WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:08.679 And do open up your Bibles again to Genesis chapter 15. Genesis chapter 15, it's on page 10 of the church Bibles. 00:00:11.640 --> 00:00:29.519 ! This chapter today is all about God addressing our fears. Do you see that? 00:00:30.000 --> 00:00:41.500 Abraham, don't be afraid. There's lots going on in this chapter. As we read it, you would have seen that. Dead animals, a ceremony, nations, land offspring. 00:00:42.219 --> 00:00:48.560 There's lots going on. And as we will see, this is an incredibly important chapter in the Bible. 00:00:49.519 --> 00:00:56.079 But at the heart of this, there is something wonderfully simple and comforting going on here. 00:00:56.079 --> 00:01:06.239 God is addressing and calming our fears in this life. The fears you have about the future. 00:01:07.480 --> 00:01:14.000 The fears of what will become of my life. The fears we have about our faith. 00:01:14.180 --> 00:01:21.340 The doubts we have. The assurance we struggle with. The fears of the sin and guilt that we wrestle with. 00:01:21.340 --> 00:01:39.960 God is addressing all those fears. And in particular, God is addressing those fears that we have when we think God won't and can't fulfill his promises in my life. 00:01:39.959 --> 00:01:52.099 God has said, God has said, this land of Canaan will be yours. 00:01:52.579 --> 00:01:58.719 And you're going to have a son. And through that son, your offspring will fill this land. 00:01:59.179 --> 00:02:01.979 And my blessing will be with you. I will be with you. 00:02:01.980 --> 00:02:08.060 And I will restore this cursed world through your offspring. 00:02:08.819 --> 00:02:12.080 It is the grand promise of a new world. 00:02:13.400 --> 00:02:18.500 But right now, that future is looking very unlikely. 00:02:20.159 --> 00:02:25.520 It's been about 10 years since God made that promise back in chapter 12. 00:02:26.199 --> 00:02:28.980 Probably about the same amount of time since I last preached that chapter. 00:02:28.979 --> 00:02:33.439 Abraham is about 80 years old here in this chapter. 00:02:34.219 --> 00:02:35.979 His wife Sarai is in her 70s. 00:02:37.359 --> 00:02:38.959 And yet they have no children. 00:02:41.000 --> 00:02:44.079 Yet the promise is of a child. 00:02:46.019 --> 00:02:49.039 And on top of that, the land is far from theirs either. 00:02:49.799 --> 00:02:52.780 Abraham is just one man among many nations. 00:02:53.579 --> 00:02:55.780 He's small fry on the world stage. 00:02:55.780 --> 00:03:01.400 And in fact, he's just been at war with far off nations coming to invade. 00:03:02.140 --> 00:03:03.800 And if you remember, yes, he beat them. 00:03:04.259 --> 00:03:06.360 But the threat still lingers. 00:03:06.479 --> 00:03:07.900 He's in a dangerous world. 00:03:09.420 --> 00:03:19.639 And so after all this time, there is fear that maybe God won't and can't achieve his promises and plans in Abraham's life. 00:03:19.639 --> 00:03:25.719 God's promise seems to be fading away. 00:03:25.959 --> 00:03:29.519 And the blessing seems to be slipping through Abraham's fingers. 00:03:31.000 --> 00:03:38.479 And so the future just seems very uncertain and very scary and bleak. 00:03:38.479 --> 00:03:41.519 And it's just how we can feel. 00:03:42.799 --> 00:03:49.759 God has promised us so much to work all things for my good. 00:03:50.699 --> 00:03:57.699 But I look to the future and I don't see how what God is doing in my life can be for my good. 00:03:58.859 --> 00:04:01.879 And so we doubt and we fear. 00:04:01.879 --> 00:04:08.000 God has promised to transform me from one degree of glory to another. 00:04:08.819 --> 00:04:14.840 But the state of my heart and the struggles that I'm facing, it is all far from glorious. 00:04:16.240 --> 00:04:18.199 And so we doubt and we fear. 00:04:20.319 --> 00:04:23.500 Or maybe you're here tonight and you're looking into the Christian faith. 00:04:24.459 --> 00:04:30.100 And you wonder, you have all these questions and you wonder how all this can be true. 00:04:30.100 --> 00:04:35.760 How can I know this world is going to be fixed by God? 00:04:36.540 --> 00:04:39.860 How can I know he's the one to deal with my sins? 00:04:40.040 --> 00:04:42.140 How can I know any of this is true? 00:04:43.400 --> 00:04:44.879 And you are filled with doubts. 00:04:46.800 --> 00:04:51.620 Well, whatever fears we face, God is addressing them here tonight. 00:04:52.760 --> 00:04:54.600 And he wants to calm them. 00:04:54.600 --> 00:04:58.939 And to do that, God says, look. 00:05:00.340 --> 00:05:00.820 Look. 00:05:02.320 --> 00:05:04.460 Take your eyes off yourself. 00:05:05.280 --> 00:05:08.900 Take your eyes off those things that overwhelm you right now. 00:05:09.060 --> 00:05:11.400 And just look at three things tonight. 00:05:12.400 --> 00:05:13.280 Look at God. 00:05:14.040 --> 00:05:15.400 Look at God's promises. 00:05:16.300 --> 00:05:17.680 And look at God's blood. 00:05:17.680 --> 00:05:21.199 And those are the three things I want us to look at tonight. 00:05:21.340 --> 00:05:22.740 And the first thing is this. 00:05:22.920 --> 00:05:23.980 Look at God. 00:05:24.439 --> 00:05:25.340 Look at God. 00:05:26.540 --> 00:05:30.379 With these fears and doubts in Abraham's heart, it's interesting. 00:05:30.560 --> 00:05:34.220 He doesn't even need to state them to God, does he, at the beginning of this chapter? 00:05:35.040 --> 00:05:39.019 God just jumps in already knowing what's on his heart. 00:05:40.019 --> 00:05:44.360 God knows all the emotions and thoughts that we have even before we can say them. 00:05:44.360 --> 00:05:46.340 And what does he say, verse 1? 00:05:47.620 --> 00:05:48.680 Fear not, Abraham. 00:05:49.639 --> 00:05:50.699 I am your shield. 00:05:51.560 --> 00:05:53.900 Your reward shall be very great. 00:05:55.639 --> 00:06:01.819 Well, actually, if you just look closely at that verse, the second half of that verse, it's even better than it sounds. 00:06:02.460 --> 00:06:06.360 It's better understood as, I am your very great reward. 00:06:07.840 --> 00:06:11.120 God is saying, who exactly he is to Abraham? 00:06:11.439 --> 00:06:12.300 Fear not, Abraham. 00:06:12.480 --> 00:06:13.680 I am your shield. 00:06:13.680 --> 00:06:16.160 I am your very great reward. 00:06:17.699 --> 00:06:24.040 Just notice that the first thing God says to address his fears, it isn't positive thinking. 00:06:24.240 --> 00:06:25.480 It isn't mindful breathing. 00:06:25.660 --> 00:06:26.740 It isn't goal setting. 00:06:27.400 --> 00:06:33.879 The first and foremost thing to settle a fearful heart is to look at who God is. 00:06:35.180 --> 00:06:37.300 God says, look at me. 00:06:37.560 --> 00:06:39.340 Look at who I am. 00:06:39.920 --> 00:06:43.480 Real comfort, it's only found in who God is. 00:06:43.680 --> 00:06:49.660 I have been ordained about a year now as a Christian minister. 00:06:49.660 --> 00:06:58.500 And I'm slowly learning more and more about how to do that well, including how to counsel people in their needs. 00:06:59.020 --> 00:07:02.240 I've been learning a lot from Paul and Ruben and the elders here. 00:07:02.240 --> 00:07:13.019 One important thing that ministers need to know about the human heart is whenever we look in on ourselves and on our problems, 00:07:13.519 --> 00:07:16.120 that always makes everything worse. 00:07:16.120 --> 00:07:22.819 When we are struggling with guilt and we are struggling with guilt and we just fixate on that sin. 00:07:22.819 --> 00:07:26.180 And we keep looking in on our own hearts. 00:07:26.480 --> 00:07:29.199 And it's just like looking into a black hole, isn't it? 00:07:29.199 --> 00:07:32.719 And it just pulls you further down into the darkness. 00:07:33.959 --> 00:07:35.939 It's the same with fears and doubts. 00:07:36.360 --> 00:07:41.579 We can turn in on ourselves and fixate on those problems in our lives. 00:07:41.579 --> 00:07:48.120 And instead of helping, we just worry more, fear more, and it consumes us. 00:07:48.120 --> 00:07:57.040 And so what needs to happen when we are overcome with guilt or doubt or fear, we need to look outside of ourselves. 00:07:58.319 --> 00:08:01.480 And not just anywhere, we need to look at God. 00:08:02.840 --> 00:08:05.620 Which is exactly why God's opening words are this, 00:08:05.860 --> 00:08:07.060 Fear not, Abraham. 00:08:08.060 --> 00:08:10.300 Look at me, I am your shield. 00:08:10.500 --> 00:08:12.560 I am your very great reward. 00:08:12.560 --> 00:08:17.000 And this is what God wants you to do today. 00:08:18.240 --> 00:08:19.040 Just stop. 00:08:20.379 --> 00:08:24.939 Take your eyes off yourself and off whatever is going on right now. 00:08:25.519 --> 00:08:29.420 And look at your God and realize who he is. 00:08:31.500 --> 00:08:33.580 And for those in Christ, who is your God? 00:08:34.440 --> 00:08:36.220 Well, just like Abraham, God says, 00:08:37.340 --> 00:08:38.440 I am your shield. 00:08:40.659 --> 00:08:41.899 And what does a shield do? 00:08:42.559 --> 00:08:44.000 A shield defends you. 00:08:45.219 --> 00:08:46.359 A shield protects you. 00:08:46.439 --> 00:08:49.939 A shield keeps the harm away and keeps you safe. 00:08:51.099 --> 00:08:53.239 Think of a Spartan shield wall. 00:08:53.379 --> 00:08:54.539 That's what always comes to my mind. 00:08:54.599 --> 00:08:55.799 A Spartan shield wall. 00:08:56.259 --> 00:08:58.259 You fire loads of arrows at them. 00:08:58.819 --> 00:08:59.559 Nothing hits them. 00:09:01.179 --> 00:09:04.039 Well, that is God over your life right now. 00:09:05.259 --> 00:09:07.279 You may fear what lies ahead. 00:09:07.439 --> 00:09:09.679 You may wonder what God is doing with your life. 00:09:09.679 --> 00:09:14.899 And we are, we're so prone to doubt God's character and intentions, aren't we? 00:09:16.459 --> 00:09:20.159 And so we need to look out once again and realize who our God is. 00:09:20.239 --> 00:09:22.879 And God says, I am your shield. 00:09:22.879 --> 00:09:23.879 The one who has your shield. 00:09:23.879 --> 00:09:27.779 The one who has your life in his hands. 00:09:28.039 --> 00:09:29.580 He is your shield. 00:09:30.580 --> 00:09:33.759 The one who is for you and defending you. 00:09:33.759 --> 00:09:37.419 And not only that, but what else does God say? 00:09:38.059 --> 00:09:40.179 I am your very great reward. 00:09:40.179 --> 00:09:43.899 He's saying, I am your rewarder. 00:09:45.199 --> 00:09:48.839 I'm the one filled with blessing and goodness. 00:09:49.059 --> 00:09:51.679 And I'm the one who pours it all out on you. 00:09:53.259 --> 00:09:59.919 As Abraham fears an empty future, God simply reminds him, I'm not a stingy God. 00:09:59.919 --> 00:10:06.059 I'm not a God who loves holding out on you and making your life worse. 00:10:06.459 --> 00:10:09.199 No, I am your very great reward. 00:10:11.179 --> 00:10:13.759 And we can so easily forget that, can't we? 00:10:15.159 --> 00:10:21.139 We can forget how generous and kind God is and has been to us. 00:10:21.139 --> 00:10:30.199 And when it looks like God's promises aren't appearing or life isn't going smoothly, we do start to think he's a stingy God. 00:10:31.899 --> 00:10:36.679 But before anything else, God says, look out and look at him and just remember. 00:10:38.179 --> 00:10:42.319 The God who has your life in his hands, he is so generous. 00:10:43.720 --> 00:10:45.659 He is your very great reward. 00:10:48.139 --> 00:10:49.379 But God doesn't end there. 00:10:51.139 --> 00:10:53.699 He wants us to keep looking out. 00:10:55.139 --> 00:10:58.779 And look at something particular about God. 00:11:00.120 --> 00:11:07.100 As we see with Abraham, when fear and doubt overwhelm us, we need to look at God's promises. 00:11:08.399 --> 00:11:09.899 That's the second thing to look at today. 00:11:09.980 --> 00:11:11.139 Look at God's promises. 00:11:12.120 --> 00:11:15.360 In verse 2, Abraham now articulates his fears. 00:11:16.000 --> 00:11:21.120 And it's about a big missing piece to God's promise of salvation. 00:11:21.139 --> 00:11:23.340 In verse 2, Abraham said, 00:11:23.340 --> 00:11:38.759 This is the promise God gave back in chapter 12. 00:11:38.759 --> 00:11:41.980 I will bless the world, reverse the curse. 00:11:42.299 --> 00:11:45.600 And it's going to come through your offspring, through your son. 00:11:46.480 --> 00:11:49.980 And from that son will come a whole nation of offspring. 00:11:50.740 --> 00:11:52.639 And all the blessing to this world. 00:11:54.000 --> 00:11:55.220 But there's no son. 00:11:56.379 --> 00:11:57.879 Let alone a whole nation. 00:11:57.879 --> 00:12:02.919 And the closest is likely the chief servant in his house. 00:12:03.220 --> 00:12:04.659 Eliezer, not even family. 00:12:06.279 --> 00:12:08.320 And how does God respond to this fear? 00:12:09.740 --> 00:12:12.019 He simply repeats the promise. 00:12:12.700 --> 00:12:13.159 Verse 5. 00:12:13.159 --> 00:12:16.319 And he brought him outside and said, 00:12:17.319 --> 00:12:21.719 Look towards heaven and number the stars, if you are able to number them. 00:12:22.659 --> 00:12:23.559 Then he said to him, 00:12:23.860 --> 00:12:25.719 So shall your offspring be. 00:12:25.720 --> 00:12:29.879 If you have ever been stargazing before, 00:12:30.259 --> 00:12:31.800 You have to get out of London to do it. 00:12:31.899 --> 00:12:33.660 And you can't see a single star in the sky. 00:12:34.300 --> 00:12:36.019 But if you do get out of London, 00:12:36.720 --> 00:12:39.740 It is remarkable how many stars are up there. 00:12:40.000 --> 00:12:40.279 Isn't it? 00:12:40.940 --> 00:12:42.379 Just try counting them. 00:12:42.519 --> 00:12:43.379 You simply cannot. 00:12:45.460 --> 00:12:48.100 And next time you do see those stars, 00:12:48.100 --> 00:12:49.879 You should realize, 00:12:50.139 --> 00:12:52.840 Those are the same stars Abraham looked at. 00:12:54.300 --> 00:12:55.540 And God says, 00:12:56.120 --> 00:12:57.060 His offspring, 00:12:57.879 --> 00:12:59.740 That those who will be blessed by God, 00:12:59.820 --> 00:13:02.159 Those are part of this blessing and salvation. 00:13:02.720 --> 00:13:06.200 That those people are going to be as vast as those stars. 00:13:07.779 --> 00:13:09.220 It's as if God is saying, 00:13:09.560 --> 00:13:10.560 Look at those stars. 00:13:10.700 --> 00:13:12.560 I made those stars. 00:13:12.680 --> 00:13:13.300 All of them. 00:13:13.420 --> 00:13:14.680 I put them in the heavens. 00:13:15.940 --> 00:13:17.800 And so do you not think, Abraham, 00:13:17.799 --> 00:13:20.919 Do you not think I can put an offspring in your life? 00:13:22.719 --> 00:13:23.879 Well, this may sound a bit twee. 00:13:24.639 --> 00:13:27.019 But I made those sons. 00:13:27.740 --> 00:13:29.620 Do you not think I can make you a son? 00:13:31.659 --> 00:13:32.959 When Abraham fears, 00:13:34.319 --> 00:13:37.779 When he fears about God achieving his purposes, 00:13:38.740 --> 00:13:40.299 And it seems impossible, 00:13:41.279 --> 00:13:43.659 God simply reminds him of the promise. 00:13:45.539 --> 00:13:47.639 Abraham, I know you can't see it yet. 00:13:47.799 --> 00:13:50.519 And I know you don't understand the timing of all this. 00:13:51.240 --> 00:13:54.000 And I know you don't see how this can even happen. 00:13:54.959 --> 00:13:56.579 But just hear my word, 00:13:56.659 --> 00:13:57.579 It will happen. 00:13:58.939 --> 00:14:01.539 An offspring yet to come, 00:14:01.620 --> 00:14:03.000 A world yet to come, 00:14:03.639 --> 00:14:04.779 But it is coming. 00:14:06.259 --> 00:14:08.179 And so simply hear what I'm saying, 00:14:08.299 --> 00:14:11.259 And trust that I am your shield, 00:14:11.259 --> 00:14:13.120 And your very great reward. 00:14:15.519 --> 00:14:17.220 And how does Abraham respond to it? 00:14:18.620 --> 00:14:19.460 Does he say, 00:14:19.899 --> 00:14:20.980 Well, yeah, Lord, 00:14:21.100 --> 00:14:22.120 You've already said that. 00:14:22.159 --> 00:14:23.019 I know that. 00:14:23.500 --> 00:14:23.960 No, no, no. 00:14:23.960 --> 00:14:25.139 I'm looking for more. 00:14:26.460 --> 00:14:27.659 No, what does Abraham do? 00:14:28.539 --> 00:14:29.460 He trusts him. 00:14:29.679 --> 00:14:30.159 Verse 6. 00:14:31.159 --> 00:14:32.439 And he believed the Lord, 00:14:33.120 --> 00:14:35.059 And he counted it to him as righteousness. 00:14:35.059 --> 00:14:39.579 God's word was enough. 00:14:40.779 --> 00:14:41.799 God said it. 00:14:42.439 --> 00:14:43.359 He said it again. 00:14:44.319 --> 00:14:45.279 And it was enough. 00:14:47.319 --> 00:14:49.139 And the word believe here, 00:14:49.779 --> 00:14:51.500 Is the same word as trust, 00:14:51.719 --> 00:14:52.799 Or having faith. 00:14:54.259 --> 00:14:55.419 Believing God, 00:14:56.079 --> 00:14:58.639 The use of belief and trust and faith in the Bible, 00:14:59.299 --> 00:15:00.139 Believing God, 00:15:00.139 --> 00:15:03.699 Isn't this vague thought that he exists? 00:15:04.720 --> 00:15:06.919 No, it is knowing who he is, 00:15:07.519 --> 00:15:09.659 And hearing the promises he has made, 00:15:09.939 --> 00:15:12.439 And trusting and relying on him, 00:15:12.799 --> 00:15:13.639 To make it happen. 00:15:15.480 --> 00:15:17.159 And notice what that meant for Abraham. 00:15:18.159 --> 00:15:20.799 God counted it to him as righteousness. 00:15:22.620 --> 00:15:25.399 This is the language of being made right with God. 00:15:26.840 --> 00:15:27.759 So think of it like this. 00:15:27.759 --> 00:15:32.039 If our lives are like spiritual bank accounts before God, 00:15:32.899 --> 00:15:33.840 As sinners, 00:15:34.059 --> 00:15:38.039 Our spiritual bank account is naturally empty before God. 00:15:38.279 --> 00:15:39.439 In fact, it's worse than that. 00:15:39.500 --> 00:15:41.460 It's in debt before God. 00:15:42.360 --> 00:15:44.080 We're not right with God. 00:15:45.539 --> 00:15:46.659 If you're in Club 16, 00:15:46.939 --> 00:15:48.340 Club 16 folk, 00:15:48.580 --> 00:15:49.340 You here, you listening, 00:15:49.799 --> 00:15:51.840 That's what we've been learning in Romans 3, 00:15:51.879 --> 00:15:52.840 In our memory verse, isn't it? 00:15:54.240 --> 00:15:55.120 But here, 00:15:55.120 --> 00:15:59.639 Here we see how we are made right with God. 00:16:01.080 --> 00:16:03.220 And it's not by working hard. 00:16:03.799 --> 00:16:07.000 It's not by sorting my life out and being good. 00:16:07.320 --> 00:16:09.620 It's not by any merit or achievement 00:16:09.620 --> 00:16:12.100 Or anything that I've done in my life. 00:16:13.279 --> 00:16:15.899 No, no, you could do that all you like 00:16:15.899 --> 00:16:16.960 For the rest of your life, 00:16:17.039 --> 00:16:19.120 And your bank account will stay empty. 00:16:19.120 --> 00:16:23.019 No, it is only through believing God. 00:16:24.519 --> 00:16:26.799 Who he is and his promises, 00:16:27.000 --> 00:16:28.279 Believing God, 00:16:28.720 --> 00:16:31.820 That is how God counts righteousness to your name. 00:16:33.480 --> 00:16:36.700 And not that you have to have a lot of faith, 00:16:37.259 --> 00:16:38.759 Like super faith, 00:16:38.980 --> 00:16:41.139 And then God looks at that super faith and thinks, 00:16:41.220 --> 00:16:42.659 Oh yeah, that's good enough. 00:16:42.659 --> 00:16:44.740 Then he thinks you're righteous. 00:16:44.919 --> 00:16:46.459 No, it is not that. 00:16:47.980 --> 00:16:50.299 Faith is like the pipe 00:16:50.299 --> 00:16:53.379 Through which all of Christ's righteousness 00:16:53.379 --> 00:16:56.419 Comes to us and gets put to our name. 00:16:57.279 --> 00:17:00.100 So your bank account always says righteous. 00:17:00.100 --> 00:17:04.120 And so if you are here tonight, 00:17:05.019 --> 00:17:06.440 And you are worried, 00:17:06.559 --> 00:17:07.759 Maybe you fear 00:17:07.759 --> 00:17:11.220 About how you can be made right with God. 00:17:12.740 --> 00:17:14.839 You think about all that has been, 00:17:15.740 --> 00:17:17.140 That has gone on in your life. 00:17:18.120 --> 00:17:20.480 All that you have done and thought and said, 00:17:20.579 --> 00:17:22.599 And you fear, you wonder, 00:17:23.360 --> 00:17:25.079 How you can even be forgiven. 00:17:25.079 --> 00:17:28.299 How you can actually be accepted by God. 00:17:30.099 --> 00:17:32.279 Well, it is thankfully nothing, 00:17:32.500 --> 00:17:34.259 Nothing about what you can do. 00:17:35.419 --> 00:17:38.240 It is not about making it up to him, 00:17:38.539 --> 00:17:39.959 Or paying a price, 00:17:40.399 --> 00:17:41.259 Or groveling. 00:17:41.319 --> 00:17:42.859 No, God says simply, 00:17:43.659 --> 00:17:44.439 Trust in him. 00:17:45.939 --> 00:17:48.659 Trust his word and his promises. 00:17:49.359 --> 00:17:50.539 And through that faith, 00:17:50.980 --> 00:17:53.259 You are made right with God forever. 00:17:54.939 --> 00:17:56.279 Just like Abraham here. 00:17:57.559 --> 00:17:59.079 It is the same faith. 00:18:00.099 --> 00:18:01.879 And for Abraham, 00:18:02.019 --> 00:18:03.559 This isn't just a one-off. 00:18:03.740 --> 00:18:03.919 No. 00:18:04.639 --> 00:18:07.799 This is Abraham heading into the future, 00:18:08.379 --> 00:18:10.000 Constantly relying on God. 00:18:12.079 --> 00:18:15.079 As we face many doubts and fears, 00:18:16.119 --> 00:18:18.519 And we can question what God is doing in our life, 00:18:18.879 --> 00:18:21.579 This is how God wants us to keep on living. 00:18:21.579 --> 00:18:24.079 Look to God's promises. 00:18:24.079 --> 00:18:30.059 He has promised to work all things for your good. 00:18:31.079 --> 00:18:33.759 He has promised to provide for your every need. 00:18:34.699 --> 00:18:36.839 He has promised to bring you to glory, 00:18:36.980 --> 00:18:38.579 And to be your heavenly father, 00:18:38.699 --> 00:18:41.179 Protecting you every step of the way. 00:18:42.779 --> 00:18:43.859 And like Abraham, 00:18:44.000 --> 00:18:45.079 We may wonder, 00:18:45.619 --> 00:18:47.079 Where is the good in this? 00:18:48.159 --> 00:18:49.119 Where are the promises? 00:18:49.119 --> 00:18:52.000 Where is God's care for me in all of this? 00:18:52.399 --> 00:18:53.379 And in those moments, 00:18:53.519 --> 00:18:54.139 God says, 00:18:55.139 --> 00:18:55.679 Trust him. 00:18:57.439 --> 00:18:58.739 Trust in his promises. 00:18:59.000 --> 00:19:00.179 Look at his promises, 00:19:00.479 --> 00:19:02.559 And trust in God. 00:19:04.319 --> 00:19:05.779 You may not see it, 00:19:06.819 --> 00:19:08.259 But God is there. 00:19:08.579 --> 00:19:09.839 He is your shield, 00:19:09.979 --> 00:19:11.459 And he's with you every moment. 00:19:11.460 --> 00:19:14.600 And like Abraham, 00:19:15.600 --> 00:19:17.100 There is a world coming, 00:19:17.400 --> 00:19:18.600 That we cannot see. 00:19:20.140 --> 00:19:22.460 A world filled with, 00:19:22.900 --> 00:19:24.240 The children of God. 00:19:25.559 --> 00:19:27.319 Like the stars in heaven, 00:19:27.460 --> 00:19:29.259 More than we can even count. 00:19:29.980 --> 00:19:30.779 And God says, 00:19:31.039 --> 00:19:32.140 Rely on him, 00:19:32.400 --> 00:19:33.220 To bring you there. 00:19:34.840 --> 00:19:36.840 You aren't made right with him, 00:19:37.039 --> 00:19:38.860 By anything in your own strength. 00:19:39.000 --> 00:19:39.279 And so, 00:19:39.500 --> 00:19:41.440 You don't need to face the future, 00:19:41.460 --> 00:19:43.019 In your own strength. 00:19:43.480 --> 00:19:43.840 No. 00:19:44.980 --> 00:19:46.559 This is how you begin, 00:19:46.680 --> 00:19:48.019 And end your journey. 00:19:48.420 --> 00:19:49.940 You rely on God, 00:19:50.019 --> 00:19:50.559 For everything. 00:19:52.779 --> 00:19:53.779 And we can be, 00:19:53.960 --> 00:19:55.660 Even more sure of this. 00:19:56.860 --> 00:19:57.420 Because, 00:19:57.579 --> 00:19:58.880 He has guaranteed, 00:19:59.420 --> 00:20:00.500 All of this. 00:20:01.100 --> 00:20:02.920 All the promises for your life. 00:20:03.200 --> 00:20:04.720 He has guaranteed it, 00:20:05.240 --> 00:20:06.840 With his own blood. 00:20:08.059 --> 00:20:09.279 And this is the final thing, 00:20:09.360 --> 00:20:09.960 To look at today. 00:20:09.960 --> 00:20:11.779 Look at God's blood. 00:20:12.519 --> 00:20:13.840 Look at God's blood. 00:20:15.440 --> 00:20:16.279 So Abraham, 00:20:16.720 --> 00:20:17.920 Trust God in this moment. 00:20:18.920 --> 00:20:20.519 And trust him going forward. 00:20:21.960 --> 00:20:23.579 But at the same time, 00:20:23.819 --> 00:20:25.559 He's struggling with assurance, 00:20:25.559 --> 00:20:26.340 Here in this chapter. 00:20:26.339 --> 00:20:29.159 It's the experience of every believer. 00:20:29.599 --> 00:20:30.639 We all go through this. 00:20:31.899 --> 00:20:32.359 And so, 00:20:32.439 --> 00:20:33.179 He asks God, 00:20:33.259 --> 00:20:33.779 Verse 8, 00:20:34.000 --> 00:20:34.939 Oh Lord God, 00:20:35.819 --> 00:20:38.339 How am I to know all this? 00:20:40.099 --> 00:20:41.559 I look at who you are, 00:20:41.619 --> 00:20:42.699 I look at your promises, 00:20:43.259 --> 00:20:45.579 But how am I to know, 00:20:46.079 --> 00:20:47.459 That you have planned, 00:20:48.220 --> 00:20:49.919 All that you have planned for this world, 00:20:49.980 --> 00:20:50.819 Is going to happen? 00:20:50.819 --> 00:20:54.019 What if my faith fails? 00:20:54.139 --> 00:20:55.919 What if my sin, 00:20:56.019 --> 00:20:57.379 Is just too much, 00:20:57.379 --> 00:20:58.399 To bring me to glory? 00:20:59.279 --> 00:20:59.659 Lord, 00:20:59.740 --> 00:21:00.819 What if I stumble, 00:21:01.279 --> 00:21:03.179 And I fail in my walk with you? 00:21:04.700 --> 00:21:05.859 It's fear again. 00:21:07.960 --> 00:21:09.579 And what happens next, 00:21:09.720 --> 00:21:11.079 It may seem a bit strange, 00:21:12.619 --> 00:21:13.779 Maybe when we read this, 00:21:13.779 --> 00:21:15.519 It just sounded strange, 00:21:15.579 --> 00:21:16.039 It sure is. 00:21:16.279 --> 00:21:18.399 God answers those fears, 00:21:18.980 --> 00:21:20.879 By performing a ceremony. 00:21:22.579 --> 00:21:24.039 But I want us to see, 00:21:24.200 --> 00:21:26.420 That this ceremony in front of us, 00:21:27.200 --> 00:21:30.160 This is a huge moment in the Bible. 00:21:31.240 --> 00:21:32.839 It is a huge moment, 00:21:32.839 --> 00:21:34.980 For every believer throughout history. 00:21:35.539 --> 00:21:37.180 This ceremony here, 00:21:37.700 --> 00:21:40.079 This is God guaranteeing, 00:21:40.480 --> 00:21:41.460 To you, 00:21:41.920 --> 00:21:42.779 And to me, 00:21:42.779 --> 00:21:45.920 That his promises for this world, 00:21:46.359 --> 00:21:47.799 And for your life, 00:21:48.440 --> 00:21:52.319 Are 100% absolutely going to come true. 00:21:53.839 --> 00:21:54.619 And so, 00:21:54.759 --> 00:21:55.799 Let's just see what happens. 00:21:57.039 --> 00:21:57.559 First, 00:21:57.799 --> 00:22:00.259 God gets Abraham to bring animals. 00:22:00.700 --> 00:22:01.539 Do you see that verse 9? 00:22:02.220 --> 00:22:02.720 A heifer, 00:22:03.019 --> 00:22:03.619 It's like a cow, 00:22:03.759 --> 00:22:04.220 A heifer, 00:22:04.859 --> 00:22:05.339 A goat, 00:22:05.480 --> 00:22:05.899 A ram, 00:22:05.980 --> 00:22:06.759 A turtle dove, 00:22:06.899 --> 00:22:07.660 And a pigeon. 00:22:08.940 --> 00:22:10.000 And verse 10, 00:22:10.460 --> 00:22:12.019 He cuts them in half. 00:22:12.779 --> 00:22:15.259 And he lays these animals, 00:22:15.359 --> 00:22:16.399 On the ground, 00:22:17.200 --> 00:22:18.559 With a walkway, 00:22:18.639 --> 00:22:19.740 Between each half. 00:22:20.700 --> 00:22:20.839 Right, 00:22:20.899 --> 00:22:22.480 So imagine the walkway there, 00:22:22.619 --> 00:22:23.639 That little aisle there, 00:22:23.740 --> 00:22:23.940 Right, 00:22:24.059 --> 00:22:24.700 So imagine, 00:22:24.859 --> 00:22:26.019 You've got half a goat there, 00:22:26.119 --> 00:22:27.559 Barnabas is the top half of a goat, 00:22:28.099 --> 00:22:28.759 Paul Felix, 00:22:28.879 --> 00:22:29.980 He's the bottom half of the goat, 00:22:30.039 --> 00:22:30.200 Right, 00:22:30.200 --> 00:22:32.039 So imagine all these animals, 00:22:32.120 --> 00:22:32.759 Split in half, 00:22:32.880 --> 00:22:33.720 Down that aisle, 00:22:33.920 --> 00:22:34.220 Right, 00:22:34.620 --> 00:22:40.160 And this was a common way, 00:22:40.240 --> 00:22:41.019 In those days, 00:22:41.120 --> 00:22:42.920 Of making a covenant. 00:22:43.920 --> 00:22:45.620 Do you see that word in verse 18? 00:22:46.080 --> 00:22:46.660 Verse 18? 00:22:47.660 --> 00:22:48.440 A covenant, 00:22:49.200 --> 00:22:51.080 It's basically a contract, 00:22:51.079 --> 00:22:54.439 And as with every contract, 00:22:55.220 --> 00:22:56.199 There are promises, 00:22:57.439 --> 00:22:58.259 Rewards, 00:22:58.500 --> 00:22:59.679 There are conditions, 00:23:00.460 --> 00:23:02.559 And there are also curses, 00:23:02.559 --> 00:23:04.240 If you break this contract, 00:23:04.879 --> 00:23:06.720 So think of a phone contract, 00:23:06.859 --> 00:23:07.000 Right, 00:23:07.659 --> 00:23:08.799 Vodafone promises, 00:23:09.279 --> 00:23:10.299 Something to you, 00:23:10.500 --> 00:23:10.980 In a contract, 00:23:11.099 --> 00:23:11.179 Right, 00:23:11.220 --> 00:23:11.879 They promise you, 00:23:12.119 --> 00:23:13.599 Unlimited texts and minutes, 00:23:14.079 --> 00:23:14.319 Right, 00:23:14.839 --> 00:23:15.879 On the condition, 00:23:16.039 --> 00:23:18.159 That you pay 15 pound a month, 00:23:18.160 --> 00:23:18.700 Right, 00:23:19.340 --> 00:23:20.960 And if you don't pay that, 00:23:21.560 --> 00:23:22.740 You lose your contract, 00:23:23.019 --> 00:23:25.080 Or if you cheat Vodafone somehow, 00:23:25.740 --> 00:23:27.060 You could face a fine, 00:23:27.259 --> 00:23:28.160 Or legal action, 00:23:28.440 --> 00:23:29.779 You could face a curse, 00:23:30.779 --> 00:23:33.360 Well that's the covenant contract, 00:23:33.360 --> 00:23:34.240 Being made here, 00:23:34.900 --> 00:23:36.620 Between God and Abraham, 00:23:37.840 --> 00:23:40.700 God is promising this land, 00:23:41.279 --> 00:23:42.180 And this offspring, 00:23:42.380 --> 00:23:43.779 And this restored world, 00:23:43.880 --> 00:23:44.840 All these blessings, 00:23:45.279 --> 00:23:47.160 That's what's at stake here, 00:23:47.160 --> 00:23:49.240 Not unlimited text, 00:23:49.420 --> 00:23:50.440 Unlimited life, 00:23:50.980 --> 00:23:51.080 Right, 00:23:51.300 --> 00:23:52.060 Eternal life, 00:23:52.640 --> 00:23:54.680 And in those days, 00:23:55.140 --> 00:23:55.980 What would happen, 00:23:56.500 --> 00:23:58.400 In order to sign the contract, 00:23:59.060 --> 00:24:00.660 You don't use a pen and ink, 00:24:01.300 --> 00:24:02.060 In those days, 00:24:02.220 --> 00:24:03.600 The two parties, 00:24:04.200 --> 00:24:06.740 Would walk between, 00:24:07.000 --> 00:24:07.759 The dead animals, 00:24:07.880 --> 00:24:08.740 Down that walkway, 00:24:09.060 --> 00:24:09.259 Right, 00:24:09.800 --> 00:24:12.240 And that was as a way of saying, 00:24:12.779 --> 00:24:14.600 I promise to uphold, 00:24:14.600 --> 00:24:15.960 The end of my covenant, 00:24:15.960 --> 00:24:18.660 And if I don't, 00:24:19.100 --> 00:24:20.740 This is what will happen to me, 00:24:21.200 --> 00:24:21.360 Right, 00:24:21.740 --> 00:24:22.620 Look at these animals, 00:24:22.759 --> 00:24:23.660 This is what will happen to me, 00:24:23.759 --> 00:24:25.039 I will get cut in two, 00:24:25.819 --> 00:24:28.539 And so as they walk down that aisle, 00:24:28.680 --> 00:24:29.380 They are saying, 00:24:29.720 --> 00:24:31.340 I am putting my life down, 00:24:31.460 --> 00:24:31.720 Saying, 00:24:32.200 --> 00:24:33.380 I will die, 00:24:33.539 --> 00:24:34.980 To make this covenant happen, 00:24:35.380 --> 00:24:37.180 And so, 00:24:37.299 --> 00:24:39.220 The two parties would sign it, 00:24:39.279 --> 00:24:40.460 By walking down that aisle, 00:24:40.460 --> 00:24:43.660 But look what happens here, 00:24:44.240 --> 00:24:44.840 Verse 12, 00:24:45.840 --> 00:24:47.700 God puts Abraham, 00:24:47.860 --> 00:24:48.720 In a deep sleep, 00:24:49.460 --> 00:24:51.620 He's completely passive, 00:24:52.259 --> 00:24:53.500 In all that happens next, 00:24:54.299 --> 00:24:55.759 And then verse 17, 00:24:56.600 --> 00:24:58.940 When the sun had gone down, 00:24:59.120 --> 00:25:00.120 And it was dark, 00:25:00.360 --> 00:25:00.880 Behold, 00:25:01.740 --> 00:25:03.500 A smoking fire pot, 00:25:04.000 --> 00:25:05.360 And a flaming torch, 00:25:05.360 --> 00:25:06.880 Passed between these pieces, 00:25:06.880 --> 00:25:09.480 Abraham, 00:25:10.020 --> 00:25:11.280 Doesn't sign the contract, 00:25:12.080 --> 00:25:13.020 Abraham, 00:25:13.220 --> 00:25:15.500 Doesn't pass between the animals, 00:25:16.800 --> 00:25:17.100 No, 00:25:17.360 --> 00:25:17.680 Do you see, 00:25:17.800 --> 00:25:19.780 Only a fire pot, 00:25:20.060 --> 00:25:21.660 And a flaming torch, 00:25:22.940 --> 00:25:24.560 Now this is significant, 00:25:24.980 --> 00:25:26.160 What does, 00:25:26.620 --> 00:25:27.340 Fire, 00:25:27.600 --> 00:25:28.460 And smoke, 00:25:28.620 --> 00:25:29.620 Remind you of in the Bible, 00:25:30.520 --> 00:25:30.700 Okay, 00:25:30.940 --> 00:25:32.140 Think of the burning bush, 00:25:33.080 --> 00:25:34.460 Think of the exodus, 00:25:34.460 --> 00:25:36.100 And that pillar of cloud, 00:25:36.220 --> 00:25:36.860 And fire, 00:25:37.740 --> 00:25:38.799 Think of Sinai, 00:25:38.860 --> 00:25:39.420 On the mountain, 00:25:40.579 --> 00:25:41.059 Fire, 00:25:41.259 --> 00:25:41.840 And smoke, 00:25:42.720 --> 00:25:44.059 What is it, 00:25:44.720 --> 00:25:46.319 It's God's presence, 00:25:47.759 --> 00:25:49.460 This is God, 00:25:50.000 --> 00:25:50.600 God, 00:25:50.819 --> 00:25:52.519 Passing through the animals, 00:25:53.660 --> 00:25:54.460 While Abraham, 00:25:54.539 --> 00:25:55.480 Just watches on, 00:25:57.120 --> 00:25:57.920 And so, 00:25:58.019 --> 00:25:59.500 What is God saying here, 00:26:01.019 --> 00:26:02.140 Abraham asks, 00:26:02.340 --> 00:26:03.420 How will I know, 00:26:03.420 --> 00:26:04.300 That these promises, 00:26:04.300 --> 00:26:04.880 Will come true, 00:26:04.960 --> 00:26:06.300 How will I know, 00:26:06.300 --> 00:26:07.140 This covenant, 00:26:07.140 --> 00:26:08.360 Will actually happen, 00:26:08.420 --> 00:26:09.039 In my life, 00:26:09.240 --> 00:26:10.200 And these blessings, 00:26:10.200 --> 00:26:11.140 Are going to happen, 00:26:11.360 --> 00:26:12.240 And these promises, 00:26:12.380 --> 00:26:12.779 Are going to happen, 00:26:12.980 --> 00:26:14.440 How will I know, 00:26:16.220 --> 00:26:17.039 Well as God, 00:26:17.160 --> 00:26:18.720 Passes through those dead animals, 00:26:18.900 --> 00:26:19.700 God says, 00:26:20.660 --> 00:26:22.220 I guarantee this, 00:26:22.320 --> 00:26:23.680 With my own blood, 00:26:24.680 --> 00:26:26.440 If you sin, 00:26:26.600 --> 00:26:26.860 Abraham, 00:26:27.019 --> 00:26:27.920 If you fail, 00:26:28.140 --> 00:26:29.680 If you break this covenant, 00:26:30.180 --> 00:26:31.160 I will take, 00:26:31.160 --> 00:26:32.259 All the curses, 00:26:32.259 --> 00:26:33.160 Upon myself, 00:26:33.160 --> 00:26:35.240 And I will die, 00:26:35.380 --> 00:26:36.759 To make this covenant happen, 00:26:37.560 --> 00:26:39.480 This is God, 00:26:39.580 --> 00:26:41.060 Signing the contract, 00:26:41.060 --> 00:26:42.320 With his own blood, 00:26:42.779 --> 00:26:45.740 Which gives us, 00:26:46.420 --> 00:26:47.840 A deeper understanding, 00:26:48.500 --> 00:26:49.779 Of what is happening, 00:26:49.900 --> 00:26:50.640 On the cross, 00:26:51.120 --> 00:26:53.560 After God, 00:26:53.680 --> 00:26:55.160 Passed through those animals, 00:26:56.200 --> 00:26:57.040 Millennia later, 00:26:57.039 --> 00:26:58.859 He completed, 00:26:58.859 --> 00:26:59.399 That contract, 00:26:59.399 --> 00:27:02.339 On a cross, 00:27:03.339 --> 00:27:04.460 Outside Jerusalem, 00:27:05.099 --> 00:27:06.859 That was God, 00:27:07.039 --> 00:27:08.339 Fulfilling the covenant, 00:27:08.559 --> 00:27:09.000 For us, 00:27:09.500 --> 00:27:11.480 That was Jesus, 00:27:11.639 --> 00:27:13.139 Taking the curse, 00:27:13.200 --> 00:27:15.079 Of all our covenant breaking, 00:27:15.920 --> 00:27:17.460 And that was Jesus, 00:27:17.639 --> 00:27:19.159 The divine son of God, 00:27:19.259 --> 00:27:20.399 Shedding his blood, 00:27:20.779 --> 00:27:21.599 Being torn, 00:27:21.720 --> 00:27:22.779 Like these animals, 00:27:22.779 --> 00:27:25.000 In order to guarantee, 00:27:25.000 --> 00:27:26.200 God's promises, 00:27:26.319 --> 00:27:27.059 Will happen, 00:27:28.059 --> 00:27:30.259 As we celebrate, 00:27:30.379 --> 00:27:31.180 The Lord's supper, 00:27:31.259 --> 00:27:31.639 In a moment, 00:27:32.899 --> 00:27:34.039 We are going to be reminded, 00:27:34.160 --> 00:27:35.420 Of the words Jesus said, 00:27:35.619 --> 00:27:36.759 As he held that cup, 00:27:36.940 --> 00:27:37.480 Do you remember? 00:27:38.200 --> 00:27:38.700 He said, 00:27:38.960 --> 00:27:40.839 This is my blood, 00:27:41.539 --> 00:27:42.339 Of the covenant, 00:27:43.920 --> 00:27:45.599 This is what, 00:27:45.599 --> 00:27:46.740 I have guaranteed, 00:27:46.740 --> 00:27:48.160 Your future with, 00:27:49.559 --> 00:27:50.960 Here at this table, 00:27:51.500 --> 00:27:52.519 Jesus says to us, 00:27:52.519 --> 00:27:53.980 Your future is, 00:27:54.019 --> 00:27:55.980 Completely secure with him, 00:27:56.980 --> 00:27:58.839 Look at God's blood, 00:27:58.900 --> 00:27:59.619 Right here, 00:28:00.619 --> 00:28:01.460 This is why, 00:28:01.539 --> 00:28:02.599 Whatever you face, 00:28:02.639 --> 00:28:03.240 In the future, 00:28:03.740 --> 00:28:04.599 This is why, 00:28:04.759 --> 00:28:05.839 You don't need to fear, 00:28:06.759 --> 00:28:08.079 It's here at this table, 00:28:08.200 --> 00:28:08.900 That God says, 00:28:09.319 --> 00:28:10.819 I am your shield, 00:28:11.119 --> 00:28:12.139 And your reward, 00:28:13.079 --> 00:28:15.240 And God is pressing, 00:28:15.240 --> 00:28:16.220 Into us, 00:28:16.480 --> 00:28:17.779 If he did not spare, 00:28:17.779 --> 00:28:18.559 His own son, 00:28:18.819 --> 00:28:20.639 How will he not give you, 00:28:20.920 --> 00:28:21.779 All things, 00:28:22.519 --> 00:28:24.180 How will he not, 00:28:24.180 --> 00:28:25.680 Fulfill all his promises, 00:28:25.819 --> 00:28:26.599 He has made for you, 00:28:26.599 --> 00:28:29.200 And so, 00:28:29.299 --> 00:28:30.160 What has happened, 00:28:30.599 --> 00:28:31.879 In this ceremony, 00:28:32.099 --> 00:28:32.759 In this chapter, 00:28:33.160 --> 00:28:34.660 Is absolutely, 00:28:34.799 --> 00:28:35.920 Monumental, 00:28:36.980 --> 00:28:38.519 This is the, 00:28:38.519 --> 00:28:40.359 Unbreakable guarantee, 00:28:40.980 --> 00:28:42.099 Of where this world, 00:28:42.200 --> 00:28:42.539 Is heading, 00:28:42.539 --> 00:28:45.779 In his death and resurrection, 00:28:45.779 --> 00:28:45.799 In his death and resurrection, 00:28:46.119 --> 00:28:47.000 The Lord Jesus, 00:28:47.000 --> 00:28:48.399 Has guaranteed, 00:28:48.940 --> 00:28:50.139 With his own blood, 00:28:50.399 --> 00:28:51.759 That when you trust, 00:28:52.480 --> 00:28:53.659 And rely on him, 00:28:54.539 --> 00:28:56.279 He will absolutely, 00:28:56.879 --> 00:28:58.779 100% forgive your sins, 00:28:58.779 --> 00:29:00.960 He will, 00:29:01.960 --> 00:29:02.859 Without doubt, 00:29:03.119 --> 00:29:04.700 Bring you to glory, 00:29:05.200 --> 00:29:06.859 He will, 00:29:06.859 --> 00:29:08.279 Restore this world, 00:29:08.460 --> 00:29:09.500 And undo the curse, 00:29:09.879 --> 00:29:10.920 And bring his people, 00:29:11.279 --> 00:29:12.799 A people as vast, 00:29:12.879 --> 00:29:14.220 As the stars in the sky, 00:29:15.039 --> 00:29:16.059 He will, 00:29:16.579 --> 00:29:17.119 Bring us, 00:29:17.200 --> 00:29:18.160 Into that new world, 00:29:18.940 --> 00:29:21.599 And he guarantees, 00:29:21.599 --> 00:29:22.579 To be us, 00:29:22.940 --> 00:29:23.639 Be with us, 00:29:23.960 --> 00:29:25.259 Every step of the way, 00:29:25.259 --> 00:29:28.500 And just like Abraham, 00:29:28.640 --> 00:29:30.519 It may not look like it now, 00:29:31.200 --> 00:29:33.119 You may not see, 00:29:33.359 --> 00:29:34.440 How God is bringing you there, 00:29:34.539 --> 00:29:35.579 You may not see, 00:29:35.740 --> 00:29:36.980 How his timing, 00:29:37.220 --> 00:29:38.599 And his ways in your life, 00:29:38.640 --> 00:29:39.079 Right now, 00:29:39.440 --> 00:29:40.279 How these are, 00:29:40.440 --> 00:29:41.319 How that's fulfilling, 00:29:41.500 --> 00:29:42.059 His promises, 00:29:42.559 --> 00:29:44.839 But he has promised it, 00:29:45.500 --> 00:29:47.799 And Christ has shed his blood, 00:29:47.879 --> 00:29:48.700 To guarantee that, 00:29:51.039 --> 00:29:52.579 And so whatever doubt, 00:29:53.420 --> 00:29:54.440 Or fears, 00:29:54.440 --> 00:29:55.980 That you may have right now, 00:29:57.039 --> 00:29:58.380 Look to God, 00:29:59.840 --> 00:30:01.320 And look to his promises, 00:30:02.320 --> 00:30:04.039 And look to his blood, 00:30:05.039 --> 00:30:07.019 That is the guarantee, 00:30:08.080 --> 00:30:09.539 God will achieve, 00:30:09.799 --> 00:30:11.240 All that he has promised for you, 00:30:12.720 --> 00:30:14.180 He is your shield, 00:30:15.220 --> 00:30:17.360 He is your very great reward, 00:30:18.640 --> 00:30:19.360 Let's pray,