WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:07.679 We're going to turn to 1 Corinthians 1, and if you want to turn there in your Bibles, page 1144. 00:00:11.980 --> 00:00:16.039 Okay, let me pray and ask for the Lord's help, and then we'll get started that way. Let me pray. 00:00:16.399 --> 00:00:19.400 Father, we want to ask for your help. We know we need it. 00:00:20.480 --> 00:00:26.320 We are going to seek to think carefully and deeply about the world in which we live, 00:00:26.320 --> 00:00:32.640 and we want to ask that you would help us. We want to particularly pray that we might hold on to the 00:00:32.640 --> 00:00:36.460 things that we've already thought about, about the power of the gospel to save lost people, 00:00:37.219 --> 00:00:42.359 but we want to remember that it's not our cleverness that saves, but it is the power of the gospel, 00:00:42.780 --> 00:00:48.659 and so we pray with that in our minds that we would think deeply and carefully about the culture 00:00:48.659 --> 00:00:55.359 in which we live. In Jesus' name, amen. Just in case you weren't with us last week, 00:00:55.359 --> 00:01:02.600 let me just briefly recap. We've been looking at how we live in the world in which we live. So 00:01:02.600 --> 00:01:09.039 God in his wisdom has called us to live our Christian lives in a world that is broken and 00:01:09.039 --> 00:01:16.299 difficult and challenging and at times even hostile, but yet still carries the fingerprints 00:01:16.299 --> 00:01:21.239 of the God who made it in his common grace, and we've been using that book by Dan Strange 00:01:21.239 --> 00:01:27.579 called Plugged In. I've got four copies left. If anyone wants a copy, you can come and make me an 00:01:27.579 --> 00:01:34.099 offer for one, and you can have one. If you remember last week, we were seeing that we should resist the 00:01:34.099 --> 00:01:41.619 Christian temptations to look in, lash out, or look like. So we recognized that the temptation was to 00:01:41.620 --> 00:01:48.740 look in, was just to kind of build walls or fences and just to seek to set ourselves apart from the 00:01:48.740 --> 00:01:54.660 world and just kind of set up sub-Christian cultures, or the temptation was to lash out and be angry with 00:01:54.660 --> 00:02:01.860 the world and just hate on the world, or look like, which is basically just blend in and just follow the 00:02:01.860 --> 00:02:07.260 world's patterns. And Dan Strange says that none of those are right, but what we should do instead is 00:02:07.260 --> 00:02:12.980 engage, think deeply, to see where we live and think about what that means and what we watch, 00:02:13.060 --> 00:02:17.420 the cultures that we live in, and see how they are both confronted and confirmed by the gospel. 00:02:20.099 --> 00:02:25.819 Summary statement, well not mine, not yours, but Dan Strange's, was subversive fulfillment. 00:02:27.480 --> 00:02:34.099 Subversive in the idea that what Jesus says undermines the stories that our world tells us, 00:02:34.099 --> 00:02:40.099 and fulfillment in the idea that actually the aspirations of our world as they're shaped by 00:02:40.099 --> 00:02:46.079 common grace are fulfilled by the Lord Jesus. Now I think this is quite tricky, I did get a bit 00:02:46.079 --> 00:02:49.599 of feedback from last week saying it was tricky. Subversive is not a word that you use very often, 00:02:49.859 --> 00:02:54.959 fulfillment probably not a word you use very often. Put them together, words you don't use very often, 00:02:54.959 --> 00:03:00.019 it becomes like super complicated, so we don't really talk in terms of subversive fulfillment. 00:03:00.020 --> 00:03:05.980 So let me just work through an example from 1 Corinthians chapter 1 verses 18 to 25 and we'll 00:03:05.980 --> 00:03:12.780 see it together. Let me read it to you. For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who 00:03:12.780 --> 00:03:19.320 are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. For it is written, I will destroy 00:03:19.320 --> 00:03:26.800 the wisdom of the wise, the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate. Where is the wise person? 00:03:26.800 --> 00:03:33.040 Where is the teacher of the law? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish 00:03:33.040 --> 00:03:40.700 the wisdom of the world? For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know him. 00:03:41.360 --> 00:03:45.820 God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe. 00:03:46.700 --> 00:03:54.000 Jews demand signs and Greeks look for wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews 00:03:54.000 --> 00:04:00.680 and foolishness to Gentiles. But to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power 00:04:00.680 --> 00:04:07.479 of God and the wisdom of God. For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom and the weakness of 00:04:07.479 --> 00:04:13.020 God is stronger than human strength. Now keep your eyes on the passage, just notice the flow with me. 00:04:13.139 --> 00:04:20.040 Paul says that the message of the cross is foolishness to the perishing, but like we were seeing this 00:04:20.040 --> 00:04:24.980 morning, for the believer, that message is the power of God. So it's not the cross, but the message of the 00:04:24.980 --> 00:04:30.660 cross, which is the power of God for salvation. Why is that foolishness? Well, if you look down at verse 00:04:30.660 --> 00:04:38.240 22, it's foolishness because Jews demand signs, you know, that you think like Moses in Egypt or 00:04:38.240 --> 00:04:45.820 Elijah on Mount Carmel, you know, show me, you know, give me a sign, show me. Greeks look for wisdom 00:04:45.819 --> 00:04:53.099 like their philosophers. And Dan in his book lists a whole load of Greek philosophers. Nick here could 00:04:53.099 --> 00:04:59.000 list Greek philosophers for you. I can't, so I'm not going to. And they find that it doesn't give them 00:04:59.000 --> 00:05:05.939 philosophical ideas like that either. It's not a sign that Jews are looking for and it's not the wisdom 00:05:05.939 --> 00:05:11.719 that the Greeks are looking for. In fact, the message of the cross subverts both of those ideas. 00:05:11.720 --> 00:05:17.500 It's a stumbling block. Look at verse 23. It's a stumbling block to Jews because it doesn't give 00:05:17.500 --> 00:05:22.020 them the signs or the power that they're looking for. And it is foolishness to the Greeks because 00:05:22.020 --> 00:05:27.180 it's not wise sounding in the way that Greek philosophy is. So the power is not in a display 00:05:27.180 --> 00:05:33.440 of wonder, but in the message of a man hanging naked on a Roman cross, you know, ashamed and cursed in 00:05:33.440 --> 00:05:41.200 Jewish tradition. It's an undermining, a subversion of the sign that Jews would be looking for. And it's not 00:05:41.199 --> 00:05:48.439 high sounding wisdom that Greeks like, but it is in simple sacrificial logic. It's foolishness 00:05:48.439 --> 00:05:52.579 to the Greek. It's, oh, what a terrible, terrible idea. I'm not really interested in that. 00:05:53.360 --> 00:05:59.159 So the gospel comes to both the Jew and the Greek culture and subverts its ideas. But it doesn't stop 00:05:59.159 --> 00:06:03.939 there, does it? Because look at verse 24. But to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, 00:06:03.939 --> 00:06:11.920 Christ, the power of God, and the wisdom of God. Do you see, this is brilliant, isn't it? The foolishness 00:06:11.920 --> 00:06:17.420 of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength. For the 00:06:17.420 --> 00:06:22.199 believer, Jew or Gentile, actually the wonder of the gospel is that it is the fulfillment of their 00:06:22.199 --> 00:06:29.079 expectations of both signs and power, and of wisdom. Power, because it takes what is weak and uses it to 00:06:29.079 --> 00:06:33.959 achieve what could never have been achieved. And wisdom, because it takes something we would never 00:06:33.959 --> 00:06:41.500 have come up with, and demonstrates it to be the greatest and most wise truth in the world. So it is 00:06:41.500 --> 00:06:50.680 the subversion, welcome, the subversion of false ideas and the fulfillment of true ideas. Do you get that 00:06:50.680 --> 00:07:00.519 idea, right? So this is how it works. It is foolishness and weakness, but is also power and wisdom as we see 00:07:00.519 --> 00:07:05.560 it. Now, what I want you to do, just with the person next to you for a couple of moments, is think, 00:07:05.660 --> 00:07:11.500 what is it that our culture is looking for in a message of salvation? And then think, how does the 00:07:11.500 --> 00:07:16.740 gospel subversively fulfill that, right? So what is it the gospel says, no, that's not quite right? 00:07:16.740 --> 00:07:22.300 And what does the gospel say that that's true? So maybe think, what is our culture looking for in 00:07:22.300 --> 00:07:28.259 a message of salvation? And then we'll feedback our ideas. Go for it. How have we been getting on? 00:07:30.060 --> 00:07:35.120 Anyone want to tell us what they discuss? What does our culture think it is looking for in a message 00:07:35.120 --> 00:07:46.319 of salvation? Go on, Teddy. Oh, okay, go on. Anyone, yeah, yeah, right, go on. 00:07:47.560 --> 00:07:52.120 We were looking at that last yesterday in March. Yes. 00:07:52.120 --> 00:07:52.120 00:07:52.120 --> 00:07:52.120 00:07:52.120 --> 00:07:52.120 00:07:52.120 --> 00:07:53.620 Yes. 00:07:53.620 --> 00:07:53.620 00:07:53.620 --> 00:07:53.620 00:07:53.620 --> 00:07:53.620 00:07:53.620 --> 00:07:53.620 00:07:53.620 --> 00:07:53.620 00:07:53.620 --> 00:07:53.620 00:07:53.620 --> 00:07:53.620 00:07:53.620 --> 00:07:53.620 00:07:53.620 --> 00:07:53.620 00:07:53.620 --> 00:07:53.620 00:07:53.620 --> 00:07:53.620 00:07:53.620 --> 00:07:53.620 00:07:53.620 --> 00:07:53.620 00:07:53.620 --> 00:07:53.620 00:07:53.620 --> 00:07:53.620 00:07:53.620 --> 00:07:53.620 00:07:53.620 --> 00:07:53.620 00:07:53.620 --> 00:07:53.620 00:07:53.620 --> 00:07:53.620 00:07:53.620 --> 00:07:53.620 00:07:53.620 --> 00:07:53.620 00:07:53.620 --> 00:07:53.620 00:07:53.620 --> 00:07:53.620 00:07:53.620 --> 00:07:53.620 00:07:53.620 --> 00:07:53.620 00:07:53.620 --> 00:07:53.620 00:07:53.620 --> 00:07:53.620 00:07:53.620 --> 00:07:53.620 00:07:53.620 --> 00:07:53.620 00:07:53.620 --> 00:07:53.620 00:07:53.620 --> 00:07:53.620 00:07:53.620 --> 00:07:53.620 00:07:53.620 --> 00:07:53.620 00:07:53.620 --> 00:07:53.620 00:07:53.620 --> 00:07:53.620 00:07:53.620 --> 00:07:58.259 Yes. 00:07:58.259 --> 00:07:58.300 Yes. 00:08:06.300 --> 00:08:07.100 Yes. 00:08:16.139 --> 00:08:16.860 Yes. 00:08:17.459 --> 00:08:18.560 Did everyone hear that? 00:08:19.180 --> 00:08:20.100 That's brilliant. 00:08:20.100 --> 00:08:24.180 So you saw, and actually that's going to be one of my examples later. 00:08:25.260 --> 00:08:33.840 Anyway, so you saw in the march yesterday this desire for sort of nationhood, belonging, 00:08:34.620 --> 00:08:41.180 an idea of identity and being part of something that's bigger and stronger in a community and all that sort of stuff. 00:08:42.040 --> 00:08:49.420 And the gospel comes and it sort of undermines that, yeah, or contradicts it, subverts it by saying, 00:08:49.419 --> 00:08:54.120 no, actually, that's not Great Britain that you're looking for and longing for. 00:08:54.379 --> 00:08:57.099 What you really want is the kingdom of God. 00:08:57.479 --> 00:09:04.000 And you get into that not through citizenship here, but through the message of the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. 00:09:04.159 --> 00:09:04.219 Yeah. 00:09:04.679 --> 00:09:08.000 And so that desire for being part of something is actually only fulfilled. 00:09:08.559 --> 00:09:09.360 You get it? 00:09:10.039 --> 00:09:10.919 Anybody else? 00:09:11.699 --> 00:09:12.019 Charleston? 00:09:12.019 --> 00:09:13.019 Yeah. 00:09:13.019 --> 00:09:14.019 Yeah. 00:09:28.419 --> 00:09:28.899 Yes. 00:09:29.399 --> 00:09:29.799 Okay. 00:09:29.939 --> 00:09:34.699 So what about the idea that our culture thinks that salvation is found in everybody being right? 00:09:35.460 --> 00:09:35.620 Yeah. 00:09:35.620 --> 00:09:35.659 Yeah. 00:09:36.320 --> 00:09:37.019 Nobody's wrong. 00:09:37.759 --> 00:09:38.440 Everybody's right. 00:09:38.440 --> 00:09:40.399 We all end up in the same place. 00:09:41.080 --> 00:09:43.419 How does the gospel subvert that? 00:09:43.500 --> 00:09:45.120 Well, it says there's only one way, right? 00:09:45.320 --> 00:09:46.500 And it's the Lord Jesus Christ. 00:09:47.039 --> 00:09:55.060 But actually, the idea that all kinds of different people from all nations and backgrounds and cultures can come that one way, 00:09:55.539 --> 00:09:57.080 it says, yeah, amen to that. 00:09:57.080 --> 00:10:03.000 Actually, if you want a really diverse place with all sorts of different cultures and all sorts of different people there, 00:10:03.300 --> 00:10:04.500 look at Revelation 7. 00:10:04.720 --> 00:10:07.680 Every tribe and language and nation and tongue is there, right? 00:10:07.680 --> 00:10:09.940 You don't get any more diverse than that. 00:10:10.160 --> 00:10:13.639 But they've all come the same one way through the Lord Jesus Christ. 00:10:14.020 --> 00:10:20.440 So it embraces the inclusivity, but it subverts the idea that you get inclusivity by telling everybody they're right. 00:10:21.100 --> 00:10:23.020 Because everybody's not right. 00:10:23.220 --> 00:10:23.759 Does that make sense? 00:10:24.200 --> 00:10:24.300 Yeah. 00:10:25.420 --> 00:10:26.220 Anyone else? 00:10:27.080 --> 00:10:29.580 I would say, I'm just saying, you're sharing. 00:10:29.740 --> 00:10:33.120 Because I was at a, I was at a family party yesterday. 00:10:34.100 --> 00:10:37.800 And it's a person who knows who knows I'm Christian. 00:10:38.600 --> 00:10:41.520 And it was playing a game where he asked questions. 00:10:41.639 --> 00:10:44.300 And their question was, if you have two questions, what was you asked? 00:10:44.720 --> 00:10:46.900 The first one was, what's the meaning of life? 00:10:47.000 --> 00:10:47.700 And if they're God. 00:10:48.000 --> 00:10:49.320 They know I'm Christian, they're good. 00:10:49.500 --> 00:10:49.780 Yeah. 00:10:49.780 --> 00:10:52.000 So I just thought, wow, that question. 00:10:52.140 --> 00:10:56.759 Because there were some people there saying, hey, the opportunity to really just share. 00:10:56.759 --> 00:10:59.399 But I say to Tanya, you know, I asked that. 00:10:59.399 --> 00:11:02.559 There's a stumbling block because of history. 00:11:03.399 --> 00:11:07.639 So I just think the sentence that you read, it's just foolishness to those who are perishing. 00:11:07.819 --> 00:11:11.720 Because people are looking for something that is relatable to them. 00:11:11.720 --> 00:11:14.360 And they're trying to track the fact that they're not going to be able to do anything. 00:11:14.360 --> 00:11:15.019 And they're trying to do the gospel. 00:11:15.300 --> 00:11:15.480 Yeah. 00:11:15.680 --> 00:11:19.220 But because they're required in the sea, it is just foolishness. 00:11:19.480 --> 00:11:19.600 Yeah. 00:11:19.660 --> 00:11:22.060 Because they're not able to assume that what they're people. 00:11:22.519 --> 00:11:25.279 And you talked about the Greeks and the... 00:11:25.279 --> 00:11:25.720 Jews. 00:11:25.860 --> 00:11:26.060 Yeah. 00:11:26.360 --> 00:11:26.580 Yeah. 00:11:26.840 --> 00:11:27.100 Yeah. 00:11:27.160 --> 00:11:28.480 No matter what culture. 00:11:28.980 --> 00:11:29.420 Yes. 00:11:30.220 --> 00:11:30.500 Yeah. 00:11:31.060 --> 00:11:31.320 Yeah. 00:11:31.519 --> 00:11:32.240 No, I think you're right. 00:11:32.360 --> 00:11:34.560 So lots of different cultures there. 00:11:34.559 --> 00:11:37.399 The gospel seems foolish to them. 00:11:37.579 --> 00:11:37.719 Yeah. 00:11:38.379 --> 00:11:40.519 I think there are loads of other examples you could have given. 00:11:40.639 --> 00:11:41.839 I don't know whether anyone wants to... 00:11:41.839 --> 00:11:42.179 Yeah, why not? 00:11:42.199 --> 00:11:43.679 I'll give you another couple of seconds. 00:11:44.459 --> 00:11:45.759 Spirituality and transcendence. 00:11:45.859 --> 00:11:48.559 But before that overlaps with meaning and purpose, then I did. 00:11:48.839 --> 00:11:49.019 Yeah. 00:11:49.099 --> 00:11:49.319 Go on. 00:11:49.359 --> 00:11:52.319 Just say what you mean by spirituality and transcendence. 00:11:52.319 --> 00:11:55.319 So people are looking like... 00:11:56.140 --> 00:12:00.020 Well, I mean, like they're looking for like UFOs. 00:12:00.020 --> 00:12:00.700 Right. 00:12:00.700 --> 00:12:03.720 Also things like what they call meditation. 00:12:04.120 --> 00:12:04.340 Yeah. 00:12:04.820 --> 00:12:05.140 Yeah. 00:12:05.140 --> 00:12:05.140 00:12:05.140 --> 00:12:06.940 Yeah. 00:12:06.940 --> 00:12:08.140 Yeah. 00:12:11.000 --> 00:12:12.040 Yeah. 00:12:15.400 --> 00:12:15.400 00:12:15.400 --> 00:12:20.400 Yeah. 00:12:20.399 --> 00:12:23.720 some sort of spiritual thing 00:12:23.720 --> 00:12:24.379 on the line 00:12:24.379 --> 00:12:25.860 to give meaning to purpose 00:12:25.860 --> 00:12:26.659 and meaning to life. 00:12:26.899 --> 00:12:27.139 Yeah. 00:12:27.980 --> 00:12:28.379 Absolutely. 00:12:28.539 --> 00:12:29.000 So, right, 00:12:29.059 --> 00:12:31.340 there's a desire built into everybody 00:12:31.340 --> 00:12:33.379 for a sort of spiritual experience, 00:12:33.899 --> 00:12:34.059 yeah, 00:12:34.139 --> 00:12:36.159 and so we go looking for it 00:12:36.159 --> 00:12:37.019 in all sorts of different places, 00:12:37.159 --> 00:12:38.220 particularly looking for it 00:12:38.220 --> 00:12:39.480 internally somehow, 00:12:39.740 --> 00:12:40.259 and actually, 00:12:41.179 --> 00:12:41.519 again, 00:12:41.519 --> 00:12:42.340 the Bible's answer is, 00:12:42.439 --> 00:12:42.459 no, 00:12:42.559 --> 00:12:43.100 yes, 00:12:43.179 --> 00:12:44.860 you are a spiritual person, 00:12:45.019 --> 00:12:46.460 but you are made for a relationship 00:12:46.460 --> 00:12:47.620 with the God who made you 00:12:47.620 --> 00:12:48.699 through the Lord Jesus Christ 00:12:48.699 --> 00:12:49.559 in the power of the Spirit, 00:12:49.559 --> 00:12:51.819 and so it both says, 00:12:51.979 --> 00:12:52.179 yes, 00:12:52.239 --> 00:12:52.739 you're spiritual, 00:12:52.879 --> 00:12:53.159 but no, 00:12:53.219 --> 00:12:54.819 you don't go looking there. 00:12:56.059 --> 00:12:57.359 I think you can do the same for it, 00:12:57.419 --> 00:12:58.699 like things like comfort 00:12:58.699 --> 00:13:03.139 or material success 00:13:03.139 --> 00:13:04.879 or family 00:13:04.879 --> 00:13:06.059 or, you know, 00:13:06.079 --> 00:13:06.679 any of these things 00:13:06.679 --> 00:13:07.919 that people think is like salvation. 00:13:08.000 --> 00:13:09.759 Salvation is getting married 00:13:09.759 --> 00:13:11.519 or salvation is having a family 00:13:11.519 --> 00:13:13.359 or salvation is getting a good job 00:13:13.359 --> 00:13:14.959 or salvation is owning a home 00:13:14.959 --> 00:13:16.219 or any of those things. 00:13:16.319 --> 00:13:18.619 You can see how the gospel subverts that 00:13:18.619 --> 00:13:19.039 because it says, 00:13:19.039 --> 00:13:19.199 no, 00:13:19.240 --> 00:13:19.500 actually, 00:13:19.579 --> 00:13:21.159 you will not find salvation there, 00:13:21.579 --> 00:13:23.279 but it fulfills it. 00:13:23.539 --> 00:13:24.879 So it undermines the ideas, 00:13:24.980 --> 00:13:26.379 but it fulfills the aspirations 00:13:26.379 --> 00:13:28.219 as they are shaped by common grace, 00:13:28.659 --> 00:13:28.839 saying, 00:13:28.919 --> 00:13:29.139 actually, 00:13:29.219 --> 00:13:29.339 no, 00:13:29.379 --> 00:13:31.500 you're made for the family of God. 00:13:32.120 --> 00:13:34.719 Your home is in the presence of the Lord. 00:13:34.720 --> 00:13:35.279 Okay. 00:13:35.279 --> 00:13:36.580 So in people's mind, 00:13:36.720 --> 00:13:37.960 it says subjective thing, 00:13:38.060 --> 00:13:38.220 right? 00:13:38.320 --> 00:13:39.500 Everyone has to go on 00:13:39.500 --> 00:13:40.500 definition, 00:13:40.700 --> 00:13:40.860 whatever. 00:13:40.860 --> 00:13:41.659 Yeah, 00:13:41.720 --> 00:13:43.820 so everyone will think of salvation 00:13:43.820 --> 00:13:45.039 in different ways, 00:13:45.100 --> 00:13:45.460 won't they? 00:13:45.820 --> 00:13:46.680 And we're going to come 00:13:46.680 --> 00:13:47.419 and talk about, 00:13:48.039 --> 00:13:51.200 so how this links with presenting the gospel as well. 00:13:51.539 --> 00:13:52.480 And we're going to do that now. 00:13:52.600 --> 00:13:53.560 So let's keep moving 00:13:53.560 --> 00:13:54.860 because it's quarter past seven. 00:13:54.860 --> 00:13:56.759 So one of the really helpful things 00:13:56.759 --> 00:13:57.960 that Dan does in the book 00:13:57.960 --> 00:13:59.659 is sort of slow down on this 00:13:59.659 --> 00:14:01.340 and give a four-step approach 00:14:01.340 --> 00:14:03.519 to this idea of cultural engagement. 00:14:04.100 --> 00:14:05.460 And he does it from Acts 17. 00:14:05.860 --> 00:14:07.600 So turn to Acts 17 if you want to. 00:14:07.659 --> 00:14:08.340 It's just on your handout 00:14:08.340 --> 00:14:09.779 if that will speed you up. 00:14:09.860 --> 00:14:10.800 Acts 17, 00:14:11.460 --> 00:14:12.519 verse 16. 00:14:12.519 --> 00:14:14.559 So this is Paul in Athens 00:14:14.559 --> 00:14:17.579 speaking on the Areopagus 00:14:17.579 --> 00:14:20.000 to the Athenians 00:14:20.000 --> 00:14:21.819 who love to listen to good ideas. 00:14:22.000 --> 00:14:23.000 Put your hands up if you've been there. 00:14:23.460 --> 00:14:23.899 Have you been there? 00:14:23.980 --> 00:14:24.500 Yeah, you see. 00:14:24.759 --> 00:14:25.819 I knew a few of you would be there. 00:14:26.639 --> 00:14:27.539 It's worth going 00:14:27.539 --> 00:14:29.759 if you've not ever been to Athens. 00:14:30.740 --> 00:14:33.000 While Paul was waiting for them in Athens, 00:14:33.240 --> 00:14:34.579 he was greatly distressed 00:14:34.579 --> 00:14:36.399 to see that the city was full of idols. 00:14:37.259 --> 00:14:38.720 So he reasoned in the synagogue 00:14:38.720 --> 00:14:41.539 with both Jews and God-fearing Greeks 00:14:41.539 --> 00:14:43.099 as well as in the marketplace 00:14:43.099 --> 00:14:44.240 day by day 00:14:44.240 --> 00:14:46.539 with those who had happened to be there. 00:14:47.240 --> 00:14:48.539 A group of Epicurean 00:14:48.539 --> 00:14:49.779 and Stoic philosophers 00:14:49.779 --> 00:14:51.019 began to debate with him. 00:14:51.360 --> 00:14:52.000 Some of them asked, 00:14:52.379 --> 00:14:54.339 what is this babbler trying to say? 00:14:54.759 --> 00:14:55.539 Others remarked, 00:14:55.539 --> 00:14:57.959 he seems to be advocating foreign gods. 00:14:58.639 --> 00:14:59.939 They said this because Paul 00:14:59.939 --> 00:15:01.480 was preaching the good news 00:15:01.480 --> 00:15:03.279 about Jesus and the resurrection. 00:15:04.480 --> 00:15:05.939 Then they took him 00:15:05.939 --> 00:15:07.539 and brought him to a meeting 00:15:07.539 --> 00:15:08.500 of the Areopagus 00:15:08.500 --> 00:15:10.199 where they said to him, 00:15:10.200 --> 00:15:12.720 may we know what this new teaching is 00:15:12.720 --> 00:15:13.540 that you are presenting. 00:15:13.900 --> 00:15:16.020 You are bringing some strange ideas 00:15:16.020 --> 00:15:16.740 to our ears 00:15:16.740 --> 00:15:17.660 and we would like to know 00:15:17.660 --> 00:15:18.360 what they mean. 00:15:19.000 --> 00:15:20.220 All the Athenians 00:15:20.220 --> 00:15:22.420 and the foreigners who lived there 00:15:22.420 --> 00:15:24.000 spent their time doing nothing 00:15:24.000 --> 00:15:25.200 but talking about 00:15:25.200 --> 00:15:28.160 and listening to the latest ideas. 00:15:29.240 --> 00:15:30.800 Paul then stood up 00:15:30.800 --> 00:15:32.120 in the meeting of the Areopagus 00:15:32.120 --> 00:15:32.920 and said, 00:15:33.360 --> 00:15:34.120 people of Athens, 00:15:34.600 --> 00:15:36.160 I see that in every way 00:15:36.160 --> 00:15:37.240 you are very religious, 00:15:37.240 --> 00:15:38.980 for as I walked around 00:15:38.980 --> 00:15:39.779 and looked carefully 00:15:39.779 --> 00:15:40.899 at your objects of worship, 00:15:41.240 --> 00:15:42.399 I even found an altar 00:15:42.399 --> 00:15:43.379 with this inscription, 00:15:43.680 --> 00:15:45.360 to an unknown god. 00:15:46.000 --> 00:15:46.440 So, 00:15:46.840 --> 00:15:47.659 you are ignorant 00:15:47.659 --> 00:15:48.919 of the very thing you worship 00:15:48.919 --> 00:15:50.840 and this is what I am going 00:15:50.840 --> 00:15:51.779 to proclaim to you. 00:15:52.159 --> 00:15:53.580 The God who made the world 00:15:53.580 --> 00:15:54.519 and everything in it 00:15:54.519 --> 00:15:56.120 is the Lord of heaven and earth 00:15:56.120 --> 00:15:57.560 and does not live in temples 00:15:57.560 --> 00:15:59.639 built by human hands. 00:16:00.120 --> 00:16:01.840 He is not served by human hands 00:16:01.840 --> 00:16:03.240 as if he needed anything. 00:16:03.700 --> 00:16:04.000 Rather, 00:16:04.240 --> 00:16:05.840 he himself 00:16:05.840 --> 00:16:07.259 gives everyone 00:16:07.259 --> 00:16:08.240 life and breath 00:16:08.240 --> 00:16:09.360 and everything else. 00:16:09.799 --> 00:16:10.560 From one man 00:16:10.560 --> 00:16:12.039 he made all the nations 00:16:12.039 --> 00:16:13.600 that they should inhabit 00:16:13.600 --> 00:16:15.220 the whole earth 00:16:15.220 --> 00:16:16.639 and he marked out 00:16:16.639 --> 00:16:17.940 their appointed times 00:16:17.940 --> 00:16:18.659 in history 00:16:18.659 --> 00:16:19.480 and the boundaries 00:16:19.480 --> 00:16:20.399 of their lands. 00:16:21.060 --> 00:16:21.639 God did this 00:16:21.639 --> 00:16:22.759 so that they would seek him 00:16:22.759 --> 00:16:24.399 and perhaps reach out for him 00:16:24.399 --> 00:16:25.200 and find him 00:16:25.200 --> 00:16:26.379 though he is not far 00:16:26.379 --> 00:16:27.539 from any one of us 00:16:27.539 --> 00:16:28.680 for in him 00:16:28.680 --> 00:16:29.340 we live 00:16:29.340 --> 00:16:30.080 and move 00:16:30.080 --> 00:16:30.919 and have our being. 00:16:31.779 --> 00:16:33.100 And some of your own poets 00:16:33.100 --> 00:16:33.560 have said 00:16:33.560 --> 00:16:36.720 we are his offspring. 00:16:37.860 --> 00:16:38.220 Therefore, 00:16:38.420 --> 00:16:39.700 since we are God's offspring 00:16:39.700 --> 00:16:40.620 we should not think 00:16:40.620 --> 00:16:41.740 that the divine being 00:16:41.740 --> 00:16:42.540 is like gold 00:16:42.540 --> 00:16:43.139 or silver 00:16:43.139 --> 00:16:43.740 or stone 00:16:43.740 --> 00:16:44.279 an image 00:16:44.279 --> 00:16:46.100 made by human design 00:16:46.100 --> 00:16:46.680 and skill. 00:16:47.080 --> 00:16:47.580 In the past 00:16:47.580 --> 00:16:48.180 God overlooked 00:16:48.180 --> 00:16:48.840 such ignorance 00:16:48.840 --> 00:16:49.960 but now he commands 00:16:49.960 --> 00:16:51.100 all people everywhere 00:16:51.100 --> 00:16:51.759 to repent 00:16:51.759 --> 00:16:54.159 for he has set a day 00:16:54.159 --> 00:16:55.460 when he will judge 00:16:55.460 --> 00:16:56.540 the world with justice 00:16:56.540 --> 00:16:57.240 by the man 00:16:57.240 --> 00:16:58.259 he has appointed. 00:16:58.899 --> 00:16:59.899 He has given proof 00:16:59.899 --> 00:17:00.399 to this 00:17:00.399 --> 00:17:01.519 to everyone 00:17:01.519 --> 00:17:02.500 by raising him 00:17:02.500 --> 00:17:03.120 from the dead. 00:17:03.840 --> 00:17:04.460 When they heard 00:17:04.460 --> 00:17:05.240 about the resurrection 00:17:05.240 --> 00:17:05.700 of the dead 00:17:05.700 --> 00:17:06.619 some of them sneered 00:17:06.619 --> 00:17:07.279 but others said 00:17:07.279 --> 00:17:09.119 we want to hear you again 00:17:09.119 --> 00:17:09.900 on this subject. 00:17:10.639 --> 00:17:11.019 At that 00:17:11.019 --> 00:17:12.019 Paul left the council. 00:17:12.279 --> 00:17:12.799 Some of the people 00:17:12.799 --> 00:17:14.220 became followers of Paul 00:17:14.220 --> 00:17:14.720 and believed. 00:17:14.859 --> 00:17:15.240 Among them 00:17:15.240 --> 00:17:16.000 was Diosenes 00:17:16.000 --> 00:17:17.500 a member of the Areopagus 00:17:17.500 --> 00:17:18.339 and also a woman 00:17:18.339 --> 00:17:19.119 named Demarius 00:17:19.119 --> 00:17:20.259 and a number 00:17:20.259 --> 00:17:21.299 of others. 00:17:23.039 --> 00:17:23.979 Now notice 00:17:23.979 --> 00:17:24.839 before we get into 00:17:24.839 --> 00:17:25.419 the presentation 00:17:25.419 --> 00:17:26.079 to the Areopagus 00:17:26.079 --> 00:17:26.939 notice that 00:17:26.939 --> 00:17:28.039 Paul was preaching 00:17:28.039 --> 00:17:28.559 the gospel. 00:17:28.799 --> 00:17:29.419 That's what he's doing 00:17:29.419 --> 00:17:30.179 verse 18. 00:17:30.719 --> 00:17:31.839 Dan is really careful 00:17:31.839 --> 00:17:32.479 to point out 00:17:32.479 --> 00:17:33.279 and you must hold on 00:17:33.279 --> 00:17:33.559 to this 00:17:33.559 --> 00:17:33.979 theologically 00:17:33.979 --> 00:17:34.899 this is very important 00:17:34.899 --> 00:17:35.799 and actually practically 00:17:35.799 --> 00:17:36.559 it's really important 00:17:36.559 --> 00:17:38.279 that cultural engagement 00:17:38.279 --> 00:17:39.199 is not an excuse 00:17:39.199 --> 00:17:40.119 for not preaching 00:17:40.119 --> 00:17:40.699 the gospel. 00:17:41.379 --> 00:17:41.859 In a sense 00:17:41.859 --> 00:17:42.419 what you're doing 00:17:42.419 --> 00:17:43.319 is clearing away 00:17:43.319 --> 00:17:43.919 the ground 00:17:43.919 --> 00:17:45.019 in order to preach 00:17:45.019 --> 00:17:45.500 the gospel 00:17:45.500 --> 00:17:46.919 and being able 00:17:46.919 --> 00:17:47.879 to explain it 00:17:47.880 --> 00:17:48.500 in a way that people 00:17:48.500 --> 00:17:49.120 can understand 00:17:49.120 --> 00:17:49.900 and connect with. 00:17:50.760 --> 00:17:52.580 So it's in the context 00:17:52.580 --> 00:17:53.240 of preaching 00:17:53.240 --> 00:17:54.100 to the people of Athens 00:17:54.100 --> 00:17:54.900 about Jesus 00:17:54.900 --> 00:17:56.580 that people have questions 00:17:56.580 --> 00:17:57.720 about what Paul means 00:17:57.720 --> 00:17:58.680 and how it all fits together. 00:17:58.780 --> 00:17:59.280 They call him 00:17:59.280 --> 00:17:59.980 a babbler 00:17:59.980 --> 00:18:00.880 in verse 18 00:18:00.880 --> 00:18:02.020 which the book 00:18:02.020 --> 00:18:02.520 will tell you 00:18:02.520 --> 00:18:02.820 in Greek 00:18:02.820 --> 00:18:04.440 means a seed pecker 00:18:04.440 --> 00:18:05.040 someone who's 00:18:05.040 --> 00:18:06.660 just got little 00:18:06.660 --> 00:18:07.920 disconnected ideas 00:18:07.920 --> 00:18:08.420 and dots 00:18:08.420 --> 00:18:09.460 that don't fit together. 00:18:10.300 --> 00:18:11.100 And in that context 00:18:11.100 --> 00:18:12.100 Paul gives a presentation 00:18:12.100 --> 00:18:13.220 in verse 22 00:18:13.220 --> 00:18:14.180 to the Areopagus 00:18:14.180 --> 00:18:14.960 which is the place 00:18:14.960 --> 00:18:15.660 where everyone goes 00:18:15.660 --> 00:18:16.040 to debate 00:18:16.040 --> 00:18:17.080 the latest ideas. 00:18:17.879 --> 00:18:19.319 And Dan points out 00:18:19.319 --> 00:18:19.839 in his book 00:18:19.839 --> 00:18:21.220 four steps 00:18:21.220 --> 00:18:23.919 in Paul's presentation 00:18:23.919 --> 00:18:24.279 there. 00:18:24.439 --> 00:18:24.919 Firstly 00:18:24.919 --> 00:18:25.679 entering. 00:18:27.199 --> 00:18:27.839 So Paul 00:18:27.839 --> 00:18:28.819 the first thing he does 00:18:28.819 --> 00:18:30.019 is step into their world 00:18:30.019 --> 00:18:31.699 he listens to their story 00:18:31.699 --> 00:18:33.059 he's been walking around 00:18:33.059 --> 00:18:34.319 and carefully looking 00:18:34.319 --> 00:18:35.119 at the objects 00:18:35.119 --> 00:18:35.699 of worship. 00:18:36.519 --> 00:18:38.099 Paul is not hiding out 00:18:38.099 --> 00:18:38.779 in Athens 00:18:38.779 --> 00:18:39.480 in a corner 00:18:39.480 --> 00:18:40.579 and praying 00:18:40.579 --> 00:18:41.799 but he's walking 00:18:41.799 --> 00:18:42.279 looking 00:18:42.279 --> 00:18:43.480 seeing what's going on 00:18:43.480 --> 00:18:44.519 and he's engaged 00:18:44.519 --> 00:18:45.379 in where he is. 00:18:45.380 --> 00:18:47.440 Dan suggests 00:18:47.440 --> 00:18:48.200 sort of 00:18:48.200 --> 00:18:49.100 thinking through 00:18:49.100 --> 00:18:49.840 some basic 00:18:49.840 --> 00:18:50.740 kind of questions 00:18:50.740 --> 00:18:51.260 what is it 00:18:51.260 --> 00:18:52.260 that's being said 00:18:52.260 --> 00:18:52.720 here? 00:18:53.320 --> 00:18:54.400 Who is saying it? 00:18:54.480 --> 00:18:55.860 Who are they saying it to? 00:18:56.680 --> 00:18:57.360 That kind of thing 00:18:57.360 --> 00:18:58.680 entering into the world. 00:18:59.200 --> 00:19:00.160 The next step 00:19:00.160 --> 00:19:01.220 is exploring 00:19:01.220 --> 00:19:02.840 back in Acts 17 00:19:02.840 --> 00:19:03.500 that's what you see 00:19:03.500 --> 00:19:03.740 happening 00:19:03.740 --> 00:19:04.860 notice that Paul 00:19:04.860 --> 00:19:06.040 is looking for the stories 00:19:06.040 --> 00:19:07.060 for things to affirm 00:19:07.060 --> 00:19:08.600 and also the idols 00:19:08.600 --> 00:19:09.600 that are behind them. 00:19:10.240 --> 00:19:10.840 So he says 00:19:10.839 --> 00:19:12.299 I see that in every way 00:19:12.299 --> 00:19:13.399 you are very religious 00:19:13.399 --> 00:19:15.199 noticing that they have 00:19:15.199 --> 00:19:16.259 lots and lots of idols 00:19:16.259 --> 00:19:17.179 including an idol 00:19:17.179 --> 00:19:18.699 to the unknown gods. 00:19:19.819 --> 00:19:20.859 Now that's obviously 00:19:20.859 --> 00:19:21.659 not a good thing 00:19:21.659 --> 00:19:22.539 to have idols 00:19:22.539 --> 00:19:23.019 that are made 00:19:23.019 --> 00:19:23.779 to unknown gods 00:19:23.779 --> 00:19:24.859 but it does point 00:19:24.859 --> 00:19:26.259 to a religious hunger 00:19:26.259 --> 00:19:27.740 which provides 00:19:27.740 --> 00:19:29.039 Paul with a hook 00:19:29.039 --> 00:19:30.319 to hang his ideas on. 00:19:31.359 --> 00:19:32.379 Dan calls this step 00:19:32.379 --> 00:19:34.039 exploring x-ray glasses 00:19:34.039 --> 00:19:35.319 wanting not just to see 00:19:35.319 --> 00:19:36.539 what's happening 00:19:36.539 --> 00:19:37.500 but to think about 00:19:37.500 --> 00:19:38.959 why is it happening? 00:19:38.960 --> 00:19:40.940 Why do they have an idol 00:19:40.940 --> 00:19:42.220 to an unknown god? 00:19:42.600 --> 00:19:43.579 It's because there is 00:19:43.579 --> 00:19:44.960 a deep religious hunger 00:19:44.960 --> 00:19:45.819 that they recognize 00:19:45.819 --> 00:19:47.500 is still yet unsatisfied 00:19:47.500 --> 00:19:49.640 and that's worth exploring 00:19:49.640 --> 00:19:50.980 and thinking about some more. 00:19:53.740 --> 00:19:55.579 Remembering that human beings 00:19:55.579 --> 00:19:56.799 build cultures 00:19:56.799 --> 00:19:57.799 that if you remember 00:19:57.799 --> 00:19:58.400 from last week 00:19:58.400 --> 00:19:59.480 flow out of our 00:19:59.480 --> 00:20:00.620 deep held beliefs 00:20:00.620 --> 00:20:01.180 about life 00:20:01.180 --> 00:20:01.920 and what it's for. 00:20:02.079 --> 00:20:02.600 So culture 00:20:02.600 --> 00:20:04.920 is this sort of expression 00:20:04.920 --> 00:20:05.940 of the stories 00:20:05.940 --> 00:20:07.140 or the stories 00:20:07.140 --> 00:20:08.019 that tell what we 00:20:08.019 --> 00:20:09.200 deeply believe. 00:20:10.200 --> 00:20:10.759 So what is it 00:20:10.759 --> 00:20:11.559 that has been taken 00:20:11.559 --> 00:20:12.539 to be a good thing? 00:20:13.519 --> 00:20:15.279 What has been turned 00:20:15.279 --> 00:20:15.980 from a good thing 00:20:15.980 --> 00:20:17.359 into being an object 00:20:17.359 --> 00:20:18.079 of worship 00:20:18.079 --> 00:20:18.920 and an idol? 00:20:19.420 --> 00:20:20.279 Where is the story 00:20:20.279 --> 00:20:20.740 of the gospel 00:20:20.740 --> 00:20:21.400 being twisted? 00:20:22.720 --> 00:20:23.619 So here in Acts 17 00:20:23.619 --> 00:20:24.379 it's clear that 00:20:24.379 --> 00:20:25.500 this being made 00:20:25.500 --> 00:20:26.799 for the divine 00:20:26.799 --> 00:20:28.039 and this God-shaped hole 00:20:28.039 --> 00:20:28.759 has been filled 00:20:28.759 --> 00:20:30.019 by man-made idols. 00:20:30.819 --> 00:20:31.339 So explore. 00:20:31.599 --> 00:20:32.379 Next, expose. 00:20:32.599 --> 00:20:33.099 Notice again 00:20:33.099 --> 00:20:34.619 what Paul says 00:20:34.619 --> 00:20:35.799 in verse 23. 00:20:35.799 --> 00:20:37.039 As I walked around 00:20:37.039 --> 00:20:38.039 and looked carefully 00:20:38.039 --> 00:20:38.599 at your objects 00:20:38.599 --> 00:20:39.039 of worship 00:20:39.039 --> 00:20:40.539 I even found 00:20:40.539 --> 00:20:40.919 an altar 00:20:40.919 --> 00:20:41.700 with this inscription 00:20:41.700 --> 00:20:42.680 to an unknown God. 00:20:43.619 --> 00:20:45.359 So he's done exploring 00:20:45.359 --> 00:20:48.019 and he then goes 00:20:48.019 --> 00:20:48.859 straight for confrontation 00:20:48.859 --> 00:20:49.419 doesn't he? 00:20:49.500 --> 00:20:50.379 So you are ignorant 00:20:50.379 --> 00:20:51.159 of the very thing 00:20:51.159 --> 00:20:51.759 you worship 00:20:51.759 --> 00:20:52.700 and this is what 00:20:52.700 --> 00:20:53.559 I'm going to proclaim 00:20:53.559 --> 00:20:54.039 to you. 00:20:55.039 --> 00:20:55.899 They've been thinking 00:20:55.899 --> 00:20:56.779 about God all wrong. 00:20:56.899 --> 00:20:57.440 They are ignorant 00:20:57.440 --> 00:20:58.139 of the truth 00:20:58.139 --> 00:20:59.940 and their idols 00:20:59.940 --> 00:21:00.680 are destructive. 00:21:01.259 --> 00:21:02.039 So says Paul 00:21:02.039 --> 00:21:02.899 in verse 29. 00:21:02.900 --> 00:21:03.420 Therefore, 00:21:03.980 --> 00:21:04.700 since we are 00:21:04.700 --> 00:21:05.300 God's offspring 00:21:05.300 --> 00:21:06.120 we should not think 00:21:06.120 --> 00:21:06.940 that divine being 00:21:06.940 --> 00:21:07.620 is like gold 00:21:07.620 --> 00:21:08.480 or silver or stone 00:21:08.480 --> 00:21:09.100 an image made 00:21:09.100 --> 00:21:10.100 by human design 00:21:10.100 --> 00:21:10.700 and skill. 00:21:13.019 --> 00:21:14.720 Dan here quotes 00:21:14.720 --> 00:21:15.500 Ted Turnow 00:21:15.500 --> 00:21:16.380 who we met last week 00:21:16.380 --> 00:21:16.759 as well 00:21:16.759 --> 00:21:17.519 and says that 00:21:17.519 --> 00:21:18.340 here what you're doing 00:21:18.340 --> 00:21:18.840 is showing 00:21:18.840 --> 00:21:20.480 the explanatory poverty 00:21:20.480 --> 00:21:21.960 of the idols 00:21:21.960 --> 00:21:24.540 that you see around you. 00:21:25.220 --> 00:21:25.780 Do you really think 00:21:25.780 --> 00:21:26.500 that you can carve 00:21:26.500 --> 00:21:27.220 an image of God? 00:21:27.780 --> 00:21:28.420 Do you really think 00:21:28.420 --> 00:21:29.080 you can make God 00:21:29.080 --> 00:21:29.660 out of gold? 00:21:29.960 --> 00:21:30.540 How's that working 00:21:30.540 --> 00:21:31.000 for you? 00:21:31.000 --> 00:21:34.339 Or today maybe. 00:21:34.740 --> 00:21:35.200 Do you think 00:21:35.200 --> 00:21:36.119 that the blind forces 00:21:36.119 --> 00:21:36.559 of chance 00:21:36.559 --> 00:21:37.539 that created everything 00:21:37.539 --> 00:21:40.099 how's that working out? 00:21:40.200 --> 00:21:40.460 Really? 00:21:40.619 --> 00:21:41.319 Is that what you think? 00:21:43.160 --> 00:21:43.700 I think often 00:21:43.700 --> 00:21:46.519 we can miss this step 00:21:46.519 --> 00:21:47.539 because we want to get 00:21:47.539 --> 00:21:48.559 straight to a gospel 00:21:48.559 --> 00:21:49.220 presentation 00:21:49.220 --> 00:21:50.200 but actually what Paul 00:21:50.200 --> 00:21:51.339 is doing here 00:21:51.339 --> 00:21:51.960 is saying to us 00:21:51.960 --> 00:21:52.880 it's really worth 00:21:52.880 --> 00:21:54.240 asking some good questions 00:21:54.240 --> 00:21:56.480 exposing the poverty 00:21:56.480 --> 00:21:58.480 of people's thinking 00:21:58.480 --> 00:21:59.259 and of the ideas 00:21:59.259 --> 00:21:59.920 of our world. 00:21:59.920 --> 00:22:00.980 and then finally 00:22:00.980 --> 00:22:02.039 evangelizing. 00:22:02.840 --> 00:22:03.519 Dan calls this 00:22:03.519 --> 00:22:05.039 showing off the gospel 00:22:05.039 --> 00:22:07.220 as the subversive fulfillment 00:22:07.220 --> 00:22:08.060 of what you were looking 00:22:08.060 --> 00:22:09.320 for in the first place. 00:22:10.279 --> 00:22:11.039 So at the end 00:22:11.039 --> 00:22:12.620 of verse 23 00:22:12.620 --> 00:22:13.620 he introduces 00:22:13.620 --> 00:22:14.340 his presentation 00:22:14.340 --> 00:22:14.779 of the gospel 00:22:14.779 --> 00:22:15.340 the very thing 00:22:15.340 --> 00:22:16.279 that you're ignorant of 00:22:16.279 --> 00:22:17.259 I am going to proclaim 00:22:17.259 --> 00:22:17.759 to you. 00:22:18.500 --> 00:22:19.620 Actually you've demonstrated 00:22:19.620 --> 00:22:20.160 that you're ignorant 00:22:20.160 --> 00:22:20.580 of the thing 00:22:20.580 --> 00:22:21.259 that you want to worship 00:22:21.259 --> 00:22:22.660 let me show you 00:22:22.660 --> 00:22:23.740 what God is like 00:22:23.740 --> 00:22:24.720 let me show you 00:22:24.720 --> 00:22:25.320 that God is the one 00:22:25.320 --> 00:22:26.100 who made you 00:22:26.100 --> 00:22:27.860 who sustains you 00:22:27.859 --> 00:22:29.319 in him we live 00:22:29.319 --> 00:22:30.359 and have our being 00:22:30.359 --> 00:22:32.240 one day we will stand 00:22:32.240 --> 00:22:33.039 before him 00:22:33.039 --> 00:22:34.539 a fact that's proven 00:22:34.539 --> 00:22:35.519 by Jesus' resurrection 00:22:35.519 --> 00:22:36.279 from the dead 00:22:36.279 --> 00:22:37.679 which then sparks 00:22:37.679 --> 00:22:38.279 the response 00:22:38.279 --> 00:22:39.199 of verse 32 00:22:39.199 --> 00:22:40.139 where some people 00:22:40.139 --> 00:22:41.000 believe 00:22:41.000 --> 00:22:41.879 and other people 00:22:41.879 --> 00:22:44.019 reject and wander off. 00:22:46.359 --> 00:22:47.339 There's an example 00:22:47.339 --> 00:22:48.959 in his book 00:22:48.959 --> 00:22:50.240 of someone 00:22:50.240 --> 00:22:51.599 doing this kind of work 00:22:51.599 --> 00:22:53.439 in a more contemporary setting 00:22:53.439 --> 00:22:54.579 and so let me read it to you 00:22:54.579 --> 00:22:55.980 and then we'll think 00:22:55.980 --> 00:22:56.980 about how this works 00:22:56.980 --> 00:22:57.679 out for us. 00:22:59.019 --> 00:23:00.899 This is a former student 00:23:00.899 --> 00:23:01.639 of Dan's 00:23:01.639 --> 00:23:02.539 who wrote him 00:23:02.539 --> 00:23:03.019 an email 00:23:03.019 --> 00:23:03.759 he says this 00:23:03.759 --> 00:23:04.819 I was recently asked 00:23:04.819 --> 00:23:06.299 to talk about faith 00:23:06.299 --> 00:23:06.779 to a group 00:23:06.779 --> 00:23:08.220 of professional sportsmen. 00:23:09.359 --> 00:23:10.899 I began by exploring 00:23:10.899 --> 00:23:12.099 the issue of identity 00:23:12.099 --> 00:23:13.619 and tried to highlight 00:23:13.619 --> 00:23:14.659 how their impression 00:23:14.659 --> 00:23:15.319 of themselves 00:23:15.319 --> 00:23:16.720 has been determined 00:23:16.720 --> 00:23:17.939 by the opinion 00:23:17.939 --> 00:23:18.639 of others 00:23:18.639 --> 00:23:20.139 from a very early age. 00:23:20.839 --> 00:23:22.220 Teachers, coaches, 00:23:22.779 --> 00:23:23.679 age group coaches, 00:23:23.680 --> 00:23:25.180 professional coaches, 00:23:25.680 --> 00:23:26.660 international coaches, 00:23:27.200 --> 00:23:28.519 media and fans. 00:23:29.200 --> 00:23:29.720 In the eyes 00:23:29.720 --> 00:23:30.420 of these people 00:23:30.420 --> 00:23:31.120 their value 00:23:31.120 --> 00:23:31.700 is determined 00:23:31.700 --> 00:23:32.700 by their performance. 00:23:33.640 --> 00:23:34.460 I tried to get them 00:23:34.460 --> 00:23:34.960 to see 00:23:34.960 --> 00:23:36.620 that tying their joy 00:23:36.620 --> 00:23:37.580 or satisfaction 00:23:37.580 --> 00:23:38.340 or ultimately 00:23:38.340 --> 00:23:39.060 their identity 00:23:39.060 --> 00:23:40.080 to these things 00:23:40.080 --> 00:23:41.519 is a volatile thing 00:23:41.519 --> 00:23:42.460 that leaves them 00:23:42.460 --> 00:23:43.180 very vulnerable. 00:23:44.000 --> 00:23:44.740 One of the players 00:23:44.740 --> 00:23:45.640 said that he agreed 00:23:45.640 --> 00:23:46.100 with this 00:23:46.100 --> 00:23:47.320 and it was why 00:23:47.320 --> 00:23:48.039 he didn't put 00:23:48.039 --> 00:23:49.220 all his eggs 00:23:49.220 --> 00:23:50.360 in the sport basket. 00:23:51.019 --> 00:23:51.920 His faith 00:23:51.920 --> 00:23:52.940 was his family. 00:23:52.940 --> 00:23:54.500 I then explored 00:23:54.500 --> 00:23:55.460 how that too 00:23:55.460 --> 00:23:56.080 will ultimately 00:23:56.080 --> 00:23:56.920 leave you vulnerable. 00:23:58.120 --> 00:23:58.500 From there 00:23:58.500 --> 00:23:59.640 I held out Christ 00:23:59.640 --> 00:24:00.820 as the only certain 00:24:00.820 --> 00:24:01.779 and sure place 00:24:01.779 --> 00:24:02.380 to stand 00:24:02.380 --> 00:24:03.340 and the only place 00:24:03.340 --> 00:24:04.279 where our identity 00:24:04.279 --> 00:24:05.019 is secure. 00:24:05.779 --> 00:24:06.340 I said that 00:24:06.340 --> 00:24:07.340 as long as our family, 00:24:07.519 --> 00:24:08.299 coaches, fans 00:24:08.299 --> 00:24:08.880 or the media 00:24:08.880 --> 00:24:09.759 make their demands 00:24:09.759 --> 00:24:11.620 we will have to measure up. 00:24:12.160 --> 00:24:12.620 As such 00:24:12.620 --> 00:24:13.380 we will lie 00:24:13.380 --> 00:24:14.180 and put on a front 00:24:14.180 --> 00:24:15.120 when things are bad. 00:24:15.779 --> 00:24:16.840 Christ knows the worst 00:24:16.840 --> 00:24:17.380 about us 00:24:17.380 --> 00:24:18.460 and accepts us anyway. 00:24:19.059 --> 00:24:19.680 The opinions 00:24:19.680 --> 00:24:20.700 and love of others 00:24:20.700 --> 00:24:21.420 are fickle, 00:24:21.900 --> 00:24:22.700 changing according 00:24:22.700 --> 00:24:23.440 to our performance. 00:24:24.220 --> 00:24:25.779 Christ accepts us 00:24:25.779 --> 00:24:26.779 unconditionally, 00:24:27.340 --> 00:24:28.019 liberating us 00:24:28.019 --> 00:24:28.720 to be honest 00:24:28.720 --> 00:24:29.319 and humble 00:24:29.319 --> 00:24:30.059 towards others. 00:24:30.840 --> 00:24:31.220 Of course, 00:24:31.299 --> 00:24:32.100 I had to show them 00:24:32.100 --> 00:24:32.720 how living 00:24:32.720 --> 00:24:33.700 with a focus 00:24:33.700 --> 00:24:34.299 on themselves 00:24:34.299 --> 00:24:34.880 as the end 00:24:34.880 --> 00:24:35.400 of all things 00:24:35.400 --> 00:24:36.160 might be offensive 00:24:36.160 --> 00:24:36.660 to God. 00:24:37.120 --> 00:24:37.840 Finding security 00:24:37.840 --> 00:24:38.319 in Christ 00:24:38.319 --> 00:24:39.000 can only happen 00:24:39.000 --> 00:24:39.700 if you repent 00:24:39.700 --> 00:24:40.640 of those things. 00:24:41.539 --> 00:24:42.500 One guy 00:24:42.500 --> 00:24:43.019 asked me 00:24:43.019 --> 00:24:43.480 what he needs 00:24:43.480 --> 00:24:43.720 to do 00:24:43.720 --> 00:24:44.460 to become a Christian 00:24:44.460 --> 00:24:45.340 and now 00:24:45.340 --> 00:24:45.680 another 00:24:45.680 --> 00:24:46.380 wants to read 00:24:46.380 --> 00:24:46.880 the gospel. 00:24:47.720 --> 00:24:49.320 I am 100% certain 00:24:49.320 --> 00:24:50.080 this wouldn't 00:24:50.080 --> 00:24:50.680 have happened 00:24:50.680 --> 00:24:51.840 if my presentation 00:24:51.840 --> 00:24:52.940 had been a standard 00:24:52.940 --> 00:24:54.180 God is in charge, 00:24:54.540 --> 00:24:55.260 you have sinned, 00:24:55.520 --> 00:24:56.400 it's going to go badly 00:24:56.400 --> 00:24:57.860 so you better repent 00:24:57.860 --> 00:24:58.760 approach. 00:25:00.020 --> 00:25:01.060 That is what Dan 00:25:01.060 --> 00:25:01.740 is trying to recommend 00:25:01.740 --> 00:25:02.140 to us 00:25:02.140 --> 00:25:02.740 that we kind of 00:25:02.740 --> 00:25:03.720 engage with where 00:25:03.720 --> 00:25:04.520 people are coming from 00:25:04.520 --> 00:25:05.600 and show them Christ, 00:25:05.740 --> 00:25:06.740 show off Christ 00:25:06.740 --> 00:25:07.880 against the backdrop 00:25:07.880 --> 00:25:08.560 of the poverty 00:25:08.560 --> 00:25:09.440 of the way 00:25:09.440 --> 00:25:10.340 our culture thinks. 00:25:11.280 --> 00:25:12.240 Any questions 00:25:12.240 --> 00:25:12.660 or comments 00:25:12.660 --> 00:25:13.240 before we go 00:25:13.240 --> 00:25:14.540 on to our 00:25:14.540 --> 00:25:15.520 final exercise 00:25:15.519 --> 00:25:16.539 which is not 00:25:16.539 --> 00:25:17.240 real exercise 00:25:17.240 --> 00:25:18.379 but a thinking 00:25:18.379 --> 00:25:19.099 exercise. 00:25:20.019 --> 00:25:20.819 Any questions? 00:25:26.200 --> 00:25:26.680 Yes. 00:25:28.559 --> 00:25:29.220 Go on. 00:25:33.059 --> 00:25:33.579 Yes. 00:25:34.240 --> 00:25:35.039 This takes longer 00:25:35.039 --> 00:25:35.859 and is more difficult 00:25:35.859 --> 00:25:37.119 and requires listening. 00:25:37.480 --> 00:25:37.579 Yeah. 00:25:37.940 --> 00:25:38.420 Definitely. 00:25:39.460 --> 00:25:39.819 Definitely. 00:25:40.920 --> 00:25:41.039 Yeah. 00:25:42.000 --> 00:25:42.519 Yeah. 00:25:45.519 --> 00:25:49.220 Sorry, 00:25:49.299 --> 00:25:49.720 Florence's gone? 00:25:51.000 --> 00:25:51.220 Yeah. 00:25:54.379 --> 00:25:54.819 Yeah. 00:25:55.339 --> 00:25:56.559 And I think 00:25:56.559 --> 00:25:57.519 especially in a context 00:25:57.519 --> 00:25:57.960 like London 00:25:57.960 --> 00:25:58.700 where everyone's 00:25:58.700 --> 00:25:59.819 from a very different culture, 00:26:00.200 --> 00:26:01.039 different aspirations 00:26:01.039 --> 00:26:01.759 are very different, 00:26:01.859 --> 00:26:02.079 aren't they? 00:26:03.559 --> 00:26:04.319 And I think 00:26:04.319 --> 00:26:05.720 age affects it as well 00:26:05.720 --> 00:26:06.799 so the culture 00:26:06.799 --> 00:26:07.339 of young people 00:26:07.339 --> 00:26:07.900 is quite different 00:26:07.900 --> 00:26:08.339 to the culture 00:26:08.339 --> 00:26:09.000 of older people 00:26:09.000 --> 00:26:10.339 and of people in between. 00:26:10.339 --> 00:26:10.839 So yeah. 00:26:14.359 --> 00:26:14.720 Okay. 00:26:15.779 --> 00:26:16.319 Now then, 00:26:16.500 --> 00:26:17.419 right at the very end 00:26:17.419 --> 00:26:18.099 of our meeting together 00:26:18.099 --> 00:26:18.619 I'm going to ask you 00:26:18.619 --> 00:26:19.659 to do the really hard part 00:26:19.659 --> 00:26:21.779 which is to pick 00:26:21.779 --> 00:26:22.659 a cultural phenomenon 00:26:22.659 --> 00:26:23.939 and investigate it 00:26:23.939 --> 00:26:25.099 using those four steps. 00:26:25.399 --> 00:26:25.559 Okay. 00:26:25.679 --> 00:26:26.439 So I want you to enter 00:26:26.439 --> 00:26:26.919 into it, 00:26:26.980 --> 00:26:27.740 think what's it about, 00:26:27.819 --> 00:26:28.439 who wrote it, 00:26:28.819 --> 00:26:29.439 who's the audience, 00:26:29.759 --> 00:26:30.279 explore it, 00:26:30.339 --> 00:26:31.099 why is this happening, 00:26:31.579 --> 00:26:32.359 what is valuable, 00:26:32.519 --> 00:26:33.740 what's the supreme good 00:26:33.740 --> 00:26:35.459 for that cultural phenomenon 00:26:35.459 --> 00:26:37.399 and is that good or bad. 00:26:37.779 --> 00:26:38.139 Expose, 00:26:38.220 --> 00:26:39.059 where does it break down, 00:26:39.119 --> 00:26:39.679 what's wrong with it, 00:26:39.680 --> 00:26:40.920 how is it a poor story 00:26:40.920 --> 00:26:42.360 and then evangelize, 00:26:42.420 --> 00:26:43.840 how is Jesus a better story. 00:26:44.340 --> 00:26:44.539 Now, 00:26:44.660 --> 00:26:45.500 I've got some suggestions 00:26:45.500 --> 00:26:46.620 so that you don't spend ages 00:26:46.620 --> 00:26:47.980 thinking of a cultural phenomenon 00:26:47.980 --> 00:26:49.560 but maybe you could think 00:26:49.560 --> 00:26:50.160 of a friend 00:26:50.160 --> 00:26:51.420 who is always telling you 00:26:51.420 --> 00:26:52.240 about the successes 00:26:52.240 --> 00:26:53.180 of their grandchildren 00:26:53.180 --> 00:26:55.740 or maybe you could think 00:26:55.740 --> 00:26:56.480 of a conversation 00:26:56.480 --> 00:26:57.880 about the Tommy Robertson march 00:26:57.880 --> 00:26:58.560 on Saturday. 00:26:59.360 --> 00:27:00.080 Teddy's already done that 00:27:00.080 --> 00:27:00.840 for you anyway 00:27:00.840 --> 00:27:01.960 but you could maybe 00:27:01.960 --> 00:27:02.660 think about that. 00:27:02.980 --> 00:27:04.320 Maybe a colleague at work 00:27:04.320 --> 00:27:05.820 who is always career planning 00:27:05.820 --> 00:27:07.660 or a school student 00:27:07.660 --> 00:27:08.860 who is always stressed 00:27:08.860 --> 00:27:09.400 by work 00:27:09.400 --> 00:27:10.800 and works obsessively 00:27:10.800 --> 00:27:12.080 or you could think 00:27:12.080 --> 00:27:12.840 of something else, 00:27:12.940 --> 00:27:13.100 right? 00:27:14.860 --> 00:27:15.620 What is it 00:27:15.620 --> 00:27:16.340 that's going on 00:27:16.340 --> 00:27:16.580 in those, 00:27:16.680 --> 00:27:17.320 enter into it, 00:27:17.460 --> 00:27:17.900 explore it, 00:27:18.019 --> 00:27:18.440 expose it 00:27:18.440 --> 00:27:19.220 and evangelize it. 00:27:19.560 --> 00:27:20.080 We'll go for that 00:27:20.080 --> 00:27:21.160 for about five minutes or so 00:27:21.160 --> 00:27:22.019 and then we'll collect 00:27:22.019 --> 00:27:22.620 our answers back 00:27:22.620 --> 00:27:23.360 and then we'll finish. 00:27:23.359 --> 00:27:26.459 Okay. 00:27:26.459 --> 00:27:28.740 I'm sorry to interrupt 00:27:28.740 --> 00:27:30.119 your conversations. 00:27:34.419 --> 00:27:35.539 Does anyone want to 00:27:35.539 --> 00:27:36.119 briefly, 00:27:36.219 --> 00:27:36.899 we'll do one. 00:27:37.179 --> 00:27:37.619 Does anyone want to 00:27:37.619 --> 00:27:38.240 help us out 00:27:38.240 --> 00:27:39.000 on what you were 00:27:39.000 --> 00:27:39.619 thinking about? 00:27:45.759 --> 00:27:46.439 Come on. 00:27:46.779 --> 00:27:47.859 Let's hear it. 00:27:47.859 --> 00:27:49.479 Just one good point, 00:27:49.579 --> 00:27:49.879 Isaiah. 00:27:59.259 --> 00:27:59.619 Right. 00:27:59.619 --> 00:28:00.619 Yeah. 00:28:00.619 --> 00:28:01.919 And you just talked 00:28:01.919 --> 00:28:02.779 about how, 00:28:03.679 --> 00:28:03.939 I mean, 00:28:04.019 --> 00:28:05.399 there's nothing wrong 00:28:05.399 --> 00:28:05.939 with planning 00:28:05.939 --> 00:28:06.739 from being, 00:28:07.399 --> 00:28:08.679 I don't know, 00:28:09.059 --> 00:28:10.239 looking forward 00:28:10.239 --> 00:28:11.179 and stuff like that. 00:28:11.579 --> 00:28:12.559 There's one good point 00:28:12.559 --> 00:28:14.599 where you may or may 00:28:14.599 --> 00:28:15.899 not find yourself 00:28:15.899 --> 00:28:17.799 trying to be close. 00:28:18.019 --> 00:28:18.279 Yeah. 00:28:18.279 --> 00:28:19.059 And then when 00:28:19.059 --> 00:28:21.160 things don't go 00:28:21.160 --> 00:28:21.519 the way 00:28:21.519 --> 00:28:22.119 of the original 00:28:22.119 --> 00:28:23.339 plan for this world, 00:28:24.799 --> 00:28:25.420 you're like, 00:28:25.639 --> 00:28:25.879 oh, 00:28:26.079 --> 00:28:27.039 what's going on? 00:28:27.119 --> 00:28:27.359 Yeah. 00:28:27.680 --> 00:28:28.000 Well, 00:28:28.059 --> 00:28:29.500 why is this happening? 00:28:29.779 --> 00:28:30.059 Yeah. 00:28:30.279 --> 00:28:31.139 But actually, 00:28:32.460 --> 00:28:33.379 God has a plan 00:28:33.379 --> 00:28:34.000 to be used 00:28:34.000 --> 00:28:35.259 and he wants you 00:28:35.259 --> 00:28:36.139 where you are 00:28:36.139 --> 00:28:38.240 and the ones 00:28:38.240 --> 00:28:38.859 of those 00:28:38.859 --> 00:28:39.980 you know, 00:28:40.039 --> 00:28:40.700 what you expect 00:28:40.700 --> 00:28:41.180 to be. 00:28:41.200 --> 00:28:41.460 Yeah. 00:28:41.779 --> 00:28:42.139 Actually, 00:28:42.259 --> 00:28:42.700 there's a sense 00:28:42.700 --> 00:28:43.180 in which, 00:28:43.680 --> 00:28:43.960 you know, 00:28:44.039 --> 00:28:44.639 the Bible says 00:28:44.639 --> 00:28:45.399 that God 00:28:45.399 --> 00:28:45.639 will be 00:28:45.639 --> 00:28:47.200 of harm. 00:28:47.379 --> 00:28:47.480 So, 00:28:48.279 --> 00:28:49.119 actually, yeah, 00:28:49.240 --> 00:28:50.519 also in terms of the other position 00:28:50.519 --> 00:28:52.480 of the world to the world 00:28:52.480 --> 00:28:54.559 that actually God has got that whole 00:28:54.559 --> 00:28:55.220 and the world to God. 00:28:55.559 --> 00:28:55.980 Yes. 00:28:56.519 --> 00:28:58.799 So if your career 00:28:58.799 --> 00:29:00.859 turns out to be the source 00:29:00.859 --> 00:29:03.139 of your purpose, meaning, and identity, 00:29:03.480 --> 00:29:05.399 you've turned what is supposed to be 00:29:05.399 --> 00:29:06.720 a good thing for you to enjoy 00:29:06.720 --> 00:29:08.859 into a God that you worship. 00:29:09.680 --> 00:29:11.899 And it's a terrible God 00:29:11.899 --> 00:29:14.720 because it's unforgiving and merciless 00:29:14.720 --> 00:29:17.220 and you're only ever one bad decision 00:29:17.220 --> 00:29:20.299 away from it judging you 00:29:20.299 --> 00:29:21.140 and crushing you. 00:29:21.559 --> 00:29:23.539 And God is a good and merciful God 00:29:23.539 --> 00:29:25.279 who forgives you and, yeah. 00:29:25.799 --> 00:29:26.920 And actually, so we were talking 00:29:26.920 --> 00:29:28.120 a little bit about this down here as well. 00:29:28.220 --> 00:29:29.819 So actually even the aspiration, 00:29:30.299 --> 00:29:32.319 the career aspiration to build something 00:29:32.319 --> 00:29:34.180 or make something that lasts 00:29:34.180 --> 00:29:36.620 is only really fulfilled in Christ 00:29:36.620 --> 00:29:37.400 as well, isn't it? 00:29:37.779 --> 00:29:39.319 And so we're made to work. 00:29:39.400 --> 00:29:40.339 We will work in eternity, 00:29:40.519 --> 00:29:42.019 but we'll work for the glory of God 00:29:42.019 --> 00:29:43.700 in the world that he has made 00:29:43.700 --> 00:29:45.759 in a perfect way. 00:29:46.299 --> 00:29:46.299 00:29:46.940 --> 00:29:47.160 Yeah. 00:29:47.279 --> 00:29:47.720 Really helpful. 00:29:48.680 --> 00:29:49.000 Great. 00:29:50.460 --> 00:29:51.759 Hopefully you've had enough 00:29:51.759 --> 00:29:52.620 of a taste of it 00:29:52.620 --> 00:29:54.539 to think a little bit differently 00:29:54.539 --> 00:29:55.319 about some of the things 00:29:55.319 --> 00:29:56.559 that we engage with in the world. 00:29:56.640 --> 00:29:58.539 But I know we've not exhausted it. 00:29:59.079 --> 00:30:00.660 So I've got some books 00:30:00.660 --> 00:30:01.579 that you can purchase 00:30:01.579 --> 00:30:02.559 and that will help you. 00:30:03.500 --> 00:30:04.880 And if not, 00:30:04.940 --> 00:30:05.539 you need to come back 00:30:05.539 --> 00:30:06.200 in a couple of weeks 00:30:06.200 --> 00:30:07.819 when we finish off the series. 00:30:07.960 --> 00:30:09.019 But let me pray to close. 00:30:09.079 --> 00:30:09.720 We're not going to sing 00:30:09.720 --> 00:30:10.380 our final hymn, 00:30:10.460 --> 00:30:11.819 but we'll close in prayer. 00:30:11.900 --> 00:30:12.740 Let me pray for us. 00:30:12.740 --> 00:30:15.960 Heavenly Father, 00:30:16.019 --> 00:30:16.839 how we thank you 00:30:16.839 --> 00:30:18.839 that Jesus tells a better story 00:30:18.839 --> 00:30:20.099 than the world around us. 00:30:20.559 --> 00:30:22.339 It's a story of love 00:30:22.339 --> 00:30:23.079 and forgiveness 00:30:23.079 --> 00:30:24.140 and mercy. 00:30:25.079 --> 00:30:26.240 It's a story of 00:30:26.240 --> 00:30:29.720 a new identity in him, 00:30:30.279 --> 00:30:31.519 a greater purpose, 00:30:32.299 --> 00:30:33.980 a greater glory in the future, 00:30:34.779 --> 00:30:35.900 of a certain home 00:30:35.900 --> 00:30:37.359 and hope in you. 00:30:38.219 --> 00:30:39.219 And we want to pray, please, 00:30:39.259 --> 00:30:40.319 that you'd make us better 00:30:40.319 --> 00:30:41.519 at telling that story 00:30:41.519 --> 00:30:42.679 to those around us 00:30:42.679 --> 00:30:44.119 by showing them 00:30:44.119 --> 00:30:46.439 how it both undermines 00:30:46.439 --> 00:30:47.919 and contradicts 00:30:47.919 --> 00:30:48.859 the things that they believe, 00:30:48.959 --> 00:30:50.539 but also provides 00:30:50.539 --> 00:30:51.179 a fulfillment 00:30:51.179 --> 00:30:51.939 for the things 00:30:51.939 --> 00:30:53.099 that they long for 00:30:53.099 --> 00:30:54.579 and that they're looking for 00:30:54.579 --> 00:30:55.639 in the wrong places. 00:30:56.719 --> 00:30:57.519 Lord, we see 00:30:57.519 --> 00:30:58.879 that many people around us 00:30:58.879 --> 00:30:59.839 and even ourselves 00:30:59.839 --> 00:31:01.000 are tempted at times 00:31:01.000 --> 00:31:02.139 to turn to things, 00:31:02.599 --> 00:31:03.139 good things, 00:31:03.139 --> 00:31:03.939 that you've given us 00:31:03.939 --> 00:31:04.779 and turn them 00:31:04.779 --> 00:31:06.579 into objects of worship 00:31:06.579 --> 00:31:08.240 as if they were 00:31:08.240 --> 00:31:09.059 gods themselves. 00:31:09.439 --> 00:31:10.179 Forgive us 00:31:10.179 --> 00:31:11.519 and help us, we pray, 00:31:12.099 --> 00:31:13.779 in a confusing world 00:31:13.779 --> 00:31:15.159 with lots of different cultures 00:31:15.159 --> 00:31:16.179 colliding with one another 00:31:16.179 --> 00:31:17.379 in the city in which we live 00:31:17.379 --> 00:31:18.859 to present the gospel 00:31:18.859 --> 00:31:20.279 clearly and faithfully 00:31:20.279 --> 00:31:22.079 as we pray in Jesus' name. 00:31:22.740 --> 00:31:23.039 Amen. 00:31:23.439 --> 00:31:23.919 Amen.