 00:12:59.460 --> 00:13:00.860 He says at that time Jesus declared. 00:13:00.939 --> 00:13:01.639 And he prays to you. 00:13:01.699 --> 00:13:02.960 He says I thank you Father. 00:13:04.059 --> 00:13:04.919 I thank you Father. 00:13:05.000 --> 00:13:05.879 Lord of heaven and earth. 00:13:07.019 --> 00:13:08.939 He's not in despair is he? 00:13:10.360 --> 00:13:11.179 But in elation. 00:13:11.299 --> 00:13:12.120 He's full of thanksgiving. 00:13:12.620 --> 00:13:15.039 And he says I praise you Father. 00:13:15.179 --> 00:13:15.939 Lord of heaven and earth. 00:13:16.000 --> 00:13:17.980 That you've hidden these things for the wise and understanding. 00:13:18.139 --> 00:13:19.740 And you've revealed them to little children. 00:13:21.419 --> 00:13:23.799 And then he explains to them in verse 27. 00:13:26.500 --> 00:13:29.439 And he explains to them doesn't he. 00:13:30.120 --> 00:13:32.519 This incredible truth. 00:13:33.240 --> 00:13:35.419 All things have been handed over to me by my father. 00:13:35.419 --> 00:13:37.459 And no one knows the son except the father. 00:13:37.539 --> 00:13:39.299 And no one knows the father except the son. 00:13:39.339 --> 00:13:41.740 And anyone to whom the son chooses to reveal him to. 00:13:46.079 --> 00:13:47.939 The father whom Jesus speaks to. 00:13:49.319 --> 00:13:50.279 Is the master. 00:13:50.399 --> 00:13:51.559 He is the lord of heaven and earth. 00:13:53.079 --> 00:13:54.899 He is the sovereign ruler over everything. 00:13:56.259 --> 00:13:57.439 He is the absolute monarch. 00:13:57.439 --> 00:13:58.019 Verse 26. 00:13:58.120 --> 00:13:59.659 Who governs the world by his good pleasure. 00:13:59.659 --> 00:14:04.879 And so the heavenly father Jesus says is the one who is right. 00:14:05.600 --> 00:14:06.459 And who knows best. 00:14:06.579 --> 00:14:07.980 And he rules his creation accordingly. 00:14:09.699 --> 00:14:12.539 And he demonstrates through Jesus in his miracles. 00:14:13.059 --> 00:14:13.980 That sovereign power. 00:14:14.919 --> 00:14:16.579 Jesus shows divine authority. 00:14:16.719 --> 00:14:17.839 Now look at verse 27. 00:14:19.500 --> 00:14:23.819 This showing of his authority has been given to him by his father. 00:14:23.820 --> 00:14:26.060 But they didn't see that. 00:14:27.440 --> 00:14:28.160 Do you remember these people? 00:14:28.240 --> 00:14:29.600 They are blind to that. 00:14:31.780 --> 00:14:34.379 And so as we try to get our minds around this. 00:14:34.840 --> 00:14:36.180 What Jesus is showing us. 00:14:36.280 --> 00:14:37.420 Is not that God. 00:14:37.820 --> 00:14:40.660 Has refused to reveal his true nature. 00:14:40.840 --> 00:14:41.900 Of his son to them. 00:14:42.520 --> 00:14:44.840 But they have disqualified themselves. 00:14:44.980 --> 00:14:45.740 From receiving it. 00:14:47.280 --> 00:14:48.320 They've refused. 00:14:48.500 --> 00:14:50.500 To put themselves in a right attitude. 00:14:50.940 --> 00:14:51.380 Towards God. 00:14:51.379 --> 00:14:52.500 They've insisted. 00:14:52.799 --> 00:14:53.580 In verse 25. 00:14:53.700 --> 00:14:54.220 Can you see that? 00:14:54.460 --> 00:14:55.980 They think that they were wise. 00:14:57.419 --> 00:14:58.980 And they think they had understanding. 00:15:00.059 --> 00:15:02.220 And they refuse to welcome. 00:15:02.500 --> 00:15:03.759 God revealing himself. 00:15:03.960 --> 00:15:05.139 As little children. 00:15:05.259 --> 00:15:05.820 Little babies. 00:15:07.220 --> 00:15:08.759 And that's the root of the problem. 00:15:10.159 --> 00:15:11.759 That is why they reject. 00:15:12.000 --> 00:15:12.480 Jesus Christ. 00:15:12.539 --> 00:15:14.240 That is why people reject the Lord Jesus. 00:15:14.799 --> 00:15:16.639 It's not an intellectual problem. 00:15:18.299 --> 00:15:19.460 It's a personal. 00:15:19.460 --> 00:15:20.759 And a moral problem. 00:15:22.340 --> 00:15:23.299 And the contrast. 00:15:23.480 --> 00:15:24.500 That Jesus draws. 00:15:24.659 --> 00:15:25.299 In verse 25. 00:15:25.460 --> 00:15:26.139 Is between those. 00:15:26.220 --> 00:15:27.159 Who are self-sufficient. 00:15:28.139 --> 00:15:28.639 And those. 00:15:28.759 --> 00:15:29.980 Who consider themselves. 00:15:30.100 --> 00:15:30.759 To have a wisdom. 00:15:31.179 --> 00:15:32.460 And they have all that they need. 00:15:32.659 --> 00:15:33.679 In order to sit. 00:15:33.799 --> 00:15:34.220 In judgment. 00:15:34.379 --> 00:15:35.019 On God. 00:15:35.919 --> 00:15:36.799 And on the other side. 00:15:36.840 --> 00:15:37.220 The contrast. 00:15:37.360 --> 00:15:37.980 Is those who are willing. 00:15:38.039 --> 00:15:38.600 To be taught. 00:15:40.080 --> 00:15:40.899 The thing about. 00:15:41.320 --> 00:15:41.980 Little children. 00:15:42.059 --> 00:15:43.080 At the end of verse 25. 00:15:43.600 --> 00:15:44.480 Is not that little children. 00:15:44.559 --> 00:15:45.080 Are innocent. 00:15:46.399 --> 00:15:47.080 They're not. 00:15:47.080 --> 00:15:49.620 But in verse 25. 00:15:49.740 --> 00:15:50.900 They are not self-sufficient. 00:15:52.560 --> 00:15:53.440 And so little children. 00:15:53.600 --> 00:15:54.220 Are dependent. 00:15:54.400 --> 00:15:55.480 Little babies aren't they. 00:15:56.940 --> 00:15:57.580 Little children. 00:15:57.700 --> 00:15:58.400 Need to be instructed. 00:15:58.600 --> 00:15:59.120 And guided. 00:15:59.259 --> 00:16:00.620 And have things shown to them. 00:16:02.080 --> 00:16:03.000 And if little children. 00:16:03.000 --> 00:16:04.360 Are going to make progress. 00:16:04.360 --> 00:16:05.940 Then they need to be teachable. 00:16:06.940 --> 00:16:08.100 And that requires. 00:16:08.240 --> 00:16:08.520 Doesn't it. 00:16:08.520 --> 00:16:09.700 A certain amount of humility. 00:16:09.700 --> 00:16:12.120 That isn't always. 00:16:12.240 --> 00:16:12.680 A commodity. 00:16:12.879 --> 00:16:13.920 That children are very strong in. 00:16:15.400 --> 00:16:16.080 And children. 00:16:16.220 --> 00:16:16.980 As they grow older. 00:16:17.120 --> 00:16:17.540 Into adulthood. 00:16:17.720 --> 00:16:18.379 They decrease. 00:16:18.440 --> 00:16:19.020 In that commodity. 00:16:19.180 --> 00:16:19.680 So we know. 00:16:19.759 --> 00:16:20.100 Don't we. 00:16:20.220 --> 00:16:21.620 That if you build something. 00:16:21.780 --> 00:16:22.460 With bricks. 00:16:22.580 --> 00:16:22.920 And Lego. 00:16:23.000 --> 00:16:23.660 With a little child. 00:16:23.720 --> 00:16:24.540 And you build a tower. 00:16:24.640 --> 00:16:25.840 And you get right to the top. 00:16:26.300 --> 00:16:27.259 And it needs a little bit. 00:16:27.259 --> 00:16:27.780 Of precision. 00:16:28.120 --> 00:16:29.140 What often happens. 00:16:29.980 --> 00:16:30.360 We know. 00:16:30.360 --> 00:16:30.600 Don't we. 00:16:30.660 --> 00:16:31.120 That the child. 00:16:31.500 --> 00:16:32.480 Loses patience. 00:16:32.720 --> 00:16:33.720 And pushes the tower. 00:16:34.060 --> 00:16:34.660 And it all comes down. 00:16:36.280 --> 00:16:36.920 They're not. 00:16:37.340 --> 00:16:38.420 Really willing to be taught. 00:16:39.700 --> 00:16:40.900 We might grow. 00:16:41.040 --> 00:16:41.800 More sophisticated. 00:16:42.280 --> 00:16:43.020 As we grow older. 00:16:43.080 --> 00:16:43.660 But the same thing. 00:16:43.680 --> 00:16:44.660 Happens in our lives. 00:16:46.400 --> 00:16:46.800 You and I. 00:16:46.860 --> 00:16:47.540 Find it very. 00:16:47.700 --> 00:16:48.259 Very hard. 00:16:48.340 --> 00:16:49.120 To be taught. 00:16:49.320 --> 00:16:49.740 Don't we. 00:16:51.000 --> 00:16:51.879 We want. 00:16:52.020 --> 00:16:52.900 To think of ourselves. 00:16:53.020 --> 00:16:53.879 As wise. 00:16:54.180 --> 00:16:54.780 And learned. 00:16:55.700 --> 00:16:56.720 And understanding. 00:16:58.060 --> 00:16:59.360 And we have to submit. 00:16:59.480 --> 00:16:59.900 To God. 00:17:00.040 --> 00:17:00.740 Telling us. 00:17:00.879 --> 00:17:01.280 Actually. 00:17:01.800 --> 00:17:02.080 You know. 00:17:02.120 --> 00:17:02.440 Nothing. 00:17:03.220 --> 00:17:04.059 You're like little babies. 00:17:05.120 --> 00:17:05.860 Who are dependent. 00:17:05.860 --> 00:17:06.380 Upon him. 00:17:06.380 --> 00:17:10.140 You know. 00:17:10.200 --> 00:17:10.420 It's like. 00:17:10.500 --> 00:17:10.700 When you get. 00:17:10.820 --> 00:17:11.580 New technology. 00:17:13.020 --> 00:17:13.720 We talked about it. 00:17:13.760 --> 00:17:14.160 In Sunday school. 00:17:14.240 --> 00:17:14.420 Isn't it. 00:17:14.480 --> 00:17:14.800 Children. 00:17:15.720 --> 00:17:16.500 When your mom. 00:17:16.520 --> 00:17:16.760 And dad. 00:17:16.840 --> 00:17:17.540 Get a new phone. 00:17:17.620 --> 00:17:17.960 Or a new. 00:17:18.040 --> 00:17:18.360 iPad. 00:17:19.760 --> 00:17:20.120 And. 00:17:20.300 --> 00:17:21.160 You are able. 00:17:21.340 --> 00:17:22.080 To work. 00:17:22.200 --> 00:17:22.680 The phone. 00:17:22.800 --> 00:17:23.400 Or the iPad. 00:17:24.140 --> 00:17:25.400 Better than your parents. 00:17:26.000 --> 00:17:26.540 And you try. 00:17:26.600 --> 00:17:27.300 To teach your mom. 00:17:27.320 --> 00:17:27.720 And dad. 00:17:27.820 --> 00:17:28.700 How to use the phone. 00:17:28.820 --> 00:17:29.340 Or the iPad. 00:17:29.680 --> 00:17:30.500 How do your parents. 00:17:30.720 --> 00:17:31.040 Respond. 00:17:32.800 --> 00:17:33.300 I know. 00:17:33.420 --> 00:17:34.460 What I'm doing. 00:17:34.520 --> 00:17:34.720 I know. 00:17:34.720 --> 00:17:34.980 I don't need you. 00:17:35.040 --> 00:17:35.340 Teach me. 00:17:35.339 --> 00:17:35.579 Is it. 00:17:35.899 --> 00:17:36.659 When Sydney. 00:17:36.740 --> 00:17:37.519 As parents get older. 00:17:37.679 --> 00:17:38.119 My father. 00:17:38.220 --> 00:17:38.720 You can teach him. 00:17:38.720 --> 00:17:39.480 Nothing about an iPad. 00:17:39.599 --> 00:17:39.959 But he can't. 00:17:40.059 --> 00:17:40.419 Turn off. 00:17:41.399 --> 00:17:42.099 We're like that. 00:17:42.139 --> 00:17:42.519 Aren't we. 00:17:43.959 --> 00:17:45.419 We really struggle. 00:17:46.099 --> 00:17:46.879 To admit. 00:17:47.319 --> 00:17:47.619 I. 00:17:48.059 --> 00:17:48.500 Don't. 00:17:49.000 --> 00:17:49.359 Know. 00:17:51.220 --> 00:17:51.779 We thought. 00:17:51.859 --> 00:17:52.240 We're wise. 00:17:52.359 --> 00:17:52.759 Learned. 00:17:54.839 --> 00:17:55.500 There's something. 00:17:55.639 --> 00:17:56.240 In human nature. 00:17:56.359 --> 00:17:56.500 Isn't it. 00:17:56.559 --> 00:17:57.539 Every single human being. 00:17:57.599 --> 00:17:58.359 No matter what culture. 00:17:58.359 --> 00:17:59.000 You're from. 00:18:00.559 --> 00:18:01.679 That likes to think. 00:18:01.679 --> 00:18:02.679 We know. 00:18:02.819 --> 00:18:03.359 We know. 00:18:03.579 --> 00:18:03.939 Best. 00:18:03.940 --> 00:18:04.019 Best. 00:18:06.900 --> 00:18:07.799 And when it comes. 00:18:08.019 --> 00:18:08.940 To Christianity. 00:18:09.320 --> 00:18:09.840 We like to think. 00:18:09.920 --> 00:18:10.680 That we know better. 00:18:10.779 --> 00:18:11.380 Than God. 00:18:11.480 --> 00:18:11.980 Well there couldn't be. 00:18:12.120 --> 00:18:12.720 Anything more arrogant. 00:18:12.920 --> 00:18:13.180 Than that. 00:18:15.059 --> 00:18:15.980 Because every time. 00:18:16.080 --> 00:18:16.539 We reject. 00:18:16.539 --> 00:18:17.440 Jesus authority. 00:18:17.580 --> 00:18:17.960 In our lives. 00:18:18.059 --> 00:18:18.500 That is what we're. 00:18:18.600 --> 00:18:19.180 Actually doing. 00:18:21.420 --> 00:18:22.320 Revelation of God. 00:18:22.420 --> 00:18:22.980 Comes to those. 00:18:23.080 --> 00:18:23.580 Who are humble. 00:18:23.720 --> 00:18:24.299 And dependent. 00:18:24.600 --> 00:18:24.920 To those. 00:18:24.980 --> 00:18:25.299 Who are willing. 00:18:25.440 --> 00:18:26.320 To learn from Jesus. 00:18:27.279 --> 00:18:28.039 To those. 00:18:29.120 --> 00:18:29.900 Who know. 00:18:30.680 --> 00:18:31.640 That it is hidden. 00:18:31.640 --> 00:18:33.140 So their attitude. 00:18:33.140 --> 00:18:33.759 Was false. 00:18:34.200 --> 00:18:34.940 But their arguments. 00:18:35.020 --> 00:18:35.680 Are flawed. 00:18:36.040 --> 00:18:36.540 That's the other thing. 00:18:36.600 --> 00:18:36.900 We see. 00:18:38.480 --> 00:18:39.380 That's the other reason. 00:18:39.460 --> 00:18:40.420 Why couldn't they see it? 00:18:41.840 --> 00:18:42.600 We tend to think. 00:18:42.640 --> 00:18:43.180 That human wisdom. 00:18:43.300 --> 00:18:44.600 That is the master key. 00:18:44.680 --> 00:18:45.980 But here's an area of life. 00:18:46.040 --> 00:18:46.640 Where it isn't. 00:18:47.700 --> 00:18:48.460 It's not saying. 00:18:48.540 --> 00:18:49.600 That Christian life. 00:18:50.160 --> 00:18:50.800 And faith. 00:18:50.920 --> 00:18:51.740 And intelligence. 00:18:51.740 --> 00:18:52.720 Are in opposition. 00:18:52.880 --> 00:18:53.580 It's not saying that. 00:18:54.700 --> 00:18:55.400 It's not saying. 00:18:55.560 --> 00:18:56.120 That ignorance. 00:18:56.280 --> 00:18:56.840 And the Christian life. 00:18:56.940 --> 00:18:57.240 Go together. 00:18:57.320 --> 00:18:57.759 They don't. 00:18:57.759 --> 00:18:59.960 But if wisdom. 00:19:00.240 --> 00:19:01.079 And learning. 00:19:01.539 --> 00:19:02.559 Are our criteria. 00:19:03.099 --> 00:19:03.960 Then we're putting ourselves. 00:19:03.960 --> 00:19:04.660 Above God. 00:19:06.980 --> 00:19:07.500 My. 00:19:08.140 --> 00:19:08.619 Intellectual. 00:19:08.799 --> 00:19:09.359 Pride. 00:19:10.140 --> 00:19:11.559 Is a great barrier. 00:19:11.559 --> 00:19:12.400 To the good news. 00:19:12.460 --> 00:19:13.039 Of the Lord Jesus. 00:19:15.220 --> 00:19:16.200 What Jesus is saying. 00:19:16.259 --> 00:19:17.319 Is the more that I rely. 00:19:17.559 --> 00:19:17.839 On. 00:19:18.500 --> 00:19:19.400 My wisdom. 00:19:20.660 --> 00:19:22.400 The more I disqualify. 00:19:22.500 --> 00:19:23.019 Myself. 00:19:23.420 --> 00:19:24.079 From God. 00:19:24.180 --> 00:19:24.859 Revealing himself. 00:19:24.859 --> 00:19:28.159 It's not wisdom. 00:19:28.399 --> 00:19:29.259 It's not understanding. 00:19:29.519 --> 00:19:29.819 It is. 00:19:30.059 --> 00:19:30.419 Revelation. 00:19:30.659 --> 00:19:31.159 Verse 25. 00:19:31.399 --> 00:19:31.879 Can you see that? 00:19:33.399 --> 00:19:33.799 Revealed. 00:19:33.959 --> 00:19:34.599 To little. 00:19:34.839 --> 00:19:35.119 Children. 00:19:35.299 --> 00:19:35.819 That is the way. 00:19:35.859 --> 00:19:36.599 God is pleased. 00:19:36.679 --> 00:19:37.279 To do things. 00:19:38.659 --> 00:19:39.599 That is the father's. 00:19:39.599 --> 00:19:40.079 Good pleasure. 00:19:40.159 --> 00:19:41.219 You can't fight against that. 00:19:43.219 --> 00:19:43.740 And so. 00:19:43.899 --> 00:19:44.459 It is. 00:19:44.459 --> 00:19:44.859 It is good pleasure. 00:19:45.000 --> 00:19:45.179 So. 00:19:45.419 --> 00:19:46.079 None of us. 00:19:46.099 --> 00:19:46.599 This morning. 00:19:46.719 --> 00:19:47.740 Who've come to know. 00:19:47.959 --> 00:19:48.339 God. 00:19:48.459 --> 00:19:49.319 Through the Lord Jesus Christ. 00:19:49.399 --> 00:19:49.919 None of us. 00:19:50.019 --> 00:19:50.579 Can boast. 00:19:53.000 --> 00:19:53.579 None of us. 00:19:53.639 --> 00:19:53.899 Can say. 00:19:53.979 --> 00:19:54.719 Aren't we wonderful? 00:19:54.859 --> 00:19:55.059 That. 00:19:57.159 --> 00:19:57.599 Because. 00:19:57.779 --> 00:19:58.359 The only way. 00:19:58.399 --> 00:19:59.359 That we come to know. 00:19:59.359 --> 00:19:59.619 God. 00:19:59.699 --> 00:20:00.659 Is by God. 00:20:00.959 --> 00:20:01.439 Kindly. 00:20:01.559 --> 00:20:02.500 And graciously. 00:20:02.799 --> 00:20:03.599 Revealing himself. 00:20:03.719 --> 00:20:03.979 To us. 00:20:04.039 --> 00:20:04.639 Through the Lord Jesus. 00:20:06.819 --> 00:20:07.259 Jesus. 00:20:07.259 --> 00:20:08.199 Is putting your thinking. 00:20:08.199 --> 00:20:08.639 Straight. 00:20:08.839 --> 00:20:09.339 And he's saying. 00:20:09.439 --> 00:20:10.459 God deals with us. 00:20:10.559 --> 00:20:11.379 Our valious people. 00:20:11.500 --> 00:20:11.899 Who he owes. 00:20:12.039 --> 00:20:12.639 Nothing to. 00:20:12.939 --> 00:20:14.019 In his mercy. 00:20:14.019 --> 00:20:14.939 And his grace. 00:20:15.059 --> 00:20:16.099 He moves towards you. 00:20:17.779 --> 00:20:18.759 He owes you. 00:20:18.959 --> 00:20:19.259 Nothing. 00:20:22.719 --> 00:20:23.679 He doesn't owe us. 00:20:23.680 --> 00:20:24.400 Any revelation. 00:20:24.660 --> 00:20:24.400 Any revelation. 00:20:24.660 --> 00:20:25.779 Or any knowledge of himself. 00:20:26.120 --> 00:20:27.000 If he did. 00:20:27.100 --> 00:20:27.960 Owe it to us. 00:20:28.019 --> 00:20:28.880 He would be unjust. 00:20:28.980 --> 00:20:29.539 To withhold it. 00:20:29.600 --> 00:20:30.960 But he doesn't owe you anything. 00:20:33.120 --> 00:20:34.680 But the very fact. 00:20:34.779 --> 00:20:36.180 That we have any revelation. 00:20:36.180 --> 00:20:36.779 Of God. 00:20:36.880 --> 00:20:38.320 Is a mark of his kindness. 00:20:39.500 --> 00:20:40.140 And his love. 00:20:40.220 --> 00:20:40.779 And his mercy. 00:20:42.860 --> 00:20:44.120 If we're talking about justice. 00:20:44.299 --> 00:20:45.299 The only thing. 00:20:45.299 --> 00:20:46.380 That we deserve. 00:20:46.380 --> 00:20:47.279 From God. 00:20:47.420 --> 00:20:48.480 Is eternal separation. 00:20:48.480 --> 00:20:49.039 From him. 00:20:49.039 --> 00:20:51.240 Because of our rebellion. 00:20:53.740 --> 00:20:55.000 And so if God conceals himself. 00:20:55.099 --> 00:20:56.519 If God hides these things. 00:20:56.619 --> 00:20:57.579 From the wise and learned. 00:20:57.879 --> 00:20:59.200 People who will not. 00:20:59.319 --> 00:21:00.059 Humble themselves. 00:21:00.220 --> 00:21:00.779 Before him. 00:21:01.599 --> 00:21:03.319 By the hardening of their hearts. 00:21:03.480 --> 00:21:04.980 By their refusing to repent. 00:21:05.220 --> 00:21:06.579 Like these cities of Galilee. 00:21:07.159 --> 00:21:08.599 Well we put ourselves. 00:21:08.720 --> 00:21:09.799 Under the judgment of God. 00:21:09.799 --> 00:21:15.180 We give ourselves up. 00:21:17.779 --> 00:21:18.879 To the judgment of God. 00:21:20.399 --> 00:21:21.399 I found this really helpful. 00:21:21.519 --> 00:21:22.480 Look at verse 3. 00:21:22.559 --> 00:21:23.579 Verse 3 is really the key. 00:21:23.680 --> 00:21:25.099 I think that unlocks the chapter. 00:21:26.399 --> 00:21:27.399 John the Baptist is in prison. 00:21:27.500 --> 00:21:27.879 Do you remember? 00:21:28.839 --> 00:21:30.240 Jesus did amazing things. 00:21:30.579 --> 00:21:32.059 And John the Baptist from prison says. 00:21:32.460 --> 00:21:33.240 Are you the one. 00:21:33.279 --> 00:21:34.039 Or should we look for another? 00:21:36.579 --> 00:21:37.559 Are you going to be some care. 00:21:37.599 --> 00:21:38.759 Or should we expect another? 00:21:38.759 --> 00:21:39.980 And we've thought about that. 00:21:40.039 --> 00:21:40.819 Quite a number of times. 00:21:40.920 --> 00:21:41.819 Over the last few weeks. 00:21:42.960 --> 00:21:43.319 And John. 00:21:43.460 --> 00:21:44.700 Jesus answers that question. 00:21:44.799 --> 00:21:45.119 He says. 00:21:45.440 --> 00:21:45.720 John. 00:21:45.799 --> 00:21:46.619 You need to look around. 00:21:46.720 --> 00:21:47.460 And see what's happening. 00:21:50.980 --> 00:21:51.799 And one of the reasons. 00:21:51.900 --> 00:21:52.359 John the Baptist. 00:21:52.539 --> 00:21:53.379 Asks that question. 00:21:53.460 --> 00:21:54.180 We can see earlier. 00:21:54.299 --> 00:21:55.000 In Matthew's gospel. 00:21:55.359 --> 00:21:56.519 In chapter 3. 00:21:57.599 --> 00:21:58.720 Is when Jesus. 00:21:59.059 --> 00:22:00.220 When John. 00:22:00.740 --> 00:22:01.680 Is at the height. 00:22:01.740 --> 00:22:02.440 Of his ministry. 00:22:02.900 --> 00:22:03.500 Turn back with me. 00:22:03.539 --> 00:22:04.099 To chapter 3. 00:22:04.160 --> 00:22:04.819 Verse 12. 00:22:05.720 --> 00:22:06.319 When John. 00:22:06.379 --> 00:22:07.099 Is at the height. 00:22:07.099 --> 00:22:07.759 Of his ministry. 00:22:07.759 --> 00:22:09.799 And he's calling on these very cities. 00:22:09.799 --> 00:22:10.539 To repent. 00:22:11.960 --> 00:22:12.759 What does he do? 00:22:13.180 --> 00:22:13.819 In verse 11. 00:22:13.960 --> 00:22:15.079 He speaks in chapter 3. 00:22:15.400 --> 00:22:16.160 Of Jesus. 00:22:16.299 --> 00:22:16.980 Who will come. 00:22:17.059 --> 00:22:18.000 Who is mightier. 00:22:18.099 --> 00:22:19.900 I'm not worthy to tie up his true laces. 00:22:20.299 --> 00:22:21.920 And he's going to baptize you. 00:22:21.960 --> 00:22:22.700 With the Holy Spirit. 00:22:22.779 --> 00:22:23.319 And with fire. 00:22:25.960 --> 00:22:26.700 And then in verse 12. 00:22:26.759 --> 00:22:27.180 He says this. 00:22:27.299 --> 00:22:28.119 His winnowing fork. 00:22:28.180 --> 00:22:28.759 Is in his hand. 00:22:30.220 --> 00:22:31.259 His winnowing fork. 00:22:31.299 --> 00:22:31.980 Is in his hand. 00:22:32.180 --> 00:22:32.960 And he will clear. 00:22:32.960 --> 00:22:33.900 The threshing floor. 00:22:34.180 --> 00:22:35.180 And he'll gather his wheat. 00:22:35.220 --> 00:22:35.779 Into the barn. 00:22:36.019 --> 00:22:36.940 But the chaff. 00:22:38.059 --> 00:22:38.759 He will burn. 00:22:38.860 --> 00:22:39.660 With unquenchable fire. 00:22:41.680 --> 00:22:42.360 So Jesus. 00:22:42.620 --> 00:22:43.279 What's happening. 00:22:43.500 --> 00:22:43.900 John says. 00:22:44.140 --> 00:22:45.400 What is this ministry. 00:22:45.920 --> 00:22:46.640 That you've got. 00:22:46.840 --> 00:22:48.120 Are you the one who is to come. 00:22:48.220 --> 00:22:49.160 Or should we look for another. 00:22:50.640 --> 00:22:51.539 Where's the judgment. 00:22:51.799 --> 00:22:52.640 That's what John is saying. 00:22:52.799 --> 00:22:53.819 Why haven't you kicked out the Romans. 00:22:53.900 --> 00:22:54.900 Why am I still in prison. 00:22:55.759 --> 00:22:56.840 Why have you not cleared. 00:22:56.840 --> 00:22:57.799 The threshing floor. 00:22:58.799 --> 00:22:59.599 Why is fire. 00:22:59.700 --> 00:23:00.659 Not falling from heaven. 00:23:00.759 --> 00:23:01.519 To burn up. 00:23:01.619 --> 00:23:02.819 All that is wrong. 00:23:02.980 --> 00:23:03.519 And sinful. 00:23:03.839 --> 00:23:04.599 Where's the judgment. 00:23:05.000 --> 00:23:06.240 And Jesus answers him. 00:23:06.319 --> 00:23:06.960 In verse 5. 00:23:08.079 --> 00:23:09.279 And says that his ministry. 00:23:09.440 --> 00:23:10.440 Is a ministry of mercy. 00:23:11.879 --> 00:23:12.460 Jesus says. 00:23:12.539 --> 00:23:13.039 The blind. 00:23:13.139 --> 00:23:13.859 They receive sight. 00:23:13.940 --> 00:23:14.359 The name. 00:23:14.680 --> 00:23:15.359 They walk. 00:23:15.859 --> 00:23:16.619 The deaf. 00:23:16.720 --> 00:23:16.960 Hear. 00:23:17.079 --> 00:23:17.399 The poor. 00:23:17.480 --> 00:23:17.960 Have the good news. 00:23:18.039 --> 00:23:18.539 Preach to them. 00:23:20.159 --> 00:23:20.879 But actually. 00:23:20.940 --> 00:23:21.940 As I've studied it this week. 00:23:21.940 --> 00:23:22.859 There's a deeper. 00:23:23.779 --> 00:23:24.579 Answer too. 00:23:26.220 --> 00:23:27.599 And what Jesus shows us here. 00:23:27.599 --> 00:23:28.179 Is that judgment. 00:23:28.319 --> 00:23:29.279 Is actually happening. 00:23:29.599 --> 00:23:30.000 Already. 00:23:32.119 --> 00:23:33.759 The city of Galilee. 00:23:34.139 --> 00:23:35.539 Where he'd done all those great miracles. 00:23:35.639 --> 00:23:36.799 They've turned their back on Jesus. 00:23:38.219 --> 00:23:39.779 They saw the deeds of mercy. 00:23:39.879 --> 00:23:40.399 And of love. 00:23:40.819 --> 00:23:42.980 And by turning their back on Jesus. 00:23:43.099 --> 00:23:44.099 They put themselves. 00:23:44.279 --> 00:23:45.519 Under the judgment of God. 00:23:47.019 --> 00:23:48.339 It's going on. 00:23:48.419 --> 00:23:49.399 And realized. 00:23:50.939 --> 00:23:52.279 On the last day of judgment. 00:23:52.459 --> 00:23:52.599 That. 00:23:52.799 --> 00:23:53.679 That judgment. 00:23:53.959 --> 00:23:54.919 That God will make. 00:23:55.099 --> 00:23:56.159 Well it'll be revealed. 00:23:56.259 --> 00:23:57.019 It'll be open. 00:23:57.019 --> 00:23:58.980 But it's already happening. 00:24:02.420 --> 00:24:04.000 Their arguments are flawed. 00:24:04.119 --> 00:24:06.059 They will not submit to his authority. 00:24:06.259 --> 00:24:06.960 And they think. 00:24:07.039 --> 00:24:08.000 Well we know it all. 00:24:08.099 --> 00:24:09.400 We don't need you to teach us. 00:24:10.480 --> 00:24:11.460 They think they know. 00:24:11.599 --> 00:24:12.480 They think they know. 00:24:12.480 --> 00:24:13.900 All there is to know about God. 00:24:13.980 --> 00:24:15.259 And they can make their way to him. 00:24:15.559 --> 00:24:16.519 But that shows. 00:24:16.660 --> 00:24:17.579 That they are disqualified. 00:24:17.579 --> 00:24:18.660 From ever knowing him. 00:24:20.420 --> 00:24:21.619 And so they put themselves. 00:24:21.619 --> 00:24:22.559 Under God's judgment. 00:24:22.740 --> 00:24:23.440 And it happens. 00:24:23.559 --> 00:24:23.980 Sunday. 00:24:24.119 --> 00:24:24.619 By Sunday. 00:24:24.740 --> 00:24:25.240 By Sunday. 00:24:25.339 --> 00:24:26.559 As people hear God's word. 00:24:27.019 --> 00:24:33.720 The father's good pleasure. 00:24:35.099 --> 00:24:36.839 The father is pleased. 00:24:37.119 --> 00:24:38.599 To reveal these little things. 00:24:38.660 --> 00:24:39.720 These things to little children. 00:24:39.720 --> 00:24:43.519 But unless I am prepared. 00:24:43.519 --> 00:24:44.319 To become. 00:24:44.319 --> 00:24:45.380 Like a little child. 00:24:45.480 --> 00:24:46.180 Like a baby. 00:24:47.799 --> 00:24:48.799 And humble. 00:24:48.799 --> 00:24:50.140 My proud. 00:24:50.319 --> 00:24:50.839 And arrogant. 00:24:51.000 --> 00:24:51.900 Attitude to God. 00:24:52.000 --> 00:24:53.000 I'll never understand. 00:24:53.079 --> 00:24:53.460 The gospel. 00:24:54.900 --> 00:24:56.420 And I'll never respond. 00:24:58.000 --> 00:24:59.259 And I'll turn away. 00:24:59.259 --> 00:25:02.539 Well those are the two reasons. 00:25:02.660 --> 00:25:03.240 Jesus gives. 00:25:03.339 --> 00:25:03.720 But finally. 00:25:03.799 --> 00:25:04.740 Let's try and follow. 00:25:04.859 --> 00:25:05.379 The rationale. 00:25:05.619 --> 00:25:06.519 Rational through. 00:25:06.920 --> 00:25:08.059 We face the reality. 00:25:08.460 --> 00:25:09.759 That people's hearts are hard. 00:25:10.759 --> 00:25:11.980 We see the reason. 00:25:12.079 --> 00:25:12.700 In his people. 00:25:13.079 --> 00:25:14.279 Are refusing to submit. 00:25:14.279 --> 00:25:14.859 To revelation. 00:25:15.000 --> 00:25:15.940 But what is the rationale. 00:25:16.200 --> 00:25:17.140 For us as a church family. 00:25:17.500 --> 00:25:18.539 And I think verse 27. 00:25:18.539 --> 00:25:19.940 Is a wonderful verse. 00:25:20.619 --> 00:25:21.539 It's an awe. 00:25:21.539 --> 00:25:22.680 Inspiring verse. 00:25:24.519 --> 00:25:25.619 Look what it says. 00:25:26.879 --> 00:25:27.879 All things. 00:25:28.359 --> 00:25:29.619 Have been handed over. 00:25:29.720 --> 00:25:30.639 To me by my father. 00:25:31.879 --> 00:25:33.119 And no one knows. 00:25:33.220 --> 00:25:33.539 The son. 00:25:33.619 --> 00:25:34.420 Except the father. 00:25:35.339 --> 00:25:36.339 And no one knows. 00:25:36.399 --> 00:25:36.779 The father. 00:25:36.940 --> 00:25:37.740 Except the son. 00:25:38.039 --> 00:25:38.700 And anyone. 00:25:39.039 --> 00:25:39.659 To whom the son. 00:25:39.940 --> 00:25:41.099 Chooses to reveal him. 00:25:42.960 --> 00:25:43.980 Jesus is claiming. 00:25:44.180 --> 00:25:44.519 Isn't he. 00:25:44.619 --> 00:25:45.079 To be. 00:25:45.740 --> 00:25:47.079 The only agency. 00:25:47.339 --> 00:25:48.180 By which God. 00:25:48.259 --> 00:25:48.639 The father. 00:25:48.779 --> 00:25:49.440 Reveals himself. 00:25:49.440 --> 00:25:52.059 Jesus is saying. 00:25:52.240 --> 00:25:52.680 The father. 00:25:52.840 --> 00:25:53.500 Has delegated. 00:25:53.640 --> 00:25:54.680 His total authority. 00:25:54.880 --> 00:25:55.340 To me. 00:25:55.680 --> 00:25:56.160 To Jesus. 00:25:56.360 --> 00:25:56.740 His son. 00:25:58.059 --> 00:25:58.880 Only the father. 00:25:58.980 --> 00:25:59.779 Fully knows the son. 00:26:00.080 --> 00:26:00.720 And only the son. 00:26:00.799 --> 00:26:01.700 Fully knows the father. 00:26:02.620 --> 00:26:03.400 And so that means. 00:26:03.480 --> 00:26:04.500 You can't figure it out yourself. 00:26:06.480 --> 00:26:08.160 You cannot figure out God. 00:26:09.940 --> 00:26:11.380 You have to receive. 00:26:11.799 --> 00:26:12.200 Revelation. 00:26:12.660 --> 00:26:13.320 The book of Job. 00:26:13.380 --> 00:26:13.980 Asks the question. 00:26:14.259 --> 00:26:14.799 Can you. 00:26:14.920 --> 00:26:15.740 By searching. 00:26:16.000 --> 00:26:16.920 Find out God. 00:26:17.039 --> 00:26:17.779 The answer is no. 00:26:17.880 --> 00:26:18.980 You are entirely. 00:26:18.980 --> 00:26:19.839 Dependent upon. 00:26:20.059 --> 00:26:20.500 Revelation. 00:26:22.799 --> 00:26:23.420 But look. 00:26:23.500 --> 00:26:24.819 Jesus was a real man. 00:26:26.220 --> 00:26:27.160 A real man. 00:26:27.240 --> 00:26:27.799 Who really lived. 00:26:27.839 --> 00:26:28.220 In history. 00:26:29.799 --> 00:26:30.740 And he claims. 00:26:30.740 --> 00:26:31.819 Such an exclusive. 00:26:32.160 --> 00:26:32.579 Knowledge. 00:26:32.700 --> 00:26:33.640 Of the unseen father. 00:26:33.920 --> 00:26:34.480 And he says. 00:26:34.559 --> 00:26:36.259 Only I have the right. 00:26:36.799 --> 00:26:37.539 Or the ability. 00:26:37.680 --> 00:26:38.319 To reveal him. 00:26:40.120 --> 00:26:41.039 How does the father. 00:26:41.120 --> 00:26:41.920 Reveal these things. 00:26:42.039 --> 00:26:42.579 That have been committed. 00:26:42.700 --> 00:26:43.099 To the son. 00:26:43.299 --> 00:26:43.839 He does it. 00:26:43.900 --> 00:26:44.420 By the son. 00:26:44.599 --> 00:26:44.960 Himself. 00:26:46.200 --> 00:26:47.079 The Lord Jesus. 00:26:47.240 --> 00:26:47.720 He is. 00:26:47.720 --> 00:26:48.700 The agent. 00:26:48.960 --> 00:26:49.740 Of revelation. 00:26:51.039 --> 00:26:51.839 And who are the recipients. 00:26:51.839 --> 00:26:52.500 Of revelation. 00:26:52.900 --> 00:26:53.220 Well. 00:26:53.500 --> 00:26:54.059 Look what it says. 00:26:54.200 --> 00:26:54.940 Those to whom. 00:26:55.019 --> 00:26:55.779 The son chooses. 00:26:55.900 --> 00:26:56.279 To reveal. 00:26:56.380 --> 00:26:56.839 Who are they? 00:26:56.900 --> 00:26:57.500 They're little children. 00:26:58.940 --> 00:26:59.880 Those who are dependent. 00:26:59.880 --> 00:27:00.519 On revelation. 00:27:00.640 --> 00:27:01.220 Those who are humble. 00:27:02.519 --> 00:27:03.420 Those who are teachable. 00:27:05.180 --> 00:27:05.839 Here is a man. 00:27:05.839 --> 00:27:06.500 Who is claiming. 00:27:06.900 --> 00:27:07.740 Total equality. 00:27:07.740 --> 00:27:08.240 Of God. 00:27:08.240 --> 00:27:09.700 Because he is the son of God. 00:27:09.839 --> 00:27:10.299 He's saying. 00:27:10.440 --> 00:27:11.339 I have the very life. 00:27:11.539 --> 00:27:12.059 Of God. 00:27:12.120 --> 00:27:12.620 In me. 00:27:13.240 --> 00:27:14.019 I have nothing less. 00:27:14.099 --> 00:27:14.680 Than God. 00:27:14.819 --> 00:27:15.900 In the human flesh. 00:27:16.839 --> 00:27:17.120 And so. 00:27:17.319 --> 00:27:18.099 Jesus claims. 00:27:18.480 --> 00:27:19.420 To be the channel. 00:27:19.660 --> 00:27:20.319 Of revelation. 00:27:22.000 --> 00:27:23.099 But not only that. 00:27:23.240 --> 00:27:24.359 He is the revelation. 00:27:24.579 --> 00:27:24.900 Himself. 00:27:26.660 --> 00:27:27.859 He is God. 00:27:27.980 --> 00:27:29.180 Walking the paths. 00:27:29.279 --> 00:27:30.019 Of our world. 00:27:30.339 --> 00:27:31.279 He is God. 00:27:31.720 --> 00:27:32.160 Giving. 00:27:32.799 --> 00:27:33.240 Life. 00:27:33.240 --> 00:27:37.039 And he is God. 00:27:37.120 --> 00:27:37.519 Ultimately. 00:27:37.640 --> 00:27:38.420 Dying our death. 00:27:40.920 --> 00:27:41.180 And so. 00:27:41.279 --> 00:27:41.980 This is the summary. 00:27:42.160 --> 00:27:42.279 Really. 00:27:42.420 --> 00:27:43.140 Everything depends. 00:27:43.200 --> 00:27:43.700 On your attitude. 00:27:43.700 --> 00:27:44.440 To Jesus Christ. 00:27:47.400 --> 00:27:48.460 The whole of his life. 00:27:48.559 --> 00:27:49.259 And his ministry. 00:27:49.440 --> 00:27:50.140 In the gospels. 00:27:50.259 --> 00:27:51.559 Is God's self revelation. 00:27:52.740 --> 00:27:53.559 For all time. 00:27:53.720 --> 00:27:54.259 For all the world. 00:27:55.759 --> 00:27:56.160 So. 00:27:56.240 --> 00:27:56.799 Jesus is saying. 00:27:56.900 --> 00:27:57.660 He is saying. 00:27:57.720 --> 00:27:58.700 You cannot know the father. 00:27:58.779 --> 00:27:59.299 Except through me. 00:27:59.359 --> 00:27:59.700 The son. 00:28:01.500 --> 00:28:02.039 Later on. 00:28:02.079 --> 00:28:02.900 The apostle John says. 00:28:02.900 --> 00:28:04.220 No one who denies the son. 00:28:04.320 --> 00:28:04.940 Has the father. 00:28:05.980 --> 00:28:07.759 But whoever acknowledges the son. 00:28:07.860 --> 00:28:08.680 Has the father also. 00:28:08.980 --> 00:28:10.259 You cannot go to God. 00:28:10.380 --> 00:28:10.880 This morning. 00:28:11.180 --> 00:28:12.380 Apart from going through Jesus. 00:28:12.500 --> 00:28:14.140 He is the supreme revelation. 00:28:14.140 --> 00:28:14.759 Of God. 00:28:15.180 --> 00:28:16.360 So if the Galileans. 00:28:16.360 --> 00:28:17.019 Won't be taught. 00:28:17.140 --> 00:28:17.700 By the miracles. 00:28:17.920 --> 00:28:18.880 And the words of Jesus. 00:28:19.220 --> 00:28:20.740 And by the character of Jesus. 00:28:20.840 --> 00:28:22.100 And if they will not submit. 00:28:22.680 --> 00:28:23.080 Themselves. 00:28:23.180 --> 00:28:23.740 To his authority. 00:28:23.860 --> 00:28:25.160 They'll never be able to come to the father. 00:28:26.660 --> 00:28:28.120 They'll be cast out into darkness. 00:28:29.759 --> 00:28:31.280 And they'll be under his condemnation. 00:28:31.420 --> 00:28:32.140 And his wrath. 00:28:32.900 --> 00:28:34.640 And so you see. 00:28:34.740 --> 00:28:35.840 This huge emphasis. 00:28:36.040 --> 00:28:36.780 On the authority. 00:28:37.259 --> 00:28:38.180 And person of Jesus. 00:28:38.440 --> 00:28:40.259 He came not just to be the rescuer. 00:28:40.380 --> 00:28:41.560 But he came to be the ruler. 00:28:43.259 --> 00:28:45.500 He came not to just be the saviour. 00:28:46.560 --> 00:28:47.519 He is the son. 00:28:47.580 --> 00:28:48.360 Who is the sovereign. 00:28:49.940 --> 00:28:52.080 He makes the invisible God known. 00:28:52.140 --> 00:28:53.259 And only he can do it. 00:28:53.259 --> 00:28:57.240 For no one knows the father except the son. 00:28:58.680 --> 00:29:00.740 There is only one divine revealer. 00:29:00.740 --> 00:29:00.740 00:29:01.339 --> 00:29:02.920 Because there is only one God. 00:29:03.039 --> 00:29:05.200 It's the very nature of the good news. 00:29:06.339 --> 00:29:08.640 That God is revealed in his son. 00:29:09.220 --> 00:29:10.339 And in him alone. 00:29:10.339 --> 00:29:14.839 And it's that. 00:29:14.939 --> 00:29:16.079 Which shouts out to us. 00:29:16.159 --> 00:29:18.859 That human wisdom is totally and utterly inadequate. 00:29:19.899 --> 00:29:20.759 In this area. 00:29:22.019 --> 00:29:24.019 That if you will not leave your wisdom. 00:29:24.199 --> 00:29:24.859 And your learning. 00:29:24.980 --> 00:29:25.699 And your understanding. 00:29:25.859 --> 00:29:27.079 And become babies. 00:29:27.500 --> 00:29:29.879 And humble yourself before God's revelation. 00:29:29.980 --> 00:29:31.240 You will never have eternal life. 00:29:31.240 --> 00:29:35.400 And I think that really helps us. 00:29:35.519 --> 00:29:36.380 It helps me certainly. 00:29:38.440 --> 00:29:40.120 Because no matter how clear. 00:29:40.579 --> 00:29:42.460 The presentation of the gospel may be. 00:29:43.839 --> 00:29:46.539 No matter how low cringe the preacher is. 00:29:49.339 --> 00:29:50.359 Do you. 00:29:50.359 --> 00:29:51.200 Do I. 00:29:51.519 --> 00:29:52.920 Have any ability. 00:29:53.460 --> 00:29:54.500 Or any hope. 00:29:54.680 --> 00:29:55.799 Of converting anyone. 00:29:56.700 --> 00:29:57.059 Do we. 00:30:01.240 --> 00:30:02.759 I want you to ask that question. 00:30:03.160 --> 00:30:04.039 And answer that question. 00:30:04.160 --> 00:30:04.960 Really in your heart. 00:30:05.400 --> 00:30:06.740 Can I convert you. 00:30:06.819 --> 00:30:07.759 No I can't. 00:30:09.180 --> 00:30:10.900 Can I convert anyone. 00:30:12.799 --> 00:30:13.279 No. 00:30:14.079 --> 00:30:15.240 Do you really believe that. 00:30:18.299 --> 00:30:19.420 Can I convert you. 00:30:20.420 --> 00:30:21.019 I can't. 00:30:23.220 --> 00:30:24.160 But here is the truth. 00:30:24.240 --> 00:30:25.620 If I really do believe that. 00:30:26.539 --> 00:30:28.579 I will actually keep on going. 00:30:29.180 --> 00:30:29.880 Telling people. 00:30:31.240 --> 00:30:32.059 I won't give up. 00:30:35.059 --> 00:30:36.500 Let me tease us out a little bit more. 00:30:36.759 --> 00:30:38.960 Can I break the power of Satan. 00:30:39.140 --> 00:30:39.859 In someone's life. 00:30:39.960 --> 00:30:40.240 Can I. 00:30:40.339 --> 00:30:40.980 With all my. 00:30:41.279 --> 00:30:42.339 Presbyterian superpowers. 00:30:42.500 --> 00:30:42.680 Can I. 00:30:42.740 --> 00:30:43.279 Can I do that. 00:30:46.279 --> 00:30:47.279 Can I. 00:30:48.700 --> 00:30:49.380 Can you. 00:30:49.380 --> 00:30:50.220 Give life. 00:30:50.400 --> 00:30:51.380 To the spiritually dead. 00:30:52.620 --> 00:30:53.039 No. 00:30:54.720 --> 00:30:55.900 Can you argue. 00:30:56.339 --> 00:30:56.799 Or preach. 00:30:57.000 --> 00:30:57.799 Or persuade. 00:30:57.980 --> 00:30:58.799 Or emotionally. 00:30:59.120 --> 00:30:59.799 Move you. 00:30:59.799 --> 00:31:01.500 To embrace. 00:31:01.500 --> 00:31:02.000 Jesus Christ. 00:31:02.079 --> 00:31:02.559 Can I do that. 00:31:02.659 --> 00:31:02.940 No. 00:31:06.299 --> 00:31:07.319 Do you really believe that. 00:31:07.419 --> 00:31:08.500 No one knows the father. 00:31:08.579 --> 00:31:09.139 Except the son. 00:31:09.200 --> 00:31:09.720 And those whom. 00:31:09.799 --> 00:31:10.379 The son. 00:31:10.559 --> 00:31:10.899 Choses. 00:31:11.659 --> 00:31:12.460 To reveal him to. 00:31:13.659 --> 00:31:14.319 I would say. 00:31:14.419 --> 00:31:15.359 If we're not realistic. 00:31:15.359 --> 00:31:15.879 About this. 00:31:15.960 --> 00:31:16.779 We will get very. 00:31:17.619 --> 00:31:18.019 Disillusioned. 00:31:18.099 --> 00:31:18.619 And discouraged. 00:31:18.759 --> 00:31:19.180 And in the end. 00:31:19.220 --> 00:31:19.819 We will give up. 00:31:21.519 --> 00:31:21.899 Because. 00:31:22.139 --> 00:31:22.799 Humanly speaking. 00:31:22.940 --> 00:31:23.480 Telling others. 00:31:23.539 --> 00:31:24.079 About the Lord Jesus. 00:31:24.079 --> 00:31:25.440 Is a hopeless task. 00:31:25.440 --> 00:31:27.779 Until our foolish pride. 00:31:27.980 --> 00:31:28.420 Is shattered. 00:31:29.920 --> 00:31:31.620 By the inescapable fact. 00:31:32.980 --> 00:31:34.480 We're living cloud cuckoo land. 00:31:34.620 --> 00:31:35.460 But the amazing thing. 00:31:35.539 --> 00:31:35.880 Is this. 00:31:36.000 --> 00:31:37.100 It is the father's. 00:31:37.220 --> 00:31:37.759 Good pleasure. 00:31:38.759 --> 00:31:39.740 To reveal himself. 00:31:39.860 --> 00:31:40.279 To babies. 00:31:42.519 --> 00:31:43.240 And what does the son. 00:31:43.320 --> 00:31:43.840 Choose to do. 00:31:44.080 --> 00:31:44.900 He chooses to make. 00:31:44.960 --> 00:31:45.519 The father known. 00:31:48.019 --> 00:31:48.920 He chooses to make. 00:31:48.960 --> 00:31:49.500 The father known. 00:31:49.539 --> 00:31:49.940 As the one. 00:31:50.019 --> 00:31:50.500 Who welcomes. 00:31:50.680 --> 00:31:51.480 Sinners like you and I. 00:31:52.740 --> 00:31:53.799 And receives them. 00:31:53.799 --> 00:31:54.399 To himself. 00:31:54.680 --> 00:31:55.819 And rescues. 00:31:56.279 --> 00:31:57.700 Those who will humble themselves. 00:31:57.899 --> 00:31:58.799 And put their trust in him. 00:32:00.399 --> 00:32:00.839 Because. 00:32:01.079 --> 00:32:02.279 What man cannot do. 00:32:02.379 --> 00:32:03.440 What women cannot do. 00:32:04.240 --> 00:32:04.980 God does. 00:32:06.799 --> 00:32:07.680 And he chooses. 00:32:07.799 --> 00:32:08.559 To reveal himself. 00:32:08.740 --> 00:32:10.059 And the glorious truth. 00:32:10.059 --> 00:32:11.359 At the heart of the gospel. 00:32:11.659 --> 00:32:11.839 Is it. 00:32:11.839 --> 00:32:12.940 Is it not you. 00:32:13.139 --> 00:32:13.819 Figuring out. 00:32:14.000 --> 00:32:14.359 God. 00:32:14.559 --> 00:32:15.460 You can have to do that. 00:32:17.399 --> 00:32:18.440 It is that God. 00:32:18.559 --> 00:32:19.500 Has come down the ladder. 00:32:19.819 --> 00:32:20.480 To respond. 00:32:20.879 --> 00:32:21.480 To rescue. 00:32:23.799 --> 00:32:25.519 Why are you a Christian. 00:32:25.960 --> 00:32:26.559 This morning. 00:32:26.619 --> 00:32:27.159 If you are a Christian. 00:32:28.779 --> 00:32:29.539 You are a Christian. 00:32:29.639 --> 00:32:30.599 Because God has chosen. 00:32:30.740 --> 00:32:31.559 To reveal himself. 00:32:32.960 --> 00:32:34.619 And in his infinite mercy. 00:32:34.799 --> 00:32:35.639 He has broken down. 00:32:35.720 --> 00:32:36.299 Your pride. 00:32:36.399 --> 00:32:36.919 And your wisdom. 00:32:36.980 --> 00:32:37.599 And he has made you. 00:32:37.720 --> 00:32:38.379 A little child. 00:32:39.339 --> 00:32:39.919 In his sight. 00:32:40.899 --> 00:32:41.980 So that we have taken. 00:32:42.079 --> 00:32:42.659 His revelation. 00:32:42.879 --> 00:32:43.579 And understood it. 00:32:43.619 --> 00:32:44.279 By his grace. 00:32:44.419 --> 00:32:45.099 And that is why. 00:32:45.099 --> 00:32:46.399 We get on with gospel work. 00:32:46.480 --> 00:32:47.119 And we keep going on. 00:32:47.220 --> 00:32:47.819 With gospel work. 00:32:50.339 --> 00:32:51.359 That's why we keep going. 00:32:51.659 --> 00:32:52.519 Into the stars. 00:32:52.519 --> 00:32:53.420 And the language class. 00:32:54.019 --> 00:32:54.579 And in the children. 00:32:54.720 --> 00:32:55.319 And the young people's work. 00:32:55.400 --> 00:32:55.920 That is why we. 00:32:55.960 --> 00:32:57.119 We get out at Bucktailon. 00:32:59.160 --> 00:32:59.900 Because it's God. 00:32:59.940 --> 00:33:00.980 Who gives people new hearts. 00:33:02.920 --> 00:33:03.660 And it is God. 00:33:03.740 --> 00:33:04.339 Who frees. 00:33:04.660 --> 00:33:05.539 Us from our blindness. 00:33:05.720 --> 00:33:06.319 And our slavery. 00:33:06.519 --> 00:33:07.139 And it is God. 00:33:07.220 --> 00:33:08.359 Who turns us. 00:33:08.400 --> 00:33:09.339 To trust in Christ. 00:33:09.420 --> 00:33:10.240 As the only rescuer. 00:33:10.299 --> 00:33:11.059 And it is God. 00:33:11.059 --> 00:33:12.059 Who raises. 00:33:12.740 --> 00:33:13.539 The spiritually dead. 00:33:13.539 --> 00:33:14.079 To life. 00:33:16.039 --> 00:33:17.119 And none of us. 00:33:17.400 --> 00:33:18.039 No one knows. 00:33:18.139 --> 00:33:18.960 Who he will raise. 00:33:19.559 --> 00:33:20.160 And no one knows. 00:33:20.240 --> 00:33:21.059 When he will raise. 00:33:21.059 --> 00:33:22.559 And how he will do it. 00:33:22.599 --> 00:33:23.559 But he goes on doing it. 00:33:25.500 --> 00:33:26.179 We're going to sing. 00:33:26.279 --> 00:33:27.200 To close our service. 00:33:27.259 --> 00:33:28.299 After we've been to the Lord's table. 00:33:28.379 --> 00:33:28.919 The famous thing. 00:33:29.000 --> 00:33:29.740 And can it be. 00:33:31.879 --> 00:33:32.579 Charles Wesley. 00:33:32.859 --> 00:33:33.220 Explains. 00:33:33.359 --> 00:33:34.200 What happened to him. 00:33:34.240 --> 00:33:34.619 He said. 00:33:34.619 --> 00:33:37.460 Long my imprisoned spirit lay. 00:33:37.919 --> 00:33:39.639 Fast bound in sin. 00:33:39.839 --> 00:33:40.659 And nature's night. 00:33:42.339 --> 00:33:43.220 He couldn't do anything. 00:33:43.279 --> 00:33:44.119 He was chained up. 00:33:44.440 --> 00:33:44.819 He says. 00:33:44.879 --> 00:33:45.960 I feel I was in prison. 00:33:46.500 --> 00:33:47.240 He was at night. 00:33:47.319 --> 00:33:48.019 He couldn't see. 00:33:48.359 --> 00:33:49.220 Every one of us. 00:33:49.259 --> 00:33:50.099 Is in that situation. 00:33:50.099 --> 00:33:50.579 Naturally. 00:33:52.179 --> 00:33:53.379 You can't save them. 00:33:53.639 --> 00:33:54.579 You can't save yourself. 00:33:54.719 --> 00:33:55.779 And I can't save you. 00:33:57.019 --> 00:33:57.939 And then see what happens. 00:33:58.719 --> 00:34:00.299 Thine eye diffused. 00:34:00.439 --> 00:34:01.179 A quickening ray. 00:34:02.639 --> 00:34:03.779 God took the initiative. 00:34:04.139 --> 00:34:05.099 God shone light. 00:34:05.179 --> 00:34:06.059 Into Wesley's life. 00:34:06.299 --> 00:34:06.579 He says. 00:34:06.659 --> 00:34:07.059 I woke. 00:34:07.159 --> 00:34:08.460 The dungeon flamed with light. 00:34:08.559 --> 00:34:09.739 My chains fell off. 00:34:10.159 --> 00:34:11.079 My heart was free. 00:34:11.159 --> 00:34:11.659 I rose. 00:34:11.819 --> 00:34:12.279 Went forth. 00:34:12.339 --> 00:34:12.940 And followed me. 00:34:13.920 --> 00:34:15.139 And that is authentic Christianity. 00:34:15.139 --> 00:34:17.779 And that is what happens. 00:34:17.859 --> 00:34:18.559 As Jesus Christ. 00:34:18.679 --> 00:34:19.420 Is lifted up. 00:34:20.159 --> 00:34:21.059 And he is proclaimed. 00:34:21.259 --> 00:34:22.839 As the great revealer of God. 00:34:24.019 --> 00:34:25.420 And as he rescues. 00:34:25.619 --> 00:34:26.099 Sinners. 00:34:26.299 --> 00:34:27.519 He chooses to reveal himself. 00:34:29.279 --> 00:34:29.980 And it happens. 00:34:30.059 --> 00:34:30.319 Doesn't it. 00:34:30.319 --> 00:34:31.440 According to his good pleasure. 00:34:33.619 --> 00:34:34.719 The mystery of his will. 00:34:34.759 --> 00:34:35.319 It is a mystery. 00:34:36.779 --> 00:34:37.699 And yet it is very. 00:34:37.779 --> 00:34:38.359 Very clear. 00:34:39.360 --> 00:34:40.620 It couldn't be clearer. 00:34:40.740 --> 00:34:41.320 That there are these. 00:34:41.480 --> 00:34:42.800 Two truths in the Bible. 00:34:43.519 --> 00:34:44.800 That God is the one. 00:34:44.880 --> 00:34:45.660 Who chooses. 00:34:46.240 --> 00:34:47.920 Who he will reveal himself to. 00:34:48.320 --> 00:34:49.079 And number two. 00:34:49.200 --> 00:34:50.539 We are to tell people. 00:34:50.539 --> 00:34:51.599 To repent and believe. 00:34:51.740 --> 00:34:52.260 All people. 00:34:53.940 --> 00:34:55.460 And because God the son. 00:34:55.780 --> 00:34:57.260 Chooses to reveal the father. 00:34:57.360 --> 00:34:58.180 To men and women. 00:34:58.280 --> 00:34:59.200 And boys and girls. 00:35:00.440 --> 00:35:01.539 It's because of that. 00:35:01.640 --> 00:35:02.599 We can have courage. 00:35:03.920 --> 00:35:04.760 And perseverance. 00:35:05.019 --> 00:35:05.720 To keep on going. 00:35:05.719 --> 00:35:08.699 And lots of people. 00:35:09.079 --> 00:35:09.679 In this area. 00:35:09.819 --> 00:35:10.519 Will shrug it off. 00:35:10.599 --> 00:35:11.059 With apathy. 00:35:13.019 --> 00:35:13.619 And contempt. 00:35:13.759 --> 00:35:14.719 Some of us used to do that. 00:35:14.779 --> 00:35:15.519 Before we were Christians. 00:35:17.179 --> 00:35:18.099 But I want us. 00:35:18.139 --> 00:35:19.299 To go away this morning. 00:35:19.379 --> 00:35:20.339 And to come to the table. 00:35:20.439 --> 00:35:20.939 Knowing that. 00:35:21.039 --> 00:35:21.839 Because the father. 00:35:21.980 --> 00:35:23.159 Is revealed by the son. 00:35:23.480 --> 00:35:24.279 And because it is. 00:35:24.500 --> 00:35:25.699 His good pleasure. 00:35:25.699 --> 00:35:26.699 To reveal himself. 00:35:26.819 --> 00:35:28.000 To those who are humble enough. 00:35:28.000 --> 00:35:28.739 To receive him. 00:35:29.079 --> 00:35:30.339 That no heart. 00:35:31.179 --> 00:35:32.259 Is too hard. 00:35:32.259 --> 00:35:33.299 For the grace of God. 00:35:35.719 --> 00:35:38.699 Isn't that an amazing thought. 00:35:40.419 --> 00:35:41.459 Think of the person. 00:35:41.679 --> 00:35:42.419 In your mind. 00:35:42.759 --> 00:35:43.159 Who is. 00:35:43.519 --> 00:35:44.119 Too hard. 00:35:45.279 --> 00:35:45.919 To come to God. 00:35:45.980 --> 00:35:46.739 Maybe it's yourself. 00:35:49.019 --> 00:35:50.239 But the glorious truth. 00:35:51.299 --> 00:35:52.319 Is that no heart. 00:35:52.379 --> 00:35:53.019 Is too hard. 00:35:55.619 --> 00:35:56.419 Jesus declared. 00:35:56.500 --> 00:35:57.159 I thank you father. 00:35:57.159 --> 00:35:58.019 Lord of heaven and earth. 00:35:59.159 --> 00:36:00.419 That you've hidden these things. 00:36:00.500 --> 00:36:01.019 From the wise. 00:36:01.099 --> 00:36:01.659 And understanding. 00:36:01.819 --> 00:36:02.819 And you've revealed them. 00:36:02.959 --> 00:36:03.739 To little children. 00:36:03.739 --> 00:36:05.819 Yes father. 00:36:07.079 --> 00:36:09.259 For such was your gracious. 00:36:09.759 --> 00:36:10.000 Will. 00:36:11.519 --> 00:36:12.219 Let's sing.