WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:13.939 Good morning. I was thinking as we were singing that there's a lot of state and local governments that are asking churches not to meet and not together. 00:00:14.599 --> 00:00:19.179 ! And some that are allowing them together, but also saying things like you shouldn't sing together. 00:00:19.179 --> 00:00:30.119 And I don't know why, but just a minute ago, the Lord has put in my mind where they tell Jesus' followers to quit singing, like quit praising Him, quit making noise. 00:00:30.160 --> 00:00:33.159 And He goes, well, if they don't, the rocks will. 00:00:34.079 --> 00:00:42.980 And just the celebration, like God inhabits the praises of His people, and I'm just thankful that we can build up one another through song this morning. 00:00:43.439 --> 00:00:47.140 So just join me again in prayer before we get into the Word together. 00:00:47.140 --> 00:00:59.740 Father, we are grateful for a chance to gather as Your people, not as an act of defiance and not as an act of insubordination, 00:01:00.340 --> 00:01:08.260 because we belong to one another, because we are the same body and we are the same family. 00:01:09.719 --> 00:01:15.960 And we are closer to those here who are in Christ than many in our own blood family. 00:01:15.959 --> 00:01:20.399 And we are to gather and declare Your greatness. 00:01:21.099 --> 00:01:24.500 And we are to be the gospel made visible. 00:01:25.719 --> 00:01:34.280 And Lord, as we look at Your Word today, I pray that You would speak to us through Your Word and by Your Holy Spirit. 00:01:35.419 --> 00:01:40.399 And to strengthen and encourage us to have true peace by knowing You. 00:01:40.400 --> 00:01:44.280 And we just ask that in Christ's name. Amen. 00:01:46.540 --> 00:01:53.420 So, in ancient times, God prepared His people for the coming of His Son, Jesus Christ. 00:01:54.320 --> 00:02:02.740 And at Christmastime now, we celebrate the fulfillment of a promise that God made to send a Redeemer to draw near to us 00:02:02.739 --> 00:02:07.060 and provide a way for us to be reconciled to God. 00:02:08.180 --> 00:02:14.539 And Advent, as we've said, is the Latin word for the word coming or arrival. 00:02:14.539 --> 00:02:21.159 My wife is a big Latin person, so she was like, I actually just asked, 00:02:21.219 --> 00:02:26.219 is that actually how you say it, or is that like an Americanized or Anglicized way to say it? 00:02:26.219 --> 00:02:28.899 And she goes, it's actually Odwin Tuss. 00:02:29.599 --> 00:02:31.060 And I was like, wow, that's cool. 00:02:31.199 --> 00:02:32.359 I'll put that out there. 00:02:32.360 --> 00:02:35.040 Because I've always butchered words. 00:02:35.200 --> 00:02:36.700 I butcher words all the time. 00:02:37.220 --> 00:02:42.520 But as the coming or arrival, and it's the time leading up to Christmas, 00:02:42.520 --> 00:02:45.120 and there's no greater person in the universe than Christ, 00:02:45.220 --> 00:02:48.880 and no greater coming than God coming to us in flesh. 00:02:49.740 --> 00:02:52.820 And He will be coming again. 00:02:52.980 --> 00:02:57.200 So, as we said, don't just celebrate the fact that He came, but that He is coming. 00:02:58.320 --> 00:03:00.480 We have to bring both of those together. 00:03:00.479 --> 00:03:03.939 And He came in humility as a baby. 00:03:04.919 --> 00:03:13.019 And we anticipate His future coming in the clouds of great glory to establish His eternal rule one day. 00:03:13.859 --> 00:03:17.399 And so, as we said, we're doing peace today. 00:03:18.159 --> 00:03:20.039 I'm super bummed that I didn't get to light the candle. 00:03:20.219 --> 00:03:24.780 I was going to get a blowtorch or something to really get it going today. 00:03:24.859 --> 00:03:25.639 But it is lit. 00:03:25.739 --> 00:03:29.019 It's a reminder of the peace that we can have. 00:03:29.020 --> 00:03:36.000 But I like to sort of create the problem a lot of the time before we actually come to the Word. 00:03:36.360 --> 00:03:42.060 But many people, all of us, have searched for peace and can't find it in this world. 00:03:42.860 --> 00:03:46.160 The opposite of spiritual peace is anxiety. 00:03:47.200 --> 00:03:50.060 Fear, debilitating worry. 00:03:50.060 --> 00:03:54.780 And the Greek word for anxious is actually, like, check this out. 00:03:54.860 --> 00:03:58.120 It means to be inwardly torn apart. 00:03:58.879 --> 00:04:00.420 Being ripped to shreds. 00:04:01.099 --> 00:04:02.819 That's like what anxiety means. 00:04:02.920 --> 00:04:06.460 And so, you can imagine, you know, some of you have felt that. 00:04:06.520 --> 00:04:10.860 Something going on and it just tears you apart inwardly. 00:04:10.860 --> 00:04:13.860 And it's the opposite of peace. 00:04:14.540 --> 00:04:19.920 And so, we can't cope with the things in life on our own. 00:04:19.920 --> 00:04:28.040 And for many of us, 2020 has been an incredibly trying and difficult year. 00:04:28.259 --> 00:04:30.699 Almost unending, it seems. 00:04:31.920 --> 00:04:39.300 And the COVID-19 crisis were definitely in the first good many months where we didn't even know what we were dealing with. 00:04:39.300 --> 00:04:46.400 It really shook a lot of us up and caused many to kind of live in fear and in anxiety. 00:04:47.900 --> 00:04:56.139 And many of you, I know, have lost jobs, had to change jobs, have had a decrease in your hours. 00:04:57.400 --> 00:05:01.199 A lot of uncertainty just in how you can provide for a family. 00:05:02.480 --> 00:05:08.019 And many in our church, in this, you know, very room, have suffered greatly this year. 00:05:09.300 --> 00:05:10.740 And tremendous pain. 00:05:12.180 --> 00:05:18.720 And to cap it off, we have a lot of tremendous political unrest and national strife. 00:05:18.860 --> 00:05:28.180 And sort of watching on as our constitutional republic is sort of disintegrating before our eyes and social chaos. 00:05:29.060 --> 00:05:31.139 And many in this room have had to deal with that head on. 00:05:31.139 --> 00:05:32.840 Most of us just look at it on the news. 00:05:32.939 --> 00:05:38.540 But I know many of you in here have had to go and be a part of a lot of that to bring order. 00:05:39.300 --> 00:05:41.900 And it really has exposed. 00:05:42.060 --> 00:05:50.100 2020 has exposed this false reality of security that we've had in the U.S. for so long. 00:05:50.439 --> 00:05:55.319 It's exposed just how easy a lot of our lives have been. 00:05:55.319 --> 00:06:00.719 When many throughout history and even in the world today, that is a normal day for them. 00:06:00.920 --> 00:06:02.779 And we just had it so well. 00:06:03.779 --> 00:06:05.019 And God has blessed us. 00:06:05.399 --> 00:06:08.180 But that doesn't mean that we've used that blessing to honor Him. 00:06:08.319 --> 00:06:10.819 But to honor ourselves in many ways. 00:06:11.800 --> 00:06:14.000 And so it's exposed this in us. 00:06:14.120 --> 00:06:15.319 It's made us anxious. 00:06:15.459 --> 00:06:16.379 It's made us fearful. 00:06:17.019 --> 00:06:18.300 God has rocked the boat. 00:06:18.300 --> 00:06:26.920 And many of us throughout 2020, maybe even before that, we've sought peace in the things of this world. 00:06:27.020 --> 00:06:29.420 We've sought it in financial security. 00:06:29.420 --> 00:06:33.639 If we could just put enough money in the bank and we'll be prepared for whatever is going to come. 00:06:35.000 --> 00:06:37.900 And there's nothing against planning financially. 00:06:37.900 --> 00:06:42.120 But when your whole peace is in those things, it can be really shaken. 00:06:42.780 --> 00:06:44.180 Because it's never enough. 00:06:44.180 --> 00:06:50.280 And others just in relationships and people that you know, strong personalities that you think, 00:06:50.340 --> 00:06:53.220 if I just cling to them, I will be okay. 00:06:53.759 --> 00:06:55.220 But then they let you down. 00:06:56.500 --> 00:06:59.939 Others in just escaping, kind of like a vacation, getaway. 00:07:00.460 --> 00:07:02.860 If we can just escape the circumstances that we're in. 00:07:02.860 --> 00:07:08.100 But sin has a way of following you where you go and also waiting for you when you come back. 00:07:08.100 --> 00:07:14.400 And others, you just think, if I just stay in good health, I'll be ready for whatever comes. 00:07:14.480 --> 00:07:18.180 If I just exercise, eat right, sleep good, I'll be ready. 00:07:18.400 --> 00:07:20.540 But then your body still breaks down. 00:07:22.260 --> 00:07:30.660 And so I have, you know, a lot of friends and family from even today, but mainly from my past, 00:07:30.760 --> 00:07:34.860 who are strong, conservative, good old boys. 00:07:34.860 --> 00:07:38.600 And they're preparing for what's happening by stoppiling guns and ammunition. 00:07:38.800 --> 00:07:43.240 And I'm just saying, guys, like, peace is not going to be found that way. 00:07:44.139 --> 00:07:52.879 And our security, that's what you seek to build up, to guard us from what we think might happen. 00:07:53.860 --> 00:07:57.980 But yet, even if you are the safest person inwardly, you're still anxious. 00:07:58.180 --> 00:07:59.040 And why is that? 00:07:59.920 --> 00:08:00.939 You're still afraid. 00:08:00.939 --> 00:08:06.219 And many of you are trying to find peace in planning and in routine. 00:08:06.339 --> 00:08:10.420 If I can just anticipate what's going to happen and plan on it, it'll be okay. 00:08:10.579 --> 00:08:14.259 But then life catches you off guard and God does something that you don't expect. 00:08:14.740 --> 00:08:19.800 And that exposes the anxiety that's in you. 00:08:20.600 --> 00:08:25.060 But true spiritual peace cannot be grasped in this world. 00:08:25.180 --> 00:08:27.120 It continues to sort of elude us. 00:08:27.860 --> 00:08:29.699 But why can't we ever be at peace, though? 00:08:29.699 --> 00:08:31.860 Like, why can't I have peace on my own? 00:08:31.959 --> 00:08:35.019 And why can't we just have peace with those around us? 00:08:36.139 --> 00:08:37.700 Why is there so much strife? 00:08:38.700 --> 00:08:43.019 The burdening of your soul, feeling like being torn apart inwardly? 00:08:44.120 --> 00:08:51.240 And for many, we've seen Christmas as a time of year to kind of regain inner peace. 00:08:51.240 --> 00:08:57.519 And as if something just magical about the Christmas season. 00:08:58.580 --> 00:09:03.519 So my wife and I, we do love cheesy, corny, Hallmark Christmas movies. 00:09:04.240 --> 00:09:05.799 And it's just a distraction. 00:09:06.060 --> 00:09:10.039 It's not like I'm like, let's go face the world now, like when I watch one. 00:09:10.139 --> 00:09:12.060 It's just more of a distraction. 00:09:12.059 --> 00:09:15.599 But I've taken note of like phrases that are repeated over and over. 00:09:15.959 --> 00:09:23.459 And just the worldly view of Christmas, it's very just sentimentalism. 00:09:24.619 --> 00:09:26.419 Warm and fuzzy, you know, cheer up. 00:09:26.500 --> 00:09:27.500 Everything will be okay. 00:09:27.599 --> 00:09:28.219 It's Christmas. 00:09:29.219 --> 00:09:32.119 It's a season to be nice and kind to one another. 00:09:33.379 --> 00:09:34.739 It's a time to give back. 00:09:34.740 --> 00:09:37.259 I heard that one a lot in movies, whatever that means. 00:09:38.500 --> 00:09:41.060 It's a time to show goodwill towards one another. 00:09:41.759 --> 00:09:43.120 It's the holiday spirit. 00:09:43.259 --> 00:09:43.720 It's Christmas. 00:09:43.940 --> 00:09:47.960 Then you have the proverbial Christmas miracles that happen. 00:09:48.680 --> 00:09:52.560 As if the season or holiday itself possesses some kind of supernatural power. 00:09:53.340 --> 00:09:54.659 And it doesn't. 00:09:54.659 --> 00:09:57.419 It's warm, cute, and funny, but not real. 00:09:57.960 --> 00:10:04.340 And we live in a dark, crumbling world. 00:10:05.740 --> 00:10:14.840 Where sin and the kingdom of the evil one is very apparent if we just open our eyes and step out of our doors. 00:10:16.100 --> 00:10:25.639 And we can't go into a dark world armed with superficial holiday sentimentalism. 00:10:25.639 --> 00:10:28.639 And just saying cheer up is Christmas time. 00:10:28.740 --> 00:10:30.340 Just be happy is the happy season. 00:10:30.439 --> 00:10:34.799 It's like sending a greeting card to a starving village in Asia. 00:10:36.139 --> 00:10:36.759 Just be. 00:10:37.960 --> 00:10:38.799 It doesn't equal. 00:10:40.319 --> 00:10:47.500 And not man-made superficial holiday peace can really heal the brokenhearted, this diseased world. 00:10:47.500 --> 00:10:53.899 And we can't allow that kind of sentimentalism to be our strength. 00:10:55.580 --> 00:10:58.820 But why don't we have peace? 00:10:58.820 --> 00:11:02.960 It's like, why does it seem so unattainable? 00:11:04.120 --> 00:11:09.600 And the quick answer is the reason we can't find peace within ourselves or with the world around us. 00:11:09.660 --> 00:11:11.580 It's the symptoms of a spiritual condition. 00:11:12.460 --> 00:11:17.340 It's the reality is all of us have sinned and turned away from our creator. 00:11:17.460 --> 00:11:20.120 We all have rebelled against God. 00:11:20.200 --> 00:11:21.960 Every one of us, you and I. 00:11:21.960 --> 00:11:28.180 From the greatest to the least, the richest of the poor, we all have set ourselves against our creator. 00:11:29.259 --> 00:11:31.620 And we've made ourselves enemies of God. 00:11:32.840 --> 00:11:38.480 And as Isaiah said, all of us like sheep have gone astray in each to our own way. 00:11:39.759 --> 00:11:43.200 Sin makes us stupid and sin causes us to wander. 00:11:43.200 --> 00:11:54.700 And our souls were meant to know God, to worship him, to commune with him, to live in a relationship of just loving obedience and dependence on him. 00:11:55.540 --> 00:12:01.100 But as we know, we all have sinned and fallen short of our original intent, what God had made us to do. 00:12:01.820 --> 00:12:03.460 And in James 4, it says, 00:12:03.460 --> 00:12:10.100 You adulterous people, do you not know that friendship with this world is enmity with God? 00:12:10.100 --> 00:12:16.600 And therefore, whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God. 00:12:17.759 --> 00:12:25.220 It's a picture of spiritual unfaithfulness and having a strong, inordinate desire for something that you shouldn't have. 00:12:26.200 --> 00:12:27.680 And that's what we've done with this world. 00:12:27.840 --> 00:12:29.840 And it exhibits itself in our lifestyle. 00:12:30.879 --> 00:12:34.360 Just look around you and the people that are around you. 00:12:34.360 --> 00:12:42.779 And how their world revolves around consuming and attaining the things that are in this world. 00:12:43.600 --> 00:12:47.539 The stuff and the people in it that we love, we crave, we pursue. 00:12:48.680 --> 00:12:50.940 And that puts us at enmity with God. 00:12:51.800 --> 00:12:55.440 It says that he is jealous for the spirit that he created in us. 00:12:56.200 --> 00:12:59.899 A holy jealousy that we belong to him, but we have rebelled against him. 00:12:59.899 --> 00:13:03.919 And we have exchanged the truth about God for a lie. 00:13:04.039 --> 00:13:06.899 It's a tragic and deadly exchange. 00:13:08.740 --> 00:13:11.980 And so, we can't have peace. 00:13:13.439 --> 00:13:15.659 George Whitefield said a long time ago, 00:13:16.439 --> 00:13:19.720 How can you have real peace when God is your enemy? 00:13:19.720 --> 00:13:27.220 And we cannot be at odds with the sovereign, glorious, powerful creator of the world. 00:13:27.320 --> 00:13:30.660 You can't do that and actually have peace in your life. 00:13:31.420 --> 00:13:34.399 You can't be estranged from the one who created you. 00:13:35.480 --> 00:13:38.379 And Isaiah said in Isaiah 57, 00:13:38.379 --> 00:13:41.360 The wicked are like the tossing sea, 00:13:42.100 --> 00:13:43.820 For it cannot be quiet, 00:13:44.080 --> 00:13:46.200 And its waters toss up mire and dirt. 00:13:46.720 --> 00:13:48.120 There is no peace, 00:13:48.860 --> 00:13:49.879 Says my God, 00:13:50.120 --> 00:13:50.720 For the wicked. 00:13:52.139 --> 00:13:52.379 And, 00:13:52.919 --> 00:13:54.500 You know, 00:13:54.840 --> 00:13:55.159 But, 00:13:56.039 --> 00:13:57.600 While Christmas is coming, 00:13:57.700 --> 00:13:58.620 It's a good reminder. 00:13:58.740 --> 00:13:59.939 It's just a time for us to 00:13:59.939 --> 00:14:01.379 Say to the world, 00:14:02.379 --> 00:14:05.340 As we should be saying to ourselves every day as followers of Christ, 00:14:05.340 --> 00:14:05.680 But, 00:14:06.200 --> 00:14:07.420 Particularly at this time, 00:14:08.460 --> 00:14:10.300 There's something you ought to know. 00:14:10.399 --> 00:14:13.300 You can actually have and experience true peace with God. 00:14:15.080 --> 00:14:16.200 One news anchor, 00:14:16.920 --> 00:14:19.060 Who I kind of love and hate at different times, 00:14:19.220 --> 00:14:20.420 Depending on the deal, 00:14:21.360 --> 00:14:21.600 But, 00:14:21.680 --> 00:14:23.160 Just said something profound. 00:14:24.660 --> 00:14:24.899 And, 00:14:25.040 --> 00:14:25.440 So, 00:14:25.500 --> 00:14:30.280 Even some people in the world recognize that there's something different about this time of the year, 00:14:30.340 --> 00:14:32.139 But we actually know what that difference is. 00:14:33.000 --> 00:14:33.500 But, 00:14:33.580 --> 00:14:33.900 He said, 00:14:33.980 --> 00:14:35.320 Christmas is almost here. 00:14:35.700 --> 00:14:36.780 And usually, 00:14:37.000 --> 00:14:38.620 It's the happiest time that we have. 00:14:39.240 --> 00:14:40.879 This year of all years, 00:14:41.080 --> 00:14:41.540 2020, 00:14:41.899 --> 00:14:42.200 Christmas, 00:14:42.420 --> 00:14:44.160 It's had a deeper resonance. 00:14:44.860 --> 00:14:47.019 Something closer to its original meaning. 00:14:47.800 --> 00:14:49.240 In a time of crisis, 00:14:49.519 --> 00:14:50.160 You inevitably, 00:14:50.740 --> 00:14:53.780 Start thinking about the things that you might ignore, 00:14:54.840 --> 00:14:56.720 If you were busier and more content. 00:14:57.560 --> 00:14:58.379 In general, 00:14:58.580 --> 00:15:00.519 People tend to become more spiritual, 00:15:01.400 --> 00:15:03.720 More openly religious when they are suffering. 00:15:03.720 --> 00:15:06.080 It's not an accident. 00:15:06.279 --> 00:15:06.800 In fact, 00:15:07.379 --> 00:15:09.080 It may be the upside of suffering. 00:15:10.040 --> 00:15:13.600 You get to think beyond the next Amazon delivery. 00:15:14.660 --> 00:15:15.580 For a minute. 00:15:15.580 --> 00:15:17.220 Of course, 00:15:17.220 --> 00:15:17.220 00:15:17.300 --> 00:15:19.220 Not everyone in favor of all this, 00:15:19.860 --> 00:15:21.800 Focus on big and enduring things, 00:15:21.860 --> 00:15:22.740 Like our families, 00:15:23.300 --> 00:15:24.740 What's true and what's not true, 00:15:24.820 --> 00:15:25.940 And eternity itself. 00:15:25.940 --> 00:15:31.260 All that tends to diminish the power of the people in charge of our temporal world. 00:15:32.060 --> 00:15:33.360 For obvious reasons, 00:15:33.360 --> 00:15:35.160 We take our leaders less seriously, 00:15:35.880 --> 00:15:37.260 When we're reminded that they, 00:15:37.420 --> 00:15:40.220 When they too are people just like we are. 00:15:40.220 --> 00:15:42.279 They too will pass, 00:15:42.420 --> 00:15:43.519 And death is inevitable. 00:15:44.740 --> 00:15:46.460 Politicians understand this threat, 00:15:46.580 --> 00:15:47.620 And so they figured out, 00:15:48.160 --> 00:15:50.120 That Christmas is bigger than they are, 00:15:50.259 --> 00:15:51.139 And as a result, 00:15:51.620 --> 00:15:53.019 Try hard to cancel it. 00:15:54.460 --> 00:15:54.879 And, 00:15:55.000 --> 00:15:56.680 On to a few things there. 00:15:56.860 --> 00:15:57.259 So even, 00:15:57.800 --> 00:16:00.480 The world looks on and recognizes there's something different. 00:16:00.720 --> 00:16:01.379 A lot of people, 00:16:01.960 --> 00:16:03.379 Even people apart from God, 00:16:03.480 --> 00:16:04.779 Didn't stop at this time of year, 00:16:04.840 --> 00:16:05.560 And think about, 00:16:05.779 --> 00:16:07.120 Such things. 00:16:07.120 --> 00:16:09.740 And it puts things in perspective for them. 00:16:10.539 --> 00:16:12.519 But the real Christmas is not just, 00:16:13.200 --> 00:16:14.840 One day to be celebrated, 00:16:15.080 --> 00:16:16.980 And a moral holiday. 00:16:17.860 --> 00:16:20.320 But it's a chance to really elevate our souls as believers, 00:16:20.480 --> 00:16:21.679 To remind ourselves of, 00:16:22.080 --> 00:16:23.799 The true peace that we can have, 00:16:24.679 --> 00:16:26.620 And obtain through knowing God, 00:16:26.720 --> 00:16:27.320 Through his son, 00:16:27.500 --> 00:16:28.179 Jesus Christ. 00:16:29.299 --> 00:16:29.679 So, 00:16:30.919 --> 00:16:33.200 Let's look at, 00:16:34.200 --> 00:16:35.299 Peace today. 00:16:35.680 --> 00:16:36.980 How we can have true peace, 00:16:36.980 --> 00:16:37.860 Before we do it, 00:16:38.340 --> 00:16:40.480 I want to just give you a rough definition, 00:16:40.659 --> 00:16:42.420 Of what we mean by biblical peace, 00:16:42.539 --> 00:16:42.779 Not, 00:16:43.539 --> 00:16:45.019 Kind of a marrying, 00:16:45.259 --> 00:16:47.639 Of the ways that it is used in the scripture. 00:16:48.940 --> 00:16:49.420 So, 00:16:49.659 --> 00:16:50.680 Here's the definition. 00:16:52.279 --> 00:16:54.220 Peace is the inner confidence, 00:16:54.940 --> 00:16:55.879 And trust, 00:16:56.100 --> 00:16:57.240 In God's wise, 00:16:58.240 --> 00:17:00.120 Sovereign control of our lives. 00:17:01.759 --> 00:17:02.320 Resulting, 00:17:02.320 --> 00:17:03.960 From being restored to him, 00:17:04.140 --> 00:17:05.059 Through Jesus Christ. 00:17:05.059 --> 00:17:08.399 Peace is the inner confidence, 00:17:08.700 --> 00:17:09.339 And trust, 00:17:10.139 --> 00:17:11.179 In God's wise, 00:17:11.339 --> 00:17:12.919 Sovereign control of our lives, 00:17:13.619 --> 00:17:14.379 Resulting, 00:17:14.460 --> 00:17:15.720 From being restored to him, 00:17:15.819 --> 00:17:16.859 Through Jesus Christ. 00:17:17.579 --> 00:17:19.839 It's the Old Testament word for shalom, 00:17:20.000 --> 00:17:20.200 Right? 00:17:20.839 --> 00:17:21.919 It's a feeling of, 00:17:21.919 --> 00:17:22.659 Of wholeness, 00:17:22.660 --> 00:17:23.340 Completeness, 00:17:23.340 --> 00:17:23.800 Contentment, 00:17:23.800 --> 00:17:24.160 Contentment, 00:17:24.740 --> 00:17:25.480 Well-being. 00:17:26.259 --> 00:17:26.960 It's a, 00:17:27.180 --> 00:17:28.300 Reminded of that. 00:17:28.779 --> 00:17:28.960 So, 00:17:29.019 --> 00:17:30.380 If you're feeling anxious today, 00:17:30.600 --> 00:17:30.680 Or, 00:17:30.920 --> 00:17:31.120 Or, 00:17:31.320 --> 00:17:33.700 That's been a common characteristic of you, 00:17:34.160 --> 00:17:35.100 For quite a while, 00:17:36.100 --> 00:17:38.200 Ask God to use his word today, 00:17:38.240 --> 00:17:39.640 To restore that to you. 00:17:40.840 --> 00:17:41.240 And, 00:17:41.340 --> 00:17:41.540 So, 00:17:41.540 --> 00:17:42.560 I'm going to give you four, 00:17:43.220 --> 00:17:44.080 Four points, 00:17:44.160 --> 00:17:45.680 Or just some selected text, 00:17:45.800 --> 00:17:47.000 But I'll give you the points first. 00:17:47.080 --> 00:17:47.620 Number one, 00:17:48.120 --> 00:17:49.019 We'll go back over them, 00:17:49.019 --> 00:17:52.819 Because God has promised a means of peace. 00:17:55.400 --> 00:17:56.259 Number two, 00:17:56.359 --> 00:17:58.940 Because God has brought peace to us. 00:18:00.519 --> 00:18:01.339 And number three, 00:18:01.440 --> 00:18:03.700 Because we can have peace with God. 00:18:04.920 --> 00:18:06.019 And number four, 00:18:06.019 --> 00:18:06.940 Because we can, 00:18:07.079 --> 00:18:09.420 We can have the peace of God. 00:18:10.339 --> 00:18:10.940 And so we'll, 00:18:10.980 --> 00:18:12.240 We'll unpack all of those. 00:18:12.359 --> 00:18:13.200 But the first point, 00:18:13.900 --> 00:18:15.500 If you want to turn in your Bibles to, 00:18:15.819 --> 00:18:17.099 Isaiah chapter 9. 00:18:17.099 --> 00:18:19.899 Isaiah chapter 9, 00:18:20.019 --> 00:18:21.319 And let's go to verse 6. 00:18:22.159 --> 00:18:22.839 The first point, 00:18:23.179 --> 00:18:25.759 Because God promised a means of peace. 00:18:25.819 --> 00:18:26.879 And this is looking back, 00:18:27.619 --> 00:18:28.219 The past. 00:18:29.159 --> 00:18:31.379 God promised a means of peace. 00:18:32.439 --> 00:18:34.019 So Isaiah chapter 9, 00:18:34.079 --> 00:18:34.919 Look at verse 6. 00:18:35.859 --> 00:18:37.279 And a prophecy spoken. 00:18:38.559 --> 00:18:39.639 For to us, 00:18:39.699 --> 00:18:40.719 A child is born. 00:18:40.959 --> 00:18:41.459 To us, 00:18:41.519 --> 00:18:43.299 A son is given. 00:18:44.039 --> 00:18:46.099 And the government shall be upon his shoulders, 00:18:46.099 --> 00:18:48.579 And his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, 00:18:49.299 --> 00:18:50.159 Mighty God, 00:18:51.199 --> 00:18:52.319 Everlasting Father, 00:18:52.559 --> 00:18:53.859 Prince of Peace. 00:18:54.659 --> 00:18:56.659 Of the increase of his government, 00:18:57.480 --> 00:18:58.359 And of peace, 00:18:58.419 --> 00:18:59.599 There will be no end. 00:19:00.139 --> 00:19:01.559 On the throne of David, 00:19:01.699 --> 00:19:02.659 And over his kingdom. 00:19:02.879 --> 00:19:03.819 To establish it, 00:19:04.139 --> 00:19:05.539 To uphold it with justice, 00:19:05.679 --> 00:19:06.480 And with righteousness. 00:19:07.199 --> 00:19:08.579 From this time forth, 00:19:08.980 --> 00:19:09.719 Forevermore. 00:19:09.720 --> 00:19:14.700 The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this. 00:19:15.839 --> 00:19:17.720 So that last verse, 00:19:17.779 --> 00:19:18.299 In verse 7, 00:19:18.400 --> 00:19:20.360 The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this. 00:19:20.420 --> 00:19:20.680 Meaning, 00:19:21.240 --> 00:19:23.059 Nothing is going to prevent, 00:19:23.920 --> 00:19:24.700 Or can stop, 00:19:25.380 --> 00:19:27.900 The coming of this king, 00:19:28.019 --> 00:19:30.200 And the coming of his established rule. 00:19:31.000 --> 00:19:32.920 He would bring salvation to his people, 00:19:32.920 --> 00:19:35.300 No matter what happened. 00:19:36.460 --> 00:19:38.259 And Isaiah spoke of these things, 00:19:38.300 --> 00:19:39.539 Almost 700 years, 00:19:39.680 --> 00:19:42.060 Before Christ actually came. 00:19:42.980 --> 00:19:44.440 A child is given to us, 00:19:44.460 --> 00:19:45.620 Who is also a son. 00:19:45.700 --> 00:19:48.519 He is the embodiment of Emmanuel, 00:19:48.900 --> 00:19:50.080 God with us. 00:19:51.560 --> 00:19:53.420 In Isaiah 7, 00:19:53.500 --> 00:19:54.120 Verse 14, 00:19:54.200 --> 00:19:54.500 It says, 00:19:54.640 --> 00:19:54.820 You know, 00:19:55.200 --> 00:19:56.720 Therefore the Lord himself, 00:19:56.840 --> 00:19:57.759 Will give you a sign. 00:19:58.620 --> 00:19:59.080 Behold, 00:19:59.160 --> 00:20:00.539 The virgin shall conceive, 00:20:00.759 --> 00:20:01.700 And bear a son. 00:20:01.700 --> 00:20:05.140 And his name shall be called Emmanuel. 00:20:06.360 --> 00:20:08.220 And so the Messiah's character, 00:20:08.900 --> 00:20:10.759 Displays his divine origin, 00:20:10.880 --> 00:20:11.860 Where he is from, 00:20:12.420 --> 00:20:15.039 Exhibits the very might of God. 00:20:15.920 --> 00:20:18.000 He is the wonderful counselor, 00:20:18.200 --> 00:20:20.720 The one who is able to make good, 00:20:21.059 --> 00:20:23.720 Righteous plans and decisions, 00:20:23.920 --> 00:20:24.880 And execute them. 00:20:26.080 --> 00:20:27.900 He is the very might of God. 00:20:28.000 --> 00:20:29.600 He is the everlasting father, 00:20:29.599 --> 00:20:31.240 Very kingly, 00:20:31.679 --> 00:20:31.980 Noble, 00:20:32.679 --> 00:20:34.099 And powerful one, 00:20:34.259 --> 00:20:36.980 Who would also embrace his people, 00:20:37.159 --> 00:20:37.839 As a father. 00:20:39.019 --> 00:20:40.259 And with the birth of Jesus, 00:20:40.459 --> 00:20:41.359 He has come, 00:20:41.419 --> 00:20:42.839 And he is establishing his kingdom, 00:20:43.799 --> 00:20:44.799 And I love this part, 00:20:44.839 --> 00:20:46.719 He is establishing his righteous kingdom, 00:20:47.259 --> 00:20:49.259 Not just for a season, 00:20:50.939 --> 00:20:52.419 Not just for a short time, 00:20:52.420 --> 00:20:52.900 There's no, 00:20:53.259 --> 00:20:55.180 He has to not be elected for this, 00:20:55.820 --> 00:20:57.440 He possesses it, 00:20:57.440 --> 00:20:58.259 It is his, 00:20:58.779 --> 00:20:59.660 For eternity. 00:21:00.720 --> 00:21:02.759 And to kind of borrow the phrase, 00:21:03.259 --> 00:21:04.940 Connected to the King Arthur legend, 00:21:05.060 --> 00:21:06.840 He is the true born king, 00:21:07.700 --> 00:21:09.320 Who will establish peace, 00:21:09.420 --> 00:21:09.560 Right, 00:21:09.600 --> 00:21:11.200 He's called the prince of peace, 00:21:11.580 --> 00:21:13.340 Whose noble reign, 00:21:13.440 --> 00:21:15.440 Will bring about an unending, 00:21:15.900 --> 00:21:17.220 Error of peace, 00:21:17.220 --> 00:21:19.279 As he reconciles, 00:21:19.339 --> 00:21:20.420 And saves individuals, 00:21:21.220 --> 00:21:22.220 That same peace, 00:21:22.220 --> 00:21:22.980 Will spread, 00:21:23.079 --> 00:21:24.819 Throughout all nations, 00:21:25.640 --> 00:21:26.940 And he will rule, 00:21:27.160 --> 00:21:28.039 With perfect, 00:21:28.960 --> 00:21:29.579 Justice, 00:21:29.880 --> 00:21:30.539 And righteousness, 00:21:31.680 --> 00:21:33.500 Nothing behind closed doors, 00:21:33.620 --> 00:21:34.360 No deceit, 00:21:35.160 --> 00:21:36.140 No trickery, 00:21:37.079 --> 00:21:37.980 True justice, 00:21:38.200 --> 00:21:39.500 And true righteousness, 00:21:39.860 --> 00:21:40.559 Will mark, 00:21:41.200 --> 00:21:41.900 His rule, 00:21:42.539 --> 00:21:44.100 For which there will be no end, 00:21:44.099 --> 00:21:46.480 And that prince of peace, 00:21:46.500 --> 00:21:48.399 Will bring an end, 00:21:48.480 --> 00:21:49.879 To the conflict and strife, 00:21:50.279 --> 00:21:51.179 In this world, 00:21:51.319 --> 00:21:52.939 That is caused by sin, 00:21:54.079 --> 00:21:54.659 And, 00:21:55.619 --> 00:21:57.119 Just keep this in mind, 00:21:57.179 --> 00:21:58.519 Just because there is conflict, 00:21:58.779 --> 00:21:59.559 There is strife, 00:22:00.099 --> 00:22:00.899 In your life, 00:22:01.079 --> 00:22:02.659 In this world, 00:22:03.579 --> 00:22:04.619 That doesn't deny, 00:22:04.759 --> 00:22:05.699 Or disprove that Jesus, 00:22:05.839 --> 00:22:06.899 Is the prince of peace, 00:22:06.939 --> 00:22:08.399 But it actually only shows, 00:22:08.399 --> 00:22:09.279 Why he came, 00:22:09.819 --> 00:22:11.359 And the need for him to come, 00:22:12.240 --> 00:22:13.419 So, 00:22:13.420 --> 00:22:14.380 It was realized, 00:22:14.500 --> 00:22:15.200 When he came, 00:22:15.279 --> 00:22:16.180 In the past tense, 00:22:16.279 --> 00:22:17.080 God promised, 00:22:17.200 --> 00:22:18.200 A means of peace, 00:22:19.080 --> 00:22:19.500 And, 00:22:19.500 --> 00:22:19.580 And, 00:22:19.700 --> 00:22:20.660 God's son, 00:22:20.759 --> 00:22:22.360 Would rule over the nations, 00:22:23.140 --> 00:22:24.360 As the prince of peace, 00:22:25.580 --> 00:22:26.480 Secondly, 00:22:26.940 --> 00:22:27.560 Point two, 00:22:28.700 --> 00:22:29.940 Point two, 00:22:30.039 --> 00:22:30.500 Is God, 00:22:31.160 --> 00:22:32.500 Brought peace to us, 00:22:32.519 --> 00:22:33.220 So he delivered, 00:22:33.320 --> 00:22:33.940 On that promise, 00:22:34.060 --> 00:22:35.920 God brought peace to us, 00:22:36.759 --> 00:22:37.560 That's number two, 00:22:38.700 --> 00:22:39.600 Flip over to, 00:22:39.600 --> 00:22:40.880 Luke chapter two, 00:22:40.880 --> 00:22:44.300 Luke chapter two, 00:22:44.740 --> 00:22:46.040 Verse eight, 00:22:46.660 --> 00:22:49.540 Oddly enough, 00:22:49.640 --> 00:22:50.780 My earliest recollection, 00:22:50.880 --> 00:22:51.460 I can have, 00:22:51.560 --> 00:22:52.060 Of this, 00:22:52.580 --> 00:22:53.140 Passage, 00:22:53.180 --> 00:22:54.480 Is from the Charlie Brown Christmas, 00:22:55.040 --> 00:22:57.840 I say that to college students, 00:22:58.000 --> 00:22:58.320 Down there like, 00:22:58.400 --> 00:22:58.820 The what? 00:22:59.080 --> 00:22:59.280 You know, 00:22:59.360 --> 00:22:59.500 So, 00:23:00.200 --> 00:23:00.520 But, 00:23:01.880 --> 00:23:03.060 Luke two, 00:23:03.160 --> 00:23:03.600 Verse eight, 00:23:03.660 --> 00:23:05.120 So God brought peace to us, 00:23:05.120 --> 00:23:06.140 He delivered on that, 00:23:06.340 --> 00:23:07.520 Promise that he made, 00:23:07.620 --> 00:23:08.180 Through Isaiah, 00:23:08.180 --> 00:23:09.920 Luke two, 00:23:09.980 --> 00:23:10.380 Verse eight, 00:23:10.420 --> 00:23:11.320 In the same region, 00:23:11.400 --> 00:23:12.240 There were shepherds, 00:23:12.279 --> 00:23:13.000 Out in the field, 00:23:13.100 --> 00:23:14.440 Keeping watch over their flocks, 00:23:14.539 --> 00:23:15.060 By night, 00:23:16.019 --> 00:23:17.200 And an angel of the Lord, 00:23:17.240 --> 00:23:18.019 Appeared to them, 00:23:18.100 --> 00:23:19.560 And the glory of the Lord, 00:23:19.799 --> 00:23:20.700 Shown around them, 00:23:21.140 --> 00:23:22.220 And they were filled, 00:23:22.539 --> 00:23:23.840 With great fear, 00:23:24.779 --> 00:23:26.200 And the angel said to them, 00:23:26.279 --> 00:23:26.960 Fear not, 00:23:27.779 --> 00:23:28.420 For behold, 00:23:28.519 --> 00:23:30.100 I bring you good news, 00:23:31.140 --> 00:23:31.539 Gospel, 00:23:32.500 --> 00:23:33.620 A great joy, 00:23:33.620 --> 00:23:35.100 That will be for all people, 00:23:35.099 --> 00:23:37.419 For unto you, 00:23:37.879 --> 00:23:38.980 Is born this day, 00:23:39.079 --> 00:23:40.039 In the city of David, 00:23:40.119 --> 00:23:40.579 A savior, 00:23:40.740 --> 00:23:41.500 Who is Christ, 00:23:42.000 --> 00:23:42.879 The Lord, 00:23:43.579 --> 00:23:45.459 And this will be a sign for you, 00:23:45.539 --> 00:23:46.839 You will find the baby, 00:23:46.939 --> 00:23:48.259 Wrapped in swatting clothes, 00:23:48.359 --> 00:23:49.240 Lying in a manger, 00:23:50.059 --> 00:23:50.699 And suddenly, 00:23:51.539 --> 00:23:52.359 There was, 00:23:52.439 --> 00:23:53.659 With the angel, 00:23:54.299 --> 00:23:56.159 A multitude of the heavenly host, 00:23:56.339 --> 00:23:57.159 Praising God, 00:23:57.240 --> 00:23:57.659 And saying, 00:23:57.819 --> 00:23:58.679 Glory to God, 00:23:58.719 --> 00:23:59.419 In the highest, 00:24:00.099 --> 00:24:00.899 And on earth, 00:24:01.339 --> 00:24:01.799 Peace, 00:24:01.799 --> 00:24:03.740 Among those, 00:24:03.859 --> 00:24:05.500 With whom he is pleased, 00:24:06.500 --> 00:24:08.399 So this is the dawning of peace, 00:24:08.500 --> 00:24:11.240 Christ came as a humble baby, 00:24:11.359 --> 00:24:12.740 Born in Bethlehem, 00:24:13.319 --> 00:24:14.419 To poor parents, 00:24:15.480 --> 00:24:17.779 And the angels announced this coming, 00:24:17.859 --> 00:24:18.539 With great, 00:24:18.680 --> 00:24:20.399 Great power, 00:24:21.039 --> 00:24:22.740 The glory of the Lord, 00:24:22.879 --> 00:24:24.740 Shown around these lowly shepherds, 00:24:25.740 --> 00:24:26.379 So, 00:24:27.139 --> 00:24:27.539 You know, 00:24:27.539 --> 00:24:28.480 My interest in, 00:24:28.480 --> 00:24:30.279 Celtic history, 00:24:30.279 --> 00:24:31.420 Some of you may know, 00:24:31.599 --> 00:24:32.559 That like the druids, 00:24:32.759 --> 00:24:33.299 Of old, 00:24:34.039 --> 00:24:35.180 The pagan druids, 00:24:35.879 --> 00:24:36.639 The mistletoe, 00:24:36.779 --> 00:24:37.859 Was like a sacred plant, 00:24:37.920 --> 00:24:38.480 That they believed, 00:24:38.539 --> 00:24:40.000 Possessed magical powers, 00:24:40.200 --> 00:24:40.420 And, 00:24:40.899 --> 00:24:41.720 When chieftains, 00:24:41.779 --> 00:24:42.200 Or enemies, 00:24:42.339 --> 00:24:42.819 Came together, 00:24:42.899 --> 00:24:43.420 They would meet, 00:24:43.500 --> 00:24:44.359 Underneath the oak, 00:24:44.519 --> 00:24:45.599 Underneath the mistletoe, 00:24:46.240 --> 00:24:46.899 They would lay down, 00:24:46.960 --> 00:24:47.500 Their weapons, 00:24:48.440 --> 00:24:49.420 And come together, 00:24:49.539 --> 00:24:50.139 And they would kiss, 00:24:50.180 --> 00:24:51.180 Like a kiss of peace, 00:24:51.200 --> 00:24:52.019 And they would talk, 00:24:53.339 --> 00:24:54.500 Under the sacred oak, 00:24:55.339 --> 00:24:56.079 And somehow, 00:24:56.240 --> 00:24:56.940 It got transferred, 00:24:57.180 --> 00:24:59.019 To lovers, 00:24:59.139 --> 00:24:59.839 Kissing each other, 00:24:59.839 --> 00:25:01.079 After that, 00:25:01.159 --> 00:25:01.699 At some point, 00:25:01.859 --> 00:25:02.099 But, 00:25:03.019 --> 00:25:03.980 But the imagery, 00:25:04.500 --> 00:25:04.839 Of, 00:25:05.379 --> 00:25:06.679 Kissing under the mistletoe, 00:25:06.759 --> 00:25:07.799 Was a way for enemies, 00:25:08.139 --> 00:25:09.119 How they would make peace, 00:25:09.179 --> 00:25:09.779 With one another, 00:25:10.779 --> 00:25:11.519 And so God, 00:25:11.879 --> 00:25:12.220 If you can, 00:25:12.839 --> 00:25:13.639 Follow the metaphor, 00:25:13.879 --> 00:25:14.939 Has graciously brought, 00:25:15.159 --> 00:25:15.740 Peace to us, 00:25:15.819 --> 00:25:16.599 Underneath, 00:25:17.119 --> 00:25:18.319 The foot of the cross, 00:25:18.859 --> 00:25:19.599 Of his son, 00:25:20.939 --> 00:25:22.259 Says in Colossians 1, 00:25:22.699 --> 00:25:23.359 Through him, 00:25:23.480 --> 00:25:24.959 To reconcile to himself, 00:25:25.099 --> 00:25:25.879 All things, 00:25:26.500 --> 00:25:27.240 Whether on heaven, 00:25:27.359 --> 00:25:27.859 Or on earth, 00:25:27.959 --> 00:25:28.859 Making peace, 00:25:28.859 --> 00:25:30.839 By the blood, 00:25:30.919 --> 00:25:31.799 Of his cross, 00:25:32.740 --> 00:25:33.259 And so, 00:25:33.519 --> 00:25:34.299 God is saying, 00:25:34.379 --> 00:25:35.479 Though you have rejected me, 00:25:35.539 --> 00:25:36.519 Though you have rebelled, 00:25:36.519 --> 00:25:37.119 Against me, 00:25:37.179 --> 00:25:38.759 I have made a, 00:25:38.759 --> 00:25:40.139 Means for you, 00:25:40.199 --> 00:25:40.939 To be restored, 00:25:41.079 --> 00:25:41.579 Back to me, 00:25:41.619 --> 00:25:42.139 And that is, 00:25:42.679 --> 00:25:44.179 By coming underneath, 00:25:45.139 --> 00:25:46.679 The bloodstained cross, 00:25:46.759 --> 00:25:48.299 Of my son, 00:25:49.119 --> 00:25:49.919 So, 00:25:50.299 --> 00:25:51.199 Note that, 00:25:52.039 --> 00:25:53.319 In verse 14, 00:25:53.319 --> 00:25:56.200 That God's peace, 00:25:56.259 --> 00:25:56.859 Or good will, 00:25:56.919 --> 00:25:57.859 Isn't a reward, 00:25:58.500 --> 00:26:00.000 To those who have good will, 00:26:00.059 --> 00:26:00.460 But rather, 00:26:00.539 --> 00:26:01.679 It's a gift of God's, 00:26:01.679 --> 00:26:02.679 Sovereign grace, 00:26:03.599 --> 00:26:04.099 Namely, 00:26:04.179 --> 00:26:05.159 Toward his redeemed, 00:26:05.259 --> 00:26:06.099 Those who trust, 00:26:06.159 --> 00:26:06.879 In the Messiah, 00:26:08.559 --> 00:26:08.939 See that, 00:26:08.980 --> 00:26:09.480 To those, 00:26:09.539 --> 00:26:10.720 From whom he is pleased, 00:26:11.099 --> 00:26:11.859 And how can God, 00:26:11.899 --> 00:26:12.879 Be pleased with sinners, 00:26:13.039 --> 00:26:14.259 Only when they are made right, 00:26:14.980 --> 00:26:15.460 With him, 00:26:15.539 --> 00:26:16.139 Through Christ, 00:26:17.139 --> 00:26:17.859 And so, 00:26:17.960 --> 00:26:18.740 It's not just, 00:26:18.799 --> 00:26:19.259 Towards, 00:26:19.779 --> 00:26:20.619 Every person, 00:26:20.619 --> 00:26:22.439 But those who are in Christ, 00:26:23.199 --> 00:26:23.919 And as David, 00:26:24.019 --> 00:26:24.399 It mentions, 00:26:24.539 --> 00:26:24.679 You know, 00:26:24.739 --> 00:26:25.119 David, 00:26:25.799 --> 00:26:26.859 He prophesied, 00:26:26.919 --> 00:26:28.139 About God's anointed, 00:26:28.279 --> 00:26:29.259 Who will come to rule, 00:26:29.319 --> 00:26:30.159 Over the nations, 00:26:31.219 --> 00:26:31.459 We, 00:26:31.779 --> 00:26:32.779 Psalm 2, 00:26:32.879 --> 00:26:33.579 Verse 12, 00:26:34.299 --> 00:26:35.079 There's a command, 00:26:35.199 --> 00:26:35.879 Given to, 00:26:36.559 --> 00:26:37.979 The world, 00:26:38.819 --> 00:26:39.459 This rebellion, 00:26:39.579 --> 00:26:40.099 Against God, 00:26:40.159 --> 00:26:40.359 It says, 00:26:40.479 --> 00:26:41.500 Kiss the son, 00:26:42.279 --> 00:26:43.379 Lest he be angry, 00:26:43.559 --> 00:26:44.219 And you perish, 00:26:44.319 --> 00:26:44.839 In the way, 00:26:45.539 --> 00:26:46.279 For his wrath, 00:26:46.339 --> 00:26:47.339 Is quickly kindled, 00:26:47.979 --> 00:26:48.559 But blessed, 00:26:48.779 --> 00:26:49.519 Are all those, 00:26:49.579 --> 00:26:50.379 Who take refuge, 00:26:50.380 --> 00:26:50.940 In him, 00:26:51.860 --> 00:26:52.660 So we can, 00:26:53.280 --> 00:26:54.320 Have that peace, 00:26:54.880 --> 00:26:56.800 Through knowing Christ, 00:26:57.220 --> 00:26:58.380 That's the dawning of peace, 00:26:58.440 --> 00:26:59.260 When Christ came, 00:27:00.100 --> 00:27:00.960 As a child, 00:27:01.140 --> 00:27:02.120 And grew into a man, 00:27:02.240 --> 00:27:03.440 And was crucified, 00:27:04.280 --> 00:27:04.940 And then risen, 00:27:06.120 --> 00:27:06.840 The third point, 00:27:08.260 --> 00:27:09.140 Third point, 00:27:09.320 --> 00:27:09.620 Because, 00:27:09.780 --> 00:27:10.000 Because, 00:27:10.700 --> 00:27:11.180 This is all, 00:27:11.280 --> 00:27:12.320 How can we have peace? 00:27:12.960 --> 00:27:13.440 Because, 00:27:14.400 --> 00:27:16.100 We can have peace with God, 00:27:17.220 --> 00:27:18.540 We can have peace with God, 00:27:18.539 --> 00:27:19.740 Or Nathan read earlier, 00:27:19.740 --> 00:27:21.079 From Romans 5, 00:27:22.079 --> 00:27:23.339 Just flip back over there, 00:27:23.399 --> 00:27:24.339 There's only two more places, 00:27:24.460 --> 00:27:24.940 For you to look, 00:27:25.019 --> 00:27:25.980 But Romans 5, 00:27:26.099 --> 00:27:27.859 Look at verse 6, 00:27:29.460 --> 00:27:30.240 So God, 00:27:30.339 --> 00:27:31.799 Brought this peace to us, 00:27:31.839 --> 00:27:32.759 And now we can actually, 00:27:33.519 --> 00:27:34.920 Have peace with God, 00:27:35.639 --> 00:27:39.519 Peace through Christ, 00:27:40.200 --> 00:27:40.960 Romans 5, 00:27:41.779 --> 00:27:43.159 Just look at verse 1, 00:27:43.160 --> 00:27:44.259 And then we'll skip down a little bit, 00:27:44.300 --> 00:27:44.540 It says, 00:27:44.700 --> 00:27:44.960 Therefore, 00:27:45.860 --> 00:27:47.460 Since we have been justified, 00:27:47.880 --> 00:27:48.860 We've been made right, 00:27:48.920 --> 00:27:49.759 By faith, 00:27:50.640 --> 00:27:51.680 We have peace, 00:27:51.680 --> 00:27:52.460 With God, 00:27:52.700 --> 00:27:53.180 Through, 00:27:54.200 --> 00:27:55.680 Our Lord Jesus Christ, 00:27:57.100 --> 00:27:58.620 Go down to verse 6, 00:27:59.500 --> 00:28:00.980 For while we were still weak, 00:28:02.259 --> 00:28:03.560 At the right time, 00:28:03.759 --> 00:28:04.500 Christ died, 00:28:04.580 --> 00:28:05.519 For the ungodly, 00:28:06.720 --> 00:28:08.080 For one will scarcely die, 00:28:08.080 --> 00:28:09.120 For a righteous person, 00:28:09.200 --> 00:28:10.519 Though perhaps for a good person, 00:28:10.600 --> 00:28:11.840 One would even dare to die, 00:28:11.839 --> 00:28:14.399 Just stop to think about that, 00:28:14.539 --> 00:28:15.199 In your head, 00:28:15.539 --> 00:28:17.000 Think about the short, 00:28:17.099 --> 00:28:17.699 Short list, 00:28:17.779 --> 00:28:18.859 That you may have in your head, 00:28:18.959 --> 00:28:20.399 Of very few people, 00:28:20.500 --> 00:28:22.059 That you might be willing to die for, 00:28:23.339 --> 00:28:26.779 It's probably a small list, 00:28:27.619 --> 00:28:29.339 And most people, 00:28:29.439 --> 00:28:30.179 Are not going to be willing, 00:28:30.240 --> 00:28:31.059 To surrender their lives, 00:28:31.119 --> 00:28:32.199 Especially if someone, 00:28:32.799 --> 00:28:34.179 Doesn't seem like they deserve it, 00:28:34.839 --> 00:28:35.759 Especially if that person, 00:28:35.759 --> 00:28:36.399 Is a rebel, 00:28:36.720 --> 00:28:38.159 And someone who is cruel, 00:28:38.839 --> 00:28:39.919 You would be very hesitant, 00:28:40.119 --> 00:28:41.419 To want to give your life for them, 00:28:41.839 --> 00:28:42.959 But easy to give it, 00:28:43.000 --> 00:28:43.980 For those that you love, 00:28:44.819 --> 00:28:46.299 But it goes on, 00:28:46.379 --> 00:28:47.039 And it says, 00:28:48.099 --> 00:28:48.759 But God, 00:28:48.939 --> 00:28:49.539 Shows, 00:28:50.299 --> 00:28:51.199 His love for us, 00:28:51.240 --> 00:28:52.859 And that while we were still sinners, 00:28:53.919 --> 00:28:55.099 Christ died for us, 00:28:56.220 --> 00:28:56.959 And since therefore, 00:28:57.119 --> 00:28:58.339 We have now been justified, 00:28:58.339 --> 00:28:59.759 By his blood, 00:29:00.619 --> 00:29:01.579 Much more, 00:29:01.759 --> 00:29:03.199 Shall we be saved by him, 00:29:03.199 --> 00:29:04.039 From the wrath, 00:29:04.879 --> 00:29:05.480 Of God, 00:29:06.480 --> 00:29:07.980 For if while we were enemies, 00:29:08.099 --> 00:29:09.359 We were reconciled to God, 00:29:09.419 --> 00:29:10.480 By the death of his son, 00:29:10.480 --> 00:29:11.440 Much more, 00:29:12.039 --> 00:29:13.680 Now that we are reconciled, 00:29:13.680 --> 00:29:14.579 We shall be saved, 00:29:14.640 --> 00:29:15.460 By his life, 00:29:16.779 --> 00:29:17.099 And, 00:29:17.860 --> 00:29:19.019 Just look at the terms, 00:29:19.140 --> 00:29:20.539 In that text, 00:29:21.200 --> 00:29:22.140 We were weak, 00:29:22.599 --> 00:29:23.559 So, 00:29:23.720 --> 00:29:24.620 God doesn't help those, 00:29:24.640 --> 00:29:25.200 Who help themselves, 00:29:25.440 --> 00:29:26.059 We were weak, 00:29:26.160 --> 00:29:26.799 We were helpless, 00:29:26.920 --> 00:29:27.700 We were in a position, 00:29:27.900 --> 00:29:28.160 That, 00:29:28.860 --> 00:29:30.519 Only God could do something, 00:29:30.519 --> 00:29:31.039 About it, 00:29:31.420 --> 00:29:33.200 We were ungodly, 00:29:33.259 --> 00:29:34.240 We were sinners, 00:29:34.539 --> 00:29:35.680 We were unrighteous, 00:29:35.680 --> 00:29:38.519 But God showed his great love, 00:29:38.640 --> 00:29:39.640 By dying for those, 00:29:39.680 --> 00:29:40.700 Who didn't deserve it, 00:29:41.840 --> 00:29:42.799 Through Christ, 00:29:42.860 --> 00:29:44.140 And being made right with him, 00:29:44.259 --> 00:29:45.799 Being reconciled to him, 00:29:46.000 --> 00:29:47.019 So, 00:29:47.180 --> 00:29:48.420 It's a chance for us, 00:29:48.500 --> 00:29:49.039 This season, 00:29:49.180 --> 00:29:50.840 To go to other people, 00:29:51.660 --> 00:29:53.039 I challenge some of you, 00:29:53.240 --> 00:29:54.440 To go, 00:29:54.600 --> 00:29:55.500 To family members, 00:29:55.620 --> 00:29:56.900 That you may have strife with, 00:29:57.840 --> 00:29:59.400 And reconcile with them, 00:30:00.340 --> 00:30:01.440 Because of Christ, 00:30:01.519 --> 00:30:02.880 As a means to display them, 00:30:02.880 --> 00:30:04.080 Display to them, 00:30:04.620 --> 00:30:06.020 The peace that you can have, 00:30:06.120 --> 00:30:06.780 With God, 00:30:07.480 --> 00:30:08.200 From knowing, 00:30:08.380 --> 00:30:09.420 That you are right with him, 00:30:09.820 --> 00:30:11.320 God is no longer your enemy, 00:30:11.440 --> 00:30:12.460 If you are in Christ, 00:30:12.780 --> 00:30:13.800 You are welcomed, 00:30:14.280 --> 00:30:15.140 As a child, 00:30:15.820 --> 00:30:17.200 You are made right with him, 00:30:17.800 --> 00:30:18.680 And so that should, 00:30:18.900 --> 00:30:19.660 Sort of bleed out, 00:30:19.800 --> 00:30:20.080 I mean, 00:30:20.100 --> 00:30:21.240 Some of you can think about, 00:30:21.880 --> 00:30:23.280 A relationship in your life, 00:30:23.340 --> 00:30:23.760 Where you were, 00:30:24.680 --> 00:30:25.700 There was great tension, 00:30:25.900 --> 00:30:26.600 Great strife, 00:30:27.160 --> 00:30:28.180 There had been a conflict, 00:30:29.000 --> 00:30:29.860 And, 00:30:30.000 --> 00:30:31.020 You went out to them, 00:30:31.060 --> 00:30:32.000 And you reconciled, 00:30:32.000 --> 00:30:32.520 And like man, 00:30:32.519 --> 00:30:33.440 That you actually, 00:30:33.559 --> 00:30:34.500 Really reconciled, 00:30:34.900 --> 00:30:36.440 And the joy, 00:30:36.720 --> 00:30:37.279 That came, 00:30:37.740 --> 00:30:38.599 From being made right, 00:30:38.639 --> 00:30:39.299 With that person, 00:30:40.039 --> 00:30:40.660 It's awesome, 00:30:41.680 --> 00:30:42.279 I have a, 00:30:42.799 --> 00:30:44.059 When I was a sophomore, 00:30:45.059 --> 00:30:46.000 At Duluth High School, 00:30:46.059 --> 00:30:46.720 A long time ago, 00:30:46.799 --> 00:30:48.279 I was not a follower of Jesus, 00:30:48.539 --> 00:30:48.819 And, 00:30:49.420 --> 00:30:50.180 There was a guy, 00:30:50.839 --> 00:30:51.079 That I, 00:30:51.639 --> 00:30:52.819 His name was Cliff, 00:30:52.920 --> 00:30:53.279 But he, 00:30:53.960 --> 00:30:55.139 Would get out in the courtyard, 00:30:55.379 --> 00:30:56.119 Some of his friends, 00:30:56.200 --> 00:30:57.000 At Duluth High School, 00:30:57.079 --> 00:30:57.460 And he would, 00:30:57.960 --> 00:30:59.059 Sing praise songs, 00:30:59.180 --> 00:30:59.859 And they would pray, 00:31:00.019 --> 00:31:01.319 And talk to people about Christ, 00:31:01.319 --> 00:31:02.319 And I thought, 00:31:02.399 --> 00:31:03.279 These people were crazy, 00:31:03.339 --> 00:31:04.319 I thought he was crazy, 00:31:05.339 --> 00:31:07.779 Would mock him, 00:31:07.839 --> 00:31:08.740 Would make fun of him, 00:31:09.099 --> 00:31:10.639 On a weekly basis, 00:31:11.200 --> 00:31:12.179 He continued, 00:31:12.179 --> 00:31:14.059 To show love, 00:31:14.779 --> 00:31:16.259 And then when I was 18, 00:31:16.379 --> 00:31:17.139 God humbled me, 00:31:17.240 --> 00:31:17.439 Through, 00:31:18.559 --> 00:31:19.859 Helped circumstances, 00:31:20.079 --> 00:31:20.980 And really used that, 00:31:21.059 --> 00:31:21.460 As a means, 00:31:21.539 --> 00:31:22.480 To truly save me, 00:31:23.019 --> 00:31:23.740 And, 00:31:23.819 --> 00:31:24.980 Make me right with them, 00:31:24.980 --> 00:31:26.620 And, 00:31:26.700 --> 00:31:28.099 I was meeting with a group, 00:31:28.099 --> 00:31:29.839 Of high school guys, 00:31:29.960 --> 00:31:31.079 And we were talking about people, 00:31:31.240 --> 00:31:32.519 That really impacted us, 00:31:33.099 --> 00:31:34.240 And how to live for Jesus, 00:31:34.440 --> 00:31:35.599 And Cliff came to my mind, 00:31:35.660 --> 00:31:37.160 And I hadn't seen him at that point, 00:31:37.200 --> 00:31:38.640 In probably like three or four years, 00:31:39.579 --> 00:31:40.620 And I've been out of, 00:31:40.779 --> 00:31:41.220 Excuse me, 00:31:41.279 --> 00:31:42.539 I was a freshman, 00:31:42.680 --> 00:31:42.940 I think, 00:31:42.980 --> 00:31:43.940 At Perimeter College, 00:31:44.900 --> 00:31:45.980 And, 00:31:46.640 --> 00:31:47.980 So I shared about him, 00:31:48.019 --> 00:31:48.360 And I thought, 00:31:48.440 --> 00:31:48.620 Man, 00:31:48.660 --> 00:31:49.620 I cannot believe, 00:31:49.700 --> 00:31:50.799 How I treated that guy, 00:31:50.880 --> 00:31:51.640 In high school, 00:31:52.559 --> 00:31:52.799 Just, 00:31:52.799 --> 00:31:54.299 Just such shame, 00:31:55.519 --> 00:31:56.079 And, 00:31:56.180 --> 00:31:56.980 And I sat there, 00:31:57.079 --> 00:31:57.799 In that small group, 00:31:57.879 --> 00:31:58.659 And I prayed like, 00:31:59.700 --> 00:32:00.019 Lord, 00:32:00.079 --> 00:32:01.639 I would love to see him again somehow, 00:32:01.859 --> 00:32:02.480 I don't know how, 00:32:02.899 --> 00:32:04.460 This was before the days of Facebook, 00:32:04.720 --> 00:32:05.539 And all that kind of stuff, 00:32:05.639 --> 00:32:05.799 So, 00:32:06.039 --> 00:32:06.799 You couldn't just, 00:32:07.319 --> 00:32:08.379 Get a look in a phone book, 00:32:08.440 --> 00:32:09.839 Or not talk to somebody at all, 00:32:09.980 --> 00:32:10.159 So, 00:32:10.919 --> 00:32:11.940 I, 00:32:12.879 --> 00:32:13.839 Then went to, 00:32:14.019 --> 00:32:15.519 Something called 722, 00:32:16.500 --> 00:32:17.639 With Louie Giglio, 00:32:18.039 --> 00:32:19.619 At North Point, 00:32:20.500 --> 00:32:21.919 And there's a few thousand people, 00:32:22.039 --> 00:32:22.519 In this room, 00:32:23.659 --> 00:32:24.619 And he does the whole, 00:32:24.720 --> 00:32:25.799 Stand up and greet somebody, 00:32:25.940 --> 00:32:26.960 That you're going to be with, 00:32:27.039 --> 00:32:27.740 Be around tonight, 00:32:27.859 --> 00:32:28.500 Y'all remember that, 00:32:28.720 --> 00:32:29.519 People used to do that, 00:32:29.839 --> 00:32:31.119 I stood up, 00:32:31.139 --> 00:32:31.659 And turned around, 00:32:31.740 --> 00:32:33.200 And he was sitting directly behind me, 00:32:33.779 --> 00:32:34.779 And I was just, 00:32:34.919 --> 00:32:36.519 Just floored, 00:32:36.899 --> 00:32:38.500 And he just said, 00:32:38.539 --> 00:32:38.680 Hey, 00:32:38.720 --> 00:32:39.159 I'm Cliff, 00:32:39.200 --> 00:32:39.740 Who are you? 00:32:39.799 --> 00:32:40.259 And I was like, 00:32:40.279 --> 00:32:41.480 He probably doesn't even remember me, 00:32:41.519 --> 00:32:42.720 Because so many people made fun of him, 00:32:42.759 --> 00:32:43.500 Back in the day, 00:32:44.399 --> 00:32:44.799 And I said, 00:32:44.839 --> 00:32:44.980 Man, 00:32:44.980 --> 00:32:45.779 I've got to talk to you, 00:32:45.779 --> 00:32:46.559 After this is over, 00:32:46.839 --> 00:32:47.099 And, 00:32:47.960 --> 00:32:48.539 So later on, 00:32:48.539 --> 00:32:48.740 I said, 00:32:48.779 --> 00:32:49.099 Hey man, 00:32:49.119 --> 00:32:49.919 I just want you to know, 00:32:49.919 --> 00:32:50.839 That I was one of those people, 00:32:50.960 --> 00:32:51.480 Who mocked you, 00:32:51.539 --> 00:32:52.339 And made fun of you, 00:32:52.799 --> 00:32:54.500 And, 00:32:55.180 --> 00:32:56.299 Your love for Christ, 00:32:56.359 --> 00:32:58.019 Was such an awesome display for me, 00:32:58.960 --> 00:32:59.839 And I just want you to know, 00:32:59.899 --> 00:33:00.879 That God has saved me, 00:33:01.200 --> 00:33:02.319 And I'm with you, 00:33:02.399 --> 00:33:03.379 Like I'm on your team now, 00:33:04.039 --> 00:33:04.659 And he dropped, 00:33:04.759 --> 00:33:05.899 He had this big backpack on, 00:33:05.940 --> 00:33:06.700 He like took it off, 00:33:06.779 --> 00:33:07.200 Threw it off, 00:33:07.220 --> 00:33:07.759 And gave me a hug, 00:33:07.799 --> 00:33:07.919 And said, 00:33:07.940 --> 00:33:08.079 Brother, 00:33:08.180 --> 00:33:08.879 You are forgiven, 00:33:09.139 --> 00:33:10.879 And just the joy, 00:33:11.000 --> 00:33:11.419 That came, 00:33:12.279 --> 00:33:13.159 In that moment, 00:33:13.299 --> 00:33:13.480 But, 00:33:13.659 --> 00:33:14.359 If you see the, 00:33:14.519 --> 00:33:15.480 Just follow what I'm saying, 00:33:15.599 --> 00:33:16.700 Christ saved me, 00:33:17.599 --> 00:33:18.619 Brought me peace, 00:33:19.960 --> 00:33:20.799 And then I was able, 00:33:20.799 --> 00:33:21.619 To go out, 00:33:21.619 --> 00:33:23.239 And have peace with others, 00:33:23.279 --> 00:33:24.000 Because of that, 00:33:24.739 --> 00:33:25.639 That's, 00:33:25.959 --> 00:33:27.139 What this does, 00:33:27.199 --> 00:33:28.119 This is how we can have, 00:33:28.199 --> 00:33:29.159 The peace of God, 00:33:29.559 --> 00:33:30.459 And it won't come, 00:33:30.539 --> 00:33:31.279 Any other way, 00:33:32.279 --> 00:33:33.639 It's the true, 00:33:33.939 --> 00:33:35.079 Spiritual inner peace, 00:33:35.139 --> 00:33:36.339 That we have been saved, 00:33:37.079 --> 00:33:38.699 We've been made right with God, 00:33:39.399 --> 00:33:40.679 Through the death of his son, 00:33:40.680 --> 00:33:42.840 And then lastly, 00:33:42.840 --> 00:33:45.019 This is the last point, 00:33:45.080 --> 00:33:46.080 How can we have peace? 00:33:46.820 --> 00:33:47.940 Because we can have, 00:33:48.039 --> 00:33:49.019 The peace of God, 00:33:49.100 --> 00:33:49.539 So God, 00:33:50.000 --> 00:33:50.840 Doesn't just save us, 00:33:50.860 --> 00:33:51.660 And have peace with us, 00:33:51.700 --> 00:33:52.600 But he actually gives us, 00:33:52.640 --> 00:33:53.900 The ability to have that peace, 00:33:54.299 --> 00:33:55.680 Familiar text, 00:33:56.100 --> 00:33:56.900 Philippians 4, 00:33:57.759 --> 00:33:58.980 Let's turn to Philippians 4, 00:34:00.140 --> 00:34:01.860 And, 00:34:02.340 --> 00:34:05.320 If we know the God, 00:34:05.400 --> 00:34:06.019 Of peace, 00:34:06.060 --> 00:34:07.460 We can experience that peace, 00:34:07.500 --> 00:34:08.760 In our actual lives, 00:34:08.760 --> 00:34:11.840 Philippians 4, 00:34:12.000 --> 00:34:12.840 And verse 4, 00:34:14.040 --> 00:34:14.620 Paul says, 00:34:14.700 --> 00:34:15.980 Rejoice in the Lord, 00:34:16.120 --> 00:34:16.620 Always, 00:34:17.900 --> 00:34:18.960 Again I will say, 00:34:19.040 --> 00:34:19.660 Rejoice, 00:34:20.340 --> 00:34:22.780 Let your reasonableness, 00:34:22.920 --> 00:34:24.360 Be known to everyone, 00:34:25.100 --> 00:34:26.500 The Lord is at hand, 00:34:27.600 --> 00:34:28.400 Do not, 00:34:28.400 --> 00:34:29.320 Be anxious, 00:34:29.720 --> 00:34:30.540 About anything, 00:34:31.680 --> 00:34:32.520 But in everything, 00:34:32.760 --> 00:34:33.320 By prayer, 00:34:33.460 --> 00:34:34.300 And supplication, 00:34:34.380 --> 00:34:35.000 With thanksgiving, 00:34:35.080 --> 00:34:35.860 Let your requests, 00:34:36.600 --> 00:34:37.860 Be made known to God, 00:34:38.760 --> 00:34:39.980 And the peace of God, 00:34:40.080 --> 00:34:41.840 Which surpasses understanding, 00:34:42.560 --> 00:34:43.460 Will guard, 00:34:43.620 --> 00:34:44.900 Your hearts and minds, 00:34:45.740 --> 00:34:46.720 In Christ Jesus, 00:34:47.700 --> 00:34:49.100 The peace that surpasses, 00:34:49.100 --> 00:34:49.980 All understanding, 00:34:50.100 --> 00:34:50.980 The inner calm, 00:34:51.120 --> 00:34:52.540 Of the soul, 00:34:53.320 --> 00:34:54.780 That comes not from this world, 00:34:54.880 --> 00:34:55.940 But by being made right, 00:34:56.440 --> 00:34:57.440 With Christ, 00:34:57.800 --> 00:34:59.420 And, 00:34:59.620 --> 00:35:01.300 If you are anxious, 00:35:01.460 --> 00:35:02.800 What's one of the first characteristics, 00:35:02.960 --> 00:35:03.660 You can think about, 00:35:03.659 --> 00:35:07.159 You are unreasonable, 00:35:07.679 --> 00:35:09.719 People lose their mind, 00:35:09.799 --> 00:35:11.079 When they are overcome by fear, 00:35:12.079 --> 00:35:13.219 And I have known, 00:35:13.319 --> 00:35:14.039 Some believers, 00:35:14.579 --> 00:35:14.839 That, 00:35:15.559 --> 00:35:16.279 Would say things like, 00:35:16.339 --> 00:35:16.480 Yeah, 00:35:16.480 --> 00:35:16.599 Yeah, 00:35:16.599 --> 00:35:16.719 Yeah, 00:35:16.759 --> 00:35:17.920 I know God is on his throne, 00:35:18.719 --> 00:35:19.440 Isaiah 40, 00:35:19.539 --> 00:35:19.719 Blah, 00:35:19.739 --> 00:35:19.859 Blah, 00:35:19.899 --> 00:35:20.159 Blah, 00:35:20.159 --> 00:35:21.059 But then their whole, 00:35:21.059 --> 00:35:22.019 Lifestyle, 00:35:22.519 --> 00:35:23.059 That week, 00:35:23.139 --> 00:35:23.739 Was characterized, 00:35:24.619 --> 00:35:25.259 By fear, 00:35:25.599 --> 00:35:26.299 By anxiety, 00:35:26.539 --> 00:35:27.599 And unreasonableness, 00:35:27.599 --> 00:35:30.219 And if you really do believe that, 00:35:30.900 --> 00:35:32.920 If you believe that God is in control, 00:35:34.239 --> 00:35:36.019 You'll be reasonable, 00:35:36.639 --> 00:35:38.119 You'll bring things down, 00:35:38.739 --> 00:35:40.339 You won't add into the drama, 00:35:40.539 --> 00:35:42.819 You will be changed by the peace of God, 00:35:43.719 --> 00:35:45.699 So let your reasonableness, 00:35:45.839 --> 00:35:47.079 Be that witness to people, 00:35:47.199 --> 00:35:48.779 Because the Lord is at hand, 00:35:50.039 --> 00:35:50.940 Don't be anxious, 00:35:51.079 --> 00:35:51.940 But go to him, 00:35:52.559 --> 00:35:53.179 In prayer, 00:35:53.360 --> 00:35:54.219 In supplication, 00:35:55.059 --> 00:35:56.279 And when you do that, 00:35:56.280 --> 00:35:58.519 The peace of God, 00:35:58.580 --> 00:35:59.760 Will guard your hearts, 00:35:59.920 --> 00:36:00.320 And minds, 00:36:00.380 --> 00:36:01.019 In Christ Jesus, 00:36:01.860 --> 00:36:03.019 We have that peace, 00:36:03.080 --> 00:36:04.120 Because you are guarded, 00:36:04.260 --> 00:36:04.880 By something, 00:36:05.740 --> 00:36:06.620 It's a feeling that, 00:36:07.140 --> 00:36:08.240 Nothing can get to you, 00:36:08.280 --> 00:36:09.400 Because of something out there, 00:36:09.460 --> 00:36:10.220 That's guarding you, 00:36:11.500 --> 00:36:13.280 And when God Almighty, 00:36:13.280 --> 00:36:14.200 Is guarding you, 00:36:14.960 --> 00:36:16.080 You're pretty safe, 00:36:16.160 --> 00:36:17.120 No matter where you are, 00:36:18.120 --> 00:36:19.400 In a place like this, 00:36:19.440 --> 00:36:20.080 Or in a dungeon, 00:36:20.280 --> 00:36:20.920 For his name, 00:36:22.040 --> 00:36:22.380 And, 00:36:23.080 --> 00:36:25.060 Often in times of great distress, 00:36:25.059 --> 00:36:27.679 God will give, 00:36:27.820 --> 00:36:28.779 The gift of peace, 00:36:28.860 --> 00:36:29.599 To his followers, 00:36:30.299 --> 00:36:31.519 It's not found out here, 00:36:31.599 --> 00:36:32.079 It's found, 00:36:32.219 --> 00:36:32.420 You know, 00:36:32.460 --> 00:36:32.980 In here, 00:36:33.199 --> 00:36:34.199 Christ gives that, 00:36:34.699 --> 00:36:35.539 To us, 00:36:36.099 --> 00:36:37.199 I'm just going to read, 00:36:37.279 --> 00:36:38.739 John 14 for you, 00:36:39.219 --> 00:36:40.079 You don't have to turn there, 00:36:40.119 --> 00:36:41.440 But Jesus spoke about this, 00:36:42.299 --> 00:36:42.679 You know, 00:36:43.059 --> 00:36:44.139 When people die, 00:36:44.279 --> 00:36:44.420 Or, 00:36:44.599 --> 00:36:45.980 Are about to go away, 00:36:46.139 --> 00:36:46.360 They, 00:36:46.400 --> 00:36:47.279 They bequeath, 00:36:47.320 --> 00:36:47.639 Or they, 00:36:47.799 --> 00:36:49.019 They give something, 00:36:49.019 --> 00:36:50.159 To the people they love, 00:36:50.199 --> 00:36:50.980 As they go, 00:36:51.779 --> 00:36:52.500 An inheritance, 00:36:52.500 --> 00:36:53.239 Or something, 00:36:54.039 --> 00:36:54.920 But when Jesus, 00:36:55.079 --> 00:36:55.840 Was getting ready to leave, 00:36:55.900 --> 00:36:56.440 This is what he said, 00:36:56.500 --> 00:36:58.059 In John 14 verse 25, 00:36:58.840 --> 00:36:59.099 He says, 00:36:59.139 --> 00:37:00.719 These things I have spoken to you, 00:37:00.800 --> 00:37:01.980 While I am still with you, 00:37:02.780 --> 00:37:03.500 But the helper, 00:37:03.679 --> 00:37:04.619 The Holy Spirit, 00:37:05.440 --> 00:37:06.639 Whom the Father will send, 00:37:06.679 --> 00:37:07.320 In my name, 00:37:07.440 --> 00:37:08.360 He will teach you, 00:37:08.360 --> 00:37:09.219 All things, 00:37:09.840 --> 00:37:11.239 And bring to your remembrance, 00:37:11.480 --> 00:37:12.920 All that I have said to you, 00:37:14.179 --> 00:37:15.460 Peace, 00:37:15.539 --> 00:37:16.780 I leave with you, 00:37:17.400 --> 00:37:18.260 My peace, 00:37:18.360 --> 00:37:19.199 I give to you, 00:37:19.199 --> 00:37:21.579 Not as the world gives, 00:37:21.639 --> 00:37:22.579 Do I give to you, 00:37:23.259 --> 00:37:25.039 Let not your hearts be troubled, 00:37:25.859 --> 00:37:27.219 Neither let them be afraid, 00:37:28.500 --> 00:37:29.399 And, 00:37:29.699 --> 00:37:31.099 This is the peace, 00:37:31.199 --> 00:37:32.519 That Christ gives his followers, 00:37:32.639 --> 00:37:33.319 He doesn't just kind of, 00:37:33.359 --> 00:37:34.079 Leave it to us, 00:37:34.099 --> 00:37:35.299 But he puts us in possession, 00:37:36.099 --> 00:37:36.480 Of it, 00:37:36.539 --> 00:37:38.039 He gives it to us, 00:37:39.059 --> 00:37:39.500 And, 00:37:39.639 --> 00:37:40.599 That's just not, 00:37:41.399 --> 00:37:42.980 Expelling negative thoughts, 00:37:43.119 --> 00:37:43.980 And kind of refusing, 00:37:44.139 --> 00:37:44.839 To face reality, 00:37:44.939 --> 00:37:46.000 That's not how you have peace, 00:37:46.079 --> 00:37:46.339 I know, 00:37:46.919 --> 00:37:48.139 That's a coping mechanism, 00:37:48.259 --> 00:37:48.819 Many people have, 00:37:48.820 --> 00:37:49.660 Let's just ignore it, 00:37:49.740 --> 00:37:50.140 Just don't, 00:37:50.539 --> 00:37:51.280 Think about it, 00:37:51.380 --> 00:37:52.100 Push it away, 00:37:53.180 --> 00:37:54.160 But then it comes back, 00:37:54.500 --> 00:37:54.760 Right? 00:37:55.800 --> 00:37:56.140 And, 00:37:57.300 --> 00:37:58.260 Jonathan Elwood, 00:37:58.320 --> 00:37:59.059 Is one of my favorite, 00:37:59.180 --> 00:37:59.980 Preachers of old, 00:38:00.340 --> 00:38:02.900 Talking about John 14, 00:38:03.100 --> 00:38:04.059 And the peace that Christ, 00:38:04.180 --> 00:38:04.760 Leaves us, 00:38:04.840 --> 00:38:05.160 He said, 00:38:05.260 --> 00:38:06.039 Christ's peace, 00:38:06.780 --> 00:38:07.700 Is a virtuous, 00:38:08.039 --> 00:38:09.200 And holy peace, 00:38:10.059 --> 00:38:10.880 The peace that the, 00:38:10.880 --> 00:38:11.960 The peace that the saints, 00:38:12.059 --> 00:38:13.180 Enjoy in Christ, 00:38:13.900 --> 00:38:15.200 Is not only their comfort, 00:38:16.240 --> 00:38:17.019 But it also, 00:38:17.160 --> 00:38:18.220 Is a part of their beauty, 00:38:18.219 --> 00:38:19.059 In their dignity, 00:38:19.219 --> 00:38:20.239 It's like we wear it, 00:38:20.739 --> 00:38:22.159 It characterizes us, 00:38:22.239 --> 00:38:23.219 And is attractive, 00:38:24.559 --> 00:38:25.559 They're the virtues, 00:38:25.559 --> 00:38:26.679 Of God's spirit, 00:38:27.339 --> 00:38:28.659 Wherein the image of God, 00:38:28.719 --> 00:38:29.659 In them is partly, 00:38:29.899 --> 00:38:30.579 Consists, 00:38:31.480 --> 00:38:32.199 Christ's peace, 00:38:32.259 --> 00:38:33.179 Is an unfailing, 00:38:33.299 --> 00:38:34.359 And eternal peace, 00:38:34.739 --> 00:38:36.039 It is everlasting, 00:38:36.199 --> 00:38:37.099 It doesn't change, 00:38:37.199 --> 00:38:38.319 And cannot be destroyed, 00:38:39.059 --> 00:38:40.759 The fountain of all his comfort, 00:38:40.919 --> 00:38:42.339 Shall never be diminished, 00:38:43.139 --> 00:38:44.059 His comfort, 00:38:44.139 --> 00:38:44.699 And joy, 00:38:44.819 --> 00:38:46.119 Is a living spring, 00:38:46.119 --> 00:38:46.920 In the soul, 00:38:48.239 --> 00:38:49.079 You know what a spring is, 00:38:49.139 --> 00:38:50.000 It's just there, 00:38:50.420 --> 00:38:51.920 And restores, 00:38:53.079 --> 00:38:53.579 And so, 00:38:53.699 --> 00:38:54.339 Don't just, 00:38:55.039 --> 00:38:56.460 Ignore what's going on, 00:38:56.519 --> 00:38:57.219 But face it, 00:38:57.299 --> 00:38:58.219 And turn to God, 00:38:58.339 --> 00:38:59.659 And allow him to change you, 00:39:00.259 --> 00:39:01.219 In the midst of it, 00:39:02.079 --> 00:39:02.480 Guard, 00:39:03.119 --> 00:39:04.380 Your hearts and minds, 00:39:04.599 --> 00:39:05.679 God can do this, 00:39:06.679 --> 00:39:07.440 Isaiah said, 00:39:07.599 --> 00:39:08.400 Again in verse 20, 00:39:08.639 --> 00:39:10.019 Chapter 26 of Isaiah, 00:39:10.139 --> 00:39:10.699 Verse 3, 00:39:10.699 --> 00:39:12.259 He says this about God, 00:39:12.359 --> 00:39:13.219 You keep him, 00:39:13.859 --> 00:39:15.299 In perfect peace, 00:39:16.219 --> 00:39:17.099 Whose mind, 00:39:17.219 --> 00:39:18.439 Is stayed on you, 00:39:19.319 --> 00:39:20.659 Because he trusts in you, 00:39:21.439 --> 00:39:22.859 Trust in the Lord forever, 00:39:23.639 --> 00:39:24.339 For the Lord, 00:39:24.419 --> 00:39:25.639 Is an everlasting rock, 00:39:26.399 --> 00:39:27.339 So is your mind, 00:39:27.439 --> 00:39:28.379 Stayed on God, 00:39:28.439 --> 00:39:29.439 Like we have to fight, 00:39:29.559 --> 00:39:30.299 For that daily, 00:39:30.939 --> 00:39:32.039 There's so many things, 00:39:32.859 --> 00:39:33.679 Competing for it, 00:39:33.699 --> 00:39:34.480 And pulling it away, 00:39:35.199 --> 00:39:35.739 That usually, 00:39:35.939 --> 00:39:36.899 Create anxiety, 00:39:36.900 --> 00:39:38.900 But if your heart, 00:39:39.019 --> 00:39:40.019 Is fixed on him, 00:39:41.000 --> 00:39:41.639 He will give you, 00:39:41.700 --> 00:39:42.480 Perfect peace, 00:39:43.139 --> 00:39:44.139 Peace in the, 00:39:44.139 --> 00:39:45.300 The midst of the storms, 00:39:45.360 --> 00:39:45.940 Of trials, 00:39:46.200 --> 00:39:47.480 And suffering, 00:39:47.619 --> 00:39:48.039 And loss, 00:39:48.099 --> 00:39:49.099 That's the breeding ground, 00:39:49.160 --> 00:39:49.900 Of where true peace, 00:39:49.920 --> 00:39:50.820 Actually occurs, 00:39:51.059 --> 00:39:52.460 It's not against that, 00:39:52.960 --> 00:39:54.660 It's not circumstantial, 00:39:55.160 --> 00:39:56.420 The truth is, 00:39:56.440 --> 00:39:57.019 We can have, 00:39:57.260 --> 00:39:58.420 Healthy souls, 00:39:58.619 --> 00:39:59.440 In the midst of, 00:39:59.880 --> 00:40:01.019 All the stuff going on, 00:40:01.059 --> 00:40:02.000 Almost simultaneously, 00:40:02.440 --> 00:40:03.700 As something, 00:40:03.860 --> 00:40:04.920 Out here is happening, 00:40:05.860 --> 00:40:06.539 Many of you, 00:40:06.539 --> 00:40:07.659 Have experienced this, 00:40:08.500 --> 00:40:09.380 Our peace comes, 00:40:09.500 --> 00:40:10.179 From the overwhelming, 00:40:10.420 --> 00:40:11.739 Conviction that God is good, 00:40:11.840 --> 00:40:12.699 That he is in control, 00:40:12.860 --> 00:40:13.699 That he loves us, 00:40:14.219 --> 00:40:15.460 And that permeates us here, 00:40:15.559 --> 00:40:16.699 And exhibits out here, 00:40:17.719 --> 00:40:18.820 Don't tell me, 00:40:18.820 --> 00:40:19.320 That you're, 00:40:19.400 --> 00:40:20.500 You're experiencing, 00:40:20.639 --> 00:40:21.259 The peace of God, 00:40:21.300 --> 00:40:21.900 When your whole life, 00:40:21.980 --> 00:40:22.460 Is frantic, 00:40:23.179 --> 00:40:23.559 And you're, 00:40:23.559 --> 00:40:24.199 You're upset, 00:40:24.320 --> 00:40:24.820 And you're anxious, 00:40:24.820 --> 00:40:25.779 About everything, 00:40:26.519 --> 00:40:27.500 Now God's people, 00:40:27.579 --> 00:40:28.219 Battle that, 00:40:28.340 --> 00:40:29.159 But just know, 00:40:29.279 --> 00:40:30.219 That Christ has promised, 00:40:30.219 --> 00:40:31.139 To give you this, 00:40:31.159 --> 00:40:31.940 If you are in him, 00:40:32.820 --> 00:40:33.480 Maybe you just need, 00:40:33.480 --> 00:40:34.719 To be reminded of that today, 00:40:34.800 --> 00:40:35.519 Like put yourself, 00:40:35.519 --> 00:40:36.460 In possession of, 00:40:36.539 --> 00:40:37.539 His peace, 00:40:37.840 --> 00:40:39.440 It says in, 00:40:39.579 --> 00:40:40.420 Second Timothy three, 00:40:41.539 --> 00:40:42.619 Now may the Lord, 00:40:42.699 --> 00:40:43.699 Of peace himself, 00:40:43.860 --> 00:40:45.059 Continually grant you, 00:40:45.179 --> 00:40:46.099 Peace in every, 00:40:46.840 --> 00:40:47.759 Circumstance, 00:40:48.119 --> 00:40:50.179 The Lord be with you all, 00:40:51.000 --> 00:40:52.920 So this is Christ's promise, 00:40:53.039 --> 00:40:53.880 He has not promised, 00:40:54.279 --> 00:40:54.639 Easy, 00:40:55.579 --> 00:40:55.980 And man, 00:40:56.039 --> 00:40:56.940 We have had it easy, 00:40:57.039 --> 00:40:57.860 For so long, 00:40:58.500 --> 00:41:00.360 I have had it easy, 00:41:01.500 --> 00:41:02.579 Didn't promise it, 00:41:02.579 --> 00:41:04.559 And, 00:41:04.559 --> 00:41:04.559 00:41:04.559 --> 00:41:05.960 The uncertainty, 00:41:05.960 --> 00:41:06.719 Of this world, 00:41:06.840 --> 00:41:07.299 Will bring, 00:41:07.960 --> 00:41:08.699 Anxiety, 00:41:08.960 --> 00:41:09.400 And fear, 00:41:09.519 --> 00:41:10.159 And uncertainty, 00:41:11.239 --> 00:41:12.519 And, 00:41:12.579 --> 00:41:13.940 Christ doesn't want you, 00:41:14.039 --> 00:41:14.920 To be comfortable, 00:41:15.059 --> 00:41:15.619 In this world, 00:41:16.299 --> 00:41:16.880 He wants to, 00:41:16.920 --> 00:41:17.799 To shake you up, 00:41:17.840 --> 00:41:18.759 He wants to remind you, 00:41:18.840 --> 00:41:19.639 That your true home, 00:41:19.739 --> 00:41:20.119 Is not, 00:41:20.579 --> 00:41:20.980 Here, 00:41:21.219 --> 00:41:22.239 That we are fleeting, 00:41:22.920 --> 00:41:24.579 Be gone, 00:41:24.739 --> 00:41:25.460 Very soon, 00:41:25.460 --> 00:41:27.280 We were made, 00:41:27.380 --> 00:41:28.720 For another world, 00:41:28.840 --> 00:41:29.820 So let's keep our eyes, 00:41:29.900 --> 00:41:30.800 Fixed on eternity, 00:41:31.599 --> 00:41:32.699 And I know, 00:41:32.820 --> 00:41:33.280 That many of you, 00:41:33.320 --> 00:41:34.159 Are familiar with this verse, 00:41:34.220 --> 00:41:35.119 And this is how I will close, 00:41:35.240 --> 00:41:35.599 But just, 00:41:36.159 --> 00:41:36.920 Anchor your soul, 00:41:37.000 --> 00:41:37.559 In this promise, 00:41:37.679 --> 00:41:38.220 Christ said, 00:41:38.760 --> 00:41:39.579 To his followers, 00:41:39.840 --> 00:41:41.679 In John 15, 00:41:41.800 --> 00:41:42.720 He said it to us, 00:41:43.800 --> 00:41:44.579 I have told you, 00:41:44.619 --> 00:41:45.320 These things, 00:41:45.420 --> 00:41:45.699 That, 00:41:46.820 --> 00:41:47.179 In, 00:41:47.840 --> 00:41:48.300 Me, 00:41:48.559 --> 00:41:49.619 You may have peace, 00:41:50.619 --> 00:41:51.760 In this world, 00:41:51.880 --> 00:41:52.720 You will have, 00:41:52.860 --> 00:41:53.420 Tribulation, 00:41:53.599 --> 00:41:54.360 You will have, 00:41:54.860 --> 00:41:55.260 Trials, 00:41:55.260 --> 00:41:55.960 You will have, 00:41:56.220 --> 00:41:56.720 Struggles, 00:41:58.120 --> 00:41:59.120 It's going to happen, 00:41:59.780 --> 00:42:00.660 But take heart, 00:42:00.760 --> 00:42:01.960 Because I have overcome, 00:42:02.380 --> 00:42:02.880 The world, 00:42:03.680 --> 00:42:04.620 So if you are, 00:42:04.620 --> 00:42:05.500 A part of Christ, 00:42:05.560 --> 00:42:06.800 You also will overcome, 00:42:07.020 --> 00:42:07.880 If we are in Him, 00:42:08.580 --> 00:42:09.740 Because He has overcome, 00:42:10.060 --> 00:42:10.800 We will overcome, 00:42:11.680 --> 00:42:12.560 And we can have, 00:42:12.560 --> 00:42:13.540 Peace in, 00:42:14.380 --> 00:42:14.760 Him, 00:42:15.540 --> 00:42:17.460 So allow this Christmas time, 00:42:17.580 --> 00:42:18.280 To be a chance, 00:42:18.360 --> 00:42:19.840 To sort of remind yourselves, 00:42:20.100 --> 00:42:20.960 Anchor your souls, 00:42:21.920 --> 00:42:22.620 Of the peace, 00:42:22.640 --> 00:42:23.320 That we can have, 00:42:23.720 --> 00:42:24.740 With God, 00:42:24.739 --> 00:42:25.359 Through Christ, 00:42:25.439 --> 00:42:26.279 And therefore peace, 00:42:26.339 --> 00:42:27.599 With those around us, 00:42:28.119 --> 00:42:29.259 If the sin, 00:42:29.319 --> 00:42:30.259 Is changing people, 00:42:31.000 --> 00:42:32.299 Then they will also love, 00:42:32.359 --> 00:42:33.599 Other people that are around them, 00:42:34.479 --> 00:42:34.919 It's the, 00:42:34.959 --> 00:42:35.959 It's the only cure, 00:42:36.059 --> 00:42:36.539 For things, 00:42:36.619 --> 00:42:37.099 It's not, 00:42:37.599 --> 00:42:39.079 Earthly solutions, 00:42:39.199 --> 00:42:40.000 But in Christ, 00:42:40.079 --> 00:42:41.039 We can have peace, 00:42:41.559 --> 00:42:42.259 True peace, 00:42:42.260 --> 00:42:43.580 So, 00:42:43.900 --> 00:42:44.420 With that, 00:42:44.500 --> 00:42:45.220 Let's pray together, 00:42:45.720 --> 00:42:47.040 Ask the band to come up, 00:42:47.760 --> 00:42:48.580 Just take a moment, 00:42:48.720 --> 00:42:51.000 And reflect on the fact, 00:42:51.080 --> 00:42:52.980 If you need to discover, 00:42:53.180 --> 00:42:54.000 This peace in Christ, 00:42:54.060 --> 00:42:54.940 For the first time, 00:42:55.820 --> 00:42:56.860 Or you just need to have it, 00:42:56.860 --> 00:42:57.860 Refreshed and renewed, 00:42:58.300 --> 00:42:58.440 To be a need to networked, 00:42:58.440 --> 00:42:58.440 00:42:58.440 --> 00:42:58.440 00:42:58.440 --> 00:42:58.440 00:42:58.440 --> 00:42:58.440 00:42:58.440 --> 00:42:58.440 00:42:58.440 --> 00:42:58.440 00:42:58.440 --> 00:42:58.440 00:42:58.440 --> 00:42:58.440 00:42:58.440 --> 00:42:58.440 00:42:58.440 --> 00:42:58.440 00:42:58.440 --> 00:42:58.440 00:42:58.440 --> 00:42:58.440 00:42:58.440 --> 00:42:58.440 00:42:58.440 --> 00:42:58.440 00:42:58.440 --> 00:42:58.440 00:42:58.440 --> 00:42:58.440 00:42:58.440 --> 00:42:58.440 00:42:58.440 --> 00:42:58.440 00:42:58.440 --> 00:42:58.440 00:42:58.440 --> 00:42:58.440 00:42:58.440 --> 00:42:58.440 00:42:58.440 --> 00:42:58.440 00:42:58.440 --> 00:42:58.440 00:42:58.440 --> 00:42:58.440 00:42:58.440 --> 00:42:58.440 00:42:58.440 --> 00:42:58.440 00:42:58.440 --> 00:42:58.440 00:42:58.440 --> 00:42:59.360 To networked, 00:42:59.360 --> 00:42:59.360 00:42:59.360 --> 00:42:59.980 To networked, 00:42:59.980 --> 00:42:59.980 00:42:59.980 --> 00:42:59.980 00:42:59.980 --> 00:42:59.980 00:42:59.980 --> 00:42:59.980